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Ado Bayero Mall reopens after Kano fire incident

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Following a fire outbreak on June 19, Ado Bayero Mall has announced the complete restoration of its operations, with tenants resuming their business activities without interruption.

In a statement signed by Ike Okeke, on behalf of the mall’s management Thursday, it was clarified that the fire primarily affected the B wing of the mall, causing minimal damage that did not hinder the overall functioning of the mall.

“Currently, we are conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire to prevent any future occurrences. We are also working closely with all tenants and relevant authorities to ensure the affected areas meet stringent safety standards,” the statement said.

The statement further emphasised that the mall maintains a rigorous preventive disaster management protocol, including regular fire drills in collaboration with both the Federal and Kano State Fire Service Departments.

“This protocol ensures effective management of such events, facilitating a swift response from our teams in containing the incident.

“We remain dedicated to the safety of our patrons, staff, and assets. We are committed to minimizing any potential long-term impact and are strengthening measures to prevent a recurrence of this unfortunate incident,” the statement added.

On Wednesday, a sudden midday fire outbreak ravaged a section of the Ado Bayero Mall, formally occupied by Game Stores, on Zoo Road in Kano.

The lease manager of the mall, Elizabeth Adeyemo, confirmed the outbreak to According Online.

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ASUU threatens strike over unreviewed salaries, others

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The Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities has decried the non-review of members’ salaries after the last exercise that took place 15 years ago.

Speaking at a press conference in Benin on Wednesday, June 19, the coordinator, Benin Zone of ASUU, Prof. Monday Igbafen, said the government at all levels has been reviewing other workers’ salaries while leaving the lecturers salaries the same since when the value of naira to a dollar was N120.

He said, “University teachers in Nigeria have been on the same salary regime since 2009 when the value of naira to a dollar was N120, and salaries in other sectors have been reviewed twice or more.

“It is better imagined that what a Professor earns in today’s Nigeria is about $400 per month which is a scandalous undervaluation of scholars.

“To continue to remain on the same salary regime for 15 years without review is not only wicked and inhuman but also an invitation to resistance/industrial disharmony,” Igbafen said.

Listing the union’s demands, which, he said the Federal Government has refused to meet, Igbafen, explained that they have been pushed to the wall, and may likely embark on industrial action.

“Having been irked by the obvious lack of sincerity on the part of federal and state governments to address the issues which have worsened the living and working conditions of academic staff in the public universities, it is sad to note that barely a month after we engage with the press in DELSU, there is refusal and/or total neglect of our union’s demands and ultimatum by the government.

“This disposition of government is certainly not a good recipe for the impending paralysis in Nigeria’s public universities.

“It is imperative to point out that the nagging issues between the government and our union in reference revolve around the abysmal failure by the government to satisfactorily implement the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement.”

The resulting issues, Igbafen continued, “have been the source of the seemingly unending confrontation between us as a union and the government.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the issues include the stalled renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement; funding for the revitalization of public universities based on the FGN-ASUU MoU of 2021, 2013, and the MoA of 2017; the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils in federal and state universities; withheld salaries in federal and state universities; unpaid salaries of staff on sabbatical, adjunct, etc. due to IPPIS; the non-release of third-party deductions; non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA); proliferation of public universities; non-implementation of the reports of Visitation Panels and the refusal to adopt UTAS in place of IPPIS.

“It is not only sad but also provocative that the government as we speak is not moved by the several clarion calls and efforts by our union to get it to attend to these issues.

“By its action to ignore the union on these contending issues, the government is begging our union to proceed on strike.”

He also condemned the illegal dissolution of the governing councils of public universities in the country, as well as the refusal or neglect by some state governments to constitute governing councils for their universities.

E-governance saved Edo N60bn stationery costs

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The Edo State Commissioner for Mines and Energy, Donatus Ojiefoh, on Wednesday, said the e-governance platform instituted by the state government has saved the state over N60 billion.

The use of the e-government platform was developed in 2021 and was made compulsory for all Ministries Department and Agencies on September 1, 2023, which led to the elimination of the use of paper and stationary in the system.

In an interview with journalists on Thursday, the Commissioner said that Governor Godwin Obaseki’s vision to put the state on a high pedestal led to the e-governance initiative, which has transformed the way the business of governance is conducted in the state.

He said: “If Obaseki was the governor before he was voted in, Edo State would have been one of the richest in the federation. The next governor would work hard to march Obaseki’s achievements. The governor is someone who understands the investment and development status of the state at the moment.

“Edo State is 10 years ahead of other states apart from Lagos. Edo has put over 20 million files, since the state was created, into the e-governance structure and it is the only state operating 100 per cent e-governance, thereby eradicating the delay and bureaucracy associated with governance.

