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Category: Politics

  • Nigerian Soldier Shoots Self At Army Base Gate, Four Months To Retirement

    Nigerian Soldier Shoots Self At Army Base Gate, Four Months To Retirement

    An indigene of Okpuala in Ngor-Okpuala, Imo State, serving in the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Imo state, has shot himself in front of the 144 Battalion’s Forward Operation Base (FOB) gate.

    Identified as Vitalis, a senior non-commissioned soldier, Command Sergeant Major (CSM), he reportedly shot himself without leaving a suicide note.

    Before his death, he served with the 14 Brigade Headquarters, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s Barrack, Ohafia, Ohafia local government area of Abia State.

    According to security sources who spoke to The Nation, a thorough and discreet investigation is necessary to determine the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s suicide.

    Speculation or premature conclusions could compromise the investigation’s outcome, which is being led by the army’s leadership in the state. Notably, there were no reported incidents of domestic violence or disciplinary actions against the soldier prior to his death, suggesting that the motives behind his actions may be complex and require a thorough inquiry.

    The tragedy struck the military camp when the soldier, reportedly just months away from retirement in October, committed suicide after mysteriously disappearing without communication for two weeks.

    The sudden reemergence of the soldier, who apparently returned to the camp and then took his own life, shocked his colleagues and left many wondering what could have driven him to such despair.

  • Emirship Tussle: Why I Ordered Bayero’s Arrest – Gov Yusuf Opens Up

    Emirship Tussle: Why I Ordered Bayero’s Arrest – Gov Yusuf Opens Up

    Governor Abba Yusuf has explained his reasons for ordering the arrest of the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, an action that led to the court awarding ₦10 million in damages to the monarch.

    The Governor, through his spokesman Sunusi Bature, stated that he ordered Bayero’s arrest because Bayero returned two days after his dethronement to reclaim the palace, causing unrest in the state.

    In response to the article ‘A Rendezvous with Recklessness and Executive Rascality’ by Bala Ibrahim, Bature defended Governor Yusuf against claims of recklessness and executive misconduct.

    The Federal High Court in Kano recently ordered the state government to pay Bayero the sum of ₦10 million for violating his fundamental rights, personal liberty, and freedom of movement.

    In a court session led by Justice Simon Amobeda, the court cited Sections 35(1) and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

    It was ruled that Yusuf’s decision to order Bayero’s arrest without lawful justification was unjust. This decision led to Bayero being put under house arrest due to the fear of being arrested.

    Exploiting the ruling as an opportunity, Bala Ibrahim derided and lambasted the governor for his alleged power abuse and reckless decision-making, notably the demolition of structures and the issuance of Bayero’s arrest warrant, resulting in compensation being granted to all affected parties by the court.

    However, the governor’s spokesperson said: “Does Bala Ibrahim actually understand the workings of government and governance?

    “I do not want to go into judicial pronouncements, but the point I want to make clear is that the issue of Kano Emirship is straightforward with the repeal of the Kano Emirate Law (2019) and enactment of Kano Emirate Law (2024), which gave Governor Yusuf the power to abolish the five emirates and return Kano to its glorious and historic position of one emirate.

    “This is the wish of the people of Kano state.

    “The reappointment of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II did not also come to anyone as a surprise, because his dethronement and consequent banishment by Abdullahi Ganduje and his co-travellers was done out of malice.

    “Now, calling for the arrest of dethroned Emir Aminu Bayero was only done for public good as his entrance into Kano, shortly after his dethronement posed a serious security threat which is being managed up till today.

    “Governor Abba Yusuf remains the Chief Security Officer of Kano state, and no sane leader would fold his arms and watch Kano snowballs into a state of anarchy without taking action.”

    The governor also defended the demolition of buildings, stating it was aimed at reclaiming public property illegally acquired by former Governor Ganduje, his associates, and family.

    He emphasized the exercise’s necessity to prevent individuals from misappropriating public funds and resources.

    Despite criticism from figures like Bala Ibrahim, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to Kano state’s welfare and socio-economic advancement.

  • Why We Halted Durbar Activities – Ado Bayero 

    Why We Halted Durbar Activities – Ado Bayero 

    The 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has felicitated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on the occasion of Sallah festivities.

    The Emir also announced that the durbar ceremonies earlier scheduled were halted following recommendations of the security and for peace to continue to reign in the State.

    The Emir made the remarks while delivering a broadcast at the Nassarawa mini palace on Saturday.

    He said, “On this day when all Muslim faithful are observing the day of Arafat, we felicitate with all during this important occasion.

    “Eid is practiced and we are taught by our holy prophet to sacrifice animals if we are opportune to. For those who cannot afford it, we pray to Allah to grant them what to sacrifice.

