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Kano Presents Urban Development Strategy to EU Ambassadors, Seeks Sustainable Growth Partnerships

Kano Presents Urban Development Strategy to EU Ambassadors, Seeks Sustainable Growth Partnerships

Zannan Kano mobilises 28 Village Heads to boost immunization coverage

Zannan Kano mobilises 28 Village Heads to boost immunization coverage

Bandit leader kidnaps 50 elderly Zamfara residents during peace mission

Bandit leader kidnaps 50 elderly Zamfara residents during peace mission

Fire Service rescues 34 persons, warns residents on fire safety

Fire Service rescues 34 persons, warns residents on fire safety

Abandoned Kiru–Yako road, unfinished bridge worsen hardship for residents

Abandoned Kiru–Yako road, unfinished bridge worsen hardship for residents

Crisis hits Kano NDC as leaders accuse Kwankwaso of hijack plot

Crisis hits Kano NDC as leaders accuse Kwankwaso of hijack plot

Kano Govt Moves to Demolish Illegal Plaza at Kantin Kwari Market, Prosecute Violators

Kano Govt Moves to Demolish Illegal Plaza at Kantin Kwari Market, Prosecute Violators

Years of Flooding: Gaida Community Appeals for Help as UN-Habitat Inspects Disaster Sites

Years of Flooding: Gaida Community Appeals for Help as UN-Habitat Inspects Disaster Sites

The Historica Nigeria Report Triggers Govt Action as Commissioner Stops Tree Cutting at ARTV

The Historica Nigeria Report Triggers Govt Action as Commissioner Stops Tree Cutting at ARTV

Former ARTV, Radio Kano MD Adamu Getso Dies at 75

Former ARTV, Radio Kano MD Adamu Getso Dies at 75

National

National, News, Religious

Presidency Moves to Cut Hajj Costs for 2026 Pilgrims

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to immediately review and reduce the recently announced 2026 Hajj fares, following widespread public concern over the high costs for intending pilgrims. The directive was conveyed by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, while briefing State House correspondents after a meeting with NAHCON officials at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Reports indicate that NAHCON had earlier fixed the 2026 Hajj fares for different zones after consultations with stakeholders. Under the previous structure, pilgrims from the Maiduguri–Yola Zone — which includes Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, and Taraba States — were expected to pay ₦8,318,336.67. Northern States were to pay ₦8,244,813.67, while Southern States were billed ₦8,561,013.67. Read Also: NAHCON Repositions Workforce, Reposts Pool Officers to Parent MDAs Senator Hadeija explained that President Tinubu’s directive was motivated by his commitment to easing the financial burden on intending pilgrims and ensuring wider participation in the 2026 pilgrimage. “The meeting was called at the instance of His Excellency, the Vice-President, to explore the possibility of reducing the Hajj fare for the 2026 pilgrimage,” Hadeija said. “The fares were initially based on a pessimistic exchange rate of ₦1,550 per dollar, but with the recent appreciation of the naira due to ongoing economic reforms, it is only fair that pilgrims benefit from this improvement.” He added that the government anticipates the revised fares could drop to between ₦7.6 million and ₦7.7 million, depending on prevailing exchange rates. “The final figure will be announced within the next two days,” he noted. Hadeija further urged State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Boards to ensure prompt remittance of payments to NAHCON, stressing that early deposits would enable the commission to purchase foreign exchange through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at favorable rates. On his part, the Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Faruk Yaro, commended President Tinubu and Vice-President Shettima for their swift intervention, describing the move as a relief to thousands of intending pilgrims. Similarly, the Secretary of NAHCON, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, welcomed the directive, saying it would give more Muslims the opportunity to fulfill one of the five pillars of Islam. “The lower the Hajj fare, the more Muslims will have the chance to perform the pilgrimage,” he said. “As directed, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to ensure the fare is reduced to an affordable level.” The review marks another step in the Tinubu administration’s efforts to stabilize the economy and ensure that economic gains are reflected in the cost of essential religious and social obligations.

