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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law.The bill seeks to reinstate the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
This was disclosed by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during the joint plenary that Tinubu attended.
The final assent to the passage of the bill will bring about a shift from the now-recognised, “Arise O Compatriots.”
The bill was rapidly cleared by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Details later…
Punch
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has faulted President Bola Tinubu for failing to fulfill his promise to grow the nation’s economy as well as end the misery of Nigerians.
Upon coming on board last May, Tinubu unleashed a raft of reforms aimed at revitalising the economy and investment, but the initiatives have caused a short-term surge in living costs.
One year later, Atiku says the nation’s economy has worsened under President Bola Tinubu.
“Predictably, 12 months on, Tinubu’s pledge of growing the economy and ending misery remains unfulfilled,” Atiku said while appraising Tinubu’s performance in office.
“His actions or inactions have significantly worsened Nigeria’s macroeconomic stability. Nigeria remains a struggling economy and is more fragile today than it was a year ago. Indeed, all the economic ills – joblessness, poverty, and misery – which defined the Buhari-led administration have only exacerbated.
“Africa’s leading economy has slipped to the 4th position lagging behind Algeria, Egypt, and South Africa. Citizens’ hopes have been dashed (and not renewed contrary to the propaganda of the administration) as Nigeria’s economic woes have multiplied.”
The president has also already taken tough economic measures including the removal of fuel subsidies which has led to rising costs of living and transportation.
But Atiku said Tinubu has “embarked on a cocktail of policies” with no concrete plans to achieve the remodelling of the economy he promised. To Atiku, despite high hopes when Tinubu assumed the reins last May, Nigeria is worse off.
“Nigeria remains a struggling economy and is more fragile today than it was a year ago. Indeed, all the economic ills — joblessness, poverty, and misery — which defined the Buhari-led administration have only exacerbated, ” Abubakar said.
See the full statement below:
Nigeria is not working: One year of Tinubu is a cocktail of trial-and-error economic policies
On May 29, 2023, President Bola Tinubu raised the hopes of Nigerians with his pledge to “remodel our economy to bring about growth and development through job creation, food security and an end of extreme poverty.” Since then, Tinubu has also spoken about growing the economy at double-digit rates to US$1 trillion in six years, ending misery, and bringing immediate relief to Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis. On listening to this, Nigerians must have breathed a sigh of relief after their experience with ex-President Buhari’s 8 years of economic misadventure.
Tinubu laid out no plans for the ‘remodeling’ of the economy but soon embarked on a cocktail of policies to achieve it. In May 2023, he eliminated PMS subsidies, and a month later, the CBN implemented a new foreign exchange policy that unified the multiple official FX windows into a single official market. More policies followed in rapid succession: the tightening of monetary policy to reduce Naira liquidity, a hike in monetary policy rates, the introduction of cost-reflective electricity tariff, and a cybersecurity tax.
Predictably, 12 months on, Tinubu’s pledge of growing the economy and ending misery remains unfulfilled. His actions or inactions have significantly worsened Nigeria’s macroeconomic stability. Nigeria remains a struggling economy and is more fragile today than it was a year ago. Indeed, all the economic ills – joblessness, poverty, and misery – which defined the Buhari-led administration have only exacerbated. Africa’s leading economy has slipped to the 4th position lagging behind Algeria, Egypt, and South Africa. Citizens’ hopes have been dashed (and not renewed contrary to the propaganda of the administration) as Nigeria’s economic woes have multiplied.
How and why did we get here?
In my press statement on the state of our economy, earlier this year, I expressed my concerns about the downside risks of unleashing reforms without sequencing; without any ideas on how to implement them; and without any regards to their potential and real devastating consequences. Implementing policies without proper planning and a clear destination is nothing other than trial-and-error economics.
My concerns have not diminished. I will focus on just four areas to underscore those downside risks associated with Tinubu’s reform measures and their dire consequences on Nigeria’s medium to long-term growth and development.
