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The Italian Catholic Church has opened its seminaries to homosexual men, provided they do not promote or align themselves with what it terms “gay culture,” according to new guidelines endorsed by the Vatican.
The guidelines, released by the Italian Bishops’ Conference and published online on Thursday, maintain the Church’s emphasis on celibacy while allowing gay men to enter priestly training under certain conditions.
A specific section of the 68-page document addresses individuals with “homosexual tendencies” who either seek admission to seminaries or discover their orientation during training.
“The Church, while profoundly respecting the persons in question, cannot admit to the seminary and to Holy Orders those who practise homosexuality, present deeply rooted homosexual tendencies or support the so-called gay culture,” the guidelines state.
However, the document urges consideration of a candidate’s overall personality, advising the Church to assess homosexual tendencies in the context of the individual’s character and emotional maturity.
The goal remains to nurture priests who can embrace chastity and celibacy as a vocation.
The Vatican-approved guidelines reflect Pope Francis’ broader effort to foster inclusivity within the Roman Catholic Church, even as official doctrine continues to describe same-sex acts as “intrinsically disordered.”
Since his papacy began in 2013, Pope Francis has taken a more conciliatory tone on LGBTQ issues, famously stating, “If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?” However, his position has not been without controversy.
In June, during a private meeting with Italian bishops, the Pope reportedly expressed disapproval of gay men in seminaries, using a derogatory term to criticize what he described as excessive homosexual behaviour within priestly training schools.
The new guidelines have sparked mixed reactions. The head of New Ways Ministry, a U.S.-based Catholic LGBTQ outreach group, Francis DeBernardo, hailed them as a “big step forward,” citing their efforts to dispel ambiguities that had previously fueled discrimination and fear.
“It clarifies previous ambiguous statements about gay seminary candidates, which viewed them with suspicion. This ambiguity caused lots of fear and discrimination in the church,” said the ministry’s Francis DeBernardo.
Jesuit priest and LGBTQ advocate James Martin viewed the changes as a recognition that homosexuality alone should not disqualify someone from priestly formation.
“If a gay man is able to lead a healthy, chaste, and celibate life, he may be considered,” Martin told AFP.
More than 10, 000 homes, including many businesses are said to have been destroyed in the Los Angeles fire.
So far, at least 11 lives have been reported lost in the incident.
For some, it was a first look at the staggering reality of what was lost as the region of 13 million people grapples with the gargantuan challenge of overcoming the disaster and rebuilding.
A new flare-up in Southern California has led to more mandatory evacuation orders as the Palisades Fire moved northeast, according to reports.
Fox News reports that the latest order is in effect from Sunset Boulevard north to Encino Reservoir and from the 405 Freeway west to Mandeville Canyon. Brentwood has also been threatened.
The Getty Center Dr. and Skirball Center Dr. off-ramps are now closed on both I-405 northbound and I-405 southbound.
“The Palisades Fire has got a new significant flare-up on the eastern portion and continues to move northeast,” Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott told KTLA.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office said a curfew is now in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in all mandatory evacuation areas impacted by the Palisades and Eaton wildfires. The sheriff’s office urged residents to avoid these areas for their own protection and to allow first responders to work effectively.
The curfew will be strictly enforced and violators may face serious consequences, including fines of up to $1,000 or possible imprisonment, the sheriff’s office said.
Newsom Invites Trump To California To Tour Wildfire Devastation
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday invited President-elect Trump to tour the wildfire devastation in California as he prepares to take office once again.
Newsom wrote in a letter addressed to Trump at Mar-a-Lago that his office is grateful that President Biden “swiftly approved our major disaster declaration – a strong indication of the partnership California needs and appreciates with any federal administration.”
But, he added the “threat to lives and property remains acute,” and invited Trump to come to the state as he prepares to take office in two weeks to “meet with the Americans affected by these fires, see the devastation firsthand, and join me and others in thanking the heroic firefighters and first responders who are putting their lives on the line.”
He reminded Trump of his past visit to California during his first term when he toured the wildfire destruction from the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, – the deadliest in the state’s history – and from the Woolsey Fire near Malibu.
