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Husband beats Wife to Death over N2,000
A husband, Christopher, beat his 39-year-old wife, Isoken, to death over N2,000 in Benin, the Edo capital.
The incident occurred Saturday night at No.1, Agbontaen street, beside Ebvareke Secondary School in Uselu, NAN reports.
The eldest child, Augustine Christopher, 13, said the father, a worker with a waste manager in Benin, usually beat his mother.
He recalled that earlier in the day, Christopher, 45, called the deceased on phone and requested N2,000.
The son said the father returned home at about 9 pm and attacked Isoken, accusing her of embarrassing him each time he requested for money.
Augustine disclosed that after the assault, he tried to give the mother paracetamol and water but Christopher seized both and threw it away.
“She went out to pour water on her body and later lay down outside. My father locked us inside the room and went outside to pounce on my mother where she was lying down.
“That was when neighbours came and rushed her to two different hospitals, where she was both pronounced dead on arrival,” he narrated.
The boy said that his father was a smoker and was always drunk.
A neighbour, Mrs Florence Obahiagbon, corroborated Augustine’s recount.
She said after Isoken died, residents invited vigilantes who apprehended Christopher as he attempted to escape.
Edo Police Command spokesman, SP Bello Kontongs, confirmed the incident. He said investigation has commenced.
June 28, 2021
Gov Sanwo-Olu reconstitutes LASU Governing Council
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appointed 13 members of the Governing Council of the Lagos State University (LASU).
The Governor’s Special Adviser on Education, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known in a statement on Sunday said a former Lagos State Accountant General, Mr David Sunmoni, as chairman of the council, NAN reports.
Wahab said the appointment follows the recommended dissolution of the previous governing council of the university based on the report of the Special Visitation Panel on the appointment of the 9th Vice-Chancellor.
He gave the names of the members of the Council to include: Prof. Amuwo Shaffudeen, Mr Anuoluwa Eso, Mr Tolani Sule, Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, Mr Karl Toriola, and Mr Adekunle Soname.
Others include: Mrs Foluke Abdul- Rasaq, Mrs Moronke Williams, Adebayo Akinsanya, Mrs Adenike Fasheun, Mrs Mojisola Taiwo and Dr Hakeem Adetugbobo.
“Also, the governor has said that the date for the formal inauguration of the new governing council would be announced later,” the statement said.
June 28, 2021
Open Letter to Governor A A Sule
By Adefolarin A. Olamilekan
Political Economist and Development Researcher
Email Adefolarin77@Gmail.Com
Tel. 08073814436, 08107407870
Dear Governor Sule,
Am writing this open letter to you as a keen observer of your administration, residing in Nasarawa State, a political economist and development researcher. Moreso, as a Nigerian with profound concern over the current hanging industrial labour disputes in the state.
I send you this open letter in the hope that you would read it since it would be published in national dailies and online platforms.
The underlying issues this open letter address is precisely predicated on three center of attention resting on the industrial labour disputes in the state. First, is that it is one of the oldest and most deep-seated issues in Nigerian governance and politics. Secondly, it is an ideological one that stems from neoliberal instrument and, lastly, it’s about operationalisation of finance in terms of what comes to state purse from Federal Allocation Committee and the state Internal generated Revenue.
As a resident in Masaka area of Karu LGA in the state, your desire for infrastructural development is laudable, that is convincing enough for residents and indigenes to appreciate. Meanwhile, your drive to ensure Nasarawa state become an industrial hub in North Central zone is plausible to the general economy health of Nigeria, to engage youth employment, income generation and poverty reduction. Your impressive concern for civil servants welfare and development demonstrate commitment to a professional civil service with 21^st century facts and imminent. This you ensure at the inception of your administration.
Persuasively, industrial disputes are one of the oldest and most deep-seated issues in Nigerian governance and politics. This scenario existed long before Nigeria got independence in 1960s, overrun through military adventure into our politics and birthed dangerously in the last 22 years of uninterrupted democracy we valued as fourth republic. And this goes into our understanding of both economic and political forces has it’s impinges on workers welfare, the nature and character of the Nigerian state.
