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Abia: ABSUTH Staff Protest 21 Months Salary Arrears, Plus Non Payment of April/May Wages, Say: We Are Hungry”

June 25, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Medical and Health Workers at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, ABSUTH on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, embarked on a protest march, to press home their request for the payment of their April and May salaries.

They also demanded the payments of their accumulated 21 months’ Salary arrears.

The Source reports that Governor Alex Otti of Abia State had, during his regular Media chat on Friday, June 21, 2024, informed that all segments of the State workforce are up to date in the payment of their salaries.

Governor Otti also noted that since mounting the saddle in May 2023, his administration has been paying salaries of workers promptly and regularly.

However, his claims were disputed on Saturday, June 22, by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, of the State-owned University in Uturu.

In a statement jointly issued by Dr Chidi Mba and Dr Victor Obisike Chairman and Secretary, respectively, ASUU- ABSU noted that the reality on ground is different from the impression being created by the Governor.

The Union, therefore, called on the Government to refrain from politicizing the issue of salary payments at ABSU as peoples health, family needs and other critical issues like workers productivity are dependent on it.

The ABSUTH workers who trooped out in their numbers, blocked the Hospital entrance gate ,and marched round the hospital premises ,chanting; “Governor Otti pay us our April and May salaries, pay us our 21 months salary arrears; what you are doing now is not what you promised us during the electioneering campaign etc”

Addressing the Media on behalf of the protesting health workers, the Abia State Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association NMA, Dr Isaiah Abali, expressed regrets over the non payment of salaries of the workers particularly their April and May 2024 salaries.

“The most important thing you can do for workers all over the world is to pay them their wages as at and when due. Once, they have performed their jobs, there should be no reason why they should not be paid. People in the private sector of the economy don’t sleep once the month is ending until they pay their workers the little they could.

“We believe Government can do better in that regard. Our people are suffering. ABSUTH workers are hungry high and low, and all of us are saying that Government should let the workers breath .

“We are calling on our amiable Governor to attend to us.We have seen his giant strides in the area of infrastructural renewal,but we are pleading that the renewal process should also be extended to the welfare of ABSUTH workers.

“It does not make sense for workers to trek along well reconstructed roads to and from work, because of lack of transport fares.

“So we are appealing to the Government to come to the aid of the workers who are currently very hungry .

“We have been trying to hold back the workers. But if you push people hard to the wall, you can envisage what will happen. That is how revolution starts. But, we don’t want revolution now.

“We want peace, and we want the workers to get their salaries. Whatever be the glitches besetting their payment module should not be our concern. We should not be made to suffer ,for what does not concern us .

“If they (Government) are having issues with its new payment arrangements, they should pay us with the old module.

“Majority of our workers watch their children sent out of schools,due to their inability to pay their school fees. We can’t pay for our utility bills .

“We are pleading so that the whole thing will not snowball into unnecessary bitterness .We are not politicians.We are only saying: pay us our salary ” the NMA Chairman stated

Also Speaking, Chairman of ABSUTH Medical and Health Workers Union, Emeka Ariwodo, urged the Government to keep faith with its electioneering promise of paying the workers their 21 months salary areas, as well as their April and May 2024 salaries.

“If by the end of today, Government fails to pay us this protest march will continue until such a time they pay us .

Prof. Ijeoma Nduka the Chief Medical Director, CMD, of ABSUTH was conspicuously absent. during the protest. Efforts to reach her were unsuccessful as at the time of filing this report.

Sokoto Govt. No Plans To Depose Sultan, Dismisses MURIC’s Alarm As Fabricated, Malicious, Irresponsible

Akinwale Kasali

June 25, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Muslims Rights Concern, MURIC’s accusation of the Sokoto State Government plot to dethrone His Eminence, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has been debunked and termed false by the Government.

The Sokoto State Government said it is baffled by such malicious and fabricated publication credited to MURIC. It stressed that the State Government wondered how a responsible body like MURIC, claiming to be protecting the rights of the Muslims would descend so low and cheaply as to join hands with deluded mischief makers and enemies of progress to fabricate such a false and unsubstantiated story.

Abubakar Bawa, Press Secretary to Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, in a statement said: “We believe that MURIC is not the type that will be dancing to the tunes of enemies and mischief makers who are trying to take away the attention of the good people of Sokoto state and Nigerians on the transformative initiatives taking place in Sokoto State over the last one year”.