“In the spirit of this great country, we must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation from the sidelines. Hundreds of thousands of Americans – displaced from the their homes and fearful for the future – deserve to see all of us working in their best interests to ensure a fast recovery and rebuild,” he wrote.
Trump has placed blame for the fire’s destruction on Newsom and other California Democrats.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Visit Southern California To Support Wildfire Victims
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are working to support Southern California wildfire victims and relief efforts, as the wildfires continue to sweep through the region.
The couple made their second visit to Pasadena on Friday, when they met with Mayor Victor Gordo about ongoing recovery efforts, Fox 11 reported.
Earlier this week, the pair anonymously delivered food to families displaced by the fires, according to the outlet.
“In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighbourhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centres, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life. A state of emergency has been issued,” the pair wrote on their website Thursday, describing the situation in Southern California.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also provided a list of organizations actively helping wildfire victims.
All LAUSD Schools Remain Closed
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said that the L.A. County school district will remain closed and officials will make a decision on reopening plans on Sunday.
“We appreciate your patience as we respond to the air quality and fire concerns that have impacted our campuses across the region,” he said in a Friday evening update. “Although air quality and fire containment have improved, fire and wind conditions have remained dynamic and unstable.”
“Because the safety and well-being of our students and employees are our primary concern, we will continue assessing conditions and provide a preliminary update on Saturday regarding air quality levels and prevailing conditions,” he said. “A final decision will be made Sunday.”
Evacuation Orders Issued
New evacuation orders were issued near Encino Reservoir as the Palisades Fire spread and strengthened on Friday evening.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LAFD) issued the new set of evacuation orders at 7 p.m. local time, warning residents to seek shelter.
“Evacuate now from the area of Sunset to Mandeville to Encino Reservoir to the 405 freeway,” the LAFD said. “Those not in the evacuation area should shelter in place.”
Fast Facts:
- The Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Kenneth Fire, Hurst Fire and Lidia Fire have burned more than 27,000 acres in the Los Angeles area, officials say.
- The Eaton and Palisades fires have claimed at least 11 lives, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Growth of that fire “has been significantly stopped,” LA County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone announced Friday.
- L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said Thursday that 20 people have been arrested so far for looting during the southern California wildfires.
- As of Friday morning, the fires have destroyed more than 10,000 homes and buildings, according to local officials, while 153,000 people are under evacuation.
Actor and filmmaker Lateef Adedimeji has opened up about his journey to success and marital life in an interview with Chude Jideonwo.
Lateef recalled how a mentor in the Yoruba movie industry doubted his potential, predicting he would fail within a year.
However, Lateef confidently asked for two years to prove himself.
He also shared the romantic story of how he proposed to his wife, Bimpe over the phone and how she has been a rock for him despite facing online trolls and hurtful comments, including being called barren.
Lateef expressed gratitude for his wife’s support, particularly during the challenging time when he was working on his project, Lisabi.
He said despite facing disappointment from those who promised to support him, his wife’s encouragement helped boost his confidence.
“Someone once told me in the Yoruba movie industry that he gave me one year to see what I would become. I told him to give me two years and he will see what I will become.
“My wife and I have received a lot of trolls. Recently, someone called her barren on social media. She would always show it to me and would say they would be all right.
“I just called her one morning and asked if she would marry me and she said Yes.
“When I wanted to do my first big screen job, Lisabi, I realiyzed that everybody that I felt would stand by me was not there; there was nobody,” he said.
[TheNation]
Actor Yul Edochie and his second wife, Judy Austin continue to face criticism, but their love for each other remains strong. Despite the backlash, they have remained inseparable. The couple’s chemistry and commitment to each other have been evident in their public displays of affection and heartfelt messages.
Recently, Judy Austin paid a touching tribute to Yul Edochie on his birthday, praising him as her “king” and “soulmate.” The actor marked his birthday on January 7, while Austin’s birthday comes a week after her husband’s special day.
Edochie had earlier expressed his love and gratitude for Judy Austin in a post on Instagram.
