News
Wike woos Sween, Rwandan investors on tourism, environmental management
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, wooed investors from Sweden and Rwanda, to invest in the territory’s tourism sector and environmental management.
Wike expressed the FCT Administration’s readiness for the partnership when the Swedish Ambassador and Rwandan High Commissioner visited him in Abuja.
The minister said that the FCTA was open to partner with Swedish investors to develop tourism centres in the FCT.
“Tourism is one key area that people would like to see developed in Abuja.
“We will be happy if we partner together and develop some tourist centres with companies who have the capacity and the capabilities,” he said.
The minister added that Sweden was known for its advancement in technology and agriculture.
“So, we will be willing to partner with some of your companies who are interested in investing in FCT.
“Our responsibility is to make sure the environment is very convenient and conducive for everybody to carry out their daily activities,” he added.
The minister also pledged to collaborate with Rwandan investors in environmental management, towards building a cleaner and environmentally friendly city.
Earlier, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hahn-Englund, said that Sweden has a strength in infrastructural development, including public transportation.
She particularly said that the Swedish Red Fund was currently doing a feasibility study in Lagos on energy and biofuel for public transportation.
“It would be of interest also to look into something similar here in Abuja.
“So, infrastructure, transportation and other areas where we are very strong are energy, telecommunications just to mention a few, with companies like Ericsson,” she said.
Similarly, the Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, said that some investors from Rwanda were already showing interest in the FCT environmental sector. (NAN)
Some constituents in Kogi central have reportedly initiated a recall process against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing the senatorial district in the national assembly.
Several videos posted on social media on Wednesday show the constituents lining up to sign their signatures as part of the process.
A source in Kogi, who would not want to be named in the media, confirmed to TheCable that the recall process is ongoing.
The source added that the constituents mobilised heavily to recall the female lawmaker.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexually harassing her.
She was suspended from the senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct” following her seating arrangement altercation with Akpabio.
The process of recalling a senator is outlined in section 69 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The process involves the electorate in the senator’s constituency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and a referendum.
The recall process is expected to take two days across all polling units in the five LGAs of the Kogi central senatorial district.
During the exercise, constituents will be required to sign a petition to the INEC, calling for the senator’s recall.
The INEC, upon receipt of the petition, will thereafter verify the signatures of each constituent to determine whether they are truly registered voters in the senatorial district or not before proceeding with the exercise.
A catastrophic accident rocked the Karu Bridge near Nyanya, Abuja, after a fully loaded fuel tanker suffered brake failure, ramming into several vehicles and igniting a massive inferno.
Witnesses report that the impact was immediate, as flames engulfed the crash site, triggering multiple explosions that sent debris flying across the area.
According to early reports, the tanker was carrying compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders in addition to liquid fuel.
Several powerful explosions were recorded, with fireballs and shrapnel soaring as high as 700 meters into the sky. Some projectiles were reportedly flung up to 900 meters from the crash site, resembling the devastating force seen in previous industrial disasters.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror as people scrambled for safety. Several vehicles were instantly consumed by the fire, trapping occupants inside.
Emergency responders, including fire service personnel and medical teams, rushed to the scene to contain the blaze and assist victims.
“I saw the tanker coming at high speed, swerving dangerously before it crashed. Within seconds, there was an explosion, and fire spread everywhere,” said a survivor who managed to escape from a nearby vehicle.
While the full extent of casualties remains unclear, officials fear significant loss of life due to the intensity of the explosions. Authorities have yet to confirm the number of victims, but multiple injuries and fatalities are expected. The inferno also caused heavy damage to nearby structures and vehicles.
… NLC, TUC want immediate reversal
… Its clear violation of constitution – Amaechi
… FG defends action
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers state.
On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the south-south state.
The president also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and members of the state assembly.
Tinubu nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator of Rivers state.
In a joint statement, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, presidents of NLC and TUC, respectively, called the declaration “a direct assault on democracy” and “an overreach of executive power”.
The labour bodies called on President Tinubu to exercise restraint and respect constitutional limits rather than taking actions capable of jeopaising national security, economic stability, and democratic governance.
“It sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments,” the statement reads.
“No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President. This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law.”
“We, therefore, call on Mr. President to revoke this unconstitutional declaration in compliance with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which clearly outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.
“The President, as the custodian of the nation’s executive powers, must exercise restraint, respect constitutional limits, and act in a manner that inspires national confidence rather than suspicion.
“Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and we cannot afford to repeat such mistakes.
“We demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers. Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.”