Latest news with #NyesomWike
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
Fubara meeting wit Tinubu na sign say peace don dey near for Rivers politics?
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu meeting wit suspended Governor of Rivers State for im Lagos residence dey fuel speculations say di State of emergency declared for Rivers State and suspension of di fit dey lifted soon? Dis meeting wey hold bypass di Minister of di Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for di political tok-tok, wey dey fuel speculations wey dey make many pipo dey feel say di suspended governor fit dey reinstated soon. Di meeting, wey hold behind closed doors for di President private Bourdillon residence for Ikoyi, Lagos, mark di second known meeting between Tinubu and Fubara in recent times. Di first meeting na a four-hour meeting wey happun for London. E hold while di President bin dey recover from medical treatment in Germany. One tin wey dey noticeable from both meetings na di absence of Nyesom Wike, di political godfather and critic of Fubara, wey don also admit say e bin no dey aware of di President plan to declare a state of emergency for di State wey happen on 28 March 2025, more than two months ago. Wike later confam for one media chat say e no bin dey consulted bifor di suspension of democratic institutions in Rivers State. Di imposition of emergency rule for Rivers State, wey President Tinubu announce after prolonged political unrest, lead to suspension of all elected institutions and di appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd) as sole administrator—a move wey don draw sharp criticisms from civil society groups, legal scholars, and opposition politicians. 'Handshake no mean anytin until di State of emergency dey lifted' - Ann Kio Briggs' One of such pesins wey don criticise dis imposition of di State of emergency and a elder for Rivers State na Ann Kio Briggs, a notable Niger Delta rights activist. She tell BBC Pidgin say a handshake between Governor Fubara and President fit mean a lot of tins but until di State of emergency dey lifted and democratic rules reinstated for di State, e no make sense. Ann Kio Briggs say di State of emergency for Rivers still no dey acceptable and wen she see di picture of di handshake between Fubara and Tinubu, e still no remove di reality of di impact of di state of emergency on di State and di pipo. "No be about a handshake wit di President but na about weda di President understand wetin dey go on for Rivers State. Na about di President listening to di pipo of Rivers State and more critically, na about wetin Governor Siminialayi Fubara dey prepared to do for di pipo of Rivers State and to realise say just becos pesin dey prepared to do somtin no mean say dat na di best tin for di pipo, if di pipo no agree wit am. Foto dem wey di presidency release afta di meeting show Tinubu and Fubara dey smile, a gesture wey many pipo feel say fit signal say negotiations dey progress behind di scenes. 'Na good sign for Rivers State' - Henry Ekine For Henry Ekine wey be lawyer and di National legal adviser, Committee for Human Rights, say di handshake between Fubara and Tinubu na good signal as govnor Fubara wey still be di elected govnor of Rivers State get right to visit and interact with di President. E tell BBC Pidgin say e dey okay to speculate say such visit fit give an indication of a possible truce and lifting of di suspension on di Governor. Ekine say Section 305 of di Constitution wey President Tinubu rely on to declare di State of emergency na to di effect say di State of emergency fit dey lifted at any time, even a day after di proclamation. So e no mean say e must complete di six months wey bin dey declared bifor di emergency fit dey lifted. "E dey possible say about three months into di State of emergency di President fit exercise dat discretion or power again to even lift di State of emergency, but e dey important to note say di President fit lift a part of dat State of emergency e declare. "Di possibility dey say di President fit lift di suspension of di Governor of Rivers State and di House of Assembly while di State of emergency go continue until di six months end. "I bin don tok bifor say di State of emergency fit dey declared without suspending di governor or di House of Assembly. So e mean say di governor fit dey called back to office and di State of emergency continue for di remaining three months. "Seeing di President and di govnor of Rivers State in dat very cordial posture for di picture na clear indication say peace fit dey very close, especially as di Governor sef don tok say discussions dey go on. Dat na di best for Rivers State." E tok. Any end in sight? Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Ibas Rtd still dey kontinu to act as usual, wey dey raise concerns say di emergency rule fit dey extended or institutionalized. On Tuesday, e announce di appointment of 11 new permanent secretaries for Rivers State, wey e swear in on wednesday and dis action dey further deepen fears say di interim arrangement fit become permanent. Despite public silence from both di presidency and di governor media teams regarding di meetings, political observers note say di timing, wey dey come just few days to Democracy Day, dey suggest a calculated effort to restore normalcy while managing di internal gbege within di PDP and di broader political implications for 2027. Wetin Wike don tok so far? For media chat on Monday, Wike say e no get any personal grudge against Fubara but insist say di govnor go align imself wit individuals e describe as "enemies of di State," wey include former PDP National Chairman Prince Uche Secondus, former Transportation Minister Dr. Abiye Sekibo, and former lawmakers Austin Opara, Lee Maeba, and Celestine Omehia—eey hin be former allies but now don turn rival. Wike tok and contradictions don further shake di political waters for Rivers becos as e dey call for loyalty to President Tinubu leadership, e also dey lament say e dey sidelined from critical decisions regarding im home state. Wetin