back to top
Friday, January 16, 2026
advertise with us
Home Blog Page 263

Senate to strip President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors of immunity

By
Shalom Ekelaka
-
Senate to strip President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors of immunity

Sitting Presidents will no longer enjoy immunity in criminal matters if the alteration being proposed to the 1999 Constitution by the Senate sails through, The Nation learnt on Thursday.

Also to lose immunity is the Vice President, Governors and their deputies in the impending alteration.

This followed the second reading of a Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to qualify criminal liability for certain public officers under Section 308” sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege.

The explanatory memorandum of the Bill stated that: “This act provides for qualification of the immunity clause to exclude immunity for Public Officers referred to in Section 308 from criminal liability where the offence involves misappropriation of funds belonging to the Federal, State or Local Government and also the use of thugs to foment violence.”

Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) reads: “(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Constitution, but subject to subsection (2) of this section –

“(a) no civil or criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against a person to whom this section applies during his period of office;

“(b) a person to whom this section applies shall not be arrested or imprisoned during that period either in pursuance of the process of any court or otherwise; and

“(c) no process of any court requiring or compelling the appearance of a person to whom this section applies, shall be applied for or issued:

“Provided that in ascertaining whether any period of limitation has expired for the purposes of any proceedings against a person to whom this section applies, no account shall be taken of his period of office.

“(2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to civil proceedings against a person to whom this section applies in his official capacity or to civil or criminal proceedings in which such a person is only a nominal party.

“(3) This section applies to a person holding the office of President or Vice-President, Governor or Deputy Governor; and the reference in this section to “period of office” is a reference to the period during which the person holding such office is required to perform the functions of the office.”

The proposed Bill provides that a President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors shall lose their immunity if they are investigated by security and anti-graft agencies, including the courts.

The Bill said in part that: “Section 308 of the Principal Act is altered by (a) Substituting for subsection (2), a new subsection “(2)” –

“(2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply –

“(a) to civil proceedings against a person to whom this section applies in his official capacity or to civil or criminal proceedings in which such a person is only a nominal party; and

“(b) to persons who hold the office of Vice-President, Governor or Deputy Governor, if it is determined either by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, Nigerian Police and State Security Service through a collaborative investigation that the said person is indicted by a court of competent jurisdiction for:

“(i) Financial misappropriation of funds belonging to the Federal, State or Local Government; or

“(ii) Sponsoring of thugs to perpetrate violence that cause injury or death of political opponent, a member of his family, agent or personal representative.”

Also on Wednesday a Bill which prescribed a degree certificate as a minimum qualification for any one aspiring to the Office of the President also scaled second reading.

The Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for the amendment of Sections 65 (2) (a), 131 (d), Section 106 (c) and Section 177 (d) therein, to provide for minimum qualification for election into the National and States Assembly, Office of the President and Governors, and other related matters, 2020” was sponsored by Senator Istifanus Gyang (Plateau North).

The Bill seeks to alter Section 131 (d) which deals with minimum requirements for anyone running for the Office of the President.

Section 131 (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) states that the person seeking the office of the President must have “been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.”

The Bill said: “Section 131 (d) is now rephrased to read: ‘He has been educated up to at least HND level or’ its equivalent.”

The Bill also seeks to alter Section 65 (2) (a) of the Constitution which deals with the qualifications for intending members of the National Assembly.

The existing law which the Bill seeks to amend reads: “A person shall be qualified for election under subsection (1) of this section if he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.

However the Bill said that Section 65 (2) (a) should now be rephrased to read “if he has been educated to at least National Diploma level or its equivalent.”

For House of Assembly, the Bill seeks the alteration of section 106 (c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

According to the existing Section 106 (c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), anyone aspiring to be a member of the House of Assembly must have “been educated up to at least the School Certificate level or its equivalent.”

However, the Bill proposed that Section 106 (c) be rephrased to read: “If he has been educated up to National Diploma level or its equivalent.”

