SOCIAL MEDIA BITS

L astt week was notable for the release two notable detainees of the Federal Government; Omoyele Sowore, a journalist activist and presidential candidate, and Sambo Dasuki, a former national security adviser.

The order to release them was given on behalf of the Federal Government by Nigeria’s attorney general, Abubakar Malami, in time for both men to celebrate Christmas with their families.

The release order overrode the Department of State Security (DSS)’s decision to ignore court orders for release on bail of the two. Dasuki had been held in detention since 2015 and

Sowore since Aug. 3, 2019.

Malami denied that their release was a result of local and international pressure, the latter especially. According to him, thehy were released on “compassionate grounds” in addition to obedience of court orders.

Following the release of Sowore and Dasuki, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urged the Nigerian Government to prevail on Cross river governor Ben Ayade to release Agba Jalingo, a journalist held in detention.

Jalingo was arrested over a publication about the finances of the state and was charged with terrorism for criticising Ayade.

Meanwhile a committee headed by Nigeria’s former military head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has been set up to intervene and put an end to the lingering crisis between Kano state governor Umar Ganduje and the Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II.

There has been palpable tension in Kano state for months between Governor Ganduje and the Kano monarch, a situation that led to the creation of new emirates in Kano state in an alleged bid to whittle down Sanusi’s power.

The committee includes 11 other members, including prominent Nigerians like chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Kayode Fayemi, Katsina governor, Aminu Bello Masari, and Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.

The committee would do well to look into other aspects of Ganduje’s government, including the Kano government’s decision to ban commercial tricycles operators from conveying male and female passengers in same vehicle with effect

January 1.

According to the state Commissioner for Information, Mohammed Garba, the ban is to comply with the Sharia law. But the law is not applicable to couples, underage children and family members.

However those found guilty would be punished with ten lashes, banned for six months and/or pay a N5,000 fine.

In an interesting development, looters who took advantage of the fire incident at Ekiosa market in Benin City to cart away goods have started returning them, after traders invited Ayelala worshippers to invoke curses.

While addressing a delegation from Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, who visited the market, Mrs Blacky Ogiame, President of Market Women Association, said many goods had been returned after the Ayelala visit to the market.

Maybe this is a solution that can be extended to the many politicians notorious for looting the country’s resources at all levels of government. If only...