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Kano Guber: Tension As NNPP, APC Trade Blames, Police Read Riot Act

Published

1 year ago

December 10, 2023

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

There’s palpable tension in Kano State as residents await the Supreme Court judgement on the governorship election result tussle involving the incumbent governor, who is a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, who both the Election Petitions Tribunal and the Appeal Court have declared winner.

Consequently, the Nigeria Police Force, Kano Command, has again vowed to take strong measures against any planned protests and anything that would truncate the peace being enjoyed in the state.

Speaking as the two major political parties, the New Nigerian People’s Party, NNPP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, were made to re-sign a peace accord, the Police Commissioner, Muhammad Usaini Gumel, minced no words in telling the parties that the full weight of the law would be unleased on any individual, no matter how highly placed, who is found to have sponsored, participated or engineered others to cause a breach of peace.

The Commissioner further hinted that the State Joint Security Committee was in place to make sure that anybody under any guise that went against the signed peace accord would surely have himself to blame.

The police chief expressed anger that despite the peace agreement, some faceless groups were hellbent on creating chaos and uncertainty in the ancient city.

“We will not allow anybody, no matter his place in the society, to cause disharmony and violence among Kano citizens who are peace loving people,” he said.

Speaking, the Chairman of the NNPP, Hashimu Dungurawa and the State Deputy Chairman of APC, Shehu Maigari, disagreed on who was responsible for what happened after the first and second signing of peace accords in the State.

Hashimu Dungurawa, the NNPP State Chairman, accusing the APC members as those inciting violence, said his party and indeed the State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf have been working in tandem with the security to ensure peace.

However, the APC Deputy Chairman, Shehu Maigari, said everyone was aware of who to blame for the loss of lives and the violent protests in the state, adding that his party had nothing to worry about.

It would be recalled that protests and tensions have remained the hallmark of the ancient city since the Tribunal on September 20, 2023 ruled that Kabir was not election by the lawful votes. The verdict was upheld by the Appeal Court on November 17 thereby escating the protests.

On November 25, when it was discovered that the pronouncements of the Appeal Court justices and the official Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, were at variance, more protests were witnessed in the metropolis and its environs with the demonstrators denouncing the recent judgment of the Court Appeal that sacked Governor Yusuf

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that uneasy calm pervaded the state capital following a reported contradiction.

Following the reported discrepancies, the city witnessed violent protests on Wednesday, during which the police arrested seven.

There had also been threats by political parties to troop to the streets in protest, which the police strongly warned against.

In what appeared like a coordinated action, The Punch reported that a huge crowd of protesters stormed strategic positions in the city, a situation that resulted in temporary hiccups in commercial activities.

The protests were held in spite of warnings by the police earlier in the day that protests were not allowed.

The Kano-Zaria Road, Maiduguri Road by the Muhammadu Buhari’s Interchange, and Kantin Kwari (Kano textile market) were taken over by hundreds of youths who called for justice for Governor Yusuf.

The protesters carried placards, some of which had inscriptions such as “Kano my city, my state;” “Justice for Kano;”“Justice for Abba;” “Abba’s mandate was stolen in 2019, we will not allow it happen in 2023;” among others.

The protest came on the heels of the discovery by the police that “some faceless group is bent on unleashing violence in Kano,” stressing that the police were on top of the situation.

The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Hussaini Gumel, had earlier told newsmen in Kano that already seven suspects had been arrested and would be arraigned soon.

“We have the understanding with the leadership of the contending political parties, and they have signed a peace pact, in view of that therefore, anyone found outside this arrangement will be treated as common criminals,” Gumel had said.

Gumel also called on residents to ignore calls for the closure of markets and streets by some ‘troublemakers.’

He said the police had received intelligence on plans by ‘some unpatriotic citizens to foment trouble under the guise of gathering to offer special prayers.’

“It was also brought to our notice that some people were circulating letters on social media calling for the closure of markets and other commercial activities in the state,” he added.

Gumel said the same group of people “are trying to begin the use of social media in sending negative and poisonous messages against police and other security agencies on the ongoing peace efforts we are embarking on.

“I appeal to residents not to hesitate to report any person or group found circulating any form of information that could cause violence to the nearest security outfits for prompt action.”

