News
Wike Advised to Ensure Adherence to Guiding Rule of VIO
Wike Advised to Ensure Adherence to Guiding Rule of VIO
By: Michael Mike
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has been advised to ensure that the guiding rule of appointment and career progression of Vehicle Inspection Officer are adhered to under his watch.
A letter addressed to the Minister by one Ismaila Abdullahi and made available to journalists read: “The National Council on Establishment (NCE) at its 40th meeting held from 12th -16th March 2018, approved the creation of Vehicle Inspection Officer, Cadre Graded on SGL 08-17 for candidates possessing relevant university degree, vehicle officer/ vehicle inspection Superintendent Cadres Structured on SGL 6th – 14th the National Diploma / Higher National Diploma holders and vehicle Inspection Assistant Cadre SGL 03-07 for secondary school certificate holders and technical certificate such as electrical mechanical and Auto mechanics. “
The letter added that: “In the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the Road Traffic Services Directorate has failed to adhere strictly to the approved Scheme of service both in the areas of appointments, career progression and assigning of responsibilities in terms of assigning of professional duties as stated in the
public service scheme of service.
“This is seriously observed and becomes a
matter of concern to the entire vehicle inspection officers in the FCT,
Directorate of Road Traffic Services as the level of disservice is gradually set
in as they are made to be taking professional instructions from the
Administrative Officers who did not possess the required skills and knowledge even at the Various Zonal offices in the Federal Capital Territory.”
The letter further read that: “The Hon Minister is hereby invited to note that the non-adherence to the schemes of service is a great violation of the Public Service Rules and it has serious implications on both the Road Traffic Services and Professional Vehicle Inspection Officers as they are not allowed to exercise the skills and knowledge acquired from the school and training. Most of these major
implications are stressed further for proper understanding.
“The appointment of non-professionals as Heads of Directorate and Units in the various Operational Units will give room for disorderliness and confusion as the Professional Vehicle Inspection Officers are not expected to be taking
directives from the administrative officers who talk the skills and knowledge, yet they are assigned to oversee the inspection of the vehicle even at the zonal
levels.
“The Directorate of Road Traffic Services in FCT and throughout the country is
a professional organisation which is expected to be guided by its own
professionals’ rules for uniformity and effective operations, contrarily the FCT Directorate has been manned by the Administrative Officers who have not undergone any requisite training apart from the Administrative procedures training and general rules such as Public Service Rules. “
It however lamented that: “The recent effort by the FCT Management for repositioning of the Directorates to achieve its core mandate is far from the truth as the practice on ground cannot improve Service delivery as the necessary rules and guiding actions of Road Traffic services has been abandoned or eroded.
“The major focus of the
FCT Management, which is generation of revenue has been placed higher on
the other Road Traffic matters like safety on FCT roads which is the core
mandate of the Service.
“The Professional Vehicle Inspection Officers are being demoralized and
subjected to disrespect as the Administrative Officers who are made to oversee the Professional Units are not ready to yield to the Professional advice from the Vehicle Inspection Officer who process the required skills and knowledge.”
“It is therefore pertinent to remind the FCTA that the public service is structured
in such a manner that no “CADRE” should be put at disadvantage in order to
favour another Cadre. In the real sense and going by current operations of
Directorates of FCT Road Traffic Services, the vehicle Inspection Officers
Cadre had been put at disadvantage over Administrative officers cadre as they are no longer allowed to progress to the position of the Director in the Directorate of FCT Road Traffic Services as such vacancies had been filled by
the Administrative Officer’s contrary to the approved scheme of service,” the letter further revealed.
It stated that: “Finally, there is urgent need to bring to the notice of the FCTA that the recent lunch of the “SELF SERVICE PORTAL” that the motive had been defeated as it has failed to accomplish the purpose. Instead, the plate numbers are allocated to the highest bidder and the excess money are not remitted to the revenue account as earlier proposed.
“In the light of the afore-mentioned obstacles and challenges militating against the effective operations of the FCT Road Traffic Services, the management is
requested to note and review the needed activities of FCT, Road Traffic
Services, Department to be in line with the operation of other States in the
country and enhance the effective service delivery in the Federal Capital
Territory.
“The operation should be structured to fall in line with one public Service in which cadres of all professionals are followed strictly from the bottom to the top.”
The Minister is advised to take immediate action to ensure that the approved scheme of service for vehicle inspections officers is being followed., stating that: “This is vital to ensuring the safety of motorists and pedestrians in the FCT.”
Wike Advised to Ensure Adherence to Guiding Rule of VIO
LATE BRIGADIER GENERAL BRAIMO, OTHER FALLEN HEROES LAID TO REST WITH MILITARY HONOURS
By: Our Reporter
In a solemn and emotionally charged ceremony, the nation on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, laid to rest Late Brigadier General Omo Braimo, Captain Ismail, and other gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
The burial, held at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State, was marked by deep sorrow, honour and reflection.
