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Kano Royal Crisis: NSA Issues  24-Hour Ultimatum To Kano Govt “Apologise, Or Risk Legal  Action”

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

For linking him with events which led to the return of the Kano State-deposed 15th  Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, to the Nasarawa Place of the Kano Emirate on Saturday, May 25, 2024, by  the  Kano State Government, the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu has signaled his resolve to seek legal remedy against the Kano State authorities.

However, the legal battle can be avoided if the Kano State Government will, within the next 24 hours, retract its allegations which suggested that the NSA provided all the logistical support ,including aircrafts and security operatives that escorted Ado Bayero back to the palace after vacating it on Friday May 24, in diference to earlier directives of Governor Yusuf .

The Source reports that the Kano State authorities apparently feeling frustrated by the sudden return of Bayero, had, through the Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalami Gwarzo, pointedly accused the person and office of the  NSA of masterminding the the return and occupation of the palace by Ado Bayero.

Gwarzo, while speaking with the media at Gidan Rumfa Emirate Palace at the weekend, alleged that the NSA made available two private jets, and security operatives to ferry the kano state deposed- Emir Bayero back to the palace, with intents to breach the peace and stability of the state .

“The National Security Adviser gave two jets to bring the dethroned Emir to Kano and to bring him to the Palace .We have not understood their intentions” the Kano Deputy Governor alleged.

Although, Spokesperson for the office of the NSA Zakari Mijinyawa had on same day Saturday May 25 disassociated the office of the NSA from any involvement in the festering kano royal crisis ,the Source reports that Ribadu is set to approach the court for the purpose of clearing his name.

A letter addressed to the Kano state Government by his Counsels, Aliyu & Musa Chambers ,the  demanded a retraction of the allegation ,and  an unreserved public apology from the Kano state Government within 24 hours or face a legal action.

In the letter, Counsel to the NSA described the kano State Government allegations as not only unfounded and malicious, but also intended to impugn the reputation of the person and office of the NSA.

Kano Royal Stool Tussle: Governor Correct, Adhered To Constitution – Atiku Abubakar

By
Ayodele Oni
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Atiku Abubakar

By Ayodele Oni

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has described as an “invitation to anarchy,” the deployment of soldiers in Kano State in the tussle over the throne of the ancient city.

Speaking via a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, on Saturday, he also opined that the action could lead to an upset for the peace and security of the state.

Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, also described the soldiers’ deployment by the federal government as a breach of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He added that Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf adhered to the law and constitution to repeal the Emirates Council Law which annulled the five Emirates created by his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje, in 2019.

Atiku said: “The situations happened within the confines of the law and in compliance with the powers conferred on the Governor as provided by Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended; and also in consultation with the Kingmakers of Kano, reappointed Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano State and accordingly handed him a letter of appointment.

“It is surprising that in the early hours of today, exactly at about 5:30 a.m. the former Emir of Kano, His Majesty Aminu Ado Bayero backed by Federal might made their way into the Nasarawa Palace of the Kano Emirate while the reappointed Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II was at the Gidan Dabo, which is the main residence of the Emir of Kano.

“In this wise, the former Emir could not have made his way into the Nasarawa Palace without the support of the Federal Government having done so with the support of the Army and other security personnel in his company.

“The deployment of soldiers in extra-constitutional matters such as this undermines the integrity of the Nigerian military.

“We need to remind the Tinubu administration that Kano State is known for peace and harmony spanning thousands of years and any attempt to destablise the peace of the Land of Commerce shall be resisted.

“Recall that Muhammadu Sanusi II was dethroned on 9th March 2020, Kano forged on in peace without any fracas.

“We wish to state unequivocally that if for any reason, law and order breaks down in Kano State, particularly Kano Municipal, the Federal Government should be held responsible as the act of providing security cover to the former Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero to come back to Kano is an invitation to anarchy.

“The Federal Government does not have the jurisdiction to interfere in the internal affairs of any State in Nigeria in the spirit of true federalism as enshrined in Section 2(1) and (3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the dichotomy provided by the Exclusive and Residual List therein respectively.”

Former EFCC Boss, Ibrahim Lamorde, Dies

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Ibrahim Lamode

By Akinwale Kasali

A former Chairman Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Lamode is dead.

Aged 61 years, Lamorde, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, died in Egypt.

He had been battling with ill-health for years, but inspite of that carried on his duties with patriotic zeal.

Lamorde was appointed to the exalted position of the anti graft agency in 2011, and held sway till 2015. He was succeeded by Ibrahim Magu, a now retired Assistant Inspector General of Police.

