By Ibraheem A. Waziri

MashaAllah. As the crescent moon rose to herald Ramadan this year, on this twentieth day of March 2025, a profound stillness has settled over me. The fast silences my body’s clamor, the long nights of prayer elevate my spirit toward the heavens, and my thoughts drift into the boundless expanse of the unseen. This Ramadan, I find myself wrestling with the nature of dimensions—what they signify, how they shape our fleeting lives, and how death might unlock realms beyond our earthly reach. 

The Qur’an unveils glimpses of this mystery: seven heavens layered in divine order, Jannah’s gardens of eternal serenity, Jahannam’s depths watched by stern guardians, and Allah’s timeless, infinite dominion. The number four—etched into our 4D reality and echoed in a hadith debate I explored last week—anchors my reflection, while the nineteen of Surah Al-Muddathir, mirrored in the nineteen letters of *Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim*, stirs my soul. Could death guide us through a cosmic graveyard of stars into these dimensions, as some now ponder in awe?

Let us begin with dimensions as we experience them in this Duniya, this transient abode. We dwell within three spatial dimensions—length, width, and height. A minaret pierces the twilight sky; its shadow stretches wide across the sun-warmed earth, and its foundations sink deep into the soil. Time, the fourth dimension, flows relentlessly forward, a current bearing us from the first whispered adhan of Fajr to the tranquil hush of Isha. 

These four—three of space and one of time—form our 4D reality, a spacetime framework we navigate with every breath and every step we take. Yet science, with its insatiable curiosity, gazes beyond this familiar quartet, proposing extra dimensions—ten, eleven, or perhaps far more—coiled tightly at scales too tiny for our eyes to discern or sprawling across unseen planes our hands cannot grasp. These are not mere directions to wander but subtle layers, bending the forces of gravity, energy, or the very essence of creation in ways that stretch our comprehension.

In 2018, a Northern Nigerian Hausa broadcasting Television Station, Arewa24, in a documentary about space named black hole mutuwaren taurari (Mortuary of Stars), but I preferred mak’abartar taurari—the Graveyard of Stars—as a more evocative term. Here, death is a profound key, a passage to what lies beyond. In this 4D shell, we are tethered—our physical forms bound to the limits of space, our lives measured by the steady march of time. 

The Qur’an, however, assures us that the soul, the ruh, endures beyond this fragile vessel. When we die, might that soul break free, slipping into a fifth dimension, a sixth, or even further—realms where Jannah’s rivers ripple with mercy and Jahannam’s fires blaze with justice, domains veiled from us until Malak al-Mawt, the Angel of Death, carries us across the threshold? 

Physics offers a faint echo of this possibility: higher dimensions might surround us, omnipresent yet inaccessible, hidden behind a veil that only death can part. Some astronomers link each soul to a star wandering the cosmos; when a person dies, their star might collapse into this graveyard, bearing their ruh along. Could this black hole be a portal, a barzakh, where dimensions unfold beyond our sight?

The Qur’an sketches this vastness with strokes of majesty. “He who created seven heavens in layers,” proclaims Surah Al-Mulk (67:3), urging us to reflect on the nature of these layers. Are they celestial skies arching above our world, glowing in the twilight? Or could they be universes, dimensional planes, each distinct yet interconnected, ascending beyond our perception into a hierarchy only Allah fully comprehends? 

Our 4D reality, with its glittering stars and sprawling earth, might be the “lowest heaven,” as Surah As-Saffat (37:6) suggests, with its adorned lights, while six more heavens rise above, reachable only when death turns the lock. Time, too, bends in Allah’s presence—Surah Al-Ma’arij (70:4) likens a day with Him to fifty thousand years of our earthly counting. In these higher dimensions, time might not flow as we know it; it could stretch into an endless horizon, loop upon itself, or fold into an eternal now—a reality death alone might usher us into.

Yet it is the number four that steadies my wandering mind, a pattern I cannot unsee. Just last week, in *The Eternal Quartet: Understanding the Hadith Debate in Northern Nigeria*, I wrote of a debate stirring Northern Nigeria’s Muslim online space—Shaykh Prof. Ibrahim Saeed Ahmad Maqari and Shaykh Prof. Sani Rijiyar Lemo clashing over the degree of certainty in different categories of Hadith rather than dismissing their essence outright. 

