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By Nasiru Ahmad Sadiq

After diving into Muazu Muazu’s lengthy critique of Sanusi Bature, one cannot help but wonder if the writer is misinformed, harboring personal grudges, or perhaps just following orders from some unseen puppet master. His arguments, filled with half-truths and baseless claims, seem to reveal more of his own biases than they do Sanusi Bature’s role as Director of Press at Kano Government House.

Muazu kicks off his piece with tangled metaphors and quickly spirals into a maze of contradictions. He accuses Bature of dropping the ball on Public Relations, yet he also acknowledges Bature’s impressive 19 years of experience in international development, the private sector, and journalism.

So, which is it, Muazu? Is Bature a rookie as you suggest, or a seasoned expert whose accolades – like being named Spokesman of the Year in 2024 – completely undermine your feeble attempts to belittle him?

The most glaring issue with Muazu’s tirade is the absence of solid evidence. He throws around vague claims that Sanusi Bature “speaks recklessly,” “blocks people from seeing the Governor,” and “corners journalists’ allowances,” but he doesn’t back any of it up. Are these accusations based on real investigations, or just the grumblings of disgruntled folks with personal axes to grind?

It is also worth noting that Muazu leans heavily on anonymous sources. Any credible journalist knows that anonymous claims, especially when lacking factual support, do not hold much weight. Without evidence, these allegations are little more than gossip.

Moreover, much as I respect Muazu’s background in communication, it baffles me how he seemingly misunderstand what Public Relations really entails. He criticizes Bature for not being “passionate” or “convincing” enough – these are subjective opinions that cannot be measured. Yet, despite Muazu’s insinuations, Bature has received widespread acclaim for transforming the Public Relations landscape in Kano State, making it more effective and engaging. His professionalism and knack for breaking down complex government policies into something the public can grasp have earned him praise and respect from various circles.

The personal slant in Muazu’s article is hard to overlook. It feels less like an unbiased analysis and more like a targeted attack aimed at damaging the reputation of a man whose success might have upset some people. When a critic hurls accusations without providing context, exaggerates flaws, and overlooks achievements, it makes you wonder: what is really driving this?

Muazu’s closing question – “Is Sanusi Bature appointed by accident?” – is dripping with sarcasm. The only “accident” here appears to be his article; a regrettable mix of half-formed theories, speculative claims, and thinly veiled bitterness. Maybe Muazu should consider channeling his efforts into more constructive discussions instead of trying to undermine accomplished professionals based on rumors.

Ultimately, time will tell. However, it is unlikely that Muazu’s assertions will hold up. Sanusi Bature continues to be a respected figure whose contributions are enhancing Kano State Government’s global image.

Let us hope that any future critiques, if they arise, are based on facts rather than driven by hidden motives. For now, the unfounded nature of this attack is evident to all thoughtful readers.

Nasiru Ahmad Sadiq is a lecturer in English Department, Aminu Kano College of Legal and Islamic Studies and he can be reached via nasirulhaqqi@gmail.com

By Uzair Adam 

Suspended senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio made inappropriate comments about her, including remarks about her waist.  

In an interview with the BBC, she claimed Akpabio would “squeeze my hands in a very suggestive way,” adding, “We women, we know what it means when a man squeezes our hands in a suggestive way.”  

Akpoti recounted an incident where she forgot to wear her ring and was confronted by Akpabio in the presence of other senators.  

“There was a time I forgot to wear my ring because I rushed to work, and there were about five senators there. 

“Akpabio said, ‘Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?’” she said.  

She further alleged that Akpabio made another remark about her body, saying, “Natasha, your husband is really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist.”  

According to Akpoti, other senators laughed at the comments, highlighting how such issues are often overlooked in Nigeria.  

“I just want a place where I would just work. I thought the worst was over, but I guess for a woman, it’s never really over, right?” she said.  

Akpoti was suspended by the Senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct and unruly behavior” following a confrontation with Akpabio over seating arrangements. 

The suspension came just a day after she submitted a petition accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment.  

