Author: Gabby

Public commentator Mahdi Shehu has urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to temper its enthusiasm following a recent Supreme Court decision. In a message posted on his X account on Thursday, Shehu characterized the legal win as fraught with potential pitfalls, cautioning that undue celebration might lead to complacency.

Rather than a definitive triumph, Shehu described the ruling as a double-edged sword, warning that the ADC could fall into a trap if it eases its guard. He emphasized that the judgment pertains to an interlocutory appeal, not the core of the substantive case, meaning the legal battle remains unresolved.

Shehu noted that the Federal High Court will continue deliberating the main suit, and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable is rigid, irreversible, and governed by the Electoral Act. This timeline could become a critical factor if the case drags on.

He predicted further legal skirmishes, stating that whichever faction—whether aligned with Nafiu or David Mark—loses at the lower court will likely appeal, prolonging the dispute. Even a potential ADC victory at the highest level might prove hollow, Shehu argued, as INEC may have already advanced too far in its preparations to accommodate a latecomer.

“If either the Nafiu or David Mark group loses at the Federal High Court, an appeal to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court is inevitable,” Shehu wrote. He added that given the strict INEC timeline and the likelihood of extended litigation, a final win could amount to a success in futility, as the electoral body might be unable to reverse its course.

Shehu concluded by advising the ADC to remain vigilant, strengthen its resolve, and prepare for additional political and democratic challenges ahead. “ADC must brace up, tighten its belt and prepare for more democratic and political landmines and explosives,” he stated.

The ongoing legal proceedings involving former Taraba State Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku and his co-defendant, Bello Yero, have been postponed by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. This development occurred after the lawyer representing Yero announced his immediate withdrawal from the case.

Justice S. C. Oriji ordered the adjournment following the unexpected move by counsel Samuel Fagade, who stated, “I hereby notify the court of my withdrawal from representing the second defendant, and I kindly request Your Lordship’s approval.” He added that his client had been informed and was already in the process of seeking a replacement.

Ishaku, the former governor, and Yero, who previously served as permanent secretary in the state’s Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, are facing a 15-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges include criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and misappropriation of public funds amounting to N27 billion.

The trial was scheduled to continue with the testimony of the prosecution’s third witness, Taiwo Johns, but this was interrupted by the counsel’s withdrawal. In court, Yero pleaded for additional time to secure legal representation, saying, “I humbly request an adjournment of four to six weeks to allow me to engage a new lawyer. Currently, I have no legal representation.”

Prosecution lawyer Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, did not object to the adjournment but expressed concern over the timing of the withdrawal. He pointed out that the outgoing counsel was present during the previous session when the witness began testifying but failed to provide the mandatory three-day notice. “When our PW3 was called, this counsel was present. He should have at least notified the court three days in advance,” Jacobs argued.

Jacobs further alleged that Yero may not have been entirely transparent, claiming that a new lawyer had accompanied him to court but later withdrew from the cause list. “The second defendant arrived with a lawyer; they entered the courtroom together, and that lawyer is currently listening to my argument,” Jacobs stated, urging the judge to limit the duration of the adjournment.

However, the lawyer in question clarified that he had only held preliminary discussions with Yero and had not formally accepted the case. Justice Oriji allowed the withdrawal and rescheduled the trial for June 15, 2026, with additional hearing dates set for July 2, 7, 13, 14, and 15 of the same year.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised an alarm over the dire state of early childhood education (ECE) in Northwest Nigeria, noting that limited access is undermining the region’s educational progress. Speaking at a media dialogue in Dutse, Dr. Karanveer Singh, Officer-in-Charge of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, highlighted that only 24% of children in Jigawa State, 29% in Kano, and 32% in Katsina have access to ECE. He described these figures as deeply concerning, emphasizing that the majority of children are missing out on the critical early learning period, which is essential for cognitive, social, and emotional development. Children without quality early education often start primary school behind their peers and struggle to catch up, exacerbating the region’s out-of-school children crisis. Dr. Singh also pointed out that foundational literacy levels in parts of the region remain below 15%, indicating that many children cannot read even at a basic level. The challenges, he said, stem from limited parental awareness, a shortage of trained teachers, poor infrastructure, and inadequate learning materials. However, he stressed that these issues can be overcome with stronger commitment and investment from state governments. He called on authorities in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa to prioritize ECE by increasing funding, recruiting qualified caregivers, and expanding child-friendly learning spaces.

