Again Sokoto Islamic Scholar Shuns Sultan’s Directives, Hold EId El Fitri Prayers In The Caliphate With Followers

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April 10, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In an open challenge to the authority of the Sultan of Sokoto as the Spiritual Head of all Muslim Ummah in Nigeria, Sheikh Musa Lukwa on Tuesday, April 9 2024, led his followers to observe the Eid-El-Fitri prayers in Sokoto, I n complete defiance of the Sultan’s earlier pronouncement for the Sallah prayers to be held on Wednesday, April 10 .

Based on an earlier arrangement, the Federal Government had declared Tuesday April 8 and Wednesday April 9 as public holidays to enable Muslim Faithful across the country observe the Eid El Fitri celebrations.

But an announcement late on Monday, April 8, by Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, shifted the Sallah celebration to Wednesday, citing the non-sighting of the moon as reason. The development forced the Federal Government to extend the public holidays to Thursday, April 11, thus making it a three-day public holiday.

However, Sheikh Lukwa, known for his defiance of Islamic authorities over the years, led his followers to Sallah prayers at his Jummat Mosque in Sokoto on Tuesday. He insisted that contrary to the Sultan Muhammad Sa,ad Abubakar led Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs position, which, like Saudi Arabia authorities, maintained that the Crescent Moon was not sighted on Monday, that the moon of Shawwal was sighted in neighbouring Niger Republic on Monday.

“We have a verified video clip of their ( Niger Republic) Council of Ulamah authenticating the report after which the Country declared Tuesday as Sallah day.

“So, it is now binding on us to observe Eid El Fitri on Tuesday because this is what the teachings of the Holy Prophet enjoins ” Sheikh Lukwa declared on Tuesday.

According to him,if Muslim Ummah in Nigeria can accept pronouncements from Saudi authorities, there is no reason to disagree with those made by Niger Republic Islamic authorities which he said are even closer to Nigeria.

Sheikh Lukwa added that much as he is “not insisting that all Muslims in Nigeria observe the Eid on Tuesday, there is no moral justification not to observe it because the moon was sighted by the country’s neighbours, Niger Republic on Monday April 8.”

Group Cautions Governor Yusuf Over Rift With Ganduje, Says He Is Incompetent

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The Source

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April 10, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A pro democracy group under the aegis of Kano Patriots has cautioned Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf against preoccupying himself with imaginary battles with equally non-existent foes. The Group insisted that threading on such self manufactured distracting antics will lead to the absence of good governance in the State.

This is even as it has advised the Governor to concentrate and work towards how to pull the citizenry out of the prevailing hard economic situation, adding that he should not hesitate to seek help if he is bereft of ideas on how to move the the state forward .

The Kano Patriots, in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 9 2024 and signed by its President, Barrister Aliyu Mohammad, said the decision of Governor Yusuf to institute an inquest into activities of the immediate past administration of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje is tantamount to wasting the state resources on frivolities.

The Source reports that Governor Yusuf had on Wednesday last week, put in place two probe panels to separately look into alleged cases of misappropriation of public assets and politically motivated violence and killings in Kano between 2015 and 2023.

However, his exclusion of the eight-year reign of his political godfather and National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the searchlight of the panels, has drawn flaks, particularly, from the camp of the All Progressive Congress APC, and its supporters who have since branded the panels as a witch-hunting machine.

But rather than embark on such futile and distracting journey, the Kano Patriots said Governor Yusuf should start to count in days ,hours,and minutes of the remaining months and years he has to spend in office ,and how best he could use them to improve the lots of kano citizens.

It insisted that presently, and considering the weight and distracting effects of the orchestrated probe into the activities of his immediate predecessor in office, Governor Yusuf could be likened to “a man using his legs to pursue crickets while at the same time carrying elephant on his head ”

“The problem with some of our leaders is that they don’t know the difference between politics and governance and they find it difficult most times to separate the two .

“Governor Abba Yusuf of all people should know that the era of politics and politicking is gone and the earlier he settles down to the business of governance ,the better for him and the entire kano people.

“It is very wrong to be playing active politics when the entire world looks up to you to deliver on good governance.

“If it is not petty politics, how on earth would you describe the probe of your immediate predecessor who is of a different political party and you refused to include the Governor before him, simply because he is of the same political lineage with you? Why can’t the probe include the tenure of Kwankwaso ? ” the Kano Patriots queried.

The Group further stated that going by the glaringly lopsided composition and mandate of the probe panels, it is in complete agreement with the earlier position of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC National Chairman, that Governor Yusuf is out to shift public attention from his failures and incompetence in the face of the humongous resources at his disposal.

