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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.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Israel has launched a fresh ground offensive in Gaza, targeting key areas amid escalating violence. The Israeli military described the operation as a “limited ground offensive” aimed at securing strategic zones.

The assault follows intense airstrikes that have killed hundreds of Palestinians, including women and children, and damaged civilian infrastructure. The renewed fighting has shattered a fragile ceasefire, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to continue until Hamas is dismantled.

International leaders have expressed concern over the growing humanitarian crisis, urging restraint to prevent further civilian casualties and displacement.

By Uzair Adam

A devastating fire outbreak struck Kwalema Small Scale Rubber Recycling Industries in Dakata, Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State in the early hours of Wednesday, reducing over 200 factories to ashes.

Our reporter, who visited the scene, observed extensive damages and financial losses amounting to millions of naira.

A scene of the incident

Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident, which occurred at about 6:00 a.m.

The chairman of the industries, Alhaji Aminu Abubakar, confirmed that all the factories in Sections B and C of the market were completely destroyed, leaving behind only wreckage, including recycling and crushing machines.

Abubakar stated that the cause of the fire remained unknown but suspected an electrical fault or spark.

He explained that the fire started from one factory in Section B before spreading rapidly to Section C, consuming everything in its path.

“I watched helplessly as my factory burned” – Chairman

Recounting his ordeal, Abubakar lamented the loss of millions of naira, saying he watched in despair as the fire reached his own factory and razed it to the ground.

“The fire was so intense that it couldn’t be controlled by factory workers alone. Even the fire service, located about 1.5 to 2 kilometers away, arrived late,” he said.

“When they eventually came, they didn’t have enough water to extinguish the flames. That’s how my factory and many others were reduced to ashes while I watched helplessly.”

Eyewitnesses describe the fire’s rapid spread

Workers at the industry narrated how the fire started in a factory in Section B, located in the northern part of the market.

They stated that despite their efforts to put it out, the fire resisted and spread to neighboring factories.

As the situation worsened, they called for the intervention of the fire service. However, the chairman noted that by the time he arrived at the scene, the fire service had yet to respond.

“When they finally arrived, they still didn’t have sufficient water to contain the fire. It continued to spread until it reached our section and burned down factories, including mine and those of my neighbors,” he added.

Victims count their losses

One of the victims, Alhaji Ahmed Ya’u, stood motionless in front of his destroyed factory, sweating and in shock over the loss.

“Just yesterday, I bought recycling materials worth six million naira. I also had a recycling contract worth four million naira. In total, over ten million naira worth of materials and equipment have been lost,” he said.

Despite the devastating loss, Ya’u expressed his faith, saying, “I take this as a test from the Almighty God. He gave me the wealth, and He has taken it away. I pray He compensates me.”

Another victim, Abdulkadir Muhammad Aliyu, described the experience as horrific, but said he considered it to be test.

He was quoted as saying, “I was at home when I received a call about the fire around 6:00 a.m. Upon arriving, I found my factory among those destroyed.

“By Allah, I cannot even estimate the millions of naira lost, including materials belonging to clients,” he said, adding, “However, as a believer, I accept this as a test and seek comfort in Allah,” he added.

Police confirm incident, call for caution

The Kano State Police Command confirmed the fire outbreak and sympathized with the victims, thanking God that no lives were lost.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, through the command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said officers had been deployed to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the damage.

“No lives were lost, but properties worth millions of naira were destroyed,” he said, adding that an investigation had been launched. He also urged the public to exercise caution to prevent future fire outbreaks.

Efforts to get a response from the fire service spokesperson, Saminu Yusuf, proved abortive as of the time of filing this report.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government, former militants from the Niger Delta have declared their commitment to a life of repentance and peace, urging authorities not to push them back into conflict.

Speaking through the Ijaw Matters View Point platform, the group emphasized that continued neglect and marginalization could lead to the resurgence of prominent militant leaders like Adak Boro, Tompolo, King Ateke, and Asari Dokubo.

The ex-militants expressed their desire to remain on the path of peace, warning that failure to address their grievances could result in a new wave of unrest in the region.

They stressed that the Niger Delta belongs to its people and called for meaningful engagement and development initiatives to prevent a return to violence.

The group’s message concluded with a stark warning to President Tinubu, stating that the current treatment of the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta region would have lasting consequences.

They urged the government to act swiftly to avoid further instability.

By Sa’adatu Aliyu 

Nigeria’s legislative chamber is an embarrassment, with lawmakers handling important matters like a bunch of drunks in a bar. These are the individuals determining our fate, appearing anything but serious. Watching them feels like being strapped to a chair and forced to watch a tedious comedy. It’s a complete nightmare.

Moreover, seeing Senator Natasha walking out of the Senate was disturbing, highlighting the reality of injustice and the flawed Nigerian system that perpetuates sexism and denies women their freedom. The penalty imposed on her is nothing more than a testament to bullying.

As men dominate the floor, as they do in other male-dominated spheres, true justice appears elusive. Most of these men, who see sexism as a normal part of women’s lives, felt it appropriate to gang up against Senator Natasha. This mindset is all too prevalent among African men, who often excel at trivializing sexism. In simple terms, this is a case of toxic patriarchy reinforced—something many women have been tirelessly fighting against for years.

As a literature student who has studied the origins of feminist movements, I’m aware of the struggles women face. However, this issue goes beyond feminism; it’s about truth.

With that in mind, we all know the incident began after Senator Natasha made several claims about being sidelined by the Senate President. She was constantly ignored whenever she attempted to raise a motion concerning the development of Ajakota steel mines. Behind the Senate President’s actions, however, was a backstory. Months ago, a nightclub comment sparked widespread condemnation. After enduring so much, Senator Natasha eventually erupted, leading to the escalation of the issue and further allegedly accusing the President of a history of sexual harassment.

On Natasha’s Outfit 

The Lafaya, as it is referred to in northern Nigeria, is primarily worn by Muslim women and is considered quite decent attire, often worn at traditional events like wedding ceremonies by brides and occasionally during horse-riding festivals. It’s important to remember that Natasha is a Christian woman who has chosen to wear an outfit that not only fits her well but is also attractive and appropriately modest. Yet, the Senate President claims that her chosen fashion is transparent and offensive to his view.

If this is true, how could Natasha make it through the Senate gates if her attire was indeed so exposing and provocative? I believe the Senate has a dress code, and if her Excellency was violating it, she wouldn’t have been allowed to pass through the Senate gate.

But because, clearly, there’s nothing inappropriate about her way of dressing—which is quite respectable for a Christian woman, by the way—it renders the Senate President’s claims unfounded and disrespectful. Instead of focusing on significant issues, he gets distracted by a Senator’s wardrobe choices. It’s ridiculous.

Women as Enablers of Toxic Patriarchal Abuse

Women, particularly those from our mothers’ generation, especially African women, have been indoctrinated into a dangerous culture of acceptance that enables them to tolerate the excesses of men in society and even defend them. This includes women who attempt to justify a man’s sexual misconduct or other behavioral missteps. As a result, a daughter trapped in a bad marriage, where she is a victim of domestic violence, is often advised to endure her situation.

A daughter who’s a rape victim is not just blamed but is asked to never speak of the issue. She is the victim yet bears the shame. “It’s a wrong committed by men. There’s nothing we can do.” That’s what young girls have been taught. And because of this, many women have to live with abusive men, continuing to endure abuse on many fronts because suffering is equated with righteousness. For these women, silence is bravery, and speech is cowardly.

Moreover, among other things, those women who come out to dismiss the allegations leveled against the Senate President unapologetically belong to this school. Another likely reason to smear Natasha’s claims as false and unfounded is the threat she poses to them – women who may be envious of her based on her physical appearance and youthful beauty.

Women are known to size each other up and hold grudges against those they believe possess qualities they lack, and one thing the senator has is beauty. Just based on that, the other women may feel threatened. Therefore, supporting her is out of the question. Yet, this does not surprise me—the silence of the women who were supposed to stand with her; women are often seen as their own worst enemies.

However, while her suspension might appear as a defeat, I commend Senator Natasha for her stoic bravery and refusal to be silenced in the face of injustice. Regardless of the outcome of this case, she has triumphed because she spoke up. Natasha has refused to be that meek daughter, that “good daughter.” She has defied expectations and rejects being labeled as “Mama endurance” in the face of harassment.

And while some women may be saying, “She should have just kept quiet; look where this has landed her,” I want to tell them that it’s better to be in this position, knowing you advocated for yourself and can walk away, than to remain silent in an environment that continues to torment you.

