Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has demanded ₦25 billion in damages from the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, over alleged defamation of character and libel.

According to reports, the governor also demanded a public apology from the PDP state chairman, to be published in three national daily newspapers.

The demands were contained in a letter dated 22 December 2025, addressed to Aziegbemi and signed by the governor’s lawyer, R.I.D. Okezie, Esq.

The letter, titled “Demand for damages and apologies for defamation of the character of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” accused Aziegbemi of making defamatory statements against the governor.

Governor Okpebholo reportedly gave the PDP chairman a seven-day ultimatum to pay the ₦25 billion damages and publish a retraction in three national dailies.

Parts of the letter stated that the governor’s attention was drawn to a press release allegedly issued by Aziegbemi, described as the factional chairman of the Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee, on 7 January 2025.

The release was said to have been widely circulated by newspapers and online media platforms, allegedly containing statements that disparaged the governor’s reputation and the office he occupies.

The letter further claimed that the publication ridiculed the governor’s image, which it said he had built over the years as a responsible politician, dating back to his time as a senator in the National Assembly.

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Gold climbed above $4,500 an ounce for the first time in history on Wednesday, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in Venezuela and expectations of further U.S. interest rate cuts.

Silver and platinum also advanced to record levels, reflecting a broad rally across precious metals.

Spot gold rose nearly 1% in early trading, extending a three-day winning streak, before easing to trade little changed.

The surge reflects investors’ flight to safe-haven assets amid U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil tankers and growing bets that the Federal Reserve will lower borrowing costs in 2026.

Best annual performance since 1979

Gold has gained nearly 70% this year, while silver has soared almost 150%, both on track for their strongest annual performance since 1979.

The rally has been supported by elevated central-bank purchases and steady inflows into exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

According to the World Gold Council, holdings in gold-backed ETFs have increased every month this year except May. State Street Corp.’s SPDR Gold Trust, the largest precious-metals ETF, has expanded by more than a fifth in 2025.

Gold rebounded quickly after retreating from its October peak of $4,381 an ounce, signaling resilience in investor appetite. Goldman Sachs projects prices could reach $4,900 an ounce in 2026, with risks skewed to the upside.

Silver’s spectacular rally 

Silver broke through $70 an ounce for the first time on Tuesday, climbing as much as 1.8% to a record $72.70.

The metal’s rally has outpaced gold, fueled by speculative inflows and lingering supply disruptions following a historic short squeeze in October.

Despite significant inflows into London vaults, much of the world’s silver remains concentrated in New York as traders await the outcome of a U.S. Commerce Department probe into critical minerals imports. The investigation could lead to tariffs or restrictions.

Platinum extends winning streak 

Platinum also surged, jumping 4% to surpass $2,300 an ounce for the first time since Bloomberg began tracking data in 1987.

The metal, widely used in automotive and jewelry industries, has risen for 10 consecutive sessions, its longest winning streak since 2017.

Platinum has gained about 150% this year, the largest annual increase on record, amid tight supplies and disruptions in South Africa, a major producer. Analysts warn the market is heading for a third consecutive annual deficit.

More insight 

Gold’s 14-day relative strength index (RSI) climbed to 81, while silver’s RSI hovered near 82 — both well above the threshold of 70 that typically signals overbought conditions.

At 12:11 p.m. in London, spot gold edged up 0.2% to $4,494.75 an ounce, after hitting a record $4,525.77 earlier. Silver traded at $72.33, while platinum rose 1.2%. Palladium, however, gave up earlier gains.

What you should know 

Earlier in December, a new outlook released by the World Gold Council projected gold to maintain its upward trajectory, surging by 15-30% in 2026.

The precious metal delivered a standout performance in 2025, recording more than 50 all-time highs and generating returns of over 60%.

This surge was driven by heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty, a weakening US dollar, and strong positive price momentum.

The report noted that both institutional and retail investors, alongside central banks, boosted their exposure to gold as they sought diversification and stability.

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Indian authorities have arrested a 29-year-old Nigerian lady, identified as Olajide Esther Iyanuoluwa, for allegedly trafficking cocaine concealed inside loaves of bread in a bid to beat security checks.

Cocaine Worth Over ₹1.2 Crore Seized

According to The Times of India, officials of the Central Crime Branch recovered 121 grams of cocaine, estimated at ₹1.2 crore, from the suspect.

