National

By Uzair Adam

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has criticized the Federal Government for assigning the distribution of rice palliatives in Kano to the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, rather than the state government.

Speaking in Kano, Kwankwaso expressed his disappointment, describing the move as a breach of constitutional democracy and an act of excessive partisanship.

“For the past week, I have been in Kano, and I observed with great disappointment the Federal Government’s distribution of rice palliatives to 35 states through their governors, except in Kano.

“Here, the responsibility was handed over to APC members. This is a gross insult to our constitutional democracy and a step too far in partisanship,” Kwankwaso stated.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately address what he called a “derailment of democracy.”

Kwankwaso also raised concerns about the frequent changes in the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano, noting that three State Directors had been posted and reposted in just two weeks.

He warned that the instability was having a negative impact on the state’s security.

By Uzair Adam

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have arrested a suspected female informant involved in kidnapping activities in Taraba State.

The suspect, identified as Miss Markus Grace, was apprehended in Sondi Village, Wukari Local Government Area (LGA).

According to a statement by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Grace is believed to be the girlfriend of a notorious kidnapper known as Chen, who has been terrorizing the region.

The arrest occurred following the abduction of one Malam Saidu in the Vesee community of Ukum LGA, Benue State.

Troops acted on intelligence to carry out the operation on September 6, 2024.

Captain Oni disclosed that the suspect is currently in custody, and further investigations are ongoing to determine her involvement in criminal activities in the area.

In a separate operation on September 5, 2024, troops stopped a suspicious Blue Toyota Yaris vehicle during routine patrols in Bantaje town, Wukari LGA.

The driver abandoned the car and fled into nearby bushes.

A search of the vehicle revealed an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, and two identity cards belonging to individuals associated with the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Mutum Biyu Branch, Gassol LGA, Taraba State.

Investigations are ongoing to track down the driver and other involved parties.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have issued warnings that the recent increase in petrol prices by the Federal Government is pushing many Nigerians to a breaking point.

This comes as prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, calls on the government to complete the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries by September 2024 or take legal action against contractors for failing to meet project deadlines.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) also urged President Bola Tinubu to order the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to reverse the price hike, labeling it as “illegal and unconstitutional.”

While the NLC advocated for public resistance to the fuel price increase, Atiku highlighted that the government’s plans to raise Value Added Tax (VAT) would further worsen the economic strain on citizens.

NLC President Joel Ajaero, represented by Prince Adewale Adeyanju at a Labour Writers Association of Nigeria workshop, decried the combination of fuel price hikes, naira devaluation, and rising electricity tariffs as policies that have deepened the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

Atiku also voiced concerns that the VAT increase, following the petrol price surge, would severely impact the country’s already fragile economy and the livelihoods of Nigerians, compounding the existing cost-of-living crisis.

By Uzair Adam

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) has called on the military under the Theatre Command, North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai,’ to step up operations to eliminate Boko Haram remnants hiding in the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, and border areas between Gwoza and the Republic of Cameroon.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Ndume expressed concern over recent terrorist attacks, which have negatively impacted farmers resettled in liberated communities such as Ngoshe, Kirawa, Warabe, Wala, Pulka, and Gwoza town.

The insurgents have been looting unmatured crops, further hindering the economic recovery of these areas.

Ndume urged the military and other security agencies to intensify efforts to clear the terrorists still present in the Sambisa Forest and other hideouts near the Cameroon-Nigeria border.

He also praised Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for his significant contributions to the reconstruction of 10 Gwoza communities destroyed by the insurgents.

Additionally, the senator lauded the military for deploying a medical doctor to Ngoshe, providing free medical services to over 10,000 people in the area.

During a visit to his senatorial district, Ndume distributed agricultural inputs, including fertilizers, insecticides, and cash, to farmers.

He also provided solar streetlights and inspected land designated for the construction of 500 housing units to resettle displaced persons in Warabe, part of Governor Zulum’s rebuilding initiative.

Ndume expressed his gratitude to the community and urged for continued development, while acknowledging that Zulum’s efforts have surpassed expectations.

By Uzair Adam

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) took to streets on Monday to protest against the persistent fuel crisis in Nigeria, calling for immediate government intervention.

The protesters demanded a reduction in petrol prices, which they claimed has caused significant hardship for many Nigerians.

They also called for the dismissal of the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, citing his tenure as ineffective in resolving the fuel scarcity.

The protest follows a statement from the NNPCL highlighting that its substantial debt to suppliers is jeopardizing the sustainability of fuel supplies.

Carrying banners with messages such as “We are tired of fuel scarcity and stories on why refineries are not working,” and “No direction under Kyari,” the protesters expressed their frustration over the lack of progress in addressing the crisis.

The demonstration ended at Unity Fountain, where Aminu Abbas, the Convener of the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organisations, voiced his concerns about the ongoing fuel scarcity in a nation rich in oil resources.

He urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and other leaders to act swiftly to alleviate the situation, stating, “The time to act is now. Show us that you stand with the people, not those who profit from our misery. Mr. Kyari must be shown the way out, and the NNPCL must be reformed to serve the interests of all Nigerians. We will not be silenced.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has reaffirmed the collective concerns of northern governors regarding the rising insecurity in the region, and emphasized strong commitment to partnering key stakeholders to tackle the issue effectively.

