Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has unequivocally refuted claims of entering into any agreement with the presidency ahead of the Supreme Court verdict on the Kano Election Petition, where he emerged victorious on January 12, 2024.

In a statement released by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, a circulating document on social media alleging a four-term agreement between the Governor and the presidency was dismissed as an “imaginary piece devoid of all iota of truth.”

Dawakin Tofa emphasized in the statement that the purported agreement, including claims of Governor Yusuf switching to the ruling APC, dissolving emirates, halting demolition of illegal structures, and establishing the Kano Elders Council, should be disregarded.

Governor Yusuf, through his spokesperson, made it clear that the mandate bestowed upon him by the people of Kano, certified by the Supreme Court judgment, would not be influenced by any political opportunists. The statement asserted that political decisions in Kano would adhere to the rule of law and executive powers vested in the office of the Executive Governor.

The statement further clarified the establishment of the Kano Elders Council as a personal initiative by the Governor aimed at addressing socio-economic and political challenges, emphasizing that the Governor was not pressured to form the council.

The statement reads, “Governor Yusuf did not enter any agreement or condition with anybody before the Supreme Court Judgment. I, therefore, urge the public to dismiss the fallacy being orchestrated by enemies of progress.”

Expressing appreciation, Governor Yusuf commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allowing a level playing ground and not interfering with the judicial process. The Governor described the President as a true democrat who upheld fairness and neutrality, contributing to the enduring atmosphere of peace and stability in Kano.

The statement concluded by affirming that Governor Yusuf had no prior agreement with the President, emphasizing that discussions during their meetings focused on the development of Kano State.

In the aftermath of the tragic explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde voiced his disappointment with former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for not extending condolences or reaching out amidst the disaster. The governor expressed these sentiments while hosting Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last general election.

Governor Makinde commended both President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peter Obi for expressing sympathy and solidarity with the people of Oyo State. However, he pointedly remarked that Atiku Abubakar, the PDP candidate, had not offered any form of communication despite being in the same political party.

“I should use this opportunity on behalf of the good people of Oyo State to thank His Excellency, Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra state and also the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election,” Makinde stated. “I thank you because politics didn’t seep into this; you came to commiserate with us over the explosion.”

While expressing gratitude for the swift response to the explosion, Governor Makinde emphasized the need to separate politics from governance, underscoring that addressing human issues transcends political affiliations.

Peter Obi, in response, conveyed condolences to Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State, acknowledging the tragic loss caused by the explosion. He lauded Makinde for his prompt and effective response, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and commending responsive governance.

Obi also highlighted the necessity of reducing the cost of governance, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing critical areas such as education, health, and poverty alleviation. “It’s a matter of sacrifice; elections are over, governance is the key thing,” Obi asserted, advocating for a focus on essential sectors to effectively utilize resources.

As the investigation into the explosion continues, both leaders underscored the significance of collaboration and unity in addressing the challenges faced by the community and the nation at large.

Joint troops, comprising the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigerian Police, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, have successfully cleared several camps belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) along Umulolo-Umukele-Amousu and Agbobu in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.

Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, Acting Deputy Director, 82 Division Army Public Relations, revealed that despite encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the troops stormed and destroyed the hideouts of the terrorist groups. The operations also involved cordon-and-search activities in buildings used by the terrorists.

During the search, disturbing signs of the group’s activities, including occultic practices and acts of cannibalism, were discovered. The troops successfully destroyed the IED-making factory of the terrorists, recovered rank badges of two kidnapped policemen, and found various items such as Biafran currencies, fake US Dollar bills, Biafran Liberation Army T-shirts, military kit bags, cables used for IED detonation, and axes.

Unuakhalu mentioned the arrest of two suspects and the discovery of burnt policemen corpses for proper burial. In Owerri metropolis, troops on a night patrol thwarted a kidnapping attempt by suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists, engaging them in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon the victim. The troops recovered weapons and the vehicle used by the criminals.

Addressing civil-military relations, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, visited Isiuzo-Amufu community in Enugu State. He emphasized the need for community cooperation and assistance to end insecurity, herders and farmers clash, and youth restiveness in the region.

