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Rivers State Leads Early Mobilisation for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election — Wike

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

Port Harcourt — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that Rivers State is at the forefront of early political mobilisation in support of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 general elections.

Wike stated this on Friday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of senatorial and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a political platform established to promote the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration.

According to the former Rivers State governor, the state has demonstrated leadership in political organisation and mobilisation and would continue to play a leading role in rallying support for the President.

“I am aware that other states may inaugurate similar structures after today, but Rivers State has set the pace,” Wike said, adding that political support must be reflected through action rather than rhetoric.

He noted that preparations ahead of the 2027 elections had commenced, with plans underway to inaugurate ward-level coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors across the state.

Wike also raised concerns about the level of alignment of the state government with the President’s re-election efforts, arguing that political rewards are tied to loyalty and commitment rather than financial contributions.

“You cannot be in a position of authority and fail to align openly with the President while expecting political benefits,” he said, stressing that commitment, not financial capacity, determines political reward.

Describing the gathering as a broad-based coalition, Wike thanked President Tinubu for supporting the emergence of coalition-backed candidates for the February 21 by-elections in Khana Constituency II and Ahoada West Constituency II.

He urged voters to participate actively in the by-elections, regardless of party affiliation, in order to sustain support for the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that logistical arrangements had been put in place to facilitate mobilisation.

Earlier, Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, commended supporters drawn from different political parties for their turnout, describing it as a demonstration of cross-party support for the President.

Speaking on behalf of federal government political appointees from the state, Senator George Sekibo assured the President of continued support from Rivers State, while expressing appreciation for federal appointments and ongoing projects in the state.

According to him, the scale of federal projects and appointments in Rivers State under the current administration was unprecedented.

Similarly, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, who spoke on behalf of the National Assembly caucus, reaffirmed support for President Tinubu’s re-election, saying the state would improve on its 2023 performance in 2027.

Also pledging support were Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Felix Obuah, as well as the chairmen of the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Aaron Chukwuemeka and Tony Okocha.

 

APC Fixes March 27–28 for National Convention, Extends E-Registration Window

By
Roland Edet
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0

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed March 27 and 28, 2026, for its national convention, as the ruling party intensifies preparations for key internal activities ahead of the next political cycle.

The decision was disclosed on Friday in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, shortly after a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC).

Morka also announced that the party has extended its ongoing electronic registration (e-registration) exercise, allowing more members across the country to participate in the process.

According to him, the extension is aimed at broadening inclusion and ensuring that party members are adequately captured ahead of the national convention.

Further details on the convention and the revised e-registration timeline are expected to be released by the party in the coming days.

Turaki Faction Rejects Ibadan Ruling, Heads to Appeal Court as PDP Crisis Deepens

By
Roland Edet
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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has brushed aside the judgment of a Federal High Court in Ibadan delivered on Friday, declaring that the ruling poses no setback to its leadership and announcing plans to immediately challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.

Reacting to the judgment, the party acknowledged the outcome of the proceedings but insisted that the decision did not amount to a final resolution of the leadership dispute within the party.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party said it had taken note of the ruling but maintained that the court merely declined to grant the order of mandamus sought.

“We are aware of the judgment of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, delivered this morning, which essentially declined to grant the order of mandamus sought on the ground that doing so would, in the court’s view, amount to sitting on appeal over judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction,” the statement said.

The party described the ruling as a procedural development rather than a substantive defeat, stressing that the core issues regarding the leadership and legitimacy of the party remain unresolved and subject to determination by higher courts.

According to the statement, the PDP has already activated its legal processes to ensure a prompt appeal. “We have accordingly briefed our lawyers to immediately file an appeal and to take all further legal steps necessary to advance our arguments and firmly protect our position on this matter,” it added.

The Turaki-led faction insisted that the judgment does not diminish the authority of the leadership that emerged from the Ibadan National Convention, maintaining that its structures remain intact pending a definitive pronouncement by the appellate courts.

The party further argued that the ruling neither nullified the Ibadan Convention nor extinguished the claims it is pursuing through lawful means, urging members and supporters to remain calm and united.

“There is no cause for panic or retreat,” the party said, assuring its faithful nationwide that the legal and political contest is far from over.

Reaffirming its political direction, the PDP declared that its REBIRTH movement remains firmly on course, vowing to pursue both its legal challenge and broader reform agenda as the leadership tussle shifts to the appellate courts.

Court Throws Out PDP Ibadan Convention, Reaffirms Abdulrahman-Led Caretaker Committee

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, has voided the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention held between November 15 and 16, 2025, declaring the exercise illegal and of no legal consequence.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Uche Agomoh affirmed that the Caretaker Committee chaired by Mohammed Abdulrahman, with Senator Samuel Anyanwu, remains the only lawful National Working Committee (NWC) of the party until a properly constituted national convention is conducted.

