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Category: Politics

  • BREAKING! Tension As Masked Men Storm Oyo Government Secretariat

    BREAKING! Tension As Masked Men Storm Oyo Government Secretariat

    Several individuals wearing masks reportedly forced their way into the Oyo State Government Secretariat on Saturday (today).

    Reports said the armed individuals believed to be Yoruba Nation Agitators were strategically positioned at various locations within the Secretariat premises.

    Some were reportedly stationed at the Governor’s office gate, while others were observed at the House of Assembly Gate and the main entrance.

    The presence of these masked men caused fear and anxiety in the area, with security personnel attempting to address the situation without success.

    The true identities of these masked individuals remain unknown at this time.

    However, law enforcement officers, including the Police Command and other anti-crime agencies, swiftly responded by deploying multiple patrol vehicles to the Secretariat entrance.

    Additionally, members of the Oyo security network known as Amotekun were also reported to have arrived at the scene.

    The situation, as reported, nearly descended into chaos as security personnel engaged in a gunfight with the protesters.

    Reports also mentioned the use of tear gas, causing panic among residents in the vicinity.

    Motorists travelling along the route have been forced to take alternative paths while other road users hurried to find safety.

    Road users heading towards the Secretariat were redirected through Customs Junction, as the Secretariat-Queen Elizabeth Road was blocked off.

    Despite the efforts of the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (retired), to calm the situation, the masked gunmen persisted in their attempt to raise their flag at the Secretariat.

    However, the arrival of military officers from the 2nd Division of the Army approximately an hour later reportedly changed the course of events, causing some of the protesters at the entrance gate to flee.

    The stern-looking officers were said to have pursued the masked agitators.

    Shop owners, businesses, and residents in Bodija, Ikolaba, and along the Awolowo route quickly secured their shops and doors.

    As of this report, it remains unconfirmed whether any arrests have been made, as security personnel work to restore normalcy.

  • Aiyedatiwa Will Be Disqualified From Ondo Governorship Race – Jimoh Ibrahim 

    Aiyedatiwa Will Be Disqualified From Ondo Governorship Race – Jimoh Ibrahim 

    Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and an aspirant in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo has said that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would be disqualified from the race.

    Describing Aiyedatiwa as a joker, Ibrahim said the incumbent governor was never the choice of Ondo people.

    Taunting the governor, Ibrahim displayed his entire academic and award certificates to journalists at the screening at the APC secretariat in Abuja.

    Ibrahim said Aiyedatiwa was only trying to ride his way into the Government House again on the back of the ticket of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and a few endorsements he got from the State House of Assembly.

    He said: “As you can see, all my credentials and certificates are complete. What has Aiyedatiwa achieved? He was just a pair to Aketi. We didn’t vote for him. It was Aketi we voted for.

    “But I can assure you, the governor is a huge joker. He can’t continue in government with his P8 and P7 (alleged grades). The governor will be out of that place by the time we finish the APC primary next week. He is gone and there is nothing he can do about it.

    “I don’t normally go against people. Left alone to me, clear everybody and let them go for primary. Let the electorate decide. I have won the election as senator. I won in six of the six local governments, 65 of the 66 wards, and bagged 111,677 votes as against Agboola Ajayi’s 60,000 votes.”

    However, Aiyedatiwa told the APC screening committee for the upcoming governorship election in the state that his credentials are genuine.

  • Gunmen attack Ortom’s ex-aide, abduct wife, housemaid

    Gunmen attack Ortom’s ex-aide, abduct wife, housemaid

    Gunmen have abducted the wife, Mrs Abigail Orbunde and housemaid, Patience Ogute, of Terwase Orbunde, a former Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom.

    Orbunde, alongside his wife and the housemaid, was said to have gone to inspect his farm located close to the Genocide Cemetery along Mobile Barracks-Welfare Quarters Road in Makurdi, the state capital on Friday, when they were attacked.

    The incident, according to a source who witnessed the attack, happened at about 6 pm on Friday.

    The eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised by the family to speak on the issue, said, “After the inspection of the work, five gunmen suddenly attacked the former Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor, his wife and housemaid who were on the farm along Mobile Barracks/Welfare Quarters in Makurdi.

