Month: September 2024

Dan Bello: A true comrade and fighter for justice

By Gaddafi Yusuf Young Journalist 

Someone who stands up for justice and rejects ineptitude and injustice in all facets of his people’s lives is considered a comrade. 

Dan Bello is a well-known character who appears everywhere. He uncovers a secret: the Nigerian government is embezzling and laundering money. Despite being abroad, more precisely, born in the United States of America, where everyone is entitled to freedom, and living in China, the birthplace of major global advancements.

Dan Bello conducts in-depth research and analysis to spit out everything the Nigerian government is doing. He affects all three branches of the government, clerics, and the populace at large.

Although he had few views when posting his skits on social media, his consistency helped him grow over at least two years. He raises awareness of the hardships and unrest occurring in Nigeria, particularly among the northerners, as well as the bribery and corruption that have become ingrained in the country’s citizenry. 

Despite his abundance of knowledge, he made the Nigerian people aware of what was happening outside their doors—the waste and theft of the country’s natural resources and wealth by providing them with factual and empirical reports.

Unfortunately, he is being attacked, mistreated, and vilified by a few ignorant and disloyal young people in the north just because he exposed their political ancestors, who exploited the nation as a prop for themselves and their progeny. 

It touches my heart more, but I understand how our youths have turned to beggars for food without thinking about the consequences in their lives. All they need is their boss’s appreciation and happiness, regardless of how others are torturing and tormenting by their action. 

Even now, our people still find it difficult to embrace the harsh reality of their religious beliefs, political opinions, and relationships with loved ones. 

I felt compelled to appeal to Dan Bello because it hurts to fight for the people you love and those people to fight back because they are self-centred and ignorant. But I beg of you, Dan Bello, and your men, including Barr. Bulama Bukarti, Jafar Jafar, Salisu Zango, Barr. Abba Hikima and the rest of your team have taken me as mentors and role models for journalism and freedom fighters, not to mention them. I promise to work tirelessly alongside you and your team to uncover the truth no matter where it may be found, all the way to the end of this incredible journey to liberate ourselves from the oppressive leaders that rule us.

I pray to Almighty Allah to provide you success, direction, and safety wherever you are. I hope that my beloved Nigeria will soon be restored and revitalised.

Gaddafi Yusuf is a Mass Communications student from A.M.T Massive College and can be via gaddafiyusuf240@gmail.com. 

JUST IN: Controversy as PDP refuses to sign Edo election peace accord

By Uzair Adam

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has withheld its signature from the peace accord for the upcoming Edo State Governorship election, scheduled for September 21.

This was revealed by former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar during the peace accord signing ceremony in Benin on Thursday.

Abubakar explained that the PDP’s participation is contingent on certain conditions being met before they will sign the agreement.

“I met with the governor yesterday, and he informed me that the PDP will not be signing the peace accord,” Abubakar said.

“The party has made some observations and set conditions. After these are addressed, they will go to Abuja to sign.”

The PDP’s state chairman was absent at the event and did not elaborate on the party’s reasons.

However, Governor Godwin Obaseki had previously hinted at the possibility of his party opting out of the accord during a meeting with the National Peace Committee.

Despite the PDP’s absence, candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP), including APC’s Monday Okpebholo and LP’s Olumide Akpata, signed the agreement.

Nigeria ranks among top 10 countries with highest Internet users

By Uzair Adam 

The global internet user base has grown consistently in recent years, with countries with larger populations leading the charge. 

However, some smaller nations also boast impressive online activity.

According to Exploding Topics, here are the ten countries with the largest number of internet users:

1. China – 1.05 billion: With its massive population, China tops the list with an estimated 1.05 billion internet users, accounting for 74.36% of its population.

2. India – 692 million: India ranks second, with 692 million people online, representing 49.15% of its population.

3. United States—311.3 million: The U.S. has 311.3 million internet users, which translates to a high penetration rate of 93.79%.

