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Court Halts Ganduje’s Probe By Kano Government

May 15, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has restrained the two Judicial Panels of Inquiry instituted by the Kano State Government ,to carry out an inquest into the financial records and other activities of the immediate past administration of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Justice Simon Amobeda, in a ruling on Wednesday, May ,15 2024, also, restrained Hon Justices Farouk Lawan Adamu and Zuwaira Yusuf, Heads of the two empaneled Commissions from further carrying out the task assigned to them by the Kano state Government, pending the determination of the motion on notice filed by the complainants .

The restraining order was sequel to an ex parte application filed by Abdulrazaq Ahmed, counsel to Dr Ganduje, challenging the legality of the probe

Panels as constituted by the Kano State Government to look into the activities of his administration in the state .

Further ruling Justice Amobeda, ordered that all respondents in the suit should, within the next five days of the receipt of the restraining order and other relevant documents, file their response.

Other respondents in the substantive suit apart from the two Commissions of Inquiry, are the Kano State Government, the National Judicial Council NJC ,the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice Kano State, and the Revenue, Mobilisation Allocation, and Fiscal Commission .

Hearing on the motion on Notice has been fixed for May 28 ,2024 .

The Source reports that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had on April 4 , instituted two commissions of inquiry to separately look in to cases of alleged misappropriation of public funds and properties and politically motivated killings and violence in the state between 2015 and 2023 ,a period covered by the two terms of Dr Ganduje, currently the National Chairman of the ruling All Progress Congress, APC.

Worshippers Injured As Man Sets Mosque On Fire In Kano, Submits Self To Police

Ayodele Oni

May 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A man, whose mission and intention remain unknown, has set a Mosque ablaze. Thereafter, he submitted self to the police in Kano state.

The arsonist, Shafiu Aminu, a Kano resident, arrived for the disturbing action at Laraba Abasawa in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, when worshippers were observing the early morning prayer, left many injured.

According to a member of the community, “the man used petrol and lit fire while the people, about 40 of them, were praying. He locked the Mosque after he set the Mosque on fire.

“It took time for people outside to get aware of the incident and rescue the victims who were struggling to break out.

At least 28 worshippers, who sustained serious injuries, were rushed to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano.

A resident, Ibrahim Jibrin, said, “I was about going to the Mosque when I saw a boy running engulfed by fire shouting for help.

“We didn’t know what was happening before then. This is the third time he would attack people here. He had once hit two of his elder brothers and took himself to the police station, claiming that he had killed them.”

He added that the incident is much related to years of misunderstanding among the family members.

Aminu willingly submitted himself to the Police after the incident, according to residents.

The incident was later confirmed by the Police command spokesperson in Kano, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, via press statement made available to pressmen on Whatsapp.

Panic, As Unknown Guest Ståbs Official During Examination At Osun Polytechnic

Ayodele Oni

May 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

An unknown person has caused panic among students and staff of Osun State Polytechnic, (OSPOLY), Iree, as he attacked a staff, Mr Abdul-azeez Abdullahi during the ongoing examination in the institution.

It was gathered that the victim, a non teaching staff of the institution, was among the Invigilators supervising the examination.

The source said the strange man walked into the hall after students had been cleared for the afternoon paper, and started constituting nuisance by disrupting the ongoing examination.

“The nuisance behaviour of the unknown guest became unbearable which eventually prompted an invigilator, Mr Abdul-azeez Abdullahi to confront him to leave the hall.

“This led to altercation between the duo and the unknown man broke one of the window louvres and stabbed the invigilator, Mr Abdul-azeez in different parts of his body, which include his back, hand and head.

“After he stabbed the invigilator, he made his way out of the hall and escaped.

“Thereafter, Abdullahi was given first aid treatment at OSPOLY medical center, before he was taken to Ore Ofe hospital, in Iree, Osun State.”- the source added.

The Dean Of Students’ Affairs, Dr Tope Abiola, who confirmed the incident, said the culprit is not a student of the institution.

“The culprit is not our student. We are aware of the incident and we are collaborating with the Police to ensure that the culprit is identified and arrested.

