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Articles by Musa Simon Reef
Kukah @70: Bishop who can’t keep silent
Born in the backwaters of a remote village called Anchuna in Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna state on August 31, 1952, there were no stars to announce his birth. His early years in primary school and later at the seminary would provide a solid foundation for what he would become in life.
When Leadership Makes The Difference
For Zander’s that’s was created out of the old Sokoto State in 1996, attaining peace and development had turned out an uphill task, no thanks to the wave of crimes that once made the state the epicentre of daring banditry and cattle rustling, among others. Before the emergence of the present government headed by Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle on May 29, 2019, Zamfara was under the constant threats of attacks by bandits made worse by the absence of political will by previous administrations.
Deepening Development Through Intellectualism
Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River state is an intellectual whose foray into the murky waters of politics has led to the deployment of cerebral capacity in resolving societal challenges.
Using Legal Fireworks To End Marginalisation
Nigeria has not been devoid of its peculiar problems to national development. Accusations by various sections of the country to subjugate them has been an age-long practice. The way and manner of marginalisation claims can sometimes be bereft of reasonableness. General Olusegun Obasanjo (retd) got the shock of his life when his kinsmen accused him of marginalising them. He must have wondered how his people could have accused him of marginalising them.
Akpabio's march in re positioning the NDDC
By ANIETIE EKONG In his continuing effort at delivering a more development-driven Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), President Muhammadu Buhari on March 10, 2020 inaugurated the Advisory Committee of the Commission. Similarly, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio had also inaugurated the Presidential Monitoring Committee of the NDDC as set up by President Buhari.
Nigeria, Their Nigeria @59
In less than 72 hours, Nigerians will mark 59 years of their country’s political freedom from the British colonialists. Considering the nation’s achievements and travails, there are differing opinions as to whether Nigerians should celebrate or wallow in lamentations. Taking into cognisance the frightful clouds of uncertainties in the nation’s political firmaments, the fate of country still hangs on the precipice.
Banning Govt Doctors From Private Practice Won’t Work
Last week, Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State returned to what he is best known for: creating ripples in silent waters. The fiery fervour with which doctors in public hospitals ripped off helpless patients has portrayed them as Mammon worshipers rather than professionals committed to saving lives. Many healthcare seekers have plunged to their graves due to the inability of victims/relations to cough out whopping sums to secure treatment.
Shared Moments With Bishop Kukah @67
Erudite and cerebral Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, who turns 67 today, is a consummate and distinctive symbol of intellectual prowess whose towering figure in Nigeria’s sometimes combustible national discourses occupies an eminent position. As a Catholic priest, who has worked and walked his way to his present ecclesiastical realm, he is best known for speaking truth to the powers that have disreputably ruled and ruined our nation.
Nigeria Of Hope Amidst Despair
The dawn of democracy in May 1999 brought a refreshing hope for Nigerians after 16 years of military intervention in national politics. The attempt by late General Sani Abacha to transmute into a civilian president had come to naught, following the death of the dark-googled General. In a twist of fate, the angel of death that took Abacha also blew the whistle that signalled the beginning of a return to sanity for our nation.
Who Is After Pastor Fatoyinbo?
For the Founder of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Abiodun Fatoyinbo, who recently stepped down due to the weight of accusation of rape against him by Mrs Busola Dakolo, these certainly are not good times. His resolve to step down as Senior Pastor of the church followed demonstration of angst by rights groups that stormed COZA premises to protest against the alleged sexual violence committed 20 years ago.
Ishaku: Double Standards In Nigeria’s Democracy?
On Wednesday, Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku of Taraba state sounded an alarm over a recent siege to his private residence by men of the Nigeria Police. As someone who is more concerned with tackling the insecurity bedevilling his state, the architect and former Minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan came out smoking over what he described as application of double standards in the nation’s democracy.
Vision Africa: Impacting Lives For Service
I arrived Umuahia, the Abia state capital penultimate Thursday to participate in a week-long celebration of the 21st anniversary of Vision Africa, an organisation founded by Bishop Dr. Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha in both the United States of America and Nigeria to reach out to vulnerable members of society and promote church planting, among other objectives.
When Leaders Fleece The Citizens
Leadership Nigeria News Today Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country – President John F Kennedy Nigerian leaders are wont to remind their fellow citizens, in line with a popular quotation of the US President JF Kennedy, on the need not to think what their can country can do for them, but what they can do for their nation.