4. Indonesia – 212.9 million: Indonesia has 212.9 million people online, with a penetration rate of 77.76%.

5. Brazil – 181.8 million: Brazil has 181.8 million internet users, covering nearly 85% of its population.

6. Russia – 127.6 million: Russia follows with 127.6 million users, almost 90% of its population.

7. Nigeria – 122.5 million: Nigeria ranks seventh globally, with over 122.5 million internet users, more than half of its population.

8. Japan—102.5 million: Japan has 102.5 million internet users, which is more than 80% of its population.

9. Mexico – 100.6 million: Mexico has 100.6 million people online, with nearly 80% penetration.

10. Pakistan – 87.35 million: Pakistan rounds out the top 10 with 87.35 million internet users, despite only 40% of its population being connected.

Man, 35, allegedly defiles 14-year-old daughter

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A 35-year-old man from Adamawa State, Muhammad Auwal, has allegedly defiled his biological teenage daughter.

The state command of the Nigeria Police said in a statement obtained by The Daily Reality Thursday morning that it had arrested the man over the offence.

In the statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Nguroje, the command said it made the arrest on Wednesday, September 11.

“The Adamawa State Police Command has on 11/09/2024 arrested 35-year-old Muhammad Auwal for sexually assaulting his 14-year-old biological daughter,” Nguroje stated.

He added, “The suspect has since confessed to committing the crime and will be charged to court.”

Kano sets new resumption date for schools

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has approved new resumption dates for all public and private primary and post-primary schools for the 2024/2025 academic session.

According to the updated schedule, boarding students will return to school on Sunday, September 15th, 2024, while pupils and students attending day schools will resume on Monday, September 16th, 2024.

This announcement follows the earlier postponement of school resumption, which was made by the state’s Commissioner of Education, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, on Saturday, September 7th.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Public Enlightenment at the State Ministry of Education, Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, parents and guardians were urged to ensure compliance with the new dates.

The statement also advised students to avoid bringing prohibited items, such as knives or razors, and to adhere to school regulations.

The government, led by Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, reiterated its commitment to providing quality education and creating an environment conducive to academic success.

Husband arrested for raping wife’s teenage sister

By Uzair Adam

A 30-year-old motorcyclist, Michael Olorunfemi, has been arrested in Akure, the Ondo State capital, for allegedly assaulting his wife’s 17-year-old sister.

The incident reportedly occurred in August 2024, around 10 p.m. in the Onigaari area of Irese Road.According to sources, Olorunfemi admitted to committing the crime.

He claimed the victim had asked him for a ride to her boyfriend’s house, but he stopped in a secluded area and assaulted her.

He also confessed that he had promised her money, which he failed to provide, leading her to report the matter to her mother.Ondo State police spokesperson Funmi Odunlami confirmed that the suspect has been remanded in Olokuta prison.

The court, led by Chief Magistrate Kolawole Aro, ordered the remand pending advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The case is scheduled for review on October 31, 2024.

The charges against Olorunfemi violate Sections 357 and 358 of the Ondo State Criminal Code Law of 2006, which deals with unlawful carnal knowledge.

For family and friends: Nigeria’s nepotism culture

By Muhammed Bello Umar

Nepotism is a long-standing problem in Nigeria that has plagued the country for several years. It is the practice of favouring family or friends over others, typically without regard for their qualifications or abilities. This practice is widespread in Nigeria and has manifested in various sectors of the economy, including politics, education, and the job market.

Nepotism is common in the political arena, as politicians appoint their relatives or friends to positions of power or influence, regardless of merit or qualifications. This practice has resulted in appointing unqualified individuals to high-level positions, leading to the underdevelopment and poor performance of many sectors in the country.

Nepotism also exists in the education sector, as students are often admitted into universities based on connections rather than merit. This practice has led to a decline in the quality of education and has hindered the sector’s growth.

Similarly, nepotism is widespread in the job market, and family or friends of employers are often given preferential treatment over more qualified candidates, resulting in high unemployment rates and low job opportunities for deserving individuals.

Overall, nepotism undermines Nigeria’s growth and development by promoting mediocrity over meritocracy. Nigerian leaders must prioritise meritocracy and ensure that positions of power and influence are given to the most qualified individuals, irrespective of their connections. Only then can Nigeria progress towards prosperity and sustainable development.

