Ganduje Dismisses Kano Governor’s Claims of Court Document Theft as Baseless

By Halima Abdulkadiri

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has strongly refuted allegations made by Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, that he orchestrated the theft of sensitive court documents related to his corruption trial. Ganduje described the accusation as absurd and indicative of the state government’s inability to manage its security and judicial affairs.

In a statement released on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje criticized Yusuf’s assertion, questioning the governor’s competence in securing the state’s legal processes. The former Kano State governor pointed out that even if such documents were taken from the court, the government’s legal team should have backup copies, making the claim of theft implausible.

Governor Yusuf had earlier told reporters in Kano that “enemies of the state” had hired miscreants to vandalize the state high court and steal documents related to Ganduje’s corruption cases. The vandalism occurred during the recent nationwide anti-hunger protests, with the governor suggesting that the act was a targeted mission against the APC national chairman.

However, Ganduje’s aide dismissed the governor’s narrative as outlandish and unfounded. “It is laughable that governance in Kano has been reduced to such a farce, where the state government would suggest that protesters specifically targeted and stole documents related to Dr. Ganduje’s trial,” Olofu said.

He continued, “In this digital age, it’s inconceivable that important documents would only exist in physical form at the court. The state government’s failure to secure these documents or provide digital backups only highlights their incompetence.”

The Yusuf-led government has filed multiple corruption charges against Ganduje, including allegations involving his wife, Hafsat, and son, Umar, related to a $413,000 and N1.38 billion bribery case. Ganduje, however, argued that the continuous allegations against him and his family were part of a broader political agenda by the current state administration to distract from its shortcomings.

Ganduje further accused the Kano State government of attempting to deflect responsibility for the recent unrest in the state by concocting baseless accusations. He urged the people of Kano to remain calm and allow proper investigations to take place, while also reminding Governor Yusuf of the weight that comes with his words and actions as a leader.

“The people of Kano deserve better governance and truth, not propaganda,” Ganduje’s statement concluded.

Jos Court Ends 16-Year ‘Loveless’ Marriage

By Halima Abdulkadiri

An Area Court in Jos has dissolved a 16-year marriage between Hussaina Abdullahi and her husband, Saidu Ali, citing lack of love and peace.

Delivering the judgment on Friday, Judge Lawal Suleiman granted Abdullahi’s request for divorce. The judge awarded custody of the couple’s two children to Abdullahi and ordered Ali to pay N30,000 monthly through the court for their upkeep. Additionally, Ali was instructed to cover the children’s school fees.

Prior to the divorce ruling, Abdullahi informed the court that she married Saidu in 2008. She stated, “Our marriage lacks peace and love. I no longer love Saidu and can no longer live with him as his wife.”

She also expressed her willingness to refund the N40,000 dowry paid by Saidu and sought custody of their children.

Jos Court Ends 16-Year ‘Loveless’ Marriage

CCNE Applauds Supreme Court for Releasing Local Government Funds

The Concerned Citizens of North East (CCNE), a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability, has welcomed a recent Supreme Court ruling mandating the immediate release of funds earmarked for local government areas (LGAs).

The was contained in a press statement signed by CCNE’s Secretary General Babangida Inuwa Muhammad, marks a significant victory for grassroots development and governance in the region.

The Supreme Court’s decision addresses longstanding issues of fund misallocation and diversion that have impeded local development efforts.

By upholding constitutional provisions ensuring direct allocation of funds to LGAs, the court has bolstered principles of transparency, accountability, and effective governance.

CCNE views this ruling as pivotal, asserting that it empowers local authorities and strengthens the foundation for sustainable development across communities.

“This landmark decision ensures that LGAs receive the financial resources necessary for development and governance, reinforcing transparency, accountability, and good governance principles,” stated CCNE in their press release.

The organization emphasized the ruling’s potential to revitalize local governance, enabling communities to better tackle their unique challenges through empowered local authorities. CCNE called upon relevant authorities to promptly implement the court’s decision, ensuring funds are utilized judiciously to benefit residents.

“We believe this judgment will enhance LGAs’ capacity to deliver essential services, improve infrastructure, and drive socio-economic development,” CCNE affirmed.

CCNE also urged local officials to transparently and efficiently allocate funds, prioritizing projects that directly benefit residents.

They pledged to monitor the judgment’s implementation closely, collaborating with stakeholders to promote accountability and good governance at all levels within the region.

“This ruling signifies a renewed commitment to decentralization and local governance, crucial for addressing community-specific challenges,” CCNE added.

Looking ahead, CCNE reiterated its commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of Northeastern communities, ensuring local authorities are equipped to drive sustainable development.

They affirmed their ongoing role in safeguarding community interests and fostering an environment conducive to transparent and effective governance.

However, CCNE’s support for the Supreme Court’s decision reflects a broader commitment to advancing accountable governance and empowering local communities.

By championing the efficient use of allocated funds and advocating for sustained development efforts, CCNE aims to foster a region where grassroots needs are met and local governance thrives.

CCNE Applauds Supreme Court for Releasing Local Government Funds