Abuja Reports

EFCC Official Found Dead in Apparent Suicide in Abuja

Published

8 months ago

July 3, 2024

An official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has tragically died in what appears to be a case of suicide at his residence in Abuja, according to reports from PRNigeria.

The deceased, a member of Course 5 at the EFCC academy, was known for his dedication and productivity within the anti-graft agency. Despite being described as hardworking and well-organized, he had reportedly been battling depression and personal challenges leading up to his untimely death.

Dele Oyewale, spokesperson for the EFCC, confirmed the incident and stated that the agency would conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. Oyewale emphasized that the EFCC is committed to providing support to the deceased’s family during this difficult time.

“Various factors, including mental health issues and personal challenges, will be carefully examined as part of our investigation,” Oyewale stated. He assured that the identity of the officer would not be disclosed until the investigation concludes and proper notifications are made to the family.

The incident has sparked discussions about mental health support within law enforcement agencies and underscores the importance of addressing psychological well-being among personnel.

“Our priority now is to understand what led to this tragic event and ensure that necessary measures are taken to prevent such occurrences in the future,” Oyewale concluded.

Abuja Reports

Union, Legal Practitioner Pressure Wike to Appoint Auditor-General for FCT

Published

8 hours ago

February 13, 2025

ADMIN

Alexis Uchendu

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, is under growing pressure from both the Auditor-General’s Office Union and a legal luminary, Jacob Udobang, over the appointment of Mr. Abdullahi Ibn Salihu as Director of Accounts and Acting Head of the Office of the Auditor-General for FCT Area Councils.

In a strongly worded petition, the Union described the appointment as a violation of constitutional provisions, arguing that assigning an auditee to oversee audit operations compromises the Office’s independence and integrity.

They further decried the exclusion of competent internal staff from promotion, calling for a reversal of the appointment.

Backing the Union’s stance, the legal practitioner, Udobang, in a letter to Wike, warned that the failure to appoint a substantive Auditor-General for the FCT, breaches civil service laws and weakens financial accountability.

He urged the Wike to restore due process and ensure fair promotions within the Office.

Amid rising concerns, stakeholders are also calling for the reintroduction of the Audit Bill, which was passed by the 9th Assembly but not assented to, as a means to secure the autonomy of the Auditor-General’s Office.

The controversy continues to build as expectations mount on Wike to act swiftly in addressing the concerns and safeguarding the Office’s credibility.

Abuja Reports

FCT Teachers, Council Workers Shut Down Services Over Unpaid Wages

Published

8 hours ago

February 13, 2025

ADMIN

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

Teachers and local government workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have resumed their strike over the non-payment of the N70,000 minimum wage by the six area council chairmen.

The strike, which began on February 13, affects primary school teachers and council workers across the FCT.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), accused the chairmen of reneging on a December 2024 agreement to implement the wage increase by January 2025.

Union leaders also condemned the failure to pay other entitlements, including a 40% peculiar allowance and salary increments.

They have vowed to continue the strike indefinitely until their demands are met.

Abuja Reports

Wike Assures FCT Residents of Timely Project Delivery, Compensation, Infrastructure

Published

16 hours ago

February 13, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Alexis Uchendu

FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering key infrastructure projects on schedule, ensuring fair compensation for affected residents, and improving waste management services across the Federal Capital Territory.

During an inspection of ongoing road and housing projects on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Wike expressed satisfaction with the speed and quality of work, particularly at the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe.

He credited the progress to efficient fund management and assured that all projects would be completed by May 2025 as promised by contractors.

Addressing concerns over property demolitions, the Minister confirmed that compensation payments have been made for affected structures in Wasa, Life Camp, and Dei-Dei, while payments for Gishiri Village would be finalized before the end of the week.

On waste management, Wike revealed that the FCTA is in the final phase of selecting contractors to enhance sanitation services, especially in satellite towns.

He assured residents that only competent firms would be engaged to maintain a cleaner and healthier city.