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Simon Ekpa: Tinubu breaks silence, commends Finland’s intervention

President Bola Tinubu on Friday commended the intervention of the Finish government with the arrest and detention of Simon Ekpa.

Tinubu spoke when he received the Letters of Credence from the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Sanna Selin, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The president said that government would not tolerate actions and statements that could lead to divisiveness among citizens.

He also commended the Finnish authorities for the timely intervention that safeguarded the nation’s integrity and mitigated an action that threatened peaceful coexistence.

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“I must thank you for your record on safeguarding human rights in our country with the trial of Simon Ekpa. Nigeria is indivisible.

” We have been through turbulent times, and we don’t want to promote terrorism,” Tinubu told the Finnish ambassador.

“I am a child born into activism, but not divisiveness.

” We need cohesion and cooperation to bring about development.

” Our watchword is stability and cohesion to move the country forward.

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“The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has informed me. I know what the rule of law means.

” The rule of law safeguards our democratic credentials, morals and values.

” We must respect the rule of law,” the president said.

Similarly, Tinubu received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the European Union, Mr Gautier Mignot, and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Algeria, Hocine Mezoued.

The president noted that the ambassador’s priorities, including Information and Communications Technology (ICT), agriculture and education, would directly impact the country’s development.

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“Nigeria is undergoing a series of necessary reforms to stimulate growth and prosperity.

” Thank you also for the humanitarian support in the North East.

” I believe that we can work together,” he added.

Responding, the Ambassador of Finland extolled the president for his courage in initiating reforms that would benefit the economy and ensure prosperity in the future.

“Simon Ekpa has been hindering bilateral relations.

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” The cooperation between our two countries is going very well now.

” The National Security Adviser has been providing all the evidence,” the ambassador noted.

“I salute you for all the ongoing reforms in the country.

” They are not easy. Even though it is painful, it is the only way Nigeria can progress. It is essential for the country.

“Finland has been involved in peace mediation as well.

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” We also have opportunities for Nigeria in energy. We can work and make it a realisable dream,” she stated.

In a meeting with the Ambassador of the European Union, Tinubu noted that the group remained one of the highest trading partners of Nigeria.

He urged the envoy to work toward elevating the volume of transactions and strengthening the ties.

According to the president, Nigeria needs support in digitalising and automating operations and processes for rendering services.

The president said the Nigerian economy could support investments with its vibrant and youthful population.

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Tinubu urged collaboration between Nigeria and Algeria to implement the trans-Saharan African Gas Pipeline project.

“We need to lift one another in Africa and we will be stronger together.

” We can be abused or ignored, but we have nothing to prove to anyone but ourselves.

” We must lift Africa together,” the president said.

Mignot told the president that Nigeria holds “many untapped potential ” adding that more could be realised through development, cooperation and technology leveraging.

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“We have a solid partnership based on our shared values,” he said.

The Algerian Ambassador also said the trans-Sahara African Gas Pipeline project and other proposed regional development projects would significantly impact the continent.

He said Algeria would continue to support Nigeria in negotiating for improved livelihood on the continent with multilateral institutions. (NAN)

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Man allegedly stabs Uber Driver, steals his car

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Man allegedly stabs Uber Driver, steals his car

The Police Command in Lagos State has detained a suspect accused of stabbing a uber driver and dispossessing him of his car.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident to newsmen on Monday in Lagos.

Hundeyin said that the incident happened on Saturday at 7:34p.m., at Ile-Zik in the Agege area of the state.

“A uber driver reported at Isokoko Division that the suspect boarded his Toyota Camry at Nitel by Old Abeokuta Motor Road, Agege, to Marriott Hotel, GRA, Ikeja.

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“On getting to Ile-Zik along the way, the suspect brought out a sharp knife, stabbed him all over his body and stole his vehicle, ” he said.

Hundeyin said that based on the report,
a team of policemen later trailed the vehicle to Oshodi where the suspect was intercepted.

“He was immediately apprhended and the vehicle was recovered from him to the station, ” he said.

The police spokesman said that the victim had been taken to the hospital for treatment.

Hundeyin said that investigation into the case was ongoing. (NAN)

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BREAKING; Killing: University closed down by School’s Management over students’ protest

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BREAKING; Killing University closed down by School’s Management over students’ protest

The Management of the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA) in Katsina State has announced a one-week Mid-Semester break starting from Feb. 24.

The closure of the school followed a protest embarked on by the students on Sunday after they alleged that the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) had shot to death one of their colleagues.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the students’ protest continued Monday morning.

Reports indicated that the JTF members on Sunday shot the student, alleging that he was an informant.

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The FUDMA Vice Chancellor, Prof. Armaya’u Bichi, announced the decision of the Senate to close the school in a statement issued in Katsina on Monday.

Bichi further advised the students to leave campus before 6.00 p.m. on Feb. 24.

“The Management wishes the students a happy and peaceful mid-semester break,” he said. (NAN)

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Controversy as Ganduje, Senate Deputy President attend NNPP Senator’s family events in Kano

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Controversy as Ganduje, Senate Deputy President attend NNPP Senator’s family events in Kano

Prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), such as National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, recently attended a prominent opposition senator’s private ceremonies in Kano, sparking political controversy and speculation.

Prior to the 2023 elections, Senator Kawu Sumaila, who is currently the representative for Kano South in the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), made news when he left the APC after a protracted leadership dispute inside the party.

His recent choice to invite APC members to his family gatherings has drawn criticism, with many speculating about the political ramifications.

On Friday, Jibrin, who led a delegation of federal lawmakers, confirmed their attendance at the wedding of Sumaila’s children, which took place in Sumaila town, Kano State on February 21.

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The wedding united Dr. Khadija Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila with Faisal Abdulmanaf Sarina, and Maryam Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila with Bello Ibrahim Ma’aji, in a ceremony officiated by Professor Salisu Shehu, Imam of Sumaila Jumaat Mosque.

Jibrin’s statement also highlighted the attendance of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the APC National Chairman, who joined the festivities and offered blessings for the newlyweds.

“May Allah bless their union and give them patience, endurance, tolerance, and love. Congratulations to the newlyweds,” Jibrin added in his post.

The following day, both Jibrin and Ganduje were present at the first convocation of Al-Istiqama University, a private institution reportedly founded by Senator Sumaila in the Sumaila Local Government Area. This further fueled speculation about the growing relationship between the APC and the NNPP senator.

Within the NNPP, these moves have sparked unease, with many members expressing concern over Sumaila’s increasing openness to opposition figures. There are growing rumors that Sumaila may be contemplating a return to the APC, especially as he continues to distance himself from NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano.

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The senator’s tensions with the state government have been well documented, especially over the controversial reinstatement of the deposed Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, and the repeal of the 2019 State Emirate Council Law, which had consolidated power in five emirates.

The involvement of APC heavyweights at Sumaila’s events, including former Kano governor Ibrahim Shekarau of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has left many questioning the senator’s allegiance.

With his history of disagreements with the state government, particularly over the dissolution of emirates created under Ganduje’s administration, there’s increasing speculation that Sumaila may once again align with the APC.

Should Sumaila make the move back to the APC, he would join a growing list of opposition lawmakers defecting to the ruling party, further shifting the political dynamics in Kano.

The NNPP, which currently holds the title of Nigeria’s fourth-largest party in terms of parliamentary representation, has been struggling to maintain its influence in Kano—the only state it governs.

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While NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso managed to secure a victory only in Kano, a potential shift in allegiance by Sumaila could mark a significant blow to the party’s already fragile standing.

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