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Boundary war; Sule inaugurates committee to create new districts, end chieftaincy dispute
From Abel Abogonye, Lafia
As part of effort towards ending communal war that has been ravaging Nasarawa communities, Governor Abdullahi Sule, has inaugurated a high-powered committee.
The committee is saddled with the responsibility to create additional districts and village areas in the state, as well as resolution of chieftaincy and territorial disputes and other related matters.
Sule inaugurated the committee during a ceremony which held at the Government House in Lafia on Saturday.
According to the Governor, setting up of the committee became necessary following numerous requests from various communities for the creation of additional districts and village areas.
Sule added that, the constitution of the committee is also intended to resolve the conflict arising from the composition and territorial boundaries of the existing chiefdoms, districts and village heads in the state.
He explained that, setting up of the committee was part of the efforts being put in place by the traditional leaders, as well as members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly.
Governor Sule however reinstated the resolve and commitment of his administration to ending all issues challenging the collective existence of the state as one people with common destiny.
The Governor recalled that, in the recent past, the state witnessed inter and intra communal clashes occasioned by the struggle for ascension, self determination and actualisation.
“These agitations often resulted in boundary misunderstanding and sometimes disputes in some communities within the state, with all the attendant negative consequences,” he stated.
He also noted that considering the pivotal role being played by traditional rulers in the maintenance of peace and security, his administration has continued to give priority to the traditional institution by providing enabling environment for the royal fathers to contribute their quota to the peaceful co-existence and development of the society.
The high-powered committee, to be chaired by a former secretary to the Nasarawa State Government, Chief Philip Dada, has eight weeks within which to submit its reports.
The committee, according to the Governor, is expected to proffer and recommend appropriate solutions adding that it is to be guided by specific terms of reference to include, consideration of the implications of the creation of additional districts and village areas in the state, identifying the requirement for the creation of districts and village areas.
Furthermore, they are to exercise equity and fairness in the recommendation of any community worthy of upgrade, review identified cases of composition of chiefdoms, districts and village areas, with defective and deficient instrument and its implications on their modus operandi.
The committee is also expected to examine disputed territories, expansionist tendencies and claims over contentious chiefdoms, districts and village areas.
Other members of the high-powered committee include, former secretary to the Nasarawa State Government, Mr. Philip Anjide, Hon Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana, Barrister Aliyu Ubandoma Muhammad, Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State and Abubakar Isa Abdullahi, covering Permanent Secretary Political Affairs, Office.
Similarly, Engineer Sule has sworn-in the chairman and members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Commission, following the expiration of the tenure of the chairman, Alhaji Musa Isa Agwai I and two full members, as well as three part-time members.
Musa Isa Agwai I, is being re-appointed while a new secretary to the commission, Muhammad Ohinoyi Musa, was appointed.
Meanwhile Sule has expressed appreciation for the synergy existing between the legislature and executive arms of government, aimed facilitating collective commitment to providing good governance to the people of the state.
The Governor noted that the appointment will further strengthen the capacity of the commission to discharge its responsibilities, as well as training, recruitment, promotion and discipline of the personnel of the state House of assembly for effective legislative service.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the appointees, Alhaji Musa Isa Agwai I, Chairman, Nasarawa State House of Assembly Service Commission, expressed gratitude to the Governor for finding them worthy of the appointment
He pledged that the appointees will justify the confidence reposed in them by the government by working diligently to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.
The Obidient Movement, led by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, has issued a press statement condemning the circulation of false social media posts attributed to Senator Datti-Baba Ahmed. The fabricated posts, which have gone viral, are described as part of a deliberate smear campaign aimed at damaging the Senator’s reputation.
The movement clarified that Senator Datti-Baba Ahmed does not operate any social media accounts, making all attributed posts entirely baseless. During a recent press conference, the Senator unequivocally dissociated himself from these claims and urged the public to disregard them.
“This is a targeted attempt to tarnish the Senator’s image and credibility,” Dr. Tanko stated.
The Obidient Movement has called on its supporters and the public to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the issue. They urged people to ignore, counter, and report the false posts whenever they appear.
The statement concluded with an appeal for continued support and collaboration in combating misinformation, reinforcing the movement’s commitment to truth and integrity.
The Senate has granted approval for a $2.09 billion (N1.767 trillion) loan requested by President Bola Tinubu to address the N9.7 trillion deficit in the N28.7 trillion 2024 budget. The decision was made during Thursday’s plenary, just 48 hours after the request was submitted to the National Assembly.
President Tinubu, in letters to both chambers of the legislature earlier this week, highlighted the importance of the loan for financing key projects and programs critical to national development.
Following the request, the Senate assigned its Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, led by Senator Aliyu Wammako (APC, Sokoto North), to review the proposal. Presenting the committee’s report, Senator Wammako described the loan as vital for implementing the Debt Management Strategy, reducing borrowing costs, extending debt maturity, and bolstering Nigeria’s external reserves.
The committee recommended raising the loan through Eurobonds or similar international financing instruments, subject to market conditions. It also suggested that any excess funds from exchange rate adjustments be directed toward capital projects in 2024 to support infrastructure and economic growth.
The Senate approved the loan unanimously, with no objections raised during deliberations. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, commended the Wammako-led committee for its swift and thorough handling of the proposal.
This loan approval is part of the government’s broader strategy to bridge fiscal gaps while focusing on developmental priorities and economic stability.
Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based pro-Biafra agitator, has been arrested and detained by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on charges of inciting public crimes with terrorist intent.
The alleged offence reportedly occurred in Lahti on August 23, 2021. Finnish authorities apprehended Ekpa on Monday, November 19, marking another chapter in his history of legal confrontations.
A source confirmed Ekpa’s arrest, noting, “He was arrested three days ago. But this is not the first time. He will likely be questioned and released soon.” Ekpa was previously detained in 2023 on suspicion of fundraising fraud but was released the same evening.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has also requested the detention of four additional suspects in connection with terrorism-related charges.
Ekpa has gained notoriety for his leadership of a Nigerian separatist group advocating for an independent Biafran state in southeastern Nigeria. Finnish authorities allege that he used social media platforms to coordinate actions that resulted in violence against civilians and authorities in Nigeria.
Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen of the NBI stated that the investigation focuses on a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, suspected of public incitement to crimes with terrorist intent.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has continued to engage the Finnish government through the European Union (EU) to extradite Ekpa. In August, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters emphasized the dual approach of diplomatic engagement and sustained military operations against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, reiterated the government’s resolve, saying, “The FG would respond appropriately to the Finnish Government through the EU. On the part of the military, troops would sustain operations against IPOB/ESN.”
Ekpa, who has represented Finland’s National Coalition Party (NCP) in local government, currently serves on Lahti’s public transport committee. Finnish authorities continue to investigate his activities, emphasizing the potential connection between his leadership role in the separatist movement and violent actions in Nigeria.
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