Abuja Reports

Controversy Erupts as Judge Who Limited Abuja #EndBadGovernance Protesters Linked to Wike’s Hometown

Published

8 months ago

August 12, 2024

editor

A recent revelation has stirred controversy regarding the judicial decision that curtailed the activities of protesters during the recent #EndBadGovernance demonstration in Abuja. Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, who issued the order restricting the protests, has been identified as a native of Obio Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State—the same locality as Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The connection was highlighted by Professor Chidi Odinkalu, a distinguished scholar in International Human Rights Law. On Sunday, Odinkalu took to Twitter to reveal the link: “I didn’t really want to be the person saying it, but the @fcthighcourt judge who gave the order to kettle #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters in the Moshood Abiola Stadium just happened to come from the same village as the Minister of the FCT, the plaintiff. Calculate the odds!”

Justice Oriji’s ruling mandated that the protests be confined to the MKO Abiola Stadium, a decision grounded in concerns about potential violence and disruptions to public order. This move followed an ex-parte application filed by Wike, who argued that intelligence reports suggested some protesters were planning to incite chaos and damage public property.

The revelation of Justice Oriji’s local ties has sparked debates about the impartiality of judicial decisions and the potential influence of personal connections on legal rulings. Critics argue that such connections could undermine public confidence in the fairness of judicial processes, especially in politically charged cases.

Abuja Reports

Reps Seek Funding for Abuja Traditional Rulers

Published

11 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

The House of Representatives has pledged to push for better funding and legal recognition for traditional rulers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Chairman of the House Committee on FCT Area Councils, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi, made this commitment during a meeting with the FCT Traditional Council in Abuja on Monday, March 24, 2025.

Agbedi praised the rulers for their role in maintaining peace, security, and cultural heritage, emphasizing that the committee would advocate for policy changes to ensure financial support.

He noted that lawmakers are considering a possible five percent allocation from Area Council funds to support the traditional institution.

He acknowledged that current laws do not provide direct funding for traditional rulers, but ongoing legislative efforts, including the Area Councils Administration Bill, could address this issue.

Speaking on behalf of the rulers, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa lamented poor funding and the absence of a legal framework to support their operations.

Lawmakers also discussed the marginalization of FCT natives and the lack of proper resettlement plans, vowing to engage further in protecting the interests of traditional institutions in Abuja.

Abuja Reports

FCT Teachers Resume Strike Over Unpaid Minimum Wage

Published

11 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

Primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have resumed an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage in their February salaries.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT chapter, announced the decision after an emergency meeting of its State Wing Standing Committee (SWSC) in Gwagwalada on Saturday, March 22.

The union expressed disappointment that Area Council Chairmen failed to honour their agreement to implement the new wage, which had led to the suspension of an earlier strike in February.

Teachers described the omission in their February salaries as disheartening.

NUT Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Shafas, stated that the union had called off its initial strike based on assurances that the wage increase would take effect in February. However, the failure to fulfill this promise left them with no choice but to resume the strike.

The teachers are demanding the immediate payment of the new minimum wage, arrears, and allowances, including a 40 percent peculiar allowance.

Parents have been advised to keep their children at home until further notice.

Abuja Reports

EFCC Arrests 133 Suspects in Abuja Over Alleged Ponzi Scheme

Published

15 hours ago

March 24, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested 133 individuals linked to an alleged Ponzi scheme operating under the name Q University, also known as Q Net, in Abuja.

The suspects were apprehended on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Compensation Layout in Gwagwalada, following credible intelligence.

According to investigators, the academy lured young Nigerians with promises of massive profits through a scheme branded “Special Training for New Generation Billionaires.”

Recruits were required to purchase forms titled “Independent Representative Application Form” and were encouraged with slogans like “I am a Champion” and “I am Unstoppable.”

The EFCC carried out the operation in collaboration with the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army.

Items such as mobile phones, computers, and other electronic gadgets were seized from the suspects.

The anti graft agency confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion.