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By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Supreme Court has affirmed the decision of the tribunal concerning the appeals of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

The apex court, in a unanimous decision, backed the lead judgment delivered by Justice John Okoro, thereby dismissing Atiku Abubakar’s appeal challenging the judgment of the presidential petition tribunal. 

The Supreme Court panel, comprising eminent justices including Uwani Aji, Mohammed Garba, Ibrahim Saulawa, Adamu Jauro, Abubakar Tijjani, Emmanuel Agim, and Salawa Ibrahim, collectively upheld Okoro’s ruling.

Justice Salawa Ibrahim stated, “The application by Atiku is frivolous and vexatious and deserves to be dismissed. I find no merit in the appeal and dismiss, and I affirm the decision of the lower court.” 

Justice Agim echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the necessity for the authentication of evidence.

He said, “I agree with the reasoning that the fresh evidence is not authentic as stated by the authority before it was presented. It was not sealed or had the signature. It cannot be used in Nigeria without authentication.”

By Prof. Abdelghaffar Amoka

Kogi state still remains one of the worst-governed states in Nigeria since its creation in 1991. We are 14 days away from electing the man who will run that state for another four years, and every camp is doing its bit to enhance its victory at the poll. The zones of the candidates of the major political parties are all hopeful. Kogi West is hoping for a miracle to happen as the 139,485 votes from the senatorial election can’t win the election, supposing Dino Melaye can mop up all those votes from Kogi West. Unfortunately, Dino’s presence at the East and Central seems weak.

Kogi East is leveraging on its strong voter strength to reclaim Luggard House after eight years break. The truth is that the zone has the largest votes, and there are 217,460 votes from the Senatorial election to hold onto, supposing Muri Ajaka can mop up every one of those votes from Kogi East. The zone actually doesn’t believe that any other zone deserves to occupy the Luggard House. You can’t blame them. An election is said to be a game of numbers. Those with the number can even make an idiot to lead the wise.

Kogi Central, no doubt, has the least voter strength. They have a total of 106,303 votes from the Senatorial election, which cannot win the governorship election. But just like everyone else, the governor is working hard to make his preferred candidate succeed him. He has picked Usman Ododo, a potential successor, from his Local Government. His candidate has now been adopted as the KC Agenda. He is using the incumbency factor to get support from the East and West for his boy.

There was the emergency establishment of the third state university in the West, and the ministerial slot went to Kogi East. That is a nice political calculation, but is that enough to swing votes from these zones? Commentators are wondering what will a state that can’t pay LG and primary school teachers do with the burden of another state university.

There was a recent report that the state government has appointed over 200 SAs. 215 Special Assistants in an election period and a few months to the end of the government does not make sense to an ordinary person, but it makes a lot of sense to politicians. They are likely special assistants on election matters. Nearly all the traditional rulers, including that of my clan, are now first-class chiefs. Will my clan and the other clans across the state work for the victory of the governor’s candidate just because our traditional rulers are now upgraded to first class?

There is also an ongoing reconciliation within the Kogi Central. There are ongoing radio programs telling the people that they know they have wronged people and appealing to them to forgive and forget. It’s like the governor realises that it’s not everything that can be achieved with force and no more sending glowing fire to perceived enemies. He is trying to deploy a peaceful approach. We have not heard much of threats in recent times. That’s not a bad idea.

I read the names of some professors and other respected elites on a reconciliation tour. My question was this: where were these people when they were busy excavating and digging trenches on the roads of the opposition zone that they refused to fix? Where were they when criticism was considered as “haram” and critics were hunted? Where were when our public schools were left without teachers for the past seven years?

I wish these respected individuals had played an advisory role to right these wrongs before now. I hope the LG and primary school teachers and their families will find it easy to forgive and forget our ethnic and Kogi agendas

Is the reconciliation move late? It may be, and it may not be. Human beings, especially Nigerians, are known to have very short memory. We live by the moment. We are quick to forget yesterday if today is favourable. If I were the Governor, I would have started the reconciliation in January 2023 in preparation for the election and my agenda.

