Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Federal Government may demolish no fewer than 30 illegal settlements and slums and over 6,000 illegal buildings in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as part of measures to restore the nation’s capital’s master plan. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who dropped the hint on resuming office on Monday, said all illegal buildings distorting the Abuja master plan would be pulled down. Wike vowed to flatten all illegal buildings even if they belonged to a minister or an ambassador. Findings by The PUNCH indicate that the slums that might be affected by the urban renewal programme would include Apo Mechanic Village, Byanzhin, Dawaki, Dei Dei, Durumi, Dutse, Garki, Garki Village, Gishiri, Gwagwalape, Idu, Jabi, Kado Village, Karmo, Karshi, Karu, Katampe, Ketti Village, Kpaduma, Kabusa, Kpana Village, Kubwa, Lokogoma, Lugbe, Mabushi, Mpape, Nyanya and Piya Kasa. Also, those who acquired lands from Abuja indigenes may lose their investments as they were regarded by the FCT Administration as illegal. Checks indicate that the 6,000 structures that may be affected by the restoration plans included buildings that have been abandoned for a long time in violation of the building code.

The National Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress, Tommy Etim, has criticized the Federal Government's attempt to prevent the Organised Labour from launching an indefinite nationwide strike. Etim stated that labour leaders would not be threatened and would be willing to face imprisonment for their fight for better lives for Nigerian workers.

A bill has been introduced to amend the 1999 Nigerian Constitution to allow governors to appoint state commissioners of police. The amendment aims to decentralise the Nigeria Police Force, which has struggled to address the country's security crisis. The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 14 others, puts the police on the concurrent list, allowing states to have state-controlled policing. Key innovations include transferring police from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list, introducing a comprehensive framework for cohesion and accountability, and providing rigorous safeguards to prevent unwarranted interference by federal police in state police affairs. The bill also acknowledges the financial challenges faced by state police and requires the federal government to provide grants or aid, subject to the approval of the National Assembly.The proposed legislation alters Section 214 of the Constitution to distinguish between federal and state police, stating that federal police maintain public security and preserve public order. They cannot interfere with state police operations or internal security affairs, except to contain serious threats. Supporters argue that military involvement is not necessary.

Economists and civil society organisations have backed the appointment of a special investigator to probe the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited and other Government Business Entities by President Bola Tinubu.

The experts and groups in separate interviews with The PUNCH on Sunday said the investigation was necessary to ascertain if there were any infractions or alleged abuse of office by the suspended CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, and other top government officials.

Their comments came on the heels of Tinubu’s appointment of the former Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Jim Obazee, as Special Investigator to probe the CBN, NNPCL, and other Government Business Entities.

In a letter sighted by The PUNCH on Sunday, Tinubu directed the special investigator to work with security and anti-corruption agencies  to provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments, whether private or public.