Am not here to lecture your Excellency on this, a perspective discussion would help, even although you prepared yourself intellectually in the flight to becoming governor of one of Nigerian most promising state.
Auspiciously, industrial disputes reoccurrences in Nigeria is basically because the class interest that drives the forces which stimulate the crises remained unchanged. Undeniably, the struggle for National Minimum wage was a drama of its own as the demand of N52, 000 by the workers was back down to N30, 000 from a crisis of negotiation.
In the prevailing circumstance this in particular is the burning point between your administration and workers in the state. Even, though you show commitment to state implementing from GL0 to 6, this labour union not comfortable with.
Industrial dispute globally is an ideological context that stems from of neoliberal enigma. This can be properly dissected on the controversial question of Wage and Wages. Wages is the amount paid for certain period of work or for a certain amount of work. Nevertheless, Karl Marx explicitly put it this way, wages are only a special name for the price of labour power, and are usually called the price of labour, it is the special name for the price of this peculiar commodity, which has no other repository than human flesh and blood. To this end is to see wage translate to better conditions of workers regular payment of salary and promotion
Neoliberals over the years, especially in the third world countries with particular reference to Nigeria have been on the fore fronts attacks on the workers. This is in a bid of economic principles handed over to their governments in respect to loan obtained from World Bank, International Monetary Fund and others. Ideally, loans could be obtained to ease domestics resources constraints in a country but the recklessness which loans are contracted in third world countries has made loans a clog in the wheel of development and social progress of the third world.
In fact; the policies to right size downsize and reform of the civil service from below are neoliberal agenda. I may not have enough space to expatiate on this, since this is just a letter. The imperative of ideological context is that, the civil servants in Nasarawa state have sowed in flesh and blood as there labour power. And this is the sacrifice of their life.
To the issue of operationalisation of finance in respects to the monies from federal allocation committee and the state internally generated revenue. This is all about distribution and redistribution of resources. The contentions here start from previous governors paying civil servant in percentages of which you overturned and start paying them full salary.
I commend you for that, even though you meet the problem on ground especially the issue of arrears’ and promotion your administration is strategically trying to resolves.
Conversely, the controversies surrounding the amount received by your administration from FAAC, especially the allegation from Labour Union that your government received N4.5 billion on monthly basis to me is what is fueling the crisis.
In Nigeria today no state government would agree to have enough to upset the monthly wage bill of state civil service, as many would cites poor revenues and blotted civil service. When state government hold on to these two things are bound to happen, nonpayment of workers’ salaries or industrial dispute in the form of strikes by workers.
In conclusion, your Excellency, l have no doubt that your administration have good intention for civil servants in Nasarawa state , am positive that you would not just end this strike by workers, but you put robust measures in place to foster future occurrence in Nasarawa state.
On the other hand, here is my modest suggestion, kindly, published what your administration received from FAAC on monthly basis, established an adhoc committee on labour and government relations. Very apt to this is dialogue, dialogue and dialogue at every point in your administration.
With, Respected Special Regards.
June 28, 2021
Portugal Crash Out Of Euro 2020 After Defeat To Belgium
Portugal have crashed out of Euro 2020 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium on Sunday evening, ending the defending champions’ hopes of another continental triumph.
Thorgan Hazard’s first-half goal gave Belgium a tense win over the holders to set up a quarter-final tie against Italy at Euro 2020.
Belgium held on despite losing skipper Kevin De Bruyne to injury in the second half and will face the Italians in Munich in the last eight on July 2.
Cristiano Ronaldo tested Thibaut Courtois with a dipping free-kick in the first half but the 36-year-old neither broke the international goals record nor added to his five for the tournament.
Raphael Guerreiro went closest to a late equaliser when his shot came back off the post but Belgium were the braver, more fluid team and deservedly edged through.
