Author: Our Correspondent

Francis Wilfred

Abuja, Nigeria – The Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCTA) has confirmed that its leaders, including President Rifkatu Iortyer, have been invited for wuestioning by the Department of State Services (DSS) FCT Command, over the union’s strike action billed to commence on nrxt Monday.

This development comes as the union decries unresolved grievances with the FCTA management.

The union’s list of demands includes the non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions, financial malfeasance, and systemic failure. They also seek the removal of retired Directors and Permanent Secretaries, alleging their tenure extension is “illegal”.

JUAC rejects the recent promotion of 2,000 staff out of 7,000 who sat for the exam, calling it a “deliberate mass failure” aimed at avoiding payment of promotion arrears. Other issues include unpaid promotion arrears, poor working conditions, staff intimidation, and lack of training.

Despite the DSS invitation, the union said it remains resolute, with a statement declaring, “As for the strike, no going back, we are resolute”.

The strike is expected to paralyze operations across FCTA’s Secretariat, Departments, and Agencies (SDAs). The FCTA Administration has yet to issue an official response.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna State Council members have commenced individual contribution of funds towards the N500 million ransom demanded by bandits that abducted their colleague, Mal. Umar Uaman Iyale, a retired photojournalist from Ait and NTA.

His abductors had reportedly demanded for N500 millions ransom as condition before releasing the release of the veteran photojournalist, Mal. Umar Usman Iyale who was kidnapped along with others in Kaduna state.

Iyale was kidnapped from his residence along with several others in a community popularly known as Danhonu II in Millennium City, Chikun LGA of Kaduna State, last week.

The victim, reportedly spoke to leaders of the NUJ in a long conversation via his phone from bandits captivity, appealing for whatever members could raised together with his family to meet the N500 million random demanded by the terror group.

According to the Union source, one of the abductees in bandits captivity has already been killed for inability to raise the ransom demanded from family after he had already paid N30 million, stirring up fears of the safety of Iyale.

Umar Iyale who spoke to the Union leaders on phone reportedly said “This people (the Bandits) say we should bring N500 millions as ransom. Anything you people can contribute to help me I will be grateful”.

Meanwhile, inhabitance of Millennium community located within the radius where two journalists and their families were abducted previously but were later released, have expressed fears of safety and security of their lives, appealing to the state government to intervene.

Both journalists and the family of the abducted photojournalists are running around to contribute money to settle the amount of ransom demanded by the bandits uptil the time of filing this reports in kaduna.

Mal. Umar, is a retired staff of Africa Independent Television (AIT), Kaduna Station, and formerly of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Kaduna, was allegedly abducted from his residence at about 9:00 p.m. last Monday, according to community sources.

Residents said the gunmen carried out the operation quietly but in a coordinated manner, gaining access to the compound at a time when some members of the journalist’s family had yet to return home.
A community source said the attackers demanded money from the victim and, when he could not provide any, forcefully whisked him away to an unknown destination.

The abduction has heightened anxiety in Danhonu II, with residents expressing concern over the safety of Malam Umar, who was described as elderly and battling health challenges.

The source further said efforts are on top gear to get him rescued from the kidnappers Dem, as members used this medium to appealed for financial support from spirited individuals and organizations towards his safe and urgent released.

By Anne Azuka

Activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, Thursday, came to a climax in Delta State with a solemn assembly that culminated with laying of wreaths at the ceremonial tomb of the unknown soldier at the Cenotaph in Asaba.

The ceremony was attended by the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme; Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Chief Judge of the state, Justice Tessy Diai, Service Commanders of the Armed Forces and the Commissioner of Police in the state.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were the the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu; Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Orodje of Okpe, HRM, Maj-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.) and members of the Nigerian legion among others.

Upon his arrival at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori, who was the Special Guest of Honour, was received with a traditional military salute before he proceeded to inspect a guard of honour mounted by officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigerian Legion which showcased a stirring display of discipline, honour, and national unity.

A minute of silence was observed in honour of the fallen heroes, followed by interfaith prayers offered by Christian and Muslim clerics for the repose of the souls of the departed heroes, their families, the welfare of veterans, and divine guidance for the nation’s leadership.

After the interfaith prayers by the clerics, Governor Oborevwori led Service Commanders of the Armed Forces in the state, Commissioner of Police, representative of traditional rulers, legionnaires, and top government functionaries in the solemn laying of wreaths at the ceremonial tomb of the unknown soldier.

Highlights of the ceremony were the firing of volleys and the release of white pigeons by the Governor, symbolising peace, hope, and renewal, while reaffirming Delta State’s commitment to the noble ideals for which the nation’s heroes fought and fell.

