News

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) has approved a 35% and 23.5% salary increase for staff of tertiary institutions. 

This is contained in a letter from the NSIWC to the Federal Ministry of Education, dated September 14, 2023. 

The letter, signed by the NSIWC Chairman/CEO, Ekpo U.O. Nta, Esq., states that the salary increase is for both academic and non-academic staff of all federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. 

The letter also states that the NSIWC has increased the 23.5% salary increase that was earlier approved for junior staff of tertiary institutions to 25%. 

The NSIWC said it was pleased with the success of the informal discussions between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which led to the approval of the salary increase. 

The commission said it would continue to support the federal government’s efforts to reposition the education sector. 

The news of the salary increase has been welcomed by the staff of tertiary institutions, who have been demanding a better pay package for several years.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

An unspecified number of students from the Federal University of Gusau were kidnapped during an early morning raid by a large group of armed bandits in the Sabon-Gida community of Zamfara State’s Bungudu Local Government Area. 

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants, numbering in large quantities, invaded the community around 3 am, firing their weapons indiscriminately.

They targeted three student hostels and forcibly abducted all the students within. 

The bandits engaged in a fierce gunfight with Nigerian Army troops, further complicating the situation.

Their escape plan involved dividing into two groups, with one group escorting the kidnapped victims while the other confronted the army. 

This incident follows previous student protests in June over the abduction of their schoolmates in Sabon-Gida and Damba.

Sabon-Gida village is located just 20 kilometers from the state capital, Gusau, and directly across from the main campus of the Federal University of Gusau. 

Efforts to reach the university authorities have been fruitless so far, with no response from the school’s spokesperson, Umar Usman. 

As authorities intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted students and restore peace to the affected community, residents and concerned families anxiously await updates on this distressing situation.

By Abdurrahman Muhammad

Following controversies surrounding the selection of the next Alaafin of Oyo, an Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has advised the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, to follow due process. According to the organization, the due process involves announcing Lukman Gbadegesin, the candidate picked by the Oyomesi, as indicated in a document signed by the seven Oyomesi authorities.

This was revealed in a press statement issued on Wednesday, 20^th September 2023, by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement reads :

“There has been prolonged controversy over the right candidate to become the next Alaafin of Oyo since the demise of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi on 22^nd April 2022 at the age of 83.

“The authentic kingmakers of Oyo, who are known as Oyomesi, have kicked against the nomination of Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, who is 85 years old, for lack of due process. A document published in various newspapers two days ago and signed by the seven Oyomesi revealed that the candidate duly selected by the rightful kingmakers of the ancient town is Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin.

“The Oyomesi group affirmed that they had forwarded the name of Prince Gbadegesin to the governor since 4^th October 2022. According to them, the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Ayoola, wrongfully picked another candidate, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu and filed a suit against them in court, but he lost the case.

“This implies that the Alaafin throne has been vacant for almost one and a half years. We urge Governor Makinde to make hay while the sun shines. It is now time to announce the name of the candidate picked by the Oyomesi and backed by the court’s pronouncement.

“Archbishop Ladigbolu’s attempt to come through the backdoor to the throne of the Alaafin of Oyo is illegal, illegitimate, unlawful and unconstitutional. Communal clashes which claim hundreds of lives and destroy properties worth billions of naira will be avoided if state governors respect the rule of law and follow due process. Vested interest from official circles in matters relating to tradition often end in tragedies.

“Tongues are wagging, not only in Oyo town but in the whole state as well as in the whole South West. This time around, Governor Makinde has to prove that the label given to him as the governor who likes to install Christians only as Yoruba kings is unsuitable for him.  

“This year alone, it happened in Ogbomosho where a Redeemed Church pastor, Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, was crowned as king and in Iseyin where another pastor, David Olawale Oyebola has emerged the Aseyin.

“As a peace-loving and dialogue-inclined human rights organization, MURIC urges the state governor to allow the choice of the authentic kingmakers of Oyo town to prevail by announcing Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the next Alaafin of Oyo without any delay.”

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

In an effort towards ensuring transitional justice and reconciliation, the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development, an indigenous non-governmental organisation, announced the successful deradicalization and reintegration of 30 women associated with Boko Haram in Borno State. 

At the inaugural meeting of a media forum on transitional justice and reconciliation in the state, Executive Director Hamsatu Allamin revealed the foundation’s commendable achievement.

