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Category: Politics

  • Kano Assembly dethrones five emirs

    Kano Assembly dethrones five emirs

    The Kano State House of Assembly has passed the Kano Emirates Council Law (repeal bill) 2024 on Thursday.

    This was sequel to deliberations on the floor of the house during plenary on Thursday.

    The law, which was passed after scaling 3rd reading, had abolished the establishment of five emirate councils in the state.

    The new bill would revert the state’s highest ranking traditional institution to its former structure of one emir as all the offices established under the previous law had been dissolved.

    The bill had also provided that all district heads elevated or appointed under the repealed law are to revert to their previous positions.

    The bill, titled Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment number 2) Law, 2024, was sponsored by the Majority Leader and member representing the Dala Constituency, Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa.

    Recall that the former governor of the state, Abdullahi Ganduje, on December 5, 2019, assented to the law that created five new emirates in the state.

    The governor assented to an amendment to the law on 14 October, 2020 and signed another amendment on 11 April, 2023.

  • Kano assembly dissolves four new emirates, may reinstate Sanusi

    Kano assembly dissolves four new emirates, may reinstate Sanusi

    The Kano State House of Assembly has dissolved the four emirate councils created by the immediate past administration led by Abdullahi Ganduje.
    Muhammadu Bello Butu, the deputy speaker of the assembly who confirmed the development said that the dissolution of the 4 new emirate councils was sequel to deliberations on the floor of the house during plenary.
    He disclosed that the Kano state emirate council amendment bill was considered on the floor of the house after scaling second and third reading on Thursday morning.
    Butu explained that repealing the law would revive the lost glory of Kano as the division of Kano emirate to five reduced the capacity and dignity of the state at national level.
    The majority leader Lawan Hussaini Dala said that the emirate council served as a custodian of culture which was distorted by the creation of additional emirates.
    The majority leader explained that with the amendment of the law, all the five emirate councils were abolished while the commissioner for local governments would serve as the overseer.
    The house also adopted a motion to create new second class emirate council in the state.
    However, sources close to the state legislatures indicates that there is a strong indication that the despised Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 11, might be restore later today, as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is set to assent to the new Act later today.

  • Kano Governor Vows to Sign Death Warrant Of Mosque Bombing Suspect

    Kano Governor Vows to Sign Death Warrant Of Mosque Bombing Suspect

    Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has revealed that last Wednesday’s bombing of a mosque at Gadan village, Gezawa Local Government Area of the state was neither extremism nor politically motivated.

    Directing that the mastermind of the bombing be prosecuted before the Shariah court, the governor said that investigation had revealed that the attack was occasioned by family squabbles over inheritance.

    Yusuf made this disclosure on Sunday when he visited injured victims at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano after he returned from Abuja on official visit.

    He noted that the death toll in the incident had risen to 15, and vowed that he would not hesitate to sign the death warrant if the court found the 38-year-old guilty and sentenced him to death.

    Recall that Abubakar threw a locally-made bomb at the mosque while worshippers were inside observing the early morning prayers.

    Speaking during the visit, Yusuf said, “Whatever the court decides, we will ensure that the victims of the Gadan village arson get justice and if it condemns him to death after finding him guilty, we will not hesitate to sign the death warrant.”

    He added, “For the avoidance of any doubt, the incendiarism that led to the death of 15 out of the 24 victims was neither politically motivated nor a terrorist attack on the residents of the state.”

    The governor donated N100,000 to each of the victims.

  • Ekiti government reveals Oyebanji’s whereabouts amid concerns

    Ekiti government reveals Oyebanji’s whereabouts amid concerns

    The Ekiti State government has revealed that the state Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji is still in the United States.

    This is coming amid reports that the governor is yet to return to the country for more than two weeks.

    Reacting to the report, the government said:

    “The attention of the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has been drawn to a misleading report by Sahara Reporters on his trip to the United States.

    “There would have been no need to respond to the misleading report, because the itinerary of the Governor was well publicized before he embarked on the trip. However, this response is being made for the sake of the reading public who might be hoodwinked by the highly misleading report.

    “It is on record that the itinerary of the Governor was made public through a statement signed his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode on May 5, 2024.

    “The statement, which was circulated in both the traditional and social media, indicated that Governor Oyebanji would, during the trip, participate in the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas and the nineteenth session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) in New- York. The statement also indicated that the Governor was scheduled to hold talks with critical stakeholders, business leaders and development partners in furtherance of the shared prosperity agenda of the administration, before returning to the country.

    “Highlights of the Governor’s engagements in the US are regularly communicated to the people of the state through media reports. These include his panel presentations, engagements with business leaders and development partners as well as the signing of the multi billion naira 100,000 hectares cassava farm with CAVISTA Holdings. The engagements continue till his return date.

    “In line with the transparency and accountability policy of the administration, all local and international engagements and trips of the Governor have always been made public. And this current one is not an exception.

