Stop Further Demolitions – Senate Orders Wike

Concerned by widely circulating reports about sharp practices bordering on land grabbing, amongst others, the Nigerian Senate has instructed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to stop all demolitions in the FCT, except those ordered by the courts. The instruction by the senate shall subsist until full investigation is completed on the demolition exercise in the FCT. READ ALSO: Defamation Saga: Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee asked to Debar Farotimi An ad hoc committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, has therefore, been empaneled to look into the matter.  The committee is expected to submit a report within two weeks.  This decision follows concerns raised by Senator Ireti Kingibe, who claimed that proper procedures were not followed during the demolitions that were recently approved by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT.

I Don’t Need Tinubu’s Permission To Embark On Projects – Wike Replies Kinigbe

By Our Correspondent  The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has asserted his independence in initiating projects, stating that apart from the President, Bola Tinubu, he does not require authorization from anyone to commence developments. Wike made these remarks during the commencement ceremony of the Kwaita-Yebu Road project in Kwali Area Council, estimated at ₦7 billion. This statement comes amidst a disagreement with FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe, who criticized Wike for undertaking infrastructure projects deemed irrelevant to FCT residents. Addressing critics at the event, Wike clarified, “For those unaware and without constructive criticism, suggesting we only focus on road construction, we are indeed making significant impacts. I do not need external approval to decide on project priorities.” He emphasized, “I am only accountable to the President, who appointed me. Therefore, no one else can dictate our development agenda or misinform the public about our educational initiatives.”

Senate urges police to recover 36 children trafficked out of FCT…calls on the social department of the FCT to ensure that the registration of orphanages and shelter be properly checked and verified

The Senate has ordered the Nigerian Police Force to immediately rescue 36 children who were abducted and believed to be trafficked out of the federal capital territory (FCT). This is as it requested that the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) establish systems to prevent child trafficking throughout the nation. It also urged the social department of the FCT to ensure that the registration of orphanages and shelter be properly checked and verified. The resolutions were sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT) during Thursday’s plenary. Moving her motion, Kingibe disclosed that four (4) out of the Forty (40) children abducted were recovered from a lady known as Success Nwako. “On February 18, 2024, a complaint alleging illicit activities bordering on stealing, abduction and trafficking of children perpetrated by one Madam Success Nwako of the Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Kuje area councils, was addressed to me in a letter forwarded by the missing children parents association (MCPA), an NGO based in Gwagwalada area council,” she said. “It was alleged that the ugly menace started in the wake of 2018 and continued unabated to date in spite of relentless efforts to stem the tide of this ugly scenario. “On the 4th of January, 2024, Madam Success was apprehended by the police with the help of a vigilante group along the Gwagwalada expressway with two abducted children. “Upon investigation by the police, it was unraveled that the abduction and stealing of children were carried out by a syndicate , nd this led to the arrest of three accomplices, while others are at large.” In his contribution, Senator Oyewumi Olalere (PDP, Osun West) said, “I just want us to commend the effort of the Nigerian Police, the vigilante and the good synergy that exist between them that led to the arrest of the woman in question.”