Metro
Abuja Council Chair Tasks Traditional Rulers on Peace, Stability in Their Domains
Blessing Bature-Akpakpan, Abuja
Following heightened tension and campaign of calumny in FCT communities as a result of next month’s council election in the territory, the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, has warned traditional rulers within the area council not to allow their communities to be used for political crises before, during and after the area council elections.
He gave the warning during a town hall meeting with traditional rulers of different communities in AMAC, stakeholders, candidates in the AMAC 2022 election, and other officials.
He expressed sadness at the campaign of calumny adopted by different political parties in the election, citing recent examples in Kabusa Ward, even as he warned that traditional rulers will be held responsible for any political violence in their domains.Candido said, “No traditional ruler should allow his community to become a breeding ground for political crisis. Government will not take it lightly with any traditional ruler that allows political violence in his domain. Government is interested in peaceful conduct of elections, especially the AMAC elections taking place next month. As part of my transition programme, we will continue to preach peace and even go beyond it.
“This meeting is supposed to be held next week, but for an ugly incident that occurred at Kite Community in Kabusa Ward, where a political party went to campaign for the elections coming up next month, but ended up being attacked by certain elements in the community. Fortunately, the situation was brought under control as a result of wise counsels. The Kite incident is the reason for this tripartite meeting between the council, candidates in the election and traditional rulers.”
Speaking further, he said, “We don’t want a repeat of the ugly incident anywhere in AMAC. Even the FCT minister has warned against political violence in AMAC, so I will just be repeating what he said. As traditional rulers, you are the custodian of the culture and responsible for the people in your domain. Polling units are not found in the sky, but in localities overseen by traditional rulers, hence the need for peace and stability in all the 12 wards of AMAC.”
He urged them not to underrate or undermine any political party or candidate in the AMAC elections, saying that anybody can become Chairman tomorrow, so don’t write off anybody or block the gate of your community for any candidate or party coming to canvas for votes in your community. Let whatever happened in the past stay in the past. AMAC should be a reference point for peaceful elections and positive things.
The Esu of Jikwoyi, Jetta Bawa, commended the AMAC Chairman, revealing that he was impressed by the transformation of the council and achievements recorded by the present administration, even as he said his community is open and ready to welcome any candidate coming to campaign in his domain.
Metro
Wike Approves Deployment of FCTA’s Pioneer Perm. Secs
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has approved the deployment of the 10 pioneer Permanent Secretaries of the FCT Administration.
The FCT Head of Service, Dr Udo Atang, announced the deployment in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.
Atang said that Dr Adams Babagana was deployed to Health Services and Environment, while Wanki Ibrahim was deployed to Treasury and Budget.
He also said that Asmau Muhktar was deployed to the Social Development Secretariat, while Dogo Bodinga was deployed to Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public Private Partnership Secretariat.
The head of service added that Olusa Olusegun was deployed to the Area Councils Services, Adetoyi Kolawole to Women Affairs, while Grace Adayilo Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat.
Also deployed were Olubunmi Olowookere to Legal Services Secretariat; Ibe Chukwuemeka to Education Secretariat; and Okonkwo Nonubari to Transportation Secretariat.
“The posting takes immediate effect. Thus, the affected officers should handover to their immediate subordinates in their current Secretariats, Departments and Agencies,” Atang said.
Wike had on March 18, inaugurated the permanent secretaries in line with the provisions of the FCT Civil Service Commission Law, 2018, which commenced operation. (NAN)
Metro
FG Declares March 29, April 1, Public Holiday to Mark Easter Celebration
The Federal Government has declared Friday, March 29, and Monday, April 1, as public holidays to mark the Easter celebration.This was contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Ndayako on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to her, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government. Tunji-Ojo urged Christians and all Nigerians to emulate the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ in dying for the redemption of man. The minister noted that Easter, beyond religious significance, promoted values of love, forgiveness and compassion which were essential for social cohesion and harmony.He called on Christians to imbibe these virtues as they were capable of impacting positively on the socio-economic development of Nigeria by fostering unity, reducing conflicts and encouraging cooperation among Nigerians.Tunji-Ojo further urged Nigerians to show acts of charity and generosity to help alleviate the material conditions of the less privileged amongst them.This, he said, was in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.He wished Christians at home and abroad a happy and blissful Easter celebration.The minister also called on Nigerians to join hands with the Tinubu’s administration in its determination to bring sustainable development and usher in prosperity to all.Metro
Wike Woos Indian Investors to Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has sought for huge investments from Indian investors, as part of strategies to fast tract the development of the capital territory, Abuja.
Wike made the call when the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Shri Balasubramanian, visited him in Abuja on Tuesday.
He acknowledged the presence of many Indian companies in the country, particularly petrochemicals and fertiliser companies among others.
“We would also like to have this kind of relationship in Abuja.
“You have seen improvement in security; you have seen improvement in infrastructure in Abuja. That is part of the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“We will discuss other areas that will be of mutual interest between India and Nigeria, and Abuja in particular,” he said.
The minister said that it was within the purview of the FCT Administration to ensure that all Embassies in Nigeria, have an unhostile environment to enable them perform their assignments.
Earlier, Balasubramanian said that the excellent relationship between India and Nigeria was quite old.
The Ambassador explained that India began its diplomatic relationship with Nigeria two years before the country became independent in 1958, when India established a diplomatic office in Lagos.
He said that there were over 155 Indian companies in Nigeria, with more than 27 billion dollars of investments in various manufacturing areas.
He said that companies ranged from plastics to steel, oil, and pharmaceuticals among others in every sector.
According to him, Indian companies are the second largest employer of labour after the Nigerian government.
“So that is the level of engagement that we have, including wonderful political relationships.
“Culturally, we also have excellent cooperation. We have been having various groups from Nigeria going to India to participate in different exhibitions and cultural activities.
“We are very happy with all the facilities that are being extended to our Embassy.
“We are more than happy about it and would like to continue the relationship”. (NAN)