From Ibraheem Abdu

A group under the auspices Rural Health Mission Nigerian, has distributed cash assistance to and agro-inputs to over 130 indigents in Nangere local government of Yobe state as part of the group’s citizens development initiative move to encourage self-reliance among communities.

Speaking during the venet, team lead of the group Muhammad Ahmad Saddiq stated that the group with head office in Gombe State is in Yobe state to render assistance and also to encourage people to self reliant.

He added that those that benefited from the support included 50 pregnant women that were given N40,000 each and maternity delivery kits were also given to them free adding that 15 people with special needs had received N50,000 each.

He further revealed that 15 elderly people were also given N50,000 each as part of the group’s assistance..

Similarly, the royal father of the day during the event that took place at Sabon Garin Nangere., His Royal Highness, the Emir of Tikau, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Ibn Grema while presiding over the distribution of the farm input to 35 farmer surged all beneficiaries to make good use of what they have received. He also commended the group for finding it worthy to assist the indigents in the area. The inputs distributed include fertilizer, spraying machines, liquid fertilizer, millet seeds, sorghum, and pest control among others.

A delegation of European Union (EU) representatives, led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Gautier Mignot, paid a courtesy visit to His Eminence, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar at his palace in Sokoto. The visit was aimed at fostering diplomatic ties and introducing the EU team to one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional institutions.

Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Mignot emphasized the importance of engaging with esteemed leaders and institutions in Nigeria, stating, *”We are here to introduce ourselves to one of the most respected traditional institutions in the country.”* He expressed the EU’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with local communities through humanitarian and developmental programs.

One of the key highlights of the visit was the delegation’s announcement of a new EU-backed initiative targeted at supporting vulnerable children and disadvantaged individuals in Nigeria. Ambassador Mignot elaborated on the program’s focus, saying, “Our mission here includes the launch of a program specifically designed to provide aid to children and the less privileged, with a particular focus on Sokoto, the seat of the caliphate.”* The initiative aims to enhance welfare services and promote social development in the region.

The EU ambassador also reassured the Sultan of the delegation’s dedication to ensuring the success of its mission, pledging unwavering support and cooperation. “We are committed to working closely with relevant stakeholders to make this program a success,” he stated.

In his response, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar warmly welcomed the EU team, acknowledging the significance of their visit. He expressed his willingness to support their humanitarian objectives, stating, *”We fully appreciate this gesture and assure you of our unflinching support in realizing these noble goals.”* The Sultan further emphasized the need for collaboration among all societal groups to achieve maximum success, regardless of religious or ethnic backgrounds.

The visit also saw the presence of several esteemed council members accompanying the Sultan, including Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu; Magajin Rafi, Barrister Rilwanu Bello; Galadiman Gari, Alhaji Aliyu Attahiru Galadanci; and Sa’in Kilgori, District Head of Kilgori, Alhaji Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori. Also in attendance were the Council Secretary, Damburan Alhaji Sa’idu Maccido, and the Director of Personnel Management of the Council, Wambai Ahmed Abdulkadir, among others.

The meeting underscored the significance of international partnerships in driving humanitarian efforts and fostering development within Nigeria. The EU delegation, alongside local authorities, expressed optimism that the newly launched initiative would yield substantial benefits for vulnerable communities in Sokoto and beyond.

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has condemned in the strongest terms the arrest and continued detention of social campaigner and activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as Very Dark Man (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement jointly signed by the HoR caucus leaders, Rep Kingsley Chinda, Leader, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ali. Isa J.C Minority Whip, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki., Deputy Minority Leader,,Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi
Deputy Minority Whip, the opposition leaders declared that:

“The disturbing trend of security and law enforcement agencies deploying their powers arbitrarily against citizens exercising their rights to free expression poses grave threats to our democracy.

“We must state clearly that such acts, cloaked in the guise of enforcement, erode public confidence in the rule of law and undermine the principles of accountability and transparency.

The caucus insisted that: “The arrest of Mr. Otse which reportedly took place without the issuance of a warrant is a direct violation of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) that guarantees the liberty of the citizen except in accordance with the due process of law. Sections 35(1) and 35(3) of the Constitution stipulate the conditions under which a person may be deprived of their liberty and require that any person arrested must be informed promptly of the reasons for their arrest and any charges against them.

“The EFCC, like every other agency of government, is bound by these constitutional provisions and must not act outside their bounds.

“Moreover, the continued detention of Mr. Otse beyond the constitutionally permissible period of 24 to 48 hours without being charged to court is not only an abuse of power, it is also a blatant affront to the principles of natural justice and fair hearing.

“The Constitution, under Section 35(4), provides that a person who is arrested or detained must be brought before a court of law within a reasonable time, which, in the case of an arrest without a warrant, shall not exceed two days.

“Any deviation from this is a breach of the citizen’s fundamental rights and a descent into lawlessness.

“As the voice of the opposition in the National Assembly, the Minority Caucus calls on the EFCC to immediately release Mr. Otse or charge him to court in accordance with the law.

“Arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions of citizens for expressing dissenting or unpopular views must have no place in a democratic society.

“The preservation of liberty, due process, and respect for constitutional rights remain the bedrock of our republic. We will not stand idly by while state agencies abuse their powers to suppress voices that challenge the status quo in line with the laws.