By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has condoled with the family of the late Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dr. Idris Abdulaziz Dutsen Tanshi, describing his death as a great loss to the state.

During a visit to the bereaved family, Governor Mohammed praised the late cleric as a courageous preacher dedicated to Islamic teachings, justice, and the rule of law.

He prayed for Allah’s mercy on the deceased and strength for the family.

In a goodwill gesture, the governor promised to restore the Games Village Eid Prayer Ground, a request long made by the late Sheikh.

He also expressed forgiveness for past disagreements.

Family representatives, Malam Yau and Alhaji Shehu Barau Ningi, thanked the governor for his visit and support, stressing the significance of the Eid ground to the Muslim community.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

I strongly disapprove of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s betrayal of his political godfather. Fubara entered the political arena without established structures, financial resources, or widespread recognition; he was relatively unknown. 

Former Governor Nyesom Wike provided him with the platform, support, and influence that ultimately led to his rise as governor. Yet, despite this, Fubara has turned against the very person who paved the way for his political ascent. 

Both sides should share the blame for not shifting grounds. The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State came at a critical time to address rising insecurity and unrest that threatened to spiral out of control. Left unchecked, the situation could have led to a resurgence of militancy and severely disrupted oil exploration activities, which are vital to both the state and national economy. 

Beyond the economic implications, the deteriorating security situation also risks derailing governance and has somehow ‘assisted’ Governor Fubara in escaping impeachment. President Tinubu may justify his decision—he has access to security intelligence and reports that the general public does not.

However, although addressing security concerns is essential, suspending an elected governor and members of the state assembly is not only unconstitutional but also sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy. This issue goes beyond the 2027 elections; it strikes at the heart of democratic governance and the principle of electoral legitimacy. 

Our democracy has matured to a point where a sitting governor can be removed only through due process, as outlined in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). If we are not careful, one day—God forbid—a president or his allies could create chaos in a state simply to justify declaring a state of emergency and unseating an elected governor for political gain. Such actions would undermine democracy and erode public trust in the electoral process. They pose a danger to our future. 

The Rivers state or any political conflicts should be resolved within the framework of the law, not through forceful interventions that threaten democratic stability.

The key actors in Rivers State must set aside their personal and political grievances to prioritize reconciliation. Prolonged instability is unacceptable, as it harms the people, governance, and economic progress. A peaceful resolution is the only path forward.

An elected Governor’s mandate is sacrosanct and must be respected. He is the top citizen in the subnational.

 Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigeria Police Force has invited the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, for an investigative meeting regarding a Sallah Day incident linked to a traditional procession.

The Daily Reality reports that on Sunday, March 30, 2025, the Kano State Police Command arrested 20-year-old Usman Sagiru of Sharifai Quarters in connection with the alleged attack and killing of vigilante members during the Emir’s entourage after Eid prayers.

Following the development, the police also invited Shamakin Kano, Alhaji Wada Isyaku, for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation.

A letter dated April 4, 2025, and signed by the Commissioner of Police (Operations), CP Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, indicated that the invitation was issued on the directive of the Inspector General of Police. 

The Emir is expected to appear at the Force Intelligence Department headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, by 10:00 a.m.

Prior to the Sallah festivities, security agencies had imposed a restriction on durbar activities, citing security concerns. 

However, Emir Sanusi reportedly proceeded with the traditional processions, including the Hawan Nasarawa and a visit to the Government House, drawing large crowds and widespread media attention.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has called for the extension of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program from one year to two years.

The proposal aims to expand the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training to better equip corps members for self-employment.

Dr. Alausa made the suggestion on Friday during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, in Abuja.

He commended the NYSC for its digital reforms, which have helped reduce certificate fraud among foreign-trained graduates, particularly from West Africa.

The minister also addressed concerns over OND part-time graduates with full-time HND degrees who were previously exempted from national service, urging a review of the policy.

In response, the NYSC DG praised Dr. Alausa’s leadership in the education sector and proposed the creation of a database for Nigerian students pursuing degrees abroad to enhance monitoring and policy planning.

The call for an extended service period aligns with the government’s push to tackle unemployment by fostering entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s security strategy, labeling it a failure as violent killings continue unchecked across Nigeria.

In a statement on Friday, Atiku expressed dismay over the frequent attacks, including the latest killings in Plateau State, which he said have become so common they no longer dominate headlines.

“The failure of Tinubu’s security architecture has turned into a nationwide crisis, with repeated massacres going unnoticed,” he said.