Investigators said the case reflects a worrying trend where smugglers increasingly use everyday food items to move narcotics undetected.

Fake Student Status Exposed

Police findings revealed that Olajide entered India last year on a student visa, claiming to be studying in the country.

However, investigations confirmed she never registered with any school.

Instead, she repeatedly moved between different locations in Mumbai, including Ghatkopar, Ambawadi, Gala Nagar, and Nallasopara, allegedly engaging in drug trafficking activities.

Linked to Drug Network Across Indian Cities

Authorities said Olajide sourced the cocaine from a male associate in Mumbai and was instructed to personally deliver it to another Nigerian buyer in Bengaluru.

Investigators explained that the decision to transport the drugs by hand was to avoid courier tracking and reduce suspicion.

“She was directed to carry the drug herself and hand it over to another Nigerian national residing in Bengaluru. This was done to minimise suspicion and avoid courier-based interception,” an investigating officer revealed.

Arrest Followed Intelligence Tip-Off

The CCB launched a discreet operation after receiving intel that the suspect was travelling by private bus from Mumbai to Bengaluru.

She was intercepted shortly after she arrived in the city.

A search of her backpack revealed loaves of bread with holes drilled inside, where the cocaine was carefully hidden among other food items.

Intended Recipient Also Arrested

Following her confession, police carried out a follow-up operation near Varthur where they apprehended the intended recipient of the drugs.

Authorities confirmed that the Nigerian buyer was deported soon after his arrest.

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.Members include Uzodimma, Abdulrahman, Oyebanji, Fubara, Banire, Bello, Oyetola

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated a Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation to resolve conflicts within the All Progressives Congress as it approaches the 2027 general elections.
The committee, which comprises Governors of the party, members of the Federal Executive Council, and other notable stakeholders, has the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Bala Buni, as Chairman, and Muiz Banire, former Legal Adviser of the APC, as Member/Secretary.
Other members include Senator Adamu Aliero, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta).
Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, are also members.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee in Lagos on Wednesday, Governor Mai Buni, according to a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga,
expressed gratitude for being chosen as the chairman and for the party’s confidence in the members.
He said the committee would execute the assignment with utmost responsibility and dedication.
According to him: “The committee will engage in strategic engagements and consultations to develop an all-encompassing, productive and result-oriented strategy that will stand the test of time. We shall implement a system that gives everyone, especially aggrieved parties, a sense of belonging and inclusion, with a renewed hope.
“Similarly, the committee will consider proactive measures, solutions, and the potential threats in our conflict resolution approach”.
He urged members “not to allow personal interest and sentiments to override the general interest and purpose for which this committee is constituted.”
President Tinubu had on Friday, December 19, at the 15th National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress, held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, harped on the need for cohesion within the ruling party.
He reminded party leaders that the APC was built on the ideals of progressive politics, broad-based participation, and respect for diversity of opinion.
The President had said at the meeting: “We must continue to be resolute that this democracy that we take in our hands must not fail. We say we are bigger. We are larger and taller. But it should now be in our hearts to be accommodating. That’s the only way we can be resilient, we must be tolerant.”

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated a high-powered Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress (APC), tasking it with resolving internal disputes and strengthening party cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The committee was inaugurated on Wednesday in Lagos as part of moves by the party leadership to consolidate unity and avert internal crises that could undermine its electoral fortunes. 

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the committee draws its membership from APC governors, members of the Federal Executive Council and other key stakeholders across the party.

Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, was named chairman of the committee, while former APC National Legal Adviser, Muiz Banire, will serve as member and secretary.

Other members include Senator Adamu Aliero; Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; as well as Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta).

Also on the committee are Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna) and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers); Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

Speaking at the inauguration, Buni thanked President Tinubu and the party leadership for the confidence reposed in him and other members, pledging that the committee would discharge its mandate with diligence and a strong sense of responsibility.

He said the panel would embark on wide consultations to design a durable strategy for managing internal disagreements. 

“The committee will engage in strategic engagements and consultations to develop an all-encompassing, productive and result-oriented strategy that will stand the test of time,” Buni said.

According to him, special attention would be paid to inclusiveness and reconciliation within the party. 

“We shall implement a system that gives everyone, especially aggrieved parties, a sense of belonging and inclusion, with a renewed hope,” he added.

