Politics

By Uzair Adam

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has criticized the Federal Government for assigning the distribution of rice palliatives in Kano to the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, rather than the state government.

Speaking in Kano, Kwankwaso expressed his disappointment, describing the move as a breach of constitutional democracy and an act of excessive partisanship.

“For the past week, I have been in Kano, and I observed with great disappointment the Federal Government’s distribution of rice palliatives to 35 states through their governors, except in Kano.

“Here, the responsibility was handed over to APC members. This is a gross insult to our constitutional democracy and a step too far in partisanship,” Kwankwaso stated.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately address what he called a “derailment of democracy.”

Kwankwaso also raised concerns about the frequent changes in the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano, noting that three State Directors had been posted and reposted in just two weeks.

He warned that the instability was having a negative impact on the state’s security.

By Uzair Adam

The Barau I Jibrin Foundation (BIJF), established by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator (Dr.) Barau I Jibrin, has published the list of beneficiaries for its 2024 foreign postgraduate scholarships.

The scholarships focus on fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics technology, cybersecurity, and forensic science.

A statement issued on Thursday by Ismail Mudashir, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senator Barau, revealed that students from Kano Central, Kano North, and Kano South Senatorial Districts have been selected to pursue advanced studies abroad.

The scholarship initiative aims to foster academic excellence and support technological development in Nigeria.

The scholarships were designed to address the shortage of skilled professionals in these specialized areas.

Admission letters will be distributed to the beneficiaries on Monday, September 9th, 2024, at the Amani Event Centre in Kano.

This move aligns with Senator Barau’s commitment to educational empowerment and the promotion of expertise in cutting-edge technological fields.

By Aisar Fagge

“I will facilitate connections between the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Federal Ministries, as well as international donors like the United Nations,” said Aminu Magashi Garba during a courtesy visit to the ministry on Tuesday, as part of his commitment to support vulnerable populations, including the less privileged and disabled in the state.

Magashi, founder and CEO of the Aminu Magashi Foundation (AMG), also announced technical support for the ministry, a gesture commended by Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani, who is the commissioner of the ministry.

Hajiya Amina assured the foundation of her commitment to collaboration, aiming to enhance the ministry’s impact on the people of Kano State, especially the vulnerable and disabled.

During the visit, Magashi pledged to support the ministry in several key initiatives, including convening a one-day stakeholders’ forum on the proposed Kano State Humanitarian Agenda, organizing a two-day working visit to Abuja to explore partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and the United Nations Office of the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator.

He also committed to assisting with the development of the 2025 Annual Operational Plan and a five-year strategic plan for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Other support initiatives from the foundation include assistance with establishing the Kano State Humanitarian Investment Trust Fund and the Kano State Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee on Humanitarian Response.

In her remarks, the commissioner highlighted the present administration’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, which led to the establishment of the ministry, reiterating her dedication to working with the foundation to further this mission.

Dr. Magashi praised her leadership and urged the commissioner to engage stakeholders for further interventions. He also encouraged the ministry’s directors to develop annual operational and strategic plans for the future.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has reaffirmed the collective concerns of northern governors regarding the rising insecurity in the region, and emphasized strong commitment to partnering key stakeholders to tackle the issue effectively.

The Governor restated this on Monday while receiving a comprehensive report of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) put together by the Experts’ Committee on insecurity in Northern Nigeria as part of the outcomes of the recently conducted roundtable meeting held in Abuja.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya noted the growing impact of insecurity on the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, particularly in the agricultural sector, which has led to hike in food prices affecting not only the Northern states but the entire nation.

He emphasized that the governors are committed to tackling the insecurity that has plagued the region, which has hindered farming activities, exacerbated the inflation of food commodities and general economic challenges faced by the country.

“As Governors, we are deeply concerned about the security situation in Northern Nigeria. This region has the largest portion of the country’s population and is endowed with mineral resources and fertile soil ideal for farming. The region’s agricultural strength plays a significant role in ensuring food security in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the current insecurity is disrupting these activities, contributing to the rising cost of food commodities, which affects all Nigerians, not just those in the North”, the Governor stated.

As part of the NSGF’s response under his leadership, Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced plans to convene an expanded meeting which will bring together all relevant stakeholders, including past and present leaders, traditional rulers, security chiefs, and civil society organizations, to discuss and implement strategies aimed at restoring the glory of the region.

“This time around, we want to take a collective approach to the insecurity issue. This report is timely. We will study it and work together towards its implementation. We are currently planning to convene an expanded meeting with all critical stakeholders in the region to further explore how we can come together to propose solutions that will genuinely address these problems completely”, the Governor said.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also commended the leadership of the CNG for its detailed analysis, acknowledging their role in addressing the region’s most pressing issues.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation and Chairman of the Committee of Experts on security component of the CNG, Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, explained that the report presented to Governor Inuwa Yahaya is a culmination of a long and painstaking process looking at the changing faces of insecurity in Northern Nigeria with a view to proffering workable solutions.

Highlighting some content of the report, he acknowledged the imperative of All Society Approach introduced by the group which will establish synergy among stakeholders across the spectrum of Northern Nigeria in tackling insecurity.

He said the group has already submitted the same report to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the office of the National Security Adviser NSA for onward processing.

While acknowledging the peace and tranquility of Gombe State, the leader of the delegation however, explained that no state is totally immune from criminal activities so long as contiguous states are confronted with incidences of crime and criminality.

The Governor was joined in receiving the group by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the Head of Service, Alh. Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi as well as Commissioners and Special Advisers.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu extends his warm congratulations to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, GCON, on his 58th birthday.

Vice-President Shettima is an academic, accomplished banking professional, raconteur, and leader.

He was the governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019 and senator representing Borno Central from 2019 to 2023.

President Tinubu joins family, friends, and members of the executive arm of government to celebrate the quintessential administrator, orator, and bibliophile on this special occasion.

The President commends Vice-President Shettima for the enthusiasm, vigour, and affability he brings to governance.

President Tinubu thanks the Vice-President for his support and wishes him robust health and renewed strength in his service to the nation.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested several individuals, including an Education Secretary, a School Headmaster, and three others, for allegedly dismantling and illegally selling school furniture and metals from a primary school in the Kumbotso local government area.

The arrests were made on Saturday after the suspects were reportedly caught in the act on the premises of Gaidar Makada Special Primary School.

According to the Senior Special Reporter to the Kano State Governor on Anti-Corruption, Malam Sani Umar Sani, local residents noticed unusual activity at the school early in the morning.

Upon investigation, they discovered that furniture was being dismantled and the metals were being removed and prepared for sale.

One resident, who lives nearby, reported seeing a man with several young boys heading toward the school’s classrooms.

After being questioned by the school security guard, they were allowed inside. Shortly thereafter, loud noises were heard, prompting further inspection, which revealed the dismantling operation.

Malam AbdulGafar Sanusi Garba, Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), and Malam Alkassim Muhammad, Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), were informed of the incident.

Both stated they were unaware of the activity and claimed they had been dismissed from their roles by the headmaster, Malam Yusuf, before completing their tenure, without notification to the local government education secretary.

The suspects, including a buyer of the dismantled metals, were detained following the incident.

It was reported that the furniture, valued at over two million naira, was sold for just N250,000.

The anti-graft agency has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with those arrested currently in custody.

A source within the commission suggested that this case might not be isolated, indicating a pattern of illegal dismantling and sale of school properties across the state.

In response, the agency is developing software to inventory school items and monitor any unauthorized alterations.

By Uzair Adam

A magistrate court in Kano has ordered the remand of Muktar Dahiru, a journalist with Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM Kano, in prison.

He is accused of sharing media content on Facebook that is critical of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the reinstated emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Dahiru allegedly posted several controversial audio recordings, including an interview with an opposition politician who accused Governor Yusuf of corruption.

The politician challenged the governor to allow federal anti-corruption agencies to investigate a scandal involving Novomed Pharmaceutical, which is owned by a relative of former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

In another instance, Dahiru shared a broadcast by the governor’s political adviser, Anas Abba-Dala, which speculated on the nationality of Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and made other controversial claims.

Additionally, Dahiru shared content criticizing the emir and accusing former Governor Kwankwaso of financial misconduct.

The journalist was charged in secret at Magistrate Court 24 on Gyadi Gyadi Court Road for criminal conspiracy, defamation of character, and intentional insult, alleged to be in violation of sections 97, 391, and 115 of the Penal Code Law.

The magistrate, Ummah Kurawa, ordered Dahiru’s remand in a correctional facility until a bail hearing scheduled for September 3.

By Uzair Adam

The Correctional Officers Pencom Retirees Association of Nigeria (COPRAN) has criticized the Contributory Pension Commission (PenCom) scheme, arguing that it has exacerbated the difficulties faced by retirees.

In a petition addressed to President Bola Tinubu, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minister of Labour, and the Human Rights Commission, among others, COPRAN expressed concerns about the inadequate distribution of funds to pensioners after retirement.

Mr. Anthony Ayiwulu, President of the Plateau Command of COPRAN, stated that while the PenCom policy was intended to benefit retirees, it has unfortunately caused significant harm to public servants who have dedicated many years of service to the nation.

He emphasized the urgent need for the policy to be revised or overhauled to better serve retirees’ needs.

Ayiwulu highlighted the plight of retirees who, after 35 years of diligent service, find themselves struggling to receive their gratuities and meet basic living expenses.

He noted that the Nigerian Army successfully requested exemption from the PenCom scheme due to the severe hardships it imposed on retired servicemen.

In light of the current economic challenges, Ayiwulu called for a more equitable approach to handling retiree benefits, including timely payment of pensions and provision of support to help them cope with inflation and other financial burdens.

He also mentioned that despite being asked to provide their information through various Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), many retirees have yet to receive a response or any form of assistance to alleviate their financial hardships.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Supreme Court on Friday, August 23, dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its gubernatorial candidate, Samuel Anyawu, challenging the outcome of the Imo State governorship election. 

A unanimous judgement delivered by a five-member panel of the court, led by Justice Mohammed Baba Idris, found the appeal to be without merit, thereby affirming the original election result. 

This ruling brings the legal battle over the Imo State governorship election to a close, providing clarity and finality to the political landscape of the state.

By Nura Jibo MRICS

His Excellency, the former governor of Jigawa State, wrote:

“The APC-controlled government of Jigawa State has WON all the Chairmanship seats of the 27 Local Governments and the 283 Councilorship seats in the YET to be conducted local government elections throughout the State. The reason being no opposition Party is able to pay the FIVE MILLION NAIRA for the Chairmanship and TWO MILLION NAIRA for the Councilorship nomination forms from the State electoral commission! While other States are engaged in protests over hunger and poverty, congratulations to Jigawa for being the most prosperous State in Nigeria. “

I responded to him below. Enjoy!

“Your Excellency,

Courtesies and good morning, sir.

With due respect, this was what your president and you did as his governor(s). Indeed, you did similar political maneuvering during your stewardship as Jigawa State Governor and got much of it! However, one thing that you politicians so often forget or hardly understand is that life is just like a piano! It keeps on repeating itself! I am happy you mentioned hunger and poverty in this short satirical write-up. 

Lest you forget, you were quoted several times on social media and in the national dailies asserting that the Talaka that your type impoverished cannot do anything to effect any meaningful change or something like it! You were quoted in the Leadership Stable Newspaper by Wole Olaoye in an article that he dubbed “Too Poor to Revolt,” saying: 

“Nigeria is too weak to break. Who will break it? The ordinary person in Jigawa, the ordinary person in Sokoto, or the ordinary person in Bayelsa? Is it the Igbo vulcanizer, the Yoruba woman selling kerosene by the roadside, or the Okada man in Delta? They don’t have the capacity to unite because they are burdened by poverty. We have taken away from them their dignity, their self-esteem, their pride, and their self-worth so that they cannot even organize.” Wole went ahead to quote you, affirming the fact that “Up there, we (the elite) unite… We will never allow Nigeria to break because once it breaks, we will lose. But the common man loses nothing. What is he losing? He is already in hell; he cannot lose anything more than this hell.”

Unfortunately, all these statements that you made were full of a dearth of political history and knowledge of the political changes that happened in certain parts of the world. Your Excellency, let me take you back to memory lane and inform you so that you see the reasons for the superficial statements that you made in the Leadership and so that you may give thanks to Jibo one day for telling it exactly how it is!

Excellency, you should be aware that the recent Zanga Zanga that started in Nigeria is just a precursor to what you hypothesized above, and want to make those with little or no knowledge of how politics and politicians use words to manipulate or intimidate the hapless and vulnerable by eating therefrom. Your Excellency, what you and all the Northern Governors failed to understand is this:

The resilience in Talaka that you spent so long a time defining and controversially defending under the tutelage, or better put, an appendage of Malam Aminu Kano’s school of thought, is only workable and thrives on individual mental toughness, which is not sufficient! Whenever you talk of hunger and poverty plus starvation in Talaka, there are other sides of it that local champion politicians, especially the northern ones, don’t know or deliberately ignore. 

The hunger and poverty-driven Zanga Zanga that you see is what I prefer to call organizational resilience and sustainability. Indeed, that form of deliberate Talaka’s subjection to poverty and hunger that you mentioned suggests that those highly pauperized Nigerians that your type thinks have dribbled and can charge them and score points any day are no longer susceptible to individual resilience and adaptability, sir! They are now resorting quickly to community resilience support systems essential for successfully navigating unpredictable circumstances. 

I don’t have the time, sir. Still, I could have opened up this political history debate by making you think profoundly about those statements you made, which, by and large, are nothing but one of those political mistakes that most African political leaders are good at. They no longer see the dangerous paths they have led their people down until they are consumed by it.

In any case, I wish you all the best in reviving the political atmosphere in Nigeria.

Sincerely,

Jibo.