Tag Archives: Wike

Wike’s Aide slams former CAOS Buratai over comment on Minister’s clash with Naval officer

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Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Publicity and Communications to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticized former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), over his comments on the minister’s altercation with a naval officer in Abuja.

Speaking on Channels Television on Wednesday, Olayinka said he was surprised that Buratai was more focused on the minister’s confrontation with a uniformed officer than on the broader issue of military personnel being deployed for non-security duties.

Read Also: Wike, military officer trade words over alleged land grabbing in Abuja

“When I read the statement by Tukur Buratai, I was like — a former Chief of Army Staff is not concerned about talking to a uniform man. He’s not concerned about military men who should be at the war front,” Olayinka said.

“Naval officers who should be in the Chad Basin confronting terrorists are being converted into private guards guarding uncompleted buildings. Which one is a security threat to Nigeria?” he added.

Olayinka maintained that the naval officer involved in the confrontation acted unlawfully, stressing that “not all orders are lawful.” He said Wike, as FCT Minister, had every right to question the presence of armed personnel on a disputed piece of land.

His remarks followed Buratai’s earlier warning that the altercation between Wike and the naval officer posed a “clear and present danger to national security.”

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, Buratai described the minister’s conduct as “a public humiliation of a soldier” and “an attack on the foundation of national order.”

He further advised Wike to issue a public apology to President Bola Tinubu and the naval officer.

Defence Minister backs officer Yerima over clash with Wike, says “he did well”

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Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has thrown his support behind Lieutenant Yerima, the naval officer who confronted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a recent altercation over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.

A viral video of the incident showed a heated exchange between Wike and the officer, sparking widespread public reactions across the country.

Speaking on Wednesday at a ministerial press briefing ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Celebration in Abuja, Badaru commended Yerima’s conduct, describing his actions as professional and within the bounds of his duty.

Read Also: Wike, military officer trade words over alleged land grabbing in Abuja

“We will always protect our officer. He has done well. We won’t allow anything to happen to him,” the minister said, according to TVC News.

Badaru further disclosed that the government has launched an investigation into the incident, assuring that no harm will come to any officer performing legitimate duties.

“At the Ministry, and indeed within the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty. We are looking into this issue, and I assure you that any officer performing his duty legitimately will be fully protected,” he added.

Defence minister unveils ‘Thank A Soldier’ App

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The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has unveiled a digital initiative tagged “Thank A Soldier”, designed to connect Nigerians with serving troops and families of fallen heroes.

Badaru, while briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, said the initiative was designed as part of activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD).

He said the interactive platform, accessible via a QR Code, allows citizens to send personalised messages of appreciation and tributes to members of the Armed Forces.

He described the 2026 celebration, themed “Valour, Sacrifice and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes” as a national moment of reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices of the military in preserving Nigeria’s peace and sovereignty.

The Minister said the celebration also provides an opportunity to strengthen the bond between the military and civilians through acts of remembrance, community service, and national solidarity.

According to him, highlights of the celebration include the National Emblem Appeal Launch by President Bola Tinubu on Nov. 27, interfaith services, humanitarian day, a national symposium, and the wreath-laying ceremony on Jan. 15, 2026.

Badaru said this year’s approach would integrate more youth and civil society participation to deepen civic responsibility and patriotic consciousness.

Read Also: We’ll defend every officer on lawful duty, says Badaru

“We are telling our soldiers — and their families — that Nigeria remembers, appreciates, and stands with them,” he said.

He commended President Tinubu for his support under the Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring that the Ministry of Defence would sustain reforms to enhance national security and troop welfare.

The Minister urged Nigerians to proudly wear the remembrance emblem and to “honour our past, support our present, and secure our future.”

On the achievement of the armed forces in tackling insecurity, Badaru said the military had neutralised over 13,000 terrorists and criminals, rescued nearly 10,000 hostages, and arrested more than 17,000 suspects across the country since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.

He added that more than 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP combatants and their families had surrendered to troops, while sustained operations across theatres continued to degrade terrorist networks and criminal enclaves.

According to him, joint operations also dismantled over 1,900 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta, reduced oil theft, and curtailed maritime crimes through improved naval patrols and air surveillance.

“Synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, supported by new acquisitions and local defence production, has boosted the country’s counterterrorism and counterinsurgency capabilities,” he said.

Badaru noted that Tinubu’s investment in modern platforms, including armoured vehicles, naval vessels, and unmanned aerial systems, had repositioned the military to meet evolving security challenges.
He commended the gallantry of troops serving in various theatres, saying their courage continues to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.

“The liberty, peace, and stability we enjoy are secured daily through the courage of our men and women in uniform, those serving, those who have served, and those who paid the supreme price,” he said.