However, the Senate has insisted that her suspension was unrelated to the petition.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Following a prolonged silence and social media appeals urging NNPP chieftain and former governor of Kano State, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, to address the ongoing political situation in Nigeria, Kwankwaso issued a statement to the press through his social media accounts.

Kwankwaso strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The proclamation includes the suspension of Governor Similayi Fubara and all elected state legislators, a move Kwankwaso deems unconstitutional and dangerous for Nigeria’s democracy.

Reflecting on past political lessons, he expressed concern over the National Assembly’s rapid ratification of the president’s decision, calling it a deviation from proper legislative procedures. “This 10th Assembly has become more rubberstamp than any of its predecessors,” he stated.

Kwankwaso also condemned the involvement of military leadership in a civilian power structure, warning that such actions could lead to chaos and erode public trust in democratic institutions. He emphasized the risks of permitting military influence over civilian governance, recalling the need to keep military forces away from political power.

As the situation unfolds, the implications for democracy in Rivers State and across Nigeria remain uncertain, highlighting the necessity for political and judicial bodies to uphold the rule of law.

By Uzair Adam

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has assured corps members that the new monthly allowance of N77,000 will take effect starting in March 2025.

He gave the assurance during an interactive session with corps members at the Wuse and Garki NYSC Zonal Offices in Abuja, reaffirming the commitment of both the NYSC and the Federal Government to their welfare.

The development follows months of anticipation after the NYSC announced an increase in the allowance from N33,000 to N77,000, in line with the new minimum wage of N70,000 approved by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024.

The last increment was in 2019 when the allowance was raised to N33,000 after a review of the minimum wage to N30,000.

According to a statement signed by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the approval for the new allowance was conveyed in a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, dated September 25, 2024, and signed by its Chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta.

Brigadier General Nafiu emphasized that the well-being of corps members remains a priority, urging them to remain calm, dedicated, and disciplined in their service to the nation.

“With effect from March, you are going to receive the sum of Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira as your monthly allowance. NYSC is good at record-keeping, and I can assure you that your money will be paid. The nation and the Scheme appreciate you,” he stated.

He also praised the vision of NYSC’s founding fathers, describing the scheme as a vital institution fostering national unity by exposing graduates to diverse cultures across Nigeria.

He assured corps members that NYSC management would continue to instill values such as patriotism, discipline, leadership, and teamwork.

Speaking on behalf of her colleagues at the Garki Zone, Corps Member Zaka Deborah Alheri (FC/24A/5831) expressed gratitude to the Director General for his commitment to ensuring the timely payment of their increased allowance.

By Anas Abbas

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced a series of significant appointments and promotions aimed at bolstering governance and improving service delivery within the state.

The appointments were detailed in a statement released by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday.

Among the notable appointments is Architect Hauwa Hassan Tudun Wada, who has been named the new Managing Director of the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA).

A distinguished Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and Vice Chairperson of Female Architects in Nigeria, Hauwa brings extensive experience from her previous role as a Professional Architect at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

She holds degrees in Architecture from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and is recognized as one of the first female architects to excel in Kano.

In another key appointment, Mustapha Muhammad has been designated as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor. With over 20 years of experience in journalism, including a prior position as a Senior Broadcaster at the BBC, Mustapha holds both BSc and MSc degrees in Mass Communication and is currently pursuing a PhD in the field.

In addition to these appointments, two senior officials have been promoted. Zulaihat Yusuf Aji has been elevated to Deputy Managing Director of Radio Kano, having previously served as Senior Special Assistant on Broadcast (1) at the Media and Public Relations Directorate.

Engineer Abduljabbar Nanono has also been promoted to Deputy Managing Director of KHEDCO and has served as Senior Special Assistant on Renewable Energy.

Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf’s latest appointments and promotions have taken effect immediately, demonstrating his dedication to building a more efficient, inclusive, and results-driven administration

By Ila Garba

I’ve never seen the inside of an IDP camp—not the ones in Borno, and certainly not those in Ukraine. Nonetheless, I get the feeling that they don’t have running water. If they do, then, at least in this regard, an IDP camp is better than the student halls of Ahmadu Bello University’s Institute of Administration, Kongo.

