Nigeria News (Standard)
FCT Minister Wike Declines to Drink at Abuja Karu Water Project Commissioning as Shettima Leads Ceremony
Viral video sparks debate as Vice President Shettima drinks from newly commissioned supply while Wike abstains
Viral video sparks debate as Vice President Shettima drinks from newly commissioned supply while Wike abstains
A viral incident at the commissioning of the Karu Water Supply Network in Abuja on Monday drew attention after Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, refused to drink water from the new facility, while Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, took a symbolic sip. The event took place in Karu area, marking the completion of a major infrastructure project aimed at providing potable water to Karu, Jikwoyi, Kurudu, Orozo and neighbouring communities within Abuja Municipal Area Council.
According to videos circulating on social media, Shettima was seen drinking from a glass filled with water drawn directly from the newly completed supply network. The act was intended as a demonstration of confidence in the quality of the water now available to residents. However, Wike, standing beside the vice president during this symbolic gesture, did not drink from his own glass—a moment that quickly became a subject of intense discussion online and among residents.
The Karu Water Supply Network is one of the flagship projects under President Tinubu’s administration in the FCT and is designed to address long-standing challenges around access to safe and reliable drinking water for fast-growing satellite communities on Abuja’s outskirts. Many residents in these areas have historically depended on unsafe or unreliable sources for their daily water needs. At the event, Vice President Shettima stated: “We are here not just to cut a ribbon, but to breathe life into a fundamental human right that has eluded this bustling community for far too long.” He emphasised that improved access to clean water would directly benefit public health and enhance living standards for thousands.
Minister Wike also commended the completion of the project, noting during his remarks that it would improve daily life for many residents who had previously faced difficulties accessing clean water. He recalled promising during the flag-off ceremony that government would deliver on its commitment: “By June next year, we will return here to commission this project and the people of Karu, Orozo, Kurudu and neighbouring communities will have access to clean drinking water,” he said at that earlier event.
Despite official optimism about the project’s impact, it was Wike’s refusal to take part in the ceremonial tasting that dominated social media reactions. One user remarked: ‘A public servant questioning a public infrastructure made by his office… How do you trust who does not trust his work.’ As at press time, neither Wike nor officials of FCT Administration have issued any statement explaining his decision or responding to speculation. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FG Moves to Sustain COVID-19 Health Gains as Global Fund Support Winds Down
Federal health authorities strategise to maintain pandemic-era improvements as Global Fund intervention nears completion in Nigeria
Federal health authorities strategise to maintain pandemic-era improvements as Global Fund intervention nears completion in Nigeria
The federal government has announced measures to preserve the progress made in Nigeria’s health system during the COVID-19 pandemic, as support from the Global Fund comes to an end. The move was disclosed in Abuja on Thursday by senior officials, who emphasised ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.
The announcement follows the scheduled conclusion of the Global Fund’s targeted intervention programme, which provided critical funding and technical support for Nigeria’s COVID-19 response. Government representatives stated that plans are underway to integrate lessons learned and resources developed under the partnership into existing national health initiatives.
Nigeria benefited from substantial international assistance during the peak of COVID-19, with the Global Fund playing a major role in boosting testing capacity, provision of medical supplies, and strengthening disease surveillance systems. Health ministry officials noted that retaining these gains is crucial for responding to future public health threats and improving routine healthcare services.
A senior official from the Ministry of Health explained that stakeholders are meeting to ensure a smooth transition, noting, “We have seen positive changes in our health infrastructure and human resource capabilities. As this phase ends, government will take full responsibility for sustaining these advances.” No opposition response was available as at press time.
Authorities indicated that future plans include increased domestic funding for public health, further training for healthcare workers, and expanded partnerships with state governments. The federal government also signalled its intention to seek new sources of international collaboration while prioritising local ownership of pandemic preparedness programmes.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Senate Approves State Police Bill, Empowers Governors to Appoint Commissioners Nationwide
Amendment to Section 214 grants states authority over police recruitment; critics warn of possible abuse in election periods
Amendment to Section 214 grants states authority over police recruitment; critics warn of possible abuse in election periods
The Senate has passed a landmark constitutional amendment enabling state governments across Nigeria to establish and control their own police forces, with governors now set to appoint Police Commissioners directly. The decision was reached on Tuesday at the National Assembly in Abuja as lawmakers moved to address growing insecurity and decentralise security management nationwide.
Under the newly approved bill, each state government will have authority to recruit, manage, and deploy its own police officers, a sharp departure from the current centralised system where all command rests with the Inspector-General of Police at federal level. The amendment specifically alters Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution, granting governors the power to appoint Commissioners of Police and oversee local operations without waiting for Abuja’s approval.
Supporters of the reform argue that state-controlled policing will deliver faster emergency response and improve intelligence gathering by deploying officers who better understand local languages and terrain. “For years, governors have been called Chief Security Officers but could not command police in their states,” one lawmaker said during debate on the floor. “This reform aims to change that reality.” The new approach mirrors policing structures in countries like India, Canada and the United States, where responsibility is shared between federal and subnational governments.
However, opposition voices raised concerns over possible misuse of state police for political ends. Morris Monye, a public affairs analyst commenting on X (formerly Twitter), stated: “I do not completely agree with state police. It might be tools by Governors to rig their state elections.” Critics warn that governors could use local police units to intimidate rivals or influence polls. Proponents counter that constitutional safeguards and independent oversight must accompany the new powers to prevent abuse.
If fully implemented after ratification by two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly, the amendment would mark one of Nigeria’s most significant security sector changes since independence. States will be able to structure recruitment around residents with deep knowledge of their communities, potentially boosting trust and reducing response times during crises. The future impact will depend on how both federal and state authorities manage oversight and accountability as Nigeria adapts its approach to rising security challenges.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Court Jails Man for Impersonation, Orders Community Service After EFCC Prosecution
Justice Dipeolu convicts Samuel Oliveth Louis for cyber fraud; EFCC warns public against online impersonators
Justice Dipeolu convicts Samuel Oliveth Louis for cyber fraud; EFCC warns public against online impersonators
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has sentenced one Samuel Oliveth Louis to jail and mandated community service after he pleaded guilty to impersonation and cyber-related fraud. The judgement was delivered by Justice D. I. Dipeolu on Tuesday, following a one-count charge brought against Louis by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the EFCC, Louis was arrested in September 2024 after investigations revealed he had posed as a white man named ‘Eric Rolly’ on Telegram, with intent to deceive unsuspecting victims and obtain financial benefits. The prosecution told the court that his actions contravened Section 22(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Cybercrime remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, with authorities stepping up efforts to clamp down on online impersonators who exploit digital platforms for fraudulent activities. The conviction of Louis highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to restore public confidence and deter similar offences, especially as Lagos continues to report high numbers of cyber-related cases.
Speaking after the judgement, an EFCC spokesperson urged Nigerians to remain vigilant online and report suspicious activities promptly. “This conviction demonstrates our resolve to prosecute offenders under the Cybercrimes Act,” the official stated. Legal experts say such rulings are critical in reinforcing Nigeria’s anti-fraud framework and sending a clear signal that cyber offences carry serious consequences.
With this verdict, the court has also ordered community service as part of Louis’s sentence—a measure increasingly adopted to foster rehabilitation while serving as a deterrent. Stakeholders expect continued collaboration between security agencies and the judiciary to reduce cybercrime incidents across Lagos and other urban centres.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/court-jails-man-for-impersonation-orders-community-service/
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