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“Don’t Pit Generals Against Tinubu” – Arewa Think Tank Warns Lukeman

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Nigeria's General

By Adesina Soyooye

A Northern group, Arewa Think Tank, ATT,  has accused Salihu Lukman of trying to pitch very influential retired Military Generals against President Bola Tinubu.

Lukman was the National Vice Chairman, North-west of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, before he quit the Party.

The Military Generals being referred to are Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar and Aliyu Gusau.

All the retired Generals, were former Military Heads of State, except Gusau, who was a former Chief of Army Staff, former National Security Adviser and former Minister for Defence. In addition to Obasanjo’s status as a former Military Head of State, he was also Nigeria’s elected President for eight  years. The four men are referred to, loosely,  by not a few people as the “owners of Nigeria”.

A few days ago, they met in Minna at  Babangida’s residence. They issued no statement. But within 24 hours, speculations emerged that their deliberation centered on the 2027 Presidential Election which is about three years away; that they were considering between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and his Labour Party, LP, counterpart, Peter Obi, who to choose as Tinubu’s replacement.

But nothing confirmed what their deliberation centred on than the surprising strong opinion by Abubakar two days ago.

Receiving a group who visited him in his Minna residence, Abubakar who hardly talks publicly, offered that the suffering  in the land has become unbearable. The interpretation given to that by some people is that something could give if care is not taken, especially, as Abubakar also endorsed none violent peaceful protest.

It is on the heels of all that that Lukman, who has become a strong critic of the Tinubu administration, weighed in.

He posited that the absence of Obasanjo and Babangida from the last Council of State Meeting, held on August, 13, may not have been coincidental. He implied that it was their answer to the difficult state of the nation.

What to do? Lukman invited the former Heads of State to use their influence, weigh in on the current difficult challenges, and reinvigorate democracy. He asked them to strategise against the APC in 2027.

But the Arewa Think Tank has taken unkindly to Lukman’s stand. The group saw it as pitting the Generals against Tinubu in 2027. It, therefore, warned him to refrain from such disposition seen as capable of affecting Tinubu’s chances in 2027 negatively.

Said the ATT: “We should preserve the integrity of our elder statesmen.

“The former Heads of State, Generals Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, are revered leaders. If they have any advice for Mr. President, they can reach out to him directly. It is wrong for Lukman to suggest they should take any action against President Tinubu.

“Lukman should not heat up the polity. He should wait until 2027, when he can freely campaign. But dragging the names of these retired Generals into political mudslinging is unacceptable.”

