Group Calls For Justice, Fairness In Afe Babalola, Dele Farotimi Defermation Saga

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December 14, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A Group, backing the actions of the legal luminary, Afe Babalola, SAN in his actions against the human rights activists and lawyer, Dele Farotimi has said all steps so far do not amount to persecution.

A press statement on Saturday by #JusticeforAfeBabalolaLegacy, in Ado Ekiti explained that “Mr. Dele Farotimi is not under any weight of persecution, rather he is facing prosecutorial process.”

The statement, signed by Rotimi Opeyeoluwa, maintained that “There is no persecution. It is a blatant lie. There is a judicial-prosecutorial process at play. We need to have that understanding and be so guided by this fact.

“It is no exaggeration that Aare Afe Babalola has paid his dues. Aare Afe Babalola cannot be rubbished by upstarts or emergence human rights advocates, whose stock in trade is to trade in lies and bullying.

“Advocacy is not the same things as peddling lies and resolutely failing to present as much as a shred of evidence to backup claims that has been permanently put into a self-published book.

“If somebody feels injured and seeking remedy, how is that a crime? If someone is offended and decided that his reputation of over 6o years ought to be protected, how is that odious to them. It is time to call upon all men and women of good conscience to guided by the facts of the matter.

“Today, some of us are extremely proud to be associated to the Aare, we are so enamored with him, yet we are saddened that some commentators have continued to paint the scenarios about this cases, which are incompatible with the facts of the matter.

“We have come to understand that there are certain forces who are insisting on eroding the legacies of Aare Afe Babalola, SAN. These characters are poor students of history because Aare is larger than them and has put in place enormous legacies that will stand the test of time and outlive us-all.

“We are believers in the laws of Nigeria. We are not ashamed that our country has not live true to its full potentials, yet we have no other place to call home but here.

“This is to agree that it is utterly true that ours is not a perfect union but our point of divergence with some of our compatriots who have erroneously painted our fight for justice as shrouded in a wired attempt to silence Mr. Dele Farotimi.

“Our tale has been consistent. Our icon, Aare Afe Babalola, was defamed. An injury was committed against him and he, being a lawful citizen approached the Nigerian Police for investigation of the reckless claims by Mr. Dele Farotimi. The said Mr. Dele Farotimi was duly invited and he declined.

“Aare did not hire goons to arrest Mr. Dele Farotmi. He approached the instruments of the State as a responsible citizen and yet some obviously misinformed, ill-minded and emergence commentators are expressing views not consistent with commonsense and simple decency.

“As a decent Nigerian, Aare Afe Babalola has steadfastly advocated cases in the law courts from one region to other regions in Nigeria, he believes in the rule of law and remains an unrepentant devotee of the law.

“We are determined to fight on intrepidly. Mr. Dele Farotimi has nothing to fear but the reward of his actions as prescribed by the law-nothing more, nothing short.

“Mr. Dele Farotimi read law and has practiced law for a while in the country, perhaps, many of his followers are not lawyers, hence the resort to the court of the public where they are clamoring with all kinds of illogicalities.

“We are not distracted. We are focused. We shall remain in the courts and ensure that justice is served to both Aare Afe Babalola, SAN and Mr. Dele Fatorimi. Both Aare Afe Babalola and Mr. Dele Farotimi shall have their day in the court(s), we don’t have to develop high blood pressure about this fact.”

Ofosu APC Ward Suspends Ondo APC Chairman, Adetimehin

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Ayodele Oni

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December 14, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Idanre Local Government Chapter, Ofosu Ward in Ondo State, has suspended the state Chairman, Ade Adetimehin.

The ward leadership, in an undated letter, accused the embattled chairman of alleged gross misconduct.

Just Saturday morning, some APC Youths had blocked entrance to his office in Akure with a casket and other fetish items.

Adetimehin, whose tenure will expire next year, was accused of spearheading campaign for the return of military rule in the country.

In a resolution reached during an emergency meeting, the ward executives stated that Adetimehin’s comments were capable of inciting anarchy within the party.

