The Historica Nigeria

Author name: Umar Idris Shuaibu

National, News

Tinubu Reappoints Marwa as NDLEA Chairman for Second Term

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reappointed Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) as Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for another five-year term. This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. President Tinubu, in the statement, commended Marwa’s leadership and achievements, describing the reappointment as a reaffirmation of confidence in his commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse. Read Also: Yilwatda, Ganduje, Gbajabiamila, Barau Witness Defection of Two Kano NNPP Lawmakers to APC “Your reappointment is a vote of confidence in your onerous efforts to rid our country of the menace of drug trafficking and drug abuse. I urge you not to relent in tracking the merchants of hard drugs, out to destroy our people, especially the young ones,” the President said. Marwa was first appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2021. Before then, he served as Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse from 2018 to 2020. The new appointment means the Adamawa-born retired military officer will continue to lead the NDLEA until 2031. A former military governor of Lagos and Borno States, Marwa is an alumnus of the Nigerian Military School and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1973, he held several key military roles, including brigade major of the 23 Armoured Brigade, Aide-de-Camp to the Chief of Army Staff, and academic registrar of the NDA. He also served as Deputy Defence Adviser at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and later as Defence Adviser to the Nigerian Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Marwa holds two postgraduate degrees: a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh (1983–1985) and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University (1985–1986). Under his leadership, the NDLEA has carried out several high-profile operations, including the arrest of over 73,000 drug suspects and barons, as well as the seizure of more than 15 million kilogrammes of various hard drugs.

Education, Kano, News

SSANU, NASU Candidates Sweep ADUSTECH Congregation Election

Comrade Ismail Hussaini of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Comrade Jamilu Abubakar of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) have won the Congregation Representative to Council election at the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil. The election, conducted on Wednesday during the 17th Congregation of the university, saw both candidates — backed by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) — emerge victorious with 338 and 287 votes respectively, out of 482 valid ballots. With the results, JAC — comprising SSANU, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) — secured both available seats, marking what observers described as a landslide and historic win for the coalition. The triumph is widely seen as a vote of confidence in JAC’s united front, credibility, and commitment to staff welfare and representation at ADUSTECH. Read Also: University of Abuja Governing Council Appoints New Vice-Chancellor Speaking shortly after the announcement, Comrade Hussaini, who also chairs JAC, expressed gratitude to staff for their overwhelming support. “Though our tickets came through JAC, the thumbprints that led to this victory truly came from the entire University community. To receive 338 votes out of 482 is a resounding testament to the trust placed in us. We are deeply humbled,” he said. Comrade Abubakar also thanked the university community, pledging to serve with humility, transparency, and inclusiveness. He assured that both representatives would work collaboratively with academic, technical, and administrative stakeholders to advance the institution’s development agenda. Hussaini added that the victory was not just personal but institutional — a win for fairness, unity, and progress. “We shall ensure that the voice of every staff member is heard at the Council table,” he stated. Observers described the election as one of the most peaceful and participatory in the university’s history, reflecting ADUSTECH’s growing democratic culture and institutional cohesion.

Kogi, News

Kogi Police Command Hosts Dinner for National Defence College Study Team

The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, on Wednesday hosted a dinner in honor of participants of Course 34 of the National Defence College, who are currently on a study tour of the state. The event, held in Lokoja, aimed to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and promote synergy in tackling the security challenges facing Nigeria today. It was part of ongoing efforts to foster cooperation between different security agencies across the country. In his remarks, CP Kankarofi highlighted that the dinner demonstrated the Command’s dedication to fostering cordial relationships with sister security agencies, especially in areas such as knowledge-sharing and operational coordination. He emphasized the critical importance of unity and cooperation in addressing the complex and evolving security landscape in Nigeria. The National Defence College study tour brought together senior officers from various services and sectors to enhance their strategic understanding of Nigeria’s security environment and governance structures at the sub-national level. Read Also: Lt. A.M. Yerima: Young Navy Officer Rising to National Attention CP Naziru Kankarofi Leads On-The-Spot Assessment of Adogo Train Derailment Meet Rear Admiral Idi Abbas From Kano, Nigeria’s New Chief of Naval Staff Also in attendance were senior police officers, members of the NDC delegation, and other invited dignitaries.CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi is the 40th officer to lead the Kogi State Police Command, succeeding CP Miller G. Dantawaye, who has been redeployed to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command. This was confirmed in a statement released in Lokoja by CSP William Ovye Aya, Police Public Relations Officer of the Kogi State Police Command.A native of Kano Municipal Local Government Area, Kano State, CP Bello brings over 30 years of distinguished service to his new role. He began his career on June 10, 1994, when he joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police following his training at the Police Academy in Wudil, Kano State. An accomplished and versatile officer, CP Bello holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Political Science (Combined Honours), a Bachelor of Laws (LLB, BL), and a Master of Laws (LLM). He is currently pursuing a Doctorate (PhD) in Law. Throughout his career, CP Bello has served in various command, operational, and administrative roles in multiple states. His previous assignments include Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Governor of Kwara State (1999–2003), Squadron Commander of the Police Mobile Force in Kano, Bauchi, and Rivers States, and Area Commander in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State (2019–2022). He has also held senior leadership positions at Zone 1 Headquarters in Kano and Zone 3 Headquarters in Yola.CP Bello is a graduate of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, having completed the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 46/2024. His professional development includes numerous tactical and leadership training programs such as the Combat Operations Course, Tactical Leadership Course, and Strategic Command Course. Kankarofi is a member of several reputable associations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN), and the National Institute of Police Studies (MNIPS). CSP William Aya described CP Bello as a disciplined, professional, and innovative officer whose effective crime-fighting strategies have resulted in improved security outcomes in his previous commands. He stated that CP Bello is well-positioned to build on the successes of his predecessor while introducing new initiatives to enhance policing and public safety in Kogi State.  

News, Sport

Super Eagles Defeat Gabon in Extra Time Thriller, Advance to Playoff Final

The Super Eagles have booked their place in the final of the African playoffs for the 2026 World Cup after a thrilling 4-1 victory over Gabon in Rabat on Thursday. Victor Osimhen led the charge with a brilliant brace, while Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams added a goal each as Nigeria found their rhythm late into extra time at the Moulay Hassan Stadium. The win moves Osimhen closer to Rashidi Yekini’s long-standing record as Nigeria’s all-time top scorer, with the Napoli forward now on 31 goals—just six behind Yekini’s 37. Read Also: Super Eagles Resume Training After Boycott Over Unpaid Allowances Despite a disrupted buildup marked by players’ protests over unpaid allowances, the Eagles maintained focus once the whistle blew. Osimhen had several chances early in the game but was denied by Gabon’s impressive goalkeeper, Loyce Mbaba. Nigeria finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute when Akor Adams capitalized on a defensive error to slot home his second goal for the national team. However, Gabon equalized through Mario Lemina in the 89th minute, forcing the game into extra time. In the extra period, Nigeria’s attacking prowess came alive. Ejuke netted his first goal for the Eagles, before Osimhen’s double sealed a comfortable victory for the three-time African champions. The Super Eagles will now face either Congo DR or Cameroon in Sunday’s final of the African playoffs. The winner will claim Africa’s sole ticket to the intercontinental playoff for the 2026 World Cup.

Kano, News

Kano Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Workers’ Welfare at NLC Industrial Relations Workshop

The Kano State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers as a vital step toward enhancing productivity and ensuring sustainable development. Declaring open a two-day Industrial Relations Workshop organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kano State Council, in collaboration with the Michael Imoudu Institute of Labour Studies, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf — represented by the Head of Civil Service, Malam Abdullahi Musa — described workers as the backbone of national growth and progress. The governor commended the NLC for organizing the workshop, which aims to prepare retiring civil servants for life after service while promoting industrial harmony. Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to a professional and efficient civil service, citing key interventions, including the payment of ₦27 billion in gratuity arrears, the review of the minimum pension from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000, and the implementation of the ₦71,000 minimum wage. Read Also: Gov. Yusuf Flags Off ₦5bn Postgraduate Scholarship for 590 Kano Indigenes “The government also reintroduced ASCON training for officers aspiring to managerial positions and continues to engage labour unions to maintain industrial harmony,” he stated. He urged participants to actively engage in the workshop to foster knowledge sharing and align with the state’s blueprint for a more productive workforce. Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of the Michael Imoudu Institute of Labour Studies, Comrade Isa Aremu, Dr. Michael Raji commended Governor Yusuf for his labour-friendly disposition and noted that the workshop would go a long way in promoting peace and stability in the workplace. The Chairman of the NLC, Kano State Council, Comrade Kabiru Ado Inuwa, expressed appreciation to the governor for his continued support to workers, particularly for approving the construction of a ₦280 million multipurpose hall in honour of late Governor Muhammad Abubakar Rimi, who set a precedent by declaring May 1st as a public holiday for workers. He noted that work on the project is ongoing and expressed optimism that it will be completed soon. In his remarks, the Acting Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Hussaini Buda, thanked guests and participants for their active involvement, which contributed to the success of the training. Dignitaries at the event included the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Office of the Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Salisu Mustapha; Commissioner I, Pension Fund Trustees, Alhaji Hassan Aminu; and Malam Idris Inuwa Yakasai, a retired Acting Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Information.

National, News, Politics

APC Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Membership Registration

In a renewed drive to reposition the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a modern, digitally driven, and people-centred political organization, the National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has reaffirmed the commitment of the party to fully implement its membership e-registration exercise launched last year. Speaking in Abuja on Thursday while declaring open a one-day membership e-registration training workshop for the 36 state chairmen of the party, Yilwatda said the initiative marks a critical step in strengthening the APC’s internal structures and embracing innovation in political organization. Represented by the National Vice Chairman (North Central), Hon. Muazu Bawa Rijau, the APC chairman described the training as part of the National Working Committee’s (NWC) broader strategy to make the party’s operations more transparent and technology-driven. Read Also: Yilwatda, Ganduje, Gbajabiamila, Barau Witness Defection of Two Kano NNPP Lawmakers to APC “We believe that for the APC to remain a truly progressive and people-oriented party, it must embrace digital transformation not as a choice, but as a necessity for growth, credibility, and sustainability,” Yilwatda said. He explained that the e-registration initiative would enable the party to maintain a credible and verifiable database of members, improve internal communication, and enhance transparency and accountability in its operations. Also speaking, the National Organising Secretary of the APC, Muhammad Sulaiman Arugungu, said the aim of the exercise is to develop an efficient, transparent, and inclusive membership system that accurately reflects the party’s strength and spread across the country. He noted that the initiative follows a series of zonal workshops earlier held across the six geopolitical zones, which brought together State Organising Secretaries and three representatives from each senatorial district to build capacity and ensure a seamless nationwide rollout of the e-registration process. “Those sessions focused on the operational aspects of the e-registration system as well as top-down training,” Arugungu said. “Today’s programme, however, is meant to ensure that our state chairmen — the custodians of party structures at the state level — fully understand both the technical framework and strategic importance of this initiative.” According to him, the exercise will help the APC improve coordination between the National Secretariat and the grassroots, provide a reliable tool for congresses, primaries, and election planning, and strengthen its mobilization base ahead of the 2027 general elections. Arugungu added that the reforms reflect the collective commitment to modernization, inclusivity, and organizational excellence being emphasized by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly, and the National Working Committee. Charging the state chairmen, he said, “As leaders of the party in your respective states, your role in the success of this programme is pivotal. You are expected to provide leadership and supervision throughout the e-registration process, ensure that others are properly trained and supported, and maintain fairness, inclusivity, and transparency during implementation.” In his remarks, the Chairman of the Forum of State Chairmen and Lagos State APC Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, assured the party leadership that the state chairmen are fully committed to ensuring the success of the e-registration exercise. He reiterated that the initiative would not only modernize the APC’s operations but also make it more responsive to the needs and aspirations of its members nationwide.

Education, National, News

Reps Order Suspension of Computer-Based WAEC Exam Policy Until 2030

The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to immediately suspend the planned introduction of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system for the 2026 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE). The House also urged the Ministry of Education to collaborate with state governments to make provisions in their 2026–2029 budgets for the recruitment of computer teachers, the construction of computer laboratories with internet access, and the installation of standby power supply in all secondary schools across the country. Lawmakers further advised that the CBT policy should not be implemented until 2030, and only after both public and private schools have been adequately equipped with the necessary facilities. Read Also: WAEC 2025 Result Glitch: A Technical Flaw or a Deeper Educational Crisis? These resolutions followed a motion of urgent public importance titled “Need for Intervention to Avert the Pending Massive Failure of Candidates Intending to Write the 2026 WAEC Using Computer-Based Examinations (CBT) Capable of Causing Depression and Deaths of Students,” sponsored by Hon. Kelechi Wogu (PDP, Rivers). Leading the debate, Wogu expressed concern that the sudden transition to CBT for the 2026 examination would place millions of students, particularly in rural areas, at a severe disadvantage due to lack of exposure to computer use and inadequate infrastructure. He noted that the 2025 WAEC result portal had earlier suffered a major technical glitch, which prevented many candidates from accessing their results on time, describing it as a warning sign against rushing into full CBT implementation. According to him, “About 25,500 schools across the country will produce candidates for the 2026 WAEC examination, most of which do not have functional computers, trained teachers, or reliable electricity supply. Implementing CBT under such conditions would lead to chaos, poor performance, and emotional distress for students.” The lawmaker maintained that while computer-based assessment is desirable for modernization, it should be introduced gradually — with a three-year preparation window — to allow schools to build capacity and ensure all candidates can participate fairly. “The outcome of the WAEC results for students who are considered the leaders of tomorrow will be devastating if this policy is allowed to commence in 2026. It will result in massive failure, frustration, drug abuse, and other social vices,” Wogu warned. After deliberation, the House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its Committees on Basic Education and Services, Digital and Information Technology, Labour, Employment and Productivity, and Basic Examination Bodies to engage stakeholders in the education and ICT sectors and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

Abuja, Kano, Politics

Yilwatda, Ganduje, Gbajabiamila, Barau Witness Defection of Two Kano NNPP Lawmakers to APC

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, on Thursday, led key party figures to the House of Representatives chamber to witness the official defection of two lawmakers from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the APC. Those in attendance included the immediate past APC National Chairman and current Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin. Their presence underscored the significance of the event for the ruling party. The defecting lawmakers are Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency, and Hon. Sagir Koki, representing Kano Municipal Federal Constituency — both from Kano State. Read Also: Ganduje Inspects Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Promises Revival of Abandoned Projects In their separate letters read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, the lawmakers attributed their decision to persistent internal crises and irreconcilable divisions within the NNPP, which they said had made it impossible for them to continue under the party’s platform. Meanwhile, Minority Leader Hon. Kingsley Chinda repeatedly raised a point of order during the session to contest the defections but was not recognised by the Speaker. The defection further strengthens the APC’s numerical strength in the Green Chamber and reflects ongoing realignments within Kano’s political landscape.

National, News

Matawalle Clears Naval Officer, Says Wike Should Have Used Proper Channels

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has assured that Lieutenant Ahmad Yerima, the naval officer who had a verbal confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, will not face any disciplinary action. Matawalle gave the assurance during an interview with DCL Hausa, following widespread public speculation about possible sanctions against the officer after a video of his encounter with Wike went viral on social media. The video, recorded during Wike’s visit to a disputed plot of land in the Gaduwa District of Abuja, showed the FCT minister in a tense exchange with the young naval officer, who stood his ground respectfully. Wike had visited Plot 1946 on Monday, where he accused soldiers of preventing officials of the FCT Department of Development Control from enforcing a stop-work order. The land is allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd). Soldiers reportedly blocked the minister’s entry, prompting the confrontation. Wike later alleged that the developers lacked valid documents or legal approval for the construction on the site. Reacting to the incident, Matawalle faulted the public altercation, saying the matter should have been handled through proper channels. “The minister should not have confronted him. Lieutenant Yerima was acting on orders. If Wike had any concerns, he should have spoken to his superiors or to me directly since I oversee naval affairs,” he said. The minister commended Lieutenant Yerima’s composure, describing his conduct as disciplined and professional. “You can clearly see that he was respectful while standing his ground. As far as we are concerned, he did not break any law or military regulation,” Matawalle added. He further disclosed that the Chief of Naval Staff has commenced an investigation into the ownership of the disputed land, adding that no formal complaint had yet been received from the FCT Minister. “This whole situation was avoidable. Before the minister went there, he had already spoken with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that the matter would be looked into,” Matawalle explained. (Nigerian Tracker)

National, News

FG Drops Proposal for 15% Import Duty on PMS, Diesel — NMDPRA

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has clarified that the proposed 15% ad-valorem import duty on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel is no longer under consideration by the Federal Government. This was made known in a statement issued on Thursday via the Authority’s official X handle and signed by the Director of Public Affairs, George Ene-Ita. According to the statement, “The implementation of the 15% import duty on PMS and diesel is no longer in view.” Read Also: FG Announces 50 Tax Exemptions, Reliefs for Low-Income Earners, SMEs, Effective January 2026 NMDPRA also assured Nigerians of adequate fuel supply across the country, noting that PMS, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are being sourced from both local refineries and imports to meet peak demand periods. The authority advised against hoarding, panic buying, or price exploitation by marketers, stressing its commitment to monitor supply and take necessary regulatory actions to ensure smooth distribution and energy stability.

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