Buni also noted that the committee would adopt a proactive approach in identifying potential flashpoints. 

“Similarly, the committee will consider proactive measures, solutions, and the potential threats in our conflict resolution approach,” he said, urging members not to allow “personal interest and sentiments to override the general interest and purpose for which this committee is constituted.”

The inauguration followed President Tinubu’s earlier call for unity at the APC’s 15th National Executive Committee meeting held on December 19 at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, where he underscored the need for cohesion within the ruling party.

At that meeting, the President reminded party leaders that the APC was founded on progressive ideals, broad-based participation and respect for diversity of opinion, warning that internal intolerance could weaken the party’s democratic credentials.

“We must continue to be resolute that this democracy that we take in our hands must not fail. We say we are bigger. We are larger and taller. But it should now be in our hearts to be accommodating. That’s the only way we can be resilient; we must be tolerant”, Tinubu said.

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By Adesina Wahab

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government on Wednesday finalised discussions on the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, with the understanding that the new deal will become effective next January.

The agreement is centred on the welfare of the university lecturers and the funding of public universities.

When contacted, the Chairman of the University of Lagos, UNILAG Branch of ASUU, Prof. Idou Keinde, confirmed the development in a telephone chat, but said he was yet to get the details.

“Yes, I can say that an agreement has been reached but I don’t have the details yet,” he said.

However, a statement shared by ASUU on its official Facebook page revealed that the agreement is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026, and will be reviewed every three years.

ASUU announced that the new agreement was reached on December 23, 2025, following extensive negotiations between both parties.

“After years of delays, negotiations, and struggles, ASUU has officially reached a new agreement with the Federal Government on December 23, 2025, concluding the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement,” ASUU said.

Under the agreement, academic staff in Nigerian public universities will receive a 40 per cent salary increase, while pension benefits have been significantly improved.

Professors are to earn pension equivalent to their annual salary upon retirement at the age of 70.

The agreement also introduces a new university funding model with dedicated allocations for research, libraries, laboratories, equipment and staff development.

In addition, a National Research Council is proposed to fund research activities with at least one per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.

Other provisions include stronger university autonomy and academic freedom, the election of academic leaders such as Deans and Provosts, with eligibility restricted to professors, and a commitment that no individual will be victimised for participating in past industrial actions.

The post ASUU, FG agree on 2009 renegotiated agreement appeared first on Vanguard News.

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In a major pan-African broadcasting initiative, StarTimes will premiere a special ‘New Year Animation Theatre’ featuring Beijing-themed content for children and families across the continent.

The event, titled “Beijing Animations Celebrate the New Year with You”, is scheduled to run daily from December 25, 2025, to April 2026 on the StarTimes Kids (ST Kids) and ST Kids Plus channels.

A statement issued by Clare Wang, African Language Channel director, described the festival as a cultural bridge, showcasing China’s capital city through animation.

“Through the universal language of animation, we hope African audiences can feel the cultural pulse of Beijing, a city where ancient heritage blends with modernity,” Wang stated.

The programming lineup includes 10 animated series, selected to reflect Chinese landscapes and culture. Titles range from Jing Ju Cat, which incorporates Peking Opera, to new adaptations of classic tales like The Legend of Nezha and My Little Monkey King. The series Big Head Son and Small Head Father offers family comedy, while Juvenile Astronaut focuses on space exploration.

To ensure wide accessibility, all content will be dubbed into four major languages: English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili.

The initiative represents a significant collaboration with local African broadcasters. In Kenya, partners include KTN, Kass TV, and KBC. In Uganda, broadcasts will air on UBC and NTV, while it was broadcast on mainstream media in Nigeria.Tanzanian viewers can watch on Channel 10 Plus.

The event will also be streamed live on the StarTimes ON mobile app, which has over 45 million users.

StarTimes has strategically timed the broadcast period to span the Christmas, New Year, and Lunar New Year holidays, aiming to create a continuous “Animated Holiday Season.”

“We believe these works can become a bridge connecting the hearts of Chinese and African children,we hope the younger generation in Africa can gain an understanding of a China that blends tradition with modernity through these stories,” Wang added.

Families across Africa are invited to tune in to the StarTimes Kids channels for what the broadcaster promises will be a “heartwarming audio-visual journey” to welcome the New Year.

