News
Government must bring development to grassroot – Wike

FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has said that the government was duty-bound to bring development to the people.

The Minister stated this on Thursday, November 21, 2024 when he inspected ongoing two road projects in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT.

Projects inspected were the rehabilitation of the 11km Aguma Palace/Radio Nigeria/New Market road and the 9km Paikon Kore/Ibwa road within the area council.
Addressing journalists shortly after the inspection exercise, Barr. Wike stressed that the impact of government can only be felt when it reaches all areas and all the people.
He said, “You can’t talk about good governance or the impact of government without touching all areas, be it in the city or the satellite towns which you will refer to as rural areas. As such, it is the responsibility of every government. And you know under the Renewed Hope Agenda, this is the promise the President has made, to rekindle the hope of everybody.
“Yes, things were bad yesterday, but we are trying to improve to make sure that things don’t get worse”.
The Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work on both road projects and commended the contractors handling them.
Commenting on the crowd of residents that gathered at both sites to show appreciation to the Minister and his team, the Minister said that the people can now see that the current government is working to change their lives for the better and they are happy.
He said, “Yes, the residents have trooped out because nobody sees good things and will not appreciate it. People were complaining before because they never had any impact on the government but now they can feel, they can see that indeed there is a government that is working to change their lives in a positive way”.
While assuring residents that all the roads will delivered with streetlights, the Minister said the most important part of the projects was their completion by December, 2024, to enable farmers in the rural areas access their farms and bring their produce to the city, thereby ensuring food security.
He added that the construction of roads in the rural area was a strategy of the government to bring down the cost of food items and urged residents to continue to support the government and be patient as things will improve for the better.
The Minister assured that before the end of the first tenure of the present administration, the spate of development will speak for itself, that this administration has come to give hope to the people.
He said, “Infrastructure is basic to turn around any economy in any part of the world. If you don’t have basic infrastructure, too bad. That is part of the problems we have had in Abuja and we are trying to create more infrastructure to open up, not just the city but the rural area so that the economy of Abuja will thrive”.
On the involvement of the Area Council Chairmen in the infrastructure development in the rural area, the Minister said the FCT Administration is working together with the chairmen, adding that the Chairmen were also doing their best with the funds available to them.
The Minister said, “Don’t expect them to carry out this kind of magnitude of project because they don’t have that kind of resources. But the mere fact that they are giving us the support to carry out this project without any protest.
“You know sometimes you may be carrying out the project and the community and the Chairmen may not be in support, they will begin to sabotage it…we have never had such..so it means they have fully bought into the project and own it as their own and that is why we are succeeding. So, they are really doing well”.
FCT Minister, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (L) addressing Jubilating residents of Ibwa during the inspection visit to ongoing Paikon Kore/Ibwa road project in Gwagwalada Area Council on Thursday
An aerial view of the ongoing Paikon Kore/Ibwa road project in Gwagwalada Area Council

News
We are vindicated by ex-Rivers HoS revelation – APC

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it has been vindicated by recent revelations from the state’s former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.

The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday.

The former Head of Service, who recently resigned had alleged that the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was directly responsible for the political crisis in the state and the bombing of the State House of Assembly.
In response, the Rivers State APC asserted that Nwaeke’s testimony aligns with the party’s long-held position, as frequently stated by Chief Okocha, that the suspended governor was the architect of the state’s political crisis, including masterminding the October 29, 2023, bombing of the State House of Assembly.
Chief Okocha further emphasized that Nwaeke’s account, given his high-ranking position in the state, cannot be dismissed as mere speculation.
He said attempts to discredit the former Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the alleged corruption and misconduct that the APC has repeatedly highlighted.
“What is most interesting to the APC in Rivers State as a responsible political party is that Dr. George Nwaeke’s revelations and testimonies of how suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his squad bombed the Rivers State House of Assembly is an eye witness account.
“Again , it has clearly vindicated the APC in Rivers State as the only visible and viable opposition political party in the State, and has cemented the love for the party in the heart of well meaning Rivers people as the voice of the voiceless, and the hope for a better Rivers State.
“The revelations made by the former Head of Service in Rivers State has further positioned her as a political party with high level of integrity, and the hope of Rivers people for a viable alternative to produce the Governor of Rivers State in 2027.
“The verbal attacks staged against the resigned Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the corruption within Sim Fubara’s administration, which we have consistently highlighted as the opposition party. On this matter, the APC shall function as watchdogs”, the party stated.
Chief Tony Okocha expressed confidence that security agencies would thoroughly investigate the matter.
“The APC in Rivers State strongly believes that the relevant security agencies will be professional enough to get to the root of the matter and make their findings public”, he said.

News
CSOs demand urgent probe into ex-Rivers HoS allegations against Gov. Fubara

A coalition of civil rights organizations, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations leveled against suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the state.

During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of the CCLCA, urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take swift action in probing the allegations. He emphasized that if proven true, these claims pose serious risks to governance and democracy.

The coalition, comprising 30 civil society organizations, stands in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke, who has expressed willingness to provide evidence of alleged corruption and constitutional breaches involving Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison.
“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. Addressing these allegations is critical to restoring public confidence in governance at both the state and national levels,” Dr. Nwambu stated.
He commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency, a move he described as crucial for stabilizing the region.
Dr. Nwaeke’s accusations against Governor Fubara include:
Arson and Sabotage: Allegedly instructing his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent impeachment proceedings, a violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
Corruption and Financial Misconduct: Claims of large sums of money being used for personal and illegal activities, contravening Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
Threats to Public Safety: Alleged plans to sabotage state infrastructure, potentially inciting public disorder, which falls under Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011).
Collusion with Militant Groups: Alleged meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, posing a threat to national security and violating Section 43 of the Constitution.
Suppression of Labour Rights: Alleged attempts to bribe labour leaders to silence dissent, contravening Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
The coalition has urged law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation into these allegations.

News
Deputy Speaker, Kalu appoints Hart as new Chief of Staff

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has appointed Sam Ifeanyi Hart, Esq. as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).

Hart replaces Hon. Toby Okechukwu who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).

Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.
Hart also previously served as Director-General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023 after occupying other appointive positions.
He was also a member of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.
He has also served on the Boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.
Hart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning law, leadership, and public service.
A lifelong learner, he holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from Abia State University.
The new Chief of Staff is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.
A seasoned professional, Hart has attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the Deputy Speaker legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.

-
Security4 days ago
New Commissioner of Police in Niger, Elleman sends strong warning to criminals
-
News3 days ago
Abia: LG Chairman, Iheke accused of using soldiers to detain IRS agent, claims Governor Otti’s support
-
News4 days ago
Kogi Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo salutes Tinubu at 74
-
News4 days ago
Plateau LP stakeholders endorses Barr Gyang Zi’s defection to APC
-
News4 days ago
Akpabio pays historic visit to office of SA to President on Senate Matters
-
News2 days ago
Kogi government bans rallies ahead of Natasha’s homecoming slated for Tuesday
-
News2 days ago
Iran may secure a deal before Trump’s deadline – or face Israeli strikes in Tehran – analysis
-
Business4 days ago
FCT Minister reveals how he would aggressively pursue revenue collection, tours infrastructure