Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has broken his silence over the political crisis in Rivers State, expressing deep concern over the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials, stating that such actions tarnish Nigeria’s global reputation.

Jonathan made these remarks while speaking as the chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday.

Jonathan criticized the removal of elected officials, emphasizing that these actions by key figures in the executive and legislative branches present Nigeria in a negative light.

He noted that while former presidents typically refrain from commenting on national issues to avoid inflaming political tensions, he felt compelled to speak out due to mounting calls from Nigerians urging him to address the situation.

The former president underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity of governance institutions, warning that undue influence over the judiciary erodes public confidence in the legal system.

He also highlighted how Nigeria’s international image and investment climate are directly impacted by the conduct of its governmental arms.

Meanwhile, on the same day, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) voiced support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. NNPP National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major, defended Tinubu’s decision, arguing that no responsible government would allow a worsening crisis to go unchecked.

Major stated that President Tinubu, as Nigeria’s Chief Security Officer, had access to intelligence that might not be publicly available. He suggested that without intervention, the situation in Rivers could have escalated further, posing significant security threats.

He also criticized some political leaders who, instead of promoting peace, allowed the crisis to deteriorate before stepping in with belated interventions and criticisms

Kano Electricity Distribution Plc. (KEDCO) extends its deepest commiserations and sympathies to the leadership, workers, and business owners affected by the recent devastating fire outbreak at the Dakata Small Scale Industries, in Kano.

This was conveyed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar Yusuf during a commiseration visit by the KEDCO Management

During the visit, the KEDCO delegation was guided around the market by the leadership of the industries to assess the extent of the damage.

KEDCO understands the significant challenges such an unfortunate incident can cause, particularly for small-scale businesses crucial to the local economy. The company acknowledges the hard work, dedication, and resilience of the entrepreneurs and workers within the Dakata small-scale community, who contribute significantly to job creation and economic growth in the region.

In response to this incident, KEDCO is committed to providing any necessary energy-related support to help those affected by the fire, facilitating their swift recovery, and smooth resumption of operations.

“On behalf of the Board and Management, we deeply sympathize and stand in solidarity with the people of Dakata and the affected industries. One of KEDCO’s missions is supporting the socio-economic growth and development of our entire franchise areas and, in times of crisis, we remain dedicated to doing everything in our power to assist in business recovery and sustainability,” the MD stated.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all the affected business owners. I can only imagine the challenges they are currently facing, however, they are not alone as we will continue to pray for Allah’s succor upon them,” he added.

Yusuf also urged all stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future, by adopting appropriate safety measures across all industrial areas.

In a statement signed by Sani Bala Sani Head corporate communications said  the Chairman of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Dakata, Alhaji Zulkifilu Alasan, expressed deep gratitude for the visit, stating, “This visit is a testament to the new KEDCO’s commitment to excellence and customer intimacy. Since KEDCO’s inception, this is the first time its MD/CEO and his team embarked on such a solidarity visit to the Dakata small-scale industries.”

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, has mourned a renowned industrialist in Kano State, Alhaji Nasiru Ahali, who died on Thursday night.
The industrialist died at the age of 108 at a hospital in Kano.

Senator Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Ismail Mudashir, described the deceased as a patriotic citizen whose contribution to industrialisation in Kano State cannot be overemphasised.

He urged the family of the late business icon to find solace in the fact that the deceased was a devout Muslim who spent his life and resources worshipping Allah SWT and assisting humanity.

“Malam Nasiru Ahali played a pivotal role in the development and growth of businesses in Kano. As one of the pioneer industrialists in Kano, he has helped shape the formation of formal businesses across the state through his company, Mainasara and Sons,” he said.

He prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Jannatul Firdaus and grant his family and associates the fortitude to bear the loss.

In a statement signed by Ismail Mudashir Special adviser media and publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate said ” Our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of our late business icon. May Allah SWT grant him Jannatul Firdaus and give all those he left behind the strength to bear this loss,” he said.