Wike, military officer trade words over alleged land grabbing in Abuja

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A heated confrontation broke out on Tuesday between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a yet-to-be-identified military officer over an alleged case of land grabbing at Gaduwa District, Abuja.

A viral video of the altercation, obtained by News Access NG, showed an angry Wike accusing the officer of illegally taking over a parcel of land in the area.

Visibly displeased, the minister questioned why the military was claiming ownership of the land, reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.

“Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” Wike said in the video.

The officer, dressed in full military camouflage, interrupted the minister, insisting that the land acquisition was legitimate.

Read Also: FCTA to screen food handlers for hepatitis – Wike

“I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally,” the officer replied.

Wike, clearly angered by the interjection, ordered him to keep quiet, but the officer stood his ground, responding, “I will not shut up.”

The confrontation quickly escalated, with Wike firing back:

“You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”

Despite the exchange, the officer maintained that he was deployed to the site under official orders.

“You will see if you will not leave here. Go and develop there and let me see,” Wike retorted as the encounter grew more tense.

As of press time, neither the Nigerian military nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had released an official statement on the incident.

Land disputes and illegal allocations remain a persistent issue in Abuja. Since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has intensified enforcement against unauthorised land acquisition, illegal property development, and encroachments on government-designated zones.

The minister has also supervised multiple demolition exercises, vowing to restore the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan and ensure accountability in land administration across the FCT.

Tinubu setting country on path of positive development – Wike

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says President Bola Tinubu is putting Nigeria on the path of positive development.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Friday while inaugurating the construction of Collector Road C01 in the Institution and Research District.

The road links the Body of Benchers complex to the Nile University and Baze University areas of the city.

He noted that Tinubu never promised to solve all Nigeria’s problems but is focused on placing the nation on a sustainable path of progress.

“When he finishes, another person will come and continue from there,” Wike said.

Read Also: FCTA to screen food handlers for hepatitis – Wike

He added that challenges would always arise, stressing that no leader could solve every problem within a single tenure or administration.

“What matters is that, when you have an opportunity, you make your own contribution.

“History will record what you did while in office, and that is what truly countsp,” he said.

Wike said his administration in the FCT would continue to deliver projects that meet citizens’ needs within available time and resources.

He explained that the greatest beneficiaries of the new road would not be the Body of Benchers but the two private universities in the area.

“I hope these private institutions, which benefit from this road, will acknowledge what the Tinubu administration is doing.

“If you recognise such efforts, you become a good citizen, and that is the duty of every good citizen,” Wike said. (NAN)

FCTA to screen food handlers for hepatitis – Wike

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it will soon begin the screening of food handlers, especially those working in restaurants, markets, bakeries and canteens, for hepatitis.

The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, disclosed this in a message to commemorate the 2025 World Hepatitis Day in Abuja on Wednesday.

In the message, read by Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat,  the minister said that the move was to safeguard public health and food security in the FCT.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at preventing hepatitis and other foodborne diseases.

“This, in the long run, will  protect public health and empower food businesses to operate with enhanced confidence and credibility.”

Read Also: ADC, a desperate coalition of failed politicians, says Wike

The minister pointed out that Hepatitis A and E, primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, could rapidly spread through poor hygiene practices, posing serious risks to the rapidly expanding cosmopolitan city of Abuja.

He added that Hepatitis B and C, predominantly spread through blood and bodily fluids, equally pose a risk in food environments where open wounds or poor hygiene are present,

The minister said that food handlers are, often overlooked, but could play a pivotal role in safeguarding public health.

“Therefore, the FCT Administration, committed to safeguarding public health and food security, is unveiling a strategic initiative to enhance food safety through comprehensive hepatitis screening of food handlers.

“This ambitious initiative is being scaled up through an innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) consortium, in alignment with the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality.

“This PPP consortium will combine efficiency, technical expertise and funding capacity of the private sector with government oversight, to implement regular and mandatory Hepatitis B and C screening for all food handlers within the FCT,” Wike said.

He urged relevant stakeholders, government agencies, private enterprises, healthcare providers and food industry operators to actively support the transformative initiative.

He explained that the stakeholders could support the government through mandatory hepatitis screenings for food handlers, promotion of free and effective Hepatitis B vaccination at public health facilities, enforcement of standardised food safety training, including hepatitis awareness.

Other areas of support he added included rigorous enforcement of licensing, hygiene inspections, and medical screening requirements for food vendors and handlers, and raising awareness and addressing the stigma surrounding hepatitis.

“To us, food handlers are not just service providers; they are essential public health stewards.

“Simple, consistent and safe hygiene practices can significantly reduce hepatitis transmission.

“Let us break the silence. Hygiene cannot wait; screening cannot wait; action cannot wait.

