Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has taken decisive action by inaugurating two judicial commissions of inquiry. These commissions will delve into allegations of misappropriation of public funds, political violence, and cases of missing persons spanning from 2015 to 2023, during the tenure of his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje.

During the inauguration ceremony held on Thursday, Governor Yusuf emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.

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He urged the panel members to diligently investigate and ensure that anyone found guilty faces the full consequences of the law.

The governor reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his inaugural promise of unraveling and prosecuting those responsible for any instances of political violence that occurred in the state.

“Political violence is a major setback to democracy worldwide. It leads to loss of lives and property as well as mistrust on the part of the people and those in power.”

“The disturbing cases of political killings especially in 2023 must not be swept under the carpet, this is to ensure we prevent future occurrences.

“The first commission under Justice Zuwaira Yusuf will look into cases of political violence and missing persons from 2015-2023.

“We expect them to unravel the criminal network involved and unmask the sponsors to face justice, find its causes and find out where violence is associated with 2015, 2019 and 2013.”

During the inauguration of the second commission of inquiry led by Justice Faruk Lawan, Governor Abba Yusuf outlined the commission’s mandate to investigate cases of misappropriation of public property and assets.

He urged Justice Lawan and his team to thoroughly probe instances of misappropriation, particularly those involving the previous administration, both within and outside the state.

Governor Yusuf clarified that the initiative is not politically motivated nor aimed at targeting specific individuals. Instead, it is a response to the demands of the people of Kano State for accountability and transparency in governance.

He emphasized the importance of the commission members maintaining their integrity and remaining true to their oath and the interests of the people of Kano. Justice and fairness, he stressed, must prevail throughout the inquiry process.

In a related development, Alhassan Doguwa, a prominent member of the House of Representatives, who was arrested during the last general election on charges of arson and murder, was subsequently released on bail.

Barau Jibrin, Deputy Senate President of Nigeria, has assumed the role of acting Speaker of the Sixth Legislature of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament.

His appointment came during the inaugural session of the assembly held in Abuja on Thursday.

Initially nominated as the 1st Deputy Speaker by Rep Awaji-Inombek D. Abiante and seconded by Senator Ireti Kingibe, Barau’s elevation aligns with the rotational system established by Decision A/DEC. 6/06/06 of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

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The Speakership for this legislative term had been allocated to the Republic of Togo, but due to their absence during the inauguration, a Speaker Pro-tempore, Edwin Melvin Snowe JR, a Liberian, was chosen.

Snowe JR, presiding over the inaugural session, oversaw the election of four deputy speakers, including Honourable Adjaratou Traore Coulibaly from Cote D’Ivoire, Honourable Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin from Ghana, and Honourable Billay G Tunkara from Gambia.

As the 1st Deputy Speaker, Barau Jibrin will serve as the acting Speaker until the Togolese delegation is inaugurated.

The ceremony, graced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, also emphasized the importance of regional solidarity in bolstering ECOWAS’s resilience and effectiveness.

The Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament saw the inauguration of lawmakers from various member states, including Nigeria, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.

The ECOWAS Parliament, established under Articles 6 and 13 of the ECOWAS revised treaty of 1993, serves as a platform for dialogue, consultation, and consensus-building to promote integration among the people of West Africa.

Comprising 115 seats, it plays a crucial role in advancing the region’s socio-economic and political agendas.

Firing back at his estranged benefactor, Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has asserted his intention to continue unsettling Nyesom Wike’s camp.

Tensions have escalated in Rivers since Fubara’s fallout with his predecessor, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

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Addressing attendees at the groundbreaking ceremony of an automobile spare parts market in Port Harcourt, Fubara dismissed a purported list of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee members for the state circulating on social media as fake.

The list, which includes names of Wike’s loyalists, was branded as the work of attention-seeking individuals and instigators of discord.

“I know that a lot of you saw something flying in the social media, dailies. Let me brief you, we hard a meeting, and we agreed that, not just in Rivers State, but in all the States affected, that the Executive Councils (of PDP) should be extended for three months.”

“This extension is not meant to bring in new names. The extension also did not say that you are working without the authority of the Governor. So, for those lists that you saw and those ones altered, I can assure you that they are not going to stand.

“For record purposes, so that you will understand, we also agreed that there is going to be a NEC meeting on the 18th of this month (April) that should ratify that decision.

