Month: September 2023

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Northern leaders and stakeholders in the north have warned the Federal Government and Zamfara state government to stop playing politics with the lives of the people of the region concerning the alleged Federal Government’s secret negotiation with bandits. 

They expressed outrage that the Federal Government could be negotiating with bandits, which never worked in the past, and cautioned the government against such a move. 

They argued that by engaging in talks with bandits, the government was indirectly legitimising their criminal activities and creating a dangerous cycle of appeasement. 

They added that the move was sending a troubling message that crime and violence can be rewarded rather than punished. 

Recall that Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has blamed the Federal Government for allegedly negotiating with bandits secretly without involving the state government. 

He also accused the Federal Government of sabotaging the ongoing fight against banditry in the state by negotiating with bandits behind the state government. 

His spokesman, Sulaiman Idris, in a statement he issued to journalists, said the governor said a delegation allegedly sent by some agencies of the Federal Government had been holding talks with bandit groups in Zamfara without the consent of the State Government. 

The governor said, “We have facts and evidence on what had transpired between these agents of the Federal Government and the bandits during the negotiations in several places across Zamfara.” 

Responding, the Minister of Information, in a statement by his spokesperson, Suleiman Haruna, on Tuesday night, however, denied negotiating with bandits. Also in the statement, the minister accused Governor Dauda Lawan of politicising security matters. 

In his reaction, one of the stakeholders and the spokesman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba argued that these negotiations are weakening the rule of law and establishing a dangerous precedent for other criminal elements in the country. 

Muhammad-Baba expressed fear that this approach might inspire other groups to take up arms and engage in similar acts.

Describing the move as ‘weak,’ he urged the Federal Government to reconsider its stance on negotiating with bandits. 

He said, “How will you begin a negotiation in Zamfara state without involving the Zamfara state government? You and I know this is a serious aberration and should not be taken lightly.

There is no way you can come into my house without my knowledge, even if we are of the same father, and start doing this kind of thing is not good. 

Expressing his disappointment, the Executive Director, Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, called on the current administration, led by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to restructure the military and ensure it regains its lost glory. 

According to him, “That singular act is a complete failure of the governance system in Nigeria because what it presents is that our security is no longer having the capability to deal with the insurgency and they are no longer trusted to do their work.  

“And it’s almost like Nigeria is going into the abyss.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi A former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, has resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). 

Malam Yero forwarded his resignation to the PDP today in a letter he personally signed. 

The letter read, “With grateful to Almighty Allah, I write to extend my sincere greetings and to formally inform you of my decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). 

“In view of this, I hereby tender my resignation as a member of [the] People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with effect from 30th September 2023.” 

The former governor did not categorically state a reason for tendering his resignation.

By Salihi Adamu Takai 

Democracy is the system of government that allows room for participation by all people, and it’s the “government of the people for the people and by the people”. This means a thriving democracy always considers the interest of the masses, not the governors. In a democratic society, the governors become the subjects while the masses become the superior. This is proved in the definition of politics given by the late Aminu Kano ( the former Kano State Governor), Nigeria: “Politics is man management.”

The rule of law is one of the characteristics of a successful democracy. So, does it mean there is no existence of democracy if the rule of law is not fully implemented in applying democracy? Yes, it’s not a successful democracy. Professor A. V. Diecy defines the rule of law as the “absolute supremacy or predominance of the regular law as opposed to the influence of arbitrary power and excludes the existence of arbitrariness or even of wide discretionary”.

Based on the definition given by Professor A. V. Diecy, the rule of law is all about “equality before the law”, and fundamental human rights also ensure this. Therefore, all the characteristics of the democracy are connected. When there is no one, it would be disconnected. 

The rule of law propagates “equality before the law” and makes it mandatory for all the affairs of the democratic government. In Nigeria, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ensures fundamental human rights under Chapter 4. Section 42 (1) ensures the “right to freedom from discrimination”, and this includes “equality before the law”. In accordance with Nigeria’s question, all the citizens of Nigeria are equal before the law. But, in the same Constitution by section 6, the power of the Judiciary to hear any matter is limited. Section 6 (6)(c)(d) limits Judicial power for hearing or questioning any matters related to Chapter 2 of the Constitution ( Fundamental Objectives). Also, the same Constitution immunise some authorities from legal proceedings (criminal) by section 308 (1) ( 3).

Nigeria and all other democratic States apply almost the same principles. In Uganda, the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda also ensures “equality before the law” under Chapter 4 by Article 21 (1). Clause (3) defines ” discrimination” as “to give different treatment to different persons attributable only or mainly to their respective descriptions by sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, social or economic standing, political opinion or disability”. Thus, the above definition of the word used, ” discrimination” applies to all. However, the same Constitution by Article 98 (4) excludes the President of Uganda from legal proceedings in any court.