I framed the scholars’ dispute through four lenses: reason, belief, doubt, and rejection, a quartet mirrored in Islam’s four legal schools—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali—and four theological paths—Mu’tazila, Ash’ari, Maturidi, Athari. Maqari, with his Ash’ari and Maliki roots, demands the unshakable certainty of Mutawatir hadiths, those narrated by many, while Rijiyar Lemo, grounded in Athari and Salafi trust, upholds authentic Ahad narrations with strong chains, even if from fewer sources. Four emerged as a complete, balanced square: Maqari’s logic seeking widespread proof, Rijiyar Lemo’s faith in vetted tradition, the doubters’ hesitant questions, the rejectors’ outright dismissal. As I dwell in our 4D spacetime, I see it again—four as our foundation, the root from which higher dimensions might grow, a motif threading through faith, nature, and the human heart.

Then comes a piercing verse—Surah Al-Muddathir (74:30): “Alaiha tis‘ata ‘ashar”—“Over it are nineteen.” Nineteen angels guard Jahannam, their number stark and resonant, a mystery that stirs my soul to its core. Are these guardians confined to our 4D frame, or do they stride across dimensions, overseeing a hell that burns beyond our spacetime? This deepens when I count the letters in Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim—ب س م ا ل ل ه ا ل ر ح م ن ا ل ر ح ي م—nineteen in all, the sacred invocation that opens every surah but one. Could this parallel—nineteen angels, nineteen letters—hint at more, perhaps 19 dimensions woven within or alongside the seven heavens? Science freely posits dimensions; string theory suggests ten or eleven, but the Qur’an’s seven and nineteen numbers carry a divine weight. From our 4D base, the seven heavens might rise as broad realms, each enfolding finer layers, totaling 19—a cosmic framework death unveils, where the nineteen serve as eternal watchmen.

Consider the black hole, this mak’abartar taurari. Could it be barzakh, a liminal space bridging dimensions? Does it cradle Jannah’s tranquility or Jahannam’s torment? Some wonder: might the Day of Judgment spring from this starry graveyard, an event science cannot yet name, where fallen stars—and souls—rise into new dimensions? We perceive only four in this Duniya, but black holes might harbor twelve, as some speculate. Add seven for Jahannam’s planes, and we reach 19—four we know, eight in Barzakh’s depths, seven in Saqar’s fire, guarded by nineteen, as Allah declares, “Alaiha tis‘ata ‘ashar”. Last century, scholars like Khalifa Rashad stirred debate with new readings of this verse—could it point to such a cosmic order?

Envision it: our 4D reality as the first heaven, rooted in four—length, width, height, and time. Six more heavens ascend, each a dimensional cluster, totaling 19 with Barzakh and Jahannam’s layers. Surah Fussilat (41:12) says each heaven has its command—unique laws across these planes, from fifth to nineteenth. His Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255) spans them, the nineteen as sentinels in its scope. The Qur’an says the soul’s end wanders in the space between the dimensions of fire (dread) or peace (natsuwa). Death might thrust us through mak’abartar taurari into these 19, where nineteen angels stand guard.

As Taraweeh’s verses wash over me this Ramadan, I feel four and nineteen entwined. If 19 dimensions veil Jannah, Jahannam, or more, might they host others—angels, jinn, beings unseen? Science puzzles at silence; death might unveil a chorus. In sujood, fasting’s clarity sharpens this: the Qur’an bids us marvel. Whether seven heavens hold 19 dimensions via a starry graveyard, death is our key—a mercy cloaked as an end.

Breaking my fast, dates sweet with Jannah’s echo, I feel tethered to this vastness. Our 4D world—fourfold in dimensions and thought—is a breath, a shadow of Allah’s infinite craft. Ramadan 2025 is my pilgrimage—through hunger, hope, and “Alaiha tis‘ata ‘ashar”, mirrored in Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim—toward a reality where death, from our fourfold root, opens the door to seven heavens, nineteen dimensions, and Allah’s eternal truth. Allah Shine masani.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced the automatic employment of 54 indigenes of the state who recently completed their Master’s degrees in India under the state government’s foreign scholarship program.