However, normalcy later returned to the ancient city following the peaceful protest that lasted several hours.

While the Police battle to keep the Police in the state, it is still not known the magnitude of protests that will erupt if the Supreme Court upholds the judgments of the lower courts.

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Makinde Ignores Oyomesi’s Rejection, Presents Staff of Office to New Alaafin of Oyo

Published

2 days ago

January 13, 2025

Eric

Governor of Oyo, Mr. Seyi Makinde, on Monday, presented the staff of office to Abimbola Owoade, the new Alaafin of Oyo.

The presentation of the staff and certificate of recognition took place at the Oyo government house in Ibadan.

The governor presented the official instrument legitimising the reign of a king to the new monarch at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital.

The symbolic event was performed nearly three years after the death of the former Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III.

On January 10, Makinde announced Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo in a statement by the Oyo commissioner for information and orientation, Dotun Oyelade, quoting the governor as approving Owoade as Alaafin following the recommendations by the Oyomesi (kingmakers).

However, some members of the Oyomesi, a few hours later, rejected the appointment of Owoade as the new Alaafin.

They argued that the occupant of the stool is chosen in compliance with the registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, not by consultation or divination as stated by Makinde.

The kingmakers in the faction include Yusuf Akinade (Basorun), Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna), Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku), Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief standing in for the (Asipa), and Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief standing in for (Alapinni).

They added that only the Bashorun, head of the Oyomesi, can convene a meeting to elect an Alaafin, arguing that any meeting convened by Makinde was null and void.

Speaking at the event, the governor said the Alaafin’s stool is important not just to Oyo town but to the Yoruba race as a whole.

The governor maintained that he decided not to meddle in the appointment of the new Alaafin because of his administration’s belief in openness and transparency.

He said, “The Alaafin stool is very important not just to Oyo Town or Oyo State but the entire Yoruba race. So, under my watch, I made it very clear that the stool would not be for sale. It is not a stool for us to toil with.

“I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday. I never spoke to him in my entire life until yesterday. I did not know his profile or the profile of any of the princes vying for the stool and it was deliberate, because I did not want my opinion to influence the process.

“Let me say this clearly; when we came in 2019, we had challenges with the traditional institution in Ibadanland and it has been resolved to everybody’s satisfaction.

“When it was time for us to approve the selection of Okere, some people came to me and said ‘This is our friend’. They said one person is APC and I said it does not mean anything to me whether you are PDP or APC. Why should my decision be based on political consideration? So, I approved the selection of the Saki kingmakers.

“I always tell people not to kill themselves over politicians, because we see ourselves in the night. We go to each other’s houses. Politics, electioneering is a game. It’s only when you have been elected, then governance becomes a serious business because you will take decisions that will affect millions of people. So, we will not play politics with governance.

“The Alaafin stool became vacant in 2022. We were moving towards election and people said, you have to approve the appointment of Alaafin, otherwise, Oyo people would not vote for you. I said the people should not vote for me but that I would do what was right and Oyo voted for me massively. Oyo will continue to support me.

“Let me also say briefly that those that are still hell-bent on destabilising the traditional institution in Oyo, the government is not letting down. We will prosecute them. The money they collected; they will still be prosecuted except they go to Kabiyesi. If he forgives them, I will also forgive them.”

While congratulating the new monarch, Governor Makinde prayed that his reign would bring peace and progress to Oyo Town, Oyo State and the Yoruba race.

“The coronation would be in four weeks. From today, we have an Alaafin. I congratulate the Alaafin of Oyoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade. I pray that your reign shall bring unity to Yoruba race wherever they may be around the world.

“I pray it would also bring progress and development to Oyoland, Oyo State as well as Yoruba race in general,” Governor Makinde added.

In his response, Alaafin Owoade promised to work for the progress of Oyo Town, Oyo State and Nigeria as well as the development of the people.

He thanked the Governor, the Oyomesi and everyone that worked for his selection and assumption of office as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

Earlier in his speech, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Demola Ojo, lauded the Governor for his determination to ensure that the right processes were followed in the selection of the new Alaafin.
He also thanked those involved in the selection process.

