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Category: North West

  • Accept Hardship as a Trial from God – APC Governor Tells Nigerians Amidst Planned Nationwide Protest

    Accept Hardship as a Trial from God – APC Governor Tells Nigerians Amidst Planned Nationwide Protest

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has advised Nigerians to consider the current economic hardship as a test from God, rather than resorting to protests.

    The governor, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made this statement on Monday during a town hall meeting with 27 groups in Dutse.

    The meeting, which included representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), saw the groups disassociate themselves from the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1.

    Governor Namadi who acknowledged the economic challenges facing the country, said that protest is not the solution. He encouraged citizens to express their grievances through alternative means, such as prayer and seeking divine intervention.

    He said, “There are many ways people could express their grievances; people are at liberty to display their grievances through protest under democratic dispensation, but that isn’t the most effective way to address the problems.

    “The protest alone will not provide the solutions; people should turn to God, repent, seek for forgiveness and divine intervention on the challenges.”

    The governor highlighted the efforts of the government in providing relief measures, including food items, materials, and cash distribution, to cushion the effects of the hardship. He also reminded the people that the federal government had approved the importation of food items without import duty for five months.

    Namadi urged Nigerians to accept the hardships as a trial from God, citing the Islamic belief in destiny.

    Meanwhile, the Police Commissioner in Jigawa, Tijjani Abdullahi, warned those planning to participate in the protest to reconsider.

    “The security agencies in the state are combat-ready to deal with anyone who wants to breach public peace and order,” he said.

  • We‘ll conduct credible LG polls in Kano soon, says Gov. Yusuf

    We‘ll conduct credible LG polls in Kano soon, says Gov. Yusuf

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano state, on Sunday, assured the people of his readiness to conduct a free, fair and credible local government elections in the state.

    Mr Yusuf spoke in Kano during a stakeholders’ meeting with the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party.

    The governor revealed plans to conduct the council polls in compliance with the judgement of the Supreme Court that affirmed financial autonomy to the third tier of government.

    Mr Yusuf stressed the need for respect for the rule of law and commitment to financial prudence, accountability and transparency in governance at all tiers of government.

    The governor urged opposition parties to field candidates to test their popularity “because my government will not interfere with the electoral process.

    “Our administration has allowed the previous LG Executive Councils in the 44 LGAs to complete their tenure despite pressure from within: this is out of respect for the rule of law.”

    He said preparations by the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) for the conduct of the council polls were in top gear.

    “We will soon invite you again for selection of our party’s candidates to be fielded to contest for chairman, vice chairman and Councillor in their respective constituencies.

    “We shall run a peaceful campaign with the believe that the majority of Kano people will vote for NNPP,” he said.

  • Gov Yusuf Appoints Three Second-Class Emirs in Kano State

    Gov Yusuf Appoints Three Second-Class Emirs in Kano State

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has approved the appointment of three second-class Emirs for the state’s Rano, Gaya and Karaye Emirates.

    A statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Mr Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said the new Emirates is to serve as second with Kano as first-class Emirate.

    It gave the names of the newly-appointed Emirs as Alhaji Muhammad Mahraz Karaye, Emir of Karaye (who until his appointment was the District Head of Rogo), Alhaji Muhammad Isa Umar, Emir of Rano (who until his appointment, was the District Head of Bunkure) and Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir Gaya, Emir of Gaya (who was the Emir of the defunct Gaya Emirate).

    While congratulating the newly-appointed Emirs, Governor Yusuf urged them to be custodians of culture, peace and unity of the people of their respective Emirates.

    It will be recalled that the Governor had on July 16, 2024, signed into law a bill creating three second-class Emirates in the state with Rano covering only Rano, Kibiya and Bunkure Local Government areas, Gaya covering only Gaya, Ajingi and Albasu Local Government areas and Karaye covering only Karaye and Rogo Local Government areas.

    “The appointments are with immediate effect”, the statement added.

  • Armed Hoodlums at Emir’s Palace in Kano Cause Fear Among Residents

    Armed Hoodlums at Emir’s Palace in Kano Cause Fear Among Residents

    Residents of Rano town in Kano State are alarmed by the presence of armed hoodlums who have taken up residence at the Emirate’s headquarters since Sunday.

    A letter sent to the state Police Commissioner, on Tuesday, disclosed that these armed individuals have been camped at the Emir’s palace, including both the Main Palace and the historic Tsohon Gari Palace, since their arrival.

    The identities and intentions of those who brought them there remain unknown, raising concerns about the safety of lives and property in the area.

    The letter partly reads: “On the evening of Sunday, July 7, 2024, Rano town, the heart of our Rano emirate, was invaded by armed hoodlums, believed to be sponsored by unidentified persons, who camped at the Emir’s palaces.”

