Kylian Mbappe played his last match for Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, winning the French Cup against Lyon.

The Ligue 1 champions won 2-1, thanks to goals from Ousmane Dembele and Fabio Ruiz.

Jake O’Biren pulled one back for Lyon in the second, before PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a superb save minutes later. 

PSG, who are the Ligue 1 and French Super Cup champions, have now secured a record-extending 15th Cup title and first since 2021.

However, they were only able to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League, where Borussia Dortmund eliminated them.

Mbappe leaves as a free agent and is widely expected to sign for Real Madrid.

Popular Rapper, Nicki Minaj has been arrested over all ages for possession of drugs.

She was arrested at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands on her way to Manchester for her performance at Co-op Live.

The Singer had shared a video of airport officials asking to search her luggage on her Instagram.

She in the video denied that she was carrying any drugs but was told that she needed to go to the police station.

She also alleged that some persons have been trying to sabotage her tour

“They’ve been trying to stop me from coming to every show. They took my bags before I could see them. Put it on the plane. Now they’re waiting on customs.

“This is what it looks like when ppl are paid big money to try to sabotage a tour after all else fails. Everything they’ve done is illegal.” She wrote.

A former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Lamorde is dead.

He died at the age of 61 years.

Mr Lamorde reportedly died on Sunday morning in Egypt where he had travelled for medical treatment.

Mr Lamorde was the third Executive Chairman of the anti-graft agency.

Details shortly…

On inauguration day at the Eagle Square, Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made promises on critical areas affecting the country including economy, security, power and petrol subsidy.

In fact it was on that occasion that he made the statement ‘subsidy is gone’ which has continued to reverberate in the economic circles across Nigeria.

Nearly one year after, people are asking, How much of the promises have been fulfilled? Find below the full text of the May 29, 2023 speech:

My Fellow Citizens,

I stand before you honoured to assume the sacred mandate you have given me. My love for this nation is abiding. My confidence in its people, unwavering. And my faith in God Almighty, absolute. I know that His hand shall provide the needed moral strength and clarity of purpose in those instances when we seem to have reached the limits of our human capacity.

This day is bold and majestic yet bright and full of spirit, as is our precious nation.
As a nation, we have long ago decided to march beyond the dimness of night into the open day of renewed national hope.

The question we now ask ourselves is whether to remain faithful to the work inherent in building a better society or retreat into the shadows of our unmet potential.

For me, there is but one answer. We are too great a nation and too grounded as a people to rob ourselves of our finest destiny.

This nation’s journey has been shaped by the prayers of millions, and the collective sacrifices of us all.

We have endured hardships that would have made other societies crumble.

Yet, we have shouldered the heavy burden to arrive at this SUBLIME moment where the prospect of a better future merges with our improved capacity to create that future.

To the surprise of many but not to ourselves, we have more firmly established this land as a democracy in both word and deed.

The peaceful transition from one government to another is now our political tradition. This handover symbolizes our trust in God, our enduring faith in representative governance and our belief in our ability to reshape this nation into the society it was always meant to be.

Here, permit me to say a few words to my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr President, you have been an honest, patriotic leader who has done his best for the nation you love. On a more personal note, you are a worthy partner and friend. May History be kind to you.

For many years, Nigeria’s critics have trafficked the rumour that our nation will break apart, even perish.

Yet here we are. We have stumbled at times, but our resilience and diversity have kept us going.
Our burdens may make us bend at times, but they shall never break us.
Instead, we stand forth as Africa’s most populous nation and as the best hope and strongest champion of the Black Race.

As citizens, we declare as one unified people devoted to one unified national cause, that as long as this world exists, NIGERIA SHALL EXIST.

Today, Fate and Destiny join together to place the torch of human progress in our very hands. We dare not let it slip.

We lift high this torch so that it might shine on every household and in every heart that calls itself Nigerian. We hold this beam aloft because it lights our path with compassion, brotherhood, and peace. May this great light never EXTINGUISH.

Our administration shall govern on your behalf but never rule over you. We shall consult and dialogue but never dictate. We shall reach out to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own.

We are here to further mend and heal this nation, not tear and injure it.

