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Bakeni Commiserates with NUJ and Zulum over the demise of Isa Gusau
Bakeni Commiserates with NUJ and Zulum over the demise of Isa Gusau
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Borno state Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria CAN Bishop John Bakeni has commiserated with the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ over the death of Isa Gusau who died in an Indian hospital recently.
He also sympathized with the Governor of the state Prof Babagana Zulum whom Gusau served till his death due to a protracted illness.
Addressing a news conference in Maiduguri, the Auxiliary Bishop said that the entire Christian community sympathized with the government over the loss of such a resourceful journalist.
” I want on behalf of the entire Christian Community in Borno State to commiserate with the Executive Governor and indeed the Government and the entire people of Borno State over the demise of his Media Aid and Strategist, Mallam Isa Gusau, who passed on Thursday, the 11th of January, 2024.
” I wish to also condole you the members of the 4th estate for the loss of one of you. May God grant him peaceful rest and console all those who mourn him.” he said.
Responding to some very strong allegations in the mills against Zulum on his treatments of Christians, the Auxillary Bishop maintained that CAN was not a pressure group or a partisan party but a peaceful association that goes about its activities in a lawful manner.
To him:”CAN is a religious Association, CAN is not a political party and is non-partisan. CAN is not a pressure group. It is a law-abiding Association. It is an Association that works for the unity of Christians and building a peaceful and harmonious society working hand-in-hand with other religious bodies, Government and all relevant stake holders.
“The values that hold us together are Love, Peace and Justice for all. We preach peace, we uphold peace and we work for peace. And that is why we are living in peace with our Muslim brothers and sisters in Borno State.
” in terms of our relationship with the Government, let me say that CAN and the Christian community have a good and cordial relationship with the Government of the day. The Government of Prof. Babagana Umara Zullum has done a lot for us and is still doing more in the following areas:
“Has continued the rehabilitation and reconstruction of churches that were destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgency especially in Southern Borno. This was started by our current Vice President, Kashim Shettima, during his tenure; and His Excellency, Prof Babagana Umara Zullum has continued in that line.
“Sponsorship of Christians for pilgrimage to the Holy Land every year. In fact, the Executive Secretary and coordinator of the Christian Pilgrim has just returned from a pre-visit of the pilgrimage sites in preparation for the 2023/2024 main pilgrimage.
“Reaching out to the Christian community with gifts and cash donations at Christmas and Easter periods. Palliatives are also given to our Christian Women and Widows by the Wives of the Vice President, Her Excellency Nana Kashim and the Governor, Her Excellency, Dr. Falmata Umara Zullum.
“Sponsoring the transportation of our brothers and sisters from the South-South, South East and West during festive seasons.
” Appointment of our Christian sons and daughters in his cabinet.
“After so many years of advocacy, the current Government has started the recruitment of Christian teachers to teach the Christian religion in public schools and many more.”
Bakeni noted that all his claims are real and verifiable adding that in spite of all the good results from the interaction with the government there are still challenges and they do hope to continue to work hard to get over them.
” That is not to say that Christians have no challenges in Borno State; of course we have. We therefore, want to have more access for better results through dialogue and constructive engagement with the Government and other relevant stakeholders.
” We know very well where we are coming from and where we are in terms of the security challenges. We have all tested and experienced the ugly side of violence and destruction and we will not want to go back to that era.
” We love our Governor, we respect our Governor, and we appreciate the relentless and selfless services and sacrifices of our Governor in restoring peace and bringing development to our State.
” As such, CAN will continue to support the Government of the day and will continue to work with the Government towards sustaining the peace that we are already enjoying due to the hard work, commitment, and responsible leadership of our Governor.”
Obviously responding to the recent statements of Rev Dikwa Kallamu over the alleged maltreatment of Christians in the state, the CAN chair went on:” We distance ourselves from any act of violence and provocation. Whatever is written on Social media or any other media outlet, is not from CAN.
” My principle as the Chairman of CAN in Borno State at this time is that what Dialogue cannot give you, Violence and confrontation cannot give you either.”
On the progress being made by the military in protecting the nation’s democracy, he went on: ” With deep sense of gratitude and appreciation, we salute the courage and the sacrifices of our Armed Forces. For those who have paid the supreme price in the course of their service to their fatherland, may God reward them with eternal life in his kingdom.”
Below is the full details of the press release in which Rev Dikwa accused the Borno State government of completely marginalizing Christians in the state.
PRESS RELEASE ON THE TRUE POSITION OF THE CHRISTIANS IN BORNO STATE UNDER GOVERNOR BABAGANA UMARA ZULLUM.