“The Governor is suffering from incompetence and lack of direction. If he is bereft of ideas on how to move the state forward from where he met it ,he should seek help or ask those who have passed through the terrain before to guide him rather than be chasing shadows.

“If he continues like this, we are afraid his case would turn out to be the worst form of incompetence . It is already established that he lacks focus and has not delivered anything tangible since he assumed office ” the group stated.

Julius Abure’s LP NWC: Party Leadership, NLC Bear Fangs, Voids It

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Ayodele Oni

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April 10, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has voided the return of Labour Party (LP) National Chairman Julius Abure and his National Working Committee (NWC). They were returned at a controversial National Convention held recently in Nnewi, Anambra State.

The NLC, in a communique issued at the end of its Political Commission Stakeholders meeting in Abuja, passed a vote of no-confidence on the convention and the leadership that emerged from it.

The communique made available to newsmen on Tuesday, was signed by the Chairman of NLC Political Commission, Theophilus Ndubuaku; former President of NLC, Abdulwahed Omar; and the Chairman of Board of Trustees of Labour Party, S.O.Z. Ejiofor; among others.

But reacting, the leadership of LP declared that the Political Commission of the NLC is a front empowered for the purpose of one man’s political ambition come 2027.

“The group is unknown to the Labour Party as such lacks powers to convene a meeting of ‘stakeholders’ to deliberate let alone take any decision which will have a binding effect on a legally constituted party leadership.

“The group has been mandated by Ajaero to ensure that crisis in Labour Party festers ahead of the 2027 by presenting itself as a rallying ground for dissident former members of our party who recently lost the leadership battle in the courts.

“We are also not unmindful of the political pact the leadership of the NLC has gone into with the current All Progressives Congress – led Federal Government to distabilise the opposition.”

The NLC stakeholders had resolved that the transition committee should conduct the affairs of the party pending the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive national convention.

They noted that once constituted, the transition committee should fully take over the secretariats of the Party all over Nigeria.

The union stated: “The Transition Committee shall immediately set up an assets recovery process of all the properties of the Labour Party.

“The Transition Committee shall also ensure that all the cases of fraud, impersonation and forgery of government documents pending against a few discredited former officers of the Labour Party are forensically audited.

“It should ensure that the culprits are diligently prosecuted as demanded by leader of the Labour Party – Mr Peter Obi.

“It is unfortunate that the actions of these few dishonourable characters have splashed mud on the white satin of Labour Party.”

The NLC further stated that the transition committee should within three months of its constitution ensure the conduct of an inclusive national convention of the Party.

It added that the process should start from ward congresses to local government congresses to state congresses culminating in an all-inclusive and expansive national convention in Abuja.

It said: “In pursuant to the foregoing, the Transition Committee is mandated by the stakeholders meeting to begin the process of revalidation of current members of the Labour Party.

“Also the registration of new members through the issuance of new membership cards and receipt of membership dues for the purpose of the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive national convention of the Labour Party.

“It is expected that this mobilisation drive will yield in the first instance a total membership strength of 10 million.”

The union noted that the stakeholders agreed that INEC and others should be officially written immediately to recognize the transition committee as the interim leadership of the Labour Party.

Paris 2024 Olympic: Super Falcons Breaks 16 Years Jinx, Defeats South Africa, Books Olympic Ticket

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 10, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

After 16 Years absence at the Olympics, the Super Falcons of Nigeria have booked the ticket for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games by defeating its arch rivals, Bayana Bayana of South Africa 1-0 on aggregate.

Rasheedat Ajibade’s lone strike in the first leg of the Olympic Qualifiers at the Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola Stadium in Abuja was all the Nigerian side needed to get one of the two tickets meant for Africa.

At the second leg in Pretoria, the Super Falcons curtailed the attacking prowess of the South Africans to a salvage a goalless draw and book the much needed ticket.

Coach Randy Waldrum thus broke the 16-year jinx of the continued absence of the Super Falcons at the World’s most prestigious Sports Event. Its last outing was at Beijing Olympics 2008 in China.

For the tournament in Paris, the Super Falcons is drawn in a tough-looking first round group that has world champions Spain, Japan and Brazil.

Stalemate Over New Olubadan As Otun Balogun Declares He’s Unfit

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Ayodele Oni

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April 10, 2024

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Tajudeen Ajibola - Otun Balogun of Ibadan

By Ayodele Oni

The Ibadan City in Oyo state may remain without a Monarch for long following a declaration by one of the Paramount Chiefs.

Tajudeen Ajibola, Otun Balogun of Ibadan, said that his immediate senior in the line of the Olubadan system is not fit to become a Monarch now.

Ajibola who made this known at a press conference held in his Ibadan home, said that the Olubadan-designate be given time to be healthy before he is pronounced.