Bloodbath: Danger Signs For Common Humanity
We live in abnormal times that have thrown our days under the shadow of death. Not only are we submerged in internecine conflicts of such monumental proportions among warring groups seeking supremacy in our nation, these groups that have turned into enemies of our humanity, are threatening our existential prospects.
Campaigns Like No Other: It’s Either APC Or PDP!
In about two weeks from today, Nigerians will troop out to cast their votes in the presidential poll that is expected to be a fierce battle between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Taking into consideration the many weeks of campaigns ahead of the polls, the nature of campaign has been uninspiring and devoid of a perspective capable of advancing our nation.
ASUU Must Not Wait For The Rat To Hatch
The present strike embarked upon by teachers in the nation’s ivory towers may turn out a prolonged action as the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on its members to brace up against intimidation from vice chancellors and governing councils in the coming days.
There Can Be No Bad Peace
For the people of Adara Chiefdom with headquarters in Kachia, Kaduna State, today will go down into sad memory as they witnessed the burial of their monarch, Dr Maiwada Raphael Galadima, who was killed penultimate Friday by his abductors. One must salute the maturity and disposition of the Adara Nation for calmly going through the pain of losing a monarch to a murderous gang which have continued to disturb the peace of communities through the killing and kidnapping of their monarchs.
Kaduna 2019 guber poll: Ashiru picks PDP nomination
The battle for Sir Ibrahim House in Kaduna has geared even higher as Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru Thursday picks his nomination form to contest the gubernatorial primaries under the flag of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Ashiru, regarded as the top contender for the ticket was enthusiastic and upbeat ahead the party delegates conference on September 17, according to Rt. Hon.
June 12: Feast of eagles and vultures
Though a political masterstroke, the timing of the national honour investiture on Chief MKO Abiola by President Muhammadu Buhari has continued to be enmeshed in controversy. Proponents and opponents of the event have their points; but we lose the relevance of that electoral epoch if we disregard the fact that June 12 has become a national paradox that epitomises the dark and bright side of our democracy.
Killings: Security Agencies Acting Script Approved By Buhari –Catholic Bishops - Forefront Magazine
BY MUSA SIMON REEF, ABUJA – The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria on Friday said the failure by security agencies to tackle the mass killings in the country is in line with a script approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Danjuma: When Truth Becomes The Enemy
BY MUSA SIMON REEF On 24th March, 2018, former Defence Minister, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd), called on defenceless Nigerians to stand up against murderous attacks from armed bandits in the country. Apart from accusing the nation’s Armed Forces of colluding with these armed bandits that have left trails of blood and hair-rising destruction in various states of the federation, the retired military officer called on Nigerians to defend themselves.
The Emperor in The Senate, By Ibrahim Olalekan
On June 09 2015, the nation experienced what could be described as hubbub with the crass emergence of Abubakar Bukola Saraki as President of the Senate. Prior to his emergence, The All Progressives Congress (APC), had chosen Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan as its candidate for the Senate Presidency, but in a stunning blow to the head, Saraki, with the block support of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and some APC senators, defied his party’s wish to emerge as Senate President.
EFCC quizzes eight suspected oil thieves
Eight suspected oil thieves and a vessel, MV MAC CLINT, are being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for their involvement in illegal oil bunkering. Their investigation and possible prosecution are coming on the heels of their arrest and hand over to the EFCC on Wednesday, 21 February, 2018 by the Nigerian Navy Ship NNS PATHFINDER , Naval Base, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Budget Minister briefs NASS leadership on ERGP focus labs
In continuation of the Executive/Legislative engagement on critical plans and activities of government, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma on Wednesday evening briefed a joint session of the National Assembly leadership on the Economic recovery focus labs which kicks off in Abuja, next month.
Simon Lalong of Plateau State, and his critics (Part Two), By Emmanuel Ado
“If you don’t tell your story, someone else will.” – Unknown The major challenge facing Simon Lalong,the embattled governor of Plateau State, is that he has allowed others to tell his story,since he appears not keen or those he has entrusted with the responsibility lack the capacity or are unwilling to tell his story for him.
The dangers of introducing State Police today, By Jibrin Ibrahim
In the recent security summit organised by the Senate, the Vice President proposed that the time has come for the establishment of State Police. The reasoning is that members of the police being local and therefore knowledgeable about the community would be more effective in fighting crime, militancy and insurgency. The key idea therefore is that they would know or be able to easily find out the bad boys and girls and deal with them.
