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Ex-emir Sanusi briefs Tinubu on Niger mission, says efforts under way to restore peace

Published

9 months ago

August 10, 2023

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Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano, says he is committed to the restoration of peace in Niger Republic.

Sanusi spoke on Wednesday hours after his visit to Abdourahamane Tiani, the coup leader, in Niamey, Niger’s capital.

The former monarch revealed that although government officials were aware of his visit to the coup leaders, the mission was a personal one.

He said he briefed President Bola Tinubu on the meeting’s outcome, adding that it is a matter that requires diplomacy.

“Interventions are ongoing and we’ll continue to do our best to bring the two parties together to improve understanding,” Sanusi said.

“This is a time for public diplomacy, it’s not a matter that we leave to governments. All Nigerians and Nigeriens need to be involved to find a solution that works for Africa, for Niger, for Nigeria, and for humanity.

“I was not sent by the government. Government officials were aware I was going but it was my personal initiative, using my personal contacts to get there and I will continue to do my best. It is my duty as a leader to do that.”

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Sanusi’s visit comes a day after Niger’s military authorities rejected a tripartite peace mission from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN).

ECOWAS said the diplomatic overtures were aborted following a late-night communication from the military authorities in Niger indicating their unavailability to receive the delegation.

Victoria Nuland, United States acting deputy secretary of state, was also denied permission to meet with Tiani or with ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

Instead, she spoke for two hours with other army officers.

Related Topics:Muhammadu Sanusi Niger crisis

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UPDATED: FG approves 35% salary increase for civil servants

Published

5 hours ago

April 30, 2024

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The Federal Government has approved an increase of between 25 percent and 35 percent salary increase for civil servants on the remaining six consolidated salary structures.

The salary increase, announced on the eve of the Workers’ Day celebration, is contained in a statement issued by Emmanuel Njoku, head of press, at the national salaries, incomes and wages commission (NSIWC).

The statement said the increase takes effect from January 1, 2024.

The six consolidated salary structures are consolidated public service salary structure (CONPSS); consolidated research and allied institutions salary structure (CONRAISS); consolidated police salary structure (CONPOSS); consolidated para-military salary structure (CONPASS); consolidated intelligence community salary structure (CONICCS); and consolidated armed forces salary structure (CONAFSS).

The Federal Government also approved an increase in pension of between 20 percent and 28 percent for pensioners on the defined benefits scheme with respect to the six consolidated salary structures.

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BREAKING: FG approves salary increase for civil servants

Published

6 hours ago

April 30, 2024

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The Federal Government has approved an increase of between 25 percent and 35 percent salary increase for civil servants on the remaining six consolidated salary structures.

The salary increase, announced on the eve of the Workers’ Day celebration, is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Emmanuel Njoku, head of press, at the national salaries, incomes and wages commission (NSIWC).

The statement said the increase takes effect from January 1, 2024.

Details later…

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EFCC arraigns Kwara’s ex-finance commissioner over ‘N1.22bn money laundering’

Published

9 hours ago

April 30, 2024

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ademola Banu, a former commissioner for finance in Kwara, over alleged money laundering and misappropriation of state funds to the tune of N1.22 billion.

Banu was arraigned on Monday before Evelyn Anyadike, judge of the federal high court in Ilorin, Kwara state capital.

He is alleged to have conspired to divert the funds during the administration of Abdulfatah Ahmed, former governor of Kwara, between May 2011 and May 2019, while serving as the commissioner for finance.

In a press statement on Tuesday, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, said Banu was to be arraigned alongside the former governor on February 23 but was absent in court and had no legal representation.

The court then issued a bench warrant against him upon an application by Rotimi Jacobs, counsel to the EFCC.

The former governor was arraigned on the 12-count charge and the matter was adjourned till April 29.

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At the resumed sitting, Ahmed and Banu, listed as the first and second defendants, respectively, were present in court.

When the case was called, A. A. Ajibade announced the appearance for Ahmed, while Gboyega Oyewole represented Banu.

Oyewole prayed the court to discharge the bench warrant earlier issued against his client, which the EFCC counsel did not oppose.

In a short ruling, Anyadike vacated the bench warrant on the second defendant.

Banu pleaded not guilty to the counts.