By Uzair Adam Imam

A Kano High Court has adjourned the fundamental rights suit filed by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and seven others against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) due to the commission’s failure to file necessary responses.

The applicants, including NNPP, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, Dipo Olayanku, Ahmed Balewa, Chief Clement Anele, Lady Folashade Aliu, Eng. Buba Galadima, and Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are seeking to stop the EFCC from arresting them.

At the hearing, EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Idris Ibrahim-Haruna, requested an adjournment, citing the need to file responses.

Despite being served with court processes on June 10, 2024, the EFCC had failed to file responses within the allotted five-day period.

Justice Yusuf Ubale granted the adjournment and scheduled a new hearing date for October 24, ordering the EFCC to file their responses before then. This development comes after the court previously granted an interim order stopping the EFCC from arresting Kwankwaso and the other applicants.

Company: Blackville Media

Director: Prince Daniel (Aboki)

Producers: Aliyu Ahmad, Egor Efiok, Bature Zambuk, Shehu Bala Kabara

Language: Hausa

Cast: Adam A. Zango, Ghali Abdallah DZ, Auwalu Isma’il Marshall, Fatima Muhammad, Maryam Usman Shuaibu, Mukhtar Aminu etc.

Release date (Nigeria): 19-7-2024

It’s no longer news that TV series have recently dominated the Kannywood filmmaking sphere. However, Prince Daniel Aboki produced an epic period film titled Mai Martaba in a bold move to revitalize the film industry. The film, roughly based on the popular Arewa Radio drama series Kasar Jallaba, has generated immense excitement among fans eager to see the gripping story come alive on screen.

Made on a sweeping budget of over ₦125 million, Mai Martaba surpassed Nanjala (which had a budget of over ₦65 million) to become Kannywood’s most expensive production. But does it justify this substantial investment? I watched it on Sunday, and here is my review.

Mai Martaba is an exciting tale of a succession struggle among competing claimants for the throne of the Jallaba kingdom. The storyline unfolds through an omniscient narrator, beginning with a few flashbacks of the kingdom under the previous reign of the Agadashawa dynasty. Now occupied by the Jallabawa clan, a sacred decree secures the throne.

Before death, each king must name a successor from within the clan, ensuring the Agadashawas would never return to power. King Mu’azu honoured this legacy by naming Sanaya (Auwal Ismail Marshall) his heir, with a written agreement that Sanaya would one day pass the crown to Mu’azu’s son, Magajin Gari (Ghali Abdallah DZ). But Sanaya breaches the agreement and crowns his daughter, Princess Sangaya (Fatima Muhammad), as his successor, setting the stage for an intense power struggle.

Will Magajin Gari reclaim his birthright? Who is the other claimant to the throne? Can a female monarch win over the hearts of the Jallaba people? Find out in the cinemas.

The movie is generally captivating. However, with a short runtime of less than 90 minutes, the screenplay fails to do complete justice to the compelling story. It features little action scenes and ends quickly when it is supposed to be at its climax. For instance, there is a brave bandit kingpin, Shugaba (Adam A. Zango), whose brother was killed in the kingdom. He is in alliance with Magajin Gari. Driven by revenge, the two could have been shown in a fierce battle against the Jallaba kingdom, adding a dramatic action sequence to the film.

Also, as an adaptation of the Kasar Jallaba radio serial, apart from the setting and select character names, Mai Martaba shares minimal similarity with the original sourcing material. It’s somewhat like the American TV series House of the Dragons, where King Viserys appointed his female child, Princess Rhaenyra, as heir to the throne. The theme of ‘succession war’ is also prominent in many other local and international movies.

However, Mai Martaba remains a satisfactory period drama, boasting a spectacular setting and near-authentic period costumes. It may not be the most engaging Kannywood epic, but it could be the best in general production quality. Its exceptional cinematography and technical excellence is a breakthrough in the Hausa film industry. I salute the director, executive producer, and all other crew members.

The cast should also not be forgotten. Though it consists of new actors, they deliver impressive performances with good dialogue rendition. Ghali Abdallah DZ stands out as the ambitious Magajin Gari, plotting political machinations to get the throne. As Princess Sangaya, Fatima Muhammad was not given much scope but showed confidence in every scene she featured. Adam A. Zango (Shugaba) and Auwal Ismail Marshall (Sarki Sanaya) also deliver solid performances, fitting their roles perfectly.

Overall, Mai Martaba sets a benchmark for cinematic excellence in the Kannywood film industry. It’s a lavish epic film that justifies its hefty price tag. I strongly recommend it. Rating: 3.5/5.

