Tag: Wike

• Says gesture does not amount to executive interference
• Body of Benchers to call 9,000 lawyers to Bar in 2025

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday  clarified that the provision of infrastructure for the judiciary does not amount to executive interference.

Wike also explained that FCT Administration is responsible for providing similar facilities for the National Assembly, emphasising the collaborative role of government in national development.

The minister made this known during the official flag-off ceremony for the design, construction, and furnishing of an annex office for the Body of Benchers held in Abuja yesterday.

He expressed satisfaction over the turnout of legal luminaries at the occasion, adding that: “As we speak today, it is the Federal Capital Territory that is providing the official residence of the legislature. It is also the FCT that is building the new complex of the National Assembly.

“At the end of the day, these projects will be handed over to the respective arms of the government to manage. This is not about interference but about fostering development.”

The minister disclosed that the annex office project for the Body of Benchers was included in the 2023 supplementary budget of the FCT, which was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and passed by the National Assembly.

While commending President Bola Tinubu for the approval, Wike said: “This project is part of the supplementary budget assented to by Mr. President on November 8, 2023. There is nothing hidden about this initiative.”

The minister assured stakeholders that the project would be completed within 10-month and that he would not be deterred by what he sees or hears but rather focus on delivering dividends of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also announced plans to provide residential apartments for lecturers at the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, which had already received presidential approval.

Wike said: “I am happy as a lawyer, people will ask, when you were in office, what was your contribution to the development of legal education? What is your contribution to the judiciary? I will say, yes, as a minister of that city, I was able to contribute to this…I was able to do this.”

 Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN who noted that the body of Benchers had called over 140, 000 Nigerians to bar, hinted that about 9,000 are expected to be called to bar in 2025.

Awomolo expressed the gratitude of the Body of Benchers to President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for the infrastructure and also appealed for the establishment of a fire service station in the area, considering the several gigantic government institutions such as the EFCC, Federal Medical Center, Body of Benchers among others.

He highlighted the interdependence of the three arms of government.

Read Also: Wike pledges continued support to judiciary

“No arm of government is so sufficiently endowed to perform its constitutional functions alone. Support and collaboration from the Executive are necessary and do not undermine the independence of other arms of government,” Awomolo said.

The high point of the event was the presentation of a plaque and emblem by the body of benchers to the FCT Minister for his immense contributions to the legal profession and the judiciary.

…as minister flags off construction of office annex for Body of Benchers in Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, clarified on Friday that providing infrastructure for the judiciary does not constitute executive interference. 

Wike also highlighted that the FCT Administration is responsible for providing similar facilities for the National Assembly, underscoring the collaborative role of government in national development. 

He made these remarks during the official flag-off ceremony for the design, construction, and furnishing of an annex office for the Body of Benchers in Abuja.

He expressed satisfaction over the turnout of legal luminaries at the occasion, adding that: “As we speak today, it is the Federal Capital Territory that is providing the official residence of the legislature. It is also the FCT that is building the new complex of the National Assembly.

“At the end of the day, these projects will be handed over to the respective arms of the government to manage. This is not about interference but about fostering development”.

The Minister disclosed that the annex office project for the Body of Benchers was included in the 2023 supplementary budget of the FCT, which was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and passed by the National Assembly.

While commending President Bola Tinubu for the approval, Wike said: “This project is part of the supplementary budget assented to by Mr. President on November 8, 2023. There is nothing hidden about this initiative”.

Read Also: Wike pledges continued support to judiciary

The minister assured stakeholders that the project would be completed within its 10-month and that he would not be deterred by what he sees or hears but rather focus on delivering dividends of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. 

He also announced plans to provide residential apartments for lecturers at the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, which had already received presidential approval.

Wike said: “I am happy as a lawyer, people will ask, when you were in office, what was your contribution to the development of legal education? What is your contribution to the judiciary? I will say, yes, as a minister of that city, I was able to contribute to this…I was able to do this.”

The Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN who noted that the body of Benchers had called over 140, 000 Nigerians to bar, hinted that about 9,000 are expected to be called to bar in 2025.

Awomolo expressed the gratitude of the Body of Benchers to President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for the infrastructure and also appealed for the establishment of a fire service station in the area, considering the several gigantic government institutions such as the EFCC, Federal Medical Center, Body of Benchers among others. 

He highlighted the interdependence of the three arms of government.

