Mr Gbajabiamila’s plea to northerners and Nigerians at large comes ahead of preparations for the 2027 presidential election.

Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila has said that President Bola Tinubu should be allowed to finish what he started.

Mr. Gbajabiamila, the former speaker of the House of Representatives, made the call during a dialogue session of the Northern Caucus of the National Forum of Former Legislators in Abuja on Saturday.

“President Tinubu is not just a southern leader; he is a national leader who has carried every region along. From critical infrastructure to policy reforms, the North is benefitting from a government that believes in equity and shared prosperity,” Mr Gbajabiamila said.

He added, “We are laying solid foundations today, and it is only right that the President is allowed to finish what he started.”

Mr Gbajabiamila’s plea to northerners and Nigerians at large comes ahead of preparations for the 2027 presidential election, while Nigerians lament hunger and rising poverty under Mr Tinubu’s watch.

Kayode Fayemi, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress and a former governor of Ekiti State, blamed Mr Tinubu’s government for the widespread hunger in the country.

“Except we are deceiving ourselves; Nigerians are not happy with the Tinubu-led government due to widespread hunger and lack of money,” Mr Fayemi said in a viral video.

Since Mr Tinubu assumed office, removing the fuel subsidy and enforcing exchange rate unification, Nigerians have witnessed unprecedented inflation and a cost-of-living crisis.

With pump prices jumping from N145 to about N900, while the naira collapsed to N1,500 to a dollar, inflation now stands at 23.7 per cent, a drop from 34 per cent after rebasing the economy.

The World Bank’s Africa Pulse report for April 2025 stated that Nigeria, under Mr Tinubu, has the highest number of extremely poor people globally, warning that more Nigerians will be plunged into poverty by 2027.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists yesterday condemned the Niger State Government for threatening to shut down Badeggi FM 90.1 and demolish the station’s premises.

It was  reported that the radio station, based in Minna, is privately owned and has been under pressure, following reported moves by the administration of Governor Umaru Bago.

In a statement sent to our correspondent and signed by the NUJ National President, Alhassan Abdullahi, the union described the alleged action as “a blatant act of intimidation and an assault on press freedom.”

“The threats issued against Badeggi FM 90.1 by the Niger State Government are deeply troubling and represent a dangerous overreach of executive power.

“Such actions undermine democracy and send a chilling message to independent media organisations,” he said.

The NUJ reminded the state government that the National Broadcasting Commission remains the only legally empowered authority to regulate, license, or sanction broadcast stations in Nigeria.

“No state government has the constitutional right to interfere with the operations or facilities of any media house.

“It is the responsibility of the NBC to investigate any allegations of wrongdoing by broadcast stations and to take appropriate actions through due process,” the NUJ president said.

According to the union, freedom of the press is enshrined in the Constitution and is essential to the survival of democratic governance.

“Independent journalism must never be stifled through threats, intimidation, or politically motivated directives.

“We are calling on Governor Bago to withdraw the threat of closure and demolition immediately and allow the proper legal channels to address any issues,” Abdullahi stressed.

The NUJ also urged civil society groups, professional associations, and the general public to resist any form of executive highhandedness that undermines press freedom.

“We will not stand by and watch as journalists and media institutions are harassed for doing their job,” Abdullahi concluded.

One of the opponents of Governor Chukwuma Soludo in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election and candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, John Nwosu has expressed concern over the alleged derogatory words he used against other contestants.

Soludo had while addressing supporters of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, at a rally in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of the state said ”street urchins cannot govern a state that produced prominent individuals.

The governor was also quoted as saying that anyone promising to do one term to abide by the zoning formula in the state needs psychiatric evaluation.

But Nwosu, reacting to these comments, said the governor has merely shown that “passing six is not passing sense, claiming that Soludo made the comments to try and evade being held accountable for his failure in the state.

He said, “It is deeply concerning that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has resorted to name-calling, labeling, and stereotyping his political challengers, even going as far as suggesting they require psychiatric evaluation.

