News

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

A former governor of Oyo State, Christopher Alao-Akala, is dead.

Alao-Akala died on Wednesday at the age of 71. The sad development was confirmed by the Publicity Secretary of the state chapter of the ruling party, the All Progressive Congress, APC, Dr Olatunde Abdulazeez.

Dr Olatunde, in affirming the news, said, “The news of his death is out. He did his best for the state, May his soul rest in peace.”

Mr Alao-Akala was the governor of Oyo State from January 12, 2006, to December 12, 2006. He was also elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2007 as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, where he served till May 2011.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, said that the federal government had spent N152bn on digitization projects in 2021 across the country.

Pantami disclosed this in Abuja Tuesday at the closing of the 2021 Service Wide capacity building programme on e-Government at the e-Government Training Centre.

He said the amount constituted the total sum approved by the NITDA for the CBN, the NNPC, the CAC, the Immigration Service and Customs, among other agencies.

Meanwhile, the Minister also assured Nigerians that the government would migrate to a paperless government by 2030.

He said they have put in place all the necessary measures to achieve the objective through the National Policy on Digital Nigeria.

By Uzair Adam Imam

President Muhammadu Buhari rejoiced with Amina Muhammed on her reappointment as United Nations Deputy Secretary-General for a second term.

Buhari stated that in a release signed Tuesday by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina.

He assured her of the prayers and support of Nigerians, especially the Federal Executive Council, where she served for some years.

He also commended the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, for his confidence in the former Minister of Environment by giving her another opportunity to serve the global body and humanity.

Moreover, Mr President has also commended Muhammed, saying: “She remained an inspiration to many women in Nigeria, Africa and the global community.”

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi met President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tuesday, where he indicates interest to contest for office of the President

Mr Umahi who defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, November, 2020, from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, made this Known while briefing newsmen shortly after the closed-door meeting.

In response to a question if he is not deterred by the interests of others seeking the party’s presidential ticket, he stated, “I am not in contest with anybody; I am in contest with myself.”

Mr Umahi’s declaration is coming a day after Tinubu’s declaration of interest also at the Presidential Villa on Monday.

The former head of Nigeria’s Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan passes on today. The president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari mourns his death through a condolence message posted on his Facebook page. The post reads: “I received with profound sadness the news of the death of a great statesman and former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan.

On behalf of the Federal Government, I extend my deepest condolences to Chief Shonekan’s wife, Margaret, his loved ones, and the government and people of Ogun State.

With courageous wisdom, Chief Shonekan left his flourishing business career to become the Head of Government, at a delicate time when the country needed someone of his calm mien and pedigree to save the ship of state from sinking.

He demonstrated to all that the love for country and commitment to her development, peace and unity transcend the trappings of office and the transient nature of political power.

Nigeria owes a great debt to Chief Shonekan, the peacemaker, who even at the twilight of his lifetime never stopped believing and working for a prosperous and democratic country.

I pray that his memory will remain a blessing to Nigeria even as he finds perfect peace with Almighty God.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

Troops in Kaduna State have reportedly neutralized bandits and foiled a planned attack on Fatika town of the state.

A release issued Monday, 10-1-2022 by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed that five members of the militant group were killed in the process.

Aruwan Said that the troops who conducted clearance patrols in Giwa local government area received credible intelligence of terrorists’ movement.

However, he added that, “the troops then mobilised to Marke and Ruheya in response.”

“The outlaws were sighted and attempted to escape the advancing forces. The troops however cut off their escape route at Kwanan Bataro, and engaged them in a firefight, during which five of the terrorists were neutralized. The troops returned to base after clearing the area,” he stated.

The statement stated that governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed satisfaction at the operational feedback.

El-Rufai has also commended the troops for their proactive and sharp response to the intelligence received, encouraging them to keep up the intensity in the ongoing offensives against terrorists in the area.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progress Congress (APC), met President Muhammadu Buhari behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Monday.