I joined this institution in 2019 to pursue a law degree. Mournfully, my jubilation at wrapping up my program is cut short by the dawning realization that I may leave Kongo worse than I met it. The standard here is progressively falling and rapidly deteriorating. Kongo is on its knees and needs to be rescued urgently.

The institute houses two faculties (Law and Administration), a clinic, student halls, and other structures. Coupled with the hardships of being an average Nigerian, Kongo hostel occupants often patrol the school as early as midnight—not as members of a security unit but as bucket-carrying students in desperate search of water.

Until recently, occupants relied on the benevolence of the rainy season. During that time, the wells were generous. But everything changed for the worse with the seasonal shift.

Now, students have to cover several “Kongo-meters” before reaching water—if they even do. Life in previous years was intolerable and unbearable, but nothing compares to the last three years. The situation has gotten so dire that students now resemble hungry lions on the hunt—not for buffaloes, but for water to cook or clean.

With the holy month of Ramadan just beginning, occupants are filled with trepidation over a recurring ordeal they find difficult to adapt to. They fear yet another Ramadan spent in smelly bodies, unflushed toilets, unwashed clothes, unclean dishes, and late iftars.

To be fair to the university’s management, they are “trying their best.” Previously, water tankers would bring water routinely as needed. That is now history. Even as the wells have dried up, the water tankers show up only once in a blue moon. For a university that prides itself as the largest in sub-Saharan Africa, this is, to say the least, hapless and piteous. Ironically, I laugh at the realization that a Department of Water Resources Engineering exists in this institution.

The reality is that we may have stable water in the near future—or we may grow old waiting. Only the management can answer that. I sincerely hope the Student Representative Council, with its so-called “visionary leadership,” will step up to ask the right questions.

What’s even more frustrating is that students are still dealing with a 300% increase in both registration and accommodation fees. Given this, any reasonable person would agree that providing sufficient water should no longer be rocket science. However, the university’s management, judging by its attitude, doesn’t seem to consider the lack of sufficient water in Kongo a problem worth solving. I blame the students for expecting better.

To wrap up, my candid advice to occupants is to register their complaints with God. Clearly, getting water here has been reduced to nothing but hope and prayer. Perhaps, a renowned global water project like Water.org or Charity: Water will be sent to our rescue.

Ila Garba writes from Kongo Campus, ABU Zaria.

By Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu

A wave of emotions swept through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday, March 4, as 144 stranded Nigerians returned home from Libya. Some wept as they stepped onto Nigerian soil, clutching their few belongings, while others sighed in relief after months of hardship in the North African country.

The returnees—mostly women and children—arrived aboard a chartered Boeing aircraft at exactly 4:45 p.m. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) facilitated their homecoming in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other key stakeholders. Officials swiftly processed them, ensuring they underwent the necessary procedures for reintegration into society.

Among the returnees were 100 women, 8 men, 26 children, and 10 infants—individuals who had left Nigeria seeking a better future, only to find themselves ensnared in a nightmare. Libya, once viewed as a gateway to Europe, has become a dangerous trap for migrants. Many face forced labor, sexual exploitation, kidnappings, and inhumane detentions, with little hope of escape.

NEMA and its partners have worked tirelessly for years to bring stranded Nigerians home. At the airport, officials from the Nigeria Immigration Service, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the Department of State Services (DSS), Port Health Services, and the Nigeria Police Force were on the ground to facilitate their return. The returnees underwent biometric registration, medical screening, and psychological counseling before being transported to the Igando IDPs Resettlement Center for reintegration programs.

Yet, for many, homecoming is bittersweet. Aisha, 27, left Nigeria two years ago with dreams of a better life. Instead, she found herself trapped in Libya, forced to work under exploitative conditions just to survive. Holding her two-year-old son close, she said, “I don’t know where to start. I sold everything to travel. Now, I’m back with nothing.”

To help returnees like Aisha, the IOM, in partnership with NEMA and other agencies, provides reintegration support, including vocational training, business grants, and psychosocial counseling. These programs are essential in helping them rebuild their lives and find new opportunities at home.