“Such remarks reflect a growing anxiety and a clear realization that his time in office may be limited to a single term, largely due to his disappointing governance record.”

He said some candidates from same zone (Anambra South) as Soludo, including himself have pledged to do one term in honour of the state’s zoning arrangement, adding that it is a mark of statesmanship, integrity, and regional equity.

“I, Nwosu stand out as the only candidate who has sworn a public affidavit affirming commitment to serve a single term in office. This public oath is a testament to dedication to fairness and the rule of law, values that should be celebrated, not mocked.

“Rather than hurl insults at those offering Anambra people a better alternative, Governor Soludo should focus on explaining the shortcomings of his administration and why the promise of his tenure remains unfulfilled.”

He also mocked Soludo, saying that: “Indeed, “Pass six is not passing sense.” Anambra deserves e-government not Soludo’s Archaic module.”

Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has said that “street urchins” won’t govern a state that produced the likes of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Akwueke Nwafor Orizu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Prof. Chinua Achebe and others.

He stated this at a rally on Saturday, organized by members of his party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, to endorse him for a second term.

The Governor, speaking at the massive rally at Ekwulobia Urban Stadium, declared that Anambra was “too big for charlatans” and must not be distracted by what he described as impostors and unserious aspirants.

He also stated that the zoning system of the state stands, and that any candidate coming to promise to do just one term needs psychiatric evaluation to ascertain the status of their brains.

He said: “Anambra doesn’t need street urchins as Governor. This is the state that produced the likes of Zik of Africa, Dr Nwafor Orizu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and Prof Chinua Achebe, among others. It is too big for charlatans.

“Also, anyone saying he will do one term needs psychiatric evaluation, they want to disrupt the zoning formula of the state. Why will you do one term when the constitution allows you to do eight years?

“Our people are politically aware and know more than be deceived by such people,” he declared.

Soludo, visibly impressed by the turnout, said he had not yet launched his official campaign but was humbled by the support. He disclosed that the rally was organized and funded entirely by party members determined to see him re-elected.

He described some of his challengers as unserious but merely using their campaigns to extort funds from unsuspecting businessmen and the public. He maintained that his administration’s achievements over the past four years justified his second-term bid.

In a display of solidarity, APGA stakeholders in Anambra South presented a donation of N100 million to support his campaign, during the event. Traditional rulers in the senatorial district also honoured him with the “Olu Atu Egwu” chieftaincy title – a title already conferred on him earlier by the North and Central zones of the state.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that Mr. Tony Okocha remains the state chairman of the party in Rivers State.

A factional state chairman of the party in the state, Emeka Beke had on Thursday called on the National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda to suspend the scheduled local government primaries in Rivers State being organised by the Okocha-led Executive Committee.

He also demanded that his own Executive Committee should be allowed to superintend the entire process.

However, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka in a statement issued yesterday insisted that Okocha is the chairman of the party.

He noted: “The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to media reports of a claim by Mr. Emeka Beke to the chairmanship of the Rivers State chapter of our party.

“We wish to clarify, for the record, that Chief Tony Okocha is, and remains, the Chairman of the Rivers State chapter of our Party.

“We urge our teeming members in the state, and the general public, to disregard the said reports or reference to Mr. Beke as State Chairman of Rivers APC as false and misleading.”

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State and former Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Lands Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne, has criticised the Governor Alex Otti-led administration’s claim that it spent ₦54 billion on the construction and retrofitting of public schools across the state.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, Ikonne described the figure as “deeply suspicious, laughable, and insulting to the collective intelligence of Abians,” citing the continued dilapidated state of many schools as evidence that such a sum could not have been genuinely spent.

He challenged the government to justify how ₦54 billion was reportedly expended on only 53 schools without visible improvements on the ground. “What we see in Ukwa and other parts of the state is an education sector in ruins — leaking roofs, moss-covered walls, caved-in ceilings, and children sitting on bare floors,” Ikonne said.

Quoting a financial report signed by the state’s Accountant General, Njum Uma-Onyemenam, and published on the government’s website in January 2025, Ikonne referenced a claim that ₦54.07 billion was allocated to school rehabilitation in 2024, out of a total ₦320 billion generated by the state from FAAC, internally generated revenue, and other capital receipts.

