News

By Uzair Adam Imam

Rep. Aminu Jaji (APC-Zamfara) has purchased 3000 rams for distribution to his constituents and the All Progressive Congress (APC) executives, members, and vulnerable households in the state, according to a statement by the State Chairman of Jaji’s Coordinating Committee, Aliyu Abubakar.The statement, issued in Gusau on Saturday, also revealed that Jaji, who represents the Kaura-Namoda/Birnin-Magaji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has earmarked N250 million for distribution to individuals, orphans, and vulnerable groups across the state as Eid-el-Kabir welfare packages.The beneficiaries of the donation include state, local government, and ward executives of the party, party elders, prominent persons in the state, former political office holders, Islamic scholars, orphans, youths, and women APC support groups, among others.Jaji urged Muslims to use the first 10 days of Zulhijjah and Eid-el-Kabir period to intensify prayers for sustainable peace and stability in the state and country.

By Uzair Adam Imam

In Kano State, three community groups have emerged winners of the Rising Awareness Driving Action (RADA) pitch competition, each receiving a grant of N100,000 to implement advocacy programs in their respective communities.

The competition, organized by Blue Sapphire Hub, a leading non-governmental organization, was supported by the MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation.

The competition followed a 12-week radio program that aimed to raise citizens’ awareness about the roles and responsibilities of political office holders, from councilors to the president.

The program, aired on Arewa Radio every Sunday, included a question-and-answer session, allowing listeners to participate and ask questions.

The radio program was followed by a two-month training session for over 100 participants who applied.

The three winning groups will use the grants to advocate for community development and health, with a focus on inclusive political activities for people with hearing impairments.

Babangida Zama, leader of the first-place group, expressed gratitude to the organizers and pledged to use the grant to advocate for inclusive political activities for people with hearing impairments.

Abdullahi Mustapha Rabi’u, leader of the second-place group, expressed his gratitude to Allah and stated that the grant serves as a motivation to kickstart impactful projects in their community.

Engineer Sulaiman Bala Sani, the Executive Supervisor of the Hub, stated that the program aimed to educate citizens about their rights and the responsibilities of political office holders, and to advocate for good policies that benefit the community.

Abubakar Ibrahim Machika, the Community Coordinator of the Hub, emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting that most people are unaware of their rights and the roles and responsibilities of their leaders, making this move crucial for society.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raided two popular nightclubs in Akure, Ondo State, arresting over 50 customers, including a groom-to-be, during a Bachelor’s Eve celebration.

The operation, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, also resulted in the seizure of vehicles, laptops, phones, and other items.

The raid occurred at two major nightclubs in the Alagbaka area of Akure, where the EFCC operatives stormed the lounges and event centers, shooting sporadically into the air.

Eyewitnesses reported that the operatives entered the nightclubs, tear-gassing people, beating them up, and arresting them without regard to their identity, even injuring two soldiers in the process.

The groom-to-be was among those arrested, along with his friends, while celebrating his Bachelor’s Eve.

The EFCC operatives allegedly removed CCTV cameras from the scenes and confiscated scores of vehicles, laptops, sophisticated phones, and other items.

The arrested individuals were allegedly profiled as internet fraudsters.

The incident has raised concerns about the EFCC’s methods and the treatment of suspects.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arraigned three suspects and a company, Giddyson Healthcare Limited, before a federal high court in Kano for manufacturing, distributing, and selling fake children’s medicines.

The suspects, Amao Gideon, Alumona Okwiludili, and Hillary Chigozie, pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge.

The medicines in question, which include Asian Ampicillin and Artil-Go, were found to contain zero active ingredients, putting patients at risk of treatment failure and possible death.

NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye noted that the products were not registered and had fake numbers and manufacturer’s addresses on the labels.

The illegal factory, located in Tafa town, Niger state, has been sealed by NAFDAC.

The suspects were arrested following intelligence gathering and a discrete investigation.

The court has fixed June 14 for the bail application and June 20 for the hearing.

This development shows the ongoing efforts of NAFDAC to combat the manufacture and sale of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria, and the need for increased vigilance to protect public health.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his decision to ask Permanent Secretaries of the FCT administration to publicly bow before President Bola Tinubu. 

Wike had come under criticism for his action, which many Nigerians described as “sycophancy taken too far”.

However, the minister explained that the gesture was meant to show appreciation to the president for approving the appointment of the permanent secretaries. 

“Two days ago, when the president came, we tried to thank him for what he did in making sure that those who had already lost hope in their career progression got to the peak of their career,” Wike said. 

He added that the president’s approval had given hope to the permanent secretaries, who had previously lost hope in their career progression. 

“Mr. President granted that, and then I called out the permanent secretaries who are the beneficiaries to come out and take a bow and thank Mr. President,” Wike explained. 

The minister condemned those criticizing him, saying they lacked anything good to say.

“It is an honour to be called out to take a bow, but some human beings can never see anything good.

Instead, they are criticising, saying, ‘How will you call people who are permanent secretaries and ask them to take a bow?” Wike added, “Instead of you to commend Mr. President for doing well, for giving hope to those that didn’t have hope before.” 

The minister’s defense comes after widespread condemnation of his action, with many Nigerians describing it as an act of sycophancy.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has taken legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prevent his arrest. The suit, filed at the Kano High Court, has been assigned to Justice Yusuf Ubale.

According to sources, the lawsuit aims to restrain the EFCC from detaining Kwankwaso, who is currently under investigation for an alleged involvement in a N2.5 billion campaign fund fraud associated with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The anti-graft agency had previously interrogated him regarding the matter.