Habibu Maaruf Abdu wrote from Kano. He can be reached via habibumaaruf11@gmail.com.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli, ANIPR

A renowned scholar, Thomas Paine, once said, “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” This statement perfectly suits the relentless efforts of Honorable Musa Azare, the caretaker chairman of Katagum Local Government Area (LGA) in Bauchi State. Hon. Azare’s leadership is marked by extraordinary impacts, demonstrating his dedication to transforming lives and communities through selfless service. His name is etched in the hearts of many for his commitment to the welfare of his people, making him a standout leader in Bauchi State.

Hon. Musa Azare’s journey into public service is a testament to his dedication to positive development in Katagum LGA. Despite opposition and challenges, he remains undeterred in his mission to bring about meaningful change. Born and educated in Bauchi State, Hon. Musa attended several institutions, acquiring extensive knowledge, technical skills, and practical experience. His background laid a solid foundation for his leadership, allowing him to address the diverse needs of his community effectively.

As the caretaker chairman of Katagum LGA, Hon. Azare has initiated and completed numerous projects, significantly improving the lives of his people. His contributions to the local government are vast and varied, ranging from providing healthcare facilities to launching cervical cancer vaccination, where his daughter Halima was the first to be vaccinated in Katagum LGA. According to the Secretary of the hospital, a donation of N500,000 to Azare General Hospital in the Hospitals Revolving Fund (HRF) had reached N4m.

Renovation of classrooms distribution of free uniforms to hundreds of primary school pupils of Central Primary School, Azare. The construction of a feeder road at Azare Main Market was previously flooded with water every rainy season. The market was nearly dead due to the problem of inaccessibility, especially during the rainy period—construction of the 4.5 km Dagaro-Zindi road in the Chinade District of the local government.

Drilling new boreholes and water projects in Madangala, under the Azare District of Katagum. Renovation of several damaged hand pump boreholes in Madara District. These projects, executed with high standards, ensure lasting benefits for the communities, proving his judicious utilization of funds and commitment to sustainable development. Hon. Musa Azare is widely recognized for his exceptional leadership qualities.

He is a visionary leader known for his strategic planning and effective implementation of policies that address the core needs of his local government. The Police Divisional Officer (DPO) in Katagum LGA received torchlights, sticks, and whistles for distribution to various security and quasi-security organizations to boost night patrol in the Katagum local government area. His ability to mobilize resources was vital in the equitable and transparent distribution of the FG/State Government-assisted palliative to cushion the effect of removing petroleum subsidy.

The refurbishing of local government buses to ease transportation of people and the construction of the palace of the District Head of Chinade was done in collaboration with the Bauchi State Government. Honourable Musa garnered support from various stakeholders and has been instrumental in driving the development agenda of Katagum LGA. Beyond his administrative acumen, Musa is a humanitarian at heart. His philanthropic efforts extend to all corners of the LGA; he donated 4,000 varieties of trees to the JIBWIS campaign against environmental degradation. Providing financial assistance, food supplies, and essential services to the less privileged.

He focuses on empowering vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and the elderly, through skill acquisition programs and microfinance initiatives, enabling them to become self-reliant and contribute positively to the community. His love for his people is evident in his inclusive approach to governance. He embraces individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of their religious, tribal, or regional backgrounds.

The open-door policy of Honorable Musa Azare ensures that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed. This approach has fostered a sense of unity and belonging among the residents of Katagum LGA. A key aspect of his leadership is his prudent management of public funds. Unlike some leaders who divert resources for personal gain, Hon. Azare ensures that every Naira is spent transparently and efficiently. His focus on accountability and integrity has successfully completed several high-standard projects that stand the test of time.

This judicious use of funds has earned him the trust and respect of his constituents, solidifying his reputation as a leader who truly serves the people. Recognizing the vital role of education in societal transformation, he has prioritized educational development in Katagum and its environs. He has spearheaded initiatives to renovate dilapidated schools, provide learning materials, and offer scholarships to deserving students. Hon. Azare’s commitment to healthcare is evident through his efforts to enhance medical facilities and services within the local government. He has facilitated the construction and renovation of health centres, ensuring they are well-equipped to serve the community’s needs.

His social welfare programs also provide critical support to vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly, promoting a healthier and more equitable society. Hon. Musa’s relentless dedication has not gone unnoticed. He is often described as a leader who selflessly prioritizes his people’s needs, sacrificing his comfort for their well-being. A constant smile and open-handed generosity have won over even his harshest critics, earning him respect and admiration. He stands as a beacon of hope and an exemplary leader in Bauchi State and across Nigeria.

