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By Uzair Adam Imam 

Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, declared that US and British interests are now “legitimate targets” following a series of overnight strikes on strategic places in Houthi-held areas. 

The rebels’ Supreme Political Council issued a statement warning of retaliation, asserting that the armed forces would ensure the aggressors face consequences for their actions. 

In response to the attacks, the council stated, “The joy of the aggressors will not be long, and our hand will be the upper hand, God willing.  

“All American-British interests have become legitimate targets for the Yemeni armed forces.” 

The overnight strikes, reported to have killed five people according to the rebels, came after weeks of Houthi attacks on Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea, in protest against Israel’s actions in its conflict with Hamas.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The German government strongly dismissed accusations of Israel committing “genocide” in Gaza during a statement on Friday at the UN’s top court. 

Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit stated that Israel was “defending itself” in response to “inhuman” attacks by Hamas on October 7. 

Hebestreit highlighted Germany’s commitment to the UN Genocide Convention, showing its significance in preventing another Holocaust. 

He firmly rejected any “political instrumentalization” of the Convention and acknowledged varying international opinions on Israel’s military operation in Gaza. 

The statement clarified Germany’s position, decisively rejecting the accusation of genocide against Israel brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). 

Hebestreit announced Germany’s intention to intervene as a third party under an article allowing states to seek clarification on the use of a multilateral convention. 

South Africa initiated an emergency case at the ICJ, alleging Israel’s breach of the UN Genocide Convention and urging an immediate halt to the Gaza campaign.

Israel and the United States have dismissed the case, promising a robust defence. 

While Germany maintains its historical responsibility for the Holocaust and supports the state of Israel, recent criticism has emerged regarding the Israeli campaign’s impact on civilians. 

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stressed the need for “less intensive” combat and increased aid flows.

 By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Supreme Court has overturned the earlier decision of the Court of Appeal Abuja, which deemed the Zamfara governorship election inconclusive.  

Hon. Justice Emmanuel Agim, delivering the lead decision, criticized the lower court’s judgment as “perverse and lacking evidential foundation.” 

The verdict brings a sense of affirmation to Governor Lawal, who expressed his delight in a statement released by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris.  

Lawal sees the Supreme Court’s decision as a reflection of the people’s desire for positive development and progress in Zamfara. 

Governor Lawal stated the importance of unity and collaboration for achieving sustainable development in the state.

He stated, “I am thrilled to have received affirmation of my election by the Supreme Court today. This verdict will boost our morale in fulfilling our campaign promises.” 

The governor sees the victory as a collective decision made by the people of Zamfara during the governorship election held in March last year.  

He urged all residents, including opposition parties, to unite and work together to rebuild and restore the state. Lawal highlighted his administration’s commitment to liberate Zamfara from the shackles of poor governance.  

He called on stakeholders to actively collaborate, stating that the success of their collective efforts depends on unity and cooperation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Supreme Court has upheld the election of Governor Abba Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) as the legitimate governor of Kano State.

This ruling sets aside the judgements from both the Kano Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, which had initially declared Nasiru Gawuna of the APC as the winner. 

Chairing the panel, Justice John Okoro delivered the decisive judgement on Friday, reinstating the 165,616 votes that were previously invalidated and deducted from Mr. Yusuf’s total by the lower tribunal.

This significant legal development reshapes the political landscape in Kano State, solidifying Governor Abba Yusuf’s electoral mandate.

By Muhammad Muzdaleefa  

Throughout history, humanitarian services provided by philanthropists have played a vital role in making the world a better place. By addressing pressing needs such as healthcare, empowerment, and education, philanthropists can help improve the quality of life for people around the world. The Aminu Musa Abdulsalam Foundation, popularly known as the AMA Foundation, is one such organization that has made a significant impact through its various programs and initiatives in many communities across Nigeria. Its founder, Alhaji Musa Bello, is a renowned entrepreneur with national and global recognition. 

The AMA Foundation was established in 2012 with the vision of improving the lives of people in Nigeria through philanthropy. The organization’s founders believed that by providing healthcare, education, and other forms of support, they could make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need. Over the years, the AMA Foundation has expanded its reach, developing programs and partnerships that have impacted thousands of lives under its slogan “Giving Back”.  

