Admin

By Muhammadu Sabiu

Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former military leader of Nigeria, has been picked by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lead a mission to Niger for mediation.

He will be accompanied by Muhammadu Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, who commands great sway over the Muslim population both inside and outside of Nigeria.

Alieu Touray, the head of the ECOWAS Commission, is also a member of the group.

Patrice Talon, the president of Benin, and Mahamat Déby, the president of Chad, had previously been sent to Niger by the sub-regional bloc to meet with the coup plotters.

On Sunday, ECOWAS slapped sanctions on Niger, including a travel ban and a blockade, until President Mohamed Bazoum, who was overthrown by the military on July 26th, was reinstated.

Meanwhile, it summoned the sub-region’s defence commanders and threatened to deploy force.

A meeting of the defence chiefs reportedly took place in Abuja. Mali, Niger, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Burkina Faso, and Guinea were not present, though.

The restrictions are already in place, as Nigeria started cutting power to Niger on Wednesday.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

In a recent development, President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has forwarded a second list of 19 ministerial nominees to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation. 

The list, presented by Femi Gbajamiabila, Chief of Staff and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, includes notable candidates such as Adegboyega Oyetola, Bosun Tijani, Bello Mattawale, and Dr. Isiak Salako. 

The chamber’s protocols were momentarily put on hold at 3:15 p.m. to accommodate the Chief of Staff’s entrance into the revered Red Chamber. 

Among the other nominees are Sen. Sabi Abdullahi, Dr. Mariam Shetti, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and Uba Maigari Ahmadu. 

This comes after the Senate’s reception of the first list earlier this week, which included prominent figures like former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasiru Ahmad El-Rufai, former Rivers Governor, Nyeson Wike, and health specialist Prof. Ali Pate, among others.

By Zaharaddeen Muhammad Azare

Years back, people saw it as taboo to question or criticise what religious scholars said, regardless of how illogical it sounded. However, as people started becoming wiser and more educated, they discovered that religious scholars, as fellow human beings, can understand and misunderstand laws, ministerial statements and concepts. Thus their comments are subject to verification, reconstruction and even falsification.

What happened to Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara that led to his imprisonment in Kano due to his inability to defend his speeches that were considered blasphemous serves as a motivative factor for holding religious scholars accountable for their actions and inaction.

Many people see the case of a known Bauchi-based Islamic scholar Sheikh Idris Abdulazeez as similar to Sheikh Abduljabbar’s, which led to the imprisonment of Sheikh Idris too. But is Sheikh Idris indeed being imprisoned for blasphemy or political reasons?

To answer this question, I take us back to some historical antecedents. Sheikh Idris Abdulazeez is a religious scholar who sees himself as a representative of his people and believes that as a citizen of Nigeria should be politically active to improve efficiency in governance and promote the welfare of the citizenry.

Sheikh Idris supported and criticised political leaders, which seems to be for the public good; the scholar condemned the state government’s actions when Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar SAN who believed in the constitution, the application of the rule of law and the whole exercise and grant of human rights, was the state’s governor from 2015-2019.

The  Sheikh saw the then leadership as dust to the people of the state, thus needing elimination. And the then governor allowed him to voice out his opinions as an indigene of the state; the scholar condemned the ruled APC government and endorsed the incumbent state’s governor under the platform of PDP.

After the victory of the incumbent governor of the state Sen. Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, in the 2019 general election, the government started doing activities contrary to what the scholar believed to be right; for this, he began criticising the government and was tagged as an enemy. In the recent 2023 general elections, the scholar directed his followers to vote for the former Nigerian Chief Of Air Staff Baba Sadiq (Air Marshall) of the All progressive congress (APC), against his counterpart Sen. Bala Mohammed of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Bala Mohammed got re-elected.

Some see the case which led to the imprisonment of the religious scholar as revenge for he was not allowed to defend his statements, like what happened to Sheikh Abduljabbar in Kano, where Islamic scholars of different sects were gathered for him to intellectually defend himself in a public which failure to do so bagged his imprisonment.

Most people believe that not allowing Sheikh Idris Abdulazeez to defend himself originated from the fact that he has legal evidence for his statement and how deeply educated religious scholars influx into Bauchi from several states to attest to his statement before the organised debate was cancelled due to these reasons which could set the scholar free. He was later taken to court and got jailed. Not Sheikh Idris alone, who is in jail for nearly a month over the so-called public disturbance. This week, Some traditional rulers have been dethroned by the state governor for what he describes as  “involvement in partisan politics” during the 2023 general election.

