16 sacked Plateau Assembly lawmakers to resume legislative duties
The 16 members of the Plateau House of Assembly, who were ousted by the Court of Appeal in November last year, have announced their intention to resume legislative duties on Tuesday. Briefing newsmen in Jos, the lawmakers, originally elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), revealed that they considered the recent Supreme Court judgment on Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s election as a precedent for their case. The Court of Appeal had nullified their election, citing a lack of party structure within the PDP. This decision also affected federal lawmakers from the state, leading to re-run elections scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for February 3. Interestingly, Governor Mutfwang faced a similar fate but saw his dismissal overturned by the Supreme Court on January 12, highlighting an error in the lower court’s judgment. In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, the ousted legislators asserted that they were merely on recess during this period and, based on the apex court’s decision, claimed their election nullification was in error. The spokesperson for the group, Ishaku Maren, emphasized their democratic legitimacy, asserting that they were duly elected by the majority of votes in their respective constituencies.
Boakai Sworn In As Liberian President
Joseph Boakai has been sworn in Monday as Liberia’s president after his election victory over former football star George Weah, with the challenge of tackling poverty and corruption. The 79-year-old narrowly beat former Ballon d’Or winner Weah in November’s run-off poll with 50.64 percent of the votes to 49.36 percent. The inauguration ceremony in parliament was attended by Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and US ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield. Boakai has 40 years of political experience already behind him. He was vice-president from 2006 to 2018 under Liberia’s first woman president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, before being soundly beaten by Weah in the 2017 election. November’s poll in the West African country was peaceful in a region that has seen a succession of military coups in recent years in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Niger. But the small nation of five million has been plagued with corruption, high levels of poverty and a weak justice system, after years of civil war and an Ebola outbreak. Impunity related to crimes committed during those civil wars is another unresolved issue.
Ten Injured As Explosion Rocks Kaduna Community
Tension gripped Kidandan Village in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State as 10 children sustained injuries in an explosion on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred while the children were playing with an object found in a nearby bush, suspected to be a bomb, leading to a sudden detonation. Disturbing images depict the victims covered in blood, receiving aid from local residents before being urgently transported to Shika Hospital in Zaria for medical attention. The Village Head, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Ruka, confirmed the incident, stating that 10 people were injured but thankfully, there were no reported fatalities. He mentioned ongoing efforts to compile the victims’ names, as the police had visited the community. Councilor Representing Kidandan Ward, Abdullahi Ismail, explained that the children discovered the object while searching for firewood in the bush, resulting in a severe explosion causing significant injuries. A community leader, choosing to remain anonymous, shared the grim details, noting one victim had visible injuries to their intestines, while others suffered broken limbs. The State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, is yet to comment on the incident.
Nasarawa Governor Speaks On Contesting Presidency In 2027
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has confirmed that he has no aspirations beyond his current role after securing a second term following the Supreme Court’s affirmation of his electoral win. The 64-year-old leader expressed satisfaction with the resolution of the election litigation, emphasizing his commitment to his gubernatorial responsibilities. Sule, elected in 2019, assured his rival, David Ombugadu, that he harbours no ambitions for higher political positions. “I came in only to be a governor. I did not come in to be a chairman, a senator or a member of the House of Representatives. I don’t have any dreams for those offices,” he stated. “I have no dream of becoming even president. I have no dreams of that. I can tell you categorically that Abdullahi Sule would not go for Senate after leaving office. By the time I finish my eight years I can do whatever I want to do. “You can take it from me confidently that I have no intention to run for the office of a senator. You can keep this tape and play it one day.” He also expressed his joy that the election litigation is over.
Abba Yusuf Sacks Eight Directors At Internal Revenue Service
In a significant move to enhance its revenue-generating capabilities, the Kano State Government has terminated the services of eight directors from its Internal Revenue Service (KIRS). Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, recently affirmed by the Supreme Court, sanctioned the dismissals in alignment with the government’s ongoing efforts to achieve its objectives. This is according to a KIRS circular signed by Chairman Sani Abdulkadir Dambo. The sacked directors include the Director of Assessment, Muhammad Kabir Umar; Director of Human Resources, Kabiru Magaji; Director of Government Business, Ibrahim Sammani; Aminu Umar Kawu, Director of Road and Other Taxes, and Muhd Auwal Abdullahi, Director of Tax Audit, Investigation and Debt Management. Others affected are Abubakar Garba Yusuf, Director of ICT, Hamisu Ado Magaji, Director of PAYE, and Bashir Yusuf Madobi, Director of Legal and Enforcement.
Comedian AY Bags International Appointment
Renowned stand-up comedian and filmmaker, Ayo Makun, is set to take on a significant role as the Creative Goodwill Ambassador for the African Union Sixth Region Global and Economic Community Africa Sixth Region. Makun shared the exciting news through his Instagram page, emphasizing the importance of the African diaspora, which constitutes the union’s sixth region, encompassing individuals of African heritage residing outside the continent, including African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latin Americans, and Black Canadians. In his post, AY Makun expressed his enthusiasm for championing creative expressions and engaging African youth in discovering their own creative voices on a global scale. He said: “I am happy to announce my appointment as a Creative Goodwill Ambassador for the African Union Sixth Region Global (AU6RG) and Economic Community Africa Sixth Region (ECASR). “The African Union has six regions: North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, and the African diaspora. The African diaspora is the sixth region and is made up of people of African descent living outside of the continent. The diaspora includes African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latin Americans, and Black Canadians. “My appointment as a Creative Goodwill Ambassador is to champion the power of creative expressions and engage the African youth in finding their own creative voice globally.”
