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 Uzair Adam

The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended four notorious kidnappers in Abuja, acting on credible intelligence.

The suspects, identified as Yau Sani, also known as Baba (an ex-convict), Nuhu, alias Giwa, Kabiru Mohammed, and Yusuf Hassan, were arrested at their hideout in Sauka, Abuja.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the suspects had been living among the general population and confessed to being involved in a series of kidnappings in the FCT and neighboring areas.

The Daily Reality gathered that the gang’s activities had resulted in the deaths of seven victims.

The suspects also led the police to another hideout in Gauraka Forest, Suleja, Niger State, where officers recovered a significant cache of arms, including four AK-47 rifles, thirteen magazines, and 162 rounds of live ammunition.

The group had previously attacked areas such as Dakwa, Dawaki, Aco Estate, and villages in Niger and Kaduna States.

They also admitted to planning future attacks on government institutions and estates in Abuja, which were successfully foiled by the police.

The FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling crime in the region and urged residents to report any suspicious activities through provided emergency numbers.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State, Isa Rabiu, has asked former governor Nasir El-Rufai to be patient and allow a proper investigation to be conducted into his eight years administration in the state.

The PDP chieftain was reacting to El-Rufai’s claim that he did not steal public money during his time as Kaduna governor.El-Rufai had said he is ready to swear with the Holy Quran to prove his innocence.

Reacting to El-Rufai’s assertion, Rabiu said, “Former governor El-Rufai should wait patiently for the final investigation before uttering anything against his predecessors or swearing with the Quran on what transpired during the eight years of his administration in Kaduna State.”

Rabiu observed that the same El-Rufai ‘arranged’ a petition against former governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, following which the Makarfi administration was investigated.

He added, “To be honest, from all indications, El-Rufai lacks discipline, self control and focus to do the right thing than swearing with holy Quran. The same El-Rufai ran away to a foreign country during the regime of late President Yar’Adua and only came back when the President died in 2010 and started making unnecessary utterances against the late President Yar’Adua.”

He called on the Kaduna State government, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and related offences Commission, ICPC, to investigate the former governor with a view to recovering what was stolen from the state during his tenure.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has revealed that N4.7 billion is being deducted from the state government’s federal allocation each month to pay off debts he inherited. 

He said, “In Kaduna, we are paying N4.7 billion in debt every month; go and check and see our allocation. You will agree with me that we started paying this debt in June 2023. Currently, what we are receiving is about N8 billion, while we should be receiving around N12 billion compared to what other states are getting within Northern Nigeria. 

“We are trying our best to manage what we have. Yes, I agree with you that governance is about reducing costs. Since I became governor, I have maintained that we have not purchased a single vehicle for anyone—whether myself, the Deputy Governor, or my commissioners. We have also reduced the performance bonuses and salaries of our commissioners and the Deputy Governor. Today, I am only receiving half of my salary because we have to make sacrifices, considering the challenges we face. 

“People may ask about our IGR (Internally Generated Revenue). Our IGR account is with Zenith Bank; you can check it. Every month, Zenith Bank deducts about N800 million at source because I inherited that debt.” 

By Uzair Adam

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Kano State Government, demanding that their grievances be addressed or face an imminent strike.

This decision was reached during a meeting of the State Administrative Council, following the government’s failure to resolve issues previously raised in multiple correspondences.

In a letter signed by NANNM’s acting State Secretary and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Ahmad Hamzat Sharada, and addressed to the Kano State Head of Civil Service, the association warned that nurses and midwives across clinical facilities and training institutions in the state would withdraw their services after the notice expires on October 16, 2024.

The letter outlined key demands, including the payment of a revised hazard allowance for nurses, harmonization of their service scheme, and the payment of a 259% upward review of the CONHESS salary structure.

This development follows a similar ultimatum by the National Association of Government General and Medical Dental Practitioners, which began an indefinite strike on October 1, 2024, due to the government’s failure to meet its previous agreements.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Army reported yesterday that its troops have successfully carried out a series of impactful operations, significantly weakening terrorist groups and neutralizing several high-profile fighters.

These actions led to the recovery of dangerous weapons, including rocket bombs and a large stockpile of ammunition.

According to a statement from the Army headquarters, “These operations have further restricted the enemies’ ability to move freely across the country.”

On September 29, 2024, a major raid was launched on Boko Haram/ISWAP hideouts in Ajiri and Mastari villages, located in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

The troops, using superior firepower, eliminated four notorious fighters. A thorough search of the area uncovered two Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs, two AK-47 magazines, 28 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62x54mm light machine gun ammunition, and a light machine gun barrel.

Additionally, at Banki Junction in Bama Local Government, troops neutralized another terrorist.

In Plateau State, acting on accurate intelligence, troops raided a location in the forested mountains of Panyam and captured two notorious kidnappers, Isah Abdullahi (24) and Mujahid Musa (23), who had been involved in several violent attacks on villages in Mangu Local Government Area.

Items recovered during the operation included two motorcycles, three mobile phones, and other items of interest.