The court also barred Kabiru Turaki and other officials purportedly elected at the Ibadan convention from parading themselves as national officers of the PDP with immediate effect.

The suit, FHC/IB/CS/121/2025, was filed by the Turaki faction, which sought judicial validation of the Ibadan convention and recognition of the NWC that emerged from it.

However, Justice Agomoh held that the convention was convened in clear violation of two subsisting judgments of the same court, noting that returning to court to legitimise actions taken in defiance of court orders amounted to an exercise in futility.

Accordingly, the court set aside all resolutions and decisions taken at the convention and ruled that the PDP can only function through the Abdulrahman-led caretaker committee pending the conduct of a lawful national convention.

Reacting to the ruling, counsel to the PDP Caretaker Committee, Chief Ferdinand Oshioke Orbih, SAN, described the judgment as a triumph for democracy and the supremacy of the rule of law.

“The claimants sought judicial endorsement of an illegal convention, but the court decisively rejected it. The judgment affirms that political expediency cannot override the rule of law,” Orbih said.

He added that the decision reinforces the caretaker committee’s mandate to oversee the party’s affairs, warning that disregard for court judgments could plunge the PDP into deeper crisis.

The ruling comes amid a prolonged leadership tussle within the PDP, which went ahead with the controversial Ibadan national elective convention in November 2025 despite subsisting court orders.

Earlier, a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, had ordered the suspension of the convention in a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido.

Lamido had challenged the process, alleging that he was denied the opportunity to purchase a nomination form to contest for the party’s chairmanship, in breach of the PDP constitution and guidelines.

Wike Urges Peace, Respect for Rule of Law as FCT Boosts Emergency Care with 12 New Ambulances

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

Abuja — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Thursday appealed to workers across the territory to embrace peace, dialogue and progressive thinking, warning that disobedience to court orders and actions capable of disrupting governance would not be tolerated.

Wike made the call in Abuja during the presentation of 12 ambulances to General Hospitals in the FCT, an intervention aimed at strengthening emergency healthcare delivery and improving response time in the nation’s capital.

“I appeal to all of you to reconsider and allow peace to reign for the development of our city. Forget blocking gates or saying you will not obey court orders. This country is governed by law,” the minister said.

He emphasized that while his administration remains open to dialogue, it would not allow any individual or group to threaten stability in the FCT. “We did not take laws into our hands. All we said was let us go to court and see who is right and who is wrong. But nobody should threaten the existence of anybody,” Wike warned.

Defending reforms introduced under his leadership, the FCT Minister said his administration had addressed long-standing structural imbalances in the civil service, particularly in career progression.

“When this vision came, I said you cannot retire people as directors without giving them hope of becoming permanent secretaries or even head of service. Today, the staff are the ones enjoying it,” he said.

Wike, however, expressed concern over what he described as deliberate resistance from some quarters determined to frustrate genuine reforms. “The problem is that some people do not want political leaders to improve the lives of the people. I challenge anybody,” he declared.

The minister also shed light on the financial realities confronting the FCT, noting that the territory receives only one per cent of the Federal Government’s monthly allocation.

“If the Federal Government gets ₦1 trillion, the FCT gets one per cent, which is ₦10 billion. But salaries alone today are not less than ₦12 billion,” he said, explaining that improving Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) became inevitable.

According to Wike, monthly IGR in the FCT increased from about ₦9 billion when he assumed office to over ₦30 billion. “That is what performance means. From that ₦30 billion, we augment salaries, invest in infrastructure, buy ambulances, rehabilitate schools and construct roads,” he stated.

He stressed that prudent financial management was critical to development. “Nobody can pay all allowances and wages, buy vehicles, construct roads and rehabilitate schools at the same time without proper planning. You don’t print money,” he added.

Wike urged workers at all levels—senior and junior, indigenous and non-indigenous—to support government efforts, assuring them that no one would be denied their legitimate entitlements.

“Mr President is doing the best he can. But the future of this country is on all of us. Support government by being progressive-minded,” he appealed.

On healthcare delivery, the minister said the 12 ambulances symbolise the administration’s commitment to improving emergency response and saving lives across the FCT, urging health workers to deploy the vehicles efficiently for the benefit of residents.

The event marked another milestone in the FCT Administration’s drive to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure while reinforcing its call for unity, peace and cooperation in building a more functional and resilient capital city.

Sachet Alcohol Ban Takes Effect Nationwide as NAFDAC Clarifies No Distillery Was Shut

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced full enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small-volume PET or glass bottles below 200 millilitres, clarifying that no distillery or alcohol-producing company has been closed.

In a press release dated January 29, 2026, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, said the renewed enforcement followed a directive of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and has the full backing of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

According to the agency, the enforcement is in line with its statutory mandate to safeguard public health, particularly by protecting children, adolescents and young adults from the harmful use of alcohol.