One of the basic problems is salary payment. No matter his achievements in other areas, the salary issue has shrouded them. If I were him, I would have blocked the loopholes and mopped up the available cash to improve the percentage of the salary paid to LG workers and primary school workers. Promise the workers that the next government will improve on it. Make them see reasons why they need to support me to actually the Ododo Agenda for “renewed hope”, especially on salary payment. The people need a glimpse of the promised hope before they can key into your project. That would have resuscitated his battered image and attracted support from unexpected places. He could have found it easy to sell the candidature of Ododo across the state without much stress.

Nobody is even discussing the future of Kogi state and the well-being of the people of the state. It’s all about selfish agendas. However, it’s about two weeks to the election, and I am still struggling with the choice of who to support. So, who should I support? Ododo for KC, my zone, to retain power for another 4 to 8 years? Muri for KE to reclaim their birthright? Or Dino for KW to also have a taste of Luggard House? It doesn’t matter if the candidate is said to be a clown.

The people of the state have gone through a lot over the last seven years. It was tough and tougher now economically.

My appeal is for the election gladiators to ensure that we have a violent, free election. Please, let’s have a peaceful election.

Abdelghaffar Amoka PhD, wrote from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He can be reached via aaabdelmalik@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigerian National Assembly is gearing up for a pivotal period as President Bola Tinubu prepares to present the 2024 budget within the next two weeks. 

Additionally, the President is set to submit the supplementary budget for 2023 to the National Assembly for consideration, according to Senator Solomon Adeola, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation. 

During the inaugural meeting of the committee, Senator Adeola assured that the National Assembly would work diligently to ensure that the 2024 budget is passed before December 31, 2024.

Addressing concerns about the delayed budget presentation, Senator Adeola acknowledged the challenges posed by the change in government, emphasizing that the new administration’s vision and policies needed careful consideration. 

“We must acknowledge the change of government on May 29. The new administration has a new vision, and there are bound to be challenges,” Senator Adeola stated.

Despite these challenges, he promised a thorough examination of the budget, emphasizing the committee’s commitment to meeting the expectations of the Nigerian people. 

“The Finance Minister and the Minister of Budget and Planning are working tirelessly,” Senator Adeola affirmed.

Senator Adeola also addressed concerns about budget padding, dismissing the notion and emphasizing that projects nominated for the budget document were essential to meeting the needs of the people.

He stressed the importance of efficient implementation, highlighting the committee’s dedication to ensuring that government spending aligns with the priorities of infrastructure development. 

In a move signaling a shift in fiscal focus, the National Assembly aims to collaborate closely with key economic stakeholders.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, are scheduled to brief the committee on the action plan for the economy and the collaborative efforts between the National Assembly and the executive branch. 

Senator Adeola emphasized the assembly’s commitment to directing a significant portion of the budget towards driving essential infrastructure projects.

“We won’t support a government where the majority of the budget is spent on the cost of running the government,” he stated firmly.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

President Bola Tinubu has appointed nine new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 

The appointees and their respective states are: 

1. Mr. Isah Shaka Ehimeakne — Edo State
2. Mr. Bamidele Agbede — Ekiti State
3. Mr. Jani Adamu Bello — Gombe State
4. Dr. Taiye Ilayasu — Kwara State
5. Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi — Lagos State
6. Alhaji Yahaya Bello — Nasarawa State
7. Prof. Mohammed Yalwa — Niger State
8. Dr. Anugbum Onuoha — Rivers State
9. Mr. Abubakar Fawa Dambo — Zamfara State

These appointments, pending Senate confirmation, signify President Tinubu’s commitment to fostering a transparent and fair electoral process in Nigeria.

The nation eagerly awaits the Senate’s decision, anticipating a future marked by credible and unbiased electoral practices. 

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari 

Elder statesman and Nigeria’s former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Adamu Fika, has passed away at the age of 90. 

