By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Out of the estimated 1.68 million registered voters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), only about 239,210 turned out to vote, representing roughly 14–15% voter participation. This figure is not only worrisome but also indicative of a deeper democratic challenge that cannot be ignored.

The 2026 FCT Area Councils elections, therefore, require a thorough post-mortem, an autopsy, so to speak, to uncover the root causes of this low turnout. Was it voter fatigue, dissatisfaction with political actors, lack of awareness, logistical shortcomings, security concerns, or a general loss of confidence in the electoral process? These questions must be carefully examined through data-driven analysis and stakeholder engagement.

Some observers believed the imposed restriction on movement contributed significantly to the low turnout, as it may have discouraged or inconvenienced many eligible voters. Others pointed to what they described as the ruling APC’s overwhelming posture, which some voters perceived as so dominant that their participation would not alter the outcome. In their view, even if they turned out to vote, the APC was certain to win, and their individual votes would not make a meaningful difference.

Addressing this level of voter apathy is critical, especially with the 2027 general elections approaching. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, civil society organisations, and other relevant authorities, including students of politics, must take proactive steps to rebuild public trust, strengthen voter education, review election-day policies such as movement restrictions, improve logistics, and enhance transparency, as well as conduct an academic analysis of ‘Why’.

A democracy thrives on active citizen participation. If such low turnout persists, it risks weakening the legitimacy of elected officials and undermining public confidence in the democratic system. The lessons from the FCT elections should therefore serve as an urgent call to action to ensure broader voter mobilisation and participation in future electoral cycles.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, with the critical task of restoring peace and strengthening security across Nigeria.

The President issued the directive on Wednesday at the State House, Abuja, during the official decoration of Disu, following the retirement of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

The appointment is subject to the ratification of the Nigeria Police Council, which is scheduled to meet next week, and subsequent confirmation by the Senate.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in Disu’s ability to tackle the nation’s security challenges, citing the new police chief’s track record.

“I made this decision for you to assume this responsibility. I know your record. I saw the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos when I was governor,” the President stated.

Describing the appointment as coming at a pivotal moment for the country, President Tinubu urged the Acting IGP to focus on rebuilding public trust in the Nigeria Police Force. He emphasized the need for the police to work collaboratively with other security agencies to safeguard lives and property.

“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that the safety of lives and property remains our highest priority. It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word, you have my full support,” the President assured.

The President further directed Disu to advance the security pillars of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence in his discipline, operational experience, and leadership capacity.

“Nigeria is challenged with banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities. You will be part of the thinking and innovation to overcome them,” Tinubu said.

In a moment of appreciation, President Tinubu also paid tribute to the outgoing Inspector-General, Kayode Egbetokun, who was present at the ceremony with his spouse.

“To the outgoing Inspector-General, we are a grateful nation. Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order,” he said.

The President urged Egbetokun to offer his counsel to the new police chief when needed, adding, “You have not succeeded without a good successor. His success will also be part of your legacy.”

The ceremony was attended by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori; senior government officials; and family members of the new Acting IGP.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The newly appointed Acting Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has pledged to end impunity within the Nigeria Police Force and ensure strict respect for human rights under his leadership.

Mr Disu made this known on Wednesday shortly after he was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. His appointment followed the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

In an interview with State House correspondents, as reported by Premium Times, the acting police chief outlined his vision for the force. He stressed the need for professionalism, proper training, and improved welfare for officers.

“I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to ensure they follow human rights,” he said.

Reflecting on his appointment, Mr Disu described it as unexpected and expressed appreciation to the president. “It came at a time I was not expecting it. That makes me give thanks to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his magnanimity to see me fit to be appointed as the Inspector General of Police.”

He also spoke about the president’s confidence in him, noting that it was both emotional and motivating. According to him, the recognition of his past service by the president serves as a challenge to deliver results. He said the expectation is for him to bring peace and improve policing across the country.

Speaking on his priorities, the acting IGP emphasised the importance of public cooperation. He noted that citizens must be regarded as key stakeholders in policing. He added that officers who are well motivated are more likely to perform effectively.

“I like one of the first lecture I’m going to have with my men. I’m going to talk to them, let them know that the citizens, the citizens of the country are the boss.”

Mr Disu also reiterated his commitment to tackling corruption within the force and addressing ongoing security challenges, including insurgency. He acknowledged the efforts of officers nationwide and said his role would be to strengthen morale and improve their effectiveness.

