Author: CKN

 

​The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has granted an immediate waiver of fees for the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the Nigerian Law School’s Abuja campus in Bwari.

​Speaking during a meeting with the school’s management in Abuja, Wike also declared an “emergency” on the construction of staff quarters and other critical infrastructure to enhance the institution’s learning environment.

​Responding to an appeal from the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote, Wike expressed surprise that the institution had operated without a C of O since moving to Bwari. 

He described the lack of official documentation for government institutions as a trend that his administration is actively correcting.

The Minister directed the Director of Lands to waive all processing fees for the school’s C of O, and issued a firm directive to ensure the document is processed and ready within one week.

​ He noted that regularizing the land is essential to move the school from what he colloquially termed an “illegal session” to rightful ownership.

​Beyond land matters, the Minister committed the FCT Administration (FCTA) to several high-priority projects aimed at resolving overcrowding and improving staff efficiency.

​Wike announced that 10 staff quarters have already been completed and will be commissioned as part of the President’s third anniversary.

 He further pledged to construct an additional 10 units using existing prototypes to save on design costs.

According to him, work is progressing on two new hostels—one for male students and one for female students—to alleviate overcrowding.

​The Minister confirmed he has approved the budget for a new auditorium and questioned why the contractor had not yet moved to the site.

​ To modernize administrative functions, Wike directed the school to liaise with the FCTA General Counsel, to explore digitization solutions similar to ongoing efforts at the FCT High Court.

​ Wike emphasized that these interventions are part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader agenda to support legal education and the judiciary.

 He noted that the President is currently constructing “presidential apartments” for judges to ensure their security, welfare, and autonomy.

​”Anything we can do to help our children, we are willing to do that,” Wike stated, adding that the staff quarters must be treated as an emergency project to ensure rapid delivery.

​Earlier, Dr. Odusote congratulated the Minister on his appointment and praised the visible infrastructure developments across the FCT, while highlighting the specific challenges of disrepair and infrastructure deficits facing the Law School.

President Bola Tinubu today met with governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House in Abuja.

The meeting, initially scheduled for 4pm at the council chamber, commenced around 5pm after it was moved to the conference room of the president’s office.

Governors in attendance include Babagana Zulum (Borno), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), among others.

The Nigeria Police has told a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to permit a Nigerian-American engineer, Mr. Anthony Ugbebor, to testify virtually from the United States in the ongoing N152 million fraud trial involving property developer, Olukayode Olusanya.

Prosecuting counsel, CSP Monday Omo-Osagie, who made the request before Justice Musa Kakaki through a motion on notice, informed the court that all parties have been duly served and had filed their respective responses.

According to him, the application is supported by a 13-paragraph affidavit and a written address.

While making his submission, Omo-Osagie urged the court to grant the application, arguing the affidavit evidence before the court had not been materially controverted and should be deemed admitted.

He also asked the court to discountenance the counter-affidavit filed by the first defendant and to hold that the second defendant failed to properly oppose the application, having filed only a reply on points of law.

The prosecutor further submitted that the rules of the court expressly permit the taking of evidence by electronic means in appropriate circumstances, particularly where a witness is outside the jurisdiction and unable to attend physically.

Omo-Osagie argued that refusing the application would occasion unnecessary delay in the proceedings and hinder the expeditious determination of the case, especially as the witness is central to the prosecution’s case.

The prosecuting counsel maintained that adequate safeguards exist within the court’s procedures to ensure that virtual testimony does not prejudice the defendants, noting the defence would still have full opportunity to cross-examine the witness in real time.

Responding, counsel to Olusanya, the first defendant, Agboola Adeleke, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the application. He argued that the relevant law requires the physical presence of witnesses for examination and cross-examination.

Adeleke argued that allowing virtual testimony would undermine the defendants’ right to fair hearing, particularly their ability to observe the witness’ demeanour.

He further contended the reasons given for the witness’s absence, such as his residence abroad and alleged health challenges, were not supported by credible evidence.

In the same vein, Jude Ehiedu, counsel to Oak Homes Limited, the 2nd defendant, opposed the application, urging the court to carefully consider the arguments raised in their filings and to uphold established procedural requirements.

After hearing arguments from counsel, Justice Kakaki adjourned the matter to May 12, 2026, for ruling on the application.

Olusanya, the Chief Executive Officer of Oak Homes Limited, is standing trial alongside the company on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, frau and stealing, filed by the Nigerian Police Force.