First, President Tinubu’s policies do not create prosperity. Instead, they pauperize the poor and bankrupt the rich. They spare no one. Nigerian citizens, the majority of whom are poor, are going through the worst cost-of-living crisis since the infamous structural adjustment programme of the 1980s. The annual inflation rate at 33.69% is the highest in nearly 3 decades. Food prices are unbearably higher than what ordinary citizens can afford as food inflation soared to 40.53% in April, the highest in more than 15 years.
Nigerian citizens have to pay 114% more for a bag of rice, 107% more for a bag of flour, and 150% more in transport fares relative to May 2023. Today, in some locations, motorists are paying 305% more for a litre of fuel. Yet, on a minimum wage of the equivalent of US$23 per month, Nigerian workers are among the lowest wage earners in the world. Tinubu had the ‘courage’ to remove subsidy on PMS and impose additional taxes on his people but lacks the compassion to raise the minimum wage or implement a social investment programme that would reduce the levels of vulnerability, and deprivation of workers and their families.
Second, President Tinubu’s policies create a hostile environment for businesses, big or small. The private sector is overwhelmed by Tinubu’s dismal policies and overburdened by his failure to address the policy fallouts. The manufacturing sector, which holds the key to higher incomes, jobs, and economic growth, has been bogged down by rising input prices, higher energy and borrowing costs, and exchange rate complexities. For example, since 2023, the average price of diesel has doubled to N1,600 per litre. Electricity tariff has recently been increased by 250% from N68/Kwh to N206/Kwh. As reported by the Guardian (13 May 2024), in Q1 of 2024, energy prices were up by 70%, costing manufacturers N290 billion.
Since May 2023, corporate Nigeria has lost more than a dozen enterprises to other countries. Unilever, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Procter & Gamble (P&G), Sanofi-Aventi Nigeria, Bolt Food, Equinor, among others had exited Nigeria citing reasons including foreign exchange complexities, security concerns, and high operational costs. According to the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), nearly 20,000 jobs may have been lost due to the departure of 15 multinational companies from Nigeria.
Those enterprises that remain are struggling to survive. Vanguard Newspaper (20 May, 2024) reported a significant rise – to nearly 30% – in unsold goods in the warehouses of manufacturers of fast-moving consumer goods, occasioned by the rising cost of living and declining purchasing power of the citizens. According to the Guardian, manufacturers reported in Q1 a 10% drop in capacity utilization, a 10% drop in production, a 5% drop in investment, and more than 7% drop in sales. The Daily Trust (1 May, 2024) quoted Dangote lamenting that nearly 97% of manufacturing concerns in Nigeria will be unable to pay dividends this year.
In an economy with high rates of unemployment, a declining manufacturing sector cannot be an option.
Third, President Tinubu’s foreign exchange policies have not had any positive impact on Nigeria’s foreign trade balance, contrary to policy expectations. In particular, the free-float and the resulting devaluation of the Naira has not resulted in an appreciable improvement in Nigeria’s trade balance. Devaluation has not enhanced the competitiveness of local producers and has had no positive impact on exports of goods, primary or manufactured. In Q4 of 2023, for example, while imports surged 163.1%, exports rose at a slower 99.6%, indicating a huge foreign trade deficit. Similarly, in Q1 of 2024, Nigeria recorded a trade deficit of $7.5 billion, with exports value of $12.7 billion and import value of US$14 billion. Overall, the trade deficit as a percentage of GDP increased by 0.83% from 0.05% in May 2023 to 0.88% in May 2024.
Fourth, President Tinubu’s policies have failed to attract foreign investments into the country despite all the posturing and media hype by the President’s men. Exchange rate unification and free float of the Naira have not led to higher capital inflows (whether Foreign Direct Investment or Foreign Portfolio Investments), again contrary to policy expectations. Indeed, FDI inflows declined by 26.8%, from US5.33 billion in May 2023 to US$3.9 billion in May 2024. It is not difficult to understand why: FDI is about TRUST. It is about the investing world trusting the leadership of a country to act and deliver on promises made. Investors come when the right policies are designed and delivered timely and efficiently by public institutions.
