Last week saw a lot of events that merited news coverage. A list of some selected top national stories across Nigeria has been painstakingly prepared by WITHIN NIGERIA.
El-Rufai approves deposition of two Kaduna monarchs, sacks three others
On Monday evening, Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai authorized the removal of His Highness Jonathan Paragua Zamuna, the traditional ruler of the Piriga Chiefdom, and His Highness General Aliyu Iliyah Yammah (retired), the traditional ruler of the Arak Chiefdom.
According to a statement released on Monday by the state’s commissioner for local government, Hajiya Umma Ahmad, the two traditional chieftains would vacate their positions as of the 22nd of May 2023.
In accordance with Section 11 of the Traditional Institutions Law No. 21 of 2021, the commissioner further stated that the depositions were conducted in accordance with suggestions made by the Ministry of Local Government.
Buhari signs eight bills into law
On Monday, President Muhammadu Buhari assented to eight bills passed by the 9th National Assembly.
This was contained in a statement released on Monday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Babajide Omoworare.
Omoworare said the action of the President was in accordance with the provisions of the Acts Authentication Act Cap. A2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
He listed the new laws including the National Social Investment Programme Agency Act, National Senior Secondary Education Act and the National Social Investment Programme Agency Act.
Nigerian students, others barred from bringing family to UK
On Tuesday, the United Kingdom announced that persons coming to the country to study will no longer be able to bring their family as dependents with them.
According to the UK, the move is aimed at stemming the influx of people who piggyback on their family members study visa to enter UK.
Sky News reported that a new law, which will take effect from January, has been promulgated to give the clampdown on immigrants the much-needed legal backing.
CBN revokes licences of 132 Microfinance banks, others
On Tuesday, the Central Bank of Nigeria revoked the operating licences of 132 microfinance banks, four primary mortgage banks, and three finance companies in the country.
The revocation exercise was disclosed in the official gazette of the Federal Government published on the website of the CBN.
Buhari orders banks to issue NIN cards to Nigerians
On Thursday, the Buhari-led administration disclosed that Nigerians can now request that their commercial banks issue them a debit card that also serves as their national identity card.
Prof Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, made the announcement in Abuja.
He stated that this issuance is free of charge.
Pantami stated that the approval was obtained at the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He stated that the approval came as a result of a memo from the National Identity Management Commission that authorised banks to print multipurpose debit cards that also functioned as National identity cards.
Kano Govt acquits Doguwa of Murder charges
On Thursday, Kano State Ministry of Justice stated that House leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, is not guilty of charges of culpable homicide and mischief by fire levelled against him.
The Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Musa Abdullahi Lawan, made this known while briefing journalists in Kano.
He stated that there were no proofs to corroborate the allegations against Doguwa, noting that those who incriminated him could not make their accusations stick.
He said, “Based on the foregoing facts and observations, we cannot substantiate charges of criminal conspiracy, mischief by fire and culpable homicide against Doguwa.
Supreme Court strikes out PDP’s double nomination suit against Shettima
On Friday, the Supreme Court dismissed the suit seeking the disqualification of Kashim Shettima as the vice-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress for double nomination.
Ruling on the suit, a five-member panel of the apex court held that the Peoples Democratic Party lacked the locus standi to institute the suit.
The panel said the PDP is not a member of the APC, hence can’t challenge Shettima’s nomination.
Gov Sani Bello pardons 24 convicts, pays N20m to free 80 inmates
On Friday, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, the outgoing governor of Niger state pardoned 24 criminals, including those who had previously received death sentences.
Similar to this, he paid N20 million in fines for 80 other prisoners so they may enjoy freedom.
PDP using social media to bully judges – Supreme Court
On Saturday, the Supreme Court stated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resorted to using the social media to intimidate and strong-arm the judges.
Justice of the Supreme Court, Inyang Okoro made this allegation on Friday, while delivering judgment in an appeal filed by the PDP seeking to void the election of President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on the grounds that his running mate, Kashim Shettima, was guilty of double nomination.
Pastor Tunde Bakare vows to never address Tinubu “My President”
On Saturday, Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church stated that he will never refer to Bola Tinubu as his president.
The politician and cleric said that a number of electoral frauds occurred during the 2023 elections and that the Independent National Electoral Commission messed up the campaigning process during a webinar on Saturday.
After giving his lecture on the Zoom program titled “Building the New Nigeria: The Role of the Diaspora,” which was put on by the PTB4Nigeria In Diaspora Group, he made this statement in response to a question.