Paying tribute to her husband, Austin said “Our compatibility is out of this world and that’s our biggest strength.” According to her, it’s not a coincidence that their birthdays are exactly one week apart.
She emphasized in her heartfelt message their distinctive connection, love, and mutual respect, thanking her husband for making her a better version of herself.
“You’re dependable,.You’re the strongest man I know. You’re fearless. One man squad. Your destiny will shock the world. Your greatness will be studied in generations to come!!! You’re a rare diamond that can never be replaced. I’m the luckiest woman alive to have you as my King.”
Meanwhile, fans continue to criticize Judy Austin, labeling her a “husband snatcher” and accusing her of ruining Yul Edochie’s destiny. The couple’s love has been met with intense scrutiny and criticism, since last April after the actor announced Judy Austin as his second wife. But despite the odds, they remain committed to each other.
[Vanguard]
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited Subomi and Wahab, the sons of Razaq Okoya, the billionaire industrialist, for interrogation over alleged abuse of the naira.
In the invite signed by Michael Wetkas, acting director of the Lagos directorate of the EFCC, the anti-graft agency directed the duo to report to the head, special operations team at the 15A Awolowo Road office of the commission by 10am on Monday, January 13, 2025.
The Okoya brothers have been in the news for “abusing the naira” in a promotional video for a new song.
The video — which featured a police officer holding wads of N1,000 notes as the boys encircled to a tune — had elicited outrage on social media.
On January 10, Muyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), announced that the officer seen in the video had been arrested and detained.
He said the officer’s actions were unethical, adding that he would face disciplinary action.
“The policeman captured in the recent viral video shared by the sons of the Lagos businessman, Chief Okoya, where they were abusing the naira, has been identified and detained for disciplinary action,” Adejobi wrote on X.
“The involvement of the policeman has been condemned, as it’s unethical. We will always strive hard to uphold the sanctity, credibility, and core values of the police.”
In 2024, the EFCC ramped up its enforcement of naira abuse by celebritries, citing Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act.
On April 4, Bobrisky, the social media celebrity, was arrested by the commission in Lagos for defacing naira notes.
The crossdresser was arraigned on a six-count charge by the EFCC.
On April 16, the EFCC filed a three-count charge against Cubana Chief Priest, the socialite and social media influencer, over alleged naira abuse.
[TheCable]
Vehicle Owners Risk Imprisonment As Police Begin Enforcement Of Third-party Insurance February 1
AFOLABI
The inspector-general of police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has announced February 1, 2025, as the commencement date of enforcement of vehicle third-party insurance.
The IGP stated this on Friday when the Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, and team visited him at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
In his remarks, the IGP affirmed the importance of third-party insurance and announced February 1, 2025, as the commencement date for the enforcement of the relevant laws.
The IGP further stated that Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Section 312 of the 1945 Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act mandate that all vehicle owners possess third-party insurance before operating their vehicles on public roads.
He urged Nigerians to comply with the laws, as violations are punishable by imprisonment, fines, or both.
Speaking earlier, the NAICOM commissioner congratulated the IGP on his significant achievements, particularly the establishment of the Police Insurance Company Limited.
He emphasised the need for the police’s assistance in ensuring public compliance with insurance laws.
He also requested the Nigeria Police Force’s support in the nationwide enforcement of compulsory third-party motor vehicle insurance, which provides substantial benefits to all road users.
The Joe Biden administration, on Friday, extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Venezuela, Ukraine, Sudan, and other countries, granting them an additional 18 months of deportation protection and work authorisation.
The sweeping decision will complicate efforts by President-elect Donald J. Trump, who vowed to roll back immigration programmes, to immediately strip the protections when he takes office this January.
“These designations are rooted in careful review and interagency collaboration to ensure those affected by environmental disasters and instability are given the protections they need while continuing to contribute meaningfully to our communities,” said the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas.
TPS, first signed into law in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, allows individuals from countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other upheavals to remain in the US temporarily. Democratic and Republican administrations alike have used it to provide relief, but its future application has faced heightened scrutiny in recent years.
