News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Vice-President, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for not living up to public expectations, especially in terms of improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm programme on Tuesday, Baba-Ahmed stated that the current government has failed to bring about meaningful governance improvements.

“Clearly, the Tinubu administration has failed expectations that it was going to radically improve the quality of governance,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed, who also served as spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum, pointed out that positive reports from international bodies should not be the only measure of government performance.

He stressed that the real test lies in how citizens experience daily life under the administration.

“They will tell you they are doing great with all the World Bank statistics, all the international ratings and everything, but that’s not the only measures you use to measure a government; you measure by the way citizens live, and if that is the yardstick by which we are going to measure this administration, then clearly, the Tinubu administration has failed expectations that it was going to radically improve the quality of governance of President Buhari,” he explained.

He further advised President Tinubu to prioritise the fight against corruption, address the worsening insecurity, reduce poverty, and invest heavily in infrastructure and social welfare initiatives.

On the removal of petrol subsidies, Baba-Ahmed observed that the decision has made life more difficult for many Nigerians.

He also urged the president to ensure better management of federal allocations given to state governors, particularly those belonging to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“So much waste, so much abuse of resources and corruption going on,” he lamented.

He concluded by calling for stronger accountability mechanisms and better governance at all levels.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Pep Guardiola, the renowned Manchester City manager, delivered a moving and heartfelt speech on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester this week.

In an emotional address, Guardiola veered from the usual ceremonial tone to speak about the suffering in Gaza, calling for compassion and courage in the face of ongoing violence. 

“It is so painful what we see in Gaza, it hurts all my body,” he said, his voice weighted with emotion. “It is not about ideology but the love of life. It is about refusing to be silent or still when it matters the most.”

Guardiola, known as much for his principled stances as for his tactical brilliance on the pitch, received a standing ovation from many in the audience, including faculty, students, and dignitaries.

The University of Manchester awarded Guardiola the honorary degree in recognition of his contributions to sport and his influence as a global figure. Yet, it was his candid acknowledgement of human suffering and his call for empathy that left a lasting impression.

Social media erupted in praise following the speech, with many highlighting Guardiola’s words as a rare and courageous gesture from a figure in elite sport.

As tensions and humanitarian concerns continue to mount in Gaza, Guardiola’s remarks have added a prominent voice to the growing international calls for peace and justice.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A senior naval officer, Lieutenant Commodore M. Buba, was fatally stabbed by a robber in Kaduna while resisting a phone-snatching attempt near Kawo Bridge.  

Eyewitnesses reported that the officer, undergoing training at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, had stopped to fix a flat tire when the assailant attacked him. After refusing to hand over his phone, the robber stabbed him in the chest.  

A vigilante, Suleiman Dahiru, who intervened, was also injured. The attacker was later lynched by an angry mob.  

The officer was pronounced dead at Manaal Hospital, and his body has been moved to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital mortuary. Security forces have intensified covert operations in the area to curb crime.  

Kaduna Police PRO, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the incident and assured increased security measures.

By Uzair Adam

The Kaduna State Police Command says security operatives have stormed criminal hideouts in the Kawo area of Kaduna, arresting 27 suspected criminals and recovering weapons and hard drugs.

In a statement on Monday in Kaduna, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the operation was part of the Commissioner of Police’s directive to identify and dismantle criminal elements threatening peace in the area.

Hassan stated that the command carried out several raids in a joint operation with the Military, DSS, and the Kaduna State Vigilante Service, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of weapons.

“On Sunday, around 10:30 pm, a joint tactical operation was launched across Kawo and neighbouring areas, leading to the arrest of 27 suspects and the recovery of significant caches of weapons,” he said.

Exhibits recovered included knives, axes, cutlasses, and large quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, as well as other hard drugs.

Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order in the state. He warned that miscreants would not be given any breathing space.

“Kaduna remains a peaceful state, and we will not allow anyone to disrupt the peace. Those with violent intentions should desist or leave the state,” he said.

By Uzair Adam

Maryam Abacha, widow of the late military ruler General Sani Abacha, has denied longstanding allegations that her husband looted billions of dollars while in power, insisting that no credible evidence exists to support the accusations.

In a recent interview with TVC, Mrs. Abacha demanded that those making the claims present verifiable evidence.

“Who is the witness of the monies that were being stashed? Did you see the signature or the evidence of any monies stashed abroad?” she asked.

She further claimed that funds her husband had secured for Nigeria quickly disappeared after his death, alleging mismanagement by successive administrations.

“The monies that my husband kept for Nigeria, in a few months, the monies vanished. People are not talking about that,” she said.

Questioning the motivation behind the persistent focus on her husband’s alleged wrongdoing, Mrs. Abacha asked, “Why are you blaming somebody? “Is that tribalism or a religious problem or what is the problem with Nigerians? I pray for Nigerians. I pray for all of us. I pray that we should have goodness in our hearts. We should stop telling lies and blaming people.”

She also criticized what she described as a media culture of “bastardizing people,” urging journalists to educate Nigerians rather than perpetuate unfounded claims.

“People are not that bad. “Twenty-seven years ago and you are still talking about Abacha. He must be very powerful and loved by Nigerians. We thank God for that,” she added.

Mrs. Abacha, responding to a comment on the relatively stable economy under her husband’s rule—characterized by higher foreign reserves and lower external debt—insisted her husband had not stolen public funds.

“So, where did he steal the money from? So where would he have stolen the money from? And because Nigerians are fools, they listen to everything,” she said.

Emphasizing the need for national unity and mutual respect, Mrs. Abacha declared, “Babangida doesn’t make Nigeria alone. Abacha does not make Nigeria alone. Abiola and everybody, nobody is big enough for Nigeria. We are all very important.

“Even the single man on the street is very important. We are all human beings, for goodness sake. All these wahala should stop. Babangida cannot make things or unmake things.”

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Khaby Lame, the Senegal-born TikTok sensation who rose to global fame for his silent comedic videos, has voluntarily left the United States after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for overstaying his visa.

The 25-year-old, who officially became an Italian citizen in 2022, was held at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas for immigration violations. Lame had been in the U.S. on a temporary visa, which reportedly expired before his detention.

Lame, known by his handle @khaby.lame, boasts over 162 million followers on TikTok, making him one of the most followed creators on the platform. His signature style—wordless, expressive reactions to overly complicated life hacks—catapulted him to viral fame during the COVID-19 pandemic.

His detention comes amid intensified immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has renewed crackdowns on visa overstays and undocumented immigrants.

Sources close to Lame say he has returned to Italy and cooperates fully with authorities. Neither Lame nor his representatives have made a public statement regarding the incident.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nasarawa West Senator Aliyu Wadada has announced his decision to leave the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as the reason for his exit.

Wadada, in a recent interview, stated that although he respects El-Rufai as an elder, he cannot remain in the same party with him due to differing political principles.

He criticized El-Rufai for abandoning the All Progressives Congress (APC) after failing to secure a ministerial appointment under President Bola Tinubu.

“El-Rufai championed power shift to the South and supported Tinubu’s presidency, yet he left the APC for the SDP simply because he wasn’t made a minister,” Wadada said.

He described the move as self-serving and contrary to collective national interest.

On Nigeria’s economy, Wadada acknowledged hardships caused by fuel subsidy removal but noted that funds previously lost to corruption are now being channeled to states for development.

By Uzair Adam 

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has extended his Sallah greetings to the state’s pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and presented them with monetary gifts to mark the occasion. 

During his visit to their accommodation on Saturday night, he gifted each pilgrim 250 riyals, approximately N105,000.

Governor Yusuf praised the success of this year’s Hajj exercise, describing it as an improvement over previous years, particularly last year. 

“Last year’s Hajj exercise was also good, but this one is better, and we are grateful to God for this success,” he remarked.

The governor said the visit was intended to strengthen relationships, pray for the progress of Kano State and Nigeria, and share in the joy of Sallah with the pilgrims.

He urged the pilgrims to continue praying for Kano, Nigeria, and for those who lost their lives during the Hajj exercise. 

“I also commiserate with the families of those who died in Makkah, Madina, and during Arafah. May those who are missing be found,” he said.

Governor Yusuf called on the pilgrims to remain dedicated to their acts of worship and avoid any actions that might compromise the completion of their Hajj rituals until they return home safely.

He thanked the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, local government chairmen, and other stakeholders for ensuring a smooth Hajj experience. 

“I also thank the local government chairmen for their unwavering support in caring for the people from their areas. And there are also members of the State Assembly, like I said. None of them is sleeping. Everyone is doing their best,” he added.

The governor concluded by praying for the acceptance of the pilgrims’ Hajj and a safe trip back to Nigeria.

In his remarks, the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Lamin Rabi’u Ɗan Baffa, expressed gratitude to Governor Yusuf for his unwavering support and leadership during the pilgrimage.

By Uzair Adam 

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has donated N100 million to assist families of soldiers who lost their lives and those wounded in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the northeast.

The donation was announced on Saturday during an Eid El-Kabir Sallah luncheon held at Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri. 

The event was hosted jointly by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.

Governor Zulum presented the N100 million cheque to Major General Abdussalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai. 

He stated that each wounded soldier would receive N500,000, while the remaining funds would be distributed to the families of soldiers who died in action.

The presentation was witnessed by the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, and Major General Godwin Mutkut, the Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). 

Also in attendance were a member of the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba, Secretary to Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tihani, Head of Service, Dr Muhammad Ghuluze, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, APC Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba, and other senior government officials.

Governor Zulum praised the resilience and patriotism of the Nigerian Armed Forces, stressing that their sacrifices will never be forgotten. 

“Your commitment on the frontlines, often under extreme conditions and far from your families, is not lost on us. We remain eternally grateful for your service and will never take your sacrifices for granted,” he said.

The governor assured the military of his unwavering support, adding, “Borno State will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Nigerian Army and all security agencies in the fight against insurgency and in rebuilding our communities for a peaceful and prosperous future.”

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said that its fighter jets carried out a series of precision airstrikes on June 5 and 6, 2025, as part of Operation Hadin Kai, neutralising Boko Haram strongholds in Tumbumma Baba and Chiralia, Southern Tumbuns area of Borno State.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, disclosed that the strikes were based on credible intelligence that the terrorists were using the structures for storage and coordination of planned attacks.

He said the airstrikes successfully destroyed the hideouts, preventing the terrorists from launching assaults aimed at disrupting Eid celebrations.

“Battle Damage Assessments confirmed the neutralisation of several terrorists and the destruction of key logistics structures,” Ejodame stated.

He added that this pre-emptive strike demonstrated the Air Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting civilian lives and bolstering national security.