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Forum lauds Gov. Sani, CDS for tackling insecurity in Kaduna

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The Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum (SKJF) has commended the collaboration by Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, towards tackling insecurity in the state.

Ango Bally, Chairman of the forum, made this known in a  press statement issued to journalists on Wednesday in Kaduna.

According to him,  the synergy has led to the establishment of three new military commands in Samaru Zango-Kataf, Giwa, and Birnin-Gwari, in addition to a base to be set up by the Air Force in Millennium City, Chikun Local Area.

He said the strategic moves would significantly help in addressing the protracted banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats in the region while enhancing agricultural activities in the state.

Bally said, “The forum is optimistic that the deployment of additional military personnel would significantly improve security and enable farmers to access their lands without fear.”

He listed the communities as Maro-Kajuru, Kauru, Sanga, Giwa and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas that have been witnessing persistent banditry attacks.

Bally added, ” A robust military presence in the areas, will no doubt bring sanity by boosting citizens, farmer’s confidence for robust agricultural activities to combat poverty and unemployment across the state.”

The forum also commended the governor’s initiative to further enhance security across the state by distributing 150 patrol vehicles and 500 motorbikes to various security agencies.

The forum equally recognised Sani’s laudable efforts in uniting the state towards achieving sustainable peace through the formation of the Kaduna Elders’ Forum to help chart a new course for the unity and development of the state.

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The forum congratulated Sani for marking one year in office and particularly lauded his efforts towards inclusive governance as evident with the recent inauguration of development projects that cut across Southern and Northern parts of the state.

Bally said, ”However, we are calling on the governor to take deliberate practical steps to reconcile the regrettable retrogressive politics by building bridges of unity and inclusive politics across the state for sustainable development to be achieved.”

In the same vein, the forum called on Sani to demonstrate the pro-democracy, rule of law to respect, implement the court judgment which nullified the dethronement of Piriga traditional ruler, Chief Jonathan Zamuna.

Bally said, “Justice Bashir Attahiru Alkali’s judgement of the National Industrial Court sitting in Kaduna, had on June 10, declared the dethronement of Chief Zamuna null and void for lack of fair hearing and ordered for his reinstatement with all salaries arrears paid and all privileges restored within 30 days.

”The court also ordered the Kaduna state government to pay Chief Zamuna N10 million  damages for the violation of his fundamental human rights. The copy of judgement has already been released.“(NAN)

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Trump threatens attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities as talks continue

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U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his threat of drastic consequences for Iran over its nuclear programme, including a potential attack on Tehran’s nuclear facilities.

During a meeting at the White House with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, Trump said: “They can’t have a nuclear weapon, and they got to go fast, because they’re fairly close to having one, and they’re not going to have one.

“And if we have to do something very harsh, we’ll do it. And I’m not doing it for us.

“I’m doing it for the world, and these are radicalised people, and they cannot have a nuclear weapon.”

When questioned by a reporter if this included an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Trump affirmed, “Of course it does.”

The U.S. government and other Western states as well as Israel aim to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

During his first term in office in 2018, Trump unilaterally withdrew from the Vienna nuclear deal, which was designed to limit Iran’s nuclear programme and lift sanctions in return.

Following this, Tehran also ceased adhering to the agreement’s stipulations.

Last Saturday, the U.S. and Iran resumed talks about a possible new nuclear agreement after years of deadlock, with Oman acting as a mediator.

The next round of talks is expected to hold on Saturday in Rome.

Trump confirmed the scheduled date and expressed confidence in resolving the issue with Iran, describing it as “almost an easy” problem.

Earlier Monday, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi announced that he would travel to Tehran this week ahead of the next round of nuclear talks.

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According to Iranian media reports, Grossi is expected in Tehran on Wednesday.

“Continued engagement and cooperation with the agency is essential at a time when diplomatic solutions are urgently needed,” Grossi wrote on X on Monday.

Tehran’s lack of cooperation with IAEA inspectors is a main cause of the growing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme, along with its production of near weapons-grade uranium. (dpa/NAN

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Alleged N33.8bn fraud: Court adjourns trial of ex-Power Minister

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, adjourned the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, until May 2.

Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s video evidence to counter the allegations by Mamman that his extra-judicial statement was not voluntarily made, was played in the open court.

Justice Omotosho had ordered that the video clip of the interview session conducted by the commission’s officials during their investigation be played in a trial-within-trial, following allegation that the ex-minister did not voluntarily make the statement.

The ex-minister had, through his lawyer, Femi Atteh, SAN, insisted that his statement tendered by the EFCC in the alleged corruption trial was not not made voluntarily.

The EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, disagreed with Atteh’s submission.

The judge consequently ordered that the video clip be played in the open court to ascertain the veracity of the argument.

In the video on Monday, Mamman insisted that he could not write statement due to his ill-health.

Counsel to the EFCC, Abbas Muhammed, asked the EFCC investigator and a witness, Abubakar Kwaido, whether he read the statement of caution to Mamman before the session.

Kwaido confirmed that the cautionary statement was read to the defendant before the video recorded and the statement taken.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until May 2 for continuation of trial.

Oyedepo, the lead prosecuting counsel, had, on Thursday, asked Kwaido whether he harassed Mamman or threatened him with detention but the witness responded in the negative.(NAN)

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Ghastly accident claims 7 lives in Ebonyi– FRSC

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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ebonyi has confirmed the death of seven persons in Sunday’s auto crash at Nwafia Oga, Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area.

The Sector Commander of the corps, Mr Henry Igwe, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, saying that it occured at about 7.30pm.

Igwe also said that the crash involved a commercial Toyota Bus, with Registration Number UWN 429 ZY and an articulated vehicle, with Registration Number XW 294 ENU.

He said: “20 persons were involved in the crash, consisting of six males and two females.

“The dead include four males and three females, while two females were injured.”

According to him, 11 persons, comprising two males, eight females and one child, escaped unhurt.

The FRSC chief also said that the crash was caused by speed violation.

He said that while the injured were taken to St. Saviour Hospital, Onueke for treatment, the remains of the deceased were taken to the Onueke General Hospital’s morgue.

He said that investigation into the crash had commenced.

“We still urge drivers to drive carefully and obey road signs because it is only the alive that travels,” he said. (NAN)

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