Month: September 2021

By Muhammad Sabiu

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed secessionist organisation agitating for the breakaway of Nigeria’s southeast, has declared that the 1st of October would be a sit-at-home day.

The group has also ordered all Nigerian flags in the region to be removed.

The proscribed organisation, in a statement by its spokesman on Saturday, Emma Powerful, stressed that it had commenced its “no Nigerian flag in Southeast” campaign.

“IPOB has declared 1st of October 2021 total shutdown in Biafra land as a sign of our rejection of the evil construct called Nigeria and there shall be no movement in Biafra land on this day.

“Also, IPOB has declared from today 25th September 2021 that all Nigerian flag mounted anywhere in Biafra land must be brought down, Banks exceptional, IPOB leadership will communicate to Banks directly and give them reason they must peacefully bring down Nigeria flag in their banking premises before we do it ourselves in our own way.

“Every body must strictly adhere to this directives from IPOB leadership, we want to let the world know you that Biafraland is not Nigeria and shall not be. Don’t say I don’t know, a word is enough for the wise,” the statement reads.

Recall that IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is currently awaiting trial on charges relating to treason, illegal possession of firearms.

He was in recent months reportedly arrested in Kenya and later repatriated to Nigeria after spending years in the United Kingdom as what could be described as an “asylum seeker.”

By Muhammad Sabiu

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has appealed to the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) members to call off their ongoing strike, advising them to embrace dialogue.

Recall that the doctors have been on strike for months in an effort to air their grievances over poor funding.

Speaking on Friday in Sokoto at the 20th Conference of the National Pediatric Surgeons of Nigeria (APSON) opening ceremony, the Sultan made the plea, urging the“doctors also to respect the court order to resume work in the interest of the nation.”

The industrial action should be the “last option in resolving industrial conflict, especially for medical workers whose responsibility has to do with saving lives of citizens,” Alhaji Abubakar said.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

German Chancellor Angela Merkel doesn’t need any introduction. Divorced and with a doctorate in Physics, Merkel, 67, has been a leader of Germany for sixteen years. She is the first woman to lead Europe’s economic powerhouse and the beacon of democracy.

Chancellor Merkel wanted to leave in 2016. However, many people, including world leaders, encouraged her to stay. With Donald Trump coming to power in the US, Brexit knocking on the door of the European Union and the smoke of refugee crises still smouldering, almost everyone knew that Merkel was the best in that crucial position. Thus, she re-contested in 2017 and, expectedly, won.

But, whatever has a beginning has an end. Germans go to poll tomorrow, Sunday 26, 2021, to elect Merkel’s successor. The electorates are practically voting for parties, not a particular candidate for the chancellery. The parties would, of course, want to have the majority to form a government, but it does not happen. Often if not always, a party will have to negotiate with another party – or even other parties – to have enough votes to appoint a chancellor in the Bundestag. The negotiations can take months.

There are three chief contestants from three major political parties. They are 60-year-old Armin Laschet (CDU/CSU), 40-year-old Annalena Baerbock (Greens) and 62-year-old Olaf Scholz (SPD). The first, Mr Laschet, is the current Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia (where Cologne is) and leader of Merkel’s party, CDU.

Despite Merkel’s endorsement of Mr Laschet, he is unlikely to win. It may surprise you to know that what may cause him this defeat is mere laughter. Deadly flooding killed people in Germany and some neighbouring countries in July. The President of Germany visited a town destroyed by the catastrophic flood. While the President was delivering a sombre speech, a camera caught Mr Laschet laughing behind him. Since that faux pas, many people have lost confidence in him.

Ms Baerbock is young, energetic and confident and started her campaign with a lot of optimism. Nonetheless, her party does not have enough clout to win nationally. But, that is not the real issue for their candidate. You may also find it astonishing to hear what has befallen Baerbock’s candidacy and tarnished her reputation. It was possible plagiarism and padding of her CV.

Olaf Scholz is Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Finance. So far, opinion polls favour his chances of succeeding Merkel. Unlike the two other leading contestants, he has almost no major ‘sin’ affecting his campaign. Moreover, his party, SPD, was in power until Merkel’s outstanding victory in 2005. Thus, they are thirsty for a win and are therefore doing everything possible to come back.

