Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- May 31, 2024
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EX-US PRESIDENT, TRUMP, FOUND GUILTY OF FALSIFYING BUSINESS RECORDS
EX-US PRESIDENT, TRUMP, FOUND GUILTY OF FALSIFYING BUSINESS RECORDS Former US President, Donald Trump, has been found guilty of all 34 counts of falsifying business records in a criminal hush-money scheme to influence the outcome of the 2016 election. The verdict came after a jury deliberated for less than twelve hours in the unprecedented first criminal trial against a US president. It marks a perilous political moment for Trump, the presumptive nominee for the Republican nomination, whose poll numbers have remained unchanged throughout the trial but could tank at any moment. Trump was convicted by a jury of 12 New Yorkers of felony falsification of business records, which makes it a crime for a person to make or cause false entries in records with the intent to commit a second crime. He will be sentenced on 11 July at 10am ET. “This was a rigged trial by a conflicted judge who was corrupt,” Trump said at the courthouse after the verdict was read. “This was a rigged trial, a disgrace.” In Trump’s case, the Manhattan district attorney’s office alleged Trump falsely recorded the reimbursements he made to his former lawyer Michael Cohen, who paid the adult film star Stormy Daniels $130,000 for her silence about her affair with Trump, as “legal expenses”. The prosecution alleged the falsifications were made to conceal Trump’s violation of New York state election law, which makes it a crime to promote the election of any person to office through unlawful means. Prosecutors argued in part that those unlawful means were the $130,000 payment to Daniels, which was in effect an illegal campaign contribution, because it was done solely for the benefit of his 2016 campaign and exceeded the $2,700 individual contribution cap. The Manhattan district attorney’s office called 20 witnesses who, over the course of four weeks, gave evidence of how Trump plotted with the tabloid mogul David Pecker and Cohen to bury accounts of affairs with Daniels and the Playboy model Karen McDougal. The witnesses – some friendly to Trump, others openly hostile – said Trump’s worry over the Daniels story intensified after the October 2016 release of the infamous Access Hollywood tape, in which Trump was caught on a hot mic bragging about sexual assault. The recording featured Trump boasting about being able to grab women “by the pussy” without their consent because he was famous. Trial witnesses testified the Trump campaign worried that his efforts to dismiss the tape as “locker room talk” would fail if more boorish behavior came to light. When the Daniels story threatened to become widely known weeks before the 2016 election, Cohen moved into action and paid Daniels $130,000 to buy the exclusive rights to her story – in order to suppress its publication. After the 2016 election, prosecutors argued, Cohen worked out an illicit repayment plan in which he would be paid $420,000, an inflated sum that “grossed up” for tax reasons the $130,000 and other items Cohen billed. The trial saw prosecutors elicit testimony from Cohen, Daniels and a parade of Trump’s confidants and employees, as they sought to establish that Trump concealed the alleged payoff scheme in an effort to ensure he would not lose support from female voters. Cohen proved to be perhaps the most legally consequential witness for the prosecution, as he recounted how he used a home equity loan to raise the $130,000 he then wired to Daniels’ lawyer through a shell company. Cohen did so in the belief that Trump would reimburse him, he testified. In January 2017, Cohen said, he discussed with Trump and the former Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg about being repaid for the $130,000, an overdue bonus and other expenses he incurred doing work that benefited the…
LGA AUTONOMY: SUPREME COURT GIVES GOVERNORS SEVEN DAYS TO FILE DEFENCE
LGA AUTONOMY: SUPREME COURT GIVES GOVERNORS SEVEN DAYS TO FILE DEFENCE The Supreme Court, on Thursday, ordered the 36 state governors of the federation seven days to file their respective defence in the suit seeking full autonomy for the 774 Local Governments in the country filed against them by the Federal Government. The apex court ordered the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), who filed the suit on behalf of the federal government to reply to the Defendants’ processes within two daysupon receipt. A seven-member panel of Justices of the apex court, led by Justice Garba Lawal issued the order while ruling on an application filed by the AGF, seeking abridgment of time in the filing and exchange of processes in the matter. Fagbemi, while arguing the application requested the court to order the defendants to file their defense within five days in view of the urgency of the matter. The chairman, body of Attorneys General of the states of the federation, Ben Odoh, who is also the Attorney General of Ebony did not object to the request for abridgment of time but however, requested that they be given 15 days as against the five days proposed by the AGF. Justice Lawal, in his ruling, said the decision of the court was predicated on the national importance, urgency of the suit, and the nonobjection from the Attorneys General of the 36 states of the federation. The Supreme Court held that filing of all processes and exchanging of same must be completed within the time and subsequently fixed June 13, 2024, for hearing of the suit. At Thursday’s proceedings, the Attorneys General of Borno, Kano, Kogi, Niger, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, and Sokoto states were absent in court and not represented by any lawyer despite being served with hearing notice. Justice Lawal ordered that the eight states that were not in attendance at Thursday’s proceedings must be served with fresh hearing notice against the next adjourned date of June 13, 