Tinubu Urges Abuja Residents to Pay Taxes – Wike Unveils 'Road N5' Plan

Toyin Adebayo

On Wednesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged inhabitants and commercial entities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to settle their tax obligations, property charges, and site rentals without delay, emphasizing that public adherence is essential for maintaining construction projects throughout the country's capital region.

Vice President Kashim Shettima conveyed this message during the inauguration of the Dape District segment of Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), stretching from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III. According to Tinubu, income collected from citizens' duties will allow the FCT Authority to construct additional roads and essential facilities.

"Settle your taxes. Pay off your land charges and property rentals. Your cooperation empowers the FCT Administration to construct additional roads similar to this one," stated the President.

Tinubu further commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, hailing him as the government's "Engine of Execution" due to his role in accelerating the completion of infrastructure developments in Abuja.

Minister Wike, you and your group have demonstrated what occurs when determination aligns with responsibility. We finance initiatives to achieve outcomes, not to focus on linguistic accuracy.

"Nor would it be under the supervision of 'the Engine of Execution' himself, the Honorable Minister of the FCT, Lawyer Nyesom Wike," he stated.

The Leader mentioned that finishing the road kept a commitment pledged to locals when the Gwarinpa I District part of the initiative was launched in June 2025.

As he stated, contrary to numerous public initiatives that take years to finish, the N5 highway project was planned, financed, and completed within the scheduled time frame.

Let’s make one thing perfectly clear: this area was not passed down to us from previous years. We created it, financed it, and brought it into existence.

"Previously, initiatives such as these turned into long-term funding allocations—ten, fifteen years of justifications. That won't happen under this administration," he said.

Tinubu stated that the project would reduce traffic congestion near Life Camp Junction and enhance connections between Dape, Karmo, Gwarinpa, Kado, Idu, and Mbora areas, as well as provide better access to the Idu Industrial Zone.

He mentioned that the initiative would lower transportation expenses, draw in capital, and generate employment opportunities for locals.

Previously, the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike stated that the inauguration signified the second activity in a 31-day series of project launches planned to commemorate Tinubu's third year in power.

The official remembered that the FCT Authority initiated programs for nine days on the occasion of the President's first year and 19 days during the second anniversary, with the present 31-day initiative being seen as proof of faster progress within the region.

"Glory be to God, during this third year, we have reached 31 days dedicated to launching initiatives," Wike stated.

He credited the changes in Abuja to Tinubu's administration, emphasizing that progress was no longer limited to the central area but had extended to surrounding suburbs.

"Development has, for the first time, reached the satellite towns within the Federal Capital Territory. This marks an unusual occurrence," he stated.

The official claimed that the effects of good leadership were now visible in the form of roads and various development initiatives throughout the FCT.

"When individuals are asked about the concept of government and governance, they often respond by pointing and saying, 'There’s the government.' They refer to things like roads and infrastructure," he stated.

Wike also supported the administration's payment procedure for property owners impacted along the highway route, maintaining that every valid claim had been resolved.

"We made payment. If your property was destroyed and you didn't receive compensation, please step forward and speak up. I dare anyone to dispute this. It isn't accurate," he said.

The official ignored demonstrations from certain people during the gathering, maintaining that nothing short of political resistance could mask the evident successes of the government.

During her speech, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, referred to the initiative as yet another achievement within the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda and praised Wike for his dedication to revitalizing the capital city via extensive construction projects.

She conveyed assurance that the recently finished highway would boost transport, encourage business growth, and raise the standard of living for people in the impacted areas.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Olukoyede: Governorship Contenders Spend ₦20B–₦30B to Win Elections

Oscar Okhifo

The head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has expressed worries about the increasing role of funds in Nigeria's election system, stating that certain candidates for governor invest anywhere from ₦20 billion to ₦30 billion to win elections.

On Wednesday, during the first session of the High-Level Guest Speakers' Series hosted by the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS) at the University of Ilorin, Olukoyede stated that this trend has emerged as a significant factor fueling corruption and poses a risk to the nation's democracy.

The head of the EFCC, who gave a speech entitled "Reducing Risks and Engaging Key Stakeholders for Peaceful and Valid 2027 Elections in Nigeria," pointed out that political figures who spend large amounts during elections frequently face demands to recover their costs once they take up positions.

He stated that the high expense involved in running for office leads to the misuse of public money and weakens responsibility, since chosen representatives focus more on recouping their monetary losses than providing effective leadership and public assistance.

Throughout history, campaign expenditures in Nigeria have stayed significant, yet in recent times they have surged to levels experts refer to as "unprecedented."

Opponents claim that conditions have deteriorated partially due to lenient punishments for those who violate election laws, leading many to wonder why no significant political "fall guy" has been established as an example.

Another increasing worry among Nigerians involves the effects of these enormous campaign costs, as numerous people question how chosen representatives might avoid misappropriating government funds following such huge investments to win their positions.

It has been reported that certain candidates resort to selling private assets or securing substantial loans to fund their election efforts, intensifying concerns regarding potential corruption after the elections and the challenges of economic revival.

"The commodification of votes undermines the basis for effective governance as it affects the selection of political leaders. Politicians who secure their positions through financial means tend to prioritize recouping their expenses over acting in the best interests of the people," Olukoyede stated.

The head of the EFCC emphasized the agency's commitment to combat vote-purchasing and various types of monetary incentives that jeopardize the integrity of electoral processes nationwide.

He revealed that the organization had detained multiple individuals associated with vote-purchasing and other election-related violations in past elections, noting that several convictions have already taken place.

As he stated, individuals found guilty of electoral wrongdoing consist of politicians, election workers, and others involved in undermining the fairness of the voting procedure.

He cautioned that not holding those who violate election rules accountable would promote immunity and continue eroding democratic systems, emphasizing that no person should be protected from facing consequences for breaking election regulations.

Olukoyede further stated that the committee intends to use drones and additional technology to enhance monitoring and identify instances of vote-purchasing and monetary incentives in the upcoming 2027 national elections.

He called on political groups, contenders, and their followers to concentrate on campaign strategies centered around issues and steer clear of provocative remarks that could provoke conflict before, during, and following the voting process.

The head of the EFCC also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), law enforcement bodies, non-governmental organizations, the press, and other relevant parties to enhance cooperation in facilitating free, open, and reliable elections.

Previously, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), characterized electoral fraud as a major obstacle to Nigeria's democratic growth, emphasizing that free and fair elections are essential for national stability, economic advancement, and public confidence in governance.

During his opening speech, Professor G.A. Animasawun, the head of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, stated that the lecture series aims to promote discussion between decision-makers, security specialists, election administrators, and community organizations regarding effective steps to ensure the fairness of the 2027 national polls.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).