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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)
“On Adapting to Change; Exploring Challenges , and Breakthroughs in Housing Development over the past year. ”
By Our Reporter
Federal Housing Authority, FHA, Saturday 13th, April, 2025 held a workshop on Adapting to Change: Exploring Challenging and Breakthroughs in Housing Development over the past year.
The workshop which is a follow up to the Retreat held July 2024 aimed at re – appraising what the Authority has been able to achieve within the past year, where the Authority is now and where it will be in the next one year.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive, Hon Oyetunde Ojo in his opening remarks and Programme Overview, noted that the programme was designed to be in – house to enable staff speak to themselves frankly and practically out of everyday work experience.
He noted that getting external facilitators to re – appraise the Authority over the past one year may not yield the desired result.
He therefore called on all participants to be free to ask any questions and make contributions they feel would be useful in advancing the cause of the Authority.
Hon Ojo used the opportunity to list out some of the achievements and improvements the current Executive Management have been able to achieve in their stay in office.
Such achievements as digitalization of the Authority , improved internet services within the office, linking the Zonal offices for live time interaction.
The Managing Director also noted that his management has been able to give permanent appointments to adhoc staff who have worked and contributed to the growth of FHA as well as physically challenged persons that served in the Authority.
On welfare, the Chief Executive officer said that conducive working environment have been provided for staff. He pointed out the conversion of the newly built MD/CEO’s office complex to offices for staff, the renovation of offices and provision of working tools for staff.
Hon Ojo used the medium to implore members of the public to refrain from attacking and assaulting staff of the Authority or any FHA subsidiary while carrying out their lawful duties.
In his words, he said, …” I will rather resign if I don’t get justice for any of my assaulted staff”.
On the Authority’s current financial stability, he stated that management found It most repugnant that the Authority has been grossly short changed in the statutory fees it charged. According to him,” the EMC found it ridiculous that contactors dictate what happened in the Authority.
“My management refused this and after due deliberations and consultations decided to adequately place our charges to where is currently. ”
The Managing Director noted that revenue does not come to meet you, rather you go out to meet revenue. Consequently, he said that was what has made him to lead revenue drive and enforcements to enable management to meet her finacial obligations.
The increase in the revenue base he said results in regular payment of salaries, quick implementation of the minimum wage, quick payment of all remunerations.
These are factors he said are motivators of staff for effectiveness and excellence.
Hon Ojo also pointed out that for the first time in many years, FHA under him participated on the Federal Civil Service games, and will continue to participate. He also announced that FHA football team has registered for the 2025 Abuja Amateur league.
The Managing Director also announced that the Authority has lined some projects for commissioning. Some of such projects are the 59 shops Gwarinpa Shopping Mall, 100 units of houses in FHA Estate Ajoda, Ibadan, Oyo State as well as the Lugbe Shopping complex.
He also said that the contractors in Bwari project site Abuja have been paid, and that the Authority is in the process of sand filling and reclaiming its land in Festac Town Lagos.
Finally, the Managing Director announced that the Authority’s Research and Innovation department has become functional and would among other things carry out integrity test for FHA and clients from outside.
The 3 day Workshop drew participants and speakers from Federal Housing Authority and the subsidiaries; FHA Mortgage Bank Ltd and FHA Energy Department.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
In an atmosphere filled with joy, unity, and heartfelt wishes, Jaba Local Government came alive as Honourable Mustapha and Sister Fatima celebrated their union today in a wedding that will be remembered forever.
The occasion was graced by esteemed personalities and dignitaries and prominent figures within and outside Kaduna State, who gathered not only to honour the couple but also to offer guidance, blessings, and sincere prayers for a successful marriage.
Speaking through the Jaba LGA Council Speaker, Hon. Dogo Zachariah, the Executive Chairperson of Jaba Local Government, Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku, expressed her deepest gratitude for being part of such a meaningful and memorable celebration.
Hon. Laria congratulated the newlyweds couple and encouraged them to embrace unity, love, and mutual respect in their marriage. She urged the couple to always see themselves as one and remain committed to understanding each other no matter the challenges they may encounter.