Someone who can’t endure opposition shouldn’t go into politics in a democratic state.

Zaharaddeen Muhammad Azare writes from Bauchi state and can be reached via zahmuhaza@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A Kwankwasiyya movement, Kwankwasiyya Alheri, has called on the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to relieve all heads of tertiary institutions in the state for dancing to the political tunes of the previous administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The group alleged that some of these tertiary institution heads became the campaign agents of APC during the 2023 general elections and turned the premises of their institutions into APC campaign centres where different political gatherings were held.

This call was made on Wednesday in a statement signed by the Kwankwasiyya Alheri Spokesperson, Isma’il Usman Dan Iya, on behalf of the Chairman, Comrade Abubakar Danladi.

Dan Iya added that there were allegations that some heads of these tertiary institutions compiled names of Kwansiyya staff working in various institutions, willing to sack them if APC won the Kano state gubernatorial election.

The statement reads in part, “Meanwhile, the leadership of this association is passionately calling on His Excellency to relieve all these appointees as they are growing muscles to fight him again in the 2027 General Elections as they did in the previous elections.

“We are reminding His Excellency that some of these appointees still holding various positions laughed at and intimidated those that sacrificed their job and fought for your success.

“Additionally, the sacrifices of these people that support you should not be in vain, while carrying alone your enemies, who leak government confidential information, in your administration.

“Some of these offices include; Head of Service of the State, Head of all Tertiary Institutions, Appointed Permanent Secretaries, Local Government Chairmen, Supervisory Councillors, Education Secretaries, to mention but a few.

“His Excellency should be reminded that Dr Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the godfather of the Kwankwasiyya movement, will never be happy with the delay in relieving these people [who worked against your victory], let alone his ardent supporters,” the statement reads.

By Abdurrazak Muktar Makarfi

A friend approached me, expressing his desire to write but unable to do so effectively. I promised to help him by sharing valuable tips on writing. These insights shouldn’t be kept to ourselves; they have the potential to inspire others too. Therefore, I’m eager to share them with the public, hoping to ignite creativity and passion in aspiring writers and touch hearts with the transformative power of words.

As promised, below are some tips that will help you on your writing journey.

Immerse yourself in the vast ocean of literature: Envelop your mind with the profound wisdom and eloquence of renowned authors. By delving into diverse literary works, you’ll embrace the artistry of language and discover the nuanced dance of words.

Forge a formidable foundation: Master the enchanting symphony of grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation. As the conductor of your prose, a firm grasp of these elements orchestrates a harmonious cadence that bewitches your readers.

Grace your prose with seamless transitions: Like silk threads weaving an intricate tapestry, the subtle interplay of transition words guides your readers effortlessly from one idea to the next. From “however” painting a brilliant contrast to “therefore” forging unyielding connections, your writing becomes a journey of revelation.

Dance with diversity in sentence structures: Allow the rhythm of your writing to undulate, embracing the grand waltz of varied sentence structures. From the tango of concise thoughts to the waltz of eloquent expression, each step captivates your readers’ hearts.

Paint a vivid tapestry with your words: Unleash the kaleidoscope of language, and adorn your prose with dazzling colours of description. Pluck the most resplendent words from your lexicon, imbuing each sentence with life, depth, and vividness.

Polish your masterpiece with an artisan’s eye: Like a sculptor refining a statue, meticulously chisel away any superfluous words or pedestrian phrases. Carve your prose into a masterpiece where every word finds its rightful place and the allure of elegance abounds.

Let the quill dance upon the parchment: Embrace the alchemy of creativity by transmuting thoughts into written gems. Through regular writing rituals, unleash your inner wordsmith, painting the canvas of expression with artistic zeal.

May these stylistic incantations lend wings to your writing, elevating it to new heights of artistic brilliance and captivating the hearts and minds of those who partake in the splendour of your words.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Former spokesperson to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, recently shared his thoughts on tattoos, urging caution and careful consideration before getting one. 

In his #RenosNuggets, he emphasises that while tattoos might be popular and appealing in the moment, they can have significant implications for both professional and personal aspects of life. 

According to Omokri, individuals in certain fields, such as corporate jobs, may face challenges with employers due to visible tattoos. 

Research has shown that employers are more likely to reject job applicants with tattoos compared to those without, potentially limiting career opportunities. 

Moreover, Omokri suggests that the public’s perception of individuals with tattoos might be affected, particularly in the political sphere. 

