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By Muhammad Sani Ilyasu

Over the past few days, Kano’s political atmosphere has been gripped by what should have been a routine decision — the selection of a Deputy Governor. Instead, it has dragged, stretched, and unsettled expectations. As the Hausa proverb reminds us, wankin hula yana neman kai. Sooner or later, the moment of decision arrives, and when it does, it reveals more than preference. It reveals judgment.

But truthfully, this is not a difficult decision.
Once the list of nominees from the old APC bloc surfaced, one name did not merely appear — it stood apart. Alhaji Rabiu Suleiman Bichi. Not because of sentiment, and certainly not because of noise, but because of something far more scarce in today’s politics: substance.

This is a man shaped by governance, not just politics. He has moved through the system at its highest levels — serving as Secretary to the State Government, managing policy at the governor’s office, and working across institutions where decisions are not announced for applause but executed for impact. That kind of experience does not shout. It shows. And in moments like this, it matters enormously.

Yet the weight of this decision extends well beyond qualifications. The governor did not simply make a political realignment — he justified it with a principle: putting Kano first. That declaration raised the stakes. It transformed every subsequent decision into a test of consistency. Because once Kano becomes the stated priority, convenience must give way to capacity, and politics must submit to judgment.

You cannot declare Kano first and then treat this appointment as negotiable. The office of Deputy Governor is not ceremonial. It is not a token for balancing interests or rewarding loyalty. It is a quiet but powerful engine of governance — where coordination happens, where pressure is absorbed, and where experience prevents the kind of costly mistakes that erode public trust. It is not a place for learning on the job. That is precisely why Rabiu Suleiman fits this moment.

Rabiu Sulaiman Bichi carries a rare combination that politics often separates: administrative competence and genuine political experience. As a founding figure of the Kwankwasiyya movement, a former PDP State Chairman, and later Director-General of the APC’s 2023 campaign in Kano, he has operated credibly across political lines without losing his footing. That is not inconsistency. It is relevance across eras — the mark of someone who understands how power works without being consumed by it.

More importantly, he brings reach. His network — spanning national and international circles — is not ornamental. It is functional. It is the kind of capital that attracts serious partnerships, aligns policy with opportunity, and positions Kano beyond its immediate boundaries. At a time when states compete not only internally but on a broader stage, that kind of exposure is not a luxury. It is a strategic asset.

And then there is the other side of the equation — the part many would rather avoid, but which cannot responsibly be ignored. Leadership is defined not only by what is built but by what is tolerated. To elevate a deputy whose public record is clouded by ongoing court cases involving serious allegations of corruption and financial misconduct is not merely a political risk. It is a statement — and a loud one.

Because once made, that choice will not remain local. It will travel. It will shape perception, invite institutional scrutiny, and define the governor’s seriousness in the eyes of allies, investors, and the wider Nigerian public. You cannot stand on reform and lean on controversy. That is not balance. It is contradiction. And Kano cannot afford contradiction at this level of governance.

This is not a moment for experimentation. It is a moment for clarity — a moment to demonstrate that governance here is still anchored on competence, credibility, and consequence. In Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, that clarity already exists. Which is why this decision, despite the delay, remains straightforward.

If Kano truly comes first, the answer is already known. Anything else is not a strategy. It is a misstep.

Muhammad Sani Ilyasu writes from Maryland, United States of America and can be reached via msaniiliyasu@gmail.com

By Sunusi Abubakar, ACA

Had it not been for someone I deeply respect breaking the news of Professor K.I. Dandago’s passing to me might have left me harbouring resentment towards someone for a period of my life. I was utterly shocked by Prof’s death.

Professor K.I. Dandago, widely known in Nigeria and beyond, was a renowned academic whose character was exemplary among his peers.

Those who Prof K.I. Dandago taught will agree that one thing no one could take away from him was his ethics and sense of responsibility. The professor could stand in the rain or shine just to deliver a lecture. He could climb a 10-storey building merely to fulfil his duty. Despite being ill, Prof. often stood for nearly two hours to deliver a lecture to us when we were in level 400. He was always honest and sincere in his dealings.

My first encounter with Prof was in 2018 during a lecture on Ethical Issues in Accounting. I had the privilege of discussing with him the reason for my absence from a previous lecture. Even after I gave a genuine explanation, Prof insisted that I submit it formally so that he could verify its validity.

My second encounter was after a lecture at Northwest University (NWU)’s Main Campus. I asked him about the Big Four accounting firms in Nigeria. He shared extensive insights and even explained how he facilitated a business relationship between KPMG and a private university in Kano.

