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 Politics › Apc Releases Timetable For 2027 General Elections by idreesjigo(op): 7:10am On Apr 21 |
ABUJA, FCT APRIL 20, 2026 PRESS STATEMENT APC RELEASES TIMETABLE FOR 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released its Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections. This is contained in the Schedule of Activities signed by the Party’s National Organising Secretary, His Excellency Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, OFR. The timetable outlines, among other activities, timelines for screening, appeals, and primary elections, as well as directives on the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms. The APC reassures members, stakeholders, and Nigerians of its commitment to conducting a credible and transparent primary election that will further strengthen the Party’s internal democracy and consolidate its progressive ideals. Signed: Felix Morka, CON National Publicity Secretary All Progressives Congress (APC)
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| Politics › Is Kwaru Community In The 'Black Book' Of Sadeeq Mamman Lagos? by idreesjigo(op): 7:10pm On Apr 19 |
IS KWARU COMMUNITY IN THE 'BLACK BOOK' OF SADEEQ MAMMAN LAGOS? A CASE STUDY OF POLITICAL EXCLUSION AND DELIBERATE MARGINALIZATION The ongoing wave of road construction across Kaduna State, under the supervision of the Ministry for Local Government led by Sadeeq Mamman Lagos, has been widely publicized as a testament to responsive governance. However, beneath this narrative of development lies a troubling and increasingly undeniable reality: the systematic exclusion of Kwaru community. While communities such as Kabala, Marafa, and Unguwar Sarki continue to benefit from government presence through visible infrastructural projects, Kwaru stands in stark and painful contrast, abandoned, overlooked, and conspicuously absent from the developmental map of Kaduna State. This is not an oversight. It is not a coincidence. It is a pattern. Kwaru is not a marginal settlement that can be ignored without consequence. It is one of the most populous and politically significant segments within the Badarawa axis of Kaduna North Local Government. By all electoral logic, it should command attention, not neglect. The community played a decisive role in the emergence of the current administration under Uba Sani, contributing substantial votes and political support. Yet, when it comes to the distribution of democratic dividends, Kwaru has been treated as if it does not exist. This raises a fundamental and uncomfortable question: Has Kwaru been deliberately placed in a political “black book”? If governance is truly about equity and representation, then what justifies this glaring disparity? Why are less populous communities receiving concentrated infrastructural investments while a densely populated, politically loyal community is left to decay under the weight of neglect? The answer, many would argue, lies not in policy, but in politics, specifically, in the dangerous culture of selective development driven by personal preferences, political vendettas, or exclusionary power networks. When public resources are distributed not on the basis of need or contribution, but on the basis of who is favored or ignored, governance ceases to be democratic and becomes transactional. The roads in Kwaru are not just physically broken; they are symbolic of a broken social contract. They reflect a governance structure that rewards some and punishes others without transparency, without accountability, and without justification. Even more disturbing is the silence surrounding this injustice. How long is Kwaru expected to endure this systemic neglect? How long will its people continue to be politically relevant during elections, only to become invisible afterward? This is not merely about roads. It is about recognition. It is about dignity. It is about the fundamental right of a community to benefit from the government it helped bring to power. If the Ministry for Local Government, under Sadeeq Mamman Lagos, is truly committed to equitable development, then it must explain clearly and publicly the criteria used in selecting project locations. Anything short of that only reinforces the perception that Kwaru’s exclusion is intentional. Kwaru cannot continue to be a footnote in the politics of Kaduna State. Its people must demand answers, demand inclusion, and demand justice. Because in a democracy, silence in the face of exclusion is not neutrality, it is complicity. ~ Salis Muhammad Moriki |
| Nairaland General › The Immaculate Aliyu Mai-Bornu by idreesjigo(op): 6:22pm On Apr 19 |
The Immaculate Aliyu Mai-Bornu By Halimah Sanda I came across a post by @HistoryVille about Aliyu Mai-Bornu, which challenges the idea we casually throw around about people being “behind” in life. He pursued higher education in Economics at 35 and graduated at 38, at a point where many of his peers had already spent well over a decade building their careers. By societal standards, he was clearly behind the curve. But within just six years of graduating, at the young age of 44, he became the 1st Indigenous Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Six years. What takes many 25 to 30 years, and for some, a lifetime, he reached in a fraction of that time. He retired at 48 and passed away at 51, yet his name remains permanently written into Nigeria’s history. That alone should force a rethink of how we measure progress. The assumption that everyone must follow a fixed timeline is flawed. People are not just moving at different speeds, they are operating on entirely different timelines. Some start early and never arrive. Others start later and move with a speed that defies expectation. So being “behind” is often just a perception built on comparison, not a reflection of actual potential or outcome. From an Islamic perspective, this becomes even clearer: what is written for you will reach you, and it will do so at the exact time it is meant to. Not earlier to satisfy pressure, and not later to fit society’s expectations. Aliyu Mai-Bornu did not live a particularly long life, but within the years he had, he reached a level many never attain despite having more time. That is the part that matters. So the focus should not be on where you think you are on a timeline, but on what you do with the time you have and how prepared you are when your moment comes. Because when it does, it will be complete, it will be undeniable, and it will be yours. May we attain what is written for us, and be granted the life, health, and iman to make it count. |
| Politics › Kwaru Community And The Intrigue Of Political Representation by idreesjigo(op): 2:16pm On Apr 18 |
KWARU COMMUNITY AND THE INTRIGUE OF POLITICAL REPRESENTATION By Salis Muhammad Moriki (Zannan Kwaru) The paradox of political representation in Kwaru community is as striking as it is troubling. It reveals a persistent disconnect between democratic theory and lived reality - between the promise of representation and the practice of neglect. Each time one reflects on the political engagements between elected officials and the people of Kwaru, the pattern that emerges is not one of partnership, but of instrumentalization. Demographically and electorally, Kwaru occupies a position of undeniable significance within Badarawa/Malali ward. The ward itself arguably commands one of the highest voter concentrations in the constituency, and within it, Kwaru stands out as a population hub. In any rational political calculus, such a community should be central to developmental planning and policy prioritization. Yet, what unfolds instead is a cyclical ritual: politicians descend on the community during election seasons - cultivating familiarity, forging temporary alliances, and even embedding themselves socially through marriages and symbolic affiliations, only to retreat into indifference once electoral victory is secured. The “dividends of democracy” offered thereafter are often tokenistic, insufficient, and sometimes outright insulting. The case of the long-abandoned road project, stretching from Sarkin Margi Road to Kwaru, and from Unguwar Yero to the Cemetery, offers a compelling microcosm of this systemic failure. For over two decades, this critical infrastructure has remained in a state of disrepair, despite repeated assurances from successive members of the House of Representatives. From Usman ABG to Sama’ila Sulaiman, and now Bello El-Rufai, the narrative has been one of promises unmet and responsibilities deflected. The earlier representatives (Usman ABG and Sama'ila Sulaiman) engaged in a blame game, each accusing the other of misappropriating the allocated funds. The current representative, while initiating some level of intervention, has executed only a negligible fraction of the project before abandoning it. More disconcerting is the apparent prioritization of similar infrastructure in Unguwar Dosa, a community with a comparatively smaller population - where such projects have not only been initiated but completed. This raises legitimate questions about equity, transparency, and the criteria guiding public investment. Indeed, a broader observation reinforces this sense of marginalization: much of what exists in Kwaru today in terms of infrastructure and social amenities has been facilitated through communal effort rather than governmental initiative. This self-reliance, while commendable, is also indicative of state failure. It suggests a community compelled to substitute for the very institutions meant to serve it. Meanwhile, neighboring areas with less demographic weight appear to attract disproportionate government attention and resources. The marginalization of Kwaru becomes even more perplexing when situated within the broader political timeline. Since the ascendancy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over a decade ago, and despite significant financial inflows such as the $350 million loan secured during the administration of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, there is little evidence of any major, community transforming project being sited in