By Cross Stone

A coalition of indigenous groups and residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to begin preparations for a governorship election in Abuja. The demand follows a recent Court of Appeal judgment declaring that the FCT should enjoy the same constitutional status as a state.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Coordinator of the FCT Senior Citizens Forum, Elder Danjuma Tanko Dara, said residents have been denied the right to elect their own governor and assembly members for too long.

The group called on INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) to commence logistics for the poll and urged President Bola Tinubu to designate the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as Sole Administrator until an election is held.

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has condemned the use of ambulances for conveying corpses in Abuja, describing it as unethical and unacceptable.

Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, disclosed this after the fifth meeting of the FCT Executive Committee chaired by Minister Nyesom Wike.

She said the administration would procure hearses dedicated to corpse transportation and include funds for them in the next budget.

Fasawe also announced the purchase of 12 new, fully equipped Toyota Hiace ambulances to boost emergency medical response across the territory, the first new fleet in about nine years.

“In the FCT, we have zero tolerance for an ambulance to carry a corpse. It is not ethical because a living person will lie on that stretcher without decontamination,” she said.

She urged residents to call 112 for emergencies, noting that the line is fully functional in Abuja and will soon be linked to an automated ambulance dispatch system.

By Our Correspondent 

President Bola Tinubu has relieved General Christopher Musa of his duties as Chief of Defence Staff, appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as his replacement in a major shake-up of the nation’s military leadership.

The announcement, contained in a statement issued Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said the decision was part of Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture.

Under the new appointments, Major-General W. Shaibu becomes the Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke assumes office as Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas takes over as Chief of Naval Staff.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Defence Chief and other service heads for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” while charging the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them and enhance professionalism and vigilance within the Armed Forces.

According to the statement, all appointments take immediate effect.