Muhammed Bello Umar wrote via princemub28@gmail.com

An open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 

By Abdulsalam Alkali

Mr President, when you contested for the presidency of this country, many Nigerians believed that you were a democrat. This made you endearing to Nigerians who believed that democracy was the only way to bring about the desired change for the country. Hence, Nigerians supported you in actualising your long-term dream of becoming the president of this country. 

For over 14 months that you have been the President of this country, Nigeria has been engulfed by economic instability, high inflation rate, insecurity and gross poverty. Due to some of your policies and programs, Nigeria has never had a bad situation like this before.

These aforementioned challenges have forced Nigerian Youth, including those of older ages, to protest in the hope of finding a panacea to the problems that bedevilled us as a country. Unfortunately, your recent broadcast failed to address the issues being raised by Nigerians. It was a plea and assurance, as usual. Mr. President, we need action because, at this point, people have virtually lost hope in your government.

Mr President, I want to remind you that the issues facing Nigerians require your immediate attention. It is your responsibility to take swift action to lift this country out of the dire situation it finds itself in and set it on the path to peace and prosperity. 

Poor Nigerians’ only concern is for the government to make things more affordable and work toward reducing the price of food and other basic necessities of life.

The recent protests may have subsided, but if the current situation persists, it will undoubtedly affect your chances and, by extension, disrupt the fragile peace we currently enjoy. Food security is crucial in maintaining a nation’s stability and ensuring national security. 

Abdulsalam Alkali writes from Maiduguri, Borno State.

FG defends Ajaero’s arrest, denies human rights abuse allegations

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has dismissed accusations of human rights violations following the recent arrest of Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Ajaero was detained at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while on his way to the United Kingdom to attend a conference of the UK Trade Union Congress (TUC).

In response to concerns raised by the UK TUC and other international bodies, the Federal Government, through a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that no individual, including the NLC president, is above the law.

According to the government, Ajaero had failed to honor an invitation from a law enforcement agency, which led to his detention.

The government clarified that the arrest was part of an ongoing investigation, stressing that the action was not connected to Ajaero’s position within the labor movement.

Onanuga further compared the situation to high-profile investigations in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, where even prominent figures such as Donald Trump and Hunter Biden have been subject to legal scrutiny.

Meanwhile, Ajaero, who was released late on Monday, confirmed that his international passport and mobile phones were returned by the DSS.

The secret police also clarified that their presence at the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) was part of an investigation and not an invasion.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the government’s actions, describing them as oppressive and reminiscent of military dictatorships.

However, the DSS denied allegations of harassment, stating that its agents were simply conducting routine inquiries.

The Nigerian Labour Congress continues to monitor the situation closely, reiterating the need for justice and protecting the rights of workers.

Trump struggles for composure as Harris presses on abortion, leadership

By Uzair Adam

Former President Donald Trump struggled to maintain his composure as Vice President Kamala Harris confronted him on key issues during their first debate.

The discussion, marked by sharp exchanges, centered around topics like abortion rights, Trump’s legal challenges, and his overall fitness for office, as both candidates sought to gain an edge in the close race.

Harris, a former prosecutor, managed to unsettle the 78-year-old Trump, who responded with several inaccurate statements. One particularly tense moment occurred when Harris criticized Trump’s rallies, suggesting that attendees often leave due to “exhaustion and boredom.”

She also accused Trump of lying and insulting American women through his policies, particularly regarding abortion.

Harris condemned Trump for supporting abortion bans that provide no exceptions, even in cases of rape or incest, and highlighted the real-life consequences these laws have on women’s healthcare, particularly for those facing miscarriages or other emergencies.

In response, Trump defended his role in the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, which led to the reversal of Roe v. Wade, and insisted that the issue was better handled at the state level.

He also repeated the false claim that Democrats support the execution of babies after birth, a statement Harris rebuked as “insulting to the women of America.”

When asked about his position on a national abortion ban, Trump avoided a direct answer and shifted the conversation to student loans.