News

FCT Police Deny Attacking October 1 Protesters, Say Force Only Took Proactive Measures

Published

6 months ago

October 1, 2024

editor

he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has firmly denied allegations of attacking October 1 protesters in Abuja, asserting that its officers only took proactive measures to prevent looting during the protest.

In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, on Tuesday, the FCT Police addressed the circulating reports that suggested officers had clashed with protesters at the Utako Market, a key protest site. The statement stressed that such claims were false and misleading, aimed at distorting the facts of the incident.

“The command wishes to categorically debunk the narrative, tagging it completely false and misleading,” SP Adeh said. “At no point did our officers attack peaceful protesters. Instead, our intervention was in response to intelligence reports indicating that certain miscreants were attempting to use the protest as cover to loot shops and engage in criminal activities.”

According to the police, their primary concern during the October 1 protest, which was held under the banner of #FearlessInOctober, was ensuring the safety of both the protesters and the local businesses in the area. The intelligence received suggested that some groups were planning to exploit the protest, potentially causing chaos and financial loss to shop owners in the busy Utako market.

“As a responsible agency, we could not stand by and allow traders to be robbed of their hard-earned money and belongings without intervening. Our duty is to protect the lives and property of all citizens, whether they are protesters or business owners,” the statement continued.

SP Adeh explained that the police took “measures to forestall” the actions of the miscreants, not to suppress or intimidate peaceful demonstrators. She emphasized that law enforcement acted swiftly to disperse individuals believed to be preparing to engage in looting, thereby preventing a potential escalation of violence.

Abuja Reports

Reps Seek Funding for Abuja Traditional Rulers

Published

9 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

10 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.

Politics

Tinubu Prioritises Youth Development, Launches Academy

Published

10 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to youth development with the launch of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), a major initiative designed to equip young Nigerians with essential skills for global competitiveness.

The launch took place on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing the President, emphasized the need to invest in Nigeria’s youthful population to drive economic growth and innovation.

NiYA aims to train millions of youths over the next two years in digital literacy, technical skills, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries.

Tinubu noted that with Nigeria’s median age at 17 and the country projected to become the world’s third-largest population by 2050, this initiative is crucial in tackling unemployment and bridging the skills gap.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described NiYA as a transformative platform to empower young Nigerians with marketable skills.

Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, added that the program targets over 60 million youths, positioning them for success in the global digital economy.

As part of the launch, six young Nigerians from different geo-political zones received N1 million each as start-up support.