Kwaru. This absence is particularly glaring given the scale of resources and the rhetoric of inclusive development that accompanied such funding. Even the current administration under Governor Uba Sani, who is often described as having local roots, has yet to meaningfully alter this trajectory. Equally concerning is the role of local political actors, who claim affiliation with Kwaru. Some, despite holding traditional titles and enjoying the symbolic capital of community identity, appear more invested in personal or familial advancement than in collective progress of the Community. Their participation in electoral mobilization, often urging the community to support particular candidates with promises of post-election benefits has not translated into sustained advocacy or accountability. Instead, it has contributed to a cycle in which loyalty is extracted but rarely reciprocated. The episode surrounding the Kwaru water project further exemplifies this pattern of unfulfilled commitments. The former representative, Hon. Sama’ila Sulaiman, in my presence, assured the community of swift execution within a two-week timeframe - an assurance that proved to be not only unrealistic but ultimately deceptive, as the project never materialized under his watch. In contrast, the current representative, Hon. Bello El-Rufai, is acknowledged for having financed the project during his campaign period, suggesting at least a partial fulfillment of commitment. However, even this gesture raises deeper questions about the timing and motivation of developmental interventions, whether they are driven by genuine concern for public welfare or by electoral expediency. In sum, the situation in Kwaru is emblematic of a broader crisis of representation, where political engagement is reduced to transactional encounters rather than sustained responsibility. It calls for a rethinking of civic consciousness within the community, a demand for greater accountability from elected officials, and perhaps most importantly, a restructuring of the relationship between the electorate and those who seek to represent them. Without such shifts, the cycle of neglect, promises, and disappointment is likely to persist - leaving communities like Kwaru perpetually on the margins of the very democracy they help sustain. ~ Salis Muhammad Moriki (Zannan Kwaru) |
| Politics › Akume, Dangote, Wamakko, Danjuma, Honoured At ACF’s 25th Anniversary by idreesjigo(op): 1:42pm On Apr 18 |
Akume, Dangote, Wamakko, Danjuma, honoured at ACF’s 25th anniversary History was again made on Friday in Kaduna when the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), conferred prestigious awards on some living and deceased prominent leaders in the North. The event was chaired by the former vice president and Waziri Adamawa, Aiku Abubakar. The event was organised as part of the memorable activities organised to mark ACF’s 25th Anniversary. Notable among the awardees was a former governor of Sokoto State and Sarkin Yamman Sokoto, Senator Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto North), , who bagged the forum’s ‘Distinguished Service Award.’ The Silver Jubilee event took place at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Conference Hall, situated within the Murtala Muhammad Square in Kaduna. The event drew many eminent personalities and distinguished leaders from across the North and other parts of Nigeria, including Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote. Other notable recipients of the awards were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume and a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd) and Mr Dangote, among several others. ACF said it conferred the ‘Arewa Distinguished Service Award’ on Mr Wamakko in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the growth of the forum and selfless service to Nigeria as a dogged politician. Expressing his gratitude, Mr Wamakko underscored the immense significance of the award, stating, “I am deeply honoured to be recognised by the ACF with this historic award. It is a testament to the collective efforts and dedication of many towards the betterment of our society.” The lawmaker hugely appreciated the ACF for its commitment to uplifting the fortunes of the North and Nigeria in general, saying, “it is also acknowledging those who serve humanity selflessly.” Felicitating Mr Wamakko, a lawmaker, Ahmad Abdullahi-Kalambaina and Sani Alhaji Yakubu-Gudu, all from SoKoto State, emphasised the importance of the award. The elated duo described the award as timely and inspiring, urging other leaders at all levels to strive for recognition through exemplary service to their communities. Also, Abdulrahman Adamu joined in celebrating Mr Wamakko’s achievements, reiterating the call for leaders to elevate their service standards. The occasion was graced by other distinguished dignitaries, including former vice president, Namadi Sambo, Sardaunan Zazzau and Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, who represented Governor Uba Sani. Their presence at the event underscored the significance of the ACF and the invaluable role it plays in promoting unity and development in the Northern region. The ‘Distinguished Service Award’ presented to Mr Wamakko serves as an acknowledgment of his commitment to humanitarian initiatives. The recognition not only honours his past efforts but also sets a benchmark for future leaders aiming to make a lasting impact in their communities. This landmark event marked a significant milestone in the history of the ACF, celebrating 25 years of tireless advocacy for the interests of the Northern region and promoting the values of good governance and community service. (NAN) |
| Politics › Exactly How Long Is The Long Run by idreesjigo(op): 3:38pm On Apr 16 |
Exactly how long is the ‘long run’? By Eugene Enahoro The current buzz words used by political office holders at both the federal and state levels are that “things will be better in the long run”. Buzz words, often of little meaning, are also referred to as “media-speak”, “slogans”, or simply “jargon” and are used chiefly to impress laymen. Nigerians are urged to believe that despite life being increasingly unbearable, things will somehow improve and eventually become better in the “long run”. Back in 1960, Nigeria’s GDP per capita was $1,847, today it is $824. Rather than things getting better in the long run, Nigerians are economically worse off than they were 64 years ago! In addition to the nation’s increasing poverty levels, social indicators such as crime levels, dilapidated health, educational and road infrastructure, ethnic agitations, and political chicanery all point to the failure of governance and unfulfilled dreams of the nation’s founding fathers, 64 years after the nation started running! The government’s pleas that citizens exercise patience, fortitude, and sacrifice while waiting for long-run improvements in their lives, have elicited understandable public cynicism. Every post-independence government has promised Nigerians a better life in the long run, yet things continue to get markedly worse! The long run is an indeterminable time that is far away in the future. In political language, it simply means “eventually”. It is deceitful for elected officials to inflict suffering based on promises that things will improve in the long run. They are elected for a term of four years, and none of them is sworn in “for the long run”! Aspirants to political office who cannot conceptualise and successfully implement improvements in citizens’ lives within four years really have no business contesting, let alone winning. These days, state governors and presidents feel entitled to two terms even though there is no such thing as their much-touted “full eight-year term”. It is disingenuous for them to hide their shortcomings under the buzz words that things will get better in the “long run”. Presidents and governors must abide by the imperative of improving things in the short term. The majority of Nigerians live below the international poverty line and do not live life in the “long run”. They know that the only certainty about the “long run” is death! They live life on a short-term, day-to-day basis. The appropriate form of good governance for Nigeria requires immediate short-term solutions, not long-term plans. If every government simply succeeds in improving lives in the short term, the long-term effect will be better lives for all. Production engineers use a mathematical technique called linear programming to maximise constrained optimisation. This simply means it helps to find the best solution to a problem, which takes into consideration all constraints. The main constraint on Nigerian elected office is a four-year term. Winners are expected to be able to improve people’s lives within that period and have no business considering eight-year plans. It is unfair for them to accumulate public wealth and expect citizens to suffer deprivations in the hope that things will get better at an indeterminable future time called the “long run”. Nigeria has a history of development programmes that have led the nation nowhere in the long run; from the First National Development Plan (1962–1968); to the Second Third and Fourth (1970–1985); to the National Economic and Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS); to Vision 2020; then to the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP); and now to the National Development Plan (2021–2025). These plans failed due to a lack of clear communication, unrealistic goals, insufficient resources, poor execution, and most importantly, a failure to get key stakeholders, especially the general public, to buy into them. Despite current travails, World Bank economists assert that there are good reasons to believe that Nigeria has not yet hit rock bottom. As far as they are concerned, good times may not yet be around the corner, and the worst is likely yet to come because the major ill effects of today’s unaddressed problems will come in the future. The unaddressed issues of brain drain, mass illiteracy, the failed anti-corruption war, failure to upgrade and properly equip the police, continuing political chicanery, and ever-expanding insecurity do not bode well for the future. Life for Nigerians would definitely improve if only political office holders put their selfish interests aside and made a conscious effort to change things for the better one day at a time; but there is little evidence of that happening any time soon. The almost routine arrest of those who criticise the actions of government on the social media or query the logic of government policies means that the hope of experiencing an equitable, corruption free, secure, infrastructure structure blessed nation in the short-run span of our lives should be shelved while we continue to wait in vain for the promised el-dorado in an unspecified future time called the “long run”!. Lamentably, it is difficult to see how things will improve in the long run. Today’s executive political leaders are primarily occupied in accumulating personal wealth, apportioning blame to predecessors, complaining about a lack of funds, presiding over party infighting, and scheming for re-election. If indeed there is a sensible plan to extricate Nigeria from its current mess in the long run, the majority is unaware of it, and is asking “Exactly how long is the long run”? |
