My Blog

Category: North East

  • Bomb explosion rocks Yobe market

    Bomb explosion rocks Yobe market

    An explosion, suspected to be caused by a planted Improvised Explosive Device, has occurred at the popular Buni Yadi market in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

    Channels Television reported that a resident of Buni, Ali Hassan said that the incident happened at around 12.30pm on Friday, injuring a girl.

    The name of the girl and her current state of health has yet to be known

    The spokesman of the Sector 2 Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammad Shehu also confirmed the incident, saying another IED planted in the market was discovered and successfully defused by the Army.

    He further explained the only victim of the explosion, is currently receiving treatment at one of the health facilities in Buni Yadi.

    He stressed the incident was a planted IED and not a suicide bombing incident.

    Buni Yadi, located 54 kilometres from Damaturu, the state capital, was the most severely affected local government area in Yobe State during the two years it was under Boko Haram insurgent control.

  • Bauchi Governor Signs Six Executive Bills Into Law

    Bauchi Governor Signs Six Executive Bills Into Law

    Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has taken significant steps towards effective governance by signing six executive bills into law. 

    Among these bills are measures aimed at renaming the state-owned university, establishing key boards, and promoting children’s access to education.

    The bills, meticulously examined by the State House of Assembly, signify a collaborative effort between the legislative and executive branches of government. 

    Governor Mohammed lauded this cooperation, emphasizing its vital role in driving socio-economic progress and ensuring the welfare of the people.

    The renamed Sa’adu Zungur University, Gadau, underscores a commitment to honoring individuals who have made notable contributions to the state.

    Additionally, the establishment of boards and authorities such as the Bauchi State Farmers/Herders Board and the Bauchi State Rural Access Road Authority (RARA) 2024 reflects a strategic focus on agricultural development and rural infrastructure.

    Speaker Rt Hon Abubakar Suleiman emphasized the transformative potential of these laws, urging continued support for the administration’s agenda. 

    The harmonious collaboration between the legislature and the executive has been instrumental in shaping Bauchi State’s progress, with infrastructure and development initiatives serving as tangible outcomes.

  • Emir of Tikau, Muhammadu Abubakar Ibn-Grema, dies at 70

    Emir of Tikau, Muhammadu Abubakar Ibn-Grema, dies at 70

    The Emir of Tikau in Yobe, Muhammadu Abubakar Ibn-Grema, is dead.

    The emir’s younger brother, Abubakar Talba, confirmed the death in an interview with journalists in Damaturu on Saturday.

    Mr Talba, a prince of the Tikau Emirate Council, said the emir died in Potiskum at about 4:00 p.m. on Friday.

    “ Yes, I can confirm to you that the emir died after a brief illness. He was over 70 years old at the time of his death,” he said.

    The prince said the deceased, a first-class chief, would be buried by 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, according to Islamic rites.

    Mr Ibn-Grema, whose palace is located in Nangere Local Government Area, was the paramount ruler of the Karekare people.

    He was installed as emir on July 25, 2001, and spent 23 years on the throne before his demise. 

  • Bauchi Governor Reacts To Ningi’s Suspension

    Bauchi Governor Reacts To Ningi’s Suspension

    Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has declared that the state government is behind Senator Abdul Ningi, the lawmaker who was handed a three-month suspension after his comment on N3.7 trillion not being traceable in the 2024 budget.

    Ningi, representing Bauchi Central senatorial district at the upper chamber of the National Assembly, was suspended by the Senate, on Tuesday.

    The Senator had subsequently resigned as Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF).

    On the floor of the Senate, Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Ogun West), had said the Red Chamber had inaugurated a template for the speedy consideration and passage of the 2024 Money Bill as he initiated the motion on breach of privilege by the Bauchi senator.

    Senator Adeola had come under orders 9, 10, 41, and 51 to move a motion of privilege and issue of national importance against Ningi over his interview with the BBC Hausa.

    Following Adeola’s motion on breach of privilege, a member of the Appropriation Committee in the Senate, Jimoh Ibrahim, first moved the motion for Ningi’s suspension for 12 months over allegations of criminal misinformation and breach of peace in the National Assembly.

    But, some of the senators moved for the amendment of the suspension for three months for the embattled federal lawmaker, which the senate ratified.

    Speaking during the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Bauchi, on Wednesday, Mohammed said, “yesterday I was very sad the Senate suspended one of our best from Bauchi for saying the truth, for standing up to be the beacon of the truth.”

