Author: Gabby

The Kano State Special Taskforce on Illegal Structures has taken decisive action against several commercial properties, including plazas and hotels, as well as other edifices across the state for non-compliance with building codes. The operation was spearheaded by Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, who also heads the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), and his 11-member committee conducted the enforcement on Monday throughout various parts of the Kano metropolis.

During the exercise, Sani reported that approximately 14 buildings were sealed in diverse areas such as Gandu Industrial Layout, Dangi along Zoo Road, Ahmadu Bello Way, Hadeija Road, and Sokoto Road. He noted that two plazas in Gandu Industrial Layout were closed, and an unfinished hotel project along Sokoto Road was also halted. Additionally, work on another hotel was stopped, and multiple other structures, residences, and cafes were shut down for lacking proper permits.

Sani emphasized that the committee, recently formed to address unlawful constructions, found that some buildings had no approval documents at all, others had lapsed permits, and some had been converted from residential to commercial use without authorization. He also pointed out that in certain cases, the constructed buildings did not match what was originally approved, constituting a serious violation. The taskforce boss stressed that the enforcement aims to protect public safety and prevent potential disasters like building collapses. He warned property owners to regularize their documents and adhere strictly to regulations, as the taskforce will continue its operations to ensure compliance. This crackdown is part of the Kano State Government’s broader initiative to bring order to urban development and guarantee that all constructions meet necessary safety and planning standards.

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has fired back at former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal, describing his recent outbursts as baseless and full of falsehoods fueled by substance abuse.

In a statement released by his media office, Atiku said he would have ignored Lawal’s rantings, which he called the ramblings of a man under the influence, but felt compelled to correct the record. He emphasized that while Lawal had every right to resign from the ADC, as political parties are voluntary associations, he had no right to tarnish his reputation with blatant lies.

The statement read: “The Atiku Media Office has noted the unwarranted and vicious attack on the character of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 election.” It further clarified that accusing Atiku of religious bias or nepotism is one of the most absurd and baseless allegations anyone could make against him.

According to the statement, Atiku is one of Nigeria’s most progressive politicians, with a track record that speaks for itself. “In our view, Babachir was merely projecting his own flaws onto Atiku. The former SGF is a man who seeks power by exploiting ethnic and religious divisions. His conflicts with others stem from his selfish interests, not the welfare of the nation,” the statement added.

The response also noted that “a notorious conflict entrepreneur like Babachir Lawal is in no position to lecture Nigerians on what is good for the country.” It pointed out that when Lawal resigned from the ADC citing manipulation during the primaries, he offered no evidence to support his claims. Instead, he diverted attention by dragging Atiku’s family into the matter, which had no relevance to the primary process.

The statement concluded: “It is clear from the heap of garbage released by the former SGF that his attacks are driven by personal vendetta against Atiku Abubakar.”

Dele Momodu, a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has described former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal as confused and rambling following his recent comments on Atiku Abubakar. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Momodu criticized Lawal’s statements, arguing that the veteran politician lacked clarity and coherence.

Momodu referenced his background in English Literature to explain his analysis, stating that understanding a speaker’s background and motives is key to interpreting their message. He noted that Lawal, who is over 70 years old, appeared unsure of his allegations against Atiku, questioning why he waited so long to voice such criticisms.

The ADC chieftain dismissed Lawal’s attacks on Atiku’s Fulani heritage, asking when being Fulani became a crime. He pointed out that Atiku is often labeled a “Lagos boy,” yet he is being accused of tribalism. Momodu also highlighted Atiku’s diverse team, noting that his personal physician, Dr. Azubike, is an Igbo man who has served him since his time in Aso Rock. He concluded that Atiku remains the most cosmopolitan leader Nigeria has today.

In a landmark ruling, a High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has condemned seven individuals to death by hanging for their involvement in the abduction and murder of Reverend Edwin Isaiah Dokubo-Harry over a decade ago. Justice Boma Diepiri delivered the verdict on Thursday, bringing closure to a case that has lingered since December 2013, when the clergyman was killed in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area.

The convicted persons include Precious Jack Opara, Answer Dick, Osaki Fubara, Prince Mikado Philip, Tienabeso George, Seleipri Fubara, and Alaboeriya Fubara. They were found guilty on multiple counts, such as conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, and unlawful possession of firearms. Justice Diepiri emphasized that the prosecution had adequately proven each charge beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the imposition of the death penalty on all seven.

The court heard chilling details of the crime: the victim was lured into a forest in Abalama, where he was seized by members of the group. He was then blindfolded and tied up before being killed, with his body later discarded in a nearby creek. As part of the judgment, the judge ordered that a firearm retrieved during the investigation, along with other evidence, be handed over to the Nigeria Police Force.

Meanwhile, two other defendants, Emmanuel Israel and Nephew Philemon, were acquitted and discharged. The court ruled that the evidence against them was insufficient to link them to the 25-count charge. The verdict sparked emotional reactions, with some convicts and their relatives weeping as the sentences were read out.

The Niger State Government has firmly rejected allegations that its recent spate of road contracts, totaling over 1,000 kilometers, were awarded through executive fiat. Officials insist that all procurement processes adhered strictly to the state’s Public Procurement Law.

During a press briefing marking Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago’s third anniversary in office, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development, Engr. Hassan Baba Etsu, labeled reports of irregular contract approvals as erroneous and deceptive. He emphasized that every contract underwent the required procurement procedures.

Etsu highlighted that the administration is executing some of its most ambitious infrastructure projects, including the construction of six flyover bridges, an underpass, and 100 kilometers of roads within Minna, the state capital. Additionally, the 45-kilometer Bida Ring Road is under construction, while road projects spanning 556 kilometers are progressing across all 25 local government areas.

According to the Permanent Secretary, each local government area is benefiting from at least five kilometers of road construction, with approximately 40% of the projects already advanced and nearing completion. He also revealed that the government has stepped in to support federal roads, funding the rehabilitation of the Kontagora-Rijau and Wawa-Babanana routes to boost connectivity and economic growth.

Etsu further announced the approval of a 13-kilometer road project linking Mararaba Dandaudu and Kuta in Shiroro Local Government Area. He reiterated that the Ministry of Works remains fully transparent and accountable, challenging anyone to provide evidence that procurement guidelines were bypassed.

The Kano State administration has officially combined the Ministry of Water Resources with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, creating a unified body aimed at enhancing government effectiveness.

Under the new structure, the two previously separate departments will operate together as the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change.

Commissioner Dahir M. Hashim announced the move on Monday via a Facebook post, stating that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf approved the merger as part of broader reforms to improve service delivery.

“I am delighted to inform the public that His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has sanctioned the consolidation of the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change into a single entity, renamed the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change,” Hashim said.

The President-General of the Idoma Association USA, Edwin Ochai, has identified the primary obstacle hindering the Idoma people as a lack of unity, not a shortage of qualified individuals. He made this known during the 2026 Idoma Centenary Plus Lecture in Otukpo, Benue State, on Saturday.

Ochai emphasized that the event broadened his perspective on the challenges the Idoma community faces and the necessary steps toward a brighter future. He pointed out that despite the Idoma nation producing many professors, military generals, technocrats, and other accomplished professionals, this wealth of talent has not translated into the expected political, economic, and social progress.

According to Ochai, the community’s greatest shortcoming is the absence of unity and a shared vision, not a deficiency in education or ability. He remarked that individual accomplishments across various fields show no lack of talent or leadership potential. However, personal interests, political differences, and clan loyalties often override collective benefits, limiting the community’s ability to leverage its full potential for development.

He stated, “The Idoma people continue to excel, but their collective strength remains underutilized. A people united by a shared purpose can achieve far more than even the most brilliant individuals working separately.” Ochai urged that the centenary celebration should serve as a call to action for greater unity and purposeful leadership, not just a reflection on past achievements.

With elections approaching, Ochai called on the Idoma people to look beyond sentiments, personal relationships, and short-term gains when selecting leaders. He advised voters to prioritize candidates with proven competence, integrity, vision, and a genuine commitment to advancing Idoma interests. He stressed that the future depends not on who spends the most or speaks the loudest, but on who possesses the vision, competence, integrity, and dedication to progress.

Ochai further emphasized the need for leaders who can rally professionals, entrepreneurs, traditional institutions, women, and youth around a common development agenda. He described the upcoming elections as a chance to make informed decisions that will benefit both current and future generations. The centenary celebration, he said, should inspire unity, collective purpose, and visionary leadership that can transform the area into a model of progress, influence, and development. He concluded, “The time to act is now. The time to unite is now. Now is the time to make a wise choice.”