News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has inaugurated the renovation and modernization of the State House of Assembly complex, a project estimated at ₦7.8 billion.

The governor performed the flag-off ceremony on Tuesday, describing the development as part of his administration’s pledge to foster a functional atmosphere for the three arms of government.

“The renovation, remodeling and upgrading of the complex we are witnessing today is a case of equal and just treatment for all the three arms of government which constitute a tripod upon which the government rests,” he said.

Mohammed highlighted the importance of improving the complex to meet the standards expected of such a key institution in governance.

“This project has been awarded at the cost of N7.8 billion for which 50 per cent of the money has already been approved and paid to the contractor and it has a 12 months completion period.

“Indeed, the mutual understanding and respect between the executive and the legislative arms of government has become responsible for the seamless delivery of the dividend of democracy during our time,” he added.

Speaking at the event, Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, recalled that the assembly complex was constructed during the First Republic, in the tenure of the late Governor Abubakar Tatari-Ali.

Since then, he said, only a single minor renovation took place in 2011.

He said the structure had been the core of legislative work in the state for decades and was long due for comprehensive restoration.

“On behalf of all members of the Bauchi state house of assembly, management staff, and all other workers, I express our sincere gratitude to the governor for his visionary leadership and commitment to the development of not only the legislative infrastructure but the entire infrastructure in the state.

“This renovation signifies not only a physical upgrade but also a renewed dedication to transparency, efficiency and service delivery to our constituents.

“The project will modernise our facilities, enhance our working environment and enable us to better fulfill our constitutional responsibilities and service delivery to our constituents,” he said.

The Speaker also encouraged lawmakers, staff, and residents of Bauchi to see the initiative as a collective investment in governance, democracy, and the state’s future.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Danlami Kaule, said his ministry, which is in charge of supervising the work, would ensure the contractor maintains the expected quality and delivers the project on schedule.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Security agents, including police officers and personnel from other agencies, on Tuesday prevented Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from entering the National Assembly premises.

The senator, who represents Kogi Central, arrived at the gate in a black SUV. However, she was denied entry by security operatives who had barricaded the entrance.

Her supporters were also seen engaging in a heated exchange with the officers at the scene.

This incident occurred hours after reports emerged that Senator Natasha was planning to resume plenary, citing a court ruling as justification for her return.

Earlier in the day, SaharaReporters had reported a strong security presence around the National Assembly, with several security vehicles stationed at key entry points.

Operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed to guard the complex.

Despite a recent ruling by the Federal High Court that declared her suspension unconstitutional, the Senate leadership has maintained that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remains suspended.

The lawmaker had been suspended in March 2025.Over the weekend, the embattled senator declared her intention to resume legislative activities.

“I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God,” she said during a constituency training event.

“I will be there, because the court did decide on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order, it’s not an order, but it is a decision,” she added.

Her lawyer, West Idahosa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, backed her position.

He argued that the judgment provided enough legal grounds for her return to the red chamber.

“Let me be honest with you. Attendance is a legislative action. As far as we are concerned, we are focused on the appeal and other issues before the court. I think the decision to go back to the Senate will be determined by the constituents,” Idahosa said.

He continued: “The suspension was overreaching the provisions of the constitution. I mean, that was clearly stated there. When you say that the plaintiff should go back, you mean that she should go back to work. I think that is more or less an order… She is still a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

However, the Senate leadership has taken a different view. In a letter dated July 14 and addressed to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), the National Assembly asserted that the court did not issue any binding directive on the Senate to recall her.

The letter, signed by Charles Yoila, Director of Litigation and Counselling for the Clerk to the National Assembly, stated that the judgment merely “advised” the Senate to consider allowing her return.

Despite the resistance at the gate, Senator Natasha was later seen trekking into the complex, a video of which was shared online.

By Mohammed Mohammed

Like many others, I was shocked when I recently saw an advisory by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declaring Alhaji Auwalu Tijjani Rabi’u wanted for alleged money laundering involving over $1.9 million.  

My shock, and that of many others, stemmed from the general belief in Alhaji Auwalu’s reputation as a businessman of integrity over the years and across his business constituencies in Nigeria, the UAE, and beyond. 

