NATIONAL NEWS
Adamawa govt. strips Atiku of traditional title of Wazirin Adamawa
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been stripped of his traditional title of Wazirin Adamawa following a new directive by the state government
Atiku was turbaned the seventh Waziri of Adamawa Emirate in November 2018 by the Lamido of Adamawa, Muhammadu Barkindo, becoming next in rank to the Lamido.
However, the state government has now directed traditional rulers to remove kingmakers and council members who are not indigenes of their emirates or chiefdoms.
Atiku is from Jada in Ganye Emirate.
It states,”Following the creation of new Chiefdoms in the State by the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umar Fintiri, I am directed to inform you that all Kingmakers and Council members in the state must be indigene (sic) of their Chiefdoms, e,g all Kingmakers and Council members from Adamawa Emirate Council must be indigene (sic) of Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song and Zumo districts, while those of Mubi Emirate Council must be indigene (sic) of Mubi South and Mubi North, Vis-a-vis all Emirates/Traditional Councils in the State.
“However, those appointed or conferred with Only Traditional titles are to maintain their status regardless of their Local Government of indigene (sic)..
“With the content of this Circular, all Kingmakers and Council members who are not indigenes of the Chiefdoms have been relieved of their appointments.
“Councils are therefore directed to submit a list of all nominated Kingmakers and Council members to His Excellency, the Executive Governor, through the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Chieftaincy Affairs, for approval.
“This circular takes immediate effect, please.”
Atiku was the Turaki Adamawa before his elevation to the rank of Waziri Adamawa. Both titles made him a member of the Adamawa Emirate Council.
The circular indicates that the former vice president would be removed from the position, as he is not an indigene of the Adamawa Emirate.
When asked to clarify how the government’s directive would affect Atiku, Governor Umaru Fintiri’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, said only the Lamido of Adamawa could make the clarification.
“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar lives in Yola and is a registered voter there, so only the Lamido can determine his indigeneship status,” Mr Wonosilou said.
The governor’s spokesperson said the directive was not new, and the circular was just a step to activate it. “The governor gave the directive when he presented the staff of office to the emirs and chiefs of the newly created emirates and chiefdoms early this year,” he said.
“The government felt it may create doubts about loyalty for a kingmaker (and council member) who is not an indigene of the traditional council of which he is a member,” Mr Wonosikou further explained.
Governor Fintiri created seven new emirates and chiefdoms last December after the state House of Assembly passed the “Adamawa State Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) and Matters Incidental Thereto” bill into law on 10 December.
The development increased the number of the state’s traditional councils to 14.
Mr Wonosikou also dismissed “unfounded political rumours” as speculation of a rift between Governor Fintiri and the former vice president.
“There is no rift between them,” he insisted.
When asked about the governor’s position in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis, the spokesperson said that as a member of the PDP Governors’ Forum, he was committed to the forum’s positions on the crisis.
When contacted Tuesday night, Paul Ibe, the media adviser to ex-President Atiku, said he was not aware of the new Adamawa policy affecting his principal.
NATIONAL NEWS
Erondu Hails Tinubu Over Appointment to 2027 Campaign Organisation, Commends Benjamin Kalu for Transforming Abia APC
Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr., Esq., Member representing Obingwa West (Uhie) State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing him as a member of his 2027 campaign organisation, describing the appointment as a call to greater service and an opportunity to contribute to the President’s re-election bid.
Erondu, who is also the House Chairman committee on Public Service matters, Abia State House of Assembly expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in him, pledging his commitment to mobilising support for the Renewed Hope Agenda and working towards the APC’s success in the 2027 general elections.
The lawmaker commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, HE Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for what he described as his “immense and immeasurable contributions to the development of the APC in Abia State.”
Erondu noted that Kalu’s leadership, dedication to party building and commitment to reconciliation have contributed significantly to strengthening the APC’s structure, fostering unity among stakeholders and driving visible progress within the party across the state.
He said, “I sincerely appreciate HE Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu for his immense and immeasurable contributions to the development of our great party, the APC, in Abia State. His efforts have helped to promote unity, strengthen our party structure and ensure visible progress. His commitment to bringing party leaders and members together remains commendable, and I urge all stakeholders to sustain this spirit of cooperation for the overall success of our party.”
Erondu further extended special greetings and appreciation to HE Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for his continued support for the APC, acknowledging his contributions to the party and the broader efforts to strengthen its political presence.
He also commended H E, Comrade Chris Akomas, former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Hon Chijioke Chukwu, the Abia State Chairman, APC for their steadfastness and dedication to the party, while recognising the contributions of former Minister of Labour, Hon. Mrs. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, and other leaders and stakeholders working to advance the party’s interests.
According to the lawmaker, the progress recorded by the APC in Abia reflects the importance of collective leadership, mutual understanding and a shared commitment to the party’s growth beyond individual interests.
He called on party leaders, stakeholders and members to sustain the prevailing spirit of unity and cooperation as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, stressing that a united and well-organised APC would be better positioned to expand its grassroots support and secure victory at the polls.
Erondu reaffirmed his readiness to work with President Tinubu’s campaign organisation, party leaders and stakeholders across Abia State and beyond to promote the Renewed Hope Agenda and strengthen the APC’s electoral prospects.
He expressed optimism that with purposeful leadership, sustained mobilisation and the collective commitment of party faithful, the APC would consolidate its gains and emerge stronger in the 2027 general elections.
NATIONAL NEWS
Streams Of Joy International Reverses Erroneous Transaction Following Viral Video
SOJ has confirmed the successful reversal of an erroneous transaction involving a woman whose complaint was recently shared in a viral video.
In a statement, the Streams of Joy International said its direct-message channels and official contact lines remain open to members of the public for reporting transaction-related concerns.
SOJ explained that it routinely receives, investigates and resolves reports of erroneous transactions through an established verification process.
According to the statement, no call, email, direct message or formal complaint had been received from the woman before the video was published.
However, upon becoming aware of the video, streams of Joy international said it immediately attempted to contact her using the phone number provided and through direct message.
The woman has since responded, and following the necessary investigation and confirmation, the transaction was successfully reversed.
SOJ reaffirmed its commitment to addressing genuine complaints promptly, transparently and responsibly through its official communication channels.
NATIONAL NEWS
Controlling Roaming Cows in Abuja Not Our Responsibility – Police
The Nigeria Police Force has said it is not responsible for controlling roaming cattle in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, stating that its intervention would only become necessary when the animals are linked to an offence.
The police spokesperson, CSP Ani Iniedu, made this known on Tuesday during a joint security spokespersons’ briefing while responding to concerns over the increasing presence of cows on Abuja roads and other public spaces.
According to Iniedu, the responsibility for controlling animals, including cattle, lies with the relevant environmental authorities.
“The responsibility for the control of animals is the Ministry or Department of the Environment. Where we come in is if the cow has committed an offence or the cow is involved in the destruction of your property or trespassing your property.
“If that is the case, it is reported to the nearest police station,” he said.
He added that the police would investigate any formal complaint involving offences allegedly committed by roaming cattle.
“We will commence investigation immediately. That is if a complaint was made. If it is going out to look for cows, it is not one of our responsibilities,” Iniedu stated.
The clarification followed growing concerns over cattle roaming freely on major roads and in other parts of Abuja, with residents raising fears about traffic disruptions, public safety and possible damage to property.
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had earlier declined to comment extensively on the issue, saying it was connected to national security.
Wike said, “I have the capacity to deal with cow grazing in Abuja, but I won’t talk about it because it’s national security. Go to the NSA and the DSS DG. You know why I can’t touch it.”
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