They will now face Italy in Munich on Friday and possibly without Kevin De Bruyne, who hobbled off injured in the second half but returned to the pitch to join the celebrations at the end.
For all the superstar names on the pitch, it was Eden Hazard’s less heralded brother Thorgan who proved decisive, the Borussia Dortmund winger who Eden once said had even more talent than him.
Portugal, meanwhile, stuck to the defensive approach that served them so well in France five years ago but has perhaps been outgrown by a side that now boasts some of the most creative technicians in the world.
De Bruyne injury worry
Eden Hazard started in Belgium’s front three again after playing 90 minutes against Finland on Monday. Portugal’s Diogo Dalot came in at right-back for the injured Nelson Semedo.
Eden Hazard skied an early shot over after a neat exchange with Romelu Lukaku while Diogo Jota skewed wide, slipped in down the left by the impressive Renato Sanches.
Ronaldo cut an isolated figure up front, his every touch booed early on by the Belgian fans, who then cheered when he was robbed of the ball before being bumped to the ground by Thomas Meunier.
The closest Ronaldo came to an all-time record 110th international goal was a dipping free-kick from 30 yards which Courtois parried away while at the other end, Lukaku was a more dynamic force.
One scintillating break saw Lukaku tear through Portugal’s midfield and with his shirt being pulled behind him, he was just lacking the final pass to Hazard.
An untidy game found its moment of clarity in the 42nd minute. It started with Courtois coolly evading Ronaldo’s press before more excellent work from Lukaku allowed De Bruyne to switch left to Thorgan Hazard.
Hazard cut in and ripped a swerving shot that rocketed towards the centre of the goal before swerving right and past Rui Patricio, who was too slow to adjust.
Belgium played with more verve after half-time and looked set to take charge.
But De Bruyne’s injury checked their rhythm and Portugal came again, Jota firing over and Joao Felix, on as a substitute, heading into the hands of Courtois.
Tempers flared as a crescendo of collisions incensed the crowd and left Pepe lucky only to be booked after he led into his challenge with his arm.
Portugal finally had to push and in a wild last 10 minutes, Guerreiro went closest to an equaliser, his shot hammering against the post. Belgium did just enough.
AFP
June 28, 2021
Gov Emmanuel tasks NATOP on new strategies, applauds impact of Ibom Christmas Village, others
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has tasked the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) to adopt new strategies that would make the nation’s tourism potentials attractive and take its rightful place in the economy of the country.
Emmanuel who made the call at the fifth Annual General Meeting of the Association in Uyo last weekend expressed dismay over the dwindling fortunes of the sector despite the vast tourism potentials of the country.
The Governor however expressed delight with the new level of committment and zeal demonstrated in recent times by the tour operators and other stakeholders in promoting tourism in the country and said the new lease of life in the sector if sustained could generate huge revenue for both practioners and the government.
He said the hospitality of Akwa Ibom people remained infectous and is blessed with more than scores of cusines while natural tourist sites including the residence of Mary Slessor, the blue River, the longest coastline in Nigeria while the annual Christmas Carole and Christmas Village has become a must event in the calendars of lovers of tourism .
He pledged the assistance and partnership of the state government to NATOP but urged them to adopt measures that would project their services and attract goodwill to the country, expressing hope that the conference would develope a new template for running tourism in Nigeria.
In a keynote speech, an oil magnet, Mr Akanimo Udofia said with improved committment and institutional attention, tourism could could generate more than crude oil and gas for the country adding that many countries not blessed with natural resources have thrived and prospered through tourism.
Also in a speech, a former Minister of Tourism in Ghana, Mrs Catherine Afeku and using the Ghana experience urged Akwa Ibom government to utilize the opportunity of the Bridge of No Return to well come back decendants of Nigeria lost to the Athlantic Slave Trade.