Having gone through the details of the transactions in question, including the reports of a reputable audit firm, which audited the transactions between Alhaji Auwalu and the purported petitioner, one Ifeanyi Ezeokoli, it’s quite clear that the former took advantage of Alhaji Auwalu’s tendency to trust people even without due diligence sometimes, which stems from his sheer clean-mindedness.   

According to the available records, Alhaji Auwalu made an overpayment of more than $3 million to  Ifeanyi Ezeokoli in 2022 as part of a business transaction that spanned a year. And though Ifeanyi was aware of the mix-up behind the regular overpayment, he turned a blind eye and continued receiving payments not due to him. 

And knowing that the bubble would burst one day, he continued to use different companies’ bank accounts, most of which were for third parties, apparently to complicate the auditing of the transactions. Yet, when it appeared to him that his game was over, he came up with an allegation that Alhaji Auwalu owes him over $1.9m, and even went ahead to file a case at the EFCC, which, in turn, declared him wanted. 

However, now that the Federal High Court in Kaduna has issued an interim order restraining the EFCC from taking any measures against Alhaji Auwalu pending the determination of his complaint before it, things have begun to take the right direction, which will undoubtedly culminate in not only absolving Alhaji Auwalu but also enabling him to recover his money from Ifeanyi. 

After all, if for nothing, Alhaji Auwalu is a man whose life seamlessly blends the acumen of business with the compassion of philanthropy. Known across communities not just for his remarkable business success, but more so for his boundless generosity, Auwalu stands tall as a symbol of service and humility. 

Alhaji Auwal’s journey in the business world is one of resilience and integrity. He has built an impressive legacy, earning respect not only for his achievements but for how he achieved them, with fairness, foresight, and a deep sense of responsibility. Yet, what truly sets him apart is that he never allowed success to cloud his sense of duty to others.

Through quiet acts and major initiatives alike, Auwalu has touched countless lives. From supporting the vulnerable and other acts of charity, his contributions have brought light and hope to individuals and entire communities. For many, he is not just a benefactor; he is a lifeline, a silent force who sees a need and responds with action, not applause.

His philanthropy is not showy or self-serving. It is driven by sincere empathy and a belief that every life uplifted enriches us all. Whether in times of ease or crisis, Auwalu has remained steadfast, ever ready to give without hesitation and serve without seeking recognition.

To speak of Auwalu is to talk about impact. His name inspires admiration, but more importantly, it inspires others to give, to build, and to believe in a better world.

Auwalu is more than a businessman. He is a builder of dreams, a guardian of dignity, and a blessing to many.

Mohammed Mohammed wrote from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Dear Hauwa,

I am delighted to hear about your journey from intern to staff member at Radio France Internationale (RFI) Hausa.You’ve truly followed in your father’s footsteps, carrying on his legacy as a dedicated and passionate journalist. He was a veteran in the field, and it’s clear that you’ve inherited his gift for storytelling and commitment to excellence.

Your work shines brightly, just like your looks. Your talent, intelligence and work ethic have earned you recognition and praise, and rightly so. 

You have a gift, Hauwa, and it’s not just your beauty or talent – it’s your passion, drive, and commitment to making a difference.

As you continue to grow in your career, I want to remind you to stay focused on your goals. It’s easy to get caught up in praise and admiration, but don’t let that distract you from your vision. Don’t let it go to your head and make you feel like you’ve already arrived.

Look to your professional colleagues, such as Madina Maishanu, and trailblazers like Kadaria Ahmed, who have paved the way for Northern women in journalism with their dedication and resilience. Take inspiration from their journeys and continue to push boundaries, tell impactful stories, and inspire others.

I pray that you’ll continue to excel in your career, staying true to your values and passion. May your path be filled with opportunities, and may your heart remain full of joy and purpose. May you always find strength in your convictions and continue to shine brightly in all you do.

With love, admiration, and best wishes,

Ukasha Kofarnassarawa

Best regards, 

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

KANO — Nigeria has earned international recognition following the appointment of Professor Rabia Sa’id, a renowned physicist from Bayero University Kano, to a newly established United Nations independent scientific panel tasked with assessing the impacts of nuclear war.

