The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dragged the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) of the FCTA to court over the ongoing strike by FCTA workers, with a hearing scheduled for Monday.

The indefinite strike, launched by workers of the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority on Monday, followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum and has paralyzed operations across key government offices in Abuja.

Security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police Force, were deployed to restrict access to the FCTA Secretariat.

While FCTA management maintains that most of the workers’ demands have been met, JUAC has rejected this claim, insisting that critical issues remain unresolved.

Court documents, sighted by DAILY GAZETTE correspondent, show that the lawsuit, filed at the Abuja Division of the National Industrial Court under suit number NICN/ABJ/17/2026, names the FCT Minister and the FCTA as claimants.

The defendants are JUAC President Rifkatu Iortyer and Secretary-General Abdullahi Saleh, sued in their representative capacities.

The suit seeks an order restraining the unions and their agents from engaging in picketing, obstruction, lockouts, or any actions directed at the claimants, departmental heads, and political appointees.

The unions are accused of blocking roads, shutting offices, and disrupting the smooth running of the FCT administration.

At Thursday’s hearing, the claimants were represented by a team of senior lawyers, including Ogwu Onoja, SAN; M.A. Ebute, SAN; George Ibrahim, SAN; K.O. Mustapha, Esq.; and Esther Audu, Esq. The defendants were absent.

After reviewing affidavits and submissions, Justice E.D. Subilim granted leave for substituted service of court processes on the union leaders.

The court ruled that service could be effected by publication in the Leadership Newspaper or any other national daily, and by pasting the processes at the JUAC office at the FCTA Secretariat in Garki, Abuja. Justice Subilim declared this mode of service valid and proper.

The matter was adjourned to January 26, 2026, for motion on notice.

Despite the legal challenge, JUAC has vowed to continue the strike.

In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Holina Adejoh, the union urged workers to comply with its directive to stay away from work.

“We sincerely appreciate you for complying with the directive to stay at home. The strike action continues until our demands are met,” the statement said.

JUAC also confirmed awareness of the court action, insisting it would not be intimidated or suspend the strike.

“We will not relent in the struggle nor allow agents of oppression to cow us into submission. JUAC will not succumb to any form of intimidation or harassment by any means,” the union said, appealing for continued unity and compliance among workers.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called on the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) to abandon internal conflicts, respect the recent Federal High Court ruling affirming Senator Nenadi Usman’s leadership, and align with the party’s lawful structures.

Reacting to the court judgment, Otti, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, assured that the Abure faction would be forgiven and reintegrated into the party if they “turn a new leaf and commit to being law-abiding.”

Describing the judgment as sound, the governor commended supporters and “lovers of democracy” who stood with LP during its turbulent period.

He urged those behind protracted and frivolous litigations against the party to sheathe their swords and adhere to the court’s decision, which aligns with the earlier verdict of the Supreme Court.

Otti also tasked the national leadership of the Labour Party to leverage the court victory as an opportunity to restructure the party, ensuring that peace, unity, and justice guide its operations in accordance with its constitution and core ideals.

Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has called on the Federal Government to jail tax evaders as a way of strengthening compliance and deterring others from violating tax laws.

Oshiomhole made the call on Wednesday while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, where he argued that resistance to taxation, particularly value-added tax (VAT), is largely a Nigerian phenomenon.

According to him, the newly enacted tax laws are designed to protect low-income earners while ensuring that those who earn more contribute fairly to national revenue. He stressed that tax compliance should not be treated as optional.

“Taxes must be paid by those who are supposed to pay them and must be ruthlessly collected. It is not merely a civil obligation. Breaching tax laws is a criminal offence, and serious governments send offenders to prison when they refuse to pay or manipulate tax records,” Oshiomhole said.

The former Edo State governor explained that the current tax framework reflects the principles of a progressive system, placing a higher burden on high-income earners while shielding the poor.

He also clarified that VAT mainly applies to luxury and non-essential items, not basic goods, and criticised Nigerians who oppose paying local taxes but readily comply with similar obligations abroad.

Oshiomhole maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms align with progressive governance, noting that exemptions are built into the system for those who earn less.

“This is a progressive tax policy that places a higher burden on those who earn more while offering relief to low-income earners,” he said.

He added that widespread misunderstanding of how government revenue works contributes to public resistance to taxation.