| Culture › The Historical Southern Twin Culture by idreesjigo(op): 8:53pm On Apr 14 |
The Historical Southern Twin Culture Historically, the Ibibios, Efik people of Calabar, Nigeria (generally considered part of the Benue-Congo tribes), and the Igbos viewed the birth of twins as a bad omen, believing that an evil spirit fathered one twin. Twins and their mothers were banished or killed, with infants often abandoned in the forest to die. This practice was abolished in the late 19th century through the efforts of missionaries like Mary Slessor and local leaders such as King Eyo Honesty II. This practice was done South-South, South-Western, and South-Eastern parts of Nigeria Mothers who gave birth to twins were thought to have had intercourse with an evil spirit resulting in the birth of something unusual or unnatural. Twins were killed but were most likely abandoned in said forests and the mothers were shunned by their husbands. Key Aspects of the Historical Southern Twin Culture: Cultural Beliefs: Twins were considered evil, non-human, or unnatural, bringing devastation to the community. The birth of twins was often seen as proof of adultery, with one child believed to be fathered by an evil spirit. Infanticide: Twins were often subjected to infanticide, including abandonment, drowning, or strangulation. Mother's Banished: The mothers were often banished, punished, or forced to live in "evil forests". The Transformation: Missionary Mary Slessor is recognized for rescuing many and establishing a compound in Okoyong in 1888 for them. Legal Abolition: By 1906, the British colonial government officially criminalized the killing of twins, largely due to advocacy against the practice. Today, the Twin Island in Calabar acts as a heritage site representing the shift from this tradition to the protection of twins. |
| Politics › Where Are Our 109 Senators And 360 Lawmakers? by idreesjigo(op): 6:37pm On Apr 12 |
WHERE ARE OUR 109 SENATORS AND 360 LAWMAKERS? ✍️ Ibrahim Shehu Giwa Across Nigeria, voices are rising against the planned removal of the embattled INEC Chairman, JOASH AMUPITAN. Citizens are speaking. Religious bodies are speaking. Scholars are speaking. But our Senators and Members of the House? Silent. 109 Senators. 360 Representatives. And not one collective voice strong enough to defend the will of the people. Let us be clear, the President himself was elected by Nigerians. And in a democracy, power flows from the people, not above them. When concerns are raised across the country, they deserve to be heard, not ignored. This is not about religion. It is about trust, fairness, and national confidence in our institutions. These are the same lawmakers who will soon return to us with folded hands, asking for votes. But today, when Nigerians need them most, they have turned their backs. They were elected to check power, not to bow before it. They were given oversight, not to look away. From Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI) to the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, from MURIC to respected scholars across the country, the concerns are consistent and widespread. In any serious democracy, that should trigger engagement, not silence. More worrying is that the opposition, those expected to challenge power, have gone quiet. INEC is too critical an institution to be surrounded by controversy. Since its establishment, first as the Electoral Commission of Nigeria (ECN) in 1958, then the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) in 1978, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) in 1987, the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON) in 1995, and finally the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 1998, the leadership of the commission has largely been held by Christians, nine in total, compared to only two Muslims, Professors Attahiru Jega and Mahmud Yakubu. Yet no concerns were raised about previous non-Muslim leaders, because they were not perceived to have bias or hostility toward any particular tribe or religion, as is now being alleged in this case. Ibrahim Shehu Giwa giwaibrahim68@gmail.com Sunday, 12th April, 2026 |
| Politics › How Tinubu Won And Lost The North By Salihu Tanko Yakasai by idreesjigo(op): 12:10pm On Apr 07 |
How Tinubu Won and Lost the North By Salihu Tanko Yakasai The story of the 2023 presidential election cannot be told without the North. It was central to the emergence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not just in votes, but in trust, alliances, and calculated political risk taken by influential Northern actors at critical moments. Before the primaries, Tinubu’s network in the North was deep and deliberate. He had strong ties with figures like Aliyu Wamakko and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alongside key APC governors such as Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Governor Abubakar Badaru. These were not ceremonial relationships - they translated into real political leverage. At a time when resistance within the ruling party threatened his ambition, these Northern allies stood firm. They backed him through the primaries, even when it meant confronting entrenched interests, or the so-called cabal within the Presidential Villa. Northern governors went as far as meeting late President Muhammadu Buhari to demand clarity on succession. His neutral stance opened the door, and they walked Tinubu through it. Then came the election season. Policies like the naira redesign, widely seen as an attempt to weaken Tinubu’s chances, were openly resisted by some of these same allies. Their support was not passive - it was active, visible, and costly. Beyond politics, Tinubu also secured the backing of influential Muslim scholars. The Muslim-Muslim ticket became a rallying point. Clerics framed it as a matter of religious duty and mobilized support, even from the mimbar during Friday prayers. By the time the votes were counted, the numbers told the story. Tinubu, a Southern candidate, drew the bulk of his strength from the North - 63%, compared to 36% from the South. The North invested in him, and delivered. But what followed has been a different story. There is now a growing sense among many of those same Northern allies that the relationship has not translated into inclusive governance. Complaints of exclusion and lack of consultation are widespread. Key figures who helped deliver victory now appear sidelined. Nasir El-Rufai’s exclusion from the cabinet raised immediate questions. Abdullahi Ganduje was also passed over for executive office, later given the party chairmanship - a role many saw as compensation rather than strategy, and one he eventually exited. Developments involving Abubakar Malami have only deepened perceptions of political distancing and quiet retribution. Even within government, there are signs of strain. Ministries are underfunded, with allocations falling far below approved budgets. The Minister of Health publicly stated he received just N38 million for capital projects out of a N200 billion proposal. Behind the scenes, some ministers are reportedly funding their roles from personal resources, while others appear better supported. It raises a simple question - what exactly are the priorities? Religious backing is also shifting. Clerics who once campaigned vigorously are now more critical, especially on issues of trust and fairness. Concerns around INEC and the appointment of a perceived biased umpire have only heightened tensions, with some openly threatening to withdraw support. A related dimension that is quietly reshaping sentiment in the North is the growing push of what many describe as a “Christian genocide” narrative. While insecurity remains a national crisis, there is increasing resentment in core Northern states where communities have borne some of the heaviest losses over the years. From banditry to insurgency, large swathes of the North have experienced sustained violence affecting predominantly Muslim populations. This has led to a perception that the framing of the crisis is selective and, at times, politically motivated. For many, it raises deeper questions about fairness in national discourse and reinforces a feeling of being misunderstood or deliberately misrepresented In a region where perception and identity are tightly linked to political behavior, this narrative is gradually eroding goodwill and complicating the president’s standing among groups that once offered him strong support. Beyond perception, the broader handling of insecurity has also come under serious scrutiny. Expectations were high that a government built on such a strong coalition would move decisively to restore order. Instead, many communities across the North continue to face persistent threats from banditry, kidnappings, and insurgent activity. The response has often appeared reactive rather than strategic, with limited coordination and little visible improvement in outcomes. For a region