NEWS
FCT Area Councils, Stakeholders Share N6.3b for March Allocation
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disbursed the sum of N6,316,621,045.37 billion to the six area councils and other stakeholders as statutory allocation for the month of March, 2024.The amount represents a geometric increase of approximately 40 percent when compared to N3,938,092,102.
92 billion shared in the month of February, 2024. FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, who presided over the 188th Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), expressed satisfaction over the increase.She, therefore, urged the Area Council Authorities to justify the monthly allocation by embarking on meaningful projects.Mahmoud said; “the allocation to the area councils as its stands today goes beyond payment of staff salaries. It is, therefore, high time for the chairmen to embark on people oriented projects to justify the resources that go to the councils.”However, a breakdown of the figures released during the JAAC meeting indicates that the sum of N3,814,043,951.50billion was made available for distribution to the six area councils, while the sum of N2,502,577,093.87billion was made available to other stakeholders, bringing the total sum to N6,316,621,045.37billion.Similarly, distributions to the six area councils shows that the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), received N796,985,326.39million, while Gwagwalada got N606,666,131.20million and Kuje received N635,903,823.41million.Other area councils include, Bwari Area Council which received N598,406,880.71million, Abaji got N564,901,838.77million while Kwali received N611,179,951.02million, bringing the total sum to N3,814,043,951.50billion disbursed to the six area councils.On the other hand, distribution to other critical stakeholders include: Primary School Teachers which gulped N2,115,855,089.92billion, 15 percent Pension Funds took N226,478,989.57million, One percent Training Fund gulped N52,394,108.75million, while 10 percent Employer Pension Contribution gulped N107,849,405.63million, bringing the total sum to N2,502,577,093.87billion.Those present at the 188th Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting include the Senior Special Assistant on Administration and Strategy to FCT Minister of State, Dr. Abdullahi Isa Kauramata, Mandate Secretary Area Council Services Secretariat, Hon. Bitrus Garki, Permanent Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat, Dr. Olusa Olusegun, Ag. Director of Funds, Mr. Muhammed Aris, Commissioner FCT Revenue Mobilization Fiscal Allocation Commission, Hon. Ismail Ajaka and the representative of the Accountant General’s Office, Mr. Muhmud Nasiri.Others include the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Hon. Christopher Maikalagun, Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar, Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Hon. John Gabaya and representatives of the chairman of Gwagwalada, and Kwali Area Council amongst others.
From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo
Justice Lateef Adegoke of the Osun State High Court, sitting in Iwo, yesterday sentenced an Islamic cleric, Kabiru Ibrahim, to death by hanging for the murder of one Adeleke Lukman, in what was described as a money ritual scheme.The convict was charged with three counts: conspiracy, murder, and stealing, contrary to Sections 324, 319(1), and 390 of the Criminal Code, Cap.
34, Laws of Osun State. The prosecution, led by Abiodun Badiora Esq. from the Ministry of Justice, alongside Ajibola Slade and Omotayo Babalola, told the court that Kabiru Ibrahim was a spiritualist whom the deceased regularly consulted for spiritual advice.According to the prosecution, the deceased, Adeleke Lukman, approached the cleric after planning to purchase land. Kabiru allegedly asked him to bring the money for an overnight prayer before making the payment to the land vendor. Lukman was never seen again after that meeting. During the search for him, his family was informed by a community member (name withheld) that Lukman was last seen being taken to Kabiru Ibrahim’s residence. When the family confronted the cleric, he initially denied having seen the deceased for over two weeks. However, the community member refuted this claim, stating he had personally taken Lukman to the cleric’s house just a day prior to his disappearance. The matter was reported to the police, and during interrogation, Kabiru confessed to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) that he had murdered the deceased. He led the authorities to the Ilesa/Akure expressway, where the remains of Lukman were found inside a sack. One of his palms had been severed. Photographic evidence of the scene was tendered in court. The prosecution called six witnesses and presented several exhibits, including Kabiru’s extrajudicial confession. Additionally, it was revealed that Kabiru had stolen ₦300,000 from the deceased on August 24, 2016. The defense counsel, Chidera Eze Esq., did not respond to the prosecution’s final written address. Justice Adegoke found Kabiru Ibrahim guilty of both murder and stealing. He sentenced him to seven years imprisonment for the Stealing and sentenced to death by hanging for the murder
From Ajiya Ayuba,Bauchi
The Commandant of the Nigeria Army School of Armour Bauchi, Major General A H Ahmed, said they are facing metrics war fare that requires different lines of operations to tackle the security challenges facing the country. He said that tackling security challenges involves the government which is the constituted authority, the people and the military.