Lamorde served as the third Executive Chairman of the EFCC between 2011 and 2015. He was first appointed in an acting capacity in November 2011 after his predecessor, Farida Waziri, was removed by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Lamorde was confirmed as the substantive chairman of the commission by the Senate on February 15, 2012.

Born on 20, December, 1962 in Mubi, Adamawa State, he attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology in 1984.

He joined the Nigerian Police Force in 1986.

He was the pioneer Director of Operations of the EFCC when the anti-graft agency was established in 2003 and  was Acting Chairman until Waziri was appointed and confirmed by the Senate in June 2008.

Lamorde returned to the EFCC as Director of Operations in December 2010 to replace Stephen Otitoju, the then Acting Director of Operations.

He will be buried Sunday according to Islamic Rites.

Kano: Atiku Kicks Against Alleged FG’s  Interference In  Royal Rumble

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Atiku Abubakar

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that the Kano State House of Assembly followed due process in its amendment of the State’s Emirate Law that resulted in the dethronement of five Emirs and the reinstatement of Muhammad Sanusi as Emir of Kano on Thursday May 23, 2024 .

This is even as he has accused President Bola Tinubu of meddlesomeness in the ongoing Kano Royal conflict.

In a statement he issued on Saturday, May 25 2024, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the 2023 general elections said the alleged President Tinubu’s  interference amounts to a serious constitutional breach.

“The action of the Federal Government in deploying Soldiers in kano in the tussle over the throne of the ancient city is an upset to the peace and security of the state and also a breach of the 1999 constitution as amended .

“In performing their constitutional duties of law making, the Kano astute House of Assembly passed the amended Kano State Emirates Council (repeal) Bill 2024 in consonance with the provision of section 4 of the constitution of 1999 as amended.

“Whereas the Governor of Kano State Abba Kabir Yusuf subsequently signed the bill into law .The law therefore repealed the 2019 version which balkanized the ancient Kano Emirate into five.

“The foregoing circumstances happened within the confines of the law and in compliance with the powers  conferred on the Governor by section 5 (2) of the 1999 constitution as amended .And also in consultation with the kingmakers reappointed Muhammad Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano state and accordingly handed him a letter of appointment.

“It is surprising that in the early hours of today, exactly at about 5 30 am, the former Emir of Kano ,His Majesty Aminu Ado Bayero backed by Federal might, made their way into the Nasarawa Palace of the Kano Emirate Council, while the reappointed Muhammad Sanusi II was at the Gidan Dabo, which is the main residence of the Emir of Kano

“In this wise, the former Emir would not have made his way into the Nasarawa Palace without the support of the Federal Government, having done so with the support of the army and other security personnel in his company.

The deployment of soldiers in extra constitutional matters such as this undermines the integrity of the Nigeria military” part of Atiku’s statement reads

Sokoto Grapples With N14b Unpaid Gratuities, Set To Release N4Billion

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ahmed Aliyu - Sokoto State Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu has revealed that he inherited N14 billion in accumulated gratuities from the previous administration.

The Governor, pointed out that retirees have not been paid from 2015 till date.

Governor Aliyu has, therefore, directed the release of N500 million every month to offset payment of gratuities in the State.

The directive came shortly after the presentation of report on the verification of unpaid gratuities between 2015 and 2023.

According to the report, the State has N14 billion in accumulated gratuities as no payment has been made since 2015.

The report added that about 5,000 retired workers await gratuities out of which over 900 were deceased.

Receiving the report, Aliyu noted that, the sum of N4 billion would be released for the payment of gratuities before the end of the year.

He further explained that the sum of N500 million would be released every month beginning from May, 29.

“This is to put smile on the faces of our retired civil servants and their families.

“So the claim of the immediate past Governor, Aminu Tambuwal is however found to be untruth and misleading.

“Because up till now there was no a single record available showing that our retirees were paid between 2015 and 2023.

“As I received this report, I hereby direct the release of the sum of four billion Naira for this year to offset the backlog of accumulated gratuities.

“The sum of N500 million will be paid monthly beginning from this month. I want to appeal to the beneficiaries to utilize the money in a manner it would be beneficial to their respective families.”

Children’s Day: Ondo Fetes Children With Noodles

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has released 10, 000 cartons of indomie noodles, Rice and local delicacy, Pupuru, made from cassava, Garri,  and combination packs of  Big Notes for school children as palliatives.

This is to commemorate the 2024 Children’s Day, celebration which comes up on Monday.

Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, (SUBEB) Victor Olabimtan, stated that the State Governor, Lucky  Aiyedatiwa, has approved the distribution of the palliative commodities to pupils in public primary schools and stakeholders in the basic education sector in the state.

According to Olabimtan, the commodities have been packaged in 10 kg each, as well as writing materials like Big Notes.

Director of Information, SUBEB, Bolu Ajijo explained in a statement on Saturday that the distribution of these items will be done to mark this year’s children Day celebration.

Olabimtan explained that the distribution of palliative commodities is part of the State Government’s deliberate efforts to cushion the effects of the rising cost of living on students, their parents, and to increase pupil enrollment in public primary schools.

He noted that the School Feeding Programme introduced by the Federal Government was aimed at combating the growing menace of out-of-school children in the country and encouraging pupil enrollment in public primary schools.

The SUBEB Boss commended the State Governor for this gesture, despite dwindling state resources and increasing needs from other critical sectors, saying it will go a long way in achieving the purpose of taming the menace of out-of-school children in the state and boosting enrollment in public primary schools.

INEC Publishes Details Of Candidates, Running Mates, Ahead Ondo Election, As Parties Submit Placeholder Names To Beat Deadline

By
Ayodele Oni
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Mahmood Yakubu - INEC Chairman

By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) on Saturday, officially released the final list of candidates for the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State.

The list, which comprised the personal details of the 17 governorship candidates and their running mates, was pasted at the Headquarters and local government offices of the Commission in the state.

The governorship election is scheduled to hold on November 16, 2024.

17 Political Parties met the Monday, May 20, INEC deadline for the submission of candidates’ list by the participating political parties.

The Governorship Candidates with their Deputies include – All Progressives Congress, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, Peoples Democratic Party, Agboola Ajayi, deputy, Samuel Ogunmusi, Accord Party, Ajibola Falaiye, deputy, Samuel lkuyajolu.

Others are Action Alliance, Omolere Akinuli, deputy, Oluwatosin Adeyemi; African Action Congress, Oluwaseyi Ajayi, deputy, Abiodun Lijofi; All Progressive Grand Alliance, Olatunji Popoola, deputy, Ayorinde Adedeji, and Allied Peoples Movement, lsaac Ogunfeyimi, deputy, Arowolo Afolabi.

They include Action Peoples Party, Babatunde Fadoju, deputy, Olarewaju Ajagunna; African Democratic Congress, Adeyemi Nejo, deputy, Rasheed Ibrahim; Labour Party, Ayodele Olorunfemi, deputy, Olabisi Adu; New Nigeria People’s Party, Oluwatosin Ayeni, deputy, Abike Omoyugbo; and Peoples Redemption Party, Babatunde Alli, deputy, Olusegun Famesa.

Also, Social Democratic Party, Olusegun Oyebolu, deputy, Gift Dada; Young Progressives Party, Otitoloju Akinmurele, deputy, Ayodele Obe; Youth Party, Kehinde Adegoke, deputy, Otitoleke Olupitan; and Zenith Labour Party, Abbas Mimiko, deputy, Opeyemi Fadoju.

Some of the names submitted as running mates are likely going to change as they are just meant to beat the INEC deadline.

For example, the name submitted by the PDP candidate, Agboola Ajayi as his running mate is that of his media aide, Sam Ogunmusi. Both of them come from the same Local Government

“Allow Us Resolve Kano Royal Crisis Amicably”, Ulamas Appeal To Tinubu, As NSA Distances Self From Conflict

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The office of the National Security Adviser,  NSA,  has distanced itself from the ongoing struggle for the Royal stool of Kano between Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and the immediate past occupier of the throne Muhammad Sanusi Lamido.

This is just as the State’s Council of Ulamas( Islamic Scholars ) has called on President  Bola Tinubu to explore all lawful means to arrest the Royal Crisis rocking Kano Emirate.

The Council urged that such intervention should come  soonest to prevent the crisis from engulfing the entire country.

The denial of the involvement of NSA Nuhu Ribadu in the brewing Kano Royal crisis is coming on the heels of the Deputy Governor of Kano’s allegations on Saturday May 25,  that the NSA in concert with the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress APC and immediate past Governor of the state Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, is behind the subtle moves to impose Emir Bayero on Kano people.

The Source reports that Governor Abba Yusuf had, on  Thursday, May 23, after signing into law a  bill abolishing the 2019 Emirates Law  earlier hurriedly passed same day by the House of Assembly reinstated Sanusi to the throne despite a restraining Court order.

However, security agencies in the state have insisted that they will  stick to the law, having been served with an order halting the dethronement of Emir Bayero.

