Month: February 2025

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has left Abuja for Paris, France, on a private visit before heading to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the upcoming African Union (AU) summit.

During his stay in France, Tinubu is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron.

This was confirmed in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday.

The statement, titled “President Tinubu Departs for France Ahead of the AU Summit in Addis Ababa,” outlined Tinubu’s travel plans.

“In Addis Ababa, President Tinubu will join African leaders at the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU Heads of State, scheduled from February 12 to 16, 2025,” the statement read.

The president is expected to arrive in the Ethiopian capital early next week for the high-level summit.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

In a recent press conference, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a controversial plan for the United States to assume control over the Gaza Strip.

The proposal includes relocating Gaza’s roughly two million Palestinian residents to neighbouring countries such as Egypt and Jordan to transform the territory into a thriving economic hub, potentially named the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

Trump emphasised the economic potential of the initiative, arguing that U.S. oversight would bring stability and prosperity to the region. He also suggested the possible deployment of American forces to maintain order during the transition.

The plan has been widely condemned. Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, have rejected it, warning of its implications for international law and regional security. 

Human rights organisations have also strongly criticised the initiative, calling it a form of ethnic cleansing that could worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was present at the press conference, expressed support for the plan, saying it aligns with Israel’s security interests. However, international opposition and legal challenges may hinder the proposal’s feasibility.

As the debate over Trump’s plan intensifies, world leaders and analysts continue to scrutinise its potential consequences for regional stability and the rights of the Palestinian people.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Kano State Government has expressed interest in partnering with Al-Qalam University, Katsina, to sponsor students for postgraduate studies at the institution.

A government delegation, led by Professor Auwalu Halliru Arzai, visited the university on Monday, February 3, 2025, where they were received by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Armaya’u Umar Zango.

Speaking during the visit, Prof. Arzai highlighted the state government’s commitment under Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf to advancing education by providing opportunities for indigenes to pursue higher degrees.

Prof. Arzai noted that Al-Qalam University’s reputation for academic excellence and holistic education made it a suitable choice for the partnership.

Discussions between both parties are ongoing, with plans to formalize the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

By Bashir Uba Ibrahim, Ph.D.

In my article “A Deconstructive Reading of Sunusi’s Remarks on Tinubu’s Economic Policies,” published by The Daily Reality on 19 January 2025, I noted that the Emir loses authority over his words when the media and the public interpret him as they wish. This provokes deconstructive readings of his remarks. The more his statements are rife with contradictions and aporia, the more they invite diverse interpretations. Prof. Kperogi presents one notable critique of the Emir’s outburst in Lagos.

Kperogi’s scathing deconstructive critique of Emir Sanusi’s Lagos outburst, “Emir Sanusi’s Quid Pro Quo for His Friends Turned Friends,” is simultaneously attracting national and international critical attention, indignation, and approval due to its epitomising use of language and skilful deployment of sarcastic symbolism to ridicule its target subject (Emir Sanusi).

The piece provokes sporadic responses and comments that seem to open a Pandora’s Box. Consequently, this write-up reviews notable responses and comments on Kperogi’s piece, primarily authored by Prof. Aliyu Barau and a remark by Prof. Ibrahim Bello-Kano (hereafter referred to as Barau-IBK comments). 

The piece revisits the epistemological challenges posed by such critique from the perspective of speculative criticism. Speculative criticism is a branch of theoretical criticism. As a philosophical approach to textual and non-textual studies, theoretical criticism focuses on the analysis and interpretation of spoken and written texts.

Prof. Barau, in a piece titled “Kperogi: A Captive of the Raw Emotions”, makes a scathing “scientific” deconstruction of Kperogi’s piece. In that article, he x-rays Kperogi’s write-up from scientific lenses. He argues that “Kperogi’s overloaded bags of insults towards Sanusi are unguided by science or descent knowledge”. Thus, Kperogi’s punch on Emir Sanusi should be predicated upon a scientific mode of inquiry by formulating research questions and hypotheses that would guide his critique as he succinctly puts that “writing on Sanusi Lagos outburst, I expect Kperogi to be deeply critical and analytical with scientific objectivity”. 

The above reference to systematic research questions and hypotheses provides an invariable allusion to Barau’s scientific method of criticism (critique). His astute exploitation of language, adeptly combined with an erudite excavation of symbolism (e.g., the Tower of Babel, Neo-Babel Tower, etc.), to register his caustic critique of Kperogi’s piece, remains a recurring feature in his write-up.

