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  • Ondo Govt. reacts to judgment nullifying 33 LCDAs

     

    Ondo Govt. reacts to judgment nullifying 33 LCDAs

    Judgment

    By Segun Giwa

    Akure,June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Ondo State Government says necessary legal action will be taken on the judgment nullifying the creation of the 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

    The government’s reaction is contained in a statement by the Attorney General of Ondo State, Mr Kayode Ajulo SAN, made available to  newsmen on Friday in Akure.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice A.O Adebusuoye, of the state High Court had in a judgment on Thursday described the creation of the LCDAs as unlawful.

    The court said it was illegal for a governor to sign a law outside the State.

    The court said that the Local Government Creation Law 2023 signed by the late Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu in Ibadan was unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.

    The statement said the government has taken cognizance of Ondo State High Court’s judgment and had requested for a Certified True Copy of it.

    Ajulo said after it was studied and analysed, a legal opinion would be presented to the state government.

    “Subsequently, all necessary measures, in accordance with our laws, will be taken to safeguard the interests of our citizens, foster peaceful coexistence, and uphold the rule of law.

    “The Attorney General remains steadfast in his commitment to prioritizing the well-being and welfare of our citizens, working tirelessly to ensure that justice and the law are served,” the statement said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/AOS

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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

    07037659369

     

  • Wild Africa unveils ‘Music for Wildlife’ on Trace

     

    Wildlife

    By Fabian Ekeruche
    Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The  Wild Africa has launched ‘Music for Wildlife’ with OASISONE, a dynamic concert series, bringing African artistes together to protect the continent’s iconic wildlife.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Festus Iyorah, Wild Africa Representative in Nigeria.

    Iyorah said the premium live concert on-demand content and live experiences network would be on Trace’s TV broadcast channels and streaming platform.

    He said for viewers in Nigeria, the shows could be found on Trace Naija, channel 325 on DSTV.

    Iyorah said the show is produced by Wild Africa, a non-profit organisation  to inspire the protection of Africa’s wildlife and wild spaces, and with OAS1SONE.

    “Music for Wildlife’ now sees Africa’s creative talent and natural heritage celebrated globally, reaching more than 350 million people.

    “Music for Wildlife’s engaging blend of studio sessions, interviews and captivating wildlife content will reach viewers in 180+ countries, across 28 localised Trace TV channels and Trace+ global streaming platform.

    “These performances will air across Trace’s television and streaming platform from the 21st of June onwards aligned with Trace’s 21st Anniversary.

    “Through the intimate concert series, audiences will meet Africa’s finest musicians, including chart-topping stars such as Musa Keys, CKay, Focalistic, and a multitude of other stars and the latest emerging talent, as they tell the story of their music, lives, careers and inspirations, and express their passion for endangered species.

    “Each concert also includes special features from African and international stars from music entertainment, sports, comedy, television, and film like Davido, 2Baba, Jacky Chan, Boity, Alex Iwobi, Stonebwoy, Emmanuella, Yao Ming, Sir Richard Branson, Morgan Heritage, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Stephanie Linus, Djimon Hounsou, and many others,” he said.

    He added that the concert would  feature over 150 musicians from across the continent.

    According to him, Music for Wildlife harnesses the emotive power of music to raise awareness and inspire action for wildlife protection.

    He noted that Africa which is home to a quarter of the world’s biodiversity, faces enormous challenges – from poaching to habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade to climate change and human-wildlife conflict.

    Quoting World Wildlife Fund Living Planet Report, Iyorah said that Wildlife populations had plunged by 66 per cent in the last 50 years.

    “Once home to rhinos, giraffes, and cheetahs, Nigeria faces rapid biodiversity loss rates. With just 50 West African lions, about 100 Cross River gorillas, and a couple hundred elephants, many species stand on the brink.

    “According to the UN, the country also has the highest rate of deforestation in the world, losing 3.7 per cent of vitally important forest each year, and has emerged as an export hub for the illegal trade in pangolin scales and ivory.

    “But Africa is not staying silent. From Johannesburg to Lagos, Accra to Windhoek, artistes raise their voices, speak out against the threats facing wildlife, and inspire their audiences to connect with their wild spaces in national parks.