The governor made the announcement during an Iftar gathering with the returning scholars, emphasizing the government’s commitment to investing in education and strengthening the state’s workforce.

Governor Yusuf urged the graduates to repay the state’s investment by contributing diligently to Kano’s development. He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to providing educational opportunities and employing qualified professionals to enhance governance and public service.

By Anwar Usman

Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan has stated that the suspension of the elected governor, deputy and members of the house of assembly in Rivers State could tarnish the reputation of the country.

The former president made the statement at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday.

“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” he said.

Jonathan, while revealing his stance about the political unrest in Rivers State, said although it is not the norm for former presidents to comment on issues in the polity so as not to heat up the polity, he insisted that the image of the country and how much investments a country attracts is heavily dependent on the actions of the executive, legislature and judiciary of the country.

Jonathan’s comment on the state of emergency came after the Peoples Democratic Party governors contended that the President Bola Tinubu’s actions were unconstitutional and threatened Nigeria’s democratic principles.

He criticized the situation where an individual can dictate to the judiciary, noting that it makes it difficult for anyone to have faith in the judiciary.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has strongly opposed the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and members of the State House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.

It also urged for an immediate reversal of the decision.

In a statement issued by the Forum’s spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the group expressed deep concern over the political unrest in Rivers State, calling it an unwarranted action that does not meet the constitutional requirements for declaring a state of emergency.

The NEF argued that the situation in Rivers State does not meet any of the conditions outlined in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which includes war, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, or clear and present danger.

The group accused the federal government of using the suspension to pursue personal and political interests, rather than to uphold democracy and public order.

The Forum has called on President Tinubu to lift the suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and members of the state assembly to restore democratic governance in the state.

In addition to the developments in Rivers State, the NEF also raised concerns over escalating political tensions in Kano, particularly regarding the traditional institution of the Kano Emirate.

The group warned that unresolved political disputes in Kano could lead to greater instability if not addressed promptly and fairly.

The Northern Elders Forum has urged the federal government to take fair and lasting actions to prevent further political crises and maintain peace and order across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State Government has approved an increment in salaries for both academic and non-academic staff of tertiary institutions in the state.

The adjustment ranges from 25 to 35 percent.

The Commissioner for Information, Comrade Abdullahi Waiya, made this known while addressing journalists on the resolutions of the State Executive Council meeting.

He stated that the revised salary structure, which will take effect in March 2025, is intended to enhance workers’ welfare and strengthen the education sector.

“The academic staff will be receiving a 25 percent increase, while the non-academic staff will benefit from a 35 percent increase,” Waiya said.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to improving education under its State of Emergency on Education policy.

“This decision underscores the determination of the government to improve the conditions of workers and reinforce the education system,” the commissioner added.

Beyond salary adjustments, the council allocated N3.4 billion for several development projects across the state.

“To improve the state’s electrical infrastructure, the council approved N612.4 million for converting external electrical systems to an underground network at Government House and relocating power lines along Ahmadu Bello Way,” Waiya revealed.

He further disclosed that N148.9 million was set aside for road maintenance at the Kano State School of Technology, a project to be handled by the Kano Road Maintenance Agency (KARMA).

“Additionally, N367.9 million was approved as an advance payment for the expansion of Zaria Road, from Silver Jubilee to Dantata & Sawoe main yard,” he added.

The council also allocated N662 million to cater for the feeding of students in boarding schools from the third to the fifth week of the current academic term.

Furthermore, N348 million was approved to clear outstanding electricity bills owed to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) for November and December 2024.In another development, N184 million was approved for the purchase of two ambulances—one for the Government House Clinic and the other for Nuhu Bamalli Maternity Hospital.

In an effort to promote social development, the council endorsed the reopening of the Kiru Reformatory Institute to rehabilitate troubled youths.

Additionally, a new Department for People with Disabilities was created under the Ministry of Women, Children, and Disabled Affairs.

