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Amnesty International Demands Immediate Release of Shafi’u Tureta Over Social Media Post on Sokoto Governor

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Amnesty International has issued a fresh demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Shafi’u Tureta, who was arrested and allegedly unlawfully detained on the orders of Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu. Tureta’s arrest followed his reposting of a viral video showing a lavish birthday party held for the governor’s wife, which has sparked a heated debate about freedom of expression in Nigeria.

According to Amnesty International, on August 26, 2024, Tureta was hastily arraigned before a Sokoto magistrate court and subsequently remanded in prison. The human rights organization alleges that the process was rushed, suggesting it is part of a broader plan to keep Tureta indefinitely detained as punishment for exercising his right to free speech. Amnesty described the action as a clear attempt to stifle dissent and suppress criticism of the government.

Tureta’s reposting of the video, which had already gone viral before he shared it, appears to be the primary reason for his arrest. The video, which reportedly depicted an extravagant celebration, has been a source of controversy, with many online users criticizing the lavish display of wealth during a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship. Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration, however, has taken a heavy-handed approach by targeting Tureta, a move Amnesty International says is emblematic of a growing intolerance towards dissent.

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Amnesty International strongly condemned the actions of the Sokoto state government, calling Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s crackdown on critics “frightening” and unacceptable in a democratic society. “No one should be punished solely for expressing an opinion that is contrary to that of the government or its officials,” the organization stated, adding that the governor’s actions are in direct violation of fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression.

The human rights group expressed deep concern that Tureta’s detention is part of a broader pattern of silencing dissent in Sokoto state. Amnesty called on the Nigerian authorities to ensure that individuals are not punished for peacefully expressing their views, regardless of how critical they may be of those in power.

“The targeting of Shafi’u Tureta and other critics by the Sokoto state government is nothing short of an attempt to silence dissent and suppress freedom of expression, particularly of those who hold and express views critical of the government,” Amnesty International said in a statement.

The organization urged the Nigerian government to uphold its international obligations, particularly in protecting the rights to freedom of expression and opinion. It also called for greater transparency in the handling of Tureta’s case and for the release of any other individuals who may have been wrongfully detained for similar reasons.

The case has sparked outrage on social media, with activists and citizens alike calling for Tureta’s immediate release and condemning the Sokoto state government’s actions as an abuse of power. Many have expressed concerns over the growing climate of fear for those who speak out against the government in Nigeria, warning that such actions set a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression in the country.

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Public Enlightenment Movement Spotlights Northern Nigeria’s Infrastructure and Healthcare Gains Under Tinubu

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The National Coordinator of the Public Enlightenment Movement, Nuhu Abdullahi Balarabe, has unveiled Phase 7 of the organisation’s project update, highlighting major infrastructure and healthcare achievements recorded across Northern Nigeria under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Addressing members of the press, Nuhu said the initiative remains committed to providing verified information on government projects and developmental progress across the northern states.

He explained that the Public Enlightenment Movement was established to promote transparency, public awareness and citizen engagement by documenting and disseminating updates on strategic national projects.
According to him, the latest phase focuses on critical infrastructure interventions aimed at boosting regional connectivity and economic growth.

Among the projects highlighted is the ongoing reconstruction of the Ajingi–Jahun–Kafin Hausa Road linking parts of Kano State and Jigawa State, which is expected to ease transportation of agricultural produce and improve trade activities across the corridor.

He also noted progress on the dualisation of the Minna–Bida Road in Niger State, describing it as a strategic route expected to reduce travel time and improve road safety for commuters.

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Nuhu Abdullahi further highlighted the accelerated completion of the Kaduna Western Bypass in Kaduna State, noting that the project is designed to improve movement for residents and travellers connecting to the Abuja corridor.

In the same vein, he said the rehabilitation of the previously neglected Shiroro Road in Niger State has significantly shortened travel distances and revitalised economic activities in surrounding communities.

On healthcare, the National Coordinator described the establishment of a world-class cancer centre at Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina as a landmark achievement in the health sector.

According to him, the facility is among the country’s top oncology centres, equipped with modern medical infrastructure aimed at making quality cancer treatment accessible and affordable for Nigerians.

He also cited progress on the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, noting that the highway project is advancing steadily across six states with the integration of smart infrastructure such as streetlights and CCTV surveillance to enhance security and traffic management.

Nuhu stated that the projects outlined in the Phase 7 briefing reflect broader national efforts to improve infrastructure, healthcare delivery and economic resilience.

He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to sustaining public awareness on government interventions and national development initiatives.

“The projects detailed in this briefing are a testament to the wider national transformation currently underway.

While this phase focuses on northern Nigeria, it reflects a broader commitment to building a resilient, interconnected and healthier nation,” he said.

He thanked members of the media and citizens for their continued support of the Public Enlightenment Movement and called for sustained public engagement in national development.

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BREAKING: INEC Restores Mark-led ADC Leadership on Website After S’Court Ruling

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated its website, listing David Mark as the national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary following the judgement of the supreme court.

The development, spotted on Thursday evening, reverses INEC’s earlier decision in early April to remove the Mark-led executive from its portal, citing the ruling of an appeal court on the leadership crisis in the ADC.

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The Mark-led faction of the ADC and Nafiu Bala, a former national vice-chairman of the party, have been laying claim to its leadership.

However, earlier today, the supreme court directed Mark to return to the federal high court for the hearing and determination of issues arising from the leadership dispute within the ADC.

Delivering a unanimous judgement, a five-member panel of the apex court, headed by Mohammed Garba, faulted the order of the court of appeal which asked parties in the suit to maintain status quo ante bellum.

Following the ruling, the ADC page on the INEC website, which was taken down initially, now shows the full list of the party’s leadership led by Mark.

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BREAKING: Supreme Court Nullifies Status Quo Ante Bellum Order, Restores David Mark-Led ADC Executive

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Supreme Court has set aside the status quo ante bellum order previously granted by the Court of Appeal in Abuja in the ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The ruling effectively restores the executive committee led by Senator David Mark, reversing its delisting by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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Delivering a unanimous judgment on Thursday, a five-member panel chaired by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba held that the Court of Appeal’s order was unwarranted. The apex court also found that the appeal challenging jurisdiction had been improperly filed—it was based on an ex parte order inviting parties to show cause, without first obtaining the requisite leave of the appellate court.

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