    “Nigeria’s musicians, 2Baba, Ckay, Laycon, and more, are especially vocal and are working with Wild Africa as part of a wider campaign beyond Music for Wildlife.

    “They are taking a stand against illegal bushmeat, deforestation, the illegal wildlife trade and promoting wildlife tourism. And it’s having an impact,” Iyorah said.

    He said that a recent survey of 1,000 Nigerians conducted by Lagos-based Market Surveys International found that 88 per cent are aware of Wild Africa’s campaign.

    He said that 97 per cent of people aged 10-17 report that they remember the campaign.

    He added that 86 per cent said they would no longer kill or consume because of learnings from the campaign, and 31 per cent said they have stopped consuming bushmeat due to the campaign.

    He noted that such testimonies of impact underscores the aim of partnership between artists Trace, OASISONE, and Wild Africa.

    Iyorah quoted Olivier Laouchez, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of the Trace Group, as saying that the company is proud to open its global network to host the Music for Wildlife shows.

    Laouchez said that it perfectly aligned with its values and initiatives.
    “Trace partners with one of the leading conservation communications organisations in the world, to collectively lend their voices for Africa’s future, for its wildlife conservation.
    “We are thrilled to be part of this game-changing partnership, both for the massive audience reach in protecting Africa’s wildlife:
    “But also the unprecedented push this will achieve for Africa’s amazing artistes and music, to audiences of millions around the globe,” says Jandre Louw, Founder and CEO of OAS1SONE.

    Also, Mr Peter Knights, Wild Africa Chief Executive Officer, said they were excited to partner with Trace in the launch of Music for Wildlife across their varied and far-reaching channels.
    “This collaboration allows us to leverage the power of music to connect with a continent-wide and even global audience, turning up the volume on the issues that affect not only wildlife but the natural foundation on which human life depends,” Knights said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FBO/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Nigeria’s debt stock hits N121trn – DMO

    Nigeria’s debt stock hits N121trn – DMO

    Director-General of the DMO, Patience Oniha

     

     

     

    Debt

    By Kadiri Abdulrahman

    Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Debt Management Office (DMO) says Nigeria’s total public debt stock hit N121.67 trillion (91.46 billion dollars) in March.

    The Director-General of the DMO, Patience Oniha, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    Oniha said that the debt stock comprised the total external and domestic debts of the Federal Government, the 36 state governments, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    According to her, the total domestic debt, as at March, was N65.65 trillion (46.29 dollars), while the total external debt was N56.02 trillion (42.12 billion dollars).

    She said that the comparative figure of the total debt stock for December 2023 was N97.34 trillion (108.23 billion dollars).

    She said that the increase in the total debt stock was informed by growth in the domestic component of the debt to bridge deficit in the 2024 budget, and instability in the foreign exchange market during the first quarter.

    “Excluding Naira exchange rate movements in the first quarter of 2024, only the domestic debt component of the total debt stock grew from N59.12 trillion on Dec. 31, 2023 to N65.75 trillion on March 31.

    “The increase was from new borrowing to part-finance the 2024 budget deficit and securitisation of a portion of the N7 3 trillion Ways and Means advances at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),” she said.

    She said that improvement in government revenue would go a long way in ensuring debt sustainability, while borrowing, as provided in the 2024 budget would continue.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    KAE/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

     

  • Global foreign investment declines as geopolitical tensions rise – UNCTAD

    Global foreign investment declines as geopolitical tensions rise – UNCTAD

    Investment

    By Cecilia Ologunagba

    New York, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The UN Trade and Development Organisation (UNCTAD) has said that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) fell by two per cent to 1.3 trillion dollars in 2023 amid global economic slowdown and rising geopolitical tensions.

    UNCTAD said this in a statement released on Thursday.

    The organisation’s 2024 World Investment Report highlighted that insufficient funding is hindering efforts to achieve its 2030 for Sustainable Development agenda, underscoring the urgent need for policies to bolster finance.

    “Investment is not just about capital flows; it is about human potential, environmental stewardship and the enduring pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable world,” Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, said.