The executives concluded that the suspension would remain in effect pending the outcome of an investigation into the allegations.

The statement, signed by key party executives, emphasized the need for maintaining party discipline and order.

The executives reiterated their commitment to upholding party unity and ensuring accountability among its leaders.

Reacting to the suspension, the state chapter of APC in a statement by director of publicity, Steve Otaloro, said the action of the ward executive is illegal.

“Under our party’s constitution, any suspension must follow a clearly defined procedure that includes providing the member with a detailed account of the allegations against them and an opportunity to defend themselves before a designated committee.

“Furthermore, a warning letter is typically issued prior to any suspension being considered. It is evident that these essential processes were not followed in this instance, rendering the call for suspension invalid.

“The decision made by the Ofosu ward Exco of Idanre Local Government is inconsistent with the provisions of our party’s constitution and is, therefore, null and void. The reasons cited for this suspension lack substance and detail, suggesting that the actions taken may stem from personal grievances rather than legitimate concerns about leadership.

“We want to reiterate that Engr. Ade Adetinehin remains the rightful chairman of the APC in Ondo State. His leadership is crucial as we prepare for the upcoming local government elections, where we are committed to achieving victory for our party. We will not allow distractions from individuals with ulterior motives to deter us from our goals.

“We urge our loyal party members in Idanre LG to refrain from any retaliatory actions against the members of the Ofosu Exco involved in this illegitimate suspension. Rest assured, those responsible for this breach of protocol will face appropriate consequences at the right time. For now, our priority is to focus on campaigning and ensuring a successful LG election.”

Ondo APC Youths Carry Coffin To Chase Away State Chairman, Adetimehin

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Ayodele Oni

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December 14, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Members of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Ondo state on Saturday played host to some fetish objects at the state headquarters office as some protesters shut down gate to the Secretariat.

The entrance to the Secretariat was laced with traditional objects such as palm font, dead dog with white coffin written with “Adetimehin Must Go” .

It was gathered that some unknown youths in the party were allegedly behind the incident, calling for the removal of the party’s chairman, Ade Adetimehin because of alleged call for military intervention.

Speaking with newsmen around the Secretariat, the pioneer State Youth leader of the APC, Babalayo Olutayo, who was at the scene of the incident said that Adetimehin must leave office over various alleged offences.

According to him; “I woke up this morning to learnt that some aggrieved youths across the state went to the Secretariat to seal-off the place with a lot of fetish objects, the place was barricaded, locked with chain and I went there to confirm the incident and I found out that what people said to us was actually the fact.

“What led to the incident was due to some allegations leveled against the incumbent chairman, Ade Adetimehin that he was calling for military takeover and we are yet to know the reasons why he was calling for this.

“Not only that we know that his tenure will come to an end by next year, and if at all he want to leave, we believe that he should leave the party better than where he met it not that he has to destroy the foundation of the party because he is leaving.

“Also, another allegations leveled against him was how he doctored the list of the just concluded governorship election and incoming local government election which we felt that this is not right.

“We believe that as a chairman, if you cannot better the democracy you should leave. You cannot continue to mortgage the life of the people because of your own personal interest. And of course people in the party are accusing him of high handedness, no accountability, and he is not honest.

“So for me, if people are clamoring for his removal or not, the truth is that he has spent his term so he should leave the party peacefully and honourably. He doesn’t need it to be chased out.

“He is the only one running the affairs of the party, no youth leader, no women leader, there is no party’s secretary, no state legal adviser.”

Reacting to the incident,Director of Media & Publicity of the party, Steve Otaloro said “I’m aware of the situation and the truth of the matter is that the security agencies have taken control of the Secretariat and we will continue appealing to those that came to shut down the place to be calm.

“Governance is a continuous, everybody will be taking care of, they should be wary of the law, what they are doing is very illegal, bombarding the party Secretariat is not the best. We will continue appeal to them not to take laws into their hands.

“Members who are not happy for now should please calm down and connected and we are making consultation on the situation.”