The 21-member panel, constituted under UN Resolution 79/238, will provide a comprehensive scientific report on the consequences of nuclear conflict by 2027. The panel is part of a broader global initiative aimed at strengthening nuclear disarmament efforts and promoting peace through evidence-based research.

Professor Sa’id’s inclusion in the panel underscores Nigeria’s increasing influence in global peacebuilding, science diplomacy, and advocacy for nuclear non-proliferation. Her appointment is being hailed as a significant milestone for Nigerian science and for women in STEM across Africa.

A respected scholar and advocate for science education and sustainable development, Professor Sa’id brings to the panel a wealth of academic experience and a strong commitment to global security.

Her appointment has been widely celebrated within Nigeria’s academic and diplomatic communities as a positive step toward the country’s deeper engagement in global scientific and humanitarian initiatives.

By Anas Abbas

Farooq Kperogi, a journalism professor at Kennesaw State University in the U.S. and a Nigerian commentator, has publicly apologised to former First Lady Aisha Buhari following backlash from a Facebook post in which he erroneously claimed she had divorced the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement issued days after the post ignited widespread public outcry, Kperogi acknowledged that his July 16 update, titled “Aisha Buhari, Divorce, and Forgiveness Claim,” represented a significant misjudgment on his part.

Kperogi expressed regret for not foreseeing the distressing impact his words would have on Mrs. Buhari and her family.

“I did not anticipate the profoundly painful consequences that my Facebook update would have on former First Lady Mrs. Aisha Buhari and those closest to her,” Kperogi stated.

He described the incident as one of the most regrettable lapses in judgment he has experienced, leading to “unfathomable personal anguish.”

In his original post, Kperogi claimed that Aisha Buhari had reverted to her maiden name, Halilu, and suggested she had refused to travel to London to care for her husband during his illness.

He asserted that the information was sourced from a reliable individual but acknowledged that making it public was a mistake.

“My source maintains the accuracy of the information but never intended for it to be disclosed publicly. It was wrong of me to share it,” he said.

He also mentioned that Alhaji Sani Zorro, former Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the First Lady, reached out to contest the claims’ validity.

“I will not dispute the details with Alhaji Sani, who communicated Mrs. Buhari’s position that her marriage remains intact. As the late MKO Abiola famously said, no one can give you a haircut in your absence,” he stated.

Kperogi reiterated that only Mrs. Buhari has the authority to discuss her marital status and that her truth should be respected above all else.

He clarified that he did not intend any malice but recognised that the harm caused by his post far outweighed any potential value it might have held.

“The truth of this information is now far less significant than the hurt my disclosure has caused. I should not have shared it publicly. Period. This action violated every moral and ethical principle I uphold,” he admitted.

He concluded with a sincere apology: “To Mrs. Aisha Buhari, I offer my heartfelt and unreserved apology for the needless and deeply regrettable hurt I have caused. I am truly sorry.”

Kperogi’s post gained traction just three days after President Buhari’s passing, eliciting reactions across various political and social media platforms.

By Muhammad Abubakar

SOKOTO — The Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) has held its first-ever strategic retreat for the institution’s Governing Council and Management staff, aimed at enhancing governance, innovation, and institutional development.

The retreat, which took place from July 13 to 16, 2025, at the Army Officers’ Mess and Suites in Sokoto, was convened on the sidelines of the 30th Governing Council meeting chaired by the Pro-Chancellor, Col. Abdulmumini Aminu (Rtd.).

A statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations of the University, Jamilu M. Magaji, noted that the retreat served as a platform for reflection, planning, and strategic alignment between Council members and University Management.

Col. Aminu, in his opening remarks, stressed the importance of synergy between leadership organs of the university in achieving long-term success. Vice Chancellor Prof. Muhammad Zaiyan Umar described the retreat as timely and vital for institutional sustainability and improved service delivery.

The retreat featured four insightful paper presentations. Among them was a security-focused presentation by Mr. Lawal Yusuf Yashi of the Department of State Services (DSS), who called for proactive intelligence and collaboration to address evolving threats in tertiary institutions.

Prof. Yahaya Tanko Baba of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, spoke on the role of governing councils in university governance, while Prof. Maryam Abubakar Koko presented strategies for sustainable revenue generation through innovation and partnerships.

The final paper, delivered by Mal. Ahmad Shehu, Registrar of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, explored strengthening university-community ties through “Town and Gown” partnerships.

Participants concluded the retreat with a renewed commitment to improving institutional performance, fostering innovation, and building collaborative relationships to enhance FUBK’s academic and societal impact.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Alumni of the University of Maiduguri have voiced strong opposition to reported plans to rename the institution after former President Muhammadu Buhari. In a statement issued by Muazu M. Dikwa, a 2004 LLB graduate, the alumni group described the move as “ill-advised” and one that fails to reflect the university’s unique heritage and regional significance.

The group emphasised that the University of Maiduguri has long stood as a symbol of resilience and academic excellence in Nigeria’s North-East. They argued that changing its name would undermine its historical identity, which is deeply tied to its geographic location and the challenges the region has faced.

The statement also pointed out that former President Buhari has already been honoured with the naming of the Federal University of Transportation in Daura, Katsina State—his hometown. The alumni maintained that this existing tribute is more appropriate and sufficient in recognising Buhari’s contributions.

“We urge the relevant authorities to reconsider any such proposals,” the statement read. “Focus should instead be on strengthening the university’s capacity and supporting its mission in the region.”

The alumni group called on all stakeholders—students, faculty, community members, and especially the people of Borno State—to resist any attempt to alter the name of the institution.

The University of Maiduguri, established in 1975, has played a crucial role in advancing education in Nigeria’s North-East, despite the security challenges it faces.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigeria’s opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded a comprehensive audit of the nation’s state-owned refineries, alleging the “reckless mismanagement” of over $20.8 billion spent on their rehabilitation without results.

The call comes amidst government signals suggesting plans to privatise the facilities.The party, in a statement by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, labelled the proposed sale as “premature, suspicious and potentially criminal.”

This stance follows recent announcements by the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) indicating a move towards full privatisation, coinciding with claims that some refineries have resumed partial operations.

“The ADC is deeply troubled that after spending over $18 billion across successive All Progressives Congress (APC) administrations, and an additional $2.8 billion under the present government, there is still no tangible improvement in refining capacity,” Abdullahi stated.

“Now, the same government wants to quietly sell off these assets. Nigerians deserve to know: what exactly is being sold – scrap or sovereign assets?”

The party questioned the transparency of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, warning the current approach could lead to the undervaluation and sale of critical national assets to “cronies or even to themselves under the guise of reforms.”

Furthermore, the ADC accused both past and present governments of exploiting ‘Turnaround Maintenance (TAM)’ programmes. It described the refineries as “a black hole for public funds,” alleging TAM has served as a cover for corruption and personal enrichment rather than genuine rehabilitation.

The ADC insists a full, independent audit must be conducted and its findings made public before any consideration of selling the refineries.

This demand underscores deepening political tensions over the management of Nigeria’s vital oil assets and the significant public funds invested in them.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State House of Assembly has refuted claims circulating online that it is planning to investigate the Chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Hajiya Sa’adatu Yusha’u, describing the reports as baseless and misleading.

This clarification was made in a statement issued by Kamaluddeen Shawai, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Assembly, on Thursday in Kano.

According to the statement, the reports alleged that the assembly had finalized plans to probe the ALGON Chair, who also doubles as the Chairperson of Tudun Wada Local Government Area, over alleged irregularities in land allocation.

Shawai emphasized that the Majority Leader of the House, Lawal Hussain-Dala, had not granted any interview or made any comments to any media outlet regarding such an investigation.

“The receipt of a petition by the Majority Leader from citizens does not translate to an endorsement of any investigation, nor does it constitute a decision or pronouncement by the House,” the statement read.

He condemned what he described as a deliberate misrepresentation of legislative procedures, insisting the report was aimed at damaging the reputation of the Majority Leader and the legislative body.

Shawai further explained that the assembly adheres strictly to constitutional provisions and due process in all its affairs.

He noted that any investigation must follow laid-down procedures, including offering all parties a fair hearing.

He also stressed that the assembly reserves the right to receive and evaluate petitions in line with the principles of transparency and the rule of law.

The House has therefore called on those behind the report, including media outlets, to retract the publication and issue a public apology within seven days or risk legal action.