Atiku urged the president to urgently restructure the country’s security framework to better protect citizens, warning that Nigerians are becoming numb to the bloodshed.

“My condolences to the victims in Bokkos, Plateau State. The government must act now,” he added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kaduna State Police Command has clarified a social media post that has stirred controversy, which was allegedly made by one Hadaina Hussaini (Dan-taki).

The post, which has circulated widely on Facebook, carried the alarming message: “Kaduna Police Officer Threatens Retaliation Against Southerners in Uromi Killings.”

In response to the post, the police have stated that Hussaini is neither an active member of the Nigeria Police Force nor a current staff of the Kaduna State Police Command.

They further clarified that the individual in question was previously part of the Police Special Constabulary (PSC), a voluntary policing unit, but was dismissed two years ago due to concerns regarding his character.

The police noted that the uniform depicted in the images circulating on social media, which showed Hussaini in police attire, is a Police Special Constabulary uniform, as indicated by the “PSC/KD” label on the identity card.

These photos were taken prior to his dismissal.

Hussaini has been arrested, and investigations are underway.

Upon completion of preliminary investigations, he will face charges in court for his actions. The police stressed that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to maintaining law and order and will not tolerate any form of incitement or hate speech.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabi’u Muhammad, has called on the public to remain calm and to report any similar incidents to the authorities.

By Sa’id Sa’ad

“Silence is really golden. For many years, I have respected you as a great actress, but after listening to you speak for once, I lost all respect for you. Silence is, indeed, golden.” 

These were the exact words shared by a fan after watching one of the popular Kannywood actresses’ podcasts.

Recently, a podcast went viral in which four Kannywood actresses sat, warming their chairs, sharing opinions about relationships. While many criticise the podcast, I find myself wondering just how ‘golden silence really is.’

From Talk with Feezy by northern Nigerian artist Feezy to the highly criticised The Social Spotlight by Kannywood actress Nafisa Abdullahi, podcasts are slowly becoming the North’s new thing. Famous faces with thousands of followers are tapping into this audio-visual world and, irrespective of the content, are reaching a wide audience thanks to their massive followings.

Podcasting is the new cool in the North. Content creators, entertainers, film producers, actors, actresses and wannabe influencers are all jumping on this new wave. Everyone’s got something to say. But the unifying factor is they are all saying it in Hausa. This not only makes it content by creators from northern Nigeria but also for northern Nigeria and the broader Hausa-speaking population.

Now, let’s not be mistaken. Podcasting isn’t exactly new. Like most things, it just arrived in the North late. Young audiences are now tuning in, eager to consume original opinions from faces they admire beneath the thousands of Instagram followers. 

But here comes the twist. While popular faces trend with podcasts that often miss the mark, there’s a whole storm of lesser-known creators. Just as hungry. Just as passionate. Diving into podcasting, hoping to go viral. Few get it right. Many get it wrong, and most are just aiming to create controversy. 

It’s great that young creators are speaking up. It’s refreshing to see new northern voices adding their two cents to conversations about relationships, religion, family, entertainment, and society. But even at that, when done poorly, this new podcast culture is more dangerous than beneficial. 

I’m an avid fan of vodcasts, particularly those produced by Nigerians. I also strongly support consuming content from Northern Nigeria. However, just because it’s from the North doesn’t mean our standards should be low. We owe it to ourselves to demand quality.

Upon close observation, it’s clear that many of these podcasts bring ‘more face’ and ‘less value.’ In the first few minutes of an episode, you can already tell the host isn’t fully prepared. They ramble. They say empty phrases. And you’re left wondering: What am I supposed to take away from this? These podcasts often fail to provide value, and let me remind you, that’s the very foundation of podcasting: Value.

It’s a strange thing. Really. The lights are bright, the makeup is on point, and the guests are ready. The studio setup is perfect. Yet, after all that effort, the conversation feels empty. It leaves you craving more, but in a bad way.

This reflects the current trend in both public and private Hausa-speaking media, where a designated show for Kannywood stars is often featured. These shows rarely extend beyond inviting the stars for views and likes, failing to address the critical questions of why these shows exist in the first place.

But this isn’t just happening among famous creators. A new wave of young creators has emerged; unfortunately, many of them, without doing their homework, are merely copying the same format used by the stars, eager to replicate the same model: 

Create podcast → Talk carelessly → Create controversy → Get views and likes.

