Author Archives: News All Around

Mike Odeh James 

Kaduna 

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A former Nigerian footballer who once proudly represented his club and earned an invitation to the national team is now fighting for his life, far from the cheering crowds and glory days of the pitch.

Monday Auta, a former player of NNPC Football Club Kaduna, is currently bedridden and battling a serious medical condition that has severely limited his mobility. For more than three months, the ex-footballer has been unable to afford the drugs, medical tests, and specialized care essential to stabilize his health.

Today, his story is not about trophies or victories—it is about survival.

A Once-Active Athlete, Now Confined

Monday Auta was once known for his strength, discipline, and commitment on the field. Teammates and fans recall a dedicated player who gave his all for the game.

Now, illness has taken a devastating toll. Medical sources confirm Auta can no longer move freely and has been confined to bed for months. His condition demands continuous medical attention, including laboratory tests, medications, and possible specialist intervention.

Yet, like many retired athletes in Nigeria, he lacks the financial means to sustain prolonged care.

Doctor Sounds the Alarm

The only consistent support Auta has received is from Dr. Jude Osemen, the medical practitioner overseeing his care. Speaking with deep concern, Dr. Osemen stated the situation has surpassed what he can manage alone.

“I have been trying my best to make sure that he survives, but he needs financial support. There are many tests he needs to undergo at this moment, and without them, it is difficult to move forward with proper treatment. We are trusting God that well-wishers will come to his aid.”

Dr. Osemen has personally contributed funds and resources but emphasizes that the cost of treatment continues to rise.

“I have contributed my own quota as a human being, but he still needs more money for further treatments.”

Three Months of Pain & Uncertainty

For over 90 days, Monday Auta has remained in this precarious state. During this time, he has received no structured institutional support—no assistance from football authorities, former clubs, or organized welfare schemes.

Beyond Dr. Osemen’s efforts, Auta has largely faced this struggle alone.

Friends note that his condition remains unstable due to the inability to conduct necessary tests and maintain regular medication. Each week without proper treatment increases the risk to his life.

Remembering His Career

Monday Auta’s football journey includes playing under late coach Paul Hamilton in 1986, a period when Nigerian football was building its international reputation.

He also earned an invitation to the Super Eagles, placing him among the nation’s respected talents of his era.

At NNPC FC Kaduna, Auta was regarded as a disciplined and hardworking player, contributing to the team’s competitiveness during his active years. Like many of his generation, he played in an era of modest wages and minimal post-retirement welfare protection.

A Broader Tragedy in Nigerian Sports

Auta’s plight reflects a painful reality for many retired Nigerian athletes. After years of service, they often face health challenges without insurance, pensions, or medical support.

When illness strikes, survival depends on personal savings, family, or public goodwill—options now exhausted for Auta.

A Call for Compassion & Action

Dr. Jude Osemen appeals to football lovers, former teammates, sports administrators, corporate organizations, and compassionate Nigerians to intervene urgently.

Contributions—large or small—can help cover:

· Medical tests

· Essential drugs

· Ongoing treatment and care

Those wishing to support can contact Dr. Jude Osemen, who is coordinating care and assistance.

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Beyond One Man’s Struggle

This appeal is not only about saving a former footballer’s life. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need for structured welfare systems for retired athletes in Nigeria.

Final Appeal

Monday Auta once gave his strength and talent to the game. Today, he needs the support of the same society he once entertained and represented with pride.

Time is critical. Help is urgently needed.

For support or further information, please contact Dr. Jude Osemen directly.

Urges Nigerians To Support Him

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, the Director General of Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s well thought out initiatives in the renewed Hope Agenda.

This initiatives, he said has touched and impacted positively on Nigerians and the nation.

In his New Year message to Nigerians, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary Renewed Hope Agenda aims to reposition Nigeria and restore its glory and bring it back to its enviable position as country of destination to both local and international investors and the investment community, is gradually becoming the driving point for Nigerians seeking a better country and society.

“And, for President Tinubu, his well thought out plans to ensure that all Nigerians get access to renewable energy; sustainable energy supply to their homes and offices, birthed the reawakening of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, ECN which had been pushed to a near comatose state.

“His ambitious and unshaken belief in his policies is spearheading the transformative reforms and innovative initiatives to advance the nation’s energy transition. These efforts aim to unlock new opportunities for economic growth, sustainable development, and improved energy access for all Nigerians.

“As Chairman of the ECN, President Tinubu remains deeply committed to driving the Energy Transition Plan; a core component of his Renewed Hope Agenda. His leadership emphasizes the critical role of clean energy and strategic reforms in building resilient energy sector.