Katagum Local government, under the leadership of Hon. Azare, was honoured with the award for Best Local Government in Documentation by New Incentives; All Babies Are Equal Initiative (NI-AVAE). This recognition was due to the LGA’s outstanding performance in data documentation, accurate registration of children under one year, reduction of zero-dose cases, effective data recording, and consistent cash payments to caregivers. The award included a financial incentive of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira, highlighting the exceptional dedication and commitment of the Director of Katagum LG Primary Healthcare Department, Malam Jibril Muhammad Inuwa, and his entire staff. Therefore, Hon. Azare’s strategic vision and support have been essential in achieving this milestone, reflecting his steadfast commitment to improving healthcare and routine immunization in various communities.

His dedication to youth empowerment is further exemplified by vocational training programs that equip young people with marketable skills, ensuring they have the tools to build prosperous futures. He embodies the true essence of transformative leadership. His dedication to advancing his community, his humanitarian efforts, and his prudent financial management have impacted Katagum LGA. His enduring legacy will continue to inspire future generations, guiding them towards a brighter and more prosperous future. He is well-bred and had sufficiently sipped from the fountain of life to give back to society with interest. What more would one ask for?

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Senate has unanimously passed the amended National Minimum Wage Act, paving the way for a significant increase in the minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

The bill, transmitted by President Bola Tinubu, rapidly progressed through the first, second, and third readings, and was approved by the Senate in a matter of minutes. 

Following a thorough clause-by-clause examination in the Committee of the Whole, the National Minimum Wage Bill was passed, aiming to raise the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000.

This new amount was agreed upon by the Nigerian government and the Organised Labour leadership. 

President Tinubu had urged the Senate and House of Representatives to expedite consideration of the bill, also proposing to reduce the review period for the national minimum wage from five years to three years. 

The bill’s passage marks the end of a prolonged dispute between the government and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), which led to industrial action.

The new law promises a substantial improvement in the minimum wage for Nigerian workers. 

As President Tinubu noted, the increased minimum wage represents a crucial step towards enhancing the welfare of Nigerian workers.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A group of youths and women under the Concerned Southern Borno Citizens (CSBCs) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the All Progress Congress (APC), and the Senate to reverse the removal of Senator Mohammed Ndume as the Chief Whip of the Senate.

The group, comprising various clubs and associations in Borno State, gathered at the NUJ Press Centre in Maiduguri to show their support for Senator Ndume.

Comrade Bulama Sawa, National Chairman and spokesperson of CSBCs, called on the APC National Working Committee to reconsider its decision to remove Senator Ndume and to rescind the request for him to withdraw from APC membership.

The removal followed Senator Ndume’s comments on Arise TV on July 12, 2024, where he criticized the nation’s issues of hunger and insecurity under President Tinubu’s administration.

This led to his replacement by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North) as Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation.

The group praised President Tinubu for initially recognizing Senator Ndume’s contributions by appointing him as Majority Chief Whip.

They highlighted his positive impact on Southern Borno, including mentoring youths and sponsoring education.

They condemned the APC’s decision and passed a vote of confidence in Ndume, urging President Tinubu to avoid political vendetta and uphold voices speaking the truth.

By Anwar Usman

Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, has expressed concern over the rising cases of out-of-school children, poverty and other socioeconomic problems in the North, stating that the region was on the verge of collapsing if the leaders do not come together to find solutions to the challenges.

Sani raised the alarm during a courtesy visit by the National Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Mamman Usman to Kaduna State.

He said, “This new executive committee has emerged at a time of great challenges. We are confronted with difficult developmental and security questions. Criminal elements have been laying siege to communities in the North and reversing our progress on multiple fronts. Our development deficits are scary and require urgent attention.

“In 2022, the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Bureau of Statistics launched its most extensive measure of multidimensional poverty. The survey revealed that 63% of persons living within Nigeria (that is about 133 million people) are multi-dimensionally poor. 65% of the poor (that is 86 million people) live in the North, while 35% (nearly 47 million) live in the South.

He further states that, “The North is not succeeding in any in the area of Education. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) puts the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria at 18.3 million. Of this outrageous number of out-of-school children, about 70% are in the North of Nigeria. This is quite disturbing and must worry all of us who still care for the North and Nigeria in general.“

As I mentioned earlier, insecurity in the North has retarded developments in the critical sectors. a lot of farmers cannot access their farms. Food insecurity now confronts us directly. Child and maternal mortality are on the increase. Our infrastructure has decayed. The moves to address our infrastructural deficits are equally threatened by insecurity.