On the other hand, in his response to Barau’s deconstruction of Kperogi’s deconstruction of Sanusi titled “Science” or “Critique” in Reguting Malice, IBK refutes the scientific method of critique advanced by the latter. He contends that the best way to match Kperogi’s verbiage is through eclectic methods of criticism. Thus, his reason for deploying sizzling anger and vituperative language in his comment on the latter’s piece. 

Supporting this argument, Prof. IBK maintains that “only the concept of critique can meet head-on and devastate mere malicious criticism”. For that, he surmises that there is a problem with offering “a scientific critique of ideas” as Kperogi’s piece on Sanusi is “speculative ideas”. Thus, there cannot be a “scientific criticism”; science relies on facts, and there are no facts but only interpretations, as argued by IBK quoting Nietzsche. Since Kperogi’s article on Sanusi is a speculative idea, there cannot be a “scientific criticism”. 

Finally, IBK concedes that his comment is by no means a criticism of Barau’s magisterial write-up but rather his way of showing how a convergence of Philosophy, Social Theory, Psychoanalysis and Chaos Theory within analytical critique can or could be used to deconstruct any discourse. 

In conclusion, Barau’s write-up and the subsequent response by IBK are both deconstructions of the deconstructive critique of Kperogi’s earlier article on Emir Sanusi’s Lagos outburst. While the former advocates for a “scientific critique”, the latter espouses critical standpoints.

Dr Bashir Uba Ibrahim writes from the Department of English and Literary Studies, Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa. He can also be reached via bashirubaibrahim@gmail.com.    

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has sworn in the chairpersons, commissioners, and members of the Sharia and Zakkat and Hubusi Commissions.

In a statement on Tuesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi DawakinTofa, said the inauguration took place on Monday, with Yusuf emphasizing Kano’s significance in the Islamic world due to its many scholars, Islamiyya schools, and Islamic study centers.

The governor said the appointees were chosen based on merit, competence, and trustworthiness, expressing confidence in their ability to serve with dedication and integrity.

He tasked the Sharia Commission with fostering unity among Muslim sects to promote peace, stability, and economic growth in the state.

Similarly, he directed the Zakkat and Hubusi Commissions to develop effective strategies for collecting alms from the wealthy to support the less privileged and combat poverty.

Sheikh Abbas Abubakar Daneji was appointed chairman of the Sharia Commission, with Malam Yahaya Gwani Hadi and Sheikh Ali Dan Abba serving as permanent commissioners.

Other members include Malam Abubakar Mai Ashafa, Malam Naziru Saminu Dorayi, and several Islamic scholars. Sheikh Dr. Sani Ashir was named secretary.

For the Zakkat and Hubusi Commission, Barrister Habibu Dan Almajiri was appointed chairman, with Sheikh Nafi’u Umar Harazami and Dr. Ali Quraish serving as permanent commissioners.

Other members include religious leaders, academics, and a representative from the Kano State Civil Service Commission.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated officials would enhance Islamic governance and social welfare in Kano.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu is currently leading the 23rd session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the State House in Abuja.

The meeting, which is the second part of a two-day session, commenced at 1:26 pm on Tuesday when the president arrived at the Council Chamber.

On Monday, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, explained that the meeting would extend into the next day due to the accumulation of pending memos.

“Let me also say that there is also another Federal Executive Council meeting coming up tomorrow,” Idris stated. “Recall that since December, we’ve not had anyone, so a lot of memos have gathered, and the President is determined to dispense with all of them. So we want to say that tomorrow, there will be another press briefing after the FEC meeting.”

Among those in attendance are Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Didi Walson-Jack, as well as several ministers and ministers of state.

During Monday’s session, the council approved a budget of N4.8 billion for the Presidential Treatment Programme, which will supply 150,000 HIV treatment packs from February to May 2025.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, informed journalists that the decision was influenced by discussions on the impact of recent U.S. policy changes on Nigeria’s health initiatives, particularly regarding funding for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria programs.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has reiterated its commitment to enhancing the Qur’anic education system in the state.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Director of Public Enlightenment at the Ministry of Education, Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, said the government remains committed to improving Qur’anic education and creating a conducive learning environment for students across the state.

