News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kaduna State is currently facing an extended power outage due to ongoing industrial actions linked to labor disputes at the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO).

The power shortage has severely impacted the daily lives and economic activities of residents in the state.Governor Uba Sani has expressed his concerns over the power disruption, reaching out to the Chairman of the Board at Kaduna Electric.

In his communication, the governor urged the company to swiftly address the issues causing the outage.

Kaduna Electric has assured the governor that the situation will be resolved soon, and power supply will be restored.

While awaiting the resolution, residents are advised to remain calm and stay vigilant, as the situation may lead to security risks, with potential threats of vandalism and public unrest.

All parties involved have been urged to find a swift and peaceful solution to restore power to the state’s residents.

By Aisar Fagge

Speaking during the 3rd International Conference organized by the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue (CICID) with the theme “The Role of Moral Etiquettes of Islamic Civilisation in the Development of Human Communities: Assessment of Past and Present,” Dr Usman Muhammad Bugaje lamented why economic metrics always dominate the discussions on development. He cheerfully also complained, “This conference should have come earlier than now but it is never late.”

As the keynote speaker, Dr Bugaje mentioned three main focal points of the conference:

“First, the theme introduces a missing direction in the contemporary discussion of development. When you listen to the discussion on developments, it is usually the material aspect of development that occupies the space. Even the metrics for measuring development tends to focus on the material. They have not yet measured the Islamic definition of human development. This is the gap conferences like this should help to bridge.

“Secondly, this theme will raise consciousness and provoke a debate on the quality of morality. Everybody talks about morality. But what is the quality of that morality? There are a lot of debates and contentions on these issues.

“Thirdly, this theme underscores the significance of moral standard on human development. I hope the centre and director will try and find research grants locally for the students to study how moral consciousness has affected human development in Nigeria,” the speaker listed.

It is always difficult for Dr Bugaje to talk without critiquing the state of the nation and bad governance. Talking about morality and development in Nigeria, the speaker lamented how immoral politicians ruined Nigeria since 1999.

“What happened in the last 25 years in Nigeria concerning human development is a wreckage. Poverty has tripled, insecurity has escalated, infrastructures have broken down and decay, marriages and social norms have broken down, the fabric of the society is no longer what is used to be.

“Today, in our educational system, the moral consciousness is completely missing or absence. In those days, you got your degree in character and learning, but today, no character no leaning. In governance, this government has gotten more money than any government since the beginning of Nigeria, but what the Sardunas were able to achieve with very little money we now cannot do with 1000 x times the same amount of that money! So what has happened? All these are moral questions that raise consciousness,” he grieved.

The conference that was held at the Centre for Excellence, Bayero University, Kano from 3rd to 5th February, 2025 was honoured by distinguished politicians, esteemed academics, business people and many participants from different academic disciplines.

The Director of the centre, Associate Professor, Taufiq Abubakar Hussaini thanked the sponsors of the event especially Alhaji Aminu Dantata, A.Y Maikifi, Alhaji A.A Rano, Alhaji Hamza Abdullahi Umar Daura, A.Y.M Shafa and others.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former members of the Kaduna State Executive Council (2015-2023) have vehemently rejected corruption allegations leveled against them by the Uba Sani-led administration.

In a statement released on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the ex-officials described the accusations as a politically motivated smear campaign.

The controversy stems from a report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which claims that N423 billion went missing under the leadership of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The report, which was first issued in June 2024, resurfaced this week, with some media outlets treating it as “breaking news.”

However, the former officials insist that they debunked the allegations in June and July of 2024, proving that the claims lack credibility.

According to the ex-officials, many of the loans listed in the report were not acquired during their administration, while others were disbursed after their tenure.

They further argue that certain loans were double-counted, and even a railway loan that was never contracted was included in the accusations.

In their statement, the former officials dismissed the idea that 40% of Kaduna’s earnings over eight years simply disappeared.

“Only those inclined to fiction can believe such a claim,” they remarked.

They also accused Governor Uba Sani’s administration of misrepresenting El-Rufai-era achievements, including projects funded by the AGILE initiative, the World Bank CARES infrastructure program, and the RAAMP roads program, all of which were initiated under El-Rufai’s tenure but are now being credited to Sani.

Beyond the allegations, the former officials claim that the Uba Sani government is targeting El-Rufai’s allies.

