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  • Zero tariffs, excise duties, VAT on imported pharmaceuticals, as Tinubu signs executive order to slash pharmaceutical prices

    Zero tariffs, excise duties, VAT on imported pharmaceuticals, as Tinubu signs executive order to slash pharmaceutical prices

    President Bola Tinubu has signed an executive order to introduce zero tariffs, excise duties and Value-Added Tax (VAT) on imported pharmaceutical inputs, a statement by the coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate has said.

    Pate said the order introduced zero tariffs, excise duties, and Value-Added Tax (VAT) on specified machinery, equipment, and raw materials imported for pharmaceutical production.

    His words: “In a transformative move to revitalize the Nigerian health sector, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR @officialABAT, has signed an Executive Order aiming to increase local production of healthcare products (pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, devices such as needles and syringes, biologicals, medical textile, etc.).

    “The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation @FedMinOfJustice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi SAN, @LOFagbemi, is to now take the next steps towards codifying the new Order.”

    The Minister noted that the order is crucial to the success of the initiative for unlocking the healthcare value chain (PVAC_NG), which was approved in October 2023 by the president.

    “The Order introduces zero tariffs, excise duties and VAT on specified machinery, equipment and raw materials, aiming to reduce production costs and enhance our local manufacturers’ competitiveness,” he said.

    “Specified items include Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, other essential raw materials required for manufacturing of crucial health products like drugs, syringes and needles, Long-lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and Rapid Diagnostic Kits, among others.

    “The Order also provides for establishing market shaping mechanisms such as framework contracts and volume guarantees, to encourage local manufacturers.”

    The order, according to the statement  also mandated collaboration among relevant ministries and agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), to ensure swift implementation and reduce regulatory bottlenecks.

    The order, according to Pate, provides market-based incentives to encourage medical industrialization, reduce costs of medical products through import substitution, create and retain economic value, and enable job creation in the healthcare value chain.

    The waivers and exemptions will be effective for two years.

    Nation

  • Another Laurel as Mbah Bags Presidential Award for MSMEs Devt

    Another Laurel as Mbah Bags Presidential Award for MSMEs Devt

    Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has been conferred with a National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, Award by the Office of the Vice President on the World MSME Day for his outstanding contributions to the MSME sub-sector in his state.

    Presenting the award on behalf of the Vice President during this year’s National MSME Awards held at the Aso Presidential Villa on Thursday, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, said governor Mbah had impressed with his leadership capacity.

    “The recipient is someone my principal described as changing the leadership strategy, not only in Enugu State, but in the whole of the South East.

    “Dr. Peter Mbah is also one of the most IT-savvy individuals I have ever met and he is putting a lot of that experience and knowledge into governance in Enugu State. And he also recognises the impact that MSMEs have, not just on the labour market, but on productivity and increase in economic activities in his state.

    “On behalf of the Vice president, I have the honour to present you with the MSME Award for 2024,” he said.

    Speaking to newsmen, Governor Mbah described the award as an elixir to do more, describing MSMEs as the lifeblood of any economic development.

    He described the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shetimma, as a champion of MSMEs, commending his tireless commitment to the Light-Up Nigeria Project, which he said would help to ramp up power supply to industrial clusters in the South East.

    “Let me, on behalf of the government and people of Enugu State, express our profound gratitude to the Office of the Vice President for recognising our modest effort in supporting the growth of MSMEs in our state.

    “MSMEs are the lifeblood of economic development. But as desirous as they may be, their success is no chance occurrence. They thrive only through painstaking policies that enhance the ease-of-doing-business climate.

    “We believe that governments thrive when MSMEs are in good shape. So, starting a business does not have to seem like a leap of faith. Neither is it a zero-sum game, because small businesses create jobs, thus reducing the social burden typically created by huge unemployment rate.

    “From the outset, we recognised that our goal to substantially grow Enugu State’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion in the next four to eight years is closely-tied to the viability of MSMEs.

    “These, roughly summarise the context behind the various incentives and projects we have implemented to aid the growth of small businesses through the Enugu SME Centre and Office of Digital Economy, fuelled by the commitment to upskill 40,000 youth annually in digital and vocational skills,” Governor Mbah said.

    He said his administration had equally provided N1 Billion in Venture Capital Funds under the auspices of the soon to be launched Enugu State & SMEDAN Joint Matching Funds for Nano, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to boost MSMEs growth in the state.

