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Category: Politics

  • Gov Oborevwori urges Nigerians to shun divisive tendencies

    Gov Oborevwori urges Nigerians to shun divisive tendencies

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has charged Nigerians to shun inflammatory remarks and divisive tendencies to ensure  sustainable peace, unity and development of the nation.

    The governor gave the charge at a special Interdenominational Thanksgiving mass in commemoration of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the Emmanuel The Saviour Catholic Church, on Sunday in  Asaba.

    Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said Nigerians emulate the  sacrifices and commitment of fallen heroes  and pursue the path of peace, unity, and justice.

    READ ALSO: Oborevwori Unveils Plans for Asaba International market, Others in 20025

    He called on all to pray for global peace at this time, especially for the peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestinian crisis  and the Russia-Ukraine war.

    The governor said the thanksgiving service was part of activities lined up to commemorate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, a day set aside to honour the nation’s fallen heroes and legionnaires.

    He said that it was also a platform for sober reflection on the past, present and future of the country.

    The governor noted that many compatriots paid the ultimate price to protect  the sovereignty of the nation  and preserve its unity.

    He lauded them for their bravery, courage and abiding faith in Nigeria.

    READ ALSO: Delta Govt, APC in War of Words Over Rumoured Gov Oborevwori’s Defection

    The governor challenged all to support the legionnaires  , their widows and children .

    The governor  said that the state government was committed to supporting the legionnaires in various ways.

    He also called on the legionnaires to reciprocate government’s gesture by organising themselves and embarking on meaningful projects and programmes that would complement the efforts of the government to improve the living standard of ex-servicemen and that of their families.

    The governor urged those in positions of trust to lead with the fear of God  for them to be able to make the right choices and decisions that  would deliver good governance to the people.

    READ ALSO: Delta Gov Shuffles Cabinet, Aniagwu Takes Over Information Ministry

    In his sermon, Monsignor John Aduba, the Rector of Saint Joseph Pro Cathedral, Asaba, noted that the service was to celebrate members of the armed forces still serving and to remember the fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the unity of the nation.

    Aduba thanked them for their selfless service to the nation and reminded them  of the need to give special attention to the needs of the families of fallen heroes.

    The  ceremony to mark the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day will be concluded on Wednesday at the Cenotaph, Asaba, with laying of wreaths.

  • Zamfara Bombing: Gov Lawal Commends NAF

    Zamfara Bombing: Gov Lawal Commends NAF

    Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has praised the Nigerian Air Force for their renewed efforts in combating bandits in the state.

    The governor gave the commendation in a statement in Gusau on Sunday by Sulaiman Idris, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity.

    Lawal revealed that the Nigerian Air Force had carried out successful airstrikes over the weekend.

    The strikes targeted bandits who were attacking villages in Zurmi and Maradun Local Government Areas of the state.

    Lawal, however, expressed his deep condolences to the families of civilian casualties who were affected by the airstrikes at Tungar Kara in Zurmi LGA.

    READ ALSO: El Rufai Visits Buhari

    The unfortunately incident included members of the local vigilante group who were mistakenly identified as bandits fleeing from Gidan Makera in the Boko district of Zurmi LGA.

    The governor commended the precision strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansar Yamma over the weekend in troubled Maradun and Zurmi local government areas.

    The governor said the strikes had significantly degraded the operational capacity of the bandits.

    He said they had also demonstrated the Nigeria Air Force’s commitment to protecting civilians and safeguarding life and property.

    “As a responsible government, the Zamfara State Government remains committed to sustaining the gains made in the fight against banditry and related criminalities.

    “The recent success is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the state and federal security agencies, which have yielded positive results,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Kano Emirate Tussle: Federal Agents Sack Sanusi’s Guards

    Lawal reaffirmed commitment to providing necessary support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to sustain their operations and bring lasting peace to the state.

    According to him, this includes enhancing intelligence sharing, providing logistics, and strengthening community engagement.

    He noted that, unfortunately, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes were also affected during the operation in Tungar Kara, resulting in the loss of lives.

    “We pray to Almighty Allah to grant them Jannah.

    NAF Jets Bombing Terrorist Camps in Zamfara

    “The government will provide necessary support and assistance to the bereaved families,” he said.

     The governor called on the people to be vigilant, report all suspicious activities, and cooperate fully with security personnel.

