News

Bakeni Commiserates with NUJ and Zulum over the demise of Isa Gusau

Published

2 years ago

January 18, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

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

News

Zulum establishes quarry centre, procures 70 trucks for infrastructure development

Published

3 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Zulum establishes quarry centre, procures 70 trucks for infrastructure development

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced the establishment of a quarry centre in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area, to accelerate infrastructure development in the state.

Zulum made this announcement on Monday while flagging off the distribution of 70 brand-new Howo pickup trucks to the Ministry of Works and the State Road Maintenance Agency (BORMA) at the Government House.

The 70 Howo trucks are designed to boost the operational capacity of the Ministry of Works and its supervising agencies. The trucks will enable the swift delivery of materials to sites and faster intervention on distressed roads.

According to the governor, the quarry centre will provide locally sourced materials including granite, gravel and sharp sand to support ongoing and future road projects, reducing dependence on external suppliers and cutting costs.

“We have achieved a lot in health, education, agriculture, security, and road construction among others. However, we still have challenges of constructing roads within the state, especially in rural communities,” Zulum said.

“My administration has established a quarry plant in Pulka with a processing capacity of 120 tons per hour. The State Government spent at least 3 billion to establish the quarry plant”, he added.

According to the governor, due to the prevailing insecurity, most contractors are not willing to work in Borno.

“You know, no serious contractor will take the risk of deploying his equipment to most of the implementing areas, so this is the reason we are here”, the governor reinstated.

“So, we have no option but to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Works, the capacity of Borno State Road Maintenance Agency (BORMA), the capacity of special projects, monitoring departments and other MDAs that are responsible for road construction.”

The brief ceremony was attended by the Secretary to Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works, Engr Baware, BORMA Chairman, Engr Sadu Auno, the Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation, Engr Bukar Gujubawu and other senior officials.

Zulum establishes quarry centre, procures 70 trucks for infrastructure development

News

Tinubu’s aide launches healthcare centre in Adamawa community

Published

8 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Tinubu’s aide launches healthcare centre in Adamawa community

The Shashau community in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State has received a healthcare centre built by Mrs Delu Yakubu, Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

Speaking at the inauguration, Yakubu said the facility fulfilled a long-held personal dream of improving healthcare access in her hometown.

She recalled growing up in the community without a clinic, saying the centre would help address long-standing healthcare challenges, particularly maternal care.

She said the facility formed part of a national mobile clinic initiative under her office, aligned with President Tinubu’s humanitarian mandate.

Dr Suleiman Bashir, Chairman of the Adamawa Primary Healthcare Development Agency, commended the initiative and pledged to provide medical personnel and supplies for effective service delivery.

He urged residents to protect the facility for sustainable use.

Mr James Barka, member representing Gombi/Hong Federal Constituency, lauded the project and promised to integrate it into his constituency health programmes within three months.

The Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Bathiya Wisely, described the facility as a commitment to improving grassroots healthcare and reducing maternal mortality.

He also pledged to provide a borehole for potable water at the centre.

The Paramount Ruler of Hong, Tol Alheri Nyako, urged residents to utilise and safeguard the facility, donating N500,000 in support of its operation.

The inauguration event also featured a free medical outreach and distribution of food and non-food items to underserved communities.

Tinubu’s aide launches healthcare centre in Adamawa community

News

War on Terror: NHRC Insists Protection of Civilians Must Be Top Priority

Published

10 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

War on Terror: NHRC Insists Protection of Civilians Must Be Top Priority

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission has issued a strongly worded response to the recent surge in terrorist violence across Nigeria, warning that the country risks deepening insecurity if the protection of civilians is not made the central pillar of national security strategy.

In a statement released by its Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, the Commission conveyed condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces and to governments and citizens of states hardest hit by the attacks, including Borno State, Niger State, Benue State, Kaduna State, Kwara State, Sokoto State, and Plateau State.

The Commission said it is “deeply concerned” about the increasing frequency, coordination, and geographic spread of attacks, noting that both military formations and civilian targets—including markets, places of worship, and public institutions—have come under sustained assault. Particular concern was raised over coordinated attacks on military bases in the North-East, especially in Borno, and suicide bombings in civilian areas such as Maiduguri.

Ojukwu described the pattern of violence as a “grave and systematic assault” on fundamental rights, including the right to life, dignity, and personal security, as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution and international obligations like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. He stressed that deliberate attacks on civilians and security personnel by non-state armed groups constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law.

Beyond condemnation, the NHRC raised alarm over what it described as an evolving and more dangerous phase of insecurity—marked by coordinated military assaults, mass village raids, suicide bombings, and a widening spread from the North-East into the North-West and North-Central regions.

While acknowledging the sacrifices of the military, the Commission argued that Nigeria must confront a critical gap in its security architecture. “The protection of civilians cannot remain incidental to security operations—it must be their central objective,” Ojukwu said.

To address this, the Commission called for the urgent development and implementation of a comprehensive national policy focused on civilian protection. It said such a framework must place human rights at the core of all security responses, prioritise the prevention of harm in vulnerable communities, enforce accountability for violations by both state and non-state actors, and provide effective support systems for victims and survivors.

The proposed policy, according to the NHRC, should also ensure strict adherence by security forces to the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in military operations, while strengthening early warning systems and community engagement in high-risk areas.

Ojukwu emphasized that civilians must not be treated as “collateral damage” but as rights-holders whose protection and dignity are non-negotiable. He added that a human rights-based approach to national security is not a sign of weakness but a legal and strategic necessity.

“Global evidence shows that sustainable peace can only be achieved where the state consistently protects the rights of its people,” he noted.

The Commission reaffirmed its solidarity with affected communities and security forces, pledging continued collaboration with the Federal Government, state authorities, and civil society to ensure that Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts reinforce, rather than erode, democratic and human rights principles.

War on Terror: NHRC Insists Protection of Civilians Must Be Top Priority