Month: June 2024

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

The rise of Umar Bush, a popular Hausa skitmaker notorious for insulting people, to stardom is unbelievably incomprehensible, justifying Allah’s incredible ability to enrich whom He wishes regardless of their decency or otherwise.

It is Allah alone who knows how he got there. Many people thought his popularity was going to be short-lived, like that of Alhaji Rufai, but that is not the case. He’s now targeted by skitmakers in the Southern part of Nigeria. God is great! New deals are underway.

His unimaginable progress reminds me of the time when an elderly man looked at me in our area during Ramadan and said that I would become a governor. However, a few of my closest friends, whom I thought would be the first to say ‘Insha Allah’, were the ones who contested against me. Indeed, life is greater than our sentiments, and it shall happen if He wills.

When he first came to the limelight comedically, many people thought he was a madman who needed intervention from a psychiatric hospital because of the way he speaks and relates to people. Some netizens even donated thousands of Naira, amounting to over a million Naira, which was later transparently given to his relatives after he had a misunderstanding with his manager, who is also from Kano, labelling it as ‘his end.’

A day later, his manager posted on his personal Facebook page announcing their resettlement with Umar Bush, assuring their audience of their continued efforts to reach stardom.

Ahmed Musa, a renowned Nigerian footballer who plays both in and outside Nigeria, saw Umar Bush’s comical clips trending on Instagram and Facebook and decided to host him at his residence in Kano. Inviting him was a big drama, as he had many misunderstandings and disagreements with all of them, insulting his managers and tagging one of them as his ‘enemy of progress.’

When given lots of Maltina and asked to extend it to one of the team members whom he perceived as an antagonist, he started a fresh drama, insulting him unstoppably until Ahmed Musa intervened and gave him one million naira.

A few days ago, he allegedly signed a ₦100m deal with Ziptol, a company that produces powder detergent, among other detergents. He’s now a millionaire, and I foresee bigger deals coming his way.

Perhaps it is my turn to be insulted comically when he sees this article, especially if he is told that I demanded he pay me for writing about his uncommon sagacious rise to stardom amidst all odds. If you know him or know anyone close to him, tell him that he should pay for this article; else, I will join Sadiq to disturb his life.

Lawan Bukar Maigana writes from Maiduguri and can be reached via email: lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Federal Government has dismissed reports that Murtala Mohammed Expressway in Abuja has been renamed Wole Soyinka Way.

According to a statement by the Special Assistant to the Minister of Information, Rabiu Ibrahim, “the renaming of the Murtala Mohammed Expressway had never been contemplated by this administration.

On June 4, 2024, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated a new road in the FCT, codenamed Arterial Road N20 (from Katampe to Jahi), which links the existing Outer Northern Expressway (also known as Murtala Mohammed Expressway) to the Northern Parkway (also called Ahmadu Bello Way).

During the inauguration, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike proposed naming the new road after Prof. Wole Soyinka, and the President agreed.

“Therefore, it is the Arterial Road N20 that was named after Prof Soyinka,” the FG stated.

It added that “the Murtala Mohammed Expressway remains unchanged and continues to bear the name of our esteemed former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed.”

It also urges citizens to “disregard any misinformation regarding the renaming of Murtala Mohammed Expressway.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued an urgent notice warning the public of a fake website purporting to announce an auction of vehicles.

The website, which has not been named, contains scandalous narration aimed at deceiving unsuspecting individuals. 

In a statement, the NCS stated that electronic auctions of vehicles and other items are conducted solely through the official portal (https://auction.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng), adding that members of the public are advised to beware of false information and rely solely on verified social media and communication channels for genuine updates about the NCS. 

The warning reads: “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) wishes to alert the general public on this fake website with scandalous narration announcing a purported auction of vehicles.

“Beware of false information to prevent falling victim to scams. Stay informed by relying on our verified social media and other communication channels for genuine updates about NCS.”

