Politics

Kano Assembly Establishes Three New Emirates, Elevates Kano To First-Class Status

Published

12 months ago

July 16, 2024

The Kano State House of Assembly has passed a landmark bill, creating three additional second-class emirates in the state.

The Kano State Emirates Council Establishment Bill 2024, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Muhammad Bello Bututu, aims to restructure the emirate system, designating Kano as a first-class emirate and establishing Rano, Gaya, and Karaye as second-class emirates.

The bill, which received its third reading on Tuesday, outlines the jurisdiction and responsibilities of the new emirates, with the second-class emirs reporting to the Emir of Kano.

The governor’s approval will be required for all appointments and activities of both first-class and second-class emirs.

Lawmakers, including Ibrahim Muhammadu of the NNPP, have expressed support for the bill, acknowledging the historical significance of the Kano emirate.

The bill’s passage marks a significant development in Kano’s governance structure, pending the governor’s assent to become law.

Politics

Akpabio removes Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Senate committee chair

Published

9 hours ago

July 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced the replacement of suspended senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations

Akpabio, during plenary on Thursday, announced Senator Aniekan Bassey as the new chairman of the committee.

As a result, Bassey replaces Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose leadership of the committee had been uncertain due to her suspension.

Recall that in a minor reshuffle earlier in February, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was removed as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content and reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee.

Although no formal explanation was provided for her replacement, it is thought that the move may not be unconnected to her suspension.

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court had ordered Natasha’s reinstatement, mandating her to tender an apology to the Senate for her conduct.

But the Senate maintains it is yet to receive a certified true copy of the court’s judgement.

Natasha, on her part, is yet to tender the apology.

Politics

Ekiti 2026: SDP slams Oyebanji’s performance, APC fires back

Published

12 hours ago

July 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Political temperature in Ekiti State is already heating up as the 2026 governorship election approaches, with the opposition Social Democratic Party, SDP, and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, locked in a war of words over Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership.

SDP State Chairman, Bamikole Ayodele, on Thursday, criticized the Oyebanji-led administration, accusing it of underperforming in critical sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, security, tourism, and job creation.

He alleged that the governor had mismanaged public resources and failed to meet the expectations of the electorate.

“The governor is not delivering on his mandate,” Ayodele said during a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti. “There is little to show in terms of infrastructure. Ekiti, being an agriculturally rich state, has seen no meaningful reform to empower our youth or boost food production.”

He also accused the administration of partisan governance, claiming that employment and development initiatives are being disproportionately directed toward APC loyalists.

“Governor Oyebanji must remember he governs the entire state, not just his party,” he said, urging the administration to embrace innovation, merit, and inclusivity.

In a swift reaction, APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, dismissed the SDP’s criticisms as baseless and politically motivated. He described the opposition as “moribund” and its leaders as people seeking relevance ahead of the next election cycle.

“Oyebanji’s performance speaks for itself,” Dipe stated. “From agriculture to infrastructure, security to tourism, the administration is making meaningful progress. Visit the rural areas, projects are ongoing. Though the rainy season may slow construction, the development efforts are visible.”

He cited the restoration of electricity to long-neglected communities and road construction projects in remote areas as clear indicators of the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth. Dipe also pointed to the governor’s high approval ratings among residents as proof of public confidence.

“The people of Ekiti know who is working for them,” The SDP’s claim that it can unseat the APC in 2026 is not only unrealistic but laughable. They lack the structure and visibility to mount a serious challenge,” he said.

Politics

2027: Resign before joining other party – PDP tells alleged ADC members

Published

12 hours ago

July 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Cross River State has called for the resignation of its members listed as coordinators of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mike Ojisi, made this call in a statement on Thursday.

Ojisi said the party is not against members exercising their fundamental right to freedom of association as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution.

However, the spokesman added that members wishing to join other political parties must resign from the PDP first, as dual party membership is not allowed.

“The State Working Committee (SWC) has noted a publication naming some SWC members and Chapter Chairmen as ADC coordinators in Cross River State.

“The SWC, therefore, urges those named to be honourable and either publicly denounce the publication or resign their PDP positions within 48 hours.

“Otherwise, the party will apply the relevant disciplinary provisions of its constitution against them,” he said.

Ojisi stated further that the PDP was not in any coalition, as resolved at its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting recently held in Abuja.

He charged Executive Committee members to stay loyal to the PDP and avoid activities that may be seen as defection or anti-party conduct.