“Governments do not earn money on their own. Citizens earn income, and government revenue comes from taxes paid by individuals and corporations. These taxes determine the annual income of the state,” Oshiomhole explained.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed speculations that the recent court ruling affirming Senator Nenadi Usman as acting National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) could trigger the return of Mr Peter Obi to the LP.

The party said the judgment would neither weaken the opposition coalition nor affect preparations aimed at unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking with DAILY GAZETTE in Abuja, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that the ruling does not substantially alter political alignments ahead of the next elections.

He explained that the affirmation of Senator Usman’s leadership by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no bearing on Mr Obi’s political decision, stressing that Obi has already openly aligned with the ADC.

“The ruling does not change anything substantially. Mr Peter Obi has declared openly for the ADC, and that settles the matter,” Abdullahi said.

He added that Senator Usman has also been a key figure within the opposition coalition from its inception, noting that the court verdict would only reinforce the alliance rather than weaken it.

“If anything, this judgment will only make the coalition stronger,” he added.

Barrister Julius Abure, who emerged as Labour Party National Chairman following a National Executive Council meeting in 2021, was recently removed following a series of legal battles over the party’s leadership.

Subsequently, INEC recognised former Finance Minister, Senator Nenadi Usman, as the legitimate acting chairman of the LP.

Mr Obi, who placed third in the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party, had earlier exited the party amid a prolonged leadership crisis marked by conflicting court judgments and internal disputes.

Despite what some observers describe as a resolution of the LP leadership tussle, ADC maintained that there is no basis for fears that Obi would return to his former party.

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja has removed the Abure-led executive of the Labour Party and nullified the candidates produced under its leadership for election purposes, holding that Abure’s tenure as national chairman had elapsed.

The North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum has cautioned against any move to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that such a decision could be politically damaging.

The Forum made its position known in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, following reports that some elements within the ruling party were pushing for a change in the vice-presidential slot.

Speculation intensified after Shettima’s image was reportedly omitted from a banner displayed at the APC North-East zonal public hearing on the amendment of the party’s constitution held in Maiduguri.

The banner featured President Tinubu, five APC governors from the zone, and the party’s National Legal Adviser.

The development has renewed debate within the party over the future of the APC’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket and the vice president’s role in the 2027 election.

Some stakeholders have argued for the selection of a Christian running mate, particularly from the North-Central region.

However, the North-Central APC Forum distanced itself from such demands, insisting that the region is not lobbying for the vice-presidential slot.

It stated that its focus remains on contesting the presidency in 2031, after the conclusion of Tinubu’s tenure.

The Forum warned that dropping Shettima would amount to a serious political error that could weaken the party’s electoral prospects in 2027.

“There is serious danger in changing a winning ticket. We totally reject calls to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate. Such a move would be a grave political miscalculation,” the statement said.

It cautioned against injecting religious considerations into political strategy, arguing that the North currently lacks a Christian candidate with the political structure, national appeal, and grassroots support required to strengthen Tinubu’s ticket.

According to the Forum, abandoning the Muslim-Muslim ticket would only benefit the opposition and could lead to a loss of support in the North.

The group further accused proponents of the change of acting against the interests of the APC and the President, noting that Tinubu would not gain additional votes by replacing Shettima.

Analysing voting patterns in the region, the Forum argued that even if the opposition-backed African Democratic Congress fields Peter Obi as its presidential candidate in 2027, replacing Shettima would not alter voting behaviour in favour of the APC.

“If Peter Obi emerges again, dropping Shettima will not deliver new votes. Rather, it will cost President Tinubu critical support in the North and hand the opposition a strategic advantage,” the statement said.

The Forum also dismissed claims that foreign governments could pressure Nigeria to abandon the Muslim-Muslim ticket, insisting that Nigeria’s electoral choices must remain free from external influence.

It warned that yielding to such pressure could undermine national sovereignty and destabilise the country’s democratic process.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday inaugurated the Chairman and Commissioners of the Federal Character Commission, FCC, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The new chairman of the commission, Hulayat Omidiran, was sworn in alongside 37 commissioners representing the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory at about 4:48 pm.

Omidiran, a former two-term member of the House of Representatives, represented Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency of Osun State between 2011 and 2019. She succeeds Dr. Muheeba Dankaka, whose tenure, according to the Presidency, was marred by controversy.

The 59-year-old Ikire-born politician holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and brings extensive experience in legislative work and sports administration to the commission.

