By Uzair Adam

The Senate has officially confirmed Professor Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan as the substantive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

His confirmation on Thursday followed President Bola Tinubu’s nomination, which was submitted to the Senate in August 2024.

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Senator Abubakar Bello (APC Niger North), presented its report to the Red Chamber, affirming Pakistan’s suitability for the position.

Bello, a former governor of Niger State, highlighted Pakistan’s qualifications and his vast experience in Hajj operations.

After a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Pakistan’s nomination was confirmed with the overwhelming support of lawmakers.

Professor Pakistan previously served as the Chairman of the Kano State Pilgrim’s Board, where he managed the largest contingent of pilgrims in Nigeria.

President Tinubu had formally nominated Pakistan for the role on August 19, 2024, through a statement by his former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, before transmitting the nomination to the Senate.

By Uzair Adam

A Kano State High Court has once again issued an order preventing the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, from carrying out renovations to the Nassarawa Mini Palace.

The legal action was initiated by the Kano State Government, the Attorney-General of Kano, and the Kano Emirate Council, who filed a motion through their counsel, Rilwanu Umar SAN, on September 12.

They requested the court to stop Ado-Bayero from making any changes to the palace located along State Road in Kano.

In her ruling, Justice Dije Abdu-Aboki, the Chief Judge of Kano State, found the applicants’ request valid, noting that the Emir had neither submitted a counter affidavit nor provided a written defense.

Abdu-Aboki referred the case to High Court 15 for further proceedings.

During the session, counsel for the applicants argued that Bayero had been removed from his position by the Kano State Emirate Council Repeal Law of 2024.

Despite being served on September 14, the respondent had not filed a response or appeared before the court.

The applicants also requested that the court declare the Nassarawa Mini Palace as the property of the Kano State Government and the Kano Emirate Council, not the personal property of Ado-Bayero.

Previously, on September 13, the court issued an Interim Injunction, preventing the Emir and his representatives from demolishing, renovating, or making any alterations to the palace until the case is resolved.

The court ordered that the status quo regarding the palace’s structure and design be maintained during the legal process.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has congratulated Professor Ibrahim Hassan Garba on his appointment as the new Vice-Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.

Prof. Garba hails from Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State. His appointment, which takes effect from today, October 10, 2024, was approved by the ATBU Council at its 30th Special Meeting on October 9, 2024.

Reacting to the development, Governor Inuwa Yahaya praised Prof. Garba’s exceptional career and his commitment to academic excellence.

“We are proud of this illustrious son of Gombe whose elevation to this prestigious office brings honour not only to him but to our entire state. His wealth of experience and academic leadership will undoubtedly steer ATBU towards greater achievements, particularly in promoting innovative research, academic excellence, and international collaborations. We are confident that under his stewardship, ATBU will continue to be a citadel of knowledge and innovation in Nigeria and beyond”.

The Governor also assured the new Vice Chancellor of the solidarity and goodwill of the people of Gombe State, expressing confidence that Prof. Garba’s tenure will bring positive changes to the university and strengthen its reputation as a leading institution of learning in Nigeria.

Prof. Garba, a 1992 graduate of the University of Maiduguri and a renowned professor of biochemistry, has held various key positions at ATBU, including serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) on two occasions, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union, and most recently as the Center Leader of the ATBU-World Bank collaborative program, SPESSE.

By Uzair Adam

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja heard testimony from Abubakar Kweido, the first prosecution witness (PW1), in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman.

Kweido testified that Mamman allegedly used funds from the Mambilla Hydro project account to purchase properties in Abuja.

According to Solacebase, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Mamman with 12 counts of conspiracy and money laundering involving N33.8 billion.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, Kweido, an EFCC operative, stated that funds released to the former minister were traced to properties in Kado Estate and Wuse 2, Abuja.

Kweido also revealed that the investigation findings were presented to Mamman, who denied any connection to the properties.

Mamman claimed that his personal assistant, Maisbahu Idris, was responsible for receiving funds from the Mambilla project accountant and distributing them among ministry staff.

Further investigation led to a search of Mamman’s residence, where foreign currency and corporate documents belonging to Abangus Nig. Ltd, a company allegedly used to facilitate the diversion of funds, were discovered.

Payment vouchers and cash recovered at the former minister’s residence were admitted as evidence.

The trial will resume on October 23, 2024, before Justice James Omotosho.

By Zainab Abubakar Abba

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized many aspects of our lives, from healthcare and finance to transportation and education.

As AI systems become increasingly sophisticated, the ethical implications of their development and deployment have sparked intense debate.

The ethics of AI are complex and multifaceted, raising fundamental questions about the nature of intelligence, autonomy, and human responsibility.

One of the primary concerns surrounding AI is its potential impact on human agency. As machines assume tasks traditionally performed by humans, there is a risk that individuals will become increasingly dependent on technology, relinquishing control over critical decision-making processes. This could lead to a loss of autonomy, as humans become relegated to secondary roles, with AI systems dictating the terms of our interactions.

Furthermore, AI systems are only as unbiased as the data used to train them. If this data is tainted by existing societal prejudices, AI will perpetuate and amplify these inequalities, exacerbating issues such as racial and gender discrimination.