This latest evacuation is part of an ongoing effort to rescue Nigerians from Libya’s brutal realities. Over the years, thousands have been repatriated, yet the cycle of irregular migration persists. Despite continuous awareness campaigns, human traffickers still lure young Nigerians with false promises of a better life abroad.

Experts argue that while evacuation efforts are commendable, the real solution lies in addressing the root causes of migration—unemployment, poverty, and lack of opportunities. Without viable alternatives at home, many will continue to take desperate risks.

Relief and uncertainty filled the air as the returnees settled into the temporary resettlement center. Some saw their return not as a failure but as a second chance. “I just want to find a way to care for my son,” Aisha said. “I don’t regret coming back. At least I am alive.”

The mission of NEMA and its partners is clear: to help returnees rebuild their lives. But for Nigeria, the bigger challenge remains—creating a future where its youth no longer feel compelled to risk everything for an uncertain journey abroad.

Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu—an NYSC serving corps member, writes from the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) in Abuja.

By Shamsi Ubale Jibril

State of emergency mainly entails the suspension of normal law and order procedures and the introduction of strict controls of the population, usually involving armed forces, so that a crisis or some other factors out of the ordinary can be contained.

Ignoring variations in nomenclature, nations are empowered either by their constitutions or some other national legislations to declare state of emergency when the country or any part thereof is at war, there is breakdown of public order, imminent fear of breakdown of law and order, occurrence or imminent danger of natural disaster or some other danger which clearly constitute a threat to the existence of the Federation.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), as well as its predecessors have clearly laid down the conditions under which state of emergency can be declared, as well as the detailed procedure of the declaration.

By Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the President may by instrument published in the official Gazette of the Government of the Federation issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in the Federation or any part thereof, subject to 2/3 majority resolution of the senate and House of Representatives approving such measures.

The President is empowered to make such declaration where:

a.the Federation is at war;

b.the Federation is in imminent danger of invasion or involvement in a state of war;

c.there is actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof to such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security;

d. there is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof requiring extraordinary measures to avert such danger;

e.there is an occurrence or imminent danger, or the occurrence of any disaster or natural calamity, affecting the community or a section of the community in the Federation;

f. there is any other public danger which clearly constitutes a threat to the existence of the Federation; or

g.the President receives a request to do so in accordance with the provisions of subsection (4) of this section.

The determination of the existence of any of the above circumstances is left to the President to decide, and he may not face any form of restriction in making the declaration. The only possible limitation is where the National Assembly refuses to approve of the declaration, which is quite inlikely under the current settings.

However, none of the Nigerian Constitutions state the extent of the powers of the Federal Government in administering the affected constituent part (State or Region).

Prior to 2011, the Federal Government after declaring state of emergency, went ahead to displace state government institutions/functionaries of the affected state/region. In 1962, Dr Majekudomi was appointed administrator in the Western Region, while during the President Obasanjo era, General Chris Ali and Tunji Olurin were appointed administrators of Plateau and Ekiti States respectively.

However, in 2011 and 2014 when President Goodluck Jonathan declared state of emergency in some parts of the federation, he departed from this precedent and retained the State Governors and Houses of Assembly. This was criticized as not being far reaching enough.

An opportunity to resolve the dispute as to whether the President could replace state functionaries during state of emergency arose in the Supreme Court in the case of Plateau State of Nigeria & Ano v Attorney General of the Federation (2006) NWLR pt 968 p. 346, but the court avoided pronouncement on this live issue on technical g round.

There is therefore a huge gap on the extent of the powers of the President during period of state of emergency. With its chequared history on state of emergency implementation, the USA passed the National Emergency Act 1976, which clearly provide in detail, how the President could implement State of Emergency.

Nobody is in doubt as to the extent of the President’s power during state of emergency in USA.On the 18th March, 2025, the President of the federal Republic of Nigeria declared a state of emergency in Rivers State suspending the Governor of the State, the Deputy Governor and the State House of Assembly for an initial period of 6 months.