Hon. Laria warned the couple against allowing external influences or rumours to interfere in their relationship. “As a married couple, it’s crucial to cultivate trust and open communication,” Hon. Laria advised. “Never allow outsiders to sow discord or bring confusion into your home.”
She further appealed to the general public to avoid meddling in private marital affairs, reminding them that interfering negatively can damage the foundation of any union.
During the event, Professor Yasuf Joe Gandu, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences at Bingham University, Nasarawa State, also shared his thoughts. Prof. Gandu encouraged the couple to remain patient, tolerant, and supportive of one another. “You’ll never find a perfect husband or a perfect wife,” he said. “But through patience, love, and mutual understanding, couples can build a strong, everlasting relationship.”
The ceremony was further enriched with royal blessings, delivered on behalf of the Kpop Ham, HRH. Danladi Gyet Maude, through the District Head of Fada, His Royal Highness M.D Shehu, also known as the Tafidan Jaba.
HRH. Shehu extended his heartfelt prayers and blessings to Hon. Mustapha and Sister Fatima, wishing them a life filled with peace, love, and unity. He urged them to always strive for harmony and be each other’s support system through all phases of life.
The Royal Father also prayed for safe journey for all attendees, blessing them with journey mercies as they returned to their homes.
Lastly the newlyweds couple, Hon. Mustapha and Sister Fatima filled with emotion and gratitude, expressed their appreciation to everyone who had supported them during their journey to marriage. Surrounded by smiling faces and heartfelt wishes, Hon. Mustapha addressed the gathering with humility and thankfulness.
“We are truly blessed to have so many loved ones standing with us today,” he said. “Your prayers, love, and sacrifices mean the world to us. To those who travelled long distances, may your journey back be safe and peaceful.”
Sister Fatima, radiating grace and joy, echoed with heartfelt thanks to the families, friends, and well-wishers who made the day so special.
In a touching moment, the couple, Hon. Mustapha and Sister Fatima directed particular appreciation toward Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku for her extraordinary support and genuine kindness throughout their weeding preparations and on the wedding day itself. “Words cannot fully express our gratitude,” Hon. Mustapha said.
“May God reward you abundantly for your generosity, warmth, and encouragement. Your presence, support and prayers have added great meaning to our union, thank you so much Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku.”Hon. Mustapha added.
Seriake Dickson, senator representing Bayelsa west, says Ijaw Nation is not at war with the federal government or President Bola Tinubu.
Dickson spoke on Saturday after his visit to Siminalaye Fubara, suspended governor of Rivers, at his residence in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The lawmaker pleaded with Tinubu to prevail on Nyesom Wike, minister of FCT, and Fubara to find a common ground for a quick resolution of their dispute.
“On the part of the President, I would like to state that the Ijaw nation is not at war with the federal government or with the President,and we are looking up to him as the leader of the nation to lead in the resolution of the issues and restore normalcy and democratic rule,” the statement reads.
“I call on all leaders from the Niger Delta both at the state and national level to play an active part in the resolution of this issue.”
He noted that the Niger Deltans and Ijaw Nation have always seen the president as a partner and not a foe irrespective of party differences.
Dickson also appealed with Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers, to refrain from actions that do not build confidence or aid the quick resolution of the crisis in the state.
He thanked the people of Rivers and security personnel for maintaining peace and order in the midst of such “rare political development”.
“In this regard, I want to appeal to all our people, the youths of Rivers state, and in particular the youths of Ijaw nation, in Rivers state and across the Niger Delta, from Arugbo in Ondo state, to Ibeno in Akwa Ibom state, to continue to be peaceful and resist any provocation or incitement to violence,” he added.
“They should refrain from violence and destructive tendencies, particularly the destruction and vandalization of strategic oil and gas infrastructure in the region, which has the tendency to cause further pollution-damage to our already compromised environment.
“I also urge the sole administrator, who himself is a highly decorated and respected military veteran from the Niger Delta region, to refrain from actions that do not build confidence and aid the quick and amicable resolution of the crisis.”
Dickson has been vocal about his stance on the emergency rule in Rivers. He staged a walkout from the upper legislative chamber prior to its approval by the senate.