In this vein, may I offer a few comments regarding the election that brought us to this juncture. It was a hard-fought contest. And it was also fairly won. Since the advent of the Fourth Republic, Nigeria has not held an election of better quality.

The outcome reflected the will of the people. However, my victory does not render me any more Nigerian than my opponents. Nor does it render them any less patriotic.

They shall forever be my fellow compatriots. And I will treat them as such. They represent important constituencies and concerns that wisdom dare not ignore.

They have taken their concerns to court. Seeking legal redress is their right and I fully defend their exercise of this right. This is the essence of the rule of law.

Over six decades ago, our founding fathers gave bravely of themselves to place Nigeria on the map as an independent nation.

We must never allow the labour of those who came before us to wither in vain but to blossom and bring forth a better reality.

Let us take the next great step in the journey they began and believed in.

Today, let us recommit our very selves to placing Nigeria in our hearts as the indispensable home for each and every one of us regardless of creed, ethnicity, or place of birth.

My supporters, I thank you. To those who voted otherwise, I extend my hand across the political divide. I ask you to grasp it in national affinity and brotherhood. For me, political colouration has faded away. All I see are Nigerians.

May we uphold these fitting and excellent notions as the new Nigerian ideal.
My fellow compatriots,

The Nigerian ideal which I speak of is more than just an improvement in economic and other statistics. These things are important; but they can never convey the fullness of our story.

Our mission is to improve our way of life in a manner that nurtures our humanity, encourages compassion toward one another, and duly rewards our collective effort to resolve the social ills that seek to divide us.

Our constitution and laws give us a nation on paper. We must work harder at bringing these noble documents to life by strengthening the bonds of economic collaboration, social cohesion, and cultural understanding. Let us develop a shared sense of fairness and equity. 

The South must not only seek good for itself but must understand that its interests are served when good comes to the North. The North must see the South likewise.

Whether from the winding creeks of the Niger Delta, the vastness of the northern savannah, the boardrooms of Lagos, the bustling capital of Abuja, or the busy markets of Onitsha, you are all my people. As your president, I shall serve with prejudice toward none but compassion and amity towards all.

In the coming days and weeks, my team will publicly detail key aspects of our programme. Today, permit me to outline in broad terms a few initiatives that define our concept of progressive good governance in furtherance of the Nigerian ideal:

The principles that will guide our administration are simple:

1. Nigeria will be impartially governed according to the constitution and the rule of law.
2. We shall defend the nation from terror and all forms of criminality that threaten the peace and stability of our country and our sub-region.
3. We shall remodel our economy to bring about growth and development through job creation, food security and an end of extreme poverty.
4. In our administration, Women and youth will feature prominently.
5. Our government will continue to take proactive steps such as championing a credit culture to discourage corruption while strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of the various anti-corruption agencies.

SECURITY

Security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.

To effectively tackle this menace, we shall reform both our security DOCTRINE and its ARCHITECTURE.
We shall invest more in our security personnel, and this means more than an increase in number. We shall provide, better training, equipment, pay and firepower.

THE ECONOMY

On the economy, we target a higher GDP growth and to significantly reduce unemployment.
We intend to accomplish this by taking the following steps:

First, budgetary reform stimulating the economy without engendering inflation will be instituted.
Second, industrial policy will utilize the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency.

Third, electricity will become more accessible and affordable to businesses and homes alike. Power generation should nearly double and transmission and distribution networks improved. We will encourage states to develop local sources as well.

I have a message for our investors, local and foreign: our government shall review all their complaints about multiple taxation and various anti-investment inhibitions.
We shall ensure that investors and foreign businesses repatriate their hard earned dividends and profits home.

JOBS

My administration must create meaningful opportunities for our youth. We shall honour our campaign commitment of one million new jobs in the digital economy.

Our government also shall work with the National Assembly to fashion an omnibus Jobs and Prosperity bill. This bill will give our administration the policy space to embark on labour-intensive
infrastructural improvements, encourage light industry and provide improved social services for the poor, elderly and vulnerable.

AGRICULTURE

Rural incomes shall be secured by commodity exchange boards guaranteeing minimal prices for certain crops and animal products. A nationwide programme for storage and other facilities to reduce spoilage and waste will be undertaken.