For instance, facial recognition algorithms have been shown to exhibit racial biases, misidentifying individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Similarly, AI-powered hiring tools have been found to favor male candidates over female ones.

Another critical issue is accountability. As AI systems assume greater autonomy, it becomes increasingly challenging to assign responsibility for their actions. In the event of an AI-related accident or malfunction, who bears the blame: the developer, the user, or the machine itself? This ambiguity undermines the principles of moral accountability, creating a regulatory vacuum that must be addressed.

The potential consequences of advanced AI are equally unsettling. The prospect of superintelligent machines capable of surpassing human intelligence raises existential questions about humanity’s future. Will these machines prioritize human well-being, or will they pursue goals inimical to our interests? The lack of clarity surrounding AI’s long-term goals and motivations necessitates cautious consideration.

To mitigate these risks, developers and policymakers must prioritize transparency, explainability, and accountability in AI development. This involves implementing rigorous testing protocols, ensuring diversity in training data sets, and establishing clear guidelines for AI decision-making.

Moreover, ongoing dialog between stakeholders—including developers, ethicists, policymakers, and the public—is essential for fostering a shared understanding of AI’s ethical implications.

Ultimately, the ethics of artificial intelligence are inextricably linked to our collective values and aspirations. As we navigate this uncharted territory, we must recognize that AI is not a neutral entity but a reflection of our own biases, strengths, and weaknesses. By acknowledging these complexities and engaging in thoughtful deliberation, we can harness AI’s transformative potential while safeguarding human dignity and agency.

Zainab Abubakar Abba wrote from Bayero University, Kano, via zainababba19@yahoo.com.

By Uzair Adam

Former US President Barack Obama has joined Kamala Harris’s campaign, rallying support in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state, as the 2024 presidential election approaches.

Obama is set to appear in Pittsburgh, encouraging early voting by mail or in-person as Harris faces a tough battle against Republican candidate Donald Trump.

Trump, who campaigned in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Detroit, Michigan, this week, criticized Harris’s economic policies while emphasizing energy independence.

Harris will campaign in Nevada next, targeting Latino voters, while monitoring the impact of Hurricane Milton, which hit Florida.

Obama, seen as a key figure in energizing Black and young voters, will campaign for Harris in seven battleground states, where the election could be decided.

His message focuses on the importance of early voting, a practice traditionally favored by Democrats.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has stated that it should not be blamed for the recent surge in petrol prices.

On Wednesday, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) increased the pump price of fuel, with Abuja seeing a jump from N897 to N1,030 per litre, Lagos from N855 to N998, the North-East to N1,070, the South-West to N1,025, the South-East to N1,045, and the South-South to N1,075.

This price hike has sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene and reverse the increase.

Speaking to Daily Trust, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, clarified that the NNPCL’s decision was not directed by the government.

He explained that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) prevents the government from setting prices for petroleum products, making the NNPCL’s decision a response to the prevailing energy market conditions.

Idris further noted that since the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, the NNPCL had been bearing the cost of keeping prices stable but could no longer continue to absorb such losses.

“The price fluctuation is driven by several factors, including the crisis in the Middle East, which has caused global volatility in petroleum markets.”

“As a limited liability company, the NNPCL cannot sustain operating at a loss,” the minister said.

He appealed to Nigerians for patience and understanding, assuring that the government remains committed to investing the savings from subsidy removal into sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security.

The minister also highlighted that the government’s investment in compressed natural gas (CNG) would help reduce the burden of rising fuel costs as more operators enter the industry.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The People’s Democratic party (PDP) chairmanship aspirant for Jos North, Hon. John Christopher Kyohroh has commended the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) for peaceful conduct of elections in Plateau State.

He made this statement at his polling unit -012, Area Directorate Office, Ministry of Education, Vanderpuye ward, in Jos North local Government Area of the state.

Kyohroh said although many hours were spent waiting for the voters verification system device to pick up but to no avail, the technical hitch should be expected because of the new technology introduced in the electoral process, saying it will be improved with time.

He described the effort of PLASIEC as a giant stride, adding that the process will be successful at the end of the day.

The chairmanship aspirant cast his vote using the manual process due to the hitches experienced on the voter verification system device.

He urged the people to come out and exercise their right by voting for the candidate of their choice.

By Fatimat Ibrahim Abedoh,

In 2022, Crystal Asige, a visually impaired woman, was nominated to the 4th Senate in Kenya’s 13th Parliament to represent people with disabilities and special interest groups. Picked by the Orange Democratic Party (ODM), she was sworn in alongside 66 other Senators on September 8, 2022. 

Despite her disability, Asige was seen for her potential and allowed to thrive, becoming a role model for many in similar circumstances. She has been excelling ever since. In contrast, Nigeria has a significant population of about 35 million people with disabilities, yet they are still mistreated, shunned, and disregarded. 

No public space, transit system, or infrastructure in Nigeria is designed with PWDs in mind, reflecting the height of their struggles. It is no secret that life in Nigeria is challenging, but for PWDs, it is twice as difficult.