The Commandant stated this when the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigeria Army/Commander Operation Safe Heaven to the 3 Division Operations planning Cadre from 26-30 May 2025, held at the 33 Artillery Brigade Vulcan officers mess, Shadawanka Barracks. At the program themed: Leadership capacity building: A panacea for operational effectiveness, the Commandant said that the main reason of the program is for the Cadre to improve the skills and proficiency of junior and mid-level officers in joint and single service operation planning process. He urged the Cadre to wake up to their call and refreshen their minds on all their responsibilities, to also equip themselves with new innovative policies of the Nigeria Army and the armed forces in General. He further said that the initiative will also enhance inter-agency collaboration and cooperation with the sister security agencies that are all in attendance for the programme. According to the commandant “Operations are activities we conduct daily in other to counter our involving security challenges, so is a platform that we can bring new challenges to be discuss issues that will brings the end of security in the country ” “This training is not only holding in Bauchi State, but all over Nigeria Armies such program are conducted, also at the same time, as we are commited to fighting in the front lines, we also don’t relegate training. The Commandant of the Nigeria Army School of Armour, Major General A H Ahmed urged the junior Cadre to utilize the golden opportunity provided to them by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General O O. Oluyede who he observed has spent a lot of money for the training of the junior Cadre to be successful.
By Francis Sadhere, Delta
The Critical Stakeholders Forum of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has passed a vote of confidence in the Administrator, High Chief (Dr.) Dennis B. Otuaro, reaffirming their strong belief in his competence, visionary leadership, and dedication to transforming the programme.
In a press release signed by Chief Reuben C. Wilson, Chairman of the Forum, the group described Dr. Otuaro as a blessing to the PAP and the entire Niger Delta region.They commended his efforts in repositioning and sanitizing the programme to effectively fulfill its core mandate of rehabilitating, training, and reintegrating former agitators.The Forum noted that under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, the PAP has witnessed a renewed focus, with increased transparency, accountability, and results-driven implementation. His reforms, they said, have transformed the Amnesty Programme into a more productive and impactful initiative.The group strongly condemned recent criticisms against Dr. Otuaro, which they characterized as baseless, politically motivated, and detrimental to the progress of the PAP.They specifically addressed statements made by Owusu Owupele and his group, urging them to conduct a thorough and objective assessment of the Administrator’s policies before making public commentary.They called on Owupele and his associates to tender an unreserved apology for what they described as malicious and unfounded allegations.“It is disheartening to witness deliberate attempts to tarnish the image of an administrator who has shown uncommon commitment to the wellbeing of the Niger Delta,” the statement read. “High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro has restored integrity and focus to the PAP. He deserves encouragement, not vilification.” The Forum emphasized that while criticism is a legitimate part of democratic governance, it must be constructive, factual, and devoid of bitterness and political sentiments. They warned that unfounded attacks can demoralize public servants and undermine national development efforts.Reiterating their unwavering support, the Forum called on all well-meaning Niger Deltans and beneficiaries of the PAP to unite behind Dr. Otuaro’s vision. They stressed that the success of the programme is in the collective interest of the region and the country at large.“A stable, peaceful, and productive Niger Delta is essential for national progress,” the statement concluded. “We urge all stakeholders to create an enabling environment for Dr. Otuaro to continue his remarkable work. Let us focus on building, not destroying.
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