She previously served as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Sports and has held several positions in sports governance, including membership of the Nigeria Football Federation board, chairperson of the NFF Women’s Football Committee, and membership of the FIFA Women’s Football Committee.

She also served on the Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.

Omidiran is the founder of Omidiran Babes Football Club, a female football team based in Osogbo, Osun State, established in 1997.

President Tinubu appointed her on August 11, 2025, after initially announcing the reappointment of Dankaka earlier the same day.

Her nomination was subsequently confirmed by the Senate on November 27, 2025, following statutory screening processes.

Mohammed Musa was also sworn in as secretary of the commission.

Among those inaugurated as commissioners are Peter Eze (Enugu), AbdulWasiu Bawalla (Lagos), Dr. Victor Ikeji (Abia), Lawal Roni (Jigawa), Abubakar Bunu (Kebbi), Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun), Bema Madayi (Adamawa), Dora Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Nnoli Gloria (Anambra), and Babangida Gwana (Bauchi).
Others include Sir Tonye Okio (Bayelsa), Aligba Tarkende (Benue), Modu Mustapha (Borno), Dr. Stella Ekpo (Cross River), Ederin Idisi (Delta), Nwokpor Vincent Nduka (Ebonyi), Victor Sabor Edoror (Edo), Sola Fokanle (Ekiti), Ibrahim Baba Mairiga (Gombe), Jerry Alagbaoso (Imo), Ruth Ango (Kaduna), Muhammad Awwal Nayya (Kano), Anas Isah (Katsina), Bello Idris Eneye (Kogi), Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara), Kayode Oladele (Ogun), Isah Jibrin (Niger), Ajimudu Bola (Ondo), Prince Ayodeji Abas Aleshinloye (Oyo), Pam Bolman (Plateau), Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers), Aminu Tambar (Sokoto), Bobboi Kaigama (Taraba), Jibir Maigari (Yobe), Sani Garba (Zamfara), and Solomon Dagami (FCT).

The Federal Character Commission, established by Act No. 34 of 1996 and provided for under Sections 14 and 153 of the 1999 Constitution, is responsible for promoting fairness and equity in the distribution of public offices and socio-economic infrastructure across Nigeria.

The inauguration ceremony was witnessed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and other senior government officials.

The legal dispute over the suspension of the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has escalated as Senate President Godswill Akpabio has approached the Supreme Court to challenge earlier court decisions on the matter.
Court documents obtained on Thursday i

ndicate that Akpabio filed an application before the apex court seeking to regularise and sustain his appeal against judgments of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal which faulted the suspension.

The suit, marked SC/CV/1111/2025, stems from events at a Senate plenary session in February 2025 when Akpoti-Uduaghan raised a matter of privilege and alleged breaches of legislative procedure.

Following the session, the issue was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which subsequently recommended her suspension.

Dissatisfied with the action, the lawmaker approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, contending that the suspension violated her right to fair hearing and failed to comply with the Senate Standing Orders.

In its judgment delivered on July 4, 2025, the Federal High Court declared the suspension excessive and unconstitutional, prompting further litigation at the Court of Appeal.

In the fresh application before the Supreme Court, Akpabio is seeking extension of time to apply for leave to appeal, permission to appeal on grounds of mixed law and fact, and an order deeming his notice of appeal and brief of argument as properly filed.

He argued that the Senate acted within its constitutional powers under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to regulate its internal affairs, including disciplinary procedures.

Akpabio further maintained that the Senate President is not required to rule immediately on every point of privilege and that the Senate lawfully activated its disciplinary mechanisms.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, has consistently insisted that her suspension was unlawful, alleging that she was denied fair hearing and that the Senate failed to adhere to its own rules.

It was confirmed on Thursday that her legal team had been served with the processes filed at the Supreme Court.

The dispute also includes a related contempt issue arising from a social media post made by the senator while the case was pending.

Although the Federal High Court fined her and ordered a public apology, she has appealed that decision.

Legal analysts say the Supreme Court’s eventual ruling may provide clarity on the limits of legislative discipline and the scope of judicial intervention in parliamentary affairs.

The development comes barely weeks after Akpabio publicly announced his intention to withdraw pending court cases against some political adversaries.

Akpoti-Uduaghan resumed legislative duties on September 23, 2025, after completing a six-month suspension, although her return was delayed by continued legal wrangling and resistance from Senate leadership.

Her office had been sealed in March 2025 following the suspension over alleged misconduct during a protest against the reassignment of her seat at plenary on February 20.