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Abuja, News

Wike Turns 58 as Tinubu Applauds His Role in Transforming Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on his 58th birthday, commending his contributions to infrastructure development and public service. In a statement issued on Saturday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, as an audacious performer whose leadership continues to drive visible transformation in the nation’s capital. The President praised the minister’s aggressive infrastructure renewal agenda, noting that his interventions have helped accelerate key projects across the FCT. Tinubu specifically acknowledged Wike’s role in breaking a 14-year stalemate in the construction of the Apo–Karshi Road, describing it as a significant milestone. He further lauded Wike’s resilience, “can-do attitude,” and commitment to excellence, thanking him for consistently delivering impactful projects and reforms. According to the President, Wike has emerged as one of the standout members of his cabinet, earning a reputation for results-driven leadership. Read Also: APC’s Rising Star: The Woman Ganduje Trusted with the Future “Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet — an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal Capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers,” Tinubu said. The President also commended Wike for supporting the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda despite belonging to a different political party, describing his cooperation as a demonstration of national interest above partisan considerations. Tinubu wished the minister good health, renewed strength, and greater accomplishments as he continues to serve the nation in his role as FCT Minister.

National, News

Supreme Court Nullifies Tinubu’s Pardon, Affirms Death Sentence for Maryam Sanda

The Supreme Court has set aside the presidential pardon granted to Abuja-based housewife, Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in 2020 and sentenced to death by hanging for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, during a domestic dispute. President Bola Tinubu had earlier reduced her sentence to 12 years’ imprisonment on compassionate grounds. However, in a landmark judgment delivered on Friday, the Supreme Court—by a split decision of four to one—upheld the original death sentence affirmed by the Court of Appeal. The apex court dismissed Sanda’s appeal in its entirety, ruling that it lacked merit. Read Also: Tinubu Removes Maryam Sanda From Presidential Pardon List ICPC Grills Former Director Over Alleged Irregular Contract Appointment at FCCPC Ex-Minister Remanded in Kuje After Court Appearance In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Moore Adumein, the court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, and that both the trial court and the Court of Appeal were right in convicting and sentencing her. Justice Adumein further ruled that it was improper for the Executive to grant a pardon in a case of culpable homicide while an appeal was still pending, describing such action as inconsistent with legal procedure.

National, News

Ex-Minister Remanded in Kuje After Court Appearance

Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, was on Friday arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before an Abuja High Court in Gwarinpa over allegations of a ₦2.2 billion contract fraud. Presiding judge, Justice Maryam Hassan, ordered that Ngige be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application, scheduled for Monday, December 14. Ngige pleaded not guilty to eight counts levelled against him, including abuse of office and acceptance of gifts from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) during his tenure as supervising minister from September 2015 to May 2023. Read Also: Ngige Not Kidnapped, He is With EFCC, Says Media Aide ICPC Grills Former Director Over Alleged Irregular Contract Appointment at FCCPC Proposed Independent Hisbah ‘Not in Kano’s Interest’ — Professor Mai Bushira Following his plea, EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant to ensure his availability for trial.

Kano, National, News

Minister of Defence Visits Family of Late Brig. Gen. Uba Killed in Borno Operation

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has received commendation for his compassionate visit to the family of the late Brigadier General B. M. Uba, who died in the line of duty during an operation against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Wajiroko, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. According to a statement by Edward John Auta Pama, a historian, public affairs analyst, and advocate for good governance, the minister paid the condolence visit on Thursday, offering words of comfort and reaffirming the commitment of the Federal Government and Nigerians to support the bereaved family. Pama noted that Gen. Musa’s presence brought solace to the grieving household and served as a strong message of national gratitude for the sacrifice made by the fallen senior officer. He described the gesture as a rare display of compassion and responsible leadership. Read Also: President Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of Police Escorts From Ministers, Top Officials The statement added that Gen. Musa’s conduct reflects the qualities that distinguished his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, where he earned a reputation for effective, humane, and responsive leadership. It further stated that Nigerians are optimistic that the minister’s appointment will bring renewed energy, strategic clarity, and improved outcomes in the nation’s defence architecture. Pama added that honouring fallen heroes not only preserves their legacies but also boosts the morale of serving personnel who continue to defend the country at great personal risk. “We wish you tremendous success, dearest General,” he concluded.

Bayelsa, News

Bayelsa Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo Dies After Collapsing in Office

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has died after collapsing in his office in Yenagoa on Thursday. The incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. when Ewhrudjakpo reportedly slumped while descending a staircase shortly after a meeting. He was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa. Report from the hospital says that he was brought in unconscious and taken straight to the Emergency Unit before being moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Efforts by medical personnel to revive him were unsuccessful. His media aide, Doubara Atasi, confirmed the tragedy but declined to provide further details. Read Also: Tinubu Gets 2027 Endorsement as Bagwai, Shanono APC Reaffirm Support for Ganduje News of his death triggered a surge of sympathisers to the hospital, prompting security agencies to restrict access to the premises. Born on September 5, 1965, Ewhrudjakpo had served as deputy governor since 2020. He previously represented Bayelsa West in the Senate and was Commissioner for Works under former Governor Seriake Dickson. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, confirmed the deputy governor’s death, describing it as “inexplicable.” Ewhrudjakpo, 60, a long-time political ally of Dickson, was among top officials who chose to remain in the PDP following Governor Douye Diri’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Their relationship reportedly deteriorated after Ewhrudjakpo refused to join the governor in resigning from the PDP on October 15. Although Diri had publicly stated that no official would be compelled to defect to the APC, there were moves within the Bayelsa State House of Assembly to impeach the deputy governor. In response, Ewhrudjakpo approached the court to stop the alleged plot. On October 27, the Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the Assembly from proceeding with any impeachment action against him.

Kano, News

One Kano Agenda Announces Two-Day Conference on Economic and Political Development

The One Kano Agenda has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting unity, progress, and a collective vision for a prosperous Kano State driven by competent leadership, informed citizens, and sustainable development. In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Abubakar Dangambo, the movement emphasized that its agenda remains rooted in inclusiveness, civic consciousness, and forward-thinking leadership that prioritizes Kano above personal, sectional, or political interests. Dangambo noted that “Kano’s future must be built by all of us, and benefitted by all of us.” As part of its efforts to deepen dialogue on Kano’s development, the One Kano Agenda announced a Two-Day Conference expected to bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, business leaders, youth groups, development partners, civil society organizations, and influential thinkers to deliberate on the state’s economic and political direction. The conference will open with an economic-focused session aimed at repositioning Kano as a regional economic powerhouse. Participants will discuss revitalizing local industries and SMEs, attracting investment, strengthening commerce, and rebuilding economic confidence. The movement said Kano must draw lessons from successful states such as Lagos, whose long-term vision continues to shape sustainable growth. The session is expected to produce actionable recommendations that can boost job creation, entrepreneurship, infrastructure development, and wealth-creation opportunities. Read Also: Proposed Independent Hisbah ‘Not in Kano’s Interest’ — Professor Mai Bushira Online Media Must Support Security Efforts, Kano Commissioner Says Credible People’s Movement Urges Kano Residents, Politicians to Prioritise State’s Interest On the second day, discussions will shift to Kano’s political environment. The political dialogue will explore ways to strengthen leadership quality, promote youth participation, encourage political re-orientation, reduce manipulation and violence, and advance issue-based politics anchored on development. The organizers said reshaping political culture is essential to building a united, peaceful, and stable Kano State. Describing the conference as a needed intervention at a decisive moment in Kano’s history, the One Kano Agenda noted that the state is at a crossroads and requires deliberate planning, honest engagement, and collaborative action to secure its future. The movement called on professionals, youth, community leaders, religious institutions, business owners, and the general public to participate and contribute to shaping Kano’s next chapter. “Together, we can redefine our future. Together, we are One Kano,” the statement added.

Abuja, News, Religious

Ganduje Foundation Absorbs Ex-Hisbah Personnel, Inspects Islamic Centre Project

By Umar Idris Shuaibu The Ganduje Foundation has absorbed former operatives of the Kano State Hisbah Board who were dismissed by the current NNPP-led administration, a development described as politically motivated by those affected. This revelation was made by the former Director General of Hisbah, Dr. Aliyu Musa Aliyu, during an interview with The Historica Nigeria after inspecting an ongoing Islamic Centre project being executed by the Foundation in Jahi, Abuja. Dr. Aliyu explained that the Foundation established an independent Hisbah unit to enable the displaced personnel to continue offering voluntary community service in line with Islamic principles. “The personnel’s passion to continue contributing to the principles of Hisbah in Islam prompted them to approach the Foundation. That is why the Ganduje Foundation decided to absorb them, allowing them to continue their service under its care,” he said. Related: Who is Afraid of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje? Ganduje Warns APC Members Against Ranking Aspirants, Says It Breeds Division Ganduje Not Creating New Hisbah Commission, Ibn Sina Clarifies He stressed the need for governments to exercise wisdom and sensitivity when taking decisions affecting established institutions—especially those with wide social impact, such as the Hisbah. Dr. Aliyu further revealed that under the leadership of its Chairman and immediate past APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Ganduje Foundation remains committed to Islamic propagation and community development. He said part of this commitment includes the construction of a modern Islamic Centre in Jahi, which he believes will benefit thousands of Muslims, particularly future generations. The state-of-the-art facility will feature a mosque, Islamiyya school, research hub, commercial building, and ablution area—making it a comprehensive centre for religious, educational, and community development. During the inspection, Dr. Ganduje expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, reaffirming the Foundation’s determination to complete the project on schedule for the benefit of residents in the area. Photo News:

Kano, News

Online Media Must Support Security Efforts, Kano Commissioner Says

Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has called on online journalists to uphold professionalism and accuracy in their reporting, particularly on security matters. He made the appeal while addressing members of the Kano Online Media Chapel during a special meeting at his office in the Audu Bako Secretariat. Comrade Waiya cautioned online publishers against rushing to release emotionally driven stories that could escalate tension or undermine public peace. He expressed deep concern over a misleading report by a newspaper outlet alleging that Kano State hosts terrorist camps, describing the claim as baseless and aimed solely at attracting undue attention. “There is no region, no local government, and no community under the control of terrorists in Kano State,” he stated firmly. He advised online journalists to be promoting peace and avoid publishing any news that could destabilise the prevailing peace in the state. He further urged them to consistently highlight security successes, especially those related to tackling insecurity, combating banditry, and addressing other criminal activities in border communities. Comrade Waiya stressed that journalists must adhere to ethical standards, uphold the truth, and prioritise verification, particularly when dealing with sensitive security issues. According to him, journalism should never endanger lives or property. Read Also: Proposed Independent Hisbah ‘Not in Kano’s Interest’ — Professor Mai Bushira Credible People’s Movement Urges Kano Residents, Politicians to Prioritise State’s Interest Ganduje Not Creating New Hisbah Commission, Ibn Sina Clarifies “In carrying out any assignment, we must consider our religious values, cultural norms, the interest of the state, and the nation as a whole,” he added. The Commissioner commended the Online Media Chapel for its responsible reporting on activities in Kano and assured members of the government’s continued collaboration to maintain peace and stability across the state and the country. Responding, Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, thanked the Commissioner for convening the timely meeting. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to providing factual reports that enhance public safety and contribute to sustaining peace in Kano.

Education, Kano, News

MAAUN Group Congratulates Prof. Amina Bayero on Historic Appointment as Northwest University VC

The MAAUN Group of Universities has extended its warmest congratulations to Prof. Amina Salihi Bayero on her appointment as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano. The appointment, approved by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, makes Prof. Bayero the first female Vice Chancellor of the institution since its inception in 2012. Prof. Gwarzo, Founder of MAAUN Group and President of the Association of Africa Private Universities (AAPU), described Prof. Bayero’s appointment as “well-deserved” given her impressive academic credentials and extensive experience. Read Also: Proposed Independent Hisbah ‘Not in Kano’s Interest’ — Professor Mai Bushira Prof. Amina Bayero Appointed First Female VC of Northwest University Kano KAROTA Hands Over Three Trucks of Liquor to Hisbah for Destruction in Kano As a renowned scholar of Analytical Chemistry and the first female PhD holder in Chemistry from Bayero University Kano, Prof. Gwarzo expressed confidence that Prof. Bayero will excel in her new role and drive transformation and growth at Northwest University. 

Kano, News, Religious

Proposed Independent Hisbah ‘Not in Kano’s Interest’ — Professor Mai Bushira

Professor Ibrahim Mu’azzam Mai Bushira, former Commandant General of the Kano Hisbah Board, has warned that efforts to form an independent Hisbah unit in Kano State could create divisions and undermine peaceful coexistence and security in the state. He raised the alarm while addressing journalists in Kano on Thursday, noting that the position was part of the resolutions reached during a stakeholders’ meeting involving former Hisbah leaders and their deputies. The meeting examined the implications of introducing a parallel Hisbah structure at a time when the state already has a legally recognized Hisbah Board backed by the Law of the Kano State House of Assembly. Professor Mai Bushira stated that the decision to form another Hisbah arises from dismissed personnel and the former Hisbah Marshal, but emphasized that such a move could bring both foreseeable and unforeseen problems. “We agree it was reached out of the dismissed personnel of the Hisbah, and the former Hisbah Marshal, but as Muslims, we know it will not be good for all of us. You cannot create another Hisbah working parallel to the legal one backed by the Kano State House of Assembly because it will create so many problems,” he said. Read Also: Ganduje Not Creating New Hisbah Commission, Ibn Sina Clarifies KAROTA Hands Over Three Trucks of Liquor to Hisbah for Destruction in Kano Prof. Amina Bayero Appointed First Female VC of Northwest University Kano The former Hisbah commandant called on the Kano State Government to improve the working conditions of the Hisbah personnel, including better allowances, provision of necessary apparatus, and retraining. He emphasized that the operations of the Hisbah should not be politicized and that all recruitment must follow due process. Professor Mai Bushira further stressed that only people of integrity should be recruited to uphold the moral practices of Islam, and personnel who contravene the law should be dismissed accordingly. He recalled that during the enactment of the law to create the Hisbah Board in Kano, all stakeholders were included to prevent divisions within the institution.

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