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Northern Group Accuses EFCC of Bias, Demands Fair Treatment for Malami

Northern Group Accuses EFCC of Bias, Demands Fair Treatment for Malami

…Alleges Political Targeting

A northern advocacy group, Northern Concern Citizens (NCC), has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of bias and political targeting in its handling of allegations against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Monday, the group alleged that the anti-graft agency was ignoring court orders and fabricating allegations against Malami, particularly questioning the credibility of asset valuations linked to the former minister.

The group in the statement signed the Coordinator, Comrade Musa Mohammed claimed that Malami was being unfairly singled out for investigation because of his decision to leave the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as politically motivated.

“Others within the APC who have defrauded and siphoned public funds are moving freely without harassment. Why is Malami being singled out?” the group queried.

The group further alleged regional bias, insisting that northern political figures were being unfairly targeted compared to their counterparts from other regions.
“Why only northern people? This is not democracy,” the statement read.

While condemning what it described as selective justice, the NCC urged the EFCC to either promptly arraign Malami in court if there is a case against him or respect his fundamental rights under the Nigerian Constitution.

According to the group, Malami should not be subjected to unnecessary detention and should be granted bail if he meets the conditions stipulated by law.

The NCC stressed that adherence to due process was critical, warning that Nigeria’s image was at stake.
“The world is watching how Nigeria handles this matter. Justice must be done and must be seen to be done,” the statement added.

As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued any public response to the allegations raised by the group.

DAM FOUNDATION UNVEILS TRANSFORMATIVE INITIATIVES IN KOGI ….. Focuses on equipping youths and small-scale entrepreneurs

DAM FOUNDATION UNVEILS TRANSFORMATIVE INITIATIVES IN KOGI ….. Focuses on equipping youths and small-scale entrepreneurs

It was a beehive of activities recently in Okene, Kogi state as the DAM Foundation, a non-profit organization marked the unveiling of three transformative initiatives aimed at strengthening education, community development, and economic empowerment.

The event which was witnessed by the Executive Governor of Kogi state, His Excellency, Usman Ahmed Ododo, also had the Director General of Energy Commission of Nigeria ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi.

The event underscored the Foundation’s growing role in driving people-centered development and redefining socio-economic progress in the state.

The major highlight of the unveiling was the commissioning of a modern hostel facility, a landmark initiative dedicated to social welfare and dignified living, as well as the DAM Civic Centre; a state-of-the-art space envisioned to serve as a hub for sports, community engagement, dialogue, and cultural activities.

Beyond infrastructure, the DAM Foundation launched a comprehensive empowerment program focused on equipping youths and small-scale entrepreneurs with tools, resources, and financial support. According to the Foundation, the projects represent more than physical achievements; they symbolize hope, opportunity, and a long-term commitment to building a resilient and self-reliant future for Kogi state and its surrounding communities.

The historic highlight of the event was the importance of collaboration between government institutions and private philanthropic efforts in achieving sustainable development goals.

Improved Security: NUT President Praises Gov. Uba Sani

Improved Security: NUT President Praises Gov. Uba Sani

The National President of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Deputy President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and Vice President Education, International E1 Africa Region, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, has commended Governor Uba Sani for the improved security situation and peaceful coexistence currently being experienced in Kaduna State.

Comrade Amba made the commendation at the 2025 Kafanchan Day Annual Cultural Festival, themed “Synergising Culture and Citizen Participation for Community Development,” where he served as Chairman of the event.

According to him, the achievements recorded in the area of security are a direct result of the governor’s political will and commitment to inclusive governance.

“We must appreciate the dogged determination of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, for the improved security situation and the peaceful coexistence being enjoyed across the state. This would not have been possible without the strong political will demonstrated by the governor,” he said.

He called on the people of Fantswam/Kafanchan and surrounding communities to continue supporting the efforts of the state government to achieve the desired development for Kaduna State.

The NUT President also urged the teeming young population to channel their energy into productive ventures, advising those with technical and vocational skills to fully utilise their expertise to enhance their economic growth and contribute meaningfully to community development.

KANO AND THE COST OF POLITICAL ISOLATION

KANO AND THE COST OF POLITICAL ISOLATION

Barrister Aminu Hussaini, in this piece, as his personal opinion, examined Kano’s political history, arguing that Kano, as a hub of economic activities in Northern Nigeria, and a Powerful political bloc in the region, must wake up and play politics not only with a passion but with pragmatism, purpose and strategic alignment with the centre that can deliver real results to its people.

Political analysts are of the view that, politics at its core, is not an exercise in sentiment or protest; it is a contest for power, influence and outcomes.

In every democratic system, numbers matter. Coalitions matter. Access matters. Today’s political reality in Nigeria is stark and undeniable: the All Progressives Congress (APC) controls 29 States, while all other parties combined govern just seven.

This imbalance is not cosmetic – it defines the flow of influence, federal attention and development opportunities. Kano State must therefore confront an uncomfortable but necessary truth: strategic alignment with the national majority is no longer optional; it is imperative.

Kano is not a peripheral state. It is Nigeria’s most politically significant Northern State by population, economic activity and historical influence. For decades, Kano has shaped national politics, produced national leaders and acted as a bellwether for political trends in the North. Yet, influence is not sustained by history alone. In modern governance, relevance is maintained by being at the table where decisions are made – not watching from the sidelines.

The federal system rewards cooperation, not isolation. States aligned with the centre enjoy smoother access to federal interventions, accelerated approvals for infrastructure projects, stronger representation in national policymaking and enhanced bargaining power within intergovernmental forums.

This is not a partisan fantasy; it is political reality, observable across administrations and parties since 1999. When a party dominates both the centre and the majority of States, internal party mechanisms-not opposition platforms – become the main arena where national priorities are negotiated.

Those arguing for political “independence” or “romantic opposition” must answer a simple question: what tangible benefits has political isolation delivered to Kano in recent years? Opposition politics may energize rallies and social media debates, but it rarely translates into handout roads, rail, power infrastructure, industrial clusters or sustained federal investments. Development is not awarded for moral positioning; it is negotiated through power structures.

Kano’s past offers sobering lessons about the price of strained federal relations. During the second republic, the state was governed by Muhammad Abubakar Rimi of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP); an ideologically driven but federally isolated administration. At the centre, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) controlled federal power. The result was an unprecedented intervention: President Shehu Shagari appointed Lawal Kaita as presidential liaison officer in Kano, effectively supervising federal agencies in the state and asserting central authority over federal interests. This arrangement, widely seen as a response to Rimi’s confrontational posture, underscored how political estrangement can weaken a state’s bargaining power and invite federal encroachment rather than cooperation.

The lesson resurfaced decades later under Ibrahim Shekarau’s administration (2003–2011). Governing Kano while the PDP dominated the centre, Shekarau’s government often found itself outside the inner circles where federal priorities were shaped. While Kano did not grind to a halt, it increasingly lost momentum in attracting major federal projects and strategic appointments compared to states aligned with the ruling party. The absence of strong political synergy meant slower access to opportunities that flowed more easily to allied states.

In contemporary times, the pattern remains familiar.
The current Kano State administration has been marked by frequent friction with federal institutions, ranging from disputes with federal security agencies to open political hostilities with influential figures within the ruling establishment. These tensions have created an atmosphere of distrust and chaos, diverting energy from development-driven engagement and weakening Kano’s ability to negotiate effectively for federal investments, institutional support and national influence. These episodes are not coincidences; they reveal a consistent structural reality of Nigerian politics.

It is also important to dispel the myth that alignment equals surrender. Strategic alignment does not mean abandoning Kano’s identity, interests or bargaining power. On the contrary, Kano’s size and electoral weight make it a powerful bloc within any dominant political platform. Aligning with the majority offers Kano the opportunity to shape national policy from within, influence party direction and secure leadership positions that directly benefit the state’s long-term development agenda.

The numbers speak loudly. With 29 APC-governed states, national consensus within the ruling party effectively determines legislative priorities, budgetary focus and policy direction. Remaining outside this consensus does not make Kano principled; it makes Kano peripheral. In a country as competitive and resource-constrained as Nigeria, no serious state can afford such self-marginalization.

Kano’s political elite and stakeholders must therefore ask not what feels emotionally satisfying, but what delivers results. Roads, water projects, education funding, healthcare upgrades, security interventions and economic revitalization require federal-state synergy. That synergy is strongest when political alignment exists.

History favours those who read the moment correctly. Kano has never been a follower state-it has always been a strategic one. The present moment calls for pragmatism over posturing, realism over rhetoric and outcomes over outrage. Aligning with the national majority is not about party colors; it is about securing Kano’s rightful place in Nigeria’s future.

Politics is arithmetic before it is poetry. Today, the arithmetic is clear: 29 versus 7. Kano cannot afford to be sidelined-not in 2026; not in the years leading to the 2027 elections. The State’s political elite, business community, civil society and traditional institutions must prioritize strategic engagement with political majority at the centre. This is not to sacrifice local identity or autonomy-but to secure the tangible dividends of governance: infrastructure, jobs, investment, healthcare, education and security.

History has taught Kano painful lessons about the cost of opposing the centre without sufficient leverage. It is time to play politics not only with passion but with pragmatism, purpose and strategic alignment that delivers real results to the people. Kano must wake up, recalibrate and choose strategic relevance over symbolic resistance.

Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi could be reached on- +234 8033742424, aminuhussaini173@gmail.com

NIGERIA’S LAUDABLE ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR WITH ABDULLAHI MUSTAPHA Ph.D, DG ENERGY COMMISSION OF NIGERIA

NIGERIA’S LAUDABLE ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR WITH ABDULLAHI MUSTAPHA Ph.D, DG ENERGY COMMISSION OF NIGERIA

In the last two years of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, Nigerians and foreigners alike have witnessed a huge surge in the country’s leap towards visible and sustainable growth in the renewable energy sector. This becomes more evident as the country moves towards closing the energy gap, thereby, ensuring power stability for all Nigerians.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the federal government, through the Energy Commission of Nigeria, ECN led by the indefatigable Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha as Director General/Chief Executive, introduced the Renewable Energy; brining into the homes of Nigerians, the gains of solarization ensuring that critical sectors of the economy enjoy stable power supply.

According to Dr. Mustapha, “Renewable energy (RE) solutions present a practical and sustainable way to address the challenges created by persistent national grid collapses and other energy crises. The national grid in its current state requires more reliable alternative within the power generation ecosystem.

He restated the need to infuse RE solutions, such as solar energy, wind power and hydropower, remains crucial in addressing current power generation challenges, stressing that “the federal government has already begun to implement the National Renewable Energy Roadmap (NRER) developed by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) in collaboration with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) with a clear aim of providing alternative power that reduce reliance on the centralized grid while maintaining at least an average power supply through decentralization.”.

According to Dr. Mustapha, “Decentralized RE systems will play a key role in bridging the current power supply gap. For instance, photovoltaic solar and onshore wind systems can power rural and semi-urban areas often neglected by the national grid. These systems will not only provide consistent electricity but also empower rural economies, enabling micro-businesses to grow and improving access to essential services such as healthcare and education. With meaningful local and global collaborations, we can achieve the optimal installed capacity of electricity by leveraging on RE sources to ensure energy stability across the country”

He enthused the capacity and capability of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, under his stewardship, to act as a catalyst, which would champion policies that attract private sector investment, build local capacity, and prioritize renewable energy integration through extended collaborations with stakeholders, governments, and global communities.

The ECN Director General reiterated that the National Energy Policy and its Master Plan recently unveiled by the Federal Government through ECN, seek to increase the renewable electricity generation by aggressively pursuing RE energy integration into the Nation’s energy mix.

“The RE systems have become more efficient and cheaper over the years, a paradigm shift to renewable energy will substantially close the energy gaps, reduce grid disruptions, and accelerate its journey toward energy independence and economic growth”, Abdullahi stated.

Since his assumption into office as Director General of the ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi has carved a niche for himself with stakeholders applauding his enviable strides in repositioning the Commission from its near-obscurity where it had been plunged into in the decades past.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his choice of Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi as Chief Executive of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, foresaw the qualities; passion, dedication and most especially, capacity to actualize the Renewed Hope Agenda; his campaign catch-phrase that aims to retool the country and ensure that it takes its rightful [lace in the comity of nations in the global society.

Dr. Abdullahi, shortly after his assumption, set to task in delivering on the mandate and this, according to industry watchers, leaves one without to a choice but to affirm that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a man known to assemble quality hands to deliver on his set tasks, indeed made the right choice.

Followers of the trajectory of President Tinubu’s governance style express their confidence in his administration to rewrite the Nigerian story and return the nation to the path of sustainable growth development and shared prosperity. His stern advisory to his appointees to match his vision in delivering on the Renewed Hope Initiative of his administration, most certainly is bearing fruit with many of these appointees, creating landmark achievements in their various areas of responsibilities.

As a visionary, Dr. Abdullahi on assumption of office, did not hesitate to point out his direction and focus; “delivering on Mr. President’s mandate in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, comes first as far as the Energy Commission of Nigeria is concerned”, stressing that; “Under my stewardship and with the support of our dedicated staff and stakeholders,

the ECN as the Lead Agency in the country’s push for energy transition will set the tone for economic development based on progressive innovation and policy initiatives as envisioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Indeed, industry watchers and stakeholders in the sector have continued to applaud his every stride which, in their varying opinions, will set the pace for a new dawn for the country’s energy economy, as he is indeed poised to create a new face for the sector with result driven policies and quality leadership that will attract positive investment, growth and sustainable development for the industry.

The agenda of Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, since emerging as the DG of the Commission has remained hinged on five points: vis-à-vis;

Integration of the Renewable and Alternative Energy Policy Structure into the Mainstream National Energy Architecture.
Immediate facilitation of the actualization of the Energy Transition Plan
Facilitation of Research and Development Funding and Partnership Initiatives in the Energy Sector.
Review of extant Energy Policies, Initiatives and Frameworks to stimulate economic development.
Facilitation of improved welfare consideration for staff of the Commission commensurate with standards in the Energy Sector.

While many stakeholders laud the initiative of the Tinubu administration and the decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take the nations power sector as top priority and then, his choice of Mustapha Abdullahi Ph.D. to head the ECN, others say it that was one of the best moves of the President as the Commission has moved away from its near obscurity to a point of global recognition following the positive push of the Commission, led by the indefatigable Director General.

With his commitment, dedication and zeal to actualize the mandate of the Commission as dictated by the Renewed Hope Agenda, Abdullahi has displayed tremendous capacity to make a positive mark. These attributes have seen him engage with prominent global leaders in discussions on Renewable Energy. Of great note is his outstanding performance at the annual global event, #COP28UAE, and other international events including the G20 Energy Summit in Brasilia, Brazil where he spoke on behalf of Africa, emphasizing energy transitions and net-zero emissions, and in Cape Town, South Africa where he presented a paper at the Africa Energy Indaba Summit alongside other global energy experts.

His thirst for achieving excellence in service delivery or quality leadership deliverables has remained a point of referencing with the energy sector. From providing leadership for West African sub-region and beyond, to leading advocacy on energy transition from fossil fuel in international space, Mustapha Abdullahi has displayed a strong resolve to exploring renewable and alternative energy to provide homegrown solutions to the energy needs of the Nigerian people.

As the new Chairman, Nigeria National Committee on World Energy Council (NNC WEC), Dr. Mustapha, it is recalled, had proposed to activate mechanisms with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) geared towards instauration of novel action plans that would not only change the ugly story of the energy economy of the country, but also that of West Africa sub-region and Africa as a whole. He is, at the moment working through tapping opportunities through the West African Power Pool (WAPP), an institution within the ECOWAS to chart a new cause for the energy economy for the country, Africans

Knowing and appreciating the needs of his team and workers around him, Abdullahi appreciates the fact that securing the efficiency of your colleagues and workers alike, is hinged, often times on staff motivation at work place. “A value-driven leadership spurs its workforce to efficiency and optimal performance through incentives and conducive working environment.” He is a leader with ample experience that cuts across the globe recognizes workers’ psyche at work, especially when such workforce is motivated. He understands that remuneration is a major factor in the determination of a worker’s productivity. He is aware of the near-zero motivation and he was prepared to address the situation frontally by making the necessary moves that would ultimately enliven the workers’ spirit and gear them towards the overall success of his leadership at the Commission. As an expert, Abdullahi recognizes the value of human capital development in driving positive change and understands that the Commission is largely knowledge-driven,

With a leadership that encourages inclusivity, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi has ensured that all regions of the country are captured in the activities of the Commission. The groundbreaking ceremony of an Assembly Plant in the Ihunekwagu Autonomous Community, Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. The event came up as a corollary of the need to boost access to affordable electricity in the country, and to take several communities off the national grid.

In addressing the electricity menace therefore, the visionary Chief Executive of the Energy Commission saw an opportunity in photovoltaic (PV) electricity to provide alternative energy to millions of households. Hence, consolidating the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President. Such solar PV module assembling plant which will provide sustainable, reliable, and decentralized power source capable of reaching the remotest part of the country – thereby giving light and hope to Nigerians; one of the initiatives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu’s administration.

Dr. Abdullahi’s leadership on Saturday, August 10, 2024 scored another record breaking milestone the ground-breaking ceremony of Barefoot Renewable Energy College (BRE College), Osara, Kogi State. The concept of a Renewable Energy College was in line with the manifesto of President Tinubu whose party’s agenda is to explore various energy potential of the country, one move that will see the country take a bold leap further into transitioning from fossil-based energy resources to renewable energy. The Barefoot Renewable Energy College was conceptualized to bridge the energy manpower gap, drive innovation, competence, and self-reliance in the renewable energy sector. The future is assured with a safer environment and a cleaner energy.

Under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Mustapha, the Commission collaborated with a number of development partners, international organizations as well as relevant and critical stakeholders such as:

The United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) and Clean Cooling

Collaborative (CCC) on Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) in the area of

Air-conditioners that aims to reduce carbon emissions, thereby leading to safer environment.

Signing up a tripartite wind energy agreement at the #COP28UAE held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates with the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and the Niger State Government.
Teaming up with the United Kingdom’s Department for Business, Energy and

Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for energy planning workshop.

Collaboration with DEWA and the European Union (EU) delegation on energy transition initiative of his leadership at the Commission.
Capacity building of the Commission’s staff with the Economic Community of

West African States (ECOWAS).

Entered into partnership agreement with the National Biomass Ethanol

Programme (NBEP) amongst others.

Celebrating such a worthy personality is not out of the ordinary as this gentleman is indeed deserving of commendation and due recognition following his verifiable leadership milestones and footprints that have been firmly etched into the sands of time in the country’s energy space and beyond. It is also, worthy of mention that Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi will lead and coordinate the record breaking Nigeria-Germany $130billion Global Hydrogen Project from the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic. Such pedestal does not come on a platter of gold, but of capacity, competence and trust in this jewel from the savannah.

To the discerning eyes, Mustapha Abdullahi is one young gentleman poised for greater heights as he remains focused on delivering on the set goals and mandate of the ENERGY Commission of Nigeria under the guidance of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; a leader of men whose visionary leadership, tenacity, doggedness and strong political will to reshape the country for the collective good of all, remains unshakeable.

Dr. Bakari Storms Girei, Promises ‘Unforgettable’ APC Legacy

Dr. Bakari Storms Girei, Promises ‘Unforgettable’ APC Legacy

…Gets Top Endorsement from party’s Stakeholders, other key stalwarts

By Tom Garba, Yola

Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant for the 2027 elections, stormed the APC secretariat in Girei Local Government Area on Saturday.

He received a heroic and massive welcome from thousands of party supporters, stakeholders, and various support groups. The excited crowd cheered loudly, waving placards with messages like “Girei 2027 Rescue Mission” and “SBG Movement.” Many called him the leader who will bring true transformation to Adamawa State.

Speaking to the cheering crowd, Dr. Bakari delivered a powerful and refined speech. He started by affirming support for APC candidates in the upcoming local government elections in Girei.

“I am here to support our candidates for the coming local government elections and to make sure our party stays united,” he said.

He thanked party leaders who have been working hard behind the scenes to keep APC strong and thriving. “Some people are working overtime for the party. We must recognize and respect their efforts,” he added.

Dr. Bakari then made a bold promise about the future. “We have endured six years without being in government in Adamawa. Only two years are left. I promise you today – Insha Allah, APC will take over the state in 2027!” The crowd erupted in loud cheers. He repeated, “We are taking over power by 2027 in the state.”

He praised key national figures for their roles in strengthening the party. Dr. Bakari called National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu “our daddy” who loves Adamawa deeply.

“Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has no personal candidate – everyone is his own. He has promised free and fair primaries. Because of his leadership, we are all united and focused on rescuing the state from PDP,” he said.

Dr. Bakari also thanked President Bola Tinubu. “We are grateful to God for President Tinubu’s leadership. He is a man who has spent his life building democracy in Nigeria. No one has any reason to fail in elections because of what he has done,” he noted.

On the local government elections, Dr. Bakari called on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure free and fair polls.

“It was free and fair elections that brought you to power in 2019 and 2023. You should do the same now to leave a good legacy. We know you are a man of integrity. Let the winner be announced as winner and give the mandate to the rightful person,” he urged.

Bakari affirmed his acceptance to run for the Adamawa governorship seat is shielded his sincerity of purpose never to disappoint the people of the state and numerous others who have been calling on him to contest for over a year because they believe in his ability, capacity to bring wider development in all parts of the state.

“The desire to lead with passion and leave behind a legacy of indelible performance and change the narrative of Adamawa to that of prosperous, united and integrated society is my prime agenda.” He further reiterated that if God will him the opportunity is going to leave behind a legacy of servant leader and become a model for future leaders of the State

He further praised the humane leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and NSA Nuhu Ribadu as men with undisputed desirable leadership qualities whose vision is for a progressive Nigeria, Adamawa State in particular.

“The firm believe in leadership qualities of the NSA in unifying all aspirants to work towards achieving the success of our great party and building a prosperous future for Adamawa.

“My firm belief that the NSA and other party leaders would provide a level field for a free and fair primaries and in the NSA’s capacity to unite all aspirants to fight a common cause

“My conviction, capacity and capability to effectively and efficiently lead the state to prosperity and heights of development in timely and sustainable manner is my call distress to duty.” He said

A major highlight of the event was Dr. Bakari’s promise to upgrade the APC secretariat in Girei. He described the current building as not befitting for a big party like APC.

“We promised you a good secretariat before. Today, I announce that you will get a new one. After we finish it, no other party secretariat in Girei will compare to it!” The massive crowd applauded wildly and cheered even more.

Finally, he encouraged all APC contestants and members to stay active on the ground. “Be visible in every nook and cranny to make our party strong everywhere,” he said.

A former Lawmaker for Girei constituency and Council secretary, Dr Abubakar Umar who conveyed the central message of Dr Bakari’s candidacy said the entire critical stakeholders of Girei APC and the Local government elders statesmen unilaterally endorsed and called on any interested individuals shield their swords for governorship ambition.

He said Dr Bakari is sellable candidate to everyone in Adamawa state and they are ready to take him to anywhere as their sole candidate and marketable product.

While appreciating NSA Nuhu Ribadu for giving a leveling playing Field to all aspirants, he said Nuhu is a Man of integrity that will never allow injustice to thrive in Adamawa APC, especially as regard the governorship seat.

The event gained even more momentum with a powerful endorsement from Prof. Bashir Hamman Gabdo, a respected academic and former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Adamawa State University (ADSU), Mubi, from 2021 to 2025.

In a heartfelt open letter sent around the festive season, Prof. Gabdo, who is a Professor of Agricultural Economics, declared full support for Dr. Bakari’s ambition to become governor.

He called Dr. Bakari “the most suitable” among all contenders. “You are the most learned of all the contenders. You have laboured hard for education at state, national, and international levels. And above all, you are a teacher like me,” the professor wrote.

Prof. Gabdo shared that he had visited Dr. Bakari’s office when he was TETFund Desk Officer for ADSU. He promised not only his personal support but also that of his many followers for the SBG Movement.

The letter ended with warm seasonal greetings and a Fulfulde blessing: “Allah lamido hokku en sa’a,” meaning God should give power at the right time.

This endorsement highlights Dr. Bakari’s deep roots in education. As an Adamawa indigene, he served as Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB).

There, he built many modern schools, including storey buildings in both urban and rural areas. Later, as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, he brought peace and harmony among traditional rulers and local officials.

Today, Dr. Bakari works with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), representing it at big events like the recent commissioning of a new office complex at ADSU, Mubi. He continues to push for better education in his home state.

Political watchers say this strong backing from a top scholar like Prof. Gabdo will help Dr. Bakari win support from teachers, students, intellectuals, and young people. Education is a big issue in Adamawa, and Dr. Bakari’s record makes him stand out.

The Girei visit shows Dr. Bakari’s growing popularity across APC in Adamawa’s 21 local government areas. Recent events, like a big rally in Ganye with over 1,000 coordinators, prove his wide appeal. Many party members now see him as the “ace” to defeat PDP and bring APC back to power in 2027.

As politics heats up ahead of 2027, Dr. Bakari’s promises of unity, development, and an unforgettable APC legacy are winning hearts. With endorsements from respected figures and massive crowd support, his rescue mission for Adamawa looks stronger than ever.

Islamic Groups Caution Muslim Leaders Against Meddling in Tax Reform Matters

Islamic Groups Caution Muslim Leaders Against Meddling in Tax Reform Matters

A coalition of Islamic groups has cautioned Muslim leaders and clerics across the country against undue interference in ongoing tax reform discussions, warning that such matters are technical, constitutional and should be handled by relevant government institutions.

The groups, under the umbrella of the Coalition of Islamic Organisations for National Development (CIOND), made their position known in a statement issued on Wednesday, stressing that tax reform policies are economic and administrative issues that should not be politicised or religiously coloured.

According to the statement, signed by the coalition’s National Coordinator, Sheikh Abdulrahman Musa, while Islam encourages justice, accountability and fairness in governance, it does not support the distortion of public policy debates through sentiments that could inflame religious tensions.

“The issue of tax reform is a national economic matter that affects all Nigerians, irrespective of faith or ethnicity. It requires expert analysis, stakeholder engagement and constitutional processes, not emotional or sectarian interventions,” the statement read.

The coalition noted that recent comments by some religious figures risk misleading the public and creating unnecessary suspicion about government policies aimed at strengthening revenue generation and economic stability.

CIOND urged Muslim leaders to focus on their primary responsibilities of moral guidance, peacebuilding and social harmony, rather than making pronouncements on technical fiscal policies beyond their competence.

“Islam upholds knowledge and professionalism. Where policies are being debated, those with the requisite expertise should be allowed to lead the conversation, while religious leaders can contribute by advocating fairness, transparency and protection of the poor,” the group added.

The Islamic groups further called on the Federal Government to intensify public enlightenment on the objectives and safeguards of the proposed tax reforms, to address misinformation and build public trust.

They also appealed to Nigerians to resist attempts to frame economic reforms along religious lines, warning that such narratives could undermine national unity and derail well-intentioned policies.

The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement with government on policies that promote economic growth, social justice and national development.

REBUTTING THE REGRESSION NARRATIVE: KANO’S TRUE DEVELOPMENT TRAJECTORY

REBUTTING THE REGRESSION NARRATIVE: KANO’S TRUE DEVELOPMENT TRAJECTORY

By Aminu Hussaini
In recent commentary portraying Kano State as a place where development is allegedly “in reverse,” facts have been sacrificed on the altar of political rhetoric. Such claims, repeated by some commentators including Garba Mohammed, do not withstand scrutiny when measured against the visible, verifiable and ongoing development outcomes across Kano State. The assertion of regression collapses the moment one steps outside social-media SoundBits and examines realities on ground.
Kano is not declining. Kano is undergoing a deliberate, people-centred rebuilding process whose results are increasingly evident.

Infrastructure: Development You Can See, Not Just Talk About – One of the loudest claims of regression is that Kano’s infrastructure has stalled. This is demonstrably false. Across the metropolis and major towns, rehabilitated and newly constructed roads have eased mobility, reduced travel time and revived commercial activity. Key corridors that had been abandoned for years are now traversable, while drainage rehabilitation and urban renewal projects are reshaping the physical outlook of the city.

Beyond roads, the approval of multi-billion-naira capital projects covering public buildings, traffic management systems and utilities reflects a government investing in long-term infrastructure rather than cosmetic gestures. Development is no longer theoretical; it is concrete, asphalt and steel, experienced daily by commuters, traders and residents.

Education: Strategic Investment, Not Empty Promises – Perhaps the most misleading aspect of the regression narrative is its dismissal of progress in education. The Kano State Government has made education a cornerstone of governance, committing an unprecedented share of its budget to the sector.

This investment is translating into renovation of dilapidated schools, recruitment of qualified teachers, provision of learning materials and strengthening of basic, secondary and technical education.
These are not symbolic actions. They represent a strategic reversal of years of decay and laying the foundation for human capital development. External recognition of Kano’s education reforms further affirms that this progress is real, measurable and nationally acknowledged.
Healthcare: From Neglect to Recognition – Claims of collapsing healthcare ignore the tangible reforms already implemented. Health facilities across the state have been rehabilitated and re-equipped, while hundreds of medical professionals have been recruited to improve service delivery.
Most significantly, Kano has taken bold institutional steps by establishing a subnational disease control centre, strengthening epidemic preparedness and public health surveillance.

These reforms have attracted national commendations from professional bodies – an outcome impossible in a system supposedly “in reverse.”
Economic Empowerment and Social Impact – Development is not only about physical structures; it is about people’s livelihoods. Across Kano, empowerment initiatives targeting women, youths, artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs are improving household incomes and economic resilience. Livestock distribution, skills training and micro-enterprise support are helping thousands move from dependency to productivity.
Equally important is the settlement of pension and gratuity backlogs, restoring dignity and financial stability to retirees who had long been neglected. These interventions directly contradict any claim of social regression.

Awards and External Validation: Beyond Self-Praise – Development narratives are best tested through independent validation. Kano’s recent national and continental recognitions for governance, education and healthcare reforms did not emerge from political propaganda but from assessments by external institutions. Such recognition reinforces a simple truth: progress is occurring and it is being noticed beyond Kano’s political divide.

Context Matters: Politics Is Not Performance – It is important to acknowledge that much of the “development in reverse” argument is rooted in political positioning rather than objective analysis. While scrutiny of government is healthy and necessary, it must be anchored in fairness and full context. Selective use of partial data, or early-year budget figures without lifecycle understanding, is not analysis – it is distortion.

Conclusion: Evidence Over Emotion – The claim that Kano’s development is regressing does not survive contact with reality. Roads are being rebuilt; schools are being revived; hospitals are functioning better; citizens are being empowered and Institutions are being strengthened.
Disagreement is legitimate in a democracy, but facts remain stubborn matters and those facts show that Kano’s development trajectory is forward-looking, people-focused and increasingly visible.
Kano is not in reverse. Kano is rebuilding – deliberately, steadily, and unmistakably.

This rejoinder was written by Barrister Aminu Hussaini – Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State – AKY on Justice/Constitutional Matters – +234 8033742424 – aminuhussaini173@gmail.com

Group Dismisses Dangote’s Claims Against NMDPRA Chief, Passes Vote of Confidence on Farouk

Group Dismisses Dangote’s Claims Against NMDPRA Chief, Passes Vote of Confidence on Farouk

The Forum for Good Governance and Economic Development (FGGED) has dismissed recent claims allegedly made by the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, describing the allegations as unfounded, misleading and capable of undermining regulatory stability in the petroleum sector.

In a statement issued today and made available to Journalists, the forum said it had carefully reviewed the claims attributed to Dangote and found them to be “lacking in factual basis and unsupported by regulatory or operational realities within the downstream petroleum industry.”

The Forum in the Statement signed by its Secretary,Dr. Abraham Japhet further passed a vote of confidence on Engr. Ahmed, commending his leadership of the NMDPRA and his commitment to transparency, due process and strict adherence to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

According to the forum, since assuming office, the NMDPRA under Ahmed has implemented key reforms aimed at sanitising the downstream sector, improving regulatory oversight, ensuring fair competition and protecting the interests of consumers and investors alike.

“The NMDPRA boss has demonstrated professionalism and independence in the discharge of his duties, resisting undue pressure from vested interests while prioritising national interest,” the statement said.

FGGED warned against what it described as attempts by powerful corporate actors to intimidate or discredit regulators in order to secure favourable outcomes, stressing that no individual or company should be allowed to undermine institutions established by law.

The forum urged stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to engage constructively with regulators and utilise established dispute-resolution mechanisms rather than resorting to public statements that could erode investor confidence and destabilise the sector.

It also called on the Federal Government to continue to support the NMDPRA in the effective implementation of the PIA, noting that a strong and independent regulator is critical to the sustainability and growth of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

The group reaffirmed its support for reforms in the oil and gas sector and pledged to continue to defend public institutions and officials who act in accordance with the law and in the best interest of the country.

Coalition Dares Dangote to Name His Preferred NMDPRA CEO Amid Pressure Allegations

Coalition Dares Dangote to Name His Preferred NMDPRA CEO Amid Pressure Allegations

A group has challenged billionaire industrialist, Aliko Dangote, to publicly disclose who his preferred candidate for the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) would be, amid allegations of attempts to forcefully edge out the current CEO, Engr. Farouk Ahmed.

The group, operating under the banner of the Coalition for Market Transparency in Energy Reform, alleged in a statement on Wednesday that sustained pressure against the NMDPRA leadership was driven by vested interests seeking to reverse ongoing efforts to open Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector to healthy competition.

“If Mr. Dangote succeeds in pushing out Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Nigerians deserve to know whose interests the next NMDPRA CEO will serve,” the group said. “Will the successor be a regulator for the market or a proxy for private commercial interests?”

The coalition warned that any attempt to impose a favoured candidate at the NMDPRA would amount to regulatory capture, with grave implications for competition, pricing discipline and long-term investor confidence in the sector.

According to the group, Engr. Ahmed’s tenure has been marked by policies aimed at expanding market participation, reducing single-player dominance and aligning the downstream industry with the liberalisation objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

“These reforms are inconvenient for monopolistic ambitions, but they are essential for market health,” the statement said.

The group alleged that truncating these efforts through leadership manipulation would undermine Nigeria’s post-subsidy reforms and entrench a new form of private-sector dominance in place of the defunct state monopoly.

“It would be dangerous for Nigeria’s energy security to replace decades of NNPC operations with the dominance of one private refinery, no matter how large or locally celebrated,” the coalition added.

The group also questioned the broader implications of allowing powerful investors to influence regulatory leadership, warning that such precedents could discourage both local and foreign investors who rely on predictable, rules-based governance rather than personality-driven regulation.

“If regulators become vulnerable to pressure from dominant market players, smaller investors will exit, competition will collapse, and consumers will ultimately pay the price,” it said.

The coalition urged the Federal Government and relevant oversight institutions to protect the independence of the NMDPRA, stressing that leadership changes, if any, must follow due process and be guided strictly by performance, not private convenience.

“The Nigerian downstream sector does not need a compliant regulator; it needs a courageous one,” the group stated. “Any attempt to impose a CEO who will do the bidding of a single investor would represent a direct assault on market reform.”