He demanded that the government publish a full breakdown of the ₦54 billion expenditure — including the names of the schools, contractors, timelines, and photo or video evidence of completed works. “Anything short of this is a blatant disregard for accountability,” he stated.

Ikonne further urged Governor Otti to invite journalists, civil society organisations, and independent observers for an open and unscripted tour of the renovated schools, insisting that transparency is non-negotiable in public spending.

“Until then,” he warned, “this ₦54 billion remains a phantom project—something that only exists on budget documents and media headlines.”

He also pointed to the dilapidated condition of state-owned tertiary institutions such as the Abia State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology, where parts of the buildings have collapsed, leaving students in unsafe and non-conducive learning environments.

“If we can’t even maintain our health college, how can we claim that we’re making progress in education? It is an utter disgrace and a sign of failed priorities,” he said.

Furthermore, Prince Ikonne reminded the public that under the current federal administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, states now enjoy increased federal allocations.

“The President, in his wisdom, has ensured that more resources flow to the states. One would have expected that the Abia State government would utilise this opportunity to transform critical sectors like education, health, and road infrastructure. Instead, what we are seeing is media packaging, propaganda, and empty political marketing.”

He emphasised that good governance is not about viral videos or curated press releases but about results that citizens can see and benefit from.

“How on earth does anyone justify spending ₦54 billion on just 53 schools, with nothing visible to show? This must not be swept under the carpet. Abians must ask questions. Lawmakers must wake up. We need a comprehensive forensic audit of this expenditure. Our children deserve better,” Ikonne concluded.

He urged all well-meaning Abians, civil society groups, anti-corruption agencies, and legislative oversight bodies to rise in defence of accountability and demand answers from the state government.

A factional Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in Kano State, Jibril Doguwa, has hinted that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, may return to the All Progressives Congress.

Doguwa, in an interview stated that the recent visit of a stalwart of Kwankwaso group known as Kwankwasiyya, Abdulmumin Kofa, to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa could signal an imminent political realignment.

“There is a possibility that Kwankwaso wants to go back to the APC. No Kwankwasiyya member would meet Tinubu without the knowledge or approval of Kwankwaso,” he said.

Doguwa downplayed Kwankwaso’s recent criticisms of President Tinubu, noting that political alliances in the country were often fluid.

He said, “Being a critic of Tinubu doesn’t mean Kwankwaso can’t work with him. In politics, there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. Maybe he’s just trying to remind the President of his responsibilities as a leader.”

The NNPP chairman maintained that the party still recognised Kwankwasiyya loyalists as members but insisted the it could survive without Kwankwaso.

Doguwa dismissed concerns over tensions in the party, stressing that defections were routine in Nigerian politics.

“We still recognise members of the Kwankwasiyya movement as NNPP members. But we will remain in the NNPP with or without Kwankwaso.

“There is no prominent politician in Nigeria who doesn’t have a record of switching parties,” he said.

Doguwa’s remarks came amid growing speculation of a possible alliance between Kwankwaso and Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, a report that has unsettled some NNPP members in Kano.

However, an NNPP chieftain in Ogun State, Chief Femi Aina, dismissed Doguwa’s position, insisting that Kwankwaso remained focused on his presidential ambition.

“In the NNPP, we have an open-door policy. If you align with our ideology, we are ready to work with you. But for now, we are standing alone. Kwankwaso is looking ahead to become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we are with him all the way,” Aina said.

He also stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar didn’t pose any threat to Kwankwaso’s 2027 prospects, arguing that the NNPP’s upcoming manifesto would give it a decisive edge.

Aina said, “The APC is entrenched today, and to remove them from power, you need a completely different blueprint.

“So far, those in the coalition promising change haven’t offered anything new. Atiku is not a threat. By the time we release our new manifesto, Nigerians will see that we have the capacity to govern, and we have a leader who knows his onions.

