By Our Correspondent

The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the recent ruling by a Canadian Federal court that erroneously designated certain political parties in Nigeria as “terrorist organizations.”

The declaration was in pursuance of a case involving a Nigerian, Mr. Douglas Egharevba, who arrived in Canada in September 2017 and applied for inland refugee status under the immigration and Refugee Protection Act of Canada.

This baseless classification according to a statement  issued to journalists by the Spokesperson Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr.Kimiebi Ebinefa on Friday,  is not only reckless but also constitutes an unacceptable interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and democratic processes.

According to the statement, “the court made a sweeping accusation against the entire membership of a political party that has produced three democratically elected presidents, instead of focusing on individuals found wanting. The larger ramification of the decision is that every member of the mentioned political parties is a potential terrorist, and that is completely false and unacceptable.

“Nigeria is a sovereign nation with a robust legal and constitutional framework governing political activities. Our political parties operate within the ambit of the law and are integral to the country’s vibrant democracy. To associate legitimate political entities with terrorism without credible evidence is a grave misrepresentation that undermines Nigeria’s democratic institutions and could incite unnecessary tension.”

The Federal Government of Nigeria, therefore, calls on the Canadian authorities to immediately retract this erroneous designation and refrain from actions that could be misconstrued as endorsing politically motivated narratives against Nigeria. It further noted,”Diplomatic channels remain open for constructive dialogue, and we urge the Government of Canada to engage with the relevant Nigerian institutions to rectify this error.

“Nigeria remains committed to the global fight against terrorism and has made significant strides in countering extremist groups within its borders; therefore, called on the international community to disregard this misguided ruling and reaffirm its confidence in Nigeria’s democratic governance and rule of law.

“The government further urges Nigerian nationals to refrain from making unfounded allegations against Nigeria under the pretence of seeking asylum or favours from foreign entities.”

By  Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna

Justice Aisha Wodu Bawa of the Suleja High Court Number three has adjourned the suit filed by the embattled Chairman of Chanchaga local government council Aminu Ladan to 4th, September 2025.

The suite was transferred to Suleja ciary Division following a petition filed against Justice Mohammed Mohammed of Minna High Court number four by the defendants on the ground that Justice Mohammed presided over the case that brought the embattled Chairman to office.

The Petitioners in their Petition to the Chief Judge, claimed that they don’t have confidence in the Judge.and he should recuse himself from the case.

As a result of the petition Forwarded to the Chief Judge of Niger State Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, Justice Mohammed Mohammed then recused himself from the case and transfered the case to the Vacation Judge in Suleja Justice Aisha Wodu Bawa.

At the resumed hearing of the case, Counsel to the
suspended Chairman, Anthony Orinfumishe informed the court that the matter being a transfered one is for hearing of the pending applications which are Motion for interlocutory injunction filed by the Chairman as well as the preliminary objection and motion to set aside the interim orders filed by the Attorney General of Niger State through his Counsel Johnson Jacob Usman SAN.

However, Counsel to the Attorney General of Niger State, Johnson Usman, SAN objected to that submission on the grounds that he was just served by other the Plaintiff’s Counter affidavits to his preliminary objection and the motion to set aside and he has 7 days to file further affidavit and replies on points of law.

In addition, Johnson Jacob Usman SAN, submitted that the further affidavit filed by the Plaintiff in respect of his motion for interlocutory injunction raises fresh facts and he needs to react to same.

The Senior Advocate further urged the court to hear both the substantive suit and all the pending applications in line with Supreme Court decisions “that where a matter is commenced by way of originating summons, it should be heard together with other applications in order to save time, energy and resources”

. Counsel to other Defendants, Isiaka Kadiri Esq, Hassan Hassan Esq, Mohammed Waziri Esq all aligned with the submission of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Consequently, Justice Aisha Wodu also agreed with the submission of the Senior Advocate and adjourned the matter to the 4th September 2025 for hearing of the substantive suit and all pending applications.

Recalled that on 30th July 2025, the Councilors of Chanchaga suspended the Executive Chairman Hon Aminu YAKUBU Ladan on allegation of financial misconduct and other allegations. Pursuant to the suspension, the Vice Chairman was sworn in as acting chairman.

Dissatisfied with his suspension, Ladan filed SUIT NO: NSHC/MN/289/2025 before the High Court Minna. When the matter came up on 6th August, 2025, the trial Judge, Justice Mohammed Mohammed recused himself from hearing the case and same was transferred to Suleja by the Chief Judge.

On Monday,the 11th August, 2025, the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago constituted a three man Committee headed by Justice Abdulmalik Mukailu to investigate the Chairman in line with Section 5 of the Niger State Local Government Law. All the yes are now on the Committee to see the outcome of its investigation.