New Commander Takes Charge to Tackle Abuja Kidnapping Crisis
Once a rare occurrence in the nation’s capital, Abuja, the incidence of kidnapping and other violent crimes have become rampant in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. Determined to stem the escalating incidence of kidnapping in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has inaugurated the Special Intervention Squad (SIS). This squad, under the leadership of the newly appointed commander, DC Mohammed Sanusi, aims to combat the activities of kidnappers, bandits, and enhance security in the border towns of the FCT. The launch of the SIS comes at a critical time as Abuja and its environs grapple with a surge in insecurity. Recent incidents have seen a rise in abductions and fatalities among civilians in the FCT. ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL INTERVENTION SQUAD IGP Egbetokun, who assumed office in June, declared the establishment of the SIS as a key initiative of his administration. The squad comprises specially trained officers equipped to swiftly respond to security incidents, aligning with the administration’s priority to address violent crime threats across the country. Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi unveiled the new commander, DC Mohammed Sanusi, via X (Twitter), stating, “Behold, the new commander IRT, DC Mohammed Sanusi. His team has arrested many kidnappers and recovered arms and ammunition, many of which were displayed recently. In just two days since the launch of the SIS in Abuja, significant progress has been made. Adejobi reported, “IRT has picked 2 gun runners and 4 suspected kidnappers who terrorize the FCT and neighboring communities. The operations are still ongoing, with details to be provided soon during a media briefing. We count on your support to do more. Thanks.”
Ex-President Koroma, arrives Nigeria under an ECOWAS-brokered deal
Sierra Leone’s former President Ernest Bai Koroma, facing treason charges, has arrived in Nigeria under an ECOWAS-brokered deal, ostensibly labeled as a “medical trip” by the Sierra Leone government. Originally scheduled for January 4th, the departure was delayed as President Julius Maada Bio faced internal opposition, fearing ECOWAS interference. The political unrest in Sierra Leone escalated after the disputed June 2023 presidential election, culminating in an alleged coup attempt on November 26th, attributed to opposition figures, including Koroma. Despite his denial of involvement, Koroma was placed under house arrest, later charged with treason, and taken to court on January 3rd. During the ECOWAS summit in December 2023, President Bio sought mediation, leading to a delegation, including Presidents Nana Akufo-Addo and Macky Sall, intervening in Freetown. President Bio insisted on Koroma’s exile for peace, similar to his asylum granted by the U.S. in 1996. Koroma initially resisted, but ECOWAS persuasion led to an agreement, contingent on dropping charges, retaining entitlements, and Nigeria as the host country. The Sierra Leone government introduced the “medical trip” narrative to save face, masking Bio’s initiation of the plan. Uncertainty looms over ECOWAS considering Bio’s request for a stabilization force. The alleged coup’s trial, involving 15 of Koroma’s bodyguards, gains significance with his exit. Sierra Leone, marked by ethnic division and post-civil war recovery, faces a critical juncture as it navigates these political challenges.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Tuggar calls for Nigeria’s Membership of UN Security Council
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has said there is a need to democratise the United Nations (UN) security council and Nigeria with its population, economic size and strategic role in Africa has earned the right to be part of the UNSC. Ambassador Tuggar made the call while speaking at a panel discussion on the theme “Securing an Insecure World” at the World Economic Forum (WEF), Davos, Switzerland. Tuggar said the values of democracy – such as the rule of law – should be replicated in the world’s highest decision organs. Tuggar said the UN security council, as constituted, is not leaving up to its purpose. “What we have to do is collectively practice what we preach. The values that we uphold – democracy, rule of law – need to be practised, and we need to see them being practised in the very decision-making bodies or entities for the planet,” the minister said. “So, to begin with, the UN Security Council needs to be democratized. Clearly, it is not fit for purpose. “We should do away with the veto powers on the UN Security Council; clearly, it’s clumsy and not working. Again, when you look at the global security architecture, it is impacted by such undemocratic entities that influence decisions. “We have a situation where, in the past, during the bipolar world, there was neutral ground for diplomats to engage, allowing diplomacy to resolve issues, preempt conflicts, and diffuse them. Unfortunately, we don’t have that anymore. “We are increasingly seeing a situation where diplomats and diplomacy are taking the backseat, and disagreements are being securitized.” Tuggar expressed dismay that security chiefs and defence policymakers are taking the front seat in world security issues. “Of course, for the guy with the hammer, everything is a nail,” he said. Other speakers on the panel with Mr. Tuggar were, the Secretary of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen, Senator from Delaware United States Christopher A. Coons, President, World Economic Forum Børge Brende, and Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Federal Foreign Office of Germany Annalena Baerbock Discussions at the parley dwelled on persistent conflicts, the intensifying climate crises, the fragile global economies and the potential risks of new technologies that were creating a complex global security environment. The forum provided an opportunity for the participants to interrogate what the true state of global collective security looked like today and how leaders can strengthen it for the future.
Abuja Kidnappers: We Have Arrested Informants– Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that informants working for the kidnappers in the nation’s capital have been apprehended. The Minister shared the news during a town hall meeting with stakeholders and residents in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT on Friday. According to him, the end has come for kidnappers, bandits and their informants in the FCT. Wike said, “The President has asked me to assure you that he will not abandon you. So, all these criminals, be ready. Your time is up. If I say I will do something, I will do it. And now that I am here today, if you know you are an informant or even one of the criminals, the end has come for you. Security agencies and I will follow up so you won’t enter Gwagwalada again. “Some of the people giving them information, we have arrested them. If they haven’t arrested you, it doesn’t mean we won’t arrest you tomorrow or even before we leave this place.” The development is coming amidst the upsurge of kidnapping and insecurity, which has been plaguing communities in the FCT. Tension has gripped most communities after kidnappers killed three of 10 abducted victims over the delay in the payment of over N700 million ransom.