The Armed Forces remembrance day celebration remains a solemn national observance, reminding Nigerians of the cost of freedom and the shared responsibility to sustain peace, unity, and patriotism for generations to come.

It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, launched the 2026 Armed Forces remembrance day emblem appeal fund in honour of Nigeria’s fallen heroes, wounded veterans, and serving troops on the frontline of duties.

By Francis Wilfred

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has tasked the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of North West Development Commission, NWDC, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji on the need to vigorously pursue the mandate of the region’s development and to be guided by accountability in the discharge of his duties.

This is contained in a press statement by head, Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale on Wednesday, January 14, 2025 when Ma’aji led officials of the Commission on a courtesy visit to the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

“I encourage you to be committed to that mandate. It’s a big mandate. The essence of setting up some of these intervention agencies is to ensure that each region will be able to develop at their own pace. We have had cause to receive quite a number of the regional commissions. And what we always tell them is what we are also telling you now: There is the need for you to be seriously committed to your mandate. We want to see progress within the next one year after releases have been made to you for your budget. We want to see tangible developmental projects that you have put in place so that the trust that the government and the people of Nigeria have in you will not be betrayed. I also want to encourage you in the area of accountability and transparency. We have started on a good note”, he said.

“We are ready on our part to work with you in the spirit of collaboration and to ensure that you start on a very good note and maintain the tempo. I believe that we can work together,” he added.

Ma’aji in his remarks sought collaboration between the EFCC and the NWDC for the purpose of ensuring that his Commission stays on track. “The Northwest Development Commission was established to drive coordinated socio economic development across the Northwest geopolitical zone through infrastructure delivery, social interventions, economic empowerment and institutional strengthening. As a new public institution entrusted with significant public resources, the Commission recognizes that transparency, accountability and strong internal controls are fundamental to achieving its mandate and sustaining public confidence.

From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Kogi State governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Thursday ordered the demolition of a notorious structure popularly known as Sambel Joint in Idoji, Okene Local Government Area, following credible intelligence reports linking the facility to criminal activities.

The demolition came hours after the Kogi State Government issued a press statement early Thursday 15/1/2025, invalidating all fraudulently and illegally acquired properties across the state, declaring them null, void, and of no legal effect.

The statement warned that any property found to have been illegally acquired or used for criminal purposes would be reclaimed by the government, while those involved would be prosecuted.

In line with the directive, according to the press statement, properties located at GP. 23A, 23B, 24A & 24B (Government Quarters, Idoji, Okene), with Certificate of Occupancy number KG. 13958, were this morning invalidated and demolished after investigations confirmed that they were illegally acquired and being used as hideouts for criminal elements.

Government sources disclosed that the properties violated the Kogi State Land Administration Law as well as the Anti-Kidnapping Law, having been unlawfully occupied and converted into operational bases for criminal activities.

The decisive action followed sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering which revealed that the location had become a haven for criminals, posing serious security threats to residents and commuters within the area.

Speaking during the demolition exercise, Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to security, stressing that the protection of lives and livelihoods remains his foremost responsibility.

“We are here to carry out an action that is in the best interest of our people and I have sworn to protect the lives and livelihoods of my people, and as such, I will always work to secure my people,” the Governor declared.

Governor Ododo recalled that in a proclamation made in December, he had made it clear that any property found to be harbouring criminals would be demolished, while all occupants and collaborators would be prosecuted.

The Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continued support in strengthening security across the state.

“I sincerely appreciate my leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the support he is giving us and for the service he is rendering to ensure that our state is secured from criminal activities that some of our people unfortunately encourage,” he said.

According to the Governor, investigations revealed that the demolished properties belong to the government but were illegally taken over and converted into criminal operational bases.

“This demolition you are seeing here today is to give our people the needed security they deserve. We discovered that criminals have taken over this property, and when we realized that their activities were giving our people unrest, we had to take a bold decision,” Ododo explained.

“I will never negotiate with any criminal. We will take the fight to them anywhere they are. If you harbour criminals, your house will go down. If you keep criminals, your house will go down,” the Governor warned.

“We are here to carry out this exercise so that our people can sleep with both of their eyes closed,” he added.

Governor Ododo reiterated that Kogi State will not serve as a safe haven for criminals, stressing that peace and security remain central to the development agenda of his administration.

Security sources disclosed that the location had been under close monitoring following repeated complaints from residents about suspicious movements, influx of unknown persons, and activities capable of breaching public peace.

Residents of Idoji community commended the Governor’s swift intervention, describing the demolition as a bold and timely action that will enhance security and restore confidence in Okene and its environs.