Agricultural hubs will be created throughout the nation to increase production and engage in value-added processing. The livestock sector will be introduced to best modern practices and steps taken to minimize the perennial conflict over land and water resources in this sector.
Through these actions, food shall be made more abundant yet less costly. Farmers shall earn more while the average Nigerian pays less.

INFRASTRUCTURE

We shall continue the efforts of the Buhari administration on infrastructure. Progress toward national networks of roads, rail and ports shall get priority attention.

FUEL SUBSIDY

We commend the decision of the outgoing administration in phasing out the petrol subsidy regime which has increasingly favoured the rich more than the poor. Subsidy can no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources. We shall instead re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, health care and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions.

MONETARY POLICY

Monetary policy needs thorough housecleaning. The Central Bank must work towards a unified exchange rate. This will direct funds away from arbitrage into meaningful investment in the plant, equipment and jobs that power the real economy.

Interest rates need to be reduced to increase investment and consumer purchasing in ways that sustain the economy at a higher level.

Whatever merits it had in concept, the currency swap was too harshly applied by the CBN given the number of unbanked Nigerians. The policy shall be reviewed. In the meantime, my administration will treat both currencies as legal tender.

FOREIGN POLICY

Given the world in which we reside, please permit a few comments regarding foreign policy.
The crisis in Sudan and the turn from democracy by several nations in our immediate neighbourhood are of pressing concern. 

As such, my primary foreign policy objective must be the peace and stability of the West African sub-region and the African continent. We shall work with ECOWAS, the AU and willing partners in the international community to end extant conflicts and to resolve new ones.
As we contain threats to peace, we shall also retool our foreign policy to more actively lead the regional and continental quest for collective prosperity.

CONCLUSION

This is the proudest day of my life. But this day does not belong to me. It belongs to you, the people of Nigeria.

On this day, Nigeria affirms its rightful place among the world’s great democracies. There, Nigeria shall reside forever.

The course of our past and the promise of the future have brought us to this exceptional moment.
In this spirit, I ask you to join me in making Nigeria a more perfect nation and democracy such that the Nigerian ideal becomes and forever remains the Nigerian reality.

With full confidence in our ability, I declare that these things are within our proximate reach because my name is Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I am the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God bless you and May He bless our beloved land. 

*In the following pages, the ruling party, opposition parties’ members as well as a renowned economist, in what is at best fireworks on the Tinubu government, assess the administration one year after.

Despite the four local refineries in Nigeria having a combined capacity of 450,000bpd, oil marketers and energy experts have expressed diverse views on whether they can end the lingering fuel crisis in the country if fixed by the Bola Tinubu-led administration.

The four state-owned refineries in the country located in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri have stopped operations since 2019, forcing the Federal Government into foreign refining of its crude oil, which has grossly affected the fuel supply and economic stability of the country.

In a bid to fix the Port Harcourt refinery, the Federal Government in 2021 approved the sum of $1.5 billion, but the refinery, which has a total capacity of 210,000bpd has yet to restart operations since then.

The Federal Government initially said the refinery plant would commence operations in December 2022. Later, it shifted the commencement date to the end of the first quarter of 2023, but nothing else came out of it.

However, on Monday, the National Public Relations Officer, Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chief Ukadike Chinedu, said the PH refinery may now commence operations by the end of July after several postponements.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals Company, Mustafa Sugungun, has said the rehabilitation of the Kaduna refinery would be completed by the end of 2024 after years of being shut down due to lack of maintenance.

Speaking during an oversight visit to the refinery by members of the Senate Adhoc Committee on Petroleum Downstream led by Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, in April, Sugungun explained that the 110,000-barrel-per-day refinery would start producing at 60 per cent capacity by the end of the year, while full production will take place subsequently.

Recall that the acting Managing Director of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), Desmond Inyamah, had said the refinery would commence full operations in December 2023.

Disclosing this when members of the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee over-sighting the refinery projects visited to inspect the level of maintenance of the Warri refinery, Inyamah said the last time maintenance work was done at the WRPC was in 2004 and 2005.

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, Olufemi Soneye, also told our correspondent in February that the mechanical completion of the Warri refinery would be completed in the first quarter of this year.

