By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government (FG) has initiated the payment of salaries previously withheld from members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). 

Confirmation of this breakthrough came directly from the Chairperson of ASUU at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Gbolahan Bolarin, who officially verified the situation.

Prof. Bolarin affirmed, “Yes, it is true. Payment has started rolling in.” 

This announcement marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing negotiations between ASUU and the FG regarding salary payments and other outstanding issues.

The resumption of salary disbursements brings relief to thousands of university lecturers who have faced financial strain due to the prolonged withholding of their earnings. 

The decision to release the withheld salaries follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive in October 2023, authorizing the payment of four months’ worth of salaries owed to ASUU members.

This action represents a proactive step by the government to address the grievances of academic staff and ensure the smooth functioning of the country’s higher education sector.

The resumption of salary payments underscores the importance of dialogue and cooperation between stakeholders in resolving disputes and fostering a conducive environment for teaching, research, and learning in Nigerian universities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

There was a sad moment at the Zoological Garden of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife on Monday as a 9-year-old male lion attacked and killed Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a long-serving veterinary technologist responsible for animal care. 

Mr. Olawuyi, reportedly in charge of the zoo for over a decade, was feeding the lions in their den when the incident occurred.

According to university officials, Mr. Olawuyi had cared for the animals since their birth nine years ago. Despite attempts by colleagues to intervene, the lion inflicted fatal injuries, leading to Mr. Olawuyi’s passing. 

Upon receiving the news, university management, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Bamire, visited the scene and offered condolences to the deceased’s family.

Professor Bamire confirmed that “all first aid and medical efforts to save the life of the victim proved abortive.” 

Following the incident, the aggressive lion was euthanized to ensure the safety of remaining staff and animals.

Additionally, a thorough investigation into the cause of the attack is underway. 

This tragic event raises questions about zoo safety protocols and the risks associated with close interactions between humans and wild animals.

It follows similar incidents in 2018 and 2022, where lions attacked and killed individuals in South Africa. 

The OAU community mourns the loss of Mr. Olawuyi, a dedicated caretaker remembered for his passion for animal welfare.

The university’s investigation aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

By Aisar Fagge

Rumours circulating on social media platforms about the resignation of Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, the Commandant General of Kano State Hisbah Command, were found to be false.

Speaking to Dr. Mujahid Aminuddeen, Deputy Commander General of Kano Hisbah, he said, “All those stories were fake, and Sheikh Daurawa is already in his office attending to many people.”

The development of this fake news is not unconnected to the story of the release of Murja Kunya, the embattled TikToker who was arrested by Hisbah after receiving a series of complaints against her from the residents of the area where she lives.

After being taken to court, Kunya was facing multiple charges, denied bail, and the date for her trial was set. However, yesterday, February 18th, new information revealed that Kunya had been miraculously released.

The Daily Reality is working to find out why, how, and under what condition(s) she was released.

By Ibrahiym A. El-Caleel

Muhammad Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto mni, a professor at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) and the Chief Imam of Abu Hurairah Mosque, has commented on recent initiatives by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) and the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) aimed at addressing the escalating inflation nationwide. His remarks follow President Bola Tinubu’s commendation of PCACC’s efforts in scrutinizing the alleged hoarding of goods by businesspeople.

The President, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, lauded the Kano government and urged other state governors to follow suit. Earlier on Friday, FCCPC also reportedly sealed Sahad Stores, a popular Abuja shopping mall, over “misleading pricing practices and lack of transparency”, later reopening it after reaching a mutual understanding with the store.

The actions of PCACC and FCCPC have triggered discussions on social media as Nigerians grapple with rising commodity prices. Under Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado’s leadership, Kano State PCACC has reportedly sealed over a dozen warehouses, accusing businessmen of hoarding grains and essential commodities.

A widely circulated video showed a warehouse owner explaining that the stored grains were intended for supply to NGOs like the United Nations and ECOWAS, engaged in aiding internally displaced persons (IDPs) in North-Eastern states.