Afeku further urged government and practitioners to focus on Domestic Tourism, lobby for tourism incentives, adopt a policy of Right of Abode for relatives in the diaspora, repackage tourism sites and patronize Made in Nigeria products and services.
State Commissioner for Tourism, Mr Orman Esin applauded NATOP for choosing Akwa Ibom and expressed hope that the conference would usher a new lease of partnership between the state and tour operators.
Esin pointed out that the state has pioneered several aspects of tourism in Nigeria and home to the earliest missionaries adding that with the longest coastline in Nigeria, a fertile land rich in tourism, an international airport and one of the best golf resorts in West Africa, the state is well positioned to take tourism to the next level in Nigeria.
“Akwa Ibom, the real deal, we have the options for all types of tourism in Nigeria. We have the biggest hotel property in West Africa, with consistent growth over the years. We knew that bringing Naija7Wonders group to our state in December for the Christmas Village will bring us the attention we needed.
National President of NATOP Hajia Bilkisu Abdul who paid flowing tributes to NATOP former president Mrs Fatima Garbati expressed sadness over the loss of revenue to the tourism sector occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic however expressed joy that tour business has gradually returned with Akwa Ibom being one of the star destinations for tour operators.
“Domestic Tourism started to come back to life towards the end of last year. I am glad to note that Akwa Ibom became one of the star destinations for tour operators. They came for the Christmas village events in December and observed that it was a great success, they found your state rich in attractions.
“Our coming to Akwa Ibom State is not accidental. NATOP uses its AGM to promote Domestic Destinations and all our past Destinations of Choice have become viable locations for Tourism.” Abdul said.
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed represented by the Permanent Secretary Mrs Ifeoma Anyanwutaku in a goodwill message urged NATOP to work towards rediscovering the damaged tourism reputation of the country and urged them to increase international partnerships while adopting international best practices for networking.
Mohammed called for increased participation from the private sector while urging stakeholders to work towards repositioning the image of the country by repackaging the country’s investment and tourism potentials.
Other goodwill messages were received from the Lagos State Government, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism(NIHOTOUR), National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC).
June 27, 2021
Don seeks for protection of indigenous languages in Nigeria
A University Don, Prof. Imelda Udoh University of Uyo(UNIUYO) in Akwa Ibom state has called for the protection of all Nigeria indigenous languages to enable the government speak to the people in the languages they really understand.
Udoh, who is of the Department of Linguistics at the University of Uyo made this known weekend while delivering the University’s 81st Inaugural Lecture  with the theme “Nigerian Indigenous Languages As Bricks For A National Identity.”
She said that protecting  indigenous languages would foster national identity and national integration.
The University Don who explained that language is a relevant tool in the process of achieving national identity, prestige, unity, and development advised that the larger number of languages in the country should not be seen as a challenge , rather, protecting  them  could improve the infrastructural development in the country  despite the  overwhelming economic and human resources.
She advised that multilingualism should be treated as an asset maintaining that there is need for these indigenous  Nigerian Languages to be used properly and should be recognized.
According to her, there is need for language issue to be brought to the attention of both the government and everyone to ensure that just and democratic decisions are taken on them, as a matter of right.
“Nigeria should protect the existence of both the major and minor linguistics groups. They all have identities that are peculiar to them, and when these identities are promoted individually, each group, without misgivings can feel a better sense of belonging to a center that is sensitive to its individual identity” Udoh explained.
In his remarks, UNIUYO Vice Chancellor Prof Nyaudoh Ndaeyo commended the 81st Inaugural Lecturer for her insightful revelation, which according to him has made people aware that the highest number of languages spoken in Nigeria are found in North-East geopolitical zone, followed by South South and North-Central.
Ndeayo also thanked Udoh for disclosing the fact that Cross River State has the highest number of languages spoken in South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria
The VC added that Inaugural Lecture remained a serious academic business promising that his administration will continue to sustain the lecture in order to  maintain  the existing cordial relationship between the gown and town.
