Month: March 2023

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Saturday, April 15, for the conduct of all supplementary elections. 

On Monday, the commission made this known in a press statement signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye. 

Part of the statement reads: ” The Commission has fixed Saturday, 15th April 2023, for the conduct of the supplementary elections in the affected polling units nationwide.

We appeal to all political parties, candidates and stakeholders to note the date and locations of the supplementary elections. The earlier accreditation for polling and collation agents, observers and the media still subsists for the supplementary elections.”  

As regards the gubernatorial polls, voting is expected to take place in Kebbi and Adamawa states on the said date. 

The governorship elections in Adamawa and Kebbi states were earlier declared inconclusive by INEC owing to cancelled votes, which were more than the margins between leading candidates.

INEC will also conduct supplementary elections for federal and state parliamentary elections, which were declared inconclusive on the said date.

By Usman Muhammad Salihu.

Religion has been a part of Nigeria’s political landscape for decades. The country has a diverse population with multiple religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and traditional faiths.

The influence of religion on Nigerian politics cannot be overemphasised, as it plays a significant role in shaping political decisions and outcomes. However, the involvement of religion in politics in Nigeria has come with both positive and negative consequences.

One of the positive consequences of involving religion in Nigeria’s politics is the promotion of moral values. Religion teaches moral values such as honesty, integrity, and justice, which are crucial for a stable and just society. Religious leaders can use their platforms to advocate for these values and hold politicians accountable for their actions. Additionally, religion can inspire people to participate in politics and contribute to the development of their communities.

On the other hand, the involvement of religion in Nigeria’s politics has also led to negative consequences. One of the most significant adverse consequences is the proliferation of religious extremism and intolerance. The politicisation of religion has fuelled religious conflicts and violence, leading to the loss of lives and property. The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, is an example of the consequences of religious extremism in Nigeria.

Another negative consequence of involving religion in Nigeria’s politics is the erosion of the country’s secularism. Nigeria is a secular state, but the involvement of religion in politics has led to the blurring of lines between religion and state. This has resulted in the adoption of policies that favour one religion over the other and the exclusion of minorities from political processes.

Furthermore, the involvement of religion in politics has also resulted in the emergence of religious leaders as political power brokers. This has led to the entrenchment of corruption in the political system, as religious leaders often use their positions to secure political appointments and contracts for their followers.

In conclusion, the involvement of religion in Nigeria’s politics has both positive and negative consequences. While religion can promote moral values and inspire people to participate in politics, it can also fuel religious conflicts and lead to the erosion of secularism.

Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between religion and politics to ensure that the positive consequences of faith are maximised while minimising the negative effects. This can be achieved by promoting interfaith dialogue, adopting policies that promote equality and inclusivity, and establishing effective mechanisms to hold politicians accountable for their actions.

Usman Muhammad Salihu writes from Mass Communication Department, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi, Bauchi state. He can be reached via muhammadu5363@gmail.com.

By Dr Shamsuddeen Sani

In a flurry of literary exploration, my daughter recently stumbled upon the book entitled Concubines and Power. Her curiosity was piqued as she asked me to explain the meaning of “concubine”. A seemingly simple inquiry prompted a deep and complex conversation encompassing a broad range of considerations about slavery, including its religious underpinnings and contemporary relevance.

That exchange reignited my intellectual curiosity, leading me to revisit the noteworthy insights presented in Jonathan AC Brown’s seminal work, Slavery and Islam. I was compelled to reflect on and share some of the most insightful revelations from this ground-breaking work.

The book meticulously examines the historical context and practice of slavery within the Islamic tradition, as well as the ways in which Islamic law and theology have addressed the institution of slavery. Brown argues that slavery was ubiquitous throughout much of human history and was not unique to Islam.

However, Brown also acknowledges that slavery played a significant role in the development of Islamic civilisation and that the Islamic legal tradition provided a framework for the regulation of slavery. He offers an insightful and nuanced perspective on this complex issue, providing valuable insights into the intersection of religion and human rights.

