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FG responsible for tension, crisis in Kano – Atiku
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the Federal Government’s deployment of soldiers in Kano, stating that it undermines the peace and security of the state and violates the 1999 Constitution as amended.
This was contained in a statement posted on his official X handle on Saturday.
According to Atiku, the Kano State House of Assembly and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf followed due process in passing and signing the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024, which repealed the 2019 version that divided the ancient Kano Emirate into five.
The law also reappointed Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano State.
“The action of the Federal Government in deploying soldiers in Kano in the tussle over the throne of the ancient city is an upset to the peace and security of the state,” Atiku said.
“The foregoing circumstances happened within the confines of the law and in compliance with the powers conferred on the Governor as provided by Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended; and also in consultation with the Kingmakers of Kano, reappointed Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (also known as Muhammadu Sanusi II) as the 16th Emir of Kano State and accordingly handed him a letter of appointment.
“It is surprising that in the early hours of today, at or about 5:30 am, the former Emir of Kano, His Majesty Aminu Ado Bayero, backed by Federal might, made their way into the Nasarawa Palace of the Kano Emirate while the reappointed Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II was at the Gidan Dabo, which is the main residence of the Emir of Kano,” Atiku stated.
The former VP warned that any attempt to destabilise Kano State’s peace and harmony would be resisted.
“We need to remind the Tinubu administration that Kano State is known for peace and harmony spanning thousands of years, and any attempt to destabilise the peace of the Land of Commerce shall be resisted. Recall that when Muhammadu Sanusi II was dethroned on 9th March 2020, Kano forged on in peace without any fracas.”
Atiku’s statement is in reaction to the deployment of soldiers to the mini-palace of Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero following his dethronement.
The state governor, Abba Yusuf, reinstated Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano on Friday after he was dethroned by the immediate past administration of Abdullahi Ganduje.
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Terrorists reportedly bomb Nigerian army base
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly bombed a Nigerian military base in Wajiroko, located in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred on Christmas Eve December 24 2024, when multiple armed drones, carrying locally fabricated grenades, targeted the Forward Operating Base.
The strike injured no fewer than six soldiers, who were quickly given first aid at the scene and are awaiting further medical treatment.
The assault began with gunfire from the terrorists, who launched a brief attack that was repelled by the soldiers.
However, shortly afterward, drones carrying explosives struck the base again.
According to military sources, up to four different armed drones were observed during the attack.
A report also revealed that a military gun truck was damaged during the strike.
Boko Haram has been a persistent threat in Northeastern Nigeria for nearly two decades, causing loss of life and displacing millions.
The Nigerian military has repeatedly claimed success in combating the insurgents, though the group remains a formidable force, continuing to carry out attacks across the region.
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Christmas disaster: Plane crash claims dozens
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Dozens have died after a passenger plane crashed on Christmas Day.
The scene of the crash in Kazakhstan. Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan/Anadolu via Getty
According to the BBC, the Azerbaijan Airlines flight had been travelling from the Azerbaijani capital Baku to Grozny in Russia when it caught fire as it made an emergency landing near Aktau in Kazakhstan.
The outlet, citing local officials, reported that dozens of people had been killed in the crash.
Per CNN, at least 28 people survived the crash, including two children. Authorities also told the outlet that the survivors had been taken to hospital.
The Associated Press reported that Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry confirmed in a Telegram statement that 67 people, including five crew, were on board the plane.
PEOPLE has contacted Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry, Azerbaijan Airlines and The Ministry of Digital Development and Transportation of the Republic of Azerbaijan for comment.
In an initial statement shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) and translated to English, the airline wrote, “According to preliminary information, the passengers included 37 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russian citizens, 6 Kazakh citizens, and 3 Kyrgyz citizens.”
“There were 67 people on board, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members. There were no children among the passengers, and information about the injured will be provided shortly,” they added.
“According to the information, there are survivors who are receiving initial medical assistance. Contacts are being established with the Kazakh authorities, and the necessary operational support is being provided by Kazakhstan’s emergency rescue agencies at the scene.
According to CNN and Reuters, a video showed the aircraft circling before hitting the ground and bursting into flames. Passengers covered in blood were also seen coming out of the wreckage shortly after.
In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, a spokesperson for the plane’s manufacturer Embraer said, “We are saddened to learn of the incident today near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Further updates will be provided as soon as more information is confirmed and Embraer is authorized to release. We stand ready to assist all relevant authorities. Our concerns and sympathy go to the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones affected by the accident.”
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Reps Congratulates Nigerians At Christmas, Advocate Unity, Love, Peace
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has congratulated Nigerians for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the timeless message of hope, peace, and love associated with the season.
in a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi, he said “Christmas serves as a reminder of values that bind us together as a nation: compassion, generosity, and forgiveness. These virtues, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, are crucial not only for spiritual growth but also for promoting harmony and progress in our diverse society”.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, congratulated Christians on this special occasion, urging Nigerians to embrace unity, love, and peace, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries. He described the birth of Jesus Christ as a symbol of renewal and fulfillment, calling for a collective effort towards a national rebirth, especially in these challenging times. He encouraged prayers for a better Nigeria and support for the country’s leaders at all levels.
Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, emphasized the essence of Christmas as a time to reflect on the values of love, forgiveness, and selflessness embodied by Jesus Christ. He urged Nigerians to extend kindness and compassion to one another, particularly to those in need.
The 10th House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians and prayed that the joy of Christmas would strengthen bonds of unity and love across the nation.
Wishing all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a season filled with hope and happiness.
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