News

By Muhammad Sabi’u

President Bola Tinubu experienced a brief moment of embarrassment on Wednesday during the Democracy Day parade at Eagle Square in Abuja.

While boarding a vehicle, he lost his footing and fell to the ground. Despite his efforts to regain balance by grasping the vehicle, the President couldn’t prevent the fall.

Fortunately, his aides quickly rushed to his aid and helped him back to his feet. 

The incident didn’t dampen the President’s spirits, as he continued to wave and greet the crowd with a smile.

The parade proceeded without any further incidents, marking a successful celebration of Nigeria’s democracy. President Tinubu’s resilience and good humor in the face of the mishap earned him praise from the crowd and onlookers.

The incident served as a brief moment of levity in an otherwise solemn celebration of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu marked Nigeria’s 25th anniversary of democratic governance, paying tribute to the country’s journey from military rule to democracy. 

The President honoured the sacrifices of pro-democracy heroes, including Chief MKO Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and Pa Alfred Rewane, who fought for the nation’s freedom. 

Tinubu acknowledged the challenges faced during the transition but praised the resilience of Nigerians and the crucial role of pro-democracy activists, journalists, and media establishments. 

Displaying democracy as a way of life, the President vowed to safeguard citizens’ rights and freedoms, promising continued economic reforms and a commitment to listening to the people. 

As Nigeria celebrates this day, Tinubu urges citizens to cherish and protect their hard-won democracy, working together towards a brighter future.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched “Operation Whirlwind,” a targeted offensive against petroleum product smugglers, and has already recorded significant seizures and disruptions to smuggling operations. 

Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi announced on Monday that the service had intercepted 150,950 liters of PMS, valued at N105,965,391, in various locations nationwide within a week. 

The CGC attributed the success to credible intelligence and strategic efforts to address fuel smuggling, which has seen a significant increase in recent months, particularly in Borno, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba, and Katsina states. 

The service has collaborated with the Office of the National Security Adviser to dismantle smuggling cartels and defend the national currency. 

Notable seizures include 45,000 liters of PMS in a tanker at Mubi, Adamawa State, on May 31 and June 1, and 92,928 liters of PMS in jerry cans at various locations in Adamawa, Sokoto, and Cross River states between June 3 and 7. 

The total value of seizures stands at N196,524,075.50, raising concerns about national security and economic sabotage. 

The CGC lamented the increase in smuggling and vowed to continue the operation to ensure Nigerians benefit from fuel price deregulation, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision.

By Jamilu Magaji Mohammed

The Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, has commended the Management of the Federal University Birnin-Kebbi (FUBK) for maintaining high academic standards despite many operational challenges. The Deputy Governor made the commendation when the Management of FUBK, led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Zaiyan Umar, paid him a courtesy visit in his Office on Wednesday.

Senator Umar Tafida expressed the State Government’s concern over the problems of transportation, hostel facilities and land disputes affecting the University. He assured that these would be forwarded to the Governor for intervention and solution. He stressed the need for the institution to maintain an open communication channel with the State Government and continue to have cordial relationships with the host community as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Zayyanu Umar, told the Deputy Governor that the Federal University, which was set up in 2013, is planning its first Convocation of 5 sets of graduands before the end of this year. 

He said the institution, which has over 8,000 students, 70 per cent of them from Kebbi State, is facing challenges such as an acute shortage of transportation system, hostel facilities, power supply and non-payment of a parcel of land with its host community. He, therefore, appealed to the State Government to support the University towards hosting its very first combined Convocation coming up before the end of the year.

Prof. Umar said inadequate transport is seriously affecting the University, which is located 15 kilometres from Birnin Kebbi township, adding that only four buses jointly donated by Tetfund, Zamfara State Government and former Chief of Army Staff are presently serving the students of the institution.  

The Vice-Chancellor implored the State Government to come to the aid of the University with additional buses,especially now that the rainy season is fast approaching. He also urged the State Government to help in alleviating the 

acute shortage of hostel facilities, as well as interventions on settlement of land disputes with the host community to enable the University to put some development projects in the area. 

Highlights of the visit include the presentation of published materials of the University to the Deputy Governor by the Vice Chancellor and group photography.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Kano State has announced a boycott of all Kano State Government activities, effective immediately.

This decision comes in response to the alleged persistent mistreatment of chapel members by the government and its agents while carrying out their duties.

According to Aminu Ahmed Garko, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, despite efforts to engage with the government to address these issues, there has been no improvement.

Members continue to face harassment, intimidation, and physical assault while performing their duties.

The government’s prioritization of non-professionals over trained journalists has also been criticized, with the chapel stating that this has become a state policy to sideline those best equipped to handle the job.

As a result, the chapel has announced that its members will no longer participate in press conferences, cover government events, or conduct interviews with state officials until a tangible commitment to press freedom and journalist safety is seen.

All members have been directed to comply with this directive and join the protest against the ill treatment of journalists in Kano State.

The chapel believes that a free and independent press is essential to a functioning democracy and will not stand idly by while its members are mistreated and intimidated.

Garko stated that the chapel will only reconsider its position when the government demonstrates a genuine commitment to addressing these issues and ensuring a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their duties.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State Police Command has arrested suspected fraudsters who specialize in generating false bank alerts.

The command recovered 22 POS machines, 52 ATM cards, eight jerricans of diesel, and six mobile phones.

According to the command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, “The suspects had purchased diesel worth N300,000 at Chula Filling Station using fraudulent payment methods, resulting in the owners receiving fake money transfer alerts.”

Kiyawa stated that the suspects confessed to their crimes and admitted to defrauding fuel attendants at various filling stations and businesses in Kano State.

The police commissioner, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, had directed detectives to be on alert to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

The suspects, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, 38, Aliyu Tukur, 27, and Auwal Ibrahim, 20, were arrested following a distress call from the manager of Chula Filling Station.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has charged officers who graduated from Senior Course 10 at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, to prioritize staff welfare and continuous learning. 

Speaking at the graduation ceremony on June 7, 2024, CGC Adeniyi said, “I congratulate you for your commitment, which has led us to today’s occasion. I implore you to put to work all you have learned during your training at the college.” 

He also assured the college management and members of his unflinching efforts to enhance the welfare of officers and members, directing staff, which will improve efficiency in the Service. 

The Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Kingsley Egwuh, conferred the graduating students with the title of Pass Senior Course (PSC) and implored them to practice what they have learned. 

Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies of the College, Comptroller Oluyomi Adebakin, highlighted that the students had been duly trained in various fields in accordance with the curriculum of the Senior Course to enhance officers’ skills and abilities with a high level of moral standards. 

The management of the college had earlier hosted a regimental dinner night to honour the graduates of Senior Course 10, where the CGC was represented by DCG Beatrice Nwafor, who tasked the graduates to consider the opportunity of attending a month’s course at the college as a means to improve their performance as Customs officers. 

The graduation ceremony marked the end of a rigorous six-month training program for the officers, who are now expected to add value to the Service and contribute to maximizing security at the borders, suppressing smuggling, and generating revenue.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has faced criticism for naming a road after Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu. The road, formerly known as “Pepsi Road”, was scheduled to be commissioned on June 3 by Katsina State Governor, Umaru Dikko Radda, but was postponed.

A photo of the renamed road, “Seyi Ahmed Bola Tinubu Road,” went viral on social media, sparking outrage.

Residents expressed disappointment, stating that Seyi Tinubu has not made any significant contributions to Sokoto or Nigeria.

“The governor ignored notable indigenes of Sokoto and named a road after someone with no connection to the state or region,” said Salisu Ahmadu.

Social media users also criticized the decision, with one user saying, “This is how Sokoto’s name is being tarnished.” Another user questioned why Sokoto would name a road after Seyi Tinubu when even Lagos, his father’s state, had not done so.

The spokesperson for the Sokoto State governor could not be reached for comment. Despite holding no official position, Seyi Tinubu has accompanied his father on foreign trips and was recently barred from attending a Federal Executive Council meeting.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has launched a discreet investigation into an alleged scam involving some individuals in the streets hawkers empowerment scheme of the state government.

The scheme, which was inaugurated last Wednesday, aimed to empower 465 street hawkers with N50,000 each.

However, viral videos showed some youths impersonating beneficiaries and collecting the money.

The commission’s chairman, Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, confirmed the investigation and assured that culprits would be brought to book.

He also appealed to the public for information to enhance the investigation, promising confidentiality.

The commission is also investigating other empowerment schemes and activities of the past and present administrations, including the suspended managing director of Abubakar Rimi Television, who is facing allegations of misappropriation of funds.

This investigation demonstrates the commission’s commitment to preventing fraud and ensuring that empowerment schemes reach their intended beneficiaries.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Hon. Bashir Shehu Aliyu, the councillor of Achika ward in Wudil Local Government Area of Kano State has sponsored over 100 out-of-school orphans to study in secondary schools.

The Daily Reality has gathered that the beneficiaries comprise a total of 65 girls and 54 boys.

Malam Aliyu, in a grand ceremony to present educational materials to the beneficiaries, said the gesture was to secure their future.

He added, at the event that took place on Sunday at the Achika ward, Aliyu said the beneficiaries would enrolled at Government Junior Secondary School Achika and Government Arabic Junior Secondary School Achika.

It was gathered that the beneficiaries would be sponsored to study from junior up to senior secondary school.

Aliyu said he would continue the good job even if he is not holding any political office.

Items distributed to the beneficiaries include 1,200 exercise books, 120 bags, 240 sets of uniform, 120 pairs of shoe, 120 socks, 240 pens and 240 pieces of pencil.

He stated that the gesture was his contribution towards the development of Kano state through empowerment of vulnerable and downtrodden.

He disclosed that he deemed it fit to come up with the initiative in a bid to secure the future of children, especially orphans who nowadays fond it difficult to achieve their education dream.

He was qoutes as saying, “I will continue to look after these children until they graduate from secondary school. Empowering children like these, all of them orphans, is a great service to humanity.

“They need the society’s support in order to be good and productive members of the society. Abandoning them would be dangerous.

“That is why I decided to sponsor their education from junior up to senior secondary school level even if i am no longer holding a political appointment,” the councillor said.