“Our overwhelming votes in Kano during the last election were based on his record as governor. We will capitalise on that to unseat people who promise big and deliver little.”

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has urged President Bola Tinubu to take a more proactive approach in tackling the growing poverty crisis in Nigeria by fully committing federal resources to social welfare initiatives.

He made this known in a statement he issued yesterday.

Falana’s statement came days after Tinubu addressed governors of the All Progressives Congress, urging them to deepen their grassroots interventions to ease economic hardship.

“Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots. To you, the governors, you must wet the grass more and deliver progressive change to Nigerians. May God bless our democracy and grant us more fertile lands”, Tinubu had told the APC governors.

Reacting to the President’s call, Falana insisted that the responsibility to initiate concrete welfare action lies primarily with the Federal Government.

“Instead of begging state governments to ‘wet ground more’, President Bola Tinubu is urged to ensure that the National Social Investment Programme Agency Act is adopted and enacted into law by the 36 state governments,” he said.

He argued that rather than channelling large sums of public funds into administrative or infrastructural luxuries, both federal and state governments must prioritise effective social protection measures for the poor.

Falana also criticised the disparity in federal spending, comparing the ₦32.7 billion earmarked for Nigeria’s National Social Investment Programme in the 2025 budget with a recent project that gulped even more.

“A government that recently claimed to have spent the sum of ₦39 billion for the renovation of the International Conference Centre at Abuja at the Federal Capital Territory cannot justify the allocation of ₦32.7 billion to fund the National Social Investment Programmes for 2025 to support the 133 million people that are said to be multi-dimensionally poor in the country,” he argued.

According to Falana, sufficient funds exist to support such programmes—if only there’s the political will to prioritise them. He referenced data from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, which reportedly disbursed over ₦11.19 trillion to all tiers of government in the past year.

He also cited a recent analysis by civic tech group BudgIT, which alleged that the 2025 federal

budget includes over 11,000 suspicious projects worth a staggering ₦6.93 trillion—inserted by the National Assembly.

Falana said this budget padding highlights how skewed the country’s fiscal priorities have become, especially when contrasted with the generous allowances paid to federal lawmakers.

He questioned the logic of a system where: “₦21 million is paid monthly to each senator and ₦15 million to each member of the House of Representatives,” yet essential social programmes remain underfunded.

Falana, therefore, urged the Federal Executive Council to show the same urgency it applies to infrastructure spending to the country’s welfare sector.

“Therefore, the Federal Executive Council should, as a matter of urgency, approve not less than ₦5 trillion to fund the National Social Investment Programme,” he said.

To ensure accountability and impact, Falana further recommended that the administration of the fund should include representatives of labour unions and trusted civil society groups—not just government appointees.

“The management of the fund should not be left solely in the hands of government officials, but should involve elected representatives of trade unions and credible civil society organisations to ensure transparency and effectiveness,” he advised.

2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has restated his vow to serve only one term of four years if elected president, insisting that effective leadership is defined by impact, not time spent in office.

In a statement posted via his X (formerly Twitter) handle yesterday, Obi referenced global figures such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela, noting that each led with principle and left enduring legacies despite short tenures.

“One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures as a model of principled leadership.

“Another iconic figure, John F. Kennedy, did not even complete a full term, yet his vision and ideals continue to inspire generations.

“In Africa, Nelson Mandela, revered globally as a symbol of justice and reconciliation, chose to serve only one term as President of South Africa, despite immense public pressure to stay longer.

“His decision was a deliberate act of leadership, a statement that power must serve the people, not the self. Indeed, history shows that the longer many African leaders remain in power, the more likely they are to be corrupted by it.

“Longevity in office is not a mark of success; rather, it is purposeful, accountable service – however brief – that defines true statesmanship.

“It is within this context that I reiterate my vow: I will serve only one term of four years if elected President. And that vow is sacrosanct,” he wrote.

Obi said his commitment was not a political gimmick, but a decision rooted in conviction and supported by his record of service in Anambra State, where he said he fulfilled clear and measurable promises without deviation.