The GOC expressed commitment to collaboration with other security agencies and urged the people of the South-East to provide timely and credible information through the Emergency Line ‘193’. He assured continuous efforts to protect lives and property within the constitutional roles of the Nigerian Army.

The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, expresses deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Plateau State and is set to meet with President Bola Tinubu to discuss measures aimed at securing lives and property.

Condemning the recurring attacks in Plateau State, Speaker Abbas deems them unacceptable and calls for renewed efforts in the fight against criminality in the region. The recent attacks in Mangu, resulting in numerous casualties, prompted the Plateau State Government to impose a 24-hour curfew in the affected area.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Speaker Abbas pledges to take a strong position when the House resumes from the Christmas and New Year break on Tuesday, next week. He emphasizes that the House will initiate plans for a security summit to address the persistent security challenges not only in the North but also in other parts of the country.

“I am deeply saddened by the continuous killings in Plateau State. It is unfortunate and disheartening that this is happening at this time when efforts are on to tackle insecurity around the country,” the Speaker states in the release.

Appealing for peace among the people of Plateau State, Speaker Abbas urges unity to confront shared challenges rather than resorting to violence. He calls upon the various security agencies to take decisive action to arrest the alarming situation in Plateau and underscores the need for collective efforts to build a more secure and harmonious society.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging the Audience Measurement System to strategically position the broadcasting industry as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and innovation.

Receiving the interim report of the Audience Measurement Task Team in Abuja, the Minister emphasized the importance of using data on audience behavior, preferences, and engagement patterns to create a conducive environment for economic activities within the media sector.

Idris highlighted the outdated nature of the current Audience Measurement in the country, which relies on the age-old Diary Method, hindering the growth of the entire Entertainment and Media ecosystem. He expressed optimism that the scientifically based Audience Measurement System would provide accurate data, enabling better decision-making in the industry.

The Minister noted the underperformance of the broadcast advertising market in Nigeria despite its large population and stated, “if properly harnessed using accurate data mined through the Audience Measurement System, advertising marketing revenue can boost the nation’s GDP.”

He emphasized the potential of the system to empower broadcasters and content producers, providing valuable insights into audience viewing habits, content preferences, and engagement patterns. Idris commended the thoroughness of the Task Team and the Service Provider and pledged to engage critical stakeholders for the successful implementation of the system.

The Chairman of the Task Team, Alhaji Garba Bello Kankarofi, highlighted that the initiative to implement a scientifically based audience measurement system began in 2020, incorporating stakeholder opinions. The Chairman of the service provider, Mr. Rotimi Pedro, assured the credibility of the findings, mentioning the engagement of an independent company for an establishment survey of 60,000 people based on global best practices.

The Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented estate agent Godfrey Oscar Opara before a Federal High Court on Wednesday. He faces charges of swindling Mr. Ibim Simeon Dakubo of N25.4 million, proceeds from a property sale.

Presided over by Justice P.I. Ajoku, the court arraigned Opara on four counts related to obtaining money by false pretense, a violation of Section 1(1) (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

The defendant also faced charges of attempting to swindle Mr. Ibim Simeon Dakubo of N16,200,000 by falsely claiming ownership of two plots of land that belonged to another person. This action is deemed an offense under Section 1(1)(b) of the same Act and punishable under Section 1(3).

According to a statement by Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Opara sold a property he was entrusted to sell as an agent but failed to remit the proceeds to the owner or return the property.

Following Wednesday’s hearing, Justice Ajoku granted the defendant bail at N1 million, with two sureties in similar sums. The sureties, stipulated to be public servants with the River State Government or the Federal Government of Nigeria, must not be below grade level 12. They are required to deposit two recent passport photographs with the court registry, be residents in Port Harcourt, and possess a landed property with a Certificate of Occupancy.

Additionally, the sureties must provide a letter of evidence from their respective offices. Justice Ajoku remanded the defendant in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service until all bail conditions are met. The trial is set to commence on May 6, 2024. Earlier, the prosecution counsel, M. Abubakar, requested a new trial date, while the defense counsel, Okey Ehogwo, sought bail for the accused.