Wike stated this in Abuja on Thursday, during the inauguration of the full-scope development of FCT Highway 105, from Airport Expressway to Kuje Junction.

Our correspondent reports that Tinubu was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima to celebrate his third year in office.

The minister said that the dual development of the Abuja city centre and the satellite towns, including hard to reach communities by the Tinubu administration was unprecedented.

He described the government as simply an “institution that provides basic infrastructure and visible facilities that improves the quality of life of the people”.

“Your Excellency, history will be on your side for what your administration has done for the satellite towns in FCT.

“I want to say to anybody, when people ask, ‘where is the government?’ tell them Kuje road is government; when they ask, ‘where is government?’ say Kuje to Gwagwalada Road is the government,” he said.

He said what the Tinubu administration did in the first six months in office was to dualise the road from Tipper Garage to LEA Secretariat in Kuje.

“But the challenge was, how do you come into Kuje? Even if you go through Gwagwalada, you will stop somewhere you can’t pass,” he said.

He pointed out that before the construction of the FCT Highway 105, there was no safe and smooth road to Kuje.

He said: “The road was not in existence. It was a death trap. It was safe for kidnappers and hooligans trying to molest, harass citizens and residents of Kuje.

“We may think, oh it’s an ordinary road, anybody can do it. If that was so, they would have done it.

“This is one road that I never dreamt of, that today, we will come to inaugurate. It was a very, very difficult road. In fact, it became a political road.

“Your Excellency, today I feel so happy. If there is anything that makes me very happy today is that we are inaugurating this particular road”.

He explained that the completed project, which was awarded in 2022 followed an appeal by Kuje traditional rulers, who requested that the project be resuscitated and completed.

He added that the traditional rulers also requested the dualisation of Kuje to Gwagwalada, which is being executed in phases with the first phase ready for inauguration.

The minister amplified Tinubu’s call on residents to pay ground rents and other statutory fees to enable the FCT Administration extend the highway to Nasarawa state.

While inaugurating the project, Tinubu said: “When I appointed Wike, I did so because he delivers.

“Where there were delays, we brought political will and where there were obstructions, we paid compensation because we respect the law and value progress.

“Beyond the concrete and asphalt, these projects speak to a larger vision. The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just for the city centre. True democracy must prevail at the grassroots.

“It must prevail in Kuje and the commuter coming from or going to Kuje must feel it. Every Nigerian must feel it.

“To the FCT minister, you have proven once again that when we give a task to a performer, the results speak for themselves”.

Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, explained that the FCT Administration awarded the contract to Arab Contractors Nig. Ltd in 2022.

Dauda said that the FCT Highway 105 is a key regional road that traverses the FCT right from the Murtala Muhammed Expressway, down to the south to connect the Abuja-Abaji-Nasarawa Road in the southern part of the FCT.

He said that the 76-kilometre road is planned to link other future federal roads to the FCT and other parts of the country through Nasarawa State.

He however said that the current scope, a six lane 8.6-kilometre road, from the Airport Expressway to Kuje was the first stage of the full development of the highway, with other stages to follow in due course.

“The scope of works for this project includes the construction of about 8.6 km of two main carriage ways, each of three lanes in both directions, making it a six-lane dual carriage way.

“The completion of this project has greatly reduced the travel time, increased circulation and opened up the districts in Kuje – Wawa District, Giri District, and the interconnection to the Airport Expressway.

“It has also improved security in the area as well as improved the socioeconomic lives of the residents, in addition to other inherent benefits which have attracted significant investments in this area.

“The road will also serve as an alternative road to the Gwagwalada and the Abaji-Abuja-Lokoja road when completed,” he said.

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Tijani gave the warning on Thursday during a strategic security meeting with senior officers of the command at the Officers’ Mess, Ikeja.

He expressed concern over unverified security reports and misleading videos on social media, noting that such content caused panic among residents.

According to him, false information creates unnecessary fear, undermines confidence in security agencies, and disrupts public order.

The commissioner urged content creators to verify information before publishing or sharing it online.

He stressed that freedom of expression must not be used to spread content capable of inciting fear, panic, or tension.