2027: North Angry With Tinubu; We Won’t Vote For Him Again- Yerima

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James Orji

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December 14, 2024

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The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, has disclosed the plan by northerners to abandon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next presidential election.

The group’s president, Shettima Yerima theold the Vanguard that region expected a better deal from President Tinubu after it experienced a raw deal under the Buhari administration, saying that was why northerners made the decision to vote for the incumbent massively.

Yerima said President Tinubu has since abandon the region after he came to power in 2023, stressing that the region has now decided to punish Tinubu for the perceived treachery against northerners by ensuring that his re-election in 2027 is made totally impossible.

He explained that a broad spectrum of the people of the region are grossly disappointed with the president because “there are certain regrets by the northern region,” that they helped Tinubu in his ascension to power last year.

According to him, the region is very disappointed because their expectations had not been met by the president, adding that Tinubu policies are believed to be against the region.

Yerima stated that Nigerians have suffered greatly under the administration, saying however that nobody expected a ‘miracle’ from the president because of the level of problems he met on ground.

Yerima speak in part, “In some quarters, there are certain regrets by the northern region. Don’t forget the eight years of Buhari’s administration brought nothing to the north. “So, the expectation was so high that Tinubu knew where the problem lay, and someone like me who had worked with him and taken him as a role model, l believed that he knew so much about the problems of this country and would approach the issues not as a military man but as a democrat and would be able to proffer solutions to them.

“But the people are disappointed because they are not getting what they expected of him.

“In fairness to him, the situation was very bad. Everybody knew that whoever succeeded Buhari would go through a very rough path to succeed. We never expected that after eight years of rubbish, Tinubu would perform a miracle in two years. Yes, there are expected reforms, and without kids, we may not get the result immediately, but what is expected from the government is that whatever policy you are bringing, there must be a cushioning effect so that people would not unnecessarily suffer.

“People have suffered enough. If he had done it that way, nobody would have accused Tinubu of ill-intention to balkanise the country or govern against any section of the country. He is very exposed and not a local champion. But sometimes, it is one thing to come up with a policy, but the implementation might not go well with the people.

“The North is angry with the government, but the government still has another opportunity in less than two years to turn things around. So, some of us are not in a hurry to conclude that Tinubu might not be of any good to the north. We know the journey is rough. Let us give him some benefit of the doubt and encourage him,” the Arewa youth leader said.

“We Will Not Sack You, You Will Remain Where You Are Until You Pass Promotional Exams” – Gov Otti To Civil Servants

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 14, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst public outcry and criticisms of the mass failure that trailed recently held promotional examinations for civil servants, the Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti has blamed the situation on the lack of preparedness of the participants .

This is even as the authorities have fixed Wednesday December 18, 2024, for the affected civil servants to retake the examination.

The Source reports that the August 2022/23 Promotion Examination recorded over 80% failure, prompting critics to question the sincerity of the exercise.

The Chairman of the main opposition party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Abraham Amah, in an open letter addressed to Governor Alex Otti, dated December 5, described the embarrassing outcome of the examination as a deliberate ploy to further humiliate the state workforce .

Amah expressed serious concern over several other past steps allegedly taken by the State Government since its inception to cause unnecessary distress to civil servants and their families .

The PDP Chairman questioned how a sincere and well intentioned promotional examination conducted without any hidden agenda could record such an embarrassing and scandalous mass failure as was the case in the Abia state Government- supervised examination.

According to Amah, the outcome of the examination is not in zinc with the widely acclaimed educational prowess of Abians both locally and internationally.

The PDP expressed the fear that the outcome of the examination might be a prelude to either demoting or retrenching innocent civil servants who have so far survived series of harrowing verification exercises .

But at his monthly media interaction on Friday night, December 13, 2024, the Abia State Governor assured that no civil servants will be retrenched or demoted on account of his/her failure to scale through the promotional examination.

Governor Otti noted that the lackadaisical attitude of most of the participating workers cost them the examination.

