By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

L R: Chairman of the APC in Kano State, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, former commissioner for Rural and Community Development in Kano State, Hon Abbas Sani Abbas and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin when the ex-commissioner joined the APC at the residence of Senator Barau in Kano on Friday.

Abbas Sani Abbas, former Commissioner for Rural and Community Development in Kano State, has officially dumped the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement was made during his visit to a prominent APC leader in Kano, where he pledged his allegiance to the ruling party.

Hon. Abbas, known for his grassroots mobilization and dedication to community development, explained his decision to switch parties.

“I believe the APC offers the platform to achieve the vision of a better Kano and a stronger Nigeria. My move is guided by a desire to contribute more effectively to good governance and development,” he stated during his visit.

The defection was celebrated by top APC leaders in Kano, including the party’s state chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, popularly known as Ɗan Sarki, Jikan Sarki, and other key stakeholders.

Welcoming Hon. Abbas to the party, the APC leader commended his decision and assured him of full support. “Hon. Abbas Sani Abbas is a dedicated grassroots mobilizer and a leader committed to the service of humanity. We are proud to have him join our great party,” he remarked.

Speaking further, the APC leader emphasized the party’s commitment to inclusivity and development. “Together, we will continue to promote the values of good governance, inclusivity, and service to humanity. This is a significant moment for our party in Kano as we strengthen our ranks with capable individuals like Hon. Abbas,” he added.

Prince Abdullahi Abbas also expressed confidence that the former commissioner’s experience and dedication would add value to the party’s efforts in Kano State and beyond.

Party loyalists and political observers in Kano have hailed the defection as a significant boost for the APC, particularly in its grassroots mobilization efforts. Many believe Hon. Abbas’s entry into the APC will solidify the party’s influence in rural communities across the state.

Hon. Abbas concluded by expressing optimism about his new political journey. “I am fully committed to working with the APC leadership to ensure a brighter future for Kano State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

President Bola Tinubu is expected to leave Nigeria for an international event in Abu Dhabi.

He is expected to participate in the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2025).

In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Presidential spokesman on Friday, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, invited President Tinubu to attend the Summit, which will take place in the emirate from January 12 to 18.

“The Summit will bring together global leaders to accelerate sustainable development and advance socioeconomic progress.

The event, ‘The Nexus of Next; Supercharging Sustainable Progress,’ will enable policymakers, business, and civil society leaders to explore pathways to fast-track the transformation to a sustainable economy and evolve a new era of prosperity for all.

“ADSW, a testament to the power of collaboration, has been held annually for over 15 years. It provides a global platform to foster multi-stakeholder cooperation in addressing global challenges and accelerating growth.

“It has birthed high-value agreements and strategic partnerships between governments, industry leaders, and clean energy pioneers worldwide, driving impactful alliances and advancing the sustainability agenda worldwide.”

Onanuga said the President would use the summit to stress his administration’s reforms, including those related to energy sufficiency, transportation, public health, and economic development.

The Nigerian leader and his entourage would also meet with the emirate’s leadership to discuss issues of interest affecting the two nations.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and other senior government officials will accompany the President.

“He will return to Nigeria on Thursday, January 16.” Onanuga said.

At the time of filing this report, Preparations to take off were being made.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Finally, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Subomi and Wahab Okoya, sons of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, for questioning regarding alleged naira abuse in a viral video.

The summons, issued by Michael Wetkas, acting director of the Lagos office, mandated their appearance at the agency’s special operations office on Awolowo Road, Lagos, at 10 am on Monday, January 13, 2025.

The viral video, which sparked widespread criticism, shows the Okoya brothers dancing to a song while a police officer flaunts bundles of N1,000 notes.

The video, meant to promote a new song, was perceived as a disregard for the Nigerian currency.

Many Nigerians expressed outrage, describing it as inappropriate and unethical.

The Nigeria Police Force has already acted on the matter, detaining the officer featured in the clip.

Muyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson, confirmed the officer’s arrest and stated that disciplinary measures would be taken against him for misconduct.

The police reiterated their commitment to upholding professional standards and warned against further abuse of public trust.