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Tinubu Concerned Over Rising Cost of Food Items, Essential Drugs; Nigerians Blame Him

By
James Orji
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Pharmaceuticals

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed serious concern over the rising cost of food and essential drugs in the country.

The Nigerian president bared his mind in his New year message to Nigerians on January 1, 2025.

Tinubu, in the message sent to the citizens, to usher in the New year disclosed that his administration is on top of the situation, and is doing everything to push down the cost of food items and essential drugs.

He made known his administration’s  efforts to address problems in other sector of the  nation’s economy with the aim of bringing succour to Nigerians.

According to him, the cost of food items have remained high despite investment and expansion in the nation’s economy.

Apart from the cost of food commodities, Nigerians have cried out that cost of on-the- counter and prescribed drugs have become unaffordable.

For instance, some Nigerians living with AIDS and HIV recently appealed to the administration to intervene in bringing down the cost of retroviral drugs, which has become to high for them.

On their part, dealers of pharmaceuticals in the country blamed the high exchange rate of the dollar to naira.

Despite government’s efforts, “the cost of food and essential drugs remained a significant concern for many Nigerian households in 2024,” the president affirmed.

Adding that “In 2025, our government is committed to intensifying efforts to lower these costs by boosting food production and promoting local manufacturing of essential drugs and other medical supplies. We are resolute in our ambition to reduce inflation from its current high of 34.6% to 15%. With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people.”

The magazine reported that the cost of food items in the country have hit the rooftops, forcing many families and households into their wits end, even as the administration critics insist that there’s  no end in sight to the hardship and  frustration after the government said it will push for more economic reforms.

The Tinubu administration’s economic reform policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy, convergence of the exchange rates of the naira, among others are responsible for the current inflation in the country, critics said.

“Keep Faith With Your Country” President Tinubu Says In New Year Message To Nigerians

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Fellow Nigerians,

As we enter 2025, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. May you be rich in joy, success, and good health.

As the new year dawns, it brings many hopes, aspirations, and prospects for better days. By the grace of God, 2025 will be a year of great promise in which we will fulfill our collective desires.

Though 2024 posed numerous challenges to our citizens and households, I am confident that the New Year will bring brighter days.

Economic indicators point to a positive and encouraging outlook for our nation. Fuel prices have gradually decreased, and we recorded foreign trade surpluses in three consecutive quarters. Foreign reserves have risen, and the Naira has strengthened against the US dollar, bringing greater stability.

The stock market’s record growth has generated trillions of naira in wealth, and the surge in foreign investment reflects renewed confidence in our economy. Nevertheless, the cost of food and essential drugs remained a significant concern for many Nigerian households in 2024.

In 2025, our government is committed to intensifying efforts to lower these costs by boosting food production and promoting local manufacturing of essential drugs and other medical supplies. We are resolute in our ambition to reduce inflation from its current high of 34.6% to 15%. With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people.

In this new year, my administration will further consolidate and increase access to credit for individuals and critical sectors of the economy to boost national economic output.

To achieve this, the federal government will establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.

The Company—expected to start operations before the end of the second quarter—is a partnership of government institutions, such as the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, and Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the private sector, and multilateral institutions.

This initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support under-served groups such as women and youth. It will drive growth, re-industrialisation, and better living standards for our people.

On a personal note, thank you for placing your confidence in me as your president. Your trust humbles me, and I promise to continue serving you diligently and wholeheartedly.

We will continue to embark on necessary reforms to foster sustainable growth and prosperity for our nation.

I seek your cooperation and collaboration at all times as we pursue our goal of a one trillion-dollar economy. Let us stay focused and united.

We are on the right path to building a great Nigeria that will work for everyone. Let us not get distracted by a tiny segment of our population that still sees things through the prisms of politics, ethnicity, region, and religion.

CITIZENSHIP

To achieve our national goals and objectives, we must become better citizens and uncompromising in our devotion and allegiance to Nigeria.

Citizens’ moral rectitude and faith in our country are fundamental to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda. In 2025, we will commit to promoting adherence to ethical principles, shared values, and beliefs under the National Identity Project.