“However, the member of staff of the institution who was injured by the miscreant is recovering fast.”

For Attempting To Give Female Student Bouquet Of Flowers, Kano University Suspends Student

Ayodele Oni

May 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A faith-based University in Northern Nigeria has suspended a 200 level student of Department of Computer Science, Julius Mansur, for an alleged immoral behaviour.

Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano, explained that Mansur’s suspension followed his public show of affection to an admirer, a female school mate on campus, an open demonstration of love otherwise considered as immoral disposition.

Before his suspension, Mansur was reportedly seen in a short video clip that went viral on social media platforms attempting to extend a red bouquet to a female student in the school premises, ostensibly to showcase intimate affection.

Although, the supposed admirer did not accept the offer of the ‘lover boy’ in the face of the public show, the mild drama attracted the attention of other students who lighted up the atmosphere with a delightful gesture.

Barely 24 hours after the video clip occupied the cyberspace, the Management of the Private University issued a notice of suspension on the “lover boy” for constituting what they believed an immoral act on campus.

In an Internal Memo with Ref. no. AUS/REG/54, dated 14th May, 2024, the university management directed the suspension of the 200 level student of Computer science till further notice.

The memo signed by Sani A. Usman a Deputy Registrar, stated that a disciplinary committee has also been constituted to further examine the development.

The notice, titled Notification for Suspension of a student from the University reads : “This is to intimate you that Abdullahi Juli Mansur a student of department of computer science, with registration no. AUS/SCC/COM/22/1018 was suspended for displaying improper behavior on campus.”

It was learnt that the institution took the decision after series of warning issued to the culprit.

“This is not the first time the boy has been found with that character. We have two previous cases and the University particularly invited the student, but he refused to take to caution.

“And as you know, the university is faith based and such manner is against the principle of Islam and hausa culture. So that was what actually necessitated the suspension.”

Ondo APC Governorship Primary Suit: Party Wants Case Transferred To Akure

Ayodele Oni

May 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Citing convenience of parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally requested the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to transfer the case filed by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, a defeated governorship aspirant, from Abuja to Ondo State.

The suit is challenging the validity of the primary election that produced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the party’s candidate for the upcoming November election.

In a letter by APC’s counsel, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, the party emphasized the convenience of conducting proceedings in Ondo State, as both the plaintiff and defendants are based there.

Additionally, the presence of a Federal High Court in Ondo was cited as a logistical advantage.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim initiated the suit on May 3, 2024, at the Abuja Division of the Court, seeking to invalidate the primary election results.

Named as defendants in the suit are the APC, Governor Aiyedatiwa, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

During the mention of the case on Tuesday in Abuja, representatives from all parties were present. Counsel to the Plaintiff, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, confirmed the service of the Originating Summons to all defendants.

Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, representing APC, informed the Court about the filed Memorandum of Conditional Appearance and the letter requesting the case’s transfer to Akure Division, in line with the Practice Direction issued by the Chief Judge.

Representatives for Governor Aiyedatiwa and INEC echoed the idea of transferring the case to Akure, where the primary election occurred.

Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the case to May 29, 2024, awaiting the decision on the transfer request by the Chief Judge.

The Blind Write Gov Aiyedatiwa, Seek Employment As Teachers

Ayodele Oni

May 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Apparently feeling neglected in the scheme of things, Visually impaired persons under the umbrella of Nigeria Association of the Blind, Ondo state chapter, have written to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa seeking employment as teachers in public schools.

Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board and Teaching Service Commission recently put up advertisement for teaching vacancies in public schools.

They appealed to the state government to save the future of the blind community in the state.

The association specifically appealed to the state government to employ members of the visually impaired as teachers in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the visually impaired, the Chairman of the Ondo state Chapter of NAB, Akilo Matthew and the association’s Secretary, Idowu Oluwasola, urged the state government to recruit their members into Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board and Teaching Service Commission.

According to them, recruiting members of the association will help to provide quality education and employment opportunities for the blind and visually impaired persons (VIPs).

The association, in the letter addressed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, lamented that the association was shocked at the exclusion of the blind teachers in the recruitment of teachers in the state.