“We also like to assure MURIC that the present administration just like the previous administrations in the state cherishes and respects the Sultanate Council long before MURIC was established.

“The Sultanate Council, which has a long standing historical importance is so reverred to all the people of Sokoto State, therefore we still hold the institution in very high regards and esteem”.

“This is not the first time stories such as this were fabricated to show that all is not well between the state government and the Sultanate Council, as some few months back we had a similar obnoxious story which the state government categorically condemned and denied in whole”.

“From the look of things,those nefarious detractors and distracting enemies of progress have not relented in their failed efforts to smear the cordial relationship existing between the state government and the Sultanate Council.

“MURIC should have cared to find out if there was ever any query, warning or any threatening documents served on the sultan by the state government.”

Bawa added that the allegation was just to create an unfriendly atmosphere and fear in the minds of the law-abiding and peaceful citizens of the state.

The statement further reads, “We equally like to remind MURIC that promoting Islamic affairs is the second item on the Ahmed Aliyu’s nine-point Smart Agenda,therefore Islam means so much to the present administration, coupled with the fact that Sokoto being the Seat of the Caliphate, is a 100 per cent Muslim-dominated society.”

“It is on record that no administration in the history of Sokoto State has done to Islam what the present administration has done in just one year. This we say without any fear of contradictions”.

Bawa said for any one to think that the present administration could engage in acts or actions that could jeopardize the development of Islam is not only unfair but unjustifiable.

He said to put the records straight, we would like to tell the world that the relationship between the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration and the Sultanate Council under the leadership of our most respected monarch, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has been very cordial.

Bawa also noted that this present administration always consulted with His Eminence, the Sultan on issues affecting the state, and his invaluable contributions and inputs are always respected and included in policy implementation.

Commenting on the issue of sacking and transfer of some District Heads in Sokoto State, Bawa said MURIC should know that the affected District Heads were accused of some unbecoming behaviours, such as land racketeering, aiding insecurity as well as insurbodination to the constituted authority.

He stated that to give give fair hearing a committee set up by the State Government summoned all the affected District Heads, after which it came up with a whitepaper report, advising government on what to do.

“And it was based on the report and in the public interest that the state government acted in conformity with the recommendations made by the whitepaper committee.

” It is equally important for MURIC to note that nobody is above the law, therefore,the sacked District Heads are just reaping what they saw, and that the action taken by the Sokoto State Government was indisputably in the best public interest.”

For the records, on Monday, Vice President Kashim Shettima asked the Sokoto State Government to treat the Sultan with reverence and described him as an icon and a National treasure.

Ondo APC Primary: Why I Collapsed Structures For Governor Aiyedatiwa – Olusola Oke, Says He Has Moved On

Ayodele Oni

June 25, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Chief Olusola Oke, SAN, one of the Ondo Governorship Aspirants of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in the April primary election, has explained that the interest of the Party and peace of the State propelled him to collapse his structures and resolved to work with the candidate of the Party, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

In a statement on Tuesday, Oke, a perennial Governorship aspirant from Ilaje area, pointed out that his decision to contest was solely for the development of Ondo state.

Oke’s statement reads “After much deliberations, it was resolved at the meeting that my supporters and I should not move to another political party.

“That we should remain in the APC which I have spent my time and resources to help build, and that we should support and work for the success of the party and its candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in the November 16, 2024 governorship election.

“Let me note that my decision to sheathe my sword was not a product of any form of fear or weariness.

“Rather, the decision was taken in the interest of peace and unity of our dear state. To me, the interest of the state outweighs my personal interest.

“My quest to lead Ondo State has always been propelled by my sincere love for the state and concern for its development.

“God has blessed me enough. So, my ambition to be Governor is solely about contributing significantly to the development of our dear state and finding an enviable place in history.

“I, therefore, thank all my teeming supporters for their dedication, loyalty and hard work demonstrated towards me during the governorship primary election of our party.

“I urge all my supporters to support the APC and its candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in the forthcoming Governorship Election with the same strength and commitment with which they supported my bid for the nomination of the party.

“Let us continue to pray that our expectation of good governance in our dear state will be met.

“As for me, I have decided to move on, believing that only God gives power. Only He crowns the kings. Only He can explain how he distributes His gifts. Nobody can question Him.”