OPINION: Mr President, Step Down As Petroleum Minister 

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Bola Tinubu
By Lawal Dahiru Mamman
The late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in his bestseller, The People’s Republic, said that “The primary responsibility of leadership is catering for and promoting its people to the end so that they may live a full and happy life.” This means a government should recognise the dignity of its citizens and work tirelessly to improve their lives.
Currently, it seems Nigerians are far from living a full and happy life, given the hyperinflation, rising cost of living, and the embarrassing chaos in the oil and gas industry.
President Bola Tinubu assumed office with a promise of renewed hope. Nigerians supported him, even after the unceremonious declaration at Eagles Square on May 29, 2023, and the subsequent call for patience. Many questioned the rationale behind this call when the government showed no intent to reduce the cost of governance or stop the misuse of public funds on unnecessary activities.
Nigerians’ patience wore thin by August 1, 2024, leading to nationwide protests. But that was just the beginning. The situation could worsen if the government does not address the confusion in the petroleum industry. How can Nigerians pay over 1,000 naira for fuel and still struggle to obtain it? In Tinubu’s Nigeria, people spend hours queuing at filling stations and up to N50,000 for fuel, only to find themselves back on the queue after two days. This is unsustainable and unacceptable.
Nigerians are deeply frustrated. They feel that nothing is working and do not believe the problem rests solely with the president. Many believe that most of the president’s aides are either unfit for their roles or unwilling to perform them effectively.
Tinubu started by creating and renaming ministries, including appointing himself as minister of petroleum-the largest cabinet in the country’s history,. This is where the housecleaning should begin. The president needs to relieve himself of the role of minister of petroleum and appoint a competent individual to manage that role.
“I thank the cabinet members for their efforts, but I will relieve any of them of their duties anytime I feel that they are failing Nigerians,” the President had said in May.
It seems the Tinubu cabinet is in a race to failure. The national grid has collapsed a record five times this year alone, supply remains erratic, projects from previous administrations are abandoned, more contracts are awarded, food insecurity and malnutrition persist despite agricultural initiatives, and security is nearly non-existent. The list of needed improvements is extensive.
Reshuffling the cabinet is necessary, and the President may need to start with himself as minister of petroleum. Presidents should focus on their strategic administrative roles and avoid holding ministerial positions. The awkward norm began with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and continued with former President Muhammadu Buhari, and now, the current President, all due to the ‘sensitivity’ of the sectors.
Our petroleum industry is in disarray. The upstream sector, including exploration and production, is plagued by oil theft, undermining our OPEC quota and attacking our revenue base. The midstream sector, responsible for transportation and processing, is struggling with outdated facilities. The shocks in the downstream sector are evident in the current fuel crisis across the country. The Dangote Refinery, touted as a definitive solution to the country’s energy crisis, has been plagued by countervailing forces.
Ending the subsidy regime had potential benefits, but the increased federal allocation to states has left many more confused. The dividends have not trickled down to the common man.
The problem is immense and seems too great for a President who also chairs the Economic Community of West African States. Mr President should exit from the role and appoint an excellent technocrat to handle the petroleum sector comprehensively.
Obviously, there is a lot on the table on the president. Nigeria’s economy requires his full attention. As commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Nigeria, he needs to be on the driver’s seat to tackle the hydraheaded insecurity, banditry, terrorism and criminality in the country. Terrorists and bandits have grown bold, attacking monarchs and publicising their acts on social media.
Nigeria’s infrastructure is largely comatose. Hunger pervades the land, the Food and Agricultural Organization reports that over 26.5 million people are experiencing acute hunger this year, with predictions that between 82 million will face severe food insecurity by 2030.
The only way out of this stalemate is for the President to take decisive action against non-performing ministers, aides, and heads of agencies, starting with stepping down as minister of petroleum.
Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja

CBN Reimposes Cyber Security Levy Amidst Serious Concerns From Nigerians

By
James Orji
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Yemi Cardoso - CBN Governor

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has re-introduced the controversial Cybersecurity Levy on electronic transactions. The Yemi Cardoso-led bank said the fee will now be 0.005 percent rather than 0.5 percent it initially proposed.

The CBN said in its new guidelines for 2024-2025 that the fee has been reduced downward, stressing that it has instructed commercial banks and other financial institutions, OFIs to enforce the collection.

“The CBN shall continue to enforce the payment of the mandatory levy of 0.005 per cent on all electronic transactions by banks and other financial institutions, by the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015,” the guidelines said.

The magazine reported that serious backlash had trailed the introduction of the levy in May this year, forcing the apex bank to make a retreat.

For instance, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Peter, Peter Obi had criticised the CBN, saying the levy will further milk the dying Nigerian economy.

Writing on his X handle Obi said that “the introduction of yet another tax, in the form of Cybersecurity Levy, on Nigerians who are already suffering severe economic distress is further proof that the government is more interested in milking a dying economy instead of nurturing it to recovery and growth.

“This does not only amount to multiple taxation on banking transactions, which are already subject to various other taxes including stamp duties but negates the Government’s avowed commitment to reduce the number of taxes and streamline the tax system.

“The imposition of a Cybersecurity Levy on bank transactions is particularly sad given that the tax is on the trading capital of businesses and not on their profit hence will further erode whatever is left of their remaining capital, after the impact of the Naira devaluation high inflation rate. It is inconceivable to expect the suffering citizens of Nigeria to separately fund all activities of the government.

“Policies such as this not only impoverish the citizens but make the country’s economic environment less competitive.

“At a time when the government should be reducing taxes to curb inflation, the government is instead introducing new taxes. And when did the office of the NSA become a revenue-collecting center?

“And why should that purely national security office  receive returns on a specific tax as stated in the new cybersecurity law?” he said.

