News
HOW FAR CAN WIKE GO?
BY GILBERT BWANSHAK
As active participants in Nigeria’s unfortunate and needless civil war that spanned three years between 1967 and 1970, and major players in the General Yakubu Gowon administration in the early to mid-70s, the duo of Generals Murtala Mohammed and Olusegun Obasanjo when they assumed leadership of Nigeria in 1975, reasoned the need for decisive and deliberate actions to unify the country. From inception, the Murtala/Obasanjo government resolved to build on the mileage covered by Gowon who was overthrown by the new crop of military rulers.
Their passion for true nationhood and commitment to patriotism and nation building led to the carving of Abuja as the new Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. In doing this, the Murtala/Obasanjo government envisioned a federal capital that will be home to every Nigerian no matter your ethnicity, tribe, religion and any other persuasion. In their projection, Abuja should be a place where every Nigerian would have sense of belonging, inclusivity and true brotherhood among all citizens. The capital territory went through different stages and assumed various nomenclature; from proposed to emerging and substantive capital of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In like manner, it witnessed many stages of development from raw state to infancy and what it is today. During the military regimes of Ibrahim Babaginda, Sani Abacha and Abdulsalami Abubakar the capital territory was given varied degrees of concentration by respective leadership. Given their orientation, background and experiences in the military profession, there were conscious efforts to maintain the status of Abuja as the unifying capital city of Nigeria and for Nigerians. In every way possible, they tried to toe the line of their superiors who birth the new capital city.
With Nigeria’s return to civilian governance in 1999 which saw the emergence of a retired military general, Olusegun Obasanjo as the new democratic president of Nigeria, many envisaged the further enforcement of Abuja as home for all. Being the other leg of the duo that carved and created the new federal capital, residents and Nigerians were expectant with deliberate enthusiasm. In his own way, the Obasanjo government endeavoured to meet the aspiration of Nigerians. Though much was not achieved in the first term (1999-2003) but the story changed in the second term (2003-2007), as considerable mileage were covered in few areas, particularly restoring the original plan of the federal capital territory.
According to opinions and comments of many long term residents of Abuja, it was obvious that though past ministers of the Federal Capital Territory tried in their respective tenures to ensure the all-inclusivity vision of the founders of Abuja, in some ways the bureaucracy favoured a particular section of the country. Perhaps this may not be their making considering the evolution of Abuja particularly as it relates to personnel recruitment at it’s formative years. This trend continued from one administration to the other. Somehow, it was only during the tenure of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai that attempts were made to correct the skewed bureaucracy. Even at that, some people argued that the former Kaduna state governor was calculative and strategic in appointing and posting of those carefully selected to juicy positions and departments.
However it became worse in the last administration. Previously laid down guidelines and rules for some appointments were flagrantly abused. Adherence to federal character were deliberately jettisoned. For instance, while previous administrations ensured that one Mandate Secretary was picked to represent each of the six geo-political zones, this well-thought principle was shoved aside. In virtually all departments and units, the depth of skewed bureaucracy was glaring. In many ways, it affected the morale of workers such that service delivery took the backseat.
When Nyesom Wike assumed office as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in the third quarter of 2023, many workers wondered if he would have the nerve to address these anomalies. Many staff secretly wish that Wike would have the political will to right the wrong in the ministry’s bureaucracy which was eroding trust, believe, and cohesion. Many agreed that if the trend persists it will lead to widespread failure in service delivery which may impact negatively on the development of the territory.
In almost a year in office, Wike (and his junior Minister) have made significant landmarks in many sectors. From building of bridges, roads, and Infrastructures in other sectors to the improvement and upgrade of facilities, Wike has recorded achievements that dwarfs that of his predecessors. Fact is, of all the past ministers, only El-Rufai posted achievements that are close to what is happening in Abuja now. A visit round the city and across the six Area Councils will convince everyone that Wike is working.
Over the past couple of months, some profound and transformational policies have been introduced in the governance structure of the federal capital territory. Perhaps unknown to him, in a quiet, meticulous, and deliberate approach to leadership and governance, Wike has been taking decisions which are in total conformity with the ideals and visions of the founder fathers and creators of Abuja as the federal capital of Nigeria. For a start, with the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu, the minister has succeeded in the restructuring of the entity from a ministry-focal to full-state structure with all the compliments of necessary appurtenances. With this singular and successful step, the scope of the vision of governance in the federal capital has swiftly expanded.