“Obaseki has saved over N60 billion for Edo State just on office stationery alone. Whatever paper you see in my office are external papers or files. It takes a man who understands saving system to achieve this and we are the only state in Nigeria that has completely moved from analogue to digital.”

He also disclosed that the state government reforms in the electricity and the solid mineral sectors have repositioned the state as one of the most business-friendly in Nigeria.

He urged voters to elect a governor who can sustain the achievement of Governor Obaseki, noting that failure to do so would set the state back several years.

He said the state government has registered the Edo State Mining and Investment Company and has obtained 40 mining licenses, adding that government reforms put in place have continued to yield positive results.

He noted that to sustain the state government reforms and achievements, voters in the forthcoming September 21st governorship election should not make the mistake of voting for a candidate who lacks an understanding of investment and development

NASA to launch artificial stars into space

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The United States autonomous National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is set to launch artificial stars into space to improve the precision of astronomical measurements.
The mission which is tagged Landolt uses an eight-laser-equipped toaster-sized gadget to simulate the illumination of stars and other celestial objects.
Reports indicate the $19.5 million Landolt project intends to enable scientists to conduct more precise measurements of stars. This data could also aid in investigating dark energy, the elusive component believed to cause the universe’s accelerating expansion.
Jamie Tayar, a member of the mission team and an assistant professor of astronomy at the University of Florida, emphasized the project’s primary significance.
The aim, she explained, is to find out if circumstances, including oceans, could support life on planets orbiting other stars. It is crucial to determine the precise energy output of each star as well as the planet’s distance from it.
‘‘The Landolt mission will further our knowledge of the prerequisites for life on distant planets by offering more precise measurements of star brightness. This ambitious project is a major advancement in our effort to solve the secrets of the universe.’’ Tayar said.
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Ododo signs anti-corruption agency, six other bills

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The Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, on Thursday, signed the Kogi State anti-corruption agency and six other bills into law.

This was contained in a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the governor, Ismaila Isah, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja.

According to him, the other bills now signed into law include, Law to repeal and Re-enact the Kogi State Local Government Service Commission Law 2014 and for other matters connected therewith, 2024;

A Law to repeal and Re-enact the Kogi State Scholarship Board Edict, 1998 and other matters connected therewith, 2024;

A Law to establish the Kogi State Electricity Market and the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission to Regulate Electricity Generation, Transmission, System Operation Distribution, Supply and Promote Access to Electricity in the State through increased Private Sector Investments or Public Private Partnership in Grid, Multi-Grid and other Off-grid Electricity Option using Renewable and Non-renewable Fuel Sources in the State and other Purposes Connected Therewith, 2024;

Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency Law, 2024 and the Kogi State Information Technology Development Agency Law, 2024.

In his remarks, Ododo described the laws as peoples’ laws, stressing that the assent to the bills are in line with his promise to lead with transparency, accountability, and the fear of God.

The governor noted that the new set of laws will serve as a catalyst for the rapid social and economic development of Kogi as they deal directly with critical aspects of the lives of the people.

“These laws combined together can be referred to as the People’s Acts. All the laws have a direct bearing on the lives of our people and this is the reason we are here.

“Let it be known that under my administration, nobody is above the law. This is in line with my promise to lead with the fear of God and to ensure that our resources work for the people of the state,” Ododo assured.

The governor enjoined the people of the state, especially those in positions of authority to embrace the new laws and be familiar with their provisions.

BREAKING: Court nullifies Sanusi’s reinstatement

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The Federal High Court, Kano, on Thursday nullified the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido as Emir of Kano
Details later..
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Court adjourns trial of Kogi Chief-of-Staff Ali Bello, co-defendant

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned an amended money-laundering charge instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against Kogi state governor’s chief-of-staff, Ali Bello and his co-defendant, Daudu Sulaiman, until July 15.

At the sitting on Thursday, EFCC’s witness, an Access Bank staff, Olom Egoro, was cross-examined by Bello’s counsel, Abubakar Aliyu (SAN).

During the cross-examination by Aliyu, the witness admitted to the court that there was no lodgement or withdrawal linked to Bello in the exhibit before him.

The witness explained that the staff of the compliance unit of the bank are not the ones that run and maintain the servers of the bank where information on bank transactions is generated from.

He added that it was the duty of the bank’s ICT Department to manage the bank servers.
The second defendant’s counsel, Olusegun Jolaawo, (SAN), equally cross-examined the witness.

After the defence counsel completed their cross-examination, Justice Omotosho discharged Egoro from the witness box and adjourned the matter until July 15 and 16 for trial continuation.