Voters may view candidates with visible tattoos as less serious and, therefore, less deserving of their votes. This perception could hinder political aspirations. 

The former spokesperson also emphasises that tattoos may not age well on the body, potentially leading to regrets later in life. 

Omokri concludes by advising people to carefully consider their decision before getting a tattoo.

By Anas Tukur Balarabe

Even a child knows that life isn’t all beer and skittles. They just can’t figure out why. However, as an adult with developed faculties, you can make sense of whatever challenges life throws you. Our ability to observe, interpret and infer sets us apart from other animals. Each time we encounter a hurdle, we are presented with two choices.

The first is to muster the courage, jump over the hurdle, and gain an additional survival skill if we succeed or crash into it and taste the sweetness of intrepidity and the bitterness of failure. Either way, you have succeeded because you can only win or lose when you dare the odds. The second choice is to run away and save your energy and time.

The danger of this choice is that it renders you ill-equipped to travel through the murky waters of life. It is common knowledge that life and challenges are inextricably connected. Now and then, we face trials to learn some valuable as we progress.  While solutions to certain challenges are apparent, some (challenges) appear inescapable to those who haven’t gone through the rigours of life. Still, people bashed by life can see escape hatches even if there appear to be none.

When a challenge thrusts, individuals who adopt running away from life-lesson opportunities as the only viable survival strategy will have zero entries in their survival manuals– and the result will always be confusion, fear, capitulation, then humiliation. He who fights and runs away lives to fight another day, as opined by Oliver Goldsmith, might come across as a clever survival tactic; however, running away from a problem doesn’t necessarily mean escaping it. The problem you run away from today can mutate or evolve and confront you tomorrow when you are less prepared to face it.

Intrinsically, we prefer smooth sailing in our undertakings, but as a fair teacher, life has taught us that challenges are the rung on the ladder to success. The more you overcome, the further you climb. Babies crawl, walk and eventually begin to run. They fail, succeed, and learn many lessons from one milestone to another. However unpleasant they may seem, challenges are our surefire of accomplishing our goals in life.

Only those who dare the odds win medals and earn promotions in the military and other professions. A soldier will never be given a medal for desertion or mutiny but for bravery and courage. While being courageous, however, your sense of judgement and sense of proportion must be your guardrail. You must understand why an elephant is too big a prey for an anaconda. You must know the reason why orcas, despite their hostility, would never attempt to wreck an ocean liner.

To put it succinctly, this is by no means an encouragement for one to be reckless in their pursuits but a sincere reminder that whatever you set out to achieve, you must pursue it vigorously while keeping in mind that you could be ambushed by [a] challenge(s) on your way to the finish line. Whenever life presents you with a challenge, you either buckle up and exploit it or be exploited by it.

Anas Tukur Balarabe is a PhD candidate at the University of Portsmouth. He can be contacted via atnbalarabe@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Abdurrahman

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu offered some palliatives in his address to the nation yesterday, 31^st July 2023. Among the palliatives were interest loans of about N75b at 9% interest, N500,000 loan to N1 million at 9% and another N100 billion transportation loan also at 9%. However, an Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has requested soft loans for Nigerian Muslims instead of interest loans.

In a statement circulated among journalists on Tuesday, 1^st August 2023, by the group’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group explained that it is haram (forbidden) for Muslims to receive or give interest on loans.

Akintola spoke further :

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu offered some palliatives in his address to the nation yesterday, 31^st July 2023. Among the palliatives were interest loans of about N75b at 9% interest, N500,000 to N1 million loan at 9% and another N100 billion transportation loan also at 9%.

“We appreciate the concern of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Nigerians, particularly in these difficult times. The offer of loans to cushion the effect of the withdrawal of oil subsidy shows that the president cares about the citizenry.

“However, Nigerian Muslims cannot and will not take interest loans as the latter is capable of constituting a wedge between Nigerian Muslims and their Creator (Almighty Allah). We prefer the everlasting peace of al-akhirah (the Hereafter) to the material gains of this world.

“Interest is haram, and Allah explicitly forbids it when He said, “Oh you who believe, fear Allah and give up that interest which is still due to you if you are true believers. But if you do not desist, then you are warned of the declaration of war against you by Allah and His Messenger….” (Glorious Qur’an 2:278 – 279).

“The interest loan being offered by President Tinubu cannot benefit Muslims in this country. We, therefore, suggest that the Federal Government (FG) should arrange soft loans for the Muslim population in particular and any other citizens who may desire it.

