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Tension In Kano As S’Court Decides Yusuf Fate Today

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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.

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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.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Kano, Zamfara, Bauchi Governors, Others In Court Over Judgements

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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.

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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).

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Supreme Court Affirms Sanwo-Olu’s Election

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“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.

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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.

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READ ALSO: Supreme Court To Hear Kano Governorship Appeal On Thursday

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.

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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.

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“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.

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Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

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Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

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READ ALSO: Benin Monarch To Tinubu’s Daughter: Do You Know Role Of Iyeki In Benin Culture?

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

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The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

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JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

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The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

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READ ALSO:Tinubu Appoints New Heads For Key Agencies

He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

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Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

READ ALSO:DSS Arraigns Sowore Over Anti-Tinubu Post

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

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The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

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UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

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The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

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Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

READ ALSO:UNIBEN Bars 5000 Students From Writing Exam

The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

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He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

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READ ALSO:UNIBEN Releases Screening Results, Begins Admission Process

The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

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He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

READ ALSO:UNIBEN Appoints New Vice Chancellor

Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

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Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.

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