The letter read: “We the Nigerian Association of the Blind, Ondo State Chapter, with honour and respects write to appeal to you to please save the future of the blind community in Ondo State.

“Sir, it is good to let you know that the blind people work tirelessly before they can achieve their aim in education as a result of sight challenge but with the support of the Ondo State Government.

” The Ondo State School for the Visually Impaired was established for us to learn how to read and write braille with the use of hand and also to compete favourably with the able- ones, Ondo State Government went ahead to approve Owo High School for our secondary level.

“All this were done for us by the government in order for us to have a sense of belonging. From there we proceeded to higher institution to specialize in one field or the other”

“For the special unit in Owo High School, as we speak we only have one teacher in that secondary school where we are having 20-25 special educator teacher before, but now it is only one and that one will soon retire.

“With this we appeal to you in the name of God to recruit members into both SUBEB and Teaching Service Commission.

“Sir, it is no longer news that the person with sunt impairment teach in various schools all over the country which Ondo State is not excluded. So many of them have retired but we still have them around.

“We still have few of them around. We have two (VP) in Owo High School, Mrs. Idris and Mrs. Eyinola while other schools like Ajuta Grammar School, Ogbagi Akoko Mr. Festus Bamisile as a teacher working without any inch.

“The same thing is applicable in our various institutions in Ondo State as we have Dr. Olurotimi Olubodede, Mass Communication Department, Akungba-Akoko, Mr. Akinbolade Gbenga working at Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo city and so on.

“Finally sir, we appeal to you in the name of God to recruit our members into both Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board and Teaching Service Commission, so that our members will be happy, which we believe that you will make us happy too.”

Group Canvasses Support For Cybersecurity Levy, Says Policy Will Greatly Assist In Fight Against Terrorism, Banditry And Kidnappings

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 15, 2024

Group Canvasses Support For Cybercrime Levy

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Critics of the Cybersecurity levy mulled by the Federal Government, have been urged to tarry a while and reflect more on its expected gains than the burden and inconveniences that the policy may impose on Nigerians.

This is even as the elite have been cautioned to desist from manipulating the Nigerian populace into perceiving the levy as a punishment being imposed on them by the authorities .

These were some of the views canvassed on Tuesday in Kano by a Civil Society group, Nigeria First Project, NFP, at a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Secretariat .

The Coordinator of the group, Comrade Hamza Umar Saulawa, noted that in the face of Cybercrimes in Nigeria with its attendant consequences on our Nation, they find the ongoing hysterical and vicious campaigns against the Cybercrime levy incongruent with the desire of many patriotic Nigerians to see the country”s battered image restored .

The NFP regretted that despite the spirited efforts so far made by some well meaning Nigerians. including Senator Shehu Umar Buba, the senate Committee Chairman on National Security and Intelligence to explain the rationale behind the policy , a minority but vocal elite group has continued to present the well intentioned policy as a poisoned chalice .

They have, therefore appealed to Nigerians to objectively analyze the policy, noting that its advantages far outweigh what ever shortcomings and pain that go with it .

“From the outset, it is important for Nigerians to note that Cybercrime is not only undermining Nigeria’s economy ,but also has continued to tarnish our image globally.

“Today, innocent Nigerians all over the world are being unfairly treated with suspicion at Airports, embassies ,Parks etc .In deed,it is embarrassing that whenever there is a discussion about cybercrime anywhere ,the first people that come to mind are Nigerians.

“Many innocent Nigerians are being embarrassed ,humiliated, and profiled ,because of the activities of Cyber criminals. Many Nigerians have lost golden opportunities because of this terrible phenomenon .

“Also ,innocent hardworking Nigerians have continued to lose their hard earned fortune to cybercriminals . For instance,according to Nigeria Communication Commission ,Nigeria annually loses $500 million to cyber criminals

“Another frightening trend is today ,many young people are joining the illicit cyber crime venture to make fast money .Some of these youths wrongly think that going to school is a scam.Now we have an opportunity to reverse this trend .

“Unfortunately,there are some people who think imposing %.0.5 levy on some companies and institutions that are listed in the second schedule of the cybercrime Act 2024 is too much .