that invested heavily in Tinubu’s emergence, the inability to significantly curb insecurity has become one of the most tangible measures of disappointment. On infrastructure, the contrast is hard to ignore. Many in the North point to slow progress on inherited projects and the absence of major new ones, while the South West, particularly Lagos, has seen approvals running into trillions. Apapa and Tin Can ports alone have attracted multiple funding rounds worth N4.5 trillion. Whether fully accurate or not, the perception of imbalance is taking root - and in politics, perception matters. Appointments have further fueled this narrative. Critics argue that key positions are concentrated within a narrow circle, with many of the most strategic roles going to individuals from the president’s ethnic base. Even when appointees are drawn from Northern states like Kogi and Kwara, the pattern raises questions about whether geography is being used to mask preference. Taken together, the message is clear. The North that mobilized, negotiated, and delivered is now reassessing its place. So the real question is no longer how Tinubu won the North, but whether he is steadily losing it. Beyond those who have publicly distanced themselves, many others remain outwardly loyal while privately disillusioned. In politics, winning is only the beginning. Coalitions must be managed, not assumed. In 2023, the North made Tinubu’s victory possible. As the next cycle approaches, whether that support holds - or collapses - will depend on whether those alliances are rebuilt or allowed to fade. End! |
| Politics › Budgeting for Their Mindset by idreesjigo(op): 2:53pm On Apr 05 |
Budgeting for their mindset By Eugene Enahoro The national budget is an estimation of revenue and expenses made for the upcoming year. A surplus budget means income will exceed expenses; a balanced budget means revenues are expected to equal expenses, and a deficit budget means expenses will exceed revenues. Nigeria perpetually operates deficit budgets, which means that the government borrows a significant portion of the money it spends; therefore, it should spend it judiciously. The Appropriation Act is the law that authorises the expenditure of government funds and sets money aside for specific spending. Under normal circumstances, all government monies must be spent in line with the Appropriation Act. Once a budget has been prepared and approved, spending is expected to be in accordance with the approved expenditure heads. Even as far too many budgetary allocations don’t stand to reason, Nigerians are more concerned with issues of transparency and accountability in government spending rather than the necessity of it. Because the federal government borrows to finance its deficit budgets, the unadulterated debauchery of our political class is lamentable. They make claims about their concern for the welfare of the masses and promises about their ability to create wealth, all of which are revealed as patently false when details of their budgets become public knowledge. National budgets routinely concentrate on the perks of political officeholders and relegate citizens’ welfare to the background. Appropriation can be regarded as the share of the “national cake” which the government decides to allocate for purposes it deems to be important. When the term “appropriation” is used it makes it easier to understand exactly what is going on in governance and the mindset of those in charge. A cursory look at the 2025 Appropriation Act reveals a mindset of misplaced priorities, non-accountability, granting self-luxuries, and ignoring the suffering of the majority of citizens. The Presidency has appropriated far more money for purchasing brand vehicles, than the total amount budgeted for federal polytechnics in Enugu, Borno, and Kano states, in spite of the fact that the Presidency appropriated over N4 billion on cars last year alone. The amount the Presidency appropriates for cars is more than the combined budget of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Federal Civil Service Commission! More money has been appropriated for the construction of an office complex for Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants than has been appropriated for the education quality assurance of 25,000 basic and secondary schools nationwide! As for the supposed concern for the future of our youths, the Ministry of Youth has appropriated more money for maintenance of their office furniture than for the development of Youth Centres in six geo-political zones! The ministry is appropriating far more for the maintenance of office furniture than for youth mental health and psychological support programmes nationwide! The Nigeria Space Council evidently feels that holding meetings is far more important than developing expertise. They have appropriated more money for meetings and sundry activities than for training and capacity building. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs has appropriated far more for the fixing of elevators than for women’s political empowerment programmes and support for victims of trafficking combined! Furthermore, they appropriate far more for the purchase of vehicles than for advocacy to end child marriage, child abuse, and the national response to orphans or vulnerable children. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCP) appropriates 20 times more for the purchase of motor vehicles than it does for the development and production of tribunal codes. The Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services has appropriated far more money for the production of jingles and other activities, than for the inspection and certification of products for export! There is an undeniable lack of oversight in the preparation and implementation of budgetary allocations, especially as the federal government has long since lapsed into producing “cut and paste” documents which bear no reality to the situation on the ground! For example, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) inexplicably appropriates millions annually for maintenance of office furniture, this is in addition to the billions they appropriate for “maintenance of office building”! Nigerians are at a loss to explain exactly how millions of Naira are spent on “maintenance of office furniture” in all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). As if this isn’t bad enough in both state and federal annual budgets there is a recurring appropriation for computer purchases. Since 1999 federal government has made annual appropriations for the purchase of computers with little tangible outcomes and without any corresponding progress in digital infrastructure and functionality. Indeed, the majority of federal government websites are never updated, underscoring the disconnection between budgetary provisions and service delivery. Even as Nigeria has become a filthy nation with no effective waste disposal policy, the House of Representatives committee on environment has expressed dissatisfaction over what it described as the “abysmally low” release of funds to the Ministry of the Environment. Their chairman said, “As a House, we will not allow the future of generations to be compromised because of misplaced priorities.” Every elected government has the constitutional right to produce its own budget and get the document passed by the National Assembly as an Appropriation Act. While respect for the Appropriation Act is legislated, disrespect for the National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) cannot be legislated away. This disrespect will only continue to grow as long as budgets revealing an improper mindset are routinely passed. |
| Politics › The Importance Of Trusting Government by idreesjigo(op): 7:39am On Apr 04 |
The importance of trusting government By Eugene Enahoro Given past records it was only to be expected that as 2023 elections campaigns begin in earnest, mudslinging and bending the truth will become the order of the day. Truth telling in politics is vital in enhancing trust in government and nobody should be treated as if they are not worthy of being told the truth. These days, paid agent-provocateurs disgracefully defame their paymaster’s opponents both on TV and in the press, leaving voters with a deficit of trust in all the candidates. According to Psychology Today, trust is based on a belief that someone or something can be relied upon to do what they say they will. It’s the main ingredient in politics which encourages people to support and cooperate effectively with government. It’s an essential component of any successful democracy and once it’s broken, it’s hard to rebuild. A nation like Nigeria without trust in leadership is chaotic and dysfunctional. There is no disputing the breakdown of trust in all spheres of life in Nigeria. Citizens have learnt not to trust politicians because of their predilection for going back on their word, breaking promises, withholding or keeping many things back, and lying or manipulating facts and figures. In other spheres, Nigerians have lost trust in military operations against insurgents; police respect for human rights; voter registration exercises; census figures; security agencies abidance with the constitution, and National Assembly oversight functions. Trust is a choice people have to make which is difficult to build yet easy to break. It is difficult to repair once broken and there are many who would agree that trust once lost is lost forever! Trusting government means feeling committed to your relationship with them, and feeling safe that your physical and emotional barriers will be respected. Political leaders cannot force people to trust them, they can only earn trust when they show they are worthy of it. Deciding which politician to trust and which not to trust can be a long process because it may take years for their true intentions to unfold. Fortunately, the decision is made easier because trustworthy people share common traits of putting other people’s interests before their own, being transparent in their dealings with others and demonstrating transparency in their motivation and decision making. Also, they don’t