The defendants were arraigned on November 26, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The prosecution alleged that between November 8, 2017, and August 4, 2020, Olusanya and the company’s former Head of Sales and Marketing, Ms. Lynda Umeh (now at large), defrauded Ugbebor of N152 million.

According to the charge, the money was allegedly obtained under the pretext of selling two three-bedroom apartments at Oak Residence, Victoria Island, Lagos, with a promised delivery date of February 28, 2019, which was not met.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State has resolved to adopt consensus as its mode of selecting candidates for the 2027 general elections.

This was part of the resolutions reached after the party held its stakeholders’ meeting in Damaturu on Thursday.

President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, who read the resolution at a media briefing, said that out of the two modes specified in the Electoral Act—consensus and direct—the APC had opted for consensus.

“From our previous experience, consensus has always worked for us in the state. Any candidate that emerges in a position will receive the support of all in APC,” Senator Lawan said.

Meanwhile, the APC Yobe State chapter has endorsed President Bola Tinubu as its presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan said stakeholders are mindful of various interventions and reforms introduced by the federal government that have begun to yield positive results.

“We hope to deliver 3.5 million votes to our presidential candidate, President Bola Tinubu, in the 2027 presidential election, and all our candidates — governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly candidates — would receive higher votes than they did in the 2023 general elections,” Lawan said.

Yobe APC adopts consensus for 2027 primaries, endorses Tinubu for second term

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Thursday sealed three properties belonging to Paradise Estates in Abuja over failure to deliver houses to subscribers three years after full payment.

The enforcement exercise, carried out in the Life Camp area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), followed repeated consumer complaints and the company’s failure to comply with regulatory directives.

Speaking after the operation, the Deputy Director of Surveillance and Investigation, Mr. Marvin Nadah, said the Commission acted after exhausting its compliance processes.

He explained that the FCCPC had received several petitions from affected homebuyers alleging non-delivery of properties despite full payment made over a prolonged period.

“We have been inundated with complaints in the real estate sector, some of which are against Paradise Estates Limited,” Nadah said.

“Those complaints were received, reviewed through a redress process, and a determination was made. A compliance notice was issued directing the company to hand over the properties to consumers who had paid in full for over three years without receiving value.”

He added that the company’s failure to comply with the notice issued under Section 150 of the FCCPA 2018 necessitated enforcement action.

“It is the failure to comply with that notice that led to today’s enforcement exercise, which is sealing. These consumers have completed payment for over three years without receiving their homes,” he stated.

Nadah maintained that the Commission’s action was lawful and aimed at protecting consumers from exploitative practices in the real estate sector.

“The government cannot sit by and watch consumers being exploited or misled. The FCCPC is mandated to intervene in situations where consumer interests are harmed,” he said.

He also urged prospective property buyers to exercise caution and verify claims made by real estate developers before committing funds.

“Consumers should be vigilant and ensure they verify all promises made by developers so they are fully informed before entering any transaction,” he added.

According to him, the Commission is also reviewing other complaints against Paradise Estates as part of broader investigations into the real estate sector.

“There are many complaints against the company, and investigations are ongoing. We are looking at the sector generally and specifically at cases before us,” he said.

The FCCPC reiterated its commitment to enforcing compliance and ensuring accountability within Nigeria’s housing and property development industry.

