Tag: Wike

In what seems to be extortion through force, threats and intimidation, residents of Prince and Princess, a popular estate in Abuja, have called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike to intervene.

They also pleaded with members of the National Assembly to look into what they described as alleged illegal activities and harassment of legitimate residents by its developer, Chief Nicolas Ukacukwu.

The estate estimated to have a population of over 10,000 residents and about 1,500 residential accommodations, is valued at about N200 billion.

According to the residents, they have been exposed to illegal levies, violation of the principle of owner-occupier, imposition of facility management company, refusal to process Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) as well as obstruction on provision of security services amongst others.

Briefing reporters on Friday, leader of the Elders and Board of Trustees of the Estate, Amb. Mohammed Ibrahim, said despite full patent to the developer as indicated in the terms of agreement, and in consonance with federal government plans of mass housing which served as bait for the buyers, the developer has refused to go and has continued to milk the residents and create a chaotic and illegal development that will encourage insecurity.

Read Also: Rivers crisis: Lloyd, Okocha tackle Ada George, elders over anti-Wike comments

To this effect, Amb. Ibrahim said they have written to the FCT Minister and the FCT police command to demand for implementation and enforcement of the terms of the development lease agreement signed with the developer.

Other things demanded, he said are: “inspection of the Estate by the relevant team from the FCDA to verify various contraventions to prevent attendant negative consequences to the interest of residents in the Estate, as well as commence the direct process for issuance of Certificate of Occupancy to the house owners with the supervision of a designated officer from FCDA for implementation within a specific timeframe.

“To instruct the Developer and their agents to evacuate their security personnel deployed to the estate gates. We hereby appeal to the government to intervene and nip in the bud the use of the police connections to harass and threaten the persons and lives of the President and staff of the Association; and to also forestall the attempt to use unfounded allegations to intimidate and prosecute the President of the Association and his staff.”

As at the time of filling in this report, all efforts to reach the developer, Mr. Ukachukwu through phone calls and text messages to react to the allegations were futile.

Elder statesman Edwin Clark came under scathing criticism yesterday for calling for the arrest of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike over the latter’s threat to state governors meddling in Rivers lingering crisis.

Chief Clerk called for the immediate arrest of the former Rivers’ governor for threatening to ‘put fire’ in the states of any Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor interfering in the affairs of Rivers PDP.

But Wike’s ally and ousted Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area Dr. Chidi Lloyd fired back at the Ijaw leader, describing his intervention as self-centred.

Last weekend, Wike who spoke at the PDP Rivers State Congress warned that he had the capacity to cause crisis in any PDP-controlled state working with his successor Governor Siminialayi Fubara to take over his PDP structure in Rivers.

In an open letter to Inspector-General (IG) Kayode Egbetokun, Clark described the minister’s utterance as an incitement of the people against constituted authorities, which according to him, passed for treason.

He said Wike had in so many ways breached the constitution and that he should be arrested and prosecuted.

Clark, who urged the police boss to act fast to avoid a breakdown of law and order, said the words of the minister amounted to a “flagrant disrespect to the person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who appointed him.”

He added: “That is with respect to the recent open threat by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who happens to be the former governor of Rivers State to “set fire” in some other states.

“Even more serious is the fact that this is a violation of the laws of the country as it stands now. Wike as a lawyer should have known better.

“As one who has been in this same profession for more than 60 years, and as an elder statesman, I know that one of the greatest offenses that can be committed is to incite anarchy and threaten constituted authority of the state, as it is a sure means of inciting and causing unfavourable response in those states especially amongst the youths against the government in power either at federal or state level.

“As a matter of fact, what Wike has done is a form of treason as he is inciting his supporters and those in the other state to rise up against constituted authority.

Read Also: PDP Governors chide Wike over remarks

“Let me also remind you that the laws of this country, especially the Public Officer Protection Act (1957) provides protection for public officers from harm, intimidation and violence.”