Frau Merkel will be greatly missed. People around the world will never forget her extraordinary benevolence during the 2015 refugee crisis. As a German resident with no right to vote yet, I wish for the best outcome in the elections. May we continue to live in peace and prosperity, amin.

Muhsin Ibrahim is a Nigerian. He studies and works at the Institute of African Studies and Egyptology of the University of Cologne. He can be reached via muhsin2008@gmail.com.

By Hussaina Ahmed Sufyan

The video that went viral on the internet during the early hours of Thursday left the Nigerian Army in disarray and Nigerians in shock. The video showed a female Nigerian Youth Service Corp Member (NYSC) identified as Ezeiruaku Ifeyinws Fidelia being molested by an officer named Lt. Chika Viola Anele.

An unidentified onlooker recorded the dehumanising act and shared it online. In it, we see the officer pouring on the Corps member an unknown substance.

It is said that there was an argument between the duo which led to the officer punishing the Corps member. The incident happened in 13 Brigade Calabar, Cross River State.

The Nigerian Army, however, released a statement condemning the act.

In a statement, the Director of Public Relations under the Nigerian Army, Cross River State, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu condemned the act and tagged it “unprofessional”. While being apologetic, he also stated that Lt. Anele had been sanctioned.

“The Nigerian Army, therefore, condemns in strong terms this act of gross misconduct. Undoubtedly, the officer’s actions have caused the NA embarrassment and is highly regrettable. This unfortunate act of indiscipline does not in any way represent the Nigerian Army and will not be confined in its entirety.”

“The NA wishes to tender an apology to the victim, her family members, friends, National Youth Service Corps and to Nigerians in general for the unwholesome treatment melted out to the corps member”.

As the National Universities Commission (NUC) names 67 illegal universities in Nigeria, The Daily Reality found out that there are many Christian universities that fall under the illegal list.

The NUC has published a list of 67 illegal universities in Nigeria. AbatiMedia reported that “the Executive Secretary, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed signed a public notice on the NUC website.”

The names include those claiming to be affiliates of foreign universities in the country.

In the list (below), institutions that have ‘other campuses’ are indicated with “others”; those ‘operating anywhere in Nigeria’ have “anywhere” as suffixes.

