News
Senate to Consult Supreme Court Regarding Ministerial Nominee
… Screens Wike, 13 others
…9 nominees take bow
The screening of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ministerial nominees started yesterday with the Senate resolving to contact the supreme court over a court judgement submitted to it by Sen Abubakar Sani Danladi, from Taraba.
Before his appearance on the floor of the Senate, reports say Danladi was barred by the court from holding public office for 10 years.
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The former Deputy Governor and Acting Governor of Taraba State, after introducing himself, Senators from Taraba State gave him a clean bill.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, however, sought for clarification from Danladi on the allegation that he was barred by the Supreme Court from holding public office.
The ministerial nominee Danladi attributed the report to the handiwork of his enemy, stating that there was no time the Supreme Court gave any judgement barring him for ten years.
Danladi, who presented the court Judgement to the Senate President, said because of his age and certificate, their was a judgement against him at the High court which he pursued to the supreme court and got a favourable judgement.
“When I was deputy Governor in 2007, there was a judgement against me. The Federal High court in Jalingo sat on that judgement and another federal high court set it aside,” Danladi said, adding that he pursued the case to the supreme court and got victory..
But Akpabio said two federal high courts gave a conflicting judgement on his case, adding, “say what you need to say. We will study it, because it is a matter of interest,” Akpabio said adding that they will contact the relevant authorities including the supreme court with the court judgement he submitted.
But Danladi, who said the supreme court was clear on his matter, insisted there is no judgement from the supreme court barring me.
“The supreme court is hearing me. The lawyers here are hearing me. I was not barred from contesting the election,’ Danladi said.
The Senate had listed on its Order Paper for the day’s legislative business names of sixteen nominees for screening.
However, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, from Abia State, whose name was not on the Order Paper later came and was screened.
At the end of the day, the Senate succeeded in screening 14 out of the 28 nominees.
Nine out of the 14 nominees that were screened, were asked to take a bow and go, without subjecting them to questions.
The sixteen nominees listed for screening in the order paper are: Sen.Abubakar Kyari – Borno State; Abubakar Eshiokpekha Momoh – Edo State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike – Rivers State; Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev – Benue State, Sen. John Owan Enoh – Cross River State; Hon Bello Muhammad -Sokoto State, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar – Jigawa State; and Amb Yusuf Maitama Tuggar – Bauchi State.
Others are: Sen. Abubakar Sani Danladi – Taraba State; Barr. Uju-Ken Ohaneye – Anambra State, Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo – Ondo State, Dr Betta C Edu – Cross River State; Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim – Nasarawa State, Arch Ahmed Musa Dangiwa – Katsina State; Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji – Enugu State, and Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete – Delta State.
Abubakar Momoh from Edo State was the first nominee to be admitted into the chamber for screening.
The nominee, who was a two-time member of the Edo State House of Assembly and former member of the House of Representatives, answered questions from the Senators.
He promised to work in line with ideas and programmes of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A second nominee to be admitted for screening was the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.
His nomination as minister had generated controversy, as he is still a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Despite the controversy, Senators from Rivers State said that they were solidly behind him, and that they believed that he would perform as a minister, just as he performed in Rivers state.
Wike was subsequently asked to take a bow and go after introducing himself.
Professor Joseph Utsev from Benue State, was the third nominee to take the stage.
Utsev said the perennial menace of flooding in the country can be tackled mainly by dredging the rivers in the country such as River Benue which is heavily seated.
Utsev who is a Professor of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering said this while responding to questions by Senators when he appeared before the Senate for screening on Monday.
Flooding has become an annual disaster in the country as floods in various parts of the country led to an estimated economic loss of $9.12bn, approximately N4.2 trillion last year.
Speaking on the way out, the Benue nominee said: “We are talking about flooding, for example, River Benue is heavily seated and that is the only reason why we are having flooding in the country.
“If I am giving the Ministry (Water Resources), I will collaborate with the Ministries of Transportation, Agriculture and other Ministries to see how we can tackle the menace of flooding by trying to see how we can dredge the River.
“By dredging the River you would have to curb the menace of flooding and as well provide the water for irrigation so that will solve the problem.”