“I have gotten feedback from some of the people who took the examination and what they are saying is that in the past, everyone used to pass the examination. But everyone cannot pass this time around .

“If you sit for an examination and you probably didn’t prepare very well, then there are greater chances that you will fail than you will pass.

“Anyway, the directive that they should go and resit the examination is the right thing to do at the moment.

But I am not too sure that we are where we will ask anybody to leave because he or she didn’t pass . You may just be where you are until you pass” Governor Otti stated

The state Government in a release issued by Ngozi Queen Obioma, the Head of Service HOS, informed that civil servants who failed the examination now have another opportunity to retake same.

According to the public service notice, those who, for one reason or the other could not participate in the August 2024 examination, can also take part .

Mrs Obioma stated that the rescheduled 2022/2023 promotional examination will be held at the Kanu Nwankwo Indoor Sports Hall of the.Abia Warriors Stadium Umuahia.

“Please note that the eligible civil/public servants who did not sit for the 2022/2023 written examination are to proceed to the Bureau of Establishment and Pensions for registration before, or by the close of work on Friday, December 13, 2024.

While those resitting are to use their last registration number “, part of the public notice reads .

Before the decision to offer those who failed the initial exercise another chance the State Government had maintained studied silence in the face of the barrage of attacks that followed the mass failure in the August, 2024 exercise.

INEC Chairman Yakubu, Is Alive, Not Dead – Commission

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Ayodele Oni

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December 14, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has debunked claims circulating on social media regarding the death of its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

Some online media had claimed that the INEC Chairman Died in London After Brief Illness, adding that he went to bed in good health but woke up with a serious medical emergency.

“Despite his family’s efforts to secure the best care by transferring him to London for treatment, he was pronounced dead.”

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Commission described the reports as false and urged the public to disregard them.

“The fake news, which surfaced on Monday, December 9, 2024, alleged that Prof. Yakubu had passed away in a London hospital. However, the Commission clarified that the Chairman is alive, well, and actively fulfilling his duties.

“Prof. Yakubu has not traveled to London in the last two years. He was present at an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, and chaired the Commission’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Both events were widely reported in the media.”

INEC highlighted that similar false rumors were spread about Prof. Yakubu in 2021, calling this latest attempt a repeat of the same mischief.

The Commission warned those responsible to consider the potential harm such misinformation causes both to individuals and society.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to working with credible media professionals to combat the spread of fake news and its dangers.

The Commission appealed to the public to verify information from reliable sources and avoid sharing unverified claims.

Farotimi Vs Afe-babalola: Afenifere Wades In

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James Orji

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December 14, 2024

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The Ayo-Adebanjo faction of the Yoruba social cultural organisation has visited detained human rights activist, Dele Farotimi in the Ado Ekiti Correctional Centre.

Farotimi, a member of the national caucus of Afenifere was arrested in Lagos a forth-night ago by the operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, over a petition written against him by foremost Nigerian lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Chief Afe Babalola.

Babalola and Farotimi are Yoruba from the south west Nigeria.

The senior lawyer had accused the activist of defaming him in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, for which Farotimi has now been charged to court.

Since the Lagos-based lawyer was arrested two weeks ago, some well meaning Nigerians, including the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP Peter Obi have made efforts to wade into the matter.

Farotimi has however insisted that nobody should intervene on his behalf saying the law must be allowed to take its full course.

The magazine however learnt that Afenifere leaders decided to intervene in the matter considering the controversy it has generated, particularly since the protagonists in the issue are ‘brothers’ from the same ethnic religion one source close to the group said on Saturday.

“As leaders in the south west, we can’t allow the issue to drag for too long because the two people involved are brothers. Tongue and mouth can fight, but the beauty is that they must settle their quarrel for peace to reign,” another sources said.

The source stated further that some Afenifere leaders will be sent to “speak with Chief Afebabalola” to see how the “matter can be settled’, adding that the ‘respected lawyer” only want to clear his name from the allegations raised by Farotimi.

