News

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in a suit filed by the Federal Government against the 36 state governors over the alleged misconduct in the administration of Local Government Areas.

The Federal Government is seeking full autonomy for local government areas and wants an order to stop governors from dissolving democratically elected local government leaders.

The government also wants funds meant for local governments to be channelled directly to them from the federation account, instead of the joint accounts created by governors.

The suit argues that the constitution recognizes federal, state, and local governments as three tiers of government, and that the failure of governors to put in place democratically elected local government systems is a deliberate subversion of the constitution.

The Federal Government claims that it is not obligated to pay funds to states that do not have democratically elected local government systems in place.

The Supreme Court’s judgment will determine the fate of local government administration in Nigeria and the extent of autonomy they will enjoy.

By Uzair Adam Imam Vice President Kashim Shettima has appealed to Nigerian doctors to resist the temptation of leaving the country for greener pastures, urging them to stay back and help salvage the nation’s healthcare system.

He made this appeal during a courtesy visit by the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Shettima commended the sacrifices of Nigerian doctors and their contributions to the country’s healthcare system, assuring them that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to supporting their efforts.

He emphasized that the government values their services and needs their expertise to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

The Vice President encouraged the doctors to remain steadfast and resist the “Japa syndrome,” a term used to describe the brain drain of Nigerian professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.

He expressed optimism that with collective efforts, Nigeria can become a great nation, and its healthcare system can be transformed.

This appeal comes at a time when the country is facing a challenging healthcare landscape, with many doctors seeking better opportunities abroad due to the perceived lack of investment in the healthcare system.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Nigerian Police Force has busted a multibillion-naira jewellery syndicate that colluded with armed robbers in Abuja and its environs.

According to Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, the syndicate was dismantled after an armed robbery incident occurred at a police officer’s residence in the Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on April 28th.

The stolen items, including jewellery, money, academic certificates, documents, phones, and other valuable properties, were traced to Wuse Market, where they were purchased by one Alhaji Auwal.

Despite police warnings, Alhaji Auwal facilitated the purchase and instructed his associates on how to handle the stolen goods.

Further investigations revealed that Alhaji Auwal, his sons, and other associates are part of a cartel involved in dealing in stolen jewellery.

The group has been linked to previous similar cases under police investigation.

Twenty-six suspects have been arrested in connection with the case and are being detained legally under a court order.

They will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigations.

This operation demonstrates the police’s commitment to tackling armed robbery and related crimes in the FCT.

The force urges the public to provide information to help in the fight against crime.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested two individuals and summoned three Permanent Secretaries for questioning regarding an alleged fraud scheme involving the sale of employment forms in the Office of the Head of Service.

The commission’s Chairman, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the scam, which has affected thousands of job seekers.

Preliminary investigations have uncovered fraudulent activities at several government offices, including the Office of the Head of Service, Civil Service Commission, Kano State Secondary Schools Board, and Health Service Management Board.

The two suspects in custody are cooperating with the investigation, which has led to the shutdown of a fake employment portal.

The commission aims to root out corruption and ensure justice is served in the employment fraud scandal.

“The commission is working to prevent corruption and ensure that justice is served,” Rimin-Gado said.

By Muhammad Sabi’u

President Bola Tinubu experienced a brief moment of embarrassment on Wednesday during the Democracy Day parade at Eagle Square in Abuja.

While boarding a vehicle, he lost his footing and fell to the ground. Despite his efforts to regain balance by grasping the vehicle, the President couldn’t prevent the fall.

Fortunately, his aides quickly rushed to his aid and helped him back to his feet. 

The incident didn’t dampen the President’s spirits, as he continued to wave and greet the crowd with a smile.

The parade proceeded without any further incidents, marking a successful celebration of Nigeria’s democracy. President Tinubu’s resilience and good humor in the face of the mishap earned him praise from the crowd and onlookers.

The incident served as a brief moment of levity in an otherwise solemn celebration of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu marked Nigeria’s 25th anniversary of democratic governance, paying tribute to the country’s journey from military rule to democracy. 

The President honoured the sacrifices of pro-democracy heroes, including Chief MKO Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and Pa Alfred Rewane, who fought for the nation’s freedom. 

Tinubu acknowledged the challenges faced during the transition but praised the resilience of Nigerians and the crucial role of pro-democracy activists, journalists, and media establishments. 

Displaying democracy as a way of life, the President vowed to safeguard citizens’ rights and freedoms, promising continued economic reforms and a commitment to listening to the people. 