Tijani warned that anyone deliberately disseminating false information threatening public peace would be investigated and prosecuted.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting lives and property across the state.

The commissioner assured residents that adequate measures were in place, adding that officers were on alert for swift responses.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible, timely information for effective policing.

Tijani appreciated members of the public assisting the police with useful information, encouraging them to sustain the cooperation.

According to him, the command will continually review operational strategies to ensure Lagos remains safe for residents and businesses.

He directed senior officers to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing, and deepen inter-agency collaboration.

The commissioner also warned against using covered number plates, adding that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.

He emphasised stronger collaboration with other security agencies, especially in border communities, to prevent criminal infiltration.

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Okereke made the pledge at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for approval of candidates’ list for submission to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and issuance of certificate of return to successful candidates, on Thursday in Abuja.

In his acceptance speech after receiving his certificate of return, Okereke thanked the party leadership, including the National Leader, Dr Alex Otti and the National Chairman, Sen. Nenadi Usman, for entrusting him with the party’s presidential ticket.

He described the party as the political platform of Nigerian workers and ordinary citizens, committed to democratic socialism and inclusive development.

Our correspondent reports that Okereke unveiled a “Nigerians First” vision at the occasion.

He said that the vision would prioritise citizens’ welfare over politics through improved security, economic stabilisation, food security, quality education, healthcare, infrastructure and transparent governance.

The presidential candidate also proposed reforms, including making National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) optional for graduates, decentralising basic education and primary healthcare management as well as strengthening public institutions.

He urged Nigerians, particularly youths, women, security personnel, professionals and citizens disillusioned by governance challenges to “believe again” in the country’s future.

Okereke also pledged greater representation for women in leadership, stressing that a Labour Party administration would focus on restoring public trust, creating opportunities and delivering measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia, represented by his deputy, Mr Ikechukwu Emetu, commended the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) for the successful conduct of its primaries across the country.

Otti described the exercise as a demonstration of the party’s commitment to internal democracy, fairness and the supremacy of members’ will.

Although he said that the primaries produced winners and losers, the greatest winner remained the party.

The governor congratulated the candidates who emerged from the primaries, urging them to see themselves as ambassadors of hope and agents of change, as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.

He said Nigerians were looking up to Labour Party for credible leadership, progressive governance and practical solutions to the nation’s challenges, adding that the candidates must rise to the enormous responsibility placed on them.

Otti also called on the successful candidates to immediately reconcile with fellow aspirants and their supporters, stressing that party contests should not create lasting divisions.

He urged candidates across constituencies, federal constituencies and senatorial districts to work together, run coordinated campaigns and present a united front.

The governor noted that victory in 2027 would depend on party unity, discipline and a shared commitment to offering Nigerians a credible alternative founded on competence, integrity and service.

Speaking earlier, the party’s National Secretary, Iheanacho Obioma, while presenting the report of the primaries to NEC, stated that Labour Party adopted both consensus and direct primary methods.

Obioma said that the elections were monitored by INEC officials, party representatives, accredited observers and other stakeholders.

He stated that the reports indicated that the primaries were conducted peacefully, transparently and in substantial compliance with all legal and party requirements.

The national secretary reported that successful candidates emerged for the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly elections, with Okereke emerging as the party’s presidential candidate.

He said the party had successfully filled 81 per cent of available elective positions, producing approximately 1,211 candidates.

Obioma, thereafter, presented the list of successful candidates to NEC for ratification and subsequent transmission to INEC, while commending party leaders, committees, aspirants and members for contributing to the successful conduct of the primaries.

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This is contained in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.

Ajani said that the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the federal government.

Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to the preservation of democratic ideals, rule of law, transparency, accountability and inclusive governance.

He assured that the ministry in collaboration with relevant security agencies woulsd continue to take appropriate measures in maintaining and strengthening Nigeria’s internal security.

The minister noted that a secured and stable environment was essential to democracy and national development.

He urged Nigerians to see the holiday as an opportunity for civic reflection.

“As we mark this historic day, every Nigerian is encouraged to remain law-abiding, uphold the institutions that sustain our democracy, and remember that the strength of any democracy lies ultimately in the character of its citizens,” he said.

