Nyesom Wike reveals the Political Party he will be staying to fight his wars
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, reaffirmed his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday, August 21, dismissing speculation about a possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This declaration comes amid an ongoing power struggle within the Rivers State PDP chapter.
Wike, who served as the governor of Rivers State, was appointed FCT Minister by President Bola Tinubu of the APC. Despite this, Wike emphasized that his loyalty remains with the PDP, even as he faces opposition from Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other party figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He pledged to fight for justice within the party and protect the rights of its members.
Clarifying his appointment by President Tinubu, Wike stated that it does not signal an impending switch to the APC. Instead, he sees his role as a testament to his belief in Tinubu’s ability to address Nigeria’s challenges, which is why he supported Tinubu in the 2023 election.
He said: “I will not leave PDP even when the fight at home (Rivers state) and at the national level gets tougher. I will fight to the last. I am not prepared to join the APC. I have said it, and I want to repeat it again. The work I am doing here was handed over to me by the president, and I am focused on achieving the task before me. I will not fold my arms and allow the party I have suffered for over the years to continuously do injustice to members. I will not accept that.”
Wike’s remarks came a day after the PDP Board of Trustees expressed support for Governor Fubara amidst the ongoing conflict between Wike and his successor.
In another matter, Wike declared the Park and Pay scheme in the nation’s capital illegal. He criticized the current revenue-sharing arrangement, where the consultant takes 80% of the funds, leaving only 20% for the FCT administration.
He explained that a senior advocate had alerted him to a scheme siphoning government funds under the guise of a legal operation. Wike highlighted the challenges in managing the sprawling FCT administration and the importance of addressing such issues.
“The incident unfolded when a senior advocate reached out to him with a troubling report. He said, ‘Sir, some people came to our office and are trying to seize our cars. They claim to be from the Transport Secretariat.’ I asked him to give the person the phone, and I asked the person, ‘Who are you?’ He said he is from ‘Park and Pay from the Transport Secretariat.’”
Wike, unaware of such activities, immediately sought clarification.
“I wasn’t aware of this, so I called the person in charge. I asked, ‘Who collects the money?’ Unknown to us, there are agreements between the secretariat and some people who claim to be consultants. So, the consultant takes 80%, and the FCT administration takes 20%,” Wike explained.
This revelation has sparked a broader conversation about transparency and accountability within the FCT’s operations. Wike made it clear that such activities are illegal and that immediate action would be taken to dismantle the operation.
He said: “I’m trying to say that it’s illegal, and nothing like that exists. And if my colleague hadn’t called me, I wouldn’t have known. This incident has not only brought to light a specific case of corruption but has also highlighted the importance of vigilance in governance.”
Wike’s swift response is expected to trigger a broader investigation into similar practices across the FCT, ensuring that government resources are protected from exploitation by unscrupulous individuals.
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Fasting commences as Sultan of Sokoto declares Saturday as 1st Ramadan 1446 AH
Fasting commences as Sultan of Sokoto declares Saturday as 1st Ramadan 1446 AH
Dr Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has declared Saturday, March 1, 2025, as the first day of Ramadan 1446 AH in Nigeria.
The Sultan made the announcement in a nationwide radio and television broadcast on Friday, confirming the sighting of the new crescent of Ramadan in various parts of the country.
He stated that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across Nigeria.
“After due verification and authentication by the National Moon Sighting Committee, as well as confirmations from state committees, the new moon of Ramadan was officially recognised, marking the end of Sha’aban 1446 AH.
“In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims are to commence fasting on Saturday, March 1,” the Sultan declared.
He urged Muslim faithful to dedicate themselves to the worship of Allah (SWT) throughout the holy month and to use this period to pray for prevailing peace across the country and also pray for the leaders.
Additionally, the Sultan encouraged wealthy individuals to assist the less privileged, emphasising the importance of religious tolerance and unity among Nigerians.
He prayed to the Almighty to strengthen the leaders in their commitment to leading the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, refers to abstinent from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset with the intention of worshiping Almighty Allah.
NAN also reports that Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred period during which adult Muslims observe compulsory fasting from dawn to sunset for a complete month. (NAN)
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Atiku tells President Tinubu how to handle sexual harassment allegations against Senate President
Atiku tells President Tinubu how to handle sexual harassment allegations against Senate President
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the claims of sexual harassment, intimidation, and maltreatment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement he personally signed on Friday, he said the allegations are grave and deserve to be investigated.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections affirmed that the Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people.
“Those who serve in it — especially its leadership — must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect, both for their office and for the Nigerian citizens they serve,” he said.
Atiku noted that as the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility.
“As the chief presiding officer of the Upper Chamber, the Senate President has a duty to champion the protection and empowerment of Nigerian women through legislation — not to be the subject of allegations that undermine those very principles,” Atiku stated.
He admonished that the handling of this matter will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in governance.
“I urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate itself to take these allegations seriously by ensuring a credible, transparent, and independent investigation.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“This moment demands careful and principled action to uphold the integrity of our institutions and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect,” Atiku concluded.
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Akpabio’s Wife reacts to s3xual harassment allegations against husband by Senator Natasha
Akpabio’s Wife reacts to s3xual harassment allegations against husband by Senator Natasha
Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, The wife of Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, has strongly refuted the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), describing them as entirely false and unfounded.
In a statement to journalists on Friday, Mrs. Akpabio defended her husband’s character, describing him as a disciplined and respectful individual, known for his good humor and deep respect for women.
She stressed that the allegations were baseless and did not reflect the true nature of her husband, asserting that they were a misrepresentation of the man she knows.
The allegations were initially raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who claimed that her challenges in the Senate began after she turned down inappropriate advances from Senator Akpabio.
Mrs. Akpabio quickly dismissed these accusations, emphasizing the longstanding cordial relationship between both families. She firmly rejected the notion that any such incident took place, asserting that it was merely a product of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s imagination.
Recalling the events of December 8, 2023—the date the alleged incident supposedly occurred—Mrs. Akpabio pointed out that she had been present at their family residence on that day. She also stressed the enduring relationship between their families, which had existed long before Natasha’s marriage, further underlining the improbability of the allegations.
Moreover, Mrs. Akpabio praised her husband’s track record in championing women’s participation in governance, citing his unwavering support for female inclusion long before he became Senate President.
In a stern message, she urged women to avoid making unfounded accusations and vowed to pursue legal action to address the matter.
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