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Sanusi Strikes Back: Outrage Erupts Over El-Rufai’s ‘Impossible’ Bail Conditions

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The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has publicly criticized the stringent bail conditions imposed on former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. El-Rufai is currently detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following a nine-count charge of fraud and abuse of office filed on April 13. According to Sanusi, authorities have mandated that a serving emir and a high-ranking government official must act as sureties for his release—a requirement he described as excessive.

Beyond the specific case of El-Rufai, the former CBN Governor expressed deep concern over the state of Northern Nigeria. He lamented the erosion of the region’s cultural identity and patience, noting that while poverty has historically challenged the North, residents previously maintained a sense of dignity and influence. Sanusi concluded that the North has lost its former standing in national politics, with its leaders no longer enjoying the widespread acceptance they once commanded.

In a recent address to the press, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, voiced his disapproval regarding the legal hurdles currently facing former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai. El-Rufai, who is being held by the ICPC on charges of financial misconduct, has been granted bail conditions that include the requirement of an emir and a senior government official as sureties—a demand Sanusi termed unnecessarily difficult.

During the same engagement, the former Central Bank Governor reflected on the broader decline of the Northern region. He argued that the North is suffering from more than just economic hardship; it is undergoing a cultural crisis. Sanusi suggested that the region has lost its traditional sense of resilience and dignity, lamenting that Northerners have allowed their political influence to wane to the point where they are no longer seen as natural leaders for the nation.

  • Criticism of Bail: Sanusi characterized the demand for an emir and a senior government official to sign for El-Rufai’s bail as an overly burdensome requirement.

  • Legal Status: El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody following his arraignment for alleged financial crimes during his tenure as governor.

  • Cultural Critique: Sanusi argued that the North’s primary struggle is not merely poverty, but the erosion of its traditional values and cultural identity.

  • Loss of Influence: The Emir observed that Northern leaders have lost the national political capital and public acceptance they formerly enjoyed.

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NBA ELECTION SHOWDOWN: Osigwe Defies AGF, Declares Attorney General Powerless To Stop Polls!.

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July 18, 2026

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Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), has firmly rejected recent calls from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to postpone the association’s national elections. Osigwe asserted that the AGF lacks the legal authority to dictate or alter the NBA’s electoral process, warning that doing so would undermine the independence of the legal profession and breach the association’s constitutional framework.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The controversy stems from the AGF’s advice that the NBA suspend its July 18, 2026, polls, dissolve its current Election Committee, and implement the National Identification Number (NIN) for voter verification. During an interview on Arise News this Friday, Osigwe clarified that while the AGF’s opinions are noted, they are not binding directives. He emphasized that the NBA is governed by its own Constitution, the Legal Practitioners Act, and other established regulatory instruments—none of which grant the AGF power to intervene in the association’s internal affairs.

“Suggesting that he [the AGF] has the power to postpone our elections would imply that the NBA is merely a department under the Office of the Attorney General,” Osigwe stated. He noted that while the Bar is open to considering advice, it cannot comply with “must-do” directives that conflict with its governing laws.

Upholding Constitutional Eligibility and Opposing External Impositions

Osigwe also addressed ongoing debates regarding zoning and consensus candidates. He maintained that the NBA Constitution clearly defines the criteria for presidential aspirants, requiring candidates to be at least 15 years post-call, have served on the National Executive Council for at least two years, and be fully up-to-date with their practice fees and branch dues for the preceding three years.

He rejected attempts by external interest groups to force their preferred candidates upon the association, calling such actions illogical. “They accuse the Bar of various things and turn around to accuse others of trying to impose a candidate, when they are actually the ones imposing a candidate,” he remarked. Osigwe underscored that any member who meets the constitutional requirements is entitled to run for office, regardless of endorsements from external bodies.

Commitment to a Transparent Process

Regarding the upcoming election, the NBA President defended the inclusivity of the race, noting that the presence of a female candidate highlights the association’s commitment to equal opportunity.

To ensure credibility and transparency, Osigwe confirmed that the NBA has invited international and civil society observers—including the EU and Yiaga—to monitor the process. Addressing skeptics who fear electoral malpractice, he insisted that all concerns have been thoroughly addressed to build trust.

“Everything is in place, and the electoral body is ready to conduct it,” Osigwe said. He concluded by urging all aspirants to focus on the polls rather than seeking delays: “Go out there and test your popularity; don’t drag the association down or tarnish people’s images. May the best man or woman win.”

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NAIRA WATCH: The Dollar Holds Steady at ₦1,378.34 As Markets Open Today!.

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July 18, 2026

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  • At the Lagos parallel market, Bureau De Change (BDC) sources reported that the dollar was selling for ₦1425 and buying at ₦1412.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

    • It is important to note that these figures may fluctuate, and the actual rate you encounter when buying or selling forex can vary from these prices.

    Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Rates

    • The CBN rate for the dollar against the naira recorded a high of ₦1382 and a low of ₦1378.

    Important Regulatory Note

    • The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize the parallel market. The bank has instructed individuals seeking to conduct foreign exchange transactions to utilize their respective banks instead.

    Source:

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NATION IN MOURNING: Former Minister And Science Icon, Turner Isoun, Passes Away.

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July 18, 2026

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Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has mourned the passing of Professor Turner Isoun, a former Minister of Science and Technology, honoring him as a distinguished scholar whose legacy in education, science, and national growth remains lasting. Professor Isoun, a renowned expert in veterinary medicine, passed away in Abuja on July 15 at the age of 87.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Governor Diri, through his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, highlighted several aspects of the late statesman’s life and career:

  • Academic and Public Service Excellence: Governor Diri described Isoun as an intellectual giant whose contributions impacted both academia and the public sector. As the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, he was credited with establishing a strong foundation for the institution.

  • Scientific and Technological Leadership: During his tenure as minister from 2000 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, Isoun championed significant reforms. He was instrumental in creating the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Galaxy Backbone Plc. Additionally, his leadership was central to Nigeria’s early milestones in space technology, including the launch of satellites like NigeriaSat-1 and NigComSat-1R.

  • Commitment to the Niger Delta: Isoun was deeply involved in the socio-political development of the Niger Delta. He served as the Ijaw National Congress Central Zone Chairman and was a key advocate for the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996.

Governor Diri extended his sympathies to the Isoun family, the Odi community, and the broader Ijaw nation, encouraging them to find solace in the professor’s remarkable life of service and dedication to national progress.

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