Tension in Abuja as military officers clash with FCT Minister Wike, over disputed piece of land
Tension in Abuja as Soldiers clash with FCT Minister Wike, over disputed piece of land
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday visited Plot 1946 in Gaduwa District, Abuja, after reports that soldiers had taken control of the disputed land, allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd).
During the unscheduled visit, Wike expressed outrage that officials from the FCT Department of Development Control were chased away by armed soldiers while attempting to enforce a stop-work order earlier issued by his office. The soldiers reportedly blocked entry to the plot with a truck and physically prevented the minister from accessing the site.
“You are aware that the land departments and Development Control have been mandated to monitor illegal developments and land grabbing in the FCT. When this matter was brought to my attention, I directed that nothing should take place on that plot since there were no legal documents or urban regional approvals. Unfortunately, I was informed that soldiers chased our officials away,” Wike said.
The minister said he was surprised that the soldiers, allegedly acting on the former Naval Chief’s instructions, had occupied the property. “I don’t understand how someone who once occupied such a high office cannot come to the FCT Minister to explain his situation but instead uses soldiers to intimidate people. I am not one of those who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” he added.
According to Wike, development control officials requested the necessary land documents and building approvals, but none were produced. “How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country? What about those who do not have the military or security forces to protect them?” he questioned.
Condemning the use of security operatives to frustrate legitimate government enforcement actions, Wike stressed that such behavior would not be tolerated under his watch. He disclosed that he had spoken with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that the matter would be resolved amicably.
“We are not here for confrontation or to cause chaos, but I will not allow illegality to thrive. The same way we enforce the law in other parts of Abuja is the same way we will do here. No one, not even a former Chief of Naval Staff, is above the law,” Wike declared.
In recent months, the FCT Administration has intensified efforts to curb land racketeering and illegal developments, demolishing several high-profile properties for noncompliance with planning regulations.
News
Govt suspend Doctors for leaving scissors in patient’s stomach after operation
Govt suspend Doctors for leaving scissors in patient’s stomach after operation
The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has acknowledged that the death of Aishatu Umar, a five-time mother, resulted from professional lapses at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, a government health facility in Kano.
According to a statement issued by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, an internal probe initiated by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, revealed that medical staff failed to remove surgical scissors from the patient’s body after an operation, a mistake that proved fatal.
Following the findings, the Board ordered the suspension of three staff members connected to the procedure, barring them from all clinical responsibilities with immediate effect.
The case has also been handed over to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee, which will conduct a more detailed inquiry and determine appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing regulations and ethical guidelines.
“The Board extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late Aishatu Umar and sympathizes with them over this painful loss. We reassure the public that negligence will not be condoned in any form,” the statement read.
Aishatu Umar reportedly died after complications arising from a surgery in which surgical scissors were allegedly left in her abdomen.
Her husband, Abubakar Muhammad, said she repeatedly complained of worsening health conditions after the operation, but her concerns were not adequately addressed before her death.
The tragedy has triggered widespread anger among Kano residents, drawing attention to systemic weaknesses in supervision and accountability within public hospitals.
News
Masquerade arrested, detained by Police over alleged attack in community
Masquerade arrested, detained by Police over alleged attack in community
The Anambra Police Command says it has detained a masquerade, allegedly involved in unprovoked violent attacks on residents of Awgbu Community in Orumba North LGA of the state.
In a statement issued in Awka and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, the command’s Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the incident happened on Monday.
“The Anambra Police Command wishes to inform the public, especially the people of Anambra and other concerned persons, that it has taken into custody the masquerade involved in the unprovoked and violent attacks on innocent citizens.
“The act led to a breach of public peace in Awgbu, Orumba North LGA.
“The suspect is currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice,” Ikenga added.
He described the conduct by the masquerade, as seen in the viral video currently in circulation, as “unacceptable, unlawful, and would not be tolerated under any guise”.
An eyewitness in the community told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the masquerade, accompanied by some youths, went out of its way to attack unsuspecting members of the public and destroyed people’s property.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, he said that the incident occurred during the last “Ofala” festival in honour of the late Traditional Ruler of Awgbu, Igwe Michael Okechukwu.
NAN reports that the festival was supposed to be a solemn cultural and symbolic celebration of the life and reign of the late monarch. (NAN)
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BREAKING: More Rivers Lawmakers back out of impeachment proceedings against Gov Fubara
BREAKING: More Rivers Lawmakers back out of impeachment proceedings against Gov Fubara
Two additional lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly have appealed to their colleagues to halt the impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, as calls for restraint within the legislature continue to grow.
The legislators, Barile Nwakoh, representing Khana Constituency I, and Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II, made their position known on Wednesday, barely 48 hours after two other members of the House publicly distanced themselves from the impeachment effort.
Earlier on Monday, Sylvanus Eyinna Nwankwo and Peter Abbey had broken ranks with the Assembly leadership, urging lawmakers to approach the unfolding crisis with caution, dialogue, and a spirit of compromise rather than confrontation.
The dissenting lawmakers argued that impeachment should not be the first option in resolving disagreements between the executive and legislative arms, suggesting that alternative mechanisms could help de-escalate tensions and open the door to reconciliation.
The appeal was delivered during a press conference held in Port Harcourt, where the lawmakers said pressure was mounting from political leaders and stakeholders within and outside Rivers State to seek a peaceful resolution.
Addressing journalists, Nwankwo, the Minority Leader of the House and representative of Omuma Constituency, disclosed that several interventions had been made by respected figures calling for moderation and restraint.
He urged his colleagues to suspend the impeachment process and give room for dialogue in the interest of political stability in the state.
Abbey, who represents Degema Constituency, acknowledged allegations that the governor may have breached constitutional provisions but cautioned against an irreversible step such as impeachment.
He noted that while errors may have occurred, the focus should be on corrective measures and ensuring that any identified lapses are not repeated going forward.
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