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N440m contract probe: ICPC summons Kano Speaker, others

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Kano State House of Assembly Speaker Jibril Falgore, Deputy Speaker Muhammad Butu and three others have been invited for questioning as part of the ongoing probe of the N440 million drugs contract scam in 44 local government areas in the state.

They were invited yesterday by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Others invited are: Majority Leader Lawan Dala; Minority Leader Labaran Madari; Clerk of the House Bashir Diso;  and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Apart from the Permanent Secretary who will interact with ICPC team on September 18, the Speaker and the rest are to undergo interrogation on September 19.

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The letter of invitation, dated yesterday and addressed individually to those invited, reads: “The commission is investigating alleged violations of the provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, No. 5 2000.

“Pursuant to Section 28 of the said Act, you are to appear for an interview before the undersigned at the ICPC headquarters, Abuja. You are expected to come with either a lawyer, Justice of Peace, Staff of the Legal Aid Council, or any individual of your choice.

“The appointment is scheduled and should be strictly adhered to. Accept the assurances of the Hon. Chairman’s highest regard.”

Since July 18, the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has been trying to investigate the award of the N440 million drugs contract, which was awarded to NOVOMED Pharmaceuticals.

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The contract, which was meant for the supply of drugs to the 44 local government areas, was alleged to be in breach of the state’s Procurement Law and Financial Management Law.

But, on August 27, the Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), the Ministry of Local Government Affairs and all the 44 council bosses secured a court order restraining the state anti-graft agency from probing the alleged drugs contract scam.

They asked the court to declare that the arrest and detention of the applicants and their employees by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission amounted to an infringement and encroachment of their fundamental human rights under Section 34, 35, 36, 41 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution.

The applicants also asked a Kano State High Court, presided by Justice Ibrahim Musa Muhammad, to restrain ICPC, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Commissioner of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (Zone 1) Kano and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano Zonal Command.

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Justice Muhammad, who granted the request to retrain ICPC and others, adjourned the matter to September 12 (yesterday).

But ICPC chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), who appeared before the Kano State High Court yesterday said the chairmen have no locus standi to institute the matter because the Supreme Court has declared all the caretaker committees in LGAs as illegal nationwide.

He also said the resolution of the Kano State House of Assembly to extend the tenure of the 44 chairmen of the 44 Caretaker Committees in the councils was not valid because such committees were unknown to the 1999 Constitution.

He asked the court to vacate the restraining order sought by ALGON, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the 44 chairmen of the Caretaker Committees.

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As at press time last night, the ICPC had decided to go ahead with the probe of the N440 million drugs contract.

A source said: “We received Intel from a whistleblower on the drugs scandal and we have decided to investigate all the allegations. There are many other allegations we are looking into.

“We have invited the Speaker and five others to assist in the course of our investigation. We need to ask them to clarify some issues which may inhibit ongoing investigation.”

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Pastor Damina Takes strong stance on Church Controversies: Salvation, Hell, and the Truth About Tithing

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In a thought-provoking appearance on TVC’s “Your View,” Pastor Abel Damina, founder of Abel Damina Ministries International, made waves by asserting that Christianity is the only faith that guarantees eternal salvation.

The televangelist, known for his unconventional views on heaven and hell, challenged prevailing beliefs by declaring that hell is not a fiery place, but rather a state of “utter darkness.” His teachings have ignited heated debates, attracting both fervent supporters and vocal critics who question his interpretations of scripture.

During the discussion, Damina emphasized that individuals across various religions ultimately seek salvation, a deep relationship with God, and forgiveness for their sins. However, co-panelist Dr. Maureen YK countered his claims, asserting that one cannot dismiss other spiritualities as ineffective without firsthand experience of their practices.

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Many followers of other religions remain spiritually unsatisfied and in search of true salvation

In a passionate defense, Pastor Damina shared insights from his 40 years of ministry experience, arguing that many followers of other religions remain spiritually unsatisfied and in search of true salvation.

Touching on the contentious topic of tithing, Damina clarified a recent video where he appeared to promote non-payment of tithes. He stressed that God is not a transactional deity and referenced Galatians 3:13 to assert that Jesus has already fulfilled the law’s requirements, making mandatory tithing irrelevant. He encouraged voluntary and cheerful giving, free from compulsion.

He stressed that God is not a transactional deity and referenced Galatians 3:13 to assert that Jesus has already fulfilled the law’s requirements, making mandatory tithing irrelevant

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As Damina’s teachings continue to stir controversy, his bold perspectives challenge traditional Christian beliefs and invite deeper conversations about faith and spirituality.

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First Lady denies leading national prayer

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The First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday, refuted reports that she will be leading a seven-day national prayer for Nigeria.

This followed a report last week that Mrs Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mrs Nuhu Ribadu, will spearhead a national prayer session to tackle the country’s numerous challenges.

The reports quoted the Director-General of the National Prayer Forum, Segun Afolorunikan, announcing the event in Abuja.

Afolorunikan had said the initiative, coordinated with Christian and Muslim religious leaders, intends to seek divine intervention for the country’s socio-economic and security issues, under the theme ‘Seeking the Intervention of God in Nigeria’s Affairs.’

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“Christians will meet at the National Ecumenical Centre for a week of intense prayer, with prayer warriors from various denominations focusing their efforts on the nation’s adversities,” said the convener.

However, the First Lady has denied knowing any such arrangement saying a call for prayer must be done “willingly, conscientiously and correctly.”

Mrs Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Busola Kukoyi, conveyed this in a statement she signed Saturday titled ‘First Lady of Nigeria Oluremi Tinubu, CON refutes organising national prayer.’

It read, “This is to clarify and inform the general public that the First Lady of Nigeria is not organising a national prayer.

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“The news making rounds in some conventional and social media platforms is unfounded and misleading.

“Consequently, anyone who might have come across the purported news of the joint National Prayer for Nigeria should disregard it as false.”

Kukoyi said the First Lady, a Christian and strong advocate of prayer and praying for Nigeria, believes that prayer is an act that must be done willingly, conscientiously and correctly.

“She also believes that praying for Nigeria is the responsibility of every Nigerian, irrespective of religious belief, political affiliation, tribe or tongue.

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“Members of the public are advised to verify the authenticity of any news or event involving the First Lady of Nigeria or her office through official channels,” the statement concluded.

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25 Shops destroyed as fire guts building in Ilorin

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A building of 25 shops has been gutted by fire in the early hours of Saturday in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.

According to the state fire service, the incident occurred at Adeta roundabout at about 02.39 hours.

A statement in Ilorin on Saturday by the spokesman of the service, Hassan Adekunle, said the firefighters, upon arrival, found a block of about 25 shops engulfed in flames.

“Thanks to the swift action and bravery of the Kwara State fire service officers, only three shops suffered damage, including a soft drinks and alcohol shop.

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“Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire was caused by a power surge,” the statement disclosed.

The Director of the State Fire Service, Prince John Falade Olumuyiwa, expressed sympathy for the affected shop owners, offering prayers for the restoration of their losses.

He also urged the public to prioritize safety and ensure all electrical appliances are unplugged when not in use.

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