Brown’s book highlights a fundamental premise: the Islamic tradition’s nuanced and intricate approach to slavery. On the one hand, Islamic law allowed for the practice of slavery; on the other, it imposed stringent limitations on how slaves could be treated and offered opportunities for manumission. According to Brown, these regulations illustrate a deep-seated concern for the well-being of slaves and a profound appreciation of their inherent human dignity.

At the same time, Brown acknowledges that there were significant abuses of the institution of slavery within Islamic societies. For example, he notes that some Muslim scholars and rulers sought to justify and perpetuate the practice of slavery through a misinterpretation of Islamic teachings and that many slaves were subjected to inhumane treatment.

He argues that while there are certainly instances of slavery and human trafficking that occur in Muslim-majority countries, these practices are not inherently Islamic and are often the result of broader social and economic factors.

By Muhammadu Sabiu  

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric is reportedly in talks with Cristiano Ronaldo’s present club, Al Nasr, in the hope of making a move to the Middle East. 

Modric’s contract with Real Madrid is said to come to an end this summer, and there are no signs that Los Blancos are interested in extending the stay of the Croatian international. 

A Saudi news outlet was quoted as reporting that Al Nassr are also interested in bringing the one-time Ballon d’Or winner. 

Modric left Tottenham for Real Madrid in 2012, and he has been able to gather 22 trophies and other individual awards over the period of his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.

By Aisha Musa Auyo 

The current trends of housemaids poisoning their employers are so sickening and scary. It happened countless times, and one can’t escape seeing one or two videos of such heinous acts. From sexual and physical to mental abuse, housemaids and their masters always have these issues in their relationship.

Whenever I encounter such an incident, I wonder why we continue to employ maids or why others leave their homes and work with people they hate. I had maids, and I grew up with maids in our house. But things are different now. People do not fear God. Humanity is lost. From the employee to employers, we are all at fault. 

As much as we agree, the maids are vulnerable and more likely to become victims. Unfortunately, these maids have upped their games, and the family employed them are becoming the victims. I’m not here to tell who is right or wrong, but I know that maids had abused us, taken advantage of our kindness, stolen from us, and deceived us to the extent that we decided we no longer have maids in our home.

Is it easy? No. Is it doable? Yes. We can bring an end to this problem. This issue is almost none existence in developed countries. Regardless of how educated or wealthy you are, cleaning your home is something one takes pride in doing, except for celebrities and rich people who employ the services of cleaning agencies who can hardly be cheated on and are less likely to betray too.

Another advantage of doing your house chore is that it helps you burn calories. Moving your body here and there, doing this and that makes you burn calories, makes you more energetic and more alert. As a result, you gain most of the advantages that come with doing exercise. Researchers have proven that active women around the home are healthier and less likely to be attacked with a certain illness than women who sit and do nothing all day.

As a homemaker, I’ve devised ways to survive without a maid, and with the help of Allah, I’m doing fine, if not great. I don’t have the constant apprehension of trying not to harm another person or be hurt by that person. The peace that comes with this feeling is priceless. 

1. Wake up earlier than others, or simply reduce your sleep hours. You will be surprised what an extra hour will do to make your work faster and your home cleaner. This can be an hour before everyone wakes up or an hour after everyone else sleeps. This will give you undivided attention to do whatever needs to be done.

2. Engage other family members. From your kids to whomever you are living with, allocate an age-appropriate chore to everyone, and ensure they do it. Even if it’s just cleaning up after their mess. A five-year-old can wash their plate and spoon. Can pick up toys, and older than/six years old can change the bedding, bathe themselves, and clean up after using the loo.

3. Clean as you go. From always picking up dirt and cleaning drops with wipes or napkins to washing dishes as you cook and immediately after eating, you will manage to have a clean space almost all the time.

4. Reduce the number of plates for dishing up. All those fancy food flasks, jugs, spoons, forks, saucers, knives, and big trays are not a must. Use only what you need except when you have visitors. I mostly dish up from the pot straight to the plate (there are elegant plating styles to please the eyes) or a plate and a bowl. Fruits could be served or arranged in a big bowl for everyone to eat together. Drinks can be served directly in used water bottles or paper cups, so you can just throw them away after use. 