“For the North and move decisively to change these negative development indices. Unfortunately, what we see in the North is the promotion of toxic politics, opposition for opposition’s sake, and “pull him down syndrome.

“We indulge in endless blame games, devoid of attempts at soul searching or introspection. We have failed to ask ourselves some vital questions. Where did the rain start beating the North? Who are those complicit in the underdevelopment of the North?

“The Arewa Consultative Forum has a major role to play in building this required consensus for the best approach to tackle the multifaceted challenges facing Northern Nigeria. ACF must make efforts to refocus the attention of our people. Let us de-emphasise politics and focus on development. Let us gear our efforts towards overcoming the threats with all the energy we can muster”.

Your Excellency Sir,

Northern Nigeria has been enmeshed in two major crises for about a decade and a half. The first was Boko Haram, born and bred in the North East. From their confrontation with the police to the execution of their leader, Boko Haram grew to become a terror group unprecedented in Nigeria’s history. The most unfortunate thing is that Boko Haram associated themselves with Islam even though most of their heinous attacks were targeted at Muslims.

The failure of Goodluck Jonathan’s government to end the Boko Haram insurgency led to a consensus among Nigerians to disallow him from getting a second shot at the presidency. He lost the 2015 election to your friend and party member, General Muhammadu Buhari. 

Throughout his campaign for the presidency, Buhari promised to end the scourge of Boko Haram and return normalcy to the North East. What he ignored, but he was not supposed to ignore, given his security background, was another crisis rearing its ugly head in the North West. 

Non-Fulani Nigerians were setting up cattle farms in city suburbs and gradually establishing themselves in the cattle farming business, which the Fulani were known for. This did not go down well with some Fulani, who began to form groups to attack such farms and rustle the cows. Anyone who resisted was killed. Since such non-Fulani cattle farmers were relatively small in number, it was soon over with them, and cattle rustling was extended to fellow Fulani, most of whom were law-abiding.

In no time, cattle rustling turned into banditry and kidnapping. Armed chair analysts with little knowledge of what was on the ground began to create conspiracy theories. Some blamed it on Niger Delta militants. Others said it was foreigners from sister West African countries. 

As of 2015, when President Buhari assumed office, the crisis could easily be nipped in the bud. A handful of cattle rustlers/bandits could easily be identified, arrested and punished. Unfortunately, Buhari did not do it either because he was not being correctly briefed or because he was out of sympathy for his kinsmen, who were the culprits.

In October 2016, some governors, notably of Zamfara and Katsina, invited the bandits’ leaders for a peace agreement. That was after they had killed countless numbers of innocent citizens. The villagers in the two states were told to accept the criminals as their brothers or face the wrath of the state. They had no choice.

The peace accord did not last long before the bandits resumed their crimes, which worsened by the day. Banditry continued to thrive under the Buhari administration, and in 2019, he directed the Governors of the affected states to dialogue with the bandits. The governor of my state of Katsina, looking vividly frustrated, told the bandits before press cameras that he was meeting them at the directive of Mr. President. 

A few months after the 2019 accord, Masari told the world that the bandits had reneged on the peace pact. According to him, they were not people to be trusted.

A point of note in the peace accords of 2016 and 2019 was that none of the bandit leaders were citizens of any foreign country. They were all Nigerians, and all of them were Fulani. This invalidates the false belief that the bandits are foreigners or were from another tribe in the south. Most of those hardened criminal lords are still moving about unscathed in villages and forests of Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, Sokoto and Niger states. They have been granting press interviews and meeting people like Sheikh Ahmad Gummi, which proves that the government is very aware of their locations and identities. 

I cannot speak for other Nigerians. But for me as a person, I voted for you in the 2023 elections for two reasons. One. You are a Muslim. A Muslim is just as a leader and nice as a companion. If all Muslim leaders were to rule according to the teachings of Islam, even their enemies would beg Muslims to stand for elections, so they vote them to power. Two. Neither you nor your running mate are Fulani. With this, some of us believe Buhari’s sympathy for his kinsmen would not be there.

You are entering your second year, and banditry is only worsening. What struck me most about your approach to banditry are the latest revelations by a young Islamic scholar, Sheikh Munir Adam Koza. According to Sheikh Koza, he was among the many young influential Islamic scholars invited for a meeting by some defence officials of your government. With financial reward, they were requested to propagate the following in their preachings.