Oke had served as the Commissioner representing Ondo state on the board of the Niger/Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) and chairman Ondo state Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) while in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) before he joined the APC.

Abia PDP Flays Mass Sack Of Civil Servants, Political Office Holders By Governor Otti

Ayodele Oni

June 25, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the mass sack of political office holders in the administration of Governor Alex Otti amounts to confusion and lack of proper administrative direction.

The Party stated that even the political office holders in the administration are jittery as they do not know the next person the Governor will send packing.

The PDP said that in the past two weeks, confusion has gripped the Otti Government, and it is running helter-skelter to patch its alleged propaganda and other pipes, which were burst by the superior PDP media machinery.

Elder Abraham Amah, Abia PDP Vice Chairman/Acting State Publicity Secretary is of the view that with the ongoing sacking of both the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and the Commissioner for Health, an air of uncertainty has gripped the entire operatives of Otti’s Government because nobody knows where, and on whom, the axe would fall next.

He said that the PDP has reliable intelligence that many of Otti’s Commissioners and Aides were considering throwing in the towel before they are disgraced out of office as he did to their colleagues.

“A fortnight ago, Alex Otti suspended the Commissioner for Health, Ngozi Okoronkwo, on allegations of massive corruption in the Ministry and placed her under investigation.

“Last week, Alex Otti sacked his Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko, and replaced him with one Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.

“We had expected that Ukoha N. Ukoha would understand that his duty is to tell Abians and Nigerians how his Principal has delivered on his campaign promises and showcase his good works, if there are any, beyond re-asphalting roads done by the previous administration.”

Amah said that it is unfortunate that instead of complying with the suggestion above, Ukoha who is in a hurry to please his boss, made his first misstep in his first outing by continuing with the deja vu bashing of the PDP, which earned his Principal the bad reputation he was called to come and clean up.

“Our sympathy lies with the new CPS Ukoha because his fall would be more calamitous than that of his predecessor since he has failed to learn that his job is not to profile the PDP wrongly.

“As the fire in the Alex Otti media and propaganda team raged, the axe fell on Mrs Joy Maduka, former Head of Service, whom Alex Otti bypassed due process and promoted ahead of her superiors, as she was summarily dismissed and asked to proceed on compulsory retirement.”

Amah explained that having sacked all the Senior Directors and Permanent Secretaries who were trained with State resources prematurely, Otti is currently, allegedly, grappling with a shortage of trained manpower with whom to govern without the daily missteps that put him and his Government into ridicule.

“It was the same confusion and lack of direction that caused the Governor’s Chief Security Officer, CSO, to summon Civil Servants to his office, in utter defiance of Abia State Civil Rule, (CS) Rule 04102, which empowers only the Civil Service Commission to exercise disciplinary control over Abia Civil Servants.

“Presently, Alex Otti’s house is falling apart, and we advise him to come down from his high horse, swallow his pride, and recall those he sacked ignominiously so that they will help him in the good governance and administration of Abia State before the roof finally collapses on his head.

“The people he sacked were not Okezie Ikpeazu loyalists, not PDP members, but Abia Civil Servants, who ordinarily must be loyal to any Government in power, as they are loyal to him now. No time is too late to do the right thing.”

First Bank: Otedola Pockets Otudeko; Ramps Up Controlling Stake

Tosin Olatokunbo

June 25, 2024

Businessman Femi Otedola has further proved his resolve to take over First Bank Nigeria, FBN, from competitors following his acquisition, on Monday, of additional 797,946,415 units of the company’s shares through the Nigerian Exchange Limited, NGX.

The development, analysts in the sector contend, has now made him the largest shareholder of Nigeria’s premier bank, ahead of close rivals of the bank such as Oba Otudeko, Tunde Hassan-Odukale, and others.

Otedola, the Chairman of Geregu Energy Group, had in 2021 stated that he had no plan to take over, neither take a board position in the bank, following the fierce contest between him and Otudeko, for the soul of the commercial bank at the time.

He said:“I am simply an investor who saw an opportunity in the financial institution and decided to take advantage of it through the investment I have made.

“My interest, contrary to speculations is not to become chairman of the bank or its holdco. Moreover, I am in semi-retirement.”

“Being the single largest shareholder doesn’t mean I must necessarily hold a position in the bank. I believe in allowing competent people run institutions in a professional manner and to the benefit of all the stakeholders.”