1. University of Accountancy and Management Studies

2. Christians of Charity American University of Science and Technology, Nkpor, Anambra (& others)

3. University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos (& others)

4. University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin (& others)

5. Blacksmith University, Awka (& others)

6. Volta University College, Volta Region, Ghana (& others)

7. Royal University, Izhia in Abakaliki, Ebonyi (& others)

8. Atlanta University, Anyigba, Kogi (& others)

9. United Christian University, Macotis campus, Imo (& others)

10. United Nigeria University College, Okija Anambra (& others)

11. Samuel Ahmadu University, Makurdi, Benue (& others)

12. UNESCO University, Ndoni, Rivers (& others)

13. Saint Augustine’s University of Technology, Jos, Plateau (& others)

14. The International University, Missouri USA, Kano and Lagos (& others)

15. Collumbus University, UK (anywhere)

16. Tiu International University, UK (anywhere)

17. Pebbles University, UK (anywhere)

18. London External Studies, UK (anywhere)

19. Pilgrims University (anywhere)

20. Lobi Business School, Makurdi, Benue (& others)

21. West African Christian University (anywhere)

22. Bolta University College, Aba (& others)

23. JBC Seminary Inc. (Wukari Jubilee University) – Kaduna illegal campus

24. Western University, Esie, Kwara (& others)

25. St. Andrews University College, Abuja (& others)

26. EC-Council USA, Ikeja, Lagos Study Centre

27. Atlas University, Ikot Udoso Uko in Uyo, Akwa Ibom (& others)

28. Concept College/Universities (London) Ilorin (& others)

29. Halifax Gateway University, Ikeja (& others)

30. Kingdom of Christ University, Abuja (& others)

31. Acada University, Akinlalu, Oyo (& others)

32. Filfom University, Mbaise, Imo (& others)

33. Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria

34. Atlantic Intercontinental University, Okija, Anambra

35. Open International University, Akure

36. Middle Belt University (North Central University) Otukpo

37. Lead Way University, Ugheli, Delta

38. Metro University, Dutse/Bwari Abuja

39. Southend University, Ngwuro Egeru (Afam) Ndoki, Rivers

40. Olympic University, Nsukka, Enugu

41. Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Abuja

42. Temple University, Abuja

43. Irish University Business School, London (anywhere)

44. National University of Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa

45. University of Accountancy and Management Studies, Mowe

46. University of Education, Wenneba, Ghana (anywhere)

47. Cape Coast University, Ghana (anywhere)

48. African University Cooperative Development (AUCD) Cotonou, Benin Republic

49. Pacific Western University, Denver – Colorado, Owerri

50. Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic, Lagos

51. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (Gboko campus)

52. Career Light Resources Centre, Jos.

53. University of West Africa, Kwali, Abuja

54. Coastal University, Iba Oku, Akwa Ibom

55. Kaduna Business School, Kaduna

56. Royal University of Theology, Minna, Niger

57. West African Union University, in collaboration with International Professional College of Administration, Science and Technology (anywhere)

58. Gospel Missionary Foundation (GMF), Theological University, Egbe Ikotun, Lagos

The NUC confirmed that others are undergoing further investigations/court actions in a bid to prosecute the proprietors and recover illegal fees/charges

1. National University of Nigeria, Keffi, Nasarawa

2. North Central University, Otukpo, Benue

3. Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University, Enugu

4. Richmond Open University, Arochukwu, Abia

5. West Coast University, Umuahia

6. Saint Clements University, Iyin Ekiti

7. Volta University College, Aba, Abia

8. Illegal Satellite Campuses of Ambrose Alli University

9. L.I.F.E. Leadership University, Benin, Edo

By Muhammad Sabiu

Police in Kaduna State have apprehended three suspects who were alleged to have abducted 136 of Bethel Baptist School, Kaduna.

The suspects were identified as Adamu Bello, Isiaku Lawal and Muazu Abubakar.

The trio told journalists in Abuja on Thursday, that 25 of them perpetrated the kidnap, and that their desperate need for money made them carry out the act.

“Twenty-five of us carried out the operation. We kidnapped 136 students and I got N100,000 share from the money (ransom),” one of the suspects was quoted as saying.

However, there is still no detailed information on how they carried out the kidnap and how they were eventually arrested.

The police paraded them in Abuja at the headquarters of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

By Sumayyah Auwal Ishaq

The Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has commissioned the newly constructed Kasuwan Magani Modern Market in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Nasiru Ahmad El-Rufa’i said the Kaduna State Government partnered with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to deliver the project. He further stated that the Kaduna State Government’s post-conflict assessment after the October 2018 crisis in Kasuwan Magani included a resolve to address the question of markets.

In his remarks, Prof. Osinbajo commended the administration of Governor El-Rufa’i and reiterated that the Federal Government will keep supporting and encouraging investment-centric efforts by providing a stable business environment, providing infrastructure, and ensuring security.

Dear Sir,

This is to draw your attention and that of NCDC to the ongoing controversy over the cluttering of Kwari Market. We hope you will temper the issue with compassion and shrewdness befitting your sage, administrative excellence and political dexterity. Sir, if you solemnly declared that Kano will become a megacity in the very near future, which you did as reported on Blueprint Newspaper, August 21, 2020, why do you now allow our markets, especially Kwari to be congested? You made the declaration “on the eve of the Kano Economic and Investment Summit (KanInvest) which held in May, 2017, where stakeholders and bigwigs in the business sector converged to share ideas concerning issues affecting the economy, especially as it concerns Kano state”. There you rightly observed that the crowded population of Kano of about 20 million people will multiply in 5 years time. With Coronavirus threatening our lives, now is the time to decongest the city or else risk spreading the virus like wildfire.

