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Matawalle’s defection: Court okays request to drop Mahdi Gusau

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A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, granted the plea to drop the name of deputy governor Mahdi Aliyu-Gusau from the suit challenging the defection of Governor Bello Matawalle to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The application was filed by two members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from Zamfara; Sani Kaura Ahmed and Abubakar Muhammed.

Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the prayer after Counsel to the applicants, Kanu Agabi, SAN, moved the motion and was not opposed by lawyers to the defendants in the suit.

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The plaintiffs, in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/489/2021, had asked the court to sack the governor and his deputy, Mahdi Aliyu Gusau, over their defection which they claimed had made them illegible to continue to hold the positions.

Messrs Matawalle, Gusau, APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, are 1st to 4th defendants respectively.

The plaintiffs are contending that, in view of an earlier judgment of the Supreme Court, to the effect that the APC had no candidates in the 2019 Governorship Election in Zamfara, having not conducted valid primaries, it would be unlawful for Matawalle and Gusau to retain their offices while defecting from the PDP to the APC, and thereby transfer PDP’s victory to the APC.

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They want the court to, among others, declare that Matawalle and Gusua must resign from their offices before their defection to INEC to conduct fresh election, within three months, for the PDP to replace them.

However, while moving the motion for amendment of the suit, Agabi said that he had three motions filed before the court and that he would be withdrawing two of the motions.

The senior lawyer said a motion for an interlocutory injunction dated June 21 and filed June 22 would be withdrawn.

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He also withdrew a motion seeking an order of interim injunction dated June 21 and filed June 25.

Justice Ekwo struck them out after the defence counsel did not oppose the move.

Mr Agabi then moved the motion seeking for an amendment of the prayers dated and filed July 7.

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NAN reports that the motion, which sought for the removal of the name of the deputy governor of the state among the defendants, also prayed the court for the inclusion of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the suit.

It would be recalled that while Matawalle defected to the APC, Gusau did not.

“In moving this motion, we are withdrawing Prayers 2 and 4. We request your lordship to grant us Prayers 1 and 3.

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“I adopt this processes supported by 25-paragraph affidavit and two documents exhibited.

“We urge my lord to grant prayer 1 and 3,” Agabi said.

Ekwo granted the motion after the defence counsel did not oppose it.

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The judge, who adjourned the matter until Sept. 29 for mention, ordered the plaintiffs’ counsel to file and ensure service of the amended process within seven days.

“I will give the next day for mention after I am satisfied that parties have joined issues in the matter,” Ekwo held.

NAN

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Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

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President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed London in the early hours of Tuesday with the remains of Buhari back to Nigeria.
On arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport Katsina, Tinubu was received by Gov. Dikko Radda,  former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Tajudeen Abbas.
Others are Ministers, former governors, former and serving Senators, Alhaji Dahiru Managl,  former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NEC), amongst others.
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“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

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Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.

“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.

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Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.

“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.

Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.

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“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.

Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.

“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.

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On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.

The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.

Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.

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King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.

In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”

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He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”

Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”

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