The women were not only deradicalised but also empowered and reintegrated into society as part of the foundation’s new programme aimed at fostering peace and reconciliation in Borno. 

Mrs. Allamin emphasised the importance of this new programme in facilitating transitional justice in the state, particularly following the mass surrender of Boko Haram members.

She underscored the crucial role of the media in creating awareness about transitional justice and the responsibilities of various stakeholders in ensuring its success. 

“The objective of this forum is to engage media professionals in vital conversations concerning the promotion of transitional justice and reconciliation efforts within Borno State and the broader North-Eastern region of Nigeria,” stated Mrs. Allamin.

She highlighted the media’s influence in shaping public discourse and framing issues, emphasising its role in fostering a development-oriented approach to transitional justice and social cohesion. 

In response, Abdulkareem Haruna, Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Borno Chapter, expressed gratitude for the foundation’s collaboration with the media in promoting reconciliation.

He reiterated the commitment of journalists in Borno to work towards peace and normalcy in the state. 

The successful deradicalisation and reintegration of these 30 women represent a positive step towards healing and reconciliation in Borno State, as efforts continue to bring an end to the conflict and secure a peaceful future for the region.

By Muhammad Suleiman Yobe.

Yobe State House of Assembly has appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to rehabilitate dilapidated federal roads in the state. 

The House made the plea in a motion presented by the majority leader of the House, Hon. Nasiru Hassan Yusuf, on behalf of all members. 

Presenting the motion, the majority leader of the House said the federal roads constructed over the years are now dilapidated and need to be built for effective and efficient transportation within the state. 

Hon Nasiru Hassan Yusuf said most of the bridges and culverts at the federal roads that linked Potiskum to Jakusko, Babbangida to Bayamari, Buni Yadi to Gulani and Gujba to Ngalda was destroyed in last year’s flood and need federal government intervention. 

The majority leader of the House, who spoke at length on the importance of the roads to the development of the economy, said the poor conditions of the federal roads have affected the state’s commercial activities. 

In their separate contributions to the motion, the members representing Geidam, Damaturu,  Mamudo, Gujba and Machina constituencies described the motion as apt and timely. 

They expressed dismay over the delay in completing some federal roads awarded over the years in the state. 

Presiding over the sitting, the speaker of the House, Rt Hon Chiroma Buba Mashio, appealed to members of the National Assembly representing Yobe to present the matter at the upper chamber for quick response by the federal government.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

In a move aimed at driving the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the Tinubu administration, President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for the appointment of 18 Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants to serve in the office of the Vice President. 

These appointments are expected to play a crucial role in advancing the Federal Government’s objectives across various sectors of the economy. 

The newly appointed team is composed of six Special Advisers and twelve Senior Special Assistants, each bringing a unique set of skills and expertise to their respective roles.

Their diverse portfolios cover critical areas such as economic matters, climate change, political affairs, investment, and more. 

Here is a breakdown of the appointments in the Vice President’s office: 

1. Rukaiya El-Rufai – Special Adviser (SAD) to the President on NEC & Climate Change.
2. Tope Kolade Fasua – Special Adviser (SAD) to the President on Economic Matters.
3. Aliyu Modibbo Umar – Special Adviser (SAD) on General Duties.
4. Hakeem Baba Ahmed – Special Adviser (SAD) on Political Matters.
5. Jumoke Oduwole – Special Adviser (SAD) to the President on PEBEC & Investment.
6. Sadiq Wanka – Special Adviser (SAD) to the President on Power Infrastructure.
7. Usman Mohammed – Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration & Office Coordination.
8. Kingsley Stanley Nkwocha – Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications.
9. Ishaq Ahmed Ningi – Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Media & Emergency Management.
10. Peju Adebajo – Senior Special Assistant to the President, Investment & Privatisation.
11. Mohammed Bulama – Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political/Special Duties.
12. Kingsley Uzoma – Senior Special Assistant to the President, Agricbusiness & Productivity Enhancement.
13. Gimba Kakanda – Senior Special Assistant to the President, Research & Analytics.
14. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson – Senior Special Assistant to the President, Job Creation & MSMEs.
15. Nasir Yammama – Senior Special Assistant to the President, Innovation.
16. Zainab Yunusa – Senior Special Assistant to the President on NEC.
17. Mariam Temitope – Senior Special Assistant to the President, Regional Development Programmes.
18. Bashir Maidugu – Deputy State House Counsel (Senior Special Assistant to the President).