The same provision applies to State Governors. The Bill seeks the alteration of Section 177 (d) of the Constitution.

Presently, Section 177 (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that any person seeking the Office of Governor must have “been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.”

However, the Bill seeks that Section 177 (d) be rephrased to read: “If he has been educated up to at least Higher National Diploma Level or its equivalent.”

A Bill which seeks to legalise the six geopolitical zones in the country also scaled second reading.

The Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to give recognition to the Six Geo-political Zones and to further introduce a clear demarcation by creating the Federal and State legislative list as a substitute for the existing legislative lists and for other matters, 2020” was sponsored by Senator Solomon Adeola (Lagos West).

Other Bills seeking to alter the Constitution which scaled second reading and their sponsors include:

“A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to specify the period within which the President or Governor of a State presents the Appropriation Bill before the National Assembly of House of Assembly and for other related matters, 2020” by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central)

“A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for the establishment of State Police and to ensure effective community policing in Nigeria and for matters connected thereto, 2020” by Senator Surajudeen Ajibola (Osun Central).

“A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to amend Section 138(d) and Section 139 of the Electoral Act 2010 by deleting Section 138 (d) and adding a new Subsection (3) to Section 139, to reduce the unlawful exclusion of a political party Logo on a Ballot Paper) a Pre-election matter and for related matters, 2020” by Senator Istifanus Gyang (Plateau North).

“A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to replace the name “Nigeria Police Force” with ”Nigerian Police” to reflect their core mandate of providing Civil Services and for related matters, 2020” by Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central).

“A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to amend Section 81 to make provisions for amount standing to the credit of Security Agencies in the Consolidated Revenue Fund to be on First Line Charge and for connected matters, 2020” by Senator Ibrahim Gobir (Sokoto East).

“A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to preclude the establishment of separate Tribunals to hear and determine Pre-election matters and Election petitions
respectively, in the Presidential, National and state Houses of Assembly and Govemorship elections and for related matters, 2020” by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta Central).

“A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for establishment of State Police and other related matters, 2020” by Senator Ike Ekweremadu (Enugu West).

JUST IN: Dangote Falls Victim To Coronavirus

By
Shalom Ekelaka
-
JUST IN: Dangote Falls Victim To Coronavirus

Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote on Wednesday lost more than N240 billion in five hours as the effect of the coronavirus bit harder on the Stock Exchange.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday declared coronavirus a pandemic.

A pandemic is a disease that is spreading in multiple countries around the world at the same time.

Some of Dangote’s firms under the parent-company, Dangote Group, suffered big losses at the market.

Investors have suffered a total of N1.41 trillion loss in the last three days to the pandemic which is wreaking havoc across the world.

Benchmark equities indices indicated an average decline of 3.4 per cent on Wednesday, which is equivalent to net capital depreciation of N426 billion. The equities lost N985 billion between Monday and Tuesday.

Dangote Cement Plc, the flagship of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), led the decline with the maximum daily allowable drop of 10 per cent or N17, which is equivalent to net depreciation of N289.68 billion. Dangote Cement is Nigeria’s most capitalised quoted company and accounts for more than 20 per cent of the total market capitalisation.

Two other members of the Dangote Group, Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR) Plc and NASCON Allied Industries Plc lost N1.8 billion and N3.05 billion. Dangote Cement’s share price dropped by N17 from N170 to close at N153. NASCON Allied Industries declined by N1.15 to close at N3.05 while DSR lost 15 kobo to close at N9.75 per share.

Allaying public fears about development in the market, the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) assured investors that the market would soon bounce back.

It said the fundamentals of quoted companies remained strong.

ASHON chairman Chief Oyinyechukwu Ezeagu explained that the stock market remained part of the global exchanges and as such any development in the world market would impact on its operations.

Ezeagu said: “The effect of the coronavirus is gradually affecting trading all over the world and whatever happens elsewhere reflects in our market.