Under the extension, 600,000 Venezuelans can now renew their TPS status until October 2026, while 100,000 Ukrainians are protected until August 2026. Similarly, about 232,000 Salvadorans and 1,900 Sudanese nationals are covered until early 2026.
During his first term in office, Trump attempted to terminate TPS for approximately 400,000 people from countries like El Salvador, but his efforts were stymied by legal challenges. On the campaign trail, his running mate and Vice President-elect, JD Vance, called TPS “illegal,” criticising its repeated extensions as a “de facto means to enable people to stay in the country indefinitely.”
“We’re going to stop doing mass grants of Temporary Protected Status,” Vance said in October, while also criticising Haitian migrants, many of whom fled political turmoil and gang violence.
More than 200,000 Haitians currently benefit from TPS, allowing them to stay in the US until 2026. Immigrants from countries like Ethiopia, Lebanon, and Syria were also added to the programme in recent years, reflecting the growing global crises impacting migration patterns.
While supporters argued that TPS was a humanitarian lifeline for people escaping unsafe conditions, critics contended that its frequent renewals made it a permanent solution rather than the temporary relief it was originally intended to provide.
“Because President Biden has extended protection for the nationals of all these countries, President Trump will be unable to deport these individuals any time soon,” said Steve Yale-Loehr, an immigration scholar at Cornell Law School. He noted that the legal framework for TPS, enacted in 1990, binded Trump to the program’s regulations until these new extensions expire.
Gonzalo Roa, a 43-year-old Venezuelan immigrant living in Columbus, Ohio, expressed relief at the news. A TPS beneficiary, Roa worked at a car dealership and co-owned a small restaurant with his wife.
“It is great news that it’s being renewed,” he said. “Without the temporary status, I would lose my job at the dealership, and my two Venezuelan-born children wouldn’t qualify for college scholarships or other benefits requiring legal status.”
The TPS programme now protects over a million immigrants from countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East. However, its expansion also highlighted broader issues with the US immigration system.
“TPS is a lifeline for many, but it also underscores the need for Congress to reform our immigration laws to address the realities of global migration,” said an advocate.
Ireland is making it easier for international workers to access its labour market in 2025 through various visa options.
The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) offers skilled professionals in sectors with shortages a route to permanent residency.
Ireland said the revised work visa policies were aimed at meeting evolving workforce needs, with new programmes that include expanding the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) and introducing quota-based work permits to tackle skill shortages in technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.
According to DAAD Scholarship, high demand for talent exists in technology, engineering, healthcare, and green energy sectors, with major companies like Google, Apple, and growing biopharmaceutical firms actively hiring.
Among the visa types for Ireland work visas available in 2025 include Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) which targets highly skilled professionals in sectors with significant talent shortages.
Changes to the programme include a reduced waiting period for employer switching and the addition of roles like sustainability specialists to the CSOL.
After just two years, CSEP holders can apply for permanent residency, creating a long-term pathway for workers looking to settle in Ireland.
Also, the General Employment Permit which applies to skilled workers outside critical occupations. The programme has simplified documentation requirements and adjusted quotas for certain professions like automotive technicians. A job offer and a salary of at least €30,000 annually are necessary to qualify.
The Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit is also visa that now allows family members of CSEP holders to work in Ireland without the need for a separate job offer. This change provides more flexibility for those looking to settle in Ireland as a family.
Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit is another that applies to employees of multinational companies transferring to an Irish branch. It includes a salary requirement of €30,000 annually and a permit duration of up to five years.
The process for applying for a work visa in Ireland include choosing the right visa. Applicants are required to apply for the visa that aligns with their qualifications and career goals. The Critical Skills Employment Permit is recommended for professionals in sectors facing shortages.
Applicants then proceed to check eligibility by verifying if their occupation is included on the Critical Skills Occupations List or if they meet the general requirements for other visa types.
The next phase preparation of documents by gathering essential paperwork such as your passport, job offer, proof of qualifications, and financial evidence.
Applicants can then proceed to submit their applications online through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS).
Payment of the application fee is the next step which is €1,000 for CSEP application.
