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Emir Gambari speaks on ‘Ilorin hardship protest video’(+ VIDEO)

Published

9 months ago

February 18, 2024

Emir Gambari speaks on ‘Ilorin hardship protest video’

The Emir of Ilọrin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari on Sunday reacted to a viral video of protesters who allegedly stormed his palace to protest the ongoing economic hardship in the country.

In the 26-second video, a large crowd was seen at the front of the Emir’s palace shouting “Ebi npalu” (there’s hunger in the community).

The video, which was widely circulated on many social media platforms, including WhatsApp groups on Saturday, attracted several comments from citizens and netizens.

Some residents had also expressed reservations about it, coming a few weeks after similar protests in neighbouring Niger State and other parts of the country.

A resident of Oja Oba, a stone throw from the Emir’s palace, Oba Daudu, said that he hurried down home from GRA when he saw the clip on social media.

“It was a very disturbing and confusing development. I was at GRA when I saw it and rushed down home only to see that there was nothing of such at the front of the palace.

“People can be very dubious and evil and you would want to ask why creating such panic in the polity,” he added.

Also, a staff member of the palace who simply identified himself as Abdul, said “There was no such protest at the front of the palace on Saturday. None that I know of.”

A female police officer at the ‘C’ Division, Oja-Oba told our correspondent that “Although I was not at work on Saturday, none of my colleagues brought such development to my attention”.

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Commenting on the viral clip, the Emir of Ilọrin and chairman of Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, said the video “was part of the events witnessed during the build-up to the 2019 general elections in the state.”

He appealed for calm and advised the general public to disregard the video in circulation.

Sulu-Gambari, who spoke through his spokesman, Abdulazeez Arowona, said the call became necessary to avoid misrepresentation of the scenario vis-a-vis the location of the gathering as reflected in the video.

He pleaded with the people of Ilorin and Kwara State at large to remain peaceful and prayerful.

The statement read in part, “We want to state categorically that the said video was part of the events that characterised and witnessed during the build-up to the 2019 general elections.

“The video does not have any connection with the current situation in the country. Recall that on such occasions, the Emir always expresses his concern on the need to ensure that peace and harmony continue to prevail in society.

“At the height of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the emir expressed high level of concerns and joined governments at all levels in the campaign towards ensuring that the unfortunate situation was contained while he also played frontline roles in championing the pains and interests of the masses during the scarcity of naira which inflicted hardship nationwide with no exemption to anyone irrespective of social, political and economic status.”

On the current economic hardship, the Emir said he and his colleagues at the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council are engaging government at all levels on the need to continue to improve on the welfare and security of the people of the state, commending the state government for being responsive to masses-oriented issues.

“We thereby appeal to the general public to disregard the video in order to avoid any misrepresentation of the scenario vis a vis the location of the gathering as reflected,” it added.

Emir Gambari speaks on ‘Ilorin hardship protest video’(+ VIDEO)

(DAILY TRUST)

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Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash

Published

2 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Trends Admin

Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash

Four people, including a soldier, were reportedly killed by suspected cultists in the North Bank area of Makurdi, Benue State, on Thursday and Friday.

Local sources revealed that the victims, including two young men and a soldier, were attacked late Friday night.

Another individual, believed to be a cultist, was killed in his home on Thursday.

Chairman of the vigilance group Operation Shara, Nura Umar, stated, “The soldier and two boys were innocent victims attacked by suspected cultists. The incidents occurred near the BIPC area.”

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However, police spokesperson Catherine Anene confirmed only one civilian death, adding, “Operatives have been deployed to address the situation.”

The area has seen a surge in rival cult clashes in recent weeks, raising concerns over public safety.

Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash

metro

Ndume tells Bwala to beg Shettima for forgiveness over Muslim-Muslim ticket outburst

Published

3 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Trends Admin

Senator Ali Ndume and Daniel Bwala

Ndume tells Bwala to beg Shettima for forgiveness over Muslim-Muslim ticket outburst

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on Daniel Bwala, the newly appointed Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to President Bola Tinubu, to apologize to Vice President Kashim Shettima.

In a statement, Ndume attributed his plea to Bwala’s earlier criticism of Shettima’s selection as Tinubu’s running mate, a decision that led to Bwala’s exit from the APC over concerns about the party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket.

It should be recalled that Bwala, previously a spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign, recently joined Tinubu’s team after being a vocal critic of the ruling party’s decision to present two Muslim candidates for the 2023 presidential election.

Bwala resigned from the APC in July 2022, condemning the party’s choice of Shettima as insensitive to Nigeria’s secular principles. At the time, he publicly opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket, sparking significant debate.

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In his statement, Ndume said, “I wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Daniel Bwala as his Special Adviser on Public Communication and Media. This gesture deserves serious applause, particularly in view of the roles played by Bwala in the recent past.”

Ndume praised Tinubu’s appointment as a move towards inclusivity and reconciliation, urging Bwala to work closely with Vice President Shettima. “You should work with the Vice President closely as your second principal to promote the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President,” Ndume advised.

He also encouraged Bwala to follow the example of key Tinubu allies such as Sunday Dare, Hadiza Bala Usman, and Bayo Onanuga, emphasizing the need for constructive advocacy. “These individuals defend and market Tinubu’s policies backed by facts and figures without being abusive or offensive. Bwala should adopt a similar approach,” Ndume stated.

Highlighting the importance of grassroots connection, Ndume added, “Charity begins at home. You must connect with the grassroots to ensure the administration’s message resonates with the people. I wish you success in your new assignment.”

Ndume tells Bwala to beg Shettima for forgiveness over Muslim-Muslim ticket outburst

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Supreme Court sacks Remo monarch in Ogun State

Published

3 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Trends Admin

Supreme Court sacks Remo monarch in Ogun State

The Supreme Court in Abuja has affirmed Oba Olatunji Kalejaiye’s removal from the throne, the Nloku of Iraye in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The Apex court’s decision affirmed an earlier order of the Appeal Court asking Kalejaiye to stop parading himself as the Nloku of Iraye.

In the Supreme Court ruling delivered by Justice Uwani Musa Aba Aji, the Apex Court granted the application to strike out Kalejaiye’s appeal for lack of diligent prosecution, as prayed.

“Appeal number SC/CV11112022 is at this moment struck out for lack of diligent prosecution,”’ the Supreme Court ruled to end the embattled monarch’s troubled reign as Nloku of Iraye.

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Justices Habeeb Adewale Abiru, M.M. Saulawa, Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme, and Obande Festus Ogbuinya were with Justice Musa on the case.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State had in September 2022, halted the reign of the deposed Nloku of Iraye, Oba Kalejaiye, while ruling on the case (Appeal No: CA/1B/255/2015 Suit No: HCS/65/2019, an appeal filed by Kalejaiye against his deposition in 2015 by a State High Court sitting in Sagamu.

The Justices of the Appeal Court, led by Hon. Justice Moore A. A. Adumein, ruled that “the appeal lacked merit and is hereby dismissed. The Judgment of Hon. Justice Olugbenga Ogunfowora is hereby affirmed.”

Speaking on the Supreme Court judgment, Pa Olu Salau, head of the Sugbada royal family appreciated the Justices for doing justice to the matter brought before them in a brilliant, comprehensive, and incisive manner. He urged all parties in the dispute to accept the judgment as the will of God and the wishes of the good people of Iraye.