As Nigeria celebrates this day, Tinubu urges citizens to cherish and protect their hard-won democracy, working together towards a brighter future.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched “Operation Whirlwind,” a targeted offensive against petroleum product smugglers, and has already recorded significant seizures and disruptions to smuggling operations. 

Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi announced on Monday that the service had intercepted 150,950 liters of PMS, valued at N105,965,391, in various locations nationwide within a week. 

The CGC attributed the success to credible intelligence and strategic efforts to address fuel smuggling, which has seen a significant increase in recent months, particularly in Borno, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba, and Katsina states. 

The service has collaborated with the Office of the National Security Adviser to dismantle smuggling cartels and defend the national currency. 

Notable seizures include 45,000 liters of PMS in a tanker at Mubi, Adamawa State, on May 31 and June 1, and 92,928 liters of PMS in jerry cans at various locations in Adamawa, Sokoto, and Cross River states between June 3 and 7. 

The total value of seizures stands at N196,524,075.50, raising concerns about national security and economic sabotage. 

The CGC lamented the increase in smuggling and vowed to continue the operation to ensure Nigerians benefit from fuel price deregulation, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision.

By Jamilu Magaji Mohammed

The Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, has commended the Management of the Federal University Birnin-Kebbi (FUBK) for maintaining high academic standards despite many operational challenges. The Deputy Governor made the commendation when the Management of FUBK, led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Zaiyan Umar, paid him a courtesy visit in his Office on Wednesday.

Senator Umar Tafida expressed the State Government’s concern over the problems of transportation, hostel facilities and land disputes affecting the University. He assured that these would be forwarded to the Governor for intervention and solution. He stressed the need for the institution to maintain an open communication channel with the State Government and continue to have cordial relationships with the host community as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Zayyanu Umar, told the Deputy Governor that the Federal University, which was set up in 2013, is planning its first Convocation of 5 sets of graduands before the end of this year. 

He said the institution, which has over 8,000 students, 70 per cent of them from Kebbi State, is facing challenges such as an acute shortage of transportation system, hostel facilities, power supply and non-payment of a parcel of land with its host community. He, therefore, appealed to the State Government to support the University towards hosting its very first combined Convocation coming up before the end of the year.

Prof. Umar said inadequate transport is seriously affecting the University, which is located 15 kilometres from Birnin Kebbi township, adding that only four buses jointly donated by Tetfund, Zamfara State Government and former Chief of Army Staff are presently serving the students of the institution.  

The Vice-Chancellor implored the State Government to come to the aid of the University with additional buses,especially now that the rainy season is fast approaching. He also urged the State Government to help in alleviating the 

acute shortage of hostel facilities, as well as interventions on settlement of land disputes with the host community to enable the University to put some development projects in the area. 

Highlights of the visit include the presentation of published materials of the University to the Deputy Governor by the Vice Chancellor and group photography.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Kano State has announced a boycott of all Kano State Government activities, effective immediately.

This decision comes in response to the alleged persistent mistreatment of chapel members by the government and its agents while carrying out their duties.

According to Aminu Ahmed Garko, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, despite efforts to engage with the government to address these issues, there has been no improvement.

Members continue to face harassment, intimidation, and physical assault while performing their duties.

The government’s prioritization of non-professionals over trained journalists has also been criticized, with the chapel stating that this has become a state policy to sideline those best equipped to handle the job.

As a result, the chapel has announced that its members will no longer participate in press conferences, cover government events, or conduct interviews with state officials until a tangible commitment to press freedom and journalist safety is seen.

All members have been directed to comply with this directive and join the protest against the ill treatment of journalists in Kano State.

The chapel believes that a free and independent press is essential to a functioning democracy and will not stand idly by while its members are mistreated and intimidated.

Garko stated that the chapel will only reconsider its position when the government demonstrates a genuine commitment to addressing these issues and ensuring a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their duties.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State Police Command has arrested suspected fraudsters who specialize in generating false bank alerts.

The command recovered 22 POS machines, 52 ATM cards, eight jerricans of diesel, and six mobile phones.

According to the command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, “The suspects had purchased diesel worth N300,000 at Chula Filling Station using fraudulent payment methods, resulting in the owners receiving fake money transfer alerts.”

Kiyawa stated that the suspects confessed to their crimes and admitted to defrauding fuel attendants at various filling stations and businesses in Kano State.

The police commissioner, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, had directed detectives to be on alert to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

The suspects, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, 38, Aliyu Tukur, 27, and Auwal Ibrahim, 20, were arrested following a distress call from the manager of Chula Filling Station.