My relationship with Prof grew stronger and more personal during Level 400. During that time, I often visited his office for professional guidance. He graciously agreed to act as my professional referee when I began my journey with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. The professor was instrumental in my path to becoming a chartered accountant and entering professional practice. I vividly remember him contacting the Principal Partner at Namadi Umar & Co. (Chartered Accountants) to secure my acceptance as an Audit Trainee. 

The last time we communicated was about my job application to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He assured me of his professional response and an academic recommendation. The last time I saw Prof was at a sensitisation lecture organised by the Faculty of SMS at NWU, Kano, where he served as a speaker and demonstrated his expertise in accounting and taxation, particularly regarding the new tax laws.

My relationship with Prof. was not merely that of a student and a lecturer, nor solely that of a mentor and a mentee; it was akin to that of a father and a son. The professor helped me in every possible way. I owe him a profound debt for living this life with honesty, accountability, and sincerity of purpose.

May He grant him Jannatul Firdaus and give us the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.

Sunusi Abubakar, ACA, wrote from Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Army has intensified its onslaught against banditry, recording major breakthroughs in clearance operations across Bauchi State, with troops overrunning key terrorist camps, capturing families of fleeing criminals, and destroying vital logistics in the Dajin Madam Forest.

In a statement issued today, the Army confirmed that troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, working in coordination with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), conducted a fierce clearance operation deep inside the forest. The operation led to the destruction of several bandit enclaves, including the notorious Azuge and Hari camps.

During the offensive, troops neutralized an unspecified number of bandits, while many others fled under heavy military pressure. In a significant development, security forces took into custody six women and thirteen children, family members of the bandits. Several motorcycles used by the criminals for mobility were destroyed, severely limiting their ability to launch further attacks.

A cache of items recovered from the camps includes one AK-47 magazine, packs of tramadol, a pair of police uniform, multiple military uniforms, and two horses, items the Army said were indicative of the group’s criminal enterprise and attempts at impersonation.

“Troops are currently maintaining a firm hold position within the Dajin Madam Forest to consolidate the gains achieved and prevent any re-infiltration by fleeing bandits,” the statement read.

In a related follow-up clearance operation to Mainamaji, conducted after recent air strikes on bandit hideouts, troops made no contact with the enemy—a further indication that sustained military pressure has significantly degraded bandit presence and movement in the area.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the offensive until lasting peace and security are restored. Citizens are encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Renowned American commentator and podcaster Tucker Carlson has ignited debate after saying, “the people in charge don’t want you to know this, but Muslims love Jesus,” amid tensions involving Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV.

The remark followed controversy over an AI-generated image shared by Trump on Truth Social, showing him in attire associated with Jesus Christ.

Carlson’s comment drew mixed reactions online, with some noting that Islam indeed reveres Jesus as a prophet, while others questioned the timing and context of his statement.

Recall that President Trump called Carlson low IQ, among other abuses, as the two former allies fall apart, especially because of the US-Israel war on Iran and US foreign policy towards Iran.

As of the time of this report, Trump has yet to respond to Carlson’s recent post on Jesus and Muslims.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has begun a training programme focused on the use of Artificial Intelligence to improve revenue generation, remittances and reconciliation processes.

The exercise took place on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel. It attracted senior Customs officers, technology specialists and members of legislative oversight committees.

The presence of lawmakers alongside Customs officials highlights ongoing cooperation between the Service and the National Assembly. Both sides aim to improve accountability and introduce modern technology into public administration.

Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency in financial management through innovation.

“We are united in our resolve to ensure transparency in public accounting. Technology continues to evolve and plays an important role in strengthening our operations. It has also helped us better understand patterns in international trade,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the benefits of Artificial Intelligence for Customs operations. He also noted that the Service operates within a wider global trade system.

“We want to reap the benefits of Artificial Intelligence collectively. I encourage participants to actively engage the facilitators, ask questions and take full advantage of the training,” he added.

In her remarks, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, Kikelomo Adeola, described the initiative as timely and strategic.

“This training reflects our commitment to national development. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a concept of the future; it is a technology we must embrace to strengthen our systems,” she said.

She explained that the programme aims to close gaps in revenue management and equip officers with the skills to use AI tools to protect public funds.

Adeola also acknowledged the attendance of lawmakers. She described it as a sign of shared responsibility in promoting transparency and accountability.