The new twist is coming few hours after a meeting initiated by Ibadan elders ended peacefully, with Ladoja promising to withdraw a case against the elevation of his fellow high Chiefs to Obaship status in Court.

Since the demise of the immediate past Olubadan, his presumed predecessor has been elusive fueling speculations that he may be having health challenges

This was just as the lawyer who will be 80 in September said that the seat should remain vacant for now.

He noted that Olakulehin can’t be appointed currently because he’s not medically fit and this is a major requirement for appointment.

“Before Olubadan can be elected, certain conditions must be fulfilled. It’s not just about being the most senior.

“You must not have been in prison for more than six months. You must be medically fit. You must not be blind and you must be able to recognize people and move around. Even if the kingmakers recommend you, the Governor can reject it based on any of these conditions.

“Our contention is based on all these. Can he perform? If he can perform, then yes. Nobody is in rivalry with him. Health-wise, he’s not fit for now. He can’t recognize anyone. When he’s well, we will enthrone him.

“He is being forced. They know he is not well. I wish he can talk himself and say this is what I want. The rule says he must be able to recognize and speak to his people.

“He need to recover. It’s obvious he’s not well enough. He won’t be enthroned in the room. He need to go to Mapo and all of that. Some people are not thinking of Ibadan’s interest. They are only thinking of their own interest.”

Speaking on the time limit for the nomination of a new Olubadan, the Ibadan chief noted that it’s a matter of interpretation.

“There’s no law that places any consequence if we don’t announce a new person within 21 days. The Governor is the custodian of law.

“There are traditions we have to follow. If he’s not feeling fine, how can we do that? Ibadan people have not even been able to see him. During Oba Lekan Balogun’s time, we all saw him.”

Multiple High Rise Building Collapses, As Fire Razes Lagos Market

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 9, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Less than 24 hours after Firefighters and other emergency officials put off the fire that razed the Apongbon Market in Lagos, another fire disaster has befallen the Dosunmu Market and traders are counting their loses.

The inferno led to the collapse of four storey high rise buildings. Properties worth hundreds of millions were destroyed and lost.

The buildings were said to have caved in due to the intensity of the fire that had continued to rage since it emanated on Tuesday at about 11.10 a.m inside the market in Lagos Island Local Government Area of the State.

It was gathered that the fire disaster emanated from a section of the market and started spreading to adjoining buildings due to high inflammable materials stocked by the traders inside their stores in the affected buildings.

The fire could have spread beyond the market but the intervention of emergency officials attached to the Lagos State fire service and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, curtailed the inferno from spreading further.

Confirming the incident, Ibrahim Farinloye, the the Southwest Coordinator for National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Head, Public Education, Lagos State Fire Service, Amodu Shakiru, disclosed that efforts have been intensified to put it out.

Police Arrests Suspected Killers Of DPO, Inspector And Burning Of Ahiazu Mbaise Police Formation

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The Source

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April 9, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Imo State Police authorities on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, announced that they have apprehended the key suspect in the dastardly attack on a police formation in the Mbaise area of the state that claimed the lives of a Divisional Police Officer DPO and an Inspector in November 2023.

The Imo police Command Spokesperson Henry Okoye, who disclosed this, noted that the suspect believed to be a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB ,was arrested on Monday April 8 after a long drawn gun battle .at their camp in Amauze Aboh Mbaise Local Council of the State.

The suspect, Chidiebere Nwuzor, believed also to be the group’s driver according to the police statement, sustained gunshots injuries following a fierce gun duel with police operatives ,a development which forced him to surrender.

The Source reports that the arrested Okoye along side others accused of masterminding a series of criminal activities in Imo state ,particularly the November 2023 attack and burning of a police formation in Aboh Mbaise that resulted in the death of a DPO and an inspector ,has been on the wanted list of the police.

“The suspect Chidiebere Nwuzor has confessed to being a member of a deadly IPOB/ESN syndicate responsible for the enforcement of the sit-at-home order by the outlawed group and unleashing mayhem on unsuspecting citizens of the State.

He has confessed that he was recruited into the deadly terrorist group by Ebube Virus and Ishaka, who were earlier neutralized by security operatives in December 2023 and admitted that he drove the operation vehicle that was used in the attack that led to the killing of a DPO in Ahaizu Mbaise in November 2023” the police stated

The police authorities have said that the suspect will be prosecuted as soon as full investigations in the matter are concluded.

Zamfara Most Wanted Bandit Kingpin Adamu Aliero, Faces Hard Times, Amidst Sustained Attacks by the Nigerian Airforce, NAF

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The Source

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April 9, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The days of reckoning for Adamu Aliero the most wanted and vicious Zamfara banditry lord appear numbered.

