Mr Lere Olayinka, spokesman of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has faulted the position of Sen. Ireti Kingibe on the enforcement of ground rent by the FCT Administration.Kingibe, representing the FCT in the Senate under the Labour Party, had challenged the sealing of property by the FCT Administration, describing it as unconstitutional.

The senator in statement noted that although enforcement of tax obligations was necessary, defaulting in ground rent payments was no legal ground for arbitrary takeover of property. Responding, Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant to Wike on Public Communications and Social Media, said in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, that the senator was unaware of the provisions of the Land Use Act.He described Kingibe’s comment on the enforcement of payment of ground rent as illogical, explaining that land allocation comes with conditions.According to him, land allocation comes with conditions that must be met, one of which is the annual payment of ground rent without demand notice.He advised the senator against using the ground rent enforcement to score cheap political gain.“It is surprising that a serving senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose duty is to make laws, is ignorant of the provisions of Section 28, Subsections (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.“Section 28, Subsections (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act provides that ‘The Government may revoke a Statutory Right of Occupancy on the ground of; (a) a breach of any of the provisions which a certificate of occupancy is by Section 10 deemed to contain; and (b) a breach of any term contained in the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).“Now, is annual payment of ground rent not part of the terms contained in the C of O? ,” he asked.The spokesperson asked whether Kingibe would look away if land allottees refused to pay ground rent for 10 to 43 years if she was the FCT minister. Report says that the FCTA had on Monday, began taking over 4,794 revoked properties in the territory over unpaid ground rent, amounting to more than N6 billion.Tinubu, however, gave the defaulters 14-day grace to pay the outstanding ground rent and associated penalties. (NAN)

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has said that his administration has committed over N40 billion to clearing arrears of salaries and pensions in the past two years.Otti said this on Thursday during an event organised to mark his administration’s two years anniversary with the theme “Transformative Governance: Sustaining the Momentum”, in Umuahia.

The governor said that this move was aimed at restoring dignity and financial stability to the state’s workforce and retirees. He said that prompt salary and pension payments had become an integral part of the system with workers now paid by the 28th of every month.Otti added that pensioners now receive full monthly payments, ending the era of partial disbursements experienced by retirees.He also announced the full renovation of the previously abandoned Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, now housing nearly 1,000 civil servants.The governor revealed efforts to digitise government operations and phase out manual filing systems through the provision of computers.He also said that an agreement with MTN would ensure full network coverage across the state by Dec. 31, 2025.Otti said that the state would also be witnessing the development of the first Aba Digital Mall by MTN, aimed at boosting e-commerce and local trade.Otti reiterated the sustained resolve of Abia Government to allocate 20 per cent of the state’s budget to education, and confirmed that smart schools were under construction across all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs).According to him, the state’s free basic education policy had increased enrolment, prompting the transparent recruitment of 5,300 new teachers earlier this year.He also disclosed that another 4,000 teachers would be recruited to match the growing student population across public schools.The governor assured equal opportunities for all, regardless of state of origin, ethnicity, or religion during the exercise.On health, he said that over 100 Primary Healthcare Centres(PHCs) had been renovated, with commissioning set to begin on June 1.Otti also said that renovations were ongoing at ten general hospitals and two specialist centres to improve healthcare delivery in the state.Otti revealed plans for a medical village to tackle outbound medical tourism and position Abia as Nigeria’s healthcare hub.On security, he credited the government’s security intervention code named ”Operation Crush” for reclaiming territories in Umunneochi and Isuikwuato from criminals, restoring peace and safety.He praised security agencies for their sacrifice and commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.Otti stated that several roads in Umuahia, Aba, and other parts of the state were ready for commissioning starting June 1.He stressed that good governance, accountability, and prudent spending of public funds remain his administration’s core principles.Otti reaffirmed the state’s private-sector-driven economic strategy and commitment to creating a conducive business environment.He highlighted the government’s ₦1 billion empowerment of 10,000 nano-businesses to support entrepreneurship and reduce financial hardship.On electricity, he confirmed that Geometric Power now generated 141 megawatts, with the fourth turbine expected to boost capacity further.He revealed discussions with Enugu DISCO to isolate Umuahia as a power island, following the Aba model.Otti said the move aims to ensure stable electricity across Umuahia, Bende, Umunneochi, Isuikwuato, Ohafia, and Arochukwu.He also noted the installation of nearly 7,000 solar streetlights, part of efforts to improve security and drive a 24-hour economy.On sanitation, he celebrated the state’s transformation from one of the dirtiest to among the cleanest in Nigeria.He praised citizens for embracing cleanliness and environmental responsibility as a collective lifestyle.Otti commended civil servants, appointees, healthcare workers, and cleaners for driving the administration’s achievements.He attributed his administration’s success to divine guidance and the unwavering support of the people of Abia.The governor also expressed deep gratitude to the citizens for their support before, during, and after the 2023 elections.He further reaffirmed his commitment to building a functional, safe, and prosperous Abia for all.In their good will messages, the lawmaker representing Abia South Senatorial District, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, and the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, commended the governor for his transformational leadership style.They urged the people of Abia to continue to support the programmes and policies of the state government.Also, in their remarks, the Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Chief Emmanuel Emeruwa, and his deputy, Mr Austin Mmeregini, passed a vote of confidence on the governor.They expressed the resolve of the legislature to continually give the governor all the legislative support required to execute his rebuilding agenda.Report says that the event was attended by the former deputy governor, Chief Ude Oko-Chukwu, former Chairman of Ohafia LGA, among other dignitaries. (NAN)

Gov. Hyacinth Alia said his administration established the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area, to meet the growing needs for higher education in the state. Alia stated this on Thursday in Makurdi when addressing Benue people on the occasion of his 2nd-year anniversary as governor.

According to him, the establishment of the new university is to produce specialised graduates to boost the state economy. Alia stated that it became imperative to engage youths in agricultural activities to ensure food security; hence, establishing the university would help the state achieve that objective.The governor stated that education remained at the heart of his development agenda, adding that over 9,000 qualified teachers were recruited to boost the primary education sector.“For the first time in the history of Benue State, we have recruited over 9,000 qualified teachers through a transparent Computer-Based Testing (CBT) process. “We approved a new ₦75,000 minimum wage for public school teachers and for all state civil servants, reflecting our respect for their essential role in public service. “Infrastructural development in our schools includes the massive construction of new classrooms, libraries, sanitation facilities, and perimeter fences. “Computer-based learning has been introduced in model schools like the UBEC Smart School in Makurdi, with many more to follow,” he said. Alia also said that his administration also constructed and renovated over 253 school structures, including modern storey buildings. He said they have also supplied over 13,347 units of classroom furniture, including facilities for Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE). The governor said in collaboration with the Federal Government, Benue established a state-of-the-art fashion hub and ICT training centre here in Makurdi. He said the initiative was designed to harness the creativity of young people, promote entrepreneurship in the ICT and fashion and garment industry, and position Benue as a new frontier for ICT and textile innovation and production in Nigeria. He said security remained the top priority of his administration, adding that he inherited a fragile security situation in the state in 2023. “The establishment of Operation Anyam Nyôr, a security outfit backed by legislation, has empowered law enforcement agencies to tackle insecurity head-on. “We have distributed Hilux vans, security vehicles and motorcycles to various mainstream security agencies and quasi-security outfits for effective combating of crime. “Let me assure you that we are on the trail of the terrorists, armed herders and bandits terrorising some parts of our state, and very soon, we will decimate them and all other criminal syndicates in the state,”” he said (NAN)