dismiss contrary opinions but rather value other people’s feedback. The outgoing administration has exhibited none of the traits of trustworthiness; it has disappointed Nigerians with its calamitous leadership and lack of political will to transform the nation in any meaningful manner, yet the ruling All Progressives Party (APC), feels they are entitled to win elections because the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) didn’t excel in governance for 16 years. Apparently, they need reminding that citizen’s votes are not entitlements. While they keep living in blissful denial, being clearly insensitive to the plight of ordinary people and out of touch with the people, the truth is that the past seven years has witnessed an explosion of the vilest tendencies ever witnessed in Nigeria. Citizens are fully aware that promises have not been kept and they have been lied to. Government officials tend to lie when they simply don’t know what else to do, but sometimes they may even have good motives like in trying to protect the public from bad news. However, citizens don’t really care for the reasons behind lies. Learning to trust politicians again may seem unfeasible given past experiences, but it’s important to trust that the nation will get through all their betrayal and incompetence because it has survived such adversity in the past. What is important going forward is that whoever wins the election must attend to the pressing issue of re-establishing trust in Nigeria’s democracy. As it stands, there is the not too simple matter of trusting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections that reflect the true vote and will of the electorate. They have released some perplexing results of the new voter registration exercise which have been derided as illogical and inexplicable. While viral social media videos showed evidence of massive voter registration in the South-East and South-West, videos and newspapers reported registration centres in the North where nobody registered for days. This is only to be expected with all the terrorist activities going on. Yet at the end of the exercise the North-West and North-East where Boko Haram and bandits have been operating freely and even the army is afraid to venture out of their barracks, supposedly registered the highest number of voters! It continues to remain an unexplained geographical phenomenon as to how Nigeria is the only country in the world where arid semi-desert hinterland is supposedly more densely populated than fertile coastal areas. One of the many reasons why distrust in politics runs deep is the not too small matter of whether it is indeed possible for the nation to prosper under the current constitutional arrangement which encourages so much distrust. There is an overriding consensus of opinion that far too much finance and authority is vested in the federal government with far too little accountability. Some sort of administrative restructuring is vital to address calls for self-autonomy and accommodate our drastic differences. It’s imperative that whoever forms the next government should financially empower local governments, entrench participatory democracy at local level and regain the trust in governance necessary to fulfill the nation’s potentials. This article was earlier published on August 9, 2022 |
| Poems For Review › This Poet Is Broke (A Poetic Series) by idreesjigo(op): 2:26pm On Mar 26*. Modified: 9:35am On Mar 27 |
PART 1 This poet is broke His brain rings as empty as his god-forsaken pockets. So how does he write rich lines deep enough to buy thoughts Tell me how someone poorer than the oldest mosque rat creates wonders with hunger rumbling in his belly Talauci ravaging his thoughts, consumed in sorrow. This Poet is Broke But even glasses can be fixed and poverty can not break this poet Duk Abun da ya karye zai miƙe da ƙafafunsa, shima zai zan abin alfahari a cikin mutanensa. Though ruptures may cut him, storms and pains may break him he soars from the ashes, a phoenix of peace. A phoenix crowded with thoughts of how to live beyond past glories Past thoughts and cycles of lives lived in rapture But This Poet is Broke Not just for food but for meaning and words left unsaid on pages never pay rent Just empty pockets, overflowing souls Yet his heart is both true to his words And kind to the souls of his rabid audience This poet is broke He weaves words on tapestries that never unravel the heart For what can they do to him when he knows Yunwa ba ta da hankali That creativity doesn’t chase hunger That you can’t block kebura Yes, this poet is broke Not just of money but of love and support In a home where words of his heart are gibberish to the undiscerning masses in a country where his soul means less than burnt paper, he wrote his heartbreak This poet is broke He sells his love for change, one love song at a time, one smile per line, one tear, heart pumping, truth spilling. This poet is broke! PART 2 I don't know where to begin, but this poet is broke. Walking through the dilemma and a longing pain because life gives him a choice—forever love and the golden friendship from the other side. This poet is broke, Dying in pain and in the softness of his silence. You see, this poet is broke, Alone in the desert digging day and night to quench his thirst for your love, but with each dig the hole looks not deeper than before. You see, this poet is broke, Alone in the bush hunting for your love, but with each step he took the path looked longer than before. Sometimes he wonders how many miles he would walk, maybe till eternity I guess. But he doesn't have all the time; moreover, he is mortal, and the desert of the vast eternity is a reality that no one can deny. You see, this poet is broke, Walking through the storms in the darkest of the night, seeing nothing but the path to your heart, yet the more he goes, the more he gets stuck, and his heart continues burning in pain. You see, this poet broke, Like a wanderer, he goes east and west, south and north, looking for a path to pass through your heart, but with every single effort he makes, his conscience reminds him of the war between dignity and a vaccine for his lifetime longing for your love. You see, this poet is broke, Thou said, "He is the soul she doesn't want to lose, but not as a soulmate, but as a kindred spirit and a keeper of her silent tears and secrets." But minutes of his being so, he is becoming a living-dead soul that is dying in the softness of his silence and pain. You see, this poet broke, And this poet doesn't want to lose you either. So he pretends to accept the role of a friend, but how long can he endure all this pain of watching you running from his melted heart that is ready to die for you? For how long could he wait, living a life that is not his—going away from his reality? For how long could he endure watching this your magic smile that shakes the earth? For how long can he endure watching your beauty that even the moon is jealous when he sees you, because your beauty beautifies him? Tell me, for how long can he endure watching this your divine eyes that can shake a soul beneath the earth? Tell me, for how long can he endure seeing this your paradise attitude, with your heart soft and clean like Zam-Zam, so pure and innocent like a new baby born today, or even just now? You see, this poet is broke. Thou said she doesn't want to lose him, but he has already lost her love and got mad trying to get a path to walk through her heart under the rain or even in the sun. Domin Hausawa sunce Garin masoyi baya nisa. You see, this poet is broke, Like a lunatic, just playing with words that carry pain more than a pregnant woman in the time of her labour. You see, this poet is broke, Crying in agony like a soul that lost itself in war. Sleeping, walking while calling your name, seeking his peace and sense through your smile. You see, this poet broke, Dying in a dilemma and a quagmire—more like a conflict between dignity and peace. Now, does he go for dignity or for peace? You see, this is hard. You see, this poet has billions of reasons to be broke because he lost himself looking for himself. After all, you became him and he becomes you, even though you are not feeling the same way. But he feels. You see, this poet broke, Looking for water in the desert. Sounds funny and hard, right? But he keeps hope alive, waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel. This is the story of the broken poet. In his last words, he says Allah said: فَإِنَّ مَعَ ٱلْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا إِنَّ مَعَ ٱلْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا “Indeed, with hardship comes ease. Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” Ibrahim Muhammad Malami 22 March 2026. PART 3 THIS POET IS BROKE You see… this poet is broke— Not pocket broke… But soul shattered, spirit fractured, heart hijacked and held hostage in hope. Yeah… This poet is broke. He wrote love letters in blood, Signed poems in pain, Turned silence into symphonies Just to echo your name. But you… You called it “friendship.” —Friendship? Nah… That’s emotional slavery with a polite name. You see… this poet is broke, Digging for love like gold in a desert, But every shovel of effort Only buried him deeper in pressure. He chased you— Like time chases a ticking clock, But every second he spent… Was a second his self-worth forgot. Tell me… How do you love someone Who treats your heart like a bus stop? Where they stop… Rest… Then leave… While you remain… Still… Waiting. You see… this poet is broke, Walking through storms with no shelter for his soul, Thunder in his chest, lightning in his thoughts, But still… Still, he played his role. The “strong one.” The “there for you” one. The “I’ll never leave you” one. But who stays for the man Who is always staying for everyone? You see… this poet is broke— Confused between dignity and desire, Between self-respect… And setting himself on fire. Because loving you felt like heaven… But losing himself felt like hell. And now he’s stuck in between— A story he can’t stop, And a truth he can’t tell. You said… “He is special.” Special? Nah… He was available. There’s a difference. You see… this poet is broke, Not because you didn’t love him… But because he loved you louder Thank you ever spoke to him. He gave you oceans— You offered him drops. He built you a home— You gave him a spot. And still… He stayed. But listen… Even a fool Gets tired of being wise in love. Even a king Gets tired of begging for a crown. Even the sun Yes… even the sun Knows when to set So it doesn’t burn itself out. You see… this poet is broke… But now He’s rebuilding. Brick by brick. Breath by breath. Piece by piece from the ruins of regret. He realized— Love is not supposed to feel like war. Not every heartbeat should sound like a drum of pain. Not every smile should come with a storm. So now… He withdraws his heart From places, it was never safe. He reclaims his soul From spaces that never gave. He rewrites his story— And this time… He is the one who stays. You see… this poet is broke… But broken things- When rebuilt right- Become unbreakable. Now he walks… Not chasing love- But attracting peace. Not begging for attention- But commanding respect. Not losing himself- But finally… Finding himself. And if love comes again… It will meet him standing- Not kneeling. Whole- Not bleeding. Chosen- Not pleading. You see… This poet was broke… But now— This poet… Is power. Ibrahim S. Nok 23rd March, 2026 |
| Nairaland General › this Poet Is Broke (A Poetic Series) by idreesjigo(op): 2:16pm On Mar 26 |
This poet is broke His brain rings as empty as his god-forsaken pockets. So how does he write rich lines deep enough to buy thoughts Tell me how someone poorer than the oldest mosque rat creates wonders with hunger rumbling in his belly Talauci ravaging his thoughts, consumed in sorrow. This Poet is Broke But even glasses can be fixed and poverty can not break this poet Duk Abun da ya karye zai miƙe da ƙafafunsa, shima zai zan abin alfahari a cikin mutanensa. Though ruptures may cut him, storms and pains may break him he soars from the ashes, a phoenix of peace. A phoenix crowded with thoughts of how to live beyond past glories Past thoughts and cycles of lives lived in rapture But This Poet is Broke Not just for food but for meaning and words left unsaid on pages never pay rent Just empty pockets, overflowing souls Yet his heart is both true to his words And kind to the souls of his rabid audience This poet is broke He weaves words on tapestries that never unravel the heart For what can they do to him when he knows Yunwa ba ta da hankali That creativity doesn’t chase hunger That you can’t block kebura Yes, this poet is broke Not just of money but of love and support In a home where words of his heart are gibberish to the undiscerning masses in a country where his soul means less than burnt paper, he wrote his heartbreak This poet is broke He sells his love for change one love song a piece, one smile per line, one tear, heart pumping, truth spilling. This poet is broke! |
| Foreign Affairs › Dear Donald Trump, We Are Not Apes by idreesjigo(op): 10:40am On Feb 08 |
Dear Donald Trump, we are not apes By Muhsin Ibrahim We could not sleep one night in 2009. Instead, we sat in front of the TV, watching and praying for ‘our’ favourite candidate to coast to power and be declared the winner of the election. We wanted to witness history, not of any relative winning any election in Nigeria, but of Barack Obama winning the United States presidential election. Of course, we witnessed the history of the first non-white man becoming the president of the most powerful country in the world. We were delighted. We thought that, henceforth, black people would be more respected globally. Henceforth, our race would not be associated with backwardness. Henceforth, we would have more opportunities not only in the US but far beyond. We also thought President Obama would do more for Africa (where his father came from) and for Muslims (his father’s ‘relatives'), especially in the Middle East. Again, his association with towering academics, such as Edward Said and Rashid Khalidi, gave us some extra hope. No, we got it all wrong. Obama was like the rest of them. Obama’s role in destabilising Libya is still felt not only within the country but also far beyond, including in Nigeria. Obama authorised more drone strikes in the Middle East than any other US president. He did not bring peace anywhere, despite controversially winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Despite the above and more, I was disturbed to see President Donald Trump sharing the infamous Obamas’ “meme”, depicting them as apes. This was Trump’s new low. Its implications are also broad, extending beyond the Obamas. It, among other things, risks normalising racism, especially in the West, towards black people. Trump is unlike any leader anyone has ever seen in the White House. Yet, we should not overlook this brazen attack on us; we must call him out for this naked racism towards black people. We are not apes. We are human beings like him, if not better. We deserve respect. He owes us an apology. 1 Like |
| Literature › SUSPENDED IN WHEN..... by idreesjigo(op): 10:17pm On Jan 31 |
SUSPENDED IN WHEN.... By Zubaidat In the hollow of my chest, a graveyard lies A cemetery of dreams, where my heart's demise A perpetual whisper, When will I be free? A soul suspended, trapped between life and apathy How long will I walk, a ghost in flesh A shadow of existence, where emotions are a mess? This breathing feels like bleeding, a slow demise A masquerade of smiles, behind which my heart cries When will you see beyond this painted facade? A canvas of courage, masking the wounds I've accrued When will you hear the screams, that echo in my mind? The silent battles, where my soul is left behind I'm a tide of emotions, ebbing and flowing with the tide A struggle to surface, to be seen, to be heard, to reside In a world that numbs the pain, I'm searching for a spark A flame of understanding, a beacon in the dark When will I be told, "You have my listening ear"? When will the silence break, and my voice appear? When will my tears be seen, my heart be felt? When will my unspoken battles be understood, and my soul be mended? When will I be more than just a whisper in the night? When will my voice be loud enough, to shatter the light? I'm moving, but dead inside, a shell of what's been lost Tell me, when will I be heard, seen, and loved, at last? This is the opening chapter of A Journal, This is the voice of a girl who embodies the true community, who plans to never falter. This is the start of a story that will live forever. Call me the Poetic Therapist For it is now up to me to write about the emotions your mind refuses to speak. |
| Politics › An Open Letter To Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso by idreesjigo(op): 7:01am On Jan 10 |
An Open Letter to Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso Dear Baba, Jagora, Madugu Sen Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, I write to you not just as a politician to a statesman, but as a daughter, a mentee, and a patriot speaking to a father of vision, courage, and consequence. A man whose journey in public life has given hope to those who once believed opportunity was not meant for them. A leader who proved, through action, that the son or daughter of the not-so-privileged can rise not by charity, but by structure, education, and belief. You have walked a long road in service: as a civil servant, diplomat, executive governor, legislator, minister, and public servant. Across these chapters, one truth stands firm your commitment to people, especially through education and human capital development, is undeniable. You did not merely speak about lifting people; you institutionalized it. You challenged the Almajiri system, empowered young people with skills, and opened doors within and beyond Nigeria. In doing so, you reminded us that leadership can be compassionate, strategic, and patriotic at once. Yet, history often treats visionary leaders with paradox while they uplift many, they also endure betrayal. This is not unique to you; it is the burden of builders. Those who create systems will always attract those who benefit without believing, and those who align for proximity rather than purpose. I say this firmly and respectfully: it is time to rethink political structures not on emotional loyalty, but on moral absolutism, clear agreements, and consequences. Today’s reality demands flexible but firm structures networks built on shared values, documented commitments, measurable responsibilities, and accountability. Loyalty without principle is fragile. Principle-backed agreements endure. Power must be organized, not personalized. Influence must be institutional, not sentimental. This is how relevance is protected and betrayal minimized. You are the kind of leader this region needs one with vision, agenda, and the capacity to execute. No matter the situation the North finds itself in, the systems you help build must be strong enough to correct mistakes, absorb shocks, and regenerate leadership. This will require absolute collaboration, statesmanship, competence, commitment, integrity, and data-driven governance the very strengths you are known for. It is also time to open your arms wider to the world, across party lines, regions, tribes, and religions. History does not remember those who played it safe within silos; it remembers those who built bridges when walls felt easier. You have more supporters than you imagine people like us who quietly learn from your wisdom and apply it in our own spaces. Some may dislike you as a person, but few can deny your commitment to your people and your clarity of purpose. Your words are straight, and in a nation tired of doublespeak, that matters. Do not be shaken by what feels like betrayal, ideological differences, harsh opinions, or even past mistakes and missed decisions. As humans, we are born to fail, learn, and rise so that we may ultimately succeed. Failure is not the opposite of leadership; surrender is. And you, sir, cannot afford to surrender. As a daughter, a mentee, and a patriot, I urge you to complete the assignment that our forefathers could not complete, and even go beyond it. Gather like minds old and young, tested and able. Let us build a northern movement with a clear moral compass, strategic clarity, and national relevance. Demystify the perceptions around you. Let it be known, clearly and consistently, that you are for everybody and belong to all of us as one of us. Be relentless. Do not give our enemies the satisfaction of watching you step back. You still have more to give, more to shape, and more to correct. Engage more politically, intellectually, and strategically across networks, regions, and faiths. It is time to realign the pen and write history in such a way that your legacy cannot be erased. Nigeria needs builders. The North needs architects of systems, not just holders of titles. And history still needs you. With respect, belief, and unwavering encouragement, A daughter, a mentee, and a patriot Zainab Buba Galadima 1 Share