“I’ve done my homework; I’m about 60 years at the bar, even though I’m not a SAN because I was doing Government jobs. There are various laws of this country Wike has breached.

“I’ve even got some senior lawyers to help me, who have now discovered that Wike has breached a number of Nigerian laws, public laws, and so on, has committed crimes.”

But Lloyd said Clark had displayed crass ignorance to figurative use of words and wondered how he once became the minister of Information.

Describing Clark as a non-member of the PDP, Lloyd recalled that Clark flayed the candidature of Fubara during the primaries and said he was not a true Ijaw man.

He said Clark might be thinking that he is the Asiwaju (leader) of the Niger Delta.

Lolyd said Clark and other envious leaders in the Niger Delta were after Wike because of his political foresight of identifying Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the next President and working with him during the election to actualise the mandate.

Lloyd said: “He should be in his village and not in Abuja. We have restrained ourselves from talking to an old man. To set the record straight, if Edwin Clark is truly who he thinks he is, he should be living in his village in Kiagbodo.

“He is one reason why the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has not achieved anything since inception because he sees it as his personal estate. Clark is still under the megalomania of thinking that he is the Asiwaju of the Niger Delta.

“At this age, Clark should be reconciling with those he has hurt. He should leave Wike alone. We know why the tantrums are being thrown at Wike. It is because of his political flight. Wike was able to discern and knew on time that Tinubu would be President of Nigeria and aligned with him.

“So, they think that it should not have been Wike that has this foresight. All the things you see happening to Wike is because of his political sagacity, which identified Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu”.

He said they were also jealous that since coming on board the administration of Tinubu, the minister Wike had been given the necessary Presidential support to deliver his vision for the FCT.

Lloyd said: “Since coming on board the administration Wike has added value because the President had also given him the free hand to deliver. The President and governor Wike share a lot in common which is the betterment of Nigeria and its people.

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) yesterday warned the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to desist from making inflammatory remarks capable of destabilising the party

Its Director-General, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, said in a statement that Wike’s threat to the Forum constituted  a threat to the unity and peaceful coexistence in the party.

Wike, a PDP chieftain, had fired salvos at the governors for taking sides in the protracted Rivers crisis, saying that he would create crisis for them in their respective states.

However, taking exception to the remarks, the Forum said Wike’s threat to “put fire” in PDP-controlled states, are “unbridled, irresponsible and totally unacceptable.”

According to the body, the former governor was undermining  efforts at building and maintaining peace, cohesion, and mutual respect among party leaders and members.

The forum lamented that Wike was throwing stones at the Forum he belonged for eight years.

It added: “The Forum calls on the heads of the national security apparatuses to take note of threats by Wike to stoke the fire of violence at the sub-nationals as no one is above the laws of the land.

“It is rather unfortunate that this is coming from someone who was once a member of this highly revered forum as a former governor.”

The forum reiterated its commitment to the “TOUCH ONE, touch all” philosophy, which has been a cornerstone of its solidarity and mutual support, adding  that Wike, who had greatly benefitted from this tradition during his tenure in office should not disrespect the group.

Reiterated it’s determination to work with Governor Siminalayi Fubara,  the Forum said: “Our position on the affairs of the PDP in Rivers State, as unanimously resolved at our 2024, 3rd and 4th Meetings held in Enugu and Taraba states respectively, are not subject to review by any individual, no matter how highly placed.”

According to the group, Fubara is the leader of the Rivers PDP, adding that he is conferred with leadership privileges

Read Also: PDP: Wike’ll face disciplinary committee over ‘anti-party activities’

It stresed: “We are irrevocably committed to working with the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party, the PDP, in ensuring that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is conferred with all the privileges he is entitled to as a Governor elected on the platform of our party.”

The Forum urged the National Working Committee (NWC) to find an amicable solution to the Rivers crisis by advising the parties involved to embrace the spirit of compromise and avoid actions that could inflame tensions among their followers.

