After a two-year dispute over the vacant Alaafin of Oyo stool, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of Abimbola Owoade, a young Canadian-based businessman, as the new monarch of the kingdom.

More to come…

The recently dismissed Secretary to the Kano State Government, Abdullahi Bichi, has threatened to reveal what he described as “explosive evidence” against political figures, accusing them of deceit and betrayal.

Bichi, who was removed from office in December 2024, made the declaration upon his return from Saudi Arabia.

In a viral video shared on Thursday, he addressed his supporters and accused the leaders of betrayal and deceit, saying, “I’m happy I left the office in peace, but let me be clear: this is not the best time to talk. At the right time, we will expose them.”

“I have documents, videos, and voice notes that will show everyone who they really are,” Bichi added.

The former SSG’s strained relationship with Governor Abba Yusuf and his mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, became evident after his suspension from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) on October 14, 2024. Bichi described the leaders as “masters of betrayal,” claiming his evidence would expose their true nature.

Political observers and residents of Kano are speculating on whether Bichi will follow through with his threats, and how it may impact the political landscape in the region.

Bichi was accused of attempting to sever Yusuf’s ties with Kwankwaso’s political influence. He was subsequently suspended from the party alongside then-Transportation Commissioner, Muhammad Diggol.

The State NNPP Chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, stated that the suspension followed multiple complaints from party leadership at the ward and local government levels.

Dungurawa emphasized that the actions of the suspended officials undermined the party’s leadership and structure.

The Federal Government has announced a deepening of its security partnership with the People’s Republic of China, focusing on local arms production and military training as part of a broader strategy to address terrorism and insecurity.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this during a briefing at the State House after President Bola Tinubu met with China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

Wang Yi is on a week-long tour of Africa, visiting Namibia, DR Congo, Nigeria, and Chad.

Tuggar emphasized that closer cooperation with China would help Nigeria and neighboring countries address common security threats. He noted that the goal was to domesticate the production of military equipment to avoid delays and complex regulations involved in international procurement.

The move follows comments by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who highlighted arms procurement as a significant bottleneck, particularly in getting timely supplies for frontline troops.

Tuggar also rejected the idea of relying on private military companies to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa’s security, especially in the Sahel region.

China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, affirmed Beijing’s commitment to supporting Africa’s security, announcing a CN¥1bn military assistance package. This includes training 6,000 military personnel and 1,000 law enforcement officers across various African nations, as well as supporting the African Standby Force and rapid response forces.

China also pledged to continue backing peacekeeping operations and counterterrorism initiatives in Africa, stressing that African nations should lead their own peace and security efforts without external interference.

Wang Yi also addressed Nigeria’s request to expand the bilateral currency swap agreement, which is currently valued at $2bn. President Tinubu urged China to increase this swap to facilitate trade between the two countries. The agreement, initially signed in 2018, aims to stabilize Nigeria’s foreign reserves and reduce reliance on the US dollar.

Additionally, Tinubu pushed for an upward revision of China’s $50bn aid package for Africa, highlighting the continent’s significant infrastructural needs. He also called for China’s support for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Wang Yi expressed China’s full support for Nigeria’s potential membership in BRICS and reaffirmed China’s commitment to contributing to the development of Africa, particularly through infrastructure projects such as railway modernization. He also welcomed Nigeria’s participation in issuing Panda bonds in China’s financial markets to further enhance economic cooperation.

Wang highlighted that China would continue to support Africa’s legitimate rights at the United Nations and back initiatives that promote long-term stability and security on the continent.

The visit follows the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, agriculture, finance, and mutual prosperity.