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A Russian-backed court in occupied Ukraine on Wednesday sentenced a Colombian man to 19 years in prison for fighting for Kyiv’s army.

Moscow has jailed several foreign fighters that its troops have captured in eastern Ukraine, prosecuting them as mercenaries, not as prisoners of war protected under the Geneva Convention.

In a statement, Russia’s Prosecutor General said the Supreme Court in the Russian-controlled Donetsk region had sentenced a man it named as Oscar Mauricio Blanco Lopez to 19 years in jail.

It said the man, whose age it gave as 42, had arrived in Ukraine in May 2024 to sign-up to the Ukrainian army and had been “taken prisoner by Russian servicemen” in December 2025.

The court published a video showing him standing behind metal bars, expressionless, as the verdict was read out.

Last week, the same court sentenced a British man to 13 years in prison, also for fighting for Ukraine.

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The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has assured that it would re-double efforts in ensuring that 2026 is better for every stakeholder in the maritime industry.

The Director General of the agency, Dr Dayo Mobereola, disclosed this while felicitating with stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime industry during the yuletide.

The agency’s Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, Osagie Edward, explained in a statement on Wednesday that the director general also added that the year 2025 was a good one for the industry, acknowledging the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, industry stakeholders, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, management and staff of NIMASA as well as all Nigerians.

Enumerating some of the achievements of 2025, Mobereola highlighted the sustained zero tolerance for piracy in Nigerian waters, the deposition of three Instruments of Accession to IMO Conventions that were signed by President Bola Tinubu, the industrial harmony in the sector and the nation’s election into the category C Council of the IMO, amongst others.

He noted: “The year 2025 has been a good one for our industry as once again, we have not recorded a single piracy attack in our waters in a whole calendar year, Nigeria was also able to deposit three Instruments of Accession to IMO Conventions that were signed by President Bola Tinubu GCFR, we have been able to maintain industrial harmony in the sector all of which culminated to Nigeria’s election into the category C Council of the International Maritime Organization.

“We couldn’t have done this without our stakeholders, who have contributed in various ways in the course of their operations during the year. We see you, we thank you, and we felicitate with you during this yuletide season.”

While calling on industry operators to brace up for the New Year with hope of better times, Dr Mobereola noted that “at NIMASA, we appreciate the weight of our renewed responsibility by virtue of Nigeria’s membership of the IMO Council because to whom much is given, much is definitely expected.

“You can therefore be sure of an increased momentum in our resolve to sustain maritime safety, security, environmental protection and adherence to relevant conventions and protocols with renewed vigour.”

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The Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has distributed essential food items to widows and vulnerable members of the Christian community in preparation for the Christmas celebrations.

Over 6,000 people will benefit from the gesture, including 1,605 IDPs who have each received a bag of rice, 1 carton of spaghetti, and 1 gallon of cooking oil.

This year’s event, which took place on Monday, marks the continuation of a consistent policy of support since his inauguration in 2019, for the past five years.

Governor Zulum approves the provision of Christmas support packages to the Christian community across the state each year, including free transport for Christian residents who are not indigenes of Borno to travel to their ancestral communities.

The gesture aims to ease the economic burden and ensure that the less privileged can celebrate the Christmas holiday with joy and dignity.

While overseeing the distribution, Governor Babagana Zullum emphasised the importance of peace, unity, and shared prosperity among all citizens of Borno State, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.

“It is my sincere hope that the long-standing relationship between the Muslims and Christians in the Borno state will continue to reign. I pray that almighty Allah, in his infinite mercy, bless our communities and ensure that there is peaceful coexistence between the two religions,” Zulum stated.

The Governor said, “Islamic teachings have clearly stated that Muslims require simple co-existence with non-Muslims, that is, the preaching of the Quran, and I believe the same is obtained in the Bible.”

Also, while receiving the Governor, the Borno State CAN Chairman, Most Rev. John Bogna Bakeni, expressed profound gratitude for the governor’s sustained empathy and support.

“Let me convey our deep gratitude to Your Excellency. This means a lot to us, the Christian community in Borno State. You have again demonstrated your values and qualities of inclusion; you have given reason and hope to the Christian community to celebrate Christmas,” the CAN Chairman said.