“I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption, and most importantly, I’m going to drum it into them that we can never succeed without the cooperation of members of the public.”

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member high-level committee to supervise the disbursement of N8 billion in financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the Singer Market fire disaster.

The Daily Reality reports that the inferno, which razed sections of the market on two separate occasions, caused massive economic losses, with traders losing goods and business capital estimated at billions of naira.

Inaugurating the committee on Tuesday in Kano, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruq, said the panel was constituted to ensure transparent and equitable distribution of the intervention funds.

Faruq, who was represented by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Maude, SAN, noted that members were drawn from critical sectors to guarantee credibility and accountability in carrying out the assignment.

According to him, the committee, chaired by the SSG, is tasked with promoting fairness, transparency and accountability in ensuring that only genuine victims benefit from the support.

The committee comprises commissioners, representatives of the State Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders and representatives of the affected traders.

Faruq said the panel would assess the extent of the damage, evaluate material and capital losses suffered by traders and develop a workable framework for the disbursement of the funds.

He added that the committee would also review existing safety gaps within the market and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence of such fire incidents.

Part of its terms of reference, he explained, includes ensuring timely distribution of the assistance and sustained engagement with stakeholders and the media to build public confidence in the process.

The Chairman of the Kano Traders Association, Alhaji Sabi’u Bako, commended the governor for what he described as a prompt and structured response to the tragedy.

He also appreciated the Federal Government for sending a delegation to sympathise with the victims, assuring that the committee would discharge its duties with fairness and sincerity.

Bako said although the actual number of affected traders and the total value of losses were yet to be determined, only verified victims would benefit from the intervention.

The disaster drew the attention of President Bola Tinubu, who approved N5 billion as palliative support for the traders. Similarly, the Progressives Governors Forum contributed N3 billion to aid recovery efforts.

Earlier, victims of the Singer Market fire received N200 million in cash support from Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf and the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, to cushion the impact of the disaster.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Popular Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has defended the practice of Shariah law in Nigeria.

He said it is the right of Muslims to be governed by their religious principles, similar to how the United States safeguards Christian interests.

Gumi made the remarks in response to reports that some members of the U.S. Congress submitted a request to President Donald Trump, urging the abolition of Shariah and blasphemy laws in Nigeria.

In a post shared on his verified social media page, the cleric maintained that Muslims have the freedom to follow their religious injunctions. “Shariah Law is the Muslims’ prerogative just as the US found it only necessary to protect the Christians,” he said.

He also stated that Muslims face threats which he described as hidden and externally driven. “At the same time, Muslims are more victims of this occult terror imported into the country by hidden forces they very well know,” Gumi stated.

In a separate post, he criticised what he called inconsistency in global discussions on religion and governance. “It’s ok for US evangelical Christians administration for Israel to live by biblical stories yet Haram for Muslims to live by the Quranic injunctions,” he wrote.

Shariah law operates alongside Nigeria’s conventional legal system in several northern states, especially in matters related to personal and family issues among Muslims.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has rejected claims by United States lawmakers that Nigeria is witnessing religious persecution, insisting that no such policy exists in the country.

The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, stated this while reacting to a report submitted to US President Donald Trump by members of the US Congress.

The report was presented by lawmakers from the House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs after months of investigations and field assessments.

It highlighted allegations of persecution against Christians as well as concerns over extremist violence.

The development followed the decision by the US government to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and to mandate Congressman Riley Moore and Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to lead an inquiry into the matter.

Moore, in a statement shared on his official X account, said the submission marked the end of extensive bipartisan efforts. He added that the engagements offered a clearer picture of insecurity and the situation facing Christian communities in some parts of Nigeria.

In response, the Federal Government reiterated that insecurity in the country is not driven by religious bias or government policy. Mohammed Idris stressed that there is no official backing for religious persecution and that all citizens are protected under the law regardless of their beliefs.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken note of recent statements and recommendations emerging from engagements within the United States Congress, contained in a joint report on Christian persecution in Nigeria submitted to the White House on Monday by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Appropriations Committee, concerning security developments in Nigeria.”

“Nigeria acknowledges that parts of the country continue to face serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts that have tragically affected many communities. The Federal Government remains deeply concerned about the loss of lives and destruction of property resulting from these criminal acts, and we extend our sympathies to all victims and their families, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or region.

“It is important to state clearly that Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution. The violence being confronted by our security agencies is not driven by government policy or religious bias, but by complex security threats, including terrorism, organised criminality, and longstanding communal tensions.”

