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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
Eid-al-Fitr: NSCDC Mobilises 53,500 Operatives Nationwide for Security of Lives and Property
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria is tightening its internal security grid ahead of the forthcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations, with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) announcing a sweeping nationwide deployment of more than 53,500 operatives.
The directive, issued by the Commandant General, Ahmed Audi is aimed at pre-empting security threats and ensuring a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the festivities. The deployment spans all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, underscoring the scale of the operation.
Security presence is to be significantly heightened at identified flashpoints, including Eid prayer grounds, mosques, churches, shopping centres, motor parks, and recreational hubs. The Corps is adopting a dual-layer strategy that combines visible policing with covert intelligence operations to deter criminal elements and swiftly neutralize any emerging threats.
Field commanders across zones and states have been instructed to take full control of their operational environments, with clear orders to intensify patrols and maintain constant surveillance. The NSCDC leadership is also pushing for deeper inter-agency collaboration, emphasizing intelligence sharing and rapid response mechanisms as critical to maintaining order during the festive period.
Audi, while reaffirming the Corps’ readiness, stressed that security is a collective responsibility. He urged citizens to remain alert and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities. He also appealed to parents and guardians to guide young people away from actions that could disrupt public peace.
In a further show of readiness, specialized units—including the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad, Crack Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Female Squad, and Special Forces—have been placed on high alert. These units have been specifically tasked with responding decisively to any threats posed by criminal or subversive elements.
The large-scale mobilization reflects growing efforts by security agencies to stay ahead of potential risks during major national celebrations. With millions expected to travel and gather across the country, authorities say the operation is designed not only to prevent incidents but also to reassure citizens of their safety.
The NSCDC promised its continued commitment to protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure, while calling on Nigerians to support security efforts to ensure a hitch-free celebration nationwide.
Eid-al-Fitr: NSCDC Mobilises 53,500 Operatives Nationwide for Security of Lives and Property
NIMC Targets Diaspora Expansion as Tinubu’s UK Visit Boosts Digital Identity Drive
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria’s push to build a robust and inclusive digital identity system has gained fresh momentum, as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) unveiled plans to significantly expand National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment among citizens living abroad.
The development comes on the heels of the ongoing state visit of Bola Tinubu the United Kingdom, where top government officials, including NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote, are leveraging high-level engagements to deepen cooperation in digital innovation and identity management.
While the visit, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, carries strong diplomatic symbolism, it is also serving as a springboard for concrete policy actions, particularly in bridging identity gaps for millions of Nigerians in the diaspora.
A statement on Wednesday by the Head, Corporate Communications, National Identity Management Commission, Dr. Kayode Adegoke read that at the centre of NIMC’s renewed push is an aggressive expansion of NIN enrolment infrastructure across the UK, widely regarded as one of the largest hubs of Nigerian migrants.
He said the plan includes opening additional enrolment centres, streamlining verification processes, and deploying more efficient digital platforms to eliminate long-standing bottlenecks.
Coker-Odusote, speaking during engagements on the sidelines of the visit, stressed that the Commission is determined to remove barriers that have historically limited access to identity services for Nigerians overseas.
“We are taking deliberate steps to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of location, can seamlessly obtain their NIN and access essential services tied to it,” she said, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity.
The implications of the initiative are far-reaching. A functional and accessible NIN system is increasingly central to participation in Nigeria’s financial system, telecommunications services, and government programmes. For diaspora Nigerians, improved access means the ability to stay economically and administratively connected to the country without physical presence.
Industry observers note that the timing of the initiative is critical, as Nigeria accelerates its transition to a digitally driven economy where identity verification underpins everything from banking to social welfare delivery.
Back home, NIMC is mirroring its international expansion with a parallel grassroots strategy aimed at closing the identity gap within Nigeria. Through ward-level enrolment campaigns, the Commission is taking registration services directly to rural and underserved communities, reducing travel burdens and improving coverage among vulnerable populations.
The dual approach, global expansion and local penetration, signals a shift from policy ambition to execution, with identity infrastructure now firmly positioned as a cornerstone of governance and economic planning.
As Nigeria strengthens its diplomatic and economic ties with the UK, stakeholders noted that the integration of identity management into bilateral discussions reflects a broader recognition: in an increasingly digital world, national development is inseparable from the ability to accurately identify and connect citizens, wherever they may be
NIMC Targets Diaspora Expansion as Tinubu’s UK Visit Boosts Digital Identity Drive
ISWAP death toll rises to 75 after devastating defeat in Malam Fatori
By: Zagazola Makama
The death toll of terrorists neutralised during a failed infiltration attempt on troops’ position in Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno, has risen to 75, in what security analysts describe as one of the most decisive recent blows against the Islamic State West Africa Province.
Zagazola report that the Initial reports had put the number of insurgents killed at 61, following a coordinated response by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Nigerian Air Force.
However, updated battlefield assessments and mop-up operations indicate that at least 75 fighters were neutralised, with several others believed to have escaped with severe injuries.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, saw ISWAP fighters advancing on foot toward the 68 Battalion location, reportedly deploying armed drones in an attempt to breach defensive lines. The infiltration, launched from the Duguri axis toward the Bravo Company frontage, was swiftly detected and repelled.
Military sources said the success of the operation was anchored on superior coordination between air and ground forces, illustrating the growing effectiveness of joint-force synergy in counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
Four precision air interdiction strikes were conducted on identified terrorist withdrawal routes effectively degrading their combat capability and disrupting their manoeuvre.
The integration of air power ensured that the insurgents were fixed in position and subjected to sustained bombardment, forcing a chaotic withdrawal toward the Arege axis.
Further compounding the losses of the terrorists group was the intervention of allied air assets from the Niger Republic, which carried out additional strike passes on fleeing terrorists.Although a full battle damage assessment of those strikes is still ongoing, security sources believe the combined firepower significantly increased the casualty figures.
In addition to the high number of fatalities, troops reportedly recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from the battlefield, further weakening the operational capacity of the group in the Lake Chad region.
On the side of government forces, four soldiers sustained minor injuries and have since been stabilised.
ISWAP death toll rises to 75 after devastating defeat in Malam Fatori
Eid-al-Fitr: NSCDC Mobilises 53,500 Operatives Nationwide for Security of Lives and Property
NIMC Targets Diaspora Expansion as Tinubu’s UK Visit Boosts Digital Identity Drive
ISWAP death toll rises to 75 after devastating defeat in Malam Fatori
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