I will unveil the National Values Charter, already approved by the Federal Executive Council, in the first quarter of 2025. I will launch an ambitious national orientation campaign that fosters patriotism and love for our country and inspires citizens to rally together. The Charter will promote mutual commitments between the government and citizens and foster trust and cooperation among our diverse population and between the government and the citizens.

As far-reaching and foundational as our reforms are, they can produce the desired outcomes only through shared common values and identities and unconditional love for our country.

The Youth Confab will begin in the first quarter of 2025, a testament to our commitment to youth inclusiveness and investment as nation-builders. The Ministry of Youth will soon announce the modalities for selecting the conference’s representatives from our diverse, youthful population.

Dear Compatriots, I urge you to continue believing in yourselves and keeping faith in our blessed country.

Let me use this New Year’s message to urge our governors and local council chairpersons to work closely with the central government to seize emerging opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and tax reforms and move our nation forward. I commend governors who have embraced our Compressed Natural Gas initiative by launching CNG-propelled public transport. I also congratulate those who have adopted electric vehicles as part of our national energy mix and transition. The Federal Government will always offer necessary assistance to the states.

To all citizens, your sacrifices have not been in vain over the past 19 months. I assure you they will not be in vain even in the months ahead. Together, let us stay the course of nation-building.

The New Year will bring us closer to the bright future we all desire and the Nigeria of our dreams.

God bless you all, and may God bless our beloved country, Nigeria.

Happy New Year and a prosperous 2025 to you all!

Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

January 1, 2025

Imo Assembly Hikes Uzodimma’s 2025 Budget to N807b

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma Budget

“Governor signs bill into law, pledges full implementation”

Governor Hope Uzodimma has signed into law the Imo State 2025 Appropriation Bill hiked by the State’s Assembly to N807b from N756b, pledging full and faithful implementation of the budget.

Signing the bill into law at the New Exco Chambers, Government House Owerri, Monday, Governor Uzodimma noted that what the lawmakers did by increasing the original figures he presented before them few days ago shows an alignment between the Executive and the legislature in providing essential services to the people.

The Governor who further expressed his satisfaction over the expeditious passage of the appropriation bill and tinkering with the original numbers, said that what had been done by the Assembly shows that the lawmakers have challenged the executive to commence work without delay on the 2025 budget.

The appropriation signed into law still maintains the Governor’s consistency in allocating huge chunk of the budget to capital expenditure in 2025 to the tone of Six Hundred and Ninety-Four Billion, Seven Hundred and Eighty-Six Million, Forty-One Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty Naira (N694,786,041,220) or 86.09 per cent of the total sum.

For the recurrent expenditure,  One Hundred and Twelve Billion, Three Hundred and Two Million Naira (N112,302,000,000) of 13.91 percent was approved.

In the now signed budget, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development gets  N297,509,312,778  or 42.8%, the Ministry of Transport, N101,010,000,000  or 14.5% and

the Ministry of Power and Electrification,  N74,755,479,042  or 10.8%.

In the same vein, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security was allocated N50,020,000,000  or 7.2% of the budget,

the Ministry of Education, N49,460,000,000 or 7.1%  while the Ministry of Health gets N31,933,234,000  or 4.65%.

Governor Uzodimma’s short remarks after signing the appropriation bill reads: “I have just signed into law the 2025 Imo State Appropriation Bill, which now has the force of law and serves as the financial operational manual for the state.

“While I initially proposed a budget of Seven Hundred and Fifty-Six Billion Naira for the year, the State House of Assembly, in its wisdom, adjusted it to N807 billion. It shows the alignment between the Executive and the Legislature in providing essential infrastructure and services to the people of the State.

“The total 2025 budget, as amended by the Assembly and signed into law, is Eight Hundred and Seven Billion, Eighty-Eight Million, Forty-One Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty Naira (N807,088,041,220).

“Capital allocation: Six Hundred and Ninety-Four Billion, Seven Hundred and Eighty-Six Million, Forty-One Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty Naira (N694,786,041,220) (86.09%)

“Recurrent allocation: One Hundred and Twelve Billion, Three Hundred and Two Million Naira (N112,302,000,000) (13.91%)

“I commend the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly for the expeditious passage of the Appropriation Bill and for increasing the initial budget estimate. This patriotic gesture challenges the executive to commence work immediately.

“As outlined in my recent budget speech, this Budget of Expanded Economic Opportunities is designed to drive the economic transformation of our state through improved infrastructure and industrialization. Beyond focusing on making our economy one of the fastest-growing in the region, we aim to position the state as a prime destination for genuine investors.

“The following allocations to core ministries underscore my resolve to strengthen economic growth in 2025:

1) Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development: N297,509,312,778 (42.8%)

2) Ministry of Transport: N101,010,000,000 (14.5%)

3) Ministry of Power and Electrification: N74,755,479,042 (10.8%)

4) Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security: N50,020,000,000 (7.2%)

5) Ministry of Education: N49,460,000,000 (7.1%)

6) Ministry of Health: N31,933,234,000 (4.65%)

“My dear people of Imo State, I pledge to fully and faithfully implement this budget to achieve its goals. We will create expanded economic opportunities through investment and job creation. Ndi Imo shall be the beneficiaries.

“I urge everyone and all stakeholders to support this administration in our endeavor to set Imo State on a path of sustainable development.

“Thank you, and God bless you.’

Earlier in his speech ahead of the signing, the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe explained that the appropriation bill presented to them was carefully crafted, a situation that made their job easy and seamless.

He noted that the proposal shows that the Governor is determined to give Imo people “Expanded Economic Opportunities” as contained in the budget.

Informing the Governor why members of the State House of Assembly were at the Exco Chambers, the Clerk and the Legislative Head of Imo State House of Assembly, Barr. (Mrs.) Chinelo Emeghara said it was in fulfillment of the constitutional requirements of (Section 100 Sub-section 1, 2 and 3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

She emphasised: “This final stage of signing the appropriation bill into law is derived from the presentation of the bill before the House by the Governor as provided in Section 121 Sub-section 1 of the same 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”

Present at the ceremony were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Senators representing Imo North and Imo West, Patrick Ndubueze and Osita Izunaso respectively.

Others include Federal House Member for Okigwe North, Rt. Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha, the Secretary to State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie and Members of the State Expanded Exco.

The Speaker was accompanied by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, the Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Kanay Onyemaechi, the House Chairman on Budget and Appropriation and other Members of the House of Assembly.

Gov Diri, Senator Dickson Dispel Speculated Disagreements

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Senator Douye Diri and Senator Seriake Dickson

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has strongly rejected suggestions of any possible rift with his predecessor in office, Senator Seriake Dickson.

This is even as he pledged to collaborate with his immediate predecessor ,as well as other stakeholders to develop the state .

A statement issued on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, by Daniel Alabrah, his media aide, quoted Governor Diri as decrying the high level of rumour mongering in the State.

The Bayelsa State Governor who spoke when he led some officials of the Bayelsa State Government on a  Christmas visit to Senator Dickson at his country home in Toru-Orua, Sagbama Local Council insisted that he has so far maintained a robust relationship with his immediate predecessor in office.

He expressed the hope that the visit will not only put to rest the speculated  misunderstanding with the former Governor, but also shame detractors.

Governor Diri, while cautioning against unfounded rumours and wild speculations, emphasized the need for political actors at all levels to shun bitterness and divisive politics.

The State Governor who was accompanied on the visit by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and some Commissioners, assured that much as he is not claiming to be perfect, he nevertheless has the capacity to sort out any differences with members of his political family .

According to him, the two of them have come a long way, and as such can also resolve any differences whenever they arise.

“As Governor, my decisions can never be perfect and might sometimes offend people, including you, Sir.

“But if you call me, I can explain and give the other side of it.

“Sometimes, Government even reverses its decisions when you know that what have been done is wrong.

“In the State’s political turf, there is too much bitterness, and I believe this visit will reduce that .

“Anybody interested in political office should eschew bitterness. It is God that gives power but He uses men. As we all witnessed in this state, God used the immediate past Governor to ensure that we took over from him”, Governor Diri noted .

Responding, former Governor Dickson, while appreciating his successor, for initiating the visit, also expressed the optimism that it would help to dispel all the negative narratives surrounding their relationship.

Senator Dickson assured that he, alongside his people will continue to support the Governor in the overall interests of the state.

Dickson, who represents the Bayelsa West Senatorial District noted the failure  of  efforts by some mischief makers to cause unnecessary rancour between him and his successor in office.

How Police Arrested 2,425 Suspects In Kano, Recovered N129bn Fake Currencies

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Kano State Police Commissioner of Police - Salman Dogo Garba

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Police Command has promised to continue  the maximization of  the gains of community policing, intelligence-driven and targeted clearance operations in its efforts at properly securing the State.

This is even as it announced the arrest of no fewer than 2,425 suspected criminal elements between January and  December 2024.

Among the arrested were 189 armed robbery suspects, 34 suspected abductors, 10 cattle rustlers, gun runners, fraudsters and other criminal elements.

Items recovered during the period under review include 7 AK- 47 riffles, seven locally fabricated guns,1,213 live ammunition and other dangerous weapons.

At a media briefing on Tuesday December 31, 2024, the State  Commissioner of Police, CP, Salman Garba Dogo, noted that the about two thousand, four hundred and twenty five, suspects were arrested across the 44 Local Councils of the State.

” From 1st of January to 31st of December 2024 ,a total of two thousand, four hundred and twenty five ( 2,425 ) suspects were arrested with firearms, dangerous weapons, illicit drugs, stolen properties and other exhibits”

“The breakdown of the arrests include,189 armed robbery suspects, 34 suspected kidnappers,10 suspected cattle rustlers and two suspected gunrunners.

“Others were 22 motor vehicle thieves ,58 suspected drug dealers ,18 human trafficking suspects ,46 tricycle thieves,28 motorcycle thieves, 4 suspects arrested for forgery, 27 suspected fraudsters and 1, 987 suspected thugs ( Yan Dabas )

In the course of the operations leading to the arrests, CP Dogo noted that about 13 victims of abductions, and 40 trafficked persons were rescued”, he stated

In the same vein, fake currencies amounting to N 129 billion, 44 motorcycles ,15 tricycles and 12 motor vehicles were among valuable items recovered from the suspected criminals .

He,  however, acknowledged the existence of some security challenges within the first quarter of the year 2024 which he informed the Command was able overcome.

“At the beginning of the year, there were security challenges across the 44 LGAs of the state including the threat of infiltration of bandits, kidnappings and Armed Robbery along the villages in 17 frontline border LGAs of the states bordering Kaduna ,Katsina, Jigawa and Bauchi states .

“In line with the directives and guidance of the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, the general security situation of the state was carefully assessed, critically analyzed and demographically crime-mapped

“An action plan was designed to effectively police the State. The following strategies were incorporated in the Command’s action plan: robust community policing engagements, sustenance of targeted clearance operations ,intelligence-led and visibility policing synergy with sister security agencies and strategic communication in public enlightenment and sensitization”, CP Dogo stated.

The Police Commissioner, while reassuring of the commitment of the Command in ensuring adequate protection of lives and properties, also, appreciated the dedication of officers and men to the  successes recorded.

This is just as he acknowledged the  collaborative efforts of other security agencies in the state towards the maintenance of peace and stability in Kano.

Maikudi Now UNIABUJA VC, Gov Council Ratifies Appointment

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Aisha Sani Maikudi

By Ayodele Oni

Despite protests against her candidature, the Governing Council of the University of Abuja, under the Chairmanship of Air Vice-Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita (retd), has approved the appointment of Prof Aisha Sani Maikudi as the 7th substantive vice-chancellor of the University.

This is in spite of the stiff opposition by no fewer than 67 members of the Senate who faulted the procedure adopted by the Council in appointing her. Their position was that Maikudi was not qualified for the post.

Regardless, the Governing Council had spurned the Professors’ opposition by going ahead to announce Maikudi appointment in substantive capacity.

The institution announced her appointment on Tuesday in a statement signed by the acting Director of Information and University Relations, Dr Habib Yakoob.

According to the statement,  “The appointment was announced during the 77th Extraordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday 31st December 2024.

“The appointment takes effect from 1st January 2025, and it is for a nonrenewable tenure of five years.

“Maikudi emerged as the best among 10 shortlisted candidates and interviewed by the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board of the University, in line with the extant regulations governing the process.”

Ekiti: Gov Oyebanji Appoints Chief Of Staff, Special Advisers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Oyeniyi Adebayo - Ekiti Chief of Staff to Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

After over two years in office, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of  a member of his cabinet, Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo as Chief of Staff to the Governor.

Adebayo, who is currently the State Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, is to assume the role of Chief of Staff with effect from January 2, 2025.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Adebayo is expected to bring in his wealth of experience in finance, management and planning to bear in the coordination of activities of the Governor’s office.

Similarly, the Governor has also approved the appointment of Hon Femi Ajayi as the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning.

Ajayi, a one-time Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, is presently the Special Adviser to the Governor, Independent Project Monitoring Office.

He takes over as Commissioner in charge of the Ministry of Budget and Economic, which has now reverted to its original name, effective January 2, 2025.

The Governor has also created the Office of Special Services to be headed by Prince Wole Ajakaiye as Special Adviser.

Ajakaiye is currently Director General/Special Adviser SDGs.  The Office of Special Services will be in charge of SDGs, Independent Project Monitoring and other functions as determined by the Governor.

Oyeniyi Adebayo, who hails from Usi-Ekiti, joined the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration as Special Adviser Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management in November 2022.

He was later inaugurated as honourable  Commissioner in charge of the ministry in August 2023.

He holds a Bachelor of Science second class upper degree in Forest Resources Management and a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from University of Ibadan.

He also has an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA. He has attended several management courses at other leading business schools such as Harvard Business School, Insead School of Management and Kellogg School of Business.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

The new Chief of Staff began his career with Arthur Andersen where he provided audit and financial consultancy services to leading oil & gas and manufacturing companies. Subsequently, he worked in global financial institutions such as Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management Group in Los Angeles, USA.

On his return to Nigeria, he joined Capital Alliance Private equity where he distinguished himself managing a portfolio that included the original Nigerian shareholders who owned 25 percent of the telecom giant MTN Nigeria.

He later joined the banking industry and worked in institutions such as United Bank for Africa (UBA), and First City Monument Bank where he served as General Manager and Head of National Distribution. His last banking position was at Enterprise Bank, where he was an Executive Director up till December 2014.

Upon leaving the banking industry, Adebayo founded and served as the Chief Executive Officer of Bodani Advisory Services Limited, a financial advisory services and management consulting firm.

In a related development, Governor Oyebanji has also approved the appointment of Barrister Tajudeen Akingbolu as Director General, Ekiti State Transport Agency.

Akingbolu, a former member of the State House of Assembly, is to manage the newly floated agency effective from January 2, 2025.

Governor Oyebanji wishes all the appointees success in their respective assignments, even as he urged them to justify the confidence he reposed in them by ensuring more effective service delivery.

“Tinubu Told Me He Was Unaware How Bad The Economy Was When He Became President” – Akpabio

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Godswill Akpabio - Senate President
Godswill Akpabio, Senate President.

By Akinwale Kasali

“Under Buhari, Nigeria Was On Life Support” – Akpabio

Amid Economic woes, Senate President Godswill Akpabio is pleading with Nigeria to support President Bola Tinubu.

Akpabio said that Nigeria’s economic woes did not begin with Tinubu. The country, he revealed, was on life support when Tinubu took over as President. For the records, Tinubu’s predecessor was President Muhammadu Buhari of same All Progressives Congress, APC, as  Tinubu, and a man he helped in no small way to put in office, and praised to high heavens till he handed over to him (Tinubu) on May 29, 2023.

Akpabio appealed that Tinubu needs all the support as he continues to work tirelessly to address the economic challenges bedeviling the country.

Speaking at his 2024 Constituency Briefing and Empowerment Programme held at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio, who is representing Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District at the Senate, told his listeners the country was  on “life support” when President Tinubu assumed office.

He recounted a conversation with President Tinubu about the state of the economy inherited from the previous administration.

He said: “Nigeria was on life support when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu took over. I once asked him, ‘Are you excited about being President after seeing the economy left behind by Emefiele?’ He replied, ‘Small President, I must tell you, I didn’t know it was this bad.’”

The Senate President expressed optimism about ongoing economic reforms, noting that while they may be painful, they are necessary for sustainable growth.

“You did it in Lagos, and you will do it again for Nigeria. It’s just a matter of time. We are praying for you, and God will grant you the wisdom to lead us to El Dorado.”