Applicants will then prepare to attend an interview. If required, attend an interview to discuss your application and wait for the decision by monitoring application status through the EPOS system.
Once the applicant scales through, collection of the visa from local Irish consulate or embassy complete the process if approved.
Gospel artiste, Moses Bliss, has welcomed his first child with his wife.
The young musician, who made an entrance into the music scene five years ago, shared the exciting news on Friday through an Instagram post, expressing his gratitude to God.
He wrote; “This is the doing of the Lord. We are in awe of His mercy. Join us to thank God for blessing our family with a baby boy. This song is our testimony.”
Moses and Marie tied the knot in March 2024.
Marie Bliss is a Ghanaian-born London-based lawyer. She is now a proud mother of their newborn son.
Moses Bliss, whose real name is Moses Uyoh Enang, began to show interest in music from a young age of five and started to learn and play musical instruments. He later joined the choir at Believers’ Loveworld Church, kicking off his career officially in 2017 with the debut single ‘E No Dey Fall My Hand’.
‘Hidden Riches’ A Solid Minerals Ministry & Take 7 Media Project To Premiere Jan 27
He released the song ‘Too Faithful’ in 2019 and followed it up in 2020 with the single ‘Bigger Everyday’. Moses’ first album ‘Too Faithful’ was released in May 2021 comprising 13 tracks including “Taking Care”, “Perfection” and “E No Dey Fall My Hand”. In February 2023, he released His sophomore album titled “More Than Music (Transcendent Worship”, released in 2023 and comprised of 13 tracks.
The gospel minister, who holds a musical concert annually tagged ‘Bliss Experience’, was signed by a music distribution company in Florida, United States, Symphonic Distribution. In February 2023, he unveiled his record label Spotlite Nation and signed four artistes: Chizie, Festizie, Doris Joseph, and Grace Lokwa
With two albums already, Moses Bliss has done well for himself and he’s reckoned with in the gospel music scene. He has a clothing brand in Abuja that specialises in male attires known as Shades of Bliss.
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Solid Minerals has rejected the Ministry of Solid Minerals’ 2025 budget proposal, deeming it highly inadequate.
The rejection came on Friday after the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, presented the ministry’s budget estimates.
The motion to reject the budget was moved by Senator Diket Plang from Plateau State and seconded by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Kogi State.
Plang expressed dissatisfaction over the ministry’s allocation, noting that only N9 billion was earmarked for capital expenditure out of the N539.7 billion proposed.
Committee Chairman, Senator Ekong Sampson, emphasized the importance of adequately funding the solid minerals sector for Nigeria’s economic diversification.
“The current allocation is grossly inadequate and will hinder economic growth,” Sampson stated. “We must invest in this sector to address major challenges and unlock its full potential.”
Sampson stressed the need for bold steps in exploration, data gathering, and addressing industry challenges. “Nigeria, with its abundant resources, should not face such contradictions in economic planning,” he added.
Supporting the motion, Committee Co-Chairman Gaza Gbefwi, representing Keffi/Karu/Kokona Federal Constituency in Nasarawa State, called for a suspension of the budget defense.
“We are here to pass a budget for Nigerians and the progress of this country,” Gbefwi said. “The allocation given to the ministry is unimaginable and requires immediate review.”
Gbefwi proposed inviting the Minister of Planning and Budget to explain the low allocation.
Earlier, Minister Alake revealed that the ministry proposed N539.7 billion for capital projects and N2 billion for overhead costs in 2025. He lamented the significant gap between the proposal and the approved allocation.
“We seek to diversify Nigeria’s economy through development of green energy and solid minerals. However, the N9 billion allocation falls far short of our needs,” Alake noted.
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A crisis is unfolding within the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze NdigboWorldwide, following the emergence of three Presidents-General from parallel elections conducted by different factions.
The first election, held on January 5 in Port Harcourt by a factional group, declared Jackson Omenazu, an Ikwerre native from Rivers State, the President-General. However, prominent group members rejected the outcome, leading to another election on January 10.
In the subsequent election, Barr. Uche Okwukwu, a former Secretary-General of the organization, was announced as the new President-General.