    The report notes that the decline in FDI exceeds 10 per cent, when excluding the large swings in investment flows in a few European conduit economies, with developing countries the most affected.

    According  to UNCTAD, the decrease was primarily due to rising geopolitical tensions and concerns over “greenwashing,” a marketing practice to make things seem more environmentally friendly than they actually are.

    “Foreign direct investment is crucial for funding infrastructure and public services such as power and renewable energy. However, tight financing conditions in 2023 led to a 26 per cent drop in the number of FDI deals.

    “This drop triggered a ten per cent decrease in investment in sectors linked to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably in agrifood systems, water and sanitation.

    “These sectors registered fewer internationally financed projects in 2023 than in 2015, when all countries signed up to the Goals to be achieved by 2030,” said the report.

    The report further revealed that developing countries were hit the hardest.

    It said these countries registered only marginal growth in sustainable bonds last year and a 60 per cent drop in financing for funds to support them.

    “FDI flows to developing countries fell by seven per cent to 867 billion dollars last year, but the decrease varied across regions.

    “Developing economies in Asia, home to 60 per cent of the world’s megaprojects, recorded a significant increase in greenfield FDIs – investments where a company establishes new operations or expands its existing facilities in a foreign country.

    “These investments registered a 44 per cent rise in the overall value, and a 22 per cent increase in the number of such announcements,” it said.

    However, the report stated that overall foreign investment flow to Asia receded, falling from about 678 billion dollars in 2022 to 621 billion dollars in 2023.

    “Nevertheless, the continent, led by East and Southeast Asia, continued to be the world’s largest recipient of FDI, accounting for nearly half of global inflows.

    “China and its Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) continue to be the largest investors in the region by total FDI stock, followed by the United States, Japan and Singapore,” said the report. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    CIA/SA

    Edited by Salif Atojoko

    ================

  • WHO announces global resurgence of cholera

    WHO announces global resurgence of cholera

    Cholera
    By Cecilia Ologunagba

    New York, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The UN World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced a spike in cholera in several regions of the world, with almost 195,000 cases and over 1,900 deaths reported in 24 countries since the start of this year.

    The agency’s Eastern Mediterranean Region reported the highest number of cases, followed by the African Region, the Region of the Americas, the Southeast Asia Region, and the European Region.

    WHO, in a statement on Thursday, stated that there are no reported cases in the Western Region, according to its bulletin released on Wednesday.

    The UN health agency said it exhausted its global stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) by March but was able to exceed “the emergency target of five million doses in early June for the first time in 2024.”

    Yet, the supply of the vaccine does not equate to its demand.

    WHO reported that since January last year, 16 countries requested 92 million doses of OCV – almost double the 49 million produced during that time.

    WHO, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners are working together to use resources to find long-term solutions for cholera.

    On the positive side of health news, WHO announced on Thursday that Chad successfully eradicated “sleeping sickness” as a public health problem.

    The agency applauded the Government and people of Chad for eradicating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis, (also known as sleeping sickness).

    “I congratulate the government and the people of Chad for this achievement.

    “It is great to see Chad join the growing group of countries that have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease (NTD),” Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said.

    In eliminating the disease, Chad joining some 50 others globally that have succeeded in this endeavour.

    “The 100-country target is nearer and within reach,” Ghebreyesus, added, referring to the target set out in the road map for address neglected tropical diseases by 2030.

    Sleeping sickness can cause flu-like symptoms initially but eventually causing behaviour change, confusion, sleep cycle disturbances or even coma, often leading to death.

    Improved access to early diagnosis and treatment, as well as surveillance and response has proven that countries can control and eventually eliminate transmission. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CIA/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • UN chief underscores transformative power of digital technologies

     

    UN chief underscores transformative power of digital technologies

     

    Cyberspace

    By Cecilia Ologunagba

    New York, June 21, 2024 (NAN) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday highlighted the dual-edged nature of cyberspace, stressing its potential for both immense benefits and significant risks when misused.

    Guterres underscored the transformative power of digital technologies at a Security Council high-level debate on evolving threats in cyberspace, convened by the Republic of Korea, Council President for June.