June 27, 2021
FG to impose heavy tax on Facebook, Twitter, other tech companies in Nigeria – Osinbajo
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has disclosed that the Federal Government will soon impose heavy tax on giant technology and digital companies in Nigeria.
Osinbajo said the Federal Government will utilize its legal provisions to collect taxes on profits made in the country by global technology and digital firms not based in the country, but with significant economic presence.
He disclosed this during an interactive session with a delegation of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN, led by its President, Mr Adesina Adedayo at the Presidential Villa on Friday and was contained in a statement by his spokesman, Laolu Akande.
Osinbajo, however, assured Nigerians that government would not be increasing tax any time soon.
The statement reads partly: “While the Federal Government will not be raising tax rates at this time, based on the Finance Act 2019, it is already empowered to widen the tax net, including by collecting taxes on the Nigerian income of global tech giants with significant economic presence here, even if they have not established an office or permanent establishment and are currently not paying taxes in Nigeria.
“In this regard, Section 4 of the Finance Act 2019, provides that “the Minister (Finance) may by order (of the President) determine what constitutes the significant economic presence of a company other than a Nigerian company.
“We have had severe economic downturns which of course implies that we may not be able to collect taxes with the aggressiveness that would ordinarily be expected.
“I think the most important thing is that we must widen our tax net so that more people who are eligible to pay tax are paying. Several efforts have been made, and I am sure you are aware of the initiatives including the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) which was also an attempt to bring more people into the tax net, including those who have foreign assets.”
June 27, 2021
NAF strikes decimates terrorists stronghold
A coordinated multiple airstrikes by aircraft from the Nigerian Airforce (NAF) have destroyed strongholds of terrorist’s commanders at the Lake Chad axis.
This is despite the alleged reunion of Boko Haram and ISWAP factions in the area.
Report indicates that the intelligence inspired operation was targeted at various terrorists’ camps in Sabon Tumbu, Jibularam and Kwalaram. The latest development is coming after a report suggested that Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists have reunited in a 13-minute video showing the gunmen placing “their hands atop one another, while chanting words of solidarity, to demonstrate their reuniting and togetherness.” An intelligence source involved in the operation said that the aircraft also bombarded the spiritual base and training camps of the terrorists in the North-eastern part of Borno State and the fringes of Lake Chad. “Intelligence revealed that their leaders including Ali Chakkar and other top ISWAP commanders were holding a meeting when the attacks were launched on their locations. “The precision-guided airstrikes coordinated by the Air Task Force Command resulted in the killing of very large numbers of ISWAP Boko Haram Terrorists.”
The NAF Spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet confirmed the attacks on the locations
He said: “We don’t differentiate between Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists as we successfully launched the devastating intelligence-led aerial attacks targeting the terrorists in those locations.”
June 27, 2021
Media gag laws: SERAP drags Buhari, NASS to African Commission
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent a complaint to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Banjul, The Gambia asking it to stop the Nigerian government and National Assembly from pushing through two bills to gag the media.
SERAP in the complaint urged the commission to “issue provisional measures” to stop the bills.
The bills seek to impose arbitrary and harsh punishment on journalists, broadcast stations, media houses and media practitioners.
SERAP‘s complaint was addressed to the Chairperson of the Commission Mr Solomon Ayele Dersso, and Commissioner and Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, Ms Jamesina Essie L. King.
It said the complaint was brought pursuant to Articles 55 and 56 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Rule 100 of the Rules of Procedure of the African Commission.”
The Complaint followed the move to push through two repressive bills to amend the National Broadcasting Act, and to amend the Nigeria Press Council Act. The bills are reportedly sponsored by Chairman, House Committee on Information, Mr Segun Odebunmi (PDP, Oyo State).
In the Complaint dated 26 June 2021 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said:
“The push by the Nigerian government and the National Assembly to support and pass the two anti-media bills is unlawful, as passing the bills would be contrary to the country’s obligations to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the right to freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom under articles 1 and 9 of the African Charter.”
