The Sokoto State Higher Court, on Wednesday, issued an order preventing Governor Ahmed Aliyu from dismissing two traditional rulers out of the 15 already removed by his administration.

This decision follows controversies surrounding the dethronement of these monarchs.

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Alhaji Buhari Dahiru Tambuwal and Alhaji Abubakar Kassim, the District Heads of Tambuwal and Kebbe respectively, sought the court’s intervention.

They were among the traditional rulers ousted by the Sokoto State government on allegations of insubordination and contributing to insecurity in the state.

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Presiding over the case, Justice Kabiru Ibrahim Ahmed ordered Governor Aliyu, the Attorney General, and the Sokoto Sultanate Council to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the suit filed by the complainants, represented by Prof. Ibrahim Abdullahi SAN.

Justice Ahmed’s orders directed the defendants and their representatives to cease any actions related to the removal or dethronement of the District Heads of Kebbe and Tambuwal until the motion for an interlocutory injunction is heard and decided.

This legal battle arises as Governor Aliyu presented a bill to the state House of Assembly seeking amendments to the Local Government Law.

The proposed changes would grant him exclusive authority to appoint and remove district and village heads, effectively centralizing power over traditional institutions.

The removal of the 15 district heads and the proposed legislative changes have sparked intense debate and reactions within Sokoto State and beyond.

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Vice President, Kashim Shettima recently urged the state government to respect and protect the Sultanate as a vital institution.

Former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar also emphasized the need to safeguard traditional institutions from gubernatorial overreach.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has issued statements urging Governor Aliyu to abandon any plans to undermine the Sultan of Sokoto or diminish his authority, accusing the Governor of attempting to create a parallel Sultanate Council through the new law.

The Sokoto State Legislature advanced the bill to its second reading last Wednesday and referred it to a House Committee for further consideration.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has accused his political opponents of orchestrating a dynamite explosion to portray the state as unsafe and push for an emergency rule.

This claim comes amid a local government crisis and calls from the All Progressives Congress (APC) caretaker committee in Rivers for emergency intervention.

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During a visit by the Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, led by Chairman Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, at Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara revealed details of the alleged plot.

He stated, “There was an attempt to create serious problems, including a plan to detonate dynamite at the Hotel Presidential while you were in the state. The perpetrator’s plan backfired when the dynamite exploded prematurely, injuring him.”

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Fubara suggested that the plan aimed to escalate tensions and prompt discussions of a state of emergency during the committee’s visit.

He credited divine intervention for foiling the plot, asserting, “When you are with God, even those planning evil will fail.”

The governor criticized the lack of legal action against offenders, questioning whether some individuals consider themselves above the law.

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He emphasized his commitment to defending the state and protecting its citizens’ interests, stating, “I am not fighting anyone but defending Rivers State.”

Addressing the contentious issue of extending local government chairmen’s tenure, Fubara argued, “No governor in Nigeria would tolerate the abuse I face from former local government chairmen. Tenure elongation has never been tried elsewhere.”

Fubara questioned why the law appears silent when it comes to Rivers State, urging a reflection on whether anyone is above the law.

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He reiterated his duty to serve the people of Rivers State, concluding, “Our role is to serve the people because God has given us this opportunity. The important thing is to remember that only God holds ultimate authority.”

Governor Fubara’s remarks highlight the ongoing political tension in Rivers State and underscore his resolve to maintain stability and protect the interests of its citizens.

The Senate has called an emergency session to review President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s supplementary budget for the 2024 fiscal year, which includes funding for a new presidential jet.

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Despite having commenced their recess last week, with a scheduled return on July 2, 2024, both the Senate and House of Representatives have reconvened for this urgent matter.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, announced on Wednesday that the Senate would hold a plenary session on Thursday to address various pressing issues, including appropriations.

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Adaramodu stated, “We are resuming from the Sallah break as part of our statutory duties. The Senate has the constitutional authority to regulate its sessions, and we believe utilizing an additional legislative day is crucial to address national and constitutional matters. This decision was made to advance our oversight on appropriations and address outstanding constitutional and electoral issues, as well as bills and motions, before our annual recess later this year.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio denied reports that the Senate had approved the purchase of new presidential jets, labeling such claims as malicious.

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He clarified that he had not stated the National Assembly would approve new aircraft for the President and Vice President regardless of the country’s economic challenges.

The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence had previously recommended new aircraft for the President and Vice President, citing safety concerns with the current presidential fleet.

It is worth noting that the presidency had recently listed three presidential jets for sale.

The Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday reinstated Bright Iyamu (PDP-Orhionmwon South), one of three lawmakers suspended on May 6 for allegedly plotting to impeach the speaker and other principal officers.

During a plenary session in Benin, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku announced the decision to lift Iyamu’s suspension, noting that Iyamu had shown remorse.

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Despite calls from other lawmakers to reinstate the remaining suspended members, Donald Okogbe (PDP-Akoko-Edo II) and Adeh Isibor (APC-Esan North-East I), the speaker pointed out that Isibor had taken the matter to court.

Following Iyamu’s reinstatement, Nicholas Asonsere (PDP-Ikpoba-Okha) expressed confidence in the speaker, reaffirming the assembly’s support for his leadership.