Finally, despite deploying various monetary policy tools, inflationary pressure persists, and so does exchange rate volatility. No thanks to Tinubu’s misguided policy, the Naira’s value plummeted against the dollar and has since become the worst performing currency in the world.
It is clear from the foregoing that President Tinubu has an exaggerated understanding of the efficacy of his policies and was not ready for the potential fallouts. Tinubu and his team are not exactly sure of where the reform process is and what the next steps are. Has Nigeria reinstated fuel subsidy? Is the Naira on a free or managed float? These trial-and-error policies raise questions about the readiness of the administration and their capacity to restore the economy to a path of sustainable growth.
Time is running out for the government, and Tinubu must act fast to save the economy.
Here are six things he must do.
First, pause and reflect. It is important that the government understands what reforms must be undertaken and in what sequence. A framework is needed with clearly stated reform objectives and strategies.
Second, undertake a comprehensive review of the 2024 budget within the new reform framework. The 2024 FGN Budget, the exact size of which remains a mystery, is not designed to address the structural defects of the Nigerian economy or the cost-of-living crisis. It will neither create prosperity nor promote opportunities for our young people to lead a productive life.
The review must prioritise fiscal measures to deal with an unprecedented rise in commodity prices. Higher commodity prices have created more misery for the poor in our towns and villages and have pushed millions of people below the poverty line. One of such measures for immediate implementation will be to ease the existing restrictions on selected food imports.
Third, undertake a comprehensive review of the Social Investment Programme (SIP) to mitigate some of the impact of these policies on the most vulnerable households. The SIP must go beyond Conditional Cash Transfers to include programmes that prioritize support to MSEs across all the economic sectors, as they offer the greatest opportunities for achieving inclusive growth. In addition, a holistic programme to support medium and large-scale enterprises to navigate the stormy seas in the aftermath of the withdrawal of subsidy on PMS is also needed.
Fourth, Tinubu must be cautioned against any attempt to further pauperize the poor by introducing new taxes or increasing tax rates. We are aware of the behind-the-scenes attempts to increase VAT rate from 7.5% to 10%, re-introduce excise on telecommunication, and increase excise rates on a range of goods. It needs to be restated that we cannot tax our way out of this situation. Instead, Tinubu must see the need for expenditure rationalization and restraint – by having the budget more in sync with Nigeria’s fiscal reality, by improving efficiency in revenue utilization, improving procurement processes and trimming the size of government – and therefore reducing the cost of governance.
Fifth, provide clarity on the fuel subsidy regime, including the fiscal commitments and benefits from the fuel subsidy reform and the impact of this on the Federation Accounts. It is curious that since April 2024, fuel queues had mounted at many filling stations across Nigeria, and the infamous ‘black market’ has sprouted in several states. How much PMS is being imported and distributed, and at what cost? What is the implicit subsidy?
Sixth, tackle security headlong. President Tinubu, as a matter of priority, needs to rejig the nation’s security architecture as what is currently in place is not serving the needs of the people. The state of pervasive insecurity continues to adversely impact agricultural production and the value it brings to the economy, especially in the Northern parts of the country. Insecurity resulting from terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling has compelled many crop farmers and pastoralists to abandon their lands and relocate to the neighbouring countries of Niger, Chad, and Cameroun. This has drastically caused a reduction in the production of food and skyrocketed prices of foodstuffs. Food scarcity in Nigeria is so dire that a report by Cadre Harmonize warns that between June and August this year, about 31.5 million Nigerians may face severe food shortages and scarcity
I have always been a reform advocate. The Nigerian economy certainly requires a large dose of reform measures to accelerate its transformation after many years of lacklustre growth.
