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Cocoa Production: Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa Promises Support For New Generation Farmers

May 24, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

As part of efforts to sustain its position as highest producer of cocoa in Nigeria, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has urged members of the state cocoa council to involve youths in its activities as the government is interested in supporting new generation of farmers.

The governor promised that his administration will work towards enhancing production of Cocoa to boost the economy of the State.

According to him, government will ensure that Ondo retains the status of the highest cocoa producer in the country by supporting cocoa farmers to push their products to the international market to earn foreign exchange.

The Governor gave the assertion while playing host to the members of the Ondo State Cocoa Council led by the Chairman, Dr. Olusegun Awolumate, in his office, in Akure.

Aiyedatiwa, who commended the leaders and members of the Council on their activities, said before the discovery of oil, cocoa was the mainstay of the economy, especially in the Southwest region of the country.

“We will support you and other stakeholders to increase our cocoa production, most especially the one that has to do with growing cocoa outside the forests in which if measures are not taken will affect the quality of our products in International market.

“Whatsoever measures we need to take, I promise we will look at them together to make sure the problem is resolved and our product remains the best in the International market.”

The Governor reiterated the determination of his administration towards the construction and rehabilitation of rural roads to enhance the productivity of farmers and produce marketers in the State.

Chairman Ondo State Cocoa Council, Dr. Olusegun Awolumate, said Ondo State has the comparative advantage among equals which has consistently served as major revenue driver to its economic growth.

Dr. Awolumate stated that the Council is in partnership with the Ondo office of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) on the establishment of Cocoa Agropreneurs’ Mentorship Programme (CAMP) to attract and retain successor generation of youthful Cocoa farmers.

He disclosed that about 50 students of Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA) and Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) are currently involved in the pilot stage of the programme.

“Show Audacity, Catch Up And Overtake”- Fmr Defence Minister To Governor Aiyedatiwa

Ayodele Oni

May 24, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A former Defence Minister, Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN, has advised opposition in Ondo State to give Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa a break to enable his administration make its mark in the development of the State.

The Senior Lawyer in a statement in Akure on Friday stated that “We urge the minor and relatively opposing political crowd to allow you to breathe. This is the time to stand for progress and development in Ondo state.

“On your part please show audacity. Lead!. Plan to catch up and overtake. And thereafter you shall hand over to our children.”

He advised Aiyedatiwa not to allow the trap of divisiveness, distraction and lack of focus, which has been foisted on previous governors in the state by the usual and omnipresent negative forces of regression since 1999, to affect him in giving the state developmental road map.

Kayode who said he was writing as a stakeholder in Ondo state project said “A few weeks ago, I issued a sober congratulatory message to my brother and friend and APC leader, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

“I exhorted him about avoiding and not being caught up in the trap of divisiveness, distraction and lack of focus which has been foisted on previous governors in our state by the usual and omnipresent negative forces of regression since 1999.

“Please set up a small youthful team to plan for the development of Ondo state, now. Don’t wait till after the election. Don’t wait till you win. Of course, you will win.

“Hangers-on, praise singers, boot-lickers, alagbaka-clowns, and fine Baras will shroud your horizon and not allow you to see the challenges facing the state and the great opportunities for the future.

“We all know the usual forces in our state that really don’t care a hoot about the development of the state. But Ondo State remains bigger than every narrow individual ambition.

“And this happened to your predecessors notwithstanding their desire for the progress of the state. We made this point earlier. And we make it again.

“We urge the minor and relatively opposing political crowd to allow you to breathe. This is the time to stand for progress and development in Ondo state.

“On your part please show audacity. Lead!. Plan to catch up and overtake. And thereafter you shall hand over to our children.”

DISCOURSE: The Need To Implement Presidential Order On Reduction Of Security Agencies In Nigerian Ports

James Orji

May 24, 2024

By Lucky Amiwero

We hereby bring to the attention of the Federal Government, the lengthy and cumbersome procedures in the Port, and the need for the implementation and enforcement of the Executive order on the reduction of security agents and a one-stop-shop process as provided in the Port (related offences, Etc.) (Amendment) Act No.61 of 26th May 1999.