The State Commissioner of Education, Gwani Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda, gave the assurance while receiving executive members of the Parent-Teacher Association of Government Tahfeezul Qur’an Secondary School, Kiru, during a courtesy visit to his office.

Makoda, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Bashir Baffa Muhammad, underscored the significance of Qur’anic education in promoting peace and stability among the Muslim Ummah.

He assured that the government would continue supporting the system to build a better society.

“This administration has done a lot in terms of providing infrastructure in schools and integrating Islamiyya, Qur’anic, and Tsangaya education to ensure access to quality Islamic and Western education in the state,” he said.

Speaking on the upcoming Qur’anic graduation of Government Tahfeezul Qur’an Secondary School, Kiru, the commissioner described the event as timely and pledged the ministry’s support.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Alhaji Tajuddeen Gambo, lauded the school’s contribution to Qur’anic and Islamic education in Kano and beyond.

“The Kano State Government is very proud of Kiru Tahfeezul Qur’an, considering its role in propagating Qur’anic and Islamic education, not only in Kano but across the country,” he said.

He added that the government would ensure the renovation of dilapidated buildings in the school to provide a better learning environment.

The Chairman of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association, Alhaji Umar Natagunda Gezawa, said they visited the commissioner to brief him on preparations for the Qur’anic graduation ceremony scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2025.

“The graduation covers students from 2019 to 2024, with a total of 1,643 students who have memorized the Holy Qur’an,” he said.

He also noted that the school has produced many graduates who have become prominent figures across the country.

“The school has played a vital role in shaping future leaders, and Kano is proud of them,” he added.

The school’s principal, Alhaji Mamuda, applauded the government’s decision to include the school in the first batch of renovation projects.

“The bill of quantity has already been assessed by the ministry under the governor’s directive to facilitate the project,” he said.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Professor Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), on February 3, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuje. Yusuf faces five counts of embezzlement and fraud amounting to N90,439,178.

The charges allege that between 2016 and July 2017, during his tenure as the Executive Secretary of NHIS, Yusuf misused his position to gain improper advantages. One notable charge states that he approved the purchase of a vehicle for himself at a cost of N49,197,775, which exceeded the budgeted amount of N30 million. This action constitutes a violation of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000.

Another count claims he held a private interest in the GK Kanki Foundation and awarded a contract worth N10,100,000 for training purportedly meant for 90 participants but only engaged 45. Additionally, Yusuf is accused of awarding a contract of N17,500,000 for media consultancy to Lubekh Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his nephew.

When the charges were read, Yusuf pleaded not guilty to all counts. Following his plea, prosecuting counsel Francis Usani requested a trial date, which the defence counsel, O.I. Habeeb, SAN, did not oppose. However, Habeeb requested that Yusuf be remanded in the custody of the EFCC.

Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu granted the request and scheduled a bail hearing for February 12, 2025, while remanding Yusuf at the Kuje Correctional Facility.

By Anwar Usman

Four people have reportedly been killed in Rimin Auzinawa, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State, following a violent clash with security operatives over the demolition of properties.

Security operatives reportedly killed the victims after residents protested against the destruction of their buildings.

Reports have it that the demolished buildings—primarily residential buildings under construction estimated at 40—had been previously marked by the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) as illegal.

The land in question reportedly belongs to Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

A resident affected by the demolition, who spoke to journalists and asked to remain anonymous, said that KNUPDA had cleared the properties earlier.

“We resolved all issues with KNUPDA. They affirmed to us that our properties were not within BUK land. But on Sunday night, officials of KNUPDA and security operatives arrived and started demolishing the buildings.

“When people insisted, security operatives opened fire, killing four individuals who have now been buried. It’s a tragic situation,” the source said.

Daily Trust reports that efforts to get an official response from KNUPDA were unsuccessful, as the agency’s managing director was unreachable.

A senior director at KNUPDA, the only high-ranking official available, reiterated that KNUPDA did not carry out the demolition but rather by a task force from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning.

An official from the ministry, also speaking anonymously, confirmed that the land belongs to BUK and assured that the government would soon issue an official statement.

By Kasim Isa Muhammad

The successful hosting of the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri is a clear spectacle of governance, strategic planning, and people-centered commitment to regional cooperation. Under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni, Yobe has proved not only its capacity to host high-profile international events but also its dedication to advancing economic stability, security, and sustainable development in the Lake Chad Basin region.