It’s daughters like these that we want to raise – daughters who can look into the eye of injustice and say no, not again. Natasha spoke truth to authority; she fought back. And people may see her action as inappropriate, but we forget that her outburst is as a result of accumulated frustration. She’s the true daughter of “Ane Ebira,” who refused to go mum.

As a member of the same tribe as Her Excellency, Senator Akpoti, I can confidently say that the Ebira people are renowned for their bravery and steadfast fearlessness when faced with provocation. It is not our nature to instigate conflict, but we are never hesitant to confront challenges if it means defending ourselves. We are recognized for standing up for our truth. You cannot bully an Ebira man or woman without them pushing back. “I’m not afraid of you” stems from a legacy of fearless ancestors who never backed down from a fight.

Sa’adatu Aliyu works at DLC Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She can be contacted at saadatualiyu36@gmail.com. 

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has instructed all four state Emirates to begin preparations for the upcoming Sallah Durbar Celebration. The announcement was made following a Ramadan breakfast meeting with the Emirs at the Government House in Kano.

In a statement from the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, it was highlighted that Governor Yusuf recognizes the community’s enthusiasm for the traditional celebrations, which include wearing new attire, lining the streets to witness the Emirs on horseback, and exchanging greetings.

Emphasizing his commitment to uphold this cherished tradition, the governor assured citizens that all security agencies will be mobilized to ensure their safety during the festivities. Additionally, he revealed plans to inaugurate the Kano State Emirate Council in April, aiming to enhance its functionality.

The relationship among the Emirs has reportedly improved under Governor Yusuf’s administration, with Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, Chairman of the Kano Emirate Council, noting the friendly ties between the Emirs. He urged the governor to use traditional institutions to effectively communicate policies to the grassroots level.

Emirs from Karaye, Rano, and Gaya expressed their appreciation for recent government initiatives, especially the provision of fertilizer and enhancements in education, health, and infrastructure in their emirates.

By Abubakar Aminu Ibrahim

Deedee rushed around her room, gathering the necessary materials for her PhD proposal defense, her heart racing as she tried to remember everything. The session was officially set to begin at ten in the morning, as specified by the postgraduate college, but by seven, she was already anxious, determined not to be late for such an important academic event.

Thanks to the relentless morning traffic, Deedee barely arrived at her destination by eight. Clutching her papers tightly and breathing heavily, she sighed in relief—at least she was the first to arrive. Finally, she could set aside the worry of being late. She settled into her seat, absorbing the tranquillity in the environment and the nervous anticipation of her imminent defense.

The clock ticked on. By ten o’clock—the designated time—only a few familiar faces were moving about. It was evident that the college had only just started making arrangements for the venue and other necessary protocols. Deedee stayed patient. Maybe the session would begin by eleven, she thought, but I need to pick up Mukhtar from school by two.

Yet, the college workers—both academic and non-academic—moved about leisurely, their faces showing no awareness of time slipping away. As the hours passed, other students began to trickle in. No one noticed who had arrived first; there was no system in place to ensure that Deedee or any early arrivals would be attended to first. It seemed that the very concept of punctuality was foreign here.

Frustrated, Deedee later lamented, “Can you believe the session didn’t start until two o’clock in the afternoon? That was exactly when I was supposed to pick up Mukhtar from school?”

“I’m really sorry,” I said earnestly. “But this is what we refer to as ‘African time.’ People here often don’t prioritize valuing time.”

“But do you realize what that means!?” Deedee interjected. “It means our defense times were shortened, leaving us little opportunity to express the very ideas we spent sleepless nights preparing. I was caught between trying to present my work convincingly and worrying about my poor son. What could I say to impress the professors? What was Mukhtar doing at that moment? Was he thinking I had forgotten him? These thoughts, combined with exhaustion, drained all the energy I’d built up for the session.”

Sadly, lack of respect for time has become our trademark in Africa—or, let me be specific, in Nigeria, which I know too well. It is bad enough that the general populace disregards time, but it is even more disheartening that this culture thrives in academic environments. 

Ironically, some people deliberately arrive late to events, using it as a display of status. They ensure the crowd has gathered before they waltz in, basking in the admiration of those who foolishly equate tardiness with importance. Even more baffling is that these individuals always have some fools cheer and applaud their ignorance or arrogance.

