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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has ordered for the immediate arrest and seizure of the plot of land where a multi-story hotel building collapsed last Friday, in the Jikwoyi area of the nation’s capital, Abuja.

In a stern warning to developers, the Minister, who conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the site on Tuesday, said the structure was erected without approval from the FCT Department of Development Control.
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Wike said the collapse occurred after the developer repeatedly ignored “stop-work” notices issued by the Department of Development Control.

“Despite the lack of formal approval, the company proceeded with construction, leading to the eventual structural failure.

​”There was no approval for the construction of this building,” the Minister stated during the site visit.

“Development Control had issued stop work notices, but the company ignored the notices and continued regardless,” he stated.

The minister disclosed that although no fatality was recorded, some persons sustained injuries and were taken to hospital, noting that the outcome could have been more severe.

He announced that the FCT Administration would take over the land for public use, adding that those responsible for the illegal construction would face prosecution in accordance with the law.

​The Minister said the local community will be consulted to determine a suitable public-purpose project to be built on the reclaimed land.

Wike emphasised the need for strict compliance with building regulations, stressing that obtaining approval allows authorities to monitor construction standards and ensure the use of appropriate materials.

He directed relevant agencies to strengthen enforcement measures, including the demolition of structures built without approval, in order to prevent future incidents.

“It is important that we act decisively. Where there is clear violation, the law must take its course,” he said.

The minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging developers to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures to avoid sanctions.

He emphasized that the government’s primary concern was the safety of lives, noting that buildings constructed without supervision often utilize sub-standard materials.

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The Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Usman Mohammed Ankwai.

Guwor, who is the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, said the news of the loss of Rt Hon Ankwai came to him as a rude shock, especially at this critical point in the nation’s development.

Conference Chairman Reflects Delta’s Legislative Strength
The Conference Chairman, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, described the sad incident as heartbreaking and painful.

Rt Hon Guwor, on behalf of colleagues nationwide, regretted the loss of such a committed legislator, humble leader, and a true brother in the service of the nation.

He disclosed that Rt Hon Ankwai passed on in Cairo, Egypt, after a brief illness, noting that the late Speaker’s dedication to the progress of Kebbi State and his contributions to the Conference of Speakers in Nigeria will be sorely missed.

Scrutiny Department to Ask “Is the Law Working?”
Guwor stressed that the demise Rt Hon Ankwai, was a great loss not only to the Government and people of Kebbi State but to the entire legislative community in Nigeria.

“At this painful moment, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the Government and people of Kebbi State, members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, and indeed all who mourn this irreparable loss,” Guwor said.

The Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant the late colleague peaceful rest.

He also prayed that Allah give his family, the people of Kebbi State, and all those who mourn him the fortitude to bear this great loss.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un — Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return”, Guwor stated.

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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle, redeploying the Commissioner for Works, Felix Akhabue, to the Ministry of Water Resources.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor.

According to the statement, the governor directed that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works should take charge of the ministry pending the appointment of a new commissioner.

“The Edo State Government wishes to inform the general public that the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the redeployment of the Commissioner for Works, Hon. (Dr.) Felix Ehiguese Akhabue, from the Ministry of Works to the Ministry of Water Resources,” the statement read.

“Consequently, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works is to take over pending the deployment of a new Commissioner to the Ministry.

“This directive takes immediate effect.”