News

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The ongoing academic dispute between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) members, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, has taken a new dimension in Kaduna State. The governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru El-Rufa’i, has threatened to sack the Union members if they fail to resume their normal academic activities at Kaduna State University. However, the ASUU branch at the Kaduna State University (KASU) responded, saying that they are far above his usual tactics. They added that they would not, in any way, stoop to his intimidation and threats.

Excerpts of the ASUU Zonal press release, signed by its coordinator, Comrade Abdulkadir Muhammad, read:

“The Kano Zone of ASUU comprising Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU), Bayero University Kano (BUK), Federal University, Dutse (FUD), Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil (KUST), Kaduna State University (KASU), Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa (SLU) and Yusuf Mataima Sule University, Kano (YUMSU) met on 7th August 2022 and deliberated on the intimidation meted on the ASUU members at KASU by the Government of Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai due to the ongoing nationwide strike action embarked upon as directed by the ASUU National. The Governor had threatened to sack all academic staff that have been on strike in the branch as he usually does on similar matters. ASUU as a Union had experienced similar threats in the past, and that had never deterred it from the patriotic struggles to salvage our public universities from imminent collapse.

As you are fully aware, our roll-over strike action has now entered its sixth month. The goal of the strike is to get government to timely and substantially address ASUU’s demands, namely: revitalization funds for public universities, Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement, Visitation Panels to universities, and stoppage of the proliferation of state universities and governance issues in them, and deployment of UTAS as a payment system in Federal Universities. These demands were agreed upon, with timelines, by the Federal Government in the MoU and MoA it signed willingly with ASUU in February, 2019 and December, 2020 respectively.

The rhetorical question as to why ASUU is always embarking on strike action has been asked time and again by the concerned citizens and stakeholders. The straightforward answer is that ASUU is strongly convinced that if academics fail to fight the cause of university education, the fate that befell public primary and secondary schools would soon become the lot of the public university system in Nigeria. It is also worthy of note that ASUU as a Union does not derive pleasure in the disruption of academic calendar and hindering students from graduating in good time. Strike action always comes as the Union’s last resort after exhausting all other options and consultative avenues.

KASU has benefited immensely from the TETFund interventions, revitalization fund, staff development and provision of research grants, which are dividends of ASUU strikes. In fact, KASU is one of the universities that could rightly be described as “TETFund University” since virtually all buildings in the University were constructed through TETFund interventions. At this juncture, we challenge the Visitor of KASU to show a single structure he constructed on KASU campuses during his two-term tenure as Governor of Kaduna State. It is therefore illogical for the Government of Nasir El-Rufai to bluff that members of ASUU-KASU should either break away from the National strike or be sacked. Since the issuance of this threat, our members have constantly been intimidated and coerced by the University Council and Management through opening of registers, conduct of a comic exercise called examinations, selective stoppage of staff salaries, among others.

These theatrical exercises that the University Management confused and referred to as examinations that are currently going on in KASU are characterized by non-coverage of course outlines, incomplete lecture contact hours, non-participation of lecturers who taught the courses in the setting of the examination questions and supervisions, involvement of students in invigilation and non-moderation of question papers, which are clear violations of the laid down rules and regulations governing the conduct of examinations.

The Union would not fold its arms while the University evaluation system is being bastardized and abused by the Management of KASU. Therefore, ASUU demands that all the so-called examinations so far conducted be discarded in order to maintain and respect the sacred system of evaluation in the university system. The examinations must be re-conducted after following the due process and suspension of the ongoing strike action, otherwise, the Union will be left with no option but to write a petition to the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) against the Management of KASU.

The ASUU-Kano Zone commends the commitment and resilience of ASUU-KASU members for not succumbing to the antics of Kaduna State Government and its agents. The Union calls on its members in KASU to remain resolute and prosecute the strike action to its logical conclusion. Finally, the Union thanks the good people of Kaduna State for their patience, understanding, support and cooperation.”

By Muhsin Ibrahim

Biyi Bandale’s death was announced via a Facebook statement signed by his daughter, Temi Bandele.

Born in Kaduna to Yoruba parents, Bandele, 54, was the director of the movie adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s classic novel, Half of a Yellow Sun; Blood Sisters, among other remarkable works.

Last month, Bandele, who also wrote novels and directed plays in the UK, Nigeria and other places, announced the release of his new film, Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman, a Netflix-Ebony Lifefilm production.

At the time of this report, the cause of his death is not yet clear.

“As Biyi’s daughter, I am heartbroken to share the sudden and unexpected death on Sunday 7th of August in Lagos of my father Biyi Bandele.

Biyi was a prodigiously talented writer and film-maker, as well as a loyal friend and beloved father. He was a storyteller to his bones, with an unblinking perspective, singular voice and wisdom which spoke boldly through all of his art, in poetry, novels, plays and on screen. He told stories which made a profound impact and inspired many all over the world. His legacy will live on through his work.

He was taken from us much too soon. He had already said so much so beautifully, and had so much more to say.

We ask everyone to please respect the privacy of his family and friends as we grieve his loss.”

By Muhammad Sabiu

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) detained a female traveller named Jatau Lami at the Lagos Airport for attempting to export 1,700 Tramadol 225mg tablets.

Her arrest was confirmed by the director of media and advocacy at the NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, in a statement made public on Sunday.

Babafemi revealed that the package was carried undercover in her luggage on a Turkish Airlines journey to Istanbul, Turkey.

The suspect, a mother of three, is a native of Zango Kataf Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State, but she currently resides in Istanbul, Turkey, with her family, according to a preliminary inquiry.

She attributed her action to pressure to earn N5 million in ransom money to release her mother from the robbers’ custody.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

No fewer than 500 farmers have benefited from the agricultural component distributed by the Yobe State Government Sunday in the Jarere Community of the state.

The state government had described the distribution as part of its early recovery response project in the state.

Flagging off the distribution Sunday, Dr Mohammed Goje, Executive Secretary, Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), disclosed that each of the beneficiaries would go home with a knapsack, sprayer, liquid fertiliser, herbicide, bean seeds, sorghum seeds, hand gloves and facemasks.

Reports disclosed that the 500 beneficiaries were identified by Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) through community-based selection.

It was gathered that the 500 beneficiaries included 400 men farmers and 100 female farmers of the community. 

However, the beneficiaries applauded the state government for identifying their community, Jajere, among the benefiting communities.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

A Kano State pilgrim in Mecca has passed on in the holy city of Mecca. 

The Executive Secretary of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Muhammed Abba-Muhammad, disclosed this to the press on Saturday, August 6, 2022. 

The Executive Secretary said Idris Muhammad, who hailed from Madobi Local Government Area, passed on after a brief illness in a Hospital in Mecca. 

“The deceased has been buried according to Islamic rites at Grand mosque at Masjid Haram Shira yard in Mecca,” He said

He also prayed for the deceased and extended his condolence to his family.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, SAN, said the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are unrealistic, and the Federal Government cannot be blackmailed into borrowing money to end the strike. 

Keyamo made the statement on Friday, August 5, 2022, while speaking on Channels Television Politics Today. 

“Should we go and borrow to pay N1.2 trillion yearly?

“You cannot allow one sector of the economy to hold you by the jugular and then blackmail you to go and borrow N1.2 trillion for overheads when our total income would be about N6.1 trillion. And you have roads to build, health centres to build, other sectors to take care of.” He stated

The Minister then pleaded with parents to beg ASUU to return to the classroom.

“Like the President said the other time, those who know them appeal to their sense of patriotism,” Keyamo said.

“Let them go back to classes. They are not the only ones in Nigeria. They are not the only ones feeding from the federal purse. The nation cannot grind to a halt because we want to take care of the demands of ASUU.” He added

ASUU embarked on strike on February 14, 2022, and are seeking improved condition of service and revitalization of public universities amidst other demands. 

However, the Buhari-led Federal Government said it does not have the fund to attend to ASUU’s N1.1 trillion demand due to low oil prices. The impasse has shut down government-owned universities across the country.

By Mallam Musbahu Magayaki

On Monday, August 1, 2022, a community organisation known as Katagum Division Development Initiative (KDDI) launched one of its planned programs titled “Awareness on Drug Abuse” at Jama’are Local Government Area of Bauchi State. Several inhabitants of Jama’are communities joined the KDDI youths during the campaign rally.

Jama’are NDLEA officers, local government representatives, Nigerian Red Cross representatives, and social welfare representatives participated in the event. The program was observed at Wabi Academy, major streets, market places, and the Emirs’ Palace.

The Emir, Alhaji Nuhu Ahmed Wabi Mni, was highly impressed with the organisation’s effort. He urged the people of the Katagum community to support the fight against drug abuse.

The organisation calls on the general public to join them in achieving their goals.

By Muhammad Sabiu

The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the kidnapping of three kids in Kogi State.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday night by SP William Ovye Aya, the public relations officer for the Kogi State Police.

Early reports claimed that unknown gunmen attacked Kaduna Estate in the Ajaokuta Steel Township Complex, Kogi State’s Ajaokuta Local Government Area, on Wednesday night in order to kidnap their victims.

According to information from a family source, the kidnappers sought N100m in order to release their victims.

In the statement, Aya made a hint that Kogi State Commissioner of Police CP Edward Ogbuka had sent members of the Police Mobile Force, CTU, and Quick Response Unit on the hunt for the kidnappers with the goal of freeing the kids and putting the criminals to justice.

It may be remembered that lately, in Jida Bassa, Ajaokuta Local Government, gunmen ambushed three police officers and five vigilantes, killing them all.

Kogi in the North Central part of Nigeria has also been one of the states badly hit by the activities of gunmen.

By Muhammad Aminu

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, disclosed that the state had finished preparation that would enable it to establish state-owned security outfit to tackle banditry and other crimes.

Mohammed said this when he paid a condolence visit to the family of a 75-year-old Jauro Katu Mai Dakkuna who was killed by bandits while kidnapped in Shafa community of Alkaleri Local Government Area.

According to him, the State is making arrangement to recruit over 2000 youths that will man the security outfit across the 20 LGAs of the state to safeguard lives and properties.

The Governor alleged that the bandits that operated in the area have local collaborators.

“There was no how somebody from somewhere in Zamfara would visit that secluded place of Shafa hamlet to kill somebody unless he has an informer and collaborator. As the security agencies have always said, such thing could not happen without collaboration with some obnoxious elements within us.

“We have to fear God in all our dealings, we have already requested the two district heads to make sure they become circumspect, to look inward because we too were looking so that they can arrest all these issues of compromise, information being given to the bandits.

“Reports reaching me the day before was some locals were supplying foodstuff to the bandits in the forests, so we are aware of such retrogressive tendencies, there are some few dissident security operatives that are compromising with the bandits.

“So, we are requesting the commissioner of police and the brigade commandant to effect a change or redeployment of the guards here who have over stayed in their duty posts to have been conniving with the bandits,” he said.

He assured residents that a feedback mechanism will be put in place to improve the security situation.

“We are establishing a system of feedback, and I had some people within us are even feeding the bandits in their secluded places by giving them grains and flour to feed, that is the report I got, and we are going to take measures against such people wherever they are and no matter how close they are to us,” he stressed.

The Governor advised the people to give the government information through their local authorities such as the LG chairman, councilors, district, village and ward heads for prompt action to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

By Muhammad Aminu

The Kano state Road and Traffic Agency (KAROTA) has arrested an impersonator defrauding drivers at night.

The 27-year-old young man impersonated the agency staff on duty around 12 midnight on Monday.

The suspect, identified as Lukman Abdullahi, appeared on night duty on Monday when he was apprehended.

According to the Agency Public Relations Officer, Nabulusi Kofar Na’isa, the suspect was apprehended wearing KAROTA uniform, disguising as their Staff.

Kofar Na’isa added that the agency got the report of the suspect using its name, manhandling commuters but did not get to meet him until now.

The Managing Director of the agency, Baffa Babba Danagundi, called on the general public to report officials who engage in misconduct, bribery and corruption as they will be charged accordingly to court.

He added that once investigation is completed, the suspect will be handed over to the police for onward investigation before the law.