News
Wike bans ‘pantekas’ for two weeks in Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has banned the operations of Pantekas (sellers of used items) in the FCT for two weeks.
The decision was part of the conclusions reached during the first meeting of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Security Council of the year 2025, which was chaired by the FCT Minister on Monday.
Wike said the ban on Panteka markets will come into effect from Tuesday, January 14, 2025.e
The minister has also banned scavenging in Abuja city center and its environs, restricting scavengers to be placed in dumping sites only.
During the meeting, Wike also announced that all those arrested for destroying public infrastructure in the nation’s capital would be charged with economic sabotage and attempted murder.
“The activities of all Pantekas (sellers of used items) are banned for two weeks from tomorrow.
“Scavenging is prohibited in Abuja city center and its environs. Scavengers are now limited to landfills only.
“All those arrested for destroying public infrastructure will be charged in court with charges of economic sabotage and even attempted murder.” Wike said, according to a statement published by his media aide on Twitter (formerly X): Lere Olajinka.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as the “worst, most corrupt, and most intolerant” federal government since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
Speaking to journalists in Katsina on Monday night, el-Rufai accused the government of widespread dishonesty and failure to address the country’s worsening insecurity.
“This is the worst federal government in Nigerian history, and all the indices have shown it,” he said.
He charged the Tinubu administration with spreading propaganda, particularly on the security situation in the country.
“They lied that security has improved in Nigeria. They read out numbers of bandits killed except the ones we know are the leading bandits… Dogo Gide is still around, Mallam Abba… Bello Turji is still around,” he claimed.
Issues of insecurity in northern Nigeria
El-Rufai questioned how many local government areas remain under bandit control in states like Katsina, Zamfara, and parts of Sokoto, accusing the federal government of ignoring the root causes of insecurity.
He also hinted at a political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, predicting that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) would unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
El-Rufai was in Katsina to offer condolences to Governor Dikko Radda over his mother’s passing.
Days earlier, he had joined former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other political figures on a unity visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna.
He later described the visit as a symbol of “unity and brotherhood.”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Arsenal on Wednesday hammered Real Madrid and finally hit the semis on 5-1 aggregate.
Bukayo Saka after losing a penalty in the the first half at the 13th minute but made up at the 65th minute.
Vinicius Jnr equalised within two minutes as Gabriel Martinelli nailed it for Arsemal at extra time.
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