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The Federal Government has received at least 103 Nigerians deported from Turkey over migration related issues.
Some of the issues were expired visas, irregular migration, among others.
Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, NCFRMI stated this on Friday during the deportees’ profiling in Abuja.
Represented by Amb. Catherine Udida, the Director Migration Affairs in the commission, Ahmed said that the commission expected 110 deportees but received 103, all males.
“Some of them have been in the deportation camp for some months, and now that they are here, we are hoping to follow up on all the allegations gathered in their profiling.
“We will go through the profiling forms, because some of them have said that their passports were seized.
“We are going to follow up with the Turkish authority, because the passports are still the property of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he assured.
According to him, the NCFRMI is the mandate agency responsible for all returnees, irrespective of their status.
“We equally have a programme where we train them and thereafter reintegrate them into the society”, the Federal Commissioner stated.
By Valentine Obienyem
The speech at the Valedictory Session of graduates of Physiology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University at Okofia, Nnewi, where I represented Mr Peter Obi.
Three days ago, on the 26th, His Excellency Mr Peter Obi was a Guest Speaker at the 6th Annual Lecture of the Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria at UNIZIK. As he left, he mentioned he would phone me about a function on the 28th, which he was struggling to plan to attend.
However, he did not call back until early yesterday morning, around 3 am. He referred to the event he mentioned, the 2024 Valedictory Session for Physiology Graduates where he was invited as one of the keynote speakers and requested I should represent him as it had become clear he would not make it. He reminded me how the event was initially scheduled for a different date, and how he was en route to attend before receiving the news of its postponement.
Next, I needed to inquire about the message he wished to convey to the new graduates, reminding him of his role as the Guest Speaker. We spent the next hour on the phone, with me diligently noting down his message. As I relay it to you now, please understand that I am merely a mouthpiece, repeating the words of the master for the enlightenment of the new graduates, who, through this very act, are being sent into the world to contribute their knowledge towards making it a better place.
Judging by the looks on your faces, most of you are still in your early twenties. In popular parlance, one might say “nyabinghi anya” or “Akwobeyi beans akwo.” When we say this of you, it means that you are still in the march of your lives. And the person speaking through me, Mr. Peter Obi, is already in the June of his life. Therefore, he speaks to you from his rich experiential pedigree – he has seen it all. He is speaking from the pedestal of wisdom.
As I discussed with him regarding the message to be conveyed, I recall a beautiful piece I read in the eighties as a young Seminarian, written by the then Mr. Hyginus Aghaulor (now a Priest). It was entitled “Arrow in the Quiver.” Fr. questioned: “Have you ever seen floods and the consequent erosion demonstrate their anger? The only grammar meaningful to them is destruction. But construct gutters, and you would have tamed the irrationality of the floods; build dykes, and their destructive instinct would be turned inside out. It becomes an opportunity. The once insane floods would then be channelled to irrigate the thirsty vegetation on the plain. Life flourishes!”
We all resemble floods at various points in our upbringing. Some of us were raw savages entrusted to different educational institutions to be refined into human beings, especially now parenting has gone to the dogs. Good institutions do their utmost, but poor institutions exacerbate matters. Regarding Nigeria, despite criticisms of academic institutions, Nnamdi Azikiwe University remains one of the finest. Therefore, you are fortunate to have been educated there.
Upon your graduation, you are conferred or have been conferred with the degrees of this University, which, like degrees everywhere, attest to moral and academic achievements. You are now released into the world to contribute to its enrichment. Thus, you are sent forth as a finished product, an ambassador of this institution.
Schools are expected to exert civilising effects on students. This is what you are expected to demonstrate. From experience, it is evident that throughout your life, the umbilical cord between you and your alma mater will not be severed. I asked Mr. Peter Obi why he believed this. Let him speak directly to you: “Did you follow Hilda Bacci when she entered the Guinness Book of Records? She was widely celebrated. As you may recall, I was among those who visited her.
Shortly after, Madonna University claimed her as their own. They proudly recounted how she was an exemplary student and how the formative influence of Madonna University prepared her for the achievement she attained. This illustrates that you continue to be an ambassador of your alma mater for as long as you live.”