    “This happened around 6 pm on Friday and the gunmen opened fire and the bullet hit Orbunde, while they ordered him and the women to follow them to an unknown destination.”

    The shooting was said to have caused villagers and passersby to scamper for safety in different directions.

    Another eyewitness who watched from a far distance said the gunmen marched the victims on a footpath but later abandoned Orbunde who was said to be bleeding profusely and unable to walk fast.

    “As they abandoned the man, the gunmen then whisked the women to an unknown destination while good Samaritans conveyed Orbunde to hospital,” the eyewitness said.

    Orbunde’s close ally and media consultant, Tahav Argezua, confirmed the attack on his Facebook page.

    The Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident.

  • How Late Kannywood Actress Saratu Gidado Fed Hungry Children During Ramadan Fast

    How Late Kannywood Actress Saratu Gidado Fed Hungry Children During Ramadan Fast

    In a heartwarming display of compassion, late Kannywood actress Saratu Gidado, affectionately known as Daso, was captured on video feeding hungry children during the Ramadan fast. 

    Her act of generosity touched many hearts, illustrating her commitment to helping those in need.

    Tragically, Saratu passed away after partaking in Sahur, the pre-dawn meal, just a day before the conclusion of Ramadan. 

    Her sudden demise has left her fans and the entertainment industry in mourning, as they remember her not only for her talent but also for her philanthropic spirit.

    Tributes have poured in for Saratu, with many highlighting her selflessness and dedication to alleviating the suffering of others, especially young children. 

    Her legacy of kindness will continue to inspire and uplift communities during this difficult time.

    Daso who died at the age of 56 was born on 17 January, 1968 in the city of Kano.

    She was particularly known for the comical roles she played as an aggressive and mischievous woman.

    She made her debut in 2000 in a movie titled Linzami Da Wuta, produced by Sarauniya Movies.

    Other hits that led to the late actress’s stardom include Nagari, Gidauniya, Mashi, and Sansani followed.

  • Kwankwaso Eyeing Governorship Seat for His Son – Political Scholar Alleges 

    Kwankwaso Eyeing Governorship Seat for His Son – Political Scholar Alleges 

    A political scholar in Kano state has raised concerns over former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso’s alleged plans to pave the way for his son to become the next governor in 2031.

    Speaking some journalists, the scholar highlighted Kwankwaso’s efforts to establish a political dynasty, citing the recent appointment of his son, Mustapha, as a commissioner by Governor Abba Yusuf.

    The scholar emphasized Kwankwaso’s significant influence in the current administration, from its conception to policy implementation, noting his close relation to the governor through marriage.

    Speculating on Mustapha’s political trajectory, the scholar suggested he could be groomed for governance and potentially succeed the current leadership or become a gubernatorial candidate’s running mate in the future.

    However, the scholar acknowledged the uncertainty of political outcomes, noting that unforeseen circumstances could alter these projections.

    His words: “We must not ignore the fact that this is the early days in an attempt to control power by a single family or associates of the same political group.

    “It is an open secret that Kwankwaso is very influential in the present administration. He has been pivotal to its conception, electoral victory, appointments, policy selection and policy implementation.

    “It is also incontestable that Kwankwaso is closely related to the state governor by marriage. The governor is his in-law. The political permutation is that Mustapha will be nursed in the act of governance and will come of age by 2031. By this time, he will be 47.

    “With the Kwankwaso that we know, chances are high that he will ensure that Mustapha, his son, succeeds the present arrangement or becomes the running mate to the governorship candidate of the party in the general elections.

    “Should that happen, it means that the governance of the state would have resided within the same clan or family for about 16 years or more, and will remain there for a longer time, depending on how Mustapha plays his cards in the years to come.

    “But, like I said, these are all potential possibilities. They are not yet realities. The future, especially in politics, is often bounded by uncertainties. Anything can still happen to change these calculations.”

    Mustapha Kwankwaso, born on March 24, 1984, in Kwankwaso village, completed his education in Cyprus before entering the political arena.

  • Hoodlums Burn Down Residence Of Former Nigerian Governor

    Hoodlums Burn Down Residence Of Former Nigerian Governor

    Hoodlums wreaked havoc in the Gboko area of Benue State by setting ablaze the residence of Late Aper Aku, the former Governor of the state. 