The National Facilitation committee (FAL) of (IMO), which the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) was a member of the Federal Government committee, facilitated the emerges of the Port (Related offences, Etc.,)(Amendment Act No.61 of 1999 to ease the port of cumbersome and lengthy procedures.

(1) As a result of conflicting interpretation of the 1999 Budget Speech on Port Reforms announced by the then Head of state, General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, the Honorable Minister of Transport issued clarification of the authorized Agents who are to be in the Port and perform examination reference no MT.206/S.70/VOL.1V OF 20 January 1999, which is attached and marked appendix 1

(2) Subsequently, the secretary to the Government of the Federation, clarified, the agencies that are to be in the port in reference ECD/P/32/S.1/37 OF 28TH January 1999, the only agencies authorized to be at the point of examination of Cargo and clearance of Import

Copy of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is attached and marked appendix 2.

(3) The Managing director of Nigeria Port Authority, through directive issued out Memo, reference RE:- implementation and enforcement of policy measures enunciated in the 1999 budget speech of the head of state, commander-in chief of the armed forces of the federal republic of Nigeria, general, Abdulsalami Abubarkar of 3rd of March 1999 reference, md/25/Cir./51 of 1 February 1999

Copy of the Memo from the Managing director is attached and marked

Appendix 3

(4) Further clarification was made by, the Managing Director on the examination of Cargo, which was clarified that is the primary responsibility of the Nigeria Customs Service, who can invite, any other Agency as considered necessary to participate, the Nigerian Police is to be invited on request, and are to protect the Cargo and personnel so to have a peaceful operation in the port

Copy of the Managing Director memorandum dated 5th October 2000 is attached and marked appendix 4

Various Circulars and Memo on the reduction of security Agents, from the Head of State, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Honorable Minister of Transport, the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the National Facilitation Committee of (FAL/IMO), facilitate directive in to the enactment of the Act, tagged, Port (Related offences, etc) Amendment) Act No.61 of 1999

THE PURPOSE OF GOVERNMENT ENACTMENT OF THE PORT RELATED OFFENCES, ETC) (ADMENDMENT ACT NO.61 OF 1999

The Government in a bid to reduce the number of Security Agents in the Ports issued out circular that was never obeyed, which prompted the Federal Government under General Abdulsalami Abubakar to enact Act No. 61 of 1999.

It was facilitated by the Inter-Ministerial Committee of National Facilitation (FAL/IMO) in line with FAL/IMO convention to Facilitate Maritime Traffic by simplifying, Minimizing and Harmonizing processes and procedure in the arrival, stay and departure of ship and cargo and the application of World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) World Customs Organization Kyoto Convention on the Harmonization and Simplification of Customs procedure

The National Facilitation Committee (FAL/IMO) midwifed the process of the Port (Related offences, Etc.) (Amendment) Act No. 61 of 1999, in which National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) served as a member.

Copy of the National Facilitation FAL/IMO Committee letter of appointment is attached and marked appendix 5,

PORT (RELATED OFFENCE, ETC) (ADMENDMENT) ACT NO 61 FOR THE REDUCTION OF SECURITY AGENTS AND ONE-STOP-SHOP PROCESS IN THE PORT

The Port (related offences, Etc.) (Amendment) Act No.61 of 1999, was enacted for the purpose of reducing the number of Security Agents entering the Port and participating in the Examination of goods and also to have a one-stop-shop process in the Port

NUMBER OF AGENCIES ALLOWED INTO THE PORT AND TO BE INVOLVED IN EXAMINATION AND THE CLEARANCE OF GOODS

The number of Security agents that are allowed to be in the Port is as contained and stated in the under listed provision:

(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any law or enactment, including the Customs and Excise Management Act, the Nigerian Ports Authority Act of 1999 and the Federal Airport Authority Act 1996, it shall be unlawful for any person, not being a duly authorized officer or agent of any of the following namely

(a)The Nigeria Customs Service

(b)The Nigeria ports Authority

(c)The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria

(d)The Nigerian Immigration Service

(e)The Port Police; and inspection agents

(f)Licensed Customs Agents (LCA) Section 1-(1A) of the Act:

To do any of the acts or things mentioned in subsection (2) of this Section, Not allowed to enter the Port

CUSTOMS AS THE LEAD AGENCY AND ONE-STOP- SHOP PROVISION IN THE PORT (RELATED OFFENCES, ETC) (ADMENDMENT ACT NO. 61 OF 1999

The provision of Section (1A) of the Act Provide for LEAD AGENCY AND A ONE -STOP-SHOP process under the control of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)

The provision states, without prejudice to the provision of subsection (1) of this section, the Nigeria Customs Service may if it considers it appropriate, by written notification, require the presence of any other relevant agency of the Federal Government in the course of the administration of the Customs and Excise Laws with respect to importation or exportation of goods in any port.

WRITTEN NOTIFICATION TO BE ISSUED BY THE NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE IF THE PRESENCE OF ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENTS IS REQUIRED

Section (1B) clearly states, Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1a) of the Section and unless otherwise requested by written notification by the Nigeria Customs Service, it shall be unlawful for any person, not being a duly authorized officer or agent of the Nigeria Customs Service, the appointed Inspection Agents or any other person as may be authorized by law or instrument to that effect, to be concerned with or be involved with the actual process of examination and clearance of goods in any port

Copy of Port(related Offences, Etc)(Admendment) No. 61 1999 is attached and marked appendix 6

As member of the National Facilitation Committee of International Maritime Organization(IMO/FAL) Member presidential Task Force to Reform Customs, Member Presidential Committee on Realization 48 hours Clearance of goods from Nigerian Ports, Member Presidential Committee on Destination Inspection,, Member Import Clearance Procedures and Implementation of Fiscal policies, Member Task force on the review of levies, charges and rates at the port, Member special committee on action-plan for clearing cargo backlog at Lagos port:

We implore the Federal Government to act and address the lengthy, cumbersome procedures and Costly process in our Ports System by implementing the Port (Related offences, Etc., (Amendment) Act , so as to free the Port from bottle neck s and make our port a preferred Port within the sub-region.

Amiwero is the President. National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents

FBN Holdings: “We Surpassed Stakeholders Expectations”-GMD; ₦359bn PBT

James Orji

May 24, 2024

The Group managing Director of First bank Holdings Plc, the parent company of First Bank has declared that the group surpassed stakeholders’ expectations in the 2023 Financial year.

Okonkwo was reacting to the Group last year’s Financial report ending December 2023 submitted to the Nigeria Exchange, NGX, and other regulators in the country.

“We are committed to further enhancing revenue and profitability by leveraging technology, strengthening our value proposition, refining our governance model, and maximising operational efficiencies. In the face of the increasingly competitive environment, we maintain a forward-looking approach, with a clear aim to build a sustainable institution. Our disciplined execution of strategic initiatives positions the Group for improved profitability, excellence in performance, and surpassing stakeholders’ expectations,” he said.

He’s right considering that gross earnings grew 95.7 percent year- on -year, yoy, to N1.6 trillion, while profit before tax, PBT increased by 127.3 percent year-on-year, yoy, to N358.9 billion.

The group has been able to sustain its performance trajectory despite the challenging macroeconomic landscape, analysts say.

Group financial review

Gross earnings grew by 95.7 percent to ₦1.6 trillion (Dec 2022: ₦815.2 billion). This was driven by a 74 percent y-o-y growth in interest income to ₦960.3 billion (Dec 2022: ₦551.9 billion), which represents 60.2 percent of gross earnings. The growth in interest income was underpinned by the strong rate environment which resulted in an increase in earning yields to 10.7 percent from 8.8 percent in the prior year. Likewise, net interest margin improved to 6.1 percent from 5.8 percent in 2022.

Relatedly and in line with the focus of driving transaction-based offerings, non-interest income grew 153.6 percent y-o-y to ₦601.7 billion. This includes trading and mark to market income of N382.7 billion. Excluding this, non-interest revenue was up 52.4 percent y-o-y to ₦219.0 billion (Dec 2022: ₦143.7 billion). This was primarily driven by 63.8 percent y-o-y growth in net fee and commission income – underscoring the strength of our core banking and related offerings.