For the first time since it’s creation over four decade ago, the bureaucracy of the federal capital has weaned itself from the control of the Federal Civil Service by having its own; FCT Civil Service Commission. As a follow-up, the pioneer FCT’s Head of Service was appointed. In addition, ten(10) Permanent Secretaries were subsequently appointed and deployed to fit into the new governance and organisational structure of the federal capital territory. Similarly, to encourage gender equality and deepen inclusivity, which was the main reason for creating the federal capital territory the Women Affairs Secretariat was empaneled thereby increasing the Mandate Secretariats to seven.
It is instructive that Wike has been adhering to the principles of federal character in appointments, deployment of staff and every bureaucracy in the federal capital territory. From observation and comments by staff and residents there are empirical proofs to confirm that Wike is meticulously maintaining and sustaining the visions and principles of the federal capital territory which are also in sync with the agenda of Tinubu. Just as he ensured that the positions of the six Mandate Secretaries were given to people from the six geo-political zones, the ten Permanent Secretaries were evenly distributed, same with Directors of key Agencies and Departments.
Wike’s courageous actions has emplaced equity, fairness and justice in the federal capital territory. Though it has elicited minor hush-hush murmurings among few people but the vast majority of staff are excited. With adherence to competence, track record and experience many have witnessed rightful placements and long over-due promotions. Suddenly, a new culture of inclusivity, belonginess and unity is now in the federal capital territory. Unlike in the past when your career progression is solely anchored on where you come from, the reverse is the case. Workers are now encouraged to put in their best knowing that they would be appropriately appreciated through career growth when the need arises.
Though a huge percentage of federal capital territory’s over 7,000 work force are extremely happy with Wike’s commitment to all inclusivity, some are worried if he can sustain it till the end of his tenure. Few are also concerned that he may be victim of intense pressure and sustained blackmail orchestrated by few people who believe that every juicy positions in the federal capital territory is their birthright. Given Wike’s commitment to equity, fairness and justice as eloquently exemplified during his political fight with the People’s Democratic Party presidential candidate during the last general election, it is certain that he will not bow to any intimidation and subterfuge. As a firm believer in “agreement na agreement” Wike is expected to enforce and ingrain the principles of law, order, justice, fairness and equity in the federal capital territory under his watch.
* GILBERT BWANSHAK is an Abuja based public affairs analyst
The United States and Iran agreed on a peace deal and an “immediate and permanent” end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, mediator Pakistan said, in the strongest sign yet that more than three months of war in the Middle East is drawing to a close.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted on X that a peace deal “has been REACHED” and an official signing ceremony will be held on June 19 in Switzerland.
“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” US President Donald Trump swiftly confirmed with his own statement on Sunday, as he marked his 80th birthday.
“I hereby fully authorise the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz and, simultaneously herewith, authorise the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”
There was no immediate confirmation from Iran, which just hours earlier had vowed to retaliate against a strike by Israel against Iranian ally Hezbollah in the suburbs of Beirut, which threatened to push back an agreement.
It had declined on Sunday to offer a clear timeline for reaching a peace deal.
But later in the day, Pakistan’s Sharif made the announcement that a deal had been struck, thanking the US and Iran “for finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict.”
Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” Sharif wrote, adding thanks to leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey for their support in the mediation effort.
It was a rollercoaster Sunday, with Trump in the morning angrily blaming Israel for delaying its signing with the airstrike on Beirut, which he said had delayed the agreement.
The last time Israel hit the Beirut suburbs, it sparked one of the strongest jolts yet to a ceasefire that has largely held since April, with Iran firing off a retaliatory missile barrage and Israel responding with strikes.
Tehran has long demanded that any agreement to halt the war must include the parallel conflict in Lebanon, where Israel has been pursuing a campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah.
The war began in late February, with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which retaliated with attacks on Israel and US allies in the region, and by virtually blocking ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and natural gas supplies. The US retaliated to that by blockading ship traffic to Iranian ports.
Prices of oil fell sharply in Asian trading on Monday after the United States and Iran announced an agreement that would allow the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, ending more than 100 days of disruption to one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
At the time of reporting, Brent crude was down by nearly 4 percent at $83.67 per barrel, while U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) declined to $80.76 per barrel.
The latest drop extends a downward trend that has emerged in recent weeks amid growing speculation that a diplomatic breakthrough was imminent despite continued military escalations.
As a result, the petrol price is seen falling below N1000 per litre after many weeks of inflated prices at filling stations across Nigeria.
Analysts say the price will likely settle between N850 and N915 when the Strait finally re-opens and ships begin ferrying fuel supplies, easing pressure on the domestic market while helping to stabilise costs.
The breakthrough was announced on Sunday night when President Trump stated on social media that negotiations with Iran had been concluded.
He said oil would once again move through the Strait of Hormuz once the agreement is formally signed on Friday.