Governor Fubara don tok so far? Meanwhile, Governor Fubara dey mainly silent since all dis tins dey happun. Wen e handover of state affairs to di sole administrator, Fubara urge im supporters to remain calm and avoid divisive actions. During Late Pa Edwin Clark night of tributes, e lambast some of di pipo wey dey protest about di State of emergency and criticise to dey careful with wetin dem dey tok and to ask am weda eem don check with am to see if e gree with dem? E say im spirit don comot for Goment House but e still dey committed to di peace process and to work in di best interest of di State but say e for good if pipo no use dia actions and toks to spoil di peace process Wey dey ongoing. For im Democracy Day massage on 29 May, e praise Tinubu for intervening in di political crisis and tell di pipo of di State to keep hope alive. As June 12 dey approach, all eyes dey on di presidency to see weda President Tinubu go lift di emergency rule and restore democratic governance in Rivers - or e go kontinu to play di long game for di political gameboard? Na wetim di pipo dey wait to see.
Zawya
23-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria FCTA: We've allocated $33mln to health sector — Wike
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has allocated N54 billion of the N1.7trn 2025 statutory budget into the health sector to complete rehabilitation of hospitals and procurement of modern equipment. FCT minister, Nyesom Wike said out of the amount N34 billion is for recurrent expenditure, which includes the sum of N1.3billion for drug revolving fund while the sum of N20 billion is for capital expenditure in the health secretariat. During the separate defence of the N1.7bn budget before Senate and House of Representatives committees, Wike said 72.30 per cent of the total proposed budget, amounting to N1,289,690,124,776, was earmarked for capital expenditure while the remaining 27.70 percent, totaling N494,133,583,616 was for recurrent expenditure. He outlined that N80 billion for SUKUK loan projects, N25 billion for the Abuja Light Rail project, N15 billion for Abuja Greater Water Supply, and N250 billion from commercial loans to complete ongoing capital projects in the FCC and satellite towns. The remaining N919,690,124,776 was dedicated to the completion of ongoing capital projects and counterpart-funded initiatives aimed at boosting socio-economic activities across the FCT. According to the breakdown, capital expenditure showed that N801.5 billion was allocated to the FCDA, N137 billion to the STDD, and N351.2 billion to other Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies (SDAs) for their capital expenditures and select new projects. He said the 2025 capital budget prioritizes the completion of critical ongoing infrastructure projects. These include the completion of roads B6 and B12, full scope development of Arterial Road N20, provision of engineering infrastructure to Guzape, Wuye, and Maitama II Districts, extension of Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX), and full scope development of FCT Highway 105 (Kuje Road). Other vital projects are the construction of Northern Parkway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III, full scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Arterial Road N5, rehabilitation of Old Keffi Road, full scope development of Arterial Road N1, and provision of access roads to Bus Terminals. Additionally, the upgrading of Ushafa War College/Army Check Point Road, the construction of Pai-Gomani Road, and dualization of Kuje-Gwagwalada road are also included. On recurrent expenditure, N150,353,906,168 (8.43 percent of the total) was proposed for personnel costs, while overhead cost was allocated N343,779,448 (19.27 percent). Sectoral highlights of the FCT's 2025 statutory budget proposal showed that infrastructural sector (Roads, Districts Development and Public Buildings) was allocated the sum of N383.5 billion, Transportation sector has a provision of the sum of N79.3 billion, education sector has a budgetary proposal of N181 billion while the health sector has a proposed sum of N54 billion in the year 2025. Other sectors, such has environment, was allocated the sum of N22.9 billion, Water sector got the sum of N37.4 billion, agriculture got the sum of N8.3 billion, social development sector got the sum of N23.7 billion, legal services got N7.7 billion, land administration got N1.5 billion while Area Councils Services Secretariat was allocated the sum of N3.1 billion. The FCT Minister also outlined the FCT's 2025 revenue fiscal framework, comprising distributable revenue of N1,392,573,937,087 and non-distributable revenue of N391,249,771,305. Revenue sources include proceeds from the 1 per cent of the 52.68 percent statutory allocation of the Federal Government from the Federation Account, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and other sources as detailed in the Revenue Fiscal Framework. Wike pledged his Administration's commitment to completing ongoing projects, many of which were initiated by previous administrations. He expressed the current administration's determination to see the projects to conclusion. The Minister acknowledged and commended the consistent support of the National Assembly to the FCT Administration, specifically praising the swift consideration of the 2025 statutory budget proposal. 'It's not been long that Mr. President sent this to you and expeditiously, you've done the first and second reading and now we are in Committee stage. It has never happened. Since your inception, you have always given us that support. We have never suffered any delay in budget passage. We want to say that we will not take this for granted. We will continue to cooperate with you for the development of the FCT,' he stated, while urging for an accelerated passage of the FCT's 2025 statutory budget proposal' Said Wike. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
BBC News
12-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Settlement dey go on between Wike and Fubara?