FCCPC Seals Abuja Estate Over Undelivered Houses After Payment is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigeria’s Tax Ombud/Chief Executive, Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze, had reassured tax and revenue authorities of his commitment to collaborate with the institutions at the national and subnational levels to achieve in improving operational efficiency.
Dr. Nwabueze, according to a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Achife,
gave the assurance while speaking at the 159th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board held in Lagos.
The JRB comprises the Revenue Boards of 36 States, the Federal Capital Territory Revenue Service (FCTRS) and some tax and revenue generating agencies in the country.
Dr Nwabueze spoke on the topic ” The role of the Tax Ombud in facilitating dispute resolution and strengthening trust in the tax system in the context of emerging tax reforms.”
He declared that the Office of the Tax Ombud represents one of the most significant institutional innovations in Nigeria having been established as an independent and impartial body , to guard tax payer rights and promote administrative justice with tax and revenue framework.
The Office, he explained, functions as a bridge between taxpayer and revenue authorities, receiving and investigating complaints from taxpayers and facilitating resolution through mediation and conciliation.
Stressing that these mechanisms are faster, more cost effective and less adversarial alternative to litigation, the Tax Ombud said the Office, also played a systemic role in identifying recurring issues in tax and revenue administration and recommending reforms to improve efficiency, fairness and transparency.
The Office, he said, builds public trust by serving as an independent neutral platform to resolve taxpayer grievances without the high cost of litigation.
According to him, the unique features include impartial mediation, watchdog role against arbitrary fiscal policies; tax payer rights education; accountability mechanism and systemic improvement.
He however emphasised that the Office of the Tax Ombud ” does not determine tax liability nor does it replace the courts or the Tax Appeal Tribunal” but rather focused on ensuring that tax administration is conducted in a fair transparent and accountable manner”.
“The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) is a bold and progressive effort to harmonize revenue systems, expand the tax base and improve compliance”, he further stated.
Noting that all reforms inevitably come with challenges, Dr. Nwabueze said the Office plays a critical role in smoothing friction points in the new tax regime, ensuring confidence, compliance and supporting revenue authorities in improving operational efficiency.
He said: “The OTO helps to ensure that compliance with the new tax laws is driven not by fear or coercion, but by trust and understanding.”
He therefore sued for collaboration and partnership between the OTO and tax authorities, noting that Nigeria’s revenue administration depended on the seamless integration of all tax and revenue components with the OTO as a critical pillar in the ecosystem.
He urged all revenue generating agencies at the federal state and local governments to prioritize inclusion by integrating the OTO into national and subnational tax engagements and policy dialogues

Tax Ombud To Collaborate With Revenue Authorities On Operational Efficiency is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project has commenced a specialised skills acquisition programme for 44 Ogoni youths, most of them former artisanal refiners, in a renewed effort to curb illegal oil activities through economic reintegration.

The training, which focuses on commercial diving and underwater welding, is being held at the Subweb Technical Training Academy in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

HYPREP said the initiative, under its livelihood restoration programme, is designed to transition participants from informal and hazardous refining activities into legal, safe, and sustainable employment.

Speaking during an orientation session for the trainees, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Nenibarini Zabbey, said illegal artisanal refining remains a major driver of environmental degradation in Ogoniland.

He cited the findings of the United Nations Environment Programme report on Ogoniland, which highlighted the severe impact of oil pollution on soil, water, air quality, and public health.

Zabbey explained that the programme seeks to address both environmental and economic concerns by equipping beneficiaries with globally relevant technical skills.

“The skills you will acquire are highly specialised and in demand locally and internationally. This is an opportunity to redefine your future and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.

He added that the orientation was critical to acquaint participants with safety standards, discipline, and expectations required for successful completion of the programme.

Zabbey also urged the trainees to become agents of change within their communities by raising awareness about the dangers of environmental pollution and the risks associated with artisanal refining.

In his remarks, Chief Lubabari Baaba, Managing Director of Mamba Underwater Diving Services, facilitators of the training, commended HYPREP for its commitment to youth empowerment and capacity building in Ogoniland.

He advised the trainees to remain focused and disciplined throughout the duration of the programme.

Also speaking, Dr. Elvis Ikoma, representing the leadership of Ogoni ex-artisanal refiners, warned participants against returning to illegal refining after the training.

“This programme is an opportunity, not a right. Anyone who goes back to artisanal refining or vandalism after this will face strict consequences from the government,” he said.

The training programme is part of broader efforts to restore livelihoods and promote environmental sustainability in Ogoniland, a region long affected by oil pollution and illegal refining activities.

Observers say the initiative reflects a shift towards combining enforcement with economic alternatives in tackling environmental challenges in the Niger Delta.

HYPREP: Deep-Sea Skills Will End Artisanal Refining In Ogoniland is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has described himself as a “freelance politician” with no firm ties to any political party, making the declaration on Thursday while hosting Labour Party’s Peter Obi and South-East stakeholders in Bauchi.

Mohammed said the meeting centred on national unity and cross-regional collaboration, insisting the discussions were not driven by partisan interests.

“Neither PDP nor ADC is standing alone. I am a freelance politician now, and his party is also in limbo. We are looking up to the judiciary.

“Certainly, we are all in the opposition, and that is why I say this is a political discussion,” Mohammed said, adding that the finer details of their deliberations would remain confidential for now.