The forum appealed to Wike to utilise the established mechanisms for conflict resolution, adding that the party has already set up disciplinary and reconciliation committees to resolve the logjam.

It added: “It is inevitable for us to encourage dialogue and reconciliation continuously. Dialogue and reconciliation are the pathways to resolving differences and strengthening the party.”

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has been summoned by the Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over allegations of anti-party activities.

The party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary,  Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, said the panel headed by Chief Tom Ikimi has forwarded a letter to the former governor of Rivers State to appear before it.

Also, PDP said it has opened talks with some defectors, including Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, with a view to bringing them back into the fold.

Kwankwaso,  a former governor of Kano State, is the leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), which produced the governor of the state in the 2023 election.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, was the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate inducing the poll.

Wike, a PDP stalwart currently serving in the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, did not support the party’s presidential candidate in last year’s presidential election,  Alhaji Atiku Abubakar,  following disagreement with the main opposition party over zoning of the slot.

He had wondered why the presidential candidate and the national chairman should come from the same bloc zone, contrary to the position of the party on zoning.

Pro-Atiku forces in the party believed that Wike’s stance gave the All Progressives Congress (APC) an edge during the poll

Also, crisis has broken out between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, over partisan issues.

At the weekend, supporters of the former governor dominated the Rivers State Executive Committee elected at the party congress.

Fubara and his group shunned the congress held at Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Sources said Atiku’s supporters have insisted that Wike should be sanctioned for maintaining a rigid position of presidential rotation, recalling that the plot was on the agenda of a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ikimi’s residence in Abuja in February.

Ikimi is a strong loyalist of the former vice president

Addressing party members at the recent Congress, Wike threatened to cause crisis for PDP governors interfering in the affairs of Rivers chapter..

Read Also: Steer clear of Rivers PDP structure or risk fire in your states, Wike warns governors

He said  those annoyed by his decision to participate in the Tinubu’s government “should go and hug the transformer.”

Yesterday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Olgunagba and his deputy, Abdullahi, who chided Wike over his statements, confirmed that the party had set in motion the machinery for sanctioning the minister.

Abdullahi, who spoke on a television programme, said a letter has been sent to the former governor  to appear before the Ikimi Committee.

He added: “Three weeks ago, we put up two committees in place; that of reconciliation and disciplinary, and Nyesom Wike is one of the persons to face the disciplinary committee, which is headed by elder statesman Chief Tom Ikimi. The disciplinary committee will look into issues of anti-party activities.

“We’ve been receiving petitions regarding anti-party activities or sabotaging the party throughout the primary, leading to where we are now. These petitions against Wike and other party members have been aggregated and sent to the committee.

“Some party members even felt that Wike shouldn’t have gotten to this level still as a member of the PDP and they have been writing to the leadership.”

Ologunagba, who spoke with reporters in Abuja, said the PDP Disciplinary Committee can summon any party member.

He said: “What I can tell you is that nobody is above this party; what we have done is set up bodies (reconciliation and disciplinary committees) and give them the mandate to do the job, we will wait for their report.”

Ologunagba described the PDP Governors’ Forum as one of the most potent organs of the party, adding that it would respond appropriately to Wike’s threat.

He said the PDP has confidence in the ability of the Forum to act as a major stabilizing factor in the party.

PDP woos Kwankwaso, Obi

Abdullahi said the party has open talks to bring back Kwankwaso and Obi.

He said if Atiku,,Kwankwaso and Obi had worked together in 2023, PDP would have defeated the APC.

 Abdullahi said the consultations would be sustained and political differences would be resolved so that the trio can team up against President Tinubu in 2027.

He said: “We have lost Kwankwaso, we’ve lost Peter Obi; all of these people, imagine if they were in the party, we would have gone to win the elections.

 “This APC said they defeated us with one million plus.

Just one of these names that I mentioned would have covered that gap for us and we would have been in power today and certainly, Nigerians would not have been confronted with this despair and despondency in the land.”

