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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

Nigeria Advised to Treat Wildlife Crime as National Security Threat

Published

7 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigeria Advised to Treat Wildlife Crime as National Security Threat

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has been urged to treat wildlife trafficking and illegal exploitation of biodiversity as a major organized crime threat capable of undermining national security, economic stability and sustainable development.

The Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Cheikh Touré, gave the warning in Abuja during the commemoration of World Wildlife Day, stressing that wildlife crime now operates as a sophisticated international criminal network rather than merely an environmental issue.

Touré said the illegal trade in wildlife and plant species continues to weaken ecosystems, fuel illicit financial flows and erode the economic potential of countries rich in biodiversity such as Nigeria.

According to him, wildlife crime has evolved into a serious transnational organised crime that threatens the rule of law and deprives communities of valuable natural resources that support livelihoods and sustainable development.

He explained that Nigeria’s rich biodiversity, including valuable medicinal and aromatic plants used for traditional healthcare and economic activities, faces increasing pressure from illegal trade, habitat destruction, climate change and unsustainable harvesting.

Touré, however, acknowledged recent legislative progress made by Nigeria, particularly the passage of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, describing it as a major step toward strengthening the country’s legal framework for biodiversity protection.

Despite this progress, he stressed that legislation alone would not stop wildlife crime unless it is backed by effective enforcement, improved institutional capacity and stronger public awareness.

He noted that combating wildlife trafficking requires coordinated partnerships among government institutions, civil society organisations, international agencies and local communities.

The UNODC official also highlighted the organisation’s efforts to mobilise young Nigerians in conservation advocacy through the #BeWildForNature campaign launched in 2024.

Through a competitive process, selected youths were incorporated into a mentorship programme where conservation experts provided training on digital advocacy, wildlife protection and community mobilisation.

According to Touré, the initiative has helped build a network of young environmental advocates now driving conservation campaigns and community outreach programmes across Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, said the protection of biodiversity is directly linked to human health, economic stability and environmental sustainability.

Represented by the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, Fall noted that medicinal plants remain a primary healthcare resource for millions of people and are deeply embedded in traditional knowledge systems and local economies.

However, he warned that biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and climate change are threatening these critical natural assets, making conservation an urgent development priority.

He added that protecting biodiversity contributes directly to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including goals related to health, climate action and environmental protection.

Also speaking, Onah Bisong of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (Nigeria) said the Federal Government recognises the important role of young people in advancing environmental sustainability.

Bisong stressed that Nigerian youths must be empowered to champion biodiversity protection through innovation, advocacy and community engagement, noting that such efforts can also create green jobs and support economic growth.

He added that young Nigerians are not merely beneficiaries of the country’s natural resources but critical partners in ensuring that those resources are protected for future generations.

Nigeria Advised to Treat Wildlife Crime as National Security Threat

News

FG Evacuates 1,230 Stranded Nigerians from Niger

Published

7 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

FG Evacuates 1,230 Stranded Nigerians from Niger

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has successfully evacuated 1,230 stranded Nigerians from neighbouring Niger, reinforcing its commitment to protecting citizens abroad amid emerging regional challenges.

The evacuation, coordinated by the Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, involved the voluntary repatriation of Nigerians who had been stranded in Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the returnees arrived in Nigeria in two separate batches. The first group of 708 Nigerians was received on March 23, 2026, while the second batch of 522 arrived on March 29, bringing the total number of evacuees to 1,230.

He said the humanitarian operation was carried out in partnership with the International Organization for Migration, whose logistical and technical support ensured the smooth movement and reception of the returnees.

On arrival in Kano, the evacuees were received by a coordinated team of government agencies and humanitarian partners tasked with ensuring an orderly reception and immediate support for the returning citizens.

Agencies involved in the reception included the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, National Emergency Management Agency, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Other participating bodies were the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, as well as officials from the Kano and Katsina state governments.

The returnees were subjected to profiling at the airport to document their details and enable appropriate reintegration support. They were later moved to the Immigration Training School in Kano where temporary accommodation, meals, medical attention and other basic necessities were provided.

Authorities said the evacuees were subsequently discharged after completing the necessary procedures and reunited with their families.

The Ministry noted that the evacuation underscores the Federal Government’s broader responsibility to ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerians wherever they may be, particularly in situations that pose humanitarian risks.

It also expressed appreciation to the Government of Niger for its cooperation throughout the evacuation process, noting that such collaboration reflects the enduring diplomatic and humanitarian ties between both countries.

The ministry further commended international partners, particularly the International Organization for Migration and the International Committee of the Red Cross, for their continued support in addressing migration and humanitarian challenges.

Nigerian citizens residing abroad were urged to respect the laws of their host countries and maintain regular contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions to facilitate timely assistance in emergency situations.

FG Evacuates 1,230 Stranded Nigerians from Niger

News

FG Declares April 3 and 6 Public Holidays for Easter

Published

7 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

FG Declares April 3 and 6 Public Holidays for Easter

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to enable Christians across the country celebrate Easter.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government, according to a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Interior (Nigeria), Magdalene Ajani.

The minister congratulated Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the celebration, describing Easter as a period that reflects the enduring values of sacrifice, renewal and hope.

He urged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, patience and love as demonstrated in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens to strengthen the spirit of tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing that these values remain critical to national cohesion.

According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to policies and decisions aimed at promoting national renewal, economic growth and shared prosperity for all Nigerians.

He further wished Christians across the country a peaceful and joyful Easter celebration.

Easter is one of the most significant events in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and symbolising victory over death and the promise of new life for believers.

FG Declares April 3 and 6 Public Holidays for Easter