The underlying drivers of fees and commission were led by electronic banking fees (+20.4 percent) to ₦66.3 billion, Letters of credit commission and fees (+278.4 percent) to ₦60.6 billion, Account maintenance fees (+12.3 percent) to ₦22.3 billion, and funds transfer and intermediation fees (+204.9 percent) to ₦20.6 billion. Excluding trading and mark to market income, Net fees and commission continue to drive transaction-based income, contributing 88.2 percent (2022: 82.1 percent) to non-interest income, propelled by further improving transaction volumes while optimizing digital products offerings and delivery models.

Operating income increased by 91.5 percent on account of strong earnings that offset the growth in operating expenses. As a result, the cost to income ratio improved to 49.1 percent (Dec 2022: 61.7 percent). Cost management continues to remain a key priority as we focus on further improving efficiency.

Deposit from customers increased by 49.7 percent to ₦10.7 trillion (Dec 2022: ₦7.1 trillion). Deposits continues to comprise low-cost funds, with current and savings accounts making up 92.1 percent (for FirstBank of Nigeria) of total deposits from 91.9 percent in the prior year. However, given the high interest rate environment and the increase in monetary policy rate, cost of funds increased to 3.7 percent (Dec 2022: 2.3 percent).

Customer acquisition drive has also been enhanced through a growing adoption across digital platforms and greater penetration of the unbanked segments through the agency banking network, further boosting financial inclusion drive.

Total assets grew by 60.1 percent to ₦16.9 trillion (Dec 2022: ₦10.6 trillion) on the back of a 67.8 percent y-o-y increase in customer loans and 20.5 percent y-o-y growth in investment securities, thus enhancing our earning capabilities and overall asset position.

Gross loans improved by 68.8 percent to ₦6.6 trillion (Dec 2022: ₦3.9 trillion) due to growth in lending and benefiting from the increase in foreign currency loans following devaluation of the currency. Despite the volatile business environment, NPL ratio remained well within the regulatory threshold at 4.7 percent, while coverage ratio further improved from 80.5 percent in 2022 to a solid at 91.7 percent, thereby sustaining the overall strong asset quality profile of the portfolio – this remains a top priority.

“Like Abraham Lincoln I will Vie For Nigeria’s Presidency Until I Win”- Atiku Declares

Tosin Olatokunbo

May 24, 2024

Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has vowed never to give up his bid for the Nigeria’s Presidency.

Abubakar was the country’s vice president between 1999 and 2007 under the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo who refused to support his deputy to succeed him.

Following the expiration of that administration, Abubakar had contested every presidential election in the country, but failed. His last bid was last year when he lost to incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Recently, he suggested that he would back Peter Obi the Labour Party, LP presidential candidate in the 2023 election if the PDP zoned the ticket to the south.

The remark had made some Nigerians to suggest that he may likely not contest the 2027 presidential election, that he’s probably retiring from politics.

But speaking to the Hausa service of the Voice of America, VOA, Abubakar said he will continue to contest until he wins the presidency, comparing himself to renowned US President, Abraham Lincoln.

“I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy,” he said.

“Even the former US President Abraham Lincoln contested seven times before finally winning.

“However, given the current state of the PDP, it is clear that a single-handed effort will not suffice to win the election. Strong support and collaboration with other parties are required,” Atiku stated.

Lincoln contested the US Presidency seven times according to records.

Kano: Federal Court Stops Implementation Of Repealed Kano Emirate Law, Sanusi’s Enthronement

The Source

May 24, 2024

By Gideon Njoku

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano, has put a halt to the joy of the loyalist of the 14th Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, by the implementation of repealed Kano Emirate Law.

The immediate result of the suspension is that it also affects the reappointment/reinstatement of Sanusi, deposed 14th Emir of Kano Emirate, as the 16th Emir of the Emirate.

The Kano State House of Assembly had, on Thursday, May 23, repealed the Law enacted during the Administration of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje which balkanised the revered ancient Kano Emirate into five Emirates, with five Emirs. The Law appointed then Emir of Kano Emirate, Sanusi, whose power had been whittled as the Permanent Chairman of the five Emirates. Sanusi was later deposed, for, among other reasons, insubordination by the Ganduje Administration.

