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Kano’s Rice Scandal: Anti-Graft Agency Backtracks, Says Rice Belongs To A Philanthropist

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The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has backtracked on initial reports suggesting that 16,800 bags of rice, thought to be part of the Federal Government’s palliative aid, had been diverted and repackaged for sale.

In a statement released on Friday, the commission’s Chairman, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, revealed new findings that have reshaped the investigation.

Earlier this week, the commission received a tip-off from a whistleblower, claiming that 28 trucks carrying 16,800 bags of rice were being stored in a warehouse on Ring Road, Hotoro, Kano.

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The rice bags were reportedly branded with the image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the inscription “Ramadan Kareem,” and labeled “Not for sale,” raising concerns about potential corruption and diversion.

At the time, Rimingado described the act of repackaging and rebagging the rice as “a clear form of corruption.”

He emphasized that given the country’s ongoing hardship, it was particularly egregious for anyone to engage in such activities.

“Look at it, they are in the process, we have seen it and we are taking appropriate measures now. Investigation will be conducted thoroughly with all vigour to uncover all those behind it,” he said.

The commission made one arrest at the scene, while another suspect voluntarily submitted himself to the authorities.

However, in a significant development, Rimingado clarified that the rice was not part of any government distribution, as initially suspected.

Instead, he revealed that the rice belonged to a philanthropist, whose identity remains undisclosed.

According to Rimingado, the rice had been brought to Kano from Bauchi and Zamfara states, and the people handling it were working on behalf of the philanthropist to distribute the rice as part of a charitable initiative supporting President Tinubu’s agenda.

He explained, “At the preliminary stage it was established that the goods were brought to Kano from Bauchi and Zamfara State and that some names were featured.

“Now that it is established that the goods are not public property and the people handling whatever exercise taking place in that warehouse are working for the owner of the goods, the Commission, therefore, in accordance with established protocols, decided to approach the court with the new findings for necessary action.”

He further assured the public that the commission would continue its investigation with full legal action against anyone found culpable, stressing that the rice was not part of any Federal Government palliative package as initially believed.

Rimingado also thanked the people of Kano for their continued vigilance and support in the fight against corruption.

“I encourage them to continue providing the commission with vital information to help in fighting corruption and other related offences in the state,” he addes

The commission has since sealed the warehouse and handed the suspects over to security agencies for further interrogation as it seeks to resolve the matter transparently.

 

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International News

Growing Internal Dissent Moves Canada PM Towards Resignation

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Four dead, Dozens Injured As Canada Bus Rollover

Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau is expected to resign this week as internal dissatisfaction within his Liberal Party reaches a breaking point, according to a report by The Globe and Mail on Sunday.

Citing three anonymous sources with knowledge of party deliberations, the report stated that Trudeau’s resignation could be announced as early as Monday.

The timing would allow for his departure to be addressed at a national Liberal Party caucus meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

READ MORE: Tinubu Attends Mahama’s Inauguration

“The announcement would likely come before a national Liberal Party caucus on Wednesday,” The Globe and Mail reported, quoting party insiders.

It remains uncertain whether Trudeau would continue in an interim role while the Liberals search for new leadership.

Trudeau’s leadership has faced mounting criticism in recent months. His government barely survived a series of no-confidence votes, and his approval ratings have plummeted as he trails Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre by 20 points in opinion polls.

While Trudeau has vowed to lead the Liberals into the next federal election, slated for October 2025, his position has grown increasingly untenable.

The strain has been compounded by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian goods, a move that threatens to escalate into a full-blown trade war.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned in December after reportedly clashing with Trudeau over how to handle Trump’s tariff plans, marking the first significant cabinet fracture.

Later that month, Trudeau reshuffled one-third of his cabinet in an attempt to regain control, but internal unrest persisted.

In November, Trudeau traveled to Florida to meet with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate, seeking to defuse trade tensions.

However, the meeting did little to alleviate the strain. Trump continued to target Trudeau publicly, mocking him on social media as the “governor” of Canada and suggesting that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, calling it a “great idea.”

Trudeau rose to prominence in 2015, sweeping the Liberals to power with a charismatic image and progressive platform.

Over his three terms, he championed Senate reforms, legalized cannabis, introduced a carbon tax, and passed legislation permitting medically assisted suicide.

However, critics argue that Trudeau’s once-strong leadership has been overshadowed by his inability to navigate recent crises, including trade disputes and political dissent.

If Trudeau steps down, it would mark a dramatic shift in Canadian politics and leave the Liberals facing a critical leadership race in the run-up to the 2025 election.

 

 

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NEWS

Tinubu Attends Mahama’s Inauguration

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Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be gracing the inauguration ceremonies of his Ghanaian counterpart, John Dramani Mahama billed for Accra on January 7, 2025.

The Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that his boss would be making the journey on Monday January 6, 2025 at the invitation of the incoming Ghanaian president.

Onanuga wrote, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Lagos on Monday, January 6, for Accra, the capital of the Republic of Ghana, to attend the inauguration of President-elect John Dramani Mahama on January 7.

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“Mahama, who served as the 12th president of Ghana between 2011 and 2017, was reelected in December 2024. He will succeed President Nana Akuffo-Addo (2017-2025).

“President Tinubu’s trip to Accra is at the invitation of the president-elect, who had visited the Nigerian leader earlier in December.

“Mahama and President Tinubu have a longstanding personal relationship, just like Nigeria and Ghana maintain a longstanding bilateral relationship.

“President Tinubu, as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, will join other African leaders at the ceremony.

“Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and other senior government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip.”

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NEWS

Three-Storey Building Collapse In Rivers, Seven Injured

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A three-story building under construction collapsed on Saturday, January 4, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, leaving seven people injured.

According to the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Evans Bipi, no lives were lost due to swift rescue efforts.

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In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Emeka Idika, Bipi described the incident as tragic but noted that timely intervention by his ministry, the Special Duties Department, and other agencies helped save lives.

“It is unfortunate that we are beginning the year with this tragic incident. Though no life was lost, this is the fourth building collapse we are witnessing in the state since I assumed office,” the Commissioner said.

Preliminary findings at the site indicate that the collapse was caused by the use of substandard materials, including 12mm rods for decking—a direct violation of construction standards.

“Specifically, the use of 12mm rods for decking a building is a clear violation of construction standards. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, as similar cases in the state have been linked to the same cause,” Bipi explained.

The affected property has been sealed, pending further investigations into the cause of the collapse.

Bipi stressed the importance of adhering to building regulations to avoid similar tragedies in the future.

“The property has been sealed pending investigation into the cause of collapse,” he stated.

The Commissioner urged developers to comply with established standards to ensure public safety and prevent further loss of property and potential lives.

 

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