“This commitment is a firm exposition to Nigeria’s ambition to become a global leader in sustainable energy solutions while fostering economic progress and environmental stewardship.

“And, for this enviable and laudable project to become complete, Nigerians need to ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enjoy their total support to see this actualized.

By Barrister. Aminu Hussaini

In a move that has redefined the contours of Kano politics, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf (AKY) might have crossed over to the All Progressives Congress (APC) while deliberately retaining his place within the Kwankwasiyya movement led by his long-time political mentor, Senator Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. To casual observers, the decision appears paradoxical. To seasoned students of Kano’s political history, it is a carefully calibrated strategy – bold, pragmatic and deeply rooted in the State’s unique political culture.

Kano politics has never been governed by rigid binaries. From the days of Mallam Aminu Kano to the era of Kwankwaso, political movements in the state have often outlived party labels, functioning more as identities than platforms. AKY’s decision fits squarely within this tradition. By moving to the APC, he aligns Kano State with the party controlling the federal government, a move that promises smoother access to national power, resources and influence. By remaining Kwankwasiyya, he reassures his grassroots base that his political soul has not been traded for convenience.
This is not defiance; it is deference of a higher order. Governor Yusuf has been careful to acknowledge Kwankwaso not merely as a former governor or party leader, but as a father figure and mentor whose political investment in him is both personal and historical. In Kano’s culture, mentors are not discarded lightly. They are respected even when paths diverge.

AKY’s posture reflects a moral obligation deeply understood by the electorate: gratitude is not weakness, and loyalty does not preclude growth.
Crucially, the governor has avoided the trap that has undone many politicians before him-framing political evolution as rebellion. He has not dragged Dr. Kwankwaso into an unwanted defection, nor has he denounced the movement that produced him. Instead, he has separated institutions from individuals and party from philosophy. Kwankwasiyya, in this reading, is a political identity and social movement; APC is a governing vehicle. Kano State – not factional pride, is the destination.

Historically, Kano State Governors who isolated themselves from either the grassroots or the centre paid a heavy price. Those who fought Abuja struggled to deliver. Those who abandoned their base lost legitimacy. AKY appears determined to repeat neither mistake. His strategy is one of balance: consolidate federal cooperation without alienating the red-cap faithful who form the emotional core of Kano’s modern politics.

There is also a maturity in recognising that political mentors are not infallible, nor are they permanent gatekeepers of destiny. By charting his own course-respectfully, cautiously and without public acrimony-AKY signals readiness to lead Kano as governor of all, not as a factional lieutenant. That Dr. Kwankwaso has chosen not to cross over with him only reinforces the autonomy of both men and preserves political peace within the movement.
In the end, this is less about party logos and more about governance. Kano’s challenges-security, infrastructure, education and economic revival-require cooperation, not perpetual opposition. AKY’s manoeuvre, far from being opportunistic, reflects a clear-eyed assessment of power realities and historical lessons.

If politics is the art of the possible, then, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has demonstrated rare political intelligence: retaining identity without rigidity, honouring loyalty without captivity, and pursuing Kano’s interest above all else. In a political climate often defined by bitterness and betrayal, this may be his most compelling achievement yet.

Contributed by Barr. Aminu Hussaini, Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State-AKY on Justice/Constitutional Matters

The Forum of Development Experts (FDE) and the Yari Roundtable have commended the appointment of former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, as the new Chairman of the Board of Geregu Power Plc, describing it as a timely and strategic move for Nigeria’s power sector.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna, the groups said Senator Yari’s appointment reflects confidence in his leadership capacity, experience in governance and commitment to national development.

According to the statement signed by Dr. Bawa Mohammed and Mr. Philip Darofai, Geregu Power Plc, as a key player in Nigeria’s electricity generation value chain, requires visionary leadership capable of strengthening corporate governance, improving operational efficiency and supporting national efforts to stabilise power supply.

“The appointment of Senator Abdulaziz Yari as Board Chairman of Geregu Power Plc is well deserved and strategically sound. His vast experience in public service, leadership and policy engagement positions him to provide effective oversight and strategic direction to the company,” the statement read.

The Forum of Development Experts noted that Yari’s leadership style, which they said emphasises accountability, inclusiveness and results, would contribute positively to Geregu Power’s growth and long-term sustainability.

Similarly, the Yari Roundtable described the appointment as a recognition of Senator Yari’s track record in leadership and his capacity to bridge public policy objectives with private sector efficiency.

The groups expressed confidence that under his chairmanship, Geregu Power would consolidate its role in boosting electricity generation, attract investment and support economic growth.

They also urged stakeholders in the power sector to give the new board the necessary support to enable it address challenges facing electricity generation in the country.