Adding to the controversy, a third election took place at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu, attended by notable dignitaries, including Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and Ebonyi State Deputy Governor Patricia Obila.
Senators Chris Ngige, Ben Obi, Victor Umeh, and other prominent Igbo figures also witnessed the event.
During the Enugu election, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, a former Rivers East representative in the National Assembly, was declared the new President-General.
His election reportedly gained widespread acceptance among Igbo leaders and elders, signaling a possible resolution to the leadership dispute.
If Azuta-Mbata’s leadership remains uncontested, he will succeed Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu, who recently completed the tenure previously held by the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Other officials elected during the Enugu event include Prince Okey Nwadinobi from Abia State as National Deputy President and Chief Emeka Sibeidu, former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, as Secretary-General. Chidera Anieke from Enugu State was elected National Treasurer, Ezechukwu Ezechi from Imo State as National Publicity Secretary, and Okey Ugwu from Ebonyi State as National Legal Adviser.
Kano Throne: Emir Sanusi secures victory against Bayero as A’Court overturns Justice Liman’s verdict
AFOLABI
The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Friday, overruled the verdict of the Federal High Court, Kano Division, over the appointment of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
In the Kano State Government’s appeal on the chieftaincy issue, the appellate court overturned the lower court’s decision, which had questioned Sanusi’s appointment as the 16th Emir of Kano.
In a judgment delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Mustapha, the appellate court insisted that the Federal High Court had overstepped its jurisdiction by ruling on a matter it was not authorised to handle.
The lower court had nullified the government’s appointment of Sanusi as a first-class emir in response to an application for the enforcement of fundamental rights brought before Justice Abdullahi Liman of the Kano Federal High Court by Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi, a member of the emirate council under the former emir, Aminu Ado Bayero.
Dan’Agundi had argued that the sacking of Bayero and the dissolution of the five emirates through the new Emirate Council Repeal Law 2023, without due consultation, had infringed on his fundamental rights.
However, the appellate court voided Justice Liman’s judgment, noting that the Federal High Court had no jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters.
The court ruled that the trial court lacked the authority to order the maintenance of the status quo in a matter beyond its jurisdiction, thereby setting aside the controversial ruling that effectively left Kano with two ruling emirs.
In addition to assuming jurisdiction improperly, the Court of Appeal held that Justice Liman exceeded his role by interfering in chieftaincy matters, which fell outside the fundamental rights sought by the plaintiff.
The appellate court declared that the Federal High Court had no jurisdiction to intervene in matters related to the Kano State Emirate Council Law.
It emphasised that the principal reliefs sought by Bayero did not fall within the scope of fundamental human rights and were instead connected to chieftaincy issues.
Citing Section 251 of the Nigerian Constitution, the court affirmed that the Federal High Court lacked the authority to address matters related to chieftaincy.
In a similar case, the appellate court overturned the judgment of Justice Amina Aliyu of the Kano State High Court and directed the Kano State Chief Judge to reassign the matter for a fresh hearing.
The earlier verdict, which perpetually restricted Ado Bayero from parading himself as emir, was deemed to have violated the fundamental principle of fair hearing.
Justice Aliyu of the Kano High Court had previously ruled in favour of the Kano State House of Assembly, which had sought to validate the passage of the Kano Emirate Council Repeal Law. The law had sacked Bayero and four others, upholding the appointment of Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano.
With this judgment, the 16th Emir of Kano, His Highness Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, remains the legitimate ruler of the Kano throne. He was reinstated by Governor Abba Yusuf on May 3, 2024, after assenting to the Kano Emirates Repeal Law enacted by the Kano State House of Assembly under Speaker, Jibrin Falgore.
A joint committee of the national assembly says the borders of the country are open owing to the amount of commodities that smuggled in.
The joint panel of the house of representatives and senate committees on trade and industries took the position on Friday when Jumoke Oduwole, minister of trade, appeared before it to defend the 2025 budget proposal of her ministry.
In August 2019, the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari closed the country’s land borders to stop the illegal importation of drugs, arms and agricultural products into Nigeria from neighbouring West African countries.