Not Done, Obi continued: “On 18 May 2016, Johns Hopkins University, where Chimamanda Adichie obtained her Master’s Degree in Creative Writing, conferred upon her an honorary doctorate in recognition of her outstanding contributions to literature. Through this award, the university sent a clear message: ‘Girl, you are harnessing the knowledge gained within our institution in a truly remarkable and positive manner.”
Thus, you will find personal fulfilment, your loved ones will be proud of you, your institution will commend you, and society will applaud you when you fulfil your existential purpose as one who has been adequately prepared to tackle the challenges in society.
A few weeks ago, I attended the valedictory lecture of Rev. Fr. Professor Boniface Obiefuna, where he bid farewell to the institution he had served for many years. The lecture was a nostalgic reflection on his life, covering his birth, education, priestly life, and teaching career. He also shared with us his eccentricities and humorous anecdotes. Today, you are expected to engage in a similar reflection, assessing your life’s journey so far. While Professor Obiefuna did this at the age of seventy, you are still in your early twenties, so I say, ‘Anyabehe Anya’. But, I ask, who is the driver of your life’s journey? We shall return to this question later.
While delivering the 6th Annual lecture on the 26th of this month, Mr Peter Obi emphasized the need to dismantle the criminality that has come to define Nigeria. Today, as a result of the cumulative effects of poor governance and criminality, Nigeria is in a state of crisis, a situation that is all too real. The country has failed everyone, including those who perpetuated the criminality, who are now living in fear.
What about the youth whose futures have been squandered by the country? Let me reconnect the dots by quoting Fr. Aghaulor once again: “Like yam – -tendrils, youth is delicate and ready to take the bent he is given. He is like clay at the hands of the potter. Whatever is seen or heard immediately leaves its impression on the youth’s personality. Youth’s emotion, if not well directed can burst at any time like a dormant volcano; the consequences can be destructive as an unguided flood.”
Father wrote as if addressing our country today: Tell me, what the country has done for you that would make the idea of patriotism meaningful? This is why people like us often appeal to you not to hold the country accountable for its sins, but instead to strengthen your resolve to use your education to contribute to changing the system. You cannot achieve this by being part of the rigging of elections in the future, but rather by upholding the highest moral standards for the country.
Having disappointed you, you are now your most trusted and competent driver. What schools have done in your life is to illuminate the path or show you the way to go. It is up to you to build the barriers and channels of your life to direct your energy towards productivity. Have you experienced dejection in your life?
The least effective way to recover is not by heeding others’ advice, but by listening to yourself. Hence, the best advice is that which we give to ourselves. Therefore, your success as you enter the world depends largely on your efforts to remain focused in life, to paddle your own canoe on the understanding that you are your own safest driver. This was the reason that when Tsze-Lu asked Confucius, “What constitute the Higher Man,” he replied, “the cultivation of himself with reverential care.”
As graduates of Physiology, you are expected to have studied the subject. Beyond the 18th century, when it became an independent science, its foundational work was laid by figures such as Hippocrates, Aristotle, and Galen. The contributions of individuals like Harvey, Bernard, and Pavlov drew heavily from theirs. Even Descartes’ mechanistic view of the body, which likened bodily functions to mechanical processes, contributed to the development of Physiology. This demonstrates the interconnectedness of knowledge.
As you strive to contribute to the advancement of learning, do not isolate yourself like an island. Reach out to others, and collaborate with different fields, as humanity strives to conquer the world and build a better society.
Although Nigeria has not treated you fairly, Peter Obi encourages you to continue loving her and not hesitate to take actions that will help the country rediscover itself. However, due to limited opportunities in the country, he does not advise against travelling to other parts of the world in search of better opportunities.
He has always recommended emulating the Indians. They are often seen worldwide, striving to improve themselves through further education and thereafter engage in productive ventures, notably, bringing back the knowledge they acquire to their homeland. As some of you travel abroad, keep the Indian example in mind.
Though Mr. Peter Obi frequently emphasises the importance of STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), as a philosopher, he values how philosophy has enriched his perspectives. During our conversation that evening, he instructed me to remind you that despite the emphasis on science, you should strive to become well-rounded scholars and not allow yourselves to become fragmented. Let him address you directly once more.