    “It is on record that the current US trip of the Governor is the first outside the Continent since assuming office on October 16, 2022. The first trip outside the country was a UNDP sponsored induction programme for Governors held in Kigali; followed by the Afrexim Meeting in Cairo, where the state got a very significant infrastructure support from the bank”.

  • 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.

  • Death Toll In Kano Mosque Attack Rises To Eleven 

    Death Toll In Kano Mosque Attack Rises To Eleven 

    Eleven individuals have now lost their lives in a devastating arson attack on a mosque in Kano State. 

    The attack, carried out by 38-year-old Shafiu Abubakar, occurred during the early morning prayer at Gadan village.

    Reports indicate that approximately 40 worshippers were inside the mosque when Abubakar ignited the fire and locked them inside, preventing their escape.

    Rabiu Gadan, a resident of the village, confirmed the death toll, with eight funerals already conducted and preparations underway for the remaining three victims. 

    According to witnesses, Abubakar had a history of violence, including previous assaults on family members.

    The assailant, now in police custody, confessed to his actions, citing frustration over an inheritance dispute as his motive. Despite warnings to his family to cease mistreatment, his grievances allegedly went unaddressed.

    While details surrounding the inheritance disagreement remain unclear, the tragic incident has left the community reeling, with injured individuals receiving treatment at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.

    Deputy Inspector General of Police, AIG Umar Mamman Sanda, expressed condolences and confirmed the suspect’s cooperation with authorities. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

  • Kano Mosque Set Ablaze During Morning Prayers 

    Kano Mosque Set Ablaze During Morning Prayers 

    A yet to be identified man has set a mosque on fire at Laraba Abasawa in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

    According to Daily Trust, the incident, occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, left worshippers injured.

    Members of the community were observing the ‘Subh’ prayer when the arsonist struck.

    According to a member of the community who asked not to be named, “the man used petrol and lit fire while the people, about 40 of them were praying. He locked the mosque after the fire.”

    “It took time for people outside to get aware of the incident and rescue the victims who were struggling to break out.”

    At least 20 worshippers, who reportedly sustained serious injuries, have been rushed to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano.

  • 3 Dead As Thugs Engage In Supremacy Battle In Kano

    3 Dead As Thugs Engage In Supremacy Battle In Kano

    Three people were killed during a fight which erupted between rival gangs in Darmanawa quarters, Tarauni Local government area of Kano on Sunday evening.

    Trouble started after one Muhammad Barde,59, organise Gangi event (Cultural event for local hunters) to celebrate wedding of his children.

    Thugs had taken advantage of the activity to engage in supremacy battle in the area.

    Many of them brandished dangerous weapons and within minutes, fight broke out.

    Commenting on the incident, Police Public relations Officer in Kano, SP Haruna Kiyawa, said the police responded to a distressed call and dispersed the armed hoodlums.

    However, few hours after the fight continued among the armed thugs, leading to confrontation with the police.

    Kiyawa said this led to the death of one Sadiq Abdulkadir, 23 of Darmanawa quarters and Muhammad Sani, 22, of Sallari quarters.

    Kiyawa said police commissioner Usaini Gumel ordered immediate arrest of the organiser of the event along with two others.

    A teenager Sadiq Abdullahi ,18, of Karkasara quarters was said to have died from bullet wounds when police were trying to disperse the thugs, according to residents.

    Father of the boy, Mallam Abdullahi Yasayyadi, said he was in school when he was called to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital to confirm the identity of his son who died after bullet hit him in the stomach.

    The bereaved Yasayyadi said he had left everything to God.

    The police said full scale investigation will be conducted and findings made public

  • Zamfara APC Chairman Sacked

    Zamfara APC Chairman Sacked

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Zamfara State, Tukur Danfulani, has been sacked by the ward executive of the party in Galadima, Gusau Local Government Area of the state.

    The ward executive led by its deputy chairman, Garba Bello, and fifteen others on Saturday sacked the state chairman for alleged lack of good leadership, and discrimination against party members who violate the laws of the APC.

    He was also accused of diverting the activities of the party to some people who were not the leaders of the APC in Zamfara State.

    Speaking with the journalists in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, the Assistant Youth Leader of Galadima ward, Abuhuraira Ilyasu, said 16 out of 27 executive members of the ward signed for the dismissal of the state chairman

    “On behalf of the leaders of APC Galadima ward in Gusau local government, we are here today 11th May 2024 to impeach the leadership of APC Chairman in Zamfara State, Honourable Tukur Danfulani due to the bad leadership,” Ilyasu said.

    “We have the list of all executive members that have signed for the impeachment of the Chairman, we have sixteen members out of 27 excos in Galadima ward.”

    He called on the party’s national headquarters to take note of their decisions and appoint a caretaker chairman for the party in Zamfara who will lead the APC in the North-West state

  • 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.