“So, what you are seeing is the handiwork of desperate people who like media publicity. In fact, empty drums make loudest noise. So, don’t bother about anything. Nothing is happening.”

Governor Fubara hinted at the unease gripping his adversaries in the wake of his recent warning, where he promised to deliver surprises to those who challenge him.

He reaffirmed his commitment to keeping them on edge, ensuring that they remain restless.

Emphasizing the significance of safeguarding Rivers State, Governor Fubara underscored his administration’s dedication to pursuing peace as the catalyst for progress.

“You can see how restless they have been since I made just one statement, yesterday. We will continue to make them restless.”

“They won’t know where we are coming from. We will also continue to hit them hard the way we hit them, yesterday. So, those of you who were worried when you saw those lists that were flying, go and rest, nothing is happening.”

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has confidently brushed off concerns over the competition posed by the 15 governorship aspirants contending for the All Progressives Congress ticket ahead of the April 20 primary election.

Aiyedatiwa expressed his assurance to journalists after formally submitting his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms at the APC national secretariat in Abuja.

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Among the contenders vying for the party’s nomination are Senator Jimoh Ibrahim representing Ondo South district, APC stalwart Olusola Oke, former President of the Nigerian Medical Association Prof. Francis Faduyile, Dr. Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, and APC National Vice Chairman (South West) Isaac Kekemeke.

Additional candidates include Akinfolarin Samuel, Olusoji Ehinlanwo, Okunjimi Odimayo, Adewale Akinterinwa, Olugbenga Edema, Gen. Ohunyeye Olamide, Morayo Lebi, Garvey Oladiran Iyanjan, and Ifeoluwa Oyedele.

Despite the formidable lineup, Aiyedatiwa affirmed his position as the frontrunner ahead of the impending primary election, emphasizing his lack of apprehension towards his fellow contenders.

He said, “I am aware we have 15 other aspirants jostling for this same office. They are also eminently qualified. Let me say here that I respect all of them. But we know ourselves. They have been around. We know who they are and what they can do. They are illustrious sons and daughters of the land. But I can tell you there is nothing to fear.

“I can tell you the people of Ondo State know what and who they want. As I said, the youth, women, traders, farmers, artisans, and Ondo workers are all calling for me to continue. Those are the people who will determine who will win the election. I have no fear because they are already speaking. In fact, they have spoken. So there is nothing to fear.

“In the last few years, I have acted in the capacity of deputy governor and acting governor in 2021 and 2023. Now, I am the governor. I am just about 100 days in the office today or tomorrow. I have just about three months in office.

“My desire to contest was in response to the yearning and aspiration of my people. The artisans, women, students, and traditional rulers want me to continue as governor of the state. They have observed and identified that within a short period of my assumption in office. They could see all I have done in the office in three months. Based on that, they demanded across all the local governments that I should continue as governor of the state. And I cannot do that without going through the process.”

The impeachment investigation panel, tasked with probing alleged gross misconduct against the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, has scheduled Friday as the final adjournment for Shaibu to present his defense.

Headed by Justice Stephen A. Omonuwa (Rtd), the seven-man panel made the decision during its resumed sitting on Thursday, despite the absence of the deputy governor and his legal counsel.

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Justice Omonuwa stated that the panel would await Shaibu’s defense before concluding proceedings. However, Shaibu failed to appear or send representation.

In response, Justice Omonuwa called for the appearance of the plaintiff, the Edo State House of Assembly, which initiated the impeachment process. The Assembly was represented by its Legal Officer, N. U. Ibrahim, along with two others.

Following deliberation, the chairman ruled to adjourn the panel’s proceedings for the last time, setting the date for April 5, 2024, at 12 noon. He emphasized the importance of giving the defendant ample opportunity to present his defense.

The decision came after Shaibu’s counsel, Professor Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), excused himself and his client from further participation in the proceedings. Awoyale cited an Abuja High Court injunction, alleging that the panel had disregarded the court’s order.

The court injunction requested all involved parties to appear and address the matter regarding Shaibu’s fundamental human rights. However, the panel proceeded with the investigation despite the pending court order.

The adjournment underscores the panel’s commitment to ensuring a fair and thorough investigation, allowing all parties involved the opportunity to present their arguments and evidence.