“The centre of it all is China and being a major world power both in productive and consumption capacities, any ill wind affecting China would naturally cause a big sneezing to the rest of world.

“Investors should not panic. The share prices will bounce back. The companies’ fundamentals remain strong. Many investors are taking advantage of the bearish run to beef up their portfolios.”

Coronavirus first hit Wuhan in China in December 2019. Over 3000 people have died of the pandemic in the country.

Since then, the pandemic has spread worldwide with countries in Europe mostly affected. About 125,000 cases have been reported worldwide with 4,605 dead. United States (U.S.) has 31 deaths and United Kingdom, eight.

Italy is the worst hit country in Europe with 827 deaths. Over 16 million people have been quarantined there.

France has suspended flights between it and Italy till April 3 because of the pandemic.

In Nigeria, two persons, including an Italian, who is the index case, are in quarantine in Lagos. Six others comprising four children, their teacher and another person are in isolation, according to Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi.

At the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the All Share Index (ASI) – the benchmark value index that tracks all share prices declined from its opening index 24,388.66 points to close at 23,572.75 points.

The aggregate market value of all quoted equities at the NSE dropped from its opening value of N12.710 trillion to close at N12.284 trillion. Average year-to-date return crossed the double-digit -12.2 per cent. The ASI had opened Monday at 26,279.61 points while market capitalisation opened at N13.695 trillion.

All sectoral indices closed negative with the exception of the NSE Insurance Index, which appreciated by 2.2 per cent. The NSE Consumer Goods Index declined by 4.7 per cent. The NSE Industrial Goods Index depreciated by 3.4 per cent. The NSE Banking Index dropped by 2.7 per cent while the NSE Oil and Gas Index dipped by 0.7 per cent.

“We maintain a bearish outlook on the equities market in the next trading session,” Afrinvest Securities stated.

Other top losers included: Nestle Nigeria, with a drop of N101.70 to close at N915.30; Conoil lost N1.60 to close at N14.60 and Zenith Bank dropped by N1 to close at N12.05 while Cadbury Nigeria declined by 65 kobo to close at N6 per share.

On the positive side, Unilever Nigeria rose by N1.05 to close at N11.65. United Bank for Africa rose by 55 kobo to close at N6.20. Vitafoam Nigeria appreciated by 38 kobo to close at N4.45. UAC of Nigeria added 30 kobo to close at N7.50 while FCMB Group chalked up 15 kobo to close at N1.66 per share.

FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedInWhatsAppEmail

JUST IN: Fuel Price Drops From N145 Per Litre

By
Shalom Ekelaka
-
Fuel Marketers Fault FG, Say They Will Not Sell Petrol At N125

The expected open market price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, has dropped to N114.53 per litre, N30.47 lower than the approved pump price of the product.

The PUNCH reported on March 2, 2020 that the sharp drop in crude oil prices on the back of the spread of coronavirus had wiped off subsidy on petrol.

The landing cost of petrol plunged to N123.88 per litre on February 27, and the product was expected to be sold at N143.25 that day if the price of the product was adjusted to reflect the change in crude oil prices, according to Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency.

The latest pricing template obtained by our correspondent from the PPPRA showed that the landing cost declined further to N95.16 per litre on March 10 from N115.52 per litre on March 6.

The expected open market price of the product fell to N114.53 per litre on Tuesday from N134.89 per litre last Friday.

The international oil benchmark, Brent crude, has been on a downward trend since the coronavirus broke out in China. It tumbled by as much 30 per cent on Monday to $31, its lowest in four years as Saudi Arabia launched a price war.

The expected open market price of petrol was N182 per litre at the end of last year as Brent, against which Nigeria’s oil is priced, traded around $67 per barrel.

With the recent steep fall in crude oil prices, the cost of petrol plus freight dipped to $379.37 per metric tonne (N86.84 per litre) on Tuesday from $466.43 per MT (N106.78 per litre) last Friday, according to the PPPRA.

