Author: Tahir Ahmed

By Umar Osabo PhD. It is rare for a single article to ignite a collective reflection so urgently and so painfully. Idris Muhammed Abdullahi’s essay, “ **HABA AREWA* : One Hundred and Fifty Million Souls Yet, Conquered Without a Single Bomb?”, has done just that. It isn’t just a cry of frustration; it is a necessary indictment of a region rich in people and potential, yet paralyzed by its own choices. The tragedy of Northern Nigeria is not war or natural disaster. It is not external occupation or foreign sabotage. No, Arewa, with its over 150 million resilient souls and…

By NEXTER Popular Yobe philanthropist, Kashim Musa Tumsah, has announced plans to commence another water projects for communities across the state in the ongoing effort to compliment the effort of Governor Mai Mala Buni in addressing water shortage in the state. In a post on his social media handle, the oil and gas lawyer and diplomat said the next phase of water project through solar-powered boreholes was being put together along with his friends as a way of appreciating Allah for allowing him experience another birthday. Recall that many communities in the state have benefited from solar water and street…

By NEXTER The Presidency has dismissed reports suggesting that the Vice President, Kashim Shettima has been barred from accessing the Presidential Villa. In a statement issued on Saturday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), the Presidency described the reports as “deliberate and well-planned orchestration of falsehood.” It claimed the reports were meant to sow discord within the highest levels of government. The statement said the Vice President has, in recent times, become the target of sustained campaigns of misinformation aimed at creating the illusion of tension between him…

By Abubakar Y Ojima-Ojo Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, expressing a preference for the outright removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Friday, Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State, acknowledged the president’s decision as necessary to prevent further unrest but said it fell short of his expectations. “As a politician, I am not happy with the declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers State. I wanted the outright removal of the governor,”…

PDP lacks structure to challenge APC in 2027—Wike *Berates Atiku for spearheading coalition ahead of 2027 elections By Abubakar Y Ojima-Ojo The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lacks the organisational strength to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 Nigerian general elections. Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, Wike dismissed the PDP’s preparedness, likening its efforts to a student pretending to study for an examination. “The PDP is not ready for the 2027 election. It is very obvious,” he said.…

By Modu Zanna The emerging ethnic narrative ahead of the 2027 general elections in Yobe State is understandably eliciting attacks and condemnations from its sons and daughters as well as well-wishers across all ranks. The deluge of condemnations and ill-feelings that trailed the recent simple but impactful Facebook post by one Hussaini Mohammed Isa, narrowing the governorship contest in the state to a particular tribe or ethnic group, have been unprecedented and overwhelming. In the write up titled: “Meet Tumsah, Another Possible Contender In Yobe Guber Race”, Isa tried to rationalise why it is impossible for a person from minority…

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe will miss Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United after being admitted to hospital. The League Cup winners said Howe, 47, was taken into hospital on Friday but is conscious and talking to family. “The Magpies’ head coach was admitted to hospital late on Friday evening having felt unwell for a number of days,” Newcastle said in a statement. “Medical staff kept Eddie in hospital overnight for further tests, which are ongoing. He is conscious and talking with his family, and is continuing to receive expert medical care. “Everyone at Newcastle United extends their best wishes…

By Abubakar Ojima-Ojo Manchester City stormed back from two goals down to thrash Crystal Palace 5-2 as Kevin De Bruyne’s masterclass kept alive their top five challenge on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side were in danger of suffering a major setback in their bid to reach the Champions League after goals from Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards put Palace in control at the Etihad Stadium. But, in his first home match since announcing he will leave at the end of the season, De Bruyne stole the show with the kind of dynamic display that made him one of the Premier League’s…

By Abubakar Y Ojima-Ojo Former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, has passed away at the age of 74. He died earlier today. However, details surrounding his death remain unclear at the time of filing this report. In 2021, false reports of Chukwu’s death had circulated widely, prompting the legendary coach to refute the rumors during his 70th birthday celebration on January 4, 2021. Reacting then, Chukwu said: “I am terribly embarrassed with this news that I am dead. Several people have been calling me from across the world since the news broke. “I am still investigating the source of the…

By Abubakar Ojima-Ojo The Regional Director of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa, Hala al-Karib,has accused the African Union (AU) and its leaders of abandoning the Sudanese people amid a devastating war that has claimed nearly 100,000 lives and seen hundreds of thousands of women and girls subjected to rape over the past two years. Speaking via Zoom at a press conference to mark the second anniversary of the Sudan conflict, al-Karib expressed deep disappointment over the AU’s lack of decisive action. “It’s quite sad and deeply disappointing for the Sudanese people that we do not…