Senator Sulaiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South Senatorial District, has praised President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his recent decision to grant autonomy to local governments. In a statement he signed, Senator Sumaila described the decision as timely, emphasizing the urgent need for policies that alleviate the suffering of the Nigerian masses.

According to Sumaila, President Tinubu’s commitment to local government autonomy aligns with the senators’ efforts to address the challenges faced by the grassroots. “I am happy that Mr. President has begun to follow our path to salvage our people by giving local governments the autonomy to operate as enshrined in the constitution. The decision to compel the 36 states of the federation to grant autonomy to local governments is a step in the right direction,” he said.

Sumaila highlighted the potential benefits of this autonomy, particularly for rural areas. “This will surely help in bringing development to our people, especially those at the grassroots in rural areas. It will equally boost the nation’s economy by increasing our Internally Generated Revenue through the agricultural value chain and other commercial activities that will emerge once local governments gain their autonomy,” he added.

However, Senator Sumaila also appealed to President Tinubu to address issues related to local government elections, which he identified as another significant challenge affecting grassroots progress under democratic governance. “I would be glad if President Tinubu will also address the challenges affecting the conduct of local government elections in the nation. The president should do something to stop politicians from manipulating the processes of local government elections for their personal interests,” he urged.

Sumaila criticized the current state of local government elections, highlighting the undue influence of state governors. “We are all aware of how local government elections are being conducted under the watch of state governors in this country. From the primaries to the main elections, the processes are always being manipulated by politicians for their personal interest against the interests of the majority. That should not be so under democracy, and I am appealing to Mr. President to urgently address this problem. I am sure this will complement the autonomy of the local government, thereby extending the dividends of democracy to the grassroots,” he asserted.

Senator Sumaila emphasized the collaborative efforts of the legislative and executive branches of government in supporting local government autonomy. “We, at the National Assembly, have raised the matter and supported the autonomy for local governments, and the executive has also agreed with us. It is now over to the judiciary to appropriately exercise its constitutional rights in deciding the case before it on local government autonomy,” he said.

Sumaila thanked Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin for giving him the opportunity to present the matter before the Senate and expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support. “I thank the Senate President, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, and Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, for giving me the opportunity to table the matter before the Senate, and my colleagues for supporting me on this issue,” the statement concluded.

The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has ordered the immediate arrest of the former Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, for creating tension in the state.

The former Emir was smuggled into Kano city last night in an attempt to forcefully return to the palace two days after being deposed by the Governor.

In a statement issued by Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the spokesperson to the Governor, it was confirmed that the new Emir, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, arrived at the palace in the company of the Governor, the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the State Assembly, and other top government functionaries at about 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, 25th May 2024.

As the Chief Security Officer of the state, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has directed the Commissioner of Police to arrest the deposed Emir with immediate effect for disturbing public peace and attempting to destroy the relative peace the state enjoys.

Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa
**Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano**

Yesterday, the NNPC Ltd paid a condolence visit to Nigeria’s Ex-International, Tijjani Babangida, over the tragic loss of his son, Fadil, and brother, Ibrahim Babangida, as a result of the ghastly road accident which occurred on Saturday, May 11th, 2024, along the Zaria-Kaduna Road. It would be recalled that in the unfortunate incident, Babangida and his wife also sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.

During the visit, GCEO NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari, represented by the Company’s Chief Corporate Communication’s Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, expressed the Company’s heartfelt commiserations to the Babangida family, praying for God’s mercy upon the souls of the departed and for a speedy recovery of the ex-footballer and his wife.

Earlier in February 2024, Tijjani Babangida was among a selected team of Nigeria’s Ex-Internationals, led by the legendary Austin Jay Jay Okocha, who participated in a novelty football match during the grand finale of the 13th NNPC Sports Fiesta held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

In his response, an elated Babangida expressed his delight to the NNPC Ltd for identifying with him in his trying period, stressing that although lives once lost can never be brought back, the Company’s kind gesture will further strengthen his resolve to overcome the predicament.