However, speaking in separate interviews with Sunday PUNCH at the weekend, the oil marketers and experts argued that even if the current administration moves speedily to get the four refineries into full operations in the next few months, the consistent fuel crisis in the country may still not be completely eradicated because the refineries would likely face supply constraints of crude oil.

In his submission, the President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, Dr Billy Gilly-Harry, said though there were strong indications that the Port Harcourt Refinery would start operation anytime soon, the Tinubu’s administration should work on putting the entire four refineries into full operations in other to ease the country’s consistent fuel crisis.

He said, “It is difficult for me to confirm any date for the Port Harcourt Refinery re-operation. But I had a physical visit to the place a few weeks ago and what I saw was good enough to go. But they (NNPCL) don’t want to announce anything again, because they don’t want Nigerians to have issues. We were hoping that on the 29th of this month, the Warri refinery would go live, while the Port Harcourt one would come onboard shortly after. But since the management of the PH refinery has projected a date for its reactivity in July, we can’t say anything more about it.

On whether the full operationalisation of the four refineries would reduce the price of fuel in the country and the artificial scarcity of the product, he said that cannot be guaranteed, except the Consumer Protection Council and other agencies emplace strict price regulations in the market.

“The price of fuel in a deregulated petroleum product regime will be determined by the cost of demand and supply. If the Consumer Protection Council is working optimally, there should be a source of control so that we, the retail outlet owners, will not unnecessarily hike fuel prices once the refineries take off. Though we have our internal mechanisms to regulate ourselves in as much as we have the NMPDRA, the CPC should also put in their efforts to protect the consumers,” he explained.

Also speaking with Sunday PUNCH, IPMAN Vice President, Hammed Fashola, said full operation of both the Port Harcourt refinery and the Dangote Refinery would serve as a “big relief for everybody” in the country if it can be achieved.

He said, “It is very important and I believe the government is working towards that. If the Port Harcourt refinery can come up this year, and maybe the Warri refinery next year, my concern about the whole thing is the Kaduna refinery which has been abandoned for years. I don’t know if it is still good or available to transfer crude. I think the government has to look at that before they start pumping money into it. That is very key because there will be further constraints and it will be useless.

However, in his submission, an energy expert and lawyer, Mr Ayodele Oni, stated that even though the refineries were completed, it would be difficult for them to meet Nigeria’s fuel needs, because there had been an onward sale of the country’s crude oil for years to come.

“There have been debates whether we have enough crude because of the faulty agreement the government has reached having sold out our future crude so even if you have a refinery and you don’t have enough crude, there is a challenge there,” he said.

The expert further urged the Federal Government to boost its investment in oil exploration and production to ensure a stable supply of fuel in the country.

Nigerian-British politician, Mrs Abigail Marshall Katung, has emerged as the first African Lord Mayor of Leeds, in the United Kingdom, and has been officially sworn in at a council meeting.

Abigail Marshall Katung takes over the role from Al Garthwaite to become the city’s 130th lord mayor and the first person of African descent to hold the position.

She is the wife of Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District.
“Since arriving in Leeds in 2000, the city quickly became my cherished second home,” Mrs Marshall Katung said.

Born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, Mrs Marshall Katung came to the United Kingdom to study at the University of Leeds.

She is an athletics coach, and recently became the Governor of Leeds City College in January 2024.

Her new position as the lord mayor of Leeds has made her the first elected councilor from Africa to hold the council position.

Mrs Katung has also become the second black person after Eileen Taylor and the 130th of all.

Speaking about the historic feat, Mrs Katung said her new position has become a glittering case of contribution for foreign students in the UK celebrated on the African continent.

“It was not just the city where I lived, studied and worked, it’s where I chose to raise my children and become a public servant,” she said.

“My appointment as lord mayor has been widely celebrated in the city’s African community and is a shining example of the enormous contribution international students make to UK society.

“As lord mayor of Leeds, I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure voices are heard from all areas of the city and every triumph is recognised and celebrated.”

The marital battle between Nigerian striker Olarenwaju Kayode and his estranged wife, Ezinne Kayode, has taken an ugly turn, with the latter instituting a legal action against her husband for allegedly claiming to be in possession of the negative DNA results of their three sons, Jason, Jayden and Jamin, SUNDAY PUNCH reports.