These appointments reflect a commitment to addressing various challenges and opportunities facing the nation, with a focus on economic development, climate change, political stability, and innovation.

As the team takes up their roles, they are expected to contribute significantly to the realisation of the “Renewed Hope” agenda set forth by the Tinubu administration.

By Abdurrahman Muhammad

An appeal has gone to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that all regions, faiths and sections benefit from political appointments made by his government while no ethnic group or faith is seen to be favoured above others. 

Making the appeal on Monday, 18th September 2023, was the Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Professor Ishaq Akintola. The head of the Islamic human rights organisation added that appointments made so far by Tinubu are lopsided because they favoured mainly Yorubas and Christians. He advised the president to ensure balance in coming appointments. 

The full text reads:

“We are shocked to our marrows that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been appointing Christians and Yorubas mainly to key positions since the inception of this administration at the expense of Muslims. For instance, five out of eight security chiefs appointed earlier are Christians. Ministerial posts have not been different.

“All five key appointments made by President Tinubu to revive the economy were given to Christians and Yorubas mainly. These new appointees include the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; the newly nominated CBN Governor, Dr. Michael Cardoso, Hon. Zacch Adedeji; Acting Chairman, FIRS; the Chairman, Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele and Mr. Tope Fasua, Special Adviser on Economic Affairs.

“Many competent Muslims who campaigned and voted for Muslim-Muslim ticket during the presidential election were ignored. It is interesting to note that some of those Muslims are eminently qualified to hold key political offices since there are professors, engineers, medical doctors and holders of doctorate degrees among them.

“To add salt to injury, one of the best Muslim ministerial nominees, the man who championed the Muslim-Muslim ticket and mobilised the whole North behind Asiwaju, has been jettisoned. Also, Professor Ali Isa Pantami, who took the communication and digital economy to enviable heights during the last administration, was ignored. Where, then, is our Muslim president taking Nigerian Muslims?

“MURIC rejects this trending narrative that makes competence the raison d’etre for concentrating appointments in any particular tribe, religion or group. Government’s tentacles should be spread nationwide in the search for competence. Neither should the need for skills be used as a cover for the marginalisation of some sections of Nigeria. 

“We assert clearly, emphatically and unequivocally that competence is not the monopoly of any tribe, faith or group. Talented Nigerians are to be found everywhere if sincere searches are conducted. 

“Besides, government should take the lion share of the blame if competent hands cannot be found in any section, creed or group for certain assignments. It means the government has not, ab initio, allowed educational and training facilities to be fairly and evenly distributed, or that the government has failed to consciously integrate all segments of the Nigerian society. All sectors must therefore have equal opportunities to participate in governance.

“This regime must be wary of allegation of nepotism, which the previous regime was accused of. Nigeria is a vast country with talented men and women in all nooks and crannies. The government must not just pick the low-hanging skills or those on the water surface. It must send its underwater swimmers to dive below the surface in order to bring the gems to dry land.

“Our message to President Tinubu is this (and we want the president’s handlers to take this to him) the cacophony of voices of dissatisfied Muslims has reached an unbearable crescendo such that MURIC is now constrained to speak up. People are complaining, particularly Muslims from the North and South West, and they can only be ignored at the risk of foregoing 2027. 

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is our Muslim brother, but that should not stop us from criticising him if he does the wrong thing. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Help your brother when he is wronged and even when he is wrong…”

“Traceable as well as well-known authors on social media are exchanging lopsided lists either tilted in favour of Christians who did not vote for the Muslim-Muslim ticket or in favour of Yorubas only. Such lists raise questions of nepotism and that of marginalisation of the same Muslims who stood behind Asiwaju and voted massively for him. 

The pervading hunger everywhere in the land may force some regions to seek a pound of flesh in 2027 if they are denied political appointments where it matters. In particular, President Tinubu should ensure that the North, which was his strategic ally in the 2023 presidential election, is not stinted of political appointments. Otherwise, he will destroy the thin veneer of solidarity which currently exists between the North and the South West.

“We remind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that all regions, faiths and sections deserve political appointments. The Tinubu administration must not be the exclusive preserve of the Yorubas at the expense of other tribes, nor the monopoly of Rome at the expense of Madinah. No region must be sentenced to hunger, starvation and political isolation. 