Wit di political crises for di oil rich Rivers State for southern Nigeria wey no dey finish, pipo dey wonder if a possible settlement go dey between di minister of di FCT Nyesom Wike and governor Siminialayi Fubara. Di political kasala between di two dey traceable to October 2023 wit an attempt to impeach di Governor by some Rivers Assembly members wey come divide di House into two. Majority of di lawmakers dey loyal di FCT Minister. Dis don cause plenti palava, defections and no-defections and many court cases wey end for di Supreme Court. Di Highest court of di land recognize di Martins Amaewhule led Assembly and ask di govnor to present di 2025 budget to dem. Di court also cancel local goment elections wey bin don hold for di State. On 18 March, 2025 President Bola Tinubu declare a state of emergency for di State and suspend di govnor, deputy govnor, and all di State Assembly members for an initial six months. In di meantime, di President appoint a sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibom Ette Ibas Rtd. wey go dey di charge of di state and also mandate am to broker peace between di two. Dis action of di President to declare a state of emergency and appoint a military sole administrator for di state get various reactions. Some pipo clap hand for am say e do well to bring peace for di state, while odas say wetin e do no dey in line wit di Constitution of di Federal Republic of Nigeria, as di circumstances to declare a state of emergency no dey on ground for Rivers State wen e do so. Sake of dis, some pipo take to di streets to do protest wake and demand return of di govnor. Odas go court to seek a judicial interpretation of wetin di President do, especially to see if e dey constitutional for a President to suspend govnor and Assembly members wey pipo elect. Di courts neva decide on any of di cases. Reconciliation moves? Over di weekend, di Rivers State Govnor Siminialayi Fubara make comments for di first time since im suspension on 18 March 2025, almost two months ago. Govnor Fubara for di nght of tribute wey some Rivers Elders hold in honour of late Niger Delta statesman, Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, say e no wish to return to office following im suspension if not for di pressure among Rivers pipo for am to come back to further im passion of leaving a lasting legacy for di common good. Di govnor say, "dis na di first time I dey tok publicly after di event of March 18. A lot of pipo no know wetin di situation be. No be about di force of activism. E get a time wia activism no fit solve problems. For dat reason I dey a bit careful." Oga Fubara come also caution pipo wey dey tok about di President and Minister of FCT to restrain and check demsefs, so as not to misrepresent tok and add say, 'Even some of you, una don ask una sef if I dey interested in going back? Una no see how I dey look better, you think say I dey interested in am? If I get my way, I no wish to go back dia. "My spirit don leave dat place long ago. So, I want amke evribodi focus on di tribute. E get some fights you no suppose engage in becos you need to ask di pesin if e want am. I get peace. If you know me and don dey see me bifor, you go see say I dey look better." Di govnor also emphasize di need for tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Rivers pipo over di lingering political situation wey push di state into emergency rule and call for caution as e urge im supporters not to dey confrontational but follow im peaceful path. 'Me sef want peace' - Wike On im part, di Minister of di Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, also don tok say di suspended govnor Siminalayi Fubara dey make reconciliatory moves and don come visit am along with two oda governors. Wike say, " di President don call for peace severally and I no fit sidon wen di President don call for peace and say, 'I no want peace'. Yes, im [Fubara] came wit two governors and one elder. Unfortunately, di two governors na APC governors. So, I no go pursue am. E say e want peace. Dat wan dey fine. I also want peace." Wike tok
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Government takes extreme measures in attempt to finally eradicate age-old disease: 'Today, we have taken a decisive and deliberate action'