The difference is that I understand the appropriate reforms to undertake and what steps to take per time to mitigate their negative impact. In my Policy Document, I had anticipated that the withdrawal of subsidy and unification of exchange rates could, in the absence of fundamental interventions, impact negatively on micro and small enterprises in the informal sector and on the medium to large enterprises in the formal sector. I had also anticipated that such policies could elevate the levels of vulnerability and deprivation of poor families, including the youth and adults with no incomes. With this understanding, I had designed robust mitigation interventions that will be implemented alongside our reforms.
I was prepared for reform fallouts. Tinubu wasn’t. However, it is not too late for him to change course and do what is right for the good of our people and our nation.
Atiku Abubakar
Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007.
Channels TV
The Governor of Ebonyi, Rt Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has reassured his determination to upgrade the statues of Abakaliki Capital City .
The Governor gave the assurance at the ground breaking ceremony of the 4.61km Tunnel and Fly over bridge at the Vincent Agwu Nwankwo Junction popularly know as VANCO.
He explained that the reason behind the project was not only to enhance the aesthetics of the State capital but to also decongest the junction for free flow of traffic.
The Governor who lamented that the Abakaliki master plan has been distorted by developers, said efforts will continue to implement the master plan to bring the City back to what it was supposed to be.
“The project which will, upon completion, decongest the location known for gridlock has particularly cast the state in negative lense owing to dumps and roadside trading”
“The political icon, Vincent Agwu Nwankwo was an astute politician and a lawmaker who represented the good of Izzi Constituency in the early 50s. The Abakaliki original masterplan was conceived and designed by the late sage in collaboration with relevant actors”
The Minister of Works and immediate past Governor of Ebonyi State, Sen David Nweze Umahi while performing the groundbreaking ceremony commended Governor Nwifuru for his developmental strides which he said is a fulfilment of the Governor’s electoral promise to ensure continuity and consolidation.
The ceremony was witnessed by a mammoth crowd and top Government functionaries.
Dr Monday Uzor
Chief Press to the Governor
May 28, 2024.
The Presidency said that the Office of President Tinubu was not involved in the planning of the event.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, had earlier in a statement said that President Tinubu will not make any broadcast on May 29.
Rather, he said, Tinubu would address the joint session of the National Assembly.
Onanuga had, in the statement, explained that President Tinubu’s speech will dwell on the achievements of his administration and Nigeria’s democracy since the military ceded power in 1999.
He further said, “Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, former speaker of the House of Representatives and now President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila are all lined up to address the parliament.
“Also lined up to speak is the former military ruler, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who handed over power to civilian administration in 1999.
“At the end of the speeches, President Tinubu will commission the National Assembly Library and Resource Centre, now to be known as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Building.”
However, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, in another statement, described the former one as false and unauthorised.
The Presidential spokesman said: “In furtherance of his commitment to delivering good governance, President Bola Tinubu has embarked on the inauguration of strategic projects across the country.
“More transformative projects will be inaugurated by President Tinubu’s administration for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“In view of public commentary concerning the President delivering a speech before a joint sitting of the National Assembly tomorrow, May 29, 2024, it is important to state that this information is false and unauthorised as the Office of the President was not involved in the planning of the event.”
Vanguard
The office of the First Lady, Enugu State, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah in partnership with Indomie Noodles Nigeria, on Monday organized a fun filled party to celebrate children in the state on the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day, with over 700 children and teachers from schools across the state in attendance.
At the event, which took place at the Polo Park in Enugu, school children enthusiastically participated in singing competitions, eating contests, dancing, and quizzes.
In her address, delivered by Mrs. Chinyere Ugwu, wife of the Speaker of the Enugu House of Assembly, Mrs Mbah emphasized the importance of extracurricular activities for children’s holistic development.
“These activities help children develop essential physical, emotional, and social skills, preparing them for a bright future”, she noted.
She also reiterated the commitment of the Enugu State government to protecting children’s rights and ensuring their safety and well-being.
The first lady acknowledged the critical role of parents, teachers, and the community in shaping the future generation.
As a token of appreciation, each child received a special pack and gift, leaving with big smiles on their faces.
