Durbar Suspension: Kano Demands Federal Government’s Compensation

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June 8, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

After spearheading the disruption of the celebration of their religious and cultural heritage- Sallah Durbar, the Kano State Government has demanded from the Federal Government a handsome compensatory package.

At the occasion of the traditional Sallah homage to the Governor by the factional Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido on Sunday, June 8, 2025, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs,Tajo Uthman said the people deserve to be compensated for having the all important fiesta aborted for two consecutive years.

The Source reports that since May 23, 2024, when the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero was unceremoniously removed and supplanted with Sanusi, the ancient Kano Emirate has been parading two Emirs

Both have been laying claim to the coveted royal crown with Sanusi holding court at the City Main Palace ,while Bayero, the eldest son of the 13th Emir, late Ado Bayero, is holding out at the Nassarawa Palace GRA Kano.

The insistence of the duo to simultaneously hold the Sallah Durbar and the resultant tension and anxiety have prompted security agencies to order a pause on the religious and cultural fiesta to avoid a possible breakdown of law and order.

But Uthman noted that the State has suffered serious economic losses owing to the cancelation of the Durbar.

According to him, the ceremony usually attracts, on yearly bases, a considerable number of local and international tourists to the state ,with its concomitant economic advantages which adds to the gross domestic product GDP.

He emphasized the huge importance of the yearly festival,which several international organizations including the UNESCO have acknowledged its positive impacts.

“The Durbar is recognized by the UNESCO as a very important religious and cultural heritage, and during the festivities. Kano generates significant revenue from both local and international tourists.

“Its cancelation for two consecutive years now has considerably impacted negatively on the state’s economy ,so much so that it is affecting the overall performance of Kano budget.

“So it is high time ,we the people of Kano demanded compensation for the huge economic losses we have incurred in the last two years”, Uthman stated

Projects Initiated By Previous Administration In Ondo Receiving Attention – APC

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Ayodele Oni

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June 8, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress, (APC) Ondo State Chapter, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is just seeking attention with its remark accusing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of abandoning projects inherited by his administration.

APC stated that “It is apparent that the PDP is resorting to a desperate attempt to regain relevance by fabricating claims that lack any basis in fact.

“Since the victorious governorship election won by our party, the PDP has emerged as a vocal antagonist, seemingly more interested in creating discord than offering constructive criticism.”

In a statement signed by Steve Otaloro, Director, Media & Publicity APC, Ondo State claimed that “Firstly, we would like to emphasize that all projects initiated under the previous administration of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu are receiving the attention they deserve.

“Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa views the past administration as an extension of his own, as he served as Deputy Governor during that time.

“It is, therefore, nonsensical for the PDP to suggest that Governor Aiyedatiwa would undermine the legacy he helped build by neglecting ongoing projects.

“In fact, Governor Aiyedatiwa has recently commissioned several road projects and infrastructure developments, including the Oda road and its extensions, which were foundationally laid by the late Governor Akeredolu.

“These actions reflect our commitment to continuity and progress, rather than the abandonment of vital projects.

“It is ironic that the PDP, a party that sought to overturn the people’s mandate granted to Governor Aiyedatiwa during the November 16, 2024 governorship election but dismissed at the tribunal, now resorts to a campaign of disinformation.

“Their attempts to discredit the governor through baseless propaganda are not only misguided but also reflect their own internal struggles and declining relevance.

“We encourage the PDP to focus on addressing the challenges within their party, which has seen significant defections, including that of sitting governors, rather than concocting lies to mislead the public.

“It is time for them to engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute positively to the development of Ondo State.

“The APC stands firm in its commitment to the people of Ondo State and will continue to prioritize the completion of all projects that benefit our citizens. We urge the PDP to abandon their divisive tactics and join us in working towards a brighter future for all.”

Presidency To Amaechi: “Two Years After, You Have Not Gotten Over Pain Of Defeat”

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Adesina Soyooye

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June 8, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Rotimi Amaechi, a former Transportation Minister, who was, also, a former two-term Governor of Rivers State, has come under the sledge hammer of the Presidency.

Amaechi had, while speaking at his 60th birthday recently, had questioned the utilization of fuel subsidy savings under the Government of President Bola Tinubu’s.

The former Minister under the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari, had worried over what he saw as a “misdirection of national resources.” He alleged that subsidy removal gains were going into “private pockets.”

Amaechi: “If I were President, yes, I would pursue some of the policies they are pursuing, but ask what the failure is: the failure is that the gains of those policies are in their private pockets.

“At one point, we were paying between four to five trillion Naira as subsidy; where is the money now? If it had been injected into the economy, you would not be hearing complaints.”

But in a response to Amaechi, posted online, by the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, the Presidency hit Amaechi and dismissed his claims

as “misleading and politically motivated.”