Maritime University to begin undergraduate programmes - Presidency
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted approval to the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta, to begin undergraduate degree programmes from the 2017/2018 academic session. The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr Laolu Akande, gave the indication in a release issued on Wednesday. He said the approval underscored FG’s commitment to develop Niger Delta in line with the Buhari administration’s new vision to develop the region.
Edo PDP alleges diversion of rice meant for IDPs
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo on Wednesday accused the Edo Government of diverting 4,721 bags of rice donated to the Internally Displaced Persons camp in the state by the Federal Government. Chief Dan Orbih, the state Chairman of the party, made the allegation while receiving about 400 members of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state who defected to PDP. According to him, the Nigeria Customs Service had approved 6,822 bags of rice for the camp.
Group kicks against cattle colonies, grazing reserves
A faith-based group, Arewa Christian and Indigenous Pastor’s Association (ACIPA), has kicked against the establishment of cattle colonies and grazing reserves for herdsmen. The Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbe, recently announced Federal Government’s proposal to establish the cattle colonies as part of measures to minimise the incessant clashes between the herdsmen and farmers. Rev.
Fowler urges IoD members to embrace VAIDS, says tax evaders'll be exposed Newsdiaryonline
Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Tunde Fowler, has urged members of the Institue of Directors (IoD) to take advantage of the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS). Fowler gave the advice in Lagos on Tuesday evening while making a presentation on the tax amnesty scheme to IoD members.
Police confirm death of 2 in Sokoto prison officers/hoodlums’ fracas
The Police Command in Sokoto State on Wednesday confirmed that two persons died and one other hospitalised, following a confrontation between hoodlums and Prison Service officials in Sokoto. The Spokesperson of the command, ASP Cordelia Nwewe, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto that some miscreants attacked a prison van while conveying awaiting trial inmates to court.
Boko Haram: 111 Yobe school girls unaccounted for - Police commissioner
The Police Commissioner in Yobe, Abdulmaliki Sumonu, on Wednesday confirmed that 111 girls were still unaccounted for, following Monday’s attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Government Girls Secondary School, Dapchi. Sumonu stated this while fielding questions from newsmen in Damaturu. He said, “815 out of the 926 students were physically seen in the school as at Tuesday. “There are reports that more girls have returned to the school after the head count.
Nigeria Warns on ECOWAS Currency
The Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, has cautioned member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against forcing through the planned currency integration in the sub-region by 2020.
House accuses INTELS of shortchanging Nigerians
House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating the termination of contract between the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Integrated Logistics Services (INTELS) Limited on Wednesday accused INTELS of short changing Nigerians. Chairman of the House ad hoc committee, Rep. Pally Iriase, who made the accusation at a public hearing on the probe, alleged that INTELS had been short changing the government in its remittance of revenue.
INEC investigates alleged registration of underage in Kano
The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), has set up a 9-man committee to investigate the alleged registration of underage persons in Kano. The Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mamood Yakubu made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the Forum of State Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON). He mandated the committee, headed by the commission’s National Commissioner, Mr Abubakar Nahuche, to submit its report within two weeks.
Dapchi Attack: Buhari orders 3 Ministers to visit Yobe for `first hand information’
President Muhammadu Buhari has directed Minister of Defence, retired Brig-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali, Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed and that of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama to visit Dapchi village in Yobe to assess the reported abduction of schoolgirls. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made this known when he briefed State House correspondents after the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Federal Ministry of Justice presents saves N4.5trn between 2015-2017
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday received scorecard of Ministry of Justice from 2015 to 2017 which showed among others, savings to the government of N4.5 trillion from litigations and completed cases. Abubakar Malami, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, while briefing State House Correspondents, said the performance was in multiple areas, including sector reforms and prison decongestion.
Anchor borrowers scheme not designed for poultry farmers - PANLAG
The Lagos State chapter of Poultry Association of Nigeria (PANLAG) on Wednesday in Lagos said that the Anchor Borrowers Scheme was not designed to favour poultry farmers. The Anchor Borrowers scheme was introduced in 2015 by the present administration through the Central Bank of Nigeria to fund farming activities at a single digit interest rate of 9 per cent, engaging processors (serving as off-takers) in the process.
