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Cooperate to develop FCT, SAN urges Wike, Kingibe
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mohammed Ndarani, has urged all stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), both elected and appointed, to cooperate with one another for the territory’s development.
Ndarani made the call in Sunday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He was reacting to the rift between the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike and the Senator representing the FCT, Sen. Ireti Kingibe.
NAN recalls that Wike and Kingibe have not had a cordial working relationship since they assumed offices as Kingibe had repeatedly accused Wike of sidelining her in spite being the senator representing the FCT.
Ndarani said that if Wike and Kingibe worked together they would bring positive change for the greater good of Nigeria.
“It is imperative for all stakeholders, both elected and appointed, to work together and abide with guiding rules of their different offices to strengthen one another as one big family’’, the senior lawyer said.
He said Nigeria could not achieve greater success without support for another among its leaders, and craved the indulgence of all `warring parties“ to let peace reign.
“They should sheathe their swords, put their differences aside and work for the common good of the people of the FCT.
“Wike was appointed to serve the people of the FCT, Kingibe was elected to serve the people of the FCT. So, they should work together and think about the greater good of the people.
“The people of FCT look up to them to bring succour to the challenges they are facing but when two elephants fight, the grass suffers,’’ he said.
He noted that although the two leaders were not from the same political party, previous elective and appointed officers of the FCT from different parties had always found a way of working together.
Ndarani, equally pointed out that they have different roles to play in their respective positions, but all aimed ultimately to deliver the dividend of democracy to the people.
“Section 302 of the 1999 Constitution, says, “The President may, in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by Section 147 of this Constitution, appoint for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, a Minister who shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be delegated to him by the President, from time to time.
“While Ireti’s office as provided under section 48 of the 1999 constitution make laws for the peace and good governance of the people of Nigeria including the FCT’’.
“The functions and duties of the two offices are distinct but they must work together for the common good of the people of Nigeria and the FCT’’.
“Actually, Wike is not answerable to the senator, just like the senator is not answerable to the minister either, they are both answerable to the president and the citizens of Nigeria.
“To me, Wike’s developmental strides in the FCT are very commendable and he ought to be encouraged to do more with the cooperation and support of the distinguished senator.
“The ultimate goal here is the people, no minister has ever reported to any senator. Past FCT ministers and senators did not come from the same party, but they worked in synergy.
“Media war will not bring development to the people, cooperation is the key’’, he said.
He called on them to drop their differences and concentrate on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people’’.
NAN also recalls that Wike had on Monday tackled Kingibe, who had consistently accused him of sidelining her in the affairs of the territory such as those relating to budget.
Kingibe also complained of how Wike has overlooked the priority needs of the bulk of FCT people partly due to a lack of communication between her and the minister.
Angered by Kingibe’s utterances, Wike challenged Kingibe to test her popularity again at the 2027 election, vowing that he would ensure she did not return to the upper chamber of the legislature. (NAN)
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of zone 10 comprising Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States Gyogon Augustine Grimah has directed commissioners of police under his zone to ensure adequate security measures in their respective domains before and after the Easter celebration.
Grimah, in a release by the zone 10 Public Relations Officer DSP Uthman Muhammad Yaqub appealed to all and sundry to cooperate with security agencies to enable them serve them well.
The release read in parr, “”Zone 10 headquarters under the leadership of AIG Gyogon Augustine Grimah psc,FCAI, wish to inform the members of the public particularly those residing in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, that it has made adequate security arrangements that will ensure the protection of lives and properties before, during and after the Easter celebrations.
“”AIG zone 10 headquarters, directed the three commissioners of police Commanding Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara Police states Commands to emplace adequate security measures that will ensure smooth and hitch free celebrations. Intelligence gathering apparatus of the zone has also been directed to actively generate actionable intelligence that could assist in mitigating any form of threats””.
While wishing Christian faithfuls a happy Easter celebration, the AIG, Grimah enjoined all of them to seize the moment and pray for continues peaceful coexistence in the zone and beyond.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Christians and all residents of the state to use the Easter season to reflect on the virtues of peace, unity, and sacrifice, as demonstrated by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, the PDP extended warm greetings to Christians across the state and Nigeria, describing Easter as a season of hope, renewal, and triumph over adversity.
“Easter reminds us of the triumph of light over darkness, life over death, and most importantly, of love, peace, and unity among all people,” Masha said.