“But on the other hand ,they are not talking about the social and economic loses of the Cybercrime Nigeria incurs .And it is surprising that the antagonists of the levy are not looking at the substantial benefits our country will gain as a result of this levy .

“Some of the benefits including improved funding for counter terrorism and violent extremism .Take for instance,the section 44 ( 5) of the Cybercrime Prohibition ,Preventive Act 2015 ..It has specifically ,stated that ” an amount not exceeding 40% of the fund may be allocated for programmes relating to combating violent extremism

“Taking in to cognizance ,the catastrophic impact of terrorism on our country ,one can think that no saner person will oppose any counterterrorism initiative ,especially on the premise of levy .

“It is irrefutable fact that armed banditry kidnappings for ransom and farmer/ herder clashes have claimed the precious lives of hundreds of thousands of Nigerians .

“Many have been displaced . Terrorism is partly responsible for the present hardship and economic downturn afflicting Nigeria as our farmers ,can not go to their farms ,pastoralist are losing their live stocks ,foreign investors are scared to come to our country.

“Terrorism is exacerbating poverty ,ignorance, and general under development . To fight terrorism and other violent conflicts ravaging the country ,you need adequate fund .

“This money will not come from the heaven . It will be generated from multiple sources ,including through the imposition of levies

“Therefore ,the 40% that will be deducted from the fund will greatly help in the fight against terrorism and other violent crimes such as kidnappings and armed banditry that suffocate our country .We have not seen anything odd in this levy so long it will be judiciously used as prescribed in the Act .

“And we have full confidence in the sincerity of purpose of the President Bola Tinubu led administration ” the group stated

Abia Empowers Indigent Women Traders, Insists The Vulnerable Deserves Protection Encouragement

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 14, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Government has asserted that the encouragement of human capital development through the empowerment of women and youths, particularly the vulnerable will continue to occupy preeminent position in its policy trust .

The Coordinator, Abia State Harmonized Task Force, Aba Zone ,Chief Uche Wogu, who disclosed this on Tuesday, May,14, 2024, at the occasion of the disbursement of cash palliatives to indigent petty women traders in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia, emphasised that such empowerment programme remains one of the potent ways of growing the economy of the state.

Chief Wogu, who is also the Mayor of the cosmopolitan Aba South Council noted that the empowerment programme, which is being carried out in conjunction with the wife of the State Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, primarily aims at improving and adding value to the petty trading activities of the women which, in turn, will act as a catalyst to the growth and development of the state.

” You see , I have taken the time to go round most of the markets in Aba. And in the process I have also seen how most of these women as industrious and hard working as they are, being inhibited by lack of cash .

“I discovered that most of them are conducting their business activities ,with as low as N5000. And we came to the conclusion that if empowered, they can do better both for themselves and for the larger economic development of the State. That informed our decision to encourage them, most especially at this period of economic hardship in the country .

“The bottom line is that since our people are naturally industrious ,rather than gathering them to be dishing out some food items as palliatives, the Government believes that it will be more viable and meaningful to pursue measures that will encourage self reliance and contribution to the Gross Domestic Products GDP of the state.” Chief Wogu stated .

According to him ,the empowerment programme is in sync with the vision and mission of the wife of the Governor who, since the inception of the present administration, has been championing and promoting the interests of the less privileged and vulnerable sets of the society.

The Coordinator of the State Harmonized Task Force noted that having conducted surveys on the particular needs of some of the vulnerable groups,the attendant palliative support will be provided in phases to see how a large part of them can be accommodated .

“In this pilot phase, our emphasis is the indigent petty women traders .And as time goes on ,we will be accommodating the youths ,through skill acquisition programmes .

“In that case ,we are already in talks with some local and international partners ,who have shown interests in skill acquisitions training for our youths.”

Chief Wogu, however, assured the women that could not be captured in this first phase of the empowerment programme,to exercise patience as they would form the nucleus of the next phase .

“We are encouraged by what the First Lady of Abia has been doing .When you look at these women ,you will know that truly ,they need this cash . For me I have adopted all of them as my own family members . No body will ever harass them in this Council.,seize their ware in the name of touting .