According to the circular sent to banks five months ago, the cybersecurity fee shall be deducted at the point of making electronic transfer and remitted by the banks.

The CBN stated that the circular which is in line with the Cyber security Act of 2015 was a follow-up on an earlier one dated June 25, 2018 (Ref: BPS/DIR/GEN/CIR/05/008) and October 5, 2018.

Following the enactment of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (amendment) Act 2024 and under the provision of Section 44 (2)(a) of the Act, a levy of 0.5 per cent (0.005) equivalent to a half per cent of all electronic transactions value by the business specified in the Second Schedule of the Act, is to be remitted to the National Cybersecurity Fund which the Office of the National Security Adviser shall administer, the apex bank said.

The CBN said: “The levy shall be applied at the point of electronic transfer origination, then deducted and remitted by the financial institution. The deducted amount shall be reflected in the customer’s account with the narration, ‘Cybersecurity Levy’.

“Deductions shall commence within two weeks from the date of this circular for all financial institutions and the monthly remittance of the levies collected in bulk to the NCF account domiciled at the CBN by the fifth business day of every subsequent month.”

The apex bank had warned commercial banks and OFIs to comply strictly failure of which defaulters will pay not less than two per cent of their annual turnover as penalty.

Media Freedom: Kano Journalist Re-arrested For Allegedly Insulting Gov Yusuf, Emir Sanusi

By
James Orji
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0
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

A magistrate in the state has ordered the remand in the Correctional Centre, Muktar Dahiru, a journalist, accused of making a Facebook post considered “insulting” to Governor Abba Yusuf.

The journalist working with Pyramid FM Kano  owned by the Federal radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, was arrested on August 29, after he was accused of making social media posts allegedly injurious to Yusuf and Lamido Sanusi, Emir of Kano.

Yusuf Isah, Dahiru’s lawyer, said the journalist was rearrested two days after his release and sent to the Kurmawa correctional facility for failing to perfect some of the bail conditions.

The journalist was said to have been secretly charged with criminal conspiracy, defamation of character, and intentional insult.

Ummah Kurawa, the presiding magistrate, remanded Dahiru in a correctional centre, pending the hearing of the bail application on September 3.

The journalist allegedly shared multiple audio interviews in which opposition politicians criticised the Kano governor.

He was also said to have posted an audio programme in which one person accused Muhammadu Sanusi, the reinstated Emir of Kano, of portraying himself as sympathetic to the poor while living an expensive lifestyle.

At the court session on September 3, the presiding magistrate granted the journalist a N1 million bail and banned him from posting content on social media that may be deemed offensive to the officials of the state government.

The defendant was also asked to provide three sureties, including his wife, the chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and a reputable individual endorsed by the Kano hisbah board.

Under the current administration in the country not a few journalists have been arrested by security agencies on various allegations, including that they insulted those in authority.

The cable

Nigerians Abroad Contribute $20bn Annually To Economy- NiDCOM

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Abike Dabiri-Erewa
Abike Dabiri-Erewa

Nigerians living abroad contribute $20 billion annually to the country’s economy, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, has said.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chief executive of NIDCOM made the revelation Washington DC, United States of America, USA during her presentation at the “Africa Diaspora Day on the Hill” event, as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference .

Her remark is contained in a statement issued by Gabriel Odu , Head, NIDCOM’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit.

According to her, Nigerians abroad have recorded milestones in the area of technology, medicine, education, and business, amongst others adding that their annual contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, is more than six percent.

Dabiri-Erewa said,, “Nigerians abroad continue to significantly impact both the Nigerian economy and their host countries. Their contributions in areas such as technology, medicine, education, and business have elevated Nigeria’s global profile.”

She highlighted the need to further strengthens the ties between the Nigerian government and Nigerians living abroad for greater economic growth.

Why Makinde Rejected Tax Bill For Barbers, Hairdressers

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Seyi Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has rejected a tax bill passed by the state House of Assembly, saying he cannot imposed additional sufferings on the people of the state in view of the current economic hardship in the country.

The state helmsman stated this while flagging off the Samuel Akintola Airport which was recently upgraded to international standard  by the state government.

According to the governor, signing the Presumptive Tax Bill recently passed by the House of Assembly will lead to more sufferings for the people, which he’s not prepared to be part of.

