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Protests: Cautious optimism as normalcy returns to Kaduna, Kano, Katsina

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7 months ago

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There is cautious optimism as normalcy is gradually returning to Kaduna, Kano and Katsina States in the wake up of the nationwide #endbadgovernance protests that began on Thursday.

A Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that monitored the situation in Kaduna city and its environs on Monday reports that there were vehicular movements, with scores of passengers seen en route their various offices and commercial premises.
At the Federal Secretariat, Kawo-Kaduna, NAN learnt that only janitors and security staffers were met as at 9:08am.
“No worker has reported as of now. This may be due to the situation in the country, but I am not sure.
“Maybe they will come later but I am not authorised to speak to the press,” an anonymous source told NAN at the secretariat.
It was also observed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and majority of the commercial banks have opened for business.
However, some customers were seen grudgingly discussing in groups in front of the gate of one of the banks that has not opened for business.
However, ATM outlets were operating, with several customers seen patronising them.
Similarly, security operatives were seen patrolling the streets of the city and its environs, with some of them stationed in strategic locations, armed to the teeth.
A combined team of the military and other security personnel were also seen keeping vigil in all the roads leading to the Government House, Kaduna.
NAN recalls that some irate youths had on Thursday attempted to forcefully gain access into the government house on Thursday.
It was alleged that one person had consequently lost his life in the ensuing altercation between the youths and the security agents.
The Kaduna State Police Command,however, denied the allegation, insisting that nobody lost his life.
In Kano State, the residents were  adhering to the recently imposed curfew, which now runs from 8am to 2pm, marking a significant shift from the previously enforced 24-hour curfew.
This adjustment has contributed to a notable improvement in the security situation in the area.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Police Command has reiterated that the government’s ban on all forms of protest, unlawful assembly and curfew throughout the state was still in force.
This is contained in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Abubakar Aliyu, on Monday in Katsina.
He said: “The 24-hour curfew enforced on Dutsinma LGA and 12 hours from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. in the remaining 33 LGAs of the state, is still in force.
“This measure is aimed at preventing further escalation of violence, vandalism, looting of private and public property, and at maintaining public safety and security.”
Aliyu said that the command remained committed to enforcing the ban while ensuring that peace and order would soon be fully restored across the state.
“We are calling on the good people of Katsina State to continue to cooperate with the command as well as other security agencies in this effort.
“Your understanding and compliance are crucial to maintaining the safety and security of the state.
“We are calling on the parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against engaging in acts that are in conflict with the law, and to encourage them to remain law-abiding citizens,” he said.
Aliyu added that the police were urging the public to remain calm and go about their lawful activities within the confines of the law.
“We will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone who violates this ban.
” Let us work together to ensure peace and stability in Katsina State,” he said
NAN reports that normal business activities have already continued in Katsina metropolis and other places.
The residents were undertaking their lawful activities in all the 33 LGAs with the exception of Dutsin-ma where a 24-hour curfew was still in force.(NAN)
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National

Rev. Joseph Habap Elected Chairman Of Northern CAN

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10 hours ago

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February 26, 2025

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By Abubakar Yunusa

A The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has elected new executives, with Rev. Joseph Habap emerging as Chairman.

The new leadership will oversee the association’s affairs for the next five years.

In his acceptance speech during the unopposed election in Abuja, Rev. Habap reaffirmed his commitment to integrity, unity, and transparency.

He emphasised that his administration would not be driven by greed but by service to the Christian community and Nigeria as a whole.

“We will not allow greed to take over our conscience. We will always be proud of you, and we will make you proud. I want my children to grow up and be proud of their father, son, and son-in-law with integrity,” he said.

He stressed that CAN is an organisation for Christians, believers, Nigerian unity, and progress. He assured members that his leadership would foster dialogue and cooperation with churches across different denominations.

Rev. Habap acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing leadership and called on them to support the new administration. He urged Christian leaders to respect leadership transitions and avoid conflicts during handovers.