Addressing recent jabs at his one-term declaration, he noted that some critics questioned his sincerity, with one suggesting psychiatric evaluation and another claiming he wouldn’t be believed even “if I swore by a shrine.”

“I understand the basis of their scepticism.

“They are judging me by their own standards — where political promises are made to be broken.

“But they forget, or perhaps choose to ignore, that Peter Obi is not cut from that cloth,” Obi wrote.

He stressed that public trust must be restored in Nigeria’s leadership and that focused, transparent governance can yield real results within the constitutional four-year window.

“Forty-eight months is enough for any leader who is focused and prepared to make a meaningful difference.

“I do not intend to stay a day longer,” he added.

Obi outlined key priorities if elected, including sanitising governance, tackling insecurity through proper use of national resources, improving education and healthcare, supporting small businesses, and transforming Nigeria into a productive economy driven by agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.

“These are not utopian dreams. They are realistic, actionable goals that are achievable within four years,” he said.He concluded by affirming that he would not exceed a single term under any circumstance, describing his vow as a solemn commitment to purpose, not power.

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, says President Bola Tinubu has nothing to fear and cannot be defeated in the 2027 general elections.

Yilwatda stated this on Tuesday in Abuja while addressing APC supporters under the umbrella of the APC League of Professionals, who came on a solidarity visit to the party’s national secretariat.

According to the newly appointed national chairman, the party would ensure the victory of all its candidates contesting for governorship, national and state assembly seats across the country.

The Plateau-born politician further stated that the achievements recorded under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration were the basis for his assertion.

He also cited the students’ loan scheme and several empowerment programmes being undertaken by the current administration, which he said had positively affected the citizenry.

“The child of the poorest man in Nigeria can now go to school to the peak without borrowing from anywhere. The government has made provision for that. This is the only time we’ve had that in the history of Nigeria.

“The government has dropped N1.5 billion into the Bank of Agriculture to support young men, who want to go into agriculture,” he said.

Factional National Secretary of the Labour Party,( LP), Umar Farouk, yesterday said Peter Obi may lose the opportunity to become the party’s presidential candidate in 2027 if he continues to hobnob with the African Democratic Congress, (ADC).

Farouk, who made this statement in an interview with Trust TV, stressed that the LP will give Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed a chance to contest for President.

He stressed that the party’s presidential ticket is not reserved for anyone.

Expressing displeasure with Obi’s association with leaders of the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress, (ADC), Farouk maintained that the LP’s 2027 presidential ticket will be contested.

The factional national secretary declared Baba-Ahmed, the party’s 2023 Vice Presidential candidate, as qualified as his principal, Obi.

“Datti is qualified to contest for the presidency as good as Peter Obi. So, the seat of that candidacy is not reserved for anybody. It is open for a competitive contest.

“If Datti is willing to aspire for presidency and he wants to do that under the Labour Party, we will open it. Come and buy the form, mobilise his support and then get elected.

“But the only thing is that if those people didn’t come back to us, they lose that opportunity because there’s no way you’ll continue to romance with other political parties and then you still come back and your one leg is in the Labour Party. No, ab initio, you may be disqualified,” he said.

Farouk’s comment is coming barely a week after Baba-Ahmed declared his interest in the 2027 presidential race, should Obi decide not to contest.

However, Baba-Ahmed, who said he is not desperate to become President, also reaffirmed his support for Obi, saying the former governor of Anambra State deserves another chance to contest on the platform of the Labour Party.

Posters of Mrs Justina Azuka, wife of slain Anambra lawmaker representing Onitsha North 1 constituency, Late Justice Azuka has surfaced, showing her, seeking support to replace her demised husband.

Justice Azuka was kidnapped in Onitsha on the eve of Christmas of 2024 while returning home for the yuletide.

His decomposing body was later found at the foot of the Second Niger Bridge in February, despite rumours of payment of heavy ransom for his release.

Since after the confirmation of his death, there have been clamour for the wife, Mrs Justina Azuka to replace the late lawmaker, with many people appealing to the Labour Party to nominate her as candidate.