Amongst the dignitaries in attendance were the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Enih, and Member of the , Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), Mrs Nwakaego Ajah.
Following the appointment and subsequent inauguration of the members of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers by the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, the Obuoffia Welfare Association, OWA and Enugu State Forum of Presidents General have applauded the appointment of His Royal Highness, Eze Barr. Igwesi Obi Igwesi as the Chairman, Nkanu West L.G.A Traditional Rulers’ Council by Governor Peter Mbah.
In separate congratulatory messages obtained by newsmen in Enugu, the bodies highlighted the appropriateness of Igwe Igwesi’s appointment to lead the traditional rulers in Nkanu West L.G.A of the state, extending gratitude to the governor for the recognition bestowed on the throne of Justice and Peace.
Jointly signing their message, Dr. I. K. Nnaji, National President, and Engr. Onyebuchi Nnaji, National Secretary, Obuoffia Welfare Association wrote:
“The Obuoffia Welfare Association, O.W.A heartily congratulates His Royal Highness, Eze Barr. Igwesi Obi Igwesi (Chinawaeze III of Obuoffia; Igwe Omuoha Awkunanaw) on his recent appointment as the Chairman of Nkanu West Traditional Rulers’ Council by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
“Your Highness, the gods are wise. Your new appointment is indeed injecting fresh air into the hearts of the good people of Nkanu West LGA, as we are confident in your ability to apply your wisdom, academic prowess and ingenuity in coordinating and restoring the original tradition and culture of Nkanu people.
“Chinawaeze, you are fit and proper to use your professional and managerial dispositions to deliver and promote the needed peace, unity and progress to our dear local government in particular and Enugu State in general. We are sincerely happy for your well deserved appointment as we chorus a resounding “Igweeeeee…”
“TOMORROW IS HERE”
On their part, Hon. Chief Arinze Nnia Ogbodo, Chairman, Enugu State Forum of Presidents General, writing on behalf of the Forum, expressed trust in the ability of Igwe Igwesi to discharge the duties of his office.
“We, the exco and PGs of Town Unions in Enugu State wish to felicitate with His Royal Highness, Eze Barr. Igwesi Obi Igwesi (Chinawaeze III of Obuoffia Awkunanaw) on the occasion of his inauguration as the Chairman, Nkanu West Traditional Rulers” Council.
“As a custodian of age-long tradition occasioned with impressive leadership qualities, we have no doubt that your tenure will be replete with enviable strides in preserving our heritage and mobilizing support for responsive governance in our dear Local Government Area and Enugu State in general.
“We thank His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State for this well deserved appointment and pledge our support for good works of his administration.
“Congratulations EZE CHINAWAEZE III and best wishes.”
With three days to the expiration of the May 31, 2024 deadline issued by organised labour to the federal government to conclude negotiations on a new minimum wage or face industrial action, the latest round of negotiation has ended in a deadlock.
At the resumed negotiation on Tuesday, organized labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) again rejected a fresh minimum wage of N60,000 proposal by the Federal Government.
However, organised labour also shifted grounds from its ₦497,000 stance last week to ₦494,000.
The government had initially proposed ₦48,000 and ₦54,000 last week, which were also rejected by the Organised Labour.
The Organised Labour had also presented ₦615,000 as the new minimum wage but saw reasons to drop their demand to ₦497,000 last week and then to ₦494,000 on Tuesday (today).
Today’s meeting was, however, deadlocked as talks ended without an agreement on what to pay as a new minimum wage.
The Tripartite Committee for the negotiation of a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers is yet to agree on a new minimum wage just about three days before the May 31 deadline the labour unions gave to the government to conclude the negotiations.
Ripples
Despite an order of a High Court in Kano State asking Aminu Ado Bayero to stop parading himself as the Emir of Kano, the deposed emir remains at the Nassarawa residence of the emir heavily guarded by the police and the military.