In a related mission, troops arrested a notorious arms dealer, Kabiru Zaki, in Bukuru town of Jos South Local Government Area, along with a suspect linked to a recent murder in Brazongo village, Bassa Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, in southeastern Nigeria, troops clashed with IPOB/ESN militants in a fierce gunfight in Lilu, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State, after the militants attempted an ambush using an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

Overwhelmed by the Army’s superior firepower, the militants fled into nearby forests, leaving behind a Closed Circuit Camera and IED components.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu is set to leave Abuja on Wednesday, October 2, for the United Kingdom (UK), where he will begin a two-week working vacation, which forms part of his annual leave.

According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the vacation will also serve as a retreat for the President to reflect on his administration’s ongoing economic reforms.

The statement added that President Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the two-week leave.

Admin

I was en route to Casablanca during Ḍuhr prayer. I attempted to do it on the train, but as a traveler, I told myself that I could combine it with ʿAṣr at the famous mosque I was going to visit, Hassan II Mosque.

Completed in 1993 and named after the King of the day, Hassan Mosque is said to be the second-largest mosque in Africa and the 14th-largest in the world.

Unfortunately, it was closed to worshippers when I reached there; only tourists were allowed in. To enter, a visitor has to pay 150 Moroccan dirhams, which is about ₦26,000. I hesitated to do that. The security man told me to wait until 4:30 p.m., the time for ʿAṣr, to enter free of charge.

I left the mosque’s vicinity. After all, I am in a vastly Muslim-majority country. I said I would find another mosque nearby. To my shock, I couldn’t. Even gas stations nearby don’t have any—something strange by northern Nigerian standards.

I returned to Hassan II Mosque. Pressed to pee, I prayed for the opening time. Luckily, they gave us access before 4:30 p.m. I relieved myself, performed ablution, and walked into the beautiful, massive edifice. I was awestruck.

Unfortunately, there were only a few of us in the mosque. We did not fill the first two rows. It felt like I was in Cologne Cathedral, another large and beautiful place of worship with few or no worshippers.

What is happening to us? What are human beings becoming? Frankly, Morocco is far less religious than I thought. This wave is becoming more powerful, perhaps more threatening, than one can imagine. I will say more on this another time.

May we be guided, amin.

Muhsin Ibrahim, who teaches at the University of Cologne, Germany, wrote from Casablanca, Morocco during his short stay in the Northern African country. He can be reached via muhsin2008@gmail.com.

“There’s no smoke without fire” . . . A decisive, immediate action must be taken.

Assalamu Alaikum, Peace and Blessings of Allah be unto you.

To President Tinubu, Hon. Minister of Health, Stakeholders and all Health Practitioners of Nigeria.

I am bitterly compelled to write to you today regarding a disturbing incident that transpired at Best Choice Specialist Hospital in Kano city. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) actions at this private hospital have demonstrated a blatant disregard for human life.

Patients and parents have reported to Alfijir Newspaper that operatives of FIRS with officials, armed with guns, stormed the hospital, threatening and forcing them to vacate the premises.

The general plebeians already vulnerable due to illness, were left to wander the streets of Kano in search of alternative healthcare, only to find that many medical facilities were unavailable due to an ongoing doctors’ strike.

It is unacceptable that the FIRS dispute with the hospital should infringe upon citizens’ right to healthcare. This conflict affects not only the hospital but the the people who seek medical attention.

Best Choice Specialist Hospital is known for its philanthropic efforts and commitment to providing quality healthcare to the most vulnerable members of our society.

The hospital’s management has consistently demonstrated compassion and empathy, offering free medical services to those who cannot afford them. Their selflessness has saved countless lives and alleviated suffering.

The hospital’s community outreach programs have provided vital healthcare services to rural areas, addressing pressing health concerns such as maternal and child mortality. Their collaboration with local organizations has facilitated health education, disease prevention, and awareness campaigns.

Moreover, Best Choice Specialist Hospital has been at the forefront of disaster response, providing emergency medical care during times of crisis. Their staff’s dedication and expertise have been instrumental in saving lives and mitigating the impact of devastating events.

We urge the leaders of our great nation and the Human Rights Commission to take immediate action against this abuse of power.

Furthermore, we also implore the FIRS to reconsider their approach, recognizing that their rights do not supersede those of others.

“If your own children were in need of medical care, would you not prioritize their well-being above all else?”

Solemnly we request all the stakeholders to intervene to prevent future incidents and ensure the hospital can continue its lifesaving work.

We await your prompt response and resolution on to this critical matter.

Sincerely,
Editor-in-Chief, Alfijir Online Newspaper.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

President Bola Tinubu says he inherited a country with damaged security from his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

In his Independence Day speech, Mr. Tinubu said he took over the leadership of Africa’s most populous country at a “critical juncture.” 

“My administration took over the leadership of our country 16 months ago at a critical juncture. The economy faced many headwinds, and our physical security was highly impaired,” Mr. Tinubu said. 

The president also said Nigeria was imbalanced when he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

However, his government decided to pursue reforms in both Nigeria’s economy and its security. 

“We found ourselves at a dizzying crossroads, where we must choose between two paths: reform for progress and prosperity or carry on business-as-usual and collapse. We decided to reform our political economy and defence architecture.” 

In the sixteen months since Mr. Tinubu took office, bandits and Boko Haram terrorists have continued their nefarious activities in the northern part of Nigeria, kidnapping for ransom and killing. 

Spiking food prices caused by economic inflation have forced Nigerians to hit the streets in protest as the unprecedented cost-of-living crisis takes a dreadful trajectory under Tinubu’s watch.