Uncategorized

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed concern over the blackout in the northern region of Nigeria in the last week.

He is now leading efforts to end the disruption that has paralysed social and economic activities, summoning the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The President has directed the Minister of Power and relevant agencies to speed up the pace of work to restore electricity to all the affected states in the North.

President Tinubu is saddened by the reports of vandalism and wilful destruction of power infrastructure and other public assets that caused the unfortunate blackout.

In a meeting with the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, who briefed on efforts made by the Transmission Company of Nigeria to repair the damaged Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines, the President directed a long-term solution to the problem.

President Tinubu charged TCN engineers not to relent in bringing immediate relief to the people who need electricity to sustain their social and economic activities.

To ensure that restoration work continues unhindered, President Tinubu also directed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to work with the Army and Air Force to deploy adequate security personnel, including aerial cover, to protect the engineers who are fixing the damaged transmission line.

President Tinubu implores traditional rulers, community leaders, and other leaders of thought to work with security agencies to protect public assets and infrastructure.

He said the government will no longer condone deliberate sabotage and destruction of public utilities.

By Uzair Adam

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) representing the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has directed members to initiate an indefinite strike starting Monday, following the non-payment of four months’ withheld salaries.

The strike, initially scheduled for October 23, was postponed to Sunday night, October 27, 2024, to align with the NASU branches’ Trade Group Council meeting.

A circular signed by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim detailed this timing adjustment for unified coordination among union members.

Despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval of 50% payment for the withheld salaries, JAC expressed frustration with the alleged inaction from the Minister of Finance, questioning the government’s commitment to resolving the issue.

The union stated that multiple requests for resolution have gone unanswered, prompting their decision to proceed with the strike.

JAC reiterated its appreciation for the members’ loyalty and assured them of continued efforts to achieve a satisfactory outcome.

By Uzair Adam

The Association of Online Media Guild (ASSOMEG) has extended its heartfelt condolences to Malam Sanusi Bature, the Director General of Media and Publicity to the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, following the passing of his son, Abubakar Sadiq, who died on Thursday at age 15.

In a statement jointly issued by ASSOMEG’s Chairman, Abdullateef Abubakar Jos, and Secretary, Abbas Yushau Yusuf, on Friday, the association shared that Sadiq passed away in an Indian hospital after a successful bone marrow surgery.

“This tragic loss resonates within the media community, and we join in the sorrow and grief that Mr. Bature and his family are facing,” the statement said.

The message emphasized that Malam Sanusi Bature is a respected ally within the media sector and has offered his support and partnership over the years.

ASSOMEG conveyed its solidarity, expressing thoughts and prayers for Bature and his loved ones during this trying time.

“We pray for the strength to bear this profound loss and trust that Almighty Allah (SWT) will provide solace and peace to his family,” the statement added.

By Uzair Adam

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern over the persistent level of violence against children in Nigeria, citing new studies that indicate the situation remains alarming.

UNICEF’s Child Protection Manager in Nigeria, Mona Aika, made this known during the opening of a two-day forum on ending violence against children, held in Abuja on Monday.

She revealed that about 6 out of 10 children in Nigeria experience physical, sexual, or emotional violence before the age of 18, while only 5 percent of reported cases receive the necessary support and services.

Aika emphasized that Nigeria is making efforts to address the issue through the INSPIRE framework, which includes enforcing laws, eliminating harmful social norms like gender discrimination, female genital mutilation, and child marriage, and creating safer environments for children.

The Solicitor-General of the Federation, Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, echoed these sentiments, stressing that a comprehensive approach involving all stakeholders is necessary to combat violence against children.

She reiterated the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to prosecuting cases of violence, including crimes against girls who were affected by Boko Haram.

Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, Director of the Administration of Criminal Justice and Reform Department, described the forum as a preparatory step ahead of the global summit in Bogota, Colombia.

She highlighted the determination to shift from merely discussing the issue to taking concrete actions to protect children.

The stakeholders’ forum marks another step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to confront and reduce violence against its children.

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.