He also said that June 12 every year remained a significant day in Nigeria’s history in honour of the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians whose efforts made democratic governance possible.

“Their legacies continue to inform the values and responsibilities of the Nigerian state,”Tunji-Ojo added.

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The I-G had, in the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/300/2026, accused the defendants of allegations bordering on cybercrime, examination malpractices and cheating.

The I-G is the complainant in the charge dated and filed on May 22 by the Prosecution Counsel, Faith Dimka, before Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The police boss named Ojiyovwi Miracle, Goodluck Ovuijeddo, Dennis Uvietesivwi, Ransome Monday and Hilda Ejohwemu as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

In count one the suspects , who reside in Delta, were alleged to have conspired among themselves to commit the offence bordering on unlawful access to a computer and computer related fraud.

In count two, they were alleged to have, “on April, without authorisation, intentionally accessed the JAMB server remotely by installing a software by name, RADMI software in over 200 systems used for UTME CBT.”

The police alleged that “after it was installed, the system was operated remotely on its own, for fraudulent purposes and obtain data that are vital to national security within the jurisdiction of this honourable court.”

In count three, the suspects were alleged to have knowingly and without authority on April 20, caused loss of property by altering, erasing, imputing and suppressing data for the purpose of conferring economic benefit to themselves against JAMB during the UTME CBT.

In count four, the suspects were alleged to have conspired among themselves “to commit offence to wit cheating at examination and aiding and abetting examination malpractice within the jurisdiction of this honourable court.”

They were also accused to have, on April 20, “by any fraudulent trick or device, by false pretence and with intent to cheat or secure undue advantage procure any question paper produced or intended to be used at JAMB during the UTME CBT.”

The suspects were alleged in count six to have, on April 20, conspired, aided, abetted, counseled, incited, procured and induced persons to commit examination malpractice during the UTME CBT.

While counts one, two and three are offences punishable under sections of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024); counts four, five and six are punishable under provisions of Examination Malpractice Act, 1999 (LFN 2004).

Although the suspects were scheduled for arraignment before Justice Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, the hearing could not proceed.

When the case was called, the judge raised observation that since all the suspects reside in Delta, it would be better for the case to be heard at the court’s division in the state in order to ensure expeditious prosecution.

Counsel to the I-G, Faith Dimka, and lawyers to the suspects did not oppose the judge’s advice.

Justice Liman subsequently ordered that the case file should be returned to the central registry for onward transfer to Delta.

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The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, said the evacuation of the 258 nationals demonstrated Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare and safety of Nigerians abroad.

This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

The special evacuation flight operated by Air Peace Airline arrived at the International Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday at 10.25 a.m.

The nationals were escorted by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, led by the Acting High Commissioner, Amb. Temitope Alexander Ajayi.

They were officially received at the airport by Enikanolaiye on behalf of the Federal Government.

Addressing the returnees, Enikanolaiye said that the government would not tolerate subjecting Nigerians to attacks and harassment wherever they might be.

The ambassador commended effective coordination of the process by the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria.

He urged all Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and report any threats to the Nigerian mission.

“The Federal Government remains fully engaged with the South African authorities at the highest levels to ensure protection of Nigerian nationals and to address the root causes of these unfortunate incidents,” he said.

He noted that the evacuation was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria,

Other stakeholders include the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affair, Ministry of Aviation, Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Immigration Service, and security agencies, according to him.

“This exercise underscores the government’s proactive and decisive response to protect Nigerians’ lives and dignity in the face of violence and intolerance.

“No Nigerian should live in fear simply because of their nationality,” he said.

He said that the evacuation did not signal defeat, but showed the proactive and citizen-centred foreign policy of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

“More flights carrying returnees are expected to arrive in the country in the coming days as the evacuation exercise continues,” he said.

According to him, the returning nationals are currently undergoing the process of documentation, profiling and necessary medical checks.

He said that they would be provided with temporary accommodation before reuniting them with their families.

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Yilwatda made the statement while inaugurating the APC National Campaign Council for Ekiti Governorship election, slated for June 20 in Abuja.