In the process of affirming your declaration, you continue with the construction of the new Economic City of Kano located at Dangwauro Town along Kano -Zaria federal highway. However, your construction of a mall at the popular Kantin Kwari textile market named ‘Yan Tebura Mall has opened a dangerous door of congesting the market. What follows the mall are structures being erected on Taambo and Bayajidda Streets in the market. Unfortunately they are becoming a greater bone of contention because they stand on the way and so will endanger our hygiene, your excellency. After the recent rainfalls in Kano, the market was always flooded as the main waterways there happen to be on these streets. With the buildings being erected on them, the ancient market is seriously damaged, congested and so the megacity target is defeated.

Moreover, the damage brought about by the new buildings includes blockage of the former known 16 entries to the market which were serving as good ventilation and escape exits in case of a stampede. Still, the structures have saturated almost all the streets in the market, whereas the frontage of every shop is also “officially” being choked with iron stalls which would lead to disaffection, disharmony and clashes between the shop owners and stallers. To make matters worse, the installers of these iron stalls are damaging some newly tarred roads as they fix the stalls on the edge of the roads to larger part of the roadside drainage. Therefore, as the whole pathways are narrowed to almost nothing, people have to be squeezing around, highly vulnerable to Coronavirus infection.

These problems are not far from the government’s sidelining of the market people in the activities of the market, especially on strategies to improve the government’s revenue. This way, the outsiders brought in to supervise and advise on such affairs, as in the case of an administrator appointed from the head of service, come to enrich themselves only at the expense of anything good in the market. They never protect the interests of the market but theirs and sometimes end up starting a fire of enmity among business friends. It is a wonder how an outsider could tell an owner of a house where roofing leaks. Instead of looking at what is good for the market, those people look at what could bring them money no matter how damaging they appear to the good people of Kano. In that respect, owners of shops have to pay 200 thousand Naira to buy their shop front if they do not want that iron stall stationed there for sale.

Worse still, over five thousand labourers stand the risk of losing their livelihood if the contentious buildings continue. As a politician who is committed to forestall the increasing poverty-induced insecurity in the State, we are sure that you would not take this risk. Notwithstanding, the already erected structures have no accessibly enough toilets as those available are far upstairs and so women customers going to the market suffer super shame when they want to ease themselves in the centre of a Shari’a compliant state, under you, Khadimul Islam. In case of a fire accident like that of Sabon Gari Market, God forbid, the large fire fighting vehicles that need room for manoeuvre would never get entry as the ways are now being blocked. So against this background, all concerned persons in the market say no to the project and even go to court.

Following on from that, the State High Court, on 12th August, presided by Justice Suleiman Baba Namallam, has restrained the Government of Kano State from blocking or erecting structures at any part of Taambu and Bayajidda Streets at the popular market, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. Nonetheless, It has never been our intention, your excellency, to be at loggerheads with your government over this issue. We are only after decongesting the market especially to observe the Coronavirus protocol; to help the government, on the other hand, in spacing the already jam-packed market in preparation to reaching the megacity status and to target the recent Federal Government’s campaign of “Ease of Doing Business”.

Nevertheless, Your excellency, we appreciate your effort towards making Kano a megacity as you ease traffic congestion by finishing the construction of the Sabon Gari axis 2km bridge inland flyover (named after the Kano business mogul Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata) along Murtala Muhammad Way, which is the longest in West Africa; the Sharada/Panshekara Junction Underpass; the Bukavu Barracks underpass; the Underpass, Flyover and Roundabout at Dangi road connecting Zaria road-Zoo road and Silver Jubilee road as well as the now-under construction Hotoro NNPC (Muhammadu Buhari) bridge among others. These justify your administration’s commitment to the safe development of the sprawling city of Kano. In spite of that, we also need our existing markets to be spacious, uncrowded and comfortable so as to have good standards of health and hygiene regulations, especially Covid-19 protocol.

It is our fervent hope that Kano will continue to benefit from the wealth of your immense administrative experience and astuteness in politics, especially in this much worrying matter. Show the world that you are an ace politician, agreeable to the yearnings and aspirations of your people by justifying the confidence collectively reposed on your administration and unselfish persona.

We pray that may Allah Subhanahu wata’ala strengthen your resolve in elevating the status of Kano to compete with other megacities around the world. May you be successful in your future political endeavour. May Kano remain peaceful forever! Amin thumma Amin!

Yours,
Concerned Citizens!
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