Therefore, considering the conflicting laws of the Constitutions applied in the democratic governments of all the democratic states, I can still say that with the discrimination, there shouldn’t be a successful democracy today.

Salihi Adamu Takai wrote via salihiadamu5555@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Three subsidiaries of the Dangote Group, namely Dangote Sugar, Dangote Cement, and Dangote Salt, have contributed immensely to the nation’s revenue.

Hashem Ahmed, an official representative of the Dangote Group, made this revelation at the 18th Abuja International Trade Fair’s opening ceremony, held on Thursday. 

Speaking on the fair’s theme, ‘Sustainable financing and taxation as drivers of the new economy,’ Ahmed highlighted the Dangote Group’s significant role as a major contributor to the country’s economy.

He disclosed that over the course of three years, the aforementioned subsidiaries of the Dangote Group had paid a staggering total of N474 billion as taxes to the Federal Government. 

“As you may be aware, apart from being the highest employer of labor in the private sector, the Dangote Group is also the biggest taxpayer,” Ahmed stated.

“In just three years, Dangote subsidiaries paid a staggering N474 billion to the Federal Government. These are Dangote Sugar, Dangote Cement, and Dangote Salt, combined.” 

Ahmed further emphasised that this substantial financial contribution was part of the Dangote Group’s ongoing support for the nation.

He highlighted the group’s various initiatives, including empowerment and skill acquisition programmes, corporate social responsibility initiatives, sponsorships, and philanthropic schemes, all of which amounted to several billions of naira. 

The Dangote Group expressed satisfaction with the Federal Government’s efforts in implementing a tax reform policy. This policy is expected to broaden the tax net and provide essential financing for the development of the country’s infrastructure.

The group sees this as a positive step towards sustainable economic growth and development for Nigeria. The significant tax payment by Dangote Group’s subsidiaries not only showcases their financial robustness but also underscores their commitment to supporting the country’s development agenda.

This contribution is anticipated to play a crucial role in the realisation of various national projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.

Mansur Hassan Ph.D

The Nigerian Judiciary system, often regarded as the third arm of government, holds a pivotal position as the last resort for the common citizen seeking for justice.

However, concerns have arisen recently about its impartiality, with allegations of undue influence from the executive branch of government.

A prime illustration of this ambiguity is the recent verdict delivered by the Kaduna state Gubernatorial Elections Tribunal, which appears to contradict what transpired last week in Kano.

In the aforementioned case, the tribunal declared that it lacked the authority to invalidate votes announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Yet, perplexingly, a similar tribunal, convened in Kano nearly one week ago, asserted the power to cancel over 165,000 votes that had been cast in favor of HE Abba Kabir Yusuf , the duly elected governor and leader of the most populous state in Nigeria.

These inconsistent judgements have left many citizens bewildered and concerned about the integrity of the judicial system. The judiciary, often seen as a beacon of hope for justice, now faces scrutiny for potentially yielding to external pressures, particularly when it comes to cases involving the executive arm of government.

This has raised doubts about the judiciary’s ability to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and the rule of law, leaving individuals like yourself understandably perplexed about the state of affairs in Nigeria’s legal landscape.

Dr. Mansur Hassan Is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics, Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Federal High Court in Gyadi-Gyadi, Kano, has fined the Kano State Government 30 billion Naira for the unauthorised demolition of shops within the historic Idi Mosque premises at Kofar Mata. 

The ruling, delivered by Justice Simon Ameboda, strongly condemned the government’s actions, labelling the demolition as an “illegal activity full of brutality and malice.” 

The court’s decision also mandated the state government to compensate the affected businessmen whose shops were razed to the ground.

Justice Ameboda emphasised the severity of the government’s offence against the less privileged members of the community, leading to the imposition of a significant fine. 

This substantial penalty serves as a stern warning against any future attempts by government entities to infringe upon the property rights of individuals and small businesses within the state. 

The ruling also included a restraining order, preventing the Kano Government from interfering with the lands and affairs of the shops, including reallocating them to other entities. 

The legal community and activists have applauded the court’s decision, highlighting its crucial role in ensuring accountability and justice, particularly for those who are economically vulnerable. 

The affected businessmen, their legal representatives, and the community have expressed relief and satisfaction with the court’s verdict, hoping that this landmark judgement will serve as a precedent, deterring any similar actions by government authorities in the future. 