Professor Mansur Sokoto mni weighed into the conversation in two separate posts on his Facebook profile, initially posing five critical questions:

1. “Is the ongoing food inflation solely attributable to businessmen storing grains in warehouses?
2. Without warehouses for grains, where will imported commodities be stored before distribution for purchase?
3. Does the surge in prices affect only food, or are other commodities like steel, wood, gold, petrol, and clothing also impacted?
4. Have commodity prices simply risen, or is the devaluation of the Naira a contributing factor? If Naira devaluation is the cause, who is responsible?
5. Are the commodities stored in these warehouses completely unavailable in the market, indicating hoarding?

The Islamic scholar emphasized that leaders should be aware of the actual sources of the prevailing hardship and avoid actions that exacerbate challenges. Responding to a commenter’s question on Islam’s stance on hoarding, Professor Sokoto clarified the following six points on what is permissible (halal) and forbidden (haram):

1. It is permissible for an individual to cultivate food crops in any quantity, whether for personal consumption or for storage, with the intention of selling at a later time, provided that he/she has fulfilled the obligatory almsgiving, known as “Zakah”.

2. It is permissible for an individual in need of food to purchase, consume, and store it to prevent potential future cost increases.

3. It is permissible for a businessman to store food crops that he has ordered, intending to sell them later, periodically, according to market demand.

4. It is permissible for a businessman to purchase a food crop during its season, anticipating future value increases, with the intention of selling it for profit. This is permissible according to a valid opinion.

5. It is both permissible and even encouraged for financially capable individuals to buy what they and their families will consume- including items they will give as charity- for a long time, especially when food prices are rising without clear signs of decline. This perspective aligns with the viewpoint of Shaikh Ibn Uthaimeen.

6. What is NOT permissible is for businessmen to acquire food during periods of high prices and hoard it with the intention of causing hardship to the public. Similarly, it is forbidden for businessmen to accumulate and store food during scarcity periods, withholding it from the market until demand peaks. At this point, they sell it at exorbitant prices. In such instances, government authorities are authorized to compel the businessman to sell the stored food at the standard market price without imposing a loss on the sale.

Having outlined these positions, Professor Sokoto critiqued the recent actions of breaking into warehouses, deeming them inappropriate. He questioned whether the businessmen violated Nigerian laws, emphasizing that their practice is not against Islamic injunctions as they maintain inventory for trade and strategic partnerships.

He implored the government to investigate the actual causes of hardships, citing fuel subsidy removal, Naira floating, border closure, and taxation as contributors. Professor Sokoto cautioned against temporary solutions, advocating for sustainable measures and discouraging the use of the National Strategic Grain Reserve to artificially lower food prices. He drew lessons from past strategies and urged the government to avoid short-term approaches.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has convened a crucial steering committee meeting aimed at consolidating the strides made in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Trade Modernization Project (TMP), focused on enhancing trade facilitation through technological innovations. 

Held behind closed doors at the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, February 15, 2024, the meeting brought together members of the TMP Steering Committee, underscoring the strategic importance attached to advancing digital solutions within the NCS. 

CGC Adeniyi unveiled the overarching objectives of the Trade Modernization Project, emphasising its pivotal role in driving end-to-end automation of customs processes and procedures.

He delineated key components of the project, including the Unified Customs Management System, Trade Portal, Cargo Release System, and Automation Services such as Big Data & AI Integration and Document Management System. 

“This project signifies a milestone in our journey towards digital transformation, heralding a new era of transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness in customs operations,” remarked the CGC, highlighting the imperative of adapting to evolving market dynamics and unlocking revenue streams through digitization. 

Addressing the TMP Steering Committee, CGC Adeniyi underscored the project’s long-term vision, spanning twenty years and encompassing three distinct phases aimed at enhancing core services, implementing automation solutions, and facilitating seamless transition and handback processes. 

“We are poised to tackle prevailing challenges, make informed decisions, and chart a trajectory of progress for the service,” affirmed the CGC, expressing optimism regarding the committee’s capacity to navigate complexities and drive impactful outcomes. 

Echoing the sentiment of unwavering support, Saleh Ahmadu, Chairman of the Trade Modernization Project Limited, reaffirmed his team’s commitment to bolstering the NCS’s revenue generation efforts.

Ahmadu stated the development of software solutions geared towards integrating revenue collection systems, thereby advancing the NCS’s ambitious revenue target of N6 trillion for 2024. 

“As lifelong partners to the Nigeria Customs Service, we remain steadfast in our commitment to revolutionizing trade facilitation in Nigeria,” Ahmadu asserted, underscoring the proactive approach adopted by the steering committee in driving tangible progress.

By Muhammad Abdurrahman

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, tackles President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the hardships caused by the latter’s policies since assuming office as President in May 2023.

In a post on his verified social media handles, Atiku calls out Tinubu, calling the steps taken by his administration to contain the crises of currency fluctuation and poverty many people face in Nigeria “failures.”

The statement reads:

At a meeting called at his instance on Thursday to address the Foreign Exchange crisis and the problem of economic downturn, among others, Bola Tinubu failed, yet again, to showcase any concrete policy steps that his administration is taking to contain the crises of currency fluctuation and poverty that face the country.

Rather, he told the country and experts who have been offering ideas on how to resolve the crisis that he and his team should not be distracted and allowed time to continue cooking their cocktail that has brought untold hardship to the people of Nigeria.

I don’t agree with that.

The wrong policies of the Tinubu administration continue to cause untold pain and distress on the economy and the rest of us cannot keep quiet when, clearly, the government has demonstrated sufficient poverty of ideas to redeem the situation.

If the government will not hold on to their usual hubris, there are ways that the country can walk out of the current crisis.

After a careful assessment of the state of our economy at the twilights of the last administration, I knew full well that the economy of the country was heading for the ditch and came up with a number of policy prescriptions that would rescue the country from getting into the mess that we are currently in.

Those ideas, encapsulated in my policy document titled: My Covenant With Nigerians made the following prescriptions:

1. I had signed on to a commitment to reform the operation of the foreign exchange market. Specifically, there was a commitment to eliminate multiple exchange rate windows. The system only served to enrich opportunists, rent-seekers, middlemen, arbitrageurs, and fraudsters.

2. A fixed exchange rate system would be out of the question. First, it would not be in line with our philosophy of running an open, private sector friendly economy. Secondly, operating a successful fixed-exchange rate system would require sufficient FX reserves to defend the domestic currency at all times. But as is well known, Nigeria’s major challenge is the persistent FX illiquidity occasioned by limited foreign exchange inflows to the country. Without sufficient FX reserves, confidence in the Nigerian economy will remain low, and Naira will remain under pressure. The economy will have no firepower to support its currency. Besides, a fixed-exchange rate system is akin to running a subsidy regime!

3. On the other hand, given Nigeria’s underlying economic conditions, adopting a floating exchange rate system would be an overkill. We would have encouraged the Central Bank of Nigeria to adopt a gradualist approach to FX management. A managed-floating system would have been a preferred option. In simple terms, in such a system, the Naira may fluctuate daily, but the CBN will step in to control and stabilize its value. Such control will be exercised judiciously and responsibly, especially to curve speculative activities.

4. Why control, you may ask.

(i). Nigeria has insufficient, unstable, and precarious foreign reserves to support a free-floating rate regime. Nigeria’s reserves did not have enough foreign exchange that can be sold freely at fair market prices during crises.

(ii). Nigeria is not earning enough US$ from its sales of crude oil because its production of oil has been declining. And,

(iii). Nigeria is not attracting foreign investment in appreciable quantities.

These are enough reasons for Nigeria to seek to have a greater control of the market, at least in the short to medium term when convergence is expected to be achieved.

Tinubu’s new policy FX management policy was hurriedly put together without proper plans and consultations with stakeholders. The government failed to anticipate or downplayed the potential and real negative consequences of its actions.

The Government did not allow the CBN the independence to design and implement a sound FX Management Policy that would have dealt with such issues as increasing liquidity, curtailing/regulating demand, dealing with FX backlogs and rate convergence.

I firmly believe that if and when the Government is ready to open itself to sound counsels, as well as control internal bleedings occasioned by corruption and poorly negotiated foreign loans, the Nigerian economy would begin to find a footing again. – AA

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Engausa Global Tech Hub in Kano has been singled out by the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIME).

Engr. Lawan Usman Isa, the Chairman of the Kano Branch of NIME, lauded the hub during a recent visit, highlighting its bilingual teaching approach and its potential to impact skills knowledge nationwide. 

Engr. Isa commended Engausa for its innovative teaching methods, which incorporate both Hausa and English languages, as he shows the importance of such approaches in enhancing technical education across the country.

The engineers’ delegation expressed admiration for Engausa’s dedication to empowering youth and fostering personal growth, recognising the pivotal role of skill development in community transformation. 

Echoing the sentiments of NIME, Engausa’s founder, Engr. Mustapha Habu Ringim, indicated the hub’s mission to overcome language barriers and promote technical knowledge.

Established four years ago, Engausa Global Tech Hub aims to revolutionise technical education by prioritising practical skill acquisition over mere certification. 

“Our focus is on human capital development and technical skill acquisition,” Ringim affirmed.

He emphasised the hub’s success in training students in Hausa, enabling better comprehension and application of technical concepts, particularly among marginalised groups such as Almajiris and out-of-school children. 

Highlighting the hub’s impact, Ringim noted that many of its graduates are now gainfully employed, underscoring the efficacy of Engausa’s approach in addressing societal challenges such as unemployment and educational exclusion. 

As Nigeria strives to advance technically and bridge the skills gap, collaborations between institutions like NIME and pioneering hubs like Engausa Global Tech Hub are crucial.

By harnessing innovative teaching methodologies and prioritising practical skills development, initiatives like Engausa are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s technical landscape and fostering inclusive development.

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin

Last quarter of 2023, 7th October to be precise, the patience of Palestinians on the forceful occupation and increasing encroachment of Israel in the Gaza Strip, Westbank, and East Jerusalem reached the breaking point, as the voice and heartbeat of Palestine in the Gaza Strip, Hamas, launched a devastating attack on Israel in the occupied areas. The coordinated attack was said to bypass Israeli intelligence and caught their security off guard. But in a swift reaction, Israel has since been responding brutally, threatening the annihilation of not only Hamas but Palestinians in Gaza.

This article is the second from my reading of the book that Dr Muhsin Ibrahim generously shared: They called me a lioness.

 As far back as the beginning of the 19th century, the geopolitical entity now known as Israel did not exist. Instead, the Jewish population was scattered globally (this is a topic for another day); their population would be dispersed across Europe, America, and even our continent, Africa, as some reports claim. 

The clamour for Israel to settle in Palestine first gained traction after the First World War. When the Ottoman Empire collapsed, the control over Palestine fell under British rule.  Regardless of how one will view the situation,  the genesis of the Palestine-Israel turmoil must go back to the British. Because they sought both the help of Israel and Palestine during the war,   promising  Israel to establish a state for them on one hand and agreeing to get independence for Palestine from the Ottoman Empire on another, the British eventually sided with Israel.

So, in 1917, the British issued the Balfour Declaration, pledging to establish “a national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine. This marked (substantially) the beginning of a series of ongoing conflicts between Israel and Palestine.

 The Second World War saw the Zionist movement get even more traction.  According to Hitler’s fascist ideology, for humanity to attain Utopia, all forms of inefficiency must be removed, including problematic races and even physically or mentally challenged individuals. In Hitler’s vision, Israel fell in the former category,  so they have to be eradicated. In this regard, about six million Jews had been said to have met their brutal end. The individuals with discounts, either physically or mentally, should also have allied nations to thank for ending the fascism ideology; had Hitler succeeded, it would have been the beginning of their eradication, too.  But for Palestine, their predicament increased. Hundreds of thousands of Holocaust survivors fled Europe, with tens of thousands seeking refuge in Palestine.

It appears that Hitler’s apprehension against Israel had some element of truth because all European countries closed their doors to Jews both before and after the World War. The Jewish population seemed a burden, and the world grappled with an approach to address the puzzle.

In 1947, the United Nations formalised Zionism by approving a plan to partition Palestine into a Jewish state and a Palestinian state, with Jerusalem remaining under international control. This marked a triumphant year for Israel, the culmination of the Zionist struggle. Conversely, for Palestinians, it was a time of national mourning and sadness.

A whole new chapter of the standoff between Israel and Palestine would ensue as Arab nations united against Israel to stop the partition. However, the coalition achieved limited success, with only Jordan managing to capture East Jerusalem and the West Bank and Egypt taking control of Gaza after the 1948 war; Palestinians referred to this war as the “Nakba” or catastrophe, reflecting the extent of devastation that was inflicted on them by Israel.

Again, in the 1967 war, known as the Six-Day War, Israel got the upper hand, capturing Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem and initiating what Palestine currently fights with their heart in their mouth: the military occupation of Palestinian territories. In this process, Israel implemented various methods to relegate Palestinians to second-class status, including the construction of a separation wall, the issuance of green identification cards, and the assignment of white license plates to Palestinians, a sort of apartheid-style.

The fact that both Israel and Palestine are descendants of a common ancestor, Abraham, with the former tracing their lineage through Isaac and the latter through Ishmael, is significant and, at the same time, intriguing. To paraphrase former US president W. J. Clinton, dear brothers and sisters Shalom, sheathe the sword and make a sacrifice to accept the common deal beneficial to both sides like the one Nigeria offered.

 Through the then Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, Nigeria gave the suggestions: “We encourage Israel to take concrete steps to freeze and reverse all settlement-related activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. On their part, Palestinian leaders must also signal their readiness to return to the negotiating table, and we reaffirm our unwavering support for a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine existing side-by-side in peace.” 

Bilyamin Abdulmumin is a doctoral researcher in chemical engineering at ABU Zaria.

By Usman Muhammad Salihu 

Street begging is the act of soliciting favours, often in the form of money, without the expectation of reciprocation, typically occurring in motor parks, markets, or densely populated areas.

The prevalence of street begging has become widespread across various cities in our country, particularly in the northern regions, where beggars have formed a nuisance.

Some beggars adopt a persistent approach, approaching motorists during traffic delays and creating disturbances along major highways. A significant contributing factor to this issue is the economic downturn, resulting in the closure of industries and factories, leaving many without alternative means of livelihood.

Some able-bodied individuals opt for begging rather than engaging in profitable ventures, choosing an easy life over hard work. This phenomenon is exacerbated by factors such as poverty, illiteracy, and societal influences that fail to provide proper orientation.

Addressing the street begging menace requires a collaborative effort from the government, society, and other organisations. Legislation should be enacted to penalise able-bodied individuals found begging, while those with disabilities should receive appropriate care.

Economic improvement is crucial, necessitating the reopening of closed industries and the establishment of new ones to combat unemployment. Revitalising the agricultural sector can offer additional job opportunities, reducing the number of youths resorting to begging.

By implementing and sustaining these measures, the street begging menace can be effectively curbed and eventually eradicated from our society.

Usman Muhammad Salihu writes from Jos, Nigeria and can be reached at muhammadu5363@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Ramlat Princess, a TikTok skit maker, has been remanded in a correctional centre by a Sharia Court in Kano State following her arrest by the Kano State Hisbah Board. 

Reports show that Ms. Ramlat was apprehended after a video clip surfaced online, where she purportedly proclaimed herself as a lesbian. 

Operatives of the Hisbah command arrested Ms. Ramlat on Thursday, prompted by the viral clip that sparked outrage among social media users, leading to calls for her arrest. 

Upon her arraignment at the Sharia Court, Ms. Ramlat, who reportedly pleaded guilty to charges of sharing explicit material on social media and inciting public outrage, was remanded in prison custody by Judge Sani Tanimu Hausawa.

The judge scheduled a summary judgement for Monday, February 19, 2024. 

Ms. Ramlat, originally from Ghana and residing in Taraba State, claimed she was visiting her elder sister in Kano when she was arrested about a month ago. 

In the controversial video, Ms. Ramlat declared her lesbian identity, stating that any man wishing to marry her must consent to her marrying a woman as well. 

“I am a full-fledged lesbian. Lesbianism is a beautiful act that I can’t do without,” she proclaimed in the video. 

During questioning by Hisbah officials, Ms. Ramlat confirmed her involvement in the video and reiterated her stance on marriage requirements. 

The arrest of Ms. Ramlat follows a similar incident involving another TikToker, Murja Kunya, who was also arrested by the Hisbah Board and remanded in prison. 

It’s important to note that same-sex relationships, including homosexuality and lesbianism, are illegal in Nigeria, with offenders facing a minimum of 14 years in jail if convicted. 

Ms. Ramlat’s case highlights the ongoing enforcement of laws against same-sex relationships in Nigeria and the swift actions taken by authorities in response to perceived violations.