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• October 1, 2025
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Nigeria at 65: Journalists are hunted, silenced – NUJ FCT makes demands from Tinubu, Wike

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Federal Capital Territory Council, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of FCT Nyesom Wike to make comprehensive security reforms. NUJ FCT chairman, Grace Ike, made this call in her statement to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. She noted that the call is requisite as insecurity and other
Nigeria at 65: Journalists are hunted, silenced – NUJ FCT makes demands from Tinubu, Wike

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Federal Capital Territory Council, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of FCT Nyesom Wike to make comprehensive security reforms.

NUJ FCT chairman, Grace Ike, made this call in her statement to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

She noted that the call is requisite as insecurity and other challenges continue to threaten Nigeria’s democracy, safety, and freedom of expression.

According to her, journalists are hunted, and citizens live in fear amid pervasive insecurity in the country.

The Chairman of NUJ further cited the recent brutal killing of Arise Television journalist Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, underscoring that insecurity remains a pressing crisis.

“It is the constitutional duty of the government to protect the lives and property of its citizens. Yet, the senseless and avoidable killing of our colleague, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a rising star in Nigerian journalism, tragically underscores the reality: insecurity remains a pressing crisis.

“We cannot celebrate independence while journalists are hunted or silenced and citizens live in fear.

“The NUJ FCT Council once again calls for comprehensive security reforms, including community policing, consideration of state policing, and the deployment of modern surveillance technology such as CCTV in our cities. The Minister of the FCT and relevant security agencies must rise to the occasion and act, not with words, but with results.

“Journalists are not enemies of the state; they are the lifeblood of democracy, risking their lives daily to tell the truth, amplify the voices of the people, and hold those in power accountable,” he stated.

This comes after the tragic killing of Arise TV journalist Somtochukwu.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu on Wednesday said the country is winning the war on insecurity.

Nigeria at 65: Journalists are hunted, silenced – NUJ FCT makes demands from Tinubu, Wike

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Nigeria at 65: Cancellation of parade sign of deeper fears – Mahdi Shehu

Human rights activist, Mahdi Shehu, has described the Federal Government’s decision to cancel the Independence Day parade as a move that reflects deeper fears and uncertainties in the country. Speaking in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Tuesday, Shehu said the action might be “a self-preservation or concealment strategy,” stressing that Nigerians cannot always
Nigeria at 65: Cancellation of parade sign of deeper fears – Mahdi Shehu

Human rights activist, Mahdi Shehu, has described the Federal Government’s decision to cancel the Independence Day parade as a move that reflects deeper fears and uncertainties in the country.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Tuesday, Shehu said the action might be “a self-preservation or concealment strategy,” stressing that Nigerians cannot always run away from destiny.

“Whichever it may be, man or woman, everyone of us is unavoidably vulnerable. We cannot postpone our destinies, nor avoid all things shaped for us,” he said.

Quoting from Shakespeare’s play Hamlet to emphasize his point, Shehu added: “There is a divinity that shapes our ends, rough-hew them how we will.”

He argued that the cancellation could have long-term implications, suggesting that similar decisions might be taken in the coming years.

“Whatever may have informed the silent reasons for the cancellation of the Nigeria at 65 parade will manifest more strongly to justify or compel the cancellation of the at 66 and at 67 parades. The stakes will be much higher and the uncertainties more visible,” Shehu stated.

The Federal Government had on Monday announced the cancellation of the parade, which was scheduled for October 1 in Abuja.

Nigeria at 65: Cancellation of parade sign of deeper fears – Mahdi Shehu

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Independence Day: Only four ministers working, others ghosts  – Adeyanju laments 

Human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju has criticised the performance of many federal ministers, saying only a handful are active while the rest are “missing in action.” In his Independence Day statement on Wednesday, Adeyanju said Nigeria cannot afford ghost ministers at a time when the country faces pressing economic and security challenges. “Only about four
Independence Day: Only four ministers working, others ghosts  – Adeyanju laments 

Human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju has criticised the performance of many federal ministers, saying only a handful are active while the rest are “missing in action.”

In his Independence Day statement on Wednesday, Adeyanju said Nigeria cannot afford ghost ministers at a time when the country faces pressing economic and security challenges.

“Only about four of our ministers are visible and working; the rest are missing in action and are only ministers by portfolio. A country of Nigeria’s magnitude and challenges cannot afford ghost ministers,” he said.

Adeyanju argued that democracy and governance in Nigeria remain weak, especially at the subnational level where state governors wield “excessive power with little to no accountability.” 

He recalled how, less than a year ago, 19 governors almost crippled the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), an action that could have dealt a major blow to the fight against corruption.

“This same disregard for accountability is the reason the judgment of the Supreme Court on local government autonomy remains largely unenforced. Leaders cannot pick and choose which laws to obey,” he added.

He also linked the absence of strong leadership to worsening insecurity across the country. 

According to him, Nigerians are daily confronted with attacks by “unknown gunmen,” a situation that undermines the meaning of independence.

“Independence means nothing without security. Citizens must be able to feel safe in their homes, on the roads, and within their communities. This cannot continue,” Adeyanju warned.

The activist stressed that Independence Day should not just be a date on the calendar but a reminder of the need to build a nation where democracy, accountability, and security are guaranteed for all citizens and not just for a privileged few.

Independence Day: Only four ministers working, others ghosts  – Adeyanju laments 

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Independence Day: Wike commends residents, says FCT remains Nigeria’s symbol of unity

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has commended residents of the FCT for their support and peaceful coexistence, pledging more infrastructure and social development across the territory. Delivering his 65th Independence anniversary message, Wike noted that the FCT represents Nigeria’s bond of unity and national character. “This is a special
Independence Day: Wike commends residents, says FCT remains Nigeria’s symbol of unity

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has commended residents of the FCT for their support and peaceful coexistence, pledging more infrastructure and social development across the territory.

Delivering his 65th Independence anniversary message, Wike noted that the FCT represents Nigeria’s bond of unity and national character.

“This is a special occasion when we pay tribute to our founding fathers who laboured dauntlessly to birth a formidable country which today stands tall in the comity of nations. The Federal Capital Territory remains Nigeria’s symbol of unity and nationhood, hence, we must continue to embody the faith that we are greater together,” he said.

The Minister appreciated residents for backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on economic growth, security, food security and infrastructure. 

According to him, the FCT Administration has already recorded progress with the completion and commissioning of strategic roads, schools, hospitals and support for farmers, youths and small businesses.

“We strongly believe that a city cannot truly be called a city without a solid road network, which is why we are prioritising road construction, even as other sectors are not left out,” he stated.

Wike also commended FCT residents for sustaining peace and unity in the face of challenges.

“Consequently, the FCT has become one of the most peaceful places to reside in the entire country. This is not only due to the security measures we have put in place, but also because of the zero tolerance of residents for insecurity, and their readiness to promote peace in every part of the Territory,” he said.

Looking ahead to the February 2026 area council elections, the Minister urged residents to remain peaceful and orderly. 

“I urge residents to conduct campaigns for their preferred candidates peacefully and with order. When the time comes, I also encourage all to turn out in large numbers to elect leaders who genuinely have their welfare at heart,” he added.

The Minister said he is hopeful about the country’s prospects with President Tinubu’s leadership and assured that the FCT stands to gain from ongoing transformative projects.

“Amidst the various challenges we face as a country, we are very optimistic that the future is brighter. We must, therefore, continue to work together faithfully to ensure that the FCT’s potentials and our collective aspirations are realised to the fullest,” he said.

Independence Day: Wike commends residents, says FCT remains Nigeria’s symbol of unity