On what is pushing Amaechi, Olusegun, said:

“More than two years after his primary election loss, it appears Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has not gotten over the legitimate pain of defeat. He is aligning with opposition forces and resurfacing on the political scene with outlandish comments, claims and falsehoods.

On fuel subsidy savings, Olusegun explained:

“In 2022 alone, the FG’s subsidy bill was ₦4.39 trillion — nearly half of what Nigeria spent on petrol subsidies over a nine-year span from 2006 to 2015. The real gain of subsidy removal was not in direct cash savings but in halting unsustainable borrowing and stopping the mortgaging of future oil revenues.

“Since January 2025, NNPCL began remitting 50% of crude oil revenues to the federation account, significantly increasing monthly disbursements to states.

“These tiers [of government] are not private pockets. Thanks to increased allocations, 33 states have repaid ₦1.85 trillion out of their ₦5.82 trillion in domestic debt — more than 30%. These are direct benefit of subsidy reforms.

Taking Amaechi on the foreign exchange reforms, Olusegun said “the previous multiple exchange rate system cost Nigeria over ₦13.2 trillion between 2021 and 2023 in what he termed “FX subsidy losses which went exclusively to private pockets.

“Under Tinubu’s administration, foreign reserves rose from $3.99 billion in 2023 to $23.11 billion in 2024, while over $10 billion was used to clear external obligations, including debts to international airlines.

“Nigeria is no longer on the IATA list of countries with blocked funds. This was possible due to increased FX liquidity.

“This administration is cleaning up the mess it inherited, including from individuals like Mr. Amaechi, who now seek to play the saint”.

Lagos Group Calls For Ambode’s Return

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James Orji

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June 8, 2025

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A group, South west Political Renaissance Group. SWPRG, has called on the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos state to end the political wilderness of Akinwumi Ambode, a former governor of the state.

The group said Ambode has remained loyal to the party despite the injustice done to him, saying he should be brought back to contest the next governorship election in the state.

According to the group, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secreatry, Dr Sylvester Oguntuase, it has also thrown its weight behidn the second term ition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring that it will mobilise Nigerians to ensure the re-election of the two politicians.

It stated that President Tiunubu deserves a second term because of his track records in the areas of infrastructure, economy and security

It disclosed that former Governor Ambode is the only governor in the state that served only one term in office, expressing dissatisfaction with the injustice that was do to the former governor.

Retrurning Ambode to the Lagos Government House will be ijn the spirit of fairness and justice, the group said.

Oguntuase: “We are unequivocally saying that both President Tinubu and His Excellency former governor Ambode are unapologetically our choices for 2027.

‘“Ambode, a fine gentleman, a patriot and a true party man who has remained loyal to his party despite injustices should be recognised and rewarded. It can only begin with offering him the right to first refusal of APC governorship ticket in Lagos 2027. We are committed to mobilising our members and entire Lagosians to back these two candidates who have indeed made us proud.”

Recall that former Governor Ambode’s plan to return to the Marina Government House was thwarted by some vested interest in the state, with the support of his godfather, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the defacto leader of the state.

The magazine reported that the two former allies parted ways before the 2019 governorship election over the struggle for the soul of the state.

The duo was believed to have reconciled sparking suggestions that the former governor is plotting a come back.

Ondo PDP Advises Aiyedatiwa To Complete Projects Initiated By Late Gov Akeredolu

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Ayodele Oni

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June 8, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of planning to destroy the legacy of his late predecessor, late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Aiyedatiwa was deputy to late Governor Akeredolu, but sworn in after his demise to complete the second term in 2023.

PDP said on Sunday that “The available facts showed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was not ready to go on with ongoing projects initiated by his predecessor because of his clear intention to destroy his legacy on the altar of political vendetta.

“Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was said to have boasted of his powers as the Executive Governor to stop any projects that do not catch his fancy and that those who had benefited from the projects by way of monetary and/or material rewards should also go ahead to look for means of financing the said projects to completion.

“Our Party has sufficient reasons to suspect very strongly that these allegations of an attempt to abandon and destroy his predecessor’s legacy could be very true.

“We have to come to this conclusion because one has to know why a governor, who has huge resources at his disposal would be going back and forth to simply complete projects left behind by his predecessor when the government is regarded as a continuum.”

The statement, signed by Leye Igbabo,

Director of Media And Publicity, PDP Ondo State, some of the abandoned road projects Ijoka road construction project,

Alagbaka Extension road project, Onyearugbulem Junction Flyover bridges and so many other abandoned projects.

“We can feel this level of animosity towards his predecessor’s camp such that the governor even refused to complete the ongoing 3 km Alagbaka Extension road project in front of his own house.

“While we concur that the Governor has unrestricted powers and capacity to vent or mobilize his anger against the camp of his perceived enemies, we view such a stance as puerile, immature, and ungrateful, and therefore caution the Governor to exercise restraints in the use of naked powers, as absolute powers belong to God.