Amidst grieving families and fellow comrades, the fallen heroes were accorded full military honours in recognition of their selfless service and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation.
Their sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the heavy price paid daily by members of the Armed Forces to safeguard the peace, unity and security of Nigeria.
In attendance were the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and other senior military officers, all gathered to honour the courage and dedication of the departed.In their tributes, the Governor, the Minister of Defence, the CDS, and the COAS described the fallen soldiers as true patriots who stood firm in the face of danger and made the ultimate sacrifice so that others might live in safety.
They noted that their bravery and sense of duty will continue to inspire generations and remain etched in the nation’s history.With heavy hearts, prayers were offered for the peaceful repose of their souls, while citations detailing their service and sacrifice were read before their next of kin.
The grief of their families underscored the human cost of the nation’s security efforts, even as their courage remains a source of pride and honour.
As the nation mourns these heroes, it is reminded that the freedom and stability enjoyed today come at a profound cost, paid by brave men who placed duty above self and gave everything in service to their fatherland.
LATE BRIGADIER GENERAL BRAIMO, OTHER FALLEN HEROES LAID TO REST WITH MILITARY HONOURS
FG Pushes Deeper Reforms in Prisons, Border Security, and Financial Systems
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s correctional system, the deployment of technology to strengthen border security, and the entrenchment of financial integrity across public institutions.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mallam Haruna Yahaya, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that reforming the nation’s correctional system remains a top priority, stressing that the focus must extend beyond incarceration to rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.
“Government has a duty of care to its citizens. Even where freedom is restricted by law, those in custody must be treated with dignity and given opportunities to return to society better than they came,” he said.
He noted that the shift from the Prisons Act to the Nigerian Correctional Service Act marked a deliberate transition toward a system that prioritizes reformation over mere detention.
On border management and internal security, the Minister disclosed that the Correctional Information Management System (CIMS) now contains over 50 million records compiled from operations at seaports and airports, with ongoing integration of land border data.
According to him, the system enhances the government’s ability to detect irregularities and prevent unauthorized entry, aligning with modern security strategies that prioritize proactive measures over reactive responses.
“We are building systems that can stop problems before they happen, not just respond after the damage is done,” he added.
Addressing financial governance, Tunji-Ojo stressed the importance of strengthening internal controls across government institutions, noting that preventive mechanisms are more effective than post-incident audits.
“It is not enough to detect issues after they occur. The goal is to build systems that make such issues difficult to happen in the first place,” he said.
He called on professional bodies such as ICAN to deepen their collaboration with government, particularly in areas of revenue assurance, transparency, and institutional accountability, while also encouraging stronger public-private partnerships to enhance efficiency and boost investor confidence.
On infrastructure, the Minister highlighted the need to expand fire and rescue services nationwide, pointing out that innovative funding models, including private sector participation, would be crucial to achieving this goal.
Tunji-Ojo also congratulated ICAN on its leadership and its upcoming West Africa Accountants Conference 2026 scheduled for December 2026, assuring the institute of government support. He further commended the increasing representation of women in professional leadership, describing it as a positive sign for the future.
Earlier, ICAN President Haruna Yahaya applauded the Ministry’s ongoing reforms and proposed the creation of a Joint ICAN–Ministry Financial Integrity and Revenue Assurance Task Force.
He explained that the initiative would target key areas including revenue assessment within the Nigeria Immigration Service, payroll analysis across uniformed services, and procurement risk review, with the aim of reducing leakages and strengthening accountability across government operations.
FG Pushes Deeper Reforms in Prisons, Border Security, and Financial Systems
Security forces foil rustling, recover 22 animals in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Katsina State have foiled a livestock rustling attempt and recovered 22 stolen animals in Jibia Local Government Area.
Police sources said the incident occurred in the early hours of April 12 following a distress call received at about 12:45 a.m. that suspected armed bandits had rustled livestock from neighbouring Niger Republic.
According to the sources, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jibia swiftly mobilised a joint team comprising police, military and community watch personnel to the area.
They added that the operatives strategically blocked the escape routes of the suspects and engaged them in a gun duel.
“The superior firepower of the security team forced the bandits to abandon the rustled animals and flee into the bush,” the sources said.
The sources disclosed that all 22 sheep and goats were recovered intact during the operation.
They noted that the area has been cordoned off, while aggressive clearance operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Further developments will be communicated as investigations continue, the sources added.
Security forces foil rustling, recover 22 animals in Katsina
FG Raises Flood Alarm Across 10 States, Urges Immediate Precautionary Measures
UNESCO, CWAY Seal Landmark Pact to Transform Adolescent Health, Inclusive Education for Over One Million Nigerian Learners
Tinubu’s Lifetime Salary Approval Sparks Relief as Retired Paramilitary Chiefs Hail ‘Historic Justice’
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News12 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