    “Our other efforts to boost MSME in the state include the creation of the Enugu State Fashion and Garment Hub and training of 5,000 youth on fashion skills in 3 years, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice-President and private sector partners.

    “The Enugu Skill Acquisition Masterclass, an intensive training module that provides essential resources and insights to digital entrepreneurs and startups.

    “Training of MSMEs and Startups in tech skills from software engineering, product design. Web 3 amongst others to imbue them with skills consistent with demands of the 21st century,”

    “Creation of a world-class innovation and entrepreneurship hub focused on supporting entrepreneurs who tackle societal challenges.

    “The Enugu NG-CARES Programme, which has supported over 4,000 MSMEs with operational and IT Equipment grants worth over N1Billion.

    “Transforming Nigeria Youth Programme, an initiative that has supported over 7,000 women-led microenterprises with enhanced entrepreneurial skills and cash grants for business expansion.

    “We are also in the process of transforming Enugu into a premier outsourcing destination, leveraging untapped infrastructure and skilled talent to emulate India’s Business Process Outsourcing and IT-Enabled Outsourcing success,” he added.

  • Enugu: CP Kanayo Orders Full-Scale Investigation of Alleged Shooting, Murder of Young Man at Nsukka

    Enugu: CP Kanayo Orders Full-Scale Investigation of Alleged Shooting, Murder of Young Man at Nsukka

    …consoles and urges family and friends of the deceased to maintain calm

    The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police incharge of the State CID to conduct a full-scale, thorough, and expeditious investigation to unravel the circumstances of the alleged shooting and murder of one Chinedu Edeh “m”, by a police officer at Echara Road, Nsukka, in Nsukka L.G.A., on June 23, 2024.

    He charged the Deputy Commissioner to ensure that everyone, especially the police officer alleged to have shot the victim, if found culpable, faces the full weight of the law.

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner has consoled the family and friends of the deceased, who was taken to the hospital and confirmed dead by doctors, with his corpse being deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy. He urges them to maintain calm, assuring that necessary police actions will be taken to ensure that justice prevails.

    DSP DANIEL NDUKWE, anipr, mnisma
    Police Public Relations Officer,
    Enugu State Command,
    State Headquarters,
    GRA, Enugu.
    June 27, 2024.

  • JAMB releases 2024 supplementary UTME results

    JAMB releases 2024 supplementary UTME results

    The  Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB ) has announced the release of the results of candidates, who participated in the supplementary Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted between Friday, 21st and Saturday, 22nd June 2024.

    The spokesperson of JAMB, Dr Fabian Benjamin, made this known on Friday in a statement in Abuja.

    He noted that the supplementary examination was conducted for 28,835 candidates, who were unable to be biometrically verified during the main 2024 UTME and were, therefore, unable to take their examination.

    Benjamin added that the other category of candidates were those suspected to have been involved in examination malpractices during the main UTME  but who were given a second chance to sit the examination.

    According to him, the exercise, which recorded a huge success nationwide, was marked by heightened security measures put in place by the Board to preclude any instance of examination infractions.

    “As such, some nefarious characters, who had attempted to impersonate bona fide candidates were apprehended and handed over to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and prosecution.

    “The Board would continue to ensure that no candidate benefits from any acts of infractions through the deployment of state-of-the-art technology before, during and after its examinations.

    “Candidates are, therefore, urged in their interest to refrain from engaging in any form of irregularities during their examinations.

    “They are also enjoined to desist from soliciting score upgrades from fraudsters or engage in the mutilation of their result sheets while trying to generate fake result sheets with higher scores.

    “To check their supplementary UTME results, candidates are to send UTMERESULT to either 55019 or 66019 through the same phone number they had used to generate their profile codes at the start of registration,” JAMB stated.

    Tribune

  • FG to share N50,000 to 3.6 million households; plans to purchase N155b worth of food items for distribution 

    FG to share N50,000 to 3.6 million households; plans to purchase N155b worth of food items for distribution 

    The federal government has disclosed plans to share N50,000 to 100,000 households across the country’s 36 states for three months and purchase food items worth N155 billion to be distributed across the country.

    President Tinubu disclosed this during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held in the Presidential Villa on Thursday where he rolled out construction, housing and other support programs for Nigerians.  

    The Special Adviser to the President on media, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed this in a statement.  

    The President during the meeting called on state Governors to work towards meeting the food security needs of their states. 

