News

By Anwar Usman 

President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Bello Matawaple as Defence Minister has received endorsement from some northern groups. 

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum and the Northern Awareness Network hailed the move as a big step towards addressing security challenges in the region. 

Yerima Shettima, the President General of the AYCF, in a statement, described Matawalle’s retention as a “positive step” that demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to continuity and stability in addressing critical issues like national security. 

“Matawalle’s expertise and experience, particularly in Zamfara State, are important in formulating effective strategies to fight against insurgency and other security threats,” Shettima said. 

Similarly, NAN Chairman Salihu Sulaiman praised Matawalle’s leadership, citing his efforts in reducing banditry and criminal activities in the region. 

He further added that Matawalle has been instrumental in addressing security challenges in Zamfara State and the North as a whole.  

The group’s support comes amidst criticism from some quarters, particularly Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, who has been at odds with Matawalle. 

However, the AYCF and NAN have, in a statement released in Kaduna on Friday, urged Lawal to cease hostilities against Matawalle and collaborate to address security challenges in the state. 

“We urge Governor Lawal to redirect his focus and state resources towards projects that will benefit Zamfara State and help it recover from the grip of criminality,” Shettima said.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State government, in coordination with security agencies, has announced a movement restriction across the state from midnight to 6:00 PM on Saturday.

The measure, confirmed by Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs Baba Halilu Dantiye, is intended to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for the local government elections set for October 26.

In his statement on Friday, Dantiye called on residents to comply with the restrictions, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a credible and transparent electoral process.

The restrictions apply to both individuals and vehicles throughout the 44 local government areas and 484 electoral wards in the state.

This directive aims to maintain order and prevent potential disruptions during the election.

However, exemptions are granted for those involved in official election duties and essential services.

The Kano State Government encourages all citizens to support this effort.

It also reiterated that strict adherence to these guidelines is crucial for a safe and successful electoral process.

By Anwar Usman

The Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, has instructed the troops of 17 Brigade Katsina to end the persisting insecurity and banditry in Katsina State, saying President Bola Tinubu “is ready to provide everything” needed to combat insecurity.

The minister gave the instruction while addressing journalists at the Katsina – Zamfara States border town, Gurbin Baure in the Jibia Local Government area of Katsina State on Friday while addressing troops at the 17 brigade.

Reports has it that, the defence minister was in the state to access and receive briefings on the ongoing military attacks against banditry.

The minister, told the troops that President Bola Tinubu was pleased with the progress made by the troops in fighting against banditry over the past few months.

He further added that, President Bola Tinubu has recognised the improvement in the onslaught operation against banditry in the state so far.

“President Tinubu has asked me to thank you and to also encourage you to do more in ending insecurity in these operational areas.”

The Minister, while speaking to journalists said “For the last few months there has been progress every day and I believe that all the states are cooperating in ending banditry in the North-West. We need a lot of support from the general public.

“I came here by road to assess our deployment there. Zaria-Gusau Road has been very notorious for kidnappers. We have implemented new plans and improved our deployment there and I am impressed with what I see in ending consistent attacks of motorists in the area.

The minister was accompanied by the Commander, Joint Task Force North-West Operation Fansar Yamma, Maj Gen Oluyinka Soyele and was received by the Commander 17 Brigade Katsina State, Brig. Gen. B.O Omopariola.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) has confirmed its readiness to conduct the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 26, 2024.

The KANSIEC Chairman, Prof. Sani Malumfashi, made the announcement on Friday after a Kano State High Court ruled in favor of the commission, overturning a previous federal court decision that halted the elections.

Justice Simon Amobeda of a federal high court had initially ruled against the elections, removing Malumfashi and five other commission members.

However, the high court’s decision now allows the elections to proceed as planned. Prof. Malumfashi stated that security arrangements, in cooperation with the police, are in place to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

The commission chairman expressed disappointment over one political party’s refusal to participate in the election process, citing missed deadlines for candidate nominations and form submissions.

