News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has strongly opposed the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and members of the State House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.

It also urged for an immediate reversal of the decision.

In a statement issued by the Forum’s spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the group expressed deep concern over the political unrest in Rivers State, calling it an unwarranted action that does not meet the constitutional requirements for declaring a state of emergency.

The NEF argued that the situation in Rivers State does not meet any of the conditions outlined in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which includes war, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, or clear and present danger.

The group accused the federal government of using the suspension to pursue personal and political interests, rather than to uphold democracy and public order.

The Forum has called on President Tinubu to lift the suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and members of the state assembly to restore democratic governance in the state.

In addition to the developments in Rivers State, the NEF also raised concerns over escalating political tensions in Kano, particularly regarding the traditional institution of the Kano Emirate.

The group warned that unresolved political disputes in Kano could lead to greater instability if not addressed promptly and fairly.

The Northern Elders Forum has urged the federal government to take fair and lasting actions to prevent further political crises and maintain peace and order across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State Government has approved an increment in salaries for both academic and non-academic staff of tertiary institutions in the state.

The adjustment ranges from 25 to 35 percent.

The Commissioner for Information, Comrade Abdullahi Waiya, made this known while addressing journalists on the resolutions of the State Executive Council meeting.

He stated that the revised salary structure, which will take effect in March 2025, is intended to enhance workers’ welfare and strengthen the education sector.

“The academic staff will be receiving a 25 percent increase, while the non-academic staff will benefit from a 35 percent increase,” Waiya said.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to improving education under its State of Emergency on Education policy.

“This decision underscores the determination of the government to improve the conditions of workers and reinforce the education system,” the commissioner added.

Beyond salary adjustments, the council allocated N3.4 billion for several development projects across the state.

“To improve the state’s electrical infrastructure, the council approved N612.4 million for converting external electrical systems to an underground network at Government House and relocating power lines along Ahmadu Bello Way,” Waiya revealed.

He further disclosed that N148.9 million was set aside for road maintenance at the Kano State School of Technology, a project to be handled by the Kano Road Maintenance Agency (KARMA).

“Additionally, N367.9 million was approved as an advance payment for the expansion of Zaria Road, from Silver Jubilee to Dantata & Sawoe main yard,” he added.

The council also allocated N662 million to cater for the feeding of students in boarding schools from the third to the fifth week of the current academic term.

Furthermore, N348 million was approved to clear outstanding electricity bills owed to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) for November and December 2024.In another development, N184 million was approved for the purchase of two ambulances—one for the Government House Clinic and the other for Nuhu Bamalli Maternity Hospital.

In an effort to promote social development, the council endorsed the reopening of the Kiru Reformatory Institute to rehabilitate troubled youths.

Additionally, a new Department for People with Disabilities was created under the Ministry of Women, Children, and Disabled Affairs.

“The government remains committed to policies that promote inclusivity and social welfare. The reopening of the Kiru Reformatory Institute will ensure the rehabilitation and reintegration of troubled youths into society,” Waiya stated.

The commissioner also announced that N100 million was approved for the Nigeria Union of Pensioners to organize its Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Kano.

By Uzair Adam 

Suspended senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio made inappropriate comments about her, including remarks about her waist.  

In an interview with the BBC, she claimed Akpabio would “squeeze my hands in a very suggestive way,” adding, “We women, we know what it means when a man squeezes our hands in a suggestive way.”  

Akpoti recounted an incident where she forgot to wear her ring and was confronted by Akpabio in the presence of other senators.  

“There was a time I forgot to wear my ring because I rushed to work, and there were about five senators there. 

“Akpabio said, ‘Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?’” she said.  

She further alleged that Akpabio made another remark about her body, saying, “Natasha, your husband is really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist.”  

According to Akpoti, other senators laughed at the comments, highlighting how such issues are often overlooked in Nigeria.  

“I just want a place where I would just work. I thought the worst was over, but I guess for a woman, it’s never really over, right?” she said.  

Akpoti was suspended by the Senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct and unruly behavior” following a confrontation with Akpabio over seating arrangements. 

The suspension came just a day after she submitted a petition accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment.  

However, the Senate has insisted that her suspension was unrelated to the petition.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Following a prolonged silence and social media appeals urging NNPP chieftain and former governor of Kano State, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, to address the ongoing political situation in Nigeria, Kwankwaso issued a statement to the press through his social media accounts.

Kwankwaso strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The proclamation includes the suspension of Governor Similayi Fubara and all elected state legislators, a move Kwankwaso deems unconstitutional and dangerous for Nigeria’s democracy.

Reflecting on past political lessons, he expressed concern over the National Assembly’s rapid ratification of the president’s decision, calling it a deviation from proper legislative procedures. “This 10th Assembly has become more rubberstamp than any of its predecessors,” he stated.

