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NLC Members Gather in Abuja for Nationwide Protest Over Insecurity

Boluwatife Ajayi — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 09:44:12 +0000

Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) assembled at the NLC Secretariat in Abuja ahead of a nationwide protest against rising insecurity across the country.

Among those present were the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, alongside civil society allies, including Omoyele Sowore and members of the Revolution Now Movement.

Security personnel, comprising the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), were also deployed to the area.

Ajaero reiterated that the planned protest remained sacrosanct, describing it as a means of drawing attention to the damaging effects of insecurity on the nation. He said insecurity was discouraging investment and worsening economic hardship.

According to him, the protest is aimed at awakening the government to its responsibility to address insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, and other social challenges confronting the country. He noted that workers and their families are among the most affected, citing cases of teachers and other workers being killed or kidnapped.

Ajaero called on the government to intensify efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible, stressing that banditry and kidnapping for ransom are alien to Nigeria’s value system.

He urged Nigerians to collectively condemn such acts and support measures to end insecurity, warning that the situation is placing unbearable financial and emotional strain on workers nationwide.

Source: Channels

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INEC Commences Online Accreditations Of Journalists, Media Organisation For Abuja Polls

Boluwatife Ajayi — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:34:02 +0000

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun the online accreditation of journalists and media organisations ahead of the Federal Capital Territory Area Council Election.

In a statement shared on the commission’s official X handle, the accreditation is aimed at vetting journalists and media organisations for the FCT polls scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

The statement reads, “INEC has commenced online accreditation for journalists and media organisations intending to cover the FCT Area Council Election scheduled to hold on Saturday, 21st February, 2026.

The statement also called for Interested organizations wishing to deploy journalists for coverage to register via imap.inecnigeria.org.”

Read Aso: Edo election tribunal: INEC to start calling witnesses Thursday

The statement further clarified that the accreditation portal will open from Monday, December 15, 2025, and will close on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

INEC further stated that late submission will not be entertained as the portal will automatically shut down at exactly 12:00 am midnight on Sunday, 8th February, 2026.

Source: TVC

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Police Fire Teargas as FCT Contractors Protest Unpaid N5.2bn Debt

Boluwatife Ajayi — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:24:11 +0000

Police officers fired teargas to disperse members of the Coalition of Indigenous FCT Contractors who staged a protest at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) secretariat in Abuja over an alleged unpaid N5.2 billion debt.

The contractors blocked the main entrance to the secretariat with a truck, chanting the name of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and demanding payment for projects they described as fully executed and verified. Security operatives cordoned off the area before police moved in with teargas, forcing protesters to flee.

Coalition leader Chuka Muojindu said the outstanding N5,211,503,589 covers various public works, including drain desilting, sewage evacuation, medical supplies, school furniture, borehole drilling and other community projects.

He claimed all contracts had been inspected and forwarded for payment, but the minister had refused to approve the final release of funds. Muojindu added that several contractors had died or suffered severe hardship due to the delay.

Contractors have held repeated demonstrations against the minister and the federal government, while the African Democratic Congress recently threatened to mobilise wider protests in solidarity with those owed.

The FCTA has yet to comment on the incident or on the status of the payments. Protesters say they will continue their demonstrations until the debt is cleared.

Source: Thecable

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Police Arrest Sowore at Federal High Court in Abuja

Afinju FM — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:16:23 +0000

Sowore, who has been vocal in calling for Kanu’s release, was taken away by security operatives who said they were acting on the orders of the Commissioner of Police. When he asked for a formal invitation letter, officers insisted he must follow them, and he agreed to go only in the company of his lawyer.

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong confirmed the arrest, describing it as “preposterous” and calling for Sowore’s immediate release.

Earlier, Sowore led a protest in Abuja demanding Kanu’s freedom. During the demonstration, Kanu’s lawyer, his brother, and ten others were arrested and remanded in Kuje Prison.

Police accused them of inciting disturbance, criminal conspiracy, and breaching public peace during the protest, claiming it defied a court order. The case is expected to come up in court for hearing soon.

Source: Punch

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Air Force Holds 10km Walk in Abuja, Orders Two-Hour Road Closure

Afinju FM — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:25:52 +0000

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made this known in a statement in Abuja.

He said that the exercise underscored the importance of physical fitness to military efficiency and overall mission readiness.

The exercise, he stated, would commence by 6:00 am and end by 8:00 am and will take place along the service lane between Karu Bridge and Mogadishu Cantonment Bridge in the Abuja-Nyanya-Keffi expressway.

This, according to him, will lead to temporary closure of the road to vehicular movement during the period.

Ejodame said adequate arrangements had been made to ensure the safety of participants and residents, adding that normal traffic flow would resume immediately after the exercise.

He appreciated the cooperation and understanding of the public as the NAF continues to promote the well-being and effectiveness of its personnel in the discharge of constitutional duties.

Source: Channels

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Sowore Set To lead #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest In Abuja

Afinju FM — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:47:28 +0000

The activist made this known on his official X handle Sowore made this known on his X handle, noting that the protest would be a “historic” march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, while assuring that it would be conducted peacefully and legally to demand the release of the IPOB leader.

The activist wrote, “We now have a date for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. It is October 20 at 7 am.”

Sowore urged all South-East governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to join the demonstration.

“Every governor, senator, member of the House, traditional ruler, priest, eze, Igbo person, and every Nigerian who believes in Kanu’s freedom should come out and do more than talk,” he added.

He also emphasised that he had reached out to other prominent Igbo leaders, including Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Abia State Governor, Alex Otti; and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to join the protest.