The AMA Foundation has made significant contributions to the field of education, including the construction of the HAMI school domiciled in Tudu Wada, Kaduna State, which provides free education to orphans and underprivileged children. This school has given these children the opportunity to receive an education and improve their lives. In addition, the foundation has also awarded scholarships to hundreds of its students to advance their secondary education at the Federal Government College, Malali, Kaduna. The distribution of laptops at many Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education is another important achievement in the area of education. These initiatives have had a positive effect on reducing inequality and improving educational opportunities, leading to potentially far-reaching benefits for individuals, communities, and society as a whole.  

Furthermore, the AMA Foundation’s health initiatives have been successful in improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities. These initiatives have helped to address some of the most pressing health challenges in Nigeria, including the high prevalence of cataracts and lack of access to advanced medical care. By improving access to eye surgery and providing medical equipment to hospitals, the foundation has made a real difference in the lives of many people. In addition, the foundation’s support for medical services outside of Nigeria has allowed people to receive the care they need, regardless of their location. 

Not only in education and health, the AMA Foundation has also been focused on human empowerment, seeking to improve the capacity of young Nigerians. Through agreements and partnerships with international organizations, the foundation has been able to provide opportunities for training, workshops, and other resources that help to build the capacity of young people. These initiatives have a wide-reaching impact, as they empower individuals and provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to improve their lives and the lives of their communities.  

The AMA Foundation’s activities in education, health, and human empowerment have had a profound impact on the lives of individuals and communities in Nigeria. By providing access to quality education, improving access to medical care, and empowering young people, the foundation is helping to create a brighter future for the country. Through its programs and initiatives, the AMA Foundation is making a real difference, one person and one community at a time. 

Muhammad Muzdaleefa is a social media enthusiast and can be reached via mohammedadamu736@gmail.com

By Muhammad Yakubu Abare

In the quiet corners of our shared memories, a vibrant, so enduring soul exists that even the passage of time cannot diminish its brilliance. MB Mohammed is a name that resonates with the echoes of laughter, shared dreams, and the unspoken bond of a friendship that weathered the storms of life. It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to a companion, a confidant, and a cherished friend who, after a valiant three-decade struggle, succumbed to the relentless grip of sickle cell anaemia on the 1st of November, 2023.

Our journey together began in the embrace of a shared childhood, where our families were not just neighbours but kindred spirits united by the thread of fate. From when our parents toiled side by side in the pursuit of livelihoods to their eventual retirements and relocations, MB and I traversed the meandering paths of life hand in hand. An enthusiastic learner, he possessed an insatiable thirst for knowledge, which propelled him to pursue Economics at the University of Maiduguri, from which he emerged with commendable distinction. 

In the journey of life together, MB faced challenges that would have deterred a less resilient spirit. Living with sickle cell anaemia, he confronted each hurdle with courage that spoke volumes of his determination. His path, marked by periodic bouts of illness, bore witness to a remarkable strength that defied the limitations of his physical condition. Beyond the confines of health struggles, MB was not only a scholar but also a tech virtuoso. His proficiency in programming and computer skills illuminated a path of endless possibilities. 

Before venturing into the humanitarian sector, MB donned the hat of a dedicated teacher at a private school. Here, he harnessed his programming prowess for the greater good, developing software solutions for school management, including salary vouchers, results computation, and attendance tracking – all offered selflessly, free of charge. His passion for education extended beyond the classroom as he initiated science-based student clubs, fostering a love for learning.

During his one-year service in the NYSC, MB’s altruism shone brightly. Despite battling his health challenges, he engaged in community services, particularly in education. His efforts included distributing free books to school libraries, which garnered him well-deserved awards. This selfless dedication defined his remarkable life, turning adversity into opportunities for others. Though he grappled with sickle cell, his existence was a testament to the extraordinary resilience that marked his every endeavour.

Our closeness transcended mere friendship; it was a kinship forged in the crucible of shared aspirations and mutual support. Our mothers often remarked on the uncanny synchronicity of our thoughts as though our minds danced to the same rhythm. As we embarked on our respective careers, we found solace in exchanging our companionship. CV reviews, career advice, and shared triumphs became the threads weaving the tapestry of our intertwined professional lives.

In a moment of need, MB opened his doors and heart, welcoming me into his rented apartment for an entire year when I embarked on the employment journey. His generosity and unwavering support were a testament to the depth of our connection. He stood as a pillar of strength, a beacon of guidance whenever the tides of life grew tumultuous. It is with a profound sense of disbelief and grief that I learned of his passing, a mere four days after our last communication on the 27th of November via WhatsApp.

The news of his departure on the 1st of November shook the foundations of my world, leaving a void that words struggle to fill. Yet, in this time of sorrow, I find peace in the memories we created, the shared laughter, and the indomitable spirit that defined MB Mohammed. As we mourn his physical absence, let our hearts be united in prayers for the eternal peace and tranquillity of his soul. In these days of grief, we turn our hearts heavenward, seeking solace in the divine and entrusting the departed soul to the mercy of Allah.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” – Surely, we belong to Allah, and to Him shall we return. May MB’s soul find tranquillity in the divine embrace, and may his memory continue to illuminate our paths as we navigate the journey of life.

Muhammad Yakubu Abare wrote via muhammadyakubuabare@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The eagerly awaited judgement in the Kano State governorship election dispute has been set for Friday, January 12, 2024, according to an announcement from the Supreme Court.

The case involves Governor Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the All Progressives Congress candidate, Dr. Nasiru Gawuna. 

A notice issued to all concerned parties outlines the court’s directive that each side can bring no more than two legal representatives during the judgement proceedings.

This decision comes after a five-member panel, led by Justice John Inyang Okoro, listened to arguments in late December last year and subsequently reserved judgment. 

The appellate court had previously upheld the tribunal’s decision, which removed Governor Abba Yusuf and declared Dr. Nasiru Gawuna as the rightful winner.

However, disputes arose among NNPP supporters, particularly concerning alleged conflicting judgements delivered by the appellate court. 

While NNPP supporters contested the ruling, pointing to discrepancies in the judgements, APC supporters celebrated the verdict in favour of their candidate. 

The tense situation in the state prompted the Kano State Police Commissioner, Gumel, to impose a ban on protests and rallies.

Despite efforts to ease tensions through a peace accord signed by the leadership of both parties, incidents of violence have been reported, underscoring the heightened anxiety surrounding the election dispute.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Last week marked a historic moment in Kaduna as Athletic Football Academy emerged triumphant in the Under-13 Bundesliga Cup, defeating Kuso Boys in a thrilling final match at the Secret Heart Stadium in Kaduna Police Barracks.
 
The intense competition, which kicked off in August 2023, witnessed the participation of 24 youth teams, captivating the attention of football enthusiasts across Kaduna.
 
Athletic Football Academy’s stellar performance in the final secured them a resounding 3-0 victory, clinching their first Under-13 Youth Cup.
 
The final match saw the presence of former Nigerian Premier League players and those who had showcased their talents abroad.
 
Bakin, among the esteemed guests, presented the awards. Yassir Awwal, a standout player from Athletic, claimed the spotlight by not only leading his team to victory but also securing the coveted title of top scorer with an impressive tally of seven goals.
 
Awwal’s remarkable talents earned him the Golden Ball and a pair of prestigious football shoes.
 
While Athletic Football Academy celebrated their grand triumph with the sizable cup, Kuso Boys Football Academy received a small trophy for their commendable efforts in the competition.
 
The Bundesliga’s influence is evidently growing in Kaduna and Northern Nigeria, as the tournament successfully garnered attention from football fans and inspired the youth.
 
Also, former players, industry professionals, and DW Hausa station representative Mohammed Mohammed, who doubles as the Bundesliga ambassador, expressed delight at the competition’s impact.
 
Mohammed, who dedicated five years to organising the tournament, noted the importance of nurturing young talents. He noted that this was not the first Bundesliga Cup in Kaduna but the first exclusively for youngsters aged 13 and under.
 
The aim is to boost children’s confidence and foster interest in the German Bundesliga, a sentiment echoed by Mohammed.
 
Expressing satisfaction with the young players’ performances, Mohammed highlighted the need for continued support from the Bundesliga, DFL, and the German football organization.
 
He believes that such backing will elevate the competition’s standards, enhance the Bundesliga’s reputation in Kaduna, and extend its influence to major cities like Kano and throughout Northern Nigeria.

