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Wike To CAN, Imams: Be Careful Of Antics Of Failed Politicians
From Lateef Taiwo
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike has charged religious leaders in the country to be wary of different antics been deplored by failed politicians whom despite the conclusion of the 2023 general elections still continued to be engaging in negative partisanship.
This was what formed part of the meeting the minister held separately with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) led by its President, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, and chairman, Committee of FCT Imams Initiative, Dr. Tajudeen Adigun in Abuja, Wednesday.
The two religious groups during the meeting pledged support for the minister, describing his appointment as well deserved.
While speaking to the CAN leaders, Wike said; “Let me advise all of us. You say you are not politicians but be careful about politicians. Be careful with politicians who are so desperate to get power.
“Be careful with politicians who can do anything just because of power. It is not everything you read in social media that is correct, go and ask questions.
“I am seated here as the Minister of FCT. If there is anything you hear that the FCT is trying to do, do not hesitate, just like you wrote for this courtesy call, do not hesitate to also ask, this thing I am hearing, is it correct? So that we will be able to defend the government and defend ourselves.
“There are those who could not face us in the political scene, what they do is to run back to religious leaders and say, do you know this man? He hates you. If not, he wouldn’t have done this; he would not have done that, and you would fall into the trap,” he warned.
While speaking at the meeting with the Imams, Wike said; “I will ensure that justice is done to all at all times. As a government, we cannot work alone. We must partner with all relevant stakeholders. What is important is for us to move FCT forward.
“Like you rightly said, we have different people in the FCT and it is our responsibility to provide a conducive environment for all. We didn’t come here with any colouration of victimizing any religion or anyone. The mandate of Mr President is to ensure Abuja attains the dreams of its founding fathers.
“You have to be careful as religious leaders, don’t allow politicians, those who are desperate and those who think if they are not in power, Nigeria must come down to sell or distort information.
“Anything you are not clear about, do not hesitate to ask, this is what you heard, what is the position? But if you follow propaganda by political leaders then you are not doing anything meaningful to yourself.
Wike added that he recently got to know that contract for the maintenance of the National Mosque and the Christian Ecumenical Centre had long been stopped, but that he has ordered that the contracts be immediately activated. The minister also said he had earlier in the day approved the payment of funds meant for both organizations for the year 2023.
Speaking earlier Chairman, Dr Adigun said they were at the FCTA to congratulate and welcome Wike to Abuja as the senior minister of FCT.
“This appointment is a well deserve one and we say congratulations, Mr Projects.
“The committee is an organization for over 1000 Imams in the FCT to foster unity of the Ummah and promote discipline and foster unity among Islamic sects and other religions.
“Even as Governor, you have been working with people of all faiths, ethnicity and political affiliations. We are ready to work with you. We are not going to work with rumours, we are going to work with what we see and we are always on the side of good governance.
“We have heard of your promise to the National Mosque -the largest mosque in the country – that you will continue to maintain the assistance the government is resenting to it and the Christian Centre. This is a very good development”.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the status quo in a dispute over the party’s candidates emerging from the Benue State APC primaries for the 2027 general election.
The order was made on Thursday by Justice Inyang Ekwo during proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1429/2026, filed by Engr. Sesugh Akaagba and other aggrieved APC candidates from Benue State against the APC and INEC.
The plaintiffs had, through an ex parte motion filed on July 5, 2026, sought six interim reliefs, including an order restraining the APC from substituting its validly nominated candidates in Benue State through its June 29, 2026 correspondence, or any subsequent communication, to INEC, pending determination of the substantive suit.
They also sought an order compelling the APC to immediately transmit to INEC the names of candidates validly nominated during the primaries monitored by the electoral commission.
When the matter first came up on July 8, 2026, the court declined to grant the interim application immediately, directing both APC and INEC to appear and respond before any decision was taken. The matter was adjourned to July 16.
At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel representing the APC and INEC were present in court, while the plaintiffs were represented by Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, alongside his legal team.
In his ruling, Justice Ekwo held that since issues had been joined by the parties particularly with INEC now before the court, the defendants were required by law to preserve the subject matter of the litigation pending determination of the substantive suit.
When counsel to the plaintiffs urged the court to caution APC and INEC against taking any further action that could affect the disputed list of candidates, the judge responded that it was “not a matter of advice but of law,” stressing that the defendants were bound to maintain the status quo.
The court consequently restrained APC and INEC from taking any action capable of altering the disputed list of candidates pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
The defendants did not object to the restraining order.
At the commencement of proceedings, the court noted that all parties had voluntarily submitted to its jurisdiction by duly filing and exchanging their respective processes.
It held that there was no procedural or jurisdictional impediment to the expeditious determination of the substantive action, and directed that the matter be heard without further delay.
In furtherance of the objective of preserving the res and safeguarding the efficacy of the judicial process, the court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and final determination of the substantive suit, restraining any act or omission capable of prejudicing the rights of the parties or rendering the proceedings nugatory.
The court further directed that INEC be served forthwith with the originating and all consequential processes.
The effect of the subsisting order is that INEC is restrained from tampering with the existing list of candidates pending final determination of the suit, and from receiving, recognising, or acting upon any purported substituted list of National Assembly candidates from Benue State submitted by the APC.
The matter was adjourned to July 21, 2026, for hearing of the substantive suit.
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former First Lady Patience Ibifaka Jonathan recently celebrated a significant family milestone as they attended the graduation ceremony of their son, Ariara Goodluck Jonathan, at Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.
The proud parents joined family members and well-wishers to witness Ariara receive his degree, marking the successful completion of his academic programme. The occasion was filled with joy as the Jonathan family commemorated the achievement, highlighting the importance they place on education and personal development.
The graduation ceremony attracted warm congratulatory messages from friends, associates, and admirers, who wished the graduate continued success in his future endeavours.
The Following names joined the political family of Sen. Dr. George Akume today after leaving the sinking Alia ship .
Under the leadership of Barr. Emmanuel Jime .
The are ;
Chief Nelson Alapa
Douglas pepe SAN senatorial Aspirant zone A,
Engr Peter Ashiekaa
QS Clement Beetseh
Former commissioners
Joy Luga
Ann itodo
Barr martins Shaagee
Miss Dorcas
Prof Usar Joseh
Prof Cephas Tushima
Chief Patrick Idoko
Hon Patience Akor
Hon Fred Idoko
Hon Lawrence Ekpo Onoja Jnr
Hon Andrew Abah
Hon Agbo Innocent Ikwumonu
Hon Simon Omachoko
Hon David Egboja
Dr John Garba
Among together,
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