5. Hire a one-day help at intervals. The point here is to get someone to help you with things you find hard and time-consuming. For example, laundry is my number one weakness, so we employed someone to do this, as the person doesn’t have to go and stay with us to achieve this. You can engage them weekly or bi-weekly, so they can help you with bulk cleaning, like removing the cobwebs, cleaning the compound, brushing sofas and rugs, and doing other deep cleanings that will help keep the house sane throughout the weeks. If this is not an option for you, you can just take the clothes to laundry services, as you will need all the help you can get.

6. The toilets. Depending on the number of people using it, a bathroom should be washed every other day. In between, ensure that every mess is cleaned after usage.

7. Fridges and freezers; the fridge can be cleaned and decluttered once a week, and the freezer can be cleaned once a month, depending on how you shop and cook.

8. Buy machines that will make your work easier. From a washing machine, a strong blender that can blend Tiger nuts and beans, a vacuum, a dishwasher, and many others, depending on your pocket size, you need all the help you can get. This is where your husband comes in. He should know that you made a sacrifice for the safety and sanity of the family, and you need his financial support and understanding.

9. Husbands, we need your support here. You see, all those allowances that should have been used to pay a maid, we need it, in two or three folds. We are the glorified house helps now. We keep the home set and safe. A token will motivate us to do better.

Verbal support is a must. Commend her efforts for taking good care of the homeland and everyone in the family. It’s not easy. I know it’s her duty, but one or two good words won’t hurt, you know?

Still, the husband should try to overlook when she sometimes errs in caring for the house. She is only human, with two hands. And if you can sometimes help with one or two things when you are less busy, that will be a plus for you and her, if you know what I mean.

If you can afford it, make water and electricity 2/47-thing. This is a necessity, not a luxury. She needs this to make work easier for her. Almost all the tasks at home need either electricity, water, or both.

10. Look for temporary help when you are sick or pregnant. Find someone reliable from your family or friends to help you before you get back on your feet.

11. If you can afford it, carve out a playroom or a play area for your kids so that they limit their playing objects to that place. Your living room should always be clean; a toy here and there will make that mission impossible.

12. Lastly, start the day with prayers and a potent stimulant. A hot black tea or coffee will do the trick. Trust me; you need it. If you are an addict like me, ensure you never run out of it. Also, habitually do the zikr – Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, and Wallahu Akbar – while you go around your daily routines. Our prophet taught Nana Fatima this when she asked him to give her a slave to help her with domestic chores. He said this would be best for her, here and hereafter. Listen to radio, podcasts, Quranic recitations, music, or audiobook. This will energise, entertain, educate and make housework less burdensome and easy for you.

My fellow woman, this piece is not for the sick, pregnant, lazy, or full-time working mom (9-5). If you are lucky with your maid, hold on to her, don’t come and kill yourself with work.

But if you are healthy, up and doing, have a flexible job, or not working at all, this is for you; congratulation. You will be rewarded immensely for this. You will have peace of mind, thus not constantly worrying about what’s happening in your house. You will raise a family who will learn to manage a home without depending on others. You won’t raise another person’s child at the expense of yours. And trust me, it won’t last forever. Once the kids are all grown, you can relax and do minor chores.

Whenever I feel overwhelmed and think of getting a maid, this idea will often cross my mind, especially if I can afford it. I ask myself, how will I cope if I live in a Western country? This resets me.

Aisha Musa Auyo is a Doctorate researcher in Educational Psychology, a mother of three, a Home Maker, a caterer and a parenting/ relationship coach.

By Nusaiba Ibrahim

The 2023 gubernatorial elections will go down in history as one of the most highly contested, especially in Kano. After eight years of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje-led government, his party, APC, could not secure the first position. Neither the victory of the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, nor the popularity of President Muhammadu Buhari was significant in the tight race that was fiercely fought between the governorship candidates. 

There were just countless permutations, combinations, analyses and whatnot on the proposed outcome of the gubernatorial elections coming from different viewpoints and existing realities, especially after the presidential and upper chamber elections. However, one thing that stood out was the incredible performance of the NNPP in Kano. And this became a challenging point for the ruling APC until the opposition candidate Abba Kabir Yusuf of NNPP emerged victorious.