The chairman presented flag of the party to APC governorship candidate, Gov. Biodun Oyenbanji contesting for a second term in office.

He noted that Oyebanji was doing well in terms of infrastructural development, social protection, scholarships and health support systems for the people.

“You are connecting roads and connecting hearts across the state, we celebrate you and I thank God for giving you to the people of Ekiti and to our party as well.

“Today, we present you to the people of Ekiti for a second term in office, as a party, we are proud and happy that we have you.

“You are one of the best candidates for this election, the people have no option as you seem to be the only candidate for this election,” he said.

Yilwatda who boasted on the growing strength of the party lately, added that no political party in the country could match the array of people in the APC.

“APC has the strength and is prepared to win any election.’’

Yiltwada said funding would not be a problem to the party to win elections because it has the manpower and capacity to raise funds, adding that it was building an inclusive campaign council for Ekiti.

“The elderly are here with all talents and all shared opinion people who can raise funds down to mobilisation at the polling unit level, we are prepared,” he said.

Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate and Co-Chairman of the council, thanked the party’s leadership for the honour to serve.

He, however, advised aspirants seeking elective positions on the party’s platform in 2027 general elections to accept in good faith, the results of its primary election across the states that was being expected.

He congratulated those who would make the list in advance for the House of Representatives and the Senate, saying those that may not make it, should had done their homework well before going for the primaries.

He added that the National Assembly would endorse the list of successful aspirants when it is eventually released by the party’s leadership.

“When the party meets, we shall endorse the list and may God Almighty grant us victory in the elections and grant us victory in justice,” Akpabio said.

Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State and Chairman of the Council said its goal was ambitious yet achievable, adding that the council was committed to ensuring that the voice of the people was amplified.

He said the council was also committed to ensure that the people’s trust in good governance was rewarded.

He said to achieve its goal, the council had established effective campaign structures across all 16 Local Government Areas and 177 wards in Ekiti.

Sani said the grassroots engagement was foundational to the council’s strategy in ensuring that every indigene of the state was reached, heard and mobilised for the election.

“Our campaign will not merely be a series of rallies; it will be a movement that resonates with the aspirations of the people,” he said.

He described Oyebanji as a man with a strong commitment to the welfare of the people of Ekiti, saying his leadership was strategic, defined by humility and kindness that brought everyone together.

He said the campaign would focus on engaging and mobilising the youth and women, two vital demographics essential for shaping the future of the state.

“Their voices will be heard, their concerns addressed and their aspirations prioritised in our governance agenda.

“We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone has a role to play in building a brighter future.

“Let us remember that this campaign is not just about winning an election; it is about securing the future of the state,” he said.

He explained that the election was about ensuring that the progress made by the APC government continued and that every indigene of the state partook in the benefits of good governance.

He urged members of the council to commit fully to mobilise, engage and advocate for the vision it shared, assuring that together, they would ensure that the voice of the people was not only heard but amplified.

“Let us march forward with courage, determination and unity, together, we will achieve an extraordinary victory for Gov. Oyebanji and the APC in the forthcoming Ekiti governorship election,” he said.

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The commission has also fixed between June 16 and June 25 for political parties to conduct primary elections for the restored constituencies, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.

Haruna said that restoration of the constituencies was pursuant to the court judgments ordering the restoration of some suppressed constituencies in the affected states.

He listed the state constituencies to include: Benue – Nyamatsor, Ukum Afia, Konshisha III (Shangev-Tiev), Makurdi III (South East) and Gboko III, all in Benue.

Others are Aniocha North II, Ika North East II, Sapele II, Ethiope West II, Warri South West II and Warri North II state constituencies of Delta, with Aujara constituency in Jigawa.

The commission also listed Adavi East, Eika, Ajaokuta North, Bassa-Komu, Dekina Town and District, Ijumu II, Kabba-Bunu II, Koton Karfe II, Igala Ogwa, and Ogugu state constituencies in Kogi.

Haruna said that INEC had fixed June 16 to June 25 for the conduct of political party primaries in the restored constituencies.

