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Gishiri demolition: Wike gives FCDA ultimatum to allocate land to victims
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike during his visit to Gishiri community in Abuja
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike during his visit to Gishiri community in Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has given the officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) one week, to allocate land for resettlement of victims of demolition in Gishiri village.
It would be recalled that 455 houses and structures were demolished in the village at Katampe District, Abuja, to make way for a road project.
Wike gave the order when he visited the community on Wednesday, to resolve the disagreement between the community members and the FCDA over the payment of compensation and relocation of the victims.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the problem began when the community members accused FCDA officials of giving them a swampy area to resettle, different from the one the minister approved.
The community members, during a meeting with Wike on Monday, also complained that the amount being given to some of the affected persons as compensation was grossly inadequate.
To address the issue, the minister promised to visit the area to see things for himself.
On arriving at the community on Wednesday, Wike asked the FCT Administration Director of Land, Mr Chijioke Nwankwoeze about the land set aside for the relocation of the affected persons.
Nwankwoeze explained that there were two areas, one, a 12-hectare land with 58 plots around Hope for Survival Orphanage.
He added that the second resettlement site was 1.7-hectare with five plots, located behind Local Education Authority Primary School in the community.
He said that the land had not been allocated to the victims because they wanted the minister to see the areas first.
“We felt you will need to see the place first before we start allocating the land to them.
“We will merge the plots and design them into plots before we will give them,” he said.
The director, however, said that no area was completely free in the resettlement site location around Hope for Survival Orphanage.
He explained that the area was demolished a long time ago, adding that people applied for building plans and began developing the area haphazardly.
But Wike interjected the director, saying, “I don’t agree with you, and this should be the last time I will hear this complaint.
“I give you people one week. Go and allocate the land to the affected persons. If it is not enough, we will find another alternative.
“All this grammar, grammar, grammar, I don’t want to hear it.”
The minister also asked the Director, Resettlement and Compensation, Mr Nasiru Suleiman about the compensation payment to the victims.
Suleiman explained that payment has not begun, adding that it would commence when the land had been given to the victims.
Reacting, Wike directed the director to commence the payment and urged the community leaders to collect the money, or he would not give them the land
“If you don’t take the money, I will not give you the land again.
“Go and collect the money so that when you get the land, you will start developing it,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FCT Administration had earlier provided N655 million for payment of compensation to the affected persons, based on approved valuation rates.
Considering the current economy situation in the country Wike increased the amount to N1.3 billion.
This means that every affected person would get double of what was initially earmarked for him or her. (NAN)
The Nigerian electricity sector slowed in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with the electricity production index declining by 1.64% year-on-year (y-o-y).
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says this marks a reversal from the 5.55% growth recorded in the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024).
Average estimated electricity generation rose by 2.34% to 4,206.50 megawatts per hour (MW/h) from 4,110.47 MW/h in Q3 2024.
Similarly, electricity consumption saw a modest increase of 2.63%, reaching 4,105.66 MW/h from 4,000.24 MW/h in the preceding quarter.
This is as the Nigerian economy witnessed widespread expansion in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with 21 out of 22 subsectors recording positive growth.
On a quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) basis, however, the subsector showed signs of recovery, as the index rose by 22.50% compared to a significant decline of 49.46% in the previous quarter.
The broad-based economic expansion in Q4 2024 can be attributed to several factors, including improved business confidence, increased consumer spending, and enhanced performance in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and telecommunications.
The government’s fiscal and monetary policies, aimed at stabilising inflation and boosting investment, also contributed to the positive momentum.
According to the CBN, the improvement was largely attributed to enhanced gas supply to thermal power stations and the continued implementation of the Siemens Power Project, which has positively impacted power generation, transmission, and distribution networks.
Notably, the oil and gas sector benefited from relatively stable crude oil prices and improved domestic production, which provided a boost to overall economic output.
The data also stated that the non-oil sector, particularly fintech and digital services, also played a significant role in driving economic activities.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara speaking when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups in Port Harcourt.
Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.
Fubara made this statement when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt during an Eid-El-Fitr Sallah visit.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process, saying: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”
He acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed but emphasised that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.
“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that in the end, we will emerge stronger,” he added.
He reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisions a society where no one is oppressed.
“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he stated.
He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim community during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties are resolved.
He also assured the leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis subsides.
Urging patience and perseverance, Governor Fubara drew an analogy from religious history, saying, “If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”
He also cautioned against falling prey to those who want engineer violence by fanning provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements who sought to destabilize the state.
“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constitutional authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,” he concluded.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the Muslim community, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, declared their solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigates the state’s current political challenges.
Alhaji Uhor stated that the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stand with Governor Fubara due to his inclusive approach to governance and his recognition of the Islamic faith.
He noted that unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100% Christian state, Governor Fubara, upon assuming office, acknowledged the state as Christian majority while allowing room for inclusiveness.
Encouraging the governor to remain steadfast, Uhor reminded him of the Islamic belief that Allah rewards patience.
He said the present challenges align with the teachings of Islam, where the Creator tests His people through wealth, power, and authority.
He further called on President Bola Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore Governor Fubara’s full authority, emphasizing that the governor has been performing effectively despite the crisis.
During the visit, prayers were offered for suspended Governor Fubara, his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) comprising junta-led Mali, Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso have imposed a 0.5 percent import duty on goods from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member nations.
The move further strains relations between the three junta-led nations and the ECOWAS, which they withdrew from earlier this year following a series of military coups and economic sanctions.
The AES, which began as a security pact between the military rulers of the three countries in 2023, has now metamorphosed into an aspiring economic union with plans for biometric passports and closer economic and military ties.
In a joint statement last week, the AES said the levy aims to generate revenue to fund the alliance’s activities.
The tax, which came into effect on Friday, applies to all imports from ECOWAS countries, except humanitarian aid.
The taxes also disrupt the free trade once enjoyed by all countries in the West African region.
The economic implications could be severe, leading to higher consumer prices, supply chain disruptions, and strained regional economic stability.
While it may provide short-term revenue for the junta-led governments, it risks other long-term consequences, including weakened regional integration.
ECOWAS has maintained that it will keep diplomatic channels open with the junta-led states until July, despite announcing their permanent expulsion from the bloc earlier this year.