An enraged Dora, who is demanding the immediate issuance of a disclaimer, said she had to finally toe that path after Kayode’s claim about their children’s paternity went viral on various social media platforms on Saturday.

She buttressed her stance with a letter from her legal representatives dated May 24, 2024, titled ‘Re: Dissemination of false allegations concerning purported DNA test results of the three children of marriage’ and addressed to Kayode at 14, Tulip Road, Peacock Beach Estate, Lekki, Lagos.

The letter read in part, “It has come to our client’s attention that since May 24, 2024, various blogs and online platforms have been disseminating salacious stories about alleging results of a DNA reveal that none of the three children born during your marriage to our client belong to you.

“This scandalous and defaming story has spread rapidly, causing severe embarrassment to our client and children. Our client has reason to believe that these baseless, humiliating allegations were contrived and strategically planted by you across various media outlets with the malicious intent of tarnishing her reputation and causing irreparable harm to innocent children.”

The purported report allegedly made available to the media accused Ezinne of fraud, cheating on him with Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, stealing his two Mercedes SUVs to finance the pastor’s lifestyle, and abducting their three sons.

The allegations were extensively trashed by Ezinne in a subsequent post on Instagram, decrying the purported DNA test results and asking Kayode to make them public and state the hospital where they were conducted.

She wrote, “Honestly, I am so tired of this man’s nonsense, and it has to stop now. I knew he was not mentally stable when he pulled out a knife on me some months ago, but to go as far as ruining the lives of innocent kids is way too far. Kayode, I didn’t think you would go that low.

“I have kept quiet on all the rumours you have been spreading because they are baseless, childish, and false. But do you include innocent children? No, now I must speak.

“I have never sold any of my properties or cars and given the proceeds to any pastor, bishop, or imam in this world. In fact, all the rumours this mentally disturbed young man, Kayode, is sharing online are all false.”

Ezinne added, “The last couple of years in this marriage have been like hell on earth. I am so drained and in pain, and I just honestly pray this ordeal is all over soon. I do not wish this kind of abuse and oppression on any woman anywhere in the world. If your story is similar to mine, run away from that man and leave that marriage; you are not stuck! And I pray that God will heal you and send helpers your way like he has for me.”

Ostensibly trying to empty her heart on the issue in one day, the lawyer, who in her Instagram profile describes herself as a fierce queen, strong, unstoppable, exuding power, and elegant, wrote in the third post on Friday, “Olarenwaju Ayobami Kayode, my silence is enough. Don’t ever drag my kids into your web of lies. I urge you to provide the result of the DNA to the public and the hospital where it was conducted, as we are willing to give you the DNA. You traumatised my kids by detaining us in DSS custody.”

The reinstatement of Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano on Thursday, and the consequent dethronement of Emir Ado Bayero, has come with dramatic twists, turns and intrigues, creating anxiety and a tense situation in the state.

The development, likened to the plot depicted in Game of Thrones, a Hollywood series, is laced with political maneuverings and undertones, setting the once peaceful state divided and on the fringe of implosion.

DAILY POST reports that the two royal families: Bayero and the Sanusi families are now in a supremacy battle over the highly coveted Emirate stool in the ancient city of Kano.

Recall that Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II beat Aminu Ado Bayero to succeed the latter’s father, Emir Ado Bayero, in 2014.

But six years later, Sanusi was deposed for his predecessor’s son, Aminu Ado Bayero, amid a fallout with the state government under former governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

However, four years later and with Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, in the saddle as the governor, Sanusi headed back to the throne on Thursday.

DAILY POST reported that the Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday passed the Kano Emirates Council Law (Repeal Bill) 2024, dethroning all the five first class Emirs of the state.

The House which passed the bill dissolved the five Emirates created by former governor Ganduje. Those were Bichi, Rano, Gaya, Karaye as well as the Kano Emirate.

According to the new law, all offices established under the amended law have been set aside thereby reviving the Single Emirate System in the state.

The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, claimed that the reinstatement of the deposed Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, was a fulfilment of his campaign promise.