They cited the cases of Bashir Saidu and Jimi Lawal, both of whom have allegedly been detained unlawfully despite fulfilling bail conditions.

Furthermore, the government has reportedly blocked their release through administrative measures, including suspending land verification services.

The former officials argue that the real aim of these actions is to tarnish El-Rufai’s political legacy.

They contend that since the N423 billion claim remains unproven, the Sani administration is using media propaganda and criminal charges to create the illusion of corruption.

The statement concluded by highlighting the accomplishments of El-Rufai’s administration, including significant increases in Kaduna’s internally generated revenue (from N13 billion in 2015 to N58 billion in 2022), public service reforms, and key infrastructure projects.

“We will not be silenced,” the former officials declared. “We will continue to defend our legacy and expose this smokescreen of deceit.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has revised the proposed 2025 national budget, increasing the total size from N49.7 trillion, initially presented to the National Assembly on December 18, 2024, to N54.2 trillion.

The President communicated the budget adjustment through separate letters addressed to both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The letters, read during plenary in the Senate by Senator Godswill Akpabio, highlighted that the increase was due to additional revenues totaling N4.4 trillion.

These funds were generated by various government agencies, including N1.4 trillion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), N1.2 trillion from the Nigeria Customs Service, and N1.8 trillion from other Government-Owned Agencies.

In response, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, directed the Senate Committee on Appropriations to consider the proposed changes expeditiously.

Lawan further assured that the budget would be concluded and passed by the end of the month.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian House of Representatives has initiated an inquiry following allegations that some telecom operators have been linking National Identification Numbers (NIN) to SIM cards without obtaining subscribers’ consent.

During Wednesday’s plenary session, Rep. Patrick Umoh, alongside Professor Julius Ihonvbere, introduced a motion that has set this investigation in motion.

Rep. Umoh voiced deep concerns over the potential risks posed by such unauthorized data integration, emphasizing that it could expose citizens to identity theft, financial fraud, and other cybercrimes.

He further noted that this practice undermines the protections afforded under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019.

“This unauthorized linking violates the fundamental rights to privacy and data protection guaranteed to every Nigerian,” said Rep. Umoh.

He warned that citizens could suffer reputational damage, unwarranted legal entanglements, and harassment as a result of being mistakenly implicated in criminal activities.

In response, the House has directed its Committees on Communications and Interior to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter, with findings expected within four weeks.

Additionally, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been called upon to scrutinize the practices of the telecom providers involved and to take swift action against any violations discovered.

The probe could show the government’s commitment to enforcing data protection laws and safeguarding the privacy of Nigerian citizens in the digital age.

By Aisar Fagge

In its effort to combat moral decadence among youths, the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue (CICID) organized a 3rd International Conference on the theme “The Role of Moral Etiquettes of Islamic Civilisation in the Development of Human Communities: Assessment of Past and Present,” held at the Centre for Excellence, Bayero University, Kano, from 3rd to 5th February 2025.

During his welcome remark, Associate Professor Taufiq Abubakar Hussaini, the director of the centre, said, “This year’s conference is guided by witnessing moral decadence in all spheres of our lives.”

“We anticipate engaging discussions, insightful presentations and collaborative efforts towards a shared goal of promoting moral etiquettes, good character, peace, understanding and unity. These are the bedrock of Islamic civilization, which has persistently built many nations and civilisations over centuries.

“I encouraged the participants to actively participate, exchange ideas, form connections that will extend beyond the confines of this conference so that our various societal ills will heal from the inevitable doom,” Prof Hussaini remarked.

As the event’s promoter, the head of Markazu Khulafa Al-Rashidin, Sheikh Abdulwahab Abdallah (Imam Ahlissunnah Wal Jama’ah), thanked the management of Bayero University, Kano, for “establishing the centre that focuses on building the morality of the ummah.”

Sheikh Abdulwahab urged the centre to introduce a programme or course that teaches politicians the politics and exemplary leadership style of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) so that they can learn how he led the entire Ummah with justice and fairness.

“This North is blessed with great people. The bad ones are few. It is our collective duty to educate and integrate them to have politicians and leaders who are Islamically rooted and God-fearing”, the Sheikh concluded.