Geregu Power Plc is one of Nigeria’s leading power generation companies and plays a significant role in supplying electricity to the national grid.

The groups congratulated Senator Yari on the appointment and wished him success in his new role, expressing optimism that his tenure would add value to the company and the Nigerian power sector at large.

…Alleges Political Targeting

A northern advocacy group, Northern Concern Citizens (NCC), has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of bias and political targeting in its handling of allegations against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Monday, the group alleged that the anti-graft agency was ignoring court orders and fabricating allegations against Malami, particularly questioning the credibility of asset valuations linked to the former minister.

The group in the statement signed the Coordinator, Comrade Musa Mohammed claimed that Malami was being unfairly singled out for investigation because of his decision to leave the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as politically motivated.

“Others within the APC who have defrauded and siphoned public funds are moving freely without harassment. Why is Malami being singled out?” the group queried.

The group further alleged regional bias, insisting that northern political figures were being unfairly targeted compared to their counterparts from other regions.
“Why only northern people? This is not democracy,” the statement read.

While condemning what it described as selective justice, the NCC urged the EFCC to either promptly arraign Malami in court if there is a case against him or respect his fundamental rights under the Nigerian Constitution.

According to the group, Malami should not be subjected to unnecessary detention and should be granted bail if he meets the conditions stipulated by law.

The NCC stressed that adherence to due process was critical, warning that Nigeria’s image was at stake.
“The world is watching how Nigeria handles this matter. Justice must be done and must be seen to be done,” the statement added.

As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued any public response to the allegations raised by the group.

Focuses on equipping youths and small-scale entrepreneurs
It was a beehive of activities recently in Okene, Kogi State, as the DAM Foundation, a non-profit organisation, unveiled three transformative initiatives aimed at strengthening education, community development, and economic empowerment.

The event, which was witnessed by the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ahmed Ododo, also had in attendance the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi.

The unveiling underscored the Foundation’s growing role in driving people-centred development and redefining socio-economic progress in the state.
A major highlight of the occasion was the commissioning of a modern hostel facility—a landmark initiative dedicated to social welfare and dignified living—alongside the DAM Civic Centre, a state-of-the-art facility envisioned to serve as a hub for sports, community engagement, dialogue, and cultural activities.

Beyond infrastructure, the DAM Foundation also launched a comprehensive empowerment

programme focused on equipping youths and small-scale entrepreneurs with essential tools, resources, and financial support. According to the Foundation, the projects represent more than physical achievements; they symbolise hope, opportunity, and a long-term commitment to building a resilient and self-reliant future for Kogi State and its surrounding communities.

The event further highlighted the importance of collaboration between government institutions and private philanthropic efforts in achieving sustainable development goals.

By Bulus Bako

In a significant move to bolster its administrative and strategic operations, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Netanwe Yilwatda, has approved the appointment of 15 Special Advisers, Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants.

A statement issued from the party’s national secretariat on Tuesday outlined that the appointments are designed to enhance coordination, policy formulation, and stakeholder engagement at the national level. The new aides are expected to bring their expertise and professionalism to strengthen the party’s operational capacity.

A notable highlight of the appointments is the naming of Hon. Yusuf Dingyadi, a respected journalist and media figure, as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media. Dingyadi’s move to the APC comes just months after he resigned from a similar role within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His extensive background in media and political communication is anticipated to significantly boost the ruling party’s national media strategy and public communication efforts.

Party stakeholders and media analysts have welcomed Dingyadi’s appointment as timely, expressing confidence that his experience will add considerable value to the APC’s public engagement and information management systems.

The appointments encompass a range of critical portfolios, covering media, political affairs, research, and coordination. The full list of appointments is as follows:

Special Advisers:

· Senator Danladi Sankara – Special Adviser on Political Matters
· Daniel Oritsegbubemi – Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters
· Dr. Sorochi Longdet – Special Adviser on Research, Strategy, and Planning

Advisers:

· Jibrin Surajo – Adviser on Community Engagement
· Paul Domsing – Adviser on Special Duties
· Suleiman Bukari – Adviser on Intelligence Coordination
· Prof. Taiwo Ajibolu Balofin – Honorary Adviser on Diaspora Coordination and Mobilisation

Senior Special Assistants:

· Hon. Yusuf Dingyadi – SSA on Media
· Imran Muhammad – SSA on New Media
· Mildred Bako – SSA on Civil Society Organisations
· Enenedu Idusuyi – SSA on Protocol
· Ismaila Mohammed – SSA on Conflict Management
· Zarah Onyinye – SSA on Media and Public Relations
· Adaku Apugo – SSA on Inter-Governmental Relations
· Obinta Juliet Chinenye – SSA on Youth Mobilisation

The restructuring is seen as a strategic step by the APC leadership to consolidate its internal machinery and enhance its effectiveness in governance and political engagement ahead of future electoral cycles.