“Whoever touches them ,throw their goods away and or harass them has beaten me .They deserve our protection and we will ensure that they conduct their trading activities in line with extant rules and regulations . Orderliness must be maintained ,but they will not molested by anybody.”

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to the press ,while expressing pleasant surprise and joy at the Government’s action which they described as novel ,prayed for God’s guidance and protection for all those behind the programme that has lifted their spirits.

IKB Igboanugo Grieves As Medical Doctor Son Dies In US Auto Crash

The Source

May 14, 2024

By Angela Itama

IKB soap and cream, remember those IKB range of cosmetics brands that ruled the cosmetics world in the mid 1980s and 90s? Well, the man behind the highly successful brands, Chief IKB Igboanugu, the CE0 of IKB industries Ltd is grieving.

His medical doctor son, Dr Uzochukwu Davis Igboanugo, has died in the United States of America.He was killed while driving home after work.

Chief Igboanugo who confirmed the tragic incident in a Facebook post on Monday rued that a drunk driver fell asleep at the wheel while speeding on the highway and rammed into his son’s car.

Paying glowing tribute to his late son, the bereaved industrialist described Dr Uzochukwu as “a very happy, intelligent, friendly, caring, nice and loving boy”

Laments Chief Igboanugo: “I lost my son three weeks ago, I have been crying like a baby. A medical doctor (Ophthalmologist) in America,” Chief Igboanugo.

“An accident victim of a drunkard who fell asleep while speeding on the highway, jumped his lane in the opposite direction and hit with speed force on the driver’s side door where my son was as he was driving home after work.

“We can’t question God as He has the final decision.

“Always pray as a parent not to lose any of your children irrespective of his behaviour because loss of a child can k!ll any parent.

“Uzochukwu my son was a very nice boy, always happy, intelligent, friendly, caring, loving, sociable etc.

“He was 32yrs old, not yet married despite my nagging, he sacrificed all his time and achieved Ophthalmology which is a very difficult medical course in the history of reading medicine to become a medical doctor.

“Since his death I have been going through mental and psychological trauma as my doctor has been warning me.

“My wife also has not been her self. Pls don’t wish your worst enemy this type of tragedy, now I pray for anybody who has not lost his child never to experience it. It is hellish and a disaster”

He prayed for the repose of his son’s soul: “Uzochukwu my son you are now in God’s bosom and working for Him that was why He took you this early. As your soul will rest in God’s bosom in Jesus name”

Ondo SIEC Set To Conduct LG Poll, Fixes July 13

Ayodele Oni

May 14, 2024

Independent National Electoral Commission

By Ayodele Oni

After several postponements, the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), is set to conduct elections in the 18 Local Government Areas and 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

The Commission has fixed July 13 for the exercise during which 18 council and 33 LCDA chairmen and councilors will be elected.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Joseph Aremo, who disclosed this at a meeting with political parties in the state, assured that the elections would hold as scheduled.

He called for the cooperation of all the stakeholders including security operatives to conduct peaceful elections in the 18 Councils and the 33 LCDAs across the state.

According to him, the timetable and outline of activities for the conduct of the elections did not change as it was planned.

He advised the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) as the umbrella body of political parties in the state on the need to communicate the readiness of the Commission on the polls to others not in attendance.

In the guidelines for the elections, the political parties are expected to commence their primaries on May 13 and end it on June 3.

Aremo appealed to all the representatives of the political parties at the meeting to stick to days programmed by the Commission for the conduct of their primaries.

He urged them to pick their candidates within the LCDAs they belong to avoid litigation.

His words “We are conducting elections into 203 wards for the position of councilorship and two positions which include chairmen in 18 councils and 33 LCDAs. On our part, we are set. All we need is your cooperation.

“The essence of the meeting is to charge and prepare political parties ahead of the elections. We are not rescheduling again as the day is sacrosanct.”

Speaking, the State Chairman of IPAC, Mr. Olaoluwa Adesanya, commended the chairman of the commission for his preparation to ensure the elections are held.

He, therefore, assured the Commission of IPAC’s cooperation towards the conduct of credible elections.

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