    “Breakthroughs in digital technologies are happening at warp speed; digital advances are revolutionising economies and societies

    “They are bringing people together, providing citizens with access to government services and institutions and supercharging economies, trade and financial inclusion,” he said.

    He, however, cautioned that the seamless and instant connectivity that fuels these benefits also makes people, institutions and countries vulnerable.

    “The perils of weaponising digital technologies are growing by the year,” he warned.

    “Malicious activity in cyberspace is on the rise by both State and non-State actors and by outright criminals.”

    The UN chief warned that malicious cyber activities are on the rise, with serious cybersecurity incidents becoming “disturbingly common”.

    Essential public services such as healthcare, banking and telecommunications are frequently breached, and criminal organizations and “cyber mercenaries” engage in relentless illicit activities.

    Additionally, a “legion of hate merchants” is spreading fear and division online.

    “So called civilian ‘hacktivists’ are entering the fray, and in many cases are blurring the line between combatants and civilians,” he said.

    The integration of digital tools with weapon systems, including autonomous systems, presents new vulnerabilities, Guterres said.

    The misuse of digital technology is becoming more sophisticated and stealthier, with proliferation of malware software. The threat is further amplified by artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled cyber operations.

    “Ransomware is one grievous example,” the UN chief underscored, “a huge threat to public and private institutions and the critical infrastructure people depend on.”

    In 2023, total ransomware payments reached $1.1 billion.

    Beyond financial costs, malicious cyber activities undermine public institutions, electoral processes and online integrity, eroding trust, fuelling tensions and sowing the seeds of violence and conflict, he added.

    Despite the threats, Guterres emphasised the “incredible opportunity” digital technology offers to create a more just, equal, sustainable and peaceful future.

    He called for breakthroughs to be oriented toward the common good, highlighting his proposed New Agenda for Peace that places prevention at the core of all peace efforts.

    “It calls for developing strong frameworks in line with international law, human rights and the UN Charter and focused efforts by all States to prevent the extension and escalation of conflicts within and through cyberspace,” he said.

    “As reflected in the New Vision for the Rule of Law, the rule of law must exist in the digital sphere as it does in the physical world.”

    The secretary-general, however, welcomed the General Assembly’s commitment to action, including its dedicated working group on information and communication technologies (ICT) security.

    He also urged the Security Council to integrate cyber-related considerations into its workstreams and resolutions, underscoring that many issues it addresses, such as the protection of civilians, peace operations, counterterrorism and humanitarian operations, are affected by cyberspace.

    “Integrating this issue into your deliberations would be a useful way to lay the groundwork for more effective responses to this important question,” he said.

    Guterres further stressed the importance of the upcoming Summit of the Future, in September.

    “The pact that will emerge from the summit represents a pivotal chance to support the maintenance of international peace and security in cyberspace,” he said.

    Among other actions, it aims to safeguard critical infrastructure against harmful ICT practices and create enhanced accountability for data-driven technology, including AI.

    “I look forward to working with this Council, the General Assembly and all Member States to ensure that technology is focused where it belongs: on the progress and security of all people and the planet we share,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CIA/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • PCC resolves 5,000 cases in Borno

    PCC resolves 5,000 cases in Borno 

    PCC

    By Yakubu Uba 

    Maiduguri, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Public Complaints Commission (PCC), says it has resolved about 5,000 complaints in Borno in the past three years.

    Its commissioner in Borno, Alhaji Yusuf Adamu, made this known in Maiduguri on Thursday at a town hall meeting of stakeholders on ‘Systemic and Proactive Investigation into Compliance of Private Employers to Pension Reforms’.

    Adamu said that most cases bordered on administrative injustices and pension, hence the need for such a forum with stakeholders, particularly those saddled with managing pensions, on how to address pension issues.

    Adamu lauded the Borno Government on its commitment to pension matters, citing the recent release of over N2b grant by the government to address the issue.

    He urged other states to emulate that.

    The commissioner, who spoke on new pension reforms, urged the private sector to ensure compliance by paying their workers’ pension as directed by the Pension Reform Act 2014.