Iran also signaled its approval of the arrangement.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed that both sides had finalised the text of a memorandum of understanding, adding that a formal signing ceremony is scheduled to take place in Switzerland later this week.
The agreement was further validated by Pakistan and Qatar, which served as the principal mediators throughout the negotiations.
Although the full terms have not been officially released, Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency, citing a source close to the country’s negotiating team, reported that the deal includes an end to the conflict in Lebanon, the suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil exports, the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets, and assurances that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons.
According to the report, sanctions relief and the release of frozen funds will occur during a ceasefire period. Mehr also indicated that Iran could gain access to $12 billion before broader negotiations commence.
For energy markets, one of the most significant provisions is the resumption of Iranian crude exports during the proposed 60-day ceasefire while talks on nuclear issues continue.
The diplomatic progress nearly unravelled shortly before the announcement after Israel launched an air strike in southern Beirut. Trump criticised the operation, saying it “should not have happened,” and subsequently urged all parties to de-escalate.
He also called for an immediate halt to Israeli attacks across Lebanon.
Despite optimism surrounding the agreement, market participants remain cautious. Traders are expected to closely monitor the removal of mines from the Strait of Hormuz, the formal signing of the accord, and the restoration of normal shipping activity before fully embracing expectations of supply normalisation.
After more than three months of conflict, investors are increasingly pricing in the prospect of peace and a gradual return to stability in global oil markets. However, questions remain over the durability of the agreement and how quickly normal trade flows can be restored.
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has approved a three-month extension of the implementation period for the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act, shifting the deadline from June 30 to September 30, 2026.
The decision was taken during an emergency sitting held on Monday, as lawmakers moved swiftly to ensure the continued execution of capital projects captured in the national budget.
The legislation, which seeks to amend the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) Act, 2025, was designed to provide additional time for Ministries, Departments and Agencies to complete ongoing projects and fully utilise funds earmarked for capital expenditure.
In an unusually rapid legislative process, the bill passed through its first, second and third readings during the same plenary session after members suspended the relevant provisions of the House Standing Orders to facilitate its consideration.
Leading debate on the general principle of the bill, House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, said the extension was necessary as several capital projects captured in the 2025 budget had not been fully implemented.
He emphasised that the amendment was not intended to alter any provision of the budget but merely to extend its lifespan by three months to allow ongoing projects to be completed.
He said: “It is very straightforward. Because some aspects of the capital appropriation will not be fully implemented, if we do not extend the life of this particular law, it will have a very grave impact on the growth and development of the national economy.
“The purpose essentially is to extend the lifespan. We are not touching any part of the law. It is simply extending the lifespan from June 30, 2026 to September 30, 2026. I urge my colleagues to approve this so that we can continue with the work of developing and growing our economy and country”.
Presiding over the session, Speaker of the House, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, acknowledged that the records provided by the Chairman House Committee on Appropriations and other relevant agencies revealed that implementation of the capital budget was yet to be completed.
“As you are aware, the 2025 budget was extended to June 30. From the records we received from the Chairman, Appropriations, and other relevant quarters, it is yet to be fully implemented. It is therefore in the best interest of this country and the National Assembly for us to extend the budget to September 30 to enable the Federal Government fulfil its obligations under the 2025 budget,” the Speaker said.
Following the adoption of the bill at second reading, the House dissolved into the Committee of Supply where it had the clause by clause consideration of the bill, and approved the three clauses, explanatory memorandum and long title of the bill.
The committee subsequently reported back to plenary, where lawmakers adopted its recommendations and suspended House rules to allow the bill to be read a third time and passed the same day.
The accelerated passage reflects growing concern over the pace of implementation of key infrastructure and development projects, many of which require additional time to reach completion.
With the approval, government agencies now have until the end of September to execute projects funded under the capital component of the 2025 budget, a move expected to prevent disruptions to ongoing works and improve budget performance.
The extension is also aimed at ensuring that resources already allocated for development projects are effectively utilised before the capital budget expires.
With the passage of the amendment, federal ministries, departments and agencies now have an additional three months to implement capital projects and utilize funds appropriated under the 2025 budget.
Meanwhile, the House also announced changes in the leadership of some standing committees.
The appointments are as follows:
• Rep. Ali Madaki – Chairman House Committee on Special Duties
• Rep. Ali Isa J.C. – Chairman House Committee on Shipping Services,
• Rep. Pascal Agbodike – Chairman House Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN),
• Rep. Kelechi Nwogu – Chairman House Committee on Hydrological Services
The Speaker urged the newly appointed committee chairmen to assume their responsibilities immediately and bring their legislative experience to bear in advancing the work of the House.
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Price of petrol expected to drop to N900 per litre as US-Iran opens way for Strait of Hormuz
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