By Dalliop Allen

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI) has commended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for their strategic collaboration which led to the arrest of notorious bandit kingpin and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi.

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its Convener, Yerima Shettima, the group described the capture of Wurgi as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against banditry and terrorism, particularly in the North West region.

NSCI noted that the successful operation reflects the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led and coordinated security efforts under the current defence leadership, stressing that the development has renewed public confidence in the capacity of the armed forces to restore peace and stability.

According to the statement, General Musa’s leadership has strengthened military operations through improved intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation and community engagement, which have collectively weakened criminal networks operating across affected states.

The group also acknowledged the role of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, noting that his approach to security goes beyond military action to include socio-economic interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of banditry.

“Matawalle’s emphasis on dialogue, alternative livelihoods and community inclusion has complemented kinetic operations, helping to reduce local support for criminal elements,” the statement said.
NSCI described Bako Wurgi as a central figure in the banditry ecosystem,whose arrest is expected to disrupt arms supply chains and criminal coordination in the region.

The group further noted that Wurgi’s reported links to other notorious bandit leaders underscore the importance of sustained pressure on criminal networks.

The organisation called on the federal and state governments to continue providing adequate support, logistics and intelligence to security agencies to consolidate recent gains. It also urged citizens to cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious activities.
While celebrating the success,NSCI cautioned that the fight against insecurity remains ongoing, stressing the need for long-term strategies focused on education, economic empowerment and social cohesion to prevent the recruitment of vulnerable youths into criminal groups.

“The capture of Bako Wurgi is a significant milestone, but it must be followed by sustained action and development-driven policies to achieve lasting peace,” the statement added.

NSCI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government efforts aimed at ending banditry and terrorism, expressing optimism that continued collaboration among security agencies, political leaders and communities would lead Nigeria towards greater peace and stability.

ENDS

Barrister Aminu Hussaini, in this piece, as his personal opinion, examined Kano’s political history, arguing that Kano, as a hub of economic activities in Northern Nigeria, and a Powerful political bloc in the region, must wake up and play politics not only with a passion but with pragmatism, purpose and strategic alignment with the centre that can deliver real results to its people.

Political analysts are of the view that, politics at its core, is not an exercise in sentiment or protest; it is a contest for power, influence and outcomes.

In every democratic system, numbers matter. Coalitions matter. Access matters. Today’s political reality in Nigeria is stark and undeniable: the All Progressives Congress (APC) controls 29 States, while all other parties combined govern just seven.

This imbalance is not cosmetic – it defines the flow of influence, federal attention and development opportunities. Kano State must therefore confront an uncomfortable but necessary truth: strategic alignment with the national majority is no longer optional; it is imperative.

Kano is not a peripheral state. It is Nigeria’s most politically significant Northern State by population, economic activity and historical influence. For decades, Kano has shaped national politics, produced national leaders and acted as a bellwether for political trends in the North. Yet, influence is not sustained by history alone. In modern governance, relevance is maintained by being at the table where decisions are made – not watching from the sidelines.

The federal system rewards cooperation, not isolation. States aligned with the centre enjoy smoother access to federal interventions, accelerated approvals for infrastructure projects, stronger representation in national policymaking and enhanced bargaining power within intergovernmental forums.

This is not a partisan fantasy; it is political reality, observable across administrations and parties since 1999. When a party dominates both the centre and the majority of States, internal party mechanisms-not opposition platforms – become the main arena where national priorities are negotiated.

Those arguing for political “independence” or “romantic opposition” must answer a simple question: what tangible benefits has political isolation delivered to Kano in recent years? Opposition politics may energize rallies and social media debates, but it rarely translates into handout roads, rail, power infrastructure, industrial clusters or sustained federal investments. Development is not awarded for moral positioning; it is negotiated through power structures.

Kano’s past offers sobering lessons about the price of strained federal relations. During the second republic, the state was governed by Muhammad Abubakar Rimi of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP); an ideologically driven but federally isolated administration. At the centre, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) controlled federal power. The result was an unprecedented intervention: President Shehu Shagari appointed Lawal Kaita as presidential liaison officer in Kano, effectively supervising federal agencies in the state and asserting central authority over federal interests. This arrangement, widely seen as a response to Rimi’s confrontational posture, underscored how political estrangement can weaken a state’s bargaining power and invite federal encroachment rather than cooperation.