There is no doubt that the President has the power to declare a state of emergency in Rivers state if any of the conditions highlighted above exists. However, in the exercise of this declaration, does the President have the power to suspend a democratically elected governor, deputy governor and a whole house od assembly of a state and replace them with a sole administrator appointed by the President?

It should not be forgotten that section 1 (2) of the Constitution provides:The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any persons or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.In the absence of clear provisions of the Constitution validating the suspensions and how the state can be democratically governed within this period, I am of the firm view that this declaration can challenged in court, and be set aside.

This will put to rest the profound uncertainty in the import and effects of declaration of state of emergency under Nigerian law, and to obviate the tendency using such declaration to score a political goal, no matter how obscure.

Shamsi Ubale Jibril can be reached via danjaji2020@yahoo.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State government has honored Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba for his exceptional contributions to the state’s development.

Dr. Magashi, who serves as the Technical Adviser to the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Disabled, as well as the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, is also the Chair of the AMG Foundation.

His efforts have been instrumental in advancing initiatives that support women and other vulnerable groups.

During the International Women’s Day celebration at the Kano State Government House on Monday, March 17, 2025, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Disabled, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani, presented him with an Award of Excellence.

The recognition shows his dedication to improving the well-being of Kano State residents, particularly in the areas of health, humanitarian services, and poverty alleviation.

While presenting the award, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani stated:

“Dr. Magashi has decades-long dedication to public service and commitment to improving the lives of Kano’s underserved communities. He led several reforms in the health sector leading to the establishment of so many agencies, notably PHIMA, KHETFUND KUSH, KNCDC to mention but few.”

She further acknowledged his role in shaping policies, saying:

“His strategic insights and leadership were also vital as Chairman of the health transition committee, where he collaborated closely with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf to craft a transformative agenda for Kano State’s healthcare.”

Additionally, she presented his contributions to governance:

“He also led the technical committee which supported H.E. Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf to develop his campaign blueprint in 2022.”

Dr. Magashi’s recognition underscores his commitment to public service and his lasting impact on health and social welfare initiatives in Kano State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Salisu Shehu, has raised concerns over the deteriorating state of the Council’s library, describing it as “decaying and shameful.”

Prof. Shehu stated this during the opening ceremony of the Writing Workshop for Research and Development Database (RDD) & Library Management Information System (LMIS) Documentation and User Manual Development.

The event was held at Freshland Hotels, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, from March 17 to 20, 2025.

Voicing his disappointment over the library’s condition, Prof. Shehu questioned why Research Officers, Academic Staff, and Administrative Officers had not prioritized its improvement.

He further urged all employees, regardless of their departments, to take action in addressing the issue.

He described the library as the think tank of Nigerian education but lamented its current state.

According to him, this neglect is a collective failure that requires immediate attention. He stressed that he expected real change after the workshop.

Since assuming office, Prof. Shehu said he had visited the library multiple times and observed minor improvements. However, he maintained that these efforts were not enough.

He called for comprehensive reforms to transform the library into a modern center for knowledge and research.

Speaking on the purpose of the workshop, he explained that its primary aim was to develop system documentation and a user manual for the R&D Database and LMIS.

He noted that once these systems are fully implemented, they will enhance access to educational research by serving as a repository for completed studies, improve library management to ensure efficiency, and facilitate collaboration between the Council’s library and other research institutions.

He added that it’s of utmost importance to have a well-structured Library Management System and a robust Research and Development Database.

He also urged the Library and Informatics Centre and the Book Development Centre to ensure that all assessed books, whether recommended or not, are properly documented and easily accessible.

Earlier, Dr. Mandela Asebiomo, Director of the Library and Informatics Centre, explained that the workshop was to develop a dual-purpose software application for the Research and Development Database and the Library Management Information System.

He stated that digitizing research records and reports would support policy formulation and academic collaboration. He further noted that integrating the library with online access capabilities would enhance research interconnectivity and information sharing.

The workshop brought together experts from NERDC and other key stakeholders to develop practical solutions for modernizing the Council’s library and research database systems.