Admin

By Muhammed Baba Isah

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) have for long been duped with serious — dereliction in time of accessing outstanding salary structure to some extent, this can be assessed — mostly among the youngest rank personnel. However, this paramilitary institution is much younger than that of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Armed Forces. Hence, there is still a need to revamp this sector due to a higher cost of living and other things similar that bedeviled Nigerians expecially household.

Likewise, even in this poor salary structure, this cannot even be, for once, enhanced for the mismanaging of their duty by collecting of fifty naira by the roadside from driver and also harassing them if cannot pay. This intimidation of less-privilege are not part of their work.

On that account, It’s not against the increments of recent police amount (or anything similar), but rather this will go a long way in reducing the rate of taking brown-envelope and mismanaging of government access by the corps. And, of course, this can increase the level of manpower capacity in engaging the bad elements that priotise the vandalism of government items to be drastically low.

Being a prime target of the enemies, also like any other human being — security personnel owned the privilege to shows their disinterest on anything obstacle that could result in deterioration — on the discharging their duty. Because they are mostly die in war front, hence, they are still worst paid unlike any other agencies.

And therefore, under the eye of this present Commandant-General (CG), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Ph.D, mni, OFR. Much better achievement have been put in place already — Apart from the field of providing much security items by the corps to augment tackling insecurities across the all angles of six geopolitical zones — and indeed there are also — a bunch of putting effort in laying the foundation of many training schools aside from that (of Katsina, Bauchi, Enugu and Cross River State), this will help the young generations to be seriously manage this work accordingly.

On the other side, crime is one of the major issues bedeviling contemporary Nigerian society. The menace of crime is affecting not only economic development of Nigeria but also to tarnish the image of the country in the eye of international community.

Thus, it rising serious concern about law and order in the society. And, it’s a known fact that the security and welfare of the people is primary responsibility of government — in other to address this challenges confronting Nigerians. The corps through his watch (Commandant-General), has ensure protection of lives and properties and protect the public items against vandalism as well as assist other agencies in crime prevention and control.

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps has also succeeded in playing so many other roles — ranging from arresting so many criminals and controlling many variety of criminal activities. It empowered to maintain 24-hours surveillance over infrastructure, sites and project for the federal, state and local government.

Muhammed Baba Isah is an NSCDC personnel at Nasarawa State Command Headquarter. Writes from Jos, Plateau State. He can be contacted via muhammedisah080645@gmail.com.

By Dansaleh Aliyu Yahya

The way time skyrockets must frighten the humanity of every human. It was like yesterday we started to fast the holy month of Ramadan, but today, it has gone like a blink of an eye. And, later, it will come back like a sudden show of lightning—those that will live to the time will see it.

For the reason above, I would like to advise us all by saying; that time isn’t something we’ll play with—one has to milk every opportunity that comes to them. And, don’t dare to lose any worthwhile thing that may come to you in your life—when you do so, it’s challenging to have the ability later.

Secondly,  we all remember the good deeds we did during Ramadan, give, read the Quran, perform Tahajjud, and learn numberless things and teachings by listening to our scholars that did Tafseer during the month. So let us continue doing all the profitable workouts, by doing so, our societies will change into a splendour that must attract all people around the globe.

Ultimately, I’ll use this medium to admire each Muslim from every part of the world — precisely, those from Africa who fasted under the taxing situation of sunshiny days and many obstacles. Although, they could eat in their closed rooms and drink when performing ablution, in toilets, offices, and others. However, they didn’t,  due to their beliefs that their creator is with them everywhere and in every situation. Therefore, we must be praised, indeed!

May Allah SWT accept our deeds, amin.

Dansaleh Aliyu Yahya wrote via dansalealiyu@gmail.com.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 
 
The Federal Government of Nigeria said in Abuja that it had spent $1.2 million to send 40 buses in Sudan to pick up at least 2,400 stranded Nigerians.
 
Geoffrey Onyeama, the minister of foreign affairs, revealed this to the State House reporters shortly after this week’s Federal Executive Council meeting, which was held in the Aso Rock Villa’s Council Chambers in Abuja.
 
According to Onyeama, the exorbitant expense of the evacuation was necessary to cover security for the eleven-hour trip from Aswan to Cairo and the eight-hour journey from Luxol to Cairo, Egypt.
 
Despite their agreement to end hostilities at midnight on Monday, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces reportedly resumed fighting on Wednesday.
 
The evacuation attempt that was scheduled for Tuesday was unsuccessful because of logistical issues.
 