He noted that all other parties, including the NNPP, ZLP, Accord Party, NRM, AAC, and AA, have participated in the electoral preparations.

Malumfashi showed the state’s commitment to holding transparent and fair elections, as mandated by the federal government to be completed by October 2024.

He urged all stakeholders to support the process, highlighting KANSIEC’s dedication to due process in all electoral preparations, including the nomination of commissioners approved by the State House of Assembly.

By Uzair Adam

The Association of Online Media Guild (ASSOMEG) has extended its heartfelt condolences to Malam Sanusi Bature, the Director General of Media and Publicity to the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, following the passing of his son, Abubakar Sadiq, who died on Thursday at age 15.

In a statement jointly issued by ASSOMEG’s Chairman, Abdullateef Abubakar Jos, and Secretary, Abbas Yushau Yusuf, on Friday, the association shared that Sadiq passed away in an Indian hospital after a successful bone marrow surgery.

“This tragic loss resonates within the media community, and we join in the sorrow and grief that Mr. Bature and his family are facing,” the statement said.

The message emphasized that Malam Sanusi Bature is a respected ally within the media sector and has offered his support and partnership over the years.

ASSOMEG conveyed its solidarity, expressing thoughts and prayers for Bature and his loved ones during this trying time.

“We pray for the strength to bear this profound loss and trust that Almighty Allah (SWT) will provide solace and peace to his family,” the statement added.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has presented New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) flags to 44 party candidates for chairmanship in the upcoming Local Government Elections.

Despite a recent court order halting the poll, the governor assured party members that the election would proceed as planned, vowing there would be “no retreat, no surrender.”

This stance comes after the Federal High Court in Kano, on Tuesday, removed Prof. Sani Malunfashi and five others from the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) and suspended the October 26 election.

Speaking at the event, held at Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium, Governor Yusuf noted the state’s commitment to stability and peace, stating that KANSIEC had constitutional authority to conduct the election.

The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin, quoted Yusuf as saying that no one could prevent KANSIEC from carrying out its mandate.

Yusuf encouraged NNPP members to rally support at the grassroots, expressing confidence in the party’s ability to secure all 44 chairmanship and 484 councillorship seats.

In attendance were Acting National NNPP Chairman Dr. Audu Ajuji, state NNPP Chairman Alhaji Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, as well as National and State Assembly members, Commissioners, Special Advisers, and other key party supporters.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said the blackout affecting parts of Northern Nigeria will persist due to security challenges hindering repairs on critical transmission lines.

Despite efforts to restore electricity through alternative means, the TCN said the situation will not be fully resolved anytime soon.

The ongoing blackout, which has lasted over four days, initially stemmed from vandalism of the Shiroro-Mando transmission line, which provided bulk electricity to the northern states.

To mitigate the impact, the TCN diverted electricity through the Ugwuaji-Apir 330-kilovolt (kV) double-circuit transmission line.However, a tripping incident on this alternative line further worsened the power supply situation.

Engr. Nafisatu Asabe Ali, Executive Director of the Independent System Operator at TCN, explained during a public hearing by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) that the repair of the Ugwuaji-Apir line would only provide limited solution.

She noted that while the line could carry up to 750 megawatts (MW) of power, only 350 MW could be safely transmitted to Kano, Kaduna, and parts of Niger Republic due to voltage stability issues in Kano.

The larger Shiroro-Mando transmission line, which supplies more power, remains out of service due to insecurity in the area where it was damaged.Engr.

Nafisatu said the TCN had received security advice from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) indicating that the area where three towers were destroyed are currently inaccessible due to ongoing security issues.

Despite having the materials needed for repairs, TCN cannot proceed until the security situation improves, she noted.She said the region is currently sharing 250MW of electricity with Niger Republic, and when the Ugwuaji-Apir line is restored, the maximum power transmission will reach only 350MW.

The Chairman of NERC, Garba Usman, criticised the TCN for its lack of solutions to prevent equipment failures, particularly transformer explosions, which have contributed to the recurring power outages.

