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2023: President Buhari Promises Peaceful Transfer Of Power

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President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians and the international community of free and fair elections in 2023 general elections, and peaceful transfer of power.

In his remark at a Virtual Summit for Democracy organised by President Joe Biden of the United States, President Buhari said necessary mechanisms will be strengthened to ensure that Nigeria witnesses another peaceful transfer of power.

“As we countdown to our next general elections in 2023, we remain committed to putting in place and strengthening all necessary mechanisms to ensure that Nigeria will not only record another peaceful transfer of power to an elected democratic government, but will also ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.

45 Journalists Killed In 2021,300 Languishing In Prison-Report

“Your Excellencies, Nigeria will continue to actively support the democratization processes in our region West Africa and the African continent at large. But regrettably, our democratic gains of the past decades are under threats of unconstitutional takeover of power.

“This unwholesome trend, sometimes in reaction to unilateral amendments of constitutions by some leaders, must not be tolerated by the international community. Nigeria fully supports the efforts by ECOWAS to address this growing challenge and appreciates the support of both the African Union and the United Nations,’’ he added.

The president said Nigeria continues to face security challenges which pose a threat to democracy, calling “on global partners to support our efforts in tackling insurgency and terrorism.’’

“I am proud to state that Nigeria has had over two decades of uninterrupted democratic governance and has unequivocally remained committed to upholding the core values and principles of democracy.

“Since assuming office in 2015, we have been able to introduce mechanisms to ensure free, fair and credible elections. We have strengthened our key anti-corruption agencies in collaboration with international partners and have undertaken several anti-corruption measures and initiatives.”

President Buhari thanked President Joe Biden, government and people of the United States for hosting the Summit.

“As you are aware, democracy has remained the most popular and universally recognised way of governance thus far. It is one governance system that guarantees freedom of speech, rule of law, respect for human rights and inclusiveness in governance. It also promotes social justice, economic and social development and national and global peace.

“However, in spite of these laudable qualities, more is required from us as members of democratic societies, particularly in ensuring that democratic institutions and processes are strengthened, particularly during this period of a global pandemic which has threatened social cohesion in most democracies.

“We, therefore, must remain resolute and enhance cooperation, so that together, we build back better democratic institutions and sustainable democratic values,’’ the president added.

President Buhari noted that the summit was taking place at a time when democratic institutions around the world were facing several challenges.

“This event will help promote a positive agenda for democratic renewal by focusing on some of the major challenges faced by democracies today. It is hoped that through our collective action, we can safeguard democratic values and principles,’’ he said.

The president said the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which had made it impossible to convene the meeting face to face, had taken a heavy toll on economies, health and democratic processes around the world.

“Nevertheless, we have witnessed the resilience of democratic institutions in many countries that have held free, fair and transparent democratic elections under very challenging conditions.’’

 

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Stop Dragging NBA into Kano Emirate Tussle – Barrister Nafisa Replies Gandu

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The Chairperson of the Northern Women Lawyers Congress Barrister Nafisa Abba has called on Badamasi Sulaiman Gandu to stop dragging the Nigeria Bar Association into the State Emirate Tussle which is before the court of law.

It would be recalled that the lawyer has advised Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II to tender his statement to the Police in regards to the sallah durbar incident that led to the lost of lives, reminding the Emir that he is not above the law.

But in a response, Badamasi Gandu, a lawyer, described the call as unprofessional and unbecoming of a member of the Kano Bar.

” I was amazed by the response of my colleague Badamasi Sulaiman Gandu, it’s so sad that a lawyer like him would go so low like this; lawyers are known for always being comprehensive to any matter before making their opinion.

As the Chairperson of Northern Women Lawyers Congress, we have the right to issue a statement, it’s our constitutional responsibility, we didn’t do that on behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association; it’s ridiculous that Badamasi is bringing NBA into the matter.

All we are saying is for Emir and his supporters to stop using faceless organisations on this matter.

