The House of Representatives, in a plenary session on Thursday, has urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the security architecture in the nation’s capital.

The resolution, arising from a motion titled “Need to investigate the decline of the Federal Capital Territory,” was moved by Mr. Oboku Oforji, representing Yenagoa-Kolokuma/Opokume Federal Constituency, Bayelsa State.

The motion addresses the escalating security challenges in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including incidents of armed robbery and kidnapping. Critics have raised concerns about Minister Nyesom Wike’s focus, attributing it to his alleged involvement in political turmoil in his home state of Rivers.

During the motion’s debate, Oforji highlighted the significance of Abuja as Nigeria’s capital, emphasizing its unique legislative powers vested in the National Assembly. He noted that the FCT, created in 1976, comprises six Area Councils—Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali—spanning parts of old Kaduna, Kwara, Niger, and Plateau States.

Oforji also pointed out the administrative structure, with the FCT Minister overseeing the entire territory and the Federal Capital Development Authority concentrating on construction and infrastructure development.

Expressing concern over the state of infrastructure and living conditions, the House noted issues such as poor roads, unreliable electricity supply, inadequate healthcare facilities, ill-equipped hospitals, insufficient fire stations, limited water supply, and insecurity. The resolution acknowledges that over 60% of FCT residents reside outside Abuja Municipal Area Council, with particular areas facing challenges in infrastructure development.

The House highlighted the impact on civil servants, who regularly face traffic gridlock, leading to delayed arrival at work. The collapse of security in the FCT is evident through recurring incidents of armed robberies and kidnappings.

Consequently, the House has urged the IGP and FCT Minister to “rejig the security architecture of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.” Additionally, the Committee on FCT has been mandated to investigate the budgetary allocation of the FCT from 2021-2023 and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive, making the recitation of the National Pledge a mandatory practice after the National Anthem at all official and public engagements. Sources from the presidency indicate that this decision aims to foster absolute respect for national symbols, reinforce allegiance to the country, and uphold Nigeria’s core ethos.

The announcement was made during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Renewed Hope City, a 3,112 housing-unit project in Karsana, Abuja. President Tinubu emphasized the crucial role of respecting national values, promoting the nation’s ideals, and adhering to established norms.

“Before I left home this morning, I asked for a printout of the National Pledge, and we have to relaunch it again at this event. The relaunch is about being committed to the values, greatness, and hope of our country. It is our pledge to Nigeria, our country, to be faithful, loyal, and honest. To serve Nigeria with all your strength – we saw it on the field of play yesterday,” remarked President Tinubu.

He continued, expressing optimism and commitment to the country’s success despite challenges. “We did not say it will be Eldorado and smooth all the way. But we are confident that this country will excel in all ramifications. We will defend our unity and uphold Nigeria’s glory in every way possible because we are Nigerians, and we have no other country.”

The move to incorporate the National Pledge into official events underlines President Tinubu’s emphasis on reinforcing national identity, fostering patriotism, and instilling a sense of commitment to Nigeria’s progress and unity.

Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, has disclosed the imminent commencement of the second phase of dry season farming across all states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, to the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Abuja.

Kyari assured that the upcoming dry season farming phase would involve the production of maize, rice, and cassava on identified irrigable farmlands. Genuine farmers are expected to benefit from the Federal Government’s subsidized certified quality seeds and agro-inputs, encompassing fertilizers, micro-nutrients, herbicides, and pesticides.

The minister highlighted that the first phase of the Dry Season Farming, initiated under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) project in November 2023, focused on 15 wheat-producing states. Based on an evaluation of the initial phase, the Implementation Guidelines for the second phase have been refined.

Among the modifications, Kyari emphasized the establishment of NAGS-AP State Working Committees chaired by the Executive Governor or their representative. The committees will include key members such as the Commissioner for Agriculture (Vice Chairman), Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs or representative, State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, NAGS-AP State Focal Point person, and representatives of organizations like the Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and Traditional Rulers.

Expressing optimism about Nasarawa State’s participation, Kyari noted the state’s prominence in grains, legumes, and root crop cultivation, with key rice milling facilities. He emphasized the synergy between government tiers as crucial for achieving national food security.

Governor Abdullahi Sule affirmed Nasarawa’s position as an agrarian state, leading in sesame, cassava, yam, and ranking fifth in national rice production. He pledged efforts to secure the top spot in all these commodities and mentioned ongoing initiatives to provide farm inputs to smallholder farmers.

Addressing the issue of high food prices, Governor Sule attributed it to middlemen hoarding food items. He disclosed plans to establish a committee to prevent hoarding, ensuring stability in the supply chain and averting artificial scarcity and price hikes.

President Bola Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, the former Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who passed away on Wednesday.

The President conveyed his sorrow upon receiving the news of Ojougboh’s demise.

Dr. Ojougboh, a former member of the House of Representatives (2003-2007) and a prominent leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, contributed significantly to both legislative and political spheres.