The cost plus freight, which stood at $668.29 per MT (N152.99 per litre) on December 31, 2019, fell to $502.29 per MT (N114.97 per litre) on February 27, 2020.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, relies largely on importation for petrol and other refined products as its refineries have remained in a state of disrepair for many years.

While the diesel and kerosene prices had been deregulated, the government still pay subsidy to make petrol cheaper at the pump.

The landing cost of petrol has fallen by 41.5 per cent since December 31, 2019 when it stood at N162.68, the PPPRA data showed.

Apart from the cost and freight, other cost elements that make up the landing cost are lightering expenses (N2.75), Nigerian Ports Authority charge (0.84), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency charge (N0.22), jetty throughput charge (0.60), storage charge (N2.00) and financing (N2.49).

The EOMP is the sum of the landing cost and the total distribution margin, which the PPPRA put at N19.37.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has been the sole importer of petrol into the country for more than two years, after private oil marketers stopped importing the commodity due to crude price fluctuation, among other issues.

The Federal Government had on May 11, 2016 announced a new petrol price band of N135 to N145 per litre, a move that signalled the end to fuel subsidy payment to private marketers.

But the government later resorted to subsidy regime following the increase in the landing cost of petrol on the back of rising crude oil prices, with the NNPC incurring the subsidy, which it called under-recovery.

The corporation, through the ‘Direct-Sale-Direct-Purchase’ arrangement introduced in 2016, supplies petroleum products into the country.

Under the DSDP scheme, selected overseas refiners, trading companies and indigenous companies are allocated crude supplies in exchange for the delivery of an equal value of petrol and other refined products to the NNPC.

The International Monetary Fund, in its Regional Economic Outlook published in October 2019, said Nigeria needed to reduce fuel subsidy to bring about more productive government spending.

New Emir Of Kano, Bayero, Breaks Down In Tears

By
Shalom Ekelaka
-
New Emir Of Kano, Bayero, Breaks Down In Tears

Emotion betrayed Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the new emir of Kano, Wednesday, after receiving his letter of appointment alongside his brother, Nasiru Ado Bayero as the Emirs of Kano and Bichi respectively at the Kano Government House Coronation Hall, Kano State.

Bayero has also been elevated as the Chairman, Council of Emirs by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

This followed the dethronement and banishment of Sanusi Muhammadu II as the emir of Kano by the Ganduje-led government.

The Emir, who received letters of engagement from Governor Ganduje, broke down in tears while recalling how his father, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero preached to them about tolerance, patience and simplicity.

Aminu Ado Bayero, who was visibly excited, said he would maintain the systematic ways his father, the late Ado Bayero handled his kingship.

He said, “Our father has been preaching peace, tolerance, love, harmony and unity, which he said remain the best critical tools for a better society.”

The new Emir assured Governor Ganduje of his full readiness to ensure that his vision in free education, banning of Almajiri system is completely eradicated.

“Today, we are making history in Kano, by God’s grace, we will not let down the people of Kano. We will do all we could to ensure that we give out maximum support to the government,” emir Bayero assured.

Speaking during the event, Governor Ganduje said Kano made history after two brothers were appointed Emirs and together received their letters amid excitement.

“There was no time where I see the peoples of Kano been so happy without conflicts, no disharmony no rancor, it is a celebration galore all along with the Kano citizens jubilating and expressing deep sense of happiness,” he said.

Ganduje added that his reforms in Emirate System have been fully been achieved with the recent development.

#Coronavirus: EPL Game Postponed As Over 10 Arsenal Players Are Quarantined

By
Shalom Ekelaka
-
#Coronavirus: EPL Game Postponed As Over 10 Arsenal Players Are Quarantined

Arsenal’s game at Manchester City on Wednesday has been postponed after players from the London club were put into quarantine, making it the first Premier League football fixture to be called off because of the novel coronavirus.