“Besides acquainting yourselves with great physiologists like Harvey, Bernard, and Pavlov, dedicate at least two hours per week to enriching yourselves with these exemplars of civilisation. Befriend eminent poets such as Sophocles, Euripides, Virgil, Dante, Petrarch, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Racine, Moliere, Goethe, and Soyinka. Engage with outstanding statesmen spanning from Hammurabi to Winston Churchill, and the Ziks of Nigeria and with profound thinkers like Confucius, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Zeno, Epicurus, Archimedes, Lucretius, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Francis Bacon, Spinoza, Newton, Kant, Darwin and Ojukwu. Familiarise yourselves with exceptional prose writers such as Demosthenes, Cicero, Seneca, Rabelais, Montaigne, Milton, Voltaire, Achebe, and Chimamanda. Explore the works of eminent historians like Herodotus, Thucydides, Tacitus, and Gibbon. Lastly, seek inspiration from great saints such as Augustine, Francis of Assisi, and Tansi, as well as influential opinion writers like Okey Ikechukwu, Rueben Abati, Segun Adeniyi, Dan Onwukwe, Comfort Obi, and Robert Obiorah. I would not deem you educated unless you count many of these luminaries among your acquaintances. Nurture these relationships, and you will undoubtedly be shaped by the company you keep.”
Although Mr Peter Obi emphasises the importance of being your drivers, he also urged me to remind you of the value of having credible role models. While you may have had role models during your student days, you may need to seek out new ones with different perspectives as you enter the world. He asked me to share a fascinating story with you: When Themistocles was presented with two suitors for his daughter’s hand in marriage, he chose the man of good character over the wealthy one, saying, “I prefer a man without money to money without a man.”
This wisdom should guide us in selecting role models – individuals who inspire and guide us. Role models teach us valuable virtues like hard work, honesty, and integrity, and their noble lives enrich our own.
We should seek out individuals who embody these virtues, rather than those who merely flaunt their ill-gotten wealth, sometimes annoyingly in the conscious, but often the misplaced grandeur of their having arrived. “Finally, he requested I remind you to always remember your last day this school, and these teachers who laboured so patiently to turn you into what you are today and what you promise to become. Most importantly, he wants you to remain close to God.”
In conclusion, Mr. Peter Obi’s message is that of hope, inspiration, and guidance. He encourages you to be your drivers, to seek out credible role models, and to cultivate your minds with a well-rounded education. He reminds you that your alma mater will always be proud of your accomplishments and urges you to make a positive impact on society. As you go forth into the world, you must hold on to the values of hard work, honesty, and integrity, and strive to build bridges between science and society and contribute meaning to your communities and the world at large.
An Immigration officer, Dabiet Onyemi Gilbert, has been sentenced to one year in prison for defrauding a job seeker of N800,000.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted Gilbert on a one-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence. After receiving a petition from the victim and conducting an investigation, the EFCC brought the case to court, leading to Gilbert's conviction.
Justice H.H. Kereng of the Gombe State High Court who presided over the case, handed down the sentence after listening to testimonies.
A yet-to-be-identified suspected electricity vandal has been electrocuted while attempting to steal transformer cable which belong to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company.
A statement on Friday by the Head, Corporate Communications of EEDC, Emeka Ezeh, said the incident happened in the early hours of Friday.
Ezeh, who described the incident as “tragic and very unfortunate,” lamented the increasing rate at which vandals attack electricity installations within the EEDC’s network daily.
Ezeh said, “In the early hours of today (Friday), the lifeless body of a yet-to-be-identified vandal suspect was found within the space of a distribution transformer belonging to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc located around Missionary Avenue, Coal Camp, Enugu.
“From all indications, it is presumed that the power supply must have been restored while the deceased was cutting the armoured cables, which resulted in him being electrocuted.
“Vandalism has been a big challenge to the company, and there is no way this can be addressed without the support of critical stakeholders.”
Ezeh lamented the increasing rate at which criminals plunder electricity installations within EEDC’s network daily, noting that it has adversely impacted not just the quality of service to its customers but also its revenue.
Meanwhile, the organisation in a statement on Friday, said, “The attention of the EEDC has been drawn to a video circulating on the social media space, made by one Mazi Okechukwu Cyril Nwuche who claims to be a lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, and the Anambra State Chairman of South East Electricity Consumers Association, purporting that EEDC is calling on its customers to apply for a free prepaid metre.
“This information is not only incorrect but laced with mischief aimed at misleading unsuspecting customers and creating confusion within the space.
“Whilst EEDC encourages its customers in need of meters to apply and have their premises metered, it is important that they are armed with the right information, and that they also understand the procedure in place for metre acquisition.”