“Anything that will put money in the pocket of the people is what I am interested in, so they can use it where it is needed most. At this time, I’m not interested in any policy that will empty their pockets. I’ll continue to fight poverty and not fight the poor,” Makinde said.

The tax bill, according to the details, seeks to impose tax on individuals and entities whose income cannot be ascertained due to lack of financial records.

They include mostly artisans such as welders, Barbers, hairdressers, vulganisers, amongst others.

Under the section of the law titled: “Oyo State Negotiated Presumptive Tax Rate,” owners of adult wear boutiques are liable to pay a minimum of N10,000 yearly and maximum of N50,000; barbers to pay from N3,000 to N10,000; artists and sign writers to pay from N5,000 to N50,000; bicycle repairers to pay between N2,000 and N10,000; bookshop/stationary stores to pay a minimum of N10,000 and maximum of N20,000; bricklayers to pay from N10,000 to N30,000; sellers of building materials to pay from N15,000 to N50,000; furniture makers to pay N25,000 to N40,000; carpenters are to pay between N10,000 and N35,000; gas station operators are to pay between N25,000 and N45,000; while photographers to pay between N2,000 and N5,000.

Also, plumbers are to pay between N2,000 and N10,000; welders to pay from N5,000 to N20,000; fruit sellers to pay from N1,000 to N5000; sallers/repairers of handset to pay between N2,500 and N4,000; shoemakers to pay between N500 and N2,000; laundry shop owners to pay from N1,000 to N2,500; block makers to pay between N15,000 and N25,000; vulcanisers to pay between N2,500 and N7,500; mechanic/welder/rewire are to pay between N1,500 and N5,000 and plank sellers to pay between N2,500 and N10,000.

The bill stipulates that a taxable person who fails to make the payment of the tax shall be liable to pay the sum and a penalty equal to 10 per cent per annum, while those who maintain up-to-date records and file returns within the stipulated period shall be granted a rebate of two per cent of the tax payable.

The bill stated further that persons subject to presumptive tax must file returns on or before 90 days from the commencement of each year.

Governor Makinde, you will recall, is among prominent  Nigerians who have criticised the federal government for imposing hardship on Nigerians through its various economic policies. For instance, when the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration signed the law commemorating the new National Anthem Governor Makinde reacted saying what the country needs at the moment, is for the government to focus on policies that will end hardship.

Global Oil Price Dictates PMS Pricing in Nigeria- Yoruba Group

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Petrol Tankers

The Yoruba Stakeholders Assembly, has said that contrary to popular belief, the federal government and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL do not control petrol prices. Instead, market forces dictate prices in a deregulated market.

It maintained that PMS prices are influenced by supply and demand, global oil prices, and operational costs, adding that the NNPC Ltd has engaged with private entities to ensure a steady fuel supply, promoting competition and potentially lowering prices.

Responding to the controversy over PMS pricing between the Dangote Refinery and NNPCL, the group in a statement released by its convener, Comrade Dayo Olawale, emphasized the importance of separating fact from fiction, especially when the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians are at stake.

The statement titled ‘Separating Facts from Fiction’, said that “As a committed voice for transparency and awareness in Nigeria, the Yoruba Stakeholders Assembly seeks to address the recent misinformation surrounding the pricing of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in the country. In this era of rampant speculation and misinformation, it is crucial to separate fact from fiction—especially when the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians are at stake.
Let this statement serve as a reminder that informed citizens are the backbone of a thriving democracy. A nuanced understanding of market dynamics, governmental roles, and inter-business negotiations is essential in fostering a culture of accountability and transparency. We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant, seek verifiable facts, and engage in productive discussions that ultimately contribute to a more sustainable future for our nation.”

Comrade Dayo Olawale said further: “Fact 1: The Non-Existence of Government Control Over PMS Pricing: Contrary to popular belief, it is imperative to clarify that neither the government nor the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) possesses the authority to fix the price of PMS. The pricing mechanism for PMS has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a deregulated market where market forces predominantly dictate prices. This framework is designed to create a competitive environment that benefits consumers while fostering a healthier economic climate.

