His resignation was announced on Friday by the  Kwankwasiyya Movement in a statement by its spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Mohammed.

The movement described the decision as a difficult but necessary one taken in the interest of governance and stability.

The statement reads in part: “The Kwankwasiyya Movement wishes to formally inform the general public that the deputy governor of Kano State has tendered his resignation from office, effective later today.”

The statement reads further: “This decision, though difficult, has been taken in the overall interest of the people and the stability of governance in Kano state.

“Recent circumstances have constrained the full realisation of the benefits and responsibilities attached to the office.”

The movement said that the resignation had nothing to do with an admission of guilt over allegations raised by the Kano State House of Assembly in its impeachment procedure.

“The deputy governor maintains his innocence,” it said.

“Rather, this step is a demonstration of statesmanship and a commitment to peace, political maturity, and the avoidance of unnecessary tension,” it added.

The movement said Gwarzo would work to strengthen the Kwankwasiyya Movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, was repelled after a fierce exchange of gunfire that lasted hours, according to a statement issued by Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters, Theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai.

“The courageous troops displayed a high level of determination, leading to the neutralisation of several terrorists, while others fled in disarray,” the statement reads.

Kovangiya added that the troops pursued the fleeing terrorists and neutralised over seven additional insurgents during the exploitation phase.

READ ALSO: FG inaugurates NYSC reform committee to review policies

“Items recovered from the scene included a PKT automatic machine gun with ammunition belts, one motorcycle, and 10 bicycles believed to be used for logistics.

“In a separate encounter, another attempted attack by terrorists at Mallamfatori was also foiled with dire consequences for the assailants,” he said.

He said that the Theatre Commander commended the gallant troops for their bravery and charged them to remain vigilant and committed to ensuring a terrorist-free environment in the North East.

Source: NAN

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Okpebholo made the announcement while receiving a high-powered delegation from Kano State, led by Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo in Benin.

He revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was deeply displeased with the tragic incident and was committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

“This incident has opened our eyes. We are now ready to address national issues and improve life for everyone,” Okpebholo said.

“The president is determined to get to the root of this. We want a lasting solution and justice for all those affected.

READ ALSO: Suit seeking to sack Rivers’ sole administrator suffers set back

“I also wish to inform you that the president and the Edo government have jointly set up a committee to uncover the underlying causes of the incident.

“The report you’ve submitted will guide us going forward and ensure we don’t need to trouble you further.

“The public will be kept informed of the committee’s activities.”

According to Okpebholo, Edo is home to peace-loving people.

“We welcome everyone who lives with us. Kano and Edo have enjoyed a strong history of commercial and industrial collaboration,” he added.

In his remarks, Gwarzo, expressed gratitude to Okpebholo for his earlier visit to Kano State and his efforts during the crisis.

“Our visit is to formally thank you for your peaceful intervention during the Uromi crisis and your solidarity with the people of Kano,” Gwarzo stated.

“Kano State set up a committee to verify the names, numbers, next of kin, and survivors. We are here to formally submit the final report.

“You assured us that justice will be served, and we believe you, Mr. Governor. We seek a transparent process to ensure fairness and accountability.

“Sixteen lives were lost—victims from five local government areas in Kano. Their families are looking to you for justice and closure.”

Okpebholo and the Kano delegation later visited Uromi, where they met with members of the Hausa community affected by the incident.

Source: NAN

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The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reported that Gwarzo, in a brief video interview at the Emir’s palace in Gidan Rumfa on Saturday, accused the NSA of arranging the return of the deposed 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, to Kano.

Gwarzo made the apology while addressing newsmen at the Government House in Kano Monday morning.

The deputy governor acknowledged that he was misled into making the allegation and expressed regrets for any embarrassment or inconvenience caused the NSA and his office.

“We were shocked to hear the NSA’s name mentioned in the plot to impose a deposed Emir in Kano, knowing his integrity and pedigree.

“We are human and can err at any time,” the deputy governor said.