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Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have detonated an improvised explosive device, IED, at a Juma’at Mosque in Gamboru Ward, around the Customs area in the heart of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The incident occurred on Wednesday while Muslim worshippers were observing the Maghrib prayer.

At The time of filing this report, information on the incident remains sketchy.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Nahum Daso, could not confirm the blast but said he was on his way to the scene to assess the situation.

The suspected blast has already created fear among residents, especially within the Christian community preparing for the 2025 Christmas celebration.

Security operatives have cordoned the area to prevent further casualties and to allow preliminary assessment of the incident.

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Several worshippers were killed on Tuesday when an explosive device went off inside a mosque at Gamborun Market in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The explosion occurred while worshippers were observing prayers, triggering panic and confusion within the densely populated market area.

Eyewitnesses told Zagazola Malala that the blast ripped through part of the mosque, killing some worshippers instantly and leaving others with varying degrees of injuries.

Traders and residents fled the scene as thick smoke billowed from the mosque, while some people attempted to rescue victims before the arrival of emergency responders.

Security operatives swiftly cordoned off the area to prevent further casualties and to enable a preliminary assessment of the incident.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not officially confirmed the number of casualties, while investigations into the cause of the explosion were ongoing.

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Several worshippers were killed on Wednesday after an explosive device detonated inside a mosque at Gamborun Market in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The explosion occurred while worshippers were gathered for prayers, causing panic and chaos within the busy market area.

According to Zagagola Makama, eyewitnesses said the blast ripped through part of the mosque, killing some worshippers instantly and leaving others with varying degrees of injuries.

Traders and residents in the area were seen fleeing the scene as thick smoke billowed from the mosque, while others attempted to assist victims before emergency responders arrived.

Security operatives cordoned off the area shortly after the incident to prevent further casualties and to allow for preliminary assessment of the situation.

As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties had not been officially confirmed.

Some of the worshippers, who escaped the attack, said the assailants sneaked into the mosque and detonated the bomb during the Maghrib congregational prayer.

“The bomber detonated when the first raka’at of the Maghrib prayer was observed. Many worshippers died, others sustained various injuries,” a worshipper stated.

However, there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, but among the suspects will be the Boko Haram armed group, which has launched a large number of suicide attacks in region over the past few months.

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The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has called on leaders at all levels to embrace selfless service and recommit themselves to the ideals of good governance, accountability, and justice.

In his Christmas message to Christian faithful by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, the former President of the Senate called for vigilance against insecurity and a collective commitment to national unity.

“Christmas is a season that reminds us of the timeless values of love, peace, sacrifice, humility, and service to humanity,” Mark said.

He stated that Nigeria’s diversity is its greatest strength, and urged Nigerians to embrace the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the credible alternative capable of ushering in an era of good and inclusive governance.

“No challenge is insurmountable when we work together with a shared sense of purpose and patriotism,” he added.

The ADC National Chairman encouraged Nigerians to draw strength from the true spirit of Christmas by showing compassion to one another, especially the less privileged.

“As we commemorate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, I extend my warmest Christmas greetings to you and your families across the length and breadth of our dear country,” Mark said, and called for tolerance, mutual respect, and national cohesion in the collective pursuit of peace and progress.

“As we celebrate this festive season, may peace reign in our communities, joy fill our homes, and renewed hope inspire us for the year ahead,” he prayed.

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The Kano State House of Assembly was plunged into mourning on Wednesday following the sudden death of two of its members within an hour.

The Assembly’s spokesperson, Kamaludden Shawai, confirmed the tragic sequence of events to PREMIUM TIMES.

The Assembly first announced the passing of Aminu Sa’adu, the member representing Ungoggo Local Government Area.

Mr Sa’adu reportedly died on Wednesday morning following a brief illness. Shortly after, the Assembly confirmed the death of Sarki Aliyu, the lawmaker representing Kano Municipal LGA.

According to Mr Shawai, Mr Aliyu collapsed after receiving the news of Mr Sa’adu’s passing shortly after arriving at the Assembly complex.

READ ALSO: APC compensates ex-council chair allegedly excluded from Kano govt’s severance benefits

He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed him dead.

The deceased lawmakers were close friends until their deaths.

Mr Shawai said the double loss has left the legislative house and the constituents of Ungogo and Kano Municipal in a state of shock.

He said lawmakers have described the event as an unprecedented tragedy for the state’s political leadership.

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