The minister also noted that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and worship. He said the government remains committed to protecting these rights and ensuring equal treatment for all citizens.

“Nigeria values its longstanding and strategic partnership with the United States. Our two countries share common interests in promoting security, economic development, and regional stability. We remain open to constructive dialogue and cooperation rooted in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and recognition of Nigeria’s constitutional framework and sovereignty.

“The Federal Government will continue to engage international partners through appropriate diplomatic channels while remaining focused on its primary duty, the protection of all Nigerians.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Kano indigene and university lecturer based in Cologne, Germany, Muhsin Ibrahim, has raised concerns over alleged job offer racketeering in Kano State, claiming the practice remains widespread despite a change in administration.

In a series of Facebook posts, Ibrahim alleged that the sale of job placements in government ministries and institutions became common toward the end of the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and has continued under the current government led by Abba Kabir Yusuf.

He stated, “Job offer racketeering was prevalent in Kano towards the end of Governor Ganduje’s administration, in late 2022 and early 2023. I wrote extensively about it here. I thought Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, with his purported principles, would stop it. I was wrong.”

The lecturer explained that recent discussions with contacts in Kano revealed that the alleged practice is not only ongoing but expanding. He described a situation where employment opportunities are treated like commodities and sold openly.

“For two days, I happened to speak with family and friends about this illicit business in Kano. It is not only happening but also booming and carried out in broad daylight. Like merchandise, job offers at different ministries and institutions are priced and sold in the market,” he said.

Ibrahim also claimed that some individuals have fallen victim to fraud while attempting to secure such opportunities, describing the situation as “double jeopardy.”

“To make matters worse, several people have been scammed. I call this double jeopardy. You are duped while engaging in immoral, unethical practices. You have no one and nowhere to report your case to,” he added.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by job seekers, especially those who have spent years pursuing education without securing employment. However, he blamed those involved in selling job offers and criticised authorities for failing to curb the trend.

“I can understand why some people feel pushed into buy job offers. It is depressing to be without a job after investing so much money, time and energy in obtaining qualifications. So, I largely blame the sellers but also the government for doing almost nothing to stop this,” he stated.

The lecturer urged those involved to desist from the practice and called for adherence to due process in recruitment.

“Please stop selling job offers. Follow proper hiring procedures and standard practices. Do not abet corruption in Nigeria or anywhere else. Change begins with you and me.”

In a follow-up post, Ibrahim disclosed that a government official in Kano forwarded his earlier message to Governor Yusuf, who has reportedly pledged to respond to the issue.

“A Kano government official forwarded my previous post about job offer racketeering in the state to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The Governor has promised to take appropriate action. May Allah (SWT) grant him the wisdom and the will to do so, amin.”

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria has lowered the benchmark interest rate to 26.5 per cent.

The decision marks the second rate cut under the current leadership of the apex bank.

Governor Olayemi Cardoso announced the outcome on Tuesday after the committee’s 304th meeting held in Abuja.

Cardoso said, “The Committee decided to reduce the monetary policy rate by 50 basis points to 26.5%.”

He also stated that the MPC resolved to “retain the Standing Facilities Corridor around the MPR at +50/-450 basis points” and to “retain the Cash Reserve Requirement for Deposit Money Banks at 45.00 per cent, Merchant Banks at 16.00 per cent, and 75.00 per cent for non-TSA public sector deposits.”

The latest adjustment follows a similar 50-basis-point reduction in September 2025, while the committee maintained rates at its November 2025 meeting.

According to the governor, the move was based on “a balanced evaluation of risks to the outlook,” which indicates that “the ongoing disinflation trajectory would continue, largely supported by the lagged transmission of previous monetary tightening, sustained exchange rate stability, and enhanced food supply.”

He explained that headline inflation declined slightly to 15.10 per cent in January 2026 from 15.15 per cent recorded in December 2025. This represents the eleventh straight month of year-on-year decline.

Cardoso added that “Food inflation declined markedly to 8.89 per cent from 10.84 per cent,” while “core inflation declined to 17.72 per cent from 18.63 per cent.”

On a month-to-month basis, inflation dropped to -2.88 per cent in January from 0.54 per cent in December. The committee said this reflects “a continued softening of price pressures.”

The governor also highlighted progress in the external sector. He said the country’s gross external reserves increased to $50.45 billion as of February 16, 2026. He described it as “the highest in 13 years,” with an import cover of 9.68 months for goods and services.

