A cold war between President Bola Tinubu and the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has come to the fore as the Emir openly declared he would no longer assist the Presidency in explaining its economic policies.

The strained relationship was highlighted when Sanusi, at a Lagos event, stated that he would not help the government clarify reforms, citing personal grievances.

Sanusi remarked, “I have chosen not to speak about the economy or explain these reforms because if I do, it would help this government, and I don’t want to help the government. They are my friends, but if they don’t behave like friends, I won’t behave like one either.”

In a swift reaction, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, downplayed the Emir’s significance in the economic discourse, asserting that Tinubu’s administration does not require Sanusi’s endorsement.

“We do not need His Highness Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II’s stamp of approval for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative policies,” Idris stated.

Naija News reports that the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, further criticized Sanusi, accusing him of undermining national progress due to personal discontent.

He added, “His Highness, given his background in economics, has a unique responsibility to contribute constructively rather than undermine reforms aimed at collective progress.”

History Of Sanusi-Tinubu Relationship

Many Nigerians were surprised by the fallout between the two former allies, given their shared history of collaboration.

Sanusi, a former Central Bank Governor, became a key critic of the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2013 after exposing alleged unaccounted oil proceeds. Tinubu, then an opposition leader, welcomed Sanusi’s criticism, strengthening their bond.

Tinubu and other political heavyweights backed Sanusi’s enthronement as Emir of Kano in 2014, but his outspoken nature led to conflicts with Kano’s then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, culminating in his dethronement in 2020.

The Role Of Kano Politics

Sources close to the strained relationship have disclosed that the legal tussle over the Kano emirate throne has further strained relations.

Ganduje, now APC National Chairman, supports the current Emir, Ado Bayero, and reportedly mobilized resources to ensure Sanusi’s permanent removal. This alignment appears to have alienated Sanusi from Tinubu’s government.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria disclosed that the presidency did not back Sanusi in his ongoing legal battle to retain the throne, but instead favoured Bayero.

The SAN added that the presidency’s long-term strategy involved splitting Kano State ahead of the 2027 general election, which required ensuring Sanusi’s permanent removal from the throne.

The source who spoke with Punch said, “The presidency is not supporting Sanusi in the ongoing legal battle. They are supporting Ado Bayero, who was installed by Ganduje, and have been using the Federal High Court against the emir. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that a Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction over a matter involving a state’s traditional ruler.

“Sanusi is also aware that the presidency intends to split Kano into two ahead of the 2027 general elections. For instance, some people refer to Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, while others refer to Bayero as the Emir of Abuja. The strained relationship between Tinubu and Sanusi stems from the presidency’s move to remove him from the throne.”

Another source, a former vice president aide, corroborated the SAN’s claims, noting that the presidency was uncomfortable with Sanusi remaining on the throne.

He said, “The primary reason for the rift between Sanusi and Tinubu is that the presidency is not supporting the former CBN governor in his ongoing legal battle to retain the throne. Credible reports indicate that the presidency, in its bid to secure Kano in the forthcoming election, is backing the coup to remove Sanusi and reinstate Bayero.

“Given the circumstances surrounding his dethronement and his eventual return, Sanusi is viewed as a loyalist of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, making him a threat to the APC government that removed him.

“Also, there are credible reports that Ado Bayero met with one of the three prominent traditional rulers in the South-West, who facilitated his meeting with Tinubu. Following this, the Kano Federal High Court issued a ruling against Sanusi in a matter outside its jurisdiction. In such a situation, the emir cannot pretend to be friends with those plotting his downfall.”

A prominent Kano indigene, who spoke with Punch on condition of anonymity, stated that Ganduje and the presidency disapproved of Sanusi’s overwhelming support and allegiance to Kwankwaso.

“Apart from the court case, they believe the widespread support for the emir among Kano residents could translate into a loss of votes for the APC in the coming elections. Their move to remove him and install their preferred candidate is purely political, and the emir is fully aware,” the source said.

Veteran Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Mashal, aka K1 de Ultimate, was in a solemn mood as he laid his mother, Alhaja Halima Anifowoshe, to rest.

The singer, who announced his mother’s death on Saturday, January 18, 2025, buried his mother on the same day according to Muslim rites, with tears rolling down his cheeks.

Some of his family members, friends, and associates surrounded around him as the funeral rites of his 105-year-old mother was conducted.

A massive crowd gathered in the streets as some men carried the deceased on their shoulders, leading the way to the burial site.

Another viral video from K1’s mother’s burial showed two of his wives competing for his attention as they consoled him.

While one of his wives, Emmanuella wipes his tears with an handkerchief, another one Titi ensured that she was not left out.

As they both took turns to console him, Emmanuella promptly sat on K1’s laps at the venue of the funeral, with the singer seemingly urging Titi to take a seat on his other lap.