The Ikorodu Magistrate’s Court in Lagos State has approved the request of Mohbad’s family to conduct a second autopsy.
This development comes after the family expressed dissatisfaction with the initial autopsy results, which were deemed inconclusive.
Mohbad passed away on September 12, 2023, at age 27, under controversial circumstances.
Following public demand for clarity on his cause of death, his body was exhumed on September 21, 2023, for an autopsy by the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
According to reports from The Cable Lifestyle, the samples from Mohbad’s gastric content, blood, bone marrow, liver, kidney, and lung were collected for toxicological analysis.
The anatomical and pathological examination disclosed an injury on his right forearm, and it was noted that his body, exhumed after moderate to severe decomposition, showed no significant findings that could determine the cause of death.
The toxicology report indicated the presence of Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, but its concentration was not at a fatal level. Antihistamines are typically used to treat allergy symptoms and other conditions like stomach issues, colds, and anxiety.
The report concluded that the exact cause of death could not be established, but it suggested a possible drug reaction due to the lack of significant findings in both the post-mortem and toxicology reports. Notably, the body had neither undergone an autopsy nor been embalmed before burial on the second day after death.
However, the family rejected the initial autopsy report due to its failure to determine the cause of death.
During a recent hearing on June 26, 2024, the Ikorodu Magistrate’s Court granted permission for a second autopsy, allowing Mohbad’s family and their legal representatives to pursue further investigation into his cause of death.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos, has affirmed the judgment of a Lagos State High Court, which sentenced Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, popularly called Baba Ijesha to five years imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old minor.
The appellate court in its lead judgment by Justice Folashade Ojo (presided) found the appellant (Baba Ijesha) guilty on counts 4 and 5, where he was accused of indecently touching a minor and sexually assaulted her.
Other members of the panel, Justice Abdullahi Bayero and Justice Paul Bassi agreed with the lead judgement.
The Lagos State Government had prosecuted Baba Ijesha on a six-count charge of indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration.
In her judgment, the trial judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo now retired of the Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court, on July 14, 2022, sentenced Baba Ijesha to five years imprisonment over the sexual assault of a minor.
The court found Baba Ijesha guilty of indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault, of a minor between 2013 and 2014, which is contrary to Section 135 of Lagos State Criminal Law 2015.
Dissatisfied with the verdict, Baba Ijesha through his counsel Mr. Kayode Olabiran, appeal the lower court decision, praying the appellate court to allow the appeal and set aside his conviction and sentence.
The appellant argued that the prosecution failed to prove that he (Baba Ijesha) sexually assaulted the victim, contending that the appellant merely acted a script that he was invited to act.
Delivering judgment on the appeal, yesterday, Justice Folashade Ojo set aside appellant’s conviction on indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault of a minor which allegedly occurred between 2013 and 2014, describing the testimony of PW1 (Damilola Adekoya) as hearsay.
Justice Ojo, however held that on the event that occurred on April 19, 2021, the evidence of PW1 (Damilola Adekoya) was an eye witness account, adding that an eye witness account remains credible and one of the most effective ways to established commission of an offence.
The court held that the appellant’s voluntarily confessed to the crime of of April 19, 2021, and did not challenge the statement of (PW1), Damilola Adekoya throughout the proceedings.
Justice Ojo noted that the appellant made extra judicial statement at Sabo Police station Lagos State on April 19, 2021, and another statement at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti on April 28, 2021, which were tendered in evidence.
Justice Ojo held, “The law is certain that there is no other evidence other than admission in commission of an offence.
“From the totality of the evidence of PW2 it can be safely inferred that as at the date of the victim’s testimony she was at best 15 years old and a child by virtue of Section 261 of the Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State, 2015.
“It is significant to note that the appellant did not challenge PW2’s on the evidence she gave. It is in view of all these that I hold that the prosecution established that PW2, the victim of the offence was a child at the time of the alleged offences in 2021.
“I have carefully looked at the record and unable to agree with the appellant, that he was merely acting a script.The interaction between PW2 and the appellant on the 19th April, 2021was not a theatrical performance of make-believe but a personal encounter between the two of them.