 Abdullahi  added: “Discussion is ongoing. You will see Peter Obi discussing with Atiku, you will see Peter Obi meeting with (Nasir) El-Rufai.

“Party management is a very difficult thing and we are doing the best in the quagmire that we have found ourselves. Rest assured, there would light at the end of the tunnel. We have learnt our lessons in a bitter way.

 ‘’One of them would concede for the other and then, we would have a direction. Our concern as a party and to these people that I have mentioned is to ensure that we salvage Nigerians from this despair and despondency, between maladies of hunger and frightening insecurity in the land.”

…warns medical workers against patient exploitation or face sanction

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken steps to alleviate the impact of the ongoing 7-day strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), which was triggered by the abduction of one of their members, Ganiyat Popoola.

In response to the strike, the minister has deployed additional medical doctors and medical commodities to ensure continued patient care.

The medical personnel have, however, been cautioned against exploiting the situation by denying patients the attention and medical supplies they need during this critical period.

Read Also: What you need to know about FG’s ban on under-18 WAEC, NECO candidates

According to the Mandate Secretary of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Adedolapo Fasawe, directives had been issued for the health facilities to be empowered with basic medical consumables such as plasters, cotton wool, spirit, gloves, dry swabs, and wet swabs, among others, to protect patients from exploitation by unscrupulous workers.

In a statement by her media adviser, Bola Ajao on Thursday, the Mandate Secretary made the disclosure when she paid an inspection visit to Asokoro District Hospital to assess the impact of the ongoing strike on patients, where she further revealed that provisions have also been made to ensure the availability of cleaning materials through various outsourced cleaning organizations.

This, she said was to ensure that no patients or their relatives should be forced to provide these materials.

However, to reinforce her message, Fasawe issued a stern warning to all FCTA hospitals to desist from exploiting innocent patients and their relatives under the pretext of a lack of consumables, or they will face the full extent of the law.

Emphasizing that Abuja Central Medical Stores must ensure that hospital pharmacies are well-stocked to meet public demand at all times, Fasawe said: “As medical doctors sworn to the Hippocratic Oath, we are obligated to return to the field and take up the challenge of providing adequate care to our people, bridging the gap caused by our striking colleagues.

“This responsibility has been embraced by every one of us, myself included, as we engage with patients, consult, and offer support where and when necessary to keep the system running as one cohesive health family.”

The Head of Clinical Services at the hospital, Rosie Nwokorie, assured the Mandate Secretariat of the smooth operation of the hospitals and the commitment of the staff on the ground to providing quality healthcare to all patients.

Residents of Anambra have lauded the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, for appointing their native son, Chief Chijioke Nwankwoeze, as director of lands in Abuja.

They, therefore, described the ex-governor of Rivers State as a global inspiration for equity and justice.

In a statement on Sunday, August 25, by Chief Obi Okoli (the Onwa of Nawfija) on behalf of the 31 communities in the Orumba North and South Federal Constituency, the appointment was hailed as a significant milestone for the Igbo community.

Chief Nwankwoeze’s appointment marks the first time an Igbo man would be given the prestigious role by any government.

The statement read: “The appointment is a huge moment for Ndigbo in general and Ndi Orumba in particular. Chief Chijioke Nwankwoeze has proved to be a worthy ambassador for Orumba.

Read Also: Tinubu committed to creating reforms in FCTA, says Wike

“His appointment has brought not only reputable reckoning to Ndi Orumba but has also recognized the salient and indefatigable qualities of our son and brother, Chief Nwankwoeze.

“This appointment also marks the first time in the annals of the FCT, that a Nigerian of Igbo extraction will be appointed as Director of Lands.

“The 31 towns in Orumba are indeed grateful and indebted to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency, Bar. Nyesom Wike.

“The Minister’s sagacity, political dexterity, and an enormous sense of equity and justice are further testimonies of his record-breaking achievements.