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| Politics › Meet Nigeria’s First Astronaut Candidate by idreesjigo(op): 5:23pm On Jan 05 |
Fauziya Muhammad Auwal, a postgraduate Physics student of the Kaduna State University, is charting a historic path as Nigeria’s first astronaut candidate at Titan Space Industries. In this interview, she spoke on her journey into astronomy, global exposure through international research and conferences, mentorship, challenges in a male-dominated field, and her vision of using space science to drive climate solutions, security, and STEM development in Nigeria. Her story speaks of vision, determination, and dreaming beyond boundaries. You have made history as Nigeria’s first astronaut candidate at Titan Space Industries. How did you make it to the Titans? I think I have been through Titans for a very long time. I came across them through some friends I worked with doing astrophysics at an international conference. I met one of them who was already a candidate at Titan Space Industry. From that moment, I started following Titans. I have been reading about Dennis Taylor on LinkedIn and everything. But then, I was skeptical about them because I was thinking I would not be eligible because I am a Nigerian. So, after doing some research about Titans, I came across the fact that they are trying to make space for everybody. You don’t have to be a citizen of the US or any European country to be eligible. As long as you have all the requirements, you can be part of the team. Click the link for more: https://dailytrust.com/meet-nigerias-budding-astronaut/
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| Politics › How Kaduna’s 2026 Budget Will Be Funded — Commissioner by idreesjigo(op): 11:03pm On Jan 04*. Modified: 8:39am On Jan 05 |
How Kaduna’s 2026 Budget Will Be Funded — Commissioner Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has not borrowed any money since assuming office, and the 2026 budget will be financed without borrowing, the state Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Hon. Mutktar Ahmed Monrovia, has said. In a statement issued by the chief press secretary, Malam Ibraheem Musa, the commissioner said the 2026 budget would be financed by the state’s statutory allocations, Internally Generated Revenue, and grants. The commissioner stated that the loan drawdown component of the budget had been misinterpreted by a section of the media, necessitating a clarification. According to Hon. Moronvia, previous administrations had collected loans, and the state is drawing down from them, but no new loans have been collected by the Governor Uba Sani administration. The commissioner explained that terminating loan agreements prematurely would lead to penalties higher than the cost of interest repayments on servicing the loans. He said, “Despite immense financial pressures, the administration of Malam Uba Sani has continued to service the loan commitments for both principal and accrued interest negotiated and taken by the previous administration. “The Malam Uba Sani government will continue to serve the good people of Kaduna State with prudence and will be inclusive in providing development projects. No amount of lies and misleading information will distract the government from achieving this goal.” Moronvia commended the governor for aligning the fiscal and calendar years, as the operation of the 2026 budget commenced on January 1. It would be recalled that Governor Uba Sani signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law on December 22, 2025, with education taking the largest share of 25% of the N985.9 billion budget. Governor Sani disclosed that ₦698.9 billion, representing 70.9 percent of the budget, was devoted to capital expenditure, targeted at infrastructure development, economic expansion, and improved service delivery. He also said recurrent expenditure stood at ₦287 billion or 29.1 percent, ensuring that essential government services continue to function efficiently and responsibly. Giving a breakdown of the budget, the governor said education got 25 percent of the budget because they believed that knowledge is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and securing the future of children. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has not borrowed any money since assuming office, and the 2026 budget will be financed without borrowing, the state Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Hon. Mutktar Ahmed Monrovia, has said. In a statement issued by the chief press secretary, Malam Ibraheem Musa, the commissioner said the 2026 budget would be financed by the state’s statutory allocations, Internally Generated Revenue, and grants. The commissioner said the loan drawdown component of the budget had been misunderstood by a section of the media, so a clarification became necessary. According to Hon. Moronvia, previous administrations had collected loans, and the state is drawing down from them, but no new loans have been collected by the Governor Uba Sani administration. The commissioner explained that terminating loan agreements prematurely would lead to penalties higher than the cost of interest repayments on servicing the loans. He said, “Despite immense financial pressures, the administration of Malam Uba Sani has continued to service the loan commitments for both principal and accrued interest negotiated and taken by the previous administration. “The Malam Uba Sani government will continue to serve the good people of Kaduna State with prudence and will be inclusive in providing development projects. No amount of lies and misleading information will distract the government from achieving this goal.” Moronvia commended the governor for aligning the fiscal and calendar years, as the operation of the 2026 budget commenced on January 1. It would be recalled that Governor Uba Sani signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law on December 22, 2025, with education taking the largest share of 25% of the N985.9 billion budget. Governor Sani disclosed that ₦698.9 billion, representing 70.9 percent of the budget, was devoted to capital expenditure, targeted at infrastructure development, economic expansion, and improved service delivery. He also said recurrent expenditure stood at ₦287 billion or 29.1 percent, ensuring that essential government services continue to function efficiently and responsibly. Giving a breakdown of the budget, the governor said education got 25 percent of the budget because they believed that knowledge is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and securing the future of children. How Kaduna’s 2026 Budget Will Be Funded — Commissioner
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| Politics › Power Is Borrowed: A Political Reality In Nigeria’s Corridors Of Power by idreesjigo(op): 6:56pm On Jan 04 |
POWER IS BORROWED: A POLITICAL REALITY IN NIGERIA’S CORRIDORS OF POWER By Zaynab Galadima Nigeria’s political environment is not merely unstable; it is unforgiving. Power rises quickly, concentrates easily, and operates with little restraint. Impunity thrives. Authority is often exercised without accountability. The rule of law bends, pauses, or disappears entirely depending on who is holding the reins. In such a system, power does not just govern, but also intoxicates. People in power, and those who move closely around it, often mistake proximity for permanence. Constant access, familiarity with leaders, and public visibility create an illusion of safety. Confidence quietly turns into entitlement. Authority begins to feel personal. Professional distance disappears. Boundaries collapse. This is where judgment is lost. Familiarity does not equal safety. Access is not ownership. Trust does not cancel hierarchy. No matter how informal relationships may seem, systems still exist, and when pressure arises, those systems will always prioritize power over people. This is a truth many learn too late. Another reality we avoid discussing is what happens after power. In Nigeria, power exists without courtesy. It leaves abruptly and strips everything of its influence, relevance, privilege, protection, and often dignity. The applause fades. The crowd thins. The phones go quiet. Those who were arrogant while in power suffer the hardest fall. Stripped of authority, they struggle to relate normally. Paranoia replaces confidence. Entitlement remains, but without the means to enforce it. Isolation follows. Many appear diminished, unsettled, emotionally unmoored because power had quietly become their identity. There is an old truth that never fails: what goes around comes back around. Bad decisions made out of arrogance often return as consequences. Abuse of office revisits its author through loss, humiliation, or irrelevance. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely, but power is also patient. It waits. As the saying goes: Those who abuse power while in it will discover that power abuses them when it leaves. Power never forgets how you used it. Wisdom in the corridors of power is not loudness or bravado. It is a restraint. It is discipline. It is knowing how close is too close. It is respecting systems even when you can bypass them. It is remembered that power is borrowed and must be returned. History in Nigeria is not kind to those who forget this.
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| Islam › Re: Understanding Burna Boy's Revert Through A Dua (prayer) by idreesjigo(op): 4:20am On Nov 07, 2025 |
His proclamation is what really matters HeatSeeker: 3 Likes |
| Islam › Re: Understanding Burna Boy's Revert Through A Dua (prayer) by idreesjigo(op): 1:22pm On Nov 05, 2025 |
PS: I wrote Revert instead of Convert because based on a Hadith everyone is a born Muslim 19 Likes 3 Shares |
| Islam › Understanding Burna Boy's Revert Through A Dua (prayer) by idreesjigo(op): 1:20pm On Nov 05, 2025 |
Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ لا سَهْلَ إلا مَا جَعَلْتَهُ سَهْلا، وَأَنْتَ تَجْعَلُ الحُزْنَ إذا شِئْتَ سَهْلا Transliteration: Allahumma la sahla illa ma ja'altahu sahla, wa anta taj'alul hazna idha shi'ta sahla Translation: O Allah, there is no ease except what You make easy. And you can make the difficult easy, if you wish. Meaning and significance: The provided text is a supplication, or dua, that highlights a profound acknowledgment of Allah's sovereign power over ease and difficulty. Only what He (Allah) wishes becomes easy and vice versa. 1. Recognition of Divine Will: The phrase "there is no ease except what You make easy" emphasizes the belief that all forms of relief and facilitation in life are contingent upon Allah's will. This positions Allah as the central figure in the provision of ease, reinforcing the idea that humans cannot attain ease independently without divine intervention. 2. Duality of Experience: The duo contrasts ease with difficulty, suggesting an intrinsic relationship between the two. By stating "you can make the difficult easy, if you wish," it implies that challenges are an inherent part of life, but they can be altered through divine will. This duality invites contemplation on the nature of life's trials and the growth opportunities they present. 3. The Role of Faith: The invocation is not merely a request for ease; it serves as a reminder to the supplicant about the importance of faith and reliance on Allah. The acknowledgment of Allah's ability to transform sorrow into ease underscores a spiritual reliance that fosters resilience and hope during challenging times. 4. Implications for Personal Agency: While the dua submits to divine authority, it simultaneously raises questions about human agency. It acknowledges that while individuals may strive for success and ease, ultimate outcomes lie beyond their control, potentially guiding believers to adopt a more humble and patient approach in the face of adversity. 5. Psychological Impact: Psychologically, invoking this dua could provide comfort, as it reassures individuals that their struggles are acknowledged and can be alleviated through faith. This can cultivate a sense of peace and acceptance, fostering emotional well-being. In summary, this dua encapsulates a rich tapestry of theological beliefs, emphasizing reliance on Allah for ease in life while acknowledging the significance of human struggle as a pathway for growth and understanding. It serves as a profound reminder of the interplay between divine will and human experience. Additionally: Like what Burna Boy said on how he feels after making prayers in his recent interview about his convert (revert rather) to Islam, Signs that your(one's) dua (supplication) may be accepted include feeling an emotional response like uncontrollable crying or goosebumps, experiencing a sense of peace and calm after worry, a feeling of lightness or a burden being lifted, and a rise in your Iman (faith) when Allah is mentioned. 13 Likes 1 Share
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| Nairaland General › Akpabio?: A Samson Or A Delilah by idreesjigo(op): 10:49am On Oct 27, 2025 |
The Turbulent Tide of Allegations: AKPABIO, A SAMSON OR A DELILAH By Aliyu Idris (My pen name = Inverse of Government name) Like ripples on a tranquil lake, the sexual harassment allegations against Senator Akpabio stirred the waters of controversy. The rising tension, akin to capillary action, left a lasting impact on the psyche, a trauma that lingers or like he puts it very traumatizing. As a stalwart leader, having held esteemed positions as Minister, Governor, and Senate President, Akpabio's stature is imposing. The allegations, like a tempest, tested his mettle. Senator Natasha's petition, a challenge to his character, was met with resolute refutation. Like Samson, he emerged unyielding, his strength unwavering. PS: Samson & Delilah's story is a cautionary tale about trusting someone who is not loyal and who may be trying to harm you. |
| Literature › Re: Home Is.... by idreesjigo(op): 5:01pm On Oct 26, 2025 |
A descriptive Poetic Piece about a typical Middle Class Nigerian Home |
| Nairaland General › NUC Introduces Artificial Intelligence by idreesjigo(op): 4:17pm On Oct 25, 2025 |
| Nairaland General › Re: City Of Light by idreesjigo(op): 2:29pm On Oct 25, 2025 |
More Pictures from my Umrah idreesjigo:
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| Nairaland General › Re: The Ponzi Covid by idreesjigo(op): 10:49am On Oct 24, 2025 |
I'd be delighted if you can share these cloned phone numbers and their details for cautionary sake writetopoker: |
| Nairaland General › Re: The Ponzi Covid by idreesjigo(op): 10:46am On Oct 24, 2025 |
Organized ponzi scheme per se, like MMM writetopoker: |
| Politics › Lessons From The Ponzi COVID Incident by idreesjigo(op): 10:04am On Oct 23, 2025 |
Lessons from the Ponzi COVID Incident My experience with the Insme cash-out scheme serves as a cautionary tale. I was introduced to this opportunity by a family friend who had previously found success in the system. Intrigued, I decided to conduct my own inquiries on the cash-out scheme, which was gaining popularity at the time. I made a small initial investment to test its viability. To my surprise, after a few weeks, I saw nearly quadruple returns on my investment, bolstering my confidence in the scheme. Encouraged by my results, I subsequently invited several friends to join in, collectively investing nearly a million. Unfortunately, we only managed to withdraw a small portion of our funds before the scheme was revealed to be a Ponzi operation. This incident ultimately became one of the largest Ponzi schemes in Nigeria, highlighting the risks associated with such investments. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of thorough inquiry and the need to approach high-return investment opportunities with caution. |
| Nairaland General › The Ponzi Covid by idreesjigo(op): 8:38am On Oct 23, 2025 |
THE PONZI COViD My Ponzi experience: An insme cunning I was introduced to the Insme "cash-out" scheme at that time by a family friend who had previously cashed out and was very successful in the game per se. After his introduction, I did my own personal inquiry on the cash-out scheme, which was at that moment in its prime, and I invested a small amount for testing purposes, and some weeks later, I got almost a quadruple of my invested amount even after multiple trials. Having seen this opportunity, I lured a bunch of friends to invest an amount summing up to almost a million and we were only able to withdraw a very small amount before the cash-out scheme officially became a PONZI. Afterward, the news was all over about the Ponzi, which then became the second-highest Ponzi in Nigeria, as far as the figures are concerned. |