Channels TV correspondent, who was at the mini palace on Tuesday, observed the presence of stern-looking armed soldiers and policemen around the mini palace.
The court presided over by Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu on Monday had directed the police to evict him from the mini palace at the state road.
This legal tussle followed a Federal High Court ruling last Thursday which restrained the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and suspended the law establishing the dissolved five emirates in the state. The Kano State Police Command had vowed to enforce the court order restraining the state government from dissolving five newly created Emirates in the state.
However, in the fresh court order by Justice Aliyu the other traditional rulers in the dissolved emirates were also restrained from parading themselves as emirs. Nasiru Ado Bayero, Ibrahim Abubakar II, Kabiru Muhammad Inuwa, and Aliyu Ibrahim Gaya were restrained from parading themselves as emirs of Bichi, Gaya, Rano, and Karaye respectively.
Justice Aliyu emphasised the importance of maintaining the rule of law, stating that the court will ensure that its orders are respected and upheld until the substantive motion is heard.
The drama in the Kano Emirate tussle continued as both the deposed emir and the reinstated one received district heads in separate palaces on Monday.
Last week Friday, Governor Abba Yusuf signed a law dissolving the additional emirates created by the previous administration of Abdullahi Ganduje and reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as the emir.
Channels TV
President Bola Tinubu will on Wednesday will address a Joint Sitting of National Assembly to commemorate 25 years of unbroken democracy and legislative practice in Nigeria.
According to a statement jointly signed by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Senate Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi, House Spokesman, the session will be marked by a series of events scheduled to begin at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, in the Green Chamber, House of Representatives Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Highlights of the event include a keynote speech by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it would also feature commemorative lectures on the theme “25 Years of the National Assembly: Lessons & Opportunities” by Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Senator David Mark, and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Following the joint sitting, the event will proceed with the unveiling and commissioning of the National Assembly Library Complex, named the Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu Building. A tour of the new facility will also be conducted.
“Nigeria’s Fourth Republic was birthed on May 29, 1999, following the country’s return to civilian rule. Nigeria’s political trajectory has seen many periods of military intervention, and the period since 1999 has been the longest of unbroken legislative practice.
“The country’s democracy has matured, witnessing six electoral cycles, including an alternation of power between political parties.
“President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, H.E. Senator Godswill Akpabio, remarked, “This Silver Jubilee is a testament to the resilience and enduring strength of our democratic institutions. The National Assembly has played a pivotal role in safeguarding our democracy, and this event is a fitting tribute to our shared commitment to the nation’s progress.”
“Speaker of the House Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, added, “The 10th National Assembly places great significance on celebrating our democratic journey. This commemorative sitting underscores our dedication to reflecting on the lessons learned and the opportunities ahead as we continue to serve the Nigerian people.”
The event will be attended by guests, including the Vice President, Deputy President of the Senate, Deputy Speaker of the House, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff to the President, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum(NGF), Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Clerk to the National Assembly, and other notable dignitaries.
Vanguard
A Kano State High Court presided over by Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu has ordered the police to evict the deposed Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, from the palace he is occupying along the State Road in the Nasarawa area of the state.
The court, which gave the order on Monday, also issued an interim injunction restraining Bayero and four other dethroned emirs from parading themselves as emirs, pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice filed by applicants.
The judge gave the ruling as the state government appealed to President Bola Tinubu to move the deposed 15th Emir of Kano from the state.
The state Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam, during a press conference on Monday, said Bayero’s presence in Kano posed a threat to the peace and stability cherished by its people.
The state House of Assembly had on Thursday repealed the Kano Emirates Council Law which divided Kano into five emirates.
Amid the crisis caused by the new emirates, the 14th emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, was dethroned by Abdullahi Ganduje’s administration.
Upon the repeal of the law on Thursday, the state Governor, Abba Yusuf, signed the new law and sacked the five Emirs.
The sacked Emirs include Aminu Ado Bayero (Kano); Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero (Bichi), Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Inuwa (Rano), Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar II (Karaye), and Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir (Gaya).