“Former Governor Wike has become a global inspiration for all Nigerians and I note with solemn recollection, his unimpeachable profile as a detribalized Nigerian, well known for landmark achievements and the equitable discharge of his functions without fear or favour.

“Orumba have become blessed with this noble sense of equity and justice, as our dear brother and son, Chief Chijioke Nwankwoeze, becomes the FCT Director of Lands.

“We pray that God will bless him on this job and give him extraordinary wisdom to live up to the expectations of his new appointment.”

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stood firm to bring about changes in the FCT Administration to give hope to the hopeless and also prevent stagnation in the career of civil servants.

Wike disclosed this on Thursday, August 15, when he sworn in one Mandate Secretary and four Permanent Secretaries for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Abdullahi Ango was inaugurated as pioneer Mandate Secretary, Youth Development Secretariat of the FCT Administration.

Those inaugurated as permanent secretaries are Joy Okeke from South East; Rotimi Ajayi from South West and Nancy Nathan from North East.

Also inaugurated is the Solicitor General, Mr Gardiya Bawa as Solicitor General/ Permanent Secretary for the Legal Services Secretariat of the FCTA.

He said Tinubu is working round the clock to ensure that Nigerians enjoy the dividends of democracy.

The minister called for all to effectively support President Bola Tinubu’s administration for meaningful development.

He said: “Let me first of all congratulate the newly sworn in mandate Secretary for the youth Secretariat and the permanent secretaries for their appointments by his excellency Mr. president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Today, promise made; promise fulfilled. 

“But remember that before now you did not have the opportunity to be a Permanent Secretary because it was never there before. That’s why you must always appreciate and thank Mr President for bringing this hope, which so many people have fought against but Mr President stood firm because now is to give hope to the hopeless, now is to make sure that people are not stagnated in their career.

“During our interface and discussions with the various Area Councils, we did communicate to them that Mr. President had agreed to establish a Youth Secretariat that will cater particularly for the youths. 

“Let me say clearly here that Mr. President did not on his own, neither did I on my own or the minister of state, choose the Appointee. All the 6 Area Councils were fully involved, all stakeholders were involved, and made the recommendation to us, before this appointment was made and that good intention was taken to Mr. President for his approval. 

“We have always said that when Mr. President gives a promise, he keeps to it. That is why we have always said we should be patient. Things may be a little difficult today but Mr. President is working very hard to make sure that he cushions the hardship that all of us are facing. 

“After appointing you as Mandate Secretary for youths, it’s not just to be happy. You must sit down and come up with a program that will help the youths. What we have found out is that most people are only interested by the fact that they have been appointed. Sit down and work well through things that will help the youths of Abuja. That is key. You are the Pioneer Mandate Secretary, you must use it to say while I was there as Pioneer Mandate Secretary, this was my programme for the interest of the youths. 

“Mr. President has fulfilled his promise, it is for you now to work with us, to work with me and say these are the programs we think that will help the youths, and also help them reduce the effects of hardship that they are facing. If anything happens otherwise, you would be held responsible”.

For the Permanent Secretaries, Wike said: “I’m sure today you’re satisfied that you have gotten almost to the highest level of your career. The only level you might now want to be, is the Head of Service. I have seen Four of you as you signed your vote of office, bowing and kneeling down, that is not what we want. I am not interested in you kneeling down here now. My interest is for you to be committed and work”.

The minister cautioned the newly sworn- in officials that: “If you know you do not have the capacity to work, it is better you resign now. At least you would go with the title of former permanent secretary. Everybody must know that you must account for every assignment given to you. As a permanent secretary in whatever Secretariat, while I was a permanent secretary in that Secretariat how far did that secretariat perform. 

“Of course, anybody who knows me, knows too well that I’m not here to receive any excuses. There is no excuse in my dictionary. It does not exist. What I see is performance, performance, performance.”