Connect with us

News

Pulling down 188-years old Mosque, a painful decision – Emir of Zazzau

Published

on

Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Bamalli, has said that the decision to demolish 188-year old Malam Abdulkarim Central Mosque Zaria, was a painful decision that weight heavily upon the Emirate Council.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the royal father disclosed this during the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the Mosque in Zaria on Sunday.

Bamalli said the decision was not made lightly but the emirate had no option than to take the decision as the safety of lives remained the top priority of the council.

“Your well-being and security have always been at the forefront of our thoughts and actions”, the emir said.

Bamalli commended the Kaduna State Government for supporting the victims of the 2023 Mosque collapse, paying compensation of houses affected by expansion of the Mosque project among other initiatives.

He also lauded the highest donation of N2 billion by Alhaji Abdussamad Isyaka-Rabi’u through the ASR Africa and BUA Group.

He noted that the historic Mosque, built in the 1830s had served as a beacon of faith, community engagement and resilience.

Earlier, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajudeen said the collapsed Mosque was one of the biggest and largest historical heritage of building technology in Nigeria.

The speaker, who is also the member representing Zaria Federal Constituency and a traditional title holder of “Iyan Zazzau”, said the rebuilding of the central Mosque has about 18 months completion period.

He, however, said the resources available would only be able to reach 50 per cent completion, urging philanthropists to donate generously for timely completion of the gigantic project.

ALSO READ:  Sultan Announces End Of Ramadan Fasting, Sunday Is Eid-el-Fitr

The speaker restated the commitment of the National Assembly towards supporting the timely completion of the project.

In his remarks, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna, reiterated the state government’s continued commitment to supporting the project to ensure prompt completion.

He added that the state government was in touch with key stakeholders towards generating more funds for the project.

NAN recalls that on Aug. 11, 2023, the 188-year old Mosque collapsed while hundreds of worshippers were observing afternoon prayers, killing seven worshippers and injuring many others. (NAN)

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Alleged sexual harassment: Suspended professor closes defence

Published

on

Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL) on Friday closed his defence in the alleged sexual harassment case before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter until July 2 for adoption of final written addresses.

after the Ndifon’s lawyer, Joe Agi, SAN, indicated his intention to close his case.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspended professor closes his defence after calling two witnesses to counter the allegations levelled against him and his co-defendant, Sunny Anyanwu, by Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

While Ndifon was the first defence witness (DW-1), CSP Babagana Mingali, a Forensic Analyst, who works at the laboratory of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), was the DW-2.

Justice Omotosho had, on March 6, 2024, dismissed the no-case submission filed by Ndifon and Anyanwu against the ICPC charge.

Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling, held that the evidence led by the prosecution constituted a prima facie case against the duo.

The judge, therefore, ordered Ndifon and Anyanwu to enter their defence.

The ICPC, in the alleged sexual harassment charge, preferred a four-count amended charge against Ndifon and Anyanwu, who was earlier a member of his team of lawyers.

They were accused of alleged sexual harassment, cybercrime and attempt to pervert the course of justice.

The ICPC alleged that Ndifon, while serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Law at UNICAL, asked the female Diploma student, identified as TKJ and a star witness, to send him “pornographic, indecent and obscene photographs of herself” through WhatsApp chats.

ALSO READ:  Tinubu returns from Saudi Arabia

Anyanwu, one of the lawyers of the defence, was joined in the amended charge filed on Jan. 22, 2024, by the commission on the allegation that he called the star witness on her mobile phone during the pendency of the charge against Ndifon to threaten her.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

The anti-corruption commission had, on Feb 14, 2024, closed its case against the suspended professor Anyanwu.

ICPC counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, told Justice Omotosho after Bwaigu Fungo, the 4th prosecution witness, a Forensic and intelligence Analyst with the commission, was cross-examined by the defence lawyer.(NAN)

Continue Reading

News

Taraba Socio-cultural Group Condemns Threats Against Sarkin Hausawa in Takum, Urges Government Action

Published

on

By Nahum Sule, JALINGO

The Takum Samba Socio-Cultural Development Association has raised alarm over a live broadcast by Japhet Kwabche on his online platform, True Comrade TV, which they claim threatens the life of Sarkin Hausawa Takum, Alhaji Hudu Ismail Madugu, and endangers the peace of Takum.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the chairman of the association, Comr. Victor DanUsman said the association described Kwabche’s statements as inflammatory, alleging they imply intent to harm the Sarkin Hausawa and destabilize the town.

The association highlighted that Takum has enjoyed relative peace, attracting development projects, and such threats risk reversing progress.

They noted Kwabche’s declarations suggested he has the authority and capacity to act against the Sarkin Hausawa, raising concerns about planned actions that could affect the entire community. The group also questioned Kwabche’s motives, pointing out he is from Ussa LGA and not a resident of Takum.

Citing recent incidents of violence, including kidnappings and killings in the region, the association warned that Kwabche’s broadcast could incite further unrest. They called on the Taraba State government, led by Governor Agbu Kefas, and security agencies to intervene urgently to protect the Sarkin Hausawa, his family, and Takum residents.

The group urged the Nigeria Police Force to arrest and investigate Kwabche, emphasizing that his statements constitute a criminal threat.

The association reaffirmed its support for the state government and the rule of law, appealing for swift action to prevent any planned attacks and maintain peace in Takum.

ALSO READ:  Why I Cannot Date A Single Father” – BBNaija's Phyna
Continue Reading

News

Kachia APC Stakeholders Back Tinubu, Gov. Sani For Continuity Beyond 2027

Published

on

By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, pledging their unwavering support for the duo’s continuity beyond 2027.

The declaration was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday at the Kachia Council Secretariat.

PUNCH reports that the meeting was convened to receive briefings on security and developmental updates in the area.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Executive Chairman of Kachia Local Government and Chairman of the APC Stakeholders Forum, Dr. Manzo Maigari, said the forum serves as a platform for regular feedback and coordination between the Government and the grassroots.

“We briefed stakeholders on the progress regarding security, the new Federal University of Applied Sciences, and other developmental milestones,” Dr. Maigari said.

“After reviewing the political landscape in Kachia, the stakeholders unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for their achievements and leadership, and called for their continuity beyond 2027.”

Dr. Maigari also addressed the emerging political opposition, particularly the Social Democratic Party (SDP) being championed by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. He dismissed the SDP as a fleeting political movement with little long-term relevance.

He described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a more formidable opposition due to its longstanding presence, but expressed confidence in the APC’s hold over Zone 3 and Southern Kaduna.

“I can assure you that Zone 3 and our allies will return both the President and the Governor to power in 2027,” he said.

ALSO READ:  Rivers State gets new Police Commissioner

“Given the gains we’ve made as a region, it would be difficult for anyone to convince the people of Southern Kaduna to abandon this path.”

Dr. Maigari highlighted security improvements under the current administration, particularly crediting the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) for reducing insecurity in Southern Kaduna by over 80 percent.

He emphasized the transformative impact of the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, noting its potential to spark massive economic and social development.

“Within 24 months of commencement, we expect the University to attract at least 30,000 people to Kachia. In 3 to 4 years, that number could exceed 100,000, stressing the resulting growth and opportunities will elevate not just Kachia but all of Southern Kaduna,” he stated.

He concluded by saying that many in Southern Kaduna now feel a sense of fulfillment, as long-held prayers for federal presence and development are finally being answered.

Continue Reading