    In his speech, the Director (Investigation), of the PCC in Borno, Mr Salisu Mohammed, said the meeting with the stakeholders would focus on concerns and challenges experienced by pensioners and other stakeholders. 

    “We shall identify systemic issues and potential areas of improvement. 

    “We shall also provide guidance and clarification on pension-related matters, collect feedback and recommendations for improving pension administration,” Mohammed said.

    Speaking on behalf of pension fund administrators, the Business Manager of the Borno branch of Trustfund Pension, Mr Abubakar Jibrin, said that some of the delays in processing pensions were caused by incomplete documentation. 

    Jibrin also spoke on the need to reduce the long period, usually lasting up to about 18 months, to process a retiree’s pension in Nigeria. (NAN)

    YMU/ETS 

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  • Appreciate sacrifices by security agencies, Gov. AbdulRazaq urges

    Security

    By Olubukola Aiyedogbon

    Igbaja (Kwara), June 20, 2024 (NAN) Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara on Thursday in Igbaja called for more appreciation of  sacrifices of all security agencies, especially the Nigerian Army.

    The governor said this at the commissioning of a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Centre, a special intervention project of the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lt.-Gen. T. A. Lagbaja.

    He commended the Federal Government and the Chief of Army Staff for establishing the CBT centre, saying it would aid skills acquisition and boost the socio-economic growth of the area.

    “This computer centre means a lot for the socio-economic growth of this community. Not only does it nudge members of the community towards acquisition of necessary skills for this age, it opens up new frontiers of socio-economic benefits for Igbaja and communities around it.

    “I am also fascinated by the spirit behind this project. It is timely and necessary. The need for better military-civil relations cannot be over-emphasised.

    “Recent developments in our country suggest the need to deepen citizens’ appreciation of sacrifices that our security forces make to keep us safe, stabilise the fabric of our society, and ward off every threat against the Nigerian state.

    “Over the last two decades, the military has played very important roles to support civilian authorities at all times, including at a time when our country came under intense pressure from hostile non-state actors,”  the governor said.

    AbdulRazaq urged Nigerians to appreciate and honour the security forces deployed in internal operations and during emergencies, and cease all attacks on them.

    Earlier, the CoAS had said the project’s execution further affirmed the transformational drive of the Nigerian Army towards achieving its constitutional responsibility through a non-kinetic line of operations.

    The Army chief, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Obinna Onubogu, thanked the governor and  people of the state for their continued support for operations of the Nigerian Army.

    “The Nigerian Army has received tremendous support from your government. It is also gladdening to note that we have enjoyed cordial working relationships with you over the years.

    “Your support has contributed immensely to our operational success within the state and the entire North-Central region,” Lagbaja said.

    Maj.-Gen. Adelokun Eyitayo, a serving military officer and native of Igbaja land, thanked the CoAS for his approval of the project and his unwavering support for its delivery.

    He also appreciated the governor for directing the purchase and supply of his three books for use by students of public secondary schools in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was executed by Eyitayo who also launched three books.

    The books are titled “Life of Prince Daud and Spirituality”, “Tears for Suni and Titi” and “The Boy on the Highland’.

    The commissioning was also attended by the Elese of Igbajaland, Oba Ahmed Awuni, the Arepo III, amongst several others.(NAN)

    OJB/CHOM/OLAL

    ===============

    (Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Olawale Alabi)

     

  • Abuse: Stakeholders seek forensic interview protocol

    Abuse: Stakeholders seek forensic interview protocol

     

    Forensic

     

    By Joan Odafe (08035789896)

    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Stakeholders in law enforcement and criminal justice for child sexual abuse survivors have called for the adoption of the Child Forensic Interview Protocol to ensure that justice is served.

    The stakeholders, including the Lagos State Government (LASG), the Police and non-governmental organisations, made the call at a workshop on Thursday in Lagos.

    The workshop was tagged “3rd Installment of the Consultative Workshop for the Development and Implementation of a Child Abuse Investigation and Interview Protocol”.

    Mrs Bisi Ajayi-Kayode, Chief Operations Officer of an NGO, CeceYara, said the numbers of child sexual abuses were staggering, as one out of every four girls and one in eight boys was abused before they turned 18 years.