    The statement reads, “One-off allocation to states and the Federal Capital Territory of N10 billion for the procurement of buses and CNG uplift programme.  

    • Delivery of N50,000 uplift grants each to 100,000 families per state for three months. 
    • Provision for labour unions and civil society organizations. 
    • Deployment of N155 billion for the purchase and sale of assorted foodstuff to be distributed across the nation. 

    “Our states must work together to deliver on the critical reforms required of us to meet the needs of our people. Time is humanity’s most precious asset. You can never have enough of it. It is getting late.” 

    “We are ready and able to support you in the form of the mechanization of your agricultural processes and the provision of high-quality seedlings.” 

    “We are prepared to provide solar-powered irrigation facilities to support our farmers across seasons, but we must now produce. We must produce the food our people eat, and it will require coordination and intentionality between members of the National Economic Council (NEC).” 

    Infrastructure programs approved during the NEC 

    The president approved the immediate rollout of the National Construction and Household Support Programme across all geo-political zones in the country.

    Under this programme, the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, traversing Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos, will be prioritized. 

    Tinubu also emphasized the prioritisation of other road infrastructure projects, including the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Trans-Saharan Highway, linking Enugu, Abakaliki, Ogoja, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Abuja. 

    Additionally, the president approved full counterpart financing for the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway, which will pass through Rivers, Abia, Enugu, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and Borno. 

    He also gave the green light for the Ibadan-Abuja segment of the Lagos-Kano Standard-Gauge Railway, which will traverse Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Niger, Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano. 

    Nairametrics
  • Mbah Canvasses Homegrown Innovations to Regulate Gaming Industry, Boost Economy

    Mbah Canvasses Homegrown Innovations to Regulate Gaming Industry, Boost Economy

    Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has called for homegrown innovations to better regulate the gaming industry in Nigeria and reposition it to contribute more meaningfully to the nation’s economy.

    Mbah also called for more enlightenment in addition to regulation to guide the people to draw the line between leisure and addiction.

    He made the calls while declaring open the maiden Enugu Gaming Conference/Exhibition organised by the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission, ESGLC, in the state capital on Thursday.

    Speaking at the event themed, “Exploring the Future of Gaming: Innovations and Collaborations”, Governor Mbah, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, said gaming had the potential to contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy and the tourism industry, noting that Enugu was eager to drive the innovation and regulatory process, while also keying into the industry to boost its revenues and local economy.

    “We must separate gaming driven by addiction where you now have to wreck yourself financially by selling your properties, selling your jewellery or that of the members of your family because you want to play a game, and gaming driven by leisure. These are two different things and that is where the regulators have a duty to checkmate this.

    “Technology has a role to play, and I am happy the theme is discussing innovation; and innovation has to do with technology and advancement. If you look across the globe, there are many opinions, software options and technology options that could help drive that. It is not rocket science.

    “Meanwhile, what we are doing here is part of the sensitization process, part of the platform to articulate better ways to handle it, to also show that we have a role to play, to secure those who play on the platform.

    “Of course, we are funding our regulatory commission enough and reengineering it. We recently appointed the Executive Secretary, and as you could see, it is about the first time that people are coming together to discuss the impact and value of gaming in the economy, in entertainment and leisure. That shows you that we take it seriously because we know its potential to trigger off our GDP.”

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission, ESGLC, Prince Arinze Arum, said the conference, which drew participants from across the country and beyond, was convened to discuss current challenges and opportunities in the gaming industry as well as chart a course towards sustainable growth and development that benefit all stakeholders, operators, consumers, and the industry at large.

    He said the conference was further aimed at fostering collaboration and an environment that encourages innovation and investment while safeguarding the interests of our citizens by striking a delicate balance between promoting economic growth and maintaining rigorous regulatory standards that uphold integrity and fairness.

    “Enugu State holds a unique position within Nigeria – a vibrant cultural and economic center with a rich history and a dynamic population. It is within this context that we see tremendous potential for the gaming sector to contribute significantly to our state’s economic prosperity.

    “However, with this potential comes a responsibility—a responsibility to ensure that growth is managed prudently, transparently, and with the utmost consideration for social impact and consumer protection.

    “Enugu State is dedicated to promoting a culture of responsible gaming practices that prioritize consumer welfare and minimize the potential for harm. This includes comprehensive education initiatives, stringent licensing requirements, and effective tools for monitoring and enforcement.