    The letter also highlights that the presence of these armed individuals defies a recent directive issued by the Police Commissioner on June 20, 2024. This directive banned all non-state security actors, including vigilantes and hunters, from providing security services in the state.

    Residents of the Rano emirate are known for their peaceful disposition and typically go about their activities without causing trouble. 

    The letter emphasized that Rano has enjoyed years of uninterrupted peace, with security agencies attesting to this fact.

    However, recent disputes over the emirates in Kano State have led to increased tension and dissatisfaction among residents, who feel that their views have been disregarded. 

    The letter noted that there were no public hearings across the state to assess the necessity of dissolving the four additional emirates (Rano, Gaya, Karaye, and Bichi) established by former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

    Despite these tensions, the residents of Rano have shown restraint, abiding by the law and engaging only in peaceful protests. 

    They continued to respect the judicial process, awaiting the outcome of the emirate case currently before the Federal High Court in Kano.

  • JUST IN: One person killed, 18 rescued in Jigawa boat mishap 

    JUST IN: One person killed, 18 rescued in Jigawa boat mishap 

    One person has died, and another is missing as a boat carrying traders capsised on Sunday in Jigawa State.

    According to the police spokesperson in the state, Lawan Adam, 20 traders were travelling from Kwalgai in Auyo Local Government Area to neighbouring Hadin in Kaugama council when the boat capsised.

    Mr Adam said local divers and the police rescued most of the victims after responding swiftly to a report of the accident.

    “The rescue team was able to rescue eighteen (18) passengers alive, while two (2) female passengers were still searching”, Mr Adam said.

    He said one of two missing persons, identified as Habiba Ado,18, of Kwalgai community, was later alive but died at a hospital in Auyo.

    The police spokesperson said preliminary findings revealed that the accident was primarily caused by powerful waves and overloading that led to the driver losing control of the canoe.

    “Efforts were being intensified to rescue the remaining missing woman while the rescued victims were all rushed to the hospital for medical attention,” the police spokesperson said.

  • Kidnapped  Zamfara Catholic priest in Zamfara released after two weeks

    Kidnapped  Zamfara Catholic priest in Zamfara released after two weeks

    The Parish Priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church Damba, Gusau, Zamfara State, Mikah Suleiman has regained his freedom from bandits who kidnapped him two weeks ago.

    Suleiman’s release was announced in a statement on Sunday, July 7, 2024, by the Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Pascal Salifu.

    The statement read, “We are overjoyed to announce the safe release of Fr Mikah Suleiman, who was kidnapped on 22/06/2024.

    ‘We extend our heartfelt gratitude to God for His protection and to everyone who offered prayers and support during this challenging time.

    “Our thanks also go to the authorities and all involved in securing Fr Mikah’s release. He is currently receiving the necessary care and support.”

    Salifu urged people to “continue to keep him in your prayers as he begins his recovery.”

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar confirmed the priest’s abduction on Saturday, saying, “Yes, the incident happened early hour of today, the Reverend Father was kidnapped in his residence. We were not informed when the incident happened but what I gathered was that the man stays alone not in the church.

    “We have deployed our tactical squad to go after the kidnappers with the aim of rescuing the victim unhurt.”

    More so, the acting Chancellor of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Nuhu Iliya had urged the Christian faithful to pray for the “quick and safe release” of the priest.

    “We equally commend him to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, for his speedy release from the hands of his abductors,” Iliya said.

  • Court Gives Two Kano Judges 48 Hours To Resign

    Court Gives Two Kano Judges 48 Hours To Resign

    Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court has instructed Justices Faruk Adamu and Zuwaira Yusuf, judges of Kano State High Court, to step down from their positions as chairmen of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry on Misappropriated Public Properties and Assets as well as Political Violence and Missing Persons within 48 hours.

    The National Judicial Council (NJC), Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Attorney General of Kano State, Justices Faruk Adamu and Justice Zuwaira Yusuf are defendants in the case.

    In a ruling on Thursday in a case brought by former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Justice Amobeda stated that the NJC should halt payment of any remuneration, allowances and benefits to the two judges from the consolidated revenue fund if they do not comply with the order.

     Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, had on April 4 inaugurated the two judicial commissions of inquiry under the chairmanship of Justices Adamu and Yusuf to investigate cases of misappropriation of public properties, political violence and cases of missing persons from 2015 to 2023.

    Justice Amobeda directed that the judges should refrain from carrying out the executive functions assigned to them by the governor in courtrooms designated for adjudicating disputes between individuals and authorities in the state.

    The judge held that “The combined effects of sections 6, 84, 153(1), 271(2), 272 together with paragraph 21(c) of part 1 of the third schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the 4th and 5th defendants (Justices Faruk Adamu and Zuwaira Yusuf) are not legally permitted, “while purporting to hold the office of a judge of high court of Kano State, to accept appointments as chairmen of commission of inquiry with quasi-judicial powers equivalent to that of a Magistrate and subject to review by a judge of the High court of Kano State.”