Arsenal said players and four staff had been isolated at their homes after coming into contact with the owner of Greek club Olympiakos, Vangelis Marinakis, who has since tested positive for COVID-19.

“We are strictly following the government guidelines which recommend that anyone coming into close contact with someone with the virus should self-isolate at home for 14 days from the last time they had contact,” an Arsenal statement said.

“As a result, the players are unavailable for tonight’s (Wednesday’s) match against Manchester City and the Premier League has decided the game should be postponed.”

The first postponement in the Premier League, which has a global following, follows widespread disruption to football and other sports across the world.

Arsenal were knocked out of the Europa League by Olympiakos on February 27. Marinakis, owner of the Greek club and English side Nottingham Forest, announced on Tuesday that he had tested positive for the coronavirus.

But Arsenal said the players and staff, who met Marinakis after the game at the Emirates Stadium, will return to work on Friday ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brighton.

Safety first

Manchester City’s England full-back Kyle Walker said it was the sensible decision to postpone the game at City’s Etihad Stadium.

“As a player you always want games to go ahead, but in this case the health and safety of the fans has to be put first as without you guys, we wouldn’t have the beautiful game!” he tweeted, and wished Marinakis a “speedy recovery”.

Olympiakos players, staff and board members have all tested negative, the club said.

Nottingham Forest also said none of their players had tested positive.

“The club took swift action to arrange tests for the entire first-team players, staff and officers that came into contact with the owner last week,” the club added.

The Premier League called the move a “precautionary measure” and said there were no plans to postpone any other games.#Coronavirus: EPL Game Postponed As Over 10 Arsenal Players Are Quarantined

Arsenal’s opponents on Saturday, relegation-threatened Brighton, said that game was still scheduled to go ahead “following consultation with the Premier League and medical advisors”.

Football Association could take financial hit

The postponement of the Manchester City versus Arsenal game means Liverpool’s hopes of winning their first Premier League title since 1990 without kicking a ball have been dashed.

However, should City lose to Burnley on Saturday, Jurgen Klopp’s side can secure the title on Monday with the added spice of doing so by beating city rivals Everton.

The Football Association, though, could reportedly take a financial hit.

The FA have no insurance covering public health epidemics or what are deemed “acts of God”, the Daily Mail said.

So if they are forced to cancel matches – which seems the likely scenario for the high-profile friendly with Italy on March 27 – or play them behind closed doors, it will cost them an estimated £3 million ($3.9 million) a game.

The semi-finals and final of Euro 2020 are due to be played at the UK’s Wembley Stadium in July but the FA would not be liable were they cancelled as that would fall under UEFA’s remit.

Empty stadiums

The spread of the novel coronavirus has already had a dramatic impact on sport elsewhere in Europe. Serie A football and all other sports have been put on hold in Italy, while the top two divisions in Spain and France will be played in empty stadiums for at least the next two weeks.

Champions League and Europa League games have been forced behind closed doors as the pandemic spreads. However, Liverpool’s last-16 second leg match against Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday will be played with a crowd.

But when Olympiakos host Wolves in Athens in the Europa League on Thursday, it will be in an empty stadium in common with many other last-16 games in that competition.

Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo has joined a number of managers in voicing disquiet at being asked to play without fans.

“If we have to go we will. But we don’t agree – we’re not happy to go,” he told Sky Sports.

“Behind closed doors doesn’t make sense,” he added. “We’re pretending to live a normal life when things aren’t normal.”

Lagos State Government Shuts Down Eko Bridge

By
Shalom Ekelaka
-
Lagos State Government Shuts Down Eko Bridge

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday announced alternative routes for motorists as the Federal Controller of Works, Mr. Adedamola Kuti, confirmed the closure of a section of Eko Bridge to enable rehabilitation works on worn-out bearings noticed between Alaka and Costain portion inwards Apongbon.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Aramide Adeyoye, issued a statement after the joint appraisal of a failed section by an Inter-ministerial technical team comprising officials from the Federal and State Ministries of Works and Infrastructure, Ministry of Transportation, the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority.

