News
Court Upholds Ruling on Dethronement of Former Emir of Gwandu
The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has reaffirmed its earlier decision regarding the unlawful dethronement of Alhaji Almustapha Haruna Jakolo, the 19th Emir of Gwandu. Presiding Judge Justice Ebiowei Tobi dismissed the Kebbi State Government’s appeal, stating it lacked merit.
Justice Tobi endorsed the prior ruling by Justice Abbas Ahman of the Kebbi State High Court, which declared the emir’s deposition illegal and in violation of due process. The court emphasized that Jakolo was not afforded a fair chance to defend himself against the accusations made against him, which violated his fundamental human rights.
Jakolo was dethroned by the Kebbi State Government in June 2005 during the administration of former Governor Muhammadu Adamu Aliero. Justice Tobi reiterated that the deposition was unlawful and due process was not observed.
Alhaji Mustapha Jokolo, who served as Aide de Camp to former Head of State Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), became the Emir of Gwandu in July 1995 after his father’s death. Following his removal, he was exiled to Lafia, Nasarawa State. The Kebbi State Government alleged that he made statements threatening national security, had strained relationships with other traditional rulers, and abandoned his throne for Kaduna.
Former Kebbi State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Mohammed Audi Ambursa, had announced Jakolo’s dethronement, asserting that Governor Aliero acted within the powers granted by the Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) laws of the state. Major General Muhammad Bashir Iliyasu (rtd) was subsequently appointed as the 20th Emir of Gwandu.
Following the ruling, Barrister Pascal C. Onyetobi, representing Jakolo, hailed the judgment as a significant step in his client’s quest for justice, noting that Jakolo has won his appeal three times in a row and is now awaiting a final ruling from the Supreme Court.
In response, Barrister Maikyau SAN, representing the Kebbi State Government, indicated that they would review the ruling and consider appealing to the Supreme Court, stating, “We will study the case and are likely to go back to the Supreme Court, where the matter may reach its conclusion.”
News
Senator Manu hosts Taraba Queens and Kings in NASS (Photos)
The Senator representing Taraba Central, Manu Haruna on Tuesday hosted Taraba Queens and Kings in his office at the National Assembly Complex on Tuesday.
Miss Taraba Queen Grace Sunday, the 7th titleholder, and Miss Taraba Queen Comfort Williams, the 10th titleholder, led the newly crowned state kings and queens in paying a courtesy visit to the former Deputy Governor of Taraba State.
Grace Sunday on behalf of the team expressed their appreciation for the Senator’s support and dedication to youth empowerment and community development within the Taraba Central and Taraba at large.
Senator Haruna hailed their achievements and encouraged them to continue serving as positive role models for the youth of Taraba State.
See photos below:
News
*Kemi Ayelabola Sustains Tempo On Gender Equality For Women, Salutes Efforts Of Hon. Ogbara, House Leadership*
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Chairperson and Convener of Asiwaju Renewed Hope (ARH’23), Kemi Olokode-Ayelabola has added her voice to the call for gender equality for women, describing it as a moral imperative, as well as a key driver of sustainable development and social progress.
Kemi, a behavioral, developmental and child/young persons care professional currently based in the Republic of Ireland also commended the leadership of the House of Representatives, especially the Speaker, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (CFR) and the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu (CON) for their deliberate efforts to involve more women in critical decision-making, particularly in elective offices across the various tiers of government.
She further applauded the House leadership for the genuine commitment they exhibited at the international legislative dialogue on women and the constitutional amendment process in Nigeria, recently organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review.
Similarly, Kemi equally gave kudos to the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara for her immense contributions in making a case for the women folks towards societal cohesion, gender parity, political participation/leadership so as to engender national development.
Olokode-Ayelabola stated this in a statement she made available to the media on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 noting that there was urgent need for collaboration and collective action by all stakeholders in tackling legal, social, religious and cultural vices and other societal challenges, that serve as impediments to women’s participation and empowerment in every strata of life.
“I must commend Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, the Chairman House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, for revisiting all the gender-based legislations of the 9th Assembly on women’s participation in politics and other sectorial matters and this is essentially crucial to building a stable and peaceful society and developing policies that respond to the specific needs of women while also creating a place of pride and dignity for them in the society through right legal and legislative frameworks.
“There is, therefore, an urgent need for the women to be adequately represented in political and economic decision-making at every level,” she said.
Continuing, “As Nigeria strives for gender equality, women’s participation in political leadership remains a critical focal point. Sadly women face pitiable challenges in the political arena, therefore necessitating tailored approaches to enhance their opportunities and ensure protection from discrimination must never be compromised.
“I once appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in March this year to step up the full implementation of 35% affirmative action of women in public governance and leadership; I have not backed out from this laudable advocacy and thankfully we have a compassionate and listening President who is already taking meaningful decisions in that direction and we must applaud His Excellency for that.
“We must however redouble our efforts to support women in decision-making roles, enabling them to effectively advocate for legislation and policies that advance the interests of women and girls. In alignment with these efforts, there should be legislative and constitutional reforms to ensure women’s equitable access to political spheres as voters, candidates, elected officials, political appointees and civil service executives as the case may be,” Olokode-Ayelabola stated.
News
Reps Query Works Ministry Over N1.46bn Abandoned Road Project
-
News19 hours ago
Hon. Ikwechegh tenders public apology, for humiliating delivery driver, seeks professional counseling on behavioral change
-
News18 hours ago
Northern govs move against President Tinubu’s proposed Reforms
-
News13 hours ago
Just in: Again, NNPCL Increases Fuel Pump Price To 1,025 In Lagos
-
Entertainment18 hours ago
I had 20 boyfriends when I met my husband Ned Nwoko – Regina Daniels
-
Sports20 hours ago
Man City’s Rodri Beats Vinicius, Bellingham To Win 2024 Ballon d’Or
-
Politics9 hours ago
Protest in INEC over demand for Ondo REC redeployment
-
News13 hours ago
Many terrorists killed after NAF airstrikes in Borno
-
News19 hours ago
FG moves to teach mathematics in Yoruba language