By Idris Ishaq Danwanka

I stand with my boss, the Bauchi State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, when he described the Bauchi State Governor as his Boss, His leader, and His Direction. The governor has consistently demonstrated kindness to the people of Bauchi State, initiating and executing numerous critical projects since assuming office. His tireless collaboration with the legislative arm of the government ensures the smooth implementation of these projects, providing the state with essential resources for its development.

However, it has come to my attention that certain individuals, particularly from the opposition party, have been attacking the Speaker’s Facebook post, which featured a picture of the governor with the caption: “Wannan shine Uban Gidana, Jagorana, kuma Alkibla ta. Abinda kace shi zamuyi, dani da magoya bayana, in shaa Allah.” The English translation of this Hausa statement is: “The man in this picture is my boss, my leader, and my direction. We will follow whatever you say, knowing fully that you will never lead us to harm, my followers and I, Allah willing.”

There is absolutely nothing wrong with what the speaker said. Unfortunately, due to political differences and a lack of substantial critiques, some individuals who are clueless about the nuances of political discourse are baselessly accusing the speaker of compromising the duties of the legislative body.

The accusations against the speaker are unfounded. To those critics, I pose the following questions:

– In what specific ways has the speaker failed to discharge his duties?
– What are the explicit duties of the speaker and the members of the State Assembly?
– What is inherently wrong with the speaker’s praise for the governor?

Here are a few key points in response to the criticisms:

– In every speech he presents, the governor refers to the speaker as his boss. What wrong does it do when the speaker also refers to the governor as his boss?

– The Speaker’s loyalty to the governor does not impede his ability to perform his constitutional duties regarding the executive arm.

– As a citizen of Nigeria, the speaker is entitled to the same rights as everyone else, including the right to freedom of expression and the press, as provided in Section 39 of the Constitution.

– The Speaker is genuinely impressed with the governor’s leadership style and ability to implement beneficial policies and programs for the state.

– Recently, the governor has flagged off the dualisation of access road in Ningi, and work is in progress… the speaker’s local government, from GSS Ningi to Gudduba. This project, long sought after since the creation of the local government, was approved due to the harmonious relationship between the Executive and Legislative branches.

– ⁠Note that this is the speaker’s personal opinion and that of his supporters (constituents), to which he is constitutionally entitled.

These and many other reasons have prompted the speaker to laud the governor and refer to him as his boss. Ultimately, we are fully committed to following the speaker’s lead and hold no regrets, retreat, or surrender for following the speaker’s directions.

We will always follow his leads and instructions and obey his commands. Our loyalty to the speaker is uncompromising.

Sen. Idris Ishaq Danwanka wrote via idrisdanwanka@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A 63-year-old Missouri woman, Sandra “Sandy” Hemme, has had her conviction overturned after spending 43 years in prison for a murder she did not commit.

Hemme was convicted in 1985 based on incriminating statements she made while a psychiatric patient, but a judge has now ruled that there is “clear and convincing” evidence of her innocence. 

Livingston County Circuit Judge Ryan Horsman ruled that evidence directly ties the murder of Patricia Jeschke to a local police officer, Michael Holman, who has since died.

Hemme must be freed within 30 days unless prosecutors decide to re-try her. Hemme’s legal team, with the Innocence Project, argued that authorities ignored contradictory statements and failed to disclose evidence that would have helped her defense.

Her attorneys said, “We are grateful to the Court for acknowledging the grave injustice Ms. Hemme has endured for more than four decades.” 

Hemme’s conviction was the longest-known wrongful conviction of a woman in US history. She initially pleaded guilty to capital murder to avoid the death penalty, but her conviction was later overturned on appeal.

At her retrial in 1985, the only evidence against her was her contradictory and factually impossible “confession” made while a psychiatric patient. 

Hemme’s attorneys noted that she had a history of inpatient psychiatric care, having spent most of her life in treatment since age 12.

Her exoneration is a testament to the tireless efforts of her legal team and the Innocence Project, bringing an end to a 43-year-long grave injustice.

By Aisha Mohammed Danpullo

 We were sent to get cooking oil from a house nearby. My cousin and I wore a popular Malaysian Hijab with trimmed lace at the edges and a rope around the back. We were so excited to have a ram that year (I come from a humble background). 

We were eager to watch the ram we had crowded around for days, feeding, watering and cleaning its poo. Finally, we were going to watch as it got slaughtered. I, for one, was most excited for the blood that would come gushing out as it took its last breath.

We went to the oil merchant’s house and met the husband, the head of the house with his kids around him, about to make his sacrifice. He was about to slaughter three fat fish. He had it held down by his eldest son as it squirmed just the way one would slaughter a ram.

The kids were all excited; the wife was humbled and a little bit ashamed, probably because of our presence, spilling the oil she measured with beer bottles serving as a measurement for a litre. It’s quite ironic because beers are banned in our part of the country, but somehow, the bottles are always found in every oil merchant’s shop, and their origin is never questioned.

The family generously offered us some, but we wouldn’t take it because there wasn’t enough for them to share.

Every year during Eid, I think of that family, wondering how they are doing and hoping life has become better for them and that they get to eat ram some year.

Aisha Danpullo wrote from Kano via aishamohammaddanpullo@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Khairallah

Vice President of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima; Borno State Acting Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; and the Shehu of Borno, HRH Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, led thousands of Muslim faithful to observe Eid prayers in Maiduguri.

The two raka’at prayers were led by the Chief Imam of Borno, Imam Shettima Saleh, at Ramat Square, Borno’s central Eid ground.

Other dignitaries include Senator representing Borno North, Sen. MT Monguno; Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkareem Lawan; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; former Deputy Governor, Hon. Usman Mamman Durkwa; Members of the State House of Assembly; Hon. Commissioners and Members of the State Executive Council; Special Advisers; Senior Special Assistants; and Special Assistants.

Delivering his Eid sermon, Imam Shettima reiterated the importance of peaceful coexistence and prayed for a bountiful harvest as the cropping season begins.

Shortly after the prayer, the Acting Governor thanked Almighty Allah for making it possible to witness yet another Eidul Adha while congratulating the Muslim Ummah for the successful Eid prayer.

“Secondly, we want to wish all those who traveled to Saudi Arabia a successful and rewarding Hajj exercise. May Allah accept all their prayers,” Kadafur said.

He further urged Muslims to be law-abiding, peace-loving, and enjoined them to use this occasion for sober reflection and prayer for lasting peace in the state.

Prayers were offered for the restoration of total peace in Borno, the northeast, and the entire country.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed concern about Nigeria’s uncontrolled population growth, stating that it may lead to problems for future generations.

He made this known while speaking to journalists after observing the Eid prayer in Daura.

Despite his concern, he expressed pleasure that many Nigerians have taken to farming, which has led to an increase in food production and a decrease in prices.

He encouraged citizens to prioritize education and health and to continue supporting local food production.

Buhari also urged the youth to learn about the country’s founding fathers and to play an active role in nation-building efforts.

He praised the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, describing it as one of the greatest achievements of General Yakubu Gowon’s administration.

The former President wished all Nigerians a happy Sallah and encouraged them to help one another and be their brother’s keepers, especially in the spirit of the Sallah celebrations.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, has held a Sallah durbar in Kano, defying a police ban on the event.

The durbar was held after the Emir led Eid prayers and a sermon at the Kofar Mata Jumu’at mosque.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other officials attended the prayers and durbar, which was held despite heavy rain flooding the usual Eid grounds.

The police ban had been criticized by the Governor, who argued that he had not been consulted as the Chief Security Officer of the State.

Meanwhile, the 15th Fulani Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, observed his Eid prayer at the Nasarawa mini palace, as earlier announced.

The event was marked by the traditional durbar procession, which was held despite the police ban.

The durbar was a significant event in Kano, with many residents attending to celebrate the Eid festival.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Suspected gunmen attacked Dudun Doki village in Sokoto’s Gwadabawa local government area, killing over 10 people and abducting many others in a 1:30 am raid on Sunday.

The attackers stormed the village, leaving a trail of death and destruction.

The motive behind the attack is currently unknown, and authorities are working to gather more information.

Further details will be released as the investigation unfolds.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Kano State Police Commissioner, Usani Gumel, has vehemently denied allegations of disobeying Governor Abba Yusuf’s orders and taking instructions from unknown sources.

Gumel reiterated his commitment to maintaining peace and order in the state, citing his track record as a champion of community safety and sustainable peace.

The denial comes on the heels of accusations leveled by the state Attorney General, Haruna Dederi, who alleged that Gumel consistently disobeyed the governor’s instructions and unilaterally banned Eid-el Kabir festivities without consultation.

Dederi further accused the police commissioner of attempting to undermine the constitutional authority of the governor by taking instructions from unknown sources.

The ongoing crisis in Kano State revolves around the contentious emirate issue, with two claimants, Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II, vying for the throne.

This has created palpable tension in the state, prompting the police to ban traditional Sallah Durbar processions to maintain peace.Gumel expressed shock and surprise at the allegations, noting his dedication to upholding the law and maintaining order in the state.

He reassured the public that the police would enforce the existing court order and work to resolve the emirate issue, prevailing on the two contending parties to respect the law.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has sent warm Eid-el-Kabir greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf.

In a message delivered at the Nassarawa mini palace on Saturday, the Emir emphasized the importance of sacrifice and prayer during Eid, expressing hopes for the leaders to continue delivering democracy dividends, protect lives and properties, and seek strength and courage from God.

He also announced the cancellation of durbar ceremonies to maintain peace in the state, following security recommendations.

Additionally, Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Agundi, announced that the Emir will observe Eid prayer at the Nassarawa mini palace on Sunday at 8:00 am.

He commended the public for their continuous prayers for peaceful coexistence in Kano and the nation at large.

The Kano Emirship is currently a subject of litigation following the dethronement of Bayero and the reinstatement of Mohammad Sanusi by Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has accused the State Police Commissioner of disobeying his directives, particularly regarding the banning of Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

The Commissioner’s actions have been described as “disheartening and dangerous to peaceful coexistence” by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi.

The government explained that the Commissioner’s decision to ban the festivities was unilateral, without consulting the Governor or the State Security Council.

This has raised concerns, as the Governor is the Chief Security Officer of the State.

The government also addressed the recent judgment by the Federal High Court No. 3 in Kano, which claimed that the former emir’s fundamental rights were infringed upon, including allegations of house arrest.

The government disputed this, stating that the former emir was not forced into Gidan Nassarawa, a government property, and was accompanied by security guards.

The government reiterated the Governor’s constitutional duty to ensure the protection of lives and properties.

They urged the people of Kano to continue their legitimate activities peacefully and promised to keep them informed as events unfold.

The government called on well-meaning Nigerians and international friends to intervene and allow the people of Kano to live in peace, stating that any attempt to undo the peace is an assault on democracy.