Adeyoye said it became necessary to close a section of the bridge to prevent endangering the lives of commuters using the bridge, pending commencement of repairs.

She stated that despite the inconvenience that may arise from the closure, the government resorted to immediate closure to prevent a situation that could lead to loss of lives in the event that the worn-out section of the bridge gives way.

“Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes announced by the Lagos State Government for those heading to Lagos Island from Funsho Williams Avenue through Iponri to Costain, connecting Eko Bridge through the National Theatre entry point.

“Motorists can also pass from Bode Thomas to Eric Moore Road and connect Abebe Village (Nigerian Breweries) to Costain and link their destination through national Theatre to Eko Bridge”, the travel advisory stated.

“Other alternative routes provided are from National Stadium to connect Shitta Roundabout, onward to Adeniran Ogunsanya Road, Bode Thomas, Eric Moore to Abebe Village (Nigerian Breweries) and Costain to link destination through Eko Bridge. Motorists from Ojuelegba are also advised to ply Tejuoso through to Yaba, Murtala Mohammed Way to Oyingbo -Iddo -Otto to Idumota Bridge or Carter Bridge and connect their destination.

“Commuters from Agege Motor Road or Ikorodu Road should drive through Jibowu to connect Herbert Macaulay Way to Adekunle and 3rd Mainland Bridge towards Lagos Island or other destinations,” the statement added.

All There Is To Know About Sanusi’s New Appointment In Kaduna

By
Shalom Ekelaka
-
All There Is To Know About Sanusi's New Appointment In Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government has announced the appointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was deposed as emir of Kano on Monday, into the board of KADIPA, its investment promotion agency.

A statement from Sir Kashim Ibrahim House said Governor Nasir El-Rufai approved the reconstitution of the board of KADIPA.

Established in 2015, KADIPA has led the investment drive of the state and anchored the implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Charter that earned Kaduna State World Bank recognition as the Number One place for doing business in Nigeria.

“Malam Nasir El-Rufai has appointed His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II into the board of KADIPA. The appointment is part of the reconstitution of the board of KADIPA, which is statutorily chaired by the Deputy Governor, and has as internal members senior officials of the Kaduna State Government,” Muyiwa Adekeye,special adviser to the governor on media and publicity, said in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES Tuesday.

“Governor El-Rufai said that Kaduna State hopes to benefit from the profile, experience, intellect and networks of His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi, who before becoming Emir, had built a solid reputation in global financial circles. Malam Nasir El-Rufai said that Kaduna State is honoured to be able to call on the services of a man of such calibre to drive its development.

“The Governor also said that he is confident that the new board, which includes the most senior officers of the state will further propel KADIPA to greater success in attracting investments to Kaduna State. He disclosed that the external members have been carefully chosen to further reinforce the investment credentials of the state.

“The new board of KADIPA has the following members:

1. Her Excellency, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe Chairman
2. His Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II Vice-Chairman
3. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Secretary to the State Government
4. Bariatu Y. Mohammed, Head of Service
5. Jimi Lawal, Senior Adviser-Counsellor
6. Aisha Dikko, Attorney-General of Kaduna State
7. Idris Nyam, Commissioner, Business, Innovation & Technology
8. Fausat Ibikunle, Commissioner, Housing & Urban Development
9. Thomas Gyang, Commissioner, Planning & Budget Commission
10. Farida Dankaka, KACCIMA
11. Amal Hassan, Private Sector
12. Hafiz Bayero, MD, Kaduna Markets Development Company
13. Altine Jibrin, Director-General, KADGIS
14. Umma Aboki, Executive Secretary, KADIPA

“Malam Nasir El-Rufai has expressed his gratitude to members of the reconstituted board of KADIPA for agreeing to serve.”