• News Desk

The fourteen (14) year old daughter of an Igbo Muslim, Mallam Tahir Akpan, has been reportedly defiled. The suspect, Emeka Emmanuel, 29, has been remanded in Kirikiri Correction Centre.

But an Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has raised the alarm concerning attempts being made by certain people to sweep the matter under the carpet. MURIC has insisted on justice for the family of the defiled Muslim girl.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement reads :

“A fourteen (14) year old Muslim girl has been allegedly defiled by one Emeka Emmanuel, 29 of No. 2, Sam Onwudinjo Street, Igbo Elerin, Lagos State. The victim is the daughter of an Igbo Muslim, Mallam Tahir Akpan.  

“Although the suspect has been remanded in Kirikiri Correction Centre by the Family Magistrate Court, Agbo Malu, Ajegunle since 13^th April, 2023, we are raising the alarm today because of attempts being made by certain people to sweep the matter under the carpet.

“According to the victim’s father, Mallam Tahir Akpan, from Ini Local Government of Akwa Ibom State, a highly placed individual in Igbo Elerin, Lagos State, has threatened to deal with him for refusing to soft-pedal on the matter. The father also alleged that the culprit’s lawyer also threatened to write a petition against him alleging child abuse.

“MURIC rejects this attempt to arm-twist Mr Tahir Akpan. He is a well-educated, highly enlightened, disciplined and fearless man. The threat to deal with him and to charge him for child abuse is sheer blackmail. How can a sexual abuse complainant be turned into an accused? What kind of justice is that?

“We suspect foul play. We warn that officials involved in this case should not allow themselves to be used in circumventing the law. Any attempt to turn the case upside down will be resisted with every legitimate means available. We want those involved to know that Akpan is not alone. MURIC and all conscious and freedom-loving Nigerians are with him.

“MURIC demands justice for the Akpan family on this case of sexual assault on their underaged daughter. Also, in view of threats issued against the victim’s father, Mr. Tahir Akpan, we warn that nothing should happen to him or any member of his family.

“MURIC is in possession of the medical report which confirms a case of penetration and defilement against the culprit. We therefore warn all those who are making attempts to interfere with the course of justice in this case to steer clear. The Akpan family is fully aware of their Allah-given and fundamental human rights and any attempt to encroach on any aspect of their rights will be rebuffed with the full force of the law.

“Finally, we commend the police in Iba for playing their role professionally and fearlessly. By taking the case to court, the police have proved that they have no skeleton in their cupboard.

“However, it is not over until it is over. There is one more thing the police need to do. We demand full protection for the family, and the onus falls on the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Iba Police Station, Iba, to ensure this for Mr Tahir Akpan and all members of his family. MURIC will continue to monitor the situation until justice prevails.”

#JusticeForAkpanFamily

By Muhsin Ibrahim

Part One

It was 2005 when I applied for admission into Bayero University, Kano (BUK). In Nigeria, getting admission without knowing someone at the university is pretty hard. My late father was working there as an accountant, but remembering how my immediate older brother couldn’t secure admission a year before despite our father’s efforts, I did not bother to ask for his help. Our eldest brother (Yaya Babba), now late, was nonetheless a student. Knowing he was not an ‘ordinary’ student due to his age, I approached him for assistance.

I was lucky Yaya Babba knew Malam Jamilu Ahmad Salim. I cannot say what his position at the University was then, but he could help, Yaya Babba assured me. My only fear was my SSCE result, which was neither WAEC nor NECO, the two conventional entry exams. I had NABTEB and was applying to the Faculty of Education. But on the other hand, my UTME/JAMB result was excellent.

Yaya Babba met Malam Jamilu during a Hajj pilgrimage the previous year, and they clicked. To those who knew our brother, he was almost everyone’s friend. Thus, they maintained a cordial relationship after the Hajj. When we met Malam Jamilu, he calmed me down, virtually assuring me of admission. Although I got the admission without his help – or anyone’s but Allah – in the end, how he treated me was fantastic and fatherly.

Part two

After graduating in 2010/2011, Bayero University employed me as a lecturer. Fast forward, I got another lecturing position and admission for my PhD at the University of Cologne, Germany, in 2017. I signed a bond and left BUK on a Study Fellowship in late August. Months later, I thought about the implication of collecting two salaries, something I didn’t plan for. I thought I would only be a Teaching Assistant à la the American university system. I discussed this confusion with selected colleagues, including my contemporaries and seniors. Opinions differed. Confused, I decided to go to the top.