While the Presidential elections had minimal cases of vote buying, Kano recorded massive acts of vote buying with petty items like soaps, detergents, wrappers and spaghetti during the gubernatorial and state house of assembly elections. In addition, in some strategic locations, there were significant disruptions in the voting and counting processes. But, of course, all of these aren’t out of the normal as tensions had already heightened after the presidential polls.

Nothing summed up the 2023 elections in Kano for me more than the chants of competence over spaghettis. Indeed, “taliya ba ta zabe” (loosely translated – spaghetti doesn’t vote). The likes of Senator Barau Jibrin, among others, only escaped losing their seats because of the hard work they channelled to community service and distinctive competencies. I’m in awe of how each candidate has been weighed based on the capacity to earn the invaluable mandate of the people. Here are my takes on each candidate.

Governor–elect Abba Kabir Yusuf: By resisting all odds to emerge the winner of the elections in Kano State, the heart of Northern Nigeria, you deserve resounding applause. You have also proven your worth to the electorates after losing the 2019 election, which was first declared inconclusive. So, your victory is a testimony of a relentless effort to achieve this desired objective. More so, preserving a loyal fanbase over these years is unimaginable and a strategic tool for your success. But you need to understand that more must be done. The game has just begun.

You would be serving the entire citizens of Kano, which includes your loyalists and a bunch of opposition. It would be easy if you’ve not made many promises during your campaigns, and even if you haven’t, you’ll still be judged anyway. You might face the gigantic task of restoring Kano State to what it used to be. The truth is, that might be impossible to do. Do not waste your time unveiling the errors of the past administration; the people are already full of new yearnings and aspirations. Focus on health, security, education, economy and adverse effects of climate change. They are the priority now.

Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna: Kano is proud of a citizen like you, though you have yet to accept defeat. Nothing compares to being crushed in a public engagement. You’ve taken a wise decision of not resorting to leading thugs to disrupt collation processes this time because you would make news for the wrong reasons, coupled with a widely shared photo of you explaining what happened to police offers. You must have performed your best after serving the people of Kano under three with three administrations in your lifetime. You should be thankful for this rare achievement that not everyone is fortunate to have. You’ve also made the history of being a loyal assistant for eight years – not so many deputies were lucky as you are. Better still, you can go to court if unsatisfied with the results.

Shaaban Ibrahim Sharada: When all youths were wary and incompetent to approach the governorship candidacy, you dared all doubts to stand out. Your candidacy was an ideal reflection of the future of the northern youths. There was so much to cull from what you exuded until the election. Your confidence reminded youths about the times of Tafawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna, Malam Aminu Kano and Maitama Sule. Your grasp of the Kano situation wowed the audience anytime you spoke. You were ready to oppose the status quo even at the risk of your dearest life. But, unfortunately, the political trajectory was faulty. Defeating candidates with an established loyal fanbase needs more time, not a dying-minute preparation.

Mallam Ibrahim Khalil: Like Shaaban, you tried hard to showcase that an Islamic cleric is efficient enough to contest an election. You boldly did not play politics lowkey by supporting some politicians during your sermons and lectures. You challenged the maxim of playing politics as a war without or sometimes with bloodshed. You blocked your ears on people’s thoughts about the inappropriateness of clerics going into politics despite its indecency and ruthlessness. Although you lacked the support of other clerics, you were still confident in your quest. I applaud your effort, mainly because, unlike others, you didn’t hide under religion to back dubious politicians. Unfortunately, the current political trend is not ready for your clean style.

Results from around the country show signs of revolution from all over the nation. It is not just a red cap revolution in Kano but a ‘wake da shinkafa’ [rice and beans] revolution across the country – Zamfara State is one interesting illustration. I’m overly pleased that competence was echoed until it transformed into an actuality.  I hope these revolutionary divergences will be a reason for the prosperity of Kano and Nigeria.