The gesture did not go unnoticed and caused a buzz on social media. Some netizens wondered why they brought their rivalry to such solemn event. Others simply made fun of the situation and pitched their tent with their preferred wife of the Fuji singer.

Watch the videos below:

Renowned Nollywood actor, Yinka Quadri has offered some wise words to aspiring actors seeking to make their mark in Nollywood.

In a recent interview with Saturday beats, Yinka Quadri emphasized the importance of patience, calmness, and humility in achieving success in the industry.

He encouraged young actors to check their ego at the door, allowing themselves to truly learn, grow, and thrive.

Yinka Quadri said:

“My advice to aspiring actors is to be patient and stay calm. Anyone with an ego should leave it at home to truly learn, grow and succeed in this industry.”

The veteran actor also expressed his admiration for the younger generation’s efforts in promoting and elevating African culture through Nollywood.

He praised their dedication to seeking knowledge and improvement, ensuring the sustainability of traditional practices.

“A Yoruba proverb says a tradition that does not include the younger ones is not sustainable. Thank God that even in our lifetime, our younger ones are elevating our culture. In fact, they are taking it beyond the level we took it. You know the prayer we always say is that our children will be greater than us. We are very happy with what is happening.

“will advise young actors not to relent. The world is seeing that Nollywood, especially the Yoruba sector, is elevating our culture. I trust that they won’t relent because they are seeking more knowledge to elevate it even further.”

In another news, Yinka Quadri opens up on why he reconciled with his best friend, Ogogo .

Yinka elaborated that although disagreements were inevitable, he and Ogogo had maturely resolved their differences over time

He further attributed the enduring strength of their friendship to a divine bond, suggesting that their connection was beyond human comprehension.

Tragedy struck in the Amai community, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, as a 70-year-old man, Mr Aghanti, and his 50-year-old daughter, Mrs Atagoshi, were reportedly beheaded over a land dispute.

The gruesome incident occurred after the suspect allegedly lured the victims into the bush under the pretext of discussing the land issue.

Their headless bodies were later discovered in the bush.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the woman, a secondary school teacher, had earlier purchased a piece of land in the community, which some individuals subsequently claimed.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Bright Edafe, revealed that the assailant invited the victims to the bush, where the heinous crime was committed.

Edafe said, “The suspect called the woman, saying he wanted to discuss the land issue. He then took her and her father into the bush, killed them, and beheaded them.

“On the same day, vigilantes apprehended one Emeke with two human heads. He was mobbed and set ablaze by angry residents. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the human heads belonged to the father and daughter.

“Their headless bodies were found in the bush.”

Edafe added that the main suspect is currently on the run, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend him.

The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, has said that his government is committed to liberating the state from the grip of criminal elements engaging in “lucrative criminality” in the name of agitations and liberation.

He stated this while passing the Anambra Homeland Security Law. The Governor also unveiled special security operations, named “Udo Ga-Achị” and “Agunechemba”.

Speaking during the ceremony held at the International Convention Centre, Awka, on Saturday, Soludo said that the sum of ₦5 million would be paid to anyone who offered useful information that would lead to apprehending kidnappers.

Speaking during the ceremony held at the International Convention Centre, Awka, on Saturday, Soludo described security, law and order as pivotal to the attainment of the state’s vision of a liveable and prosperous homeland.

He said his administration’s move is a massive revolution to cement a robust security system with “zero tolerance for criminality.”

The governor noted that criminals now hide under the guise of a liberation struggle to engage in all manners of lucrative criminalities such as armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, and even idolatry for ransom, thereby fuelling insecurity in the state.

He said, “January 17, 2025, marked our two years and 10 months in office. True to our promise last month to take decisive actions on security, it is auspicious that we mark this anniversary and begin the new year with the events of today.

“Today, we are here to unveil the Anambra Homeland Security Law, which the state Assembly worked vigorously to pass. The second event is the formal launching of our special intervention on security called, ‘Operation Udo-ga-chi’. It is the new security architecture we have now.

“The third one will be to formally inaugurate the state Anambra Traditional Rulers Council because the traditional rulers have a very important role to play in this process. Ndi Anambra, security, law and order remain pivotal to the attainment of our vision of a liveable and prosperous homeland.

“I want to assure you that despite the unique challenges of lucrative criminality adorned with deceptive ideology and propaganda, we are determined to fight criminality and ensure that Anambra becomes the safest state in Nigeria.

“The character and dynamics of criminality in the South-East and Nigeria have evolved and become hydra-headed, and so our response must be thoughtful, deliberate and comprehensive, involving both the kinetic and non-kinetic agenda.”