“Together, let’s ensure that FCT leads by example – turning our food industry into a symbol of health, safety and excellence,” he said.

(NAN)

ADC, a desperate coalition of failed politicians, says Wike

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a blistering attack on members of the newly formed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing the group as lacking credibility or the capacity to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking during a media chat with journalists on Thursday, Wike described the coalition as a “desperate fallback” for political figures who failed to gain control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“There is no coalition,” he declared. “The opposition has decimated itself. The only party that can, if properly organised, challenge this government is the PDP.”

He accused former Senate President David Mark of trying to hijack the PDP leadership before defecting to become interim chairman of the ADC-led coalition.

“David Mark wanted to be chairman of the PDP, and we said no,” Wike said. “When they demanded that the chairmanship return to the North Central, we resisted. Now he has gone to lead a coalition. Let’s see who Nigerians will believe.”

Wike also criticised Ovation publisher Dele Momodu, calling him politically irrelevant.

“Dele Momodu was never my friend. He claimed he ran for president—he didn’t get a single vote—and now he’s in this coalition.”

Known for his blunt rhetoric, Wike accused many coalition members of chronic political opportunism, singling out former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for repeatedly switching parties to pursue power.

“Atiku was in the PDP, left for the AC, returned to the PDP, then joined the APC, came back to the PDP—and now he’s with the ADC,” Wike said. “Every time, he jumps ship. They’re just looking for where they can be in charge.”

He questioned their credibility, arguing that their criticisms of government were simply bitterness over personal losses.

Read Also: Wike to pay medical bills of Karu accident victims

“They keep saying Nigerians are angry. Say the truth: you were defeated here. Don’t project your frustration onto the public.”

Wike challenged coalition figures to measure their records against his own achievements in public office.

“If I leave as minister today, I can confidently say, ‘This is what I accomplished.’ Let any of them show what they’ve done.”

He also suggested that former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s involvement in the coalition was driven by disappointment over being sidelined.

“If El-Rufai… if the president hadn’t dumped him, would he be part of any coalition?”

As the 2027 elections draw nearer, Wike insisted that despite internal challenges, the PDP remains the only organised opposition party capable of defeating the APC—provided it stays united.

“Politics is about interests,” he concluded. “Those people tried everything to seize the PDP’s leadership, and we stood firm and said no.”

Wike to pay medical bills of Karu accident victims

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has pledged to cover all medical expenses for the victims of Wednesday’s accident near Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway.

Wike made the announcement in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka.

Expressing his sympathy for the victims, he described the accident as “avoidable.”

“It was painful that precious lives were lost, and vehicles were destroyed in an accident that could have been avoided,” Wike said, extending condolences to the families of the deceased.

He directed the continued treatment of those injured in the crash, further instructing Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, to ensure prompt care for the victims.

“Following my directive, Fasawe visited Asokoro District Hospital on Thursday morning and was part of the medical team that attended to the 17 casualties brought to the facility.”

She informed me that after initial stabilisation, seven were referred to the National Hospital, while six with minor injuries were treated successfully,” Wike said.

Read Also: Wike named 2024 THISDAY, Arise TV Minister of the Year

He further explained that three victims suffering from severe burns, inhalation, and crush injuries were still receiving treatment at the hospital.

”Regrettably, one of the casualties with third-degree burns passed away while undergoing resuscitation.”

Wike emphasised the need for stricter adherence to traffic regulations, particularly by heavy-duty vehicle drivers, urging them to be cautious and comply with speed limits.

He also called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to intensify efforts to enforce traffic laws and ensure the safety of road users.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accident occurred when a truck driver lost control near the Karu Bridge and collided with several vehicles in a traffic jam, causing a massive explosion.

The incident resulted in the deaths of 10 people and left more than 30 others injured, who are now receiving medical attention.

(NAN) 

FULL LIST: Wike revokes 568 land allocations over unpaid C-of-O fees

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the allocation of 568 plots of land in Abuja’s Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, due to non-payment of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees.

The minister in a public notice, explained that the allottees of the plots of land in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, failed to pay for their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) bills after the expiration of the grace period granted by the minister.

According to the Minister, the revocation is in line with Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which allows the withdrawal of land allocations when the terms of the grant are not met.

The notice added that only those who had not made full payments by January 15, 2025, would be affected by the decision.

Read Also: Wike named 2024 THISDAY, Arise TV Minister of the Year

The notice read, “The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) wishes to inform the allottee(s)/title holder(s) of plot(s) of land in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, who have failed to pay for their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) bills after the expiration of the grace period granted by the Honourable Minister, Federal Capital Territory, that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property has been withdrawn, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978 for contravention of the terms of the grant which obligated the title/interest holders to settle all bills.