UNICEF Education Specialist Mustapha Shehu added that data from MICS 2022 shows only 37.8% of children aged three to four in Nigeria have access to ECE, with vast inequalities: 75% of children from the richest households attend early education, compared to just 11% from the poorest. Education consultant Dr. Sunday Jacob noted that Nigeria has 18.3 million out-of-school children, with Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina accounting for 30% of that number. He stressed that investing in ECE is fundamental to reducing the out-of-school population, as it contributes to 90% of brain development. He advised states to create dedicated budget lines for ECE. In response, the Commissioners for Basic Education in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa pledged to ensure adequate budgetary provisions and timely release of funds for the development of early childhood education in their states and the nation at large.

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down 821 pharmaceutical outlets in Kano State following a crackdown on regulatory infractions. The four-day enforcement operation, covering eight local government areas, was announced during a press conference at the council’s state office on Thursday.

Dr. Suleiman S. Chiroma, the Head of Enforcement, who represented the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, stated that the exercise targeted illegal medicine sellers and non-adherent pharmaceutical businesses that failed to meet approved standards. A total of 1,140 premises were inspected, including pharmacies, patent and proprietary medicine vendor (PPMV) stores, and unauthorized outlets.

Out of these, 821 were sealed: 68 pharmacies, 587 PPMV stores, and 166 illegal outlets. Additionally, 10 compliance directives were issued, and one individual was arrested for obstructing inspectors and violating the PCN Act.

Chiroma highlighted common violations such as the inability to present valid licenses, selling prescription-only drugs by unlicensed vendors, improper storage conditions, and interference with regulatory officers. These infractions pose serious public health risks, including drug abuse, poisoning, and the proliferation of substandard or fake medicines.

The operation also uncovered clusters of illegal pharmaceutical activities in Kasuwan Kurmi and Kwangiri areas of Kano metropolis, where 46 non-compliant outlets were sealed. Chiroma noted improved compliance levels compared to previous exercises, with more premises now meeting regulatory requirements.

He urged the public to purchase medicines only from licensed outlets displaying valid PCN certification and assured continued nationwide enforcement to ensure the availability of safe and quality medications.

Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended warm congratulations to Nigerian workers on the 2026 Workers’ Day. In a statement released on May 1, he lauded their resilience, patriotism, and unyielding contributions to the nation’s development.

Yilwatda, through his media aide Abimbola Tooki, emphasized that workers across various sectors form the bedrock of national progress. He specifically acknowledged their fortitude and patience amidst challenging economic conditions, interpreting these as evidence of the Nigerian spirit’s strength.

The APC chairman assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains resolutely focused on advancing policies that prioritize the welfare, dignity, and prosperity of the workforce. He described the President as a leader genuinely attuned to the needs of labor and its crucial role in nation-building.

Yilwatda further explained that the ongoing economic reforms—such as the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange unification, increased infrastructure spending, expansion of social safety nets, and a renewed push for industrialization—are essential for tackling deep-seated structural issues. These measures, he argued, aim to boost productivity, foster economic stability, attract domestic and foreign investment, and create more jobs and wealth.

Acknowledging the temporary difficulties that may arise, he assured that targeted relief measures are in place to mitigate the impact, ensuring the benefits are widely shared. He expressed confidence that the sacrifices workers are making will lead to a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient economy.

Concluding, Yilwatda urged Nigerian workers to remain steadfast, hopeful, and united behind the national development agenda, stressing that collective effort is key to achieving the nation’s aspirations. He wished all workers a fulfilling Workers’ Day celebration and prayed for their continued strength and prosperity.