Abdulrahman Mai-Kadama, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Entrepreneurship to Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, has resigned from his position and defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His switch to the APC marks a significant political shift in Kano’s landscape, given his prominent role in the NNPP and as a key figure in the Kwankwasiyya movement, particularly in Plateau State, where he also led the G-6 faction in Kano.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, following a meeting in Abuja with Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. In a statement shared on Facebook, Jibrin described Mai-Kadama’s defection as a positive development for the APC, welcoming him into the party.

Mai-Kadama, now adopting the moniker “Mai Kadama Maliya,” emphasized his commitment to fostering good governance and accelerating development within the APC. He also called on his political allies, especially the youth, to join the APC and collaborate to deliver more democratic dividends.

This defection is anticipated to influence the political dynamics in Kano State, where Governor Yusuf and NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso have considerable influence.

A failed business deal between the Ogun State Government and Zhongshan, a Chinese company, has led to the seizure of three presidential jets belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The seizure was authorized by a French court after a protracted legal battle stemming from a 2016 contract dispute.

The Genesis of the Dispute

The business relationship began in June 2010, when the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), a joint venture between the Ogun State Government and the Chinese government, signed a framework agreement with Zhuhai Zhongfu Industrial Group Co Ltd, the parent company of Zhongshan. The agreement gave Zhongshan the right to develop and manage Fucheng Park within the zone. The Ogun State Government appointed the company as the interim manager/administrator of the zone in 2011.

However, in 2016, the Ogun State Government, under new leadership, terminated Zhongshan’s appointment and replaced them with another manager. This decision led Zhongshan to pursue legal action against Nigeria, citing a breach of the bilateral investment treaty between Nigeria and China.

The Legal Battle and Court Ruling

After years of legal proceedings, the Judicial Court of Paris ruled in March 2024 in favor of Zhongshan, awarding the company approximately $74.5 million in compensation. The Ogun State Government, however, has not yet honored this award. In response, the French court authorized the seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets: a Dassault Falcon 7X at Le Bourget airport in Paris, a Boeing 737, and an Airbus 330 at Basel-Mulhouse airport in Switzerland.

Ogun State Government’s Reaction

The Ogun State Government has criticized Zhongshan’s actions, accusing the company of obtaining court orders without proper notice to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Ogun State, or their legal representatives. The state government also argued that the jets, being used for sovereign purposes, should be immune from seizure under international and French law.

In a statement by Kayode Makinde, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the government condemned Zhongshan for involving Federal Government assets in their legal battle and claimed that the company misled the Judicial Court of Paris regarding the nature and use of the aircraft. The court has prohibited the sale or purchase of the seized jets until Zhongshan receives the awarded compensation.

This ongoing dispute underscores the complexities and potential international ramifications of failed business agreements between state governments and foreign entities.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a stern warning to residents in flood-prone communities across 27 Nigerian states to start relocating immediately. The warning follows severe flooding that has impacted 227,494 individuals, damaged 32,837 homes, and affected 16,488 hectares of farmland.

NEMA’s Emergency Operations Centre, established for flood monitoring and coordination of resource deployment, revealed the extensive damage caused by the floods. The Agency is working alongside State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) to distribute essential relief supplies and mobilize search and rescue teams to assist affected communities.

NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, emphasized the critical need for communities at risk to move to higher ground as the rainy season continues. She also highlighted the importance of increased public awareness of proper waste management to help prevent future flooding incidents.

In her statement, Umar reassured farmers that the current dry season is temporary and urged community leaders and stakeholders to implement rapid response measures to mitigate the ongoing flood threats.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has launched the Lagos Revenue Portal (LRP), a new platform aimed at simplifying and streamlining all revenue payments for residents of the state. The portal, which will serve as a one-stop shop for all taxpayers, aggregates bills and payments across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies within Lagos State.

Speaking at the launch, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the portal as a significant step towards transforming Lagos into Nigeria’s most business-friendly state. He emphasized that efficient revenue collection is vital for funding critical infrastructure, providing essential services, and improving the overall quality of life for Lagosians.

The LRP is designed to be robust, transparent, and user-friendly, making the tax payment process easier for individuals and businesses. The governor noted that by removing barriers to compliance and promoting accountability, the portal would boost the state’s revenue base while positioning Lagos as a leader in technology-driven governance.