READ ALSO: Tinubu inaugurates newly reconstructed Apapa-Oworonshoki-Ojota Expressway

“On behalf of myself and the Governor of Kano State, I assure the NSA of our continued support and cooperation in discharging his duties.”

The deputy governor called on President Bola Tinubu to conduct a thorough investigation into the happenings in Kano to ensure peace and stability in the state.

The NSA had threatened to take legal action against Gwarzo, for defamation in the ongoing Emirship dispute in Kano.

Inspite of denying the allegation through his spokesperson on Saturday, the NSA, in a letter by his lawyers, Aliyu & Musa Chambers, demanded an apology from Gwarzo.

The lawyers emphasised that while Ribadu had never been accused of any wrongdoing, he had been inundated with “a barrage of telephone calls both within and outside Nigeria” over the “false accusation.”

Source: NAN

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Have the President’s appointments been fair? Have they been equitable? Some say he has not been fair, equitable and just; especially those who say that he has unduly favoured his Yoruba ethnic group. To buttress their point, they have listed some important and critical appointments which they say have gone the way of Tinubu’s Yoruba ethnic group. Let us take the appointments one after the other, beginning with the office of Chief of Staff, created in 1999 by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo. We have since then had the following as Chief of Staff.  1. Abdullahi Mohammed (Northerner), 29 May, 1999 – 2 June, 2008; 9 years. 2. Relatively-unknown Gbolade Osinowo (South-west), 2 June 2008 – 18 September, 2008; three-and-half months, after which the then President Umaru Yar’Ádua abolished the position. 3. Mike Oghiadomhe (South-South), 17 May, 2010 – 10 February 2014; about 4 years (after President Goodluck Jonathan reinstated the position). 4. Jones Arogbofa (Yoruba), 18 February 2014 – 29 May, 2015; one year, three months. 5. Abba Kyari (Northerner), 27 August 2015 – 17 April, 2022, almost seven years). 6. Ibrahim Gambari (Kwara state/North Central), 13 May, 2020 – 29 May, 2023, three years). So, the North has held the position for 16 years; South-South, 4 years; North-Central, 3 years; South-west, one-and-half years before the current holder of the post, Femi Gbajabiamila, who came into office on 14 June, 2023, less than 5 months ago. My verdict: This appointment by President Tinubu is justified.

Not only can we not wish away Prof. Richard Joseph’s theory of prebendal politics in Nigeria, a federal state such as Nigeria must also ensure that no section is marginalized to the point that succession becomes an enticing option.

Next is the position of the National Security Adviser; WIKIPEDIA described this position as “a senior official in the cabinet of the President of Nigeria who manages national security on behalf of the President and serves as his chief advisor on all matters that are vital to the very survival of the State. The position is a statutory member of the Presidency, National Security Council and the Federal Executive Council. The occupants since 1993 are: 1. Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, 2 January 1993 – 30 August, 1993, eight months. 2. Ismaila Gwarzo, 30 August 1993 – 9 June, 1998, about 5 years. 3. Abdullahi Mohammed, 9 June 1998 – 29 May, 1999, 1 year. 4. Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, 29 May, 1999 – 1 June, 2006, seven years. 5. Abdullahi Sarki Mukhtar 1 June, 2006 – 8 March, 2010, five years. 6. Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, 8 March, 2010 – 18 September, 2010, about six months. 7. Kayode Are (in acting capacity for only two weeks), 18 September, 2010 – 4 October, 2010. 8. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan broke the North’s monopoly of the position when he appointed Owoye Andrew Azazi (4 October, 2010 – 22 June, 2012), less than two years. 9. The North seized the position again with the appointment of Sambo Dasuki, 22 June, 2012 -13 July, 2015, three years. 10. Babagana Monguno, 13 July, 2015 – 26 June 2023, eight years. The current holder of the position, Nuhu Ribadu, appointed on 26 June, 2023, is also a Northerner. No person of South-west origin has held the position in a substantive position. If President Tinubu appoints a Yoruba man into the office today, there will be an outcry of “Yorubanization” but he will be justified.