“No arm of government is so sufficiently endowed to perform its constitutional functions alone. Support and collaboration from the Executive are necessary and do not undermine the independence of other arms of government,” Awomolo said.

The high point of the event was the presentation of a plaque and emblem by the body of benchers to the FCT Minister for his immense contributions to the legal profession and the judiciary.

 The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has pledged continued support to infrastructure development for the judicial arm of government.

Wike stated this at the inauguration of the construction and furnishing of Office Annex for the Body of Benchers, in Abuja on Friday.

He pledged continued support to the judiciary and other arms of government in spite of criticisms that the move was to court favours.

“So, whatever they are saying, don’t listen; those who are saying it, don’t look at them and because I can’t talk and I cannot reply, I will go ahead and continue to do my work for the best of my country. That is all I can do,” he said.

The minister thanked the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, for stressing the need for cooperation between the three arms of government.

“Like you rightly said, as we speak today, it is the federal capital territory that is providing the official residence of the legislature.

“That is a different arm of government, but it is the FCT that is providing their residence.

“As we speak today, it is the FCT that is building the new complex of the National Assembly. At the end of the day, the project will be handed over to the legislature for them to manage.

“That has nothing to do with interference of the arm of government.”

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the national assembly project, as well as the Body of Benchers Annex Office.

He added that the provision of infrastructure, a 10 units housing for lecturers at the Nigerian Law school was also approved.

Read Also: FCTA investing in road infrastructure to open up communities – Wike

Wike said that the project was necessary because it was a public school, owned by the federal government but lacked basic infrastructure.

He assured the Body of Benchers of his loyalty and support, saying, “I will make you proud and you will see a difference as far as governance is concerned.

“I’m happy as a lawyer and as a bencher, that people will ask, when you had the opportunity, when you were in the office, what was your contribution to the development of legal education? What was your contribution to the judiciary?

“You know, it is easy to criticize when you are outside, but when you are given an opportunity and they ask you, what did you do?

“I will say, yes, as a minister of FCT, I was able to contribute; as a minister of FCT, I was able to do this and that.”

Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the body’s office annex would enhance its operation.

Dauda said that the project would prove a safe and conducive environment for the Body of Benchers to carry out their statutory function.

He said that the project, designed with conference halls, meeting rooms and other facilities would be completed in 10 months.

Also, Awomolo had explained that the support by the executive arm of government to the judiciary does not amount to interference with the independence of either arms of government.

He commended Tinubu and Wike, a Life Bencher, for providing basic infrastructure to the Nigerian Law School, Body of Benchers and the Judiciary.

He described construction of infrastructure support to the Body of Benchers as “historical” in the history of the body.

(NAN)

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration (FCTA) is investing in road infrastructure to open up locked communities in the territory.

Wike stated this on Thursday at the inauguration of construction of a three-kilometre access road to communities around Plot 18, Giri District, Abuja.

The minister added that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Academy site, located in the area, would also benefit from the road project.

He pointed out that the Giri District in Abuja is not developing at par with other districts due to lack of access road and other basic infrastructure.

He expressed optimism that “with an access road, everybody will come and develop the area and that is what we are looking for.

“Some of you who own plots here will also benefit from the road when completed.”

The minister thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the ongoing infrastructure revolution in the FCT.

He said that the road project would be among projects that would be inaugurated to celebrate Tinubu’s second year anniversary as President in May 2025.

Read Also: PDP BoT plans parley with Wike over party’s crisis

Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, the acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), said that the three-kilometre road was awarded to Levant Construction Ltd.

Dauda said that the road, which begins from the Bill Clinton Interchange at Airport Expressway to the EFCC academy site, would be completed in nine months.

The Executive Chairman of EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede, thanked the president and Wike, whom he described as a “bulldozer” for constructing the road.

Olukoyede, who was represented by the commission’s Secretary, Mr Muhammad Hammajoda, told Wike “you are our stakeholder and we are proud of you; thank you, thank you and thank you.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the access road in Giri District was the third road project inaugurated in the last three days.

Wike had earlier inaugurated the construction of a 9.8-kilometre road from Kabusa to Takushara on Tuesday, and a 10.5-kilometre road from Kabusa to Ketti on Wednesday.(NAN)

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday chided the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, for allegedly refusing to convene the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC).

The advisory body, chaired by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, advised the NWC to begin the process for the election of a new chairman.