    Mohammed, who is also the chairman PDP Governors’ Forum, said, “Equally I don’t know what we will do but we will discuss privately to see what we can do to support him because I support whatever he is doing and that is our best position especially if what he saying is the truth”.

  • Remi Tinubu Finally Breaks Silence After Islamic Cleric Called For Her Death

    Remi Tinubu Finally Breaks Silence After Islamic Cleric Called For Her Death

    Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of President Bola Tinubu, has reacted to a recent threat by an Islamic cleric in Bauchi purportedly wishing her dead.

    A viral video surfaced a few weeks ago where the Islamic Cleric declared that Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, deserved to die for her Christian faith while describing the Muslim/Muslim ticket that brought President Bola Tinubu to power as a scam.

    However, the First Lady, undeterred by the threat, said after reaching 64 years of age, she shouldn’t be afraid of death.

    She spoke during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwan Adamu before commissioning some projects in the State.

    She said: “I want to thank His Excellency (Bauchi Governor), he keeps assuring me that I am safe in Bauchi but I want to say that I am too old to be afraid. If God has granted me over 60 years on earth, I shouldn’t be afraid of death.

    “I thank God that you encouraged me to come. Nigeria belongs to all of us and this is the time for us to unite more than ever before.”

    Responding, Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed, condemned the recent death threats made against the First Lady, labelling it a “national embarrassment.”

    Addressing the incident, Mohammed expressed his dismay, describing the threat as unacceptable.

    He assured Mrs. Tinubu of her safety in the state and pledged to take appropriate action against the cleric responsible for the threat.

    Mohammed said: “Your Excellency, you have distinguished yourself not only as a distinguished Senator but as a politician who has opened the new frontier of politics and politicking. Your renewed hope is being given as hope because you have set aside all the differences of politics and partisanship.

    “And of course, I am aware of some of the challenges and threats to your life and person by somebody from this State. I was so disappointed and frustrated, but you made my day as a courageous mother, you decided to come to Bauchi.

    “Your Royal Highness, this distinguished lady has shown that Nigeria is really working and that Nigeria is one and nobody can play politics with our lives. We are very grateful, your life is more important to us than our own lives, nothing will happen to you. “

    “And that renegade, we will deal with him and Allah deal with him, by the grace of God. On behalf of their Royal Highnesses and the people of Bauchi, we apologize for that national embarrassment, it will not happen again.”

  • Court dismisses suspended Adamawa REC’s suit against IGP, others

    Court dismisses suspended Adamawa REC’s suit against IGP, others

    Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the suit filed by the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner of Adamawa state, Hudu Yunusa-Ari for lacking in merit.

    Yunasa-Ari is before the court, seeking protection from media trial, arrest and harassment by security agencies following his controversial announcement of the All Progressives Congress(APC) governorship candidate, Senator Aisha Binani Dahiru, as winner of the last Adamawa governorship poll.

    Mentioned as Defendants in the suit are the Inspector General of Police(IGP) Nigeria Police Force,(NPF) the Attorney-General of Federation(AGF)and Minister of Justice, the Director of the State Security Service (SSS) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 1st to 5th respondents respectively.

    Yunasa-Ari,had announced Binani winner of the governorship poll against the due process but the declaration was annulled by the INEC leadership which eventually returned the incumbent governor, Umar Fintiri.

    In his argument, his counsel, Jibrin Okutepa said his decision to announce Binani was due to a tight security breach in Adamawa.

    He submitted that since the incident, the respondents kept issuing press statements against him when he had not been convicted by a law court.

    Justice James Omotosho while delivering Judgement on held that the only issue to determine in the case is whether the fundamental rights of Hudu were breached by any of the respondents.

    The trial judge noted that as fundamental as human rights are, there are exceptions.

    Justice Omotosho noted that the applicant filed this suit to hide himself from prosecution for the role he played in the Adamawa guber poll.

    The court therefore dismissed the suit for lacking in merit.

  • Yobe State Declares Work-Free Day To Mourn Ex Governor

    Yobe State Declares Work-Free Day To Mourn Ex Governor

    Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni has declared Wednesday, February 7, 2024, as a work-free day.

    The declaration aims to facilitate a three-day prayer session for the late former governor, Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim, who passed away in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

    Governor Buni, emphasizing the significance of this period, urged the state’s residents to utilize the day in offering prayers for the peaceful repose of Sen. Ibrahim’s soul. 

