News
Ex-Commissioner in trouble with DSS for condemning Sheikh Gumi’s tour of Fulani settlements in Kogi
A former Commissioner for Education in the old Kwara State and a community leader in Okun land in Kogi West Senatorial district, Dr. David Atte, has been invited by Department of State Services, DSS, for questioning after he condemned Sheik Ahmad Gumi’s recent visit to Fulani communities in the area.
Dr. Atte in a statement condemned Dr. Sheikh Gumi’s tour of Fulani settlements in Kogi West given experiences of herdsmen invasion in the past that led to serious casualties.
He cited experiences of Benue, Plateau and Kaduna in hands of.Fulani herders, saying Okun land was not spared in attacks, allaying fears that the Islamic scholar, Sheikh Gumi’s visit to Fulani settlements portend danger.
He told newsmen that he has been invited by the DSS over the statement to appear at their office by 10.00qm on Tuesday, 7th December.
“I have been invited to the DSS State office in Lokoja slated for Tuesday, 7th December 2021 at 10am.
“The DSS has not formally accused or charged me for anything. The issue of my statements about Gumi’s visit to Okunland and our insistence that we need to rise and defend ourselves, came from the grapevine.
He appealed for calm since he has not been accused or charged for anything, adding that he spoke for.Okun people generally as an elderstatesman.
“Since I have not been charged or accused, please let us keep calm and hear what they say. Since I have not spoken for myself but for Okun People, under the direct authority of the Okun Development Association.
He revealed that some eminent personalities will accompany him tomorrow to DSS’s office to witness what will happen.
He lamented killings and destruction of farmlands which wash an issue to government and security agencies, yet Sheikh Gumi would pay a solidarity visit, insisting he did nothing.
“I know I have done nothing personally all my life, to warrant being invited for a chat by the security agencies. It has to concern what Okun People say about their safety and welfare, which I echo.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubaka mini visited the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Umar Dikko Umaru Radda, at the Government House in Katsina to express condolences following the passing of his beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umar Bare-Bari Radda.
During the visit, Minister Abubakar, on behalf of himself, his family, the Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle MON and the entire staff of the Ministry of Defence, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Governor Radda, his family, and the people of Katsina State during this difficult time.
In his remarks, he prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased, grant her mercy, and bestow upon her a place in Jannatul Firdaus. He also offered prayers for the Governor and his family, asking for strength and fortitude to bear this profound loss.
The Minister was accompanied by Hon. Idris Garba Jahun, former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, along with Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Jallo and Hon. Mas’ud A. Naruwa, members of the Katsina State House of Assembly representing Hadejia and Babura, respectively.
All political office holders who were appointed by the embattled governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara have been suspended from office by the Sole Administrator of the State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
They were suspended from office with immediate effect, according to a statement by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator, saying the decision followed powers granted the Sole Administrator by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff to Fubara were among those suspended from office.
Commissioners, chairpersons and members of boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, as well as all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants were all relieved of their appointments.
“This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their MDAs.
“Where there may be no permanent secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior director/head of administration,” the statement read.
Ibas was sworn in as Sole Administrator on Wednesday, March 19, by President Bola Tinubu after the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Ibas, who is a former Chief of Naval Staff, vowed to maintain law and order in the state.
“If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have,” he said to State House correspondents after the swearing-in.
He also promised to work together with other stakeholders to ensure that order is restored in the state.
Agency Report
The 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero, has announced the cancellation of the Eid-el-Fitr Durbar celebration due to security concerns in the state.
Emir Bayero made this announcement while briefing newsmen at his Nasarawa Mini Palace in Kano on Wednesday night.
He said that the peaceful coexistence of the people takes precedence over the Durbar celebration.
Emir Bayero had initially planned to hold the Durbar celebration, which would have coincided with his fifth year anniversary on the throne.
He noted that respected Islamic clerics, elders, stakeholders, and his council members advised him to cancel the celebration to maintain peace.
Emir Bayero urged the people of Kano to use the Sallah celebration period to visit families and friends and to observe the festivities in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
He prayed for Allah’s blessings and mercy during the month of Ramadan, hoping that the people of Kano would receive forgiveness and mercy.
NAN
-
News1 week agoBill to establish National Cashew Production and Research Institute in Kogi passes first reading in Senate
-
News1 week agoReport of attack on Wike’s Port Harcourt residence false, misleading – Police
-
News1 week agoShehu Sani debunks Governor Uba Sani’s alleged diversion of LG funds, challenges El-Rufai to publicly tender evidence
-
News1 week agoPlateau gov’t expresses concern over violence in Shendam LGA, calls for calm
-
Politics1 week agoOpposition leaders announce coalition to challenge Tinubu in 2027
-
Opinion1 week agoSule Lamido, PDP, and the politics of defection.
-
Politics1 week agoYahaya Bello deceptively arranging recall of Senator Natasha, desperate to replace her – Constituents
-
Foreign5 days agoHouthis declare Ben-Gurion Airport ‘no longer safe’ after renewed Gaza fighting