News

By Abdullahi Algasgain

The attention of the Sokoto State Government has been drawn to a malicious publication credited to the Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC) alleging a plan by the sttate government to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

The state government wondered how a responsible body like MURIC, claiming to be protecting the rights of the Muslims would descend so low and cheaply as to join hands with deluded mischief makers and enemies of progress to fabricate such a false and unsubstantiated story just to create an unfriendly atmosphere and fear in the minds of the law-abiding and peaceful citizens of the state.

We believe that MURIC is not the type that will be dancing to the tunes of enemies and mischief makers who are trying to take away the attention of the good people of Sokoto state and Nigerians on the transformative initiatives taking place in Sokoto State over the last one year.

We also like to assure MURIC that the present administration just like the previous administrations in the state cherishes and respects the Sultanate Council long before MURIC was established.

The Sultanate Council, which has a long standing historical importance is so reverred to all the people of Sokoto State, therefore we still hold the institution in very high regards and esteem.

This is not the first time stories such as this were fabricated to show that all is not well between the state government and the Sultanate Council, as some few months back we had a similar obnoxious story which the state government categorically condemned and denied in whole.

From the look of things,those nefarious detractors and distracting enemies of progress have not relented in their failed efforts to smear the cordial relationship existing between the state government and the Sultanate Council.

MURIC should have cared to find out if there was ever any query, warning or any threatening documents served on the sultan by the state government.

We equally like to remind MURIC that promoting Islamic affairs is the second item on the Ahmed Aliyu’s nine-point Smart Agenda,therefore Islam means so much to the present administration, coupled with the fact that Sokoto being the Seat of the Caliphate, is a 100 per cent Muslim-dominated society.

It is on record that no administration in the history of Sokoto State has done to Islam what the present administration has done in just one year. This we say without any fear of contradictions.

Therefore, for any one to think that the present administration could engage in acts or actions that could jeopardize the development of Islam is not only unfair but unjustifiable.

To put the records straight, we would like to tell the world that the relationship between the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration and the Sultanate Council under the leadership of our most respected monarch, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has been very cordial.

The present administration always consulted with His Eminence, the Sultan on issues affecting the state, and his invaluable contributions and inputs are always respected and included in policy implementation.

On the issue of sacking and transfer of some District Heads in Sokoto State, MURIC should know that the affected District Heads were accused of some unbecoming behaviours,such as land racketeering, aiding insecurity as well as insurbodination to the constituted authority.

In order to give them fair hearing the committee summoned all the affected District Heads, after which it came up with a whitepaper report, advising the government on what to do. And it was based on that and also in the public interest that the state government acted in conformity with the recommendations made by the whitepaper committee.

It is equally important for MURIC to note that nobody is above the law, therefore,the sacked District Heads are just reaping what they saw, and that the action taken by the Sokoto State Government was indisputably in the best public interest.

Abubakar Bawa
Press Secretary to
Sokoto state Governor
25/06/2024.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu said his administration would not rest on its oars until banditry, terrorism and other forms of insecurity are completely eliminated from the country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Kashim Ibrahim Shatima, opened the session of the North West Peace and Security Summit with the theme, “Regional Cooperation for Securing Lives and Livelihoods in North West Nigeria.”

The summit was organised by the North West Governors’ Forum in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at Government House, Katsina State.

In his remarks, he declared that the Tinubu administration will not rest on its oars until banditry, terrorism, and other forms of insecurity are completely eliminated from the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has collaborated with the European Union (EU), the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, and GIZ to launch a capacity-building program for the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). 

The training, held from May 20 to May 31, 2024, focused on critical customs procedures such as Tariff Classification, Rules of Origin, and Customs Valuation. 

“The capacity building is divided into three stages: Intermediate, Advanced, and Training-of-Trainers (ToT), to ensure a thorough and progressive enhancement of skills among NCS officers,” said a WCO official. 

The training aimed to improve the implementation of Advance Ruling, a trade facilitation measure designed to bring certainty and transparency to Nigeria’s customs operations. 

“The WCO has supported the development of Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) to guide the implementation of Advance Rulings, providing detailed guidelines on handling HS and RoO,” the official added. 

The initiative aims to create a more efficient and transparent customs environment in Nigeria, aligning with international standards and fostering greater trust and cooperation in global trade.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched a series of airstrikes against illegal refining sites and boats in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Imo states, destroying 13 sites and 7 boats. 

According to NAF spokesperson, AVM Edward Gabkwet, the air interdictions were carried out between June 18 and June 22 as part of Operation Delta Safe. 

Gabkwet said the airstrikes also dispersed 5 J-5 buses attempting to siphon crude oil products from surface tanks. 

The NAF spokesperson described the operation as a significant success, saying: “Air strikes against economic saboteurs and oil thieves have continued to record the expected outcomes.

