Folarin Kehinde

The Supreme Court has upheld the election of Dauda Lawal as the duly elected Governor of Zamfara state.

Justice Emmanuel Agim, who delivered the lead judgment, criticized the Court of Appeal’s earlier decision, describing it as “perverse.”

Justice Agim emphasized that the allegations of over-voting failed to stand as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not provide essential documents such as the voter register, polling unit officer report, and eyewitness testimony.

The judge highlighted that BVAS machines alone could not establish electoral malpractices, and the petitioner, Mr Matawalle, did not provide sufficient evidence to support his claims.

“The court is of the view that the tribunal was right. The judgment of the Court of Appeal was perverse because the petitioner failed woefully to prove his allegations,” declared Justice Agim.

Some Kano residents are celebrating Abba Yusuf’s affirmation as the duly elected governor.

The Supreme Court confirmed the resounding confirmation a few hours ago, ending a period of political uncertainty and legal battles.

Social media video indicates that Kano’s atmosphere is electric, with streets filled with cheering supporters, chanting slogans and waving banners adorned with Abba Yusuf’s image.

The affirmation follows a legal process that has finally solidified his mandate as the legitimate leader of the state.

Yusuf’s supporters have also taken to social media to express their joy, with hashtags related to the affirmation trending nationally.

Many say the affirmation is expected to usher in a new era of governance in Kano.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano and Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi have arrived at the Supreme Court today as the apex court prepares to deliver rulings in separate election disputes seeking their removal from office.

In Kano, Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is challenging the electoral victory of Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria’s Peoples Party (NNPP). Recall that both the Kano State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal and the Court of Appeal previously removed Yusuf from office, but today’s judgment will be the final say on who rightfully claims the governor’s seat.

In Bauchi state, Governor Mohammed’s victory is also facing scrutiny. Sadique Abubakar, the APC’s governorship candidate, has challenged the judgment of the petition tribunal and Appeal Court, which upheld Mohammed’s victory. Abubakar alleges widespread electoral malpractices and is hoping the Supreme Court will declare him the rightful governor.

Former Hon Attorney-General of the Federation & Minister of Justice, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, CON. SAN has appealed to politicians and agitators in Ondo State to allow Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to settle down and perform his constitutional duties.

Prince kayode in a recent statement
noted that it is Ondo state, its people, its children that will suffer most if this current spate of unwarranted and unpatriotic attacks on the current Governor continues. The state and its people stand to gain nothing, but pain, poverty and penury, if this incendiary politics of selfishness, hate, aggravation and deception continues.

While also calling for peace in Ondo States in the build up to the November 2024 election, the former Hon Minister enjoins the incumbent Governor to remain focused, strong, steadfast and audacious, concentrating on the best way to move the state forward. “Do not yield to the deliberate distraction.”

He advised the Governor Aiyedatiwa, “pick a leave from Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who, in spite of onslaughts from left and right, continues to push his development agenda”

His words:

“Please concentrate on immediate issues like settlement pending arrears of salaries and pension and I note with gladness that something is being done on these.

“Critical arterial roads in virtually every Senatorial zone of the state require very urgent attention. We urge the governor to look at these urgently. But how can he be able to do this, if hidden and unclean hands continue to distract him? So let us all give peace a chance, so that the state can continue to thrive.

“We are lucky in the state that Governor Lucky is very much loved in Abuja. And he knows what to do. He must leverage his goodwill and the goodwill enjoyed by late and beloved Governor Akeredolu to bring more Federal opportunities for the progress and edification of the state.

“We urge the Governor not to be distracted by lame, worthless and beleaguered allegations and insinuations. These are of no moment or effect, at this time.

“Let us give peace a chance. Breathe and allow the Governor to breathe.” He added.

The Nigerian military has used the trending slogan ‘No gree for anybody’ to motivate soldiers on the frontlines.

The slogan became popular during the festive season, with many adopting as their New Year resolution.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, tweaked the trending slang a bit during ha press briefing, urging soldiers ”no gree for terrorists.”

Maj-Gen Buba also reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts as the new year unfolds.

He said: “Our aim is to find and destroy the terrorists wherever they may be hiding, ensuring their enduring defeat and denying them the ability to terrorize or harm citizens across the country”.

He charged the Nigerian troops, saying “No gree for terrorists,’ until the victory in the counter-terrorism war is secured.

Highlighting recent achievements, he disclosed, “In the past week, our troops focused on striking terrorist enclaves through air attacks and exerted significant military power on areas where the terrorists were hibernating.”

The operations, according to the General, yielded substantial results, with 86 terrorists neutralized, and 101 arrested.

He added that 30 perpetrators involved in oil theft were apprehended, and 21 kidnapped hostages were successfully rescued.

“In the south-south region, troops thwarted oil theft attempts, preventing the loss of an estimated sum of Seven Hundred and Thirty-Six Million One Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Four Hundred and Seventy Naira (N736,115,470.00),” Major General Buba disclosed.

He said the armed forces also seized a significant cache of weapons, including 65 AK47 rifles, one HK G3 dun, one G3 rifle, 8 locally fabricated guns, 15 dane guns, 2 fabricated rifles, one locally made pistol, one English pistol, one pump-action gun, 2 auto pump-action guns, and 2 single barrel guns.