NAFDAC explained that the proliferation of high-alcohol-content drinks in sachets and small containers has made alcohol cheap, easily accessible and easily concealable, resulting in rising misuse and addiction among minors and some commercial drivers. The agency linked the trend to increased cases of domestic violence, road traffic accidents, school dropouts and other social vices across communities.

The agency dismissed claims that warning labels such as “not for children” could effectively address the problem, noting that such measures are largely unenforceable within the Nigerian social context.

“Many parents are unaware that their children consume sachet alcohol because the pack size is cheap and easily concealed,” the statement said, citing reports from schools where pupils reportedly hide sachets of alcohol. In one instance, a teacher reportedly quoted a student as saying he could not sit for an examination without first taking sachet alcohol.

NAFDAC recalled that the ban followed years of engagement with industry stakeholders. In December 2018, the agency, alongside the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) to phase out sachet and small-volume alcohol packaging by January 31, 2024. The moratorium was later extended to December 2025 to allow manufacturers exhaust existing stock and reconfigure their production lines.

The agency stressed that the recent Senate resolution aligns with the agreement and with Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Assembly Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol (WHA63.13, 2010), to which the country has been a signatory since 2010.

NAFDAC clarified that the regulation affects only two categories of packaging—alcoholic drinks in sachets and those in PET or glass bottles below 200ml—adding that alcohol packaged in larger volumes remains approved.

“The ban is not punitive; it is protective,” Prof. Adeyeye said. “It is aimed at safeguarding the health and future of our children and youth. This decision is rooted in scientific evidence and public health considerations. We cannot continue to sacrifice the wellbeing of Nigerians for economic gain. The health of a nation is its true wealth.”

The agency called on manufacturers, distributors and retailers to fully comply with the phase-out deadline, emphasizing that no further extension will be granted beyond December 2025.

NAFDAC also pledged continued collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, FCCPC and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify nationwide sensitisation on the health and social dangers of alcohol misuse, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that only safe, wholesome and properly regulated products are available to Nigerians.

Wike Commissions 12 Ambulances for Hospitals

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

AThe Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Thursday commissioned 12 new ambulances for hospitals across the FCT.

Addressing health sector staff during the commissioning ceremony, Minister Wike commended workers for their resilience and cooperation, even in the face of pending allowances and past challenges. “Nobody went on strike even though there were debts owed. Thank God, we were able to pay off all these debts. Every sector is being looked into,” he said.

Wike urged workers to prioritize service delivery, emphasizing that problems are inevitable in any administration. “Problems will always come up. What is important is that you stay focused and do the best you can. When you leave office, another person will continue from where you stopped,” he said. He also cautioned against politicizing or sabotaging government efforts, stressing that constructive dialogue is the way to resolve disputes.

The Minister noted that the provision of the ambulances is part of a broader effort to strengthen emergency healthcare in the FCT. “This is support for the FCT to enhance emergency services in the health system,” Wike said. He linked the effectiveness of emergency services to improvements in road infrastructure, citing areas like Abaji, Kwali, and Gwagwalada, where travel times for emergency responses have been drastically reduced thanks to ongoing road projects.

Highlighting the administration’s focus on health sector reforms, Wike pointed to ongoing initiatives, including the rehabilitation of 14 health centers, timely payment of hazard allowances and wages, and strategic investments in human resources for health.

Speaking on behalf of the health sector, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, lauded the Minister for his support and commitment. “These interventions show a deliberate and coordinated effort to deliver accessible, high-quality healthcare for the people of the FCT,” she said, noting the recent upgrade of the School of Nursing to a full College of Nursing as another milestone in strengthening healthcare delivery.

The commissioning of the 12 ambulances marks a significant step toward improving emergency medical response across the Territory, reflecting the administration’s commitment to people-centered governance and resilient healthcare systems.

Court Halts Strike as FCT Workers Ordered Back to Work

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

Staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have been directed to resume duties immediately following a ruling by the National Industrial Court suspending the ongoing strike action in the territory.

The order was issued on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, by Honourable Justice E. D. Subilim, who directed the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to suspend the industrial action, paving the way for the restoration of normal activities across the FCT.

Acting on the court’s decision, the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti, issued a circular mandating all workers to return to their duty posts across all Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) without delay.

The circular also instructed Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Departments and Agencies to ensure strict monitoring of attendance registers to guarantee full compliance with the directive.

While reaffirming management’s commitment to the welfare of staff, the Head of Service stressed that the court order is binding and must be obeyed by all concerned.

The directive is expected to bring an end to the labour disruption that had affected public service delivery in the nation’s capital, as workers are now required to resume work immediately.