“Tinubu’s next appointments must see a shift in body language. All regions, faiths and sections must benefit from political appointments made by this government, while no ethnic group or faith is seen to be favoured above others.

“Meanwhile, we in MURIC accept full responsibility for the dilemma facing Nigerian Muslims as their Muslim-Muslim ticket has turned into a ‘Christian majority government’. We admit being in the forefront of the campaign for a Yoruba Muslim presidency which has become a bone in the throat of Yoruba Muslims in particular and Nigerian Muslims in general. 

“With heavy hearts, we tender unreserved apology, first, to the former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, for what we led him to even though he showed no interest at the beginning, and to other Nigerian Muslims, particularly those who have been accusing us of misleading them. 

By Uzair Adam Imam

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has expressed his deepest displeasure over the dilapidated conditions of Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, a government-owned and one of the busiest hospitals in the state.

The Governor showed dissatisfaction concerning the state of the facility when he led other top government functionaries on an unscheduled visit and on-the-spot assessment of the hospital over the weekend.

Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the state’s Chief Press Secretary, made this disclosure in a statement he signed and made available to journalists on the weekend.

Dawakin-Tofa quoted the governor to have said, “As a teaching hospital for training medical professionals and provision of tertiary medical care, the hospital needs to be overhauled and expand its services, especially maternity services and care for the children.

“It is disheartening to meet the hospital that caters for the medical needs of thousands of patients daily in a condition uncomfortable for human inhabitation, a situation that needs to be checked and corrected,” Governor Yusuf stressed.

“I do instruct the management of the hospital to, as a matter of urgency, forward the request for rehabilitation and expansion of the hospital for immediate action to restore the lost glory of the gigantic health facility,” he added.

The Daily Reality, in an investigative report last year, recounted the monstrous condition of another state-owned hospital, Sir Muhammadu Sunusi Specialist Hospital, Yankaba, where patients were living miserably without water and light.

Our reporter visited the hospital and met some patients in dire situations, fighting excessive heat with their hand fans, which has thrown many of them into a dilemma.

The Daily Reality learned that all the taps in the hospital were not working, except one borehole, which the patients said works for less than one hour every day.

Recounting their experiences, some patient sitters complained that they used sachet water, alias pure water, to bathe, flush toilets, make ablutions and wash their dishes.

They also complained about the lack of electricity, which they said was responsible for many problems in the hospital.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Coordinator, National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa (Rtd), has called on journalists to avoid inaccurate and sensational reporting. 

Musa also urges journalists not to be used to create fear and enhance kidnappers’ evil narratives. 

He said that such stories could often be detrimental to public trust, exacerbate fear and anxiety, and even hinder counterterrorism efforts. 

Speaking on Wednesday during the `Anti-Kidnap Multi-Agency Fusion Cell Media and Communication Workshop’, organised by ONSA in collaboration with the British High Commission, Musa made this call. 

He stated, “The agenda setting role of the media cannot be over emphasised in the fight against terrorism and other associated crimes like kidnapping. 

He further said that the large volume of kidnappings taking place in the country and the proceeds generated through ransom payments are being used to fuel terrorism. 

He said, “Kidnapping for ransom has been identified as one of the means of funding terrorism. Thus, carnage unleashed by kidnappers in affiliation with terrorist groups all over the world leading to loss and disruption of lives and properties, is a major concern. 

“Evidently, the kidnapping menace requires concerted and sustained efforts by every citizen, government at all levels, international community and the media which of course is the Fourth Estate of the Realm. 

“You will agree with me that proceeds of kidnap for ransom enterprise have continued to serve as a platform for financing terrorism not only in Nigeria but across the Sahel. 

“Hence the need for collective efforts in advancing measures to check the threat,” Musa added.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A wedding celebration in Moroccan village saved a newly married couple and some of their relatives that attended the party from the Friday’s deadly earthquake.

The couple and their families were said to have been enjoying a traditional music in an outdoor courtyard when the traumatic incident occurred.

Our reporters learned that the newly married couple were identified as Habiba Ajdir, 22, and apple farmer Mohammed Boudad, 30.

The Daily Reality gathered that the earthquake had claimed the lives of  hundreds of innocent people and destroyed properties worth million of dollars.

It was reported that the marriage was due to take place at his village of Kettou on Saturday, but by custom, the bride’s family held a party the night before the wedding.