“This synergy is important. I encourage participants to ask relevant questions and exchange ideas that will enhance the effectiveness of this initiative,” she added.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, Bamidele Salam, praised the Customs Service for its reform efforts and focus on innovation.

“Customs is a global institution and plays a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s economic image. I commend the Comptroller-General for the progress made so far,” he said.

He described the training as necessary and noted that the use of Artificial Intelligence in Nigerian public institutions is still limited.

“We must continue to build capacity because the effectiveness of any system ultimately depends on the people who operate it,” he added.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, Senator Ahmed Aliyu, called for stronger collaboration to build durable systems for the future.

“All hands must be on deck. We must build systems that will endure and continue to serve the nation for years to come,” he said.

The programme featured a presentation by technology expert Bamidele Oyedeji. He highlighted how Artificial Intelligence can improve trade processes and operational efficiency within Customs administrations.

The initiative reflects the determination of the Nigeria Customs Service to adopt emerging technologies to strengthen revenue management, improve transparency and enhance overall performance.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) has intensified efforts to strengthen collaboration with key education stakeholders following an advocacy visit to Community Aid Connect.

The Daily Reality reports that the move, according to the group, is part of ongoing engagements aimed at improving access to inclusive and quality education across Kano State.

In a statement issued on Monday, and signed by its Public Relations Officer, Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim, the organisation said the visit formed part of its broader strategy to partner with development actors.

It noted that such collaborations are essential to addressing challenges affecting education delivery, particularly among vulnerable and underserved populations.

The delegation, led by K-SAFE Co-Chair (CSOs), Auwalu Halilu, was received by the Kano State Team Lead of Community Aid Connect, Surajo Mahe Alkali.

The meeting, held on Monday, provided an opportunity for both organisations to explore areas of mutual interest and strengthen existing relationships.

During the engagement, Halilu commended Community Aid Connect for its role in promoting literacy and numeracy through innovative programmes.

He specifically referenced initiatives such as the DARASI programme and the Community Radio Literacy and Numeracy Programme, describing them as impactful interventions in the education sector.

The K-SAFE Co-Chair noted that the programmes provide flexible learning opportunities for learners with limited access to formal education.

According to him, such initiatives are particularly beneficial to vulnerable groups, helping to bridge gaps in access and improve foundational learning outcomes.

In his remarks, Alkali highlighted the impact of the DARASI Programme in supporting basic education, especially at the foundational level.

He also emphasised the effectiveness of radio-based learning in reaching remote and hard-to-access communities, noting that such approaches have expanded educational access in underserved areas.

Both parties stressed the importance of community participation, stakeholder coordination, and sustained advocacy in addressing learning gaps.

They noted that improving educational outcomes requires a collective effort involving government, development partners, and local communities.

They also identified key areas of collaboration, including joint advocacy campaigns to promote enrolment and retention in schools.

Other areas include partnerships on radio-based awareness initiatives, strengthening monitoring and accountability mechanisms, and capacity building for community-based education structures.

The organisations further agreed on the need to document programme outcomes to support policy dialogue and education sector planning in Kano State.

They said such evidence-based approaches would enhance decision-making and contribute to long-term improvements in the education system.

The Daily Reality also gathered that the engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of both organisations to enhancing access, equity, and quality of education.

It also underscored their resolve to promote innovative solutions aimed at improving literacy and numeracy across the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

An Arsenal supporter from Uganda has issued a formal notice to the club, indicating his plan to take legal action over its recent defeat to AFC Bournemouth.

In a document titled “Notice of Intent to Sue” dated April 11 and sent to Arsenal’s headquarters at Highbury House in London, Eric Kyama argued that the team’s performance in the match amounted to a “fundamental breach of the implied contract between the club and its global fanbase”.

Kyama, who also shared the letter on social media platform X and copied several international media outlets, listed multiple অভিযোগ against the club, its players and manager Mikel Arteta.

He accused the players of professional negligence. He claimed they showed “a complete lack of industry” and did not display enough urgency or commitment during the game.

Kyama also criticised Arteta’s leadership. He said the manager lacked the tactical quality required at that level. He described the team’s display as “disjointed” and “directionless”.

The supporter further stated that the result caused both emotional and financial strain. He noted that fans dedicate time, money and emotional energy to support the club.

He also alleged that the club misrepresented its values. He pointed to its promotion of excellence and “Victory Through Harmony”. He argued that the performance on the pitch did not reflect those ideals.