Abuja, Kano, National, Politics

Even Out of Office, Ganduje Remains the Soul of APC — Party Loyalist

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In Nigeria’s turbulent political landscape, where loyalty often fades with power, one name continues to echo with authority and resilience, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Governor of Kano State and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Though no longer holding office, Ganduje’s political influence remains deeply woven into the fabric of Nigeria’s ruling party, shaping its internal structure, policies, and grassroots coordination. Political observers agree that Ganduje’s imprint on the APC is not one that time or transition can erase. His tenure as National Chairman was marked by unity-building, reconciliation, and the institutional strengthening of the party. Under his watch, the APC’s internal cohesion was restored after years of factional disputes that threatened its stability. Related: Tinubu, Ganduje Join Dignitaries at Uzodinma’s Book Launch in Imo He also initiated reforms that gave the party a policy direction including the creation of The Progressive Institute (TPI), a think tank designed to advance research, ideological development, and evidence-based policy formulation for the APC. Even as leadership has changed hands, Ganduje’s influence continues to resonate across party ranks. His ability to engage governors, legislators, and party executives with calm but firm diplomacy has earned him a reputation as one of the APC’s most pragmatic bridge-builders. When contacted for his perspective, Umar Idris Shuaibu, a Kano-based journalist and loyal APC member, described Dr. Ganduje as the “soul of the party,” emphasizing that his relevance goes beyond political office. Read Also: Ganduje Emerges as Rallying Point for Kano Appointees in Push for 2027 “Dr. Ganduje represents consistency in leadership, he is a man whose political strength lies not just in his position, but in his principles. Even after leaving office, his voice still carries weight across the APC because he built trust, nurtured loyalty, and delivered results. You can’t talk about the APC’s survival and stability today without mentioning Ganduje’s influence. His ability to unify divergent interests within the party and sustain dialogue between leaders across the states made him an indispensable figure in Nigeria’s ruling political structure.” He added: “What sets him apart is his calm but strategic leadership style, he listens, negotiates, and builds consensus without losing sight of the bigger picture. During his tenure as APC National Chairman, he demonstrated maturity by reconciling internal factions and prioritizing party unity over personal gain. He also engineered the formation of The Progressive Institute (TPI), the party’s policy think tank designed to guide ideological direction and policy formulation, a move that further institutionalized knowledge-driven governance within the APC. Even in Kano, where the APC is currently in opposition, the structure he built remains intact because he invested in people, not just politics.” Looking ahead to 2027, Shuaibu believes Ganduje’s strategic influence will continue to shape APC’s evolution. “As we look toward 2027, Ganduje’s imprint on the APC remains visible in the party’s internal coordination, communication strategy, and grassroots mobilization. Many of us who learned from his political school of thought have come to value patience, inclusion, and bridge-building. Personally, I’ve learned that leadership is not about titles but about legacy — and Ganduje’s legacy is one of endurance, loyalty, and political resilience. His name will continue to echo wherever the APC story is told.” Political analysts share a similar sentiment, noting that Ganduje’s style of leadership — rooted in discipline, strategic thinking, and conflict management — has continued to guide the APC through post-election challenges and governance realignments. His knack for political stability, particularly in bridging divides between federal and state party organs, remains one of his lasting legacies. In a political climate often dominated by fleeting loyalties and internal rivalries, Ganduje’s enduring relevance underscores a deeper truth about leadership — that true influence is not measured by the office one holds, but by the structures, ideas, and people one leaves behind. Even out of office, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje remains, to many within and outside the APC, the party’s moral compass, strategist, and unifying force, the man whose political architecture continues to sustain Nigeria’s ruling party in both storm and calm.

National, News, Plateau

Tinubu: My Wife Is a Pastor, I’m a Muslim — Yet We Live in Peace

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Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Rise Above Religious Divisions, Cites His Marriage as Example of Unity President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace unity and tolerance across religious divides, emphasizing that faith should be a force for harmony rather than division. Speaking on Saturday in Jos, Plateau State, during the funeral service of the late Lydia Yilwatda — mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda — Tinubu said Nigerians must learn to coexist peacefully despite their differing beliefs. Read Also: Nigeria on Path to Prosperity, Says Tinubu in Independence Day Broadcast The President stressed that no one can alter God’s divine plan, noting that all human beings ultimately serve the same Almighty regardless of their chosen faith. “Nobody determines what God has ordained. God’s ordained action and His prophecies are what matter,” Tinubu said. He drew from his personal life to illustrate the importance of religious tolerance, revealing that while he is a Muslim, his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is a Christian pastor — a difference that has never caused discord in their home. “I inherited Islam from my family. I didn’t change. But my wife is a pastor. She prays for me. No conflict. I never, at any time, tried to convince or convert her,” he said. Tinubu described his marriage as an example of the unity Nigeria could achieve if citizens chose mutual respect and shared values over religious differences. “I believe in the freedom of religion. We are praying to the same God and are answerable to the same Almighty. What truly matters are our deeds, character, and love for one another — not the method or faith of our being,” the President added. He paid tribute to the late Lydia Yilwatda, describing her as a woman of deep faith, service, and humility, and prayed for her soul’s repose.