The gargantuan challenges faced in organising such an event were intricate, yet the outcome has received plaudits from all quarters. While despite the cynicism that often surrounds political gatherings, the forum was more than a performative display—it was an earnest attempt at forging an alliance among stakeholders to address pressing regional issues. The scale of planning required, from managing deficits in available infrastructure to securing international partnerships, is a clear indication to the administration’s tensile strength in leadership.

Bringing together over 1,200 participants, including eight governors, ministers, legislators, traditional rulers, international delegates, and civil society organisations, the forum demonstrates the plight of the disenfranchised communities in the region. The discussions focused on market-centric development strategies, while also addressing recessionary trends that continue to impact the Lake Chad Basin.

Of course, hosting this event in Maiduguri, rather than in Abuja or any other major Nigerian city, was an unlikely but calculated decision that sent a good message of resilience and regional stability. The politicians involved had to navigate an uneasy political landscape, balancing opportunism with genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.

Such a move is reminiscent of the Machiavellian approach often seen in Nigerian politics, where leadership is tested not only by conviction but also by the ability to make opportunistic alliances. However, Governor Buni’s role in ensuring a seamless event went beyond the performative—his engagement reflected a genuine effort to prioritize regional stability over populist gestures.

The forum’s critical thematic focus on rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin tackled social and economic challenges, including neglected development, inhumane living conditions, and the betrayal felt by communities that have long suffered the consequences of insurgency and environmental degradation.

The discussions and panel sessions were compassionate yet practical, highlighting both idealism and the realpolitik necessary to achieve tangible outcomes. The necessity of cross-border coalition efforts was a recurring theme, as participants examined how to counter the effects of conflict, displacement, and disenfranchisement.

Unlike past forums that have been dismissed as shrill political talk, this edition was different—it sought to counter apathy and disillusionment with actionable solutions. The presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, added weight to the discussions, ensuring that the event was not just another political spectacle, but rather a fundamental step towards regional rehabilitation.

Nonetheless, the forum has positioned Yobe State as a rightwing leader in regional diplomacy and development. Governor Buni’s emergence as the new Chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum signals a volte-face in the perception of Yobe’s role in international engagements. This pendulum swing in leadership dynamics presents both potential and complications. His new role will require careful navigation of common grievances among member states while ensuring that the region does not succumb to the neglect that has defined past interventions.

Mai Mala Buni’s leadership leadership will be tested on multiple fronts—balancing populist expectations with the realities of governance, countering opportunism, and ensuring that regional policies are people-centered rather than performative. With this millennium ushering in new geopolitical complexities, the ability to form strategic partnerships will be key. Given the documented history of regional conflicts, Governor Buni must act with both ruthless efficiency and compassionate foresight.

The decision to host the event in Maiduguri—a city deeply affected by insurgency—was a spectacle in itself. This bold move has redefined perceptions of security and stability in the North East, proving that with the right level of commitment, even the most challenging environments can become centers of diplomacy and development.

The execution of this forum has set a precedence for how future international gatherings in Nigeria should be handled. Rather than focusing solely on the ills of governance, this event was a demonstration of survival, resilience, and proactive leadership.

The forum’s success has ensured that Yobe is no longer viewed as a neglected state but rather as a key player in national and international policy-making.

With Governor Buni now at the helm of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, the expectations are critical. The coming years will demand stronger coalition efforts, pragmatic solutions, and sustained commitment to addressing the region’s challenges. If the execution of this forum is anything to go by, there is every reason to believe that under his leadership, the Lake Chad Basin region will continue to witness economic and social transformations.

More importantly, the political realities remain exceedingly challenging. The forum itself may have concluded, but the see-saw of governance continues. It is now up to the stakeholders involved to ensure that this event was not just a fleeting spectacle, but the beginning of a sustained effort to counter the problems that has long plagued the region.

The people of the Lake Chad Basin cannot afford another cycle of betrayal—they are expecting genuine progress. Governor Buni’s leadership must prove that this forum was not just a political means to an end, but a real step toward change. If he succeeds, Yobe State’s role in regional affairs will be cemented for years to come. If not, this moment of triumph could become yet another pendulum swing in the long history of Nigerian governance.

Kasim Isa Muhammad wrote from Potiskum, Yobe State.