News
Info management, others central in overcoming our challenges – Gbajabiamila

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that to triumph over the challenges facing Nigeria, citizens should overcome their differences in politics and religion, tribe and ethnicity.

Gbajabiamila said one of the ingredients of overcoming Nigeria’s security challenges is information management.

The Speaker was speaking at the 2-day national conference on information organized by the House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values chaired by Rep. Odebunmi Dokun.
He said: “As we undertake this crucial assignment today, I would like for us to keep a few things in mind. First is that right now, across the length and breadth of our beloved country, we are besieged by several security challenges that strike at the very heart of our continued nationhood.
“Triumph over these challenges requires overcoming our differences in politics and religion, tribe and ethnicity, and building a national alliance against the forces that threaten us. Information management is central to success in this regard.
“We have to do better at making sure that citizens understand the nature of the problems we face and are kept informed of our wins and losses and the sacrifices made by those who do battle on our behalf.”
Gbajabiamila added that “as technology and new media have democratised public debate to benefit citizens and nations, it has also created the ideal conditions for bad actors to spread misinformation and manipulate people in ways that threaten our societies.”
He said with Nigeria ‘s diverse cultures and religions still working towards achieving a more perfect union, hate speech and other forms of misinformation and disinformation could quickly have a devastating real-world effect.
“Therefore, countering misinformation by whatever proper and legal means are available is not a theoretical question but a responsibility that goes to the heart of our ability to continue to exist as one nation in peace, unity and prosperity.”
He tasked the stakeholders at the conference to be aware that “in trying to prevent the worst consequences of misinformation and hate speech, there is a danger of going too far in ways that smother the marketplace of ideas and deprive citizens of their free speech rights.
“That would be most unfortunate, and as leaders and government policymakers, we must avoid that outcome by all means. To do that, we must focus on building legal systems and protocols that support free expression and robust public debate whilst holding to account those who in service of their narrow interests will seek to subvert our societies and harm our country using choreographed and mischievously curated misinformation.”
He noted that the theme of the conference, ‘Information as a Strategic Tool for National Development,’ was apt and further tasked the stakeholders to look at the depth and breadth of the theme.
Earlier in a welcome remark, the chairman of the committee, Rep. Dokun said “proper information management has not been given its deserved consideration in the Nigerian society, hence it has consistently resulted in unguided environment for promotion of hate speech and fake news that has become the order of the day and accompanied by its negative consequences of setting us against one another.”
He said the theme of the conference is broad, therefore the depth and importance of the discuss could not be exhausted at a forum, noting that the importance of information management to national development could not be overemphasized as its literacy is significant for such in any country.
“Hence, it could be affirmative that through proper dissemination of information, country’s orientation and reorientation policies can be adapted for any planned paradigm shift for developmental purposes.”

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USPF Secretary commends ITU, UK-FCDO’s partnership on Nigerian rural connectivity

The Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, has commended the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO), for their collaboration with Nigerian government to deepen rural connectivity for socio-economic development of the country.

Arowosafe gave the commendation at an Industry-Focused Stakeholders Engagement Session which was organised in Lagos over the weekend by the USPF in in collaboration with the UK FCDO and the ITU. The session built on USPF’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the achievement of wide network connectivity coverage in unserved and underserved communities across Nigeria.

The event was attended by the Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Faruk Yabo; the Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida; Chief Executives of telecommunications companies, State ICT commissioners, notable industry players, trade associations, development partners, key speakers, distinguished guests and staff of both NCC and the USPF.
The Minister spoke on the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to provide enabling policy directions and initiatives towards ensuring greater connectivity in Nigeria to transform the socio-economic development of Nigeria while the NCC boss, Maida emphasized the Commission’s resolve to continue to back all USPF projects through effective regulatory measures that help in accelerating deployment of necessary digital infrastructure that support the achievement of the Federal Governments’ priority areas and ministerial blueprint.
Speaking at the event, Arowosafe said the engagement reflected the USPF’s shared vision and commitment to expanding inclusive connectivity and that the presence of all other stakeholders at the event underscored the vital role of collaboration in achieving the goal.
He said the theme of this workshop, “Fostering Connectivity in Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth”, highlighted government’s dedication to bridging the digital divide, in alignment with NCC’s Strategic Focus Areas, the Ministry’s Strategic Blueprint, and Presidential Priority Areas.
“Together, we have the power to create sustainable and inclusive pathways to ensure no community is left behind. Achieving this requires strong partnerships among government, private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), development partners, and community leaders. By sharing insights and resources, we can design tailored solutions that address both immediate and long-term connectivity challenges,” he said.
The USPF Secretary stated that ahead of the session, the USPF gathered input from stakeholders through questionnaires. He said the responses obtained shaped the panel discussions, focused on key strategies to foster connectivity through collaboration and partnerships, strengthen capacity building and security, and explore innovative funding mechanisms for sustainable connectivity.

L-R: Representative of the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO), Udoh Indogesit; Nigeria National Consultant, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Ogundipe Olubunmi; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE), Faruk Yabo; Hon. Minister, FMoCIDE, Dr. Bosun Tijani; Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida and Secretary, Universal Service Provision Fund, Yomi Arowosafe, during the Industry-focused Stakeholders Engagement Session organised by the USPF of the Commission in collaboration with ITU and UK FCDO in Lagos on Thursday (March 13, 2025).
He said the engagement, thus, offered a platform for robust dialogue and practical solutions that address our unique challenges and help improve telecommunications access in underserved regions, while encouraging participants to actively participate, share their expertise, and contribute to shaping outcomes that will strengthen the nation’s digital ecosystem and improve the lives of all Nigerians.
“This event marks the beginning of a collective journey toward a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria. USPF is proud to lead this effort, and we look forward to what we can accomplish together,” he said.