READ ALSO: Now that the Ministers are empanelled… By Bola Bolawole

Next is the Chief of Army Staff, the undisputed flagship of the Nigerian Armed Forces: The last time a Yoruba (South-west) was Chief of Army Staff (Lt. Gen. Ipoola Alani Akinrinade) was in 1979 – and for only six months! It has been Northerners all the way: Lt. Gen. Gibson Jalo; Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi; Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Babangida; Lt. Gen. Sani Abacha; Lt. Gen. Salihu Ibrahim; Lt. Gen. Aliyu Mohammed Gusau; Maj. Gen. Chris Alli; Major-Gen. Alwali Kazir; Lt. Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi; Lt. Gen. Victor Malu; Lt. Gen. Alexander Ogomudia (South-South); Lt. Gen. Martin Luther Agwai; Lt. Gen. Owoye Andrew Azazi (South-South); Lt. Gen. Luka Yusuf; Addulrahman Bello Dambazzau; Lt. Gen.Azubuike Ihejirika (South-East); Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah (South-South);  Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai;  Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru; Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya and the incumbent, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who was appointed on 23 June, 2023. Is his appointment justified? 100% justified!

The incumbent Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, is the first Yoruba (South-west) to head the organization in a substantive capacity since its inception despite that the chunk of its revenue comes from the region! The list of the Comptroller-Generals is dominated by Northerners: Shehu Ahmadu Musa; Gen. S. O. G. Ango (Sole Administrator); Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Mustapha; Jacob Gyang Buba; Hamman Bello Ahmed; Bernard-Shaw Nwadialo; Dikko Inde Abdullahi and retired Army Colonel Hammed Ali. Is Adeniyi’s appointment justified? It is! What of the Nigeria Immigration Service? The current acting Comptroller-General, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, is the first Yoruba (South-west) to occupy the post, though still in an acting capacity. Is her appointment justified? Very, very!

What of the EFCC, founded in 1999 by President Olusegun Obasanjo? The list of appointees into the position of Executive Chairman as well as acting Chairman of the EFCC has been an exclusive preserve of the North: Ibrahim Lamorde (Adamawa), acting Chairman, 2008; Ibrahim Magu (Borno state), Acting Chairman, 2015 – 2020; Mohammed Umar Abba (Kano state), acting Chairman, 2020 – 2021; Abdulkarim Chukkol (from Borno state), acting Chairman (June 2023 – October, 2023). The substantive chairmen are: Nuhu Ribadu (from Adamawa, appointed in 2003 and re-appointed in 2007), Farida Waziri (Benue state), AbdulRasheed Bawa (Kebbi state). The incumbent, Olanipekun Olukoyede, is the first Southerner ever to occupy the position. Is the appointment justified? Super justified!

What of the position of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, which some people think is their birthright and exclusive preserve? This is the list: Mobolaji Ajose-Adeogun (1976 – 1979); John Jatau Kadiya (1979 – 1982); Iro Abubakar Dan Musa (1982 – 1983); Haliru Dantoro (1983); Mamman Jiya Vatsa (1984 – December 1985); Hamza Abdullahi (1986 – 1989), Gado Nasko (1989 – 1993); Jeremiah Timbut Useni (1993 – 1998); Mamman Kontagora (1998 – 1999); Ibrahim Bunu (1999 – 2001); Mohammed Abba Gana (8 February, 2001 – 17 July, 2003); Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai (17 July, 2003 – 27 July, 2003); Aliyu Modibbo Umar (27 July, 2007 –  29 October, 2008; Bala Mohammed (8 April, 2010 – 29 April, 2015); Mohammed Musa Bello November 2015 – 29 May 2023 and the incumbent, Nyesom Wike, who was appointed on 21 August, 2023. Since the federal capital was moved from Lagos to Abuja on 12 December, 1991, no Southerner has been made its Minister. Is a Southerner’s appointment as the FCT Minister justified? It is!