2024, for hearing of the matter. The AGF, on behalf of the federal government, instituted the court action against the governors primarily seeking full autonomy for local governments as third tiers of government in the country. In the suit marked SC/CV/343/2024, the AGF is praying to the Apex Court for an order prohibiting state governors from unilateral, arbitrary, and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government leaders. The Chief Law Officer of the Federation, in the originating summons he personally signed, is also praying the Supreme Court for an order permitting the funds standing in the credits of local governments to be directly channelled to them from the Federation Account in line with the provisions of the Constitution as against the alleged unlawful joint accounts created by governors. He also wants the Apex Court to make an order stopping governors from constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments as against the Constitutionally recognized and guaranteed democratic system. The FG further applied for an order of injunction restraining the governors, their agents, and privies from receiving, spending, or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefit of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is put in place in the states. The Governors were sued through their respective State Attorneys General inthe suit predicted on 27 grounds, among which are that, “The Constitution of Nigeria recognizes federal, states and local governments as three tiers of government and that the three recognized tiers of government draw funds for their operation and functioning from the Federation Account created by the Constitution. “That, by the provisions of the Constitution, there must be a democratically elected local government system and that the Constitution has not made provisions for any other systems of…
RIVERS HIGH COURT DECLARES 25 ASSEMBLY MEMBERS’ SEATS VACANT, APPEAL COURT TAKES DECISION MONDAY
RIVERS HIGH COURT DECLARES 25 ASSEMBLY MEMBERS’ SEATS VACANT, APPEAL COURT TAKES DECISION MONDAY A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has declared the seats of the 25 lawmakers, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, vacant pending the determination of a suit before it. The court, however, ordered the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, to stop parading as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and bared the 24 lawmakers, who are all Anti-Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of the state, from posing as lawmakers in the state. Hon. Justice Charles Wali gave the order in Suit No PHC/1512/CS/2024, brought by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, Speaker, Rivers State House Of Assembly, Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari and Hon. Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy, on the crises rocking the legislative arm of the state. Defendants in the cases are Hon.martin Chike Amaewhule, Hon. Dumle Maol Hon. Major Jack, Hon. Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi, Hon.christopher Kagbang Ofiks, Hon. Azeru Opara, Hon. Enemi Alabo George, Hon.Granville Tekenari Wellington, Hon. Ngbar Bernard, Hon. John Dominic Iderima. Others are: Hon.queen Uwuma Tony Williams, Hon.loolo Isaiah Opuende, Hon.abbey Peter, Hon. Igwe-obey Aforji, Hon. Justina Emeji, Hon. Ignatius Onwuka, Hon.chimezie Nwankwo, Hon. Lemchi Prince Nyeche, Hon. Barile Nwakoh, Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi, Hon. Nkemjika Ezekwe, Hon. Davids Arnold Okobiriari, Hon. Nwankwo Sylvanus Hon. Gerald Oforji, and Wami Solomon. The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Honourable Chief Judge Of Rivers State, Simeon Amadi, are the second set of defendants in the suit. Wali in the Interlocutory Order, ordered that the lawmakers, who are Pro-Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, from parading as lawmakers to the determination of the substantive case. Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt had adjourned to Monday the 3rd of June to rule on the applications brought before it by Rt. Hon. Martins Chike Amaewhule & 24 Ors Vs Victor Oko Jumbo & 5 Ors. against the decision of a Rivers State High Court stopping them from parading as members of the State Assembly. This follows a suit filed by the pro-Fubara faction of the Assembly, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo. At the resumed hearing on Thursday, the respondents had filed a counter, the court directed the plaintiff to respond between Thursday and noon Friday and show proof of service to the respondents through any means even though via WhatsApp and also directed the respondents to respond if any, by Monday morning before the resumed hearing. Counsel to the plaintiff had told the court to consolidate all the applications before it, following Wednesday’s interlocutory injunction issued by a Rivers High Court judge despite the pendency of the appeal before a superior court. The three-man panel of justices adjourned to the 3rd of June to hear and rule on all applications. ahead of the resumed hearing and ruling on the application.. Recall that the Rivers State High Court, presided over by Justice C.N. Wali, had issued an ex parte order restraining Amaewhule and the 24 others from parading themselves as members of the House of Assembly and holding any sessions. Amaewhule and the 24 pro-Wike lawmakers appealed against the ex parte order, requesting the Appeal Court to vacate it and dismiss the suit During the resumed hearing on Thursday, the respondents, Oko-Jumbo and others, filed a counter-application. The court then directed the plaintiff to respond by 12 noon, Friday, May 31, 2024, and to show proof of service to the respondents through any means, including WhatsApp. Counsel for the plaintiffs requested the court to consolidate all the applications before it, following the interlocutory injunction issued by the Rivers State High Court despite the pending appeal.