He noted that the message of Easter was especially significant at a time when Kaduna State is grappling with economic hardship, political tension, and persistent security threats, particularly in vulnerable communities.
“These are trying times for our dear state. We urge all citizens to remain steadfast in faith, committed to peace, and united in the pursuit of a better future. No matter our religious or ethnic backgrounds, we must come together to pray for Kaduna and Nigeria,” he added.
The PDP also called on residents to pray for divine intervention in addressing the state’s worsening socio-economic and security challenges.
“We believe in the power of collective prayers and unity,” the statement continued.
“Kaduna must rise above the tide of division, insecurity, and underdevelopment. Only with sincerity of purpose and inclusive leadership can we achieve that.”
“This Easter should inspire our leaders to embrace sacrificial service. Jesus gave His life to save others — that’s the true test of leadership,” he said.
“We must put aside politics and speak as one voice against the suffering of our people.”
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Kaduna, assuring that it would continue to advocate for good governance, equity, and development. he concluded.
A new terrorist group known as Mahmuda has emerged in Nigeria’s North Central region, launching deadly attacks on communities surrounding the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP), according to local sources and a report by Sahara Reporters.
The group, which operates with impunity in the national park spanning Kwara and Niger states, has besieged villages in Kaiama and Barutein Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kwara, as well as Babana and Wawa districts in Borgu LGA, Niger State. On Wednesday, Mahmuda militants attacked a vigilante group in Kemanji, Kwara, killing over 15 vigilantes and villagers, a source confirmed.
“They call themselves the Mahmuda group. Their leader, in a voice note, is threatening all the communities. They kill, kidnap victims, and demand ransom,” a local source told Sahara Reporters.
The KLNP, covering 3,970.29 square kilometres, has become a haven for the militants, who reportedly displaced park rangers over five years ago.
Sources trace the group’s origins to Mokwa LGA in Niger State, from where they were expelled by former Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, who accused them of being Boko Haram affiliates.
The group then relocated through various regions, including Kaduna State, before entrenching themselves in the KLNP.
A recent audiotape from the group’s leader suggests they are a moderate Islamist sect that splintered from the extremist Boko Haram faction led by Abubakar Shekau.
The militants, who primarily speak Hausa, identify as the Mahmuda or Mallam Group and claim to be jihadists promoting Sunni Islam.
The Mahmuda group has imposed a reign of terror on local communities.
Herders pay dues to graze cattle, farmers pay levies to access farmland allocated by the militants, and residents are forced to work on the group’s farms as “sadaka” (charity).
The militants also kidnap locals for ransom, mount illegal roadblocks, and regulate social activities, banning alcohol sales and smoking while settling community disputes.
“They preach Islamic ethics, urge disloyalty to the Nigerian state, and insist disputes be reported to them,” a source said, adding that the group is recruiting locals as informants.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the militants are engaged in illegal mining within the park and threaten herbalists suspected of aiding vigilantes.
In a bid to consolidate control, the group has expelled bandits from the park, kidnapping or executing their collaborators after collecting ransoms.
The rise of Mahmuda highlights Nigeria’s growing insecurity, with ungoverned spaces like the KLNP enabling militant groups to thrive.
Loggers, fishermen, and hunters exploit the park’s resources, with some loggers reportedly negotiating with the militants to harvest trees, providing the group with revenue.
“The surge of insecurity in Nigeria is a source of concern due to its destructive impact on livelihoods,” a source noted.
“New militant groups continue to emerge and occupy ungoverned spaces.”
Locals suspect the authorities are aware of the group’s activities but have failed to act, possibly due to the militants’ sophisticated weaponry. Vigilante groups, frustrated by the lack of security intervention, have resorted to collaborating with Mahmuda to rescue kidnapped victims, further complicating the situation.
The Mahmuda group’s control over a vast swathe of Nigerian territory underscores the challenges facing the country’s security forces. With communities living at the mercy of the militants, the group’s blend of coercion, religious rhetoric, and economic exploitation poses a significant threat to stability in the region.
As Nigeria grapples with this emerging menace, questions remain about the group’s true origins and affiliations. Some locals speculate the militants may have ties to groups from Benin or Niger Republic, while others see parallels with Boko Haram’s tactics. Further investigation is needed to unmask this faceless group and address the crisis in the KLNP.