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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that the FCT Administration will embark on a 31-day project commissioning programme across Abuja to commemorate President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

Speaking during a political luncheon in Port Harcourt, Wike described the month-long exercise as an unprecedented commissioning marathon designed to showcase major infrastructure projects, including road networks, public utilities and urban renewal initiatives transforming the nation’s capital.

According to the minister, the extensive commissioning schedule reflects the level of development achieved under the current administration and demonstrates the impact of President Tinubu’s support for the FCT.

“This third year of Mr. President alone, we are taking 31 days for commissioning of projects in Abuja. I’m not talking about boreholes. I challenge anybody to contradict this,” Wike stated.

Abuja Infrastructure Projects to Take Centre Stage

Wike said the commissioning programme would feature key infrastructure projects executed by the FCT Administration, highlighting improvements in transportation, public services and urban development.

He noted that the projects represent some of the most significant investments undertaken in Abuja in recent years and are aimed at improving the quality of life for residents while boosting economic activities in the capital city.

The minister also defended the administration’s record, insisting that the scale and quality of ongoing projects speak for themselves despite criticism from political opponents.

Wike Extends Olive Branch to Rivers Political Opponents

Beyond discussing infrastructure development, Wike adopted a conciliatory tone regarding political tensions in Rivers State, calling on former allies and opponents to reconcile and work together.

“I use this opportunity today to announce that I have forgiven everybody. I want you to come back home sincerely. We have played politics, we have abused ourselves, this is the right time for you to come back,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor emphasized the need for unity while expressing readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders interested in the progress of the state.

Warns Against External Interference in Rivers Politics

Despite extending an olive branch, Wike cautioned against what he described as external interference in Rivers State politics, maintaining confidence in his political structure.

He described his political alliance as a strong “rainbow coalition” capable of maintaining its influence in the state.

“Anybody from another state who is trying to destroy Rivers State, the person will have problems. You put your hand, you get fire,” he warned.

The minister also expressed confidence in the future of his political camp, stating that it remains well-positioned for upcoming political contests.

Commitment to Development

Wike reiterated that the FCT Administration remains focused on delivering impactful projects that will improve infrastructure, expand economic opportunities and support national development.

He assured residents that the upcoming commissioning programme would provide tangible evidence of the administration’s efforts to transform Abuja through strategic investments in critical infrastructure.

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The Federal Government has raised concerns over what it described as repeated errors in the official appellation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by organisations and media platforms, warning against further misuse of the president’s title in public communications.

The clarification was issued on Friday in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, through a statement signed by his media adviser, Yomi Odunuga.

According to the SGF, the warning became necessary after a national newspaper reportedly published an incorrect designation for the president in one of its editions circulated on Wednesday, May 7, 2026.

Akume stressed that the correct and official title of the Nigerian leader remains: “His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The government noted that the increasing frequency of such mistakes in official documents, publications and public references was unacceptable and avoidable.

He urged media organisations, institutions and members of the public to verify official titles and designations before publication or public use to prevent what he described as embarrassing inaccuracies in both print and digital platforms.

The SGF further advised that verification of official information relating to the presidency and government offices could be obtained through approved communication channels, including official social media handles on Facebook, Instagram and X, as well as designated government email platforms.

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the FCT Administration’s policy of allocating land to diplomatic personnel and investors, insisting the process follows established government procedures aimed at promoting development and investment.

Wike spoke on Thursday in Abuja while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory.

The minister criticised individuals and organisations questioning the policy, accusing some of hypocrisy and selective criticism despite previously benefiting from similar land allocations.

According to him, land allocation remains a legitimate government tool for encouraging urban development and economic growth within the capital city.

“When you live in a glass house, don’t throw stones. Some of those criticising the policy were also allocated land, and they are not among the poor,” Wike said.

He also took a swipe at media organisations opposing the policy, arguing that media businesses operate commercially and should not pretend otherwise.

The minister noted that media houses generate income through advertisements, sponsored coverage, and commercial news content to sustain their operations.

Wike dismissed claims that the FCT Administration was selling public land, clarifying that allocations are granted under clearly defined investment and development conditions.

“The FCT does not sell land; it allocates land based on specific agreements and development conditions,” he stated.

He explained that all beneficiaries, including diplomats, are required to pay statutory processing fees before obtaining Certificates of Occupancy.

The minister further revealed that many of the disputed land allocations being criticised were originally approved by previous administrations.

According to him, governance is a continuous process and cannot be separated from decisions made by former officials.

“Government is continuous. You cannot pretend that previous allocations did not happen simply because leadership has changed,” he said.

Wike also warned that all allocated lands must be developed according to agreed timelines and conditions or risk revocation by the government.