The former Benue commissioner for Water Resources explained that irrigation farming was artificial supply of water to crops and there are certain areas where dams can not be constructed for the purpose but there is inland drilling for the purpose.
He said he has conducted several researches on water harvesting and uses, adding that: “We don’t encourage wastage of water so what we now do is that the water that causes problems we put it into use.”
Speaking of concern raised by a lawmaker regarding the long period between when he left secondary school and graduated with a degree despite his show of brilliance Utsev said it was due to the protracted Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike.
“I went to Primary School in the year 1984, 1989 was when I got my First School Leaving Certificate. I started my secondary school in 1990 – 1995 that was when I got my SSCE.
“I graduated in 2004, I was actually supposed to pass out in 2003 but there was a prolonged strike by ASUU. I did a five year programme but with the strike, I spent six years on the programme that is why I graduated in 2004,” he explained.
The next called up for screening was Senator Abubakar Kyari, who is currently the Acting National Chairman of the ruling APC, and hails from Borno State. He was a member of the 8th and 9th Senate.
He was introduced by the Deputy President of the Senate and subsequently asked to take a bow and leave in line with the tradition of the legislative Assembly, that its former members will always enjoy the privilege of taking a bow and go.
Another former Senator, John Enoh from Cross River State was also screened. Enoh, who was a Senator in the 8th Senate and a three-time member of the House of Representatives, said he chaired different committees including Finance and Appropriations. He was also asked to take a bow and go.
Bello Mohammad from Sokoto State was scrutinized by the Senators after questions were raised about his university admission on secondary school results that included no more than two credits.
In his response, Muhammad told the chamber that he had other secondary school results that he “all passed” which he admittedly did not attach to his CV “because we are talking of secondary school certificates.”
Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, came to his defense by saying that he had worked closely with the nominee and appealed to his colleagues to screen him for confirmation.
The immediate past Governor of Jigawa State, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, during his screening, narrated how he started as a trader and built his business into a multi-billion naira conglomerate. Without being asked questions, he was asked to take a bow and go..
Uju Kennedy Ohanenye from Anambra State was also screened. She spoke about her passion for helping the poor in society.
When Ohanenye finished speaking, the Senator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh, appealed to his colleagues to confirm the nominee based on her qualification.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah also appealed to the Senate to confirm Ohanenye, claiming that she had been spending her money on charity in the last many years of her life. She was subsequently asked to take a bow and go.
Other nominees screened for confirmation before the Senate adjourned the session include: Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Dr. Betta Edu and Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim.
The Senate will resume today, to continue with the screening exercise that will lead to their confirmation.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of zone 10 comprising Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States Gyogon Augustine Grimah has directed commissioners of police under his zone to ensure adequate security measures in their respective domains before and after the Easter celebration.
Grimah, in a release by the zone 10 Public Relations Officer DSP Uthman Muhammad Yaqub appealed to all and sundry to cooperate with security agencies to enable them serve them well.
The release read in parr, “”Zone 10 headquarters under the leadership of AIG Gyogon Augustine Grimah psc,FCAI, wish to inform the members of the public particularly those residing in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, that it has made adequate security arrangements that will ensure the protection of lives and properties before, during and after the Easter celebrations.
“”AIG zone 10 headquarters, directed the three commissioners of police Commanding Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara Police states Commands to emplace adequate security measures that will ensure smooth and hitch free celebrations. Intelligence gathering apparatus of the zone has also been directed to actively generate actionable intelligence that could assist in mitigating any form of threats””.
While wishing Christian faithfuls a happy Easter celebration, the AIG, Grimah enjoined all of them to seize the moment and pray for continues peaceful coexistence in the zone and beyond.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Christians and all residents of the state to use the Easter season to reflect on the virtues of peace, unity, and sacrifice, as demonstrated by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, the PDP extended warm greetings to Christians across the state and Nigeria, describing Easter as a season of hope, renewal, and triumph over adversity.
“Easter reminds us of the triumph of light over darkness, life over death, and most importantly, of love, peace, and unity among all people,” Masha said.
He noted that the message of Easter was especially significant at a time when Kaduna State is grappling with economic hardship, political tension, and persistent security threats, particularly in vulnerable communities.
