By Uzair Adam Imam

The Katsina State Hisbah Board has shut down New Palace Hotel in Katsina metropolis for allegedly corrupting the morals of underage girls.

The hotel was found to have violated an agreement with hoteliers across the state by allowing underage girls to stay on the premises.

Despite previous warnings, the hotel management failed to comply with the board’s regulations, leading to the hotel’s closure.

According to Dr. Aminu Usman (Abu Ammar), the Hisbah Commander General, the hotel was found to have lodged two underage girls in the same room during a recent inspection, which contravenes the Hisbah laws.

This is the second time the hotel has committed this offense, despite previous warnings and a promise by the hotel’s management to stop such incidents.

The Hisbah Board had earlier reached an agreement with hotel managers across the state that no hotel would accommodate underage children.

The hotel’s failure to comply with this agreement led to its closure.

The Hisbah Commander General reiterated the board’s commitment to enforcing reforms and instilling discipline that aligns with the state’s religious and cultural values.

The closure of the hotel is part of the Hisbah Board’s efforts to enforce reforms and ensure that hotels in the state comply with moral standards.

The board has been working to prevent the exploitation of underage girls and promote a culture of decency and respect for human rights.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for an interview regarding sexual harassment allegations against the Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Lamuwa.

The official, Simisola Fajemirokun-Ajayi, had leveled allegations of persistent sexual harassment against Lamuwa, which triggered an investigation by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

The ICPC’s invitation letter, signed by Acting Director of Operations S. Yahaya, requests Fajemirokun-Ajayi to appear for an interview at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.

While it is unclear whose petition led to the ICPC investigation, the agency is investigating the allegations.

Fajemirokun-Ajayi had alleged that Lamuwa’s conduct created an unsafe work environment, and she feared being raped. Lamuwa has responded to each alleged incident, claiming that Fajemirokun-Ajayi misconstrued his actions as sexual harassment.

He also made a counter-accusation, alleging that Fajemirokun-Ajayi’s claims resulted from his rejection of her “improper requests” regarding the ministry’s finances.

The investigation is ongoing, and the outcome may have significant implications for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the individuals involved.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has ordered Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to pay N10 million in favor of deposed Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, for violating his fundamental rights.

The court ruled that the governor’s directive to the police to arrest Bayero without a valid reason was an infringement on his rights.

Bayero, through his counsel Mamman Lawan Yusifari SAN, approached the court to seek the enforcement of his fundamental rights to movement and personal liberty.

He told the court that the Executive Order by the Kano State Governor ordering the police to arrest him without any criminal complaints against him contradicts the provision of chapter 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

The respondents in the suit include the Attorney General of the Federation, the Attorney General of Kano, Nigerian Police Force, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police Kano Command, State Security Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Air Force.

The judgment reads: “That, the act of the Governor of Kano State in directing the Police to arrest the Applicant without any lawful justification is a threatened breach of the fundamental right to Liberty of the Applicant guaranteed under Section 35(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered).

“That, the act of the Governor of Kano State in directing the police to arrest the Applicant without any lawful justification, which directive has forced the Applicant into house arrest, preventing him from going freely about his lawful business, constitutes a flagrant violation of his fundamental right to freedom of movement as guaranteed under Section 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered).

“That the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Respondents, are either by themselves, their agents, servants, privies, or any other person or authority forthwith restrained from arresting, detaining, threatening, intimidating, harassing the Applicant or further interfering with the Applicant’s fundamental rights.

“That the 2nd Respondent and the Government of Kano State shall pay to the Applicant the Sum of 10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) only for the breach and likely breach of the Applicant’s fundamental rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered).

“The prayer for the cost of filing and prosecuting this suit is refused, the amount having not been specifically pleaded and strictly proved.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Police Command in Kano State has banned Durbar activities during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in the state.

A statement issued on Thursday by Mr. Usaini Gumel, the state Commissioner of Police, stated that the ban became necessary to sustain the peace maintained by the Police Command in conjunction with all relevant security stakeholders.

“In furtherance, a ban on all contending parties has been placed, restraining them from conducting Durbar activities for the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations,” Gumel said.

He, however, advised worshippers to conduct their normal Eid Prayers at the various designated praying grounds, as was traditionally done in the past.

“In this trying period, the Police will enforce the existing Court Order and prevail on the two contending parties regarding the Kano Emirateship Tussle and urge them to remain apart and respect the court order,” he said.