Dear Dennis,

I am writing this letter to you from a very far distance from you. Even though I am unsure where you are now, I can never forget where you were on 9th May 2022. There is no way I can forget that fateful day and what has now gone down as an encounter of historic proportion. One that defied the scheming of ethnic militiamen and escaped the wrath of vainglorious agents of darkness. 

That day, it was brought to the fore in the most flagrant way: human injustice and hatred against fellow humans. It encapsulated the merit and importance of being good. It portrayed the essence of virtue, which great men utilise in the arduous task of nation-building and, of course, for the benefit of mankind. 

Dear Dennis, I am breathing in and out to this point for the mercy of God and His guidance in giving me the wisdom to react in the manner I did in the hands of my would-be killers. Naturally, the clear understanding of a great man like you, who comprehended my message and resonated with it, played a huge part. 

At that moment, when nothing was assured. But that one may never live to see the next 15 minutes without being hacked most painfully by people whose only crime is their ethnicity and faith. Although I have lived all my life advocating for peaceful coexistence among people of all tribes, religions, and backgrounds. 

It was agonising and ironic that the cause of my death would have been what I had lived all my life striving to address. The world would know no evil if great men like you discern the messages of people like us, whether the world accepts them or not. You did not only listen as I spoke amid large swaths of people gathered in Takum. You had come as one of the passers-by, but you strategically intervened by supporting my points and taking me to the back of your motorcycle. You did all these because humanity means humanity to you with all its benevolence. This, fellow Nigerians, should learn.  

No doubt we are in a tangled situation. Prices of commodities have skyrocketed, and earnings have remained largely the same or dropped significantly. Nigeria’s inflation has remained at double digits since 2016. ‘In September 2023, the headline inflation rate increased to 26.72% relative to the August 2023 headline inflation rate, which was 25.80%.  On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 5.94% points higher compared to the rate recorded in September 2022, which was 20.77%,’ National Bureau of Statistics.

Anything that could instigate the people against the people has been in place. However, the best bet is to persevere, as things won’t remain stagnant. There will be changes. Yes, positive changes if Nigerians continue to stand for what is right no matter the provocation, threats, and hazards that can lead one to do otherwise, just as Dennis, my eternal friend, rose to support me at a moment when not only my life but also his were in danger by his stance. 

This is a letter from a grateful heart to a good Nigerian, Dennis, wherever you could be at this hour, as I have lost your contact.  Your maturity, actions, and position on 9th May 2022 are the way forward for Nigeria. Therefore, Nigerians worldwide will be in a better position to flourish if we follow this path that leads to nothing except development for the most populous black nation on earth. I am eternally grateful, Dennis until we meet again.

Abdulrazak Iliyasu Sansani wrote from Turaki B, Jalingo, Taraba State. 

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nasiru Isa Kwarai, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), disclosed that six out of Borno State’s 27 local government areas (LGAs) are excluded from the ongoing 2023-24 Demographic Health and Survey (NDHS) due to escalating security concerns. 

He stated this in a press briefing held in Maiduguri on Monday. 

Kwarai identified the omitted LGAs as Chibok, Magumeri, Abadam, Mobar, Marte, and Guzamala, citing them as potential flashpoints necessitating heightened security logistics.

“The safety of our staff is paramount, and conveying them to these areas poses significant risks,” Kwarai Sa’id. 

Despite the exclusion, Kwarai assured that the impact on the omitted LGAs would be mitigated as neighboring communities and participating LGAs would indirectly influence them.

He stated, “The results obtained in these neighboring areas will also be applied to the excluded ones,” addressing concerns about potential data gaps. 

Represented by Haruna Ibrahim, the Director of the NPC in Borno, Kwarai underscored the critical role of the NDHS exercise in collecting high-quality data on vital indicators such as fertility rates, maternal and child health, childhood mortality, gender-related issues, and nutrition. 

Anticipating that major stakeholders would leverage this data to make informed decisions, Kwarai highlighted its potential to address the unique needs of citizens, enhance health outcomes, and alleviate disease burdens nationwide. 

While urging media involvement, Kwarai called on press outlets to utilize the five-month period to educate the public on the NDHS exercise. He emphasized the importance of dispelling cultural and religious misunderstandings surrounding the program.