The BoT, which rose from an emergency meeting at the party’s secretariat yesterday in Abuja, reflected on the protracted crisis and a proposed parley with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

The BoT chairman, who presided over the meeting, stressed the importance of dialogue and reconciliation to stabilize the erstwhile ruling party.

He said: “The BoT will be relentless in seeking for peace and unity in our party as the conscience of the PDP. To this end, the BoT will begin again to search for peace in the New Year, starting with former (Rivers State) Governor Nyesom Wike, who the BoT had promised to visit again to seek lasting peace.”

Wabara, who also read the communiqué of the meeting, said the party elders were worried by the division and disharmony in the party.

At the meeting were former Senate President David Mark; former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu; his erstwhile Gombe State counterpart, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo; a former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Alhaji Taminu Turaki; and former PDP acting National Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, who is the BoT Secretary.

A former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George, joined the meeting virtually.

Damagum, who is Deputy National Chairman (Northeast), became the acting National Chairman, following the removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu as the National Chairman.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that the acting leadership status quo should remain until the convening of a national convention in December, next year, to choose a new national chairman.

But explaining the BoT’s grouse against the NWC, Wabara said Damagum had violated the constitution of the party by serially postponing the NEC meeting.

He said: “It is with a deep sense of disappointment that I must express the board’s dismay at the continued shifting by the National Working Committee in convening a National Executive Committee meeting. This delay undermines the trust and confidence of our members. Adherence to timelines and commitments is non-negotiable.

“Article 31 (4) of the PDP Constitution provides that the National Executive Committee (NEC) shall meet, at least, once in every quarter at the instance of the national chairman or at the request of two-thirds of its membership who shall request for the chairman to consider such a meeting.

“On Saturday, November 23, PDP governors expressed a ‘strong advice’ for the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC), urging it to call the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party latest by February 2025.

Read Also: Wike flags off 3km access road in Giri district

 “However, since August, the Damagum-led NWC has continued to postpone the NEC meeting, which party leaders expect to discuss the issue of a substantive National Chairman who will take over from Damagum and complete the tenure of Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

“In April, the PDP NEC meeting scheduled for August 15 was postponed to October 24, and later rescheduled to November 28 before it was indefinitely postponed by the Damagum-led NWC.”

 He added: “The BoT demands that NWC immediately commence the restoration of internal harmony, unity, stability and public confidence in the party by respecting the PDP constitution and adhering to the zoning of NWC offices to the various geo-political zones in the country.

 “The BoT calls on the PDP Governors’ Forum to be more united and work along with other organs of the party to resolve issues in the party expeditiously

 “The BoT is deeply disappointed over the continued shifting by the NWC in convening a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. This delay not only undermines the trust and confidence of our members but portrays our party as having been hijacked by certain interests.

 “The BoT demands that the NWC should show leadership, honour its word and convene the NEC meeting as scheduled in February 2025. This is critical for resolving pressing issues and charting a clear path forward for the party and any further postponement will exacerbate existing challenges and may spell doom for our Party.

 “The BoT calls on the leaders of the Northcentral Zone to immediately convene a meeting of Northcentral stakeholders with a view to nominating a replacement for the former National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

“The BoT calls for unity and strict adherence to democratic principles by all organs of the party so as to strengthen the PDP to effectively play its role as true opposition party in the country.”

 Wabara urged party leaders and members to recognise that the strength of the PDP lies in their collective resolve and not in individual pursuits.

 He said: “The BoT cannot, therefore, afford to let personal ambitions or differences overshadow its shared vision for a better Nigeria.

“To this end, the BoT remains committed to its search for true reconciliation, unity and harmony in the party.”

The BoT chairman acknowledged that internal unity is critical for the party to position itself as a credible alternative.

 Wabara added: “Our governors are the bedrock of the PDP’s successes across states, and their synergy is vital for our collective progress.”

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has flagged the construction of a 3km access road to the new Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Academy site in Giri district of Abuja.

Performing the ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, assured that the project would be adequately funded to ensure its completion before President Tinubu’s two years in office.

Wike expressed optimism that the road, which is 20 minutes away from the city centre, when completed, would open up the district for rapid social economic development and decongest the city.

“We are constructing this road to open up access and develop the area, and of course, EFCC is one of the beneficiaries. I am sure some of you that own plots here, too, will also benefit from this road.