The conference witnessed the attendance of prominent people such as Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf represented by the Commissioner of Education, Dr Ali Haruna, Barrister Ali Sa’adu Birnin Kudu (former Jigawa State governor), Prof. Muhammad Sani Umar R/Lemo, Prof. Emeritus Muhammad Sani Zaharadden, Sheikh Tijjani Bala Qalarawi, Prof. Ahmad Murtada, Prof Babangida, Prof. Muhammad Muslim Ibrahim and many host of other academic dons, Islamic clerics, security chiefs, wealthy individuals and participants from both local and international educational institutions.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

In a recent press conference, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a controversial plan for the United States to assume control over the Gaza Strip.

The proposal includes relocating Gaza’s roughly two million Palestinian residents to neighbouring countries such as Egypt and Jordan to transform the territory into a thriving economic hub, potentially named the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

Trump emphasised the economic potential of the initiative, arguing that U.S. oversight would bring stability and prosperity to the region. He also suggested the possible deployment of American forces to maintain order during the transition.

The plan has been widely condemned. Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, have rejected it, warning of its implications for international law and regional security. 

Human rights organisations have also strongly criticised the initiative, calling it a form of ethnic cleansing that could worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was present at the press conference, expressed support for the plan, saying it aligns with Israel’s security interests. However, international opposition and legal challenges may hinder the proposal’s feasibility.

As the debate over Trump’s plan intensifies, world leaders and analysts continue to scrutinise its potential consequences for regional stability and the rights of the Palestinian people.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Kano State Government has expressed interest in partnering with Al-Qalam University, Katsina, to sponsor students for postgraduate studies at the institution.

A government delegation, led by Professor Auwalu Halliru Arzai, visited the university on Monday, February 3, 2025, where they were received by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Armaya’u Umar Zango.

Speaking during the visit, Prof. Arzai highlighted the state government’s commitment under Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf to advancing education by providing opportunities for indigenes to pursue higher degrees.

Prof. Arzai noted that Al-Qalam University’s reputation for academic excellence and holistic education made it a suitable choice for the partnership.

Discussions between both parties are ongoing, with plans to formalize the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has sworn in the chairpersons, commissioners, and members of the Sharia and Zakkat and Hubusi Commissions.

In a statement on Tuesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi DawakinTofa, said the inauguration took place on Monday, with Yusuf emphasizing Kano’s significance in the Islamic world due to its many scholars, Islamiyya schools, and Islamic study centers.

The governor said the appointees were chosen based on merit, competence, and trustworthiness, expressing confidence in their ability to serve with dedication and integrity.

He tasked the Sharia Commission with fostering unity among Muslim sects to promote peace, stability, and economic growth in the state.

Similarly, he directed the Zakkat and Hubusi Commissions to develop effective strategies for collecting alms from the wealthy to support the less privileged and combat poverty.

Sheikh Abbas Abubakar Daneji was appointed chairman of the Sharia Commission, with Malam Yahaya Gwani Hadi and Sheikh Ali Dan Abba serving as permanent commissioners.

Other members include Malam Abubakar Mai Ashafa, Malam Naziru Saminu Dorayi, and several Islamic scholars. Sheikh Dr. Sani Ashir was named secretary.

For the Zakkat and Hubusi Commission, Barrister Habibu Dan Almajiri was appointed chairman, with Sheikh Nafi’u Umar Harazami and Dr. Ali Quraish serving as permanent commissioners.

Other members include religious leaders, academics, and a representative from the Kano State Civil Service Commission.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated officials would enhance Islamic governance and social welfare in Kano.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu is currently leading the 23rd session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the State House in Abuja.

The meeting, which is the second part of a two-day session, commenced at 1:26 pm on Tuesday when the president arrived at the Council Chamber.

On Monday, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, explained that the meeting would extend into the next day due to the accumulation of pending memos.

“Let me also say that there is also another Federal Executive Council meeting coming up tomorrow,” Idris stated. “Recall that since December, we’ve not had anyone, so a lot of memos have gathered, and the President is determined to dispense with all of them. So we want to say that tomorrow, there will be another press briefing after the FEC meeting.”

Among those in attendance are Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Didi Walson-Jack, as well as several ministers and ministers of state.

During Monday’s session, the council approved a budget of N4.8 billion for the Presidential Treatment Programme, which will supply 150,000 HIV treatment packs from February to May 2025.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, informed journalists that the decision was influenced by discussions on the impact of recent U.S. policy changes on Nigeria’s health initiatives, particularly regarding funding for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria programs.