“One of the problems with Nigeria is that the system bequeathed to us by the colonial master is not Islam-compliant. It, therefore, conflicts very often with the Islamic way of life. This is why FG needs to prepare alternatives for Muslims,who are more than 130 million in the country, in the name of fairness, equity and justice.

“We reiterate that interest loan is haram, and Muslims will not touch it with a long pole. FG should therefore expedite action on introducing Islam-compliant palliatives such that it is made available for Muslims at the same time that interest loans are accessible to others because hunger is spreading fast among the populace as prices sky-rocket daily.

“We advise FG to consult Islamic scholars regularly, particularly on policy issues, in order not to cause misunderstanding between the government and Nigerian Muslims. We also suggest that an expert in Islamic finance should be a member of the National Economic Council (NEC).”

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Immediate past national President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata, has confirmed joining the Labour Party. 

Akpata on Monday disclosed that he has been a member of the Labour Party since March 2023.

According to Mr Akpata, he deemed it necessary to put the speculations that he has joined partisan politics to rest and hence the announcement. 

“Quite a number of people have called/messaged me to confirm the news, currently making the rounds, that I have joined a political party. Yes…I joined the @labourparty_ng in March this year, and on Sunday, I attended my first Ward Meeting at Oredo Ward 6, in Benin-City, where I was formally introduced to members of the Ward and presented with my Party membership card. This was a major step for me and not one that I took lightly…but I simply got tired of complaining about Nigeria every day and bemoaning her fate, and I decided to take the plunge and to try to be part of the solution rather than agonising continually over the problem. This, for me, is the start of a very important journey, and it is my prayer that I arrive safely at my destination.” He posted on Facebook.

By Ghali Tade

The Former Governor of Jigawa state, Mallam Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, is a distinguished politician in Nigeria’s political space. He is an accountant who applies the knowledge and training of his field of study to politics, which earned him respect that could not be bought. Mallam Badaru, Mai Nasara, as he was addressed by our fathers or Baba Mai Calculator as he is called in Jigawa state, is a personality who understands the need to be God-fearing, honest, transparent, accountable, focused, determined, dedicated, and committed.

How he managed to be what he is today may be surprising to those who do not know him, but we see it as a reflection of the Hausa sayings, “Kyan ɗa ya gaji mahaifinsa & barewa ba ta gudu ɗanta ya yi rarrafe“. I loosely mean he inherited most if not all of his qualities from his parent, a renowned Islamic scholar in his time. These backgrounds have made him see himself as a public servant, not a ruler. A governor who led Jigawa state to a new world with a heart full of passion, compassion, and patriotism.

When I learned that Mai Calculator was leaving office as our governor this year, I worried about who would be like or better than him. Luckily enough, Baba Badaru has handed over power to another copy of Badaru with a workaholic Deputy Governor, Engineer Aminu Usman Gumel.

The present governor of Jigawa state, Mallam Umar Namadi, who served as finance commissioner and deputy governor to Baba Badaru’s administration, is an engine that played a vital role in ensuring that their campaign promises were fulfilled and Badaru succeeded in all sectors. Both Mallam Badaru and Mallam Namadi shared certain things in common. Apart from being the sons of renowned Islamic scholars in the state, they are chartered accountants who performed excellently. They are problem solvers and people concerned about the populace and the best way to sustain the reputation of their families.

Mallam Namadi’s loyalty and zeal to stand firm on justice, fairness, and truthfulness earned him respect and made him the choice of Mallam Badaru and the good people of Jigawa state. The bond between the two state leaders is unbreakable, considering the cement of truth used in building it. I think this is why Mai Calculator’s men are in the new administration serving as commissioners and other roles.

The political twin brothers achieved more than expected of them when they were governor and deputy of Jigawa state. I could vividly recall that in the speech he delivered at a farewell reception in his honour held at Banquet Hall Government House Dutse on Sunday, the 28 May 2023, His Excellency, the Former Governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar listed numerous achievements of theirs in different sectors.

Despite inheriting Jigawa State with contractual liabilities of 114 billion naira and all the economic hardships while in power, Mai Calculator left the state with only 711 million naira in debt to pay. Unlike other governors who abandoned the projects of their predecessors, Baba Badaru distinguished himself by completing all inherited projects and focusing on transparency and accountability programmes to ensure the safety of investments.

