News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Sokoto state authorities are under increasing pressure to ensure the safety of Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff and her lawyer, Abba Hikima, who have both been subjected to disturbing threats during the ongoing trial.

The duo is facing charges brought by the Sokoto state government, accusing Hamdiyya of “insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance” for criticizing Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

According to Amnesty International Nigeria, the threats to their safety include harassing phone calls and physical confrontations with individuals claiming to be ‘intelligence agents.’

These actions have raised concerns over the abuse of power and an apparent attempt to silence critics and intimidate those defending them.In the wake of the threats, Barrister Hikima was forced to request armed police protection during a recent court hearing, which the court granted.

However, both Hikima and Hamdiyya have been followed and confronted while staying in Sokoto for the trial, intensifying the already hostile atmosphere.

In November 2024, Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff was abducted by armed assailants while she was retrieving her mobile phone from a charging point.

She was brutally beaten and thrown out of a moving tricycle, suffering severe injuries.Amnesty International Director Isa Sanusi condemned the actions, stressing that such intimidation tactics aimed at suppressing freedom of expression should have no place in a democratic society.

Sanusi also called on Nigerian authorities to focus on tackling the rampant insecurity in Sokoto, particularly in the eastern part of the state, where gunmen have been terrorizing local communities.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Ali Ndume, the senator representing Borno South, has faulted the governors’ endorsement of a 30% derivation formula in the proposed Tax Reform Bills, citing that it is excessive and unfair to other regions.

The Tax Reform Bills, which include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, have sparked heated debates across the country since their introduction in the National Assembly.

The bills aim to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system, streamline revenue collection, and introduce a revised revenue-sharing formula have passed the second reading in the Senate.

After a period of vehement opposition, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, last week standing up from a meeting with the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, threw its support behind the bills, proposing a Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing formula of 50% equality, 30% derivation, and 20% population.

This position was outlined in a communiqué signed by Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq who is the chairman of the forum.

However, Ndume who has been very critical of the bills, expressed dissatisfaction with the governors’ stance during a phone interview with our correspondent on Sunday in Abuja.

He questioned the justification for allocating 30% of derivation to oil-producing regions.

He was quoted as saying, “Even in regions bearing the brunt of oil exploration, taking 30% is too much.

“Why would they take that amount when others are also in need of development funds?”

The senator also criticized the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for charging 4% as collection fees, describing it as an exorbitant administrative cost.

“The FIRS is only performing administrative functions, so why should they be charging 4%? Collection fees should not exceed 1%,” he argued.

Ndume voiced concerns over the economic burden on Nigerians and called for a reduction in VAT rates.

He said, “At a time when people are struggling to make ends meet, tax rates should be decreased to 5% or even 3%, just as Ghana and the United States have done to support their citizens. Expanding the tax base and ensuring corporations like banks and telecom companies pay their fair share is the way forward.”

While acknowledging that tax reform is long overdue, Ndume insisted it must prioritize the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

“We need to reform the tax system, but it should not disadvantage the masses, especially now when they are barely surviving.”

The senator urged the National Assembly to carefully review the proposed legislation to address these concerns and ensure the reforms are fair, equitable, and beneficial to all Nigerians.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kano State Censorship Board has banned Usman Sojaboy, a Kannywood singer, and two actresses, Shamsiyya Muhammad and Hasina Suzan, from participating in all Kannywood activities in Kano.

This decision was made after a video surfaced portraying immorality that contradicts Kano’s religion, culture, norms, and values.

The board received numerous complaints from the public and Kano members of the ulama.

In a statement signed by Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, Information Officer of the Kano State Censorship Board explained that Sojaboy had been warned multiple times about his immoral and vulgar content.

Abba El-Mustapha, Executive Secretary of the Kano State Censorship Board, has directed the preview unit to ensure that Sojaboy and the two actresses do not participate in any Kannywood productions.

He added that all open theaters and entertainment centers should take note.

Kano State Censorship Board is empowered by law to regulate all forms of expression, ensuring they align with the state’s religion, culture, norms, and values.

This decision is part of the board’s ongoing efforts to maintain moral standards in the Kannywood film industry.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Seyni Amadou, the chief editor of Canal 4 TV, has been arrested, according to the CAP-Medias-Niger union, which represents media workers in the country.