    The three-day prayer sessions are scheduled to take place at the Government House Mosque in Damaturu.

    Yobe State Government has officially taken charge of the funeral and condolence rites, demonstrating a commitment to honoring the memory of the departed leader. 

    Governor Buni, accompanied by government officials and the late governor’s family, has been graciously receiving condolences from well-wishers within and beyond the state at the Government House, Damaturu.

  • Former Yobe Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim is Dead

    Former Yobe Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim is Dead

    It has been confirmed that the former Yobe State Governor, Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim has passed away, aged 73 years.

    The announcement came through the official social platform of Gujba Emirate Council and was later corroborated by a reliable source within the Emirate.

    Senator Ibrahim, a seasoned politician born in October 1950, served two terms as Yobe State Governor, from January 1992 to November 1993, and later from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007.

    His political journey continued with distinction as he assumed the role of Senator for Yobe East Senatorial District, a position he held from June 2007 to June 2019.

    The late statesman took his final bow at Medina Hospital after battling an undisclosed illness. The nation mourns the loss of a stalwart in Nigerian politics, recognizing Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim’s enduring commitment to public service and his significant impact on the nation’s political landscape.

  • Police Intercepts Vehicle Loaded with Political Thugs in Yobe

    Police Intercepts Vehicle Loaded with Political Thugs in Yobe

    The Yobe State Police Command says, working in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, it has interpreted an 18-seater bus boarded with political thugs in Gashua Local Government Area on mission to arrive at Damaturu to disrupt the electoral process.

    DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Yobe Police Command, Damaturu revealed in a statement made available to Nigerian Anchor in Damaturu.

    According to him “On 3rd February 2024 at about 0700hrs Military Checkpoint intercepted the bus while conveying thugs to Damaturu Metropolitan Council to cause mayhem in the electoral process but made their Waterloo, the police took them into custody for a district investigation and subsequent prosecution.

    The following are some of the suspects arrested: Abu Bakar Garba Bololo, aged 25, Habu Mato, aged 35, Suleman Musa, aged 50, Yusuf Danjuma, aged 33, Abdullahi Haruna, aged 45. Others are Zanab Mohammed, aged 25 of Unguwan Lawan and Rachael Bitrus, aged 23 and seven other syndicate members of Jakusko and Gashua LGA”.

    “The suspects claimed they were recruited to serve as agents of one of the opposition parties.

    Meanwhile, the investigation is swift to unravel the criminal implications of the matter”.

    “In this regard, the Commissioner of police in the state, Garba Ahmed, reiterated the commitment of the Police and sister Security Agencies to ensure the security and safety of the electorate and relative peace enjoyed in the State. 

    “However, calls on the good members of the public to remain resolute and shun violence, thuggery as security is firm to act on any untoward deviation”.

  • Supreme Court affirms Fintiri as Adamawa governor

    Supreme Court affirms Fintiri as Adamawa governor

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria, Wednesday, affirmed the election of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri as the authentic governor of Adamawa State.

    The apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel led by Justice Inyang Okoro, dismissed as lacking in merit the application of
    Senator Aisha Dahiru Banani, alongside her party, All Progressive Congress Party (APC), challenging the outcome of the governorship election that was held in the state on March 18, 2023.

    Senator Binani, has through her Counsel, Chief Akinolu Olujimi, SAN, prayed the court to nullify the declaration of Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP)as the valid winner of the gubernatorial contest.

    Specifically, she asked the court to set aside the concurrent verdict of the courts below that dismissed their case and upheld Fintiri’s re-election.

    She insisted that she polled the majority of valid votes cast at the election and was validly declared the winner by the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC.

    She, among other things, prayed the court to determine who ought to be the bona fide Returning Officer in a gubernatorial election.

    However, Fintiri, through his lawyer, Mr Damian Dodo, SAN, urged the apex court to dismiss the appeal and validate his election victory.

    Fintiri argued that he emerged victorious, having secured the majority of lawful votes and fulfilled all the requirements of the law.

    Delivering judgement in the matter, the apex court panel, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, held that the action of the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, who declared Senator Dahiru as the winner of the poll, was an act of irresponsibility and criminality.

    The court held that only a Returning Officer has the duty to announce the results of an election to avert chaos and anarchy in the process.

    According to the Supreme Court, the Electoral Act, 2022, specified who should declare results, stressing that such power was exclusively donated to the Returning Officer.

    Consequently, it resolved all the issues that were raised in the appeal against the appellants.