By Idris Ishaq Danwanka

I stand with my boss, the Bauchi State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, when he described the Bauchi State Governor as his Boss, His leader, and His Direction. The governor has consistently demonstrated kindness to the people of Bauchi State, initiating and executing numerous critical projects since assuming office. His tireless collaboration with the legislative arm of the government ensures the smooth implementation of these projects, providing the state with essential resources for its development.

However, it has come to my attention that certain individuals, particularly from the opposition party, have been attacking the Speaker’s Facebook post, which featured a picture of the governor with the caption: “Wannan shine Uban Gidana, Jagorana, kuma Alkibla ta. Abinda kace shi zamuyi, dani da magoya bayana, in shaa Allah.” The English translation of this Hausa statement is: “The man in this picture is my boss, my leader, and my direction. We will follow whatever you say, knowing fully that you will never lead us to harm, my followers and I, Allah willing.”

There is absolutely nothing wrong with what the speaker said. Unfortunately, due to political differences and a lack of substantial critiques, some individuals who are clueless about the nuances of political discourse are baselessly accusing the speaker of compromising the duties of the legislative body.

The accusations against the speaker are unfounded. To those critics, I pose the following questions:

– In what specific ways has the speaker failed to discharge his duties?
– What are the explicit duties of the speaker and the members of the State Assembly?
– What is inherently wrong with the speaker’s praise for the governor?

Here are a few key points in response to the criticisms:

– In every speech he presents, the governor refers to the speaker as his boss. What wrong does it do when the speaker also refers to the governor as his boss?

– The Speaker’s loyalty to the governor does not impede his ability to perform his constitutional duties regarding the executive arm.

– As a citizen of Nigeria, the speaker is entitled to the same rights as everyone else, including the right to freedom of expression and the press, as provided in Section 39 of the Constitution.

– The Speaker is genuinely impressed with the governor’s leadership style and ability to implement beneficial policies and programs for the state.

– Recently, the governor has flagged off the dualisation of access road in Ningi, and work is in progress… the speaker’s local government, from GSS Ningi to Gudduba. This project, long sought after since the creation of the local government, was approved due to the harmonious relationship between the Executive and Legislative branches.

– ⁠Note that this is the speaker’s personal opinion and that of his supporters (constituents), to which he is constitutionally entitled.

These and many other reasons have prompted the speaker to laud the governor and refer to him as his boss. Ultimately, we are fully committed to following the speaker’s lead and hold no regrets, retreat, or surrender for following the speaker’s directions.

We will always follow his leads and instructions and obey his commands. Our loyalty to the speaker is uncompromising.

Sen. Idris Ishaq Danwanka wrote via idrisdanwanka@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A 63-year-old Missouri woman, Sandra “Sandy” Hemme, has had her conviction overturned after spending 43 years in prison for a murder she did not commit.

Hemme was convicted in 1985 based on incriminating statements she made while a psychiatric patient, but a judge has now ruled that there is “clear and convincing” evidence of her innocence. 

Livingston County Circuit Judge Ryan Horsman ruled that evidence directly ties the murder of Patricia Jeschke to a local police officer, Michael Holman, who has since died.

Hemme must be freed within 30 days unless prosecutors decide to re-try her. Hemme’s legal team, with the Innocence Project, argued that authorities ignored contradictory statements and failed to disclose evidence that would have helped her defense.

Her attorneys said, “We are grateful to the Court for acknowledging the grave injustice Ms. Hemme has endured for more than four decades.” 

Hemme’s conviction was the longest-known wrongful conviction of a woman in US history. She initially pleaded guilty to capital murder to avoid the death penalty, but her conviction was later overturned on appeal.

At her retrial in 1985, the only evidence against her was her contradictory and factually impossible “confession” made while a psychiatric patient. 

Hemme’s attorneys noted that she had a history of inpatient psychiatric care, having spent most of her life in treatment since age 12.

Her exoneration is a testament to the tireless efforts of her legal team and the Innocence Project, bringing an end to a 43-year-long grave injustice.

By Aisha Mohammed Danpullo

 We were sent to get cooking oil from a house nearby. My cousin and I wore a popular Malaysian Hijab with trimmed lace at the edges and a rope around the back. We were so excited to have a ram that year (I come from a humble background). 