Sustained and well co-ordinated aerial bombardment of his camps by the Nigerian Air Force in the last few days ,have left his camps known to be the stronghold of kidnappings and banditry elements operating in Zamfara state and neighbouring states of Kaduna and katsina in disarray.

The Source gathered authoritatively that Aliero’s strongest operational camp located in the Munhaye area of Zamfara and from where about 80% of kidnappings and other criminal activities are planned and executed not only in Zamfara, but most parts of the Northwest has since last weekend been subjected to heavy attacks by the Airforce, resulting in the decimation of a large numbers of his foot soldiers.

A local revealed on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, that series of aerial attacks on Aliero’s Camp between last Saturday and early hours of Monday April 8, have seriously disrupted the notorious bandit’s operations and Criminal Network so much that he is most unlikely to hold out for long .

Aliero, believed widely to be the mastermind of most abductions, kidnappings,and the regime of terror and unbridled criminal activities in mostly Katsina, Kaduna, and Zamfara States, has been on the most wanted list of security agencies in the last two years .

However, with a wide criminal network and alleged collaboration with some highly placed Zamfara and Northern elements who are believed to be offering him subtle supports for some unexplainable reasons, Aliero has managed to evade arrest by the security agencies.

One local source told this Magazine, that the planning and abduction of the Kuriga school children on March 7′ has the imprimatur of Adamu Aliero and his men ,allegedly backed by some powerful collaborative forces .

The continued evasion of arrest by the notorious bandit kingpin believed to be responsible for the general reign of terror and abductions of vulnerable people ,has been largely attributed to the information always made available to him ,by his powerful collaborators concerning the operational plans of security agencies against him.

However, with the success rate of the recent air strikes on his strongholds and the monumental loses suffered ,many locals and government officials in Zamfara state ,have been expressing high hopes that the era of mass abductions, kidnappings and killings of innocent people in the state and the North appears to be coming to an end.

Many residents of Munhaye, Aliero’s stronghold,are said to have started heaving a sigh of relief,owing to the somewhat renewed commitment by the security agencies, particularly the NAF ,in stamping out the bandits and their operations .

Not a few are upbeat ,that sustained operations ,like the ones being carried out by the NAF will bring respite and ensure the protection of lives and property of the people.

President Tinubu Felicitates Muslims At Eid-el Fitr

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Ayodele Oni

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April 9, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has felicitated the Muslims at Eid-el-Fitr, that signifies the end of Ramadan.

The President stated that the period was also a hallowed season, which reflected total submission to God Almighty and to His command of sacrifice and service to humankind.

This was contained in a statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngalele on Wednesday.

“The President greets the Muslim faithful in Nigeria and all around the world, praying that their supplications and sacrifices this season and even after will receive the fitting rewards from Almighty Allah.

“As he emphasized during an iftar with Nigeria’s leaders of thought and conscience, President Tinubu appeals to all citizens to come together and rededicate themselves to the noble duty of building the nation, stating.

“We are the sculptor, and Nigeria is the clay; we build it the way we desire.

“The President prays that the lessons, blessings, and the joys of this season abide with us always while wishing Nigerians, Happy Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.”

APC Vetting Committee Dismisses Report On Gov Aiyedatiwa’s Forged Certificate, Clears Other Aspirants

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Ayodele Oni

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April 9, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress, (APC), Vetting Committee, has cleared all 16 aspirants who obtained nomination forms to face the Party’s Screening Committee.

The Vetting Committee also recommended that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa did not forge his WAEC certificate contrary to allegation by another Aspirant, Olugbenga Edema.

ThIs is contained in a statement issued by Prof Abdulkarim Kana, Chairman of the Vetting Committee released on Wednesday in Akure.

The Committee received a petition from Gbenga Omogbemi Edema, one of the Aspirants, alleging certificate forgery against Governor Orimisan Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

“The Committee decided to verify the School Certificate allegedly forged by checking online from the website of the West Africa Examination Council.

“The Committee found no credible evidence to substantiate the allegation of certificate forgery against Orimisan Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

“The committee verified Governor Aiyedatiwa‘s WAEC Result and confirmed it is genuine and in compliance with the party’s guidelines.

“The Committee therefore urge all aspirants to desist from making unfounded allegations that could undermine the credibility of the party primaries.

“Based on the findings of the vetting process, the committee recommends the following: All aspirants are cleared to participate in the Screening Exercises.

“The Vetting Committee is confident that the vetting process has been conducted with integrity and transparency.

“The Committee’s recommendations are aimed at ensuring that only qualified and credible aspirants are presented for the party primaries, in line with the party’s commitment to internal democracy and good governance.”