News

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar expressed his satisfaction with handing power over to a democratically elected president in 1999.

Abubakar made this disclosure during an interview with journalists over the weekend. 

He stated, “Not at all! Not at all! Not at all! I am happy with what is going on. Yes, everything is not perfect, but here we are today, celebrating 25 years of unbroken democracy.”

Abdulsalami, who handed over power to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, acknowledged that while there are still challenges, Nigeria has made significant progress since 1999.

“We are not yet there but have come a long way since 1999. The only drawback we have in the system is people still sell their votes, and they do all types of things; they allow the politicians to use them in ballot box snatching here and there – unnecessary things that we should have overcome at this age.”

He emphasised the importance of voters holding elected officials accountable and lamented that some individuals still engage in vote-buying.

“Unfortunately, I still maintain, there are some very few people who abuse the process and they allow their votes to be bought. 

“And if they are buying these votes, certainly they cannot be called to be accountable, the people who are being so elected.”

Despite these challenges, Abdulsalami expressed optimism about Nigeria’s democratic progress and the growing awareness among citizens that their votes matter.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Federal Government has stated that it cannot meet the labour unions’ demand to increase the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N494,000.

According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the demand would result in a total wages bill of N9.5 trillion yearly for federal workers alone, potentially destabilizing the economy and jeopardizing the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians.

The government offered a 100% increase to N60,000, which has been accepted by the private sector.

However, labour is seeking a 1,547% increase to N494,000.

The minister appealed to labour to return to negotiations and embrace realistic wages.

The government prioritizes affordability, sustainability, and the overall health of the nation’s economy, considering the welfare of all Nigerians, not just workers.

By uzair Adam Imam

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST) Wudil has called off its two-week warning strike, which was launched to protest the state government’s handling of several issues.

ASUU had complained about the government’s reluctance to address issues related to university autonomy, staff welfare, and funding, despite efforts by the union and other stakeholders to resolve the matter.

However, following interventions by the Kano State House of Assembly, the House Committee on Higher Education, and the Governor of Kano State, the union has agreed to suspend the strike to allow for further dialogue and implementation of agreed-upon resolutions.

In a statement, ASUU-KUST Chairperson Dr. Aliyu Yusuf Ahmad said they appreciated the prompt intervention by the Kano State Government and relevant stakeholders.

He stated, “We appreciate the prompt intervention of the Governor and other stakeholders, which has created an opportunity for constructive engagement and resolution of the outstanding issues.”

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Bauchi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ahmad Jalam, died in a car accident on Saturday. 

Governor Bala Mohammed announced the death and described Jalam as a dedicated public servant who championed good governance and community relations. 

The commissioner was known for his tireless work, integrity, and compassion. 

He will be buried on Sunday in his hometown in Dambam Local Government Area according to Islamic rites.

Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre after spending almost two years in detention. 

Kyari’s release was confirmed by the Nigerian Correctional Service spokesperson, Adamu Duza, who said the former police chief had met his bail conditions. 

The Federal High Court in Abuja had granted Kyari bail on May 22, 2024, to enable him to bury his mother, Yachilla Kyari, who died on May 5. 

Kyari was arrested in February 2022 by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for alleged involvement in international drug trafficking.

He was arraigned in court alongside four other police officers and two suspected drug traffickers. 

The case is still ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for May 31, 2024. 

Kyari’s release has sparked mixed reactions, with some calling for his reinstatement and others demanding that he face justice for his alleged crimes.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A father, Bala Abubakar, has been arrested by the Sokoto State Police Command for selling six of his own children, along with 22 others, to human traffickers.

The children have been rescued and taken to a state orphanage.

The police commissioner, Ali Kaigama, announced that Abubakar and other suspects were arrested for their roles in the illegal child trafficking ring.

Abubakar allegedly sold his biological children and 22 others to traffickers for between N150,000 and N250,000 each.

In a separate incident, the police arrested Saifullah Hassan for murdering a woman, Balikisu Garba, in a hotel.

Additionally, three kidnap victims, including Barrister Rukayat, were rescued, and weapons and ammunition were seized from the suspects.

The police commissioner reassured residents of the state’s commitment to maintaining law and order and thanked the state governor for his support.

He urged the public to collaborate with the police to ensure a safer community.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Saidu Yusuf has assumed leadership of Nigeria Customs Service Zone A Headquarters, succeeding ACG Hammi Swomen who retired after 35 years of service.

The handover ceremony took place at the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Headquarters on May 29, 2024. 

Outgoing ACG Swomen expressed gratitude to God, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the management team for their support.

He also commended the Area Controllers within the Zone, saying, “I’m leaving Zone A in good hands. I believe in your competence, and I know we will celebrate a better result than last year.” 

Incoming Zonal Coordinator ACG Yusuf praised his predecessor as “principled, hardworking, and intelligent.”

He sought cooperation from officers within the zone, saying, “Let us engage stakeholders and ourselves to move this service forward. We have one goal: to succeed and leave Nigeria Customs Service better than we met it.” 

Customs Area Controllers within the zone hailed the outgoing ACG as a “thoroughbred professional” who shared his experience generously.

They pledged support to the incoming zonal coordinator, ACG Yusuf, as he begins his tenure.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A Rivers State High Court has declared the seats of 25 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) vacant.

The court ordered the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, and 24 other lawmakers to stop parading as lawmakers pending the determination of a suit before it.

The court gave the order in Suit No PHC/1512/CS/2024, brought by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, Speaker, Rivers State House Of Assembly, Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari, and Hon.

Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy, over the crises rocking the legislative arm of the state.

The defendants include 25 lawmakers who defected from PDP to APC, including Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, Hon. Dumle Maol, and 23 others.

The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Honourable Chief Judge Of Rivers State, Simeon Amadi, are also defendants in the suit.

The court restrained the lawmakers from parading as lawmakers or meeting to carry out legislative business pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

The case was adjourned to July 1, 2024, for mention.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Yusuf Maitama Sule University has embarked on a two-week warning strike, citing the Kano State government’s failure to address its longstanding demands.

According to the union, despite numerous engagements and submissions to the state government, there has been no commitment to resolving the issues affecting the university and its members’ welfare, leaving the union with no choice but to declare a warning strike.

This decision was announced in a joint statement by ASUU branch Chairman Dr. Mansur Said and Secretary Dr. Yusuf Ahmed Gwarzo on Wednesday.

The union stated that the strike became necessary after interventions by various stakeholders, including government officials and ASUU’s Kano Zone and National delegation, but it yielded no tangible results.

“The branch resolved to embark on a two-week warning strike, effective immediately, during its congress on May 29, 2024,” the statement read.

The union’s demands include the reinstatement and reconstitution of the University Governing Council, which was dissolved over a year ago, payment of outstanding Earned Academic Allowance totalling ₦178,705,735.91, and payment of salary arrears resulting from the 2019 minimum wage adjustment, among others.

By Uzair Adam Imam

President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Anthem Bill 2024, reverting to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”.

This was revealed by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, at a joint session of the National Assembly marking the Silver Jubilee of Nigeria’s 4th Republic.

The old anthem, composed when Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, replaces the current “Arise, O Compatriots” anthem.

The lyrics were written by British expatriate Lillian Jean Williams, and the music was composed by Frances Berda.

The anthem played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity during the 1960s and late 1970s.