Sanwo-Olu also commended the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, and other stakeholders involved in the project. He urged residents, entrepreneurs, and corporate entities to embrace the portal, as its success depends on widespread adoption.

The LRP eliminates the need for physical visits to service stations or bank branches, allowing users to register as payers and access their profiles online. The platform is accessible via secure web and mobile application channels, ensuring that the tax payment process is more efficient, convenient, and secure for all residents of Lagos.

Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa, the Senior Special Assistant to Abia State Governor Alex Otti on Public Affairs, has labeled critics of the governor as “enemies” of the people of Abia. Responding to attacks from the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uzoukwa described these criticisms as baseless and driven by a desire to undermine the state’s progress.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Umuahia, Uzoukwa highlighted Governor Otti’s numerous achievements across various sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture. He pointed to the governor’s efforts to revitalize the education sector by upgrading schools and implementing innovative learning programs, as well as initiatives to improve healthcare delivery in the state.

Uzoukwa also emphasized the governor’s focus on infrastructure development, citing the construction and reconstruction of roads and the provision of essential amenities. Additionally, he mentioned the socio-economic empowerment of women through entrepreneurship and skills development programs, as well as job creation efforts.

According to Uzoukwa, the criticisms from the PDP are not motivated by a genuine concern for the welfare of Abia’s citizens but rather by a desire to sabotage the governor’s efforts to transform the state. He urged the public to continue supporting Governor Otti and his administration, asserting that they are working tirelessly to build a better future for the people of Abia.

“We will not let the enemies of progress in PDP distract us from this noble goal,” Uzoukwa stated, expressing confidence that the administration will overcome the challenges posed by the opposition and achieve greatness for Abia.

The newly established cassava processing mill in Idoma, Biase Local Government Area, Cross River State, is set to create 1,000 direct jobs, according to Johnson Ebokpo, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development. The eight-metric-tonnes mill is part of a broader initiative under the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise for Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project, which includes a 1.3-kilometer farm road, a mini-bridge, and 15 hectares of cultivated cassava farmland.

Inaugurated on Thursday, the project is designed as an integrated approach to community development, addressing not only food production but also infrastructure needs like road access and flood control. Ebokpo noted that the government plans to replicate this model in other local government areas to further enhance community development.

Dr. Abiodun Sanni, the National Project Coordinator, emphasized the project’s aim to curb youth restiveness and empower women through agricultural infrastructure. The Paramount Ruler of Idoma, Chief Steve Omori, praised the initiative and pledged to protect the mill, similar to how the community safeguarded classroom blocks constructed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in 2010.

The LIFE-ND project has already trained 59 participants in Idoma, with 15 of them receiving farmlands for cassava cultivation using high-yield, disease-resistant TME 419 cassava stems. Beneficiaries like Ms. Comfort Anthony have reported significant improvements in their livelihoods due to the training and resources provided by the project.

The Bauchi Emirate Council has revoked the traditional title of ‘Majidadin Bauchi’ from Senator Shehu Umar Buba, following allegations that he disrespected Governor Bala Mohammed. The controversy began when Senator Buba, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC), criticised the governor’s remarks about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

Senator Buba responded to Governor Bala’s criticism, calling the governor’s comments “empty” and accusing him of causing hardship in Bauchi State by withholding federal donations. In response, the Emirate Council concluded that Buba’s actions were inconsistent with Bauchi’s cultural values, leading to the decision to strip him of his title. The council stressed the importance of respect for leadership, deeming the senator’s behavior unacceptable.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant resurgence of cholera, with 307,433 cases and 2,326 deaths recorded globally between January 1 and July 28, 2024. The outbreaks have affected 26 countries across five WHO regions, with the Eastern Mediterranean Region being the hardest hit, followed by the African, Southeast Asia, Americas, and European Regions. The Western Pacific Region has not reported any cholera outbreaks during this period.

The global cholera situation was declared a grade 3 emergency, the highest level of internal alert, by WHO in January 2023. A severe shortage of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) has exacerbated the situation, with demand far exceeding supply. Since January 2023, 18 countries have requested 105 million doses, nearly double the 55 million doses produced. WHO continues to assess the global risk as very high due to the widespread outbreaks, geographic spread, and resource constraints.