“This is majorly due to improved intelligence, enhanced air-to-ground coordination, and most importantly, due to NAF’s improved agility and resilience.” 

He added that the operations will be sustained until the activities of the oil thieves are reduced to the barest minimum. 

The crackdown on oil thieves is part of the Nigerian government’s efforts to combat illegal oil refining and smuggling in the Niger Delta region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, paid a surprise visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Daura, Katsina State. 

Accompanied by former Governor Aminu Tambuwal and other PDP stalwarts, Atiku’s closed-door meeting with Buhari has set tongues wagging about the purpose of the visit.

This development comes hot on the heels of Atiku’s recent meetings with former Military President Ibrahim Babangida and former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, in Niger State. 

While the details of these discussions remain under wraps, sources suggest that Atiku’s visit may be connected to the 2027 general elections.

As political intrigues continue to unfold, many are watching with bated breath to see what this unexpected meeting will yield.

If I were Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, I would respectfully refrain from interfering in Kano politics, as it is not an election season.

Despite my desire to influence the state’s affairs, I would acknowledge that my time in charge has passed, and I would allow Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf to lead as he sees fit.

I have had my time and made significant decisions, even challenging my former long-term boss.

Furthermore, I would prioritize the well-being and safety of the state and its people above my personal political ambitions.

Given my tainted record, I would strive to preserve the remaining respect that some people still hold for me.

Peace.

Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim writes from Cologne, Germany.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State Police Commissioner, AIG Usaini Gumel, has refused to enforce Governor Abba Yusuf’s directive to evict the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from the Nasarawa mini palace.

Gumel cited a pending court case filed by the state government, scheduled for June 24, 2024, as the reason for not complying with the governor’s order. 

“The police will not evict the deposed Emir because the same government has filed a case at the State High Court on the eviction order, which would come up on Monday, 24th June 2024,” Gumel explained in a telephone interview with newsmen.

“The government is jumping the gun because the same government has filed a case on the eviction order, which is coming up on the 24th of June, 2024. So, if we carry out the order, it is like we are pre-empting the court because we don’t know what will happen at the court.” 

Despite the police commissioner’s stance, security has been beefed up around the Nasarawa mini palace, with additional personnel deployed to the area.

The deposed Emir remains in the palace, receiving traditional greetings from loyal supporters.

A source close to Bayero debunked rumors of a bulldozer being stationed at the palace for demolition, calling it “social media propaganda.” 

The standoff continues, with the police refusing to act until the court has ruled on the eviction order.

The situation remains tense, with supporters of the deposed Emir and the state government awaiting the outcome of the legal battle.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A Federal High Court in Kano has ruled in favour of Ado Bayero, reinstating him as the Emir of Kano. 

The court set aside the Kano State Emirate Law 2024, which had dissolved the five Emirates in Kano State and led to Bayero’s dethronement. 

Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman delivered the judgment on Thursday, ordering all parties to maintain the status quo. 

This development overturns the decision of the Kano State Government to repeal the law that established the Emirates and enthroned Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano. 

The Kano Government had relied on the repealed law to dethrone Bayero and install Muhammadu Sanusi as the 14th Emir of Kano. 

However, Aminu Babba Danagundi, a kingmaker in the former Kano emirate, challenged the law in court, seeking a declaration of nullity. 

The court’s ruling has now reinstated Bayero as the Emir of Kano, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over the Kano emirate. 

Further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Federal High Court in Kano has postponed its ruling on the validity of the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024 to 2 pm today.

The judgement was initially set for 12 pm but was shifted before midday, and all parties in the suit were notified. 

The Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024 was recently passed by the Kano State House of Assembly and signed into law by Governor Abba Yusuf.

The law led to the dethronement of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and the reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.

It also reversed the creation of four emirates established by former governor Abdullahi Ganduje in 2020. 

However, Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Danagundi, challenged the legality of the new law and asked the court to declare it null and void.

After hearing the motion last Friday, Justice Abdullahi Liman of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano adjourned the ruling till today. 

Counsel to the State House of Assembly and its speaker, Eyitayo Fatogun (SAN), informed the court of a notice of appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, seeking a stay of proceedings.

However, Justice Liman noted that there was no evidence that the appeal had been entered nor any formal application for a stay filed. 

The court’s ruling today will determine the fate of the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024 and its implications for the emirates in Kano State.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Federal High Court in Kano will deliver a judgment today on the legality of the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024.

The law, enacted by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, led to the removal of Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano and the reversal of the creation of four emirates – Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya – by his predecessor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The law also led to the re-appointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was dethroned in 2020, as the 16th Emir of Kano.

Aminu Babba Danagundi, a kingmaker in the former Kano emirate, challenged the law in court, seeking a declaration of its nullity.

The judge, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, will also rule on a motion to stay the proceedings filed by the State Attorney General and Kano State Government.

The ruling will determine the fate of Sanusi and Bayero in the protracted emirate tussle.