“This is not the time for hesitation. If we genuinely believe that MaziNnamdiKanu deserves freedom, then every leader of conscience must act, now, not later,” he wrote.

Recall that Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since his re-arrest in 2021 after his controversial extradition from Kenya. Despite multiple court rulings ordering his release, the Federal Government has yet to comply, drawing condemnation from rights groups and political leaders.

He faces charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement, filed by the Federal Government before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Kanu has consistently pleaded not guilty to all counts.

In October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him of all charges, ruling that his extradition to Nigeria violated international laws.

Source: Punch

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Tinubu Returns To Abuja After 10-Day Lagos Working Visit

Afinju FM — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:42:00 +0000

In a statement released by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President arrived in Lagos after attending the coronation of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Ibadan.

“While in Lagos, the President met with key investors, including Bayo Ogunlesi, Chief Executive Officer of Global Infrastructure Partners, and Keem Belo-Osagie, Chairman of Metis Capital Partners and former Chairman of United Bank for Africa and Etisalat.

“President Tinubu also received the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Mr Arsenio Dominguez, in the company of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and other heads of agencies in the sector. During their meeting, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s maritime industry as a viable alternative to fossil energy,” the statement added.

The statement said ahead of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, the President visited Imo State to inaugurate projects executed by Governor Hope Uzodimma and unveiled a book authored by the governor, chronicling a decade of the All Progressives Congress in government.

Tinubu delivered his Independence Day broadcast from the State House, Dodan Barracks, and later commissioned the renovated National Theatre, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, where he urged Nigerians to speak positively about their country.

The President also visited Jos, Plateau State, to attend the funeral of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, mother of APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.

At the ceremony, Tinubu paid tribute to the late matriarch and assured Christian communities in Northern Nigeria of his administration’s commitment to fairness and equity among all religious groups.

On his return to Abuja, the President met with the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bashir Ojulari, at the State House.

Tinubu was briefed on the company’s performance, investment drive, and progress toward achieving the administration’s production targets.

Source: Punch

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FCT Minister Commissions 12 New Road Projects In Abuja

Afinju FM — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:49:09 +0000

The Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement made avilable to newsmen, noting the Minister will also commission two new roads in Dakibiyu and Mabushi Districts.

According to the statement, the flag-off and commissioning of projects had been scheduled to take place over the course of one month, from the 18th of September, until the 16th of October 2025.

Part of the statement reads “The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, will this week, Thursday, commence the flagging-off of construction of 12 new roads and provision of solar lights in some major areas in the Federal Capital City (FCC) and Expressways under the Light Up Abuja Programme.

“The Minister will also commission the access roads in Sector Centre B, by Dakibiyu District, and the newly constructed Roads ILS 11 (Esther Bali Street) and MAR 24 (Kez Udezue Street) in Mabushi District.”

Among the projects listed are the procurement of integrated (hybrid) solar lighting in the District of Abuja City and Expressway under the Light Up Abuja Programme Lot 1: Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, Central Business District (CBD) Airport Expressway, Lot II: Katampe, Garki I and II, Mabushi, Gudu, Jabi and Katampe Extension.

Others are the full scope development of Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II; construction of Northern Parkway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III; provision of access road to Bus Terminal at Mabushi District Cadastral Zone B06; Phase II of FCC, full scope development of Arterial N20 (Solomon Lar Way) from Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) to the Airport Expressway, provision of access road to the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates project site within Cadastral Zone D06, Karsana West District of the FCC and provision of access road bypassing Airport Second Runway from Bill Clinton Drive to Tunga Madaki Settlement with a four span bridge.

Recall that the Minister had flagged off the construction and expansion of water supply to the satellite towns of Bwari in Lot 1 and Karu and its environs in the Abuja Municipal Area Council in Lot 2.

Wike had also flagged off the construction of a multi-purpose sports centre in Kafe District, the Construction of a new Magistrate Court complex in Jabi District, and the emergency reconstruction of the Karu road from the Karu interchange to Customs Clinic junction in Karu site, in AMAC.

Source: Punch

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Retired Soldiers Resume Protest Over Unpaid Entitlement

Afinju FM — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 11:50:38 +0000

The ex-soldiers called off their initial protest on August 4, after a meeting with officials of the Ministries of Defence and Finance, who assured them that their outstanding entitlements would be paid by August 10.

The ex-soldiers converged on the Ministry of Finance headquarters in the nation’s capital, accused the authorities of neglect and failure to honour promises made after their meeting last month.

One of the protesters, identified as Mama G, stated that they were forced to return to the streets after previous assurances yielded no results.

“We are here because the promises made to us were never fulfilled. We had no choice but to return to the streets. This time around, the protest will be massive”, she said.

The Ministry of Defence, Defence Headquarters and Military Pension Board have yet to issue an official response as of the time of filing this report.

Source: Punch

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Abuja-Kaduna Train Derails, Sparks Panic Among Passengers

Afinju FM — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 13:27:36 +0000

A passenger train on the Abuja- Kaduna route has derailed, throwing commuters into panic.

The incident occurred shortly after the train departed from Abuja en route to Kaduna. Witnesses said the derailment caused chaos, with many passengers scrambling to escape through the broken windows.

Following the incident, military personnel and emergency responders were quickly deployed to the scene to assist stranded commuters and restore normalcy to the area.

The cause of the derailment is yet to be known and there has been no official confirmation of injuries or casualties.

The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation hasn’t spoken on the incident.

Source: Channel

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