    Wreckage from bombing

    “Through collective effort and unity of purpose, the fight against banditry can be won, bringing enduring peace and stability to Zamfara,” he said.

  • Kano Emirate Tussle: The rumpus is far from over

    Kano Emirate Tussle: The rumpus is far from over

    As a Coalition for Justice and Rule of Law, convened by Dr. Bashir Danmalam faults the interpretation of the Appeal Court judgement by Kano State Government, which implies that the judgement is a validation of the disputed Emirate Council Law of 2024.

    They fault the Kano State Government’s interpretation of the judgement of the Court of Appeal regarding the Emir of Kano throne, saying it was concerned with the government’s stance on the court ruling.

    Danmalam said contrary to the opinion of the government, the Court of Appeal never validated the disputed Emirate Council Law of 2024.

    Similarly, he said, the Court of Appeal did not validate the disputed current government’s actions regarding the chieftaincy appointments and reforms in the state’s traditional institutions.

    He argued that the Court of Appeal never validated, legalised or upheld the disputed actions of the Executive Governor of Kano State pursuant to the disputed Emirate Council Law of 2024.

    “Independent and unbiased minds appreciate the fact that the judgement of the Court of Appeal are two in numbers.

    “One overturned the ruling of the Federal High Court on jurisdiction and the other overturned the entire judgement of the Kano State High Court,” he said.

    Aminu Ado Bayero (l), Muhammadu Sanusi II (r)

    According to him, the judgement of the Court of Appeal in respect of the Federal High Court ruling held that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters.

    “The judgement is not in support of any of the postulations of the Kano State government.

    “On the other side of the divide, the judgement of the Court of Appeal in the sister appeal is clearly in favour of His Highness Aminu Ado Bayero and the other 4 Emirates of Bichi, Gaya, Rano and Karaye.

    “This is because the Kano State High Court had earlier declared them improper by virtue of the new Emirate Law of 2024 and further directed the removal of His Highness Aminu Ado Bayero,’’ he said.

    He said the suit before the High Court was instituted by the government seeking nullification of the Emirship of Bayero, which the court granted to pave way for legitimacy of Alhaji Muhammad Sunusi II.

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    Danmalam said the implications of the Appeal Court judgement was that the continuous occupation of the throne by Bayero remained legitimate while the attempted enthronement of Sunusi remained questionable.

    “We extend our appreciation to the judiciary for upholding the principles of justice and fairness.

    “We therefore strongly advise the Kano State Government to stop misleading itself and the public that the judgement of the Court of Appeal is in its favour,” he said.

    Most news organisations, including the Nigerian Anchor recalls that the Kano State Government welcomed the judgement as a validation of Sanusi’s Emirship,

    “This ruling validates the government’s lawful actions and clarifies jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, reinforcing the constitutional boundaries of the courts in such affairs,“ said Mr Haruna Dederi the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

    However, the Bayero camp has indicated that it would appeal against the Appeal Court judgement at the Supreme Court.

    “I have already instructed my lawyers to obtain a certified true copy of the judgement.

    “Once an appeal is lodged at the Supreme Court, the decision of a lower court is stayed until the case is fully resolved,” said Aminu Dan’Agundi, senior counsel to Bayero.

    The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was first crowned Sarki Muhammadu Sunusi II (anglicized as Sanusi) on 9 June 2014, the fifty-seventh monarch of the ancient-city Kano.

    He was however, ousted in 2020 by then Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state after being accused of showing “insubordination” to the authorities.

    His supporters were however, of the believe that he was sacked as he showed signs of opposing the re-election of the governor.

    After his dethronement, Governor Ganduje influenced the Kano state house of assembly to pass a law that created five new emirates in the state and appointed Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as the new Emir in Kano.

    The Emir of Kano, hierarchically is the fourth-most-important Islamic traditional ruler in Nigeria after the Sultan of Sokoto, Shehu of Borno and Emir of Gwandu.

    Informed sources in Kano opine that the current ping pong represents power play between the federal government and the kano state government, with each favouring a particular candidate as emir.

  • Bauchi Governor Re-appoints Sacked Commissioners as Advisers  

    Bauchi Governor Re-appoints Sacked Commissioners as Advisers  

    Just two days after being sacked, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has re-appointed three former commissioners as special advisers in a reshuffled cabinet.  

    The appointments, which took effect immediately, were detailed in an official statement issued on Tuesday. 