We must recognize that our choices do not impact us alone. More often than not, they have far-reaching consequences for others. Consider how a single instance of lateness can disrupt the timing of subsequent activities. Life functions like a chain—delaying one link interrupts the entire sequence. If action A is postponed, it affects action Y, and ultimately, there may be no time left for action Z, which could be critical to someone else’s plans.

It is time we erased the shameful phrase “African time” from our vocabulary and our reality. We must recognize that adhering to schedules is an act of responsibility, a way of being our brother’s keeper. Whether as teachers, students, participants, or public speakers, we need to respect the time allocated to us, neither taking more than our share nor wasting what we have.

Yesterday is history, which is why it’s referred to as the past. Tomorrow is a mystery, unknown and unpredictable. But today—this moment—is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present. Use it wisely.

Abubakar Aminu Ibrahim wrote via abubakarmuhammadaminu21@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the purported suspension of the state’s democratically elected officials as unconstitutional.

In a press release issued on March 18, 2025, the NBA expressed grave concerns over the President’s decision to suspend Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, citing political tensions and pipeline vandalism as reasons for the emergency declaration.

The NBA emphasized that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which governs emergency proclamations, does not grant the President the power to remove elected officials.

According to the association, such actions violate Nigeria’s federal structure and democratic principles.

The Constitution outlines specific conditions for declaring a state of emergency, including war, imminent danger, or a complete breakdown of public order—none of which, the NBA argues, are met by the current political crisis in Rivers State.

The association also noted that a state of emergency requires approval from the National Assembly within two days if in session, or ten days after reconvening, to remain valid.

The NBA called on lawmakers to reject any unconstitutional ratification of the emergency measures and warned that suspending elected officials sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.

The NBA urged all stakeholders, including the judiciary, civil society, and the international community, to monitor the situation closely and ensure that constitutional norms are upheld.

It reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rule of law and protecting Nigeria’s democracy from executive overreach.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked widespread criticism, with legal experts and political analysts condemning the move as unconstitutional and politically motivated.

Prominent legal practitioner Abba Hikima, Esq. argues that President Bola Tinubu lacks the legal authority to suspend a democratically elected governor, deputy governor, and the members of the State House of Assembly. He insists that both Nigerian law and judicial precedents explicitly prohibit such actions.

“There’s nothing in the law or practice of proclamation of a state of emergency in Nigeria that empowers the president to suspend elected officials. Several judicial precedents outrightly prohibit this, and the president is not unaware,” Hikima said.

He further lamented a growing trend in Nigeria where those in authority deliberately violate the law to weaken their opponents. According to him, victims of such unconstitutional acts are often forced into long and uncertain legal battles, with little hope of enforcing favorable judgments.

State of Emergency Justification Questioned

Hikima also questioned the rationale behind declaring a state of emergency in Rivers, arguing that the conditions required for such a measure have not been met.

“There is no actual breakdown of law and public order in Rivers State that necessitates extraordinary federal intervention. Several states in Northern Nigeria currently face worse security challenges, yet the president has not declared a state of emergency there,” he said.

While clarifying that he is not advocating for emergency rule in any part of the country, Hikima described the Rivers case as unfair, unwarranted, and driven by political motives rather than genuine security concerns.

Violation of Democratic Principles

The lawyer also criticized the appointment of a sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs, pointing out that the president himself admitted that no government can function without all three arms.

“By appointing a sole administrator who will act as both lawmaker and executor, the president has contradicted his own statement. This move goes against the spirit of Nigeria’s legal and political system,” Hikima added.

Under a state of emergency, the federal government assumes temporary control over certain state functions, which could include deploying security forces, restricting rights such as movement and assembly, imposing curfews, or directing state resources toward security operations. However, Hikima warns that this latest declaration sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.

National Assembly Urged to Resist Approval

With the National Assembly in session, Hikima has called on lawmakers to reject what he describes as a “brazen constitutional overreach.”

“The National Assembly has the power to prevent this embarrassment. The state of emergency can only come into effect after being approved by both houses with a two-thirds majority. Lawmakers have 48 hours to stand against this unconstitutional action,” he said.

As debate rages over the legality and necessity of the state of emergency in Rivers State, all eyes are now on the National Assembly to determine the next course of action.

By Anwar Usman

President Bola Tinubu has suspended the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu for six months.

The president stated this while addressing the country on the current political crisis in the state.

The president was quoted saying “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” he said in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday.

Details later…