    “Moreover, we recognize the role of technology in shaping the future landscape of gaming/gambling. From advancements in digital platforms to the integration of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, innovation has the power to enhance transparency, improve security, and elevate the overall consumer experience. As regulators, we are committed to harnessing these advancements to create a safer and more sustainable industry”, he said.

  • Otti Assures 300 Beneficiaries of State Sponsored Agricultural Training Programme of Support to Set Up Immediately

    Otti Assures 300 Beneficiaries of State Sponsored Agricultural Training Programme of Support to Set Up Immediately

    The Executive Governor of Abia State Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has assured the 300 beneficiaries of the State-sponsored Modern Agricultural Skills and Practices Training Programme at CSS Integrated Farms, Nasarawa State, of the State Government’s support to enable them hit the ground running immediately.

    Dr. Otti gave the assurance during the graduation and passing out ceremony of the Trainees which the Governor personally attended, underscoring the strategic importance of the Agric sector to his Administration.

    “For us as a government, we will do everything possible to support you to set up. Just a moment ago, I was asking Prof. (John-Kennedy Opara) what will be the best way to support you so that you will hit the ground running immediately and he shared a few ideas with me and I told him that we will work together to ensure you lack nothing to be able to set-up”.

    In his address, the Governor reiterated the importance of food security.

    “Like I said before, when Prof. visited us and many of you were in the room that day, this is the most important sector of our economy. Talking about food security, everything you do is around being alive and the only way you will be alive is if you are able to eat. If you don’t have anything to eat, it’s a matter of time before you die, so we take it very, very seriously”, the Governor said.

    Dr. Otti congratulated the 300 beneficiaries and expressed optimism that they will put into practice, the things they have learnt and also help in training others as they return home.

    The Executive Governor urged the beneficiaries to pass down the knowledge and skills acquired to others on their return to Abia State, ‘I have no doubt that as you go back, you will put into practice all the things you have learnt, most importantly, you will also be able to train others in Abia State’

    Dr. Otti commended the beneficiaries for being good ambassadors of Abia State and expressed deep appreciation to the management and staff of CSS Global Integrated Farms for the job well done in training the beneficiaries. The member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa was in the Governor’s team to the farm.

    Earlier in his speech, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of CSS Global Integrated farms, Prof. John-Kennedy Opara gave a run-down of the training highlights. The event also featured the presentation of gifts and Certificates to the beneficiaries. Each of the beneficiary was given an electronic tablet (Gadget) containing everything they have learnt for easy reference and revision.

    The beneficiaries expressed their profound gratitude to the Governor for the life-changing opportunity and thanked the management and staff of CSS Global Integrated Farms for exposing them to modern Agricultural skills and techniques. They promised to put into practice what they have learnt and also train others.

    Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha
    Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.

  • Mbah Assures on Ease of Doing Business, as Estate Surveyors laud strides in Land Administration Reforms, Security, Infrastructure

    Mbah Assures on Ease of Doing Business, as Estate Surveyors laud strides in Land Administration Reforms, Security, Infrastructure

    A group of estate surveyors and valuers has commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for the remarkable progress made in land administration reforms, security, and infrastructure in the state in the past one year, stating that no country in the world had ever developed without proper land policy and administration.

    The group, Ubosi Eleh and Co, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to Government House Enugu, Wednesday, to notify and invite the governor to a workshop for estate surveyors and valuers holding in Enugu city.

    The group of professionals led by Emeka Eleh listed the enactment of the Enugu State Geographic Information Services law, legislation to fight land grabbers, and the effort to correct the illegalities committed in property development in the state as commendable steps towards repositioning the state for exponential socioeconomic development.

    Eleh said that Mbah had repositioned Enugu as the right place to do business in Nigeria, expressing delight about the state’s 2024 budget, which consists of only 107.2 billion, 21 per cent recurrent expenditure and 414.3 billion, 79 per cent capital expenditure.

    “ You coming from a very strong pedigree and from a very strong private sector background, we were very delighted when you were elected because we felt it would be a turning point in the affairs of this state. We are very delighted to say that we have been very correct, given the evidence of governance we see.

    “We keep talking about the housing deficit without talking about infrastructural deficit, and we are glad you are addressing it frontally to add values to the lives of the people.

    “We are also happy about what you are doing in terms of land administration and physical planning. We are aware, in the areas of physical planning, how you are cleaning up the town and ensuring that people follow rules and that the right things are done by people who are building to create a better liveable city. This is commendable because in the end, Enugu has to return to its old glory, and for it to be done, what you are doing must be done.

