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Ex-Generals fume over Wike-Naval officer clash as FG orders probe

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The Federal Government has ordered an investigation into the clash between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, Lieutenant A. Yerima, over a disputed plot of land in Abuja.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, sparked nationwide outrage after videos surfaced showing Wike confronting the officer guarding a property allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).

Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru confirmed on Wednesday that the matter was under investigation, assuring that the Armed Forces would protect officers performing lawful duties.

He praised Yerima’s composure during the altercation, saying, “We will always defend any officer lawfully carrying out his duty.”

Former military chiefs, including ex-Army Chief Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, condemned Wike’s actions, describing them as an affront to the military hierarchy and a threat to national security.

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Buratai demanded that the minister publicly apologise to President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, and the officer involved.

Brig. Gen. Peter Aro (retd.) and Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) also criticised the confrontation, warning that it undermines civil–military relations and sets a dangerous precedent for governance.

However, Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, defended his principal, claiming that the minister was acting against a “land scam” that misled the former naval chief.

He said the disputed land in Mabushi was originally designated for park and recreation purposes and that Gambo’s acquisition lacked valid documentation or approval.

Legal experts remain divided. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Sebastine Hon, argued that the naval officer’s obstruction of the minister breached constitutional provisions, noting that the FCT Minister exercises presidential powers over Abuja’s land administration.

Another SAN, Simon Lough, however, said that while Wike had legal authority, his personal visit to the site was ill-advised.

Human rights lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, faulted both parties, stating that Wike had no power to issue commands to a military officer on duty and should have reported the matter through appropriate security channels.

The Defence Ministry’s probe is expected to determine whether the officer acted within lawful orders and whether the FCT Minister’s actions breached official decorum.

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FG slashes interest rate on late tax payment

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The Federal Government (FG) has reduced the penalty interest rate for late settlement of tax liabilities, with the new regime taking effect from October 1, 2026.

Under the new arrangement, interest on tax liabilities payable in naira will be pegged to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) plus one percentage point, down from the previous five-percentage-point penalty.

The measure is contained in the Nigeria Tax Administration (Interest on Late Payment of Tax) Order, 2026, issued yesterday by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, pursuant to Section 65 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025.

According to the minister, the new Order will apply uniformly to taxpayers dealing with federal, state and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) tax authorities.

However, the applicable interest rate on naira-denominated tax liabilities will not fall below the yield on 364-day Treasury Bills, reflecting the Federal Government’s cost of borrowing when tax payments are delayed.

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For tax liabilities payable in foreign currencies, interest will be charged at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus six percentage points.

The Order further provides that where SOFR is discontinued, its officially designated successor rate will apply.

Explaining the rationale for the new regime, Oyedele said the objective was to align the cost of late tax payments more closely with prevailing market conditions while providing taxpayers with greater certainty about their obligations.

“Tax that is due belongs to the public. When it is paid late, Government may have to borrow to fill the gap, and the cost falls on everyone.

“This Order ties the cost of late payment to real market rates, so that delaying tax does not become a cheaper form of credit than the market itself,” he stated.

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APC wins all Chairmanship, Councillorship seats in Enugu

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won all chairmanship and Councillorship seats contested in the Sept. 26 Local Government Election in Enugu State.

The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) conducted election into the 17 Chairmanship and 260 Ward Councillorship positions in the state on Saturday.

Declaring the election results at the ENSIEC headquarters in Enugu on Sunday, the Chairman of the Commission, Prof Christian Ngwu, said that the election was free and fair.

Ngwu said that the election was conducted according to rules guiding the Commission, and “subsequently, we are issuing the winners with certificate of returns.”

Speaking after collecting his certificate of return, Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Area, Chief Caleb Ani, attributed the landslide victory of the candidates of APC to the massive developmental works of Gov. Peter Mbah.

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Ani urged the residents of the state to vote for Mbah en masse in the forthcoming 2027 General Election to continue the good works.

“Gov. Mbah has done well in all ramifications, this is partly while the APC candidates won overwhelmingly.

“I urge the people to vote for him, come 2027 General Elections so that he will continue with his good works and do more,” he said.

Reacting, the APC Chairman in Enugu State, Dr Martin Chukwunweike, said that the resounding victory at the polls indicated the dominance of the national ruling party, APC, in the state.

“We will not rest as we push the developmental efforts of President Bola Tinubu and our amiable governor, His Excellency Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for the world to see.

“Tinubu, Mbah and all the APC candidates will be reelected in 2027 as they have performed exceptionally well in the past three years,” he said.

In the numerical figures of the results pronounced, APC chairmanship candidates won with margins while the opposition parties trailed behind with minimal votes.

For instance, in Udenu, Igbo-Eze North and Igbo-Eze South local Government Areas respectively, the APC chairmen elect secured virtually the whole votes cast.

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‘Where is Nigeria’s president?’, Peter Obi questions Tinubu’s absence from UNGA

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Peter Obi and President Bola Tinubu
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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has questioned the absence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, contrasting it with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama’s participation in the global gathering.

Obi raised the question in a post on his Facebook page while commenting on Mahama’s address to the UN General Assembly on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

Mahama attended the UNGA and delivered Ghana’s national statement, where he addressed issues including global governance, Africa’s representation in international institutions and Ghana’s economic recovery.

Obi described the Ghanaian president’s address as “remarkable,” saying it demonstrated what leadership could achieve when competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character were brought together in the service of a nation.

He subsequently asked why the president of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, was not personally present at the gathering.

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“Where is the President of Africa’s most populous nation, a country of more than 200 million people – more than Ghana – whose leader has been absent from the global stage for three consecutive UNGAs?” Obi asked.

The former Anambra State governor said Nigeria’s president ought to be representing the country and providing leadership for Africa at the international level, particularly at a time he said the country was facing significant domestic and international challenges.

Although Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing Nigeria at the 81st UNGA and leading the country’s delegation, Obi said his presence did not answer the question of the president’s absence.

“Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: Where is the President?” he wrote.

The Federal Government has said President Tinubu mandated Shettima to represent him at the UNGA and lead Nigeria’s delegation, with the Vice President authorised to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.

Shettima’s participation included meetings and engagements focused on Nigeria’s priorities and strengthening the country’s role in multilateral cooperation.

Obi, however, urged Nigerians to continue praying for the President’s return and for his leadership in addressing the challenges confronting the country.

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