“Fact 2: Market Forces at Play:
In a deregulated market, the price of PMS is influenced by multiple factors, including supply and demand, global oil prices, and operational costs related to refining and distribution. The NNPC Ltd has actively engaged with private entities to ensure a steady supply of fuel, thus promoting competition and potentially lowering prices.

“Fact 3: The Reality of Fuel Acquisition Rates: Recent discussions have brought to light the fact that NNPC Ltd procured fuel from Dangote Refinery at a cost of N898 per liter. It is critical to emphasize that NNPC Ltd’s engagement with Dangote was aimed exclusively at ensuring that Nigerians have access to fuel at a fair price. This negotiation process underscores NNPC Ltd’s commitment to representing the interests of the Nigerian populace.

“Fact 4: Sustaining Affordable Fuel Prices: For the past year, the market price of petrol has hovered around N1,100 per liter. However, thanks to the proactive measures undertaken by NNPC Ltd, ordinary Nigerians have been shielded from these soaring prices, benefiting from a subsidized rate of N620 per liter. This has been possible due to NNPC Ltd covering the shortfall—an effort that, while noble, has become an unsustainable endeavor. This cry for sustainability reflects NNPC Ltd’s commitment to balancing providing affordable fuel and maintaining fiscal responsibility.

“Fact 5: Misconceptions Regarding Pricing Dynamics: There is a misconception that the government dictated the pricing structure for Dangote’s fuel. In actuality, it is Dangote who independently decided to sell his refined fuel to NNPC Ltd at N898 per liter. Initial negotiations revealed Dangote’s proposed price to be well over N900 per liter, which NNPC Ltd successfully negotiated down to a more manageable rate for the benefit of the Nigerian consumer.

“Fact 6: Ensuring a Competitive Market Landscape: NNPC Ltd’s directive to Dangote to also sell his fuel to other marketers, under a willing buyer-willing seller basis as outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), reinforces the commitment to creating a competitive market. This action aims to ensure that pricing remains fair, accessible, and transparent—principles that should govern all transactions in the energy sector.

“Fact 7: Clarifying
Misunderstandings Regarding Pricing Changes: Recent statements suggesting that Dangote intends to sell fuel to Nigerians at prices significantly lower than market rates, only for the government to intervene, are grossly misinformed. The narrative that suggests government manipulation of fuel prices is not grounded in reality. The truth lies in the fact that the price negotiated by NNPC Ltd is a direct result of market influences, competitive negotiations, and the pressing need to ensure fair access to fuel for all Nigerians.

“A Call for Awareness: In conclusion, as we navigate these turbulent waters of economic discourse and fuel pricing, we urge all Nigerians to remain wise and discerning consumers of information. It is vital for the public discourse to be anchored in facts rather than fiction so that we, as a nation, can collectively address the challenges we face with integrity and transparency.

“The Yoruba Stakeholders Assembly is committed to fostering an informed citizenry—one that propels Nigeria towards a sustainable future, grounded in facts.”

The group urges Nigerians to remain vigilant, seek verifiable facts, and engage in productive discussions to contribute to a more sustainable future. By fostering an informed citizenry, Nigeria can address challenges with integrity and transparency

“Our Goal Is Not To Stir Trouble” – LP National Chairman

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nenadi Esther Usman - Labour Party Chairman

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Chairperson of the National Caretaker Committee of the Labour  Party, Nenadi Usman, has called on members to dedicate and commit themselves to the onerous task of recreating the party.

This is even as she noted that the Caretaker Committee is on a rescue mission not just for the Party, but for democracy and Nigeria.

The Source reports that the Nenadi Usman-led Labour Party’s  29 member Interim Management Committee was appointed on September 4, 2024, by the enlarged stakeholders meeting of the party held in Umuahia the Abia State capital.

The Governor-Alex Otti convened meeting which had in attendance Peter Obi, the Party’s  Presidential Candidate in the  2023 general elections, his running mate Datti Ahmed, National Assembly caucus members and other majors stakeholders was called to address the fate of the Party’s post Nnewi controversial Convention.

The Convention which was boycotted by Obi,  Otti, and others, was organized by the Julius Abure- led National Working Committee, NWC, in total disregard to wide spread opposition by  majority of the party major stakeholders.