The incumbent governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, was appointed by President Tinubu on 15 September, 2023. His predecessors are: Roy Pentelow Fenton (24 July, 1958 – 24 July, 1963); Aliyu Mai-Bornu (25 July, 1963 -22 June, 1967); Clement Nyong Isong (15 August, 1967 – 22 September, 1975); Adamu Ciroma (24 September, 1975 -28 June, 1977); Ola Vincent (28 June, 1982 – 30 September, 1993); Paul Agbai Ogwuma (1 October, 1993 – 29 May, 1999); Joseph Oladele Sanusi (29 May, 1999 – 29 May, 2004); Charles Chukwuma Soludo (29 May, 2004 – 29 May, 2009); Sanusi Lamido Aminu Sanusi (3 June, 2009 – 20 February, 2014); Sarah Alade (in acting capacity: 20 February 2014 – 3 June, 2014); Godwin Emefiele (3 June, 2014 – 9 June, 2023); Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi (in acting capacity: 9 June, 2023 – 15 September, 2023). As usual, the North has held the post for 22 years, far more than the other regions of the country. South-South (eight years) but if Emefiele is counted as South-South and you add his nine years, then, South-South shoots up to 17 years! South-west 10 years plus seven months in acting capacity and the South-East, 11 years; but if Emefiele is treated as Igbo and you add his nine years, then the South-east moves up to 20 years, next to the North! In view of these statistics, is Tinubu’s appointment of Cardoso as CBN governor justified? It is!

The Minister of Finance is another example of Yorubanization being pointed at. Let’s look at the statistics: Wale Edun is the incumbent, appointed by President Tinubu on 16 August, 2023. Since the Fourth Republic began in 1999, it has been Adamu Ciroma (Yobe State), 1999 -2003; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Delta State), 2003 – 2006; Nenadi Usman (Kaduna State), 2006 – 2007; Shamsuddeen Usman (Kano State), 2007 – 2009; Mansur Mukhtar (Borno State), 2009 – 2010; Olusegun Aganga (Ekiti State), 2010 – 2011); Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Delta State) 2011 -2015; Kemi Adeosun (Ogun State), 2015 – 2018; and Zainab Ahmed (Kaduna State) 2018 – 2023. Recall that Adeosun’s tenure was truncated as a result of the controversy over her NYSC discharge certificate and as if Buhari and the cabals around him were waiting for that to happen, the position was quickly given to one of their own! It remains to be seen whether the Yoruba, who led the bandwagon of those who roasted Adeosun, have learnt any lesson! The South-west has done only about five years, less than what Okonjo-Iweala alone chalked up for Delta and Zainab Ahmed for the North! Is the appointment of Edun as Finance Minister justified? It is!

I can go on and on! For instance, no one from the South-west has been the INEC chairman since 1999. The list is:  Ephraim Akpata (1998 – 2000); Abel Guobadia (2000 – 2005); Maurice Iwu (2005 – 2010); Atahiru Jega (2010 – 2015); and the incumbent, Mahmood Yakubu, in office since 2015. Is it not only just, fair and equitable for the next INEC chairman to come from Yoruba land? There are countless other important offices, agencies and parastatals of the Federal Government (Code of Conduct Bureau, Code of Conduct Tribunal, among others) where Southerners, and specifically the South-west/Yoruba, have been marginalized for ages.

But all said and done, is the President infallible or can he please everyone? No mortal can! That is the wisdom in Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey’s evergreen song titled “Ketekete” (The Horse, The Man and The Son)!

Not only can we not wish away Prof. Richard Joseph’s theory of prebendal politics in Nigeria, a federal state such as Nigeria must also ensure that no section is marginalized to the point that succession becomes an enticing option. That is what the agitation for Biafra and Yoruba Nation tells us. Nigeria’s minority groups, too, have their grievances; one of which is the erroneous assumption, always, that only the major ethnic groups matter. Some of President Tinubu’s appointments have been sensitive to the need to change that narrative. A few examples: The Chief of Defence Staff is General Christopher Gwabin Musa, from the minority Zangon Kataf of southern Kaduna State. We have not forgotten the controversy generated when Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla was named the Chief of Naval Staff, with some Igbo leaders saying he did not come from “mainstream” Igbo! George Akume, appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation by President Tinubu, is a minority from Benue State. There are so many other such appointments which, in my mind, were directed at correcting the injustices of the past.