He cited the case of Jabi Lake, where land allocated decades ago reportedly remained undeveloped before being reclaimed and reassigned to new investors.

The minister rejected arguments that prime lands should be reserved only for low-income residents, stressing that strategic locations require significant investment to transform them into world-class economic and tourism hubs.

“Prime locations require serious investment and proper development. Emotional arguments will not build modern cities,” he added.

Wike maintained that his administration would continue to prioritise practical development policies and infrastructural growth over populist sentiments.

“I will always stand by the truth. What matters is development and results, not public applause,” he said.

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President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The request was contained in a letter read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Senate to Act on Confirmation

In the letter, Tinubu said the nomination was made in line with constitutional provisions and urged the Senate to give it prompt consideration.

Akpabio responded that the request would be handled without delay, referring it to the Committee of the Whole for immediate action.

Who is Joseph Tegbe?

Joseph Tegbe is a fiscal and economic reform expert with over 35 years of experience spanning both public and private sectors.

He previously served as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led projects focused on fiscal policy reform, governance, and institutional transformation.

He has also advised government institutions and private organisations on regulatory frameworks, strategic reforms, and investment structuring.

Political Context

The nomination was earlier confirmed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who stated that the request had been transmitted to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

The development follows the resignation of Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down to pursue a governorship ambition in Oyo State.

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President Bola Tinubu has nominated Muttaqha Darma as Minister-designate for the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, following a recent cabinet reshuffle.

The nomination, which is subject to Senate confirmation, comes as part of broader efforts by the administration to reposition key sectors of the economy, including housing and infrastructure.

Darma, a trained mechanical engineer, holds a degree from Bayero University Kano and is widely regarded as a technocrat with a blend of academic and public sector experience.

Before his nomination, he built a career spanning academia, governance, and development administration, including lecturing in engineering and participating in policy implementation across multiple sectors.

His public service experience dates back to his time in Katsina State, where he served under the administration of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in various capacities, including roles linked to works, housing, rural development, transport, and women affairs.

At the federal level, Darma served as Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, where he oversaw scholarship programmes, capacity development, and institutional strengthening initiatives within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

His nomination is seen by analysts as aligning with his background in infrastructure and development planning, particularly at a time when the government is under pressure to scale up housing delivery and address Nigeria’s housing deficit.

Beyond his administrative experience, Darma has also maintained an active political profile, with ties to northern political structures and past involvement in electoral politics.

He was previously associated with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Katsina State but later aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC), under which he has expressed interest in contesting the Katsina Central Senatorial seat in 2027.

Observers say his appointment signals a possible shift toward technocratic leadership in the housing ministry, with expectations that he will focus on strengthening policy execution, improving housing finance systems, and addressing land administration challenges.

His emergence comes at a critical period for Nigeria’s housing sector, where demand continues to outstrip supply, particularly in urban centres.

As the Senate prepares to screen ministerial nominees, attention will be on Darma’s plans to build on existing reforms and deliver measurable outcomes in housing development nationwide.

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Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has called for the immediate suspension of ongoing political campaigns in Nigeria, warning that premature politicking is weakening governance and worsening insecurity across the country.

Falana’s position follows the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which fixed January 16, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly elections, and February 6, 2027, for governorship and state assembly polls.

Concern Over Governance Neglect

Despite the elections being about 10 months away, Falana expressed concern that political parties and elected officials have already intensified campaigns, sidelining governance and public service delivery.

In a statement, he noted that governance has been overshadowed by political activities, including defections and early campaign mobilisation.

According to him, the focus on politics rather than governance is contributing to worsening insecurity across Nigeria.

Links Early Campaigning to Rising Insecurity

Falana highlighted the growing cases of kidnapping, killings, and other security challenges across the country.

Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security threats, including banditry in the North-West, insurgency in the North-East, and rising urban crime, all of which have stretched government capacity and public trust.

Criticism of Misuse of Public Funds

The senior advocate also criticised what he described as the misplacement of priorities by political actors.

He alleged that public funds are being diverted into what he termed “illegal campaigns” instead of being used to address critical sectors such as education.

Falana specifically referenced the N98bn matching grant of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), noting that many states have failed to access the funds due to their inability to provide counterpart financing.

Cites Electoral Act, Urges Enforcement

Citing Section 98(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, Falana emphasised that political campaigns are legally expected to begin 150 days before polling and end 24 hours prior to election day.

He, therefore, called on relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Police Force and security agencies, to enforce compliance with the law.

Experts Warn of Long-Term Impact

Political analysts have also raised concerns that early campaigning could delay critical reforms and governance efforts.

With Nigeria facing significant socio-economic and security challenges, prolonged political distractions may further impact development outcomes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has dismissed concerns that the country’s recent migration agreement with the United Kingdom could turn Nigeria into a dumping ground for foreign prisoners.

Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, the minister described the deal as a “cooperation framework” built on reciprocity, aimed at managing migration between both countries.

“There is nothing to be worried about. Nigeria is not interested in exporting problems or importing them,” Tunji-Ojo said, stressing that the agreement aligns with international diplomatic standards.

Focus on Nigerian Nationals Only

The minister clarified that the agreement strictly covers the return of Nigerian nationals who have either overstayed their visas or lost their immigration status in the UK.

He rejected claims that the deal could allow foreign prisoners to be deported into Nigeria, insisting that such an arrangement would never be approved under the current administration.

“There’s no way this government will sign that kind of agreement,” he stated.

No Hidden Clauses in Agreement

Addressing public scepticism, Tunji-Ojo maintained that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is transparent and non-binding, serving only as a procedural guide for cooperation.

“Absolutely nothing is hidden. Everything is clearly stated,” he said, warning against misinformation surrounding the agreement.

Strict Identity Verification Process

The minister explained that only individuals confirmed as bona fide Nigerian citizens would be accepted under the return process.

Officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service will conduct biometric verification before any repatriation is approved.

He added that the commonly referenced five-day processing window applies mainly to identity confirmation and should not raise concerns.

Nigeria’s Own Migration Challenge

Tunji-Ojo also revealed that Nigeria faces its own migration issues, disclosing that there are over 840,000 visa overstayers currently in the country.

He noted that irregular migration is a global challenge that requires cooperation between nations rather than isolation.

Protection and Reintegration for Returnees

According to the minister, the agreement guarantees humane treatment and protection of rights for Nigerians returning from the UK.

Returnees will be given time to manage their assets abroad before departure and will benefit from reintegration support, including accommodation, counselling, and access to employment or education opportunities.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Tunji-Ojo emphasised that the agreement is designed to improve trust and cooperation between Nigeria and the UK while ensuring effective migration management.

He maintained that Nigerians have no reason to fear, as the deal prioritises national interest and dignity.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of a United Kingdom property linked to late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Jeremiah Useni, to the Federal Government.

Delivering the ruling on Tuesday, Justice Binta Nyako granted a motion filed by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), which argued that the property was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

The property, located at No. 79 Randall Avenue, Neasden, London, had earlier been placed under an interim forfeiture order on November 20, 2025. The CCB subsequently published a public notice inviting interested parties to contest the action, but no claims were filed.

Court Case and Legal Grounds

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2333/2025, listed the administrators of Useni’s estate and the property itself as respondents.

Counsel to the CCB, Sufyan Ahmad, relied on provisions of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022 and the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to justify the application for final forfeiture.

Investigation Findings

Investigations by the bureau’s Financial Investigation and Forensic Accounting Unit revealed that Useni’s declared earnings during his time in public office could not account for the acquisition of the London property.

Authorities said the discrepancy pointed to the likelihood that the asset was funded through undeclared or illicit sources.

UK Tribunal Confirms Ownership

Further strengthening the case, a United Kingdom tribunal — the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — ruled in case REF/2023/0155 that Useni was the beneficial owner of the property.

The tribunal found that the property had been purchased using a fictitious identity to conceal ownership. Claims by individuals, including one “Ms Tali Shani” and a lawyer, were dismissed after the court determined that the supporting documents were fraudulent.

Court Ruling

Justice Nyako held that the forfeiture aligns with the interest of justice and supports Nigeria’s legal framework for recovering proceeds of unlawful activities.

The ruling effectively transfers ownership of the UK property to the Federal Government of Nigeria, marking another step in ongoing efforts to strengthen asset recovery and anti-corruption enforcement.

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Former Kano State governorship candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a fresh wave of political realignments in the state.

In a resignation letter dated March 29, 2026, and addressed to the APC chairman of Gawuna Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area, Gawuna described his decision as “voluntary and personal.”

“I hereby formally resign my membership from the All Progressives Congress (APC), effective March 29, 2026,” the letter read.

Gawuna, who served as Deputy Governor of Kano State and flew the APC flag in the 2023 governorship election, expressed appreciation to the party for the opportunities given to him during his time as a member. However, he did not disclose his next political move.

Political Tensions Rise in Kano

His resignation comes at a time of shifting alliances within Kano’s political landscape, as key actors begin to reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources familiar with the development revealed that Gawuna is expected to meet with former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at his residence, further fueling speculation about a possible defection or new political alignment.

Observers say the move could reshape the balance of power in Kano politics, especially given Gawuna’s influence and political structure in the state.

What This Means

Gawuna’s exit underscores the intensifying political maneuvering ahead of 2027, with parties and key figures strategising for control in one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states.

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