With the intervention of a friend, I met Malam Jamilu, now a Director of the Establishment. He advised me as if I were his child on what I should do when I met the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Yahuza Bello. So, I did, and it worked like magic. Appreciating my sincerity, Malam Jamilu thought the University could (should?) release me – on a Leave of Absence (LOA) – without paying back the few months’ salary I received. So, he asked me to request that in my application letter. Although it didn’t work, I remain eternally grateful for his rare kindness and generosity.

Part three

Weeks before my four-year-long LOA ended, I received an email from my Head of Department that I should resume or resign. My love for BUK is more than you can imagine. But, of course, I love my new workplace, which offers me abundant opportunities, resources, and much more. Still, I hesitated to divorce my beloved BUK, where my academic journey began just like that. Nevertheless, my close family and friends suggested I bid BUK a final farewell. But how do I do it? Just tender your resignation, and that’s it, a voice told me. Another one said no, contact the ever-helpful Malam Jamilu for guidance – so I did.

Malam Jamilu, now a Registrar – the peak of his career – was much busier. He probably lost my number and couldn’t return calls from unknown callers. The friend who helped me the other time and his underling, Rabia Shour, told him that Muhsin called the other day. He apologised for not answering. Thus, when I called again, he quickly picked up. He was apologetic in his welcoming manner.

Upon hearing my story (again) and my current request, he didn’t mince his words on what he would do in my situation: resign. He added that that was a development we should all celebrate. He briefly lamented the condition of Nigerian universities and congratulated me.

I was about to drop the call when Malam Jamilu advised me to word my letter carefully and diplomatically. For instance, instead of titling it “Letter of Resignation”, it should read “Notice of Withdrawal of Service”, among other excellent tips.

The last part

I am sure Malam Jamilu did more for many more people in his decades-old career, four of which were as the University’s top administrator. He was an incontestably hardworking, dedicated and brilliant manager who rose through the ranks and contributed significantly to the university and its members’ growth and development. Since our father’s death in September last year, no other death shocked me as his. Wallahi, I spoke about him with a friend visiting me from Nigeria yesterday. We didn’t know he would die at the age of 59 later in the night!

May Allah forgive the shortcomings of Yaya Babba, my father (Alhaji Ibrahim Lawal), Malam Jamilu and our other loved ones. The list is getting longer. Everyone and everything will perish (Quran 55:26).

Muhsin Ibrahim, PhD, wrote from Cologne, Germany. He can be contacted via muhsin2008@gmail.com.

By Iranloye Sofiu Taiye

One of the essential elements that strengthen the unity of countries with numerous ethnicities is the mutually esteemed mode of communication, respect for their diversities, and by extension, mutual political relationship. But presently, the Nigeria social media fora are nothing but a channel for perpetrating, promoting, and sowing seeds of national discord, anchored on the uncivilised conduct of the politician and the supporters of political parties. It’s now conspicuous, apparent, and plausible that the spurious actions of the users of the social media platforms encompassing Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp groups have nourished the already perturbed and suffocating political terrain. 

Glaringly, this is an indication that we have a long battle to wrestle with, considering the pandemonium that ravaged the online space aftermath of this year’s general election. It’s very disheartening and daunting that we now freely strike and attack each other on the online space devoid of decorum and let alone having regard for divergent political opinions, which ought to be the beauty of democracy. The uncultured and vulgar attitude of the Baptists, Obidient,s, and Articulators was very appalling, which invariably made users of social media jettison the esteemed hitherto cultural mode of interpersonal communication, alas! we’ve now regrettably substituted it with barbarous, sadistic, and wanton mannerisms. 

The magnificent of social media platforms being a free platform where people exchange ideas, audio-visual content, and debate political perspectives with the use of internet connection had forthwith metamorphosed into caliginous and obscurity due to the pretentious salvage rhetorically disseminated by politicians to their naive and gullible followers who have been brainwashed with the grandiloquence of their preferred candidate. Hence, mutual content-sharing and collaboration have become hallucinations in the social media space.

It’s a known fact that all the political parties now budget a humongous and whopping sum of money on social media purposely to manipulate the thinking of the people to kowtow to their interests. These are cliques and gangs the political parties recruited as an online army of soldiers to perform several tasks, including the following: cyberbullying, paddling false information, using hate hashtags, threatening and intimidating their opponents with their unguarded utterances and abusive statements, spreading derogatory anonymous articles and engaging in an illogical debate just to mislead the public. 