Education, Kaduna, National, News

Experts, Scholars Chart Path for Zero-Waste Leather Production at NILEST Conference

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Experts and scholars from across Nigeria have called for urgent reforms and sustainable practices in the leather industry to tackle environmental pollution and unlock the sector’s economic potential. This was the focus of the 5th International Virtual Conference of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (NILEST Chapter), themed “Sustainable Leather Production in Africa: Pathways to Zero Waste and Net-Zero Emissions.” In his keynote address, the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology (NILEST) Zaria, Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam, pledged to reposition the institute as Africa’s hub for leather research, training, and development. He said NILEST would strengthen its role in instruction, training, and consultancy services, while maintaining world-class standards in leather production, marketing, and quality control. Read Also: Nigeria on Path to Prosperity, Says Tinubu in Independence Day Broadcast FG Introduces AI, Robotics, and Journalism into New Secondary School Curriculum Our Administration Must Not Disappoint Kano People, Governor Yusuf Tells Appointees “NILEST graduates and ambassadors, equipped with specialized skills, will drive our mandate for national development,” Dr. Imam said, while calling for collective support from staff, students, and stakeholders. Leather industry expert Malam Bello Abba Yakasai stressed the need for greater investment and the adoption of modern technologies to reduce waste and pollution. He noted that untreated tannery waste in Kano, Zaria, and Katsina posed serious environmental challenges. “The leather value chain requires adequate investment to adopt global best practices, with academia at the center,” Yakasai said, urging NILEST to expand training across Africa and build international collaborations. Similarly, Dr. Amina Bayero of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, advocated the use of green chemistry to replace traditional leather production methods that generate toxic wastewater. She emphasized that zero-emission, eco-friendly processes were achievable through collaborative innovation. The conference also featured remarks from ASUP NILEST Chapter Chairman, Comrade Joseph Odey Oko, who described the event as a platform for knowledge exchange and policy influence. He expressed appreciation to the organizers, partners, and participants, noting that insights generated would contribute to sustainable development in Africa’s leather sector. The two-day conference concluded with a call for Nigeria to fully harness the leather industry’s potential as a viable alternative to oil, highlighting that sustainable production, backed by research-driven innovation, could create jobs, boost exports, and strengthen the economy.

National, News

Radiographers’ Association Demands Urgent Action Over Kidnapping of Member

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The Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN) has condemned the abduction of one of its members, Radiographer Basheerah Ojedeyi, describing the incident as “heartbreaking and outrageous.” Ojedeyi, who had just been inducted into the radiography profession, was kidnapped on her way home after the ceremony. Her abductors are reportedly demanding a ransom of N200 million. Read Also: Nigeria on Path to Prosperity, Says Tinubu in Independence Day Broadcast Runs Girls Must Pay Tax Like Every Other Service Provider – FG Kano Govt Suspends Sheikh Lawan Triumph From Preaching In a statement issued by its President, Dr. Musa Y. Dambele, on Wednesday, the association said the incident had turned what should have been a joyful milestone into a nightmare. “This cruel act has placed an irreplaceable life at grave risk. Rad. Basheerah, a young woman with boundless potential and a promising future in service to humanity, now faces unimaginable danger at the hands of her abductors,” the statement read. The ARN called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to take immediate action to secure her release, stressing that “every second counts.” The association also appealed directly to the conscience of the kidnappers, urging them to release Ojedeyi unconditionally. “We demand decisive action against this wave of insecurity that continues to torment innocent Nigerians, particularly health workers who dedicate their lives to saving others,” Dambele said. While assuring the public of its continued engagement with relevant authorities, the ARN vowed not to relent until Ojedeyi is safely reunited with her family.

