Sunday, July 12, 2026

Wike upgrades Abuja traditional rulers for supporting Tinubu

“What else can we say but thank you. Now that you have done your own, we will do our own too. Abaji people have spoken, and they have spoken very well,” Mr Wike said.

• March 12, 2026
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike

FCT minister Nyesom Wike has approved the upgrade of all second-class chiefs to first-class and third-class chiefs to second-class status within the Abuja Council of Chiefs.

Mr Wike announced the approval in Abaji on Tuesday, during his visit to the area to thank the people for supporting Tinubu’s candidates in the February 21 Abuja council elections.

Mr Wike explained that the gesture followed a request by the Ona of Abaji, Adamu Yunusa.

“This gesture is because you have worked hard for it, and you deserve it. All I want from you is to continue to support Mr President, and you will see many good things,” he assured.

The minister, who thanked the Ona for supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asked the council chairman, Abubakar Abdullahi, to get a design for a befitting palace for the traditional leader.

“We sat down with you and made a request that you should support Tinubu and that the support should begin with the area council elections.

“The election was held on February 21, and you fulfilled your promise. You came out in your numbers and gave Tinubu 133 out of the 135 polling units in the area council.

“What else can we say but thank you. Now that you have done your own, we will do our own too. Abaji people have spoken, and they have spoken very well,” Mr Wike said.

Mr Yunusa commended the minister for upgrading the status of Etsu of Kwali, Luka Nizassan III, to a first-class chief.

He appealed to the minister to consider upgrading all deserving second-class chiefs to first-class and third-class chiefs to second-class chiefs.

“This will go a long way in ensuring that some of the traditional leaders that are yet to be integrated into the FCT Council of Chiefs will be integrated when upgraded to third-class chiefs.

“Also, in line with the commitment to promoting our traditional institution, I humbly request a new palace that reflects the status of the chairman of the council of chiefs.

“This will not only enhance the institution but also symbolise the rich culture and history of the FCT,” he said.

Mr Yunusa also requested the establishment of a liaison office in the city centre to facilitate better communication and collaboration between the traditional rulers and the government.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Rashidi Ladoja

States

Olubadan lauds Tinubu on release of Oriire kidnap victims, urges rehabilitation

“As a follow-up to this development, the government must ensure that all communities bordering the National Park are fully secure,” he said.

Mojtaba Khamenei

Heading 1

Iran’s new supreme leader vows revenge over father’s assassination by U.S.-Israeli forces

“We pledge to avenge the blood of the martyred leader and all the martyrs of these two wars from the criminal and disgraced killers,” he said.

Heading 4

Trump administration subpoenas New York Times journalists over Air Force One story

The subpoenas seek to compel the reporters to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan.

Heading 2

Klopp agrees to replace Nagelsmann as Germany coach

Nagelsmann resigned last week as the men’s national team coach following Germany’s shocking exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

NICRAT

Health

FG expands cancer funding, local drug production

“We are trying to domesticate expensive treatments by producing much-needed medicines locally and translating global research into action in our clinics,” he said.

Davido, Asake and Burna Boy

Heading 3

Remi Tinubu begs Asake, Davido, Burna Boy to come rescue poor Nigerians from hunger

The first lady stated that buying exotic cars is good, but noted that the singers can still establish foundations to assist the struggling population.