He called for stronger protective measures to avoid transformer fires that disrupt the entire grid.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched B’Odogwu, a revolutionary Unified Customs Management System, commencing with a pilot phase in Lagos at Port & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML).

This innovative platform represents a significant milestone in Nigeria Customs’ modernisation journey, aligning with global best practices. 

Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, noted the significance of B’Odogwu, stating, “B’Odogwu is our new customs management system that embodies our vision for a paperless customs administration that facilitates seamless trade while maintaining robust security measures.”

He noted that B’Odogwu will eventually replace the current Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) as the NCS Legacy System. 

The system’s development acknowledges the forthcoming National Single Window and will integrate with it upon implementation by the Federal Government.

Adeniyi revealed the legal framework supporting the initiative, citing sections 28 and 29 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which empower the Service to develop, maintain, and employ electronic systems while ensuring transparency and stakeholder consultation. 

Adeniyi urged stakeholders to embrace the change optimistically, providing constructive feedback to refine and improve the system. “B’Odogwu will enhance our ability to streamline end-to-end business processes, provide stakeholders with customised integration capabilities, support more efficient and intelligent business decisions, and facilitate ease of doing business,” he said.

The Comptroller General expressed gratitude to terminal operators, customs officers, licensed customs agents, and the Trade Modernisation Project team for their support. He charged PTML command officers to take training seriously, as they will implement the system in other commands. 

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has declared support for the initiative, acknowledging the transformation of the clearing profession.

By Uzair Adam

A Kano State High Court has set November 20 to hear pending applications in the case of alleged bribery and misappropriation of public funds amounting to billions of naira involving the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, his wife Hafsat Umar, and six other defendants.

The defendants, including Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited, are facing an eight-count charge relating to bribery, misappropriation, and the diversion of public funds.

During Wednesday’s session, the counsel for the plaintiff, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, expressed readiness to proceed, having filed a counter affidavit, with one of their witnesses testifying remotely from Lagos.

However, the defense teams for several defendants requested more time, stating they had not been served with the necessary documents.

Counsel for the 1st, 2nd, and 4th defendants, Offiong Offiong, SAN, and others representing the remaining defendants, all requested adjournments for the hearing of their preliminary objections.

Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu emphasized the importance of proper service of processes and adjourned the case to November 20 for the hearing of all pending applications. Hi

By Uzair Adam

A High Court sitting in Bwari, Abuja, has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to apprehend anyone attempting to sell the properties of the late Justice Moses Bello, a former President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Abuja.

Delivering the ruling, Justice M.A. Madugu issued an injunction barring the sale of the late judge’s property located at Panama Street, Maitama District, Abuja.

The court instructed that the order be visibly posted on the property and published in national newspapers.

The court’s decision followed an ex-parte application filed by the late judge’s daughter, Ann Eniyamire, through her counsel, Yahuza Maharaz.

The suit lists Christ the King Catholic Church in Okene, Kogi State, and its parish priest, Reverend Father Ezekiel Awolumate, as defendants.

Justice Madugu ordered the defendants to refrain from selling, leasing, or mortgaging the disputed property until the case is resolved.

The court also empowered law enforcement agencies, including the EFCC and DSS, to arrest and prosecute anyone who violates the court’s orders.

Additionally, the court authorized Eniyamire to mark the property with red paint, indicating “NOT FOR SALE / Lis Pendens,” pending the outcome of the suit.

The judge warned that any attempt to remove the court’s orders from the property would result in contempt of court.

Eniyamire filed the lawsuit, alleging she was unfairly deprived of her rightful inheritance from her father’s estate. She claims her father’s will stipulated an 11.11 percent share of his assets for each of his eight children and his wife.

However, she accused the first defendant, Reverend Awolumate, of altering the share to 4.16 percent, contrary to the will.

In her suit, she is seeking a court declaration confirming her entitlement to 11.11 percent of her father’s estate and demanding the defendants present all relevant documents pertaining to the estate’s management and distribution.

Eniyamire is also requesting N500 million in general damages.