FCT
FCT senator, Kingibe decries worsening insecurity in nation’s capital
The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Ireti Kingibe has expressed concern over the worsening security situation in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Kingibe was reacting to the killing of Nabiha Al-Kadriya, a 400 Level Biological Sciences student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria by kidnappers.
She said the rate and ease with which criminals abduct and kill innocent Nigerians in the federal capital is not only unacceptable to her as the representative of the people of the FCT but more importantly an embarrassment to the nation.
Nabiha, her father, Mr. Mansoor Al-Kadriya and her five sisters were kidnapped in Zuma town in Bwari, Abuja on January 2, 2024. Her father was freed by their captors to enable him raise the N60 million demanded by the kidnappers. A few days ago, however, Nabiha, the second daughter of Mr. Al-Kadriya, was murdered by her captors and the ransom demand increased to N100 million.
Kingibe in a statement issued on her behalf by Nana Kazaure, her Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, said the murder of Nabiha and those of many others killed in similar and other situations, is a blight on the national conscience and a slap on the face of government, whose primary responsibility is to secure lives and properties.
“The death of Nabiha and others who have died at the hands of kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements, offends our most basic values of decency. It questions the raison d’ eter of government.
“At the very minimum, it is the duty of government to protect it’s citizens and ensure an atmosphere conducive for them to enjoy the fundamental freedoms guaranteed them by the Nigerian constitution.
“It is unfortunate to note that in this regard, FCT residents and indeed, millions of other Nigerians who live on perennial fear for their safety, are being denied these constitutionally guaranteed rights.
“The reality we face today is that residents of the FCT, who by virtue of their residing within the seat of power, and who by this fact should naturally be the envy of other Nigerians by enjoying the extra security their proximity to power should provide, have become most harassed and traumatized by the near unfettered reign of terror imposed on their communities by criminals.
“It is as if our security agencies have gone to sleep. It surely beggars belief that this should be happening in the Federal Capital and is clearly unacceptable to me and Nigerians in general.
“Nigerians will recall that in my New Year message, I noted that a key area of priority for me is the safety of residents of the FCT. I restate that position here and insist that our security operatives pull their socks up and check the rising spate of criminal activities, which have cast a pall of gloom, fear and anxiety over the lives of residents of the FCT”, Senator Kingibe said.
She promised to continue to press for more sophisticated and creative policing of Abuja in order to checkmate the activities of criminal elements who have in recent times become emboldened in the conduct of their nefarious activities.
Commiserating with Mr. Al-Kadriya on the murder of Nabiha, she called on security operatives to work diligently and speedily to free his daughters and others currently in captivity. Kingibe also urged the Federal Government to as a matter of priority declare an emergency on the security sector to enable government put a handle on the growing level of insecurity around the country.
“We need to treat the security situation in the country as an emergency that requires immediate and drastic action by individuals at the highest level of government.
“I am calling for concerted and coordinated action by officials in the three arms of government. There must be a synergy of efforts to tackle this rampaging monster of insecurity “, Kingibe said.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has emphasized the transformative impact of the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP), describing it as a dual-purpose initiative that fosters education and drives local agricultural development.
Speaking through the FCT Focal Person on Social Investment Programme (SIP), Hajia Maijidda Adamu Kuku, at an interactive session with stakeholders across the six area councils of the FCT, Mahmoud highlighted the programme’s reliance on locally sourced produce.
Special Adviser on Media to the minister Austine Elemue, in a statement quoted the minister to have indicated that the approach, is to empower farmers, strengthen the rural economy, and enhance community participation.
Mahmoud affirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to facilitating the programme’s effective implementation by fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
“Regular interactive sessions like this are vital to reflect on successes, address challenges, and chart a sustainable path forward,” she said.
She commended the efforts of government officials, school administrators, farmers, cooks, and development partners, stressing the administration’s determination to ensure inclusivity and leave no school behind in the programme.
The Minister also called for innovative ideas and practical solutions to sustain the programme’s impact, urging stakeholders to work in synergy to confront emerging challenges.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding Programme, Dr. Yetunde Adeniyi,
underscored the initiative’s national importance, citing its role in improving school enrollment and learning outcomes.
“Since its inception, thousands of children have benefited from nutritious meals, leading to increased attendance and retention in schools,” she noted.
Adeniyi encouraged stakeholders to prioritize transparency, accountability, and active community involvement to ensure the programme’s longevity and effectiveness.