    The incident, which occurred on Monday, saw the occupants safely evacuated before the assailants touched the building. 

    Deborah Aku, daughter of the late governor, revealed that the police rescued them from the premises before the attack escalated. 

    The ordeal traces back to March when a man wielding a cutlass threatened the household, alleging his goat died after drinking water from their premises. 

    Despite reporting the issue to the police and pursuing legal recourse, the family faced another assault on Monday morning. 

    Armed with weapons, over 30 individuals besieged the house, vandalizing property, and killing their dog before setting the house ablaze. 

    The police, while able to rescue the occupants, were outnumbered by the assailants. Investigations are underway, with authorities urged to address the escalating security concerns in the area. 

    The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, emphasizing the need for further investigation. 

    Mkeenem Moses, Senior Special Assistant to the Benue Governor, condemned the attack, calling for swift action to prevent future assaults in the region.

  • Kano State Governor Appoints Nine New Special Advisers

    Kano State Governor Appoints Nine New Special Advisers

    In a move to bolster his administration, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has announced the appointment of nine additional special advisers, alongside key heads of government agencies. 

    The appointments were disclosed in a press statement issued on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Tofa.

    Among the appointees are Prof. Ibrahim Barde, appointed as Special Adviser for Internally Generated Revenue (IGR); Dr. Abdulhamid Danladi, named as Special Adviser on Diaspora II; Bello Kiru, assigned as Special Adviser on Water Resources; and Yusuf Shuaibu Imam (Ogan Boye), who has been reappointed as Special Adviser on Youths and Sports.

    In further restructuring, Dr. Nura Shanono has been shifted from Special Adviser for Water Resources to the role of Managing Director at the Water Resources Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA). Similarly, Baba Umar has been reassigned from Special Adviser to Executive Secretary at the Private and Voluntary Institutions Management Board.

    Additionally, Nasir Muhammad has been appointed as Director General of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Aminu Na’isa as Deputy Managing Director of the Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), and Mukhtar Yusuf as Deputy Managing Director of the Water Resources Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA).

    These appointments are effective immediately.

  • Katsina Government Declares Friday Work Free Day 

    Katsina Government Declares Friday Work Free Day 

    The Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has declared Friday 12th April 2024 as work free day for the Eid-El-Fitr celebrations.

    According to Governor Radda, his government has also taken this step to enable workers in the state to fully enjoy the Sallah celebration with their families.

    The decision to declare the day also followed the good gesture of the Federal Government for extending the Eid-El-Fitr public holidays to Thursday 11th of this month.

    In a Tuesday statement, the Katsina State Commissioner of Information and Culture Bala Zango quoted the governor as wishing the good people of the state a happy and peaceful Sallah celebration.

    He further urged the good people of the state to be security conscious and pray for peace to reign in the state and the nation at large as they celebrate this year’s ED-FITR.

  • Veteran Kannywood actress Saratu Daso dies while fasting

    Veteran Kannywood actress Saratu Daso dies while fasting

    A veteran Kannywood actress Saratu Gidado, popularly known as Daso, is dead.

    A local radio station in Kano State announced that the popular actress died in her sleep.

    Her family members explained that the actress failed to wake up on Tuesday morning after the midnight meal before the commencement of the day’s Ramadan fast, Sahur.

    Daso, until her death, was a prominent figure in the Hausa film industry for over 18 years.

    Her remarkable performances and versatile roles endeared her to audiences across the Northern region.

    Before she took up the illustrious acting career, Saratu was a dedicated school teacher.

    The announcement of her passing has left fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a beloved talent.

    As preparations were underway for her funeral, scheduled for 4:00 pm, tributes have continued to pour in from all corners of the entertainment world.

  • Wike orders closure of International Conference Centre

    Wike orders closure of International Conference Centre

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has taken decisive action by ordering the closure of the International Conference Centre in Abuja. 

    The move comes after a thorough inspection revealed the urgent need for rehabilitation of the facility, which Wike deemed unworthy of its international status.

     Julius Berger has been tasked with carrying out the renovation, following the termination of the contract with the previous management company. 

    Wike emphasized the importance of transforming the centre into a world-class venue, appointing experienced diplomat Maureen Tamuno to oversee its management. 

    With an eight-month timeline for completion, the aim is to restore pride in Nigeria’s international conference facilities.