30TH DECEMBER, 2023
The press released on 20 December on the marginalization of the Christian community in Borno State by Governor Zullum was not refuted by either him nor any government officials in the state which affirmed the truth except his wife that called out few widows to share rice a day after for Christmas purposefully for the media to carry it. The only way they refuted was to send thugs after my life like Barrister Bashir Maidugu who called me and put a threat to my life and civilians joint task Force (CJTF) who met me on the road and harassed me but as usual God Almighty saved me to continue exposing the truth.
Let the public court judge, How can a professor and a Governor show tribalism, sectionalism and ethnic segregation like Professor Zulum of Borno State? How many are from Southern Borno and how many are Christians among these political appointments?
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Appointment of Special Advicers to Borno State Governor
The Executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Prof Babaganagana Umara Zulum has graciously approved the appointment of the following Special Advisers:
- Alhaji Ali Makinta Jere
- Idrissa L Kemdey
- Tijjani Goni Mohammed
- Hon Ibrahim Haruna Biu
- Hon Tukur Digira
- Engr Kori Shettima
- Hauwa M Musa
- Hon Abubakar Tijjani
- Hon Garba Saje
- Hon Kester C Oguali
- Hon Alao Hassan
- Alhaji Audu Maaji
- Hon Abba Jato Bama
- Hon Abba Saje Mohd Nur
- Engr Musa Gashigar
- Hon Abba Nguru
- Hon Bukar Dalatu
- Hon Idrisa Jidda
- Shettima Bukar Kulima (Marte)
- Hon Kaka Adam Mustapha
- Shettima Lawan Maina
- Dr Abubakar Hassan
- Modu Ali Gana Dikwa
- Sheikh Modu Mustapha
- Abba Kawu Shehu Abubakar
- Hon Musa Abbas
- Alhaji Musa Gwamma
- Baba Ali Haruna Kukawa
- Abdullahi Mohd Nganzai
Amongst all of the appointees of 29, only
Hon Kester C Oguali is a Christian from the Eastern Nigeria, an Igbo by tribe.
In the threat by the political thugs like Barrister Bashir Maidugu of the Vice president’s crew, he categorically said only four local government in the state have Christian indigenes which are blatant lies from the pit of hell. I’m kanuri by tribe from Maiduguri the state capital and a Christian amongst many kanuri Christians. Going by the Barrister Bashir Maidugu, I ll now ask, have the indigenous Christian from the southern Borno State relocated to the igbo land (Eastern Nigeria) to get a slot from the 29 appointment or still the marginalization?
We condemned on a strong term this total excluding of Christians in the governor’s appointment and Hon Kester C Oguali is not representing any Christians in the state but political strategy to show the world he’s in love with even Christians in the south but marginalized his main duties of inclusive governance.
Let me talk little for now about the LGA Chairman primaries in the State, a Christian dominated area like Chibok has 7 contestants in which 4 are Christians and 3 are Muslims. He disqualified the four Christians and told the 3 Muslims to choose one among themselves, in Askira Uba, the contestants have the highest a Christian with 14 votes followed by a Muslim with 7votes however, Zullum imposed the Muslim candidate with 7 and dropped the Christian with 14, can someone define marginalization for me in different actions than these?
REV. KALLAMU MUSA ALI DIKWA
Director, General Center for Justice on Religious And Ethnicity in Nigeria
Bakeni Commiserates with NUJ and Zulum over the demise of Isa Gusau
Bandits kill two police personnel, cart away weapons in Musawa ambush in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected armed bandits, allegedly affiliated with a notorious bandit leader, have ambushed a police convoy in Katsina State, killing two police personnel and carting away their service weapons.
Police sources said the attack occurred at about 5:50 p.m. on April 7, 2026, at Sabon Garin Garu village in Musawa Local Government Area.
The assailants, said to be in large numbers and riding on about 30 motorcycles, were reportedly affiliated with a notorious bandit leader identified as Muhammadu.
They ambushed a vehicle conveying five personnel of the Police Mobile Force (27 PMF) who were travelling from Zamfara State through Katsina State.
A swift response by police tactical teams, including patrol units and community watch groups, led to a gun duel with the attackers, forcing them to retreat.
Three of the police personnel were rescued unhurt during the exchange of fire.
However, two personnel were killed in the attack. They were identified as Sgt. Bilyaminu Babangida and PC Abdulaziz Musa.
The attackers also carted away the officers’ service rifles and a riot gunner.
Police reinforcements from Dutsinma, Kankia, Matazu and Kankara were subsequently deployed to block escape routes, while cordon and search operations were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen arms.
Security authorities said efforts had been intensified to restore calm in the area and prevent further attacks along the axis.
Bandits kill two police personnel, cart away weapons in Musawa ambush in Katsin
Fake report of unrest at unijos debunked, military assures campus security
By: Zagazola Makama
The Management of the University of Jos and the Nigerian military have dismissed as false and misleading a viral report alleging unrest, chaos, and destruction within the institution, describing it as a deliberate attempt to cause panic and misinformation.