We were eager to watch the ram we had crowded around for days, feeding, watering and cleaning its poo. Finally, we were going to watch as it got slaughtered. I, for one, was most excited for the blood that would come gushing out as it took its last breath.

We went to the oil merchant’s house and met the husband, the head of the house with his kids around him, about to make his sacrifice. He was about to slaughter three fat fish. He had it held down by his eldest son as it squirmed just the way one would slaughter a ram.

The kids were all excited; the wife was humbled and a little bit ashamed, probably because of our presence, spilling the oil she measured with beer bottles serving as a measurement for a litre. It’s quite ironic because beers are banned in our part of the country, but somehow, the bottles are always found in every oil merchant’s shop, and their origin is never questioned.

The family generously offered us some, but we wouldn’t take it because there wasn’t enough for them to share.

Every year during Eid, I think of that family, wondering how they are doing and hoping life has become better for them and that they get to eat ram some year.

Aisha Danpullo wrote from Kano via aishamohammaddanpullo@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Khairallah

Vice President of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima; Borno State Acting Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; and the Shehu of Borno, HRH Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, led thousands of Muslim faithful to observe Eid prayers in Maiduguri.

The two raka’at prayers were led by the Chief Imam of Borno, Imam Shettima Saleh, at Ramat Square, Borno’s central Eid ground.

Other dignitaries include Senator representing Borno North, Sen. MT Monguno; Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkareem Lawan; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; former Deputy Governor, Hon. Usman Mamman Durkwa; Members of the State House of Assembly; Hon. Commissioners and Members of the State Executive Council; Special Advisers; Senior Special Assistants; and Special Assistants.

Delivering his Eid sermon, Imam Shettima reiterated the importance of peaceful coexistence and prayed for a bountiful harvest as the cropping season begins.

Shortly after the prayer, the Acting Governor thanked Almighty Allah for making it possible to witness yet another Eidul Adha while congratulating the Muslim Ummah for the successful Eid prayer.

“Secondly, we want to wish all those who traveled to Saudi Arabia a successful and rewarding Hajj exercise. May Allah accept all their prayers,” Kadafur said.

He further urged Muslims to be law-abiding, peace-loving, and enjoined them to use this occasion for sober reflection and prayer for lasting peace in the state.

Prayers were offered for the restoration of total peace in Borno, the northeast, and the entire country.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed concern about Nigeria’s uncontrolled population growth, stating that it may lead to problems for future generations.

He made this known while speaking to journalists after observing the Eid prayer in Daura.

Despite his concern, he expressed pleasure that many Nigerians have taken to farming, which has led to an increase in food production and a decrease in prices.

He encouraged citizens to prioritize education and health and to continue supporting local food production.

Buhari also urged the youth to learn about the country’s founding fathers and to play an active role in nation-building efforts.

He praised the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, describing it as one of the greatest achievements of General Yakubu Gowon’s administration.

The former President wished all Nigerians a happy Sallah and encouraged them to help one another and be their brother’s keepers, especially in the spirit of the Sallah celebrations.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, has held a Sallah durbar in Kano, defying a police ban on the event.

The durbar was held after the Emir led Eid prayers and a sermon at the Kofar Mata Jumu’at mosque.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other officials attended the prayers and durbar, which was held despite heavy rain flooding the usual Eid grounds.

The police ban had been criticized by the Governor, who argued that he had not been consulted as the Chief Security Officer of the State.

Meanwhile, the 15th Fulani Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, observed his Eid prayer at the Nasarawa mini palace, as earlier announced.

The event was marked by the traditional durbar procession, which was held despite the police ban.

The durbar was a significant event in Kano, with many residents attending to celebrate the Eid festival.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Suspected gunmen attacked Dudun Doki village in Sokoto’s Gwadabawa local government area, killing over 10 people and abducting many others in a 1:30 am raid on Sunday.

The attackers stormed the village, leaving a trail of death and destruction.

The motive behind the attack is currently unknown, and authorities are working to gather more information.

Further details will be released as the investigation unfolds.