Kyama warned that he would proceed with legal action if the club fails to provide an explanation and present steps to improve performance standards. He said he would seek damages over the psychological impact and his loss of confidence in the team.

By Anas Abbas


Journalists were denied access to proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where a ruling on the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was expected.

This, created tension around the court premises, as media personnel were prevented from covering the proceedings despite heightened public interest in the case. Amid the restricted access, Muhammed Bello El-Rufai, the son of the Mallam Nasiru Elrufai, confirmed that the court had granted bail to his father.

Although details of the bail conditions were not immediately disclosed, the confirmation fueled reactions among supporters and observers who had gathered at the venue.

The situation underscored the sensitivity surrounding the ongoing legal proceedings involving the former governor, who has been facing multiple charges in recent weeks.

Yet,there was no official statement from court authorities explaining why journalists were barred from the courtroom.
Further details on the bail terms and subsequent proceedings are expected to emerge as the case continues.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) has expressed appreciation to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for approving N4.45 billion for the payment of examination fees for 150,000 students sitting for NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS examinations.

The group described the move as timely and impactful, noting that it would ease the financial burden on thousands of families across the state.

In a statement signed by its Co-Chair, Auwalu Halilu, K-SAFE said the decision reflects the governor’s strong commitment to improving access to education and promoting equity.

The statement added that the intervention demonstrates a people-centred approach aimed at supporting the academic aspirations of young people in Kano State.

“This bold and people-centred decision demonstrates Your Excellency’s unwavering commitment to improving access to education,” the group said.

It noted that by removing the cost of examination fees, the government has safeguarded the future of many students while strengthening public confidence in its education policies.

K-SAFE observed that the intervention comes at a critical time when many households are facing economic hardship.

According to the group, the inability to pay examination fees often leads to school dropouts, delayed academic progression, or loss of educational opportunities for students.

It further stated that the approval would significantly improve student retention and transition rates across secondary and technical schools.

The group added that the investment is expected to enhance learning outcomes and expand access to education for vulnerable learners across the state.

The forum also commended the inclusion of candidates sitting for NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS examinations, describing it as a comprehensive approach to education.

It explained that the decision recognises diverse learning pathways, including conventional, technical and Islamic education systems.

According to the statement, the initiative aligns with broader national and global education goals aimed at ensuring that no child is denied access to education due to financial constraints.

It stressed that such inclusive policies are critical to advancing human capital development and social inclusion.

“On behalf of civil society organisations, education stakeholders, parents and communities, we commend Your Excellency for this visionary leadership,” the statement said.

It added that the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to empowering young people and investing in their future.

K-SAFE, however, urged the state government to sustain such interventions through continued investment in the education sector.

It recommended increased support for teaching and learning materials, school infrastructure, teacher development and inclusive education programmes.

The group reiterated its appreciation to the governor, describing the intervention as historic and transformative.

It added that the policy would play a key role in building a brighter future for children and youth in Kano State.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli

At a time when many are engulfed with fear of impending internal rancour that is probably capable of causing disunity and despair among key players, a time of reorganisation of the political landscape at both the national and subnational levels, comes a unifying figure who brings solutions to the upheaval experienced, particularly in the recent electoral outing.

The political atmosphere, particularly in Bauchi State, is known for turbulence and vested interests. As the state faces numerous challenges that demand more urgent structural readjustment, this is pertinent, and it raises the question of who can deliver these set goals. That is why Bala Wunti matters.

Among the political players who roll up their sleeves in aspiration to win elections, one critical issue is the unity of purpose. Unity against the monster of poverty, insecurity, hunger, unemployment, and others that are clogging the wheel of our development.

There are individuals whose presence answers questions that institutions struggle with and whose conduct reassures even the most cynical that character still matters in public life. Dr Bala Maijama’a Wunti belongs to that rare category. His story is not merely one of rise, but of formation. It is a journey shaped by early trials, sharpened by discipline, and guided by a clarity of purpose that has endured across decades.

Born into circumstances that offered little advantage, early life required resilience and self-reliance. Throughout his life, it has been punctuated by uncertainty. Yet, instead of breeding bitterness, these experiences shaped restraint, empathy, and a steady internal discipline that would later guide his every choice. Where others might have faltered, he remained composed. Where others might have hardened, he stayed measured.

Profile, professional and industry roles

His pursuit of education must be seen in that light. It was not a smooth path through institutions, but a determined journey through obstacles. From his studies in Chemistry at Ahmadu Bello University to advanced training in management at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and beyond, each step reflected commitment, not convenience. What emerged was not simply an educated man, but a prepared mind, one that understands complexity, respects structure, and values clarity over noise. In a world that often rewards speed, he chose depth. In a system that often tolerates shortcuts, he insisted on process.

