News

By Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani

It was a very horrible incident how a Chinese man unjustly killed Ummakulsum in Kano State on Friday, September 16, 2022. No one could understand the real motives about how the young lady died so young in the hands of the evil man who was alleged to be her lover.

In Nigeria, the lives of ordinary citizens are becoming so easily taken and only become viral on social media without pursuing the incident to a logical conclusion. Indeed, it’s a duty upon the authorities to unravel the circumstances in which criminal activities are occasionally occurring in our country. Perhaps, we take it for granted that a foreigner could be allowed to perpetrate this criminal act in our midst. Even though every immoral act stands condemned no matter who’s involved.

Ummi or Ummita, as she’s popularly known, wasn’t the only case that happened in the community. Most young girls find fun in associating with people of different colours and unknown backgrounds. We must be concerned and warn our sisters to be cautious of who they associate with, and the community should, of course, be wary of people of questionable character approaching our sisters.

Sadly, the search for  exuberant life exposes women and girls to rapists and urchins who hide behind the cover of white skin to harm and spoil, thereby causing untold psychological, mental, health and physical trauma to young ladies in the country. Even though this happened in a most horrible way, but it shouldn’t be left to fade and wane, we must take precautions. In most cities, for example, we see young girls hiding behind as secretaries or even direct lovers to these white men, resulting in disasters and the destruction of their lives.

In general, what you can’t take away from us is that our inbuilt traits are not dead in us. It is true we love foreigners, mostly white men, for the simple fact that we feel they are more distant from us and we crave to make them feel at home, make them feel more comfortable in Nigeria, but that should not be taken for granted to take advantage of our kindness and inflict untold hardship on us. The gruesome murder of Ummita is highly unfortunate and indeed unacceptable.

However, security agencies must ensure the Chinese man is punished according to the law of the land to serve as a deterrent to others with similar bad intentions.

Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani writes from Galadima Mahmoud Street, Kasuwar Kaji Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria.

By Ishaka Mohammed

A 37-year-old man from Kogi State, Yusuf Shuaib, has launched a social media platform to bridge the gap between Nigerians and owners of social media companies.

The platform, named Ayema Social, was completed in June 2022, but the application was officially launched in September.

Yusuf holds a bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies from Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) (formerly Kogi State University), Anyigba, Kogi State. He started his technology journey during his service year in Kano in 2009 when he enrolled in an information technology diploma.

In a chat with The Daily Reality, Yusuf revealed that he wanted to do something to change the popular belief that Islamic studies graduates can only become teachers or lecturers. However, his interest in becoming a developer had barely sparked off until after observing the role of social media in the 2015 general elections. 

Concerning the number of users so far, Yusuf said Ayema Social had recorded over 260 users within its two weeks of launch. “It was made public earlier this month [September] after being subjected to a series of tests for over two months, and our target is a minimum of a million users by December, God willing,” he said.

He also revealed that the application had been endorsed by some dignitaries, including the member representing Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala Federal Constituency, Honourable Abdullahi Ibrahim (Halims); the executive director of special projects at Nisa Premier Hospital, Abuja, Mr Tijjani Baba; and a senior officer of the Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Ishaka Yakubu.

The founder, however, disclosed that only Android phones support the application version at the moment as he is still sourcing money to work towards making it accessible to users of Apple phones and iPads.

Regarding the security of users, Yusuf told The Daily Reality that the platform, which is named after his mother, Ayema, is bound by extant law global standards for data security and confidentiality, adding that the company is also in technical support partnerships with both Rayjoh Global Resources and Logical Address Limited.

Ayema Social shares many features with Facebook, and users can opt for either the website www.ayema.ng or its Android application version available on Google Play Store.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Public school teachers in Kano State have decried the way the state Ministry of Education allegedly extorts money from them amidst biting economic hardship in Nigeria.

A fresh secondary school teacher with NCE earns an estimated monthly salary of N32,000, an amount that cannot buy a bag of rice which is sold at N48,000, while degree holders take home N42,000 monthly.

The teachers, who clamoured for government intervention, alleged that the ministry forced them to pay a certain amount of money anytime their wallets ran low.

They described the unjustified way of imposition of tax on them as a new form of slavery.

The Daily Really gathered that the ministry recently asked the teachers to pay N2,500 each for mandatory computer training. They said even teachers who studied and taught computer science in schools could not escape the recent extortion.

However, one of the teachers, who preferred anonymity, confided in our reporter that that was not the first time the ministry allegedly extorted them.

He said, “This is not the first time we were asked to pay such kind of money. Just in July, a few days before Eid, all teachers in Kano were asked to pay N500 each.

“None of us dared to ask what the money was for. But we later realized that the money was just shared among a few selfish individuals,” the teacher said.

Another teacher, Sulaiman Muhammad, revealed that that was the third time he was forced to pay such an amount of money.

Muhammad said, “We paid N1,000 sometime around January to February. In July also, we paid N500 each and, now, N2,500.”

Ishaq Abdulfatah (not his real name) called on the government to look into the menace with a view to bringing it to an end, adding that “we are all frustrated with the development.”

He said, “Everyone knows about the economic hardship in Nigeria and what the masses are going through. We are struggling to survive on our low-level income.

“But sadly enough, these people extort money unjustifiably from us. Government should do something about it.”

Another teacher said, “On Monday, a delegation from the zonal office came to our school and told us about the computer training. They said every one of us must pay that money.

“He even said if we like, we shouldn’t go for the training. But what is more important is to pay the money. This surprised me very much.”

However, when contacted, Kano State Ministry of Education spokesperson Aliyu Yusuf told our reporter that the ministry was not aware of the alleged extortion.

He said, “I came to know about this development just now. But since you talked about secondary school teachers, I think you should go to Kano State Secondary Schools Management Board (KSSSMB) for further inquiries.”

But, in what appeared surprising to many, the KSSSBM Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Baba, also claimed to be unaware of the development.

He said, “The only thing I know is the N1,000 that was initially collected was for ID cards. Apart from that, we didn’t collect any money from any teacher.”

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, departs Abuja today and will be representing Nigeria at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in London. 

The spokesperson to the Vice President, Laolu Akande, stated in a statement he released on Saturday, September 17, 2022. 

According to the spokesperson, the Vice President will be among the guests and dignitaries to be received by King Charles III at a reception in Buckingham Palace on Sunday and the state funeral on Monday.

He also stated that on the sideline of the funeral is a scheduled bilateral meeting with UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.

Part of the statement reads: “Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, will be representing Nigeria at a number of events tomorrow and on Monday, during the State funeral for the late Queen Elizabeth ll of the United Kingdom.

Prof. Osinbajo departs Abuja today and will join members of the Royal Family, world leaders – including members of the Commonwealth, Heads of State, Governors-General, Prime Ministers, and foreign royal families – at the ceremonies, including the funeral service scheduled to hold at Westminster Abbey on Monday.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State has advised Federal Government to create an efficient system and structures which will remove administrative bottlenecks in the justice sector service delivery process.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Hassan Musa Fagge, said the Governor stated this on Friday while declaring open the maiden retreat for top management of the Federal Ministry of Justice held in Kano.

The Governor was represented by his deputy and APC Gubernatorial Candidate, Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, in the event themed, “Enhancing system and structures in the Federal Ministry of Justice for effective justice sector service delivery”.

“The retreat, therefore, comes at appropriate time for the top management of the ministry to explore right mechanisms which will guide them in discharging the primary function of the ministry that is the administration of justice in the country,” the statement quoted Ganduje.

He added that “The retreat will achieve its objective of articulating activities and programmes which will change the present state of affairs by enhancing the efficiency and fairness of justice delivery, improved integrity, accountability, transparency across the sector, strengthening coordination and cooperation among the various stakeholders.”

On his part, the organiser of the event, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami SAN, said the retreat would afford them the opportunity for review and self-assessment of their achievements.

He added that the retreat would also “identify the challenges and areas requiring revitalisation and then come up with innovative ideas to enhance their capacities to be more efficient and effective in achieving their institutional mandate.

“I am assured that we have here with us in this retreat legal experts and management professionals who will share their wealth of knowledge and experience to keep us abreast with contemporary issues that could support us in actualising this mandate,” Malami said.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Zamfara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted to the Federal High Court decision that nullified the state gubernatorial primary election, which produced Alh. Dauda Lawal as its flag bearer in the forthcoming general election.

The Daily Reality reported Friday that the court, preceded by Justice Aminu, has invalidated the PDP’s primary election and ordered that a fresh primary election must be conducted to ensure just and fairness.

Alh. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau, a former federal lawmaker, who contested against Dare in the primary election, took the case to the court seeking justice, adding that there had been many irregularities in the election.

However, reacting in a statement by the state it secretary, Faruk Ahmad, the party said we “wish to acknowledge the Federal High Court Gusau Judgement which ruled that, the Primary election conducted by our noble party is null and ordered for fresh primaries.

“We in the PDP are known to be law-abiding and grassroots politicians who respect and believe in the supremacy of law and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that of our party as well as the guidelines enshrined to guide us in the party affairs.

“As defendant in suit failed by some of our aggrieved members concerning the Governorship primary election which produced Dr Dauda Lawal as the flag bearer of the PDP in Zamfara State, we received the court’s decision in good faith, and a team of our lawyers are studying the judgment with a view to coming up with the next line of action within the ambit of the law.

“The PDP in Zamfara state did well in conducting the primary election in a well manner for fairness and justice, but the Federal High Court, Gusau, after intense debates, ruled against our party and other defendants in the suit.

“Meanwhile, we remain committed and determined to reclaim Zamfara State and bring it back to life and make it work again for the betterment of our people who are now living under abject tension, restlessness, fairness, hunger and other atrocities. We shall (Insha Allah) cross these hurdles and ensure the solid unity of our members.

“Our decision as regards the judgment will be made available after our lawyers conclude the study of the judgment and present to us their recommendations which the PDP leadership will decide on.

“We are therefore calling on our members to be calm and remind resolute in ensuring the success of the PDP in Zamfara State and county in General. We employ you to continue giving support and cooperation to party leaders at all levels,” the statement added.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

Real Madrid have condemned the “racist and xenophobic” attack on their Brazilian player Vinicius Jr. 

Real Madrid said, in a statement released via its website on Friday, that the club has instructed its legal staff to pursue legal action against anyone using racist remarks toward its players before this weekend’s LaLiga clash against Atletico Madrid.

“Real Madrid CF rejects all kinds of racist and xenophobic expressions and behaviours in the field of football, sport, and life in general, such as the regrettable and unfortunate comments made in recent hours against our player Vinicius Junior.

“Real Madrid wants to show all its love and support for Vinicius Junior, a player who understands football as an attitude towards life-based on joy, respect and sportsmanship.

“Football, which is the most global sport that exists, must be an example of values and coexistence.

“The club has instructed its legal services to take legal action against anyone who uses racist expressions towards our players,” Real Madrid said in the statement

Remember that for his dancing celebration, Vinicius was the target of a racial comment made by Pedro Bravo.

The Brazilian international is well-known for dancing at the corner flag in front of fans, whether they are in the home or away end of the stadium, to celebrate the majority of his goals.

Pedro Bravo, the head of Spanish football agents, did make a statement on Vinicius’ celebration while appearing on El Chiringuito.

Bravo said, “You have to respect your opponents. When you score a goal, if you want to dance Samba, you should go to sambodromo in Brazil. You have to respect your mates and stop playing the monkey.”

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

There was a clash between the men of the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, and the supporters of former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Saturday. 

According to reports, the police dispersed the supporters of the former governor who gathered at the Pastoral Centre in Abakaliki on Saturday morning for a solidarity march for the Labour Party presidential candidate.

Some of the supporters who spoke to newsmen disclosed that they were harassed and some of their members have been illegally detained by the police. 

However, all efforts to reach the State Police Commissioner, Aliyu Garba, for comments have been futile.

By Uzair Adam Imam

An aggrieved lecturer at the University of Maiduguri has put his personal library for sale as the dispute between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) lingers.

The lecturer, Othman Abubakar, disclosed this in a short note, which The Daily Reality verified, titled, “Goodbye To Education In Nigeria, No Hope”.

The Daily Reality recalls that ASUU has been on strike since February 14, 2022, resulting in the shutdown of public universities nationwide for over seven months.

The union is protesting against alleged infrastructure decay at various institutions and neglect of its members’ welfare.

Abubakar said, “With the destruction of university education in Nigeria today, and the starving of university lecturers by the insensitive APC government, I no longer need these books. 

“Those that still believe that education in Nigeria is important, please come to my office at the address below and buy these books at your own price l am available in the office from 9 am to 5 pm daily, including weekends.

“Access Address: Department of English and literary studies, University of Maiduguri. Sign. Dr Abubakar Othman,” he stated.

Currently, the case between ASUU and FG is in court as the FG dragged the union before the court to put an end to its lingering strike that led to the shutdown of all public universities nationwide.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A Federal High Court in Zamfara State has invalidated the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) primary election that produced Alh. Dauda Lawal as the state gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 general election.

Alh. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau, former federal lawmaker, who contested against Dare in the primary election, took the case to the court seeking justice, adding that there had been many irregularities in the election.

However, the court, preceded by Justice Aminu, invalidated the election and ordered that fresh primary election must be conducted to ensure justice and fairness to all parties.

Barrister Ibrahim Ali, counsel for the plaintiff, while speaking to journalists shortly after the judgement, said, “The court looked at the merit of the matter and decided the case in favour of the plaintiffs.”

He added, “Our prayers were that the primary elections conducted by a committee led by Adamu Maina Waziri be nullified by the court and order be given by the court for the conduct of a fresh election in line with the PDP’s constitution and guidelines. All our prayers have been granted.

“The judgment was well evaluated because we proved our case beyond reasonable doubts and we are happy with the decision of the court.”