    “We equally commend you for the efforts to fast-track the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy. Our Land Use Act empowers the governor to do a lot in that area, and we are glad that you have taken it upon yourself to pass that process.

    “For us, who come from this part of the world, the issue of titling and Certificate of Occupancy is key because our people are mainly businessmen. We are happy you are equally dealing with the issue of land grabbing.

    “You are just one year, and a lot has happened. So, we are imagining what will happen in the next three years. We are certain, and we believe that Enugu is in very good hands.”

    Responding, Mbah assured of his administration’s commitment to make Enugu State the hub of investment, business, tourism, and living.

    He listed the Enugu State Geographic Information Service, the New Enugu City, aggressive road construction, restoration of water supply to the capital city, radical reforms in land administration, the actualisation of the power to regulate and drive power generation, transmission, and distribution in the state, among others, as parts of the efforts to improve ease of doing business in the South East state.

    “We are currently able to generate 120 million litres of water daily from the occasional 2 million litres we met. Now, we are dealing with all the challenges with reticulation to make sure that water gets to the last man.

    “We have also committed to making sure that we have 24-hour power supply. We were the first state in this country that set up our Electricity Regulatory Commission and also have rights devolved from National Electricity Commission, NERC, to our own electricity regulatory commission. So, we are able to regulate the activities of all those that play in the electricity value chain in our state.

    “So, we are doing everything to continue to improve ease of doing business here. Enugu is open for business, and we are looking forward to partnering with the private sector, particularly in our land sector,” Mbah stated.

  • Senate President Akpabio says no plans for new presidential aircraft

    Senate President Akpabio says no plans for new presidential aircraft

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed reports claiming that the 10th Senate is proposing the procurement of a new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima.

    In a statement on Tuesday, Akpabio’s media aide, Jackson Udom, quoted him addressing newsmen in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, after leading a delegation to pay a condolence visit to Senator Tahir Monguno over his father’s death.

    Last week, media reports suggested that the Senate President had commented that the Senate would approve the purchase of new aircraft for the President and Vice President, despite the ongoing hunger crisis in Nigeria.

    Akpabio described the report as the work of “propagandists and fifth columnists,” noting that the Senate is focused on delivering legislation to support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Expressing satisfaction with the current security situation in Borno State, Akpabio urged Nigerians to continue praying for the current administration.

    “I want to dispel the rumour that you are hearing that the Senate President said he will buy a new plane for the President and his Vice, irrespective of the fact that Nigerians are hungry or whatever.

    “I never said that. I was actually in Zanzibar, Tanzania. It is the handiwork of propagandists and fifth columnists, who never see anything good in what we are doing. Be rest assured, pray for the government, have patience and be assured that the combination of Tinubu and Shettima will bring wealth and prosperity to all.”

    “I am happy to see that peace has returned to Borno, as a result of the hard work of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I want to tell the good people of Borno to continue to support the administration,” he added.

    Guardian

  • Sokoto govt says no plan to dethrone Sultan, as Sokoto Emirate Council Amendment Bill passes two readings in state assembly 

    Sokoto govt says no plan to dethrone Sultan, as Sokoto Emirate Council Amendment Bill passes two readings in state assembly 

    The Sokoto State Government says the speculation about an alleged plan to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad, was the work of mischief makers.

    The government’s spokesperson, Sambo Danchadi, in a statement on Tuesday, said an executive bill forwarded to the State House of Assembly has no provision (s) to dethrone the Sultan.

    The government’s clarification followed Vice President Kashim Shettima’s comments on the development cautioning the state government about the development.

    “In all developmental issues in this country, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, I want to use him as a point of reference to recognise and appreciate all our royal fathers present here,” Mr Shettima had said.

    “And to the deputy governor of Sokoto, I have a simple message for you. Yes, the Sultan is the Sultan of Sokoto, but he is much more than that; he represents an idea, he is an institution that all of us in this country need to jealously guard, protect, promote, preserve, and project for the growth of our nation,” Tribune Newspaper quoted Mr Shettima as saying at the North West Peace and Security Summit in Katsina on Monday.

    Below is the full statement from the Sokoto Government:

    Following the submission of a bill by the Sokoto State Government for the amendment of the Law on the appointment of Traditional Rulers to the Sokoto State House of Assembly, after its passage by the State Executive Council a few weeks ago, some faceless groups and individuals harboring doubtful intentions, have inundated the Social Media with cooked up stories aimed at tarnishing the good name of the Sokoto State Government.