By Ibrahim Tukur

As we enter the last week of September, I am compelled to pick up my pen and continue writing as usual.

September marks Deaf Awareness Month, a time when the deaf community comes together to shed light on their unique culture and the challenges they face in their interactions with society.

Although I am unable to organise a learning event this time for personal reasons, I intend to celebrate this month by raising awareness about the various challenges faced by the deaf community.

One of the most significant issues that must be addressed is the pervasive problem of stereotypes that persistently plague the deaf. These stereotypes are prevalent across many societies, especially in Africa, where individuals hold negative misconceptions about the deaf. Some wrongly view the deaf as cursed, insane, mad, aggressive, or even unintelligent.

These harmful stereotypes give rise to discrimination against the deaf. When people harbour negative beliefs about the deaf, they often treat them unfairly. In some families, deaf individuals are treated like slaves due to the unfounded belief that they are mentally unstable. Some parents deny their deaf children access to education, erroneously believing that they have no promising future and won’t contribute positively.

Despite many deaf individuals proving these stereotypes wrong by excelling in higher education, they still face discrimination. Deaf graduates struggle to find good job opportunities, and even deaf schools, where they should be employed, are often staffed primarily by hearing individuals.

Stereotypes also result in stigmatisation. Many people avoid socialising with the deaf, assuming they are prone to madness or aggression and quick to engage in conflict. Personally, when I became deaf, I lost numerous friends who began avoiding me, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Moreover, stereotypes expose the deaf to mockery solely because of their inability to hear. People often make fun of them, use derogatory terms, and speak negatively about them. I personally experienced ridicule and mockery when I lost my hearing at the age of six, which frequently led to conflicts, ultimately forcing my family to relocate.

Thankfully, there are ways to combat this issue. Eliminating deaf-based stereotypes can begin with increased awareness about the nature of hearing impairment. Workshops and seminars on sign language should be organised, enabling better communication and understanding between the hearing and deaf communities. Additionally, introducing Deaf Studies into school curricula can familiarise students with the experiences and capabilities of the deaf.

It is crucial to recognise that deaf individuals are sane; they are not “mad” or “cursed.” They possess the same potential as anyone else and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Let us work together to break down these harmful stereotypes and promote inclusivity for the deaf community. They deserve it, without a doubt.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A task force inaugurated by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike recently made headlines as they seized and destroyed 470 motorcycles in a crackdown on illegal motorbike operations in various parts of Abuja.

The operation, which started at the popular car wash bus stop in Lugbe, extended through Gosa, Bill Clinton Drive, Trademore Estate, Lugbe Junction, and reached Kubwa and its surrounding areas. 

According to eyewitnesses, chaos ensued when motorcyclists attempted to prevent their vehicles from being impounded.

The confrontation escalated into a violent clash between the operators and security operatives.

In a bid to evade arrest, the okada operators scattered in different directions, leading to a high-speed chase through the streets of Abuja. 

The task force, determined to curb the menace of illegal motorcycle operations in the city, pursued the operators relentlessly.

As a result, 470 motorcycles were impounded during the operation. The seized vehicles were subsequently destroyed, marking a crackdown on unauthorised motorbike activities in the capital city. 

Authorities have yet to comment on the incident, but it is clear that the task force’s actions are part of a broader effort to enforce regulations and enhance security in the FCT.

The clash serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in maintaining order while dealing with those engaged in illegal activities on the city’s streets. 

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Northern Youths Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against allowing his political allies to interfere with the electoral dispute in Kano State. 

The group also issued a warning of possible dire consequences if Tinubu allowed anybody to meddle in the court decision. 

The Kano State Governorship Election Tribunal recently nullified the election of Gov. Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Alhaji Yusuf Gawuna. 

However, The Daily Reality reports that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has since indicated his intention to go on appeal. 

In an open letter to the president on Thursday, the acting president of the group, Dr. Ali Idris, and the national publicity secretary, Comrade Adikwu Omale, said if the Nigerian democratic system should continue to operate on the basis of electoral injustice, undermining the best practices of democratic governance in fairness to all parties, the repercussions would surely be devastating. 

Part of the statement reads, “We have received with dismay, information which alleged the involvement of some elements in your Government, to have interfered and manipulated the Kano State Governorship Elections Tribunal judgment, an information which if it turns out to be true, could certainly be described as unfortunate, unprecedented, condemnable and uncalled for. 

“Kano State, as temperamental as it is, such desperate actions could trigger political crisis in the State, and could possibly lead to anarchy. 

“Kano is considered as the commercial nerve center not only for the North, but to the entire sub Saharan African countries, who have one relationship or the other with Kano State. Kano State could be described as a role model, and as the most politically strategic territory with vast knowledge and political civilization. In view of this, Kano is fragile and when broken into pieces, the national security would surely be threatened. 