Sources within the family confirmed the demise of the nonagenarian to newsmen on Tuesday. 

The deceased died in London, where he has been treating undisclosed health issues. 

His funeral prayers have been scheduled to take place at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna on Wednesday by 4:00 p.m. 

He was born in Fika, Yobe State, in 1933. He was educated at Kaduna Government College, the Nigerian College of Arts, Science, and Technology, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. 

He lived a life dedicated to the service of God and his country, which is evident in the position he held in his lifetime. 

The deceased was at the time pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The deceased was also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF).

He was a permanent secretary at various federal ministries, among other things.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Amed bandits stormed a mosque during early morning prayers on Tuesday, taking the lives of the mosque’s imam and a worshipper identified as Kabir. 

The attack took place at Sabon Layi, Kakangi ward, in the Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. 

Two other worshippers, Bilya Mairabo and Ashiru Mairabo, sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at the Jibrin Maigwari General Hospital, Birnin-Gwari. 

The tragedy was said to have unfolded at approximately 5 a.m. Zubair AbduRrauf, the Danmasanin of Birnin-Gwari, expressed the community’s anguish, highlighting the escalating violence perpetrated by bandits in the region. 

AbduRrauf emphasized that the Birnin-Gwari communities faced daily threats, especially farmers, and the situation had become dire along the Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna highway, making it perilous for travelers and commuters. 

“We are in a precarious situation in Birnin-Gwari,” AbduRrauf stated. “The bandits’ attack is on a daily basis. Security personnel are really trying their best to see that the attacks are being curtailed, but we need a change of strategy from them.” 

Despite the gravity of the situation, there has been no official confirmation or statement from the state government or the state police command at the time of this report. 

The residents, gripped by fear and mourning, are calling for urgent and effective security measures to curb the rising menace of banditry that has plagued their community. 

When reached for comment, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, promised to provide further information, indicating the gravity and urgency of the situation that has befallen the Birnin-Gwari community.

By Rukayya Abubakar Othman

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum yesterday commissioned the famous Maiduguri Monday market and relieved two years’ rent for about 8,000 traders:

Borno state governor commissioned Maiduguri Monday Market on Monday, which was rebuilt after a fire inferno that gutted the market in February this year. 

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum announced that over 8000 traders who hitherto rented shops and paid rent would no longer pay for the next two years because of the losses incurred by them as a result of the mishap.

This, of course, is the untiring commitment of the state governor to the cause of serving humanity.

Upon the February incident, the governor hurriedly set up a committee to reconstruct the market, which has been completely rehabilitated and remodelled, with over 8,000 traders to benefit from the reconstruction. 

The market is well structured, which involves a comprehensive design and more vacancies for other traders to thrive in their business activities.

 The governor in February donated about N2b to the committee constituted to immediately swing into action and release N1b to the disaster victims. 

During the commission, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum announced about 2,825 traders who could not allocate their previous shop after the fire disaster. 

“As a result of remodelling, over 2,000 traders who either operated at a temporary site or built shops illegally on waterways could not own shops in the market. Moreover, the government will support over 185 of them with N1m “. Zulum said. 

He also promised that the people doing business there would get shops at a newly constructed Monday Market in Maiduguri. 

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Reverend Oscar Mukahanana, a prominent figure in the United Methodist Church, took his own life following an adultery scandal that rocked the church community in Harare East District, Zimbabwe.

The Reverend’s affair with a female youth was exposed when an audio recording of their secret conversation leaked on the church’s WhatsApp group.

The humiliation became unbearable for Mukahanana after members shared the recording widely and even created memes, leading him to tragically end his life.

The United Methodist Church expressed deep sorrow, urging members to support the grieving family through prayers during this difficult time.

By Abdurrahman Muhammad

The Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria began its three-month-long centenary programme on Friday, 20^th October, 2023. Meanwhile, an Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has sent a message of solidarity to the society. MURIC described the Ansarudeen as the leading Islamic organisation in Nigeria in the area of education.