    We had wanted to remain silent and ignore the write-ups because they have mostly been written by anonymous individuals, but due to the excessive discussions they have generated and the fear that the misinformation they contain, could further misguide innocent members of the public, we have been compelled to offer some explanation.

    The mischievous rumour mongers are alleging among other lies that:-

    1) The bill in question will seek to dispossess the Sultan of the power to “appoint, suspend, punish, transfer etc any traditional ruler down to the ward head”
    2) that the same powers shall be wholly, completely and entirely vested to the Governor without having to consult anybody”
    3) that ”how the Sultanate Council will react to this political change, re-inventment or amendment will go a long way to determine its survival”.

    The Sokoto State Government wishes to remind members of the public that ever since the creation of Sokoto State out of the defunct North-Western State to date, spanning through the reign of the late Sultan Abubakar 111, to Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki, Sultan Muhammadu Maccido (all of Blessed memory), indeed up to the present Sultan, His Eminence Muhammadu Saad Abubakar, the Sultanate Council has always remained responsible in both Law and Practice, for Collating applications of all aspirants to the thrones of District and Village Heads.

    The Sultanate Council has been responsible for shortlisting and Submitting recommendations of three Candidates to the Governor for approval. It has been the Governor, who approves One of the recommended Candidates for appointment as District or Village Head. It is at this point that the Sultanate Council conveys the Governor’s approval to the appointee and subsequently arrange for his turbanning by the Sultan.

    It was only in 2007, during the reign of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, when the Law was amended to give Sole Powers to the Sultan to appoint Village Heads without recourse to the State Government. This has been the practice up to date. Indeed, the essence of resubmitting this bill for amendment is not in any way intended to alter the already existing Powers of the Governor or the role of the Sultanate Council in the appointment of District and Village Heads.

    For the avoidance of doubt, the bill will soon be on the floor of the State House of Assembly for all to see. In other words, the amendment is only seeking to align the law with what has been in practice for decades. The amendment also seeks to review the tenure of Local Government Councils from Two to Three years for better and more effective performance of the Councils.

    As far as the Sokoto State Government is concerned, its relationship with the Sultanate Council has always been cordial and will continue to remain so.

    All mischief makers are therefore seriously advised to find alternative means of dissipating their energy.

    Signed
    Sambo Bello Danchadi
    Commissioner of Information and Orientation
    25-06-2024

    Sokoto Assembly moves to strip Sultan’s powers

    Meanwhile, the Sokoto State House of Assembly has passed the Sokoto Emirate Council Amendment Bill through the first and second readings.

    The amendment bill, if passed into law, will strip the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, of powers to appoint the kingmakers and to appoint district heads without government approval, among other things.

    This development comes a day after the Muslim Rights Concern raised concerns about an alleged plan by the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, to depose the Sultan of Sokoto.

    In a statement published by Pacesetter on Monday, MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Isiaq Akintola, expressed alarm over the potential move, which comes amid controversy and tension following the deposition of several monarchs in Kano State.

    He stressed that the Sultan’s role is not only traditional but also religious, extending beyond Sokoto to cover all Nigerian Muslims as their spiritual head.

    Governor Aliyu had previously removed 15 traditional rulers for various offences.

    However, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Peoples Democratic Party, on Monday, cautioned against an alleged plot to remove the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, by the Sokoto State government.

    Pacesetter/Premium Times/Punch

  • Alleged Deposition: Sultan Is An Institution That Should Be Jealousy Guarded – VP Shettima

    Alleged Deposition: Sultan Is An Institution That Should Be Jealousy Guarded – VP Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima says the throne of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III is an institution that must be jealously guarded and protected.

    The Vice President stated this at the North-West Peace and Security Summit in Katsina State on Monday.

    There have been rumours that the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State allegedly plot to depose the Sultan and some traditional rulers in the state.

    But Shettima, who spoke shortly after the Sultan at the Monday event, said the Sultan is not just a monarch in the North-West state but an institution that must be protected.

    Specifically addressing the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Idris Gobir, who was present at the event, the Vice President said, “In all developmental issues in this country, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, I want to use him as a point of reference to recognise and appreciate all our royal fathers present here.