But all said and done, is the President infallible or can he please everyone? No mortal can! That is the wisdom in Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey’s evergreen song titled “Ketekete” (The Horse, The Man and The Son)!

*Bolawole (turnpot@gmail.com / 0807 552 5533), former Editor of PUNCH newspapers, Chairman of its Editorial Board and Deputy Editor-in-chief, was also the Managing Director/ Editor-in-chief of THE WESTERNER newsmagazine. He writes the ON THE LORD’S DAY column in the Sunday Tribune and TREASURES column in New Telegraph newspaper on Wednesdays. He is also a public affairs analyst on radio and television.

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Gwarzo said that during a meeting with members of the Association of Progressive, Tarauni local government area at the Government House Thursday night.

He emphasised the importance of upholding the rule of law and restoring order in urban areas, while stressing the necessity for the demolition to ensure sustainable urban development.

Gwarzo expressed concern over the negative impact of unregulated structures on infrastructure, drainage systems, and public safety.

The deputy governor condemned the alleged sale of public assets by the previous administration for personal gain, without considering the consequences on the community.

He mentioned the division and sale of lands within the historic Massalacin Waje at Fagge local government area and portions of the Eid prayer ground, saying that they were lands with significant cultural and religious significance.

Gwarzo also expressed dissatisfaction over the sale of portions of graveyards for the construction of shops.

Speaking on the Hajj Camp, he said that facilities within the camp were divided and sold, despite its purpose of serving as an exercise ground for pilgrims.

Gwarzo said that the present administration of Governor Abba Yusuf was taking steps to reconstruct the camp and ensure that essential amenities were provided.

The deputy governor also mentioned the demolition of Daula Hotel, originally established by the late Audu Bako to train students in tourism and events planning.

He expressed disappointment that the property was allegedly demolished and sold by the immediate past administration.

In his speech, Malam Nura Dan’jani, Chairman, Association of Progressive Tarauni local government area, expressed support for the ongoing demolition of illegal structures erected and sold by the previous administration.

Source: NAN

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The evacuees arrived at the Pilgrims Terminal of the airport at exactly 1:45 p.m., on board a TARCO aircraft from Port Sudan.

Receiving the returnees, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Sani Gwarzo, said that psycho-social support would be given to all the returnees.

“NEMA, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Ministry of Health, and the Dangote Foundation have put in place a robust plan to look at the psycho-social support related to the stress they have faced so that it will not persist.

“This will be a service that will extend into the weeks ahead and I can tell you that the committee saddled with this responsibility are happy with how far we have gone,” he said.

Gwarzo added that more Nigerians were being profiled in Port Sudan and the Egyptian border for onward evacuation to the country.

According to him, the federal government was committed to evacuating everyone, students, and non-students, in the next few days.

Mr Mustapha Ahmed, Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, added that two aircraft were already on the ground at Aswan Airport in Egypt to evacuate more Nigerians.

“Our people are already on their way to the airport, so hopefully, they will take off tomorrow morning and by tomorrow afternoon, we will be back to receive a large batch of almost 800 students

“At Port Sudan, TARCO airline is going back to pick more returnees, even as Air Peace airline would be evacuating more returnees from that same point,” he said.

Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, said another batch would be coming into the country on Sunday.

“One thing is certain that no one will be left behind, but it is unfortunate that some people put some tribal colouration to this issue.

“The mission wanted the process to be orderly and priority was given to women and children, but it is important to note that no one will be left behind,” she said.

READ ALSO: Sudan: Warring sides set for Saudi Arabia talks

She also called on the evacuees yet to be airlifted to be patient, as all necessary procedures were being put in place to ensure their safe return.

Master Deen Shittu, a returnee and a 400-level medical student at the Al-Fajir College of Science and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan, expressed happiness for their safe return.

“What we faced was a very bad experience, I can say that war is not an option and I do not pray we face that in Nigeria.

“It was difficult to eat, I also drank water that was bad which I know would hurt me health-wise, but there was nothing I could do.