In attendance at the event were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; a former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; member representing Oyo East/Oyo West House of Assembly, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto; Awise Awo Agbaye, Professor Wande Abimbola and his wife, Iyanifa Ajisebo Abimbola; some members of the Oyomesi as well as traditional rulers in Oyo Kingdom.

Top government functionaries in attendance included the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Joel Ajagbe.

Sources: TheCable and Channels TV

Featured

Viral Video: The Okoya Family Comprises Responsible Citizens

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2025

Eric

Many have been baffled about the recent viral video of the Okoya boys, Subomi and Wahab.

The Viral Video was shot privately to promote a song release ‘CREDIT ALERT’.

Looking at their parent’s life trajectories this unfortunate situation doesn’t accurately represent who the boys are.

Their father, an industrial giant is an easy going man whose passion for his trade has seen him dominating the business landscape over the last 65 years, while their mother whom the high society holds in high esteem as the epitome of brain and beauty is a workaholic who has equally inculcated the virtues of hardwork in all her children with a mantra “money doesn’t fall from the trees, you have to work to earn it’.

The ongoing debates surrounding the viral videos of the Okoya boys alleged abuse of the Naira is not necessary. While I quite agree with the authorities on measures being taken to curtail the abuse of Nigeria’s currency and its integrity, this particular scenario is a private video shot immaturely to promote the young boy’s upcoming song, “CREDIT ALERT’’ as the purpose of the video was simply to promote their music in a style emblematic of western music styles and trends, not necessarily to show off or demean Nigerian law enforcement.

They are young adults who have constantly demonstrated their sense of responsibility as citizens of Nigeria and will continue to uphold the law.

No doubt, the Okoya family comprises responsible citizens of the country, who constantly uphold what Nigeria stands for.

Featured

A Requiem for a Trojan, Chief Olabode Emanuel

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

When men pass away, life experiences a definite slow down for as many loved ones as they may have known, but when men like Chief Olabode Emanuel are no more, the entirety of creation is alerted; mourning becomes a case study, and wails as loud as thunder clap are heard from nigh and far. That is because they touched lives indescribably.

That is the story of a titan, who bowed out of a wonderful performance on January 4, 2025, just at the turn of a fresh year, after nine decades of meritorious existence, breaking barriers and churning out one first another another. Bode Emanuel, as he is fondly known, was many things in one package, traversing the world of financial entrepreneurship with ease, and into industrialisation as a construction guru as well as a boardroom wizkid with his glorious spell at UAC’s Grand Cereals, where he retired in 2021.

A proud alumnus of the prestigious St. Gregory’s College, Bode Emanuel is a typical example of he came, he saw and he conquered.

His death as announced by the Old Boys Association of St. Gregory’s College (SGCOBA) though sent shivers down the spines of not a few, was still taken with equanimity and total reverence to the will of Almighty God as a result of the numerous lives his existence touched and turned around. Many hears his name, and smile.

A revered Board of Trustees Member of the institution, the nonagerian, before his demise, was also a Chartered Accountant par excellence, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW), and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

The statement announcing his death read: “As a seasoned administrator with vast experience, Chief Emanuel has served as the Chairman of the Board of many local and international corporate organizations.

“These include: BoriniProno & Co. Limited, Trevi Foundations of Nigeria Limited, Foundation Construction Limited, Saipem (Nigeria) Limited, Hogg Robinson Nigeria Limited, and Grand Cereals Limited.

“Aside St Gregory’s College Old Boys Association, he was a board member of, Nigerian Life & Provident Company Limited, Sterling Assurance Company Limited, Macmillan Nigeria Publishers Limited – Publishers of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Books and Publications in Africa – amongst others. Details on burial arrangements are “to be announced by the family.”

Born on April 20, 1935, Bode Emanuel has either headed or founded several notable business and professional bodies including being a foremost member of the Ikoyi Club, and founding member of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Business Group Nigeria, which he rose to become its 4th Chairman in 2022.

Chief Emanuel is survived by a vast array of family members, friends and colleagues, including his beloved wife and confidante, Mrs Anana Bode Emanuel.

The entrepreneur will be sorely missed!