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Former NSDC Executive Secretary Faces Legal Challenge for Violating Rules and Regulations”

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ABUJA, Nigeria – Former NSDC Executive Secretary Faces Legal Challenge for Violating Rules and Regulations” a developing legal matter, Legal Option Solicitors, representing Mr. Audu Karimu, a concerned Nigerian citizen, has issued a stern reminder to the Head of Service of the Federation regarding an alleged violation of Public Service Rules (PSR) and the Sugar Regulation Council (Amendment) Act, 2015. The focus of this reminder is the conduct of Mr. Zaccheus Adedeji, the former Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), and Mr. Auwal Abubakar Shira.

Background and Introduction: 1.1 The solicitors maintain their representation of Mr. Audu Karimu, a Nigerian patriot, and client. They draw attention to their client’s previous petition regarding the actions of Mr. Zaccheus Adedeji, the former Executive Secretary of the NSDC, and Mr. Auwal Abubakar Shira, who, despite reaching his retirement date on 11th September 2021, continues to serve in the capacity of Director Finance and Administration in the Council.

1.2 The NSDC, established through Decree No. 88, later NSDC (Amendment) Act, 2015, is subject to the Public Service Rules (PSR) in the administration of its personnel. Under these rules, staff members are to retire upon reaching thirty-five (35) years in service or sixty (60) years of age, whichever comes earlier. The Executive Secretary of the Council does not possess the authority to lawfully extend the service years of any staff unless specifically authorized by the NSDC Act and the PSR, a condition not met in this instance.

Facts of the Petition: 2.1 Mr. Zaccheus Adedeji assumed the role of Executive Secretary of the NSDC on or around 10th March 2021. However, on 15th June 2023, he was appointed Senior Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, necessitating his resignation from the NSDC position due to the prohibition of holding two public offices concurrently. Subsequently, on 15th September 2023, he was appointed Acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

2.2 On the other hand, Mr. Auwal Abubakar Shira, who held the position of Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) at the NSDC in 2021, was due to retire on 11th September 2021. However, the former Executive Secretary extended his service years without lawful authority, granting a one-year extension from 11th September 2021 to 10th September 2022. Upon this extension’s expiration, the former Executive Secretary further extended the retirement date to 10th September 2023.

2.3 Despite these extensions, the DFA has remained in office without further extension since the second extension unlawfully granted to him expired on 11th September 2023. Furthermore, the former Executive Secretary, who was supposed to vacate his position on 15th June 2023 when appointed as SA to the President, is allegedly involved in planning the further unlawful extension of the DFA’s service years or his appointment as the new Executive Secretary.

2.4 The petition alleges that both the former Executive Secretary and the DFA are scheming to further extend the DFA’s tenure in blatant violation of the NSDC Act and the PSR, which dictate the tenure of the Council’s staff. Additionally, they are doing so without obtaining relevant approvals from the appropriate authorities. This conduct not only contravenes established rules and regulations but also hinders the career growth and development of other qualified Council staff.

2.5 In addition to the alleged illegal extension of the Director’s tenure, both individuals are accused of failing to comply with basic Public Service Rules regulating the re-engagement of retired public servants through contract, particularly on grade levels below that on which they retired. If the Council deemed it necessary to re-engage the retired DFA on contract, it should have been in compliance with these rules, engaging him as a Deputy Director, not in the manner employed, extending his service for twenty-four (24) months by the former Executive Secretary.

Prayers and Request for Intervention: 3.1 Mr. Audu Karimu, through his solicitors, seeks the following interventions: a. The immediate vacation of the position of Director of Finance and Administration by Mr. Auwal Abubakar Shira.

Attachments:

The solicitors refer to their client’s earlier petition for additional context and detail.

This legal challenge underscores the importance of adhering to established rules and regulations within the public service, ensuring fairness and equity in personnel decisions.

 

 

 

 

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Kano State Government Bans Live Political Broadcasting

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The stateKano State Government Bans Live Political Broadcasting government has placed a ban on live political broadcasting in a bid to promote responsible journalism and preserve Kano’s cultural and religious heritage. This decision was disclosed during a meeting convened by the Ministry of Information, where media executives gathered to deliberate on ethical broadcasting practices.

The meeting, chaired by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, is part of the ministry’s quarterly engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation between the government and media outlets to ensure effective and respectful communication.

During his remarks, Comrade Waiya appreciated media leaders for their role in enhancing the ministry’s efforts to curb unethical content. He commended the noticeable decline in abusive language in some broadcast programs, attributing the progress to the continuous engagement between stakeholders.

He further emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving Kano’s moral standards through various sensitization initiatives. These efforts have included training political program presenters, media commentators, and members of the Council of Friday Imams on responsible communication that avoids defamation or damage to the state’s reputation.