    “Forensic Interview is a structured conversation to elicit evidential information from the child in an age-appropriate and developmental manner,” she said.

    Ajayi-Kayode noted that child sexual abuses were not easily detected because of challenges, which included

    poor interviewing skills, delays in disclosure and reporting and lack of physical and supportive evidence.

    Others are crude, duplicative and fragmented ways of questioning children; use of legal, verbose language that could scare or confuse children; pleas of not guilty and appeals more common than in other offences.

    On his part, the Lagos State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, said forensic interview was a cornerstone in the quest to deliver justice, particularly in cases involving children.

    “It will also guide justice for all and exonerate the innocent,” he said.

    Pedro urged all stakeholders to be committed to the process.

    Also, Ladi Ajomale, Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Petition, and Human Rights at the Lagos State House of Assembly, said child protection was a responsibility and a moral obligation of society.

    Ajomale, who was represented by Mrs Titilola Vivor-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), said the protocol would strengthen the multi-disciplinary, critical in preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence.

    “The child forensic interview is a game changer in ensuring successful prosecution of these heinous crimes.

    “This form of interview enhances the child’s ability to communicate, lessening the traumatisation that can occur during controversial questioning methods,” he said.

    Also, Mrs Oyindamola James-Ododo, a Forensic Interviewer, recommended that the interview be done immediately after the abuse occurred to avoid the evidence being contaminated with threats or lack of adequate information.

    Mrs Aderonke Oyelakin, State Coordinator, Child Protection Network, however, cautioned against retraumatisating the victim through repeated interrogations.

    “It is important that once a child says his or her story once, that child shouldn’t be subjected to go through the process again,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    JOJO/KTO/VIV
    ==================

    Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Vivian Ihechu

  • Kano Govt orders Police to eject Bayero from Nasarawa palace

    Kano Govt orders Police to eject Bayero from Nasarawa palace

    Removal

    By Muhammad Nur Tijani

    Kano, June 20, 2024(NAN)The Kano State Government has directed the Commissioner of Police to eject the 15th Emir of  Kano, Aminu Bayero, from the Nasarawa Palace where he currently resides.

    Governor Abba Yusuf gave the directive via the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi.

    Dederi, while conveying the directive at a news conference on Thursday in Kano, explained that the government had finalised plans for a general renovation of the palace.

    According to him, the state government has concluded plans for immediate demolition and reconstruction of its dilapidated wall.

    Dederi acknowledged the ruling by the Federal High Court regarding the Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law, 2024 and viewed same as upholding the rule of law.

    “The ruling of the court has unequivocally reaffirmed the validity of the law passed by Kano State House of Assembly and assented to, by the Governor on May 2024.

    “This part of the judgement is very fundamental to the entire matter. Further implication of the ruling is that all actions taken by the government before the emergence of the interim order of the Court, are equally validated.

    “This means that abolishing the five emirates created in 2019 is validated and the deposition of the five emirs is also sustained by the Federal High Court.

    “By implication, this means that Muhammadu Sanusi II remains the Emir of Kano. The judge also granted our application for the stay of proceedings until the Court of Appeal deals with the appeal on jurisdiction.

    “Happily, the signing of the law and the reinstatement of Sanusi II were done on 23 May, 2024 before the emergence of the Interim Order, which was served on us on 27 May, 2024.

    “Following this ruling, Kano State Government has directed the State Commissioner of Police to eject the deposed Emir of the eight metropolitan local governments from the government property where he is ‘trespassing’.

    “The government will commence general renovation of the property with immediate effect,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the Federal High Court, while ruling on the substantive suit, validated the Kano Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024, and also nullified all actions taken by Gov. Yusuf after the passage of the law.

    NAN reports that the State House of Assembly, on May 23, dissolved the four Emirate Councils created out of the Kano Emirate by Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, Gov Yusuf’s predecessor, in 2019.

    NAN also reports that Gov Yusuf, on May 23, dethroned the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, and reappointed Muhammad Sanusi II, the 14th Emir deposed in March 2020, as the new Emir of Kano.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

    MNT/OJI/ETS

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    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Ephraims Sheyin