This, he said, was to facilitate the participation of the restored constituencies in the 2027 general elections, particularly with respect to the nomination of candidates by political parties.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all other timelines and activities contained in the already published revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections shall apply to the restored constituencies.

“In light of the peculiar nature of this arrangement, political parties are requested to submit notices of political party primaries to the commission prior to the scheduled date for the primaries,” he said.

The INEC national commissioner also reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring credible, inclusive and transparent electoral processes in the country.

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The Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi disclosed this in an interview with the our correspondent on Thursday in Abuja.

Babafemi however, spoke extensively on the increasing vulnerability of women to the illicit drug trade.

He said that the factors responsible for women’s involvement in drug trafficking were largely similar to those driving other categories of offenders into the illicit drug business.

He also said the absence of proper value orientation and upbringing remained one of the strongest triggers.

“Right from their upbringing, when proper values are not inculcated in them, they are unable to build resilience against temptation and pressure to engage in the illicit drug trade,” he said.

Babafemi also identified greed and the desire for social recognition as significant motivating factors.

According to him, some women become desperate to attain certain social status symbols and lifestyles associated with wealth and influence, making them willing to engage in criminal activities to achieve such ambitions.

He further pointed to economic pressures as another major factor, noting that financial hardship and other socio-economic challenges often push some women towards drug trafficking.

The NDLEA spokesman said environmental influences also played a critical role, especially for individuals who grew up in communities where the illicit drug trade was prevalent.

He explained that prolonged exposure to such environments could normalise criminal activities and increase the likelihood of participation.

Babafemi also highlighted the influence of associations and peer groups, stressing that many women were drawn into drug trafficking through friends, acquaintances and neighbours already involved in the illegal trade.

He noted that the lure of quick financial gains often makes individuals susceptible to pressure from peers who portray drug trafficking as a lucrative venture.

“Some of them are influenced by friends who flaunt wealth and encourage others to join the trade in order to make money,” he said.

The director further expressed concern over the impact of social media and movies in shaping perceptions about drug trafficking.

According to him, some individuals are influenced by content depicting the operations of drug cartels and mistakenly assume that involvement in the illicit trade is easy and rewarding.

Babafemi also identified marital challenges as another contributing factor, particularly among women experiencing emotional distress arising from troubled relationships.

He said women facing heartbreak, family instability or challenges associated with polygamous homes sometimes become vulnerable and desperate, thereby increasing their susceptibility to criminal activities.

The NDLEA spokesman further revealed that family history could also contribute to involvement in drug trafficking.

He cited instances where illicit drug dealing had been passed down through multiple generations within the same family.

“We have seen situations where there are two, three or even four generations of drug dealers within a family.

“Some individuals grow up in families where illicit drug trafficking is regarded as a family business, leaving them exposed to no other means of livelihood,” he said.

Babafemi, however, stressed the need for stronger family values, community support systems and sustained public enlightenment campaigns to address the root causes of drug trafficking and discourage vulnerable groups from engaging in the illicit trade.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to preventive advocacy, public awareness and law enforcement efforts aimed at reducing drug-related crimes across the country.

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This is contained in a statement on Wednesday, by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil.

Matawalle said this when he received the newly appointed Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the NHA, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, on a courtesy visit.

He assured that the government would strengthen Nigeria’s hydrography system, with a view to enabling the provision of effective and critical data for marine navigation, national defence, and other marine activities.

He noted that the NHA played a strategic role in advancing Nigeria’s and the Gulf of Guinea’s maritime capabilities through several key functions which were essential for the effective management and utilisation of marine resources.

“The Agency continues to support Nigeria’s Blue Economy agenda by facilitating the sustainable use of ocean resources, promoting maritime trade, and driving economic growth through innovative hydrographic solutions and services,” the minister said.

Ealier, the NHA boss, thanked the minister for his visionary leadership and steadfast support.

He assured of the agency’s commitment to working closely with relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies to promote an integrated intergovernmental approach to hydrographic resilience and drive greater successes.

Our correspondent reports that discussions during the visit focused on measures to support and expand Nigeria’s hydrographic capabilities.

This is with a view to enhance navigational safety, strengthen maritime security, and support sustainable maritime development in the country.

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