November 13, 2025

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has reiterated his deep respect for the Nigerian military but emphasized that the armed forces must always operate within the bounds of the law.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Wike maintained that the FCT Administration would not condone any form of lawlessness, whether by serving or retired military officers, or by private individuals.

According to the minister, no government can tolerate lawlessness or impunity among its citizens or officials. His remarks followed a confrontation on Tuesday with a naval officer, Lt. Ahmed Yerima, who allegedly denied him access to a disputed land said to belong to a retired Chief of Naval Staff, Awwal Gambo.

Wike explained that the FCT Administration’s enforcement actions were based solely on legality and due process. “There were no documents proving that the military owned the land,” he stated, adding that any form of lawlessness or disregard for land regulations would be dealt with decisively.

He noted that the controversy was exaggerated by political opponents unhappy with his firm stance on land matters, saying that some individuals were trying to portray him as being at odds with the military.

“As a Minister, I won’t sit in my office while those working with me are being attacked,” he said, insisting that his interventions were purely administrative and lawful.

Wike also appreciated leaders who had reached out to resolve issues peacefully, emphasizing that mutual respect and adherence to due process were crucial in addressing land-related disputes.

Recalling previous encounters, Wike explained that when similar issues arose with the Police, the Inspector-General personally intervened and ordered a halt to illegal construction under power lines, a gesture he described as respectful and lawful.

He cited examples of former presidents and retired generals who approached the FCTA with discipline and respect for the rule of law, rather than resorting to lawlessness or intimidation.

The FCT Minister reaffirmed his commitment to restoring order, discipline, and sanity in Abuja in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for the capital city. He vowed that enforcement against illegal land developments, land grabbing, and violations of the Abuja Master Plan would continue without compromise.

“As long as I remain FCT Minister, the law will take its course. Abuja must reflect the image of Nigeria, disciplined, planned, and lawful,” Wike declared, stressing that lawlessness would have no place under his administration. Visit GMTNewsng for more news.

November 13, 2025

The Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has commended the remarkable security improvement recorded in Enugu State under the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.

Lt. Gen. Shaibu made the remark on Thursday during a courtesy visit to Governor Mbah at the Government House, Enugu, on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Army Regimental Sergeant Majors’ (RSM) Conference 2025.

The Army Chief appreciated the governor for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army, saying it has greatly enhanced the Force’s capacity to fulfill its constitutional duties.

“I came to pay a courtesy visit to His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and also to appreciate him for all the support he has been providing to the officers and men of the Nigerian Army. From all indicators, security in Enugu State has improved tremendously, and that’s commendable,” he stated.

Lt. Gen. Shaibu noted that the security improvement across Enugu was a clear result of effective collaboration between the state government and the Army, adding that such synergy strengthens discipline and morale within the military.

Responding, Governor Mbah congratulated the Army Chief on his appointment and lauded his proactive approach to national security, describing him as “a square peg in a square hole.”

The governor acknowledged that the notable security improvement in Enugu State would not have been possible without the dedication and sacrifice of the Nigerian Army and other sister security agencies.

“In terms of our relationship with the Army, we could not have achieved the level of security improvement and safety we enjoy in Enugu today without their active support. We see this as a partnership that will continue to thrive,” Mbah said.

Governor Mbah also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic investments and policies geared towards strengthening national security, expressing optimism about deeper collaboration with the Nigerian Army to further enhance peace and stability.

Lt. Gen. Shaibu was accompanied by senior officers, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General Olufemi Olatoye.

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November 13, 2025

Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has presented a total of ₦535.69 billion as the 2026 fiscal budget to the State House of Assembly, describing it as the “Budget of Consolidation.”

Presenting the budget on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Yahaya said the proposal reflected his administration’s determination to consolidate development gains and institutionalize impactful governance across the state.

According to the governor, the 2026 budget consists of ₦164.25 billion for recurrent expenditure, representing 30.66%, and ₦371.44 billion for capital expenditure, accounting for 69.34% of the total amount.

Explaining the funding structure of the budget, Yahaya said the state plans to generate ₦416.10 billion as recurrent revenue and ₦225.57 billion as capital receipts in 2026. He also disclosed that the estimated closing balance for 2025 was projected to be around ₦100 billion, forming part of the fiscal base for the new year.

Governor Yahaya emphasized that the 2026 budget was both visionary and pragmatic, designed to ensure that fiscal policies translate into tangible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other key sectors.

Reviewing the 2025 fiscal performance, the governor revealed that the previous budget of ₦451.66 billion achieved ₦219.03 billion in implementation as of September 30, representing 60.12% performance.

In his response, Hon. Abubakar Luggerewo, Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, commended the governor for his consistent efforts to improve the welfare of citizens through responsible fiscal planning.

Luggerewo assured that the Assembly would give the 2026 budget due and timely legislative consideration to ensure sustained growth and development across Gombe State. Visit GMTNewsng for more news.