But Speaking on Saturday, Aminu Gwarzo, the Deputy Governor maintained that Ribadu provided all the logistical support that brought back Emir Bayero to the Palace after being given 48 hours to vacate by the Kano State Government following his dethronement along side four others earlier on Thursday.

However, the Spokesperson for the office of the NSA, Zakari Miijinyawa, faulted the allegations as not only false, but surprising.

“I read the comments on social media where the Kano Deputy Governor was accusing the NSA of providing the aircraft  that returned Ado Bayero to the State. The NSA did not provide any air transport to any one to Kano”, Mijinyawa stated

Further speaking, he cautioned politicians against making inflammatory and/or incendiary statements capable of undermining the security of the country.

“Political actors should desist from misinforming the public as law enforcement officials in the State strive to maintain Peace and order ” the NSA Spokesman enjoined.

In a statement issued on Saturday; Sheikh Abdullahi Uwais,  alongside a host of others also called on the parties in the feud to eschew violent options in the pursuit of their interests.

The Ulamas appealed to the President to allow the people of Kano to attend to the problem from within through non-violent means.

“The State Assembly amended the Kano state Emirate laws and the Governor signed . One person took the case to court that the law violates his Fundamental Human Rights .He is entitled to his rights

“The State Governor, also, has his responsibility as the Chief Executive of the State as the act in question has already been completed

“Therefore, there is no need for violent enforcement of any order,  or violent resistance to it. We vehemently oppose any measures that will escalate the conflict in the state

“Mr President as the leader of the nation should not allow the contest for a Royal stool to degenerate to violence. We are calling on Mr President to allow the people of Kano State to resolve the issues amicably without the use of force and loss of lives” the Ulamas stated.

Kano: “There Will Be Justice” – Dethroned Emir Ado Bayero Assures Supporters

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Emir Aminu Ado Bayero

By Akinwale Kasali

Dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero in his first public reaction to his fate, amidst security tension in the State, following the arrest order against him by Governor Yusuf Abba has assured his subjects that justice will prevail.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had, on Thursday, dethroned Emir Bayero and four others, scrapped the existence of four other Emirates carved out from the Kano Emirate, and reinstated the 14th Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, as the 16th Emir.

Immediate past Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, had dethroned Sanusi, and banished him from Kano.

But on Thursday, his successor, Governor Yusuf, had Sanusi turbanned again as Emir.

He ordered the five Emirs he dethroned to vacate their Palaces within 48 hours, and on Saturday, raised the ante when he ordered  the Police  to  arrest  Ado Bayero for, allegedly, causing tension in the State.

His order was disregarded by the Police and other Security Agencies who are sticking to the ruling of a Federal High Court, Kano, presided over by the Honourable Justice Liman, who gave an order stopping the installation of Sanusi in a filed exparte motion, pending June 3 when the suit will be heard.

But speaking from one of the Palces where he is, after he returned to Kano Friday night, he appealed to the people to uphold the law and patiently await the resolution of this dispute through the legal process.

The dethroned Emir who spoke in Hausa said: “ I call on the people to remain law-abiding while awaiting the outcome of the legal process in this tussle.

“We call on the authority to do justice in this matter. Kano is a very influential state in Nigeria. Whatever affects Kano affects Nigeria.

“May peace reign in Kano. We pray for Allah to bless Kano with responsible and just leaders. Justice is the way to go on every issue.

“There will be justice.

“Nobody is above the law. We will accept whatever the law says. I appreciate all the people who have shown concern”.

2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Coach Finidi Name Strong Squad Ahead Of Benin Republic, South Africa Cracker

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles - Ademola and Victor Osimhen

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria’s Head Coach, Finidi George, has picked rave-of-the-moment Ademola Lookman, African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen and safe hands Stanley Nwabali among a crop of 23 players who will do battle with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

George also selected Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, England-based defenders Calvin Bassey and Femi Ajayi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Alhassan Yusuf, and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface and Terem Moffi.

Remo Stars’ hard-as-nails defender Sadiq Ismael is called for the first time, with Turkey-based midfielder Fisayo Bashiru, Bayer Leverkusen of Germany’s Nathan Tella and lanky forward Paul Onuachu also called.

Nigeria confronts South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Friday, 7th June starting from 8pm, and then fly to Abidjan to tackle Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Monday, 10th June starting from 4pm CIV time (5pm Nigeria time).

Full Lineup

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)

Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Sadiq Ismael (Remo Stars FC); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Benjamin Tanimu (Ihefu SC, Tanzania)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor, Turkey)

Forwards: Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France

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