However on Thursday, the Kano Assembly repealed the Law, scrapped the balkanisation of the Kano Emirate into five, and returned them to just one Emirate, Kano.

A few hours later, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, sacked the five Emirs, gave them 48 hours to vacate their Palaces, and reinstated Sanusi as the Emir of Kano Emirate.

But a suit brought before the Presiding Judge, Justice A.M Liman by Alhaji Aminu Bappa Dan Agundi ( Sarkin Dawaki Babba), on Thursday has stopped that.

In a ruling, the Court held that the implementation and the operation of the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law, 2024 (1445 A.H), enacted and signed into law by Governor Yusuf be suspended.

The Court ordered the following: “ An order of Interim Injunction of this honourable Court suspending not giving effect to, not implementing the Operation of the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024 (1445 A.H), as they affect all offices and institutions of all the Emirate Councils created under the provision of Kano State Emirate Council Law, 2019, (1441 A.H).

“An order of Interim Injunction of this Honourable Court restraining the 5th – 8th Respondents from enforcing, executing, implementing and operationalizing the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024.

“ In the alternative to relief 3 above, an Order of Interim Injunction of this Honourable court for the maintenance and preservation of the subject matter and or the preservation of the status quo by all parties to this suit, pending the hearing and determination of the plaintiff/applicant’s Originating motion before this Honourable Court as well as AN ORDER of accelerated hearing on this matter.”

In granting an ex-parte order stopping the Kano State Government from reinstating Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II,

filed by Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Babba-Dan’Agundi ordered a return to status quo.

He “granted leave to the Plaintiff/Applicant to issue and serve their Concurrent Originating Motion as well as all other court processes on the 6th Defendant (IGP) in FCT Abuja and outside the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court.

“That parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage the

and assent of the bill into pending hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.

“That In view of the Constitutional and Jurisdictional Issues apparent on the

face of the application, parties shall address the Court on same at the hearing of the

Fundamental Rights application which is fixed for the 3rd of June, 2024.

“That in order to maintain the peace and security of the state, an Interim Injunction of this Honourable Court is granted restraining the Respondents from enforcing, executing, implementing and operationalizing the Kano State Emirate Law Council (Repeal) Law.

“That parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill into pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.”

Thereafter, the Court adjourned to 3rd June, 2024 for the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.

It is not known what action the Kano State Government will take next.

Bank of Industry, Uzodimma Partner To Enhance Imo Citizens Businesses

The Source

May 23, 2024

The Bank of Industry (BOI) has shown interest in partnering with the government of Sen. Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for the purpose of enhancing the economic wellbeing and businesses of the citizens.

The Bank make the commitment on Thursday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, when the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of BOI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, paid a working visit with his key officials to Governor Uzodimma in Government House.

While receiving Dr. Olusi and his team, Governor Uzodimma assessed the role Bank of Industry has been playing in recreating the economy of the country, particularly the challenge posed by unemployment and lack of jobs among the teeming young men and women, noting that he could not but accept the olive branch extended to him to partner with the Bank.

The Governor said the various policies of BOI help to stimulate the economy of the country, create jobs for the people and also serves as an enabling environment to reduce cost of goods.

He commended the management of the Bank for the good job they are doing and urged them to ensure that Imo State benefits from the diligence of the Bank’s contribution to national economy.

Governor Uzodimma said he was not in doubt they are “willing partners” hence the State will cooperate with them.

“The State can never say no to the initiative which you have rolled out and which clearly seems to be the solution to the cancer of unemployment in the country, targeted at reducing the crime rate and all manners of criminality in the country.”

He said the Bank’s visit is going to be a new partnership and that Imo State will not hesitate to accept it, but will only define the basis to which they operate.

Governor Uzodimma specifically told Dr. Olusi that “Imo State wants to benefit from the empowerment programmes,” given that “the manufacturers are crying over the cost of production which is too high, just as the middle and low income earners are also crying.”

“So, anything that will act as incentive to reduce the cost of accessing money will be a very good welcome idea.”