Senator Akpabio flagged off the distribution of empowerment items, including: 1,000 bags of rice per local government in his senatorial district; deep freezers and generators for traders and fishing businesses; cargo tricycles for cassava and oil palm farmers.

Others include: Motorcycles for rural mobility; keke Napep (tricycles) for wealth creation; vehicles were distributed to Paramount Rulers to aid mobility and governance,with Students receiving N200,000 education grants each.

Religious Tolerance: “ I Love Christians, They Helped Me When I Was Deposed – Emir Sanusi

By
James Orji
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Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano has called on all religious groups in the country to live in harmony, saying there is no cause to fight each other.

His remark comes amidst the controversies that have trailed plan by some elements to imposed Sharia Court, in South West Nigeria, and its rejection by the predominantly Yoruba people in the region who have described it to be alien to their history and tradition.

The Muslim legal code is currently operating in some parts of Northern Nigeria,

Its imposition in other parts of the country could lead to religious war, according to those versed in religion.

The traditional ruler made the appeal while delivering a keynote address at the 50th anniversary of the visit of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass to Jos, Plateau state.

Nyass, the late President of Senegal visited the country when General Yakubu Gowon was Nigeria’s military head of state.

Sanusi, a former Nigeria Central Bank Governor, said what the country needs at the moment is development rather than religious violence.

He said what happened to him in the past has taught him that there are good people in both Islam and Christians, with some bad eggs who give the religions bad image.

Referencing his predicaments after he was deposed as Emir of Kano, Sanusi said it was ‘Christians’ who got him out of the state, by providing an aircraft that flew him out from Kano, following his banishment by the Governor Ganduje’s administration.

He said what the country needs at the moment is serious investment in infrastructure and agriculture, urging western countries to assist in these areas rather than ‘bringing religion’ to the country.

“ We already have religion. Let them come and invest in agriculture,” he said.

He added“If you really love the North, come and give us information technology, build hospitals and build schools. Don’t preach hatred. Don’t preach enmity. We do not want it.

“We have been Muslims and Christians for hundreds of years. We do not need anybody to come and tell us how to be Muslims and Christians.

“My character was formed by CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria). Yusuf Pam, here, is my good friend and classmate. We went to school together and we went to ABU Zaria together and Lagos together successfully.”

He added: “I have Muslim friends and I have many Christian friends. When I was asked to leave Kano in 2020, it was Christians who made available for me a plane to jet out. Why should I not like Christians and Christianity?”

Sanusi stated: “The Quran said that you must be close to those who you love most, and Christians are there. Why are we interested in preaching hatred?

“Allah does not prevent you from being kind to those who love you. What stops you as a Muslim from saying ‘Happy Christmas to a Christian? Allah only trusts you on account of your faith. Everyone has the freedom of speech, belief and worship their way.

“Fight those who wage war against you, but you should not be on the aggression. As I have said, Christianity and Islam don’t preach hatred. So, anybody who preaches hatred should be arrested and prosecuted, whether Muslim or Christian.”

On May 9, 2020 former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje deposed Sanusi, accusing him of political interference.

But on May 23, he staged a comeback to the throne of his forebears after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reinstated him as emir of Kano.

DHQ Vows To Neutralize Terrorists In New Year, Says Turji A Dead Man

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bandits Leader Bello-Turji

By Ayodele Oni

The Defence Headquarters, (DHQ) has vowed that time is up for leaders of terrorists groups as they will all meet their Waterloo in the new year.

DHQ described notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, as a “dead man walking,” following his recent threats against the military and communities in Zamfara State.

Turji, in a viral video, had challenged the military, accusing it of targeting elderly people and demanding the release of a detained associate, Baka Wurgi.

He had further threatened to unleash terror on Zamfara residents in 2025 if his demands were not met.

Reacting during the end-of-year briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba dismissed Turji’s threats as empty rhetoric, vowing that the bandit leader would meet the same fate as other terrorist commanders.

Buba said: “Bello Turji is merely a dead man walking. It would be insulting to engage in a war of words with a terrorist. Before him, others who dared to boast against security forces have all been neutralised. The same fate awaits Turji and his likes.

“These so-called terrorist leaders who think they are untouchable will eventually meet their end. Many have been buried on the battlefield, and 2025 will see the same fate for others. Their time is up.”

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