The fake report, which circulated on social media alongside an image claimed to depict violence on campus, suggested that “student grievances had escalated into chaos” with alleged destruction and insecurity within the university environment.
However, checks by Zagazola and confirmation from university authorities indicate that the situation at the University of Jos remains calm, peaceful, and under control, with normal activities ongoing.
It was further gathered that the image accompanying the false report was generated using Artificial Intelligence and does not reflect any real incident within or around the university.
A senior security source told Zagazola Makama that the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General E.F. Oyinlola, personally led troops to the University of Jos following the circulation of the fake report.
During the visit, the GOC met with the Vice Chancellor of the institution and assured management of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the university community, students, and staff against any form of threat or security breach.
The military described the viral publication as “fake news deliberately designed to cause confusion, panic, and distrust,” urging members of the public to disregard it in its entirety.
Authorities further cautioned against the circulation of unverified content, especially digitally manipulated images, warning that such misinformation could incite unnecessary fear and disrupt public peace.
The University of Jos management also reaffirmed that there was no unrest or security breach on campus, stressing that academic activities were proceeding without disruption.
Security agencies assured continued surveillance and protection of the institution as part of ongoing efforts under Operation ENDURING PEACE to maintain stability across Plateau State.
The public has been urged to rely only on verified information from official sources and avoid sharing content capable of undermining peace and order in the state.
Fake report of unrest at unijos debunked, military assures campus security
Athena Observatory Warns of Deepening Structural Risks in Nigeria’s Democracy
By: Michael Mike
A new policy report has raised fresh concerns about the stability of Nigeria’s democratic system, warning that growing political fragmentation and institutional strain could undermine the credibility of elections ahead of the 2027 general polls.
The report, released on Tuesday by the Athena Election Observatory (AEO), marks the debut of its Political Landscape Monitor—a policy series designed to track and analyse the country’s evolving electoral environment. Titled “Nigeria’s Democracy and the Imperative of Competitive Politics,” the inaugural note paints a sobering picture of a political system struggling to keep pace with its own internal dynamics.
According to the Observatory, a pattern is emerging across Nigeria’s major political parties in which leadership disputes, fragile alliances, and factional battles are becoming increasingly common. While these crises may appear isolated, the report argues they are symptoms of a deeper structural imbalance.
At the heart of the problem, it said, is a widening gap between political activity and institutional capacity. Political actors, driven by the urgency of coalition-building and power consolidation, are moving faster than the rules and structures meant to regulate them.
“This is not just about party disagreements,” the report noted. “It is about the weakening of the systems that are supposed to organise competition, manage conflict, and ultimately guarantee meaningful choice for voters.”
The analysis drew from recent developments within prominent parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party, where internal tensions and contested leadership claims have repeatedly spilled into the public domain.
Observers say the trend reflects a broader shift in how political disputes are resolved in Nigeria. Rather than being settled through internal party mechanisms, disagreements are increasingly pushed toward external institutions—particularly the courts and electoral regulators.
The report highlighted the pivotal role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in this process. Its decisions on which party factions to recognise can effectively determine leadership outcomes, making it a central actor in intra-party struggles.
While acknowledging INEC’s constitutional mandate, the Observatory cautioned that inconsistent or opaque decision-making could erode public confidence. It called for clearer procedures and stricter adherence to impartiality to prevent the Commission from being perceived as a political arbiter.
Equally significant is the growing reliance on the judiciary to settle political disputes. The report warned that while the courts remain essential for upholding the rule of law, their increasing involvement in intra-party conflicts risks displacing internal governance systems.
Legal interventions, it argued, should serve as a last resort—not a default mechanism.
“When courts become the primary arena for resolving political disagreements, parties gradually lose the capacity to govern themselves,” the report states. “Over time, this weakens the entire democratic ecosystem.”
Beyond institutional concerns, the Observatory drew attention to the implications for ordinary voters. A fragmented political landscape, it said, reduces the clarity and credibility of electoral choices, leaving citizens with options that may lack cohesion or long-term viability.
In such conditions, elections risk becoming procedural exercises rather than meaningful expressions of democratic will.
The report ultimately framed the issue as a national, rather than partisan, challenge. Strengthening the institutional foundations of political competition, it argued, is critical not only for credible elections but also for political stability and governance.
As Nigeria edges closer to another election cycle, the findings serve as a stark reminder that the health of a democracy depends not just on the conduct of elections, but on the strength of the systems that shape them long before ballots are cast.
The Athena Election Observatory said it will continue to publish periodic assessments under its Political Landscape Monitor, offering data-driven insights into the trends shaping Nigeria’s political future.
Athena Observatory Warns of Deepening Structural Risks in Nigeria’s Democracy
Bandits kill two police personnel, cart away weapons in Musawa ambush in Katsina
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