By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Tensions within the British government have come to the forefront as a ministerial aide, Paul Bristow, was dismissed from his position after calling for a permanent ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Bristow’s plea for a ceasefire conflicted with the government’s support for “humanitarian pauses” instead. 

The dismissal came in the wake of a letter Bristow addressed to the Prime Minister, urging for a lasting ceasefire to save lives and enable crucial aid delivery to the affected region.

His removal was swift, with government officials citing his comments as a breach of the principle of collective responsibility, wherein government members are expected to publicly support official policies regardless of personal beliefs. 

The internal discord was further highlighted during a recent session of Prime Minister’s Questions, where Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak advocated for “specific pauses” to facilitate aid delivery while firmly rejecting calls for a complete ceasefire.

Sunak emphasised Israel’s legitimate right to self-defence, underscoring the government’s stance on the matter. Bristow, a Conservative MP representing Peterborough, expressed his deep concern for his constituents, a significant portion of whom have been directly impacted by the conflict.

His questioning of the effectiveness of ongoing military actions in enhancing security or improving the situation resonated with a portion of the public. 

This incident reveals a rift within the UK government, raising questions about the nation’s diplomatic stance and the complex challenges posed by international conflicts.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, has appeared again to conduct a press conference in the aftermath of the judgement passed by the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal in favour of President Bola Tinubu. 

Below is the full text of the press conference: 

Protocol. 

Gentlemen of the Press. Someone asked me what I would do if I lost my election petition appeal at the Supreme Court. In response, I said that as long as Nigeria wins, the struggle would have been worth the while. By that, I meant that the bigger loss would not be mine but Nigeria’s if the Supreme Court legitimizes illegality, including forgery, identity theft, and perjury.  

If the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, implies by its judgment that crime is good and should be rewarded, then Nigeria has lost and the country is doomed irrespective of who occupies the Presidential seat. If the Supreme Court decides that the Electoral umpire, INEC, can tell the public one thing and then do something else in order to reach a corruptly predetermined outcome, then there is really no hope for the country’s democracy and electoral politics.  

Obviously, the consequences of those decisions for the country will not end at the expiration of the current government. They will last for decades. I am absolutely sure that history will vindicate me. We now know what the Supreme Court has decided. 

At critical points in my political life, I always ignored the easy but ignoble path and chosen the difficult but dignified path, the path of truth, of morality, of democracy and rule of law.  

I always chose freedom over servitude, whatever the personal discomforts my choice entails. When I joined politics, the critical challenge was easing the military out of power so that civilian democratic governance could be restored in Nigeria. It later became a very defining struggle, and, as one of the leaders of that struggle, I was targeted for elimination.  

In one incident, nine policemen guarding my home in Kaduna were murdered in an attempt to assassinate me. I was also forced into exile for nine (9) months. In addition, my interest in a logistics company that I co-owned was confiscated and given to friends of the military government. As Vice President in the civilian government that succeeded the military, I, again at great personal cost, chose to oppose the extension of the tenure of the government beyond the two four-year terms enshrined in our constitution.  

In response to the official backlash against me, I instituted several cases in the courts, which led to seven landmark decisions that helped to deepen our democracy and rule of law. At the current historic moment, the easier option for me would have been to fold up and retreat after the mandate banditry perpetrated by the APC and INEC.  

But I went to the Nigerian courts to seek redress. I even went to an American court to help with unravelling what our state institutions charged with such responsibilities were unwilling or unable to do, including unravelling the qualifying academic records of the person sworn in as our President and by implication, hopefully who he really is.  

I offered that evidence procured with the assistance of the American Court to our Supreme Court to help it to do justice in this case. I give this background to underscore that what we are currently dealing with is bigger than one or two presidential elections and is certainly bigger than Atiku Abubakar. It is not about me; it is about our country, Nigeria. It is about the kind of society we want to leave for the next generation and what kind of example we want to set for our children and their children.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Northern Governors’ Forum has expressed its deep sadness over the passing of the revered Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Abdul Rahman Ado Ibrahim.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, the Chairman of the Forum, expressed heartfelt condolences over the demise of this iconic monarch. 

Mr. Yahaya, in a statement, praised Dr. Ado Ibrahim’s legacy of peace, unity, and cultural preservation in Ebiraland.

He extended his sympathies to the people of Kogi State and the entire Ebira community, urging them to uphold the late monarch’s values. 

In this time of mourning, the Northern Governors’ Forum stands in solidarity with the family of Dr. Ado Ibrahim, honouring his contributions to the region’s heritage and praying for his soul’s eternal peace.

By Zayyad Muhammad

In my piece, “What Next for Aishatu Binani?” Published months ago, I postulated that the Adamawa APC Gubernatorial Candidate in the 2023 election, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani, had three options to choose from, which would make or mar her political future. First, Binani can continue to insist that she is the ‘Governor-Elect’, as declared by the suspended Adamawa INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Barristers Hudu Yunusa Ari. In this case, Binani will approach the tribunal with that sole demand.

The second option for Binani was to pursue her case through the tribunal while ignoring Hudu’s bizarre actions. The third option for her was to retreat and congratulate Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. That’s to discard the option of any litigation and move forward for the future. Binani and her team chose the former; they opted for litigation. Now, the Adamawa Governorship Election Tribunal has dismissed her case, thus putting her in a catch-22 situation. If Binani has to pursue the case to the Appeal and the Supreme Court—she will overstretch her luck—in politics, when you overstretch your luck, you may hit the wall with your head.

Everything being equal, Binani will battle three issues: she has lost a good rapport with most Adamawa APC-critical stakeholders. Second, the party itself seems not to be on the same page with her. Thirdly, continuing the legal battle means pressure on her pockets while knowing she has no chance. All the politicians that will hang on Binani’s side will only continue to do so if it will oil their courses.

Prof. Jibrin Amin has a famous saying: Ba’a adawa, babu dawa (opposition only survives with resources at hand). Fourthly, her philanthropic activities will diminish because she is not in a government position that allows her easy access to the materials used for the philosophical activities. Fifthly, discontinuing the case will portray her as weak in the eyes of her supporters. All Binani diehard supporters heavily rely on ‘the court case’ to have temporary relief and hope.

To be fair to Binani, she is among the few politicians with cult-like followers. She has fought a good battle in her own rights, but now she has found herself between two dicey options: one: reformat her politics by discarding all the unnecessary legal tussles; two: mend fences with her party at the state and LG levels, including lowering her head to some APC stakeholders who, hitherto, she assumed were not important, but they have shown her their capacity and understanding of how Adamawa politics works.

Two: go with her cult-like followers, whose only hope and temporary relief is to continue with the extraneous legal battle. And, whichever way she follows—Binani will now battle with being absent from the scene—no federal presence and local presence were cut short by the tribunal dismissal of the case and loss of influence in the local APC chapter.

Another salient fact is that one cannot discuss Binani’s political future without looking at Barr—Hudu’s faith in the court. A federal high court has ruled that Hudu’s trial can go ahead. Hudu’s conviction will have an impact on Binani’s political future.

Furthermore, the Adamawa APC will continue to have two sides: the Binani side, who have suffered massive losses of positions and steam due to court judgements against them, and the other side, who are in absolute control of the party machinery, federal might, and also sitting akimbo, laughing at the former’s predicament.

Nevertheless, one big picture is that Binani, as a person, will have to sit down and look at things from one important angle—the feasibility of being the sole financier of an opposition facing a battle from two fronts—its party and the government in power. Will Binani resort to what she did after the 2015 elections? When she suffered a ‘not surprising’ defeat in the 2015 Adamawa central senatorial election, she imposed upon herself a premature retirement from politics. The 2015 senatorial outing was a product of a miscalculated political move—contesting for the senate on a very weak platform—the PDM.

Here is the big dilemma: if Binani decides to temporarily ‘abscond’ from the scene, events and ‘new’ people will take over her spot before the 2027 election cycle, and if she decides to pursue her case to the Appeal and Supreme Courts, it will be an extraneous and costly adventure.

Here are three suggestions for Binani: First, she has lost goodwill within the APC family but has strong goodwill within her supporters’ base, so it’s time for sober reflection and amendment. Two: Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri appears to be more calculative and bold. The Fintiri team—the Deputy Governor, SSG, Chief of Staff, and the rest—appear to work with the ‘books’ and off-the-shelf as well. In contrast, Binani’s team heavily relies on weak pivotal emotion hearsay and is confined to just a minute unit, which their eyes see, forgetting the wider picture.

The best bet for Binani is to congratulate Governor Fintiri and move on, as Mallam Nuhu Ribadu did to her after the APC Gubernatorial primary election tussle. The last suggestion for Binani is to make a deep soul search for where she wants to be in 2027 and the tough road ahead.

Congratulations, Governor Ardo Ahmadu Fintiri!

Zayyad Muhammad writes from Abuja. He can be contacted via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

FC Barcelona has initiated an investigation into the alleged racist abuse directed at Real Madrid’s Brazilian winger, Vinicius Junior, during the recently played El-Clasico.

The incident occurred during the match held at Barcelona’s temporary Olympic Stadium, where a video published by Spanish media outlets seemed to capture a home supporter hurling racial slurs at Vinicius Junior. 

The video footage, widely circulated on social media, depicted a spectator in the stands allegedly referring to Vinicius Junior as a “monkey.”

Additionally, another disturbing incident occurred when what appeared to be a banana skin was thrown from another section of the stadium. 

Expressing their commitment to upholding the fundamental values of football, including respect for opponents, FC Barcelona released an official statement via their social media platforms, stating, “FC Barcelona will always defend the values of football and sport such as respect for the opponent, and we will investigate any racist insult that may have occurred this afternoon during the match against Real Madrid.” 

Throughout the match, Vinicius Junior faced jeers and derogatory chants from some Barcelona supporters.

Tensions escalated when the 23-year-old winger was substituted late in the game, following Jude Bellingham’s dramatic stoppage-time goal that secured Madrid’s victory.

Despite the hostile reception, Vinicius attempted to celebrate the win, pumping his fists towards the stands. Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, intervened, guiding Vinicius Junior off the pitch while attempting to shield him from further provocation. 

The incident has reignited discussions about racism in football and the urgent need for decisive action to eradicate such behaviour from the sport.

FC Barcelona’s investigation aims to identify the individuals responsible for the abusive behaviour, underscoring the club’s dedication to promoting respect, tolerance, and inclusivity within the football community.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The paramount ruler of Ebira people of Kogi State, the Ohinoyi of Ebira, Abdulrahman Ado-Ibrahim, has passed on.

The Daily Reality gathered that the monarch died on Saturday night after a brief illness in Okene at the age of 94.

“His death will be announced officially, during the day”, a source told The Daily Reality.

The deceased king was enthroned on the seat of his forbears in 1997 and his reign was relatively peaceful.

His Majesty was born on February 7, 1929. He attended both Western nursery and Quranic schools, and went on to conclude his primary education in 1940 at the Native Authority (NA) primary school in Okene, Northern Region (now Kogi State). He, began his secondary school education at Ondo Boys High School and later on moved to Oduduwa College, where he graduated in 1949. In 1954, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a master’s degree from Harvard Business School in 1959.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Adamawa State Governorship Election Tribunal has upheld Umaru Fintiri’s victory in the March 2023 governorship election.

Fintiri, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), secured 430,861 votes, defeating Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who received 398,738 votes.

The tribunal’s ruling dismissed challenges from Dahiru and other contestants, affirming Fintiri as the legitimate winner.

The decision highlights the principles of Nigeria’s electoral process, providing a clear path for Fintiri to continue his governance in Adamawa State.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari 

The cult war at the University of Benin has resulted in the death of a student at the university.

Three other students of the institution were reported to have sustained different degrees of injuries as a result of the clash. 

However, as of the time of writing this report, the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said he was yet to be briefed on the incident. 

“I am yet to be briefed of [sic] such an incident. When I get the brief, I will let you know but for now no information,” he said.  

The incident reportedly happened at the Anatomy Department of the University on Friday, when the enraged cultists stormed the department gate to kill their target.

The deceased was shot at close range, while others were shot while trying to escape. 

The cult clash has caused panic among students and members of the staff of the institution. 

The University of Benin is reputed for deadly cult attacks in the country. Many students of the institution believed this incident was the university living up to its reputation.

By Abdurrazak Muktar Makarfi

In the depths of the night, when most of the world sleeps, there are those who choose to rise. They are the ones who understand the value of Qiyamul Lail, the act of waking up to pray during the night. This predawn vigil is not just a spiritual obligation for Muslims but also a powerful manifestation of one’s deepest desires and intentions.

Qiyamul Lail is an act of devotion and a reflection of one’s commitment to one’s faith. It is a time when the world is still, and the heart is most receptive to spiritual connection. The act of willingly sacrificing sleep to stand in prayer is a testament to the strength of one’s faith and the sincerity of one’s desires.

Desire, in its purest form, is the driving force behind our actions and aspirations. It is what motivates us to work hard, to overcome obstacles, and to strive for better lives. But how can we measure the depth of our desires? Qiyamul Lail offers a unique litmus test.

If you find yourself desperately wanting something in life, be it success, happiness, or peace, and yet you are not waking up for Qiyamul Lail, then you may need to question the authenticity of your desires. True desire demands sacrifice. It requires us to prioritise what matters most to us. When we value something deeply, we are willing to make sacrifices to attain it.

Waking up for Qiyamul Lail is not just about fulfilling a religious duty; it’s about demonstrating the intensity of your yearning. It’s a declaration that your connection with the Divine is so profound that you are willing to forgo sleep, one of the most basic human needs, to nurture that connection.

Moreover, Qiyamul Lail is a time for reflection, self-examination, and supplication. It is a chance to pour your heart out to the Creator to seek guidance, forgiveness, and blessings. It is a moment when you can lay your deepest desires and concerns before the Almighty with a heart filled with humility and hope.

In the stillness of the night, when the world is hushed in slumber, you have the opportunity to reflect on your aspirations and the path you are on. If your desires are sincere, if you truly long for your goals to be realised, then Qiyamul Lail is your arena to prove it. It’s a chance to show that your ambitions are not mere words but a profound yearning that drives you to action.

So, let the night prayer be a reminder—a reminder to measure your desires against your actions. If you’re desperately wanting something and you’re not waking up for Qiyamul Lail, then you don’t want it enough. But if you’re willing to rise from your slumber, stand in devotion, and whisper your desires to the heavens, then your desires are genuine, and you’re on the right path to fulfilling them.

By Uzair Adam Imam

In the nine months leading up to September 30, 2023, Dangote Cement has reported a remarkable 15.2 percent increase in its pan-African sales volumes, reaching 8.5 million metric tons (Mt) compared to the 7.4 million Mt in the same period in 2022.

Pan-African volumes represent the sales volume from Dangote Cement plants located outside Nigeria.

These figures were revealed in the company’s unaudited results on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) portal. The surge in volumes was primarily driven by exceptional sales performances in key locations.

The Dangote Cement Plant in Senegal saw a substantial 66.9 percent increase in sales, while the Dangote Cement Plant in Congo reported a 60.5 percent surge in volumes.

Dangote Cement Zambia experienced an 18 percent increase, with Ghana and South Africa following closely at 15.5 percent and 18.5 percent growth, respectively. Ethiopia and Tanzania also contributed to the positive trend with 6.5 percent sales volume increases.

Furthermore, Dangote Cement noted a 20.5 percent increase in profit before tax, rising from N335.9 billion to N404.89 billion, while the profit after tax increased by 30.2 percent, from N213.10 billion to N277.55 billion.

Arvind Pathak, the Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Cement, commented on the results, stating, “This positive nine-month result reflects our strong value proposition, enhanced operational efficiency, and our commitment to cost containment in the face of rising inflation. Group revenue reached ₦1,514.6 billion, with EBITDA reaching an all-time high of ₦662.8 billion, marking a
28.5 percent increase.”

He also highlighted the impressive growth of the company’s pan-African operations, which contributed 41.9 percent to Group volumes, with a record revenue growth of 103.9 percent and EBITDA growth of 255.4 percent.

Pathak emphasized that the growth was a result of sustained demand across the regions in which Dangote Cement operates.

Looking ahead, Pathak expressed optimism about the company’s future, particularly with
the final stages of a new grinding plant in Cote d’Ivoire nearing completion.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering quality cement products to
its customers and expressed confidence in a strong finish to the year.

Dangote Cement is Africa’s leading cement producer with a capacity of 52.0 million metric tons across the continent. Through strategic investments, the company has not only eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement but has also transformed the nation into an exporter, serving neighboring countries as well.

Dangote Cement’s extensive operations include plants in Cameroon, Congo, Ghana, Ethiopia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia, in addition to its prominent presence in Nigeria.