This article provides notable updates from various regions in Nigeria as of Friday morning. Highlights include the ongoing leadership struggle within the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Sultan’s call for Ramadan observance, significant debts in the power sector, and concerning crime incidents such as kidnappings and internet fraud.
1. Mudasiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has asserted his position despite opposition from some members who advocate for Mojisola Meranda to retain the role. He arrived at the assembly complex accompanied by security personnel and former principal officers on Friday morning.
2. Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, has urged Muslims nationwide to begin observing the new moon of Ramadan 1446 AH today.
3. Thirty-six members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, loyal to Mojisola Meranda, reaffirmed their decision to remove Obasa as Speaker, declaring Meranda the legitimate leader. This declaration was made during a gathering in the Assembly garden, reiterating their confidence in Meranda from the vote held on February 17.
4. The Kano State Government has called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate the removal of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero from the Nasarawa Palace to restore peace. They have expressed concerns that certain individuals are taking advantage of the Emir’s presence to incite unrest in the state.
5. Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, revealed that the federal government is indebted to electricity generation and distribution companies to the tune of over N4 trillion due to subsidy commitments. This disclosure was made during the Public Presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy and Nigeria Integrated Resource Plan in Abuja.
6. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Kaduna, Alhaji Sadiq Mamman Lagos, stated that former Governor Nasir El-Rufai lacks the authority to decide events for the year 2027, indicating that only divine intervention can determine future matters. He criticized El-Rufai’s comments made against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State.
7. The kidnappers of female students from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, have requested a ransom of N40 million for their release. According to an anonymous informant, the abductors have begun contacting the victims’ families for the ransom payment.
8. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested 19 alleged internet fraudsters at various locations in Benin City, Edo State. EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, reported that the arrests were made following credible intelligence linking the suspects to fraudulent internet activities.
9. The Imo State Police Command has arrested two individuals involved in separate child trafficking cases after they rejected a bribe of N1 million. The spokesperson for the command, DSP Henry Okoye, provided details about the arrests through a press statement issued on Thursday.
10. A part-time lecturer at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Kolawole Muyiwa, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a student by the Ikeja Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court. Justice Rahman Oshodi concluded that the prosecution successfully demonstrated the elements of defilement beyond reasonable doubt.
The situation within Lagos State’s House of Assembly remains contentious with Mudasiru Obasa asserting his position against a faction loyal to Mojisola Meranda. Nationally, concerns over public safety and government accountability are highlighted through calls for removal of emirs, significant debts in the power sector, and alarming incidents of abductions and fraud. Actions taken by law enforcement in various states indicate ongoing efforts to address crime and uphold justice.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