While this model keeps some people in the limelight, it doesn’t do the North any favours. It’s as if we’re holding a mirror to the region’s weaknesses and saying, ‘Here, look at us, this is what we’ve got.’ It’s reinforcing the negative stereotype that we can’t produce quality. 

Whether we like it or not, the digital presence of these creators who act as our representatives shapes how the world perceives us.

But let’s not ignore the few non-popular creators producing quality content in Hausa for the region. Many of these are tech-driven podcasts that, although still growing, offer substantial value. Unfortunately, these high-quality contributions are often overshadowed by the more glamorous but shallow content produced by popular stars or emergent ones desperate to trend. 

The question we must ask ourselves is: Which popular Hausa-speaking podcast from northern Nigeria truly offers real value to its audience? How much of the value is visible? Is the content truly for the audience or just for the producers? What narratives are being sold, and can we, in terms of quality, truly compete with podcasts from other regions in the country?

Until we get it right and have the right people behind the mics, with the right knowledge and intentions, these creators will continue to podcast about northern Nigeria’s weaknesses for likes. The unfortunate truth is that this will only serve to bury our efforts to challenge negative stereotypes six feet under. 

Ultimately, every creator has the right to produce what they want. In this case, the power is in the hands of the audience. 

You and I decide what should be popular.

Sa’id Sa’ad is a Nigerian writer and journalist currently residing in Germany. He is the author of the podcast-play “Gangare”. He won the Peace Panel Short Story Prize in 2018 and the NFC Essay Prize that same year. He presently works with the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to renowned Islamic scholar, Dr Idris Abdulaziz Dutsen Tanshi, who died in the early hours of Friday at the age of 68.

In his condolence message, President Tinubu described the late cleric as a dedicated teacher of Islamic principles who shaped the lives of millions of young people and devout Muslims.

He acknowledged Dr Abdulaziz’s role in resisting the growth of violent extremism, particularly during the early stages of the Boko Haram crisis.

“The cleric contributed to moulding millions of youths and other Muslim faithful on the tenets of Islam,” he noted.

The President also praised the late scholar’s strong voice in calling for discipline and honesty within the society.

“The Muslim faithful would greatly miss the cleric’s trenchant voice, calling for moral rectitude and probity,” he added.

President Tinubu prayed for Dr Abdulaziz’s soul and urged his family and followers to take comfort in the scholar’s enduring legacy.

By Senator Shehu Sani

We live in a society where men of conscience and honour are better understood and appreciated when they are long gone or lost. Dr Idris Abdul-Aziz Dutsen Tanshi was a restless soul who spoke the inconvenient truth and walked alone in his paths and trenches. He cast the light of knowledge on the grey and dark spaces of our political and spiritual clime.

Dr Idris was a courageous man who lived an accomplished life of service to the human spirit. His voice was discomforting to the powers and the establishment. He audaciously spared no one in his sermons for equity and justice.

He was a one-man battalion and an exceptional commander of the faithful. His words were as sharp as a blade, piercing like a spear. He challenged a society complacent with injustice, keeping the leaders alert and his fellow Imams on their toes.

He was a man whose spirit was strengthened by his incarceration. He remained unbowed in the face of persecution. He could thank those who came to identify with him during his moments of trial, but he warned them against pleading for his freedom. He raised the torch and became the compass for objection and resistance. He was a non-conformist in the pursuit of the truth enshrined in his faith.

He was a dogged and distinguished spiritual combatant who used the powers of religious knowledge to question and challenge authority. He fought chains of battles within and without the realm of his mission and never surrendered. In life,he was largely misunderstood, and in death, he is well appreciated.

Dr Idris bowed out with dignity and grace. The nation has lost an irrepressible soul and indomitable spirit.

May his soul rest in Aljanna Firdausi, amin.

By Muhammad Ibrahim

U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a new immigration initiative dubbed the “Gold Card” — a $5 million visa program designed to grant wealthy foreign investors permanent residency in the United States.

The gold-coloured card, which Trump called the “Trump Card,” offers a fast-tracked route to U.S. citizenship in exchange for a $5 million investment. 

The new program is set to replace the existing EB-5 visa, streamlining the process and reducing the waiting period to less than two weeks.

Announcing the launch, Trump declared himself the first official buyer of the Gold Card and expressed optimism that the initiative would attract “wonderful, world-class global citizens” to the United States.

Details regarding eligibility criteria, investment channels, and oversight mechanisms are expected to be released in the coming weeks.