Abuja, National, News

Nigeria on Path to Prosperity, Says Tinubu in Independence Day Broadcast

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his 65th Independence Anniversary broadcast on Wednesday, paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers while defending his administration’s tough economic reforms. He admitted that Nigerians are “racing against time” to fix decades of underinvestment in power, roads, and infrastructure but assured that the country has “turned the corner” toward recovery. Tinubu pledged more support for youth, security, and social welfare, stressing his vision of a prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria. Read Also: Tinubu, Ganduje Join Dignitaries at Uzodinma’s Book Launch in Imo Runs Girls Must Pay Tax Like Every Other Service Provider – FG Kano Showcases Security Gains and Youth Rehabilitation at 65th Independence Anniversary The president honoured nationalist leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, and Margaret Ekpo, reaffirming their dream of a prosperous and united nation. He highlighted progress since 1960, citing the growth of secondary schools from 120 to over 23,000 and tertiary institutions from two to more than 690. Acknowledging that his administration inherited a weak economy, Tinubu justified ending fuel subsidies and unifying the exchange rate system, explaining that the moves freed funds for education, healthcare, security, agriculture, and infrastructure. He pointed to early signs of recovery, including a 4.23% GDP growth in Q2 2025, the fastest in four years, inflation dropping to 20.12%, and external reserves rising to $42 billion. Non-oil revenue surpassed ₦20 trillion by August, while the debt service-to-revenue ratio fell from 97% to below 50%. On security, Tinubu commended the armed forces for gains against Boko Haram, IPOB/ESN, and banditry, saying peace has returned to many communities in the North-East and North-West. Youth empowerment also featured prominently in the speech. Programmes such as NELFUND, which has supported over 510,000 students with nearly ₦100 billion in loans, Credicorp loans for vehicles and housing, YouthCred for NYSC members, and the iDICE initiative for digital and creative industries were highlighted. The president further noted that over eight million households have benefitted from cash transfers under the social investment programme, while reforms have improved Nigeria’s global credit ratings and boosted investor confidence. Tinubu acknowledged that many Nigerians are facing hardship due to inflation and rising living costs but insisted reforms were necessary to prevent bankruptcy and secure the country’s future. He urged citizens to patronise made-in-Nigeria goods, pay taxes, and embrace productivity as part of nation-building. Closing his address, Tinubu expressed optimism: “The dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.”

National, News

Runs Girls Must Pay Tax Like Every Other Service Provider – FG

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The Federal Government has said that commercial sex workers, popularly referred to as “runs girls,” will be required to pay tax on their earnings under Nigeria’s new tax regime. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, made the disclosure on Tuesday during an engagement session at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Lagos. He explained that the new tax framework does not distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate sources of income but simply focuses on whether an individual earns money. Read Also: FG Declares Public Holiday to Mark Nigeria’s Independence Day “If somebody is doing runs girls (sex work), right, they go and look for men to sleep with. You know that’s a service. They will pay tax on it,” Oyedele said. According to him, the law only requires individuals to declare income earned from services rendered or goods provided. “It just asks you whether you have an income. ‘Did you get it from rendering a service or providing a good?’ Then, you pay tax,” he added. However, Oyedele clarified that money given as gifts or upkeep will not be taxed, provided it is not in exchange for goods or services. “If the amount you are sending is money you are giving to them not because they have done something for you, then it is a gift. We call it a non-exchange transaction. That is not taxable,” he explained. The reforms are being anchored on new legislation, including the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.

Abuja, Kano, National

Ganduje: A Resilient Political Survivor Facing Image Wars

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Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate past governor of Kano State and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), remains one of Nigeria’s most battle-tested politicians. From his early days as a grassroots mobilizer to his rise as governor and later national leader of the ruling party, Ganduje has weathered storms that could have ended the careers of many others. Today, as fresh allegations over the ownership of the Dala Inland Dry Port dominate headlines, Ganduje once again finds himself at the center of controversy. Yet for many who have followed his political journey, this is nothing new. Ganduje has always been tested, and time and again, he has emerged stronger. The Dry Port Allegations: Politics or Governance? Recent reports allege that Ganduje transferred Kano State’s 20 percent equity in the Dala Inland Dry Port to private interests, including his children. But his supporters dismiss the claims as politically motivated, pointing out that due process was followed and that the facility—long neglected by successive administrations—only became operational after Ganduje’s intervention. Read Also: ‘They Received More in Six Months Than I Did in Eight Years’ — Ganduje Blasts Yusuf “The truth is simple: without Ganduje, that port would still be abandoned land,” an ally remarked. “He provided the roads, water, electricity, and security that turned it into a reality. That is leadership, not politics.” NNPP’s Strategy: Tarnish Ganduje, Deflect Criticism Since taking office in 2023, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the NNPP have made probes into Ganduje a central theme of their administration. To many in Kano, this reflects a deliberate effort to weaken Ganduje’s influence rather than deliver governance. Observers also point to the much-publicized ₦6 billion scandal involving Protocol Officer Abdullahi Rogo—an aide under the NNPP administration—as an example of selective accountability. “They are desperate to drag Ganduje’s name through the mud while scandals under their watch are quietly overlooked,” a political analyst said. Ganduje’s Record vs. Current Realities Ganduje’s eight years in office are remembered for major infrastructural and social investments. His administration constructed roads and flyovers, expanded schools and hospitals, invested in housing estates, and introduced modern settlements to address the herders-farmers crisis. By contrast, critics argue that the NNPP government has focused more on demolitions, probes, and political vendettas than tangible development. “Two years in, they cannot point to signature projects,” a loyalist argued. “The people were promised transformation, but what they see is endless excuses.” Strength in Adversity What sets Ganduje apart is not only his governance record but his ability to endure political storms. Despite repeated attempts to discredit him, he remains a formidable political figure in Kano and across Nigeria. His elevation to APC National Chairman after leaving office underscored the confidence his party placed in his political skills and stabilizing influence. “Ganduje is a master of survival,” said one APC stalwart. “Every attack seems to reinforce his relevance. He remains calm, strategic, and resilient. That is why he is still standing tall while many of his rivals fade away.” The Bigger Picture The clash between Ganduje and the NNPP administration goes beyond the dry port—it is ultimately a battle over legacy. For Ganduje, his record of roads, hospitals, schools, and functional projects speaks louder than allegations. For his critics, unproven accusations remain the preferred weapon. But if history is a guide, Ganduje has shown an uncanny ability to outlast political storms. His resilience, networks, and governance record continue to ensure his place in Kano’s political story. As one supporter put it: “They may try to bury him with allegations, but Ganduje has planted too many seeds of progress for his legacy to be erased.”