The commissioner said the command would want to see continued collaboration and cooperation from all stakeholders to collectively work together to build a safer and more secure environment.

He urged the general public to keep reporting any suspicious movement of persons or items to the nearest police station.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in a suit filed by the Federal Government against the 36 state governors over the alleged misconduct in the administration of Local Government Areas.

The Federal Government is seeking full autonomy for local government areas and wants an order to stop governors from dissolving democratically elected local government leaders.

The government also wants funds meant for local governments to be channelled directly to them from the federation account, instead of the joint accounts created by governors.

The suit argues that the constitution recognizes federal, state, and local governments as three tiers of government, and that the failure of governors to put in place democratically elected local government systems is a deliberate subversion of the constitution.

The Federal Government claims that it is not obligated to pay funds to states that do not have democratically elected local government systems in place.

The Supreme Court’s judgment will determine the fate of local government administration in Nigeria and the extent of autonomy they will enjoy.

By Uzair Adam Imam Vice President Kashim Shettima has appealed to Nigerian doctors to resist the temptation of leaving the country for greener pastures, urging them to stay back and help salvage the nation’s healthcare system.

He made this appeal during a courtesy visit by the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Shettima commended the sacrifices of Nigerian doctors and their contributions to the country’s healthcare system, assuring them that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to supporting their efforts.

He emphasized that the government values their services and needs their expertise to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

The Vice President encouraged the doctors to remain steadfast and resist the “Japa syndrome,” a term used to describe the brain drain of Nigerian professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.

He expressed optimism that with collective efforts, Nigeria can become a great nation, and its healthcare system can be transformed.

This appeal comes at a time when the country is facing a challenging healthcare landscape, with many doctors seeking better opportunities abroad due to the perceived lack of investment in the healthcare system.

By Ishaka Mohammed

I discussed in my last article why I don’t generally consider private school teachers victims of proprietors’ inhumanity. Many factors could be responsible for the seeming wickedness of some school owners. However, these teachers are mostly underpaid.

I understand that some private school teachers earn good salaries, but such usually come at the expense of their dignity and peace of mind. This is due to the presence of unruly students who are highly protected against reasonable corrective measures. A teacher must either tolerate their misbehaviour or be ready to quit.

In addition, schools that pay competitive salaries and have standard facilities often overlook other factors that might hinder learning aside from the teachers’ incompetence. Teachers’ efforts are hardly appreciated, as parents and proprietors judge everything based on the students’ scores in internal and external exams. As a result, teachers are usually under pressure to deliver near-perfect performance, hence sacrificing extra time and energy. 

Teachers in the above category are very few compared to those with meagre salaries. Based on my personal experience and interactions with colleagues and other stakeholders, a privileged private school teacher in Nigeria is one whose annual salary is enough to cover feeding, accommodation, clothing, toiletries, and transport expenses without attracting debts. I am talking about a person with perfect health conditions and no dependents.

I have seen instances where a teacher has to rely heavily on contributions (susu or adashi) for several months to be able to buy a new Android phone. 

Some people have questioned why anyone would choose to depend on such a job instead of finding additional sources of income.

Well, I don’t think anyone would decide to subject themselves to the life of penury that the job promises. 

Most private school teachers wish to have “side hustles,” but certain factors, such as time, location, information, capital, etc., block them.

We might think they should be able to access relevant information since they’re adults and educators, but life isn’t always like that. So, I believe that every individual, including you, the reader, can assist one or two teachers by occasionally sharing valuable information concerning alternative sources of income.

And if you own a school or are positioned to influence teachers’ well-being, I urge you to do your best to improve their economic status.

First, I appeal that you frequently review salaries based on economic realities and teachers’ efforts. Although salary increases largely depend on the organisation’s revenues, you must remember that a teacher’s failure to meet basic needs would adversely affect your organisation and education in general. 

Second, as much as possible, reveal dates on which your employees should expect salaries. This would allow them to plan how to use their money correctly. 

Lastly, strive to grant them access to interest-free business loans with flexible repayment terms. You can also organise workshops (for them) on managing multiple income streams.

I believe the implementation of the above suggestions would lead to win-win situations.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Nigerian Police Force has busted a multibillion-naira jewellery syndicate that colluded with armed robbers in Abuja and its environs.

