From HASSAN JIRGI Damaturu 

Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, has commended  security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace, law and order.

Buni was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Baba  Wali,  during a critical meeting with security agencies to strategise on ways to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the meeting, the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ado, represented by DCP Saleh Samaila, disclosed that the meeting deliberated extensively on deploying adequate measures to ensure a peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration. 

He cautioned parents and guardians to monitor their children’s movement during the festivities, warning them against reckless driving.

The commissioner also assured that proper arrangements have been put in place by  security agencies to safeguard the lives and properties of people during the Sallah period.

The meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration and coordination among security agencies.

AljazirahNigeria gathered that the meeting was attended by the Attorney- General and Commissioner of Justice,  Saleh Samanja and the Security Adviser to the Governor, Dahiru Abdulsalam. 

Other security heads, including the director of DSS; commandant, 233 Battalion Task Force Brigade; representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps; Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps; as well as the Nigerian Immigration Services.

By Anthony Ochela, Abuja

Justice J.A Aina of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Gwagwalada, has advised members of the body of Christ  to embrace reconciliation and resolve internal disputes amicably, describing the case before the court as a family affair that should never have escalated to litigation.

The judge gave the admonition after quashing a five-count charge of conspiracy, forgery and criminal misappropriation filed against a former pastor of the church, Reverend Akanji and five others.

The ruling followed a motion by the defence counsel, Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), who argued that the court lacked jurisdiction and that the prosecution’s failure to file a counter-affidavit rendered the defence’s claims unchallenged and legally admissible.

In his ruling on Thursday, Justice Aina held that the police failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendants.

“I have considered the totality of the affidavits and exhibits filed by the Nigeria Police Force. They do not support the continuation of this case. 

“We must first, settle the issue of jurisdiction. Where there is no jurisdiction, no other issue can survive,” the judge stated. 

He added that by failing to respond to the application, the police effectively conceded to the defence’s claims.

Accordingly, the court found merit in the application and struck out the charges without awarding costs to either party.

Taking a moral tone after delivering his ruling, Justice Aina urged church members to seek peaceful resolution within the fold.

“This is a family matter that should be resolved internally,” he said.

“As Christians, we must portray the light Christ has shown us. It is not right that such matters find their way into the courtroom.”

The defendants—Reverend Akanji, Reverend Thomas Ekugbene Takpatore, Mr Babatunde Adebayo, Mrs Adenike Adebayo, Mr Oladele Afolabi and Mrs Gloria Olotu—were accused in charge no CR/1045/24 of conspiring in 2021 to commit a felony under Section 97 of the Penal Code. 

They were also alleged to have forged an amended church constitution, falsely attributing authorship to the late Barrister Akin Aina, the church’s former legal adviser—an offence under Sections 362 and 364 of the Penal Code.

The police alleged that between 2012 and 2021, the defendants misappropriated N620 million belonging to the church, in violation of Sections 308, 309, 311 and 312 of the Penal Code relating to breach of trust and fraudulent conversion.

With the charges now dismissed, the court’s verdict serves as a reminder for faith-based institutions to pursue internal resolution of conflicts and avoid public legal battles that may tarnish their spiritual mission.

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Wednesday received a delegation from the World Bank, led by Mr. Francis Samson Nkoka, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

The visit was in furtherance to existing partnership between NEMA and the World Bank, aimed at enhancing disaster risk management mechanisms, particularly at the sub-national levels across Nigeria.

During the meeting, Mr. Nkoka highlighted the World Bank’s interest in deepening collaboration with NEMA to support the implementation of strategies that strengthen emergency preparedness and response capacities at the state and local government levels. He emphasized that the initiative was also aimed at reinforcinginstitutional frameworks and improving operational readiness across all tiers of government.

In her remarks, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s sustained support. She reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to a robust partnership that fosters timely and effective disaster risk management nationwide.

The visit underscores the critical role of stakeholder collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s resilience to disasters and improving emergency response systems across the country.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has called on Nigerians to pray fervently for the safety, wisdom, and strength of the country’s armed forces and national leaders.

In his Eid al-Adha message delivered on Thursday, Matawalle reminded citizens that the burden of national security is not for soldiers alone, but a collective responsibility shared by all.

“All praise is due to Almighty Allah who has preserved our lives to witness yet another blessed Eid,” he said. “Let us not only gather in prayer but also commit to peace, solidarity, and sacrifice.”

He extended warm greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the military, and Nigerians at home and abroad on the occasion of Eid.

Matawalle acknowledged the courage of Nigeria’s armed forces, describing them as brave sons and daughters who “leave their families behind, risking their lives daily to protect ours.”

“They fight insurgency in the North, confront banditry in our rural communities, and defend our territorial integrity with honour and selflessness,” he noted.

The minister also praised President Tinubu’s commitment to reforming and modernising Nigeria’s security architecture.

“Under his leadership, we are witnessing new strategies, renewed morale, and a drive to modernise our defence infrastructure,” he said.

Despite progress, Matawalle stressed that lasting security and development can only be achieved through the collective support of the Nigerian people.

“This is not the time for blame, division, or apathy—it is the time for sacrifice, service, and unity,” he stated.

He urged religious and community leaders to preach peace and patriotism during the Sallah festivities, and called on Nigerian youth to reject violence and instead focus on nation-building.

“Your energy must not be wasted on violence or despair. Channel it toward building, innovating, and leading,” he said.

Drawing on the symbolism of Eid al-Adha, he encouraged Nigerians to embrace its spirit of devotion and resilience.

“Let us renew our covenant to build a nation where every child can sleep in peace, where every citizen feels protected, and where our diversity is our strength,” he added.

Matawalle concluded his message with prayers for national progress and divine blessings on the country.

“May Allah accept our sacrifices, forgive our shortcomings, and continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

By MBACHU GODWIN, Abuja

Ahead of the 2027 general election , a group under the aegis of Northern Patriotic Front ,( NPF) has urged the leadership of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, to grant automatic tickets to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu , the governor’s and members of the National Assembly under the platform of the party.

Addressing a press conference, thursday in Abuja, Convener of the group, Alhaji Ali Abacha said in the past two years that president Bola Ahmed Tinubu has performed , as well as the state governors and the Federal legislators.

Abacha argued that bringing in a new set of political leaders at this time will retarded the gains and developments recorded in Tinubu’s administration.

He further stated that granting automatic ticket will enhance continuity , good governance and consolidate parliamentary ethos.

He called on the president, the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Abdullahi Gandujeband chairman of Progressive governor’s forum, Sen. Hope Uzodinma to support the idea.

He said ” It is our contention that the leadership of the party should allow automatic tickets for Mr. President and some of his team, all the incumbent APC governors who are eligible to contest the upcoming elections as well as all incumbent National Assembly members under the All Progressive Congress, APC,to ensure party unity and cohesion as we count down to 2027.

” Finally, we ask the party to promote and urgently implement the idea of automatic tickets for incumbents and primaries for constituencies and districts where other parties hold sway

“The Northern Patriotic Front, here by, urges all members of the party to rally round this noble course for the good of the party and in the overall interest of our democracy”

END