The lesson resurfaced decades later under Ibrahim Shekarau’s administration (2003–2011). Governing Kano while the PDP dominated the centre, Shekarau’s government often found itself outside the inner circles where federal priorities were shaped. While Kano did not grind to a halt, it increasingly lost momentum in attracting major federal projects and strategic appointments compared to states aligned with the ruling party. The absence of strong political synergy meant slower access to opportunities that flowed more easily to allied states.

In contemporary times, the pattern remains familiar.
The current Kano State administration has been marked by frequent friction with federal institutions, ranging from disputes with federal security agencies to open political hostilities with influential figures within the ruling establishment. These tensions have created an atmosphere of distrust and chaos, diverting energy from development-driven engagement and weakening Kano’s ability to negotiate effectively for federal investments, institutional support and national influence. These episodes are not coincidences; they reveal a consistent structural reality of Nigerian politics.

It is also important to dispel the myth that alignment equals surrender. Strategic alignment does not mean abandoning Kano’s identity, interests or bargaining power. On the contrary, Kano’s size and electoral weight make it a powerful bloc within any dominant political platform. Aligning with the majority offers Kano the opportunity to shape national policy from within, influence party direction and secure leadership positions that directly benefit the state’s long-term development agenda.

The numbers speak loudly. With 29 APC-governed states, national consensus within the ruling party effectively determines legislative priorities, budgetary focus and policy direction. Remaining outside this consensus does not make Kano principled; it makes Kano peripheral. In a country as competitive and resource-constrained as Nigeria, no serious state can afford such self-marginalization.

Kano’s political elite and stakeholders must therefore ask not what feels emotionally satisfying, but what delivers results. Roads, water projects, education funding, healthcare upgrades, security interventions and economic revitalization require federal-state synergy. That synergy is strongest when political alignment exists.

History favours those who read the moment correctly. Kano has never been a follower state-it has always been a strategic one. The present moment calls for pragmatism over posturing, realism over rhetoric and outcomes over outrage. Aligning with the national majority is not about party colors; it is about securing Kano’s rightful place in Nigeria’s future.

Politics is arithmetic before it is poetry. Today, the arithmetic is clear: 29 versus 7. Kano cannot afford to be sidelined-not in 2026; not in the years leading to the 2027 elections. The State’s political elite, business community, civil society and traditional institutions must prioritize strategic engagement with political majority at the centre. This is not to sacrifice local identity or autonomy-but to secure the tangible dividends of governance: infrastructure, jobs, investment, healthcare, education and security.

History has taught Kano painful lessons about the cost of opposing the centre without sufficient leverage. It is time to play politics not only with passion but with pragmatism, purpose and strategic alignment that delivers real results to the people. Kano must wake up, recalibrate and choose strategic relevance over symbolic resistance.

Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi could be reached on- +234 8033742424, aminuhussaini173@gmail.com

A body of concerned organisations has cautioned Muslim leaders and clerics across the country against undue interference in ongoing tax reform discussions, warning that such matters are technical, constitutional and should be handled by relevant government institutions.

The groups, under the umbrella of the Coalition of Islamic Organisations for National Development (CIOND), made their position known in a statement issued on Wednesday, stressing that tax reform policies are economic and administrative issues that should not be politicised or religiously coloured.

According to the statement, signed by the coalition’s National Coordinator, Sheikh Abdulrahman Musa, while Islam encourages justice, accountability and fairness in governance, it does not support the distortion of public policy debates through sentiments that could inflame religious tensions.

“The issue of tax reform is a national economic matter that affects all Nigerians, irrespective of faith or ethnicity. It requires expert analysis, stakeholder engagement and constitutional processes, not emotional or sectarian interventions,” the statement read.

The coalition noted that recent comments by some religious figures risk misleading the public and creating unnecessary suspicion about government policies aimed at strengthening revenue generation and economic stability.

CIOND urged Muslim leaders to focus on their primary responsibilities of moral guidance, peacebuilding and social harmony, rather than making pronouncements on technical fiscal policies beyond their competence.

“Islam upholds knowledge and professionalism. Where policies are being debated, those with the requisite expertise should be allowed to lead the conversation, while religious leaders can contribute by advocating fairness, transparency and protection of the poor,” the group added.

The Islamic groups further called on the Federal Government to intensify public enlightenment on the objectives and safeguards of the proposed tax reforms, to address misinformation and build public trust.

They also appealed to Nigerians to resist attempts to frame economic reforms along religious lines, warning that such narratives could undermine national unity and derail well-intentioned policies.

The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement with government on policies that promote economic growth, social justice and national development.