# Tags

NUJ FCT COUNCIL APPEALS TO WIKE FOR URGENT INTERVENTION ON DILAPIDATING COUNCIL STRUCTURE

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council has reached out to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, seeking his prompt attention to the deplorable state of its secretariat in Utako, Abuja. Delegates at the union’s second Congress expressed deep concern over the facility’s poor condition, describing it as unsuitable for a professional journalists’ body. The Congress, led by the Communiqué Committee Chairman, Odigie Ehidiamen Kelvin, formally requested Wike’s intervention. Kelvin emphasized the Minister’s reputation for delivering visible development projects in the FCT and expressed hope that he would extend similar support to the NUJ FCT Council. “We believe that under his leadership, the Secretariat and Pentagon project can finally be transformed into a lasting legacy,” the Congress resolved. Kelvin noted that the NUJ FCT Council is eager to see tangible improvements. Beyond infrastructure concerns, the NUJ FCT Council highlighted pressing socio-economic issues affecting FCT residents and Nigerians at large. They criticized the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) for persistent power outages and urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate telecom billing practices. The Congress also called on the Federal Government to provide free maternal healthcare services to reduce preventable deaths. Kehinde Ayanfe and Ebriku John, members of the Communiqué Committee, supported Kelvin’s statements. The union reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for journalists’ welfare and the public’s interests, pledging to engage with relevant authorities to address these challenges. Odigie Ehidiamen Kelvin, Kehinde Ayanfe, and Ebriku John signed the statement, emphasizing the need for collective action to improve the lives of Nigerians. Kelvin reiterated the union’s dedication to constructive engagement.

PDP’S GEORGE TURNAH ACCUSES GOVERNOR DIRI’S SUPPORTERS OF PLOT TO ASSASSINATE HIM

The South-South Zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), George Turnah, has alleged that supporters of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, are plotting to assassinate him and his family. In a letter dated April 7, 2025, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Turnah claimed his life is under threat due to a growing rift with Governor Diri. The rift, according to Turnah, stems from his political alliance with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. Turnah, a known loyalist of Wike, announced plans to launch the Bayelsa chapter of the “NEW Associates,” a pro-Tinubu grassroots movement, along with a major rally set for April 12. Turnah accused Governor Diri of fueling animosity against him, citing remarks allegedly made at recent meetings of the State Security and Elders Council, where he was labeled “an enemy of the state and the Ijaw nation” for organizing a rally in support of President Tinubu and Wike. “I am writing to bring to your urgent attention a serious matter concerning my safety and well-being following an ideological disagreement with Governor Diri,” Turnah wrote. “Since aligning with the FCT Minister, I have received threats to my life from the Governor’s loyalists.” Turnah also referenced a Facebook post by Jonah Paebi, a known supporter of Governor Diri, who allegedly wrote that Turnah’s political move was a “death trap” and warned the public to “watch how George Turnah will soon be a thing of the past.” Due to the alleged threats, Turnah revealed that he and his family have fled their home and are currently in hiding at an undisclosed hotel. “The situation is also taking a toll on the mental health of my wife and children. Therefore, I urgently appeal for your intervention and protection for myself and my family,” Turnah appealed. This controversy adds a complex layer to Turnah’s public profile, who in 2022, was convicted and sentenced to four years in prison on corruption charges related to his tenure as Special Assistant to the former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dan Abia. However, Turnah paid a fine in lieu of serving the sentence.

WIKE EMERGES THISDAY NEWSPAPER, ARISE TV MINISTER OF THE YEAR 2024

Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, has been named the Thisday Newspaper and Arise Television’s Minister of the Year 2024. The announcement was made in a letter dated January 14, 2024, signed by Mr Eniola Bello, Managing Director of the Thisday Arise Group. In a statement, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, noted that Wike emerged from hundreds of candidates chosen by millions of readers of THISDAY Newspaper and viewers of the ARISE NEWS Channel. The letter read: “Many congratulations on your nomination as Minister of the Year! In service to Nigeria, the people of Africa and the World. “THISDAY Awards celebrate excellence in governance, public policy, leadership and entrepreneurship; and we believe your contributions have made you worthy of honour and recognition.” Lere Olayinka stated that since Wike assumed office as the FCT Minister, countless infrastructural developments have been witnessed in Abuja city centre and the satellite towns. Olayinka also highlighted the tremendous improvements in land administration, noting that land allottees can now get their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) within two weeks after paying. For instance, as against a total of 8,400 C-of-O Printed and signed between 2010 and 2023, Wike has signed 5,841, leaving less than 3,000 to surpass the C-of-O signed in eight years. The award ceremony will be held on January 27, 2025, at Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos.