By Anwar Usman

The nationwide protest organized by Nigerians purposely to highlight the sufferings and hard times that Nigerians are going through was later turned into thuggery, which resulted in vandalizing government properties and stealing people’s belongings.

Everyone who attends the gathering knows precisely what happened and who is responsible for the vandalization during the peaceful protest. It’s unfortunate that some people who didn’t even partake in the protest but only witnessed some part of the event on social media concluded that the protesters were the ones responsible for the vandalization of government properties and went ahead to fault this same youth who is agitating for good governance and food security.

I joined the peaceful demonstration as a citizen to exercise my democratic and civic rights. The demonstration began peacefully, with youth raising placards containing various inscriptions telling the government what was necessary. I also witnessed many instances where the same youth advocated for a peaceful demonstration by warning those trying to cause havoc or unnecessary problems.

It was not until after the address by the governor of Kano state that some angry youth were said to have joined the demonstration and vandalized the NCC office that’s yet to be commissioned. How is it possible for people who want the government to listen to their yearnings and aspirations to end up in this barbaric act? 

A lot of misinformation on social media claimed that this youth initially organized the demonstration to loot. But this opinion is strictly for those who think citizens should not tell the government the difficulties they’re going through through protest. These people are very well aware of the situation in the north and Nigeria.

In reality, these thugs were hired to disrupt the demonstration process. Is there any place that one can find rocks of the same size on a state road? How do the rocks get there? How could there be a political gathering while the protest is ongoing? This tells you that these uneducated thugs were hired to fault and disrupt the demonstration process due to some political reasons I wouldn’t like to mention here.

Look, this demonstration tells you how angry and hungry people are, especially the youth around 20-25 years of age. Although this is a planned demonstration, a time is coming when no one can stop these youth from expressing their anger. Youths were coming out in thousands to express their concern about what has been happening for a year now.

If you think the protest is the main cause of what happened, does that mean people should not participate? Everyone knows the danger of following the Kaduna-Abuja road due to kidnapping and banditry, but does that stop people from following the road? Don’t they want their lives? What about the people of Katsina who are now friends of bandit? 

The vandalization shouldn’t be the yardstick for generalizing these youth who are out to secure their future. If the protest is a means to express dissatisfaction over the government’s inability to meet certain demands, then people must partake,even if that can change their lives. 

Even in the US, the mother of democracy, during the protests, people carried out such acts (not stealing). Assume I’m lying, but fact-check what I said.

The question left unanswered is, where do you think Nigerian youth can find hope, and through what process? This is a democratic era. People must exercise their democratic rights before their leaders can listen to them.

Imagine a country where the president is publicizing that he has no CABAL or a SPONSOR! That is to say, the moment he assumed office, Nigerians were sold to him by the delegates of his political party, and no one could influence his decisions, positively or negatively.

I sympathize with the victims who lost their properties and some lives in the process of the protest, but this shouldn’t be the end. You must lose something to get something, and hopefully, the end of the struggle will yield a positive result.

It’s a time for Nigerian youth to abstain from drugs and vandalism. Do not let anyone use you to cause havoc and dump you in a dustbin. Think for yourselves, attend school, and build your future because success is yours.

The people behind this thuggery sent their children abroad, schooling in the world’s first-class universities, whereas the sons of the common person are dealing with drugs, joblessness, and uncertainties of life.

The government should use what happened in Kano as a case study. It’s always said that “a hungry man is an angry man.” The government should try to listen to Nigerians’ yearnings and provide immediate solutions to their sufferings. If not, no one can dare stop these youth the next time they’ll be on the street in the name of protest.

God bless Nigeria. May Nigerian succeed, amin.

Anwar Usman Hassan wrote from Kano via usmananwarhassan@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

At least 10 people have died and 40 others are currently hospitalized following a diphtheria outbreak in Kano State.

The state’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, disclosed this to journalists as reported by The Daily Reality on Sunday.

Dr. Labaran confirmed to journalists that the deaths occurred over the past week, adding that the state government has established diphtheria treatment centers in various local government areas to handle the outbreak.

“We have recorded 10 deaths from the diphtheria outbreak in the last week, and as of this morning, 40 patients are receiving treatment,” Dr. Labaran stated. He urged residents who encounter individuals showing symptoms of diphtheria to visit the newly established treatment centers instead of coming to facilities in the metropolitan area, to help prevent the spread of the disease.

He emphasized that treatment at these centers is free of charge.

Dr. Labaran also refuted figures circulating on social media, stating, “The only official number we have is 10 deaths.” The health authorities in Kano continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts to contain the outbreak are underway.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other military heads to relocate to Sokoto, which serves as the headquarters for the General Officer Commanding (GOC) overseeing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states.

The Daily Reality learned that the move is part of a concentrated effort to eliminate the threats of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in the North West region.

In a statement, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, expressed his deep concern over the ongoing activities of terrorists and bandits in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states and their surrounding areas.

He announced that a significant military operation would soon be launched in Sokoto, targeting banditry across the region.

“The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has expressed his sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits terrorizing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states and its environs.

“Consequently, the Honourable Minister of State has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other military chiefs to move to Sokoto, the Headquarters of the GOC Sokoto,” the statement read.

By Uzair Adam

A building collapse in the Makwarari area of Kano State has claimed the life of a 35-year-old mother and injured her two children.

The tragedy occurred on Friday following heavy rains that began on Thursday night and continued into the early hours of Friday morning.

The victim, identified as Balaraba Tijjani, was at home with her children, Abdulnasir and Abdallah, aged 11 and 13, when the incident happened.

According to her husband, Tijjani Magaji, the building’s collapse was due to the severe rainfall.

The Kano State Fire Service Spokesperson, Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi, confirmed the incident, noting that the structure was a one-storey residential building measuring 30 feet by 40 feet.

“We received an emergency call on Friday around 9:30 a.m. from one of our staff members, Ibrahim Isah, reporting the collapse,” Abdullahi said.

Emergency responders were promptly dispatched to the scene, where they managed to rescue the children alive.

They were taken to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital in Kano for medical attention.

By Uzair Adam

A magistrate court in Kano has ordered the remand of Muktar Dahiru, a journalist with Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM Kano, in prison.

He is accused of sharing media content on Facebook that is critical of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the reinstated emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Dahiru allegedly posted several controversial audio recordings, including an interview with an opposition politician who accused Governor Yusuf of corruption.

The politician challenged the governor to allow federal anti-corruption agencies to investigate a scandal involving Novomed Pharmaceutical, which is owned by a relative of former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

In another instance, Dahiru shared a broadcast by the governor’s political adviser, Anas Abba-Dala, which speculated on the nationality of Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and made other controversial claims.

Additionally, Dahiru shared content criticizing the emir and accusing former Governor Kwankwaso of financial misconduct.

The journalist was charged in secret at Magistrate Court 24 on Gyadi Gyadi Court Road for criminal conspiracy, defamation of character, and intentional insult, alleged to be in violation of sections 97, 391, and 115 of the Penal Code Law.

The magistrate, Ummah Kurawa, ordered Dahiru’s remand in a correctional facility until a bail hearing scheduled for September 3.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Chief of Army Staff Taoreed Lagbaja has reassured Nigerians that the military will soon surmount the prevailing security challenges. 

Mr. Lagbaja stated this during the COAS combined second and third Quarters Conference 2024 closing ceremony on Thursday in Uyo. 

“The reassurance is based on the security briefings we received from different army formations and commands across the country. I must say that the feedback from the various commanders is encouraging.  

“They show that the prevailing security challenges facing our dear nation, though daunting, are surmountable and that we are indeed on the right path to victory,” Mr Lagbaja said. 

He also expressed the loyalty and commitment of the Nigerian Army to the country’s constitution as well as the promotion of national interests and values. 

“I assure Nigerians of our resolve to continue to collaborate with its sister services and other security agencies to ensure security of lives and properties across the country.

“I encourage the law-abiding Nigerians to continue to support the government and the security forces in the efforts to make our country safe and prosperous,” added the army chief. 

He thanked participants for their sincerity and passion throughout the deliberation, just as he stated that the secretariat had adequately captured the decisions made during the deliberations.

By Fodio Ahmed 

The education crisis in Northern Nigeria has reached alarming proportions, with millions of children out of school and illiteracy rates soaring. We must take immediate action to address this crisis, and a private and public partnership led by the Federal Government is the way forward.

The federal government must lead the implementation of an ‘Emergency Education Liberalization of Northern Nigeria.’ This initiative should not only focus on reducing the number of out-of-school children and setting targets for illiteracy reduction but also on implementing a comprehensive strategy that leaves no stone unturned in achieving these goals.

To achieve this, a task force led by the President, with a prominent Northerner as Deputy 1 and a foreign expert as Deputy 2, should be established. This task force should collaborate with international organizations like UNESCO, the UN, the World Bank, and foreign governments like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Morocco.

Furthermore, local and international philanthropists, Northern business leaders like Dangote and BUA, and UN Deputy General Secretary Amina Mohamed should be involved in this initiative. The private sector should manage funds to ensure transparency and efficiency.

In addition, Northern governors and LGA chairmen should submit lists of schools and enrollment figures. At the same time, traditional rulers, Imams, Pastors, celebrities, musicians, and social media influencers should be engaged to promote education. Skills acquisition centers should be established, and technical colleges should receive more equipment.

Finally, I firmly believe this approach can make significant strides in addressing the education crisis in Northern Nigeria. The time for action is now, and we must work together to ensure that every child in the region has access to quality education.

Fodio Ahmed wrote via penfodioahmed@gmail.com.

By Sulyman Pakoyi 

Nigerians protested across major cities against the prevailing economic hardship one year under President Tinubu. The country is witnessing its worst economic crisis in decades. 

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, inflation increased from 22.8 in June 2023 to 34.2 in June 2024. The government’s effort to cushion the effect isn’t yielding significant effort considering the removal of petroleum subsidies.

The unbearable cost of living has caused the protesters to demand that the government reduce inflation, provide job opportunities, and fight insecurity and corruption. 

However, if we look back in history, these demands are constantly recurring. Every successive government witnessed at least a protest highlighting these demands, but the demands remain unmet; the situation worsens yearly.

It asks whether the government listens to citizens’ frustration or whether the placard doesn’t state the demand clearly. 

As effective protest could be, it was never enough. After the protest, Nigeria needs to look inward to solve these challenges and alternatives that could proffer solutions after protests.

Advocacy is an important aspect of democracy. It plays a crucial role in holding government responsible. Advocacy on good governance would ensure that after demands are made, citizens can trace whether the government fulfills these demands. 

If advocacy were taken seriously, the government would take its responsibilities seriously and listen to people because there are different advocacy groups tracking government policies and actions.

It is pretty interesting to note that groups advocate good governance in Nigeria, but only a few Nigerians know them and their objectives. 

Also, most groups focus on the Federal government. Advocacy should include sensitizing the public on the responsibilities of other arms and tiers of government, especially the legislative. 

Elections occur every four years. Four to eight years of our lives are in the hands of people we decide to vote for at the polls. Their actions and policies affect our social-economic life.

Electing responsible leaders would save us from placards and fists on the streets expressing our frustration. Responsible leadership will discharge their duties as expected without the citizens on the streets with placards and fists to register their frustration.

While it is important to hold government accountable, citizens also have certain responsibilities. The change we clamor for needs to start with’ me and you.’

The responsibility of building a formidable society where the rule of law prevails does not lie solely on the shoulders of elected officials. Citizens need to take responsibility for their actions and remember that these actions have consequences. That way, a progressive society can be built.

It can’t be stressed enough that Nigerians must learn to hold grudges against the government. Government officials should pay for their inactions through elections, recall, or impeachment. 

The Constitution guarantees citizens the right to recall their representatives who do not serve their people. For instance, section 69 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to recall a lawmaker if his/her constituents lose confidence in him/her.

We can’t continue to repay bad leaders with reelection every four years. Our lives depend on their actions. 

The government seems never to be bothered by the pressing issues and instead threatens with violence. It is audacious of a senate president to confidently tell Nigerians he would ‘eat while they are outside protesting.’ 

Protests should last more than a week in 365 days, and we should only engage when the peak of frustration is reached. Nigerians should be able to hold reasonable grudges at every opportunity. 

Protests should be more than placards on popular streets or in front of government offices.  It should teach lessons to the government and even the protesters on the streets.

Sulyman Pakoyi is a corp member serving at The Hope Newspaper.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has exhumed the bodies of marine hunters who were kidnapped and brutally murdered by notorious criminals in Unyenghe, Mbo Local Government Area. 

According to the police, the victims were abducted on August 18 and buried in shallow graves with their heads dismembered.

Following a tip-off, the police launched a manhunt for the suspects, arresting five individuals, including the Village Head of Utit Antai, Chief Okon Asuquo Eteokpo, who was accused of aiding and abetting the criminals. 

The police also recovered 15 live cartridges from the suspects.

ASP Timfon John, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident, stating that the police are determined to rid the state of crime and criminal elements. 

The police are urging the public to report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station, as they continue to investigate the gruesome murders.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

AbdulSamad Rabiu, the Chairman of BUA Cement, has revealed that his company’s intention to sell cement at N3,500 per bag last year was thwarted by the actions of cement dealers. 

During the 8th Annual General Meeting held in Abuja, Rabiu stated that BUA Cement had sold over a million tons of cement to dealers at a price of N3,500 per bag, with the intention of passing the savings on to end-users.

However, he noted that dealers were selling each bag of cement to consumers for prices ranging from N7,000 to N8,000. 

Rabiu expressed frustration that the company’s policy was not being implemented as intended, saying, “So, a lot of the dealers took advantage of that policy. Rather than pass the low prices to the customers, they were selling at even double the price we sold to them.” 

He attributed the discontinuation of the policy to the company’s inability to regulate dealers, who were earning substantial profits due to high margins.

Rabiu also cited the challenges posed by the devaluation of the Naira and the removal of fuel subsidies last year, which made it difficult for the company to sustain the price policy. 

“We wanted that price to stay at that level, but dealers refused. So, we could not sustain that simply because we did not want to be in a situation where we are subsidizing dealers,” he said.