News

Tension In Kano As S’Court Decides Yusuf Fate Today

Published

1 year ago

January 12, 2024

Security agencies in Kano have vowed to forestall the breakdown of law and order as anxiety continues to mount ahead of today’s final verdict of the Supreme Court in the Kano State governorship election.

The Kano State Governor and candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Abba Yusuf, is seeking to overturn the verdicts of the Court of Appeal and election petitions tribunal, which nullified his victory in the March 18 governorship poll.

The two lower courts declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Nasir Gawuna, as the winner of the poll.

The PUNCH reports that the judgment of the Court of Appeal sacking Yusuf created tension and provoked protests in Kano, following reported discrepancies in the certified true copy of the judgment, which the court later said was a clerical error.

The Supreme Court had fixed Friday as the day it would deliver judgment in the appeal, a development that is currently generating tension and fear among supporters of the ruling NNPP, those of the opposition APC, and residents of the state.

The PUNCH correspondent in Kano observed that supporters of both parties and other residents of Kano were apprehensive about today’s judgment, with many of them taking panic measures in anticipation of the unpredictable judgment.

Many parents decided that they would not allow their children to go to school today (Friday) for fear of the unknown, even as businesses, markets and shopping malls may not open.

Some residents have also indicated their intention to remain indoors and monitor the reactions of people to the judgment from their respective homes.

The chairman of the NNPP, Hashimu Dungurawa, in the state, told The PUNCH the party was expectant of a victorious judgment.

Speaking in a telephone interview with The PUNCH on Thursday, Hashimu said, “We’re very happy to have the day of the judgment coming tomorrow morning (today). On our side, we the NNPP, are of full confidence that justice will be done tomorrow (today).

“Our case will be similar to that of the President and that of Benue. The judgment came in their favour, so we hope something like that will happen to our case tomorrow (today), God willing.”

Allaying fear of violence, he said, “We Kwankwasiya people are law-abiding citizens,” noting that their members were ready to allow peace to reign.

The APC Publicity Secretary, Ahmed Aruwa, could not be reached for comments as his line was not connecting.

Meanwhile, the Kano State Police Command assured residents of the state of their safety before, during and after today’s judgment.

The state Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, gave the assurance at an interactive session with newsmen at the Command’s Headquarters at Bompai in Kano on Thursday.

According to him, the command has taken adequate security measures that would enable residents of the state to go about their legitimate businesses without threat to lives and property.

Gumel said an effective operational order on how to provide security in each of the 44 local government areas in the state had been issued to the area commanders and divisional police officers for immediate implementation.

“We have mobilised sufficient armed personnel to provide security at all flash points, including political parties offices, Government House, INEC headquarters, Banks/Commercial Areas, mosques, churches, recreation centres and motor parks before, during and after the judgment.

“I am giving 100 per cent assurance to all law-abiding residents of the state to go about freely with their daily activities without threat to lives and property,” Gumel said.

He, therefore, called on all residents of the state to continue to cooperate with the armed security personnel and to share actionable intelligence information on any person or group planning to breach the peace currently being enjoyed by the residents.

On his part, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Kano, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said the NSCDC had met with the military, police and other security agencies in the state to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

“The state commandant today (Thursday) attended a meeting with all the security agencies in the state – the police, the military and all the paramilitary agencies in the state. (They) met at the police headquarters in Kano. Crucial issues were discussed as to the modalities and strategies to be put in place to avert any potential breakdown of law and order in the state. We have our personnel on the ground and the state commandant has charged them to do all they can to make sure that they maintain peace and order in the state,” Abdullahi said.

News

NiMet Forecasts Three-day Thunderstorms, Rain From Wednesday

Published

4 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted thunderstorms and rain from Wednesday to Friday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja envisaged early morning thunderstorms on Wednesday over parts of Taraba,

Kaduna and Adamawa in the northern region.

It anticipated thunderstorms with rain over parts of Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Gombe and Bauchi states later in the day.

According to it, early morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Benue, Kwara, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa States in the North central region.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi and Plateau states.

“In the southern region, a cloudy atmosphere is expected with chances of morning rain over parts of Ondo, Ekiti and Edo states.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers during the afternoon or evening hours,” it said

NiMet envisaged prospects of morning thunderstorms on Thursday over parts of Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa and Taraba in the northern region.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Gombe and Bauchi states.

“In the North-central region, patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of early morning thunderstorms to affect parts of Niger, Nasarawa, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue and Plateau states,” it said.

According to NiMet, morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in the southern region.

It envisaged isolated thunderstorms with rain over most parts of Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states later in the day.

“On Friday, prospects of morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa and Taraba in the northern region.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Kaduna and Bauchi states.

“In the North-central region, patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of thunderstorms with rain over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kwara and Niger,” it said.

NiMet forecast thunderstorms over parts of Kwara, Benue and Kogi in the afternoon or evening hours.

According to it, cloudy atmosphere is expected in the southern region with chances of morning rain over parts of Oyo, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

It predicted isolated thunderstorms with rain over most parts of the region later in the day.

“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur. The public should take adequate precautions and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.

“Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets.

“Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it said.

NAN

News

Democracy Day: Gov. Mohammed Advocates Unity, Good Governance

Published

5 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

As Nigeria is set to celebrate 26 years of uninterrupted democratic dispensation on Thursday, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has called on all citizens to remain steadfast in promoting unity, peace, and good governance.

This is contained in his felicitation message made available by Mr Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Assistant to the governor on Media and Publicity to the people of the state and Nigerians at large in marking the 2025 democracy Day celebration.

According to him, the governor acknowledged the sacrifices of heroes past and the collective determination of the Nigerian people to uphold the tenets of freedom, justice, and accountable leadership.

“The governor said, Democracy Day serves as a solemn reminder of the nation’s collective journey toward democratic governance, civil liberties, and the rule of law.

“According to him, the day also honours the sacrifices of those who stood firm in the face of oppression and paid the ultimate price in the struggle for democratic freedom .

“He salutes the resilience and unwavering spirit of the Nigerian people, whose commitment continues to sustain the ideals of democracy.

“He also acknowledges the contributions of past and present leaders, civil society actors, and ordinary citizens who have played a pivotal role in deepening the democratic culture in our country,”said Gidado.

He said that Mohammed noted that Democracy Day also honoured the sacrifices of those who stood firm in the face of oppression and paid the ultimate price in the struggle for democratic freedom.

“While observing that the day was not just about elections, the governor said it’s about delivering tangible dividends that uplift the lives of the people.

“He reaffirms his administration’s commitment to transparency, inclusive development, and the protection of the rights of every resident of the state.

“Governor Mohammed further calls on the people of Bauchi State to use the occasion of Democracy Day to reflect on the progress made so far and to renew their commitment to building a more just, equitable and prosperous society for all,”Gidado said.

News

Edo Deputy Governor, Idahosa Preaches Unity As Honour For Martyrs Of June 12

Published

5 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

The deputy governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has said that Nigerians must continue to fight for a united and indivisible nation as a mark of honour for those who fought for the country’s democracy.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Mr Friday Aghedo, the former federal lawmaker, noted that despite the challenges confronting Nigeria, “there is no alternative to democratic governance.”

“Today, we celebrate not just a date, but a journey; our collective commitment to freedom, justice, and the right of every Nigerian to have a voice.

“June 12th reminds us of the resilience of our people, the sacrifices made for democratic rule, and the unyielding hope we hold for a better and united Nigeria.

“As we mark this important day, let us honor the memory of those who stood for truth, uphold the values of transparency and accountability, and continue to build a nation where every citizen can thrive,” he stated.

Idahosa said that the Governor Monday Okpebholo leadership underscores the power of democracy to bring about meaningful change.

He said that the administration remained committed to transformative governance with it’s SHINE mantra.

This was just as the deputy governor noted that the people’s collaborative efforts were needed to foster a more effective and responsive democracy.

According to him, “As we commemorate this day, let us renew our commitment to supporting leaders who prioritize the welfare of the people.

“Democracy is not a destination, it is a continuous process. Together, let’s build Edo of our dreams.”