Speaking after the visit to Farotimi, the leader of the delegation and the Deputy Secretary General, Alade Rotimi-John,disclosed that the Afenifere leader came to Ado Ekiti at the expense of Pa Adebanjo. The Afenifere scribe said in a statement that Farotimi has not been well-treated following his arrest.

He lamented the decision of the Ekiti Magistrate court to deny him bail, describing the action as ‘miscarriage of Justice’ since the offence is a bailable one.

Other leaders of Afenifere who made the visit include Chief Supo Shonibare, Basorun Segun Sanni, Mrs Nike Olujembola, Mrs Toyin Falade, Pastor Olayemi Olajuyinnu and Mr Tunde Babarinde, among others.”

According Rotimi-John, the group is seriously considering a better way of dealing with the issue, noting that Farotimi should not “have been remanded in the correctional centre in the first place.”

He added,“Afenifere will wait to consider its next line of action after the ruling of the chief magistrate on December 20.”

The Source reports that Babalola has obtained a court injunction from Oyo and Abuja high courts restraining the sale controversial book.

Building Collapse: Experts Proffer Solution

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Ayodele Oni

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December 14, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Experts in building industry and manufacturers have proferred solutions to incessant building collapse in the country at a two day workshop organized by the Ondo state chapter of Nigeria Institute of Building (NIOB).

The workshop, with the Theme: Mitigating the Resurgence of Dampness in Contemporary Buildings; Innovative Solutions and Best Practices for Sustainable Construction, the experts agreed that professionals in the industry should be up and doing in discharging their duties, employing innovative ideas to curtail resurgence of dampness in buildings.

They attributed high proportion of dampness in buildings to surrounding climate dependent factors such as rain penetration, roof leakages, damp movement through external walls, inadequate waterproofing measures in foundation, poor quality fabrics as well as unwholesome activities of building occupants.

Speaking on the theme of the workshop, Prof S.O. Folagbade, Head of Building Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife noted that apart from the additional cost to mitigate the effects of dampness on structures, dampness can lead to failure of structures, bad odours and serious health related problems on the occupants.

To stave of these bad occurrence, he suggested the usage of sloped roofs, damp proof course on walls, hard core and damp proof membrane, quality replant materials and locating buildings away from flood and high plains to mention a few.

Other speakers such as Dr Shina Makanjuola of FUTA, Akure, Dr Olajide Faremi of University of Lagos, who spoke on the various sub-theme of the workshop, equally agreed with the lead speaker on the need for synergy amongst professionals in construction sites in order to deliver on the functionality of the project.

They decried unhealthy rivalry amongst and between professionals in the building industry, advocating needs for respect for each other core competence since they all have the same goal of achieving standard best practices in building environment.

Declaring the two-day event open, the Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Infrastructures, Lands and Housing Ayo Babalola, reiterated the commitment of the state government to work with the professionals to ensure best practices in all constructions in the State.

Babalola, who described the theme and the sub-themes of the workshop as very apt, promised to continue to collaborate with professional bodies in his quest to take the state to greater heights.

Earlier, the Chairman, Ondo State Chapter of NIOB, Omojola Grace, thanked the experts , manufacturers and exhibitors for agreeing to live their comfort zones to share their value added experiences towards the growth and development of the sector

The high point of the event attended by stakeholders in the built industry, political office holders and students from different higher institutions, was award presented to some professionals in recognition of their dedication and contributions towards the growth of the building environment.

Lagos 2027: Methodist Archbishop Advocates For Muslim Governor In 2027

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 14, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Most Rev. Isaac Ayo Olawuyi, Lagos Archbishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria has advocated for a Muslim as the Governor of Lagos in 2027 arguing that this was in the spirit of religious tolerance.

The Clergyman said that it would be 12 years in 2027 that the State has had a Christian in the system as Governor of the State.

He said this at the Lagos State Assembly’s 22nd Annual Thanksgiving Service with the theme: ‘The Voice Of Mercy’.