Recall that at the previous sitting, on May 6, EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo(SAN), had presented Egoro, who works with the Compliance Unit of Access Bank as the 6th prosecution witness in the case.

Egoro told the court that the EFCC, via a letter, requested for the bank statements of the Kogi State Government House for the period of 2018 to 2021.

He said the commission also asked for other documents, including the account opening mandate for the account and certificate of compliance in respect of the printouts.

The witness thereafter went through the statement of account, detailing the various deposits into and withdrawals from the same via transfers and cash.

From his evidence, Egoro had said the withdrawals were N10 million each in different tranches.

The witness, however, did not state who deposited the monies, what the monies were deposited for, who withdrew the same and for what purpose before concluding his testimony on the last adjourned date.

Oyedepo tendered the documents through the witness which was admitted in evidence.

Bello and Suleiman, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022, are facing trial on a 10-count charge bordering on money laundering.

Court delays ruling on jurisdiction in Kano Emirate tussle

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The Federal High Court, Kano, on Thursday reserves ruling on the ongoing legal battle surrounding the Kano Emirate.
The court reserves the ruling after arguments from lawyers representing various parties in the dispute.
This case centers on the dethronement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano in March 2020 and the subsequent appointment of Aminu Ado Bayero to the position.
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Sanusi approached the court to declare his removal at the time as unlawful.
The court’s initial task was to determine its own jurisdiction in the matter.
Legal representatives for the Kano State government had argued that the court lacked the authority to hear the case, as it falls under the purview of customary law.
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However, Sanusi II’s lawyers contended that his fundamental human rights were violated during the dethronement process, bringing the case within the court’s jurisdiction.
Justice A. M. Liman, presiding over the case, has yet to issue a definitive ruling on the matter of jurisdiction.
Counsel to the State House of Assembly and its speaker, Eyitayo Fatogun (SAN), informed the court of a notice of appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, seeking a stay proceedings.
However, Justice Liman noted that there was no evidence that the appeal had been entered nor any formal application for a stay filed.
The Kano Emirate dispute remains a sensitive issue, with significant political and cultural implications. The Emir of Kano holds a powerful symbolic position within the Kano society and the wider northern Nigerian region. A definitive ruling on the court’s jurisdiction will determine whether the legal battle can proceed, potentially leading to a final verdict on the dethronement of Sanusi II.
It is unclear when the court will deliver its ruling on jurisdiction. However, the postponement indicates a complex legal landscape surrounding the case. Both parties are expected to continue their arguments, with the court’s decision likely to have a significant impact on the future of the Kano Emirate.
By: Mayowa Oladeji
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Court nullifies Ondo’s 33 LCDAs

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An Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure, the state capital, on Thursday nullified the 33 Local Council Development Areas in the state.

The court described the LCDAs, which were created by the immediate former governor of the state, late Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, as illegal and unlawful.

In the judgment delivered by Justice A.O Adebusuoye, the court said it was illegal for a governor to sign a law outside the state, adding that the LG Creation Law 2023 signed by late Akeredolu in Ibadan, outside the state, was “unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.”

According Online reports that after the LG Creation Law was passed by the state assembly, the late Akeredolu signed the bill into law in September 2023.

Shortly after the law was signed, the list of names of the caretaker chairmen for the 33 LCDAs was sent to the House for screening and approval.

After the screening, the court stopped the inauguration of the appointed caretaker chairmen of the LCDAs, preventing them from assuming office.

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Court overturns Kano law used to dethrone Emir Bayero, others

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A Federal High Court in Kano has set aside the procedures taken by the Kano State government to repeal the Kano Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024.

The law, recently passed by the Kano State House of Assembly on May 23, was immediately signed into law by Governor Abba Yusuf and was used to dethrone Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and reappoint Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.

Also, it was used to reverse the creation of four emirates—Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya, established by the former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, in 2020.

However, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Danagundi, who was represented by Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), challenged the legality of the new law and asked the court to declare the law null and void.

After hearing the motion last Friday, the presiding judge, Justice Abdullahi Liman, adjourned the ruling till this Thursday.

Counsel to the State House of Assembly and its Speaker, Eyitayo Fatogun (SAN), informed the court of a notice of appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, seeking a stay proceedings.

However, Justice Liman noted that there was no evidence that the appeal had been entered nor any formal application for a stay filed.

In his ruling on Thursday, Justice Liman set aside the action of the Kano government, ordering parties to maintain the status quo.

The judge held that the defendants were aware of the interim order granted by the court but chose to ignore it and went ahead with the implementation of the law.

Justice Liman, therefore, ruled that he would assume his coercive powers to enforce compliance with his order.