In December 2020, Buhari ordered the reopening of four land borders. However, the borders are still closed.
Fatima Talba, the lawmaker representing Nangero/ Potiskum federal constituency of Yobe in the house, said the borders were never closed.
“Going by free movement of people and even criminals across the borders, it is time for us to stop fooling ourselves with border closure,” Talba said.
On his part, Francis Fadaunsi, chair of the senate committee on industry, said the border closure policy is adversely affecting the economy.
“For example, on rice production alone, the largest percentage of the 4 million tonnes shortfall is being smuggled into the country since local producers are only producing 3 million tonnes out of the expected consumption rate of 7 million tonnes,” he said.
Paul Kalejaiye, the lawmaker representing Ajeromi /Ifelodun federal constituency of Lagos in the house, said the implementation of the closed border policy needs to be explained.
“Are all borders across the nation closed or those closed are from a segment of the country,” he said.
Oduwole said N3.8 billion was earmarked for capital expenditure in her ministry’s 2025 budget proposal.
She said N4.65 billion was allocated for personnel cost and N1.45 billion was fixed for overhead, adding that her ministry’s projected revenue is N2.4 billion.
Security operatives working on the trail of extremist elements and insurgents have foiled a plot by terrorists of Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) to establish a strategic base in Oyo State for the coordination of their activities in Oyo, Osun, and Kwara States.
Independent sources spoken to by the Nigerian Tribune confirmed that ISWAP members fleeing Maiduguri, Borno State had linked up with one of their members who operates around the Oke-Ogun axis in the Northern parts of Oyo State, to comb strategic locations where a coordinating base that would be responsible for operations in Oyo, Kwara, and Osun States could be set up.
It was learned that the said loyalist of ISWAP had been linked with kidnapping and other criminal activities around Oke-Ogun and had started making preparations for the establishment of a base in the Afijio local government area of Oyo State.
It was gathered that security agents got wind of his plan after he held a meeting with some members somewhere in Osun State, after which a number of the gang members were arrested.
Sources said that the link for the group is based in Oke Ogun, however, escaped the arrest and moved to the old Oyo national park, which links the Kamoko forest that stretches from Kaduna to Niger and Kwara States and also links the Old Oyo State in Oke Ogun axis.
The arrest of some of the insurgents by security men operating in Oyo and Osun States was, however, said to have resulted in the recovery of several AK 47 rifles, and a hot pursuit of the linkman said to have stayed in Ago Are town in Oyo State for sometime
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State said on Monday that some insurgents fleeing from the North had attempted to set up camps near Fashola Farms in Oyo State.
Sources told the Nigerian Tribune that the site mentioned by the governor, which was initially targeted as a suitable location is about five kilometers from Fashola Farms but that security agents have since blocked the secret plot.
“The Kamoko forest which stretches from Kaduna all through Niger and links Kwara and Oyo States through Old Oyo National Park is the route being relied upon by these terrorists to make their way into the South West.
“They intend to establish a base around the South-West and when security men got the hints, a hot pursuit was undertaken, leading to some arrests,” a source stated, adding that every effort was being made to neutralise the plot of the terrorists,” said the source.
Another independent source said that the terrorists’ linkman in Oke Ogun had planned to locate a suitable place ahead of a meeting of his collaborators and that the operatives had bursted the plot and scattered the bid for the secret base.
As a result of the development, it was learned that security agencies across the North West state of Kaduna, as well as North Central states of Niger and Kwara, and the South West States of Oyo, Osun, and Ogun States, are already placed on red alert to forestall any plot to establish a camp or base around the South West.
In another development, sources told Nigerian Tribune that security agents have arrested a traditional worshiper in Iseyin, Oyo State, for trying to incite religious disharmony.
It was gathered that the man was trying to dispute some claims in the Holy Quran and equally plans to extend the same treatment to the Holy Bible as a way of igniting confrontation among adherents of the different religions in parts of Oyo State.
Though the man was said to have escaped to Lekki, in Lagos State, Security agencies in Oyo and Ogun States were said to have worked assiduously to get him arrested.