“Ogun Rice Sellers Protest Customs Raid and Rice Seizures, Demand Consideration for Their Plight”

Rice sellers in Abeokuta, Ogun State, protested on Thursday against the alleged invasion of their shops by Customs officials. The traders, organized under the Ifesowapo Association of Rice Sellers at Lafenwa Market, marched through the city with placards and leaves, expressing their anger over recent raids. They claimed Customs operatives broke into their shops at midnight, seizing 255 bags of rice, and highlighted that a similar raid on May 27 and 29, 2024, resulted in the seizure of 105 bags worth N20 million. The traders, many of whom are widows and single parents, lamented their financial losses and the debt incurred from business loans. Customs Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi responded, acknowledging the need for a more civil approach to anti-smuggling operations while maintaining that smuggled items remain contraband regardless of their location. He promised to discuss the issue with the Comptroller of Federal Operations to find a balance between enforcement and public impact.

“Sanwo-Olu Emphasizes Professionalism as Solution to Building Collapse at LASBCA Event”

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has underscored the critical role of professionalism and strict adherence to building regulations in preventing building collapses.

Speaking at the second edition of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) stakeholders engagement, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the need for rigorous compliance with building codes amid Lagos’s rapid urban growth. The event, themed “Professionalism Across Board in the Built Environment,” also featured General Manager Gbolahan Oki, who stressed the importance of collaboration and the Certified Accreditors Programme in enhancing building safety and reducing collapses.

“Ganduje Urges Federal Government to Probe Kano Protests, Accuses Governor Yusuf of Inciting Violence”

Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for a federal investigation into the recent violent protests in Kano. In response to accusations from the Kano State government alleging APC involvement, Ganduje claimed that Governor Abba Yusuf orchestrated the unrest to destabilize President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Ganduje’s statement, delivered by his chief press secretary Edwin Olofu, alleges that Yusuf’s administration funded the protests to damage Tinubu’s image and endanger public safety.

“Governor Caleb Mutfwang and NDLEA Chief Brig Gen Marwa Strengthen Partnership to Combat Drug Trafficking in Plateau State”

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has enhanced collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to tackle substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. During a visit to NDLEA’s headquarters in Abuja, both Mutfwang and NDLEA Chairman Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) expressed commitment to the renewed partnership. Marwa highlighted recent successes, including the seizure of nearly 7,000 kilograms of illicit drugs and the arrest of 1,720 suspects over the past two years.

He also proposed the establishment of a rehabilitation center, drug control committees, and a drug testing policy. Governor Mutfwang praised Marwa’s leadership and the NDLEA’s improved performance under his tenure.

“Mohbad’s Family Rejects Yomi Fabiyi’s Protest Call, Urges Respect for Court Proceedings”

The family of late singer Mohbad has opposed actor Yomi Fabiyi’s recent call for a protest at the next court hearing. Following Mohbad’s death on September 12, 2023, which led to an autopsy revealing no significant toxicological findings, the family has demanded an independent autopsy.

Fabiyi had urged a peaceful protest to mark Mohbad’s one-year anniversary and to press for justice. However, the family, through their legal representative Monisola Odumosu, warned against any disruptions in the court environment, emphasizing that such actions could interfere with legal proceedings and potentially lead to contempt of court charges.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his efforts to improve Nigeria’s economy and address the country’s challenges. During a visit to Bauchi State to express sympathy over recent flood disasters, Umahi emphasized that Tinubu’s actions are driven by a divine will to reset and uplift the nation.

Umahi acknowledged that the current administration inherited a struggling economy but stressed that Tinubu is making significant strides to address these issues. He urged Nigerians to support the president, highlighting Tinubu’s courageous decisions and comprehensive approach to governance.

The Minister also pointed to ongoing projects under Tinubu’s administration, such as the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe road project, aimed at improving transportation and economic development in the North-East. Umahi assured that road infrastructure issues in Bauchi, including failures on key expressways, would be addressed promptly.

Governor Bala Mohammed, in response, requested an expansion of the federal government’s road projects in the North-East, emphasizing the crucial role of infrastructure in economic growth. He commended the federal government’s legacy projects and pledged continued support for its initiatives.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). This recommendation was made on August 15, 2024, following a closed-door meeting initially scheduled for August 16.

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s nomination marks a significant milestone as she will become the second female CJN in Nigerian history. She will succeed Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, whose tenure ends on August 22, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.

In addition to the CJN nomination, the NJC recommended 27 individuals for appointment as judges of various state high courts.