‘We paid in full’ — ChannelsTV counters Wike, says Abuja HQ land legally acquired
Channels Television has rejected claims from Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), regarding the allocation of a parcel of land housing its headquarters in Abuja.
On Wednesday, during a media chat, Wike had questioned the allocation of the plot to the television station in Guzape, arguing that the media organisation was profiting from public property allocated by government.
Wike also defended payments made for the live broadcast of the media chat, saying media organisations do not offer such coverage for free.
“The land that you built Channels on is public land,” the minister said.
“You are making money out of the public property. Did you buy it? No. It was allocated to you.
“Am I not going to pay for a live interview? It is not free.”
Responding during its broadcast on Thursday, Channels Television described the minister’s comments as incorrect, saying the land was legally allocated to the station for commercial purposes on March 6, 2007.
The station said all required fees and statutory charges connected to the land were fully paid.
“It is not correct. The property which houses our national headquarters in the Guzape area of Abuja was allocated to CTV on March 6, 2007, for commercial purposes by the then FCT minister,” the station said.
“We can confirm that all required fees and charges were fully paid.”
The organisation also defended payments received for the live transmission of the minister’s media chat, noting that such broadcasts involve deployment of outside broadcasting vans, technical crew, and airtime resources.
Channels added that it would continue to ask “the right questions” and maintain the credibility and trust it has built in three decades.
The broadcaster further urged the FCT minister to provide full clarification on allegations relating to land allotted to journalists, insisting that any fees attached to such allocations should be duly paid.
“Our fees are out there. We are a news and broadcast media organisation. So, if you are going to lock down one, two, or three hours of airtime, of course you will pay,” the statement added.
“Oshiomhole, if you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate,” Akpabio said.
VIDEO: Akpabio, Oshiomhole clash after Senate tightens rules for leadership
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator representing the Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, clashed on Wednesday, barely 24 hours after the Senate amended its standing rules to restrict eligibility for presiding offices.
PUNCH Online reports that trouble started when Akpabio began the reading of the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday’s sitting.
The disagreement disrupted the plenary for about 10 minutes.
Oshiomhole raised a point of order, but the Senate President reminded him that such interventions are not allowed at that stage under the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).
When Oshiomhole persisted, Akpabio called on former Chief Whip, Senator Orji Kalu, to clarify the rule.
Kalu reportedly confirmed that no point of order is permitted during the consideration of Votes and Proceedings.
Despite the explanation, Oshiomhole continued to press his objection, prompting the Senate Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, to caution him against further disruption, warning that disciplinary measures could be invoked.
Akpabio then proceeded with the session, directing attention to pages 194 and 195 of the Votes and Proceedings, while urging lawmakers to be familiar with the rules.
“We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules,” he said.
The Senate President also issued a stern warning to Oshiomhole, cautioning him against further disorderly conduct.
“Oshiomhole, if you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate,” Akpabio said.
The proceedings later continued without further incident, with Senator Adamu Aliero moving for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, seconded by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro.
Oshiomhole’s confrontation is believed to be linked to the Senate’s recent amendment of its standing rules, which introduced stricter eligibility requirements for leadership positions in the 11th Senate.
The Senate had, after a closed-door session, amended Orders 4 and 5 of its Standing Rules, tightening eligibility for presiding and principal offices.
Under the amended rules, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately preceding nomination are eligible to contest presiding offices.
Under the new Order 4, nominations for presiding officers must strictly follow ranking, from former Senate Presidents to second-term senators.
Order 5 also provides that only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms are eligible to contest for principal offices.
The development effectively disqualifies Oshiomhole and other first-term senators from vying for a presiding office.
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