In a statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Sanusi Bature, he said, “Governor Yusuf further articulated that the return of Muhammad Sanusi II back on throne will propel peace and prosperity, adding that the repeal of the council law was in realisation of his campaign commitments to restore the lost glory of the state and its rich cultural heritage.

“Everyone should go about his or her normal activities in the state, we have done what we believe is in the best interest of the state and its people.”

The governor further issued 48 hours to Aminu Ado Bayero and four other former first class chiefs to vacate their palaces and hand over all emirates property to the office of the deputy governor.

Controversial court order

However, a few hours to Sanusi’s reinstatement, a new twist was introduced to the ensuing drama as a Federal High Court in Kano granted an ex-parte order stopping Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from reinstating Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II pending the determination of a substantive suit filed against the reinstatement.

The order also halted the abolishment of four emirates: Bichi, Gaya, Karaye, and Rano.

The court, however, directed all parties involved to maintain status quo ante pending the determination of the suit filed by Sarkin Dawaki Babba and Aminu Babba-Dan’Agundi on Thursday.

Security agencies vow to obey controversial court order

Following the controversial court order, the joint security agencies, under the leadership of the Kano Police Commissioner, Muhammad Usaini Gumel, said they would obey the court order issued by a Federal High Court stopping the state government from reinstating Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.

The Police Commissioner, Muhammad Usaini Gumel, alongside other top security officers of the military, the DSS and others, warned that they would not allow anybody to break peace and unity of the State using what is happening in the Emirate Council.

“Our joint security resolved to keep peace in Kano, and the development surrounding the Emirates Council; the Police Command respects the court order, alongside other security agencies and we have resolved to ensure that we keep peace in the state,” he said.

He added that they would not be compelled by anybody to carry out any assignment.

“As far as the situation of the Emirate is concerned, we recognize the Emir who was there as stated by the Court, and we are only respecting Court orders which says status quo should be maintained and that is where we stay and stand,” he added.

The Police Commissioner further stated that, “the position of law is very clear that whoever tries to cause problems will be arrested without hesitation.

“Miscreants are advised to stay away from causing havoc in the State, as the safety of the people remain sacrosanct.”

Bayero returns to Kano

Amid the tense atmosphere in the State, Bayero was said to have been brought back to Kano and was at the Nasarawa Emir’s Rest House adjacent to the Ministry of Works.

It was gathered that he returned to the town in the early hours of Saturday.

The aircraft which conveyed the deposed Emir touched down at the Aminu Kano International Airport at about 4:30 am.

Yusuf orders Bayero’s arrest

However, as tension enveloped Kano over alleged forceful return of deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, Governor Yusuf, on Saturday ordered his immediate arrest.

The Governor, his Deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam and other top government functionaries also took over the Emir’s Palace in an effort to prevent the deposed Emir’s forceful return.

Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature, in a statement said that in the governor’s position as the State Chief Security Officer, he has ordered the arrest of the deposed Emir for violating the laws and his directives.

Ganduje using Ribadu to sustain deposed Kano Emir – Dep. Gov

Amid the confusion, the Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, accused the immediate past governor of the state, Abdullahi Ganduje, of trying to impose the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero on the state.

Gwarzo made the allegation on Saturday while speaking to journalists at the Emir’s palace.

He said Ganduje was using the office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to achieve his objective.

He said: “It is unfortunate that the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, is using the National Security Adviser to create tension in the state by smuggling into the state, the former emir, Aminu Ado Bayero.

“The appointment and dethronement of Emir or any traditional title holder is solely the prerogative of the state government.

“I am here together with the governor and other top government functionaries to ensure that the new emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II starts exercising his power and authority immediately after he was given his appointment letter yesterday”.

Ribadu denies claim

However, in a swift reaction, the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Saturday, denied claims of providing air transport for the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero to return to the state.

Speaking through the spokesman of NSA office, Mallam Zakari Mijinyawa, Ribadu maintained that he did not provide the aircraft that returned the sacked Emir to Kano.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, he said: “I read the comments on social media, it is untrue.

“The NSA did not provide air transport to anyone to Kano.

“Political actors should desist from misinforming the public as law enforcement officials in the state strive to maintain peace and order.”

Bayero reacts

Deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, in his speech on Saturday, said justice will prevail over the issue surrounding the emirates in the state.

