FCT: Pastor Kneels, Appeals to Wike Over Jabi Lake Recreation Land

The Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja, Sarah Omakwu, has appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to halt any plan to allocate the Jabi Lake recreation area for private development.

In a video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, the cleric was seen kneeling on the pulpit as she made an emotional appeal, urging the minister to preserve the facility as a public space for residents of Abuja.

“I cannot fight the minister of the FCT. I cannot. But I go on my knees as a mother in this land that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody,” she said.

She explained that the Jabi Lake area serves multiple purposes for residents, including exercise, relaxation, trading activities, social gatherings, and recreational events. According to her, the space has become an important part of community life in the capital city.

“That is where people go for exercise. That is where people sell. That is where people meet and hobnob and get married. That is where young people go to. I beg you, Mr Minister, in the name of God, as a mother, not to sell that land to anybody,” she added.

Omakwu also referenced concerns about past urban developments in Abuja, noting that some public access areas had become restricted over time, including parts of government-controlled zones.

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Despite her appeal, she commended Wike for ongoing infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly road construction and urban renewal efforts that she said have improved mobility within the city.

“I want to thank you for all the highways you have built around the city. You have made my journey to my home a whole lot easier,” she said, while still urging him to reconsider plans for the Jabi Lake site.

The appeal comes months after the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) entered into public-private partnership agreements to redevelop the Jabi Lake corridor into a modern recreational and tourism hub.

In February, the FCTA signed development deals with private firms including Suburban Broadband Limited and Akida Hills Limited, aimed at upgrading facilities around the lake to boost tourism, investment, and leisure activities in Abuja.

Officials had previously stated that the initiative is part of broader efforts to reposition the capital city as a destination for tourism, recreation, and economic development, while attracting private sector investment into underutilised public assets.

The Jabi Lake redevelopment plan has continued to generate public debate, with some residents supporting the project for its economic potential, while others insist the area should remain a fully public recreational space.

As discussions continue, the FCTA has not issued a new response specifically addressing the pastor’s appeal, but earlier statements suggest the project remains part of its urban renewal and economic expansion strategy for Abuja.

FCT: Pastor Kneels, Appeals to Wike Over Jabi Lake Recreation Land

Reno Omokri: I Remain in PDP Despite Serving in Tinubu-Led APC Govt

Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has insisted that he remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite working with the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Omokri reflected on his political journey, stating that he joined the PDP as far back as 1999 at the return of democracy and has remained in the party ever since.

“I became a member of the PDP at the age of 24 in 1999, and for the past twenty-seven years, I have NEVER changed parties,” he wrote.

He explained that his continued association with the PDP is based on ideological beliefs, including support for national unity, free trade, privatisation, and devolution of powers, which he said align with his political philosophy.

Omokri also stated that he has made significant financial contributions to the party over the years, adding that he has consistently supported decisions taken by what he described as the legitimate leadership of the PDP, including its decision to back President Bola Tinubu in the last election cycle.

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“When the court-sanctioned and legitimate leadership of my party decided to support President Bola Tinubu, I joined it and have given, and will continue to give, Asiwaju Tinubu my full and unequivocal support,” he said.

His comments come amid ongoing public debate about political loyalty and cross-party collaboration, particularly involving opposition figures who have taken roles or assignments under the current administration.

Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has remained active in public discourse, often commenting on governance, elections, and political ideology in Nigeria.

He urged Nigerian politicians to adopt ideology-based politics rather than shifting allegiance for personal or political convenience, stressing the importance of consistency in party affiliation.

“If you do not stand for something, you will fall for anything,” he added, calling for stronger ideological commitment within Nigeria’s political system.

The statement is likely to further fuel discussions on party loyalty, political realignment, and cross-party cooperation ahead of the 2027 general elections, as more politicians continue to navigate alliances across party lines.

Reno Omokri: I Remain in PDP Despite Serving in Tinubu-Led APC Govt

Three Arrested Over Fake Divorce Story About Tony Elumelu – UBA

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has strongly denied viral social media claims alleging that its Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, divorced his wife, describing the reports as false, defamatory, and malicious.

In a formal statement issued by UBA’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, the bank said the circulating posts were fabricated and intended to damage the reputation of both the institution and its chairman.

“The attention of UBA Group has been drawn to a false, defamatory, and malicious publication circulating on social media alleging that the Group Chairman, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, has divorced his wife,” the statement said.

The bank stressed that the claims had no factual basis whatsoever, adding that they were deliberately designed to mislead the public and cause reputational harm to one of Africa’s leading financial institutions.

UBA further disclosed that security agencies had been involved in the matter, confirming that three individuals connected to the creation and spread of the false story had been arrested.

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According to the statement, the suspects include individuals identified as Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), Chigozie Ihebom, and John Nwanorue (@problemchimky), who were allegedly responsible for amplifying the misinformation across social media platforms.

The bank added that investigations are still ongoing and may result in additional arrests and prosecutions of others involved in the circulation of the false claims.

Authorities have also been alerted to trace the full network behind the viral content, which reportedly gained traction across multiple social media platforms before being flagged as fake.

UBA warned individuals, blogs, and online platforms sharing the content to immediately remove it and refrain from further dissemination, noting that failure to comply could result in civil and criminal action under cybercrime laws.

“This serves as a formal notice to all individuals, platforms, and entities involved in the publication or reposting of this content to immediately cease and desist,” the bank stated.

It also directed that all related materials be preserved for possible legal proceedings, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the reputation of its leadership and safeguarding corporate integrity.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation founder has not personally commented on the viral rumour, but UBA insisted the allegation is entirely baseless and part of a coordinated attempt to spread misinformation.

The development highlights growing concerns about fake news, online defamation, and cyber harassment in Nigeria, especially targeting high-profile business leaders and institutions.

Three Arrested Over Fake Divorce Story About Tony Elumelu – UBA