The Caretaker Committee was handed a three- month life span within which it is expected to reunite party members and organize credible Ward, Local Council, State Congresses and National Convention to elect acceptable leaderships for the Party.

Speaking on Wednesday September 18, in Abuja at the official inauguration of the members ,Mrs Usman noted that the primary goal of the committee is to reposition Labour party as a strong and vibrant opposition platform in the country.

He emphasized that in achieving the task of recreating the party, reconciliation of aggrieved members should be tackled first.

The Caretaker National Chairman stated that most times, the task of rebuilding a system is more difficult than even building from the scratch.

She enjoined all party faithful across the country to be united in the resolve to make the needed sacrifices to reposition the party.

“For those of  us with means, this is the time to step up and help .This is self-sacrifice and I know many of you are committed to the cause.

“I didnt expect to be named Chairman when I traveled to Abia,vbut I saw it as an honour and a call to serve,which is why I accepted.

“We want to reposition the Labour Party to provide a strong and vibrant opposition because democracy cannot thrive without active oversight.

“Our goal is not to stir trouble, but to ensure that the Government remains accountable and delivers on its promises to the Nigerian people.

“Through constructive criticism, we can help ensure that Nigerians get a better deal. To achieve their dreams of united, peaceful Nigeria where people can travel freely without fear of being kidnapped, where bandits no longer threaten their safety and where the economy is strong enough for every Nigerian to live well.

“We envision a country ,where the youth are employed and where education is a primo, ensuring no child is left out of school”, Usman noted.

76 Chairmanship Contestants Cleared For Kaduna LG Polls

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Ahead of its Local Council polls billed for October 19, 2024, the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission, KADSIEC, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, said it has cleared 76 persons across ten political parties for the Chairmanship race.

Chairman of the Commission, Hajia Hajara Mohammed, at a Media briefing in Kaduna, noted that the 76 candidates were cleared to contest the election after registering with, and  screened by the Commission.

“The Commission has successfully screened 76 Chairmanship contestants from 10 out of 19 registered political parties” she stated .

However, the names of the political parties which candidates are involved were not mentioned.

The Commission said that the names and parties of valid and disqualified aspirants who participated in the screening exercise will be made available on September 20.

She used the occasion to reassure political parties, aspirants and other stake holders of the Commission’s commitment to conducting a  free and credible election.

To this end, she also appealed to the candidates, their political parties and others to ensure they comply with the election guidelines.

This is even as she enjoined the electorate to shun apathy during the polls.

Alleged Defamatory Video Against Gov, Wife: Court  Grants  Tambuwal’s Aide Bail

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Shafiu Umar Tureta

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Shafiu Umar Tureta, the detained Special Assistant to the immediate past Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, was on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, finally granted bail in his ongoing trial for alleged libel and defamation of character.

A Sokoto Chief Magistrate Court granted him bail to the tune of N1 million with a surety in like sum.

The Magistrate Her Worship Fatima Hassan, ruled that the surety must be a resident of Sokoto town, should also deposit his National Identity Card,vtogether with two copies of his recent passport photograph with the Court.

The Source reports that Tureta, a Peoples Democratic Party PDP stalwart, was on August 26, arraigned before the Court on charges bordering on circulation of falsehood and defamation of character.

Before his arraignment, he was arrested and detained by the Sokoto State Police Command for allegedly masterminding the circulation of video showing how guests were spraying the wife of the State Governor, Hajia Fati Ahmed Aliyu, currencies of different hues at her birthday party.

Similarly, Tureta alongside, some PDP members were also alleged to have spearheaded the circulation of yet another video in which Governor Aliyu was captured having difficulties communicating in English Language at a public function.  The video also allegedly depicted the very poor WAEC result, allegedly, of the Governor.

According to the First Information Report FIR, the prosecution counsel Inspector, Abdulraham Mansur, contended that the offence is punishable under the penal code laws.

Mansur further noted that the defendant committed the said offence ,on July 18,2024

However ,Tureta pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Before adjourning the matter to October 10, 2024, the Magistrate ordered that the defendant be kept in custody until the perfection of the bail conditions

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