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The Northern Elders Support Group has accused Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, of placing political interests above the urgent task of addressing insecurity in the state.

The group said dissatisfaction is growing among residents, arguing that instead of focusing on lasting solutions to banditry and violent crimes affecting Zamfara communities, the governor is more preoccupied with political confrontations with the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government and some key ministers.

According to the group, these confrontations are often directed at political figures perceived to be outperforming the governor in governance.

The group stated that concerned voices across Zamfara indicate that a majority of residents are unhappy and deeply frustrated by persistent security challenges that continue to affect their daily lives.

It said the people’s most urgent demand is peace, safety and a decisive response to insecurity, noting that the ongoing violence has displaced families and disrupted economic activities across the state.

“There is a clear expectation that the governor should remain focused on securing Zamfara and restoring confidence among the people,” the group said.

“Unfortunately, what we see instead is a preoccupation with political mischief and policy disputes with the federal government,” it added.

The group likened the situation to a leader who sends away his own child and then claims to be acting in the family’s interest, a metaphor it said reflects misplaced priorities and a failure of responsibility.

According to the group, such a leader cannot genuinely claim to be

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A pro-revenue advocacy group, alongside several civil society voices under the umbrella of the Forum for Economic Recovery and Development (FERD), has defended the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, over criticisms trailing a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the FIRS and France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP).

In a statement issued on Tuesday and made available to journalists, the group described calls for Dr. Adedeji’s suspension over the MoU as “baseless, malicious and politically sponsored,” warning that such attacks were aimed at undermining ongoing tax administration reforms that have contributed to improved revenue collection.

The statement, signed by FERD’s President, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed, said critics of the agreement had failed to present any verifiable evidence to support claims that the MoU would hand over control of Nigerian taxpayers’ data to France.

According to the group, the pact, signed on December 10, 2025, is a technical assistance and capacity-building arrangement designed to modernise Nigeria’s tax administration through the exchange of expertise in digital tax tools, automated compliance systems and data analytics.

“We must have trust in our public institutions,” the statement said. “The FIRS has clearly stated that the MoU does not grant France access to Nigerian taxpayer databases, digital systems or operational infrastructure. Existing Nigerian data protection and cybersecurity laws remain fully applicable, and these assurances should be accepted until proven otherwise.”

FERD expressed concern that, despite these assurances, several political parties, regional groups and civil society organisations had continued to criticise the agreement, arguing that it could threaten national sovereignty and expose sensitive economic data.

The group noted that recent public statements by the FIRS had emphasised that the collaboration is a non-executive, advisory arrangement focused on skills transfer, adding that the agency would continue to work with Nigerian technology firms and payment processors within a multi-channel revenue collection framework.

“Independent tax policy experts would ordinarily not oppose technical cooperation with advanced tax authorities if it can accelerate modernisation,” the statement added. “However, we urge the government to remain transparent about the scope of data sharing, the safeguards in place, and the procurement and oversight mechanisms that will protect Nigerians’ information.

“However, we gathered that the controversy has begun to attract the attention of lawmakers and opposition parties, with some calling for the MoU to be presented before the National Assembly or for a comprehensive public briefing on its terms.

We therefore suggest that the FIRS and the Federal Government may need to move swiftly to provide clearer details on legal safeguards, data-handling protocols and the role, if any, that foreign agencies or vendors will play in Nigeria’s future revenue collection systems.

The group concluded that the handling of the issue will be critical to shaping public confidence in Nigeria’s digital tax transformation and the credibility of the reforms being pursued by the FIRS under Dr. Adedeji’s leadership.

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Christian groups from Benue and Plateau states have commended former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, for what they described as his landmark efforts toward promoting sustainable peace and unity in Northern Nigeria.

The groups, drawn from various Christian associations and community leaders across the two states, expressed their appreciation in a joint statement issued on Sunday, noting that Senator Yari’s intervention came at a critical time when the region continues to grapple with recurring communal tensions and security challenges.

According to the statement, signed by Reverend Innocent Ogbanje and Pastor Peter Lange, Senator Yari demonstrated uncommon statesmanship by rising above political, ethnic and religious divides to engage stakeholders in genuine dialogue aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence.

The groups said his approach—anchored on inclusiveness, mutual respect and justice—has helped to douse tensions and restore confidence among communities affected by protracted conflicts.

They noted that his recent consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and security agencies in parts of the North, particularly in Benue and Plateau states, sent a strong message that peacebuilding requires collective responsibility and sincere leadership.

“Senator Abdulaziz Yari has shown that peace is achievable when leaders are willing to listen, engage and act in the interest of all, irrespective of faith or background,” the statement read.

“His intervention has rekindled hope among our people and reinforced the need for unity as the only pathway to sustainable development in the region.”

The Christian groups further applauded the senator for promoting interfaith understanding, describing his outreach to Christian leaders as a significant step toward bridging trust gaps and addressing long-standing grievances. They said such efforts are crucial in countering narratives of division and strengthening bonds of brotherhood among diverse communities in the North.

While calling on other political leaders to emulate Senator Yari’s example, the groups urged federal and state governments to complement such initiatives with concrete policies that address the root causes of conflict, including poverty, unemployment and weak justice mechanisms.

They reaffirmed their commitment to peace and pledged to continue working with Muslim groups, traditional institutions and government authorities to sustain dialogue and prevent future crises.

The groups concluded by praying for wisdom and strength for leaders championing peace across the region, stressing that the stability of Northern Nigeria remains vital to the unity and progress of the country as a whole.

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By Aminu Hussaini

“Nigeria’s history is replete with examples of how religious tensions can escalate into violence and instability. In this opinion, the writer examine the proposed Independent Hisbah initiative by Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Governor of Kano State, and warned that at moments of national anxiety, leadership is revealed not by noise but by restraint.”

In an era when insecurity stalks daily life and the national mood is brittle with fear, any political actor who toys with public order, pursues disaster. This is why the recent push to create an “independent Hisbah Fisabilillah” by former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje deserves no applause, but serious public scrutiny.

Let us be clear: this is not a debate about faith, morality or the place of religion in society. Kano has long negotiated the coexistence of culture, belief and governance. The issue at hand is far more troubling—an apparent insensitivity to the risks of insecurity and social fracture, wrapped in a desperate bid to salvage fading political relevance.

At a time when Nigerians are weary—of violence, of economic hardship, of the weaponization of identity—the introduction of a parallel moral enforcement structure outside established legal frameworks is not courage. It is recklessness!

A Dangerous Nostalgia for Control: The attempt for an “independent” Hisbah is a loaded action. Independence from what, exactly? From the law? From due process? From democratic accountability?

In a country grappling with armed non-state actors, vigilantism and the erosion of trust in institutions, proposing another body with coercive overtones is a provocative gamble with public safety. It is difficult to escape the conclusion that this move is less about public morality and more about political resurrection. When relevance wanes, spectacle often follows. Creating a moral panic, positioning oneself as the guardian of values and daring the state to react—these are old tricks in the populist handbook. But old tricks can still cause new damage.

Kano Government’s Quiet Strength- Against this backdrop, the response of the Kano State Government under the leadership of AKY has been instructive. Rather than descend into political mudslinging or ideological confrontation, the government has chosen the unglamorous but essential path: law, due process and public-order mechanisms. This is leadership that understands the moment- Instead of escalating tension, the state has emphasized that security and social regulation must remain within constitutionally recognized institutions. Instead of politicizing faith, it has grounded its response in legality. Instead of street-level theatrics, it has opted for calm institutional clarity. In a fragile national environment, this restraint matters. Public order is not maintained by competing power centers but by coherence. Justice is not served by parallel authorities but by transparent and accountable systems.

Faith Is Not a Political Lifeline- There is something particularly tragic about invoking religion as a political lifeline. Faith, for millions, is sacred, personal and unifying rather than devising. To deploy it as a tool for political comeback cheapens its moral authority and risks inflaming divisions that the country can ill afford.
The danger is not hypothetical. History—both local and global—is littered with examples where unofficial moral enforcers became instruments of intimidation, selective justice and social fear. In today’s Nigeria, with its volatile mix of economic stress and security threats, such experiments are not just ill-advised; they are irresponsible!

The Choice Before Us- Kano stands at a crossroads that mirrors Nigeria’s broader dilemma: do we address our challenges through institutions or impulses? Through law or loudness? Through governance or grandstanding? The Kano State Government has, so far, chosen the harder but wiser road. It has refused to be baited into confrontation. It has prioritized public order over political drama. That choice deserves recognition, not because it is perfect, but because it is principled. In times like these, leadership is not about who shouts the loudest or claims the highest moral ground. It is about who understands that stability is fragile, that insecurity feeds on confusion and that politics should never be allowed to masquerade as piety.

Nigeria has enough fires burning. The country do not need desperate matches struck in the name of relevance.

Barrister Aminu Hussaini is Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State – AKY on Justice/Constitutional Matters – could be reached on +234 8033742424 – aminuhussaini173@gmail.com

The National Forum for Good Governance (NFGG) has dismissed allegations of misconduct leveled against the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, describing the claims as unfounded, malicious and politically motivated.

The allegations followed a petition formally received by the House of Representatives, calling for an investigation into the alleged unlawful tampering with the corporate records of Jonah Capital Nigeria Ltd and Houses for Africa Nigeria Ltd by the CAC Registrar-General.

The petition, written on behalf of the two companies, alleged that some corporate records were altered to favour a contending party in an internal dispute.

However, in a statement issued on Sunday, the National Chairman of the forum, Chairman is Dr Mukhtar Mustapha Bebeji, expressed strong confidence in the integrity, professionalism and leadership of Magaji, insisting that the accusations lacked credible evidence.

According to the forum, a careful review of the allegations revealed no verifiable facts to support the claims, adding that the accusations appeared aimed at discrediting the CAC and undermining public confidence in a key regulatory institution.

“The National Forum for Good Governance wishes to categorically state that after a thorough review of the claims being circulated, we find the allegations against the CAC Registrar-General to be baseless and unsupported by any credible or verifiable facts,” the statement read.

The forum urged members of the public and stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid spreading unverified information capable of damaging the reputation of public institutions.

It advised aggrieved parties to seek redress through lawful and established channels, stressing that genuine concerns should be directed to appropriate regulatory and oversight bodies to allow for due process and fair investigation.

Alhaji Bebeji also commended the Corporate Affairs Commission for its ongoing reforms aimed at simplifying business registration processes, strengthening regulatory compliance and improving Nigeria’s ease of doing business.

The forum further appealed to the media to uphold ethical journalism standards by ensuring accuracy, balance and fairness in reporting, and cautioned against amplifying allegations that have not been substantiated.

As part of Nigeria’s strategic positioning and commitment to driving sustainable energy solutions for Africa’s future, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has participated in the opening ceremony of the African Energy Efficiency Conference held in Ethiopia.

Dr. Abdullahi, who was a special guest at the event, participated in critical conversations with senior officials, leading African figures, and the Energy Minister of Kenya, where discussions focused on the central role of energy efficiency in stimulating economic growth and strengthening climate resilience across Africa.

The Director-General of ECN also engaged with representatives from the EU, the European Investment Bank, GIZ, the IEA, AFD, and SEforALL.

The engagements explored partnerships, financing pathways, and supportive policy frameworks aimed at expanding Nigeria’s contributions and ensuring outcomes throughout the conference.

By Salisu Ibrahim

A walk into the premises of Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) office, would attest to the impact of Good Leadership. Work atmosphere at the Commission is very positive and employee relations is highly cordial, a development that is clearly demonstrating effective leadership.

The Commission was Established by Decree No. 49 of 1989, amended by Decree 98 of 1993 and presently RMAFC Act CAP R7 LFN 2004.

By constitutional provisions, Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission is constitutionally is mandated to monitor accruals to all tiers of government as well as disbursement of revenues from the Federation Account, a mandate that has placed in the Commission a very critical role of safeguarding public resources.

As an agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that oversees the revenues accruing to and disbursement of such funds from the Federal Account to relevant tiers, the Body is also expected to ensure that there is conformity and equity in the nation’s revenue allocation formulae.

With this unique responsibility, RMAFC, occupies an important and strategic position in the Nigeria’s fiscal architecture, requiring it to uphold the core values of integrity, transparency, accountability, professionalism, and patriotism.

This explains why a leader of such an important government body must be a man of impeccable character, a very honest and sincere person, who will lead the body with integrity honesty, trustworthiness, and reliability.

When Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu was appointed as Chairman of the Commission after his stewardship as Secretary of the Commission, staff of the commission were so elated, expressing their happiness for having the right person to lead them.

So far, the Commission is enjoying a positive turn around and the remarkable progress achieved so far, are largely attributed to the exemplary leadership of the Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, whose leadership style has transformed the work atmosphere, fostering a positive, productive, and supportive environment that inspires employees to excel.

Under Dr. Shehu’s guidance, employees feel valued, respected, and empowered, with their contributions recognized and their voices heard. The Chairman’s commitment to treating staff with dignity and respect has created a sense of trust and confidence, driving them to work collaboratively towards achieving the Commission’s goals.

In his style of leadership, Dr. Shehu has encouraged open communication, innovation, and high productivity, thereby relating with relevant stakeholders to achieve the goals of the commission while also unlocking the staff’s full potential and propelling them to work towards Commission’s success and growth.

No one is in doubt as to the fact that the Commission’s workforce is highly motivated, well engaged, and equipped with ethical training to uphold truth and honesty. They are equally receiving professional development, ethical training to keep away from untoward practices, and receiving necessary skills and knowledge to handle challenges to manage the dynamics of changes.

The Chairman’s integrity and his leadership style have set a positive example, building trust and respect among employees. This has boosted workplace performance, enhanced the organization’s reputation, and inspired accountability, collaboration, and fairness.

As a result, individual workers are driven to work as a team, striving for excellence and achieving the Commission’s objectives, while relevant stakeholders are joining hands together with the Commission towards wiping out corrupt and bad practices in governance.

At one of such capacity building organized in collaboration with the ICPC, for the Commission’s staff last Tuesday, the Chairman admonished all the relevant stakeholders to join hands together in the nation’s fight against corrupt practices.

So far, the impact of Dr. Shehu’s leadership is clearly evident in the faces of the Commission’s employees, who always exude a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction with their work. His leadership has created a sense of community, driving job satisfaction, productivity, and success, and cementing the Commission’s position as a premier primary organization mandated to ensure equity and fairness in the distribution of nation’s resources.

This particular circumstance was possible because of the quality of leadership being demonstrated by the Chairman, Dr. Muhammad Bello Shehu. Under his watch, the atmosphere at the Commission has been very positive, productive, and supportive and the work environment continue to inspire employees to thrive and achieve success.

Workers of the Commission are adequately motivated and engaged in various types of capacity building, a development that is making them to work collaboratively towards achieving the common goal and in turn, they all believe, they are now in safe hands while feeling secure in their roles and workplace.

Ibrahim contributes this piece from Kano. Could be reached on faccageltd10@gmail.com

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Comrade Shehu Sani, has reiterated the power of art as a unifying force and a catalyst for national development, as he sponsored and graced a Painting Competition held on Wednesday at the Kaduna Museum.

The event, which attracted dozens of young artists, students, cultural enthusiasts and community leaders, showcased a variety of paintings reflecting themes of peace, unity, diversity and social harmony.

Speaking during the ceremony, Sani said the competition was conceived to encourage creativity among young Nigerians and to provide them with a platform to express themselves freely through visual arts. According to him, painting and other creative expressions have the capacity to bridge divides, foster tolerance and strengthen national cohesion.

He noted that art remains a universal language that communicates across ethnic, religious and political barriers, making it a strategic tool for promoting peaceful coexistence in a multicultural society like Nigeria.

“Art has the power to heal, to unify and to inspire,” Sani said. “What these young artists have demonstrated today is that creativity can serve as a panacea for our national challenges, including unemployment, social tension and the lack of opportunities for the youth.”

The former senator emphasised that investment in art and creative industries can contribute significantly to job creation, tourism growth and youth empowerment. He urged government agencies, cultural institutions, NGOs and private-sector actors to support similar initiatives that highlight the talents of young Nigerians.

Sani also commended the participants for their outstanding works, promising to continue supporting programmes that promote creativity, skill development and peaceful engagement among young people.

Curators at the Kaduna Museum and coordinators of the competition praised Sani for his consistent commitment to cultural development and youth empowerment, stressing that the event would inspire many young artists to pursue careers in the creative sector.

Winners of the competition received certificates, cash prizes and art materials, while their works are expected to be displayed at the museum and other public exhibitions aimed at promoting peace and unity.

A Kaduna State High Court has sentenced three defendants to a combined 21 years in prison over charges of conspiracy and intention to commit culpable homicide in the case of The State Vs. Ayuba Barde & 5 others KDH/KAD/88C/2014 — bringing an end to a legal battle that has stretched for more than a decade and raised serious concerns over delays in Nigeria’s judicial process.

The men, arrested in January 2014, were accused of attacking the late Chief of Jere, Dr. Sa’ad Usman, his driver and an orderly along the SSC Jere–Bwari Road in Kagarko Local Government Area. The defendants consistently pleaded not guilty.

The case passed through several judges, restarted multiple times, and witnessed prolonged periods without bail. The final judgment was delivered on 19 November 2025 by Justice Buhari M. Balarabe, who found the men guilty of conspiracy and intention to commit culpable homicide. However, the court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove that the Chief’s death in April 2020 — six years after the incident — was linked to the alleged attack.

Each defendant received five years for conspiracy and ten years for intention to commit culpable homicide, to run concurrently. Despite the court acknowledging that the men had already spent 11 years in custody, the judgment means they will remain in prison for an additional decade.

Lead defence attorney, Gloria Mabeiam Ballason Esa, disagrees with the judgment, describing it as “against the weight of evidence” and “not supported by law, justice or fairness.”

“To hand down 21 years imprisonment for conspiracy and intention is not contemplated by law. Not even the devil knows the intention of the heart of man,” she said.

Ballason also raised concerns about the conduct of the proceedings, citing the refusal of the court to entertain bail applications until after the full hearing — a move she said violated constitutional guarantees of presumption of innocence and fair trial.

She further noted that no medical report establishing the cause of death of the traditional ruler was tendered in evidence, leaving what she described as “a break in the chain of causation.”

The defence argues that the unusually long duration of the case — involving repeated transfers between judges and a trial that restarted several times — undermines public confidence in the justice system. “Eleven years for a criminal trial under a democracy is simply not justifiable,” Ballason stated.

The defendants plan to appeal the judgment, with their legal team insisting there are strong grounds to challenge both the conviction and the sentencing.

The Kaduna State Ministry of Justice, represented in court by Solicitor-General J. N. Azumi Esq, declined to make comments on the record.

The case, already drawing national attention, is expected to face renewed scrutiny as it moves to the appellate courts, where legal observers say it may become a test of Nigeria’s commitment to fair trial standards and judicial reform.

By Barr. Aminu Hussaini

As Kano State continues to affirm its position as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic economic and population hub, a major opportunity lies ahead: transforming its growing urban landscape through smarter planning, stronger regulation and deeper collaboration with the private sector.In recent years, the state has witnessed a rapid rise in demand for residential land, driven by population growth, urban migration and economic expansion.

While this heightened demand has encouraged private developers to supply residential plots at unprecedented scale, an increasing number of these private layouts emerged without adequate planning, infrastructure or regulatory approval, placing both residents and government agencies at risk.

Government Achievements: A Foundation Worth CelebratingDespite these challenges, the Kano State Government under the leadership of AKY has made remarkable strides in improving land administration, urban planning and infrastructure delivery.

From digitizing key aspects of land records to strengthening the operations of land management agencies, the government has taken bold steps to enhance transparency, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and promote orderly development.Key achievements include the introduction of more structured land allocation processes that prioritize fairness and efficiency; revitalization of planning agencies, improving their capacity to assess and approve layouts according to modern standards and improved monitoring and enforcement against unauthorized developments, expansion of government-serviced layouts as well as provision of safer and more affordable residential options.

Why Stronger Regulation Still Matters Even with these gains, the increasing proliferation of substandard private layouts means regulation and oversight must remain a priority. Many of these unapproved layouts lack essential infrastructure and pose long-term risks.Public–Private Partnership: The Key to Sustainability One of the most important lessons from modern urban development worldwide is that government effort alone is not enough — sustainability is best achieved when public institutions and private developers work hand-in-hand.

With proper PPP frameworks, developers can co-invest in roads, drainage, energy and water systems while government ensures clear standards, oversight and incentives. Together, both sides can build high-quality and well-planned residential communities.A Shared Responsibility for a Shared FutureKano’s transformation can neither be left solely to government agencies nor entirely to private developers.

Sustainability depends on mutual responsibility, where government maintains strong oversight, private investors build responsibly and communities embrace regulated housing options.ConclusionKano stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey. The state government’s outstanding achievements in strengthening land administration and urban planning have laid a strong foundation for progress.

The next phase requires complementary partnership with private developers to sustain this momentum and ensure every resident has access to safe – modern housing.With continued government leadership and responsible private-sector participation, Kano under the AKY is set to become a national model for sustainable urban growth.

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