The governor said ongoing engagements among political actors were focused on possible realignments and cooperation ahead of future elections, expressing optimism that the current political climate could serve as a unifying force for opposition figures.

“We cannot operate without a platform. At the end of the day, the current political situation may even help unify us and strengthen our chances of winning elections,” he said.

Mohammed described Obi’s visit as symbolic of broader efforts to build bridges across Nigeria’s regions, saying it aligned with his state’s values of inclusivity and national cohesion.

Obi, for his part, said the visit was aimed at fostering unity and soliciting collaboration across geopolitical zones, pushing back against speculation that the engagement was about political defections or party recruitment.

“We are not inviting each other into political parties; we are inviting ourselves to build a better Nigeria,” he said.

The meeting was attended by several South-East stakeholders, including former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa and Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Victor Umeh.

The development is the latest in a series of cross-party consultations by Mohammed, who has in recent months hosted leaders from the African Democratic Congress and the All Progressives Congress as political realignments gather pace ahead of the 2027 elections.

Gov Bala Declares Himself ‘Freelance Politician’ As Obi Visits is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Police Service Commission has announced that the written examination for applicants seeking enlistment into the Nigeria Police will be held from April 28 to 30, 2026, across designated centres nationwide.

In a statement issued and signed by the Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Njoku Kalu, on behalf of the Commission on Thursday.

The Commission said the exercise is being conducted in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and will cover candidates applying for positions as Police Constables under both General Duty and Specialist categories.

According to the PSC, only applicants who successfully passed the earlier physical and credentials screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.

He stated that qualified candidates have been advised to visit the official recruitment portal beginning Friday, April 24, 2026, to print their Examination Invitation Cards, which will specify their examination date, time, and venue.

The Commission outlined mandatory items for the examination, including a pen, a National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission bearing a clear photograph, and a printed copy of the invitation card. Candidates are also required to appear in a prescribed dress code of white shorts, white T-shirt, and white canvas shoes.

Reiterating its commitment to a transparent recruitment process, the PSC emphasized that the exercise is entirely free of charge. It warned applicants to beware of fraudsters, stressing that any involvement in job racketeering, scams, or financial inducements would attract strict legal consequences.

PSC To Conduct Police Exams Nationwide is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The industrial action by primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) may linger despite fresh intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, at a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Thursday.

Wike expressed concern over procedural lapses that excluded area council chairmen from earlier discussions, insisting their involvement is crucial to resolving the dispute.

“It would not be proper to hold such a crucial meeting without those directly affected,” the minister said, adding that he had chaired multiple engagements on teachers’ allowances and emoluments.

Wike revealed that a committee had already been set up to address the lingering issues and that he took the unusual step of intercepting internally generated revenue (IGR) allocations from area councils to ensure direct payment of teachers’ entitlements.

“I directed the treasury to ensure that the money is paid directly to address these concerns,” he stated.

The minister, however, expressed surprise at reports of a planned strike despite prior agreements, describing it as counterproductive.

“I have repeatedly emphasized that education is vital, and continuous strikes will only negatively affect our children,” Wike said.

He reiterated that the payment of primary school teachers’ salaries and allowances remains the statutory responsibility of the area councils, noting that the FCT Administration’s intervention was aimed solely at resolving the impasse.

Chairman of the NUT FCT Wing, Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Shafa, who briefed journalists after the meeting, described the engagement as “very fruitful”.

He said the meeting addressed critical challenges affecting teachers across primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools in the territory.

Shafa acknowledged ongoing improvements in school infrastructure and commended the minister’s efforts in renovating learning facilities and tackling issues related to teachers’ welfare.

However, he stressed that concerns remain unresolved, particularly those affecting primary school teachers.

According to him, “shortcomings” persist in the implementation of rights and entitlements for primary school teachers, a situation the union considers urgent.

He added that the union also tabled issues surrounding delayed promotions and unfilled vacancies, warning that stagnation within the system could undermine productivity and morale in schools.

The NUT chairman disclosed that the minister pledged to take “immediate action” on the concerns raised, admitting he was previously unaware of the full scale of some of the challenges.

Despite the assurances, Shafa stated that the ongoing strike has not been suspended.

He said the union’s leadership would reconvene to review the outcome of the meeting before taking a final position on the industrial action.

“We will return to our headquarters to deliberate on the discussions and determine the next line of action,” he said.

FCT Teachers’ Strike Continues Despite Wike’s Intervention is first published on The Whistler Newspaper