“We requested the Governor to note that our Party, though an opposition with no direct benefit to the throne as at then, rose stoutly in defence of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, then a Deputy Governor, primarily to avert harm to our hard-earned constitutional democracy for which he became the sole beneficiary.

“Since it is God who gives power and has temporarily honoured him with the exalted office of the Governor, our Party encourages the Governor to act like the Biblical Joseph who, though suffered persecution and untold hardship in a foreign land, declined to punish his brothers for initially causing him such discomfort, after God had rescued and elevated him.

“We vehemently call on the Governor, at this juncture, to demonstrate copious gratitude to God Almighty, and in victory, exhibit large-heartedness to the people and particularly, consider the primary interest of the innocent masses who bear the brunt of the needless political brinkmanship and chicanery.”

APC Woos Gov Mutfwang

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James Orji

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June 8, 2025

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Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state is being courted by the All Progressives Congress, APC. The APC said its rank will be strengthened if the governor, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP dumps his party for the ruling party.

The call was made by the North Central Forum of the APC, which said it has a mandate from the ‘above’ to bring into its ranks the PDP governor, saying the state Chapter of the party must welcome the governor with open hands, adding that Mutfwang is a progressive politician.

According to the Chairman of the forum, Saleh Zazzaga, the APC is planning to swell its fold before the 2027 general election by bringing as many people as possible into the party, no matter the outcry against the party.

The party spoke amidst criticism that the country is gradually sliding into a one-party state under the ruling APC.

Not a few Nigerians and opposition leaders have lamented the danger of turning the country into a single party state.

Zazzanga said the fear is unwarranted and that the APC will press on with the directive by its leadership to bring in as many people as possible.

The North-Central All Progressives Congress Forum has renewed its call for Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the party, citing a directive from the party’s national leadership.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the Forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, said the call is aimed at strengthening the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

Zazzaga: “Our campaign is based on a directive from above. Governor Caleb Mutfwang is a progressive, and we believe he belongs in our great party, the APC.

“Those who have constituted themselves as cogs in the wheel of progress must tread with caution.

“No intimidation or blackmail will stop us from pursuing what is in the best interest of the APC.

In case the Plateau governor chose to fdefect to the APC, he will be the third state governor to join after Governor Sheriff Obovrewori of Delt and Umo Eno defected for the PDP to APC.

There are suggestions that other opposition governors are planning to defect to the APC before the 2027 election.

Democracy Day: President Tinubu To Address Joint Sitting Of National Assembly

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Ayodele Oni

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June 8, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

As part of programmes to commemorate June 12, which has been designated democracy day in Nigeria, the leadership and members of the House of Representatives will participate in a Special Joint Sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday.

This was contained in an internal memorandum issued by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, on Sunday to all members.

This is just as the Federal Government declared Thursday, as Public Holiday in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the Public Holiday declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, in a statement on Sunday by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.

He congratulated Nigerians on 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule in the country.

He said, “June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured.

“The last 26 years tell the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope renewed than ever.”

President Bola Tinubu is also expected to address the joint sitting.

The Special Joint Sitting is scheduled to hold at the House of Representatives Chamber, National Assembly Complex, commencing with preliminary proceedings ahead of the arrival of the President.

The theme for this year’s celebration is:

“26 Years of Democracy: Renewing Our Commitment to National Development.”

President Tinubu is expected to attend the occasion as Special Guest of Honour and will deliver an address to the Joint Sitting.

The programme will also feature goodwill messages from former presiding officers of the National Assembly and the conferment of National Honours on select legislators by Mr. President.

Reps spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jnr said in a statement that “This Joint Sitting represents a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

“It underscores the pivotal role of the National Assembly in safeguarding democratic values, fostering accountability, and advancing national development over the past 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule.

“The House of Representatives urges all Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Democracy Day as a time for reflection, renewed patriotism, and commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous, and united nation.”

Nigerian Pilgrims Survive Fire Incident In Makkah

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Ayodele Oni

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June 7, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that all 484 Nigerian pilgrims whose hotel was gutted by fire outbreak on Shari Mansur Street in Makkah are safe and accounted for.

The incident occurred at about 12 noon (KSA time) on Saturday, at the Imaratus Sanan Hotel, which was housing pilgrims from six Nigerian Private Tour Operator Companies.

In a statement signed by Fatima Usara, Assistant Director, Information and Publications Division, on behalf of the Chairman and CEO of NAHCON, Prof Abdullahi Usman, it was disclosed that immediate emergency response by the Saudi authorities and hotel management helped to contain the fire swiftly, preventing it from spreading throughout the building.