“These anti-media bills are the latest threats to freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom in the country. The bills are not in keeping with the provisions of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa, which supplements articles 1 and 9 of the African Charter.”
“The Commission has the power to request Provisional Measures from the Nigerian government and National Assembly under Rule 100 of the Rules of Procedure to prevent irreparable harm and threats to human rights including freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom as urgently as the situation demands.”
The Complaint, read in part: “The bills include retrogressive provisions that threaten human rights, including freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom, and could criminalize reporting and give the government overly broad powers and oversight over journalists, broadcast stations, media houses and media practitioners.”
“If passed into laws, the bills would be used by those in power to intimidate and harass their critics, and to stifle freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom. The bills would have a chilling effect on the media thereby inducing some measure of self-censorship.”
“Media freedom, which is an aspect of the right to freedom of expression, is now generally recognised as an indispensable element of democracy. The mass media promotes the free flow of information, which enables citizens to participate in a meaningful and informed manner in the democratic process.”
“The actions by the Nigerian government and National Assembly are contrary to Articles 1 and 9 of the African Charter, and have thereby violated Nigeria’s positive obligation under Article 1 to recognise the rights, duties and freedoms and to adopt legislative or other measures to give effect to them.”
“SERAP regularly relies on the media to carry out its mandate in the promotion of transparency and accountability and respect for socio-economic rights of Nigerians.”
“The Nigerian government and National Assembly are directly responsible for pushing the bills that would gag the media and impose harsh punishment on journalists, broadcast stations, media houses and media practitioners in the country, action in violation of the African Charter, and therefore also in violation of Article 1 of the Charter.”
“Nigerians, broadcast stations, media houses and media practitioners in the country face a real and immediate risk of violation of their rights to freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom if the anti-media bills are not urgently withdrawn.”
“The Nigerian government and National Assembly have failed to produce any evidence that the two bills are necessary or lawful, and in the absence of such, SERAP asks the Commission to order the immediate withdrawal of the bills by Nigerian authorities.”
“The media also serves as a watchdog by scrutinising and criticising public officials over the way they manage public affairs and public resources. In the performance of these functions, the media’s debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust and wide-open. Speech concerning public affairs is more than self-expression; it is the essence of self-government.”
“A free press is the lifeblood of a healthy democracy, one in which journalists are both benefactors and beneficiaries of human rights and carrying out their professional duties to inform their communities and enable democratic participation.”
“Individual journalists cannot do their jobs if the institution of the press is compromised or if the legal protections for that institution are subject to approvals by political authorities.”
“The exhaustion of domestic remedies requirements set out in Article 56(5) of the African Charter has been met. There are no effective or sufficient local remedies available to the Complainant.”
“Nigerian courts do not entertain cases on the legality of anti-media and anti-human rights bills. Also, one of the lawmakers pushing the bills Mr Odebunmi Olusegun has reportedly boasted that ‘No court will stop us from passing the bills. Requiring SERAP to exhaust domestic remedies in such circumstances would be a mockery of justice.”
“Under the bills, the National Broadcasting Commission can shut down TV and radio stations “in the public interest” and the press code must be approved by the Minister of Information. The overly broad definition of public interest opens the door for the Nigerian government to crackdown on freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom.”
“The bills would also allow the Nigerian government to jail journalists, fine newspapers up to N10m naira ($20,000) or close them for up to a year if they publish “fake” news. Under the bills, journalists could be held liable for the offence committed by their organisations and can be made to pay heavy fines.”
June 27, 2021
Tension as Adara people Rejects El-Rufai’s Planned Traditional institutions Reform Agenda
..Say’s it’s Gov el-rufai’s special hidden agenda against Adara nation, lands
By Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna
The Adara nation, the second largest ethnic nationality in Kaduna State, who claiming a population of 1million, occupying Kachia and Kajuru Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Southern part of the state, yesterday rejected with suspicion, a proposed legislation by Kaduna state government seeking to make drastic changes in the traditional institutions in the state.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday after its congress and signed by the National President of Adara Development Association (ADA), Mr. Dio Awemi Maisamari, accused Governor Nasir el-Rufai of harbouring a hidden agenda against the Adara nation and majority Christian domains of Kaduna state under the guise of reform bill.
