Kano Gov Yusuf, Sanusi linked to Eid killings

A coalition of civil society organizations under the Global Initiatives for Good Governance (GIGG) has urged authorities to launch an immediate investigation into the deaths that occurred during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Kano.

In a statement released on Monday, the coalition, led by Malami Abubakar Yahaya Capenta, attributed the unfortunate events to the failure of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, to enforce the ban on the Durbar festival.

Expressing concern over the situation, the coalition questioned why the governor and the emir allegedly disregarded the directive issued by the Kano State Police Commissioner on the eve of Sallah, which was intended as a precautionary measure to protect lives and property.

The group further criticized what it described as a pattern of reckless governance, citing the state administration’s controversial demolitions of properties shortly after assuming office. According to the coalition, these demolitions led to the deaths of more than 25 innocent citizens, with another round of demolitions in Rimin Zakara recently resulting in further casualties.

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It also condemned Governor Yusuf’s reported lack of remorse for these actions, stating that his public remarks reflected a troubling disregard for accountability and empathy.

While commending security agencies for their professionalism in managing rising tensions, the coalition insisted on urgent measures to ensure that both the governor and the emir are held responsible for their roles in the tragic incidents.

The group stressed that justice must prevail to rebuild public trust and prevent future instances of what it described as abuse of power.

Encouraging Kano residents to remain alert and demand responsible leadership, the coalition reiterated its commitment to advocating for justice, stating: “Our state deserves governance that prioritizes the welfare and safety of its citizens over political grandstanding and reckless displays of authority.

“The Coalition stands firm in demanding: Accountability – A full investigation into the deaths and injuries caused by these unlawful actions. Justice – Prosecution of all officials involved in violating the police ban and endangering lives. Transparency – A public explanation from the Kano State Government on its repeated disregard for human lives. We will not relent in our pursuit of justice and good governance. The people of Kano deserve better.”

Kano Gov Yusuf, Sanusi linked to Eid killings

‘I was offered N5bn bribe to impeach Fubara’

The political tension in Rivers State has taken a new twist as Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has made a shocking revelation about an alleged bribery attempt aimed at impeaching his principal.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ehie claimed that he was offered a staggering sum of N5 billion to coordinate the impeachment of Governor Fubara.

He further stated that he possesses concrete evidence of the bribe offer, which he has stored on his phone.

“I can also open my phone to show you, in the beginning of October 2023, when they approached me with a bribe of N5 billion. It is here in my phone,

“It was for impeachment. It’s here. I have it and I have printed it and distributed it, in case, in their evil imagination, they decide to attack me. I already have a son and a brother,” he said.

Ehie said the offer was made while he was serving as the majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The Chief of Staff also denied claims that he orchestrated the October 30, 2023, bombing of the Rivers Assembly complex on Fubara’s orders.

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The allegation was made by a former Head of Service in the state, George Nwaeke, during a press conference last Friday.

Nwaeke had alleged that he witnessed a bag of money being handed over to Ehie at the Government House to execute the operation, though he admitted he did not know the amount inside.

Dismissing the claims as false and politically motivated, Ehie said, “It is very important to clarify that I had no hand and was not part of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“Like everyone else, I woke up in the early hours of 30th of October 2023 to hear of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

Ehie stated that he had instructed his lawyers to file a lawsuit against Nwaeke for criminal libel.

“I will not join issues completely with Mr. George Nwaeke because I have already instructed my lawyers to file an issue of criminal libel against him, and I hope he is very prepared to substantiate his claims and his allegations,” he said.

He further alleged that Nwaeke had sought financial assistance from him on the same day he resigned as head of service.

Rivers State has been in turmoil since Fubara’s fallout with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.

On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state and suspended both the governor and his deputy.

Subsequently, on March 26, the sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, suspended all political officeholders in the state.

‘I was offered N5bn bribe to impeach Fubara’

How they murdered my Kano-bound passengers in Edo

The lone survivor of the tragic lynching of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State, has recounted his terrifying ordeal, refuting allegations that the attack was driven by tribal tensions.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday when the victims, identified as hunters from Kano State, were traveling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Kano for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration. They were reportedly stopped by a local vigilante group in Uromi, leading to the fatal attack.

In a viral video, the truck driver, whose identity remains undisclosed, shared his version of events. He explained that he was transporting goods for the Dangote Group to Obajana, Kogi State, when he encountered the hunters at Elele.

The group requested a ride north, which he willingly offered, unaware of the impending danger.

“I initially refused to give them a ride because it was against my company’s policy. But after driving for about two kilometers, I felt guilty for abandoning them. After all, they are my fellow Northerners from Kano State, so I went back and picked them up,” the driver said.

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According to him, the journey was peaceful until they arrived at Uromi, where they were stopped by a vigilante group. The leader of the vigilante allegedly questioned the driver about his cargo and the identity of his passengers. Despite presenting the waybill for the goods, the vigilante commander reportedly expressed suspicion about the hunters, particularly due to their weapons and dogs aboard the truck.

“He said he (Vigilante Leader) didn’t trust them and demanded they come down. As soon as the crowd saw their guns and dogs, they attacked us,” the driver narrated. “The commander told the crowd that we were kidnappers and Boko Haram, and they started beating us mercilessly.”

The driver, alongside two others identified as Haruna, an older man, and a younger man, was reportedly handcuffed by the vigilante commander and taken to a nearby police station. The vigilante informed the police that they had captured suspected kidnappers, leading to their immediate detention.

“By the time he went back to the scene, the mob had already killed 16 people,” the driver revealed, his voice filled with anguish.

He, however, categorically dismissed suggestions that the incident was a tribal clash. “This was not a tribal clash. The vigilante are solely responsible for this attack. They are the ones that caused our people to be murdered in cold blood,” he emphasided.

The tragic event has drawn widespread condemnation nationwide, with calls for a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

How they murdered my Kano-bound passengers in Edo