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Articles by Bala Ibrahim
Court Jails Chinese National, Two Others For Terrorism, Illegal Firearms Possession In Kebbi
A FEDERAL High Court in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, has sentenced three men, including a Chinese national, Ripin Liu, to various terms of imprisonment for terrorism-related offences and illegal possession of firearms. News Point Nigeria reports that Aliyu Hadari and Umar Musa Uzzi were sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment each, while Liu received a six-year jail term after being convicted in connection with the offences.
El-Rufai, Uba Sani and Pantami’s perceived peace of the graveyard
Yesterday was Sunday, a day recognized as the first day of the week, which in the Bible holds supreme significance as the day of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Some Christians call it the Lord’s Day. There are many interpretations given to show the significance of Sunday.
Daniel's denial and the Bwala brouhaha- Bala Ibrahim
Like in every business or professional practice, there is a risk called occupational hazard, which comes as a danger or threat to the physical or psychological health of the practitioner. For those of us in the business of image making, through the deployment of persuasive rhetoric techniques, to improve the brand of someone or something, the risk is mostly associated with what we say in the course of doing what we think is good public relations. What we say today may be used against us tomorrow.
Kano killings and keenness of karma- Bala Ibrahim
“Those who do you wrong will eventually face their karma”-kushandwizdom. For the people of my native Kano, particularly the residents of Dorayi, in the outskirts of the old Kano city, the word peace of mind had long vacated their vicinity. They are struggling to recover from the state of despondency, which was visited on them by some ruthless gunmen, who broke into a house in the neighbourhood, and gruesomely killed a woman and her six children, on Saturday, last Saturday.
Politics and the actions of Adamu's adversaries-Bala Ibrahim
When you are in politics, you should expect a lot of dirty things, especially if you are practising politics in the third world, where dirt is the diet of the game. There is a popular saying that goes thus: Those who enter politics should expect criticism, negativity, or even abuse. In Nigeria, Africa’s capital of dirty politics, the trio of criticism, negativity and abuse have been given a permanent residency in the country’s body politics.
In politics, is it a betrayal to betray a betrayer- Bala Ibrahim
It’s Thursday, the 1st of January 2026, and thank God for the gift of another brand new year, which has come to the people of Kano State with a lot of political anxiety. Grapevine communication has it that, any moment from now, the Governor of Kano state, H.E. Abba Kabir Yusuf, would announce his decampment from the opposition NNPP to the ruling APC. This is a long-awaited announcement that has since introduced an added term in town- betrayal.
Aisha Buhari: Denying the date with destiny?-Bala Ibrahim
Although some people think they can control destiny, we all know that it is the inevitable future event, or the anticipated occurrence that must come. Indeed, destiny will come when it will come, and we can not escape it, including you, Aisha Buhari. Since the release of that infamous book, “From Soldier to a Statesman”, the name Aisha Buhari continues to leave a bad taste on the mouth of many, yours truly among.
Nigeria: Holidays and the highway horrors
Once again, it’s another season of holidays, and people are on the road to visit their homes. Although the holiday, as declared by the Government, begins on Wednesday, the 24th of December, traditionally, a lot of people set out early in order to beat the stress of rush hours on the road. Accordingly, the highway is always besieged by unusual traffic.
Malami: An accused with archaic antics- Bala Ibrahim
Abubakar Malami, SAN, and the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who has been in detention under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for some time now, is calling for the immediate recusal of the Chairman of the commission, Ola Olukoyede, citing what he called bias, because of the provision of Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report.
Of the dead, say nothing but good- Bala Ibrahim
The caption above is not mine; it’s borrowed from an ancient Latin proverb that says, “De mortuis nil nisi bonum.” The literal meaning of the proverb is that it’s inappropriate, disrespectful or even rude to speak ill of the dead because they can’t defend themselves. In Islam, there is a hadith that goes thus: “Do not curse the dead, for they have reached the result of what they have done.
Seyi Tinubu and the help out of a heir- Bala Ibrahim
Once again, Seyi Tinubu, the prominent heir apparent to the economic, or even likely, the political interest or estate of the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is in the limelight. This time around, with regard the humongous security details attached to him wherever he goes. Public interest around Seyi Tinubu developed most immediately when his father commenced a campaign for the Presidency, about three years ago.
West Africa and the choking consequences of coups- Bala Ibrahim
This morning, the world was woken up by an announcement from a group of soldiers, who appeared on Benin Republic’s state TV, directing the dissolution of the government. In simple language, saying there is a coup again in another West African nation. The soldiers were quick to announce the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, who has been in power since 2016. This is not the first, the second, third or even fourth of such military incursions in West Africa, in recent years.