The statement read in part:

“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) confirms that all 484 Nigerian pilgrims affected by the fire incident at their hotel on Shari Mansur Street in Makkah are safe and accounted for.

“Following the outbreak, NAHCON’s Chairman and CEO, Prof Abdullahi Usman, was joined on a site visit by the Commissioner of Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, Alhaji Aliu Abdulrazak, and the Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Director Alidu Shutti.

“Their visit was to assess the situation on the ground and to prioritise the welfare of the affected pilgrims.

“Expressing concern, Prof Usman immediately ordered the relocation of all affected pilgrims to new accommodation in Mina, ensuring their safety and comfort.

“He commiserated with the pilgrims over the distress caused by the incident and assured that the Commission would provide all necessary support within its capacity to mitigate the impact of the fire.”

“The Chairman thanked Almighty Allah that no life was lost in this unfortunate incident and promised that NAHCON would work closely with the affected Tour Operators to guarantee the relocation and welfare of the pilgrims,” the statement added.

Inspections of the newly arranged accommodation have been completed, and resettlement of the pilgrims is underway.

NAHCON also commended the prompt response of the Saudi emergency services and the cooperation of the hotel staff in managing the fire outbreak effectively.

The Commission promised to provide further updates on the matter as necessary.

Nine Dead, 11 Seriously Injured, In Road Mishap In Jigawa State

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 7, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A head-on collision involving two Golf saloon vehicles in Kyaramma community, Ringim Local Council of Jigawa State on Saturday, June 7, 2025, has left no fewer than nine persons dead, and others seriously injured.

A statement from the Jigawa State Police spokesperson, Lawan Shiisu Adam, informed that one of the vehicles was heading from Abuja to Gujungu town in Jigawa state, while the other was coming from Hadejia in Jigawa State to Kano when they collided.

All the victims of the accident, according to Adam, were taken to the Ringim General Hospital for medical attention where unfortunately, nine persons were pronounced dead by doctors.

While 11 injured persons are currently receiving medical assistance, the police spokesman informed that the dead have been released to their families for burial after the conduct of an autopsy.

“We regret to inform the public of a tragic motor vehicle accident that occurred earlier today, Saturday June 7,2025 , at around 02000hrs, in Kyaramma Village, Ringim Local Government Area of Jogawa State.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the accident involved two Golf 3, saloon vehicles with reg.no Kaduna MKA 687 AY driven by one Adamu Sanusi of Hadejia LGA coming from Abuja heading to Gujungu town and ,Golf 3 with reg. no KWL 606 KA driven by one Bashari Danjummai of Sauna Nasarawa LGA, Kano state coming from Hadejia heading for Kano.

“On reaching Kyaramma village, the vehicles had a head on collision. As a result, nine persons lost their lives while several others were injured to varying degrees.

“The injured victims were rushed to Ringim General Hospital where nine passengers ,including the two drivers ,were pronounced dead by the doctor”, the police statement reads in part.

According to Adam, efforts are ongoing to identify all victims as well as establish contact with their various families.

This is just as the Jigawa state Commissioner of Police CP A T Abdullahi sent his sincere condolences to the families ,relations and friends of the victims of the unfortunate road mishap.

While also praying for the quick recovery of the injured persons, the CP emphasized the need for drivers, and other road users to exercise restraint,and always adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations.

Defection To APC: “Governor Eno Betrayed My Trust In Him” – Fmr Gov. Emmanuel

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Adesina Soyooye

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June 7, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

The immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has said that his successor, Pastor Umo Eno, not only disappointed him, but betrayed him. He said that Eno also betrayed the people of Akwa Ibom who voted him into office in 2023.

Eno was picked by Emmanuel as his successor among other choices open to him under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. But on Friday, June 6, 2025, two years into his first four-year tenure, Eno dumped the PDP, and defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Not only did he defect, but two weeks before that, he gave members of his cabinet an ultimatum to defect with him to the APC or quit. Three of them already did.

But expressing his disappointment in Eno Emmanuel in a statement he issued on Saturday expressed shock.

In the statement Emmanuel said: “I’m deeply surprised by this development. This is a time when Nigerians are facing severe challenges—hardship, insecurity,

and a high cost of living.

“One would expect any well-meaning leader to

distance themselves from the party responsible for these problems.

“Instead, we see the governor throwing his weight behind the same

party.

“We all know the Governor is desperate. He is fighting tooth and nail to

secure a second term.

“But mark today—Akwa Ibom people will stand against such desperation.

“I want to congratulate the Commissioners and other appointees who had

the courage to resign.

“It shows that we still have people of integrity who put the people first.

“I call on PDP members not to be intimidated. We will reclaim our mandate in 2027 with the support of the good people of Akwa Ibom

State.”

Aside from the three Commissioners who resigned from the Cabinet, it is reported that 15 Members of the House of Assembly refused to defect with Eno.