Updates Corner

UPDATE: Wike Bans Mobile Phones For AGIS, Land Staff After Clash With Naval Officer

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has imposed a controversial ban on the use of mobile phones by staff of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Department of Land Administration, sparking outrage among civil servants and labour activists.

The new directive, contained in an internal memo sighted by SaharaReporters, prohibits officers on Salary Grade Level 14 and below from entering office premises with their mobile phones beginning Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

According to the memo issued by the Head of AGIS, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the restriction is part of a new office policy aimed at “maintaining discipline and information security” within the agency.

PRESS STATEMENT 11/8/24

*ALL PROGRESSIVE* *CONGRESS,*
*PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER,*
*KALWA HOUSE,*
*YAKUBU GOWON*
*WAY.*

THE PURPORTED SUSPENSION OF THE 'DEADLY' ORDER 003 OF THE PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT.

The rumour making the rounds is that the Plateau State
government has decided to stop further inflicting pains on the people that voted it into power.

According to information in the public space, Governor Caleb Mutfwang during one his consultative sessions with a cross section of the people of the State, disclosed that his government has decided to put on halt, the demolition of business premises until when alternative places are provided.

Though belated, the decision, it is better late than never, taking into cognizance the horrific experience,victims of the mindless demolition exercise have been subjected to .

Needless to remind the government of the lives lost, millions of naira worth of property destroyed and the debasing of the livelihoods of hundreds of the people of Plateau State in the name of the implemention of the greater Jos /Bukuru metropolis master plan.

Regrettably, in the heat of the thoughtless demolition exercise, which was overzealously and excitedly carried out by the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), the PDP led government, refused to listen to voices of reason to stop the carnage, until it achieved its plan.

What pained most discerning minds, was the implementation strategy of the so-called 'Executive Order 003', to the extent that some people thought that there was more than meets the eye, based on the way and manner the exercise was carried out.

As a matter of fact, the PDP led government had no other choice than to put the mindless and callous demolition exercise on halt, in view of the people's combustible anger waiting to burst, which of course the consequences could better be imagined.

As the horrendous demolition lasted, the people were taken aback, on the grounds that while in other States, their governments are encouraging private businesses through some incentives and support programmes, ours on the Plateau was different.

Spirited individuals who wanted to survive the scourge of the fuel subsidy removal,by way of establishing nano-macro businesses, wealth creation and employment opportunities, had their dreams shattered and investments destroyed by the government under the guise of new Jos / Bukuru metropolis master plan.

Now that the PDP led government has backed tracked, it behoves the government to as quickly as possible come out with economic policies and plans that would ameliorate the difficulties victims of the demolition are facing, more so, when it has billions of naira in its coffers, based on the recent revelation by the Minister of Information Mohammed Sani.

The decision of the PDP led government to retrace its step in respect of the demolition exercise at this time is a welcome development.

SGD.
Sh*ttu Bamaiyi
Acting Publicity Secretary.