Last Friday, the Ministry of Communication in Niger announced the suspension of his TV station for one month.

The Daily Reality understands that the prominent journalist in the Republic of Niger was arrested on Saturday, just a day after the suspension of his independent TV station, following a report criticizing the government of the country’s military regime.

Last Friday, the Ministry of Communication in Niger announced the one-month suspension of his TV station.

The country’s national TV station, Tele Sahel, stated that the action against Canal 3 TV was taken “for violating operational standards.”

Canal 3 TV informed the French news agency AFP in a statement that the suspension was related to broadcasts that criticized ministers in the government of Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, a civilian appointed by the military regime.

The report listed Zeine as the leading minister, while many of his ministers were described as weak in the government.

In a statement released on Friday, CAP condemned the arrest and detention of Amadou, calling for the respect of journalists’ rights.

It added, “Never in the history of the executive body has such a media shutdown been disregarded, including in special circumstances.”

CAP urged the Minister of Communication, Sidi Raliou Mohamed, to review his decision.

Bazoum was a close ally of Western nations in the fight against jihadism in the Sahel region.

Since the coup, Niger’s military authorities have distanced themselves from France, which previously colonized them, and have sought closer ties with other military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Russia.

The military government has also shut down several international media outlets, including Radio France International (RFI), France 24, and the BBC.

By Anwar Usman

The management of Bayero University, Kano, (BUK) has expressed a serious concern over the delays in transcript issuance and corruption sorrounding the process.

The University’s registrar, Dr. Haruna Aliyu, revealed this while responding to a commentary by a former staff member Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim.

Ibrahim, who accused the process on which transcripts are issued and the bribery allegations associated to the system called on the University management to look into it and proffer solutions.

He further assert that, “Students find it difficult to collect their transcripts, which sometimes serves as a threat to some opportunities”.

While responding, the management, via office of the registrar, stated that they’ve implemented a series of measures to ensure that all students receive their transcripts on time without facing any difficulty.

The statement, in part reads, “We are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the bribery allegations. Any individual found engaging in unethical practices will face disciplinary action in accordance with the University’s policy.”

The management further urged the general public to provide intelligence related to bribery or any suspicious information regarding transcript collection.

“We urged you to come forward and share your concerns with the registrar’s office. Your inputs are highly valuable in helping the University to address these issues promptly and effectively” the registrar stated.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A petrol tanker explosion on Saturday along the Dikko-Maje Road in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State has left over 50 people dead and many others injured.

The victims were reportedly scooping fuel from the overturned tanker when the explosion occurred.

Kumar Tsukwam, the Federal Road Safety Commander in Niger State, confirmed the tragedy in Minna.

He explained that the tanker, laden with petrol, had toppled, spilling its contents onto the road.

“More than 50 people lost their lives in the tragic incident,” he stated, adding that several individuals who attempted to assist the victims were also caught in the inferno.

Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), said the incident happened at about 9 a.m. while efforts were underway to transfer the petrol to another tanker.

“In the process, the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) came into contact with a generator used for the transfer, causing the explosion,” he explained.

The disaster destroyed properties worth millions of naira, in addition to the human casualties.

Emergency teams, including NSEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and local volunteers, are currently conducting search, rescue, and recovery operations.

Baba-Arah said, “Those injured have been moved to the hospital for treatment while efforts are being made to recover the corpses of the deceased.”

He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with responders.

Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, confirmed the incident while accompanying the governor on a project inspection in Suleja and Tafa Local Government Areas.

“The governor describes the explosion as worrisome, heartbreaking, and unfortunate. He sympathizes with the families of the victims and prays for the recovery of the injured,” Ibrahim stated.

Governor Bago also called on residents to prioritize safety and avoid risky actions such as fuel scooping.

By Muhammad Sabiu

Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim, a former Bayero University, Kano (BUK) staff member, has expressed deep concern over the challenges students and alums face in obtaining academic transcripts from BUK.

In a recent commentary on Facebook, Dr Ibrahim highlighted the plight of many former students who have missed out on opportunities due to delays in processing transcripts. “This is sad and embarrassing, especially as the problem is completely avoidable in this day and age,” he wrote, noting that the issue is prevalent in many public universities across Nigeria.