“These are trying times for our dear state. We urge all citizens to remain steadfast in faith, committed to peace, and united in the pursuit of a better future. No matter our religious or ethnic backgrounds, we must come together to pray for Kaduna and Nigeria,” he added.
The PDP also called on residents to pray for divine intervention in addressing the state’s worsening socio-economic and security challenges.
“We believe in the power of collective prayers and unity,” the statement continued.
“Kaduna must rise above the tide of division, insecurity, and underdevelopment. Only with sincerity of purpose and inclusive leadership can we achieve that.”
“This Easter should inspire our leaders to embrace sacrificial service. Jesus gave His life to save others — that’s the true test of leadership,” he said.
“We must put aside politics and speak as one voice against the suffering of our people.”
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Kaduna, assuring that it would continue to advocate for good governance, equity, and development. he concluded.
A new terrorist group known as Mahmuda has emerged in Nigeria’s North Central region, launching deadly attacks on communities surrounding the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP), according to local sources and a report by Sahara Reporters.
The group, which operates with impunity in the national park spanning Kwara and Niger states, has besieged villages in Kaiama and Barutein Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kwara, as well as Babana and Wawa districts in Borgu LGA, Niger State. On Wednesday, Mahmuda militants attacked a vigilante group in Kemanji, Kwara, killing over 15 vigilantes and villagers, a source confirmed.
“They call themselves the Mahmuda group. Their leader, in a voice note, is threatening all the communities. They kill, kidnap victims, and demand ransom,” a local source told Sahara Reporters.
The KLNP, covering 3,970.29 square kilometres, has become a haven for the militants, who reportedly displaced park rangers over five years ago.
Sources trace the group’s origins to Mokwa LGA in Niger State, from where they were expelled by former Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, who accused them of being Boko Haram affiliates.
The group then relocated through various regions, including Kaduna State, before entrenching themselves in the KLNP.
A recent audiotape from the group’s leader suggests they are a moderate Islamist sect that splintered from the extremist Boko Haram faction led by Abubakar Shekau.
The militants, who primarily speak Hausa, identify as the Mahmuda or Mallam Group and claim to be jihadists promoting Sunni Islam.
The Mahmuda group has imposed a reign of terror on local communities.
Herders pay dues to graze cattle, farmers pay levies to access farmland allocated by the militants, and residents are forced to work on the group’s farms as “sadaka” (charity).
The militants also kidnap locals for ransom, mount illegal roadblocks, and regulate social activities, banning alcohol sales and smoking while settling community disputes.
“They preach Islamic ethics, urge disloyalty to the Nigerian state, and insist disputes be reported to them,” a source said, adding that the group is recruiting locals as informants.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the militants are engaged in illegal mining within the park and threaten herbalists suspected of aiding vigilantes.
In a bid to consolidate control, the group has expelled bandits from the park, kidnapping or executing their collaborators after collecting ransoms.
The rise of Mahmuda highlights Nigeria’s growing insecurity, with ungoverned spaces like the KLNP enabling militant groups to thrive.
Loggers, fishermen, and hunters exploit the park’s resources, with some loggers reportedly negotiating with the militants to harvest trees, providing the group with revenue.
“The surge of insecurity in Nigeria is a source of concern due to its destructive impact on livelihoods,” a source noted.
“New militant groups continue to emerge and occupy ungoverned spaces.”
Locals suspect the authorities are aware of the group’s activities but have failed to act, possibly due to the militants’ sophisticated weaponry. Vigilante groups, frustrated by the lack of security intervention, have resorted to collaborating with Mahmuda to rescue kidnapped victims, further complicating the situation.
The Mahmuda group’s control over a vast swathe of Nigerian territory underscores the challenges facing the country’s security forces. With communities living at the mercy of the militants, the group’s blend of coercion, religious rhetoric, and economic exploitation poses a significant threat to stability in the region.
As Nigeria grapples with this emerging menace, questions remain about the group’s true origins and affiliations. Some locals speculate the militants may have ties to groups from Benin or Niger Republic, while others see parallels with Boko Haram’s tactics. Further investigation is needed to unmask this faceless group and address the crisis in the KLNP.