Like I did, I wrote my name, and the organisation I’m representing is not a pseudonym.

Badamasi Gandu has taken side on the matter. Everyone knows that he is a kwankwasiyya supporter but just hiding under human rights activism.

It’s good that you have shown the world your true colour. ” She said.

The lawyer further maintains her stands that the Emir is not above the law while asking him to tender his statement before the police for the interest of peace and the rule of law.

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Court Halts Federal Government’s Kano-Niger Railway Project Over Land Dispute

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The Kano State High Court has issued a restraining order against the Federal Government, halting the continuation of the ongoing railway project from Kano to Daura and onward to the Niger Republic, on land belonging to residents of the Kuyan Ta Inna community.

The court, presided over by Justice Usman Na Abba, ruled that any such construction must follow due legal process, including consultation with landowners and the provision of adequate compensation

Nigerian Tracker reports that the injunction came in response to a suit filed by the Kano Property Agent Development Association (KAFADA), which represents affected landowners in the area.

The suit names the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Ministry of Transport, and the compensation consultant as defendants, accusing them of attempting to issue what it describes as “incommensurable” compensation to property owners.

Counsel to the plaintiffs, Barrister Usman Baito, stated that the court’s ruling affirms that moving forward with the railway project on community land without following appropriate legal procedures would constitute a breach of the Nigerian Constitution.

Baito added that the court emphasized the necessity of thorough consultation, transparency, and equitable compensation before any land can be lawfully acquired for such a major project.

“The judgment reinforces the rights of the Kuyan Ta Inna residents,” Baito said. “Any attempt to sidestep these procedures is not only unlawful but a direct violation of the constitutional rights of the people.”

The Chairman of KAFADA, Isa Jibrin Isa, acknowledged the community’s willingness to cooperate with the government.

He noted that the property owners are not opposed to the railway development but are insisting that all actions must be carried out within the bounds of the law.

“We are open to dialogue and ready to sign a compensation agreement,” Isa said, “but only if it is based on fair valuation and in line with legal provisions. Our people deserve justice, not exploitation.”

Efforts to reach representatives of the Federal Government or the project contractor were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

 

 

 

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Kano Durbar: Lawyers accuse FG Of moves To discredit Emir Sanusi

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A group of Kano-based human rights lawyers has alleged that Federal Government political plot against Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II necessitated the cancellation of Sallah durbar festivities across Kano emirates.

In a strongly worded petition submitted to Kano State Commissioner of Police, the National Forum of Kano Indigene Lawyers also alleged that security alert raised as justification for imposing the ban lacked merit and may be a veiled move to curtail the influence of the reinstated Emir of Kano.

The police prohibited the UNESCO certified Kano cultural status as intangible heritage of humanity, after sensing security breach even when the 15th emir Aminu Ado Bayero cancelled his planned paralleled Durbar.

Addressing journalists shortly after submitting their letter to the police commissioner, leader of the lawyers, Barrister Usman Imam Tudun Wazirchi insisted the ban was unnecessary.

Tudun Wazirchi said the so-called security threat has no substantial basis, claiming that “If Durbars were allowed to hold in high-risk states like Borno, Katsina, and Zamfara, why not Kano?

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“Even during Boko Haram’s peak, such total bans were not implemented,” the lawyers emphasized.

The lawyers accused “unpatriotic citizens” and political actors of instigating fears in the minds of peaceful residents simply to prevent the cultural pageantry associated with Emir Sanusi’s return to palace. They argued that the ban not only infringes on cultural rights but also represents a broader attack on constitutional freedoms.

Referring to the recent Court of Appeal judgment that upheld Sanusi’s position, the letter warned against using law enforcement to carry out political persecution.

The lawyers also addressed their concerns to international bodies, including the UN, EU, and African Union, signaling a desire to draw global attention to what they called “an orchestrated attack on Kano’s heritage and legitimate royal leadership.”

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