January Salaries Paid, Strike Politicised — Wike Warns FCT Workers: Resume or Face Sanctions

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

ABUJA — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that over ₦12 billion has already been paid as January salaries, stressing that the government had largely met workers’ legitimate demands before the ongoing strike was hijacked by political interests.

Speaking on the labour action, Wike said the administration initially pursued dialogue, but when it became clear politicians were exploiting the strike, legal intervention became necessary to restore order.

“I just signed January salaries amounting to over ₦12 billion. Yet the FCT is entitled to only one per cent of federal revenue. If the federal government earns ₦1 trillion, the FCT gets about ₦10 billion. That allocation alone cannot cover salaries, let alone run the administration,” Wike explained.

He emphasised that while workers have a right to protest in a democracy, strikes should be a last resort. “If workers ask for 14 days and government addresses issues within 10, there should be room for understanding and patience,” he added.

Drawing from his experience as a former governor and local government chairman, Wike warned against unrealistic demands. “When demands are legitimate, government acknowledges them. But it is not always possible to implement everything at once. Government does not deny legitimate entitlements, especially wages.”

Wike dismissed claims circulating that he was chased from his office during the strike, calling them politically motivated falsehoods. “I was in my office, travelled to see Mr President, went to Turkey, and returned. These stories are deliberate misinformation,” he said.

Highlighting financial progress, the minister said FCT Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has grown from about ₦9 billion when he assumed office to ₦30 billion, sustaining salaries, reforms, and development. He also cited key civil service reforms, including the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, appointment of permanent secretaries, and creation of the Office of the Head of Service.

Following a court ruling suspending the strike, Wike issued a stern warning: “Disobeying the law has consequences. From tomorrow, any worker who refuses to resume work will face disciplinary action. Anyone who blocks government facilities will face the full weight of the law.”

He reassured that dialogue with unions has continued with his approval, adding: “No amount of blackmail or political games will intimidate this administration. We will obey the court, and everyone else must do the same.”

If you want, I can also make a more explosive, Sun-style headline version with a one-line hook that would grab every reader immediately, e.g., something like:

“Wike Blows Hot: FCT Workers Must Resume or Be Fired — Salaries Paid, Strike Hijacked by Politicians!”

 

Wike: Court Order Must Be Obeyed as Politics Creeps into FCT Workers’ Strike

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

ABUJA — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has said the ongoing strike by FCT workers was infiltrated by political interests, stressing that the administration had substantially addressed workers’ legitimate demands before seeking judicial intervention.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, Wike said the FCT Administration initially embraced dialogue and engagement when the strike began, but was compelled to approach the court when it became clear that ulterior motives were at play.

“The issue of the strike is not new. I believe the administration has reasonably met the demands of the workers. However, we must be honest and admit that some of the demands are frivolous and go beyond what workers are legitimately entitled to,” he said.

According to the minister, the decision to seek legal redress was taken to ensure an objective determination of the issues, rather than allowing misinformation and political narratives to dominate public discourse.

“This is a democracy, and everyone has the right to protest. But strike action should always be the last option. If workers ask for 14 days and government addresses the issues within 10 days, there should be room for understanding and patience,” Wike noted.

Drawing from his experience as a former governor and local government chairman, Wike said he understood labour struggles, but emphasised that government could not implement all demands simultaneously.

“When demands are legitimate, government should acknowledge them. But implementation takes time. Government does not deny legitimate entitlements, especially wages,” he added.

He dismissed claims that he was chased out of his office during the strike, describing such reports as deliberate falsehoods driven by political interests.

“I was in my office, travelled to see Mr President, went to Turkey and returned. These stories are pure misinformation,” he said.

On the financial realities of the FCT, Wike explained that the territory receives just one per cent of federal revenue, which is insufficient to meet its obligations.

“If the Federal Government earns ₦1 trillion, the FCT gets about ₦10 billion. Yet I just signed January salaries amounting to over ₦12 billion. This clearly shows that statutory allocation alone cannot sustain the administration,” he explained.

He disclosed that Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the FCT has increased from about ₦9 billion when he assumed office to ₦30 billion, describing it as significant progress.

Wike also highlighted key reforms under the current administration, including the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, appointment of permanent secretaries, and the creation of the Office of the Head of Service.

“Before now, workers retired at the level of director. These institutional reforms were not in place. You cannot expect the administration to spend all available revenue on wages alone while neglecting critical infrastructure,” he said.

Following the court’s ruling ordering the suspension of the strike, the minister warned that failure to comply would attract sanctions.

“Disobeying the law has consequences. Any worker who refuses to resume work or attempts to block access to government facilities will face disciplinary action in line with the law,” he warned.

Wike reaffirmed that the FCT Administration would comply with the court’s decision and urged all stakeholders to do likewise, insisting that disputes must be resolved within the ambit of the law.

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