Furthermore, the Governor emphasised on how the Bank will assist to encourage enhancement of the local economy, promising that his government will be willing to support the private sector business operators by way of guarantees and issuance of indemnities to enable genuine owners and private business owners access funds.

“What the people need is encouragement, guidance and proper documentation, like the artisans,” he enthused and added that “BOI is like the password to open the business system in the State,” which he said, is filled with huge traffic in human and material things, including boisterous tourism potentials.

As a demonstration of his commitment to the partnership proposal, the Governor directed the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Dr. Chika Abazu, to liaise with the team to ensure that some of the requests of the Bank that are available and affordable are properly dealt with immediately.

Earlier, Dr Olusi told Governor Uzodimma that he came with his management team to “explore the opportunities in Imo State and help drive the economic growth of the State.”

He informed that there are mutual areas of collaboration which he thought they needed to come and identify and also discuss opportunities for future engagements with the State.

According to him, BOI is desirous to be a strong partner with Imo State as regards development.

He said to do so requires the Bank’s strong base in Imo, hence the visit to discuss and be assured of where they can position their operation in Owerri, having seen and realised that Governor Uzodimma is a strong ally.

He thanked the Governor for making Imo State conducive for private businesses to thrive as well as his promise to readily provide reasonable marching funds to support willing genuine businesses.

Present at the visit were the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Dr Chika Abazu and other Government officials.

Sanusi Makes History, Returns As 16th Emir Of Kano, Sacks Five Emirs, Asks Them To Vacate Palace Within 48 Hours

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 23, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi and Ayodele Oni

Kano State Governor, Yusuf Kabir, has reappointed Dr Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano.

By the reappointment, Sanusi, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has made history. He is the first to be reappointed the Emir of Kano after being deposed.

Governor Yusuf pronounced Sanusi as 16th Emir of Kano Emirate after he signed the new Kano Emirate bill into Law.

He also met the Kingmakers at the Government House this evening.

Earlier in the day, the Kano State House of Assembly reviewed Kano Emirate Law amended under Abdullahi Ganduje administration in 2019.

The five Emirs affected include the now deposed Emir of Kano, whose father was also an Emir and Sanusi’s predecessor, as well as the now, also deposed Emir of Bichi who is of the same mother with the former. His daughter is, also, married to the only son of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The former First Class Emirs were asked to hand over all properties of the Emirates to the office of the Deputy Governor.

A statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said Governor Yusuf made the declaration on Thursday shortly after assenting the newly passed Kano State Emirate (Repeal) bill into Law.

The new law passed on Thursday by Kano State House of Assembly has abolished the five Emirates established by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The law provided an opportunity for reinstatement of the 14th Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II and removal of 15th Emir of Kano Aminu Ado Bayero, the Emir of Bichi Nasir Ado Bayero, Emir of Rano Kabiru Muhammad Inuwa, Emir of Karaye Ibrahim Abubakar II and Emir of Gaya Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir.

Governor Yusuf signed the bill into law in the presence of Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam, the Speaker of Kano State Assembly Right Hon. Ismail Falgore, and other top government functionaries.

While signing into law the bill, the Governor expressed satisfaction that the new law will bring unity of the people of Kano and foster sustainable socio-economic development.

Governor Yusuf further articulated that the return of Muhammad Sanusi II to the throne will propel peace and prosperity adding that the repeal of the council law was in realization of his campaign commitments to restore the lost glory of the state and its rich cultural heritage.

He emphasized that the signing of the bill symbolizes the restoration of the revered legacy of the Kano Emirate which has withstood the test of time of over a thousand years.

Furthermore, the Governor urged the populace in the State to continue supporting his administration in delivering a multitude of infrastructural advancements that will propel Kano to greater heights.

“Everyone should go about his or her normal activities in the State. We have done what we believe is in the best interest of the state and its people.

“I want to inform the good people of Kano that today, we reappointed Sanusi Lamido Aminu Sanusi popularly known as Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano while the five former emirs are expected to vacate the palaces within 48 hours”

“The former Emirs are to handover all properties in their possession to the Commissioner for Local Government who doubles as the State Deputy Governor.