In a bold new move by Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory to combat one of its most persistent health challenges, it has launched an initiative to eliminate malaria within the region. Malaria is still a significant health concern in Nigeria, and endemic diseases — diseases that are constant in a particular area — like malaria are responsible for nearly 60% of all outpatient visits to healthcare facilities in the country. "Today, we have taken a decisive and deliberate action to fight malaria," said FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. "Malaria remains a leading cause of death among children under five and women." "Nigeria is responsible for 27 per cent of global malaria prevalence, the highest figure in the world," said Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat. "1.4 million people in the FCT suffer from malaria. The FCT population is between 5 to 6 million, making it 5 percent of malaria prevalence." In the article, the newly announced elimination program is a multifaceted approach, which includes supplying free test kits and offering free treatment with medicines. By giving free access to these treatments, the initiative hopes not just to ensure that the disease's prevalence will be quelled now but for years to come. The direct human implications of this initiative can not be understated, but neither can the environmental undertones that are tied to this project. There is a connection between the rising temperature of the planet and the instability of vaccine storage, which would lead to an increased prevalence of the diseases that could have otherwise been avoidable. Moreover, mosquito-borne diseases thrive better under warmer temperatures, and one model even projects a 20% increase in these diseases across four Brazilian cities over the next thirty years. Because of how high the stakes are, this initiative is a big step for global human health. Similar initiatives have also been proven to be successful, including a cutting-edge technological development that could eradicate the parasite responsible for malaria. This initiative by the FCT is a beacon of hope and a model for other areas that are also dealing with malaria outbreaks. Through this medical intervention, there is a renewed optimism that malaria can be controlled, saving the human population — and the planet. Do you worry about getting diseases from bug bites? Absolutely Only when I'm camping or hiking Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "We want to kick out malaria from the FCT and Nigeria as a whole," Fasawe said. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Posts falsely claim Nigerian minister Nyesom Wike was arrested at US airport
'Breaking News Wike Arrested At U.S Airport Transferred To Washington D.C Prison Over 2023 Election,' reads a Facebook post shared more than 3,000 times since first being published on February 8, 2025. An eight-minute-long video in the post shows random clips of cars with blaring sirens and parked police vans. A Facebook page called 'Dabreezy Comedy' shared the clip with its nearly 700,000 followers. 'I have been seeing news on a matter since yesterday and I saw a viral video on YouTube. They said Nyesom Wike has been arrested in the US. He was arrested immediately after he arrived at the airport and taken to a prison in Washington. I don't know how true this information is but watch this video,' the narrator says in pidgin English. The video includes embedded footage from another Facebook page called 'Oghi Family Fun2' where a different narrator comments on the same topic and refers to an article published on the subject by a popular blog in Nigeria, (archived here). The claim about Wike was repeated on TikTok. Nigeria's 2023 presidential election was keenly contested and Wike was in the spotlight for openly supporting the eventual winner Bola Tinubu from the rival All Progressives Congress (archived here). Discrepancies were later uncovered in the ballot results in Rivers state where Wike was governor at the time (archived here). However, the claim that Wike, who now administers Nigeria's capital city, has been arrested in the US is false. Wike is a seasoned politician in Nigeria, having held key positions in government since 1999, including two terms as governor of oil-rich Rivers state in the Niger Delta region (archived here). News of his arrest would have made headlines in Nigeria. Keyword searches show this did not happen. AFP Fact Check searched Wike's verified X account and found posts (here, here and here) showing that he had been inspecting and commissioning construction projects in Abuja since late January. A video published by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) also showed Wike presiding over a meeting with security chiefs in Abuja on February 7, 2024 — a day before the post about his alleged arrest was published (archived here). Four days later, he presided over a second meeting with the Federal Capital Territory security committee (archived here). Wike's spokesperson Lere Olayinka rejected the claim as false. 'The minister has been in Abuja since the beginning of February. He has not travelled overseas, [much less] being arrested at an airport,' Olayinka told AFP Fact Check. Furthermore, the article cited in the false video was a fact-check that debunked claims of Wike's arrest (archived here). However, the narrator in the Facebook video only read the opening paragraph of the article summarising the claim and ignored the rest of the story, which concluded that the arrest rumour had been false. AFP Fact Check has debunked several claims about Trump and Nigeria here, including that he banned Nigerian politicians from entering the US.