While the other four emirs complied with the directive, the deposed Emir of Kano, who was not in the city, returned and headed for the palace at the Nasarawa area.
On Friday, it was reported that Justice Mohammed Liman of the Federal High Court granted an order filed by the Sarkin Dawaki Babba of the Kano Emirate, Aminu Agundi, stopping the Kano State Government from enforcing the Kano State Emirate Council Repeal Law which dethroned the five emirs in the state.
But the state government ignored the order and went ahead with Sanusi’s reinstatement even as the governor threatened to report the judge to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum for granting the order.
He claimed that the judge granted the order while he was in the United States.
Miffed by Bayero’s return to the mini-palace in Nassarawa, the governor ordered the arrest of the deposed monarch but the police authorities said they would enforce the court order.
Ruling on an exparte application by counsel to the applicants, Ibrahim Isa Wangida, the state high court on Monday restrained the deposed emirs from parading themselves as emirs.
The applicants are the Attorney General of Kano State, the Speaker House of Assembly and the Kano State House of Assembly.
The respondents in the matter are the deposed emirs of Karaye, Gaya, Bichi, Rano, and Kano, the Inspector General of Police; the Director of the Department of State Services, the Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The court document dated May 27, 2024, reads, “That order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th defendants either by themselves, servants, privies, and or any other persons or officers serving under them or acting in connection with any other person from parading themselves as Emirs of Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano and Karaye pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed by the applicants.
“That an order is hereby granted to the extent that the Commissioner of Police Kano State should immediately take the palace of the Emir of Kano situated being and lying at State Road Kano and evict the 1 Defendant/Respondent from the said palace pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice dated 24th May 2024.
“That an order of this honourable court is hereby granted restraining the 1st 2nd 3rd 4th & 5th Defendants from parading themselves as Emirs of Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano and Karaye in the interest of peace in Kano pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
“That an order is hereby made that 1- 5th defendants be through the office of the Commissioner Police, Kano State who is to ensure immediate implementation of the order of the honourable court in the interest of justice.” The court concluded.
Justice Aliyu fixed 11th June 2024 for the hearing of the motion on notice.
Also, the Deputy Governor of the State, Gwarzo, at a press conference at the Government House on Monday, said Tinubu’s intervention was essential as it would save the state from descending into unnecessary chaos.
He stated, “We appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Office of the National Security Adviser and other agencies concerned to investigate the happenings in Kano as it relates to the deposed Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, and take immediate steps to evacuate him from his current residence and remove him from in the state. As it is now, he is constituting a security threat in the state.
He said that the state was renowned for its peace and stability, in spite of its political complexities.
The deputy governor stated explained that Sanusi’s reinstatement as the Emir of Kano had brought jubilations after following due process of the law.
In a related development, the state government has dismissed reports of violent protests in the state.
Commenting on pro-Bayero protests in Kano on Sunday, the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Baba Dantiye, in a statement on Monday, said the protests were embarked upon by some miscreants.
He said, “While the government is aware of isolated incidents in a few areas by a handful of small children and hired miscreants and thugs, these do not in any way reflect the overall situation.
“Those hired unpatriotic individuals were only aiming to destabilise the state for the personal gain and selfish interests of their paymasters. The great majority of Kano State citizens have shown remarkable restraints and understanding of the sincere action of the state government.
“It also behoves to reiterate that the decision by the administration of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf to legally abrogate the emirates and reinstate the 14th Emir of Kano State was made after careful consideration of the best interests of the state. The move has been welcomed by a significant portion of the populace who understands and cherishes the long-term benefits of a unified emirate structure.
He, however, noted that some political actors were manipulating the situation to create chaos and unrest, adding that these elements are using the media to spread false narratives and incite public disorder.
Punch
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has pledged to strengthen Local Government authorities to overcome the challenges of insecurity in the country.
The President stated this on Monday at the National Dialogue on Nigeria’s Security Challenges and Good Governance at the Local Government Level, organised by the House of Representatives in Abuja.
Represented by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, President Tinubu said that it is imperative to confront the challenges of insecurity head-on.
According to the President, the challenges of insecurity have persisted over time, posing a threat to the safety and well-being of the nation.
He said that the scourge of insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality, had undermined collective peace and prosperity.
“We must realise that the Local Government system is not just a matter of administrative convenience. It is a cornerstone of our national security.
“It is in light of the foregoing that our administration is committed to implementing measures aimed at bolstering the local government system.
He said that simply building arms and ammunition does not guarantee peace security and political stability, but true national security lies in eradicating hunger, diseases, poverty and unemployment through sustainable development programs.
According to him, addressing these factors is the key to achieving enduring national security.
“The Local Governments being the closest government to the people are strategically positioned in promoting human security by delivering essential services like health, education, sanitation and social welfare programs directly to communities where they are most needed.
“They are important in ensuring that our communities are safe, prosperous and resilient. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to strengthen our local government system to effectively address these challenges by empowering Local Government authorities with the necessary resources.
“Local Governments are the frontline defenders against insecurity, as they are closest to the people,” he stated.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said that effective governance will bring about meaningful growth.
He believes that every Nigerian should, as a matter of civic responsibility, be interested in the effective functioning of governance and that good governance is no doubt the bedrock of a prosperous society.
He expressed worries that most Local Governments depend on the Federation account for their spending, including payment of staff salaries.
He added that the Local Governments must evolve new and viable ways and sources to generate more revenue into their coffers to augment what is coming from the Federation account through the States.
VON
…we’ll mobilize against insecurity, support your administration – Council Chaiman, Igwe Asadu
The Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has inaugurated the 8th Council of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, charging royal fathers to take charge of the security of their respective communities through partnership with the government across all levels.
This was even as the Chairman of the Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu, the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani Autonomous Community in Nsukka Local Government Area of the state, assured that traditional rulers in the state would key into the administration’s vision, mobilize against insecurity and ensure the success of the government.
Governor Mbah, who inaugurated the council on Monday at the House of Chiefs Chamber of the Enugu State House of Assembly Complex, Enugu, stressed that the functions of the traditional institution go beyond being custodias of culture and tradition to fostering peace and unity as well as serving as the eyes and ears of the government.
“We are also taking this opportunity to remind ourselves that beyond being the custodians of our tradition and culture, you are also the ears and eyes of the government in your various communities so that when we talk about security challenges we are having in communities, we expect to work with you in partnership to address those security challenges,” he said.
The governor further enjoined the royal fathers to work closely with the government and their subjects, serving as agents of positive change in the communication process in a way that their subjects would understand and appreciate the policies and programmes of the government on education, infrastructure, healthcare, security, and their general wellbeing.
Highlighting some of the impactful projects the administration was executing across communities in the state, Governor Mbah explained that the government was taking deliberate steps to ensure that no child of learning age is denied quality education through the 260 smart green schools across the 260 electoral wards, adding that education, training of youths on skills acquisition and human capacity building that the state had already embarked were serving as the greatest weapons against insecurity.
He said the robust programmes of the administration would be difficult to accomplish if traditional rulers continue to live outside their communities since they are the eyes and ears of the government who have roles to play in community development.
While congratulating the new council, the State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Okey Ogbodo explained that the process leading to the selection of the council was based on fidelity, integrity and commitment to the robust development programmes of the government to the people, saying the criteria was in line with section 3(1) of the state traditional rulers law.
Reacting, the Chairman of the council pledged not to disappoint the state as they would continue to ensure the success of the administration.
Igwe Asadu, while describing the governor as an agent of positive change whose landmark achievements cut across communities, said the first state-financed project in the history of their community was instituted by the Mbah administration.
“The governor said he would provide water in Enugu within 180 days, and he made it happen. He talked about roads, you can see it happening everywhere. He talked about smart schools. I’m very honoured that, that was the first time my town received anything from the government,” he further disclosed.