Musa: A Defence Minister Destined To Defy Defeat
Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa CDS Musa: A Defence Minister Destined To Defy Defeat By Bala Ibrahim The Senate has confirmed the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as the new Minister of Defence, upon the conclusion of his screening today, Wednesday, 03/12/25.
Sule Yau Sule: Modesty moulded by the mildness of a mallam
I don’t know Sule Yau Sule from childhood. Our paths crossed later in life, in the course of duty, in the job of journalism. But one thing I can say is that his parents did a good job in bringing him up. He exhibits the qualities of a child that is from a good home.
Wike/Yarima : The place of principles, power and pride- Bala Ibrahim
The altercation between the minister of the Federal capital territory, Abuja, Nigeria, Barrister Nyesom Wike and Naval officer, Lieutenant AM Yarima, has opened a new chapter in the place of principles, power and pride. Yes, each has a seat, and they need to sit where they should sit.
Nigeria: Between bombs, bullets and the boots of bully-Bala Ibrahim
Since 2002, when the Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, which in Arabic means “People Committed to the Prophet’s Teachings for Propagation and Jihad”, was founded in Maiduguri by the late Mohammed Yusuf, and nicknamed Boko Haram, whose goal is supporting Islamic education and establishing an Islamic state in Nigeria, the country was pushed into a quagmire.
When you have to shoot, shoot don't talk-Bala Ibrahim
The caption above was borrowed from Eli Wallach, popularly referred to as Tuco, in the famous old western movie, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, of the mid-sixties. The ambition of the phrase is to tell one to act immediately, instead of wasting time deliberating or dillydallying on issues. It suggests that a moment for action can be missed if one delays.
Security: A Locution With Limited Laxity In Lexicon - By Bala Ibrahim
LIKE in every language, certain words come with phonetic flexibility, such that there is room for the chances of changes in their pronunciations and meaning, without much ado or brouhaha. But thankfully, the word security does not have the independence, or quality of being bent without breaking. And the reason is simple: it stands for the state of feeling safe, stable, and free from fear or anxiety. Any attempt to tamper with its meaning, would result in the reverse of what it stands for.
Security: A locution with limited laxity in lexicon? - Bala Ibrahim
Like in every language, certain words come with phonetic flexibility, such that there is room for the chances of changes in their pronunciations and meaning, without much ado or brouhaha. But thankfully, the word security does not have the independence or quality of being bent without breaking. And the reason is simple: it stands for the state of feeling safe, stable, and free from fear or anxiety. Any attempt to tamper with its meaning would result in the reverse of what it stands for.
Security: A locution with limited laxity in lexicon?-Bala Ibrahim
Like in every language, certain words come with phonetic flexibility, such that there is room for the chances of changes in their pronunciations and meaning, without much ado or brouhaha. But thankfully, the word security does not have the independence or quality of being bent without breaking. And the reason is simple: it stands for the state of feeling safe, stable, and free from fear or anxiety. Any attempt to tamper with its meaning would result in the reverse of what it stands for.
The court , conscience, and the connotation called corruption
An issue is burning in my native Kano, and threatening to burn in a manner that could result in a boomerang. Yes, boomerang, because as the word implies, it has the tendency of bouncing back to hurt the initiator. I had wanted not to talk about it, because of the likelihood of my position being misconstrued, misunderstood, or out rightly misinterpreted by mischief makers.
Buhari and the defect of denigrating the dead
At the risk of being misunderstood as a clergy, or one that was ordained for religious duties, and I am clearly not, I want to tilt the theme of my article today, to the ills of disrespecting the dead, with special bias to the personality of Nigeria’s immediate past President, former President Muhammadu Buhari, of the blessed memory.
Buhari: Titanic in life and triumphant in death
Hate him or love him, former President Muhammadu Buhari, now late, and due for burial today, lived a life worthy of emulation by anyone who knows the worth of life, a good life. Although he lost his father at an early age, nature was particularly kind to him and prodigiously protective of him, all through his life.
Nigeria and the pervasive penchant for power-Bala Ibrahim
“With power comes the abuse of power. And where there are bosses, there are crazy bosses.”-Jude Rose The above quote is credited to Jude Rose, the fine artist, director and head teacher, whose legacy in the art and theatre industry is exceptionally phenomenal. The phrase illustrates the negative aspect of power by suggesting that, people in positions of power or authority are capable of abusing their power due to the intoxicating effects of such authority, to the detriment of others.
