News

FCT minister, Wike revokes right of occupancy of new PDP National Secretariat

Published

22 hours ago

March 18, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

…over inconsistent regulatory procedures

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has revoked the land allocation for the new Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Central Business Area of Abuja.

According to a statement released by the FCT Administration, the land allocation for the PDP’s proposed new headquarters, which had been a subject of controversy since its approval, has now been rescinded.

The Minister reportedly cited “inconsistent documentation and non-compliance with regulatory procedures” as primary reasons for the revocation.

Wike, who has been at the forefront of several administrative reforms in the FCT, emphasized that the move aligned with his administration’s commitment to transparency and the enforcement of land-use policies in the capital.

“The decision was taken in the interest of the public good and to uphold the integrity of our land administration system,” Wike was quoted to have said in a terse statement to the press.

In a swift riposte, the PDP condemned the action, describing it as politically motivated and an attempt to undermine the party’s growth and operations.

“This decision is an outright attack on the PDP and an attempt to stifle the opposition in the country,” the party said in a statement, vowing to challenge the revocation in court.

PDP’s revoked plot of land is one of the over 4,000 land allocations reportedly affected in the revocation, which the FCTA hinged on failure by allottees to pay ground rents for upwards of ten years. Many allottees of land in the centre if Abuja, according to the FCTA, had not paid Ground rents for 40 to 43 years.

News

BREAKING: 2 Female House Members Clash Over State of Emergency in Rivers State

Published

43 minutes ago

March 19, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of Wednesday plenary session, tension flared in the House of Representatives as two female lawmakers engaged in a heated argument.

Rep. Blessing Amadi (PDP, Rivers State) and Rep. Marie Ebikake (PDP Bayelsa State) were seen raising their voices at each other, with the disagreement linked to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, which led to the suspension of Governor Similayi Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Naijablitznews.com observed Rep. Ebikake reading aloud from the Nigerian Constitution while Rep. Amadi, appearing visibly agitated, pointed at her colleague in disagreement.

Also in one instance, other lawmakers were seen in groups engaging in heated conversations, and Rep. Kama Nkemkama, a lawmaker from Ebonyi State was seen banging on a table before walking away in frustration

Meanwhile, the President is expected to formally transmit a correspondence to the National Assembly within two days, seeking legislative consent for the emergency rule. The matter is expected to dominate discussions at the plenary session.

News

Reps to Debate President Tinubu’s State of Emergency Declaration in Rivers At Wednesday Plenary

Published

1 hour ago

March 19, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives is set to deliberate on President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

This follows constitutional provisions that require the National Assembly to consider such a proclamation within two days if in session or within ten days if not.

A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Patrick Umoh, in an interview on the News @10 on Nigeira Television Authority (NTA) explained that Wednesday plenary session will focus on the validity of the declaration and whether it aligns with the constitutional provisions.

Umoh emphasised that the president’s decision was made in response to threats to order and peace, as permitted under the Constitution.

“The President has done so, and there are reasons why this has been done, which are now public knowledge. It is the obligation of Parliament to consider the validity or otherwise of such a proclamation and then take our decision,” Umoh stated.

He also clarified that the House has the power to extend the state of emergency beyond six months if necessary, in line with Section 305 of the Constitution.

According to the lawmaker, he debate, will be conducted in collaboration with the Senate, given Nigeria’s bicameral legislative structure.

Addressing concerns that the state of emergency might lead to militarization and suspension of democratic structures in Rivers, Umoh disagreed with such views, insisting that the president’s decision aligns with democratic principles.

“I can’t concede to the argument of militarization. The decision to declare a state of emergency is in compliance with the Constitution. It is the discretion of Mr. President to appoint who administers the state where the declaration has been made,” he said.

On the possibility that the National Assembly might reject the declaration, Umoh noted that such a decision would mean the emergency rule cannot stand, as the Constitution requires legislative approval.

“If today the decision of Parliament does not go in sync with the declaration of the president, then the decision of emergency cannot stand. That’s the provision of the Constitution,” he stressed.

With the House expected to debate and take a resolution today, all eyes are on the National Assembly to determine the next steps in Rivers State.

News

Army notifies A’Ibom residents ahead of shooting practice exercises

Published

7 hours ago

March 19, 2025

Admin

The 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army in the Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has announced plans to hold this year’s first quarter range classification exercise.

The exercise will begin today, March 19 and last till March 28, 2025, according to a statement by the acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lt Adebowale Adejimi.

Adejimi appealed to residents within the range area to stay off designated areas and not to panic at the sound of gunshots, adding that adequate preparations had been made for their safety.

“The headquarters 2 Brigade, 2 Brigade Garrison, and other Sub-units are scheduled to hold the First Quarter Range Classification Exercise for the year 2025 at 6 Bn Range Area in Abak LGA, from 19 – 28 Mar 2025.

“Consequently, the good people of Abak LGA are pleased requested to stay off the designated exercise area. They are also requested not to panic at the sound of gunshots.

“They are also to note that adequate measures have been emplaced for safety and security at the range area and environs.

“You are please requested to disseminate this to the general public for their awareness and safety. Thank you for your usual cooperatiom,” the statement added.

It urged residents not to panic at the sight of moving troops and gunshots.