    “We therefore felicitate with the President and the Governor on the occasion of Sallah and we pray that God gives them the courage and strength to deliver.

    “We call on them to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, protection of their lives and properties while also the people should pray for their leaders.

    “We have lifted all durbar activities following the recommendations of security operatives for peace to continue to reign.”

  • EFCC Picks New Date For Yahaya Bello’s Arraignment

    EFCC Picks New Date For Yahaya Bello’s Arraignment

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has reportedly picked a new date for the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

    The anti-graft agency fixed June 27 for a hearing in the alleged money laundering case instituted by EFCC against Bello at the instance of the anti-graft agency’s lawyers.
    According to Daily Post, the new date was fixed without prior information from the defendant’s lawyers.

    At the resumed hearing on Thursday, counsel to Bello, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, told the court that the EFCC lawyers approached Aliyu AbdulWahab, SAN, who is the counsel for the defendant, that the earlier date, June 13 date, would not be convenient for them to proceed and that Wahab had to agree by way of convenience for another date to be set.

    He said he was surprised when he heard that EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo was in court.

    He said, “They (EFCC) agreed that junior counsel would be sent to court today to formally pick a date. And the registry can confirm this. Kemi Pinhero, SAN, the lead counsel, has been calling us to say today is not convenient.”

    However, for the decision of the EFCC to seek an adjournment to a future date for his arraignment, Bello was said to be ready to appear in court on Thursday.

    Adedipe added, “Under 266 ACJA there are instances when defendants don’t need to come and this is one of them.

    “We came here to pick a date. Of what use will the defendant coming here be? It is the prosecuting counsel that approached us, we did not approach them. We have nothing to hide.”

  • Road accident claims 25 lives in Enugu 

    Road accident claims 25 lives in Enugu 

    A tragic road accident at Ugwu Onyeama in Enugu State along the Enugu-Onitsha federal highway has claimed the lives of at least 25 people.

    According to reports on Wednesday, the accident involved 10 vehicles, including both private and commercial buses. The crash is believed to have been caused by a Nigerian Army checkpoint.

    Many individuals with severe injuries are currently being transported to hospitals in and around the state capital.

    An eyewitness reported that a truck failed to brake and collided with multiple vehicles that had stopped on the hilly road, leading to the unfortunate loss of lives.

    A trailer traveling on the newly constructed lane experienced brake failure and crashed into more than 10 vehicles, both private and commercial.

    “The army checkpoint at that axis continues to claim lives.

    “More than 25 persons lost their life instantly and many rushed to the hospital,” one of the eyewitnesses reportedly said.

  • Tinubu condmns Katsina attacks, gives marching orders to police, others

    President Bola Tinubu has condemned the recent spate of attacks against citizens in Dutsin-Ma and Kankara Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

    No fewer than fifty farmers were killed by rampaging armed bandits in three villages across Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State yesterday,

    The gunmen who raided farms across ‘Yargoje, Gatakawa and Dan-nakwabo villages shot sporadically at the farmers most of whom died on the spot.

    Several eyewitnesses said no less than fifty dead bodies were counted after the mayhem.

    While describing the latest attacks as grisly and sinister, the President emphasized that more will be done ”to secure citizens and completely degrade terrorists and other harbingers of death and sorrow in any part of the country”

    President Tinubu directed security agencies to go after the assailants and ensure that they are brought to justice.

    ”The President condoles with the families of the deceased, as well as the Government and people of Katsina State, and prays for the repose of the souls of the departed,” a statement signed by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale stated.

  • Senate passes N98.5bn FCT supplementary budget

    Senate passes N98.5bn FCT supplementary budget

    The Senate on Tuesday, June 11, passed the sum of N98.5billion as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2024.

    The passage of the Bill was a sequel to the consideration of the report of the Senate committee on FCT during plenary.

    The Senate had last week stepped down the Bill, saying the details of the budget needed to accompany it.

    The vice chairman of the committee, Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu West) presented the report on behalf of the chairman of the Committee Senator Bomai Mohammed (APC-Yobe South) who was absent during the plenary.

    Details shortly…

  • Ondo Residents Protest EFCC Night Raids On Clubs, Arrest Of Bridegroom

    Ondo Residents Protest EFCC Night Raids On Clubs, Arrest Of Bridegroom

    Scores of residents, particularly youths in Ondo State, have protested the sting operation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at some night clubs in Akure, the state capital.

    Over the weekend reported, operatives of the EFCC stormed the popular Alba Royale Club and Signatures Club located in the Alagbaka area of Akure, raiding the fun-seekers.

    The anti-graft agency also arrested a groom-to-be and his friends who were at one of the clubs for a bachelors’ eve, confiscated mobile phones and seized vehicles belonging to those arrested.

    However, in a swift reaction, the EFCC Ibadan Zonal Directorate said it arrested 127 persons who are suspected to be internet fraudsters. 