National, News

FG Declares Public Holiday to Mark Nigeria’s Independence Day

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The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, October 1, 2025, a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary. The announcement was made on Monday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government. In a statement signed by Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, the minister congratulated Nigerians on what he described as a historic milestone. Read Also: Kano Governor Nominates Two New Commissioners, Appoints Solicitor-General Tunji-Ojo urged citizens to uphold the values of patriotism, unity, and resilience, which he noted have sustained the country since independence in 1960. He also called on Nigerians to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is geared towards national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity. The minister expressed optimism that with collective effort, Nigeria would continue to advance in peace, progress, and development. He wished all Nigerians a happy and memorable Independence Day celebration.

Feature, Kano, National

An Open Letter to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Federal Republic of Nigeria

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We, the undersigned, write to unequivocally raise an alarm on a purported plan by a highly influential person in the Kano Emirate Council to file a case in court and secure an order to arrest us for posting our opinions on social media regarding the issue of the Kano emirship tussle. First, information at our disposal indicates that the influential person intends to use the good office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to obtain the order. It is in view of this that we draw the attention of the AGF to exercise caution in handling any matter related to the ongoing Kano emirate tussle in the event the planned petition reaches his desk. The office of the AGF should not be allowed to be politicized or used by someone to achieve his personal gains. Since the Kano emirate matter is currently before a court of law, the AGF, as the highest-ranking officer in the judicial arm of government, is not expected to interfere in any matter that is sub judice. Second, we have also discovered that after obtaining the court order, the man will use a high-ranking police officer to arrest us. As law-abiding citizens, we are not above the law, and if any authority extends a legal and genuine invitation to us on any matter, we will certainly honor it. However, we should not be denied our fundamental rights to freedom of speech or movement in order to please someone. Therefore, we are drawing the attention of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to this purported plan, which seeks to use police officers to infringe on our constitutionally guaranteed rights. Read Also: Imam Sukairaj Preaches on Parents’ Role as Gateway to Allah’s Blessings Indeed, the police and other law enforcement agencies are meant to protect Nigerian citizens, not to intimidate them. We therefore put the IGP on notice about this purported plan by the influential person to suppress our freedom of expression. Third, the same influential man is reportedly planning to drag the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) into the Kano emirate tussle to achieve his personal objectives. He is said to be working closely with a Kano-based renowned Islamic scholar and Chief Imam of a Juma’at Mosque in an effort to involve the President of the NSCIA in the ongoing matter. With a high sense of humility and respect, we passionately appeal to the President of the NSCIA not to allow himself to be dragged into the tussle. The NSCIA, as the highest and most respected religious body in Nigeria, should not permit itself to be politicized or aligned with this issue. It should remain a neutral religious body, above the fray of political conflicts. Finally, it is our hope and prayer that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the President of the NSCIA will remain neutral on this matter and allow the court of law to do its job as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. Signed: Muhd Tasiu Auwal Danbaba Junaidu Aminu Kilishi

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