NIGERIANS KNOCK TINUBU ON FIRST YEAR IN OFFICE
NIGERIANS KNOCK TINUBU ON FIRST YEAR IN OFFICE Majority of Nigerian citizens are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs in the country, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to a new survey by the Africa Polling Institute (API). API’s Executive Director, Bell Ihua, said in a statement on Wednesday that the survey showed an overwhelming majority of citizens (84%) expressed profound sadness about the country’s current state of affairs. The survey, titled “#NigeriaSpeaks,” conducted between May 1 and 18, 2024, included 3,996 respondents from various demographic groups across the country. Ihua said the survey revealed a stark reality of hunger, poverty, and dissatisfaction—the harsh realities of Tinubu’s first year in office. He stated that majority of citizens (81%) feel the country is headed in the wrong direction. Specifically, 36% identify hunger, 28% identify the inability to meet basic needs, 13% identify unemployment, 9% identify heightened insecurity, and 5% identify poor electricity supply as the biggest challenges facing them personally today. The survey, according to Ihua, disclosed that 74% of citizens affirmed that their personal economic situation has deteriorated over the last year, compared to 20% who said their personal economic situation had remained the same and a mere 5% who said it had improved. In terms of Tinubu’s job performance, the survey also revealed that 78% of citizens expressed that he had performed “abysmally,” with 49% rating him “very poor” and 29% “poor.” Ihua added that this dissatisfaction has also extended to the performance of other arms of government, with 81% of citizens rating Senate President Godswill Akpabio dismally, compared to 79% who rated Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, poorly. Also, the Nigerian judiciary under the CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, was not spared, as 75% of citizens also rated him poorly. For Tinubu’s cabinet, citizens were asked to assess the performance of performing and non-performing ministers, and 68% said none of the cabinet members had performed well since their appointments, while 32% were willing to identify those they considered the top and least performing ministers. Based on the responses, the survey said the top five performing ministers the people chose are Professor Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education (27%); former River State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT (25%); former Ebonyi State Governor, Dr. Dave Umahi, the Minister for Works and Housing (21%); Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy (14%); and Professor Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare (12%). While the least-performing ministers are Hon. Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power (44%); Dr. Dave Umahi, Minister of Works and Housing (30%); Hon. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy (27%); Hon. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (22%); and Hon. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (20%). “It is worth noting that the data listed Dr. Dave Umahi among the top-performing and least-performing ministers, and this may be a result of the mixed sentiments that have engulfed conversations over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, of which he has been in the eye of the storm,” Ihua stated.“Finally, from the survey fieldwork, API has keenly observed a growing mass of aggrieved and discontented citizens nationwide, especially among the youth. Many are unemployed or underemployed and have become local crusaders and social activists in their communities, waiting for the slightest opportunity to vent their anger against fellow citizens and the Nigerian state.”
