The concerned citizens of Kiru, based in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, have commended the Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission for arresting Kiru Local Government Chairman Abdullahi Muhammad over allegations of selling land worth over 100 million Naira meant for Kafin Maiyaki Mini Stadium.

The chairman of the group, Yau Ibrahim, stated this in a release issued to newsmen.

Yau Ibrahim said the Anti-Corruption Commission, led by Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, has done the right thing at the right time, considering Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s efforts in fighting corruption.

Yau Ibrahim said on behalf of the concerned citizens of the local government, drawn from different parts of Nigeria, that they fully support the Kano Public Complaints Commission and the Government of Kano State to ensure that justice is done.

They urge Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Barrister Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado not to leave any stone unturned regarding the huge land grab allegedly perpetrated by the chairman in order to serve as a lesson to others.

It can be recalled that the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission on Friday arrested the Chairman of Kiru Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed, over allegations of selling land worth over N100 million meant for Kafin Maiyaki Mini Stadium.

The commission spokesman, Mr. Kabir Abba Kabir, told newsmen that the council chairman has been detained and is undergoing interrogation.

He said that the commission discovered that the monies were paid into Mohammed’s personal account.

The spokesman said that a company named Mahasum purchased the plots of land allocated for the mini-stadium and other individuals.

He noted that Mohammed’s account received over N240 million from Nov. 1, 2024, when he was sworn in, to Feb. 27, which has since been recovered.

He said that Mohammed is cooperating with the investigation, which aims to uncover the truth behind the fraudulent sale of land and bring those responsible to book.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has firmly denied allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The accusations stem from an alleged incident during a visit to Akpabio’s country home in Akwa Ibom State.

Breaking his silence during a plenary session on Wednesday, Akpabio categorically refuted the claims, asserting that he has never harassed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman.

He emphasized his deep respect for women, citing his upbringing by a struggling single mother as the foundation of his values.

At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,” Akpabio stated.

He further mentioned that he has four daughters and would never engage in inappropriate conduct against women.

Expressing gratitude to his colleagues for their support and prayers, Akpabio remained confident that divine intervention would vindicate him.

The controversy between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan surfaced following the latter’s suspension over a seating arrangement dispute.

The disagreement escalated into a heated exchange when the Kogi Central senator discovered her seat had been changed without her consent.

During a recent television interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that Akpabio was punishing her for rejecting his advances.

She claimed that while giving her a tour of his residence, Akpabio had suggested they could “spend quality time together” and that she would “enjoy it.”

As the allegations continue to generate public debate, the Senate remains divided over the matter, with some lawmakers rallying behind Akpabio while others call for a thorough investigation.

Death Toll Of NNN Beneficiaries Awaiting Northern Govs Payment Hits 106

Beneficiaries of New Nigerian Newspapers (NN) Ltd, under Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) have lamented the protracted dilemma of non payment of their benefits amounting to N2.1B stressing that the death toll of members waiting for this benefit have reached 106 as January 2025.

A statement signed by Alhaji Sadiq Tela on behalf of Elders Forum and Friday Sule for Joint Union of the New Nigerian Newspapers, said, “following the recent out of Court settlement between Northern Governors Versus Albert Iweka and Co which was adopted on the 27th of November, 2024 by the Federal High Court as facilitated by New Nigerian Beneficiaries, expectations have being high given the extreme poverty orchestrated by this pending benefits.

“Recall that the duo of Barrister Iweka and Idi Sule all former workers of the New Nigerian Newspapers had dragged Northern Governors to Court over payments of check off dues and later obtained a garnishee order that freezed New Capital Properties Limited (NCPL) account where the proceeds of sales of NNN assets was domiciled in.

“Following the painstaking efforts by New Nigerian Beneficiaries, the matter was squashed and all garnishee orders instituted earlier vacated and all parties duely settled except New Nigerian Beneficiaries.” It stressed

He pointed that “more than 100 days after the vacation of the 10 years old scorging court matter, all New Nigerian Beneficiaries who served the 19 Northern Governors are still wondering in the wilderness in pains and gnashing of teeth.

The worker however lauded the incumbent Secretary to the State Government of Kaduna have so far soothed our wounds via strategic engagements with the Northern Nigeria Development Company and the Northern Governors Secretariats. “These efforts are Consoling but given the reality of the economic hardship the over 800 Beneficiaries who have almost 10,000 mouths to feed are already in tears.” He added.

It maintained that “the Northern Governors under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State have the deciding powers for the destiny of almost 1000 New Nigerian Beneficiaries

“We sized this opportunity to beg our Northern Governors’ Forum to come to our aid as the death toll of NNN beneficiaries awaiting payment has reached 106 as at January 2025.

“In the Spirit of Ramadan, we beg our Northern Governors to show mercy on our families as most of us are unable to Break fast.”