“So that let it not be said that we are building a road for EFCC. We are not building roads for EFCC.

“The essence of the road is not for EFCC, but it’s to open up areas which they are also going to benefit for the fact that their academy is also located in this area. The community will also benefit, people will now come and build houses, farmers will bring their produce to the city. That’s the whole essence of opening up everywhere.

“I mean, if this is done and people are living here, you don’t need to go to the city, and then if you go from here to work within 20 minutes you’re already at your workplace.

“So, we thank Mr. President for giving us this opportunity to contribute towards the infrastructural development of FCT.

Read Also: Stop insulting Wike, judiciary, police, Rivers stakeholders warn Ugochinyere

“You can imagine that in this district, people have not come in here because there is no access road but with the access road here everybody will come and develop, that’s what we are looking for so that we will decongest the city” Wike explained.”

On her part, the Acting FCTA Head of Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo thanked President Tinubu for making it possible for the Minister of FCT to execute massive infrastructure development at the same time across the six Area Councils, and the city center.

Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary, FCTA, Richard Dauda hinted that the 3km road will also be done alongside with streetlights installation and coverts, among others.

In a goodwill message, the Secretary, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, Mohammed Hammajoda commended the FCT Minister for his infrastructural foresight and determination to transform Abuja.

Stakeholders from Rivers State, under the Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM), have criticized the “series of insults and paid attacks” directed at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the judiciary, and the police by House of Representatives member, Ikenga Ugochinyere. 

In a statement signed by RRM Director-General Johnson Georgewill and Secretary Sarima Akpata, the group urged Ugochinyere to desist from targeting these institutions and warned him to respect the integrity of the judiciary and other government agencies.

“As a group, we take exception to the recklessness exhibited by this political jobber and busybody called Ikenga Ugochinyere representing Ideato North South Federal Constituency.

“RRM and well-meaning Rivers people are forced to wonder why a man that is not an indigene of Rivers State, voted by the people of Imo State to serve them, does not live or vote in Rivers State will be hired with Rivers resources to insult our leaders and government institution”, they said.

The stakeholders called on Mr President to take decisive action on actions and utterances capable of destroying the country’s democracy.

The group called on the people of Rivers to protect the state from paid intruders milking Rivers dry while many indigenes wallowed in abject poverty.

They appealed to Wike to keep ignoring hired mercenaries like Ugochinyere who contributed nothing to the emergence of Governor Siminialayi Fubara in 2023.

“RRM and its affiliate groups in the 23 LGAs in Rivers State are calling on the busybody lawmaker in Abuja to resign if he is bereft of ideas to contribute in the National Assembly rather than constitute a nuisance publicly. 

“As a group, we will mobilise thousands of Rivers people to the National Assembly to lodge a formal complaint if the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, does not tame this political jobber. 

“We are bold to say that Rivers people will continue to stand with the FCT Minister because we know the day of reckoning is close for all betrayals.”

• FCT minister flags off construction of Kabusa-Takushara road

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration will stop hunger and fight insecurity in the country.

Wike said this when he flagged off the construction of 9.8-kilometre Kabusa-Takushara access road.

The minister urged the contractor to follow the guidelines for executing the project.

He urged Nigerians, especially Abuja residents, to be patient with Mr. President, assuring them that things would get better soon.

Wike said the construction of roads in communities was among the promises President Tinubu made to the people.

According to him, better roads will help in curbing insecurity across the territory and provide smoother routes for farmers to convey their produce to the market.

The FCT minister decried the current condition of the Government Secondary School at Kabusa, saying it was below the acceptable standard.

He directed the Procurement Department in the Federal capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to immediately upgrade the school to the required standard.

Wike promised to provide more infrastructure that would always remind the people of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda initiative.

He said: “The government is committed to fulfilling its promises, and one of those promises is to construct roads and provide streetlights in rural areas. I assure you that this project will be completed within six to seven months.

Read Also: Wike to flag off construction of four new roads in FCT

“I will not accept this school in its current state. I will not accept this as a place for our children to receive quality education. We must upgrade this school immediately so that it can provide the education our children deserve.

“I’m sure that if Mr. President were to visit this school, he would be disappointed. Our children are learning in difficult conditions, and it’s our responsibility to provide them with a better environment.

“We must put this school back on track. We owe it to our children to provide them with the best possible education.”