“Furthermore, 111 assorted weapons and 1,124 assorted ammunition were recovered, comprising various rounds and live cartridges, along with 5 vehicles, 29 motorcycles, 6 bicycles, mobile phones, and one GTA radio, among other items,” he stated.

“Our operations clearly indicate that we are targeting terrorist commanders and their senior leadership. From their topmost leadership to the lowest commanders, they are dead men walking, and we will stop at nothing until they are either eliminated or surrender,” he concluded.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that its troops, engaged in a fighting patrol, have successfully neutralized several terrorists and apprehended others in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Director of Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba revealed this development during a press briefing on Thursday, January 11.

Additionally, Maj.-Gen. Buba disclosed that the troops, during the same operation, eliminated terrorists and violent extremists in Tafa local government area of Niger State.

Recall that residents of Aram, Kuduru, and surrounding communities in the Bwari local government area have been relocating due to persistent attacks by bandits and incidents of kidnapping.

It will be recalled that on December 24, bandits invaded the Garam community, which is a five-minute drive from Bwari in the FCT, killing a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God and kidnapped 13 other persons.

On December 28, bandits again invaded Kuduru in FCT, kidnapping 18 persons.

Similarly, on Friday, December 29, bandits invaded Azu in Niger State, killing three people and kidnapping eight others.

Also, on Sunday, January 7, bandits invaded Sagwari Layout Estate in Dutse, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory FCT in Bwari Area Council.

The gunmen took eight residents and then proceeded to abduct two staff members of a nearby hotel at about 7:30 p.m.

The victims were said to have been shepherded to the nearby hills behind the estate.

A recent report by a national newspaper indicates that bandits killed 36 people and kidnapped over 300 persons in Abuja alone in 2023.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new board and management team for the National Hajj Commission (NAHCOM), pending confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.

According to a statement by presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, the President, in his resolve to ensure hitch-free and seamless 2024 Hajj operations, appointed the following persons to the Board of NAHCOM:

Jalal Arabi — Chairman (In Office)

1. Aliu Abdulrazaq — Commissioner, Policy, Personnel, & Finance
2. Prince Anofi Elegushi — Commissioner, Operations
3. Professor Abubakar A. Yagawal — Commissioner, Planning & Research

ZONAL REPRESENTATION

1. Dr. Muhammad Umaru Ndagi — North Central
2. Abba Jato Kala — North East
3. Sheikh Muhammad Bin Othman — North West
4. Tajudeen Oladejo Abefe — South West
5. Aishat Obi Ahmed — South East
6. Zainab Musa — South South
7. Professor Musa Inuwa Fodio — Jama’atul Nasril Islam
8. Professor Adedimeji Mahfouz Adebola — Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs

“The President mandates the appointees to dedicate themselves to the task of ensuring that operations of the National Hajj Commission are more efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of Nigerians,” the statement added.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday said there is no hiding place for corrupt persons amid the recent arrest suspension and probe of government officials over corruption allegations.

Last Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate suspension and investigation of Ms Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Program Agency over alleged financial malfeasance.

The EFCC also grilled the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouk over an alleged N37.1 billion fraud, as well as her predecessor in office, Betta Edu over alleged Fraud.

“We believe that with the kind of President we have, who is ready and willing to do the right thing, and from what we have seen in recent times and the last 48 hours, it is clear that he has provided the political will and leadership and created the atmosphere for us to work,” the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said when he received the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Abuja.

“So, there is no hiding place for the corrupt. We must give our best, we must be committed and give the President the support he needs. Nobody is too big to be investigated in this country. Once you are not playing according to the rules, we will investigate you.”

He further noted that the engagement with the ICPC was sending the right signals to the entire country that the anti-corruption agencies are coming together and extending hands of comradeship and fellowship to each other with a mind to work together.

The Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, on bail

Leading reporters earlier on Wednesday reported that the passports of Edu and her predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouk, were seized to prevent the duo from fleeing the country as investigations continued into alleged fraud perpetrated by them.

A source in the EFCC told SaharaReporters on Wednesday that Edu was “allowed to leave on bail but would be showing up daily, just like Sadiya who was released on Tuesday but told to continue to come to continue coming to our office pending the investigation on the case”.

Edu is being investigated over the N585 million she directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, who the ministry claimed currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups, among other fraud allegations involving her office.

A letter from the minister with reference number: FMHAPA/HQ/OHM/S.208 to the Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs Madein dated December 20, 2023, asked that over N585 million should be sent to a private account.

The letter signed by the minister, Dr Edu, is titled ‘Mandate for Payment of Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and Ogun States Respectively’.

It read, “I hereby approve the payment of the cumulative sum of five hundred and eighty-five million, one hundred and eighty-nine thousand, five hundred naira (N585,189,500.00). These are payments for programmes and activities of the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups.”

The details show that N219,429,750.00 was for 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom State; N73,828,750.00 was for 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Cross River State; N219,462,250.00 was for 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Lagos State while N72,468,750.00 was for 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Ogun State.

The letter said the payment of N585,189,500.00 –the total sum – should be made to a UBA account: 2003682151 belonging to Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola.

“This payment should be made from the National Social Investment Officer account with account number: 0020208461037 to the Project Accountant’s details listed above,” it added.