Bayero urged relevant authorities to ensure justice because nobody is above the law, urging residents to maintain law and order

He spoke on Saturday at the mini-palace where he has since returned to after his dethronement.

According to Ado-Bayero: “I call on the people to remain law-abiding while awaiting the outcome of the legal process in this tussle.

“We call on the authorities to do justice in this matter. Kano is a very influential state in Nigeria. Whatever affects Kano affects Nigeria. May peace reign in Kano. We pray for Allah to bless Kano with responsible and just leaders.

“Justice is the way to go on every issue. There will be justice. Nobody is above the law. We will accept whatever the law says. I appreciate all the people who have shown concern.

“As I said, justice will take its course. We will keep on praying for peace in Kano State. May Allah the Almighty protect us.”

*I didn’t give any directive – Kwankwaso*

A former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, insisted that he played no part in the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano.

Kwankwaso spoke with BBC Hausa, Kwankwaso, explaining that he never influenced the decision of the governor to reinstate Emir Sanusi.

” When I go there, I will hear what happened and I am sure they will tell me whatever happened, and whatever they tell me, we just pray for them. I heard the Assembly members have repealed the law.

“What we were telling them was they should go and investigate whether what happened was done out of goodwill or not. What happened appears to be a vendetta or cheating. It’s just a matter of did Ganduje did right or wrong. It’s not about going against him.

“I will go to Kano very soon and I will speak with some of the assembly members, especially the speaker, and the Governor on what is happening.”

*Allah is the best of planners – El Rufai*

However, immediate-past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, reacted to the reinstatement of his bosom friend, Muhammadu Sanusi II, as Emir of Kano by the Kano State government.

El-Rufai took to his Facebook page on Friday night, posting a cryptic message, evidently referring to the development in Kano Emirate.

In a post tagged ‘Friday Reminder’, with a quote from the Holy Qur’an, El-Rufai wrote: “But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.” – Holy Quran – Surah Al-Anfal (8:30).”

*Don’t plunge Kano into chaos – Council of Ullamas*

On its part, the Council of Ulamas in Kano has cautioned President Ahmad Bola Tinubu against using federal power to cause serious crises that could cripple Kano through his government’s alleged interference in the ongoing Emirate Council impasse.

The Council of Ulamas said it was worried that recent events in the Emirate, if not carefully handled, could escalate and degenerate into chaos.

In a statement signed by 18 members of the Ulama, the clergies expressed their concerns regarding the ongoing dispute over the emirship.

Ulama emphasised that it is important for Tinubu to take all necessary measures to uphold peace in the state.

The Council of Ulamas said it was worried that recent events in the Emirate, if not carefully handled, could escalate and degenerate into chaos.

“The State Governor also has a responsibility as the Chief Executive of the state. As the act in question has already been completed, there is no need for violent enforcement of any order or violent resistance to it. We vehemently oppose any measures that will escalate conflict in the state.

“Mr. President, as the leader of the nation, should not allow the contest for a royal stool to degenerate into violence. We are calling on Mr. President to allow the people of Kano State to resolve these issues amicably without the use of force and without loss of lives.”

He added, “Kano State is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria; therefore, we, the undersigned, call on both contending parties to use civil means in resolving their differences to allow peace to reign in the state.”

“As major stakeholders in the state, we want to assure Mr. President that we shall reach out to contenders to resolve the matter peacefully.”

FG will be held responsible for violence in Kano – Atiku

Reacting to the development, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said that the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government would be held responsible if violence breaks out in the state over the emirate crisis.

Atiku said Tinubu’s government was inviting anarchy to Kano State by providing security for the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero.

In a statement via his X handle, Atiku cautioned the federal government against destabilising the State.

“The action of the Federal Government in deploying soldiers in Kano in the tussle over the throne of the ancient city is an upset to the peace and security of the state, and also in breach of the 1999 Constitution as Amended.

“The foregoing circumstances happened within the confines of the law and in compliance with the powers conferred on the governor as provided by Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended; and also in consultation with the kingmakers of Kano, reappointed Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (also known as Muhammadu Sanusi II) as the 16th Emir of Kano State and accordingly handed him a letter of appointment.