When he joined the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in 1994, he entered one of the most demanding environments in the country. He did not arrive at prominence; he earned it. From his early role as the Production Programming Officer to his eventual position as Chief Upstream Investment Officer, his trajectory shows a rare pattern in public service: steady progress built on competence rather than visibility. He learned the system from within, understood its contradictions, and positioned himself not as a spectator but as a contributor to its reform. While others chased recognition, he built relevance. While others pursued titles, he mastered responsibility.

His contributions to the oil and gas sector are best measured through results. He was part of efforts that strengthened investment frameworks, restored operational discipline, and brought structure to systems long plagued by inconsistency. Initiatives such as Operation White did more than fix technical inefficiencies. They proved that accountability was possible, even in the most complex spaces. In a sector where decisions carry national consequences, his approach has always been cautious, forward-thinking, and committed to long-term value over short-term applause. That distinction separates those who merely manage systems from those who shape them.

Yet reducing his life to professional milestones would miss the larger picture. What distinguishes Bala Wunti is not only what he has done within institutions, but what he has done beyond them. The memory of hardship has stayed with him, not as a weight, but as a compass. It informs his giving, shapes his interactions, and explains the consistency of his interventions in others’ lives. His philanthropy is not occasional; it is part of who he is. Students have been supported, communities uplifted, and individuals in distress assisted through actions that are rarely announced but widely felt. The recent support for students across tertiary institutions is not a single act; it is part of a pattern that reflects a deep conviction: opportunity should not be determined by circumstance alone. Many give when it is convenient. He gives because it is necessary.

There is also a discipline in his personal conduct that deserves attention. He does not champion causes he does not believe in. He does not bend for advantage. In a political and professional culture where flexibility is often mistaken for wisdom, this restraint is rare and powerful. It gives his actions credibility and his decisions weight. His faith, central to his life, reinforces this clarity. It is visible not only in words, but also in choices that remain steady under pressure.

When he stepped out of public service on May 30, 2025, he did so quietly. There was no spectacle, no fanfare. The moment felt calm but confident, the kind of confidence that comes from knowing your work speaks for itself. Influence does not depend on the office, and in his case, it had already moved beyond it. What he carries into the next phase is not a title, but a reservoir of experience, credibility, and trust. These qualities are far more valuable than any position could ever be.

The emerging political conversation around Bauchi State must be seen through this lens. The state is no longer at a point where familiar patterns can be recycled without consequence. The challenges are deeper, expectations sharper, and the margin for error thinner. This is not a time for comfort; it is a time for deliberate choice. What is required is not just political skill, but administrative depth, economic understanding, and the ability to translate intention into results.

Bala Wunti presents a compelling case, not because he seeks attention, but because his life commands consideration. He understands systems at a level that allows him to engage governance beyond slogans. He has managed scale and complexity in ways that meet the demands of statecraft. He carries a social awareness rooted in lived experience rather than abstract empathy. Most importantly, he stands outside the entrenched rivalries that have defined political competition in the state. That distance is not detachment; it is clarity. It allows him to be seen not as a continuation of old conflicts, but as a bridge beyond them.

The argument for his consideration is therefore not emotional, even though his story moves the heart. It is rational, grounded, and difficult to dismiss. It rests on capacity, consistency, and a record that proves he can think, act, and deliver. In a context where trust is scarce, his credibility becomes stabilising. In a climate where division is costly, his neutrality is strategic. At a time that demands both firmness and thoughtfulness, his temperament aligns perfectly with the responsibility ahead.

This is not to suggest perfection. Leadership is not shown by ambition; it is revealed by preparation. In his case, the evidence is alive. From a childhood shaped by absence to a career defined by impact, his path is intentional, tested, refined, and sustained.

Bauchi faces a choice deeper than personalities. It is a choice between repetition and recalibration, between what is familiar and what is necessary. If the state is to move toward a future defined by stability, competence, and inclusive progress, it must recognise preparation when it sees it.

In Bala Wunti, experience, character, and capacity converge in a rare combination. He does not need to declare his worth. It is evident in the systems he has strengthened, the lives he has impacted, and the consistency he has maintained. The question, therefore, is not whether he has something to offer. The question is whether Bauchi is ready to choose what it truly needs.

If so, the answer is already in front of it.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com.