Kwankwaso also condemned the involvement of military leadership in a civilian power structure, warning that such actions could lead to chaos and erode public trust in democratic institutions. He emphasized the risks of permitting military influence over civilian governance, recalling the need to keep military forces away from political power.

As the situation unfolds, the implications for democracy in Rivers State and across Nigeria remain uncertain, highlighting the necessity for political and judicial bodies to uphold the rule of law.

By Uzair Adam

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has assured corps members that the new monthly allowance of N77,000 will take effect starting in March 2025.

He gave the assurance during an interactive session with corps members at the Wuse and Garki NYSC Zonal Offices in Abuja, reaffirming the commitment of both the NYSC and the Federal Government to their welfare.

The development follows months of anticipation after the NYSC announced an increase in the allowance from N33,000 to N77,000, in line with the new minimum wage of N70,000 approved by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024.

The last increment was in 2019 when the allowance was raised to N33,000 after a review of the minimum wage to N30,000.

According to a statement signed by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the approval for the new allowance was conveyed in a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, dated September 25, 2024, and signed by its Chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta.

Brigadier General Nafiu emphasized that the well-being of corps members remains a priority, urging them to remain calm, dedicated, and disciplined in their service to the nation.

“With effect from March, you are going to receive the sum of Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira as your monthly allowance. NYSC is good at record-keeping, and I can assure you that your money will be paid. The nation and the Scheme appreciate you,” he stated.

He also praised the vision of NYSC’s founding fathers, describing the scheme as a vital institution fostering national unity by exposing graduates to diverse cultures across Nigeria.

He assured corps members that NYSC management would continue to instill values such as patriotism, discipline, leadership, and teamwork.

Speaking on behalf of her colleagues at the Garki Zone, Corps Member Zaka Deborah Alheri (FC/24A/5831) expressed gratitude to the Director General for his commitment to ensuring the timely payment of their increased allowance.

By Anas Abbas

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced a series of significant appointments and promotions aimed at bolstering governance and improving service delivery within the state.

The appointments were detailed in a statement released by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday.

Among the notable appointments is Architect Hauwa Hassan Tudun Wada, who has been named the new Managing Director of the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA).

A distinguished Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and Vice Chairperson of Female Architects in Nigeria, Hauwa brings extensive experience from her previous role as a Professional Architect at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

She holds degrees in Architecture from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and is recognized as one of the first female architects to excel in Kano.

In another key appointment, Mustapha Muhammad has been designated as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor. With over 20 years of experience in journalism, including a prior position as a Senior Broadcaster at the BBC, Mustapha holds both BSc and MSc degrees in Mass Communication and is currently pursuing a PhD in the field.

In addition to these appointments, two senior officials have been promoted. Zulaihat Yusuf Aji has been elevated to Deputy Managing Director of Radio Kano, having previously served as Senior Special Assistant on Broadcast (1) at the Media and Public Relations Directorate.

Engineer Abduljabbar Nanono has also been promoted to Deputy Managing Director of KHEDCO and has served as Senior Special Assistant on Renewable Energy.

Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf’s latest appointments and promotions have taken effect immediately, demonstrating his dedication to building a more efficient, inclusive, and results-driven administration

By Ila Garba

I’ve never seen the inside of an IDP camp—not the ones in Borno, and certainly not those in Ukraine. Nonetheless, I get the feeling that they don’t have running water. If they do, then, at least in this regard, an IDP camp is better than the student halls of Ahmadu Bello University’s Institute of Administration, Kongo.

I joined this institution in 2019 to pursue a law degree. Mournfully, my jubilation at wrapping up my program is cut short by the dawning realization that I may leave Kongo worse than I met it. The standard here is progressively falling and rapidly deteriorating. Kongo is on its knees and needs to be rescued urgently.

The institute houses two faculties (Law and Administration), a clinic, student halls, and other structures. Coupled with the hardships of being an average Nigerian, Kongo hostel occupants often patrol the school as early as midnight—not as members of a security unit but as bucket-carrying students in desperate search of water.

Until recently, occupants relied on the benevolence of the rainy season. During that time, the wells were generous. But everything changed for the worse with the seasonal shift.

Now, students have to cover several “Kongo-meters” before reaching water—if they even do. Life in previous years was intolerable and unbearable, but nothing compares to the last three years. The situation has gotten so dire that students now resemble hungry lions on the hunt—not for buffaloes, but for water to cook or clean.

With the holy month of Ramadan just beginning, occupants are filled with trepidation over a recurring ordeal they find difficult to adapt to. They fear yet another Ramadan spent in smelly bodies, unflushed toilets, unwashed clothes, unclean dishes, and late iftars.