Dr. Ibrahim shared a personal experience, revealing his inability to assist a former student in obtaining her transcript despite his connections within the university. He described the situation as unfortunate and urged those responsible for transcript processing to act with empathy and diligence.

He also called on the university’s management to address the problem decisively, suggesting that any staff found guilty of causing unnecessary delays should face appropriate disciplinary actions. “Think about what a delay means to these people. Don’t ruin their chances at a scholarship or a job. Be empathetic. Fear God,” he appealed.

Dr. Ibrahim’s remarks resonate with affected students and alumni, who have long sought reforms to streamline administrative processes. This underscores the need for transparency and efficiency in accessing critical academic documents.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu gas shown his appreciation to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum following their unanimous endorsement of the four Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly.

President Tinubu lauds the governors for their bold leadership and commitment to fostering unity among leaders nationwide, transcending regional, ethnic, and political barriers to advance Nigeria’s development.

Thursday’s productive consultation between the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy is a commendable example of cooperation between the Federal and State governments.

He extends special commendations to the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, for successfully galvanising support among his peers for these transformative tax bills to rejuvenate the national economy and enhance Nigeria’s investment climate.

He also commends the Progressive Governors Forum, the Northern Governors Forum, and all other groups that made the bipartisan resolution of the controversy stirred by the tax bills possible.

President Tinubu shows that the primary aim of the Tax Reform Bills, which is pro-poor, is to promote national interests, improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s economy, and attract both local and foreign investments.

He said updating the country’s outdated tax laws is essential to this endeavour.

The President notes that the dialogue between the NGF and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform shows the power of constructive conversation in resolving differences.

President Tinubu regards the governors as vital contributors to nation-building and affirms his commitment to partnering with them to promote economic growth, national harmony, peace, and stability.

He also encourages other stakeholders with ideas and suggestions for refining the Tax Bills to engage with the ongoing legislative process at the National Assembly.

President Tinubu also urges the National Assembly to expedite the legislative process for these crucial bills so that the country can swiftly reap the benefits of the reforms.

By Maryam Ahmad

The Ekiti State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority (EKSWMA) enforcement team, has arrested a man seen in a viral video discharging liquid waste with an offensive odour into a stream in the Bashiri area of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

A statement from the State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Chief Mrs Tosin Aluko- was made available to reporters in Ado-Ekiti. She said, “Following swift action by the Ministry’s enforcement team, the perpetrator was apprehended, and his vehicle  impounded.”

She said the suspect claimed during interrogation that he was discharging dirty water, not sewage, into the stream.

The Commissioner announced that to prevent any potential health hazards from the dumped waste, the samples from the affected site have been taken to analyze the chemical and microbiological material contained in material discharged in the stream. At the same time, the entire area will be thoroughly fumigated to safeguard the health and well-being of residents.

She said thorough investigations involving officials of her Ministry and the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority were ongoing to prevent future occurrences and maintain a cleaner, safer environment in Ekiti State.

The Commissioner emphasized that the state government has zero tolerance for illegal waste handling and disposal and stressed that the offender would soon be prosecuted. 

“The law will take its full course. Acts like this endanger public health and the environment. We must protect our communities,” she said.

Erelu Aluko-Ajisafe urged residents to remain vigilant and report any acts of environmental violation to the appropriate authorities. 

She encouraged the public to continue “blowing the whistle” on activities that threaten environmental safety.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Manchester City has announced that star striker Erling Haaland has signed a new 10-year contract, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2034.

The 24-year-old Norwegian international joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and has been instrumental in the club’s recent successes.

“I am really happy to have signed my new contract and to be able to look forward to spending even more time at this great club,” Haaland said. “Manchester City is a special club, full of fantastic people with amazing supporters, and it’s the type of environment that helps bring the best out of everybody.”

Haaland expressed his gratitude to his teammates, manager Pep Guardiola, and the City staff.

He said, “They have made this such a special place to be, and now I am City no matter what. I want to keep developing, keep working to get better, and help us achieve more success going forward.”

City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, highlighted the significance of Haaland’s long-term commitment.