Dogara

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has said Nigeria’s security challenges did not begin under President Bola Tinubu, noting that terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other forms of violence had existed in the country long before the current administration assumed office in May 2023.

Dogara, who is the Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, made the remarks on Saturday during the institution’s 16th convocation ceremony, where 836 graduands received various academic qualifications.

He attributed the country’s persistent security problems to years of porous borders, the proliferation of illegal arms, youth unemployment and the spread of extremist ideologies.

“Insecurity in Nigeria did not begin with this administration. This is no excuse, because the facts need no defence. Terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence did not arrive in 2023,” Dogara said.

He stressed that the challenges had developed over several years and were deeply rooted before Tinubu became president.

However, the former Speaker acknowledged that national security remained a major responsibility of the Tinubu administration, noting that the President had consistently identified it as a priority.

Dogara also congratulated the graduating students, urging them to recognise the importance of their talents, creativity and innovation in addressing the country’s challenges.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Professor Bode Ayorinde, said Nigeria had made considerable progress in expanding access to tertiary education but expressed concern about the employment and career opportunities available to graduates after leaving school.

Citing figures from the National Universities Commission, Ayorinde disclosed that Nigeria had 312 universities as of June 2026. The institutions comprised 77 federal universities, 67 state-owned universities and 168 private universities.

He described the figures as evidence of significant investment in human capital development, involving sacrifices by parents, governments and lecturers, but questioned whether the country was creating sufficient opportunities to absorb the growing number of graduates.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Omolola Irinoye, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to quality education, saying the university had continued to combine intellectual development with practical skills, character building and social responsibility since its establishment.

The Daily Reality

By Uzair Adam Imam

Uneasy calm as the Former Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over an alleged plan to assassinate him

Dogara alleged that inspector Dakat Samuel and Inspector Auwalu Mohammed were conspiring with one Barau Joel Amos (Sarkin Yaki) to hatch the assassination plan.

This was disclosed in a petition signed by Dogara himself. However, the matter is currently before the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department and Bauchi Command of the force.

He said, “I am sure you are apprised of the matter since it involves looting of your armory in Bauchi by the very officers who are entrusted with the safe custody of your arms and a constituent of mine, Barau Joel Amos, who sought to buy or has been buying assault rifles from the officers.

“I have been authoritatively informed that the said Barau Joel Amos has confessed that the reason he sought to buy the rifles is to kill me and three of my constituents, vis: Bar Istifanus Bala Gambar, Rev Markus Musa (CAN Chairman, T/Balewa) and Emmanuel (Chairman NL, T/Balewa).

I find it worrisome that there has been no official advise from the police relating to this credible threat to our lives to enable us beef up security around us or just to be careful about our movements. More so, there is a spike in cases of kidnappings and killings by unknown gunmen especially in Lere District of T/Balewa. A case in point was the attack at Boto town where some relations of a former Governor of the State were killed while some were abducted.

“In view of the deteriorating security situation in T/Balewa LGA where the suspect comes from, I wish to appeal to you to use your good offices to ensure that a thorough and all encompassing investigation is carried out so that all those in the loop are apprehended and brought to book in order to restore lasting peace in the Lere District of T/Balewa LGA. With all due respect, this is a matter that must not be handled with kid gloves.

“His confession relating to those who gave him or contributed the money for him to be using to procure weapons. His Bank Statements and phone call logs will definitely collaborate his confessions. Granted his meager salary as a store keeper in a Secondary School, it will have taken him a lifetime savings to be able to raise the N1.2m cash which he wanted to use to buy the two rifles.

“It must be noted that he does not earn any additional dime from any known legitimate business he is known to operate. So the said Barau Joel Amos could not have been acting alone, it is clear that he is being fully funded by his ilks; some evil and criminally minded people.

“Is it in vain that upon hearing that Barau Joel Amos has been arrested and detained that his closest associates all fled T/Balewa town? It will be important to apprehend them no matter where they may be hiding within the country so that they may tell the authorities what they know that scared them to the point of abandoning their families at home while they live as fugitives elsewhere”