Nigeria

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as Shi’ites, held a demonstration on Friday at the National Mosque in Abuja to show support for Iran.

The protesters first joined other worshippers for the routine Friday prayers at the mosque. Shortly after the prayers ended, they began their demonstration within the mosque premises.

Witnesses said the group started chanting “Allahu Akbar” as they assembled in large numbers. The gathering quickly grew to about 200 participants.

During the protest, the demonstrators voiced strong criticism of the United States and Israel. They also declared their support for Iran. The crowd chanted “shame to America”, “shame to Israel”, and “we support Iran”.

Similar demonstrations were also reported in other parts of the country. Members of the group organised protests at Idimota Central Mosque in Lagos. Others took to the streets in Kaduna and Bauchi.

The protests come at a time of rising tension in the Middle East following a recent escalation in the conflict involving Iran.

Last week, Shi’ite supporters organised demonstrations in several Nigerian states after the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. Reports said he was killed during recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Protests took place in Lagos, Kano, Niger state, Sokoto, Gombe, and Kaduna. Demonstrators condemned the joint military operation carried out by the United States and Israel. The strikes reportedly led to the death of Khamenei and some members of his family.

Authorities also recorded similar protests in Bauchi and Yobe states.

Many of the protesters waved Iranian flags and carried portraits of Khamenei. Some also displayed placards that criticised the United States and Israel while expressing solidarity with Iran.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a military base in Goniri, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists.

The attack, which unfolded from the night of March 9 into the early hours of March 10, saw ISWAP fighters attempt to overrun the location of the 120 Task Force Battalion. Military sources stated that the terrorists launched the assault from multiple directions, specifically from Goniri village and the Ngamdu junction, in an attempt to encircle the base.

According to a statement released on Wednesday by the media information officer for the Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the troops’ surveillance assets detected the advancing threat early, allowing for a coordinated defensive response.

“The gallant troops responded with exceptional manoeuvre and firepower, coordinating their defensive actions while reinforcements and the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided timely and decisive air support,” Lt. Col. Uba said.

The combination of ground firepower and aerial bombardment proved decisive, forcing the militants to retreat in disarray. At least 20 terrorists were confirmed killed during the firefight, including a senior commander identified as Abu Yusu, who served as the Munzir (commander) of the Dursula area.

“Several terrorist bodies were left behind, while troops recovered weapons and equipment abandoned during the retreat, including machine guns, AK-47 rifles, bombs and assorted ammunition of various calibre,” the statement read.

A follow-up patrol conducted in the Gwaigomari area, within the notorious Timbuktu Triangle, led to the recovery of additional bodies of the fighters early on March 11.

While confirming that the troops successfully defended the base, Lt. Col. Uba noted that the intensity of the attack caused damage to some structures and vehicles within the camp. He also confirmed that some troops were injured in the battle. They have since been evacuated and are reportedly in stable condition receiving medical treatment.

The military spokesman emphasized that the location remains firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI. Ground forces, still supported by air assets, are currently conducting follow-up operations and search missions in neighbouring communities where some wounded terrorists are believed to be hiding. The military reaffirmed its commitment to the total defeat of terrorist groups operating in the North-East region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The House of Representatives has approved an amendment to the Electoral Act 2026 that criminalises holding membership in more than one political party.

Under the newly passed provision, any individual found to belong to multiple political parties simultaneously will face a fine of N10 million or a prison term of up to two years.

The lower legislative chamber passed the amendment during Wednesday’s plenary session. It adds three new subsections to section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026, which governs political party membership.

The amendment specifies that anyone registered with more than one party will have such membership nullified.

“A person shall not be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time,” the provision states.

“Where it is established that a person is registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time, such dual membership shall be void, and the person shall cease to be recognised as a valid member of any political party pending regularisation in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the constitution of the political party concerned.

“A person who knowingly registers or maintains membership in more than one political party at the same time commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N10,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of two years, or both.”

If the amendment is signed into law, it is expected to reinforce the rules governing party affiliation and reduce instances of multiple party memberships.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Bayero University Kano (BUK) has begun an investigation into claims that one of its students engaged in online impersonation and financial fraud.

The case centres on Ismail Sani after several people publicly said they were deceived and lost money.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the university’s Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, confirmed that the institution is aware of reports circulating on social media that link the student to alleged fraudulent activities.

The university explained that the conduct of any individual does not reflect its values. It also said disciplinary steps will follow if the accusations are proven.

“Any conduct capable of bringing the name and reputation of the university into disrepute is treated seriously,” Lamara Garba said.

The issue attracted wide attention after Nigerian academic based in the United States, Professor Farooq Kperogi, shared his experience online. He said someone posing as “Halima Tahir,” who claimed to be a 300-level microbiology student at BUK, repeatedly obtained money from him.

Kperogi later said he discovered that the identity belonged to Ismail Sani, who studies veterinary medicine at the university.

According to him, the student first contacted him in 2024 and claimed he had just gained admission and needed help with school fees.

“I helped him without asking for verification. He later made more requests, including money for an old woman’s medicine. Then he reappeared as ‘Halima Tahir’ to scam me again,” Kperogi wrote.

He added that several digital records linked the alleged scam to the student. These materials included email addresses, payment receipts and JAMB registration documents. Kperogi said the student denied any wrongdoing when confronted.

“He is clearly a dangerous, well-practiced scammer. Or perhaps mentally unwell. Whatever the case, he does not belong in polite society. He belongs in prison, or somewhere he cannot harm people,” Kperogi said.

Following the revelation, other individuals, including social media influencers, said they had similar encounters. They explained that the person behind the messages often used emotional appeals, religious language and fabricated stories to gain sympathy and financial assistance.

BUK said a preliminary inquiry is already underway. The university added that relevant authorities are examining the matter through its disciplinary procedures.

The institution also commended people such as Kperogi who provide financial support to students. However, it urged the public to avoid speculation and allow the investigation to run its course.

The recent exchange between Daniel Bwala and Mehdi Hasan on Al Jazeera’s Head to Head programme has sparked widespread debate across Nigeria’s political and media space. The interview, which quickly went viral on social media, has been interpreted by many observers as a revealing moment at the intersection of political communication, accountability, and international journalistic standards.

Appearances on global platforms such as Al Jazeera are rarely routine engagements. Programmes like Head to Head are built on a tradition of rigorous questioning, where political figures are expected to defend their arguments under intense scrutiny. For journalists such as Hasan, whose interviewing style is known for its directness, the objective is not merely to host a conversation but to interrogate claims with evidence, previous statements, and policy records.

It is within this context that Bwala’s performance, a media aide to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has attracted considerable commentary. Some analysts argue that the controversy surrounding the interview reflects a broader challenge faced by many political spokespersons when transitioning from domestic media environments to global broadcast platforms. International interviews of this nature often demand a high level of preparation, particularly when the subject has an extensive public record that can be referenced during questioning.

One of the most notable aspects of the interview involved the presentation of Bwala’s earlier criticisms of Tinubu during the period leading to the 2023 Nigerian presidential election. Before aligning with the current administration, Bwala had publicly expressed views that were sharply critical of the president and his political movement. During the interview, those earlier remarks were revisited and contrasted with his present role as a defender of the government’s policies.

In professional journalism, such lines of questioning are neither unusual nor inappropriate. Public figures frequently encounter questions about their previous positions, particularly when those positions appear to contradict their current stance. The purpose is not necessarily to embarrass the interviewee, but to test the consistency and credibility of their arguments.

Following the broadcast, Bwala reportedly stated in subsequent media interviews that he felt “ambushed,” suggesting he had not anticipated extensive questioning about his past remarks on Tinubu. That explanation, however, has generated further discussion among media commentators. Critics maintain that any appearance on a programme known for its confrontational format should reasonably come with the expectation that past public statements may be scrutinised.

Beyond the immediate personalities involved, the episode highlights an important issue in Nigeria’s political communication culture. Many public officials are accustomed to interview formats within the local media environment, where questioning can sometimes be less adversarial and more conversational. While this approach may foster cordial interactions between journalists and political actors, it can also create a degree of unpreparedness when officials engage with international media institutions that operate under different professional expectations.

Global news networks often emphasise adversarial journalism as a way of ensuring accountability. Interviewers are expected to challenge power, confront inconsistencies and demand evidence for political claims. Within that framework, the intensity of the Hasan–Bwala exchange was largely consistent with established international broadcasting practices.

There is also a broader dimension to consider. When government representatives appear on international media platforms, their performance inevitably shapes perceptions of their country’s governance and political culture. Such appearances, therefore, carry implications that extend beyond individual reputations, touching on issues of national image and diplomatic communication.

Nevertheless, the controversy surrounding the interview also offers a useful moment for reflection. Nigeria’s democratic system benefits from open engagement with the media, both domestically and internationally. In an era where information circulates instantly across borders, political communicators must recognise that past statements remain accessible and can resurface at any moment.

Ultimately, the Bwala–Hasan interview serves as a reminder of an enduring reality in public life: political narratives are constantly subject to scrutiny. In the digital age, where every speech, interview or social media post becomes part of a permanent archive, consistency and preparation are essential tools for anyone representing government policy.

Whether one views the exchange as a difficult interview, a tactical misstep, or simply the normal workings of adversarial journalism, it reinforces the importance of accountability in democratic discourse. When political actors face rigorous questioning, the process may be uncomfortable, but it remains central to the role that journalism plays in holding power to account.

Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu is a journalist and syndicate writer based in Abuja.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Peoples Gazette has faced criticism from some readers after describing former Nigerian presidential aspirant Adamu Garba as an “extremist” over social media posts in which he appeared to support Iran during the ongoing war involving the United States and Israel.

In a report published Monday, the online newspaper claimed Mr Garba had joined “northern Nigerian extremists” circulating pro-Iran narratives online.

The publication said checks on the politician’s X account revealed several posts portraying Iran as gaining the upper hand in the conflict. It also alleged that some videos shared by the former senator were old clips presented as recent developments.

One of the posts cited in the report involved a short video which Mr Garba said showed Iranian strikes affecting power supply in Tel Aviv.

“Tel Aviv is total darkness after Iranian strikes destroyed their electricity grid,” the former Nigerian senator claimed.

Peoples Gazette argued that the footage dates back to 2023 when Israel cut electricity to Gaza during its military response to an attack on a music festival.

The report also mentioned another video which it said was originally recorded in 2024 but was presented as a recent development.

However, several readers pushed back against the publication’s description of the politician as an extremist. Some commenters questioned the use of the label and accused the outlet of applying double standards.

One commenter, Ibrahim Muhammed Abubakar, wrote: “So, how about Southerners backing Trump and Netanyahu?”

Another reader, Sanusi Isa Dan-Ada, also questioned the framing of the report, asking: “He should have joined southerners in amplifying Israel’s war propaganda?”

Salis Aliyu raised a similar concern in the comment section. He wrote: “so what of Extremists Southerners those Pro Israel? Would you also bring them into your news?”

Some readers defended Iran’s position in the conflict.

Nigerian Dan Arewa wrote: “We are Pro- oppressed !”

Another commenter, Ibraheem Majidadi, added: “We are all pro-Iran.”

Others argued that supporting a country in an international conflict should not automatically attract extremist labels.

New Nigerian Order wrote: “I don’t think they are extremists. US & Israel have no right to attack.”

Another commenter, Mohammad Bello, questioned the broader geopolitical context, writing: “And so what Is not a big deal is Nigeria under colonial regime of America/ Israel ? However which year and during which government Nigeria restored its foreign relationship with Israel? Is just like yesterday.”

Despite the criticism, some readers supported the position taken by Peoples Gazette. One commenter, Ehimen Osolease, wrote: “HE’S ALWAYS BEEN A TERRORISTS SYMPATHIZER.”

The debate reflects growing divisions on social media as the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to attract strong reactions from Nigerians online.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mahdavi Raja, has declared that Iran will not permit any foreign country to dictate its internal political affairs.

The envoy made the remarks in response to comments attributed to United States President Donald Trump about Iran’s leadership.

During an interview on Trust TV, Raja said decisions about the country’s political leadership belong solely to the Iranian people. He stressed that no external power would influence such matters.

His comments come at a time of rising tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Recent reports of attacks on Iranian facilities have raised fears about the stability of the region. The three countries have recorded casualties amid the hostilities.

The ambassador said the situation inside Iran remains stable despite what he described as aggression by the United States and Israel. He stated that security agencies continue to operate effectively while government activities are proceeding as usual.

Raja said the country’s leadership structure had already been settled following the election of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader.

“With these decisions, the country’s leadership structure has been clearly determined and we are confident that the administration of the country will continue smoothly and more effectively,” the ambassador said.

He also said the Iranian population remains united in defence of the country. According to him, Iran has faced external pressure in the past and has always shown resilience.

The envoy acknowledged that some facilities and infrastructure had been affected during recent hostilities. However, he maintained that major national institutions remain operational.

“The reality is that such attacks cannot break the will of the Iranian people. On the contrary, they have strengthened our unity and determination to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.

Raja also rejected Trump’s reported suggestion that the United States should play a role in determining Iran’s leadership. He described such a proposal as interference in the country’s domestic matters.

“This is an internal issue of Iran and we do not allow anybody or any country to interfere in our domestic affairs,” he said.

He added: “Iran is an independent country. We make our own decisions and our people will not allow foreigners to determine our internal affairs.”

The ambassador insisted that despite the current tensions in the region, Iran’s institutions remain stable and the government continues to function effectively.

A Nigerian academic, Professor Farooq Kperogi, has criticised the banking system in Nigeria, alleging that banks impose excessive charges on customers and operate in a manner that disadvantages account holders.

In a Facebook post shared on Monday, Kperogi argued that Nigerian banks operate in an environment where both financial institutions and the government appear to benefit at the expense of customers.

According to him, “Nigerian banks may be the only financial institutions in the world where the bank and the government form a tag team against the customer.”

He said customers are charged for almost every transaction related to their accounts. “They charge you when money enters your account. They charge you when money leaves your account. Then the banks charge you for the privilege of letting the money sit idly where you kept it. Your account is basically a toll gate,” he stated.

Kperogi also shared an example he said illustrated the problem. He recounted a story told by a friend who had opened a domiciliary account and deposited 500 dollars, only to discover years later that the money had been depleted by maintenance fees.

“A friend told me just yesterday that he once opened a domiciliary account and deposited $500 in it. Years later he returned to withdraw it. The bank informed him that the entire $500 had been consumed by ‘account maintenance’!” he wrote.

He questioned the justification for such charges, asking rhetorically, “Maintenance of what exactly? The air surrounding the account?”

The professor further argued that actions that would normally be considered theft if done by individuals are often accepted when carried out by banks.

“If a stranger took your money this way, we would call it theft. But when banks do it, we call it banking and then applaud when they announce billions in annual profits,” he said.

Kperogi added that what he finds most troubling is the level of acceptance among Nigerians regarding the charges imposed by banks.

“The saddest part is that Nigerians have made peace with this daylight corporate pickpocketing by banks,” he added.

How the healthcare reforms of Governor Umar Namadi Danmodi are restoring dignity to the aged while protecting the youngest generation.

By Lamara Garba Azare

In every society, the true character of leadership is revealed not in grand speeches or towering structures, but in how it treats those who can no longer compete in the rush of daily survival. In Jigawa State, a quiet but meaningful transformation is unfolding, one that places dignity, compassion, and human wellbeing at the centre of governance.

Through the J Basic Healthcare Services for Vulnerable Citizens, the administration of Governor Umar Namadi Danmodi has woven a protective safety net around those who often struggle in silence. At the heart of the programme are elderly citizens aged sixty five years and above, men and women whose lives of labour and sacrifice helped build the very communities they now inhabit.

For many elderly citizens, the passage of time often brings not only wisdom but also frailty. The body grows tired, the bones lose their strength, and the cost of maintaining good health begins to rise beyond what many can afford. Years spent cultivating farms, trading in markets, and serving society sometimes end with fragile health and limited financial resources. Yet these are the same men and women who nurtured families, preserved traditions, and sustained the social fabric of their communities.

By guaranteeing free access to healthcare for them, Jigawa State is restoring dignity to ageing. It sends a powerful message that the twilight years of life should not be overshadowed by fear of hospital bills or untreated illness. Instead, they should live with the comforting knowledge that society remembers their contributions and values their presence.

The scale of the initiative reflects both ambition and fairness. A total of 143500 beneficiaries have been enrolled across the state, drawn from all 287 political wards. Each ward accommodates 500 individuals within the programme, ensuring that the benefits reach every corner of the state. Among these beneficiaries are elderly citizens who now have guaranteed access to treatment in primary and secondary healthcare facilities without the burden of financial strain.

This policy goes far beyond the provision of medical services. It represents a redefinition of the relationship between government and the governed. A society that cares for its elderly is one that understands continuity. Elders are not merely older citizens; they are custodians of memory, guardians of tradition, and living bridges between the past and the future. Protecting their wellbeing strengthens the moral foundation upon which communities stand.

Governor Umar Namadi has consistently emphasized that the programme is not an act of charity but a duty of leadership. When elderly citizens receive the healthcare they deserve, families become more stable and communities become stronger. Healthy grandparents remain sources of wisdom and emotional support within households, guiding younger generations with the lessons of experience.

The programme also extends its protective embrace to another vulnerable group, children under the age of five. This thoughtful balance between caring for the oldest and protecting the youngest reflects a deep understanding of social development. Early childhood is a delicate stage of life when illness can shape the course of a child’s future. Access to free healthcare during these formative years can mean the difference between fragile beginnings and healthy growth.