Key Broadcast Regulations Announced

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The commissioner clarified that the government’s approach is not aimed at suppressing political opposition but rather at safeguarding the sanctity of Kano’s cultural and religious values. As part of the new broadcasting directives, the following resolutions were reached:

– Media guests must sign an undertaking** before appearing on programs, committing to refrain from abusive, defamatory, or culturally offensive remarks.

– Live political programs are now banned across media platforms to prevent the escalation of inflammatory content.
– **Presenters are prohibited from asking provocative questions** or making gestures that could elicit statements capable of defaming individuals or harming Kano’s image.

Media Executives Pledge Support

In response, media executives attending the meeting expressed their commitment to upholding ethical standards and implementing the government’s directives. They also offered valuable suggestions on improving broadcast practices, ensuring that language in media remains constructive and conducive to peace and mutual respect within society.

The government’s new policy marks a significant step in its efforts to balance freedom of expression with the need to protect Kano’s deeply rooted cultural and religious values. As the directives take effect, media organizations are expected to adapt their programming to comply with the newly established guidelines.

This initiative is expected to shape the future of political discourse in Kano, ensuring that conversations remain civil and respectful while maintaining the integrity of public information dissemination.

 

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BIKOBA Celebrates Professor Sani Ibrahim Khalil’s Promotion at Bayero University, Kano

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Professor Sani Ibrahim Khalil

 

By Abbas Yushau Yusuf

The National Executive Committee and the entire membership of the Birnin Kudu Old Boys Association (BIKOBA) have extended their heartfelt congratulations to their distinguished member, Professor Sani Ibrahim Khalil, on his elevation to the prestigious rank of Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at Bayero University, Kano.

In an official statement signed by Mahmud Ibrahim Kwari, the National Publicity Secretary of BIKOBA, the association praised Professor Khalil for his unwavering dedication, academic excellence, and significant contributions to the field of architecture and urban development. “This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to his hard work and commitment to scholarly excellence,” the statement read.

Professor Khalil, who currently serves as the Vice President I of BIKOBA, has been a pillar of innovation and research in architecture and urban design. According to the statement, his promotion is not just a personal triumph but also a moment of pride for BIKOBA and the association’s alma mater, Birnin Kudu Government College.

“His elevation brings great honor to our association and school, further cementing our legacy of producing outstanding scholars and professionals,” National President of BIKOBA, Alhaji Ja’afar Usman Muhammad (Turakin Gaya), remarked. He expressed confidence that Professor Khalil’s new rank would serve as a beacon of inspiration for both the academic community and young architects seeking to make their mark in the profession.

BIKOBA also noted that Professor Khalil’s contributions would continue to shape the landscape of urban development in Nigeria and beyond. They expressed their profound joy over the recognition of his achievements, wishing him continued success and greater milestones in his professional journey.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting distinguished members like Professor Khalil, celebrating their accomplishments, and fostering a network of excellence among alumni.

The congratulatory message was officially signed by National Publicity Secretary, Mahmud Ibrahim Kwari, on behalf of the National President, Alhaji Ja’afar Usman Muhammad (Turakin Gaya), dated May 7, 2025.

With this latest promotion, Professor Khalil joins the ranks of esteemed scholars contributing significantly to Nigeria’s architectural and urban design fields, further enhancing Bayero University, Kano’s reputation for academic excellence.

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Emir Sanusi Woos Foreign Investors, assures opportunities, profit margin in Nigeria

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Emir of Kano, His Highness, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged foreign investors to take advantage of booming business environment in Nigeria to invest their resources for maximum profit margin.

Khalifa Sanusi solicited investment opportunities in Nigeria while addressing global investors and captains of industries at the International Financial Investment and Trade Conference holding in Tunisia.

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, explained that Nigeria reserves one of the fastest growing economy in Africa with highly competitive markets and business opportunities readily available for capital investors.

Sanusi essentially appealed to business and investment giants to tap from the robust economy with enabling environment in the areas of Manufacturing, Agriculture, ICT, Innovation and financial sector to grow their investment.

The royal highness used the occasion to showcase the growing fortune and global investment of Alh. Aliko Dangote, who started his empire taking the Nigerian business environment, believed foreign investors should capitalize on similar advantage.

Sanusi made a strong case for investment opportunities in his country home, assured socio-econmic and natural endowments as major advantages investors should consider to build viral growth in Kano.

According to Emir Sanusi, remained that Kano is destination for trade, commerce and industries with 22 million population, natural resources, strategic location and well established international markets that serve many countries in West and Central Africa and beyond. That’s apart, he said incentives provided by the Kano State Government is another avenue for ease of doing business.

A release by Munir Sanusi Bayero, Galadiman Kano and Chief of Staff to emir Sanusi said the conference attracted prominent personalities including Governor of Bauchi State, Sen Bala Mohammed, Hon. Minister of Women Affairs, Haj. Imaan Suleiman, Amb. Bolaji, representing the Hon. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu and DG of NEPZA.

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