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Tinubu to Wike: You’ve not disappointed me
President Bola Tinubu on Friday gave his strongest public endorsement yet of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, declaring that the former Rivers State governor has justified the confidence reposed in him to transform Abuja into a modern capital city.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, spoke at the commissioning of Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel Okanla Boulevard) and other road networks in the Katampe District of the FCT.
“When I gave him the assignment to make Abuja a true capital city, I knew his track records. Wike, you have not disappointed Mr President.
“From transforming abandoned roads into new boulevards, to delivering water projects and judicial quarters, you work day and night. You do not give excuses; you give results. The people of the FCT call you ‘Mr Project’ for a reason”, the president said.
Tinubu’s remarks came on the eighth day of a marathon commissioning exercise by the FCT Administration showcasing infrastructure projects delivered under his administration.
He described the newly completed road as a symbol of the administration’s determination to restore confidence in governance through visible development, noting that the installation of solar-powered street lights along major corridors had improved security while reviving Abuja’s nightlife and economic activities.
“We have installed solar street lights, and today Katampe is bright at night. Abuja’s city life is coming back, and criminal hideouts are disappearing. This is exactly what good governance delivers: security, mobility and dignity,” Tinubu said, adding that the road “represents hope” and demonstrates that the Renewed Hope Agenda “is translating into tangible results.”
In his remarks, Wike said the Katampe road project was conceived to close a critical infrastructure gap that became apparent after the completion of adjoining road networks.
“Last year, when Mr President commissioned the Gishiri road and the bridge linking Maitama, this road did not even exist. We identified the missing link and immediately moved to address it because infrastructure must be holistic,” he said.
The minister noted that the project had already unlocked significant real estate development in Katampe, attracting investors and stimulating economic activities.
Naira depreciates to N1,410/$ in parallel market
The Naira yesterday depreciated to N1,410 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,405 per dollar on Wednesday.
Similarly, the naira depreciated to N1,365.5 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, NFEM .
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, showed that the indicative exchange rate for the market rose to N1,365.5 per dollar from N1,361.5 per dollar on Wednesday, indicating N4 depreciation for the naira.
Consequently, the margin between the parallel and official markets widened to N44.5 per dollar from N43.5 per dollar on Wednesday.
The interbank turnover at NFEM fell by 28.8 percent to N69.92 million yesterday from N54.3 million the previous day.
Insecurity not due to weak leadership, Tinubu has political will — Oshiomhole
The Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, on Friday said the rising insecurity in the country was not due to a lack of “political will” from President Bola Tinubu.
He argued that the President had instead provided the necessary resources and leadership to address security challenges across the country.
Oshiomhole made the remarks in Abuja at the public presentation of a book authored by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Capital Territory Commandant, Olusola Odumosu.
He dismissed claims that the executive arm of government had failed to prioritise security, pointing to financial commitments and administrative decisions as evidence of political resolve.
“What is the difficult thing in political will? The commander-in-chief give the order: Go and ensure that the country is safe. As President Bola Tinubu has done repeatedly.
“I am putting my mouth where I am putting resources and he has prepared more money even supplementary budget at the National Assembly, approved. What more political will do you need?”
He further noted that the President declared a state of emergency and replaced former service chiefs as part of efforts to strengthen national security.
According to Oshiomhole, the President has political will “in abundance”.
He said, “The Commander-in-Chief decided to declare State of Emergency and even told the armed forces no more excuse. He even replaced the former security chiefs with these ones. To sack chiefs in a village you know the challenges not to talk of sacking security chiefs. There is no question that there is no political will.
“So I think all of us as a people, particularly those who are in politics, whether they are in the opposition, we need to understand that when it comes to security, there is one Nigeria. There is no APC, no PDP, or whatever.
“I’m not aware that anybody has been queried for apprehending a dangerous criminal. So what is political will, the President has it in abundance.”
Oshiomhole, however, raised concerns about the implementation of security directives, questioning whether instructions from leadership are effectively carried out at operational levels.
FG to let journalists join troops during military operations
The Federal Government is considering a new initiative that would allow journalists to accompany military personnel during selected operations.
This was said to be in a bid to improve security reporting and give the public greater insight into the realities of counterinsurgency and other internal security efforts.
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, disclosed the plan on Thursday at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Abuja.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, the minister said the proposed arrangement would foster closer collaboration between the media and security agencies while promoting transparency in military activities.
Musa noted that the media plays a strategic role in shaping public perception of security operations and national stability, adding that security management now extends beyond conventional battlefields.
He explained that modern conflicts are increasingly influenced by information and narratives, making the media an important stakeholder in the country’s security architecture.
According to the minister, the success of security operations should not be assessed solely by military victories but also by the level of confidence citizens have in security institutions.
“More than ever before, the media are not only enablers; they are stabilizers of government.
“The defense ministry is exploring arrangements to embed journalists with military units during operations to enable more accurate reporting and deeper understanding of operational realities,” he said.
Musa said the initiative was part of broader efforts by the ministry to strengthen engagement with the media and ensure that information about military operations is conveyed accurately to the public.
He stressed that improved cooperation between journalists and security agencies would contribute to building public trust and enhancing national security outcomes.