Both businessmen have been increasing the number of shares they hold in the bank directly and through proxies, with a view to sustain their grip on the bank. .

From all indications, Otudeko, a former chairman of the bank appears to have lost out in the contest to control one of Nigeria’s biggest and profitable bank, due Otedola’s recent acquisition which has raised his total share in First Bank Nigeria Holding, FBNH, to close to 12 percent.

According to a corporate disclosure to the NGX, on Monday, Otedola now holds 11.63 percent stake in the commercial bank, after acquiring shares valued at N17.219 billion at N21. 58 per share.

Recall that last week, Otedola, increased his stake in FBN Holdings, with the purchase of 546, 674, 034 units of shares valued at N12.01billion. Otedola bought the shares through Calvados Global Services Limited at a price of N21.97 per share at the Exchange.

Before then, the billionaire had 7.01 percent stake in the bank, behind Oba Otudeko’s Barbican Capital Limited which held an 8.67 percent stake.

The magazine reported that on January 31, the board of the bank appointed Otedola as Chairman of FBNH after a meeting by its members.

CBN: Emefiele’s Wife, In-law Benefit From Alleged Multi-million naira Sleaze – EFCC

Tosin Olatokunbo

June 25, 2024

Embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Govermor Godwin Emefiele approved contracts worth several millions of naira to wife and brother-in-law, according to a witness in the case.

The former Nigeria’s CBN governor is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over corruption related cases and alleged abuse of office while in office.

According to the anti-graft agency, the Seventh Prosecution Witness, PW7, in the trial of Emefiele on Monday, June 24, 2024 told Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Abuja, that Emefiele signed and approved contract awards and payments to April 1616 Investment Limited and Architekon Nigeria Limited, which are companies owned by Sa’adatu Ramalan Yero, a staff of the apex bank, his wife Margaret and her brother, Jonathan Omoile respectively.

The witness, Agboro Michael, an investigator with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, who is a member of inter-agency investigation team that comprise the EFCC, ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, Department of State Services, DSS and the Nigeria Police Force during his cross-examination by defence counsel, Mathew Burkaa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN said Emefiele was the approving authority of the contracts awarded to both companies having endorsed all the contract award documents and given approval for payments to the companies.

Burkaa identified exhibits F24 to F44 which are letters from the CBN to April 1616 Investments Limited, for the award of contracts for the supply of cars to the apex bank as well as documents showing requests for payments from the company to the CBN for the delivery of the cars, all signed by Emefiele.

Similarly, the witness identified exhibits A1 to A8, as documents containing memos from CBN for the award of contracts to Architekon Nigeria Limited, belonging to Emefiele’s wife and her brother for the renovation of the CBN governor’s residence, provision of dedicated power lines and supply of furniture as well as requests of payments in respect of the contracts to the company, all approved by Emefiele.

Justice Muazu admitted the exhibits in evidence and adjourned the matter till 25, 2024 for re-examination of the witness.

The former CBN governor is standing trial before Justice Muazu on amended 20 count-charges that border on conferment of corrupt advantages, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery and obtaining by false pretense.

Emefiele was removed from office in July last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and has since been charged to court by the EFCC for graft and other related offences.

NAFDAC Says Counterfeit Injection Drug In Circulation, Sample Found In Ariaria Market, Aba

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 24, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The National Agency For Food ,Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has issued a red alert to Nigerians concerning the use of a counterfeit batch of Giga-S Injection drug currently being marketed by a high profile Pharmaceutical outlet in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia.

The regulatory agency said the sample of the Giga-S injection, Ceftriaxone +Sulbactam 1.5gIM/IV which is widely used for the treatment of severe infections like septicemia, pneumonia and meningitis, purchased at the popular Ariaria International Aba, may have been circulated nationwide.

In a statement contained in its official site on Monday June 24, 2024, NAFDAC called for the withdrawal of the drug from circulation for the purpose of preserving the health of Nigerians..

“Although this falsified batch product was identified in Abia State ,it may have likely been distributed to other parts of the country through informal markets .

“Consequently,it is important to detect and remove it from circulation to prevent harm to patients”

“Importers ,distributors, retailers and healthcare providers are advised to always exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation ,distribution ,sales and administration or use of falsified or substandard medicinal products .

“All medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers .The products authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked .

“Members of the public in possession of the above product are advised to discontinue sales or use and summit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office .

“If you have this counterfeit product ,please DO NOT use it. If you or anyone. you know have used this product ,or suffered any adverse reaction/event after use ,you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from qualified healthcare professional.

“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicious Substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office .

“Similarly, health care professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse or side effects related to the use of medicinal products to the nearest NAFDAC office” part of the statement reads.

Meanwhile, an authoritative source has revealed that the regulatory agency has ringed a strong surveillance around drug dealers at the Ariaria International Market preparatory to a full scale raid.

The raid expected to take place anytime soon, is aimed at mopping up the falsified Giga-S injection and other related pharmaceutical products considered to be injurious to the health of the people.

“We understand that NAFDAC officials will be ‘visiting’ the market anytime from now. Their mission is to look for the drug in question and may be others. We have seen the NFDAC public notice concerning the product and there is nothing much anyone can say or do now until they ( NAFDAC) conclude their findings” of the medicine dealers stated.

Blame States Not NAHCON For Hitches In Holy Pilgrimage – CSO

Ayodele Oni

June 24, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A Civil Society Organization (CSO), Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has advised that intending Pilgrims in Nigeria should be allowed to pay fees directly to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

It faulted the call by the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, for the scrapping of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

In a statement on Monday, signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) described Bago’s call as a very wrong move.

IHR said that while it supports an advocacy for improved services for the pilgrims, it however stresses the calls for the decentralisation of NAHCON and devolving powers to the states would be a very wrong move.

It explained that there were allegations that most of the delays experienced every year, that affects the smooth operations of the Hajj, including that of 2024, was as a result of the failure of some state boards to remit collected fares to NAHCON in time.

According to the body, some governors used the monies for other purposes and are being awaited to make refunds.

Towards this end, IHR called on the National Assembly to amend the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Act, to ensure a cohesive and effective hajj operating system in the country.

It was reported that Governor Bago’s outburst stemmed from the inadequate space given to Tent ‘A’ pilgrims from Nigeria, which included some state governors who came for the pilgrimage as well as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas.

While the services rendered to the personalities were from private tour operators, the governor described the 2024 hajj as a failure.

It further said; “By virtue of diplomatic protocol, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj only relates with National Hajj missions not regional bodies.

“Decentralisation as being touted will allow 36 states’ pilgrim’s welfare boards and agencies to send 36 different delegations to Saudi Arabia, the first in the History of Hajj operation, to liaise with Saudi Arabia on Hajj plans.

“36 states will also sign different hajj memorandum of understanding with one country.”

Commenting on service delivery, IHR noted that NAHCON controls Airlines and accommodation in Madina, adding that in the last few years, Nigerian pilgrims have been housed in a 4-star hotel within the vicinity or five minutes’ walk close to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina.

“On the other hand, States are responsible for choosing their accommodation in Makkah.

“This year for example, our team currently in Saudi Arabia observes that Niger state pilgrim’s accommodation is located in an isolated area, far away from the holy Mosque, this invariably denied quite a number of the pilgrims the opportunity to observe their obligatory prayers at the Haram.

“Also, registration of pilgrims starts from the local governments after which the funds are transferred to state pilgrims’ boards before being transferred to NAHCON.

“There are allegations that most of the delays experienced every single year, that affects the smooth operations of the Hajj, including this year is as a result of the failure of some state boards to remit their collected fares to NAHCON in time because governors have used the monies for other purposes and are being awaited to make refunds.

“We, therefore, call on the National Assembly to make it possible for pilgrims to pay their deposits directly to NAHCON so that the commission can in turn meet its obligations in time and avoid a situation where the entire operation will be put in jeopardy.

“This, we believe, is also the best way to truly hold the commission to account in case of any service failure.”

Cholera Outbreak: FG Warns Nigerians To Desist From Drinking Locally Made Zobo, Fura, Tigernaut

Akinwale Kasali

June 24, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

As the Cholera Outbreak ravaging the country remain unabated, the Federal Government has sternly warned Nigerians to avoid locally made drinks such as Kunu, Zobo, Fura and Tigernaut to prevent the spread of the disease.

Prior to the latest warning by the Federal Government, the Lagos State Government had warned Lagosians to desist from taking locally made Tigernaut.

The FG also urged the public to be more vigilant and to imbibe good sanitation and hygiene practices at home and in their workplace.

Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment, gave the directive in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Salako further tasked all and sundry with preventive measures such as keeping their environment clean always and disposing of waste properly at designated places.

He said, “Ensure the use of clean and safe water. Water from suspicious sources should be well boiled or treated by adding one pack of chlorine solution to 100 parts.

“Avoid locally prepared drinks like kunu, zobo, fura da nono, koko, fruit juice among others except it is certain that the preparation was done in a hygienic and safe manner.

“Wash hands regularly with soap under running water, especially after using the toilet, cleaning a child who has gone to the toilet, before preparing food, before and after eating, and after playing with animals, ” he said.

He added that Nigerians should ensure the use of clean and safe water.

“Water from suspicious sources should be well boiled or treated by adding one pack of chlorine solution to 100 parts.

“Avoid locally prepared drinks like kunu, zobo, fura da nono, koko, fruit juice among others except it is certain that the preparation was done in a hygienic and safe manner.

He also called on States and Local Governments to increase environmental health surveillance in places where food and drinks are sold nationwide.

These places include markets, garages, schools, restaurants, stadia, religious and sporting event venues.

Salako noted that the measures would help avert the further spread and transmission of cholera and aid in the prevention and control of the disease.

He also urged all Commissioners for Environment and the Local Government Chairpersons to support environmental health officers to step up sanitation and hygiene activities through enhanced community-led total sanitation.

He said it is also to strengthen collaboration with the health authorities and other stakeholders in line with the one health approach of the federal government.

He added that arrangements had been made to support most affected states with chlorine solution or tablets, water and food testing resources to avert further transmission across the country.

Salako noted that a recent situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) indicated a total number of 1,159 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases and 30 deaths across 30 States.

Kano Gets New Police Chief Amidst Festering Emirate Stool Crisis

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 24, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Following the elevation of erstwhile Kano state Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Hussaini Gumel, to the rank of an Assistant Inspector General of Police penultimate week, the Command on Monday June, 24, 2024, received Salman Dogo Garba as his replacement.

But contrary to a widely held belief, AIG Gumel described the 2023 General Elections as his greatest challenge in his one year sojourn in the ancient city.

The festering Kano Royal Stool crisis, with the divergent interests it presented, not a few had thought, would have been his most trying period.

At a handover ceremony at the Bompai Headquarters of the Command while appreciating the Inspector General of Police, IGP, for the confidence reposed in him, and the conducive environment provided for the discharge of his duties,Gumel called on the officers and men of the Command to extend the same support and cooperation accorded him to his successor.

He thanked his colleagues in other sister security Agencies for the synergy and harmonious working relationship that the police enjoyed under them.

But beyond the challenges posed before, during and after the 2023 elections, the outgone Commissioner of Police also acknowledged other difficulties including thuggery and armed robbery activities.

“Managing the post 2023 Governorship election period from the pronouncement of election verdicts to the court processes including the Tribunal and Supreme court sittings, and the recent attempts by some political actors to politicize security issues around the Kano State Emirate Council are not insurmountable.

“We faced several security challenges including armed robbery, thuggery, car theft ,threats from bandits along the prone local councils ,kidnappings,and other violent crimes .

“These threats were not only endangering public safety, but also hindering governance and socioeconomic development in the state .

“Under my watch, the Police Command remained professional and committed to maintaining peace and order. I am confident that these challenges will soon be resolved.

“As I .move to my new assignment ,I carry with me the experience ,lessons and memories from my time here ( Kano). They will continue to inspire and guide me in my future endeavours” the newly promoted AIG noted.

In the same vein, the Kano State Police authorities on Monday enhanced security arrangements at the two Palaces being occupied by Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and Emir Muhammad Sanusi.

Before now, a larger part of the security at the City Palace hosting Sanusi had been provided by local hunters .

But the Police in the new arrangements have driven them away ,and replaced them with heavily armed Police Operatives.

Addressing the Media, the departing Commissioner of Police, Gumel said the reinforcement of security at the two Palaces is to ensure adequate security and maintenance of peace.

He noted that the enhanced security arrangements have become necessary following reports of an upsurge in thuggery and other criminal activities in some parts of the kano city.

According to him, the heavy security presence at the Palaces is to, also, properly guarantee security for the gladiators, pending the resolution of the Emirship crisis.

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