“The general public is, however, invited to note that allottees/title holders who have completed their payments on or before 15/01/2025 are not affected by this publication.

“For ease of reference, the names of the allottees/title holders whose titles have been withdrawn are: For further information, kindly visit AGIS Website: https://agis.fcta.gov.ng/ or FCTA Website: www.fcta.gov.ng.”

Here is the list of 568 land revoked by Wike over unpaid C-of-O fees

Scavengers, beggars, others slam N500m suit against Wike, others over alleged arrest

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Some vulnerable FCT residents including scavengers, beggars, petty traders, among others, have filed a suit against the Minister, Nyesom Wike, demanding N500 million in damages over alleged breach of their fundamental rights.

A legal practitioner, Abba Hikima, filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024 before Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court in Abuja on behalf of the vulnerable residents.

Hikima, listed as the applicant in the originating motion dated Nov. 19, 2024, but filed Nov. 20, 2024, said he is suing in public interest for the protection of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.

The applicant sued Wike; Inspector-General (I-G) of Police; Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as 1st to 4th respondents.

The lawyer also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Federal Government of Nigeria as 5th to 6th respondents respectively.

He is praying for an order awarding the sum of N500 million as general and exemplary damages for the violation of the fundamental rights of the affected citizens.

He prayed the court to declare that “the arbitrary arrest, detention without charges, harassment and extortion of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, beggars and other vulnerable Nigerians resident in the FCT, constitute a violation of their fundamental rights.

The rights, they said, are guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as altered).”

“A declaration that the treatment of vulnerable citizens, including verbal harassment, physical threats, extortion, and detention without charge, constitutes inhumane and degrading treatment contrary to Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“A declaration that Nigerians regardless of their economic status, place, birth or appearance, have the liberty to move freely in the FCT, Abuja including the liberty to sleep on public roads without let, permission or hindrance whatsoever in accordance with the spirit and purpose of Sections 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution.”

He is, therefore, seeking “an order directing the respondents to issue a public apology to the affected individuals and Nigerian citizens at large for the inhumane, arbitrary and unconstitutional treatment meted on them pursuant to the directive of the 1st respondent (Wike) dated the 22nd October, 2024.

“An order mandating the respondents to set in motion and implement immediate policies and reforms, including public education for the realisation of the fundamental human rights of vulnerable Nigerians residing in Nigeria.”

Hikima, in the affidavit he deposed to, averred that on Nov. 12, 2024, at about 11pm, while passing through Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja, he personally sighted a convoy of a joint task force security operatives and enforcement officers, including personnel of the military and police arresting numerous individuals perceived as homeless persons, scavengers and beggars.

Read Also: Fubara prays Appeal Court to vacate order stopping Rivers’ allocations

He alleged that those arrested include hawkers of goods such as ice cream, sweets and biscuits; petty traders conducting lawful businesses along the roadside and persons dressed in ways reflecting their economic hardship or appearing homeless.

According to him, in my presence, these individuals were forcefully apprehended, verbally harassed and subjected to physical threats in full view of all passersby, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

He said he felt devastated as a human rights lawyer, and decided to trail the task force’s motorcade from a reasonable distance to Eagle Square along Shehu Shagari Way where they dropped off the victims.

He said he went back to the place where these persons were arrested and was able to get contacts of some of the victims.

He said on Nov. 15, 2024, he organised a meeting with three of the victims namely, Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi and Judith Samuel, whose testimonies were recorded and verily believed to be correct and true.

The lawyer said the minister gave a directive for the arrest on Oct. 22, 2024, and that it was in the guise of enforcing the directive that the joint task force was constituted to carry out the directive.

According to him, it is not a crime to be homeless, beg or embark on a petty trade in Nigeria.

He said the homelessness, begging and petty trading for which the trio of Abdullatif, Talatu and Judith were arrested, detained and humiliated was occasioned by the harsh and unbearable government policies being experienced all over the country.

Hikima also attributes their plights to government’s failure and ineptitude in providing vulnerable Nigerians with security and decent lives.

The lawyer urged the court to grant their reliefs in the interest of justice to protect the fundamental rights of citizens and ensure accountability for the respondents’ actions.

When the matter was called, Usman Chamo, who appeared for the applicant, told the court that the matter was fixed for hearing.

Chamo said all the respondents had been duly served.

A.P. Korobo-Tamono, who appeared for DSS, equally informed the court that a counter affidavit was filed and served on the applicant counsel.

However, no lawyer appeared for the minister, I-G, NSCDC, AGF and the FGN.

Justice Omotosho, who ordered that hearing notice be issued and served on the respondents who were not represented in court, adjourned the matter until Feb. 4 for hearing.

(NAN)