“Moreover, PW2’s (victim) body language supported by her oral testimony and documentary evidence clearly show that she attempted to distance herself from the appellant. The most inference to draw from from appellant’s action in searching the entire house immediately after PW1 left with her visitors and sexually assaulting PW2 is that he intended to commit the offence, and did committed the offence.
“It’s trite that factual findings of the trial court involving the credibility of witnesses are accorded almost respect. Trial courts have the advantage of first-time observation, which allows them to assess witnesses’ demeanour and manner of testifying during the trial.
“On the event of April 19, 2021, it is my firm belief that the evidence of PW1 does not amount to hearsay, she was an eye witness. My conclusion is that the evidence presented by the prosecution before the trial court on the offence of indecent treatment of a child, and sexually assault committed by the appellant on the 19th of April 2021 is compelling and sufficient to justify the appellant’s conviction.
“In conclusion, I have no hesitation in affirming the appellant’s conviction for the indecent treatment of a child , and sexual assault. The appellant indecently touched PW2’s body in a sexual manner, in violation of Section 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015. His actions constitute sexual assault against PW2.
“I am of the view that the respondent discharge the burden proving it’s case beyond reasonable doubt against the appellant on the allegations of April 19, 2021, and I so hold. I have no reason to interfere with the findings of the trial court on the event of April 19, 2021.
In all , I hold that this appeal succeed in part and it accordingly allowed in part.
The court ordered as follows “The appellant’s conviction, and sentence to five years imprisonment for the offence of indecently touching of a child contrary to Section 135 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011 (count 2 of the charge) is set aside.
“The appellant conviction of three years imprisonment for the offence of sexual assault of a child contrary to section 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011 (count 3 of the charge) is set aside.
“I affirm the conviction and sentence of the appellant to fiveyears imprisonment for the offence of indecent treatment of a child contrary to section 135 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015 (count 4 of the charge)
“The appellant’s conviction and sentence to 3 years imprisonment for sexual assault contrary to section 263 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011 (count 5 of the information) is also affirmed.
“The sentences for counts 4 and 5 are to run concurrently”.
Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has approved Friday, July 12 as the date for the coronation and presentation of staff of office to the Olubadan of Ibadan land designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
The governor’s approval was conveyed in a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Dotun Oyelade, on Thursday evening.
According to Oyelade, the announcement of the date for the Olubadan coronation has put paid to insinuations in some quarters regarding the government’s keenness on justice and fairness in the emergence of the next Olubadan of Ibadan land.
Oyelade said the state had put all machinery in motion to ensure that the coronation and presentation of staff of office would be a worthy and remarkable ceremony.
Olakulehin is the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan land.
The Central Bank Governor, Yemi Cardoso, says Nigeria has done relatively well in its efforts to stabilize the Naira.
In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Cardoso said his office is pleased with how far they have gone so far with regards their efforts to ensure the Naira is stable. He also stated that the exchange rates how more or less are merged now to ensure that Nigeria operates a single exchange rate.
In his words;
‘’We feel that a number of things have happened, one of which is that more confidence has come back into the market, a lot inflows have come back because there was very little liquidity at the time and potential players within the market, both on the buy and the sell side are more confident in the future. When I talk about the buy side, bear in mind that in the past, what used to happen is people were panicking and frontloading their request. A lot of that has also calmed down and there is no inclination to do that because liquidity has come back into the market.
We are relatively pleased with how far we have gotten to up till now. In the past two-three weeks after a period of volatility, we have seen a lot of stability within the market. There is hardly been any movement in the currency. The rates have been merged. In the past we had two different rates , right now, we have more or less one rate and we believe that this is good. It allows companies to plan and again it gives an idea of where the potential road of travel is for people who are investing in our economy. I am relatively pleased with where we are . We don't believe that we have gotten to the position we want to stay at, it is continuous work in progress and we will do everything possible to ensure that we continue to manage the macroeconomic fundamentals that affect that market in such a way that it will improve.''
Watch a video of him speaking below
Media
A 65-year-old pastor, Mr Francis Ogwu, has been arrested for allegedly defiling his seven-year-old domestic help in Awka, Anambra State.
The suspect, a native of Imo State, was arrested after concerned residents raised alarm about his activities.
Ogwu, the General Overseer of Jesus House of Joy Church, Awka, is accused of raping the minor three times.
Narrating her ordeal, the seven-year-old victim told the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, that the suspect rapes her and then gives her money.
She said: “He usually gives me money, from N500 to N1000, after each experience.