    In a statement, Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the EFCC, claimed that the suspects were arrested in an early morning sting operation at a “Yahoo Party” held simultaneously at the clubs.

    “Credible intelligence showed that the alleged party was initially scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, 2024, but was later moved to Saturday to beat security and intelligence networks of the EFCC,” Mr Oyewale said.

    But the invasion of the operatives of the EFCC did not go down well with residents of the state, who have been protesting the action of the anti-graft agency.

    Protesting against the EFCC invasion, Mr Olawale Odeyemi said the midnight raids on the clubs, the arrest and assaults of the youths were illegal and unacceptable.

    A renowned youth advocate in the state, Oluyemi Fashipe, condemned the action of the operatives of the anti-graft agency, describing the invasion as an abuse of citizen’s rights.

    Another protestor, Ewatomilola Emiola explained that the raid by the anti-graft agency was in defiance of its ban on night operation.

    She demanded that those arrested and profiled as internet fraudsters in the Akure clubs should be released unconditionally.

    Meanwhile, Abiola Makinde, the federal lawmaker representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, has condemned the raid on the nightclubs and lounges in the state.

    Hon Makinde, who also is the Chairman, the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, described the raid as an invasion of privacy of innocent citizens of Nigeria.

    In a statement signed by his media aide, Moshood Alli, and made available in Akure, Makinde urged the residents of the state to remain calm while the invasion is investigated and resolved.

    He specifically noted that the EFCC as Nigeria’s premier anti-graft agency, has a critical role in combating financial crimes.

    “However, it is imperative that in the pursuit of justice, the EFCC adheres strictly to the principles of human rights.

    “Reports of raids leading to violations of personal dignity and privacy, such as the incident involving a former Big Brother Naija housemate, highlights the need for the EFCC to conduct operations with respect for the law and human decency.

    “Please note that the agency’s mandate to investigate financial crimes does not exempt it from the obligation to respect human rights, which includes ensuring that raids are conducted legally, with proper warrants, and without undue harm to individuals.

    “The concerns raised by various incidents underscore the importance of accountability and the adherence to human rights standards to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies.

    “I’ll activate the State Director of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Sunday Oyewole, to look into the matter. Any violations will be addressed between the two federal agencies,” he said.

  • Enemies Of Kano Distracted Gov Yusuf For One Year – Kwankwaso

    Enemies Of Kano Distracted Gov Yusuf For One Year – Kwankwaso

    Leader of Kwankwasiyya movement and the Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has accused the opposition in Kano of distracting government for one year.

    Kwankwaso reacted to the development during the occasion of the declaration of the State of Emergency on education in Kano State.

    He said, “Let me start by congratulating him on this historic day, the day the governor is declaring a State of Emergency on education. For those who are aware that the governor has been working from day one you can see his footprints everywhere across the state.

    “Despite the fact that the governor was distracted for about one year. Immediately after election, enemies of the State took him to Court – Tribunal, Appeal Court to Supreme Court. We have seen what happened even when they knew that there is no need to go to any Court or tribunal. Everybody knew that he won his election.

    “Even the enemies were saying that they wanted to take it by force because they believe they have a government. Despite all that, the governor has been working and obstacles after obstacles, we don’t know what is happening and what has happened in this state but the governor is moving.

    “In fact that reminds me of our situation during my second term when two months after my swearing in as governor, we had Boko Haram attacks in mosques, attacks in markets, police stations, schools and everywhere we were focused and ensured that we were not distracted.”

  • Kaduna Assembly Okays El-Rufai’s Probe Over Abuse Of Office, Money Laundering

    Kaduna Assembly Okays El-Rufai’s Probe Over Abuse Of Office, Money Laundering

    The Kaduna State House of Assembly’s ad hoc committee has submitted a damning report, exposing financial irregularities and corruption during the tenure of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

    The report was presented during plenary on Wednesday, by the chairman of the ad hoc committee, Henry Zacharia.

    The committee, tasked with investigating loans, grants, and project implementation from 2015 to 2023, revealed that most loans obtained during El-Rufai’s administration were not used for their intended purposes.

    Furthermore, due process was not followed in securing some of these loans, according to the Committee.

    The committee’s report accused former governor El-Rufai and his cabinet members of abuse of office, awarding contracts without due process, diverting public funds, and money laundering.

    The report also criticized the excessive borrowing during El-Rufai’s tenure, which has plunged Kaduna State into heavy debt.

    The committee recommended the investigation and prosecution of El-Rufai and other indicted officials by security and anti-corruption agencies.

    Additionally, the report called for the immediate suspension of the Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance, Shizer Badda, and the chairman of the state universal basic education board.

    The committee also urged thorough investigations into key appointees from the last administration.