THUMBS DOWN FOR TINUBU AS 84% OF CITIZENS EXPRESSES DISSATISFACTION WITH REGIME
THUMB DOWN FOR TINUBU AS 84% OF CITIZENS EXPRESS DISSATISFACTION WITH REGIME Majority of Nigerian citizens are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs in the country, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to a new survey by the Africa Polling Institute (API). API’s Executive Director, Bell Ihua, said in a statement on Wednesday that the survey showed an overwhelming majority of citizens (84%) expressed profound sadness about the country’s current state of affairs. The survey, titled “#NigeriaSpeaks,” conducted between May 1 and 18, 2024, included 3,996 respondents from various demographic groups across the country. Ihua said the survey revealed a stark reality of hunger, poverty, and dissatisfaction—the harsh realities of Tinubu’s first year in office. He stated that majority of citizens (81%) feel the country is headed in the wrong direction. Specifically, 36% identify hunger, 28% identify the inability to meet basic needs, 13% identify unemployment, 9% identify heightened insecurity, and 5% identify poor electricity supply as the biggest challenges facing them personally today. The survey, according to Ihua, disclosed that 74% of citizens affirmed that their personal economic situation has deteriorated over the last year, compared to 20% who said their personal economic situation had remained the same and a mere 5% who said it had improved. In terms of Tinubu’s job performance, the survey also revealed that 78% of citizens expressed that he had performed “abysmally,” with 49% rating him “very poor” and 29% “poor.” Ihua added that this dissatisfaction has also extended to the performance of other arms of government, with 81% of citizens rating Senate President Godswill Akpabio dismally, compared to 79% who rated Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, poorly. Also, the Nigerian judiciary under the CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, was not spared, as 75% of citizens also rated him poorly. For Tinubu’s cabinet, citizens were asked to assess the performance of performing and non-performing ministers, and 68% said none of the cabinet members had performed well since their appointments, while 32% were willing to identify those they considered the top and least performing ministers. Based on the responses, the survey said the top five performing ministers the people chose are Professor Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education (27%); former River State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT (25%); former Ebonyi State Governor, Dr. Dave Umahi, the Minister for Works and Housing (21%); Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy (14%); and Professor Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare (12%). While the least-performing ministers are Hon. Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power (44%); Dr. Dave Umahi, Minister of Works and Housing (30%); Hon. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy (27%); Hon. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (22%); and Hon. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (20%). “It is worth noting that the data listed Dr. Dave Umahi among the top-performing and least-performing ministers, and this may be a result of the mixed sentiments that have engulfed conversations over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, of which he has been in the eye of the storm,” Ihua stated.“Finally, from the survey fieldwork, API has keenly observed a growing mass of aggrieved and discontented citizens nationwide, especially among the youth. Many are unemployed or underemployed and have become local crusaders and social activists in their communities, waiting for the slightest opportunity to vent their anger against fellow citizens and the Nigerian state.”
‘HUNGRY PEOPLE DON’T SING’, TINUBU UNDER FIRE OVER NATIONAL ANTHEM ACT
‘HUNGRY PEOPLE DON’T SING’, TINUBU UNDER FIRE OVER NATIONAL ANTHEM ACT Some Nigerians have expressed outrage over the bill President Bola Tinubu signed into law on Wednesday morning. The bill, which was simultaneously introduced in the Senate and the House of Representatives last week, received an accelerated consideration and passage. The speed with which both chambers of the National Assembly considered and passed the bill at a time Nigerians are facing more pressing issues occasioned by rising inflation and security challenges, has been criticised. While launching the National Anthem at the National Assembly, Tinubu commended the lawmakers. “Please, let’s continue to collaborate and build our country. We have no other institutions or personality that will help us unless we do it ourselves. Let us work together to build our nation not only for us but generations yet unborn”, he said. ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’, composed by the Britons, was the national anthem of Nigeria used from Independence in 1960 until 1978, when it was replaced by a new anthem, ‘Arise, O Compatriots.’ But with the new law, ‘Arise, O Compatriots’, will give way for ‘Nigeria, we hail Thee’. While a few persons have commended the president for signing it into law, others see it as a mispriority. On X, a social media user, @Zarmaomar, wrote: “The long-awaited national anthem bill that will solve the issues of insecurity, hunger, corruption and create job opportunities has been officially signed by the President…” @Mudiaga247 said: “How does signing this bill help the Drowning Economy.” @KennyNuga: “Misplaced priority . we need laws mandating all vehicles to shift off the road when an Ambulance is approaching. we need laws that criminalize bullying in our institutions.” @RealQueenBee_: “This will now be an achievement for the Tinubu administration, reverting back to the colonial anthem.”@Ikepicano: “did he know what he signed?” @PatoEner: “This government is never implementing policies that would alleviate the poverty in the economy. Or do they think hungry people sing the national anthem?” @DoublePrince001: “Within 7 days it was sorted….. Let’s talk about minimum wage or what will benefit Nigerians… It will take months and years.” @iam_damayor: “Congratulations Nigerians, we now have a new National Anthem. When you want to buy anything, just recite it and you get the 2015 price of that goods/service.” @That_Ondo_Boy: “As for me, I’m in support of this Old National Anthem ooo. Tinubu you do this one oooo. Now, lets sign to bill the old exchange rate, old food price to as at the time of the old National Anthem.” In an interview, analysts and civil society organisations argued that the resolution of the National Assembly to revert to the old National Anthem was a misplacement of priority, and also a sign of disconnection with reality. The Country Director of Action Aid Nigeria (AAN), Mr. Andrew Mamedu, in an interview with Daily Trust, said the bill to revert to the old National Anthem “is an absolute misplacement of priorities and an abuse of legislative privilege, especially given the numerous pressing issues facing the nation that remain unaddressed”. He stated: “While the National Anthem is a symbol of our heritage, the urgent and concurrent approval of this bill stands in stark contrast to the lack of prioritisation and accelerated legislative action on critical national matters. Issues such as security, economic stability, education, healthcare and infrastructure development are in dire need of attention and resources. “It is profoundly disappointing and frankly outrageous that the National Anthem is being prioritised over these vital concerns”, he stressed. Similarly, Yiaga Africa’s Senior Communications Officer, Mr. Mark Amaza, told one of our correspondents that the actions of the federal lawmakers on the issue were “a misplacement of priorities”. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with our current National Anthem that…
COUNT ME OUT OF RESTORED OLD NATIONAL ANTHEM – OBY EZEKWESILI
COUNT ME OUT OF RESTORED OLD NATIONAL ANTHEM – OBY EZEKWESILI Obiageli Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education and Nigerian activist, has publicly declared her refusal to sing the newly confirmed national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee.” In a statement posted on her X account, Ezekwesili said she will continue singing the previous national anthem, “Arise, O compatriots.” Ezekwesili’s declaration comes in response to the recent confirmation of “Nigeria, we hail thee” as the latest national anthem by President Bola Tinubu during a joint sitting of the National Assembly. The move has sparked debate and mixed reactions across the country. In her post, Ezekwesili stated, “Let it be known to all and sundry that I, Obiageli ‘Oby’ Ezekwesili will whenever asked to sing the Nigerian National Anthem sing:”Ezekwesili further stated, “This is my own National Anthem and let it be known that no one can suppress my right to dissent an obnoxious ‘law’ that is repugnant to all that is of good conscience in Nigeria. Whatever else is #NotMyNationalAnthem.”
COURT FREES MIYETTI ALLAH PRESIDENT OF TERRORISM CHARGES
COURT FREES MIYETTI ALLAH PRESIDENT OF TERRORISM CHARGES A Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged Alhaji Bello Bodejo, President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, of all terrorism charges against him. Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered the verdict on Wednesday after the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) unexpectedly withdrew the charges. During the hearing, Ms. Aderonke Imana, representing the AGF, informed the court of their intention to withdraw the three-count terrorism charge against Bodejo. “Consequently, the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation has instructed me to withdraw this charge against the defendant in the interest of justice. “That is our humble application my lord,” she said. Bodejo’s lawyer, Mr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), did not object to the withdrawal. He expressed gratitude to the AGF, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for his “magnanimous gesture” and urged the court to formally discharge his client. Bodejo was arrested in January 2024 and faced allegations of establishing an ethnic militia group and engaging in activities deemed detrimental to national security. He had been held in custody since then while awaiting trial.The reasons behind the AGF’s decision to withdraw charges are not yet publicly known. The prosecution did not elaborate on what constitutes “the interest of justice” in this context.