According to Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, the syndicate was dismantled after an armed robbery incident occurred at a police officer’s residence in the Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on April 28th.

The stolen items, including jewellery, money, academic certificates, documents, phones, and other valuable properties, were traced to Wuse Market, where they were purchased by one Alhaji Auwal.

Despite police warnings, Alhaji Auwal facilitated the purchase and instructed his associates on how to handle the stolen goods.

Further investigations revealed that Alhaji Auwal, his sons, and other associates are part of a cartel involved in dealing in stolen jewellery.

The group has been linked to previous similar cases under police investigation.

Twenty-six suspects have been arrested in connection with the case and are being detained legally under a court order.

They will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigations.

This operation demonstrates the police’s commitment to tackling armed robbery and related crimes in the FCT.

The force urges the public to provide information to help in the fight against crime.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested two individuals and summoned three Permanent Secretaries for questioning regarding an alleged fraud scheme involving the sale of employment forms in the Office of the Head of Service.

The commission’s Chairman, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the scam, which has affected thousands of job seekers.

Preliminary investigations have uncovered fraudulent activities at several government offices, including the Office of the Head of Service, Civil Service Commission, Kano State Secondary Schools Board, and Health Service Management Board.

The two suspects in custody are cooperating with the investigation, which has led to the shutdown of a fake employment portal.

The commission aims to root out corruption and ensure justice is served in the employment fraud scandal.

“The commission is working to prevent corruption and ensure that justice is served,” Rimin-Gado said.

By Abdul Sale

The perception of an average young man in Nigerian life is to have a good-paying job, own a house and settle down with his wife. After that, nothing more or less, while in foreign lands, the reverse is the case as struggles to have different means of income usually start after marriage. However, on the other hand, gathered a handful of Nigerians who have zeal and set their minds on travelling abroad looking for greener pastures, which, to them, is the only way to make it to the promised land.

In 2019 alone, during the Buhari administration, over twelve thousand Nigerians, especially professionals like doctors, nurses, medical lab scientists, engineers, and care workers, travelled to Canada as a result of low remuneration and bad conditions of the working environment. They alleged that the Federal Government refuses to address this. At the time, Nigeria fell into recession, which devastated the economy; then, the Japa trend (jakpa Yoruba word meaning “to flee or run”) became an anthem in Nigeria, especially in the southern part.

Thousands of Nigerians have fled to oversee countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and other European countries to better their lives and families. In the northern part of Nigeria, the trend was not popular then, even though there were hundreds of northerners who had travelled abroad.

Moreover, I have noticed a wave of japa in the northern part of Nigeria lately, especially in the core north; the emergence of travel agencies and travel agents helped. Hundreds of Arewa youths have fled to countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Jordan, and Kuwait, spending around 2 to 3 million Naira.

In some cases, Nigerians embark on the journey through land borders en route to Niger, Libya, Algeria and Morocco, which mostly ends in tragedy. For instance, Aljazeera reported that at least 61 refugees and asylum seekers, including women and children, have drowned following a “tragic” shipwreck off Libya, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) says.

On June 14, 2023, the Adriana, a fishing boat loaded with 750 people en route from Libya to Italy, went down in international waters off southwest Greece. There was a series of similar tragic stories as Flavio Di Giacomo, an IOM spokesperson, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that more than 2,250 people died in 2023 on the central Mediterranean migrant route.

More than 153,000 refugees and asylum seekers arrived in Italy in 2023 from Tunisia and Libya, according to the United Nations refugee agency. One would wonder what triggers this massive wave of migration, especially among youths who are perceived to be the backbone and the future leaders of society.

The country’s economic situation is one of the driving forces that pushed some Nigerians to make that decision. Our leaders should, as a matter of urgency, create policies and bring ways to improve the country’s economic situation, thereby creating an enabling environment for the people to flourish their businesses.

Federal and state governments should invite foreign investors to come and invest in Nigeria to employ the thousands of unemployed graduates in the country. Moreso, the military and other security agencies should always respect the fundamental human rights of the citizens, as Nigeria is labelled as a country with high cases of human rights violations.

As we are reaching the second quarter of 2024, many Nigerians, especially youths, are ecstatic and happy about 2024 democracy day, full of hope and dreams that they wish to accomplish this year. Therefore, the government in power should redouble its efforts in helping these ambitious youths to realise their dreams.

Abdul Sale wrote via abutalatu72@gmail.com.