Nusaiba Ibrahim Na’abba is a master’s student from the Department of Mass Communication, BUK. She is a freelance writer and researcher. She can be reached via nusaibaibrahim66@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Department of State Service (DSS) on Saturday raised the alarm over an evil plan by some people to cause nationwide violence in the country.

Dr Peter Afunanye, the Public Relations Officer of the DSS, disclosed this in a statement he made available to journalists today.

Afunanye said the violence was meant to disrupt peace, law and order in the country. He also warned those behind the plan to abandon their plot.

He added that the service would continue to take necessary measures to checkmate these elements who do not wish the country well.

The statement said: “The Service hereby warns those desperate to cause a breakdown of law and order to desist from that.

“It is evident that some aggrieved politicians are already taking advantage of this legal process. This, without a doubt, is the beauty of democracy. It is strongly believed that this approach enhances peace and security. All and sundry should cherish it.

“Be that as it may, the DSS will not tolerate a situation where persons and/or groups take laws into their hands and champion anarchy.

“Those peddling fake news, hate speech and all forms of false narratives as basis to ignite violence or pit the people against the present or incoming administrations, at the Federal, State and Parliamentary levels, should stop forthwith.

“Those inciting violence have nothing to gain as doing so will consume not only them but also the innocent. It is otherwise disturbing to see respected personalities use their platforms to mislead or incite citizens. This, to say the least, does not augur well for peaceful coexistence and general order.

“Therefore, the Service will continue to take necessary measures to checkmate these elements who do not wish the country well.

“This is to ensure that a conducive environment is provided for citizens and residents to pursue their legitimate businesses. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine. Let all be guided,” Afunanya warned.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Kano State Transition Monitoring Committee, TMG, has denied calling for the review of Kano guber election results and cautioned people with evil intentions not to smear the integrity of credible civil society organisations in the state.

TMG, in a joint press release with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre ( CISLAC) and the Kano State Civil Society Elections Situation Room, gave the advice in Kano on Saturday.

The organisations totally denounced the reports that they called for the cancellation and review of the governorship election in Kano State.

According to them, unscrupulous persons in the state are hell-bent on sneering at the integrity of civil society groups that have been working hard over the years to ensure electoral integrity in Nigeria.

“For obvious selfish and politically motivated reasons, some faceless groups in conjunction with some willing elements in the media have cooked up fake stories about civil society organisations calling for cancellation of the governorship election in Kano State and other parts of the country. ” The Group disclosed.

They stated that the news is fictitious malicious, and worrisome, and they will not condone attempts to be dragged into the mud.

“The spread of this fictitious and malicious news, in a time when the political space in Nigeria is already heated up, is not only worrisome but also has the potential to further overheat the polity. As champions of democracy, we will not allow sneer-campaigners and people with politically motivated reasons drag credible civil society organisations in Kano State and, indeed, in Nigeria at large into political wars with political parties.”

The group, therefore, called on individuals to disregard the reports making rounds that represented credible organisations in a bad light. They also urge media organisations to filter facts before reporting.

By Aliyu Idris

It’s undeniable that Sen. Aisha Dahiru Ahmed Binani’s name has travelled in the ears of many Nigerians. Her emergence as the flagbearer of the Adamawa State Governorship Candidate of APC grasped and arrested the attention of the country’s populace. With these, she received massive support and countless prayers from the people in the country and even the diaspora. Without a doubt, she’s a notable personality in this year’s election.

Binani might win or lose the election, but she won the people’s hearts. She has become influential and has set a pace for people to follow in the country’s politics. Among her influence is making the incumbent governor (Ahmadu Umar Fintiri) substitute his male running mate (Crowther Seth) with a female (Prof Keleptawa Farauta). This remarkably uplifts the status of women’s participation in politics and dismantles the common sense of some people that women don’t have a role to play in politics.

Binani’s bravery is incomparable; her audacity and capacity have shaken and made the sitting governor shiver and quiver. She made him initiate last-minute empowerment and execute some projects at the election deadline. Similarly, how she defeated strong male candidates during the party’s primary election is encouraging.