“Sometimes, his wife accuses me of snatching her husband from her.
“What prompted my leaving the house was the repeated beating I received from the daughter over irrelevant issues."
The victim’s mother, Destiny Nwabueze, a native of Awka, said she handed the daughter over to the Ogwu family because of the long-standing relationship they had enjoyed. She however said she was shocked when her daughter returned to her to report the ugly incident.
She said: “I quickly invited the Oga to my house. But when he came, he denied the allegations, which made me to raise the alarm that attracted other persons."
During interrogation, the suspect denied allegations of penetration as claimed by the victim.
He said: “I just fingered the girl once.”
Asked why he defiled the girl, the suspect said, ” I was tempted because my wife usually gives excuses that she’s fasting whenever I want to have quality time with her."
Reacting, the Commissioner vowed to ensure the victim got justice.
She, however, advised women to always be vigilant and stop starving their husbands of sex. She further charged women to always protect their children at all costs.
The suspect's family begged the Commissioner’s office for pardon but the matter was reported to the police.
British Jamaican rapper Stephanie Victoria Allen, popularly known as SteffLondon, has explained why she loves Nigeria and its culture.
The singer disclosed this in an interview with radio host ‘Henrieveill’ on Tuesday.
When asked what she loved about Nigeria and its culture, she answered, saying: “Ooh, my gosh, there’s so many things, music, food. I like the people, the banter. They are so funny, very vibrant, and very colourful, like everything is in your face. It’s very loud. They remind me of Jamaicans but in a different way.”
She added: “I like your tradition; I feel like, as Jamaicans, we’ve been stripped of that. We’ve just got dancehall, good food and vibes. we are just nice people, but we ain’t really got; the cultural aspect has been taken away from us.”
DAILY POST recalls that Steff had done a Nigerian-themed video that featured dances, Ankara and the use of Pidgin and Yoruba languages in her ‘Can’t Let You Go’ video.
In December 2022, the singer also hosted an Ankara-themed party for her birthday celebration.
[DailyPost]
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The ruling party in Kano state, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), on Friday, June 28, accused the immediate past governor, Abdullahi Ganduje of appointing Aminu Bayero and the other four dethroned first-class emirs for his political gains.
NNPP chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, said the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman had split the Kano emirate into five and appointed five emirs in pursuance of political gains, with a target on the 2023 general election.
Dungurawa stated this while fielding questions from newsmen in his office.
According to him, it was arranged to expire with the tenure of the former governor, Dr. Ganduje, whose governorship candidate subsequently lost the 2023 election.
He alleged that the sacked emirs had enjoyed the status of a state commissioner during Ganduje’s reign, adding it was a matter of public good that they now cease to be recognised after Ganduje’s tenure.
“The five first-class emirs we met on the throne were only commissioners appointed by Ganduje to assist his candidates win elections in 2023. They were sustained until they lost the political elections in 2023 and lost their emirships as well.
“The fact remains that immediately Ganduje and his party lost the elections and stepped down as Governor of Kano State, they ought to have also vacated the thrones, because none of them was occupying the vacant seat of Emir of Kano since Muhammadu Sanusi II left.
“But maybe they didn’t accept that their tenure had expired after Ganduje and preferred successor (Gawuna) lost the election that witnessed their benefactor’s exit from the seat of power in the state,” Dungurawa said.
The NNPP chairman said the decision to relieve Bayero and the other emirs of their traditional status was rooted in public outcry over the vacant position of the emir of Kano.
He said: “Governor Abba Yusuf acted based on public outcry that there was a vacuum in the seat of Emir of Kano and he reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II who was earlier dethroned.
“The lawmakers in the State Assembly repealed the Kano Emirate Council law 2019 and enacted a new one that called for a united Kano emirate, and the governor assented to it”.
He commended Justice A. Liman, saying, “The judge is handling the legal tussle professionally brought before him.”
Speaking further, the NNPP state chairman mocked Bayero for hoisting the emirate flag at the Nasarawa palace where he is currently staying, saying the 15th emir was performing the role of a Personal Assistant (PA) to the 16th emir of Kano (Sanusi II).
Dungurawa said: “Don’t forget that the Nasarawa mini palace is a guest house for the Emir. It is all about the Kano Emirate, it shows the SA (Bayero) to the Emir of Kano (Sanusi II) is doing his job faithfully by overseeing the graveyard of their forefathers laid to rest in the mausoleum.”
