News
FCT Minister presents second batch of operational vehicles to security agencies, tasks on taking war to criminals
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, December 12, 2024 presented 50 brand new operational vehicles to the security agencies in the FCT to support the fight against insecurity.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the FCT Minister said security was a priority of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and stressed the commitment of the FCTA to the security of the nation’s capital.
He said adequate provision was made in the budget of the FCT by the National Assembly for the purchase of the 50 operational vehicles, adding that the FCTA had, earlier in the year, also distributed 50 operational vehicles to the security agencies, bringing the total number to 100.
The Minster charged the security agencies to utilize the vehicles to protect lives and property in the Abuja city centre and the satellite towns, urging them to take the war to the criminals and not wait until they strike.
He said, “We must not give space, we must not allow the criminals to strike before we go in. We have to take the war to them, let them know that we are serious. So, this festive period, make sure that you don’t give them any gap”.
Barr. Wike who noted that there is improvement in FCT’s security situation, especially a reduction in kidnapping incidents in the rural areas, commended the security agencies and pledged the continued support of the FCT Administration.
He disclosed that 12 police divisions were currently being constructed in the six Area Councils of the FCT as was requested by the FCT Police Commissioner, and assured that the divisions would be completed, furnished, and handed over to the police by April next year.
Noting that the difficult terrain and remoteness of the FCT Area Council were militating against the fight against insecurity, the Minister also expressed confidence that the provision of access roads in the rural areas will also make it easier for the security agencies to operate in these areas.
He therefore called on FCT residents to support the security agencies, urging them to report untoward activities in their communities to nip security threats in the bud.
Reacting to recent accusations of land grabbing against the FCT Administration in social media, the Minister said the FCTA was not afraid of blackmail and was determined to correct anomalies in land administration in the FCT. He stressed that the FCTA would not be deterred by negative commentary in the media.
He said “Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and the residents of the FCT that we are not afraid of blackmail. In fact, you cannot be in this kind of position and you say you will not be blackmailed, particularly as regards this Abuja where there are so many land grabbers.
“Some of us have come to put our feet down. Let heaven fall. It is even better that heaven comes down now so that we will not be fasting again to go to heaven. We will stop anybody who thinks that he can take the government’s land for whatever reason without formal approval.
“We will not look at your face. If you like, you can be a civil rights activist. If you like, you can be a television talker. What is wrong is wrong. No amount of blackmail can stop us..If you want land, you know the right thing to do, you know the right step to take. But through blackmail, you won’t get it”.
The Minister also used the opportunity to warn ground rent and other land tax defaulters that the government would not hesitate to revoke their land titles.
He said the FCT Administration requires revenue to provide infrastructure in the FCT and pay staff salaries, adding that the allocation from the Federal Government alone was not sufficient.
He said, “I have published the names in the newspapers and people think I’m joking. All of you are saying we are providing vehicles, with which money. What does the FCT get in a month from the Federal Government allocation? If the FG gets N1 trillion in a month, for example, we take 1 percent and that is N10 billion. There is no oil here. We are not collecting derivations. It’s only what the Federal government gets, they give us one percent.
“You are talking about Wike is working, roads here, flyovers there. You own a property, pay your ground rent, you won’t pay. Then every day you say Wike is working. Will he work with his blood?”, he asked
Earlier in his welcome address, the FCTA Director of Security Services, Adamu Gwary, thanked the FCT Minister for the provision of crime-fighting equipment for the security agencies, saying it will enhance their capacity to tackle security threats in the FCT.
Operational vehicles distributed to security agencies in the FCT by the FCTA on Thursday
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, who spoke on behalf of all the security heads in Abuja, said the donation of operational vehicles underscores the commitment of the FCT Administration to enhancing the operational capacity of the security agencies, adding that the vehicles will also improve their ability to swiftly respond to emergencies, conduct patrols and other policing initiatives.
Chairmen, Senate Committee on Area Councils and other Ancillary Matters, Senator David Jimkuta and House of Representatives Committee on FCT, Hon Aliyu Mukhtar Betara, respectively commended the FCT Minister over his support to the security agencies and pledged the continued support of the National Assembly, even as they urged the security agencies to also ensure the judicious use of the operational vehicles.
A popular businesswoman with strong interest in oil and gas, Aisha Achimugu has denied being investigated or arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, describing rumours milling around as baseless.
Her media aide, David Abakpa refuted the claim on Friday, saying his principal Dr. Aisha Achimugu, who serves as the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FELAK Concept Group, is not under investigation by the EFCC.
Abakpa described the rumour of arrest as unfounded and misleading, insisting that Dr. Achimugu who is a businesswoman has no issues with the EFCC or any other anti-graft agency, demanding that elements behind the falsehood should provide evidence.
According to Abakpa, the EFCC is a professional agency that does not act on social media speculations before conducting its investigations.
He criticized what he described as a “sponsored media campaign” aimed at tarnishing Dr. Achimugu’s reputation, asserting that such claims hold no merit.
“It is unfortunate that certain unverified online platforms are being used to spread falsehoods against a patriotic Nigerian and global icon, Dr. Aisha Achimugu, who has been earning international recognition for Nigeria,” the statement read.
He further pointed out that the EFCC does not disclose arrest plans prematurely, making it suspicious that anonymous sources allegedly linked to the agency would leak such information to an online media outlet.