PWDs in Nigeria face numerous challenges and barriers to full inclusion and participation in society, issues that are not discussed enough. Individuals, private organisations, and public institutions are often unwelcoming, making it difficult for PWDs to thrive in all aspects of life. 

This lack of accessibility constrains their potential and strips them of the platform to live and contribute meaningfully to society—whether in education, politics, employment, or social activities.

Their fundamental human rights are severely violated, as being disabled often equates to being treated as less than human. This is why many PWDs resort to begging for survival. But they need more than a pity party; they deserve respect and inclusion.

Recently, a PWD faced discrimination at an eatery. Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, recounted his humiliating experience at the KFC outlet in the Murtala Muhammed Airport via his X handle (@DebolaDaniel). A wheelchair user, Daniel described the incident as the worst public humiliation he had ever faced. 

He explained that due to the out-of-service lift to the airport lounge, he decided to wait at the KFC outlet with his wife and three brothers. However, this simple choice turned into a “colossal mistake,” as he put it.

His tweets partly read: “Being disabled often rolls over my spirit, leaving behind a trail of shattered dignity and forgotten humanity. Nowhere more so than in Nigeria. To be disabled in Nigeria is to be undesirable, unwelcome, and unaccepted… Today, I faced the worst sort of public humiliation that I have ever experienced. To think that this happened at an international brand, KFC, at an international airport – Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos – is unthinkable.”

Daniel’s case gained public attention, mainly because of his family background, prompting the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to shut down the outlet and demand an apology. But what about the millions of other PWDs who have faced similar or worse situations? Who listens to them, and who takes action on their behalf?

Since Asige entered the Senate in Kenya, she has been able to sponsor three bills that the Kenyan government has enforced, all tailored to the interests and welfare of persons with disabilities. These are the Persons with Disabilities Bill 2023, the Kenyan Sign Language Bill 2023, and the Startup Bill 2022. 

She continues to work in the interest of Kenyan youths and those across Africa. In Nigeria, former President Muhammadu Buhari passed the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act into law in 2018. Yet, six years later, it has not been fully implemented.

Adequate funding for education, assistive technology, and other essential resources for PWDs is urgently needed. Nigeria practices representative democracy, and PWDs deserve to be heard, seen and listened to. They need representation in the Senate or the House of Representatives to amplify their voices. 

PWDs are capable of much more than their disabilities, and no one can represent them better than one of their own.

Fatimat Ibrahim Abedoh is a fellow at PR Nigeria’s Young Communication Fellowship.

By Habibu Bawa 

Banditry is fast becoming a household name in Nigeria. The  Northwest and parts of north-central Nigeria have been the worst hit since 2012.

Fast forward, bandits have attacked numerous communities across Nigeria, destroying a lot of homes, farms, and markets, killing and kidnapping in schools and highways, which made life unbearable for rural and semi-urban communities. 

According to Ibrahim Dosara, former Commissioner of Information in Zamfara State, between 2011 and 2019, bandits killed at least 2,619 people, kidnapped 1,190, and maimed and displaced hundreds of thousands in Zamfara State alone.

Many describe these attacks as an escalation of farmer-herder conflicts, ethno-religious crises, or a result of population pressure and climate change, which made former President Muhammadu Buhari propose 10,000 hectares per state for rural grazing areas, although unsuccessful, and President Tinubu’s Ministry for Livestock Development.

While past and current governments have made efforts to address banditry, little has been done to support the victims or tackle the root causes of the issue. For successful disease control, the pathogens, vectors, and symptoms have to be addressed while measures are taken to boost the immune system.

For example, the government often mobilises troops, which is usually announced and broadcasted after media reports of bandit attacks. Meanwhile, victims are left to languish in IDP camps. This situation is akin to guarding stables after the horses have escaped.

After each attack, the once agrarian victims battle scanty food, inadequate water supply, and diseases, while some state governments grant amnesty to bandits, leaving victims with only empty promises to rebuild their lives.

Nigeria has helped several other African countries in peacebuilding and peacekeeping, which proves Nigeria’s ability to curtail whatever crisis may arise internally. Thus, banditry is not beyond its control, but success requires sincerity of purpose and decisive actions.

First, the government should use every available means to block arms and ransoms from bandits, as ransom fuels banditry while firearms drive it. A 2019 research by Beacon Consults found over 6 million firearms in circulation in Nigeria, with only one-tenth in the hands of federal security agents. Communities should be educated on the effects of ransom, and severe punishments should be imposed on those who pay ransom.

Secondly, victims should be allowed to exercise their natural right to self-defence, and any funds earmarked for negotiating with bandits should be redirected toward rebuilding the lives and communities of the victims.

Lastly, the government should identify and eliminate bandit sponsors, sympathisers, negotiators, informants, trainers, and advisers. This will hinder the bandits’ ability to recruit, escape, re-strategize, or ethnicise their atrocities.

To end banditry, bandits must be treated as terrorists. Banditry is the greatest threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty today. The military should be well-equipped and deployed to take decisive action. A repentant bandit is one who has joined his ancestors.

Habibu Bawa is a fellow of the PR Nigeria Young Communication Fellowship.