[TheNation]
The Kano State Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Hashimu Dungurawa, has said the former governor of the state, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, appointed the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero and four other first-class Emirs in pursuance of political gains ahead 2023 elections.
He stated this amid the controversies that trailed the Kano Emirate tussle.
Dungurawa made this known while fielding questions from newsmen in his office, explaining that it was a gamble that was arranged to expire with the tenure of the former governor, who eventually lost the elections.
According to the NNPP Leader, the Emirs enjoyed the status of appointed Commissioners by Ganduje, stressing that it was a matter of public good that they ceased to be recognized after the tenure of the former governor.
He said, “The five first-class Emirs we met on the throne were only commissioners appointed by Ganduje to assist him in winning elections. They were sustained to 2023 and they lost. And so their tenure came to an end.
“The fact remains that immediately Ganduje lost the elections and stepped down as Governor of Kano State, they ought to have also vacated their seats because none of them occupied the vacant seat of Emir of Kano since Muhammadu Sanusi II left.
“But maybe they didn’t accept that their tenure had expired after their benefactor lost the elections which witnessed Dr. Ganduje’s exit from the seat of power in the state.”
He posited that the decision to relieve them of their traditional status was rooted in public outcry over the vacant position of the Emir of Kano.
While reacting to the hoisting of flags at the Nasarawa palace, Dungurawa said, “Don’t forget Nasarawa mini palace is a guest house for the Emir. It is all about the Kano Emirate, it shows the SA Emir of Kano is doing his job faithfully by overseeing the graveyard of their forefathers laid to rest in the mausoleum.”
The Nigerian Federal Government says the disbursement of N150 billion in loans to micro, small and medium enterprises and manufacturers would commence by the end of July 2024.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, disclosed this in a statement through her official X handle on Thursday.
Uzoka-Anite said that 60 percent of the proposed one million beneficiaries of the Presidential Conditional Grant had received a financial grant of N50,000 without repayment obligations in the 774 local government areas of the country.
She said, “To all applicants of the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme who are yet to be paid, thank you for your continued patience. The disbursement process is still ongoing, and we have allocated about 60 percent of the 1 million grants.
“You can track the number of beneficiaries per LGA paid so far on grant.fedgrantandloan.gov.ng/learn-more/dis.
“We are also at the final stages of vetting for the MSME and Manufacturing loans. Applications remain open, and disbursement will begin by July ending.”
Recall that in December 2023, the Federal Government unveiled the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme as part of the Presidential Palliatives Programme aimed at supporting businesses to navigate the economic crunch caused by government policies.
Accordingly, the fund dedicates N75 billion to MSMEs and another N75 billion to the manufacturing sector to help businesses in Nigeria navigate the harsh economic realities.
DAILY POST reports that at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting on Thursday, President Tinubu approved an N50,000 uplift grant for 3.6 million families in Nigeria.
Sharon Ooja, the Nigerian actress, has revealed how she met Ugo Nwoke, her husband.
Ooja, who got married to her partner in an Abuja traditional ceremony on Thursday, shared how they met during a chat with Bella Naija.
She recounted how her sister introduced them shortly after she had gone through a severe heartbreak.
Ooja stated that she was initially hesitant but Ugo persistently tried to reach out to her.
She added that they got engaged within two and a half months and legally married two months later.
“My love story is one I will say is short of a miracle,” she said.
“I will say I had just recovered from what I consider the worst heartbreak of my life.
“I was filming, and my sister said to me, ‘Oh, a friend of mine wants to speak to you’.
“I was like, ‘Please, I’m not really in the mood. I do not want to talk to anybody’.”
“Anyways, she gave this person my number. We did not speak much. Months passed, and he kept on trying to reach me.
“We dated for two and a half months, and I was engaged in the third month. We married two months after that.”
Ooja’s traditional marriage hosted Nollywood stars including Jemima Osunde, Funke Akindele, Beverly Osu, Nancy Isime, and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, among others.
Bisola Aiyeola served as the maid of honour.
Ooja rose to fame with her role as Shalewa in the web series ‘Skinny Girl in Transit’.
She has also starred in notable Nollywood films including ‘Oloture’, ‘Bad Comments’, ‘Glamour Girls’, and ‘Dead Serious’.