The Governor restated this on Monday while receiving a comprehensive report of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) put together by the Experts’ Committee on insecurity in Northern Nigeria as part of the outcomes of the recently conducted roundtable meeting held in Abuja.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya noted the growing impact of insecurity on the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, particularly in the agricultural sector, which has led to hike in food prices affecting not only the Northern states but the entire nation.

He emphasized that the governors are committed to tackling the insecurity that has plagued the region, which has hindered farming activities, exacerbated the inflation of food commodities and general economic challenges faced by the country.

“As Governors, we are deeply concerned about the security situation in Northern Nigeria. This region has the largest portion of the country’s population and is endowed with mineral resources and fertile soil ideal for farming. The region’s agricultural strength plays a significant role in ensuring food security in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the current insecurity is disrupting these activities, contributing to the rising cost of food commodities, which affects all Nigerians, not just those in the North”, the Governor stated.

As part of the NSGF’s response under his leadership, Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced plans to convene an expanded meeting which will bring together all relevant stakeholders, including past and present leaders, traditional rulers, security chiefs, and civil society organizations, to discuss and implement strategies aimed at restoring the glory of the region.

“This time around, we want to take a collective approach to the insecurity issue. This report is timely. We will study it and work together towards its implementation. We are currently planning to convene an expanded meeting with all critical stakeholders in the region to further explore how we can come together to propose solutions that will genuinely address these problems completely”, the Governor said.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also commended the leadership of the CNG for its detailed analysis, acknowledging their role in addressing the region’s most pressing issues.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation and Chairman of the Committee of Experts on security component of the CNG, Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, explained that the report presented to Governor Inuwa Yahaya is a culmination of a long and painstaking process looking at the changing faces of insecurity in Northern Nigeria with a view to proffering workable solutions.

Highlighting some content of the report, he acknowledged the imperative of All Society Approach introduced by the group which will establish synergy among stakeholders across the spectrum of Northern Nigeria in tackling insecurity.

He said the group has already submitted the same report to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the office of the National Security Adviser NSA for onward processing.

While acknowledging the peace and tranquility of Gombe State, the leader of the delegation however, explained that no state is totally immune from criminal activities so long as contiguous states are confronted with incidences of crime and criminality.

The Governor was joined in receiving the group by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the Head of Service, Alh. Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi as well as Commissioners and Special Advisers.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu extends his warm congratulations to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, GCON, on his 58th birthday.

Vice-President Shettima is an academic, accomplished banking professional, raconteur, and leader.

He was the governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019 and senator representing Borno Central from 2019 to 2023.

President Tinubu joins family, friends, and members of the executive arm of government to celebrate the quintessential administrator, orator, and bibliophile on this special occasion.

The President commends Vice-President Shettima for the enthusiasm, vigour, and affability he brings to governance.

President Tinubu thanks the Vice-President for his support and wishes him robust health and renewed strength in his service to the nation.

By Uzair Adam

At least 10 people have died and 40 others are currently hospitalized following a diphtheria outbreak in Kano State.

The state’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, disclosed this to journalists as reported by The Daily Reality on Sunday.

Dr. Labaran confirmed to journalists that the deaths occurred over the past week, adding that the state government has established diphtheria treatment centers in various local government areas to handle the outbreak.

“We have recorded 10 deaths from the diphtheria outbreak in the last week, and as of this morning, 40 patients are receiving treatment,” Dr. Labaran stated. He urged residents who encounter individuals showing symptoms of diphtheria to visit the newly established treatment centers instead of coming to facilities in the metropolitan area, to help prevent the spread of the disease.

He emphasized that treatment at these centers is free of charge.

Dr. Labaran also refuted figures circulating on social media, stating, “The only official number we have is 10 deaths.” The health authorities in Kano continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts to contain the outbreak are underway.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other military heads to relocate to Sokoto, which serves as the headquarters for the General Officer Commanding (GOC) overseeing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states.

The Daily Reality learned that the move is part of a concentrated effort to eliminate the threats of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in the North West region.

In a statement, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, expressed his deep concern over the ongoing activities of terrorists and bandits in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states and their surrounding areas.

He announced that a significant military operation would soon be launched in Sokoto, targeting banditry across the region.

“The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has expressed his sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits terrorizing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states and its environs.

“Consequently, the Honourable Minister of State has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other military chiefs to move to Sokoto, the Headquarters of the GOC Sokoto,” the statement read.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu received the news of the devastation wreaked by floods on communities and farmlands nationwide with profound grief.

Recent data by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) indicate that lives have been lost — with thousands of hectares of farmlands damaged and thousands of people displaced by floods across the country.

The President sympathizes with all victims of these ravages of nature, especially bereaved families, farmers, displaced communities, and those who have lost property.

President Tinubu re-emphasizes the need for a concerted effort to address existential environmental concerns and build a more climate-resilient and adaptive society.

The President prays for the repose of the deceased’s souls while assuring Nigerians that his administration, through the relevant agencies, will continue to provide the needed support for victims and timely warnings to mitigate the impact of environmental mishaps.