Binani will now be leaving the red chamber. Her four years as a senator representing Adamawa Central Senatorial Zone birthed legacies that will live on forever. Her projects in different sectors such as education, health, poverty alleviation programs, the establishment of Federal Medical Centre Mubi, upgrading Federal Medical Centre Yola to a Teaching Hospital and Modibbo Adama University Yola (MAU Yola) from a technology University to a conventional university, solar power lights supplies, unending and unbiased empowerment of hand workers, donations to religious organisations, youths association, and other life touching projects during her single tenure as senator will remain a testimony of making her the best-elected representative in the state.

Binani’s attracted even the opposition and proved to the present administration that their chanting and ranting of no opposition in the state is merely an illusion and a mirage but fortunate enough. They have now realised her intense display of spirit towards achieving a goal can never be underestimated, like Shakespeare’s lady Macbeth still gives them sleepless nights. Binani is a beacon of steadfastness that motivate the two genders, and her political career is now a fad, and she remains vivacious.

We need more Binani in us, around us and with us. The pavement of strong female participation in contemporary Nigeria has been set and revived by Binani. 

Binani is energetic, and the declaration of inconclusive is not the end of the journey but rather a fresh beginning to return and positively impact people’s lives. May Adamawa State and Nigeria succeed.

Aliyu Idris writes from Jimeta (Yola North) and can be reached via aliyuidreesali@gmail.com.

By Mukhtar Sani Yusuf

The general election has come and gone. Nigerians are now focused on the National Assembly politics as jostling for the positions of presiding and principal officers of the incoming 10th National Assembly has begun. While the tenure of the outgoing 9th National Assembly expires on June 11, the next Assembly will be inaugurated on June 13, and expectation from the citizenry vested in the members of the incoming assembly is so high, going by their diverse backgrounds. 

The outgoing assembly is seen as a rubber-stamp legislative body and criticised by many Nigerians that the two hallowed chambers are underperformed National Assembly that ever happened to the country. 

Many Nigerians see the tenure of the current assembly as unproductive that the two chambers spent the whole four years at the beck and call of the executive arm well-nigh by succumbing to everything brought before them by the executive arm with little or no protest. Some people even believe that in this 9th National Assembly, the purpose of the principle of separation of power and checks and balances characterised by constitutional democracy has been defeated and jettisoned.

Notwithstanding, from the official results released by INEC on the newly elected and re-elected members of the Senate and House of Representatives, one may begin to be optimistic with the rainbow composition of the incoming National Assembly that this time around, the business might not be as usual.

Among other reasons that rekindle the hope of Nigerians about the upcoming Assembly is that it’s the most diverse National Assembly with eight political parties representation since 1999. Although some seats in the Senate and House of Representatives were not decided during the February 25 National Assembly elections and remain vacant due to the supplementary elections expected to be conducted on them, in the Senate, the ruling party APC has 57 seats, PDP occupied 29 seats, Labour Party got 6 seats, SDP and NNPP won 2 seats each, then APGA and YPP gained 1 seat each. In the House of Representatives, APC occupied 162 seats, PDP secured 102 seats, Labour Party garnered 34 seats, NNPP 18, APGA 4, ADC and SDP got 2 seats each, and lastly, YPP got 1 seat.

The ruling party APC has majority seats in the Red and Green Chambers. However, the breakdown shows that it doesn’t get the simple 2/3 majority where its wish must prevail. This is enough opportunity for the opposition parties to form a formidable group that will checkmate the excesses of the ruling party to improve the performance of the executive arm. Even though the executive arm can’t perform its duties without the cooperation of the legislative arm, nevertheless, we expect the opposition parties to be constructive while challenging the executive arm or the ruling party.

Democracy will not grow without opposition. We don’t want a situation where our representatives become rubber stamps; they’re our voices and represent our interests. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has empowered them with three core responsibilities, i.e. law-making, representation, and oversight function.

Therefore, the doctrine of trias politica or separation of power, which help to limit any one arm from exercising the core function of another and prevent concentration of unchecked power by providing check and balances, is of no use if the legislative arm reduces itself to mere stooge of the executive arm. We hope to see changes this time around.

Mukhtar Sani Yusuf wrote from Kano and can be reached via mukhtarsaniyusuf678@gmail.com.