#EmirofKano: Watch Moment Police Helicopter Whisks Sanusi Away From Town He Was Exiled To

By
Shalom Ekelaka
-
Watch Moment Police Helicopter Whisks Sanusi Away From Town He Was Exiled To

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the deposed Emir of Kano, was this afternoon whisked away in an helicopter from his new abode in Nasarawa state.

According to reports, he has been taken to another home in Awe town still in Nasarawa state. Awe is considerably remote compared to Loko. Loko is a small mini-port town along the bank of the River Benue. The reason for the change in location has not been disclosed.

Watch a video showing the moment he was whisked away below:

“Here’s To Egusi And Pounded Yam”: Anthony Joshua’s Riveting Commonwealth Day Speech Everyone Is Talking About

By
Shalom Ekelaka
-
"Here's To Egusi And Pounded Yam": Anthony Joshua's Riveting Commonwealth Day Speech Everyone Is Talking About

Anthony Joshua met the Queen of England as he spoke in front of the Royal Family during a service to celebrate Commonwealth Day on Monday.

Britain’s unified heavyweight world champion, who proudly also represents his Nigerian background, was chosen to give a reflection at Westminster Abbey.

His speech touched on a number of issues, with an emphasis on unity around the Commonwealth.

Joshua began: “My name is Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua and, like many of you here, I’m a child of the Commonwealth.

“I was born in Watford and my heritage is Nigerian. I come from the Yoruba people, who are the largest and some might say the loudest ethnic group in all of Africa.

“I’m proudly Nigerian and proudly British…

“These days we hear so much about division and difference that some might be tempted to see that as a bad thing.

“But on the contrary, it’s a beautiful thing.

“A thing to be celebrated and cherished, and a great source of peace and stability.

ANALYSIS Anthony Yarde and Lyndon Arthur break down each other’s most difficult fights

“I feel opportunity should be there for the taking along with hard work, dedication and perseverance, regardless of one’s background.

“We need to strive harder collectively in order to create unity.

“It takes a village to raise a child. And in the same vein it takes a whole community to act and stand together to tackle some of the challenges we are confronted with today.”

He concluded: “So here’s to fish and chips, egusi soup and pounded yam.

“To the UK and Nigeria, and the children of the Commonwealth.”

After the speech, Joshua briefly met and spoke one-to-one with the Queen.

It was his first time meeting the monarch as his previously-awarded MBE and OBEs had been presented to him by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace.

Lamido Sanusi Finally Breaks Silence On Being Dethroned As Emir, Reveals Next Action

By
Shalom Ekelaka
-
Lamido Sanusi Finally Breaks Silence On Being Dethroned As Emir, Reveals Next Action

The ousted emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi ll has said that his six years reign as the emir of the ancient city made him a fulfilled man in life.

He equally said he was leaving the throne as a fulfilled and happy man.

Sanusi ll, who dropped this message in Hausa to the people of Kano,after his dethronement by the Kano state government on monday, said,” l am taking the dethronement in good faith.

“l am urging for calm as l take the dethronement in good faith .

According to him,”everything that has a beginning and must definitely have an end.

With this developmemt, l please directed my family members and all his loyalists, whom he can have control over to pay homage to whosoever emerged as the new emir in order to preserve the dignity of the royal institution.

He equally said he was leaving the throne as a fulfilled and happy man, as he has everything to thank the almighty Allah for making things to happened the way they happen.

The former monarch enumerated some of his achievements while as emir for nearly six years and he said he was very much Happy that he followed the footstep of his grand father the Sanusi I.

He, however, prayed for peace, progress and economic buoyancy of Kano and Nigeria. And finally pray for a happy ending .

1...262263264...375Page 263 of 375

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

Newspaper is your news, entertainment, music fashion website. We provide you with the latest breaking news and videos straight from the entertainment industry.

Contact us: contact@yoursite.com

FOLLOW US

© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv