Category: News

The recently released abductees from Borno State have opened up about the appalling conditions they endured while being held by armed bands for three months. Among them were men, women, and children from Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area, who were seized on March 4 and finally set free on June 6.

Halima Musa, one of the former captives, recalled that the hostages had to prepare their own meals. She stated, “We were given only guinea corn to eat once a day. If you ate around 2 p.m., you had to wait until the next day for the next meal. Sometimes there was no soup at all. We cooked the food ourselves. They provided the ingredients.” She added that throughout their ordeal, they slept on the bare ground in the mountains, with no mats or blankets.

Another victim, Khadijat, revealed that their release occurred without any exchange of gunfire or direct contact with security forces. She explained, “When we were freed, there were other people already there who had been kidnapped before us. Eleven of them had spent seven months there. They were abducted from a river while fishing. But all of us were released together.”

On Monday, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum visited the freed individuals and announced a rehabilitation program for the Ngoshe community. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for their efforts in securing the release. Zulum mentioned that approximately 434 abducted persons had been freed in phases, with about 360 returning two days earlier. He also disclosed that the state government had allocated millions of naira to rebuild Ngoshe and was collaborating with the military to facilitate the safe return of residents willing to go back home.

The National Industrial Court in Akure has directed the Osun State Government to reassess the promotion of Mr. Olabisi Abidemi to the rank of Director on Grade Level 17. The court determined that the decision to exclude him from consideration was unjust and violated the principles of fairness in public service administration.

Justice Kiyersohot Damulak, who delivered the ruling, instructed the Osun State Governor, the Attorney General, the Head of Service, and the State Civil Service Commission to review Abidemi’s candidacy in accordance with the Osun State Public Service Rules. The judgment further specified that any promotion granted as a result of this review must take effect from the date it would have originally applied, and awarded N500,000 in costs to the claimant.

According to court documents, Abidemi began his career in the Osun State Civil Service in May 2004 and advanced to Deputy Director on Grade Level 16 by July 2021. During the proceedings, he asserted that while he was on approved leave, his name was included on the list of officers qualified for a promotion interview to Grade Level 17 in August 2025, and he participated in that interview.

After the interview, Abidemi claimed he received no update about his promotion status, leading him to file complaints and appeal letters to the Head of Service. In response, the defendants argued that his denial was not due to his leave but because he failed to meet requirements under the Public Service Rules, specifically regarding continuous supervision by a reporting officer and four years of annual performance evaluations.

They also contended that Abidemi had worked only about eight months in the previous eight years and that employees on leave are not subject to supervision. However, the claimant’s counsel, I. A. Mikaheel, countered that neither the Public Service Rules nor the leave approval allowed the leave to be used as grounds for denying promotion.

In his judgment, Justice Damulak emphasized that while promotion is not an automatic right, the discretion exercised by public authorities in statutory employment matters must be fair, transparent, consistent, and based on established rules. The court noted that the defendants failed to present any written policy requiring four years of supervision for promotion consideration, nor did they provide the promotion committee’s report or any explanation for Abidemi’s exclusion.

Justice Damulak stated, “I therefore find that the defendants acted inconsistently and unfairly in refusing to consider the claimant for promotion after listing him as eligible for promotion.” The court also pointed out that Abidemi had previously been promoted to Grade Level 16 while on leave, and his shortlisting for the 2025 interview created a legitimate expectation that his leave would not automatically disqualify him.

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has emphasized that elevation in rank carries increased obligations. Speaking at the decoration ceremony for 956 officers who recently received promotions from the Police Service Commission, Bakori congratulated the personnel and relayed the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun’s message of continued support for welfare and career advancement.

Bakori stressed that promotion is not merely a reward but a call for higher standards of conduct and service. He urged the officers to embrace professionalism, discipline, and integrity in their duties. ‘With promotion comes greater responsibility,’ he stated, encouraging them to dedicate themselves to selfless service to the nation and the people of Kano State.

The Commissioner also noted that the Command will closely monitor performance to ensure officers justify the trust placed in them through excellence. The event was announced in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has sharply criticized the federal government for its inability to address the escalating security crisis. In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, he decried the surge in violent attacks by terrorists across multiple states, including Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara, and Oyo, warning that citizens can no longer feel safe.

The former Kano State governor lamented that banditry, kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, and communal conflicts have become routine in Nigeria. He expressed particular alarm at the boldness of criminals who now broadcast live on social media to mock authorities and spread fear. “This is utterly unacceptable for a sovereign nation,” Kwankwaso stated.

Drawing on his experience as a former governor and defence minister, Kwankwaso argued that insecurity can be overcome with political will. He noted that during his tenure, decisive leadership and community engagement significantly curbed threats. “The problem today is not a lack of resources but a shortage of sincerity and determination to act,” he asserted.

Kwankwaso pointed out that despite massive security budgets, the situation worsens daily, with innocent lives lost, families displaced, and the economy suffering under instability. He called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, including better welfare for personnel, stronger intelligence, community policing, and tackling root causes like poverty, unemployment, and poor governance through investments in education, skills training, and job creation.

He also urged the government to prioritize quality education, infrastructure, healthcare, reliable electricity, and agricultural support to boost local food production and reduce import dependence. “We cannot continue on this dangerous path,” Kwankwaso concluded.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has strongly criticized Rabiu Kwankwaso, the running mate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, for drawing parallels between himself and revered northern figures like the late Sarduana of Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello, and Aminu Kano. Tukur Mohammed-Baba, the ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, made this known during an interview on Arise Television.

Mohammed-Baba described Kwankwaso’s remarks as inappropriate and misplaced, noting that the politician’s claim to being a ‘new Messiah’ for the North is both irrelevant and delusional. According to him, Kwankwaso cannot be compared to historical icons who operated in their own unique contexts and eras.

The ACF scribe further stated that such statements would make Kwankwaso appear irrelevant in the eyes of northerners, who hold the legacies of Sarduana and Aminu Kano in high esteem. He emphasized that comparing oneself to these figures is a grave error, as their contributions to the region’s development remain unparalleled.

Kwankwaso recently sparked controversy by likening himself to the late leaders, positioning himself as a transformative figure for the North. However, the ACF has dismissed this as a misguided attempt to gain political traction.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has issued a stark warning to Nigerians regarding the 2027 presidential election. He cautioned against supporting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing a possible Atiku presidency as a destructive ‘hurricane’ that would devastate the country.

Speaking on Monday during an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today program, Lawal stated, ‘I am trying to protect you from the impending storm. Atiku’s hurricane will devour you; it will swallow you whole.’ He emphasized that electing Atiku could lead to catastrophic consequences for the nation.

Lawal further expressed his preference between the two major contenders, saying that if forced to choose between Atiku and President Bola Tinubu, he would select Tinubu without hesitation. ‘As problematic as Tinubu’s current administration may be, he would still make a far better president than Atiku,’ he asserted.

The relationship between Atiku and Babachir Lawal soured following the ADC primary elections, according to DAILY POST reports. Lawal’s comments come amid growing political tensions as the 2027 elections approach.

The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has designated Princess Oforitsenere Emiko as the Interim Chairman of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) Governing Board. This decision forms part of the Commission’s strategy to revitalize the Institute for the evolving communications landscape and digital economy in Nigeria.

Joining her on the board are Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, both serving as interim board members. They will collaborate with President/CEO Mr. David Daser and other board members with unexpired tenures to spearhead the Institute’s transformation.

Founded by the NCC in May 2004, DBI was initially established as a specialized training hub for telecommunications and IT. Over two decades, the sector has evolved from telecommunications into a dynamic digital economy where rapid technological advancements demand continuous specialized training. Communications infrastructure has become pivotal to national sovereignty and oversight, making the advancement of communications and digital economy a strategic priority.

Nigeria’s youthful population, with 70% under 30, underscores the urgency of this transformation. The revamped DBI aims to empower young people with advanced technical skills, bridging the capability gap that slows technology adoption across the communications sector and broader digital economy.

The repositioned Institute will focus on five key areas: Education and Training, Research and Development, Innovation, Economic Impact and Growth, and Emerging Policy and Regulation. The strategy was developed through extensive consultations beyond the NCC and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, including engagements with the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

The labor movement in Nigeria is mourning the loss of Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke, Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), who passed away in Geneva following a short illness. He was part of the Nigerian delegation to the 114th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) when he fell ill and was rushed for medical care, but unfortunately did not survive.

An official from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) confirmed his death, describing Adeleke as a passionate trade unionist who fought tirelessly for workers’ rights. The NLC released a statement expressing profound grief over the demise of their colleague, who was widely respected across the labor community.

Adeleke, a member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), dedicated his career to advocating for improved working conditions and social justice. As chairman of the Lagos JNC, he spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at safeguarding the welfare of employees in the state.

The passing of Comrade Adeleke occurred during his participation in the International Labour Conference, a key event where global labor leaders convene to discuss workplace issues and standards. His commitment to decent work and fair treatment for all workers remained unwavering until his final days.

A prominent Plateau State cleric, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, has sounded a fresh alarm over what he describes as renewed death threats and a bounty placed on his head by Islamist extremists. Dachomo, who leads the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, made the disclosure on his X handle on Monday, stating that he and two other pastors are now marked targets for speaking out against the government.

Returning to Nigeria after a medical trip to India, the clergyman expressed shock that threats against him have escalated, with extremists increasing a previously announced bounty and urging Muslims to hunt him down. “They have marked me for death because I speak the truth,” he wrote, acknowledging that while he fears death as a human, his resolve remains unshaken.

He lamented that his sole offense is advocating for the voiceless, which has made him a prime target for terrorists. Yet, Dachomo insists he cannot abandon his congregation. “My name has become a target, my life has been priced by men who hate the truth. But even with the threats and fear, I cannot abandon my people,” he stated.

In an emotional appeal, Dachomo described the daily terror he faces: waking up unsure if he will see another sunset, sleeping without certainty about tomorrow. He questioned how he could remain silent while innocent people suffer, widows mourn, children become orphans, and families are buried in grief. “I have seen mothers weep over lifeless children; I have heard little boys and girls ask heartbreaking questions—where is my father, why did they kill my mother, when is she coming back? Their tears have become mine, their pain is my burden,” he said.

Admitting fear, Dachomo referenced scripture, saying God has not given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). He drew strength from Matthew 5:10, which pronounces blessings on those persecuted for righteousness’ sake. “The path of truth has never been easy. Prophets, apostles, and even our Savior suffered, yet they stood firm, knowing darkness cannot overcome light,” he added.

The clergyman noted that while some days the burden feels heavy, he finds solace in Isaiah 41:10, which promises divine strength and help. “If speaking for the voiceless makes me a target, I will continue to speak. If standing with the oppressed puts my life at risk, I will continue to stand. If defending my people means carrying a cross of persecution, by God’s grace I will carry it,” he concluded.

Dachomo reaffirmed his commitment to every child who has lost a parent, every mother who cries alone, every father taken from his family, and every believer suffering for their faith. “They may threaten us, try to silence us, put a reward on our heads, but our hope is in God. As long as He gives us breath, we will stand with our people, speak truth, comfort the brokenhearted, and shine His light in the darkness,” he said.

In a world where conflict robs children of their innocence, the media emerges as a powerful guardian. The Canadian High Commission recently underscored the urgent need for a united front—governments, communities, civil society, security forces, and journalists—to shield minors from the horrors of armed groups. Omar Alihashi, a political counsellor at the Commission in Nigeria, highlighted that the perils go beyond immediate violence, reaching into the realms of education, mental health, and future prospects. He stressed that journalists, through ethical and sensitive reporting, can illuminate the struggles of these young victims while protecting their rights.

Offiong Nsa, the Dallaire Institute’s country representative in Nigeria, framed child recruitment as a grave human rights abuse. She argued that public perception must evolve, viewing these children not as wrongdoers but as future peacemakers. Ethical reporting, she noted, can dismantle hidden recruitment networks and foster policy change. By prioritizing accuracy and compassion, the media can transform stories into catalysts for protection and peace.