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FCT Minister To Construct 5km Road Across Area Council

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… Reiterates commitment to renewed hope agenda

By Abubakar Yunusa Ojimaojo

The FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has reiterated his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The Minister who stated this when he received former Senator representing the FCT, Senator Philip Aduda of the PDP and the APC candidate for the FCT Senatorial seat in the last election, Honorable Zakari Angulu Dobi on a courtesy visit to the FCTA, called on politicians, irrespective of their political party to join hands with the President to achieve the objectives of the Renewed Hope agenda.

Barr. Wike commended the lawmakers who though belonging to opposing political parties had resolved to work together for the overall interest of the FCT and its residents.

He said: “Let me thank you on behalf of the Honourable Minister of State and the Mandate Secretaries for this visit. What you have done today is what is supposed to be, members of two political parties who had elections against each other coming to say no this is not the issue of party A or party B but the issue of the development of the Federal Capital Territory. I commend you for that spirit”.

The Minister assured his guests that what is currently happening in the FCT was a testament of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the president is also mindful of the indigenous population of the FCT,hence the appointment of an indigene as a cabinet minister, a feat, he said, was the first since the creation of the FCT.

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Barr. Wike said: “What is happening in the FCT is part of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, giving hope to the residents as well as identifying that there are people from this area even though it is a Federal Capital Territory. And this is the first time any president has done it by appointing somebody from the FCT as Minister. That is why we say, we need a man with the political will to do those things people are afraid of doing. And he has kept to that faith.

“And those of us who are here will give him the necessary support to achieve what he promised Nigerians. For us, we want to work with everybody. It does not matter which party you belong to, it is about the development of the FCT and we must work together to be able to achieve this”.

The Minster who cited the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission and the withdrawal of the FCTA from the TSA as part of the President’s promises for the FCT, stressed that career progression, which the Commission stands to bring, was a great motivation for civil servants to put in their best while the removal of the FCTA from TSA signifies rapid development for the entire FCT.

“The removal of FCTA from TSA is to encourage development, particularly infrastructural development in the FCT. With this singular effort, you will see what will happen in the FCT in years to come”, he added.

Barr. Wike also disclosed that the President has directed the construction of a minimum of 5km road in each of the six Area Councils of the FCT before May 29, 2024 as part of efforts to develop the Area Councils, adding that development will not focus in the city only.

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He said: “Mr President has directed that we carry out a 5km road in each Area Council. We have six Area Councils and we are working hard before May 29 to achieve 30km road in the Area Councils. It is something unprecedented and the President is fully committed to development not just within the city but in the rural areas also”.

The Minister urged residents to be patient with government as tough decisions would be made for the overall good of the nation’s capital.

“I urge residents to be patient. We are going to take tough decisions. Resident should not see it as punitive but for the good of the FCT”, he said.

Earlier, Senator Aduda had assured the Minister of their unflinching support, saying that, “For us it is about how to develop the FCT”.

While congratulating the Minister, the lawmaker commended him for the great developmental strides in the FCT since he assumed office, which, he said, was true to his nick name of “Mr Project”.

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Underperformance: Ex-Kaduna Chair Replies Jagaba, Says Abbas Among Top-Ranking Ministers

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By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

The former Executive Chairman of Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Hon. Nasara Rabo, has countered recent allegations of underperformance against the Minister of Environment, Mal. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, asserting that the minister ranks among the top performers in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Nasara was responding to calls for the minister’s removal by the former National Youth Coordinator of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Mr. Nasiru Jagaba.

He dismissed Nasiru’s claims, arguing that a thorough assessment of the Ministry of Environment’s policies, initiatives, and impact on environmental sustainability tells a different story. He stressed that such calls for removal should be based on facts, not mere opinions.

“Nasiru, who once led SOKAPU’s youth wing, should understand the process of appointing and removing a Minister in Nigeria. The duties and functions of a Minister are clearly outlined in the Nigerian Constitution and the establishment acts of various ministries. Each minister operates based on budgetary provisions and presidential approvals,” he said.

Nasara referenced a recent ministerial performance ranking conducted by Hadiza Usman, Special Assistant to the President on Coordinating Ministries, which highlighted Malam Abbas Lawal’s significant achievements in tackling deforestation, promoting renewable energy, and enforcing environmental protection laws.