To be fair to the university’s management, they are “trying their best.” Previously, water tankers would bring water routinely as needed. That is now history. Even as the wells have dried up, the water tankers show up only once in a blue moon. For a university that prides itself as the largest in sub-Saharan Africa, this is, to say the least, hapless and piteous. Ironically, I laugh at the realization that a Department of Water Resources Engineering exists in this institution.

The reality is that we may have stable water in the near future—or we may grow old waiting. Only the management can answer that. I sincerely hope the Student Representative Council, with its so-called “visionary leadership,” will step up to ask the right questions.

What’s even more frustrating is that students are still dealing with a 300% increase in both registration and accommodation fees. Given this, any reasonable person would agree that providing sufficient water should no longer be rocket science. However, the university’s management, judging by its attitude, doesn’t seem to consider the lack of sufficient water in Kongo a problem worth solving. I blame the students for expecting better.

To wrap up, my candid advice to occupants is to register their complaints with God. Clearly, getting water here has been reduced to nothing but hope and prayer. Perhaps, a renowned global water project like Water.org or Charity: Water will be sent to our rescue.

Ila Garba writes from Kongo Campus, ABU Zaria.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State government has honored Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba for his exceptional contributions to the state’s development.

Dr. Magashi, who serves as the Technical Adviser to the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Disabled, as well as the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, is also the Chair of the AMG Foundation.

His efforts have been instrumental in advancing initiatives that support women and other vulnerable groups.

During the International Women’s Day celebration at the Kano State Government House on Monday, March 17, 2025, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Disabled, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani, presented him with an Award of Excellence.

The recognition shows his dedication to improving the well-being of Kano State residents, particularly in the areas of health, humanitarian services, and poverty alleviation.

While presenting the award, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani stated:

“Dr. Magashi has decades-long dedication to public service and commitment to improving the lives of Kano’s underserved communities. He led several reforms in the health sector leading to the establishment of so many agencies, notably PHIMA, KHETFUND KUSH, KNCDC to mention but few.”

She further acknowledged his role in shaping policies, saying:

“His strategic insights and leadership were also vital as Chairman of the health transition committee, where he collaborated closely with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf to craft a transformative agenda for Kano State’s healthcare.”

Additionally, she presented his contributions to governance:

“He also led the technical committee which supported H.E. Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf to develop his campaign blueprint in 2022.”

Dr. Magashi’s recognition underscores his commitment to public service and his lasting impact on health and social welfare initiatives in Kano State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Salisu Shehu, has raised concerns over the deteriorating state of the Council’s library, describing it as “decaying and shameful.”

Prof. Shehu stated this during the opening ceremony of the Writing Workshop for Research and Development Database (RDD) & Library Management Information System (LMIS) Documentation and User Manual Development.

The event was held at Freshland Hotels, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, from March 17 to 20, 2025.

Voicing his disappointment over the library’s condition, Prof. Shehu questioned why Research Officers, Academic Staff, and Administrative Officers had not prioritized its improvement.

He further urged all employees, regardless of their departments, to take action in addressing the issue.

He described the library as the think tank of Nigerian education but lamented its current state.

According to him, this neglect is a collective failure that requires immediate attention. He stressed that he expected real change after the workshop.

Since assuming office, Prof. Shehu said he had visited the library multiple times and observed minor improvements. However, he maintained that these efforts were not enough.

He called for comprehensive reforms to transform the library into a modern center for knowledge and research.

Speaking on the purpose of the workshop, he explained that its primary aim was to develop system documentation and a user manual for the R&D Database and LMIS.

He noted that once these systems are fully implemented, they will enhance access to educational research by serving as a repository for completed studies, improve library management to ensure efficiency, and facilitate collaboration between the Council’s library and other research institutions.

He added that it’s of utmost importance to have a well-structured Library Management System and a robust Research and Development Database.

He also urged the Library and Informatics Centre and the Book Development Centre to ensure that all assessed books, whether recommended or not, are properly documented and easily accessible.

Earlier, Dr. Mandela Asebiomo, Director of the Library and Informatics Centre, explained that the workshop was to develop a dual-purpose software application for the Research and Development Database and the Library Management Information System.

He stated that digitizing research records and reports would support policy formulation and academic collaboration. He further noted that integrating the library with online access capabilities would enhance research interconnectivity and information sharing.

The workshop brought together experts from NERDC and other key stakeholders to develop practical solutions for modernizing the Council’s library and research database systems.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Israel has launched a fresh ground offensive in Gaza, targeting key areas amid escalating violence. The Israeli military described the operation as a “limited ground offensive” aimed at securing strategic zones.

The assault follows intense airstrikes that have killed hundreds of Palestinians, including women and children, and damaged civilian infrastructure. The renewed fighting has shattered a fragile ceasefire, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to continue until Hamas is dismantled.

International leaders have expressed concern over the growing humanitarian crisis, urging restraint to prevent further civilian casualties and displacement.