“The government remains committed to policies that promote inclusivity and social welfare. The reopening of the Kiru Reformatory Institute will ensure the rehabilitation and reintegration of troubled youths into society,” Waiya stated.

The commissioner also announced that N100 million was approved for the Nigeria Union of Pensioners to organize its Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Kano.

By Nasiru Ahmad Sadiq

After diving into Muazu Muazu’s lengthy critique of Sanusi Bature, one cannot help but wonder if the writer is misinformed, harboring personal grudges, or perhaps just following orders from some unseen puppet master. His arguments, filled with half-truths and baseless claims, seem to reveal more of his own biases than they do Sanusi Bature’s role as Director of Press at Kano Government House.

Muazu kicks off his piece with tangled metaphors and quickly spirals into a maze of contradictions. He accuses Bature of dropping the ball on Public Relations, yet he also acknowledges Bature’s impressive 19 years of experience in international development, the private sector, and journalism.

So, which is it, Muazu? Is Bature a rookie as you suggest, or a seasoned expert whose accolades – like being named Spokesman of the Year in 2024 – completely undermine your feeble attempts to belittle him?

The most glaring issue with Muazu’s tirade is the absence of solid evidence. He throws around vague claims that Sanusi Bature “speaks recklessly,” “blocks people from seeing the Governor,” and “corners journalists’ allowances,” but he doesn’t back any of it up. Are these accusations based on real investigations, or just the grumblings of disgruntled folks with personal axes to grind?

It is also worth noting that Muazu leans heavily on anonymous sources. Any credible journalist knows that anonymous claims, especially when lacking factual support, do not hold much weight. Without evidence, these allegations are little more than gossip.

Moreover, much as I respect Muazu’s background in communication, it baffles me how he seemingly misunderstand what Public Relations really entails. He criticizes Bature for not being “passionate” or “convincing” enough – these are subjective opinions that cannot be measured. Yet, despite Muazu’s insinuations, Bature has received widespread acclaim for transforming the Public Relations landscape in Kano State, making it more effective and engaging. His professionalism and knack for breaking down complex government policies into something the public can grasp have earned him praise and respect from various circles.

The personal slant in Muazu’s article is hard to overlook. It feels less like an unbiased analysis and more like a targeted attack aimed at damaging the reputation of a man whose success might have upset some people. When a critic hurls accusations without providing context, exaggerates flaws, and overlooks achievements, it makes you wonder: what is really driving this?

Muazu’s closing question – “Is Sanusi Bature appointed by accident?” – is dripping with sarcasm. The only “accident” here appears to be his article; a regrettable mix of half-formed theories, speculative claims, and thinly veiled bitterness. Maybe Muazu should consider channeling his efforts into more constructive discussions instead of trying to undermine accomplished professionals based on rumors.

Ultimately, time will tell. However, it is unlikely that Muazu’s assertions will hold up. Sanusi Bature continues to be a respected figure whose contributions are enhancing Kano State Government’s global image.

Let us hope that any future critiques, if they arise, are based on facts rather than driven by hidden motives. For now, the unfounded nature of this attack is evident to all thoughtful readers.

Nasiru Ahmad Sadiq is a lecturer in English Department, Aminu Kano College of Legal and Islamic Studies and he can be reached via nasirulhaqqi@gmail.com

By Uzair Adam 

Suspended senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio made inappropriate comments about her, including remarks about her waist.  

In an interview with the BBC, she claimed Akpabio would “squeeze my hands in a very suggestive way,” adding, “We women, we know what it means when a man squeezes our hands in a suggestive way.”  

Akpoti recounted an incident where she forgot to wear her ring and was confronted by Akpabio in the presence of other senators.  

“There was a time I forgot to wear my ring because I rushed to work, and there were about five senators there. 

“Akpabio said, ‘Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?’” she said.  

She further alleged that Akpabio made another remark about her body, saying, “Natasha, your husband is really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist.”  

According to Akpoti, other senators laughed at the comments, highlighting how such issues are often overlooked in Nigeria.  

“I just want a place where I would just work. I thought the worst was over, but I guess for a woman, it’s never really over, right?” she said.  

