EMIR OF KANO & HIS TWO SONS RETURN FROM MEDICAL TREATMENT ABROAD

The Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, has returned to Nigeria from his medical trip abroad.

His aircraft, an Airforce Jet, landed at the Malam Aminu International Airport, Kano at about 7pm yesterday. Alhaji Ado Bayero was received by traditional rulers, top government functionaries and a cross section of Kano indigenes.

After exchanging pleasantries, the Emir, who was accompanied by his two sons, were later conveyed, amid tight security, to his palace while the crowd chanted Allahu Akbar (God is Great).

The Emir of Kano and his two sons left Nigeria for medical aid on January 21st, this year, following an assassination attack on his convoy. Three people, his driver and three royal guards died in the incident.

CHURCH WANTS NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT TO STOP HOLDING ELECTIONS ON SATURDAYS

The members of Seventh Day Adventist Church, Nigeria, have asked the National Assembly not to fix general elections on Saturdays. The President, Eastern Nigeria Mission of SDA, Bassey Udoh, expressed the view on Saturday during a media chat in Umuahia, Abia State.

TRANSPARENT BALLOX BOX

 He said elections should be fixed on public holidays as done in most advanced countries of the world to give Sabbath worshippers equal opportunity to participate during national elections. Mr. Udoh noted that more than five million Sabbath worshippers would be disenfranchised if elections were fixed on Saturdays. He said the church’s position was not a directive on the government but a demonstration of interest of members of the church to vote and be voted for during elections. Mr Udoh stated that Sabbath worshippers had submitted a position paper to members of the National Assembly on the matter.

GUNMEN ABDUCT CONSTRUCTION WORKERS IN BAUCHI, NORTHERN NIGERIA

Unknown gunmen have kidnapped six construction workers in Bauchi State.

Reports say the abducted workers include two foreigners working at a Lebanese-owned construction firm, Setraco. Bauchi State Police Commissioner, Mohammed Ladan said the attack took place in Jama’are town late yesterday and that efforts are on to determine the exact nationalities of the kidnapped staff.

Reports say gunmen had earlier attacked two police stations in Jama’are and Kafin Madaki towns but were repelled by police.We will bring you details as soon as they are available.

POPE BENEDICT THE SIXTEENTH HOLDS ONE OF HIS LAST PUBLIC DUTIES

Thousands of pilgrims have gathered in Saint Peter's Square, Rome for one of the final public appearances of Pope Benedict the sixteenth. The Catholic Pontiff will formally step down as the Spiritual leader of the Catholic Church on the 28^th of this month. 

 
The Pope recited the Angelus and thanked all those who had prayed for him and shown him support over the past few days since his resignation. He will spend the week on a Lenten prayer retreat. The Vatican has said it may hold the conclave that chooses the new pope early, so he can be in place before the start of Holy Week on 24 March.

ALL PROGRESSIVES GRAND ALLIANCE, APGA GETS CARETAKER COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

National Chairman of the Citizens Popular Party, Maxi Okwu, has been appointed Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. Mr Okwu emerged yesterday, at a meeting of the part, presided over by Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.

MAXI OKWU

 Similarly, former factional Secretary of APGA in Umeh`s camp, Sani Shinkafi, has joined the Obi faction of the party. Shinkafi is now the secretary of the Okwu-led caretaker committee of the party. Factional Chairman of the Obi faction, Sadeeq Masalla, has reverted to his former position as the Deputy Chairman (North) of the party. The appointment appears to further deepen the crisis in APGA, as the embattled National Chairman, Sir Victor Umeh, was effectively sidelined by the faction led by Obi.
Members of the of the Massala faction have vowed to oppose what they termed the illegality of the Okwu-led caretaker committee.