1. That banditry by Fulani groups is justified because Fulani people have been subjected to neglect and injustice over a long period.

2. Call on the government to dialogue with bandits and give them political appointments.

3. That the current Governors of Zamfara and Katsina are wrong to have set up security outfits to confront bandits.

Sheikh Koza, who expressed his disagreement at the first meeting, was not invited to subsequent meetings.

The fact that Islamic scholars are actively preaching the above items testifies to the veracity of Sheikh Koza’s statements.

The first question I raised when I saw the video clip was whether you are aware of this action taken by your appointees. It would be a monumental mistake to say since the insecurity is taking place in the North, you have now appointed Northerners to solve “their” own problem.  Nigerians voted for you, not Ribadu, Badaru, Matawalle or any of those. You are thus accountable to Nigerians, and before God for any action your government takes.

With all the due respect of a loyal citizen, I would like to call on your Excellency to come clean about this action allegedly taken by officials of your government. Taking appropriate action against the said Government officials would go a long way toward consolidating the confidence ordinary citizens like me have in your government. 

Most importantly, we want an end to banditry. It can be ended, Mr. President.

Prof. Abdussamad Umar Jibia wrote via aujibia@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced the redeployment of new Sector Commanders to 20 states across Nigeria.

According to a statement by the Acting Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the redeployment is part of the Corps’ strategic intervention mechanisms aimed at enhancing operational activities and quality service delivery.

Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed approved the redeployment, which is designed to drive the policy thrust of the Corps and reposition it for greater performance.

The move is also intended to reinvigorate the Corps’ operational activities in the field Commands.

The Corps Marshal explained that the redeployment was propelled by the renewed zeal to reposition the Corps for greater performance and quality service delivery.

The affected states include Kano, Rivers, Plateau, Gombe, and 16 others.

Corps Commander Maxwell Lede, formerly the Principal Staff Officer II to the Corps Marshal, has been deployed as the Sector Commander in Plateau State. Meanwhile, Tijani Muhammed, the outgoing Zonal Head of Operations in Sokoto, takes over as Sector Commander in Kano State.

Other redeployed officers include Saliau Ibrahim, who moves from Kano to Jigawa; Adeoye Irelewuyi, who takes over as Sector Commander in Ogun State; and Yahaya Adikwu, who has been redeployed from Yola to Adamawa State.

The Corps Marshal has charged the newly deployed Sector Commanders to report to their new posts immediately and “hit the ground running” to enhance safety on the roads.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A tragic incident occurred in Asakio’s main market on Monday afternoon as an old building collapsed, resulting in the deaths of three individuals.

The victims, identified as two women and a child, hailed from the Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. 

The collapse caused immediate chaos, halting all commercial activities within the market.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with frantic rescue efforts underway to locate survivors trapped under the debris. 

Emergency responders were able to rescue two other individuals from the wreckage.

The injured were promptly taken to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. 

The disaster has sent shockwaves through the local community, leaving residents in mourning.

Daily Post reports that the incident has had a profound impact on the people of Asakio, highlighting the urgent need for building safety inspections and regulations in the area.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in a bid to enhance service delivery and combat cross-border crimes, met with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Washington, DC, on July 18, 2024.

The meeting aimed to revive the over-decade-old Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) and promote global collaborations and data-driven decision-making. Adeniyi stated the importance of capacity building, particularly in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement and opiate issues.

He also stressed the need for a Center for Advanced Cargo and Passenger Data Analysis to mitigate risks and enhance cargo and passenger security. 

The meeting also covered commercial air cargo security and potential partnerships with US government agencies.

Adeniyi stated the importance of future operations, including CBP’s global targeting advisory directors and their capabilities in information sharing on cargo and passenger sides. 

James Collins, Assistant Commissioner of the Office of International Affairs at US CBP, noted data integration, partnerships, and targeted efforts to address transnational criminal groups.

He stressed the need for secure channels for sharing intelligence and building partnerships with international organizations. 

Key action items identified include establishing specific channels for continued intelligence sharing between Nigeria Customs and CBP, exploring operational partnerships, and leveraging INTERPOL programmes. 

The meeting concluded with a presentation on artificial intelligence and its role in enhancing customs operations and security. 

In a related event, CGC Adeniyi visited the Nigerian Embassy in the USA, where he was received by Mr. Rabiu Lawal, Charge d’Affaires a.i., and his team.

The CGC appreciated their warm reception and efforts for Nigerians in the diaspora. 

This bilateral meeting marks a significant step in strengthening global partnerships to promote better service delivery and enhance national security for Nigerians.