This is quite terrible, horrendous, and awkward. Many youths have been cajoled and fed with negative thoughts and hatred about the country. After all, youths are the major users of social media, and this uncivil engagement is a stigma on the image of our nation State. The hate speech and this needless confrontation, brawl, and hullabaloo have set the citizens against each other, which is a setback to our nascent democracy and a violation of the expression of freedom, respect for the dignity of man and freedom of association as entailed in our national constitution. 

However, Since the ill-ambitioned politicians and the hatred-fed supporters of the political parties have no monopoly on expression and the online space is free for all citizens to utilise, then the intellectuals, scholars, and objective writers should brace up their pen to engage in thoughtful and analytical political discussions, and logical debates on the Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other online space, to stem this delinquency before it wakes up the sleeping dogs. Let’s remember that the pen is mightier than the gun.

Note a Yoruba maxim said, “When elders are in the market square, the head of a new baby cannot be laid upside down”

Iranloye Sofiu Taiye (Optimism Mirror) is a public affairs analyst, public speaker, writer, and youth advocate. He can be reached via iranloye100@gmail.com. 

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

India is soon to overtake China as the world’s most populated country, according to the United Nations Population Division.

John Wilmoth, the director of the UN Population Division, stated this at a press conference held on Monday at the UN’s New York headquarters.

Wilmoth asserted that the fertility rates in the two countries were the primary cause of this trend, stating that China and India together made up more than one-third of the world’s eight billion people.

Wilmoth was quoted as saying, “By the end of April, India’s population is expected to reach 1,425,775,850 people, with projections indicating further growth for several decades more.

“That’s slightly higher than China’s global record of 1.4 billion in 2022.

“China’s population reached its peak size in 2022 and has begun to decline.

“Projections indicate that the size of the Chinese population could drop below one billion before the end of the century.”

By Ishaka Mohammed

There is a clause that is capable of solving many problems, but most of us often use it only to defend our flaws. The clause is: Nobody is perfect. Instead of internalising and living with this priceless statement, we tend to remember it only when people criticise our misbehaviour or mistakes. This clause is much more than a defence tool. Its proper use comes with an invaluable gift: open-mindedness.

Almost every time I come across a war of words (especially such that involves religion) between ordinary people on social media, I quickly blame our inability or refusal to listen to alternative views. I find it unfortunate that my guesses regarding such unhealthy behaviour are usually right.

We sometimes hold certain opinions so strongly that every other view becomes repulsive. This is one reason that makes me doubt if I will ever forget the year 2007. It was a time when I realised the danger of obstinacy. I discovered that a single source or person could never attain a true scholarship. Although it is still a work in progress, when I receive an important piece of information from anyone, I try to examine it or consult other sources to confirm its reliability. 

I’ll explain my point with a few examples. In my quest to upscale my communicative competence in English, I follow certain scholars online. One of them, a professor of English, once made a social media post about English grammar, and I noticed a “wrong” pattern in the post. In an attempt to know if that was an exception to the general rules, I told him what I knew about the pattern. He never replied; he only liked my comment. If it were today, I would try to ignore his “mistake” because, considering his status, such a question could embarrass him.

Three years later, I bought a book he authored, and I noticed about six “wrong” patterns, including the one I had asked about on social media. Although the book is an interesting read, when a colleague of mine asked how she could get it for her daughter, I discouraged her because I feared that the teenager might internalise some “wrong” patterns.

Much as I would refrain from stating categorically that the prof is completely wrong, all the sources I have consulted, including the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, point to that.

Away from English grammar, there is a renowned Islamic scholar who has been on the international scene for decades. Today, like many other people, he stresses the need to avoid castigating Muslims who try to mend their ways in Ramadan, arguing that the season is an opportunity to turn over a new leaf. However, I once heard him criticise the same category of people, calling them Ramadan Muslims (who are disbelievers for 11 months, only to become the most sincere believers in Ramadan). I would say that his earlier statement was either a mistake or due to a gap in his understanding. He is a human being.

In addition, my little exposure has revealed certain mistakes my teachers (from elementary classes to university) made while I was under their tutelage. I have also realised some of my mistakes as a teacher. My students could discover even more.

This discussion points to one fact: Humans are fallible. If you pointed out one perfect human being today, I would argue that you do not know that person. Therefore, it is advisable to tread very carefully in our interactions with human beings. Although I respect my teachers, [religious] scholars and elders, I believe that there is no single person in the world today whose lifestyles are completely worthy of my imitation or whose statements are totally deserving of my adherence. Instead, I strive to expose myself to multiple sources before taking a stand on issues, especially religious ones. It is dangerous to be obsessed with a single scholar because nobody is perfect.