“Sir, let us draw you to the memory lane, starting from 1999 to 2007, when you served as the Executive Governor of Lagos State, under AD. Your party was entirely different from the party at the centre, and despite some misunderstandings, His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo led Federal Government did not make any attempt to snatch the mandate which the good people of Lagos State gave you, to manage the affairs of the State, from 1999 to 2007. 

“Therefore allowing, some alleged members of your Government, to mastermind the conspiracy of snatching the mandate of the Kano people, is as good as inviting hatred against your own personality, doubting your commitment to upholding democratic principles, institutionalizing electoral injustice, dashing the hope of the Nigerian electorates to lose complete confidence in the system, and subscribing to the school of thought which emphasizes on the unsuitability of the democratic system for African countries. 

“In addition, if this electoral injustice is allowed to thrive, it would further reaffirm the failure of your Government to uphold the rule of law, and treat all citizens equally and fairly regardless of ethnicity, region, religion, party affiliation and others, and the perceived situation wouldn’t only amount to creating unrest, but would surely be a set back on the Nigerian democratisation and Africa as a whole. 

“The perceived conspiracy by some alleged elements in the Government, deploying Government machineries and influence, to destroy Kano State, the consequences would not end and stop in Kano, as the repercussions would certainly create a multiplier negative effects on other states of the federation.  

“Therefore using politics to ignite crisis in Kano, through the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, would surely metamorphose into creating crisis which would be difficult to control, based on the brewing tensions, resulting from the Kano State Governorship Elections Tribunal Judgment.  

“Therefore, there is no better time for you to act, than now to save the situation, by prevailing on your party members who have been alleged to be involved in this political recklessness, as the risk is not worth trying,” the statement added.

By Musa Touray

Africans who dwell on the torturous past of slavery and colonialism find it hard to recognise the essence of a language that has long transcended its original shores. Deepening one’s intellectual quest through the continually universalised medium of communication is, to them, an acknowledgement of superiority some users have attached to the language.

This popular warped perception has dampened our commitment to the pursuit of the English language in a world where minimal mastery of it is a marketable accomplishment. Striving to learn and apply the basics of the language is not only weighed down by dissuasive forces of mediocrity but the process is often mischaracterised as a showy obsession with ‘big English.’ It’s time we broke free from this notion and joined the rest of the world to maximise our understanding of a globally sought-after commodity.

English is an epilanguage in most, if not all, spheres of life—scholarship, extraterrestrial research, scientific studies, diplomacy etc. An epilanguage is used as a means of expression for some purpose, such as those highlighted above. Major scientific discoveries and breakthrough publications have been made in English, even by scholars who use it as a second language and do not have the littlest anthropological affiliation with its native speakers.

“(Proficiency in) English is not a measure of intelligence” has become a central assertion in a section of non-native users’ undervaluation campaign against the language. Unless there exists nuanced definitions of the word beyond me, expressing oneself in any language, not just in English, is itself intelligence.

A hostile follower on X, formerly Twitter, challenged a renowned public affairs analyst to use English and buy fuel if his love affair with words was beneficial. “You may not want to hear this, sir,” replied the analyst, “but I make a living by writing proficient English.” This response clarified for a man who fell under the category of those in oblivion about the language’s incomparable marketability in the contemporary world. “I am paid for producing grammatically-decent content,” he added. 

Using a language also means we should not hold the laws that govern it in contempt. As they obtain for man, rules ensure correct usage and fight off linguistic anarchy. This is one aspect most of us have ignored in making a living through the English language. For example, newspapers, a traditional platform for learning English, have become guilty of unforgivable solecisms.

The convenience of social media has given birth to a handful of commentators and self-styled journalists who exhibit a flagrantly terrible command of the language they choose to communicate. The urgent need to learn the basics of their preferred language is overshadowed by a desire to generate reactions and clout. With hundreds of thousands of followers, some pass off bruised grammar to an uncritical readership.

School-going enthusiasts of current affairs are bound to accept as grammatically flawless whatever they read in newspapers or press releases. This is supposed to be the case if the articles are subject to rigorous editorial scrutiny to establish facts and ensure that grammar rules are respected.

The growing popularity of English in non-anglophone domains is telling. While we continue to dismiss it as the colonisers’ tongue, others have recognised it as an indispensable language that serves transactional and communicative needs in ways and styles no other language does.

Musa Touray wrote from Sandu Kuwonku, The Gambia. He can be reached via musatouray970@gmail.com.