Abakpa also noted that no one under an EFCC watchlist could leave the country without being intercepted at the airport, rendering the claim that Dr. Achimugu fled to evade arrest baseless.
“The media campaign against her is empty and has already failed. Falsehood can never prevail over truth. The sponsors of this fake news lack the coordination to tarnish the image of an award-winning entrepreneur,” he added.
Highlighting her national recognition, Abakpa emphasized that Dr. Achimugu’s OFR (Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic) honor is a testament to her contributions to Nigeria’s economy through legitimate business ventures.
“Dr. Aisha Achimugu is a hardworking businesswoman who constantly travels across the globe for business engagements. The claim that she left the country to escape arrest is laughable,” he concluded.
Abuja currently is agoged as Pastor Chris Oyakhilome holds a 3-day mega crusade in Abuja, the Zonal Pastor of Christ Embassy Abuja Zone 1 and the Chairman, Steering Committee, Pastor Dipo Fisho, yesterday, disclosed that the crusade is basically to spread the love of Christ and save the souls of the people.
According to Fisho, the crusade holds from Friday March 21st-Sunday March 23rd 2025 at the Main Bowl of the National Stadium, Abuja, with the theme ‘Upward and Forward Only with Pastor Chris’.
He said: “The Word of God in Hebrews 13:1 says, “Let brotherly love continue.” What a profound and deeply stirring exhortation! When meditated upon, this passage can illuminate your heart and open your mind to divine epiphanies by the Spirit of God. Glory to His Name!
“The Lord Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, declared the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, and mind,”* followed by this: “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”Brotherly love, therefore, isn’t merely a suggestion—it is a divine mandate! Hallelujah!
“We are utilizing every medium available—social media, billboards, television, radio, and more—to share this divine invitation. Thousands of brethren across Abuja and its environs well branded and kitted are reaching out daily, spreading the Good News, distributing flyers, and inviting everyone to this life-changing program. Yes, ‘Upward and Forward Only with Pastor Chris’ will take place from the 21st to the 23rd of March, 2025, at the Main Bowl of the National Stadium, Abuja, starting at 3 PM daily. Hallelujah!
“To love God is to serve Him and to honor Him with our lives, walking in obedience to His divine instructions. When we follow His Word, our faith is expressed, and therein lies our success. This is the very heartbeat of ‘Upward and Forward Only with Pastor Chris’. For decades, I have had the privilege of pastoring and mentoring countless souls, and I can tell you this: the love of God is the very crux of the Gospel. His love compels us to speak with wisdom, to react with grace, and to stand boldly for the truth. Hallelujah!
“As Christians, we are custodians of the Gospel of Christ. This sacred message is not ours to keep hidden; we are commissioned to take it to the ends of the earth. Matthew 28:19-20 the Master charges us to go into all the world and preach the Good News to every creature. This is our divine calling! For ‘Upward and Forward Only with Pastor Chris’, the Holy Spirit has directed us to bring this message of salvation and divine life to the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, Abuja. Praise the Lord!
“Regardless of your background—whether you are a Free Thinker, Muslim, Animist, Buddhist, or Occultist—this message is for YOU! The love of God knows no boundaries, and His salvation is available to all who will receive it. We invite you to join us for this extraordinary 3-day event that will transform your life forever. Glory to God!
“This effort is a demonstration of brotherly love. We are so full of the joy, beauty, and reality of God’s amazing grace that we must share it with everyone! Love compels us to act, to give, and to bring others into the fullness of God’s blessings in Christ Jesus. Praise the Lord! This is why we are sparing no expense—because some things are worth far more than money. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation, and now it is our time to shine His light to the world.
“Beloved, the love of God has brought immense success into my life, and I am passionate about seeing you live victoriously in Christ Jesus. This is why my brethren and I from all Christ Embassy Churches and LoveWorld Fellowships across Abuja extend this heartfelt invitation to you. Come and experience the power of God for yourself!”
Thousands have been stranded at Heathrow in the United Kingdom as fire guts electrical substation that supply electricity to the airport.
The international flights has been disrupted in the early hours of Friday with a yet to be released option as at the time of the press.
Authority said, Heathrow Airport will be closed all day Friday after a fire at a nearby electrical substation that supplies it with power
The fire is still burning, London Fire Brigade says, with no power at Terminal 2 and 4 as well as 5,000 homes nearby. Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, warns of days of disruption – more than 1,350 flights are thought to be affected today.
The implications will stretch far wider than Heathrow, and could impact flights much further afield,
Edited by Jenna Moon and Barbara Tasch, with Charlotte Gallagher reporting from Heathrow
Smith goes on to say that 29 people from neighbouring properties were evacuated over the fire, adding around 150 people in total were evacuated to a rest centre.
He says the fire brigade will continue to have a presence in the area throughout the day.
Fire safety and fire investigation officers are working with the Met Police to establish the nature of the fire, he adds.
There remains no power at Terminal 2 or Terminal 4 at Heathrow Airport, Smith says.
We’re now hearing from the London Fire Brigade, as deputy commissioner Jonathan Smith addresses reporters with an update on the fire at the electricity substation near Heathrow Airport.
The fire involved a transformer comprising 25,000 litres of cooling oil that was fully alight. 10% is still alight, he says.
Met Police declared it a major incident, he adds, saying that firefighters worked under challenging conditions.
Press watch live above to follow along. We’ll bring you more updates shortly.
BBC/CAPITAL POST NIGERIA
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