Recall that ICAN had awarded Jigawa State as the best in Nigeria in Public resources accountability in 2021 and 2022 and the same in Budget transparency. In health, 18 more general hospitals were built to address the needs of the citizens in healthcare services. When he came on board, there were only 12, but he amplified them to 30. Also, three specialist hospitals and one orthopaedic hospital were established. Still on health, the people’s governor provided one comprehensive Health centre in every electoral ward of the state.

The number of hospitals on 24 hrs services increased, addressing the infant mortality rate.

In infrastructure, all the ongoing 700 kilometres of rural roads inherited were completed. Five thousand two hundred seventy-eight hand pumps have been repaired in water resources, 7792 solar water schemes were constructed, and 3500 PHC latrines were built, making Jigawa  State open defecation free. These efforts earned Jigawa number four in safe drinking water in Nigeria and number one in the entire Northern region.

On the other hand, Baba Mai Calculator’s administration witnessed massive federal government projects in the state. Beginning with the power sector, first time in 20 years, the Gagarawa power station project was completed and commissioned under the administration of Former President Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari also awarded four substations in Gwaram, Kazaure, Babura, and Birnin Kudu.

It could be recalled that 164,000 families enjoyed #5,000 monthly stipends from the federal government. This is in addition to feeding a million pupils, which created jobs for 9,200 vendors. My state benefited from Trader Monie, GEEP, Npower, Anchor Borrowers, and other human capital development projects.

On FG’s road projects, the Dutse to Kano, Kano – Danbatta – Kazaure – Gwiwa – Daura – Katsina to Niger Republic roads are practical and visible development. Another road that I will never forget is Kwanar Dimawa- Kanya Babba- Ɓaɓura-Baban mutum road.

I vividly remember Former President Muhammadu Buhari was in Jigawa in 2018 to flag off Hadejia Valley Irrigation Scheme. Joyfully, he returned to the state to commission the same project after completing its rehabilitation and expansion. The project, an irrigational land of 5,700 hectares, currently provides jobs, food, and economic diversification.

Let me openly state that these are just a few blessings Jigawa state got from Baba Mai Calculator and Baba Buhari’s administrations.

What are Badaru’s contributions to APC and the emergence of President Tinubu?

Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar was the first governor to win from an opposition despite the PDP having control of Jigawa and Nigeria in 2015. His emergence as Jigawa’s governor laid a solid foundation for APC, attracting thousands of loyalists of other parties to APC.

As an APC Leader in governors’ primaries and general elections in some states like  Ondo, Ekiti, Imo, and Bayelsa, Baba Badaru performed wonderfully well. This has made APC stronger in these states; many votes were pulled from them in the last three elections.

Under his watch as Northern Nigeria’s coordinator for Tinubu’s campaign organisation, higher votes were got from his zone -North West with over two million and six hundred thousand in presidential elections. The dedication and determination of Mai Calculator and other APC stalwarts gave President Tinubu more votes from the north-west than the south-west.

Baba Badaru has dedicated his time, energy, and resources to fighting all the propaganda by negative minds on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As someone who comes from the same discipline as the President, Badaru is well-informed about the leadership qualities of Jagaban. These qualities were unknown by some people in the North. Hence enemies tried to paint him black but to no avail.

There was a time when the Former Jigawa State Governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, refuted insinuations that the APC Presidential candidate, Ahmad Bola Tinubu, would be a Southern President if he won the election. He assured the presidential candidate’s antecedents indicate he is not a betrayer.

Abubakar, who spoke in Kano during an APC Presidential Candidate meeting with the Muslim Ullamas from Northwestern Nigeria, said all Bola antecedents vindicate him as a non-ethnic and religious bigot”. He even added that everything Bola Tinubu has done in his presidential aspiration, he has done it with the full participation of Badaru, Ganduje, and Nuhu Ribadu, people who are known for their nationalistic outlook.

He stressed that every stakeholder in the Nigerian project chose Bola Tinubu. Talking about his mental health and his fitness, our recent visits to Mecca on Ummara, where Tinubu walked miles without joining a car and his performance of Rituals of Tawaf and Saai shows that he is not only healthy but mentally alert on issues”, Mai Calculator explained.

In summary, Mallam Muhammad Badaru Abubakar is a blessing to Jigawa state, APC, and Nigeria at large. Jigawa is lucky to have an accountant as a President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, an accountant as a Governor, and an accountant hoping to be a minister representing the state at the Federal Executive Council. 

Badaru is indeed an APC’s Silent Achiever!

Ghali Tade writes from Ɓaɓura, Jigawa state. He can be reached via tadebusinessr@gmail.com.