Her poster as the candidate of African Democratic Congress, (ADC), has, however surfaced, leading to controversy about the refusal of the LP to give her their platform as compensation for her husband’s death.

But a source within the LP who didn’t want to be named said: “Initially she was nominated by LP but because of INEC inconsistency in the case between Abure and Nenadi Usman, the leaders of LP moved her candidature to ADC.

“Labour party leaders will be leading her aspiration to victory and that I can assure you 100 percent. LP will also not be contesting against her in that election.”

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA), is fielding another lady from the Ikpeazu dynasty, Mimih Ikpeazu-Azikiwe for the contest.

Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), for the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu has faulted the All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA), for fielding a candidate for the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency.

The by-election which is scheduled to hold on August 16 is to replace Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, who was kidnapped on December 24, while arriving his hometown for the Christmas celebration.

Azuka, who was kidnapped in December, was later found dead in February, his decomposing body, at the foot of the Second Niger Bridge in Onitsha.

While the Labour Party(LP), and the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), have teamed up to field the wife of the late LP lawmaker in ADC as a replacement for her husband, APGA is fielding Mimih Ifeoma Azikiwe, another lady to replace the late lawmaker.

But governorship candidate of APC, Prince Ukachukwu, has criticized APGA for fielding a candidate to replace a man who died of insecurity as a result of the perceived incompetence of their government.

Speaking to journalists in Awka yesterday, Ukachukwu said: “How will they pay back for all the people who have died as a result of insecurity in Anambra?

“Now, Hon Justice Azuka died as a result of the inability of this government to provide security, and now APGA is fielding another candidate to replace the man who died because of insecurity. Is that not ridiculous?

“They do not care about your security, politics is more important to them. If you die as a result of insecurity by their government, they will just move on.”

Ukachukwu assured that his government is fully prepared to provide security in Anambra, berating the Prof Chukwuma Soludo-led government for the level of insecurity in the state.

“Have you seen the level of insecurity in Anambra State? The people can no longer sleep with their eyes closed. What the government of the day is more concerned about is revenue drive, using very crude methods.

“You have seen the video of Aka Odo people (task force), you saw how these government-sponsored thugs were tormenting a man, this is barbaric. By the grace of God, when I become governor, I will abolish all those things.

“Security is very paramount, and we will use various methods to safeguard our people,” Ukachukwu declared.

A python, a crocodile, and other wild animals discovered in the residence of the former Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, have been evacuated to the Kano Zoo, following a wave of panic in surrounding communities.

Confirming the development, the Managing Director of Kano Zoo, Sadik Kura Muhammad, said the python, which had escaped from Idris’ home, was recovered and transferred to the zoo’s custody along with other animals.

The python’s escape triggered fear across Daneji and neighbouring areas, including Mandawari, Kabara, and Soron Dinki, with residents reporting sleepless nights until the animal was captured and removed.

Speaking on a local Kano radio station, Muhammad disclosed that Idris willingly handed over the animals to the authorities after the public uproar.

“There is a law called the Wild Animal Law, which permits individuals to keep certain wild animals in their homes. These may include endangered and non-endangered species,” he said.

He explained that although Idris had a valid licence to keep the animals, the zoo intervened due to public safety concerns.

“When I heard about the situation, I verified that he had a license and that the lion was still a cub, posing no harm. But once such animals reach a certain age, they must be transferred to the zoo,” Muhammad noted.

He added that the law governing the keeping of wild animals stipulates the need for a licence, proper housing, and care, and that endangered species such as parrots and vultures are to be kept strictly in zoos to aid conservation efforts.

“That’s why the license must be renewed annually to ensure safety. Before any animal becomes potentially harmful, it should already be in our custody,” he added.

The zoo director said his visit to the ex-AGF’s residence confirmed that none of the animals had become dangerous, but that they were retrieved after neighbours raised concerns.

“We collected them, and they are now safely housed in Kano Zoo. We conducted the evacuation at night, so there is no cause for alarm,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and that Ahmed Idris has been invited for questioning.

Idris, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was previously arrested in 2022 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly diverting N109.5 billion in public funds.