“I would advise Nasiru to familiarize himself with the national and international programs and projects spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment before making calls for the Minister’s removal. The minister has introduced innovative initiatives, including waste management reforms and climate resilience strategies, earning widespread recognition from stakeholders and the public,” Nasara added.

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He further emphasized that each Minister operates based on an allocated budget and presidential directives, stating, “Key performance indicators such as policy implementation, environmental sustainability efforts, and public impact underscore the Minister’s dedication to addressing pressing ecological challenges.”

In addition to his environmental efforts, Nasara noted that the minister has supported Kaduna State indigenes by sponsoring students in various Universities across the country, covering their tuition fees.

Observers, he said, have commended the Minister’s proactive engagement with international partners, successful acquisition of funding for green projects, and policies that align with global environmental standards. These achievements, he maintained, reinforce the administration’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.

“As the Ministry of Environment continues to enhance national environmental policies, the Minister’s outstanding performance sets a benchmark for other ministries. His work reaffirms the importance of prioritizing ecological conservation for future generations,” Nasara stated.

He concluded by acknowledging the role of criticism in governance but insisted that Nasiru Jagaba’s claims of underperformance do not align with the ministry’s tangible progress.

“The Minister of Environment has demonstrated commitment to sustainability, policy implementation, and stakeholder engagement, making significant strides despite challenges. Constructive dialogue and continued support will ensure even greater success in environmental Governance,” Nasara said.

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11 killed as bandits attack, set villages ablaze in Kebbi

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No fewer than 11 people have been killed in coordinated attacks by suspected notorious bandits in some villages in Arewa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kebbi.

Police Public Relations Officer of Kebbi State command, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

Abubakar said: “On 09/03/2025 at about 2047hrs, suspected Lakurawa bandits in their large numbers with sophisticated weapons invaded Dogon Daji, Danmarke, Yar Goru, Tambo, Birnin Debi, Garin Nagoro and Garin Rugga villages.

“They are all in Arewa LGA and are border communities between Nigeria and Niger Republic.

“As a result, 11 people lost their lives, and two others sustained gunshot wounds. The suspected bandits also set ablaze some houses at the affected villages,” he stated.

The Police image maker added that on receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Bello Sani, swiftly mobilised to the scene for an on the spot assessment.

Abubakar noted that the CP interacted with the Police, Army, Civil Defence, and the vigilance group that had been deployed to the areas to combat crimes.

“The CP equally condemned the unfortunate incident and instantly reviewed the security architecture of the area by deploying additional tactical teams.

“He charged them to decisively deal with suspected Lakurawa bandits operating in the area.

“The CP also had a meeting with critical stakeholders in the area, where he commiserated with them, and appealed to them to always assist the Police and other security agencies with relevant and timely information for prompt response.”

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Houses set ablaze in Jigawa communal clash

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At least 26 thatched houses and 16 granaries were burnt in a communal clash in Taura Local Government Area (LGA) of Jigawa, the police have confirmed.

Police spokesman SP Lawan Shiisu said in a statement in Dutse on Monday that the incident occurred during a conflict between residents of two communities in the LGA.

“On Sunday, at about 21:45 hours, residents of Gidan Na Ruwa Fulani Settlement, Taura LGA, saw a large group from Zangon Maje Village flashing torches and chanting war slogans.

“This prompted all villagers to flee for their lives,” he added.

Shiisu said that, upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Taura and his patrol team swiftly rushed to the scene.

“When they arrived, the team discovered that youths from Zangon Maje had attacked and set fire to 24 thatched houses and 16 local granaries,” Shiisu said.

He explained that a preliminary investigation showed the trouble began when Musa Hussaini, 20, and Shanu Sule, 26, both from Zangon Maje, were beaten and their motorcycle stolen.

As a result, the victims raised the alarm and mobilised members of their community to retaliate, leading to the violent confrontation.

Shiisu, however, said normalcy had since been restored, and patrols were being intensified to prevent further disturbances.

According to him, the Area Commander in charge of Ringim led a police team to the affected areas on Monday, meeting stakeholders and engaging in dialogue.

Shiisu added that five suspects had been arrested and were in custody, assisting with the investigation.

“The command urges citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to report grievances to the proper authorities for a swift response,” Shiisu said.

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He warned that anyone found guilty of violence would face severe consequences. (NAN)

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