Speaking further, Olawuyi said: “I also want to add that we have consideration for religious inclination in Lagos State. It would be 12 years in 2027 that we have been in the system together and we have been having Christians as governors.

“Now, it’s time to give our Muslim brothers a chance to govern us in Lagos State. We want to pray that when it’s time for the election, it would be a time for us to elect who will govern us in Lagos State effectively,” he said.

Speaking on the theme, Olawuyi said, “When the mercy of God is upon you, all protocols are be broken. All things are possible by the mercies of God. We receive forgiveness of our sins from Him by His mercies. The nation needs God’s mercy and it is by His mercy that we can overcome our predicaments and our shortcomings.

“How many people have you helped and taken care of? Go and show love and mercy,” he said.

He praised the Speaker for his leadership and collaboration with the other arms of government saying these have kept the state strong.

“You have been a true and sensitive leader with a big heart. You have proved yourself worthy. We pray that God will continue to use you to make us smile in Lagos and also grant you your heart desires,” he said while commending President Tinubu for the steps he has taken so far.

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, speaking at the Thanksgiving Service urged Nigerians not to despair as the administration of President Bola Tinubu is working to resolve the country’s challenges.

“The outgoing year is indeed a challenging one, especially considering the economic situation of the country. Nevertheless, we have solace in the fact that the government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is not leaving any stone unturned to bring us to our promised land.

“Mr. President is busy doing everything possible to put smiles on our faces. Trust me, succour is coming. I urge us to keep the hope alive,” Dr. Obasa said during the Assembly’s 22nd Annual Thanksgiving Service with the theme: ‘The Voice Of Mercy’.

At the event which had officials from the various arms of the state government, members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), traditional rulers and guest preachers, the Speaker urged Nigerians to enter 2025 with renewed passion and vigour.

Quoting from various portions of the Bible, Obasa said the country had reasons to thank God for His mercies, love and faithfulness.

Lamido Adamawa Remains Leader, State Traditional Rulers – Govt Insists

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 14, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

There is no controversy or debate over the position and status of Lamido Adamawa as the Permanent Chairman of the Adamawa State Council of Traditional Rulers, the State House of Assembly has submitted.

The Source reports that of recent reports have inundated the social media alleging that the State Lawmakers have enacted a piece of legislation rotating the Leadership of the State’s Traditional Rulers/Chiefs Council among the First Class Monarchs.

The speculations as it were, had ruffled not a few feathers both within and outside the State.

For one, over the years, it has been taken for granted that the Lamido Adamawa, presently occupied by Alhaji Muhammad Mustapha, like in the case of the Sultan of Sokoto, Shehu of Borno, Emir of Zazzau, Emir of Kano ( Zaria) and other ancient First Class Monarchs is the permanent leader of Adamawa Traditional Rulers Council.

A statement on Friday, December, 13, 2024 ,by Musa Mahmud, House Committee Chairman on Information, however, denied the enactment of any such laws stripping the Paramount ruler of his age-long position as the Permanent Chairman of the Adamawa State Council of Traditional Rulers.

The spokesperson for the Adamawa State Lawmakers, described the news of the purported removal of the Lamido as the permanent Head of Monarchs in the State as not only false ,but mischievous.

” The major issue is the allegation that this Honourable House has passed a bill stripping the Lamido Adamawa of his Chairmanship of the State Traditional Institution and making it rotational.

“It is not what the House has passed.Section 18(II) of the bill makes it clear that the Lamido of Adamawa shall be the Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs.

But the misunderstanding appears to be the creation of Zonal Traditional Councils by the bill.

Section 29( I) talks about the establishment of three zonal traditional councils: Central Zone Traditional Council ,Northern Zone Traditional Council,and the Southern Zone Traditional Council .That is where the issue of rotational chairmanship is captured” Hon Mahmoud stated.

According to him, while the Chairmanship of the State Traditional Council is permanently reserved for the Lamido Adamawa, those of the zonal Councils will be rotating among members.

The Zonal Leaders, according to the provisions of the bill, will in turn report to the Lamido as the State Chairman.