“But I hope to go back when peace returns to the country to complete my education because I do not know where to start.

“Though if I get a university in Nigeria that would accept me in the same level and the same course, I would remain here,” he said.

The returnees were given N100,000 each donated by the Dangote Foundation, MTN sim cards with recharge cards and data, school bags, food, and drinks upon arrival at the airport.

Source: NAN

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The executive vice chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, made this assertion on Monday while hosting the management of Media Trust Group, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Mounir Haliru Gwarzo.

He said the commission would continue to seek ways to expand its collaboration with the media as critical stakeholders.

Danbatta expressed satisfaction at the rate media organisations were adopting digitization and contributing through awareness and adoption of digital culture while assuring that NCC would strengthen its existing cordial relations with the media and its propagation of the notion of “instant society” where delivery of information is at great speed.

“We will expand the relationship with the media to leverage new and exciting opportunities. We count on every important interface that the media provides for the NCC. We wouldn’t have been able to do this job and succeed without the support of the media. We always use the media to provide information to the public because you have what it takes to reach out. We don’t have that reach. So, we appreciate the very important work that the media is doing.

“The media organizations are at the forefront of providing information about where to find the knowledge. When you read the media, you come across instances of references as to where knowledge can be accessed and used for different purposes,” he said.

READ ALSO: NCC sets up committee to aid broadband infrastructure deployment

Danbatta assured the Daily Trust Group, owners of Daily Trust Newspapers, Trust TV and Aminiya, a multimedia digital platform, that the commission reckoned with the credibility of the Group, and that their ingenious performance was seen in the ways the media entity had diversified service delivery.

He explained that the commission prioritizes consumer engagement at the grassroots, which, he said, had made it to initiate outreach programmes delivered in indigenous languages to bring information to the doorsteps of consumers.

Leader of the Trust Group delegation, Gwarzo, said the visit was prompted by the need to commend the commission on its sterling accomplishments and assured that Media Trust, through its publications, was ready to strengthen its relationship with the commission as part of its support for the digital economy agenda of government.

He also applauded NCC’s achievements, including the successful rollout of Fifth Generation, 5G, services while explaining that the technology would also bolster the type of speed required for simultaneous multi-location printing of the that Daily Trust newspapers across its operations in several parts of the country.

Gwarzo was accompanied to NCC by many staff of the Media Trust Group, including Group Executive Director Finance and Corporate Services, Nura Mamma Daura; Chief Operating Officer, Trust Television, Ibrahim Shehu Adamu; Head, Business Development, Naomi Adaghebalu Esezobor; and Benjamin Hon, Head, Market Research and Intelligence.

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He was arriagned alongside a Principal Manager, National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, Jamila  Muhammad.

Gwarzo and Muhammad were arraigned before Justice Olukayode Adeniyi, on 14 counts bordering on gratification and abuse of office.

ICPC alleged that Gwarzo on or about December 28, 2016 while serving as SEC DG knowingly held a private interest as a director and shareholder of Outbound Investment Limited, a company which was awarded a contract to supply and install 12 units of air conditioners.

The anti graft agency alleged that four units of refrigerators at SEC Lagos zonal office were bought by SEC for N3.4 million contrary to and punishable under Section 12 of Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Act, 2000.

ICPC also alleged that he, among other things, used his position as SEC DG to gratify himself when Outbound Investment Limited was awarded the contract to supply and install 12 units of air conditioners and four units of refrigerators at SEC Lagos zonal office by the commission, thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the ICPC Act.

The ICPC alleged that Muhammad, on November 15, 2015, while being a public officer used her position as Principal Manager at NIMC to gratify herself.

ICPC alleged that Outlook Communications Limited, where She was a shareholder and director was awarded a contract to air a 60-minute awareness campaign radio jingles on e-dividend in the North-East region for the sum of N798 million, contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the ICPC Act.

She was further alleged to have knowingly and directly held a private interest as a shareholder and director of  Outlook Communications Limited, which was awarded a contract to air a 60-minute awareness campaign radio jingles on e-dividend in the North-Central states for the sum of N1. 3 million by SEC thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 12 of Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Act, 2000.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them in court.