    The court ruled that the governor lacked the authority to appoint and administer the oath of office for individuals to serve as chairmen of a commission of inquiry, a position designated for commissioners exercising executive powers.

    The court emphasized that Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman’s ruling, which stated that only the EFCC and the ICPC have the jurisdiction to investigate the former governor, deems it an abuse of power and a violation of judicial integrity for the governor to establish a commission of inquiry to probe the plaintiff’s administration.

    Nevertheless, the court dismissed the plaintiff’s counsel’s argument that the judges compromised their judicial roles by participating in the judicial commission of inquiry.

  • 14 Killed In Kano As Truck Rams Into Muslims Returning From Jumat Prayer

    14 Killed In Kano As Truck Rams Into Muslims Returning From Jumat Prayer

    No fewer than fourteen (14) people reportedly died when a moving truck rammed into Muslim faithful who were returning home from Friday’s Jumat prayer in Kano State.

    Reports obtained revealed that the tragic incident happened at Imawa, a town along the Zaria–Kano highway in the Kura Local Government Area of Kano State.

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in the state, Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed the sad development to journalists yesterday in Kano.

    According to him, the accident occurred when a truck with registration number MKA 537 XN lost control and rammed into pedestrians who had just concluded Friday prayers and killed 14 of them.

    Abdullahi said, “We received a distress call at about 01:50 p.m. on June 28, 2024. Upon receiving the information, we quickly dispatched our personnel and vehicle to the scene of the accident.

    “The FRSC is committed to road safety and urges all road users to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to prevent such avoidable tragedies.”

    The sector commander offered his sincere sympathies to the families of the deceased and reassured the public that ongoing efforts were being made to determine the precise circumstances of the crash.

  • Kano Emirate Tussle: Flag of Authority Hoisted at Aminu Ado Bayero’s Mini Palace 

    Kano Emirate Tussle: Flag of Authority Hoisted at Aminu Ado Bayero’s Mini Palace 

    Traditional and official flags have been hoisted at the Nassarawa mini palace which the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero currently occupies, Amid the ongoing Kano emirate tussle.

    The flag signifies the presence of an emir once raised and it’s also a symbol of authority.

    It is often raised every day by 6am and taken down by 6pm and remains down when the emir is officially outside the palace or travels.

    The flag was set up early Wednesday morning with the iron rod but the flag was brought later in the evening. Finally, it was raised by 6 am on Thursday.

    Recall that the two embattled emirs, Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II are still observing and exercising all traditional rites in their various palaces as they clinch tightly to the Kano Emirate throne.

  • Court Adjourns Hearing In Case Against Emir Bayero, See New Date

    Court Adjourns Hearing In Case Against Emir Bayero, See New Date

    A Kano State High Court has adjourned the hearing of a case filed by the Kano State Government seeking to restrain the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and four other emirs from parading themselves as emirs to July 2, 2024.

    Presiding over the case, Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu listened to arguments from both sides before deciding on the adjournment.

    Counsel to Ado Bayero, Barr. Ibrahim Muktar, and the counsel representing the Attorney General of Kano State, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, and the House of Assembly itself, Barr. Ibrahim Isah-Wangida, also presented their cases before the court.

    The court was initially set to address a motion on notice filed by the plaintiffs, concerning an interlocutory injunction following an interim order granted by the court, however, the first defendant had served the plaintiffs with a counter-affidavit, necessitating a response.

    The respondents in the case include Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, Emir Nasiru Ado Bayero of Bichi, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar II of Karaye, Emir Kabiru Muhammad-Inuwa of Rano, and Emir Aliyu Ibrahim-Gaya of Gaya.

    Other respondents include the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Army.

    The case was previously slated for hearing on June 11, 2024.

    However, Mr. Abdulsalam Saleh, counsel to the IGP, informed the court that attempts to serve the first to fifth respondents had failed due to a Federal High Court order preventing harassment and intimidation.

    As a result, the counsel for the applicants, Eyitayo Fatogun (SAN), requested another date to complete the necessary applications for service on the respondents.

    Justice Aliyu directed that the emirs be served through the office of the Kano State Commissioner of Police and adjourned the matter to June 24, 2024, for hearing the motion on notice.

    During Monday’s proceedings, Barrister Abdulrazak Ahmad confirmed that Bayero had been served and requested the court to dismiss the suit, arguing that the Kano State High Court lacks jurisdiction over the case.

    Contrarily, Barr. Ibrahim Isah-Wangida, representing the government, maintained that the court has jurisdiction and requested the court to hear the case in its entirety, including the originating summons.

    Justice Aliyu subsequently adjourned the case to July 2, 2024, to consider the pleas from both sides and continue the hearing of the case filed by the Kano State Government.