“This was not a coup. It was simply a day for them to leave. If we start respecting leadership transitions, we will set a good example for others. Unlike the political class that seeks tenure elongation, we will serve our term and leave,” he stated.

He also underscored the role of the church in promoting truth, peace, and unity, assuring that CAN would engage constructively with the government without hostility.

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“We will speak truth to power, but we are not enemies of the government. We want every administration to succeed, and we will contribute to that success by offering honest counsel,” he added.

Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), congratulated the new CAN leadership and reiterated the importance of religious harmony.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting both Christian and Muslim communities.

“Mr. President is not a religious bigot. What he promised Muslims, he has also done for Christians. We have ensured that chairmen from all states can participate in pilgrimages free of charge. Nigeria remains one indivisible entity, and we must stay together,” he said.

He further urged prayers for the country’s leadership, adding that his office would continue to promote interfaith relations in line with the president’s vision.

Some of the newly elected officials include:Chairman: Rev. Joseph John Habap,Vice Chairman: Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson TEKAN (ECWA, FCT),Secretary: Bishop Mohammed Naga (PFN/CPFN, Borno State),Assistant Secretary: Ven. Tajudeen Azeeze Afolabi (OAIC Bloc, Zamfara State),
Treasurer: Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo (CSN Bloc, Plateau State), and Director, National Issues: Pastor Dr. Simon A.S Dolly (CCN Bloc, Nasarawa State)

The new leadership has pledged to strengthen CAN’s presence in Abuja, ensuring that Northern CAN is more visible at the national level.

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Senate accuses CBN of obstructing probe into N30trn Ways and Means

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13 hours ago

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February 26, 2025

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The Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Ways and Means Advance has accused the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of frustrating its investigation into the N30 trillion Ways and Means Advance and the Anchor Borrowers’ programme under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The committee made the accusation after receiving an interim report from its consultants at a meeting where they expressed frustration over the bank’s failure to provide crucial documents required for the probe. The committee, which was inaugurated a year ago by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stated that the delay has significantly stalled progress on the investigation.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Isah Jibrin, criticised the CBN for withholding vital information, despite multiple requests, revealing major infractions with the preliminary reports of the CBN.

He dismissed speculations that the Senate had been compromised or gone to sleep, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.

“The information we have here is not different from what we have heard all along. What we did was to hand over the documents to the consultants, and when the consultants made available to us this interim report, our intention was to hold onto the interim report on the final report,” he said.

“But we’ve been compelled to make available this interim report to the general public so that they know that we let them know where the problem is, and the problem is that the Central Bank of Nigeria has denied us consistently the documents that we need to complete this assignment. That is the truth.

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“It was at the CBN sometimes, I met Bala the deputy governor. And they promised, but nothing came out of it. The Clerk has been there several times. Nothing has come out of it. The consultants themselves even took it upon themselves to go with CBN directly, because we introduced them to CBN and nothing has come out of it.”

Although Hamisu Abdullahi, the Director of Banking Services at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), claimed that the apex bank had provided all the requested documents, Senator Isah Jibrin, the committee chairman, refuted the claim, insisting that the facts tell a different story.

The committee issued a strong warning to the CBN representatives, emphasizing the need for full disclosure of how the funds were utilized to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.

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National

Police begin recruitment medical screening

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13 hours ago

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February 26, 2025

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The Zonal Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, has announced the start of medical screening for constables as part of the police recruitment process.

The Zonal Public Relations Officer (ZPRO), CSP Umma Ayuba, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Ayuba confirmed that the medical screening would begin on Wednesday

The police recruitment medical screening for constables will take place nationwide from Feb. 26 to March 12.

Prospective candidates from Lagos and Ogun States should note that the screening will be held at Police College, Ikeja.

Candidates are advised to visit the recruitment portal at https://apply.policerecruitment.gov.ng to verify their status, date, time, and other requirements.

Applicants must appear in a clean white T-shirt and shorts, bringing their national identity card, medical examination slip, and all necessary documents.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, wished all candidates success in the screening process.

Fayoade also reminded candidates that the screening exercise is free of charge and warned them not to make any payments to anyone.

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