Tinubu extended his condolences to the government and people of Delta State, acknowledging the tragic loss they have suffered.

In his message, the President offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the departed soul. He sought to provide solace to the grieving family, urging them to find strength and hope in God Almighty, the ultimate overseer of human affairs. Tinubu also encouraged them to draw comfort from the cherished memories and enduring legacy of the late APC stalwart.

The untimely passing of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who reportedly breathed his last while watching the football match between Nigeria and South Africa, marks a somber moment for the political community and the nation at large. The President’s condolences reflect a recognition of the significant contributions made by the late APC chieftain.

Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, expresses confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, assuring Nigerians of far-reaching and massive gains.

Sylva, who campaigned for Tinubu during the Bayelsa State governorship election, emphasizes his alignment with the president’s economic blueprint.

Sylva’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Julius Bokoru, dismisses claims linking the former governor to an article critical of Tinubu’s economic policies, labeling it an attempt to create discord between Sylva and Tinubu. Bokoru asserts that Sylva has remained steadfast in supporting Tinubu’s ideals and attributes the article to political schemes aimed at tarnishing Sylva’s image.

Bokoru emphasizes that the author of the article is not Sylva’s spokesperson and the expressed views do not represent Sylva’s stance. He condemns the act as an unintelligent and classless attempt to undermine Sylva’s reputation, attributing it to individuals with a history of antagonism against the Federal Government.

The Defence Headquarters declares that Nigeria is at war and calls on citizens to unite with the military to win the ongoing war against terrorism.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operation, highlights the need for citizens to recognize their role in the conflict and emphasizes the importance of unity.

General Buba stresses that the security challenges facing Nigeria are mostly self-inflicted and urges citizens to rise to the challenge.

He acknowledges the sacrifices of the armed forces and calls on all segments of society to emulate the resilience and unity displayed by the troops on the frontlines.

Providing updates on counterterrorism operations, General Buba reveals that in January 2024 alone, troops killed 266 terrorists, arrested 463, and rescued 116 kidnapped hostages.

Additionally, the military recovered various weapons and ammunition, foiled oil theft, and prevented the theft of an estimated sum of N2,821,503,962.00.

Despite recent challenges, General Buba reassures the public of the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security.

He underscores the ongoing efforts of troops and emphasizes the goal of achieving a secure and peaceful environment for all citizens.

In the week under review, troops neutralized 105 terrorists, arrested 140, and rescued 86 kidnapped hostages. The military also seized weapons, ammunition, and disrupted oil theft activities in the Niger Delta region.

General Buba concludes by asserting that the Armed Forces will continue to hunt and destroy terrorists across the country professionally, offering the two choices for the insurgents: surrender or face elimination.

President Bola Tinubu expresses deep sadness at the passing of His Royal Majesty, Obi Joseph Chike Edozien (CFR), the Asagba of Asaba. In a condolence message relayed through his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu extends heartfelt condolences to the family, Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council, the government, and the people of Delta State.

Celebrating the impactful life of the late monarch and distinguished professor of medicine, President Tinubu acknowledges the Asagba’s advocacy for peaceful co-existence among Nigerians and his inimitable role in forging partnerships across divides.

President Tinubu reflects on the legacy of His Royal Majesty, emphasizing a life defined by lofty ideals of peace, unity, patriotism, honesty, and dignity. He expresses the sorrow of losing a figure at a time when Nigeria requires more peace-builders and bridge-builders.

The President offers prayers for the peaceful repose of the departed monarch and urges the Royal Family and all those mourning this significant loss to find solace in the enduring legacies of His Royal Majesty.

The Federal House of Representatives in Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to suspend its planned recall of Nigerian heads of chancery from foreign missions abroad. The resolution was made following a motion of urgent public importance titled “Urgent Need to halt the move to recall all Nigerian heads of chancery from Nigeria’s Foreign Missions abroad,” presented by Mr. Umar Ajilo, the representative of Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency in Kaduna State.

President Bola Tinubu had recalled all Nigerian ambassadors, both career and non-career, on September 2, 2023, with a deadline for their return set for October 31, 2023. The recall, communicated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, affects over 300 foreign missions.

Hon. Ajilo highlighted the crucial functions of Nigeria’s heads of diplomatic missions, emphasizing their role in representing the government, presenting policies, safeguarding nationals’ interests, and providing public services for Nigerians abroad, including documentation and citizens’ evacuation from dangerous locations.

The motion expressed concern over the potential hazards of recalling all heads of chancery while Nigeria has no ambassadors, suggesting it could be viewed as a sign of political instability, impacting diplomatic relations and service delivery to Nigerians abroad.

The House urged the Federal Government to suspend any plans for recalling heads of chancery from foreign missions and mandated the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to collaborate with the Minister of Foreign Affairs to address issues related to Nigeria’s foreign missions, reporting back to the House for further legislative actions.