Kwankwaso’s move comes as a preemptive measure to avoid arrest and potential detention by the EFCC. The case is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.

In a related development, the EFCC has been actively pursuing cases of fraud and corruption, with recent arrests and prosecutions of suspected internet fraudsters and electricity agency officials.

This legal battle between Kwankwaso and the EFCC is a significant development in the ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria, and it remains to be seen how the court will rule in this case.

By Uzair Adam Imam

In a stark reminder of the omnipotent power of God, a collection of tales compiled by Ghanaian system engineer, Kuame Oliver, have revealed the devastating consequences faced by individuals who arrogantly mocked the Almighty.

These accounts, shared by The Daily Reality, serve as a warning to those who would dare challenge God’s authority.

The list of tragic figures includes renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, legendary musician John Lennon, former Brazilian President Tancredo Neves, and iconic actress Marilyn Monroe.

Other include: Cazuza, a bi-sexual Brazilian composer, singer, and poet, earned the title “The Poet Who Defied God” for his brazen stance against the Almighty. Bon Scott, the lead singer of AC/DC, became known as “The Rockstar Who Challenged God” for his defiant lyrics and lifestyle. Christine Hewitt, a Jamaican journalist and entertainer, was dubbed “The Journalist Who Mocked God” for her outspoken disdain towards religion.

The list went on to include: a group of friends in Campinas, Brazil, tragically learned the consequences of defiance, earning the somber title “The Fatal Car Ride: A Tale of Defiance”.

Lastly, the people of Brazil, who mocked God during the Rio Carnival Parade, suffered a devastating flood, a calamity that became known as “The Devastating Flood: A Consequence of Mock

Each story recounts how these individuals openly disparaged God, only to meet with calamitous ends shortly thereafter.

While skeptics may dismiss these incidents as mere coincidences, Oliver’s compilation serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the importance of humility in the face of the divine.

These tales urge us to recognize God’s sovereignty and seek His guidance, lest we suffer a similar fate.

As the debate surrounding these accounts intensifies, one message resonates clearly: acknowledge and honor God, and live a life filled with purpose, blessings, and divine protection.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Federal High Court sitting in Kano has adjourned the hearing regarding the removal of Kano Emir Aminu Ado Bayero to June 13, 2024.

The lawsuit, filed by Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, a title holder and senior counsellor in the Kano emirate, challenges the repeal of the 2019 Emirate Council Law by the Kano State House of Assembly.

Presided over by Justice Abdullahi M. Liman, the court has set the case for ruling on June 13, 2024. Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, represented by Barrister M. S. Waziri, argues that the repeal of the 2019 law unlawfully stripped both the Emirate Council and the plaintiff of their powers.

Counsel to the 1st and 4th respondents, Mahmoud Abubakar Magaji SAN, urged the court to decline jurisdiction to entertain the matter, citing that the law has gone through legislative processes and the order was made after the action was done.

Ibrahim Isah Wangida, counsel to the 2nd and 3rd respondents, aligned himself with Magaji’s submission, stating that the applicant’s rights were not breached as the 2024 law was repealed and accented to before the applicant filed the action.

Sunday Ekwe, counsel to the 5th and 6th respondents, stated that they did not file any issue on jurisdiction, as the duty of the police is to maintain peace and wait to carry out the court’s order.

The court requested written submissions from both sides and will review them before rendering a decision on June 13.The respondents in the suit include the Kano State Government, Kano State House of Assembly, Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly, Attorney General of Kano State, Kano Commissioner of Police, Inspector General of Police, NSCDC, and DSS.

This legal battle is part of a larger crisis revolving around the emirship in Kano, following the dethronement of Aminu Ado Bayero and the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II by the Kano State government, creating tensions in the ancient city.

Currently, both emirs are holding court from separate palaces, with Sanusi operating from the main emir’s palace and Bayero presiding from the Nasarawa GRA mini palace.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command (WMC), has handed over 17 sacks of seized Cannabis Sativa worth over N96 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). 

According to the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, the seizures were made by a patrol team at the Bar Beach station in Lagos, following credible intelligence on the movement of a boat carrying suspected offending items. 

The team intercepted a fibre boat carrying the suspected items, which, upon examination, revealed 1,257 loaves of Cannabis sativa weighing 720 kg. 

In a related development, Officers also intercepted a wooden boat carrying 505 bags of foreign parboiled rice with a Duty Paid Value of N59,185,000. 

The Customs Area Controller appreciated the Comptroller General of Customs and Management for their motivation and appealed to the trading public not to engage in illicit trade. 

Receiving the items, Assistant Commander of Narcotics, Marine Operation, NDLEA, Bashir Magaji, commended the service for the fight against smuggling and assured thorough investigations and further actions.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State Government has served quit notices to occupants of public parks and gardens in the state, with plans to recover these areas and restore them to their original purpose.

According to the State Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Nasir Sule Garo, the government aims to improve air quality and mitigate climate change challenges.

He added that the goal is to create a befitting public space for relaxation and ecosystem balance.

The state has also launched a tree planting campaign, targeting 3 million seedlings in collaboration with stakeholders.

In related efforts, the government is working with the ACReSAL project and the Food and Agriculture Organization to restore degraded lands and promote agricultural development.

The state has also established a soil and water laboratory and supported drainage clearance to prevent flooding.

Other environmental achievements mentioned by the commissioner include partnerships with the National Great Green Wall project, sustenance of drainage clearance and sanitation exercises, and erosion control measures.