    The changes appear aimed at utilizing the expertise of the former commissioners in new capacities to drive state development.  

    Among the appointees are Abdulhameed Bununu, who transitions from Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs to Special Adviser on Multilateral Coordination and Regional Integration.

     Usman Danturaki, previously overseeing Information and Communication, will now focus on Labour Matters and the Contributory Pension Scheme.

     Madugu Yalams, the former Agriculture Commissioner, assumes the role of Special Adviser on Technical and Vocational Education.  

    Governor Mohammed emphasized the need for the appointees to focus on delivering impactful results in their new roles, aiming to improve the lives of Bauchi residents.  

    Earlier in the day, the governor announced a cabinet reshuffle, which included the dismissal of five commissioners, citing the need to enhance governance and service delivery across the state.

  • NPF, Ebonyi Command, Arrests 1, 270 suspects in 2024

    NPF, Ebonyi Command, Arrests 1, 270 suspects in 2024

    Ebony State Command of @NgPolice said on Tuesday, it made a total arrest 1, 270 suspects in connection with various offences in 2024.

    The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Joshua Ukandu told newsmen in Abakaliki that the suspects were arrested at different locations across the state.

    He explained their offences to include: cultism, kidnapping, murder and homicide, rape and defilement, unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, and robbery, among others.

    READ ALSO: Zamfara Bombing Linked to Lakurawa Terrorists

    Further breakdown of the 1, 270 suspects shows that 38 were involved in rape and defilement, 120 for murder and homicide.

    “19 suspects were arrested for kidnapping, 119 in connection with armed robbery, 27 for unlawful possession of firearms and 913 for other offences,” he said.

    Mr. Ukandu stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Anthonia Uche-Anya, has assured the command’s commitment to the security of lives and property in the state.

    Though no word was said about the level of prosecution of any of the cases, the Command Spokesman iterates that, “The CP is urging all residents in the state to be law-abiding and support the operations of the command to achieve a crime-free society for the citizens.

    READ ALSO: Private Jets Must Get Clearance Before Leaving Nigeria, Says Keyamo

    “We thank the residents of the state for their support thus far and solicit their continued support towards bringing crime to the barest minimum in the state.

    “The command is ever ready to fight against crime and criminality. I urge citizens to stay away from criminal tendencies in the 13 local government areas in Ebonyi State,” Ukandu advised.

  • Abuja IED explosion: Police confirm 2 death

    Abuja IED explosion: Police confirm 2 death

    The Nigeria Police has confirmed that two people died from an explosion that occurred at an Islamic School in  Byazhin area of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.

    The Police gave the name of the school as Tsangayar Sani Uthman Islamiyya.

    A statement by Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh said the tragic incident occurred at about 11:00 am on Monday.

    According to her, upon receiving a distress call from the community leader in the area, a team of police operatives, including the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team were deployed.

    READ ALSO: Catholic Priest Arrested for Murder

    Adeh said the victims were promptly evacuated and rushed to the hospital for medical attention during the rescue operation.

    She said the area was immediately cordoned off to protect residents and facilitate a thorough investigation by the police team.

    “Preliminary investigations revealed that three men from Katsina visited the owner of the Islamic school, Malam Adamu Ashimu.

    “The three visitors are suspected to have brought the explosive device with them.

    “Tragically, two of the men died in the explosion while tampering with the improvised explosive device (IED), on the school veranda while the third man and a female trader sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment under police guard,” she said.

    Adeh said the FCT Bomb Squad had confirmed that the incident was an IED explosion, adding that remnants of the device had been recovered.

    PLEASE READ: Ribadu Denies Foreign Military Presence in Nigeria Amid Niger Tensions

    She said the owner of the school had been taken into custody for questioning, adding that further findings would be communicated to the public in due course.

    She said the Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, Mr Olatunji Disu, enjoined the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, behavior or items with explosive device resemblance to the police.

  • Katsina Gov Radda rejigs cabinet

    Katsina Gov Radda rejigs cabinet

    It is almost midterm and Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State joins state executives rejigging the cabinet as he reshuffles the State Executive Council on Monday.

    He gave the reason for the cabinet reshuffle as the need to ensure optimum performance of the administration’s ‘Building Your Future’ agenda.

    His decision was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ibrahim Kaula-Mohammed.

    According Malam Kaula-Mohammed, one of the newly appointed commissioners, Alhaji Malik Anas, would now head the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

    The new commissioner holds a Masters of Business Administration of the Bayero University, Kano, and former Accountant-General of Katsina State.

    READ ALSO: Gov Sule Restructures Nasarawa Leadership, Sacks SSG, Commissioners

    Alhaji Bello Kagara, the former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, is now the Commissioner for Finance.

    Also, Alhaji Bashir Tanimu, who previously served as Finance Commissioner, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

    Alhaji Yusuf Rabi’u-Jirdede has been deployed from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Investment.

    The cabinet makeover also saw Alhaji Adnan Nahabu being moved from the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Investment to the Ministry of Special Duties.

    FURTHER READING: El Rufai Dismisses Defection Rumours, Threatens Legal Action

    Kaula-Mohammed quoted the governor as directing the newly appointed and the reassigned commissioners to maintain excellent service.

    “The governor specifically charged Alhaji Malik Anas to align his Ministry’s objectives with the administration’s ‘Building Your Future’ agenda.

  • 50 Apprehended Manhole Vandals shall be prosecuted – Wike

    50 Apprehended Manhole Vandals shall be prosecuted – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has vowed that the 50 individuals detained for vandalising roads facilities would face prosecution.

    Media reports on Monday indicated that the Nigerian Police in Abuja announced the detention of 50 suspected vandals, who were caught with 25 manhole covers and solar streetlights.

    Reacting to the development, Wike said that the detained suspects would face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

    In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, the minister emphasised that no criminal would be spared.

    The Minister assured that the FCT Administration would ensure that all buyers and users of the stolen manhole covers and other public infrastructure would be apprehended.

    According to him, the culprits would be prosecuted for economic sabotage and for endangering the lives of Nigerians.

    He described the detention of the 50 suspected vandals by the police as a demonstration of the FCTA’s zero-tolerance policy toward criminal activities, particularly the vandalisation of public amenities.

    Wike commended security agencies for their prompt and decisive actions, calling their collaborative efforts “fantastic.”

    “This is an assurance to the residents of the FCT that their lives and property are secure,” he stated.

    The minister also lauded Nigerians for showing patriotism by speaking out against vandalism, emphasising that the protection of public amenities was a collective responsibility.

    He urged residents of the FCT to continue using social media positively, as demonstrated by one individual who alerted authorities about the stolen manhole covers.

    He pledged that the Administration would act swiftly on similar incidents in the future.

    “Those stealing and buying amenities meant for the use of Nigerians are Nigerians themselves.

  • Insecurity in Zamfara: Residents Flee As Gunmen Impose N172.7 Levy

    Insecurity in Zamfara: Residents Flee As Gunmen Impose N172.7 Levy

    Armed groups in Zamfara state have reportedly imposed monetary and in-kind levies on 25 villages in Tsafe West, causing widespread displacement. 

    The demands total approximately N172.7 million, with additional contributions of soybeans demanded from some communities. 

    READ ALSO: NAF Acquires 63 New Aircrafts in Three Years

    Villages unable to meet the requirements face violent retaliation, prompting hundreds to abandon their homes and livelihoods.

    The affected villages include Gijinzama, Dakolo, and Kauyen Kane, with levies ranging from N2.5 million to N20 million.

     This situation has disrupted farming and other activities, leaving communities in dire need of security reinforcements and relief aid.

     Despite improvements in some areas, rural communities in Tsafe West remain highly vulnerable.

  • Governor Sule Restructures Nasarawa Leadership, Sacks SSG, Commissioners 

    Governor Sule Restructures Nasarawa Leadership, Sacks SSG, Commissioners 

    The proverbial musical chair was on display yesterday in Lafiya, Nasarawa State as members of the state executive reported to work only to return to their families without any portfolio as Gov Abdulahi had sacked them.

    The introduced a gale of changes to the state’s leadership by dismissing the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and disbanding his cabinet. 

    READ ALSO: Human Capital Development: Empowering Nigerians for Global Competitiveness

    Personal aides were also relieved of their duties during an emergency executive meeting held on Friday in Lafia.  

    While the governor has not disclosed the reasons behind this decision, the move has sparked mixed reactions. 

    Sources suggest the restructuring had been anticipated, with speculation that some officials may not return to their roles. 

    Celebrations reportedly erupted in some areas, with claims that the former SSG had hindered the administration’s progress.  

    This development follows a period of administrative challenges, leaving citizens awaiting further clarification on the next steps for the state government.