By safeguarding children at the dawn of life while protecting the elderly in their later years, Jigawa State is nurturing the full circle of human existence. It is a reminder that development is not merely about roads and buildings but about the health and wellbeing of people across generations.

The J Basic Healthcare programme was carefully designed to ensure transparency and inclusiveness. Community leaders, civil society organisations, and healthcare workers played key roles in identifying beneficiaries. This grassroots approach not only ensures fairness but also strengthens public confidence in the programme’s implementation.

Beyond this initiative, the state government continues to invest in broader health sector reforms. Primary healthcare centres are being revitalised across communities, new general hospitals are under construction, and specialised services such as free dialysis treatment for renal patients are being provided. Together, these efforts form a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving public health and expanding access to quality medical services.

At a time when rising healthcare costs continue to push many families into poverty, the Jigawa initiative offers a refreshing example of what compassionate governance can achieve. It demonstrates that public policy, when guided by empathy and foresight, can shield vulnerable citizens from hardship while strengthening social stability.

The true impact of the programme will not only appear in official statistics. It will be seen in the elderly farmer who can now manage his blood pressure without worrying about medical bills. It will be felt by the grandmother who visits a clinic without depending entirely on her children for financial assistance. It will be reflected in the laughter of a child whose illness is treated early enough to ensure a healthy future.

These quiet transformations are the building blocks of a healthier society. When the elderly are cared for and children are protected, communities become more resilient and families become more secure. Healthy citizens contribute more productively to society, and productive societies build stronger economies.

Governor Umar Namadi’s approach therefore carries a deeper philosophical meaning. It reminds us that genuine progress is not measured solely by economic statistics or physical infrastructure but by the quality of life enjoyed by ordinary citizens. It shows that leadership guided by compassion can shape policies that preserve dignity while creating opportunity.

In the final analysis, the strength of a society is not measured by the wealth it accumulates but by the care it extends to those who once carried its burdens and those who will inherit its future. By protecting the elderly and nurturing young children, Jigawa State is quietly planting the seeds of a healthier and more humane tomorrow.

Under the watch of a caring leader like Governor Umar Namadi Danmodi, governance takes on a deeper meaning. It becomes not merely the exercise of authority but the practice of service. And when leadership chooses compassion over indifference, it leaves behind something far greater than policy. It leaves behind hope, dignity, and a legacy that generations will remember.

Lamara Garba Azare, a veteran journalist, writes from Kano.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has authorised 50,000 extra slots for the 2026 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation. The decision aims to accommodate the increasing number of graduates waiting to participate in the national service programme.

The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, announced the development in Abuja during the inauguration of a remodelled clinic at the scheme’s National Directorate Headquarters. The event also marked his first anniversary in office as the chief executive of the organisation.

A statement issued by the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, explained that the additional slots have already been included in the scheme’s 2026 budget.

Nafiu also said provisions had been made in the Federal Government’s 2027 budget plan to improve the quality of corps members’ kits as well as their feeding and transportation allowances.

He stated that the scheme plans to mobilise about 450,000 prospective corps members in 2026. He added that safety remains a major consideration during deployment.

“This year, we are mobilising about 450,000 prospective Corps members and, as much as possible, we avoid deploying them to red zones. We remain mindful because we owe parents the responsibility of safeguarding the lives of their children,” he said.

The NYSC boss noted that the renovation and upgrade of the headquarters clinic formed part of efforts by the current management to improve staff welfare and operational efficiency.

Nafiu also reviewed other achievements recorded during his first year in office. He said the 2025 promotion exercise for staff was conducted to improve career growth and raise morale within the organisation.

He added that the management facilitated the payment of peculiar allowances for staff and retirement benefits for former personnel. According to him, the scheme also completed a recruitment exercise to strengthen its operational capacity.

Nafiu further disclosed that the NYSC received a compressed natural gas (CNG) bus as a donation to improve transportation for staff and corps members.

He said the scheme is also working to strengthen its Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme through partnerships with other institutions.

According to him, the NYSC has partnered with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University to digitise the SAED platform.

He added that the management has also worked with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON), and other stakeholders to boost support for the scheme.

The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, who commissioned the remodelled clinic, said the facility would help improve staff welfare and productivity.

Olawande assured that the ministry would continue to support the NYSC in its efforts to serve Nigerian youths.

“We are working to transform and reform the NYSC. We are doing everything possible to secure the future of our Corps members,” the minister said.

He also advised corps members to avoid travelling at night for security reasons.

“When you are travelling and it is getting late, locate the nearest military barracks, police station or NYSC office and spend the night there,” he advised.