When asked by newsmen if he had informed the president of his intention to run for the presidency, he replied in the affirmative. He, however, said he is yet to tell Nigerians because he is still consulting.

The National Party Leader reportedly said:” I have informed the President of my ambition, but I have not informed Nigerians yet; I’m still consulting.”

Mr Tinubu, who is known to be politically savvy, also described his ambition as lifelong while answering questions from journalists.

By Muhammad Abdurrahman

About fifty-eight (58) people were reported killed in an attack by terrorists in Zamfara State on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. Meanwhile, an Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has sent a message of condolence to the state governor, Bello Muhammad Matawalle.           

In the condolence message made available to journalists on Monday, January 10, 2022, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC’s director, described the killings as callous, disheartening, horrific and barbaric.

The message reads:

“About fifty-eight (58) people were reported killed in a three-day reprisal attack by terrorists in Zamfara State which began on Tuesday, 4th January 2022 and lasted till Thursday. 6th January 2022. About 300 terrorists on motorcycles stormed eight villages in the Anka Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday and another ten villages in the Bukkuyum district on Wednesday and Thursday. They killed at random.

“We strongly condemn these killings. They are callous, cowardly, disheartening, horrific and barbaric. We call on the security agencies to leave no stone unturned in apprehending the perpetrators. They must be held accountable. People who turn children, wives and husbands into orphans, widows and widowers respectively overnight are heartless beasts. They deserve no mercy.

“The killings are believed to be reprisal attacks carried out in revenge for terrorists killed during air raids by the Nigerian military fighter jets last week. The air raids reportedly killed some leaders of the terrorist groups as well as tens of their foot soldiers.

“This killing of unarmed civilians should not discourage the military. It merely shows that the bandits are feeling the pressure. We call for more pounding from the air. Terrorists must have no place to hide. They must be hounded from pillar to post until they all surrender or they are totally eliminated. Nigeria will not be defeated by sadistic renegades, rebellious subjects and enemies of peace.

“MURIC commiserates with the governor of Zamfara State, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, over the horrific killings. We also condole with members of the state executive, the traditional rulers and the good people of the state. Our hearts bleed for the bereaved families. May Allah have mercy on the direct victims and give their families the fortitude to bear the losses.”

By MMuhammad Sabiu

According to authorities in Ogun, a 38-year-old man was arrested for reportedly stabbing his mistress’s spouse to death.

The incident occurred in the state’s Onipanu region, according to Abimbola Oyeyemi, the state’s police spokesperson, who made the announcement to journalists in Ota, Ogun, on Sunday.

Mr Oyeyemi stated that the suspect was apprehended on January 7 for allegedly stabbing Emaka Umonko, the husband of a woman with whom he was supposedly having a covert love affair.

He said the culprit was apprehended after the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Onipanu Divisional Headquarters, Bamidele Job, a Chief Superintendent of Police, got a distress call.

Mr Oyeyemi claimed that the deceased confronted the suspect after accusing him of having an affair with his wife, resulting in a major brawl between the two men.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State Fire Service has confirmed the death of one Zainab Yusha’u and her one-year-old boy due to an inferno.

Zainab Yusha’u, a 25-year-old woman, and her son, Sulaiman Usaini, lived at Gwarzo Road by Gidan Kaji in Kano.

Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer of the service, said this in a statement issued Saturday in Kano.

He said: “We received a distress call at about 07:00 am from one Usman Nura and immediately sent our rescue team to the scene at about 07:08 am.

“With the good effort of our fire personnel, we were able to bring the fire under control so as not to spread to other neighbours’ houses,” he stated.
He added that one room slightly burnt while the parlour was completely razed down by the fire, adding that “the remains of the victims were handed over to Yushau’s husband, Malam Usaini.”

Calling the attention of people, the spokesman, however, advised the general public to comply with safety regulations in order to avoid unforeseen circumstances.