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Kano gov’t calls for calm, says Appeal Court didn’t set aside judgment recognizing Sanusi as Emir of Kano

Kano State Government has called for calm among residents, Friday’s Court of Appeal judgment did not set aside judgment recognizing Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano State.

The clarification was given on Saturday by the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Bar. Haruna Dederi, while addressing erroneous media report on the Court of Appeal judgment.

CAPITAL POST reported on Friday that tension gripped Kano State with security agents taking strategic position to quell any eventualities after the reported Court of Appeal judgment setting aside recognition of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as Emir of Kano State.
Derideri however, explained that Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi, a party in the case who was dissatisfied with the Appeal Court’s ruling, had applied for a stay of execution pending the Supreme Court’s decision. The court granted the request, but this did not mean it had nullified its previous judgment.
“The Court of Appeal only ordered that the status quo be maintained; it did not set aside its judgment,” Dederi stated.
The State Attorney said: “On January 10, 2025, the Court of Appeal delivered a judgment upholding the repeal of the Kano Emirate Council Law, 2019, and setting aside the ruling of the Federal High Court, Kano, which had nullified actions taken by the Kano State Government under the Kano Emirate Council (Repeal) Law, 2024.
“Dissatisfied with this decision, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi appealed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria and subsequently filed an application for a stay of execution of the Appeal Court’s judgment.
“The panel of justices granted the stay, pending the determination of the substantive appeal at the Supreme Court. This is a routine judicial procedure to maintain the status quo while an appeal is being heard.
“However, it is concerning to see misleading headlines and reports suggesting otherwise. These misrepresentations appear to be aimed at creating discord among Kano residents.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Court of Appeal did not set aside its judgment of January 10, 2025. That ruling remains valid and in effect until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict.
“The Kano State Government has instructed its legal team to study the situation and determine the next course of action in accordance with the law.”
The Commissioner warned against attempts to distort judicial processes and called for restraint to ensure peace and order in the state.

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BREAKING: Tension in Kano after Court of Appeal stops Emir Sanusi’s reinstatement

The Court of Appeal which sat on Friday in Abuja stopped the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, citing the lack of jurisdiction by Kano State High Court to entertain the matter.

A three-member panel of justices led by Justice Okon Abang unanimously averred that the decision by the Kano State High Court cannot be implemented as the question of jurisdiction was fundamental to a case before any Court of law.
The judgement, which was delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, held that the nullification of Sanusi II’s appointment was done without the required jurisdiction and ordered the transfer of the suit to the Kano State High Court.

However, ruling on the fresh applications with numbers CA/KN/27M/2025 and CA/KN/28M/2025, the appellate court agreed that the applications seeking to halt the enforcement of the earlier judgement pending the appeal before the Supreme Court were competent and meritorious.
“The law is settled. The court is enjoined to exercise its discretion judiciously and in the interest of justice,” he said.
Justice Abang also noted that the subject matter before the court needed to be preserved because the applicant had served as emir for five years before his removal, adding that he deserved the right to protection.
On January 10, Justice Kolawole, in vacating the order against Sanusi II’s appointment, held that the matter, being a chieftaincy dispute, ought to have been determined by the high court of Kano State rather than the Federal High Court, which he described as “a grave error”.
The Federal High Court in Kano, presided by Justice Abubakar Liman, had on June 20, 2024, nullified the Kano State Government’s Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law 2024, which reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir.
In the fundamental rights enforcement suit by Aminu Baba-Dan’Agundi, the presiding judge further directed parties, including the Kano State House of Assembly, to maintain the status quo during the reign of Emir Ado Bayero.
However, the appellate court in its ruling, cited Section 251 of the Nigerian Constitution and Section 22(2) of the Federal High Court Act to hold that the matter was a chieftaincy and state legislative dispute and not a fundamental rights matter, and such ought to have been taken before the Kano State High Court or the FCT High Court.
“The proper order to make is to order the 1st respondent (Baba-Dan’Agundi) to transfer the pending suit before the Federal High Court to the high court of Kano State where the chief judge shall assign it to a judge who has not been previously involved in the hearing of the suit,” he said.
The judge awarded the cost of N500,000 against Dan’Agundi and in favour of the Kano State House of Assembly.
However, following the opinions of the presiding justice, Justice Mohammed Mustapha and Justice Abdul Dogo that the right order was to strike out Dan’Agundi’s suit filed at the Federal High Court and not to transfer same, the matter was struck out.
The five appeals — CA/KN/126/2024 between the state assembly and Dan’Agundi; CA/ABJ/140/2023 state assembly and Dan’Agundi; CA/ABJ/142/2024 Kano State Government and Dan’Agundi; CA/KN/200/2024 Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and Attorney General of Kano State; and CA/KN/161/2020 Kano Government and Dan’Agundi emanated from the same issue before the Federal High Court.
CAPITAL POST reports that immediately the report of the Court of Appeal filtered in, tension began to build up around some areas in Kano through Emirate councils in some Local Government Areas.
The Police authority was yet to issue a word of caution at the time of the report, but fierce looking officers could be seen deployed to strategic areas in Kano in case of the breaking down of law and order.

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