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Naira swap, fuel scarcity, protests booby trap, MURIC warns
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), a faith-based civil society organisation, has called on Nigerians to avoid any form of protests as the country moves closer to the 2023 general elections.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the Executive Director of MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, warned Nigerians not to fall into the trap of enemies of democracy who are scheming either to impose an interim government or to ignite a military intervention.
It read in part, “The Central Bank of Nigeria recently announced plans to redesign the country’s currency. The citizens were asked to surrender all old notes in their possession particularly the higher N1,000, N500 and N200 denominations.
“Unfortunately, the ongoing naira swap became a booby trap particularly as it has been accompanied by a protracted fuel scarcity. The timing of the exercise has led us to suspect a grand provocation ploy as Nigerians who surrendered their old naira notes were later denied access to both the old and the new. This ugly development led to widespread hunger and general suffering.
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“The tendency is for the atmosphere to become explosive and already there have been pockets of demonstrations in one or two places particularly in the South West. However, there is a strong suspicion that naira swap and the attendant artificial scarcity are booby traps aimed at goading Nigerians to anger. They expect the youth to troop to the streets.
“We must not fall for it. This is the grand plan of some selfish political shenanigans and capitalist comprador bourgeoisie whose ambition is to hold the jamaaheer (masses) in their vice grip till kingdom come. Greedy bank officials have leveraged on the situation by hoarding the new naira notes and turning it into an opportunity for self-aggrandisement. It is the height of sadism.
“The aim of these wicked political charlatans is to manipulate the crisis once demonstrations begin. They plan to hijack the demonstrations, turn it into a viciously violent exercise and attack certain public figures as well as public properties. It is at this point that they plan to announce an indefinite postponement of the general elections and introduce an interim government. A military coup may also be on the table if the plan for an interim government fails to work.
“We therefore appeal to Nigerians to eschew public protest in all its ramifications.
“Election is just 16 days away. If we are patient, we will be able to peacefully elect leaders of our choice. On the other hand, we may play into the hands of agents provocateur and end up with an interim government or a military coup d’etat. But election is just a stone’s throw away. Therefore, let us be peaceful and endure till 25th February.”
The group therefore advised Nigerians to be patient as the general election is just sixteen days away
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No Sallah durbar festival in Kano this year – Police warn
No Sallah durbar festival in Kano this year – Police warn
There will be no Sallah Durbar celebrations in Kano during this year’s Eid-el-Fitr festivities, the state police command has said.
It cited security concerns and the need to prevent potential unrest as reasons for the ban announced on Friday ahead of the end of Ramadan fast festival holding on Sunday or Monday.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, announced the decision while addressing journalists at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano.
He said intelligence reports revealed plans by certain groups to use the Durbar to create instability.
“In pursuit of a safe and secure celebration, and to maintain peace and public order, the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has assessed the rising tensions and uncertainties surrounding the Durbar activities,” Bakori said.
“Following credible intelligence reports about plans to use the Durbar as a proxy for unrest, a ban has been placed on all Durbar activities throughout the state during the 2025 Eid-El-Fitr Sallah celebrations.”
The Police Commissioner emphasized that the decision was taken after extensive consultations with the Kano State Government and other key stakeholders.
The police command has urged worshippers to conduct their Eid prayers only at designated prayer grounds and to adhere to security guidelines.
Some of the restrictions in place outlined by CP Bakori include worshippers should avoiding carrying unnecessary objects that may cause suspicion., no horse riding (Kilisa), car racing, or reckless driving will be allowed, and parents and guardians must caution their children against involvement in disruptive activities.
He further warned that anyone caught violating these directives would face legal consequences.
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We won’t stop Sharia panels from operating in Oyo – Gov Makinde
We won’t stop Sharia panels from operating in Oyo – Gov Makinde
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured Muslims in the state that he has no objections to the operation of Sharia panels, emphasizing that individuals are free to seek dispute resolution through them if they so wish.
Speaking at the 2025 Iftar event organized by the state government at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, Makinde clarified that he has no plans to challenge the legality of Sharia courts in the state. His comments were conveyed in a statement on Thursday by his media aide, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
Earlier in the week, Dr. Rafiu Bello, Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo Land, had confirmed that a Sharia panel had already been established in Oyo town and had begun sittings. This led to renewed discussions regarding the panel’s constitutionality.
In response, Makinde reiterated his stance that the Constitution remains the supreme authority in all legal matters while acknowledging the role of Sharia panels in alternative dispute resolution.
“I read in the newspaper that I would go to court for interpretation on the Sharia panel, which is ongoing in Oyo. That is not my position,” the governor stated. “My position is that we will support anything that is in our Constitution.”
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Makinde explained that alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including the Sharia panel, could ease the burden on the courts, provided they do not conflict with constitutional provisions.
He further emphasized his administration’s commitment to maintaining religious harmony and unity in the state, cautioning against attempts to use religion for political gains.
“As we move towards the next election, there will be elements that only think about the next election. But what we have done in this administration is to think about the next generation,” he said.
The governor also used the occasion to appreciate the Muslim community for their support and prayers, acknowledging the contributions of religious leaders, lawmakers, and security agencies in fostering peace and development in Oyo State.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin (represented by Deputy Speaker Mohammed Fadeyi), and other key figures from the judiciary and legislative arms of government.
We won’t stop Sharia panels from operating in Oyo – Gov Makinde
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EFCC re-arraigns son of ex-PDP chairman for alleged N2.2bn oil subsidy fraud
EFCC re-arraigns son of ex-PDP chairman for alleged N2.2bn oil subsidy fraud
Mamman Nasir Ali, the son of former chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and one Christian Taylor were on Thursday rearraigned for an alleged N2.2 billion oil subsidy fraud before Justice Mojisola Dadap of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
They were re-arraigned alongside Nasaman Oil Services Limited on an amended 57-count charge, following new findings in the case.
The defendants had initially been arraigned on a 49-count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence, obtaining money by false pretence, forgery and the use of false documents.
At the scheduled trial for the adoption of final written addresses on Wednesday, the prosecution counsel, Seiduh Atteh, informed the court of the amended charges and requested that the defendants take a fresh plea.
There was no objection from the defence counsel, Obafemi Kolade, SAN.
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Consequently, the court granted the request.
The defendants, thereafter, pleaded “not guilty” to the amended charges preferred against them.
In the amended charge, the defendants, as well as Oluwaseun Ogunbambo and Olabisi Abdul Afeez, who are both at large, allegedly “fraudulently obtained money from the Federal Government on or about September 9, 2011.”
The defendants also allegedly forged a document titled: “ GASOLINE ANALYSIS” on board MT Overseas Limar, purportedly issued by Saybolt Concremat on the said date.
Following the re-arraignment, Kolade requested time for the defence to amend its written address in response to the new charges.
Justice Dada directed the prosecution to file a response before the next hearing.
The case was adjourned till April 15, 2025 for the adoption of final written addresses.
EFCC re-arraigns son of ex-PDP chairman for alleged N2.2bn oil subsidy fraud
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