He attributed the growth in reserves to stronger export earnings and higher remittance inflows. He said these factors have supported exchange rate stability and boosted investor confidence.

Cardoso further noted the introduction of Presidential Executive Order 09, which channels oil and gas revenues into the Federation Account. The committee “welcomed” the order and “acknowledged the potential impact of this Order in improving fiscal revenue and accretion to reserves.”

On the banking sector, the governor said key financial indicators remain within regulatory limits. He disclosed that 20 out of 33 banks involved in the recapitalisation programme have met the new minimum capital requirement. The committee described this as “steady progress towards a more robust and well-capitalised financial system.”

The MPC reiterated “the strategic importance of the recapitalisation exercise” and urged the bank to ensure its successful completion to strengthen resilience and support growth.

On economic performance, the Purchasing Managers’ Index stood at 55.7 points in January 2026. This suggests continued expansion in economic activity and possible improvement in output for the last quarter of 2025.

Looking ahead, Cardoso said the outlook shows that “the current momentum of domestic disinflation will continue in the near term,” supported by exchange rate stability and better food supply.

He, however, warned that “increased fiscal releases, including election-related spending, could pose upside risk to the outlook.”

The governor reaffirmed the MPC’s commitment to “an evidence-based policy framework, firmly anchored on the Bank’s core mandate of ensuring price stability, while safeguarding the soundness and resilience of the financial system.”

He added that the next MPC meeting is scheduled for May 19 and 20, 2026.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has announced plans to bring back soft loan schemes for teachers in the state. The initiative will target primary and secondary school teachers, with support for housing, vehicles, and motorcycles.

The governor made this known on Tuesday during the commissioning of 12,779 pieces of furniture for schools across the state. The items are meant for both teachers and students.

At the ceremony held in Birnin Kebbi, Idris said his administration remains committed to improving the welfare of teachers.

He said, “The government of Kebbi will continue to look into the plights of our teachers.

“In-Sha-Allah, by this year, 2026, we will come up with a package that teachers of primary and post-primary schools will benefit from.

“We shall soon come up with a soft loan package for teachers, this will cover: car loan, motorcycle loan and house loan, among others.

“This is with a view to giving our teachers a sense of belonging.”

The governor also stated that teachers would no longer be treated as second-class citizens. He noted that the provision of furniture forms part of efforts to improve conditions in schools across the state.

Idris said his government is determined to provide a suitable environment for teaching and learning. He added that the furniture distribution complements ongoing construction and renovation projects in schools.

“I want to assure the good people of Kebbi that this is just the beginning; we will continue to provide this kind of furniture for both teachers and students,” he stated.

He further directed that the furniture should be shared equally between the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Universal Basic Education Board.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Halima Bande, commended the governor for his commitment to education and other sectors of the economy.

While expressing appreciation, she said, “We are happy for the projects you have been executing not only for education but across all sectors of the economy.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Abia State Police Command has taken into custody a man identified as Edward Okorie for the alleged killing of his girlfriend, Sophy Chika, in Ohafia Local Government Area of the state.

Reports indicate that the suspect, who is from Isiugwu in Ohafia, was involved in a domestic dispute with the victim, a nurse, before her death. Chika was said to be from Ozu Abam in Arochukwu Local Government Area.

Sources familiar with the incident, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said the couple had been living together in Okagwe village prior to the tragedy. According to the sources, a disagreement between them escalated and led to the fatal outcome.

One of the sources said, “The tragedy struck yesterday, at Isiugwu Ohafia, in Ohafia LGA, Mr Edward Okorie killed his girlfriend. Miss Sophy Chika, who hails from Ozu Abam in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State, was killed by Mr Edward Okorie, an indigene of Isiugwu Ohafia, over a minor misunderstanding that ensued between them.

“The lovers, who were cohabiting for over three years now, had a misunderstanding in the early hour of yesterday and she was reportedly beaten to death by Mr Edward Okorie.”

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Police Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said she received a briefing from the Divisional Police Officer in Ohafia regarding the case.

She explained that the matter has been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Umuahia for further inquiry.

“Yes, the attention of the Divisional Police Headquarters, Ohafia, was called to it. Suspect has been apprehended, and the case will be transferred to SCID today by the DPO”

Chinaka added that the police have begun a detailed investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The incident has caused grief and outrage among residents of the Abam community, with many calling for justice and a thorough investigation.