“It is surprising that in the early hours of today, exactly at about 5:30 am the former Emir of Kano, His Majesty Aminu Ado Bayero, backed by Federal might made their way into the Nasarawa Palace of the Kano Emirate while the reappointed Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II was at the Gidan Dabo, which is the main residence of the Emir of Kano.

“In this wise, the former Emir could not have made his way into the Nasarawa Palace without the support of the Federal Government having done so with the support of the army and other security personnel in his company. The deployment of soldiers in extra constitutional matters such as this undermines the integrity of the Nigerian military.

“We need to remind the Tinubu administration that Kano State is known for peace and harmony spanning thousands of years and any attempt to destabilize the peace of the Land of Commerce shall be resisted. Recall that Muhammadu Sanusi II was dethroned on 9th March, 2020: dethroned, Kano forged on in peace without any fracas.

“We wish to state unequivocally that if for any reason, law and order breaks down in Kano State, particularly Kano Municipal, the Federal Government should be held responsible as the act of providing security cover to the former Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero to come back to Kano is an invitation to anarchy.”

Halt reign of madness unfolding in Kano – Inibehe Effiong

Meanwhile, a human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong has cautioned the federal government against interfering in the Kano Emirship struggle.

Effiong specifically said that the central government has no authority to determine Emirship dispute, to appoint or enthrone anyone as Emir.

In a post on his X handle on Saturday, the legal expert said that President Bola Tinubu should urgently halt the reign of madness unfolding in Kano.

His statement comes after a team of joint security agencies, under the leadership of the Kano Police Commissioner, Muhammad Usaini Gumel, said they would obey the court order stopping the Kano State government from reinstating Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Gumel, alongside other top security officers of the military, the DSS and others, had warned they would not allow anybody to break peace and unity of the State using what is happening in the Emirate Council.

Many observers believe that the federal government is allegedly interfering in what is supposed to be a state matter.

However, Effiong, a human rights lawyer, advised that the State should not be set on fire because of partisan politics.

He said: “The federal Government has no authority to determine Emirship dispute or to appoint or enthrone anyone as Emir.

“It is the responsibility of the King Makers and the Governor to do so.

“President Tinubu should urgently halt the reign of madness that’s unfolding in Kano.

“Do not set the State on fire because of partisan politics.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, asked Nigerians to hold President Bola Tinubu responsible should Kano State descend into anarchy on account of the ongoing tussle over the throne.

Atiku, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, in Abuja, described the deployment of soldiers to Kano by the Federal Government as an upset to the peace and security of the state, stressing that the action was in breach of the 1999 Constitution.

The statement reads: “In performing their constitutional duties of law making, the Kano State House of Assembly, KSHA, passed the amended Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 in consonance with the provision of Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended whereas the governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, subsequently signed into law the said bill. The law, therefore, repealed the 2019 version, which balkanized the ancient Kano Emirate into five.

“The foregoing circumstances happened within the confines of the law and in compliance with the powers conferred on the Governor as provided by Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended; and also in consultation with the Kingmakers of Kano, reappointed Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (also known as Muhammadu Sanusi II) as the 16th Emir of Kano State and, accordingly, handed him a letter of appointment.

“It is surprising that in the early hours of today, exactly at about 5:30 am the former Emir of Kano, His Majesty Aminu Ado Bayero, backed by federal might, made their way into the Nasarawa Palace of the Kano Emirate while the reappointed Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II was at the Gidan Dabo, which is the main residence of the Emir of Kano.

“In this wise, the former Emir could not have made his way into the Nasarawa Palace without the support of the Federal Government having done so with the support of the Army and other security personnel in his company. The deployment of soldiers in extra constitutional matters, such as this, undermines the integrity of the Nigerian military.

“We need to remind the Tinubu administration that Kano State is known for peace and harmony spanning thousands of years, and any attempt to destablise the peace of the Land of Commerce shall be resisted. Recall that when Muhammadu Sanusi II was dethroned on March 9, 2020, Kano forged on in peace without any fracas.

“We wish to state unequivocally that if for any reason, law and order breaks down in Kano State, particularly Kano Municipal, the federal government should be held responsible as the act of providing security cover to the former Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero to come back to Kano is an invitation to anarchy.”