FIRS: A revenue obligator turned revenue obliterator?- Bala Ibrahim
Abuja residents woke up to a mind-boggling reality yesterday, as the powers behind the Federal Capital Territory Administration, popularly referred to as the FCTA, exercised their power by sealing off the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, head office in Abuja, over the non-payment of ground rent, spanning 25 years. Yes, you read it right, non-payment of ground rent for 25 years.
JAMB and the applause around the apology-Bala Ibrahim
Following the mounting pressure from education stakeholders, parents, and civil society groups, who were loud in condemning the depressing performance of candidates in this year’s examination, the registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, did something unprecedented yesterday.
Senator Sani: Between the stir and the statement-Bala Ibrahim
Yesterday, I had cause to write a damning article on Senator Sani Musa, the Senator representing the Niger East Senatorial district of Niger State, in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The article was written pursuant to a video clip that widely circulated on social media. I captioned the article, Senator Sani: a pretentious puritan with a polluted pedagogy. Because the issue has to do with virtue, and expected decency, it generated a stir almost beyond Newton’s law of motion.
Kwankwaso: A kingpin keyed in for a knock off?- Bala Ibrahim
There is no way anyone can chronicle Nigeria’s political history without mentioning the name, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Kwankwaso served as the Governor of Kano State twice, first from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2011 to 2015. Kwankwaso also held the position of Minister of Defence under President Olusegun Obasanjo, from 2003 to 2007. The same Kwankwaso was elected to the Senate in 2015, under the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Mallam Nuhu and the mischief of merciless muggers' misdemeanour- Bala Ibrahim
Nigeria is a wonderful country, too wonderful to make one forget the meaning of a kerfuffle. Whatever happens, someone somewhere is waiting to make an issue out of it, by giving a good, bad or even ugly rendition of what happened. That is Nigeria, and the mimicry characteristic of its nationals.
IBB: The abstruse of the autobiography of an aptitude-Bala Ibrahim
32 years after leaving office, former military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, popularly referred to as IBB, has today launched his long-awaited autobiography in Abuja. Titled, “A Journey In Service”, the event was originally billed to be chaired by his boss, former president Olusegun Obasanjo, but for some reason, he was visibly absent at the venue. However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was physically present as the special guest of honour.
Nigeria opposition and the symbolic surge of smart-mouth
Since last week, when, pursuant to a question put forward to the National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Felix Morka, by Arise TV, the media space in Nigeria and beyond, has been overwhelmed with the ugly and deliberately twisted comments of threats, threats to the life of a leading opposition member, Chief Peter Obi.
Nigeria and the trouble threats to the tricks on tax
Once again, Nigeria my country, is dancing on the boundary of trouble, this time around, the trouble of the tricks of taxing the masses. As things stand, nothing may happen, until the tension passes the threshold of endurance. God forbid! Feelers from the north are not only obnoxious but disdainfully disagreeable with the planned tax reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had since, transmitted four tax reform bills to the national assembly.
Tinubu and His ‘Donation’ to Donald Trump, By Abdu Labaran
I recently watched a TikTok video in which a Kano resident expressed satisfaction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s administration, noting that there are no more petrol queues, with station attendants now calling on customers to buy. I couldn’t help but think this person might be either a praise singer or one of the few who have the means to enjoy life under Tinubu, alongside members of the Federal Executive, heads of government agencies, and ‘elected’ legislators.
[VIEWPOINT] Naira, Dollar and BRICKS, By Abdu Labaran
Nigeria’s currency, the Naira, presently exchanges officially for 1,672.38 to just 1 US Dollar, and N2,252 to 1$ US average in the black market. This represents an increase of 259.59% by the present Tinubu-led administration from the official rate of N564.51 to $1US, and the black-market rate of N800 to $1 US it inherited from the government of Muhammadu Buhari on the 29th of May, 2024, barely one and a half years ago.
Great Wealth, Great Graft? By Abdu Labaran
One of the leading politicians in the country and former governor of one of the wealth-iest states in Nigeria was recently arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for mind-bogglingly enriching himself with the people’s Commonwealth to the tune of hundreds of billions of naira. He was alleged to have used many ways to perpetrate the crime.
Niger journalist empowers out-of-school kids
ASHENEWS reports that a journalist in Niger state, Chenemi Bamaiyi has supported some out-of-school children in Minna with tuition fees and educational materials to enable them to return to school. The items which include notebooks, chalk, school shoes, uniforms and stationary sets are aimed at improving the learning process. Bamaiyi described his initiative as a personal commitment to giving back to society and tackling the issue of educational access in his community.
[VIEWPOINT] Of National Prayer, By Abdu Labaran
The First Lady, who is also a Pastor, Senator Remi Tinubu, and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, have recently called for a national prayer for Nigeria to succeed in its economic reforms and steer the country out of the troubled times it is facing today. This is a very excellent idea. The prayer is not just for the selected and government-sympathetic clerics to offer but for everyone worried by the national pe of leadership that Nigeria is unfortunately saddled with.
FG, Siemens partner to equip 6 cancer centers with oncology tech
The Federal Government of Nigeria has partnered with Siemens Healthcare in a landmark agreement to acquire advanced oncology equipment for six cancer treatment centres nationwide. This collaboration, facilitated by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), aims to elevate cancer care and provide better treatment options across the country.
Nigeria Power: As Greed Grounds the Grid, By Bala Ibrahim
As a young student of Economics, I was taught that human wants are insatiable, but I never imagined that greed would one day cripple Nigeria power supply. Today, intense and selfish desires for wealth have clouded some people’s consciences, making it difficult to distinguish between lawful and unlawful ways of making money. This relentless drive for accumulation is growing daily, at great detriment to the nation. The term “collapse” has become synonymous with Nigeria’s national grid.
Heavy clashes erupt between Nigerian army, Gatawa residents, and Turji-led bandits
A violent confrontation broke out early this morning around 6:00 a.m. as the Nigerian army and residents of Gatawa engaged in intense clashes with the notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and his heavily armed fighters. The fierce gun battle is ongoing near Bakin Gulbi, close to Tungar Yakuba in Sokoto state, and has involved heavy artillery fire from both sides.
A Pathway for Food Security in Nigeria
The world population in 2024 is slightly less than 8.2 billion from the population of 2.5 billion in 1952, a wolfing increase of 5.7 billion people over 72 years. This analysis is made from the information obtained from Worldmeters.
COP29: ‘No country is immune to climate change,’ UN warns
ASHENEWS reports that the United Nations has warned that no country is immune to the impact of climate change. The UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell stated this during the opening of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. Stiell, who stressed the need for countries to agree on a new global climate finance goal said that the climate crisis is affecting every single individual in the world one way or another.
COP29: Push for agreement on a new climate finance deal, UN official tells negotiators
UN climate chief Simon Stiell has told negotiators at the COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan that setting an ambitious new climate finance target is crucial for the well-being of all nations, including the wealthiest and most powerful. Officially the 29th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), COP29, which began on Tuesday will end on Nov. 22.
World leaders begin plenary speeches at COP29 climate summit
Dozens of world leaders are set to give speeches at the UN’s Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan on Tuesday, setting the tone for the two-week negotiations. Among others, UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to speak. Representatives from almost 200 states are attending the summit, known as COP29, in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku, which got underway on Monday.
Nigeria and the perpetuality of power problem- Bala Ibrahim
Anyone interested in Nigeria would admit that the country is deeply involved in a difficult or controversial situation. In simple language, one can say it is in the eye of the storm, particularly on the issues of power supply, or the supply of electricity, the supply of fuel, and until recently, the issue of instability in leadership.
Many Arms Used By Terrorists Belonged To Federal Government, NSA Reveals
MANY of the illicit weapons currently used by terrorists and bandits in Nigeria originally belonged to the Federal Government. This is according to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. Ribadu spoke Thursday in Abuja at the Arms Destruction Exercise organised by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Ngelale and the occasional obstacles of occupation-Bala Ibrahim
In every profession, there is the permanent probability of work incident. It is a dangerous event that can occur in the course of an employee’s activity, or time of service. It carries different names, depending on the nature of the work and the conditions in which the work activity is carried out. Some call it a professional risk, while others refer to it as a job threat.
The Day After…. - By Toibudeen Oduniyi
Most of us woke up to news of a global IT outage on systems running Microsoft windows platform. Unfortunately, a lot of consumer facing businesses were using this platform, causing widespread global disruption to businesses and operations. Crisis is normal in any endeavour. Those of us who grew up within the IT industry are not strangers to outages. We increasingly understood how to deal with them. This is why we design for continuity and recovery.
Danbilki: Death-Dealing Due To Disparagement In A Democracy - By Bala Ibrahim
Take it or leave it, Nigeria’s democracy is being threatened by a new trend of intolerance, and Danbilki Commander, a vocal politician from Kano, has become the latest victim of such barbaric brutishness.
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road: Leave the talk, Let’s face the business.
By Dada Olusegun The Lagos-Calabar coastal road project is undoubtedly Nigeria’s most ambitious transport infrastructure project since independence. In terms of scope, distance covered, and connectivity, not even the 3rd Mainland Bridge in Lagos, the 2nd Niger Bridge in Onitsha/Asaba, or the Abuja-Kano expressway comes close. It is simply a world-class iconic project. Before I go further, I want us to take a brief trip back to history.
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