A resident, Mallam Raji Sanni told newsmen that the structure has been harbouring many criminals that have been terrorising the area, commending the Governor for liberating the people from the nafarious activities of the hoodlums who occupied the demolished structure.

By Wilfred Francis

Abuja, Nigeria – The PANDEF Reconciliation Committee, led by Chief Godwin Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON, has appealed to parties involved in the Rivers State crisis to embrace reconciliation and forgiveness.

In a statement at the committee’s inauguration on January 12, 2026, Agabi emphasized the need for humility, apology, and forgiveness among the parties, citing the Bible and the nation’s diversity.

The committee, formed to address the escalating crisis, urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister Nyesom Wike to lead the reconciliation effort, highlighting their contributions to Rivers State and the nation.

Agabi also appealed to the Rivers State House of Assembly to demonstrate restraint and maturity by forgiving the governor, emphasizing that forgiveness is a key to greatness.

The committee’s appeal comes amid concerns over the prolonged crisis, which has affected the state and the nation. “We cannot afford to stand by and do nothing,” Agabi said, urging parties to prioritize the people’s .

The statement concluded with a call for sacrifices and prayer, emphasizing God’s presence in Nigeria’s politics and governance.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, .Uyo

An advocacy group in Akwa Ibom, Open Forum for Humanity Organisation,has expressed disappointment over the hosting of the All Progressives Congress flag at the newly refurbished Ibom Plaza, a recreational facility at the centre of Uyo metropolis.

The Founder and convener of the group, Matthew Okono made this in a statement issued to newsmen in Uyo on Monday.

The plaza, located at the heart of Uyo metropolis, was built by Governor Victor Attah of the PDP as a recreational centre. However, the centre was neglected by successive administrations as it became a centre of prostitution and crime until the present rehabilitated the centre late last year.

However, Okono criticised the idea to fly the APC flag, side by side the Nigerian and Akwa Ibom flags, describing it as a strange development warning that if such a practice is allowed to foster, it could lead to political flags be flown at public places and offices

”’Still on the over politicisation of the system, we want to say that the hoisting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag at the refurbished Ibom Plaza is a strange development which MUST not be allowed.

”’Ibom Plaza was amongst the numerous initiatives of the Arc. Obong Victor Attah administration. It is a public recreation centre and not a political party centre. The idea to fly the APC flag, side by side the Nigerian and Akwa Ibom flags is a strange development that cannot be defended, except, as another poorly thought-out means of promoting a partisan political party at a state infrastructure.

‘ If allowed, partisan political flags will be flown at the House of Assembly,Courts, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) schools and hospitals in the State.”Okono said in the statement.

He called for an end to hoisting of political party flags in public places and institutions across the state, noting that the inability to separate partisan politics from governance has been responsible for intractable challenges bedeviling the state/

”After elections, elected officials do not only represent their partisan political parties that brought them to power or they defected to after elections, but the people. Governance abhors partisanship. The inability to separate partisan politics from governance is responsible for the intractable challenges bedeviling development and people-centered governance at all levels in the country.

” Open Forum hereby advocates for an end to the flying of political party flags in Government Houses, Presidential Villa (If applicable) and on Official Vehicles of State Governors and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Government Houses and Offices should not be also be used for party meetings.

” Partisan political party meetings and flags should be restricted to party secretstiats and gatherings. A law to that effect should be enacted at State and Federal levels. Patriotism and service delivery should be the benchmark, not partisan political affiliations, even when its is for purely self preservation.” He said.

By Wilfred Framcis

Lagos, Nigeria – Minister of Works Senator Dave Umahi has expressed confidence in China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) to deliver the 7th Axial Road project in the Lekki Corridor of Lagos. The project, a key cargo handling route for the Lekki Deepwater Port, is being constructed behind the Dangote Refinery and connects the Lekki Corridor with the Sagamu route.

During his inspection tour, Umahi praised CHEC for its successful delivery of the Lekki Deepwater Port and the high-quality progress on the Makurdi-Enugu road reconstruction and expansion project. He instructed that the roadbed filling work for Project LOT1 be completed by the end of April and directed the project team to accelerate resource input and tangible works to meet the deadline.

The 7th Axial Highway is expected to complement key infrastructure projects like the Coastal Road, Dangote Road, and Lekki Port, creating a comprehensive transportation hub model and boosting Nigeria’s port economy and industrial corridor. Umahi emphasized the need for environmental protection agencies to ensure efficient construction and steady progress while maintaining ecological safety.

A CHEC representative stated that the company would maintain a high level of resource input, implement the Minister’s directives, and coordinate safety, quality, and environmental protection to ensure the project’s timely and high-quality completion.