“Under the new Kano Emirate Repeal law 2024, Kano State is now under one Emirate.”

Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa
Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.

The Source reports that owing to some developments and other related issues within the political landscape of the State, the immediate past administration of Dr Ganduje in 2019 enacted a law dividing the hitherto Kano Emirate behemouth into five Emirates of Kano, Gaya, Karaye, Rano and Bichi, with Sanusi as Emir of Kano the Permanent Chairman of the Council of Five Emirs .

The balkanization exercise, not a few people said, was mainly targeted at whittling down the influence of Sanusi whom Ganduje’s administration had perceived as being too meddlesome.

However, Sanusi, who Ganduje had played a very decisive role in installing as Emir in 2015 ,at a time then Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso developed a cold feet owing to an unfavorable security report concerning his installation, having come third in the selection process, was to on May 5, 2019, deposed and banished from the Kano throne to a remote rural village in Nasarawa. It took a Court order to allow Sanusi leave Nasarawa, and give him his freedom to move around.

Instructively, Sanusi was replaced with the now dethroned Aminu Ado Bayero, a scion of the late Emir Ado Bayeo, who came first during the 2015 selection process.

Governor Fubara Welcomes Emir Sanusi Back To The Throne

Ayodele Oni

May 23, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

While still awaiting further actions on his return to throne, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has congratulated His Royal Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II on his reinstatement as the 14th Emir of Kano.

The bill to repeal Kano Emirates Council Law (Repeal Bill) 2024 went through the third reading which is the final stage on Thursday.

The bill effectively abolished the establishment of five new emirates in the state by the immediate past administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and nullified the appointment of their Emirs.

The State Governor will still sign the bill into law before the commencement of its implementation.

The bill, which scaled through its third reading, on Thursday, nullified the creation of the Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye emirates alongside the historic Kano Emirate.

Governor Fubara said that he received the news of the reinstatement of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), with great excitement.

Sanusi was reportedly in the Rivers state capital on the invitation of Governor Fubara for an official engagement.

Fubara stated that the news coming particularly at a time Khalifa Sanusi II was in the Rivers State to add impetus to his administration’s initiative to reshape the economic trajectory of the State, was a welcome development.

He noted that Sanusi’s reinstatement by the Kano State Government at this time shows that his dethronement on March 9, 2020, was against the wishes and aspirations of the people of Kano State.

Fubara said that act was “an unjust act to the millions of people who believed in his reign while on the revered throne.”

The Governor commended the Kano State Government for listening to the yearnings of the people, and acting to correct the wrongs of the past, and urged the people to give the Sarki of the ancient city of Kano the maximum support to succeed.

He also urged the spiritual leader of the Tijanniyah Sufi order of Nigeria, Emir Muhammad Sanusi II, to lead the over 50 million adherents of the Sufi order in Nigeria with love, wisdom and courage while bringing lasting peace, justice, equity and fairness to all in the city of Kano.

“I wish the 14th Emir of Kano a successful and fruitful reign that will bring progress and prosperity to the people of the State.”

President Tinubu Orders Review Of Appointments Of Council Members For Tertiary Institutions

Ayodele Oni

May 23, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Following the public outcry over perceived lopsidedness in the appointments of Governing Councils members for Federal Government owned tertiary institutions, President Bola Tinubu has directed a total and comprehensive review of the appointments.

The Federal Ministry of Education recently announced names of members of governing boards of tertiary institutions in Nigeria before the inauguration and retreat being planned for the nominees.

The Ministry released names of nominees for Chairmen, Pro-Chancellors, and Members of the Boards and Councils of Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education.

It also announced that the inauguration and retreat for the nominees will take place on 31 May.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Thursday, pointed out that public reactions showed that the nominations did not reflect the federal character of the country as some states got just one nomination, while some others got many.

The statement reads “The President, in directing a complete review of the list of the members of the governing councils, acknowledges the feedback across the country.

“President Tinubu is committed to ensuring strict compliance with the principle of federal character as entrenched in the constitution.

“The review will also take into consideration national spread and ensure every part of the country is adequately represented.”

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