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 Huldah Shado 

President Bola Tinubu has appointed General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa, in a major shake-up of Nigeria’s military leadership aimed at strengthening the nation’s security architecture.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the President also approved the appointment of Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas 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 Service Chiefs, including General Musa, for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership, urging the new appointees to justify the confidence reposed in them by promoting professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.

The appointments take immediate effect.