MURIC’s solidarity message was contained in a statement given to newsmen on Monday, 23^rd October 2023, by the Executive Director of the organisation, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement reads:

“A foremost Islamic organisation, the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (AUD), began its three-month-long centenary programme on Friday, 20^th October, 2023.  The celebrations will come to an end in December 2023.

“MURIC expresses its unflinching solidarity with the AUD on this momentous occasion. We felicitate with the National President of this great organisation, Alhaji Aare Dr. Abdul Rafiu Ademola Sanni whose visionary guidance and exemplary leadership have propelled AUD to greater heights.

“AUD is a golden lamp that has illuminated all that is around it. Millions of Nigerians have benefitted from its programmes, particularly education. AUD primary and secondary schools are spread throughout the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, while the organisation has capped its educational edifice with colleges and a tertiary institution, Summit University, Offa, Kwara State. This is apart from its empowerment programmes for women and youths.

“We extend our acknowledgement to the spiritual leader of the AUD, Shaykh Abdul Rahman Ahmad. As the Chief Missioner of the society, Shaykh Abdul Rahman Ahmad has been a good ambassador.

“MURIC appeals to the federal and state Governments in the country as well as Muslim philanthropists to vigorously fund projects of the AUD. We charge the organization to remain focused and to pay greater attention to its youth wing in order to preserve its enduring culture of spiritual and social growth.”

By Aliyu Nuhu

No easy way for a country with bizarre economic behaviour. The economic laws are there for easy implementation in a normal society. But Nigeria is not normal. Everyone, from the leases to the ordinary citizens, is looking for ways to damage the country for personal gain. NIGERIA operates its economy with laws made from hell.

We all know our huge appetite for the dollar is driven by our need for foreign goods which we are unable to produce. If we don’t need foreign goods, there will be no demand for dollars since we only need the currency for imports. But who is not guilty among us here?

Naira supply affects inflation since too much money is chasing a few goods but is not the direct cause of the fall of the Naira in the forex market. Laws of demand and supply drive the forex market. More Dollars available will lower its value and vice versa with Naira. But these laws don’t work in Nigeria because of distortion in all economic policies created by the government, mostly by greedy Nigerians and the officials themselves.

The forex window allows funding of critical sectors with dollars by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). But the distortion here is that those given dollars to import goods will take the money to the money market for round-tripping. The CBN officials will also take the dollar and exchange it for quick gain. Each governor that gets FACC allocation in Naira will take it to market chasing the dollar.

With such behaviour, the Naira can never get a breather. It is this distortion that makes it difficult to explain the reasons why Naira is not only weak but unstable. Currency instability is the worst thing that can happen to a country. At any point in time, investors can never know their profits and losses. It is the reason why companies like Emirates, ShopRite and Game are closing shop.

After looking at some of our promising macro trends, Nigeria is still unable to keep Naira strong because of the depletion of the country’s foreign exchange reserves. The major function of foreign reserves is to keep the Naira strong. But regime after regime keeps spending the reserve account to a point that no one can precisely say the balance of NIGERIA’s foreign reserve.

World Bank said irrespective of all other macroeconomic shortcomings, the Naira can still be exchanged for a dollar one-on-one if we can have $900bn in our foreign reserve. But what do we have today? Less than $30bn!

Kuwait is a consumer country like Nigeria, but because it has a foreign reserve of $137bn and a gold reserve of 78.97 tonnes, it has the strongest currency in the world. But Nigeria has 21.37 tonnes of gold in its reserve and a $34bn reserve for an economy with a GDP of $489bn. Kuwait is able to save with a GDP of $106bn! There is evidence that shows that GDP growth and employment growth increase in response to positive shocks to foreign currency reserves (forex reserves) accumulation, whereas unemployment declines.

Read the reports on the new government report on CBN, and you will understand that the Naira is only competitive by sheer luck, if not a miracle. Everyone, including people in charge of Naira’s health, is out to destroy the Naira.