    “And to the deputy governor of Sokoto, I have a simple message for you. Yes, the Sultan is the Sultan of Sokoto, but he is much more than that; he represents an idea, he is an institution, that all of us in this country need to jealousy guard, protect, promote, preserve and project for the growth of our nation.”

    Channels TV

  • Don’t Touch The Sultan, MURIC Tells Sokoto Governor

    Don’t Touch The Sultan, MURIC Tells Sokoto Governor

    Following the deposition of 15 traditional rulers by the Sokoto state government, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed concern over the sour relationship between the governor and the Sultan of Sokoto as well as the rumour of impending dethronement of the Sultan.

    According to the human rights organization, Nigerian Muslims reject any thought of deposition of the Sultan.

    MURIC’s position was articulated in a press statement issued on Monday, 24th June, 2024 by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola and obtained by Pacesetter from MURIC’s website.

    The press release titled “Don’t Touch The Sultan, MURIC Tells Sokoto Governor” reads in full:

    “The governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, deposed 15 traditional rulers on 23rd April 2024. That was two months ago.

    “However, feelers in circulation indicate that the governor may descend on the Sultan of Sokoto any moment from now using any of the flimsy excuses used to dethrone the 15 traditional rulers whom he removed earlier.

    “MURIC advises the governor to look before he leaps. The Sultan’s stool is not only traditional. It is also religious. In the same vein, his jurisdiction goes beyond Sokoto. It covers the whole of Nigeria. He is the spiritual head of all Nigerian Muslims.

    “Therefore, any governor who tampers with the stool of the Sultan will have Nigerian Muslims to reckon with because the Sultan combines the office of the Sultan of Sokoto and that of the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

    “Governor Ahmed Aliyu should not force Nigerian Muslims to take a drastically revolutionary measure. Having a traditional ruler as leader has been a condition Nigerian Muslims accepted a long time ago as a necessary weakness in the structure which they have to live with.

    “A military governor, Colonel Yakubu Muazu, exposed this soft underbelly when he deposed Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki on 20th April, 1996. Nigerian Muslims will be forced to make a hard decision if Sokoto governors continue to diminish the authority of the Sultan.

    “For the avoidance of any doubts, Sultan Muhammad Sa’d Abubakar is not only the Sultan of Sokoto but the Sultan of the Nigerian people. His performance and style of leadership have warmed him into the hearts of Nigerians.

    “Nigerian Muslims North and South of the country may be constrained to pick Islamic scholars only as President General of the NSCIA and overall leader of Nigerian Muslims. It will be farewell to the leadership of traditional rulers over the NSCIA and an irreversible departure from Sokoto’s priviledged leadership position. But history will not be kind to Colonel Yakubu Muazu and Ahmed Aliyu for ruining the chances of Sokoto.

    “That will make it impossible for any governor to harass or intimidate the leader of Nigerian Muslims. The power and influence of governors over traditional rulers have become absolute and totalitarian in recent time. Nigerian Muslims must be given space to breathe some air of freedom like all other associations.

    “Once is happenstance, twice is a coincidence, the third time is enemy action. If the deposition of a Sultan and NSCIA leader happens a second time, Nigerian Muslims will not allow the embarrassment to happen a third time.

    “MURIC reiterates its call on the Sokoto State House of Assembly to either repeal or review the state’s chieftaincy laws by adding the phrase ‘except the Sultan of Sokoto’ to Section 6, Cap 26 of the Laws of Northern Nigeria which empowers the state governor to depose the emirs including the Sultan.

    “We urge Northern elites and Islamic scholars based in the North to intervene before it is too late. This is the time to lobby the Sokoto State House of Assembly and the governor himself. If the chieftaincy laws of Kano State can be repealed within 24 hours, nothing stops that of Sokoto State from being reviewed in favour of immunity for the office of the Sultan in a single day to save Nigerian Muslims from humongous embarrassment.

    “It is arbitrary, irrational and condescending for a state governor to possess the power to dethrone the leader of all Muslims in Nigeria when even an ordinary chairman of a local government cannot sack the president of a campus students union. It is unacceptable. Enough is enough.

    “In the same manner, it is tactless, reckless, myopic and senselessly audacious for any governor of Sokoto State who has the power to remove the Sultan of Sokoto and head of all Nigerian Muslims to actually use that power. Well, once bitten, twice shy. Nigerian Muslims travelled this road once, under military rule. We will not ply the same road again.”

    Professor Ishaq Akintola,

    Founder/Executive Director, MURIC