Counsel for Gwarzo, Mr Omokayode Dada, however, moved the motion for his bail and urged the court to grant the first defendant bail.

On his part, counsel for the second defendant, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, drew the court’s attention to her absence in court on February 18, when the matter first came up, which prompted a bench warrant for her arrest to be issued.

He informed the court that Muhammad’s absence in court was due to her ill-health, adding that ICPC had effected the warrant order.

He then withdrew a motion for appeal and affidavit of urgency filed on the second defendant behalf, seeking the court to set aside the bench warrant order.

He said that that was due to the fact that ICPC had given effect to the warrant.

Awomolo subsequently moved bail application for Muhammad, assuring that she would not jump bail if granted.

Ruling in the defendants’ bail applications, Justice Adeniyi held that bail was not meant to set the defendants free but to ensure their attendance in court to face trial.

He added that the defendants were statutorily entitled to bail in accordance with the provision of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

Justice Adeniyi, therefore, admitted each of the defendants to N10 million bail with one surety in like sum.

The surety, according to him, must be a resident of the FCT and a civil servant on the employment of either the Federal Government or any of its agencies or FCT Administration or any of its agencies.

The judge ordered that the defendants be remanded at Kuje Correctional Facility pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.

He then adjourned the matter until April 22 and April 23 for commencement of trial.

Source: NAN

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Justice Sanusi Kado, in his judgment, held that the Minister of Finance, named as second defendant in the suit  lacked the power to suspend the claimant.

Kado, who dismissed three issues raised by defence counsel through their preliminary objection, ruled that the suit was not status barred.

He held that since there was cause of action in the claimant’s suit, hence he (claimant) had the right to commence the suit by way of originating summon.

Kado further held that the issue in dispute was not about the position of the claimant as the DG of the Commission, but that the bone of contention was who had the power to suspend him.

The judge held that the second defendant (Minister of Finance) did not have the power to suspend the claimant since he was not an employee of the commission.

He said that the minister, in the absence of the board, only had supervisory power, which did not include disciplinary power to suspend the DG.

Kado held that it was only the Permanent Secretary in the of Ministry of Finance, on  the directive of the president, who had the power of suspension.

For emphasis, he said, “the minister’s role was that of recommendation.”

Kado, in addition, said the Administrative Panel of Inquiry that indicted the claimant was not a court of law neither was it a quasi-judicial body, but just a body set up for a fact finding duty.

He therefore declared that the suspension of the claimant was null, void and of no effect.

Kado also declared that the recommendation of the Administrative Panel of Inquiry set up by the second defendant, be set aside.

The judge then ordered the reinstatement of the claimant as the DG of SEC to complete his five year tenure.

He further ordered that the claimant’s salaries, allowances and entitlements accrued be paid to him in full.

Former Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, on November 29, 2017, suspended Gwarzo and set up an administrative panel of inquiry to investigate allegations of financial impropriety levelled against him.

The SEC DG was accused of collecting severance package worth N104.85 million while still in service in violation of the civil service rules.

The minister said Gwarzo was suspended from office to allow for an unhindered investigation.

Gwarzo, however, in June, 2018 approached the court to challenge his suspension.

He sought for various reliefs from the defendant amongst which was an order of the court reinstating him as the DG of the Commission.

He also sought for an order of the court for the payment of all his entitlements, emoluments, allowances and other perquisites of the office of DG of SEC for the entire period he was under suspension.

Gwarzo equally sought for an order of court setting aside the entire proceedings of Administrative Panel of Inquiry constituted by the minister.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, had charged Gwarzo with an Executive Commissioner in the commission, Zakawanu Garuba.

They were arraigned on a five-count charge of alleged misappropriation to the tune of about N115 million and conferment of corrupt advantage on a public officer.

Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf of FCT High Court, Maitama, however, on April 16, discharged Gwarzo of the alleged charge.

Joined in the suit as co-defendants were SEC, Minister of Finance and Attorney- General of the Federation.

Source:  NAN

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