Army rescues Yobe school girls
Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, Director General to Yobe governor on Press affairs, disclosed this in a press statement issued on Wednesday. “The Yobe State Government hereby informs the public that some of the girls at Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) whose school was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists last Monday have been rescued by gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army from the terrorists who abducted them. “The rescued girls are now in the custody of the Nigerian Army.
Enugu residents still drink gari despite Lassa fever caution
Some residents of Enugu State have continued to drink cassava flakes, Garri in spite of caution against it due to resurgence of Lassa fever in some parts of the country. A cross section of the residents who engage in the practice told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Wednesday that the disease called Lassa fever was strange to them, as they only heard of it through the media.
U.S. evangelist Billy Graham dies at 99
Rev. Billy Graham, one of the world’s most famous Christian evangelists, has died at the age of 99, a family spokesman has said. Graham died at 8 a.m. (1300 GMT) at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, according to Jeremy Blume, a spokesman for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The foremost preacher, counselled presidents and preached to millions across the world including communist North Korea during his 70 years on the pulpit.
Tinubu and the Hobson’s choice, By Sufuyan Ojeifo
President Muhammadu Buhari was demonstrably unfair to have saddled Asiwaju Bola Tinubu with the responsibility of reconciling aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2019 general elections. Buhari’s order to him to undertake the exertion was a Hobson’s choice of sorts. Confronted with such a single-minded order and positive expectation by the president, Tinubu was bound to accept it and nothing else.
Arms scandal: EFCC quizzes ex Army Chief, Ihejirika
An insider said, “Ihejirika who came to the EFCC Headquarters, Abuja, at about 11am is being questioned as part of the ongoing investigations into the $2.1 billion arms scandal allegedly involving a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd). “He is being questioned as related to the procurement of arms and ammunition during the time he held sway as Chief of Army Staff between September 2010 and January 2014.
Sokoto farmers get N1.4billion fertiliser subsidy
Sokoto state government said it will spend the sum of N1.4 billion to subsidise the price of fertilizer for its farmers in the 2018 cropping season. Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal stated this in Sabon Birni LGA at the flag-off of fertilizer sales for dry season farming and distribution of improved seeds to farmers across the state.
Pastoralist-Farmers Crisis in Benue: The Fulani Narrative on the Search for Moderation
Following its fact-finding visit to Benue State on the 19th and 20th of January 2018, the Nigerian Bar Association held a meeting with the Benue State Branch of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in its Abuja Headquarters on 27/1/2018. They said that their association was established in 1986 with the Sultan of Sokoto, Emirs of Kano and Zaria and the Lamido of Adamawa as trustees so they are a legal entity with responsible leadership.
The first agenda before a Third Force, By Majeed Dahiru
Not a few citizens are dissatisfied with the current establishment order of politics and governance in Nigeria. Hopes and aspirations of a better Nigeria that heralded the transition from military to civil democratic rule in 1999 have remain largely unrealized. Political parties that are supposed to be the fundamental structures upon which the political entire democratic political process rests have largely been opportunistic means of achieving power for self-serving purposes.
Kano state govt to spend 13 % of its 2018 budget on health
Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state has said that his government allocated 13 percent of its 2018 budget to the health sector as part of deliberate attempts to improve quality health care services. The government allocated N9.7 billion to the health sector this year for infrastructural development andto promote preventive health care along with curative intervention, in collaboration with development partners.
This Oracle Called Obasanjo, By Musa Simon Reef
He is gradually becoming Nigeria’s proverbial witch that cries in the night, and the child dies the following day. His letters to sitting presidents, military or civilian, often serve as prologues to their sundown. He commands an impressive followership as well as an army of die-hard opponents.
Egua sets up The Bridge, quits Frontiersnews
The online media space is set to experience a new vitality with the birth of The Bridge News, a news platform, with a robust slant on investigative journalism and real-time news delivery. The Bridge News is published by Mr. Horatius Egua, a seasoned journalist who has just resigned from his position as a director and chief executive officer, Frontiers Alliance In a statement issued on Thursday, Mr. Egua said his resignation takes effect from January 31, 2018.
Fowler to Tax Defaulters: Take advantage of VAIDS, avoid prosecution
Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Babatunde Fowler, has advised tax defaulters to take advantage of the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) and avoid prosecution as well as other penalties at the end of the scheme on 31 March. Speaking on Tuesday at the a one-day VAIDS Workshop for professionals in tax advisory services, Fowler, who was represented by Mr. Gbolaga Oshiga, urged Nigerians to truthfully declare their incomes and assets under VAIDS.
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