Akpoti was suspended by the Senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct and unruly behavior” following a confrontation with Akpabio over seating arrangements. 

The suspension came just a day after she submitted a petition accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment.  

However, the Senate has insisted that her suspension was unrelated to the petition.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Following a prolonged silence and social media appeals urging NNPP chieftain and former governor of Kano State, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, to address the ongoing political situation in Nigeria, Kwankwaso issued a statement to the press through his social media accounts.

Kwankwaso strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The proclamation includes the suspension of Governor Similayi Fubara and all elected state legislators, a move Kwankwaso deems unconstitutional and dangerous for Nigeria’s democracy.

Reflecting on past political lessons, he expressed concern over the National Assembly’s rapid ratification of the president’s decision, calling it a deviation from proper legislative procedures. “This 10th Assembly has become more rubberstamp than any of its predecessors,” he stated.

Kwankwaso also condemned the involvement of military leadership in a civilian power structure, warning that such actions could lead to chaos and erode public trust in democratic institutions. He emphasized the risks of permitting military influence over civilian governance, recalling the need to keep military forces away from political power.

As the situation unfolds, the implications for democracy in Rivers State and across Nigeria remain uncertain, highlighting the necessity for political and judicial bodies to uphold the rule of law.

By Uzair Adam

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has assured corps members that the new monthly allowance of N77,000 will take effect starting in March 2025.

He gave the assurance during an interactive session with corps members at the Wuse and Garki NYSC Zonal Offices in Abuja, reaffirming the commitment of both the NYSC and the Federal Government to their welfare.

The development follows months of anticipation after the NYSC announced an increase in the allowance from N33,000 to N77,000, in line with the new minimum wage of N70,000 approved by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024.

The last increment was in 2019 when the allowance was raised to N33,000 after a review of the minimum wage to N30,000.

According to a statement signed by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the approval for the new allowance was conveyed in a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, dated September 25, 2024, and signed by its Chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta.

Brigadier General Nafiu emphasized that the well-being of corps members remains a priority, urging them to remain calm, dedicated, and disciplined in their service to the nation.

“With effect from March, you are going to receive the sum of Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira as your monthly allowance. NYSC is good at record-keeping, and I can assure you that your money will be paid. The nation and the Scheme appreciate you,” he stated.

He also praised the vision of NYSC’s founding fathers, describing the scheme as a vital institution fostering national unity by exposing graduates to diverse cultures across Nigeria.

He assured corps members that NYSC management would continue to instill values such as patriotism, discipline, leadership, and teamwork.

Speaking on behalf of her colleagues at the Garki Zone, Corps Member Zaka Deborah Alheri (FC/24A/5831) expressed gratitude to the Director General for his commitment to ensuring the timely payment of their increased allowance.

By Anas Abbas

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced a series of significant appointments and promotions aimed at bolstering governance and improving service delivery within the state.

The appointments were detailed in a statement released by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday.

Among the notable appointments is Architect Hauwa Hassan Tudun Wada, who has been named the new Managing Director of the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA).

A distinguished Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and Vice Chairperson of Female Architects in Nigeria, Hauwa brings extensive experience from her previous role as a Professional Architect at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

She holds degrees in Architecture from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and is recognized as one of the first female architects to excel in Kano.

In another key appointment, Mustapha Muhammad has been designated as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor. With over 20 years of experience in journalism, including a prior position as a Senior Broadcaster at the BBC, Mustapha holds both BSc and MSc degrees in Mass Communication and is currently pursuing a PhD in the field.

In addition to these appointments, two senior officials have been promoted. Zulaihat Yusuf Aji has been elevated to Deputy Managing Director of Radio Kano, having previously served as Senior Special Assistant on Broadcast (1) at the Media and Public Relations Directorate.

Engineer Abduljabbar Nanono has also been promoted to Deputy Managing Director of KHEDCO and has served as Senior Special Assistant on Renewable Energy.

Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf’s latest appointments and promotions have taken effect immediately, demonstrating his dedication to building a more efficient, inclusive, and results-driven administration