Wike urged FCT residents not to listen to propaganda from those he called desperate individuals but believe in the current administration for its programmes for the people.

“Don’t listen to people who have never come to visit you before. Don’t listen to people who bring propaganda and false promises. Listen to people who have made promises and fulfilled them,” he told the residents.

…flags off construction of Kabusa-Takushara road

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Tuesday, December 3, said President Bola Tinubu’s administration will put a stop to hunger and also fight insecurity.

Wike said this when he flagged off the construction of the 9.8-kilometer Kabusa – Takushara access road with the call on the contractor to heed the guidelines.

He urged Nigerians and Abuja residents to be patient with Mr President, adding that things will soon get better.

He said the construction of roads in communities was part of the promises Tinubu made to the people.

According to him, better roads will help in curbing insecurity across the territory, and provide a route for farmers to bring out their produce to the market.

Wike also decried the present position of the Government Secondary School, Kabusa which he said was below the acceptable standard.

He directed the procurement department to immediately commence the process of upgrading the school to the required standard.

Read Also: Wike to flag off construction of four new roads in FCT

The minister vowed to continue with the provision of necessary infrastructure that will always remind the people of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda initiative

Wike said: “The government is committed to fulfilling its promises, and one of those promises is to construct roads and provide streetlights in rural areas. I assure you that this project will be completed within six to seven months.

“I will not accept this school in its current state. I will not accept this as a place for our children to receive quality education. We must upgrade this school immediately so that it can provide the education our children deserve.

“I’m sure that if Mr. President were to visit this school, he would be disappointed. Our children are learning in difficult conditions, and it’s our responsibility to provide them with a better environment.

“We must put this school back on track. We owe it to our children to provide them with the best possible education.”

Wike advised the residents not to listen to propaganda from desperate individuals but to believe in the current administration for its programmes for the people.

“Don’t listen to people who have never come to visit you before. Don’t listen to people who bring propaganda and false promises. Listen to people who have made promises and fulfilled them.”

…to distribute vehicles to police, DSS, others 

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, would this week, commence the flag-off of construction of four new roads, Staff Quarters for the Nigerian Law School and other projects.

The senior special assistant to the FCT minister on public communication and new media, Lere Olayinka, said in a statement issued on Monday, December 2, that six new projects will be flagged-off between this week and next week.

He said brand new vehicles would also be distributed to security agencies to enhance the performance of their duties. 

The FCT Minister’s spokesperson said: “Projects to be flagged-off are; construction of Kabulsa-Takushara Access Road, construction of Kabusa-Ketti Access Road, provision of access road to the new EFCC Academy site in Giri District as well as Design; Construction and Furnishing of Office Complex for the Body of Benchers.

“Other are; Design and Construction of 10 Staff Quarters for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari Area Council and Construction of 15km Road from A2 Junction Abuja-Lokoja Road to Pia in Kwali Area Council.”

Read Also: Wike in France, meets President Macron

Recall that in the last two weeks, the FCT Minister visited more than 10 project sites to have an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing projects in Abuja and the FCT satellite towns.

Some of the projects he inspected were; 

construction of Saburi-Dei Dei road, rehabilitation of the 5km Dutse-Usuma Dam road and upgrading of the War College/Army Checkpoint and other ancillary roads within the Bwari Area Council.

Others were reconstruction of the 25km Kwaita/Yebu road in Kwali Area Council, 

construction of 11km Yangoji-Sukuku-Ebo road in the Kwali Area Council, rehabilitation of the Old Ushafa- LUD Road and Dutse-Lower Usuma Dam Dual Carriage being done by Abdul Val Limited, construction of 9km Paikon Kore/Ibwa Road, construction of 11km Aguma Palace – Radio Nigeria – New Market Road in Gwagwalada Area Council and Dakibiyu District Dual Carriage Road, which leads to the Abuja Court of Appeal Complex that is also under construction. 

The minister also inspected the ongoing 11km Kuje Road, Full Scope Development of 4km Arterial Road N5(Obafemi Awolowo Road) from Life Camp to Ring Road III, construction of the Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) from Ring Road II to Ring Road III with two interchanges, construction of 11.3km Access Road to the Judges Quarters in Katampe from Arterial Road N11 (Ahmadu Bello Way in Mabushi) and construction of 40 Housing Units Judges Quarters in Katampe District as well as Internal Roads within the Judges Quarters.