Ishaka Mohammed wrote from Kaduna. He can be contacted via ishakamohammed39@gmail.com.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Malam Adam Imam, the father of The Daily Reality reporter in Kano State, Uzair Adam Imam, has died.

Late Adam died on Sunday at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano State, after a protracted illness. 

Announcing the demise of the deceased on Facebook, Malam Aisar Fagge, co-founder and editor of The Daily Reality, wrote: 

 “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihirrajiun! Yanzu na ke samun rasuwar mahaifin su Uzair Adam Imam bayan fama da jinya da ya sha ta watanni. Mal. Uzair was one of our outstanding students as well as the staff of The Daily Reality. May Allah rest the soul of his father and give them the fortitude to bear this monumental loss, ameen.” 

He has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Now that the storm in the drama-filled Adamawa gubernatorial election has been subdued, the two big contenders, Aishatu Dahiru Binani and Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, will have the opportunity to retrospect and strategize for their next steps. 

On Binani’s path, there are two junctions. First, stick to the moment. Second, make a U-turn to a new path. 

The fact is, the actions of the now-suspended Adamawa state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Hudu Yunusa have ‘dented’ Binani’s public sympathy, especially outside Adamawa. The REC’s actions have put the APC on edge. So, Binani needs both ‘on-the-shelves’ and ‘off-the-shelves strategies, as her next moves may make and mar her political future. She has three (3) options.

First, continue to insist that she is the Governor-Elect, as declared by REC, Hudu Yunusa Ari. In this case, Binani will approach the tribunal with a sole demand – the court to proclaim her Governor-Elect,  based on Section 149 of the Electoral Act 2022, which states that: ‘Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, any defect or error arising from any actions taken by an official of the Commission in relation to any notice, form or document made or given or other things done by the official in pursuance of the provisions of the Constitution or of this Act, or any rules made thereunder remain valid, unless otherwise challenged and declared invalid by a competent court of law or tribunal.

The second option for Binani is to pursue her cause through the tribunal while completely ignoring Hudu’s bizarre actions. She can reinforce her case by hammering on the alleged irregularities in some local government areas during the 18^th March 2023 gubernatorial election. Places like Governor Ahmadu Umaru’s village, Madagali LGA, which claimed a whopping 42.2% voter turnout

Binani’s third opposition is to retreat – congratulate Fintiri, discard the option of any litigation and move for the future.

These three options have implications for Binani, Adamawa politics, and Nigerian polity.

If Binani and her team decide to take the first option, she would be testing the effectiveness and the efficacy of section 149 of the Electoral Act 2023. While it will be good for democracy, as the court will interpret the section, INEC will do whatever possible to save its face.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu government may be interested as well because it may want to distance itself from Hudu’s actions to show the international community and Nigerian ‘eagle eyes’ that the election which brought Tinubu to power was fair and that the umpiring was not jungle-like. Binani taking this option means that many heads will roll, as Hudu may spill the beans. Binani may also continue to lose support because Hudu’s actions were a ‘third-rate’ action in politics (elections are best won at the polling units). REC Hudu’s action has attracted many observers even outside Nigeria.

For the second option, Binani has good advantages over Fintiri if she can assemble an excellent legal team alongside experienced politicians, political experts, and intellectuals from Adamawa to provide data, facts and figures, and shreds of evidence to back up the claims of irregularities during the elections. Binani has a bright chance of winning the case based on technicalities, while Fintiri will face a lot of hurdles here. This option is very expensive and requires both political and individual commitment from Binani’s team.

The third option for Binani is to retreat, congratulate Fintiri, and move on. This is the most difficult option for her, in fact, for any politician who has come as far as she has. If Binani goes for this option, many of her supporters will be initially demoralized. But in the long run, she would relieve the entire polity of the suspense, uncertainty, and unknowns. In fact, the investigations on Hudu Yunusa, securities heads, and other people will be inconsequential.

Binani will rediscover herself, remove the dent of Hudu’s action on her political outlook, and technically trounces her adversaries in the Adamawa APC. She will create the road to becoming  Adamawa’s version of Kwankwasiya because of her well-known philosophical activities and for being an Iron Lady.

Furthermore, with this (third) option, Binani will ‘save the day’ for many people. But it is a very difficult option; only politicians operating with a complete mind of their own will opt for such an option. It requires foresight to see tomorrow from today.

 Binani may have depleted her arsenal, but she has had a good fight; Fintiri will not forget her in a jiffy.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.