He added, “For example, kidnapping for ransom is not new. I recall that my 78-year-old father was kidnapped in 2009, and he spent 15 days with his abductors in the bush. Earlier that year, the oil mogul, Chief Anthony Enukeme (Tonimas), Chief Paul Okonkwo (Pokobros), Chief G.U.O Okeke, etc were kidnapped in the state. It was as if Armageddon had come.

“In 2021, governorship candidates could not campaign, especially in the Anambra South, to the extent the candidate of the Labour Party was kidnapped on the way to a political rally, and to date, he has not been found.

“My predecessor tackled the menace head-on. However, about 20 months before we assumed office in March 2022, a variant of the criminal gang under the guise of separatist agitation emerged with command-and-control centres.

“They killed policemen and soldiers at checkpoints and collected their guns. They attacked and burnt down many police stations. Sadly, most stakeholders kept mute. They set up camps in the bushes and forests and labelled themselves as ‘liberators’.

“Most people did not pay attention and very few cared to ask how these people with arms will be feeding from month to month or year to year or how they will be funding their operations.”

The governor added that the state is investing heavily in logistical support, adding that the special forces for ‘Operation Udo-ga-Chi’ and ‘Agunechemba’ will have over 2,000 personnel dedicated to special tasks, with the personnel drawn from the army, police, DSS, NSCDC and other security agencies.

Oil marketers have distanced themselves from the recent hike in the pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol, following the commodity’s price increase by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other depot owners.

Marketers have attributed the surge to the rising cost of crude oil in the international market.

Long queues resurfaced at filling stations in major cities, including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt on Saturday. Many outlets remained closed.

Depending on the location, petrol prices ranged between ₦1,050 and ₦1,150 per litre.

Price Hike At Dangote Refinery

On Friday, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery raised its petrol price from ₦899 to ₦955 per litre. Subsequently, retail stations adjusted their pump prices, and some shut their doors to monitor the market.

“There is no scarcity of the product; rather, filling stations are closed because dealers are observing developments and are careful not to run at a loss,” a major marketer, speaking anonymously with Punch, explained.

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) noted that international crude oil prices were influencing domestic petrol costs.

PETROAN President, Billy Gillis-Harry, highlighted that Brent crude was trading at $80.85 per barrel, while the OPEC basket stood at $81.72 per barrel.

He explained that the price surge resulted from new US sanctions on Russian oil, pushing global oil prices to a four-month high.

“The increasing crude oil prices will inevitably affect the domestic cost of PMS,” Gillis-Harry said.

Dealers Explain Pricing Dynamics

Gillis-Harry emphasized that petrol prices are now determined by market forces under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). “Our selling rate reflects our buying rate. Our members shouldn’t be blamed for the current increase; it’s an external factor,” he stated.

He urged the Federal Government to privatise refineries and foster competition in the downstream sector to stabilise prices.

“Privatising refineries will increase efficiency, reduce the government’s financial burden, and benefit Nigerian consumers,” he added.

PETROAN’s Recommendations

In a position paper presented at the inaugural Petroleum Industry Stakeholders’ Forum in Abuja, PETROAN recommended several strategies to stabilize the sector. These include:

– Privatisation of Refineries: To improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.

– Infrastructure Development: Addressing challenges in storage and distribution networks.

– Cross-Border Smuggling: Strengthening efforts to curb fuel smuggling to neighbouring countries.

– Monitoring Framework: Establishing robust systems to evaluate downstream operations.

– Crude Supply to Local Refineries: Prioritising access for domestic refining.

Call For Government Intervention

The marketers urged the government to create a conducive business environment by facilitating access to affordable financing and enhancing infrastructure.

“This will help reduce operational costs and make petrol more affordable for Nigerians,”Gillis-Harry noted.

The association commended President Bola Tinubu for fully deregulating the industry and unifying exchange rates, which they said had unlocked new opportunities in the petroleum sector.

“These policies are essential for fostering growth and sustainability in the industry,”Gillis-Harry remarked.

Details have emerged why the senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly, Ned Nwoko, dumped the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sunday Sun learnt that the defection is all about 2027 politics and threats to his return ticket to the Senate.

The senator who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, has, however, not made an official announcement of his defection at the time of filing this report.

Nwoko, a vocal critic of the current governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has been making  moves to leave the party for a while now following his frosty relationship with PDP leaders in the state.

Sunday Sun also gathered that another reason for leaving the party was because the immediate past governor of his state, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, is plotting to return to the Red Chamber in 2027 under the same PDP platform.

When contacted for a response, the lawmaker neither conformed not denied it, but said his leaving the PDP is “not now.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate for the September 21st Edo State governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, yesterday, tendered more documentary evidence to support their petition in continuation of their case at the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

All the documents were provisionally admitted in evidence and marked as exhibits by the Tribunal in spite of objections from Counsel to the respondents (INEC, Governor Monday Okpebholo and All Progressives Congress).