KANO GOVERNOR BANS DEMONSTRATIONS ORDERS ARREST OF ‘STUDENTS PROTESTERS’
KANO GOVERNOR BANS DEMONSTRATIONS, ORDERS ARREST OF ‘STUDENT PROTESTERS’ Governor Abba Yusuf has banned all forms of public demonstrations in Kano State. He also imposed stringent restrictions on all public gatherings intended to protest within the state. The Governor, in a statement by his Media and Publicity Director Sanusi Bature on Wednesday, said he was exercising the authority vested in him as the chief security officer of the State. “By virtue of his position, the Governor has directed the police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps to apprehend, detain, and prosecute any individual or group partaking in demonstrations on the streets of Kano,” the statement said. According to Bature, the Governor’s decision is a proactive measure aimed at averting any potential breakdown of law and order orchestrated by adversaries of the state. “We are privy to credible intelligence indicating that certain prominent figures from the opposition party in Kano have devised plans to sponsor student associations and political agitators from other northwestern states to incite chaos under the guise of advocating for the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero. “The State Government has explicitly outlawed protests, demonstrations, or processions of any kind, and individuals found on the streets of Kano engaging in such activities will be promptly apprehended. “Through this declaration, we caution student groups against being manipulated by troublemakers who are resolute in fomenting disorder in Kano,” the statement added. Yusuf urged all citizens of the state to carry on with their normal activities as the state retains its tranquility.He added that the State Government will persist in vigilant oversight of the situation involving the emirate tussle to promptly address any individuals or factions trying to undermine the relative peace the state presently enjoys.
SANUSI, BAYERO CLING TO KANO EMIRSHIP AS COURTS GIVE CONFLICTING ORDERS
SANUSI, BAYERO CLING TO KANO EMIRSHIP AS COURTS GIVE CONFLICTING ORDERS Two courts in Kano State have issued conflicting interim injunctions on the Kano Emirate tussle. Justice S. A. Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano on Tuesday ordered the eviction of the reinstated emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II from Gidan Rumfa palace. Conquering the clouds on a journey to Ta Xua with the team – Road Trip Vietnam Team – Nếm TV00:00 / 00:0010 Sec However, Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu of Kano State High Court issued a separate order, restraining the police, the State Security Services (SSS) and the Nigerian Army from evicting, harassing or arresting Sanusi. Sanusi and Aminu Ado Bayero are locked in a battle for the royal stool. The tussle has sparked protests from their respective supporters in Kano. Sanusi was reinstated by Governor Abba Yusuf at a ceremony in the Government House, following the repeal of the law used by the former governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to depose and exile him in 2020. However, a Federal High Court in Kano issued an order on May 23 prohibiting the state government from enforcing the Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024, which facilitated Sanusi’s reinstatement and Bayero’s dethronement. When Bayero returned to Kano and moved into Nassarawa Palace, Governor Yusuf ordered his arrest, citing concerns about creating tension in the state. This prompted the deployment of soldiers to the Nassarawa Palace. On Monday, a Kano State High Court restrained Bayero from presenting himself as the Emir of Kano and ordered his eviction from Nassarawa Palace. Justice Aisha Adamu Aliyu, the presiding judge, also restrained the dethroned emirs of the disbanded emirates from assuming royal roles in Kano. Court orders Sanusi’s eviction The Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Tuesday ordered the eviction of Sanusi from the palace. The court also ordered the police to ensure all rights and privileges due to the 15th Fulani Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero be given to him. The Presiding Judge, Justice S. A. Amobeda who gave the exparte order on Tuesday stated that the order is made in the interest of justice and maintenance of peace in Kano State. The order states, “An order of interim injunction restraining the respondents either by themselves, their agents, servants, privies or any other person or authority from inviting, arresting, detaining, threatening, intimidating, harassing the applicant, raiding, tempering with or visiting the applicant’s in order to arrest or infringe on his right or in any other way infringe or attempt to infringe the applicant’s rights pending the hearing and determination of the originating motion. “An order restraining the 3rd, 4th and 5th respondents and all other respondents from denying the applicant to use his official residence and palace at the Emir’s Palace, Kofar Kudu as well as enjoyment of all rights and privileges accrued to him by virtue of being Emir of Kano State and to evicting anything, anybody residing within the palace illegally pending the hearing and the determination of the originating summons.” The suit has been adjourned to the 4th of June for a hearing. Security agents restrained from evicting Sanusi Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu of Kano High Court sitting at Miller Road has restrained the police, the State Security Service, SSS and the Nigerian military from evicting Sanusi from the palace. The case was filed by the emir alongside the four kingmakers of Kano: Madakin Kano Yusuf Nabahani; Makaman Kano Ibrahim Sarki Abdullahi; Sarkin Bai Mansur Adnan and Sarkin Dawaki Maituta Bello Tuta. Justice Aliyu also restrained the security agencies from arresting or harassing the emir and his kingmakers. The judge held “That an order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the respondents either by themselves, their agents, privies, representative, and assigns from…