FCT Programme Operations Officer, Hauwa Abubakar, outlined the objectives of the stakeholders’ dialogue, emphasizing its focus on enhancing service delivery through transparency, accountability, and linkages with other empowerment initiatives in the FCT.
World Food Programme representative, Agnes Mungatia, further stressed the importance of collaboration, urging stakeholders to unite efforts to amplify the programme’s reach and impact.
The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme has remained a beacon of hope, providing nutritious meals to children while empowering local farmers. With continued commitment from stakeholders, the programme promises to sustain its role as a cornerstone of education and rural development in Nigeria.
The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has called on private companies, Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and other employers of labor within the Federal Capital Territory to file their employees’ annual tax returns for 2024 by January 31, 2025.
This directive is in line with Section 81 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2011 (as amended) and PAYE regulations, which mandate employers to submit detailed annual returns of emoluments paid to employees and total taxes deducted for the preceding year.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Corporate Communications Manager of the Service, Mustapha Sumaila urged Employers are required to use the forms prescribed by FCT-IRS for this purpose.
The statement quoted the Acting Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, Mr. Michael Ango, whike speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement recently tobhave emphasized the importance of compliance, warning that failure to meet the deadline would attract penalties and sanctions.
He encouraged voluntary compliance, highlighting its role in fostering accountability and easing tax administration.
“We urge all private organizations, MDAs, government enterprises, and sole proprietorships within the FCT to fulfill their tax obligations.
Beyond avoiding sanctions, this compliance will contribute significantly to the development of the FCT and support the Honourable Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON, in his vision of transforming the FCT into a modern city,” Ango stated.
The FCT-IRS reiterated its commitment to efficient tax administration and calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in building a financially sustainable capital territory.
***As Barrister Maxwell Opara demands Justice for Mama Yesufu
In a fiery press conference held on Tuesday, Barrister Maxwell Opara reignited calls for justice in a high-stakes property fraud scandal that has left 79-year-old Hajia Colleen Mero Yesufu fighting to reclaim her properties in the Katampe and Guzape districts of Abuja.
The case, involving allegations of forgery, criminal trespass, and fraudulent property sales, has also raised questions about police integrity and accountability.
Central to the case is Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac (alias Bilkisu Ishaku Aliyu) and her company, Homadil Realty Limited.
They are accused of orchestrating a conspiracy to fraudulently seize Yesufu’s properties, allegedly with the complicity of certain police officers.
Despite substantial evidence presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), including forged documents used to manipulate the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), the Nigeria Police Force has controversially dismissed the matter as a “civil issue.”
Opara criticized the Nigeria Police Force, specifically the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, accusing them of shielding the accused.
“How can the Police classify a case as civil without conducting any investigation?” he asked. He further revealed that the EFCC had not only identified the fraudulent documents but also secured an interim forfeiture order on the disputed properties. Yet, according to Opara, the Police have not only failed to act but have allegedly provided armed escorts to protect the suspect’s illegal constructions.
Opara highlighted what he termed the Police’s selective approach to justice. “If the Police can arrest someone for stealing a chicken or detain activists over tweets, why can’t they prosecute those involved in such brazen fraud?” he asked, launching the #ProsecuteTheCrime campaign to demand accountability.
The human rights lawyer also condemned alleged police harassment of the Yesufu family and journalists covering the case, stating that such actions undermine public trust in law enforcement. “Justice in Nigeria often wears the veil of influence instead of being blind,” he said, urging the IGP to distance himself from the case to ensure impartial investigations.
Opara called on the EFCC to expedite the prosecution of the suspects and appealed to the media to amplify the call for justice for vulnerable citizens like Mama Yesufu. “This is not just about one woman; it’s about the future of justice and the protection of the weak in our society,” he said.
In closing, Opara vowed to pursue justice relentlessly, declaring, “We will not stop until every shred of influence shielding criminals is removed and Mama Yesufu’s rights are restored.”
This case, which highlighted the interplay between corruption, influence, and justice in Nigeria, has sparked public outrage and rekindled debates about the integrity of the nation’s justice system.
The call for justice for Mama Yesufu is not just a legal battle but a test of Nigeria’s commitment to fairness and equality before the law.
-
Crime1 year agoPolice nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News12 months agoFCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year agoTinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
Kogi1 year agoINEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
Kogi1 year agoEchocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year agoIPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro10 months ago‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News1 year agoKingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu