Uncategorized

By Mukhtar Ibrahim

Alhaji Umaru Hadejia, a septuagenarian, cries out and looks for justice, after he had been unlawfully detained together with his 5 children by the state security forces.

According to Umaru, his arrest was allegedly orchestrated by the current state minister of defense, Matawalle, who ordered for their arrest without them commiting any offence.

In a letter obtained by TDR, Umaru Hadeja lamented and explained that; he, together with his five sons, were detained unlawfully by the IG of police.

“I, along with my five children (Bashir, Bello, Mahmud, Abubakar and Ahmad) have been
unlawfully detained without any warrant of arrest and without any charge levied against us at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) unit in Abuja by the Inspector General of Police under the directive of the Minister of State (Defence) Bello Matawalle since yesterday 30th September, 2024 at around 6pm.”, He said.

He further said “The previously spurious allegations against Bashir by the Inspector General of Police and
the Minister of State (Defence) Bello Matawalle, which were widely circulated in the social media were found to be false because the Police investigations themselves did not find any cause to charge Bashir to court. Up to now, the Police could not charge Bashir on any of those allegations.”

“Despite this, the Police could not release Bashir, which then forced us to go to court to secure his release and enforcement of his fundamental human rights. Upon which the court granted bail and ordered for his release on the 5th of September 2024. Still, the Police refused to release Bashir until the 25th September 2024.”

“However, I and my above-named children are still being illegally detained by the Inspector General of Police under the directive of the Minister of Defence (State) Bello Matawalle without warrant of arrest and any charge against us.
I fear for our lives and safety.”

Initially, it was a son of Alhaji Umaru, named Bashir, who was arrested by officers from the Police Force Intelligence Department-Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) and Force Intelligence Department-Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), but later, the father and other family members were also arrested when they attempted to seek for his release.

Federal prosecutors are accusing Bashir (the son) of “treason, subversion against the state” and playing a role in the sponsorship of the nationwide hunger protests in the first week of August.

By Uzair Adam

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed on Wednesday that while Iran is not seeking war, it will deliver a stronger response if Israel retaliates for the recent missile attack.

Speaking alongside Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in Doha, Pezeshkian emphasized that Israel is pushing the region into conflict.

“We are not looking for war, but if Israel reacts, we will respond even more forcefully,” Pezeshkian stated, holding Israel accountable for escalating tensions.

The remarks follow Iran’s launch of about 200 missiles, including hypersonic weapons, towards Israel.

Although Israel intercepted most of the missiles, some damage was reported, including a school building, and two civilians sustained minor injuries from shrapnel.

Israeli military sources confirmed that some missiles landed near air force bases without causing significant damage.

Pezeshkian criticized Israel’s intentions, accusing it of creating instability in the region and called on the US and European nations to pressure Israel to halt its actions.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s Emir also condemned Israeli strikes on Lebanon and Gaza, warning that the region was being pushed to the brink of disaster.

Qatar remains committed to brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has insisted that he did not embezzle public funds while in office, saying he is ready to swear with the Qur’an. 

The former governor said he joined politics solely to serve the people, not to seek money or steal public funds. El-Rufai made this statement during a Hausa program aired on Freedom Radio station in Kaduna on Tuesday morning. 

He stressed that he was content with what he had even before becoming governor. Recall that the Kaduna State Assembly indicted El-Rufai’s administration for allegedly misappropriating over N423 billion during his eight-year tenure. 

However, the ex-governor and his allies have denied the allegations, claiming they are being witch-hunted by the Assembly and the state government. 

El-Rufai added that he is prepared to swear on the Quran whenever former state governors and current leaders do the same to affirm they never misappropriated public funds. 

He said, “I was quiet to see how things would turn out, but for me, I always ask God to help me in whatever I do in life because, as a human being, I always try not to do anything wrong or betray the people’s trust. 

“I always say that whenever the former governors of Kaduna State and other leaders decide to take an oath swearing with the Quran that they never took people’s money, I’m also ready to swear.

“This is because I know that I didn’t go into public service to steal or take people’s money. I joined politics only to serve the people of Kaduna State; I didn’t come to look for money, because I give glory to God that I’m content with what I had even before becoming governor.

“Yet, we were accused of misappropriation of funds during our tenure without being given a specific area where the money went missing or who took it. 

“Yet they are going after my allies by inviting them to the ICPC and EFCC with the intention of tarnishing their names. As for me, I had already prayed two Raka’at on Friday night, leaving everything to God, seeking His judgment. This is why I’m not saying much about the issue.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Federal Government has announced a public holiday on Monday, September 16, to commemorate the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), marking this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration. 

In a statement released on Friday, September 13, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, confirmed the public holiday.

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, congratulated the Muslim community on the occasion, encouraging them to embrace the values of patience, sacrifice, and resilience. 

Dr. Tunji-Ojo also urged Nigerians to use the opportunity to pray for lasting peace and a more prosperous nation.

The public holiday allows Muslim Nigerians to observe the significant Islamic occasion with their loved ones and communities.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON has condoled with the government and people of Bauchi State over the demise of Emir of Ningi, Alhaji (Dr.) Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya, OON who passed away in the early hours of today, Sunday at the age of 88 years.

In a message of condolence, the Governor said the demise of the first class traditional ruler, especially at this time, is a great loss not only to Ningi emirate but the country as a whole.

He described the monarch as an iconic ruler and a man of peace who, throughout his 46 years of reign, was known for preaching and promoting unity and harmony among the people of his domain, Bauchi state and the nation at large.

The Gombe Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, consoled the bereaved royal family to take solace in the fact that the late emir left behind legacies of honour, dignity and selfless service, urging them to uphold and sustain same.

Governor Inuwa, on behalf of the government and people of Gombe state, extended his heartfelt condolences to his Bauchi state counterpart, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Chairman of Bauchi State Council of Emirs and Chiefs and Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, members of Ningi Emirate Council as well as government and people of the state over the great loss.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has revealed that over 21,600 students are using fake certificates obtained from degree mills in countries such as Benin Republic and Togo.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, during a press briefing in Abuja, marking his first year in office.

Professor Mamman stated that out of these, 1,105 students hold fake certificates from Togo.

This revelation follows the government’s formation of an Inter-Ministerial Investigative Committee on Degree Certificate Milling in March, aimed at addressing the proliferation of fake degrees.

The Minister stated that all fake degrees, whether from Nigerian or foreign institutions, will be systematically removed from the system.

He mentioned that the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation has been instructed to issue a circular to ensure the removal of individuals holding such certificates.

Additionally, Professor Mamman highlighted the challenges faced by tertiary institutions due to high electricity tariffs and announced a government-approved long-term plan to power these institutions using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

He also shared that, over the past year, the ministry has successfully reintegrated around four million out-of-school children back into the education system.Efforts are also underway to enhance teacher support, welfare, and development in collaboration with UNESCO and the World Bank.

Furthermore, the Minister addressed recent concerns about the safety of school buildings and the government’s collaboration with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering to improve school infrastructure standards.

In response to the ongoing discussions with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Mamman assured that steps are being taken to meet their needs and prevent future strikes.

By Uzair Adam

Reports coming from northwest Nigeria have shown that bandits attacked the Moriki community in Zamfara State on Wednesday night, abducting over 10 residents and demanding a ransom of N50 million.

The attack has further intensified the sense of insecurity in the area.The Zamfara State Police Command, through its spokesperson ASP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident.

He stated that the Commissioner of Police has ordered immediate action to rescue the victims.

A resident of Moriki community shared with the BBC Hausa Service on Thursday that the bandits have been a constant threat to the community.

He revealed that they previously abducted other residents and claimed their cows were killed by a local commander.

During this latest attack, the bandits reportedly went from house to house, capturing people and setting a deadline for the ransom payment.

According to the resident, this isn’t the first time the bandits have attacked the community for ransom.

He recounted a recent incident where they extorted N20 million from the community, allowing locals access to their farms in return. “The community remains in a state of insecurity,” he said.

By Khalid Imam

Dr. Bukar Usman, the acclaimed President of the Nigerian Folklore Society, (NFS) and the President of the Dr. Bukar Usman Foundation who was a recipient of many illustrious awards including one of the highest national medals, Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), is to be deservedly inducted with the most distinguished Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (Hon. FNAL).

In a well-crafted letter sent to Dr. Usman, the National President of NAL, Professor Sola Akinrinade, FNAL aptly enumerated that the Honorary Fellowship is the most prestigious award that the Nigerian Academy of Letters bestows on well-qualified non-members who have significantly made astonishing contributions to the transformation of the Arts and Humanities in Nigeria. While felicitating with Dr. Usman, an esteemed honoree, Prof. Akinrinade rolled out the deserving names of some of the acclaimed past honorary awardees of Hon. FNAL which include among others; late Mr. Gamaliel Onosode; HRH Alhaji Umaru Sanda Ndayako late Etsu Nupe, Emir of Bida; HRM Omo n’Oba n’Edo Erediauwa, late Oba of Benin Kingdom; a seasoned administrator and politician, late Mallam Adamu Ciroma and an astute diplomat, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, and Most Rev. Bishop Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah.

These past Honorary Fellows were all distinguished giants in their different professional callings whose fascinating contributions to Arts and Humanities as well as other fields were well noted and appreciated.

Considering the high esteem and recognition Dr. Usman is enjoying due to his oeuvre cutting across the fields of literature, language, history and security, NAL President stated in his letter to Dr. Usman that, the illustrious and apex body of scholars considered it as an honor that Dr. Usman, a son of Biu from Borno State of northeastern Nigeria will be one of those called to join the hall of honour of Hon. FNAL.

Dr. Usman, a renowned author of over thirty well-received publications, famed for being very meticulous in research and dissimulation of profound history facts is a silent achiever and disciplined organizer who, before his retirement from the presidency in 1999 as a Permanent Secretary was adjudged to be among some of the finest public administrators. Through his Dr. Bukar Usman Foundation, Dr. Usman has been publishing and distributing free books to educational institutions, individuals and organizations across Nigeria and beyond. A philanthropist par excellence, Dr. Usman has been supporting vulnerable individuals with education support funds, health support bills, and he has been distributing free fertilizers and quality seeds to poor farmers in his Biu community. A detribalized Nigerian, he is with loyal friends and colleagues across the Niger. A man with heart of gold he is always willing to be a part of worthy endeavors that would move Nigeria forward. A tower of strength to the youths he is a reliable bridge-builder.
To those familiar with Dr. Usman’s outstanding public service achievements, literary contributions and philanthropy, many recognized him as one of the most generous patrons of books, arts and literature, therefore his investiture for the conferment of the Hon. FNAL held on Thursday, 8th August, 2024, at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, has been long awaited. Hence, the good news of this Hon. FNAL award has been receiving wide applause and salutes among the academics, writers and readers across the country.

Among his many awards are: LAN award by Linguistic Association of Nigeria in 2013; Honorary Doctorate degree, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) in 2014 by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; the Golden Ingots honour for excellence by his alma mater, the King’s College, Lagos in 2015; Award for Value-Oriented Leadership by the University of Nigeria Nsukka in 2016; among many others too numerous to roll out here.

Dr. Usman who became active in writing after his retirement from public service, born on 10th December, 1942, is without doubt a prolific writer without border, especially when the array of areas he delved into are anything to consider. Some of his publications are: A History of Biu; Language Disappearance and Cultural Diversity in Biu Emirate; Girl- Child Education in Biu Emirate: the Early Years; My Literary Journey; My Public Service Journey: Issues in Public Policy Administration in Nigeria; Hatching Hopes; Folklore and History: the Twin Rivers of World Heritage; Leadership, Security and National Development; Issues and Challenges of National Security; Language, Technology and Democratic Culture; Restructuring Nigeria: An Overview; Public Policy Formulation in Nigeria; Taskar Tatsuniyoyi; A Selection of Nigerian Folktales: Themes and Settings; People, Animals,. Spirits and Objects: 1000 Folk Stories of Nigeria; Gods and Ancestors: Mythic Tales of Nigeria; My Literary Works: Reviews and Reports; A Foundation of Hope and many others.

As Dr. Bukar Usman receives the prestigious Hon. FNAL award, one can’t fail to hail NAL for bestowing honour to whom it is duly due. Congratulations.

Khalid Imam is a Kano-based bilingual poet, writer and education administrator who is the Curator of All Poets Network International and Chairman, Board of Trustees of Poetry Renaissance Trust. He can be reached via email: khalidimam2002@gmail.com

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A massive crowd of youths enthusiastically welcomed Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya with the green-white-green Nigerian flag during his visit to Kumo, the Headquarters of Akko LGA.

The display of patriotism was a stark contrast to recent events in other parts of the country where some youths were seen waving foreign flags.

The governor was received by a jubilant crowd from the outskirts of Kumo, who accompanied him throughout his visit, expressing gratitude for the development projects undertaken in the area.

Governor Inuwa, who inspect the newly completed ultra-modern general hospital, commission road projects and flag-off new ones, commended the youths for their patriotic spirit.

“While in some places you see the flags of other countries being raised, here, you see support and love from the people,” he said, expressing optimism about the nation’s future with such a positive youth demography.

“The enthusiasm and patriotism displayed by these young people today give me great hope for Nigeria’s future. Peaceful and patriotic youths are indeed the bedrock upon which a brighter Nigeria will be built,”Gov. Inuwa asserted.

He called on the people to maintain peace and harmony, assuring them of the government’s commitment to improving their lives.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has on Thursday, received, on a courtesy call, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) supervising the North East geopolitical region, Bala Ciroma, who was on a tour to evaluate the security situation and strengthen coordination between the police force and state authorities in the aftermath of the violent protest that erupted on August 1.  

Speaking to newsmen shortly after a closed-door meeting with the Governor, the DIG stated, “It is part of my responsibility to come around to assess security situation and to seek areas of cooperation between the respective state governments and police commissioners to enhance security in the states across the Northeast region.” 

“ I can confirm that the situation in Gombe State is calm. However, there is a need for us to fortify security around so that we can cope with any eventuality, not only in terms of the protest but also in terms of enhancing security in respect of other crimes that may be prevalent around”, the DIG added.  

Governor Inuwa Yahaya commended the DIG for his proactive approach and reassured him of the Gombe State Government’s commitment to working closely with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and security in the state.  

The Governor further stressed that his administration has always focused on creating a safe environment conducive to growth and development and that the recent protests, while concerning, have been managed effectively by the security apparatus with people now going about their normal businesses.