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

Idris Says Nigeria Has Chosen to Resolve Misinformation of Genocide Through Diplomatic Channels

Published

8 hours ago

November 7, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Idris Says Nigeria Has Chosen to Resolve Misinformation of Genocide Through Diplomatic Channels

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has said that the genocide debacle with the United States will be resolved through diplomatic channels.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said this on Thursday at the 50th Anniversary of Angola, stating that the government will continue to explain the true situation of things in the country.

Idris while acknowledging that there are challenges in the country, insisted that the terrorist attacks are not targeted at one religious group.

He noted that both Christians and Muslims are victims of terrorists, arguing that the narrative about killings of Christians held by the U.S government is not one that would be resolved through press briefings.

The Minister revealed that: “We are trying as much as possible to make sure that this is resolved through diplomatic channels.”

He said that: “You all know how some people are helping to shape the narrative of who we are as a country.

“We know who we are. We know what Nigeria is.

“I could relate to that. So to think about what is happening now, I think some people are trying to shape the narrative for us.

The truth is that yes, we have security challenges in our country. Yes, we have Christian skills. No doubt about that.

“Yes, we also have Muslim skills. We have security challenges. All of us are aware of that.

“But to characterise Nigeria as a country that does not erase religious freedom, I think it’s wrong. We will continue to say that. We will continue to dig in.”

He expressed joy with the statements made by some partners and regional groups.

“I’m glad the statements we are hearing from the Economic Community of West African Commission, from the African Union, and the solidarity of the European Union, and the solidarity that everyone is showing together at this challenging time and when some narratives that we know are not really very correct about who we are as Nigerians.”

As I was sitting here I am receiving torrents of information still, fresh information coming out of the U.S. on this matter. And I’ve been bombarded by foreign journalists to respond to some of them. “We are trying as much as possible to make sure that this is resolved through diplomatic channels.

“But we have a duty to explain who we are as a country. We have a duty to also call on all Nigerians to come together, to think together.

“This is not a time for politics. This is not a time to say what you believe and what you don’t. This is a time to think and behave as a Nigerian.

“And I think that is what all of us should do. We must challenge the Nigerian media for reciprocation. And I want to challenge once again that all of us need only to put forth those things that promote our political existence as Nigerians, not the things that divide us.”

He assured Nigerians and the diplomatic community that “the government of Nigeria is functioning. It is listening to some of these very strong messages coming from all around the world and all the concerns of people from this country and outside. We are listening.

“But also keeping our cool and inviting all those that can help us to really navigate through this. When you shoot a bullet, it doesn’t mean you fall. You have a good identity.”

The commended the honoured former general for shaping the African continent and keeping the continents together.

The four Generals are : Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, Major. Gen. Chris Garuba, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa and Big.Gen. Saleh Bala.

“And we are happy that you are recognising that. Nigeria is not just Angola. Nigeria is indeed a big brother to Africa,” Idris said.

“And we know all about this. And we want to take this energy, but also ask all Africans, and indeed the whole world, to also recognise what Nigeria is and what it truly represents. Let us not be characterised by what we are not,” he added.

Idris Says Nigeria Has Chosen to Resolve Misinformation of Genocide Through Diplomatic Channels

News

NEDC reconstructs Mubi-Maiha road bridges

Published

8 hours ago

November 7, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NEDC reconstructs Mubi-Maiha road bridges

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has officially commenced the reconstruction of two bridges on the Mubi–Maiha road to restore connectivity and boost economic activity across Adamawa State.

Speaking at the flag off of the projects on Thursday, NEDC’s State Coordinator, Mr Khalifa lawan reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering durable infrastructure that supports the region’s recovery and development.

Khalifa who was represented by Head of the Technical Team in the state, Engr. Francis Joseph said, the contract was awarded to Triacta Nigeria Limited, with a duration of 12-months.

He said the bridge was severely damaged for long and considered unsafe for commuters and vehicles.

“Under the project scope, Triacta will construct a 5-span, 75-meter bridge at Buladega village and a 7-span, 105-meter bridge at Maiha.

“Both are situated on the strategic Mubi–Maiha corridor, a key route linking communities and markets in the northern part of the state”, he said.

Receiving the project site on behalf of the contribution company, Engr. Wijh Tamke, the Project Manager, assured stakeholders of the company’s readiness to deliver the project within the stipulated timeframe.

He added that the project would be delivered in accordance with best engineering practices.

Some of the residents described the projects as a long-awaited intervention that will enhance road safety, reduce travel time, and revitalize local commerce.

NEDC reconstructs Mubi-Maiha road bridges

News

Yobe holds an executive council meeting

Published

16 hours ago

November 6, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Yobe holds an executive council meeting

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Yobe State Executive Council meeting was held at the Government House, Damaturu, and was presided over by His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Hon. Dr. Mai Mala Buni, CON, COMN.

The meeting approved some numerous projects that will make an impact on the lives of the people of the state.

Briefing the journalists on the outcome of the council meeting, State Commissioner of Works Engr. Umar Wakil Duddaye said to improve urban roads, the council approved the construction of two township roads in Potiskum valued at #2.69.

Engr. Duddaye further said this road to be constructed includes a 4.7-kilometer township road and a new link road from Bazuwa junction to Anguwan Fulani connecting to the Na Huta, Fika-Gombe road.

According to him, the new link road will solve the longest transportation challenges for the residents, especially during the rainy season. Adding that His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, always has these urban roads in his mind, and Potiskum is one of the towns he always wanted us to be there.

The council has approved upgrading three major hospitals that include Specialist Hospital Buni Yadi, Specialist Hospital Damaturu, and General Hospital Nangere, respectively.

The commissioner for health, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana, stated this to newsmen after the meeting. He revealed that the council ratified the provision of medical equipment in hospitals and other facilities across the state.

The council also ratified approvals for the construction of pavements, a clinic, and a fire service station in nearly completed modern markets in Ngalda and Yunusari.

Alhaji Kaigama Umar Yunusari disclosed this to newsmen after the meeting. He maintained that the council approved the resuscitation of the state’s polythene and woven sacks company here in Damaturu.

Also briefing the journalists, Commissioner of Finance Alhaji Mohammed Abacha revealed that it will now be mandatory for all public officers to be given and to study the law before assuming their duties.

He said he presented a memo on the public finance law and urged the council to make it mandatory for all appointees to familiarize themselves with the law following their swearing-in to ensure accountability in governance.

Yobe holds an executive council meeting