The statement read in parts: “The Kaduna State Government circulated a draft bill with a covering letter dated 19th March, 2021 signed by the Commissioner of Local Government Affairs marked ‘top secret.’
“The bill is titled ‘A bill for a law for the traditional institution in Kaduna State, 2021″, the ADA said.
According to the ADA, “The state government claims that the bill is intended to ‘restore the fading glory of traditional institutions’ and to make them serve the people better.
That statement averred that ADA totally rejects the law on ground that it’s a continuation and intensification of the unjust and unpopular restructuring of the institutions El-rufai started earlier specifically targeting traditional institutions in southern Kaduna.
“It is a continuation and intensification of the unjust and unpopular restructuring of traditional institutions which started in 2017 and targeted traditional institutions in Southern Kaduna.
“Going by previous experience, government will not listen to the opinions and wishes of non-Muslim communities in this process as it did in the past.
“We cannot find any provisions in the law that will restore the glory of traditional institutions or make them serve the people better. Rather, there are sections that will alienate, cage and stifle them. They will be exposed to excessive politicization, manipulation and intimidation,” the ADA claimed.
“The appointment of traditional rulers will virtually be taken over by politicians as customary due processes are not recognized and respected in the bill,” the ADA further observed”, it stated.
The law, it maintained, is seeking to enforce uniformity in Muslim and non-Muslim traditional institutions which are fundamentally different,” adding that “the law will also subordinate, suppress and relegate non-Muslim traditional rulers to a permanent weak and inferior position.
“Finally, we oppose the new law because it has finally revealed Governor el-rufai’s special hidden agenda against Adara nation and Adara land.
The new law will legalize the unjust scrapping of our 1st Class Traditional Institution, legalize the balkanization of our community, legalize the suppression of our identity, history, culture and religion and also legalize the degrading, humiliation and marginalization of Adara being the second largest nationality in the state.
“Furthermore, it will facilitate the implanting of other peoples to rule over Adara people and take over Adara land,” the ADA added.
Adara insisted that “In view of the above, we are totally opposed to the draft bill as it will heighten social injustice, communal frictions, social disharmony retarded development. We also fear that present democratic structures will be compromised to rubber stamp the new law.
The association therefore called on Kaduna state Government to widen consultation with all relevant stakeholders in the state with the view of seeking for acceptable reforms in the traditional institutions in the state not via an executive bill which it said served the best interest of only one section of the state.
Findings revealed that “The ADA and el-Rufai have been at loggerhead for years now.
Recall that “the slain paramount ruler of Adara Land, the Agom Adara, Dr. Maiwada Galadima, was ambushed in October, 2018 on the Kaduna-Kachia expressway, abducted and killed after a ransom was paid for his release. Shortly after his death, the Adara Traditional Council and the
“Adara Chiefdom were abolished and, instead, a Kajuru Emirate created, even when Muslims make less than 5% of the population of Kajuru LGA, as ADA claimed.
“In December, 2018, the ADA addressed a press conference and rejected the new developments. ADA also insisted that Kaduna State government could not be absolved from complicity in the murder of their royal father, an ellegation that Kaduna State government refutted.
“In 2019, the Wazirin Adara, Engr. Bawa Magaji who the Adara officially regard as the acting traditional leader of dara nation, the President of ADA, Mr Awemi Dio Maisamari and seven other most respectable leaders of Adara land were arrested and detained in Kaduna Prison for 120 days. Police investigation later cleared them against allegations of any wrongdoing.
Efforts to clarify from ibrahim Musa, the media aides of Governor El-rufai failed as he could not responded till the press time.
June 27, 2021