Additional documents tendered yesterday from the Bar by Counsel to the petitioners, Ken. Mozia, SAN, were 55 Certified True Copies (CTC) of polling Units Voters register used in the election, CTC of 56 accreditation figures of extracts from INEC’s Bimodal Voters Accreditation Systems Machines (BVAS), 72 Certified True Copies of extracts of accreditation figures from the BVAS device.

Others were Certified True Copies of INEC’s Results Viewing (IREV) Containing Form EC8A and 70 CTCs’ of INEC’s Polling Units Booklets, containing Form EC25B, 66 copies of polling Units Voters Register and 125 copies of Form EC8A from IREV (all Certified True Copies), 125 copies of Form EC8A from IREV, directly certified by INEC, 101 copies of Form EC8A, CTC of Edo State BIVAS of Polling Unit by Polling Unit’s (PUs) Report as well as certificate of compliance by INEC.

Besides, the petitioners’ Counsel also tendered in court CTC of Certificate of compliance with BIVAS machines’ Report in respect of the 133 Polling Units earlier tendered as exhibit in the petition.

Counsel to the respondents, Abdullahi Aliyu SAN, Offiong Offiong, SAN, and Chief Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, after raising objections to the admissibility of the documents, reserved their reasons for their objections to the petitioners’ documents to address stage.

At the hearing yesterday, Counsel to INEC, Abdullahi Aliyu, SAN did not object to admission of certificate of compliance with BIVAS machines used in 133 polling unites, but Counsel to the 2nd and 3rd respondents, Offiong and Orbih, objected and reserved their reasons.

The PDP and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo are challenging INEC’s declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has revealed how his absolute faith in God earned him the sobriquet ‘Miracle Governor.’

Speaking at the weekend, during the, KOLGA (Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area) Annual Thanksgiving Day held in Sampou, his community, the Bayelsa State governor disclosed how in 2020, he turned down a ritual offer from a senior citizen in the bid to become governor.

He had challenged the declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the November 2019 governorship poll as winner and the matter was then pending at the Supreme Court.

Diri told the crowd at the gathering that the senior citizen flew in some marabouts from Senegal to perform the rituals.

According to him when he bluntly rejected the offer, the man demanded a refund of the money spent to transport them into the country and he had to pay him the sum of $10,000.

He explained that his unshaken faith in God made him decline the advice to look elsewhere for help, saying God, against all the odds, proved that He is always faithful.

The Bayelsa helmsman averred that the KOLGA people have reasons to be thankful to God given the level of development they have witnessed, and thanked the council for giving Thanksgiving Day legal backing through legislation.

Governor Diri also expressed gratitude to Apostle David Zilly Aggrey, the convener, and those who have sustained the programme.

His words: “Let me reveal to you why it is important to thank God and have faith in Him. Sometime ago, a senior citizen of this country invited me to Abuja and asked me to perform certain sacrifices but I declined. I told him my faith in God would not allow me to do it. He got angry and told me I would never become governor.

“He told me that he had spent $10,000 to bring the people for the sacrifice and asked for a refund, which I obliged.

“When the Supreme Court’s pronouncement came, the man was shocked and could not call me. Sadly, he passed on after some time.

“The story I have narrated was witnessed by my deputy and a friend in Abuja as both of them accompanied me to visit the senior citizen.

“Kolokuma/Opokuma people have every reason to thank God. As a state, we do not want anybody to be harmed in the name of politics because we do not know the person God has destined for greatness. So, I call on all of us in the political game to be very civil and recognise that there is God who rules in the affairs of men.”

In his welcome address, the chairman of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Tariye Lelei, said people of the area have reason to thank God for the gift of the governor.

In his sermon, Apostle David Zilly Aggrey said the younger generation might not understand the reason for the thanksgiving as they did not experience the difficulty older ones in the local government faced and said if they do not thank God for what He had done for them, they could be regarded as ingrates.

The chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Saturday, visited the scene of the petrol tanker explosion in Niger State, describing the incident as devastating and sad.

In a statement on the incident, the NGF chairman expressed shock at the quantum of the casualties and the magnitude of the burns suffered by the survivors.

AbdulRazaq’s statement signed by his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, added: “The Forum is saddened by the petrol tanker explosion in Niger State, in which dozens of people have been killed or injured,” according to a statement of the Forum.

“The Forum extends its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Governor Umar Bago, the families who have lost loved ones, and our other compatriots who got injured in the explosion.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones in the incident, and we wish those injured quick healing.

“Again, we call on our compatriots to act with extreme caution and absolute respect for life at all times, and especially in time of grave danger such as during petrol spill.

“The Forum prays for the repose of the souls of the dead victims.”