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

District head commends Buni over road construction from Fadawa to Daya in Yobe

Published

4 minutes ago

January 4, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

District head commends Buni over road construction from Fadawa to Daya in Yobe.

By: Yahaya Wakili

The District Head of Goya in the Fika emirate council of Yobe state, Alhaji Musa Garba Daya, has expressed his gratitude to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe state, Hon. Dr. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, for the construction of a road from Fadawa to Daya, the headquarters of the district.

Daya said, For over forty years we have been appealing to the past governments to construct us this road, but it was not done until the government of Mai Mala Buni came to power. Therefore, the entire people of the Goya district have commended Governor Buni for his transformative leadership, which is really touching the lives of all the citizens of Yobe State.

Alhaji Musa Garba Daya made the commendation in Daya town while speaking to newsmen. He reiterated Buni’s administration’s commitment to rebuilding Yobe’s infrastructure, economy, and human capital. Adding that, still we are requesting more roads, such as a road from Daya to Janga to Yalwa and up to Boza.

The district head, with kudos to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Fika and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Dr. Muhammad Ibn Abali Muhammad Idrisa CON, CFR, for appointing him as the new district head of Goya, noted that the position he inherited from his late father, Alhaji Garba Abdullahi Daya. (May his soul rest in peace), Ameen, and was made best on merit.

He revealed that what the royal father did to him and the entire people of the Goya district, they will never forget him up to the end of their lives and pray to Almighty Allah to protect him and give him good health, long life, and prosperity, and urge the people of the area to live in peace with one another.

According to him, what the people of Kukar-Gadu did last week is a welcome development; they made unveiling the potentials of Kukar-Gadu, as well as the presentation of the Kukar-Gadu physical development plan, and called on the people of the Goya district to emulate what the people of Kukar-Gadu did.

He challenged everyone in the Goya district to create something tangible that our people will benefit from, because most of our young men and women are staying idle with no work to do, and called on the people of the area to always continue praying for peace, adding that, without peace, there is no development.

The district head also solicits the support and cooperation of the people of the area to pray towards the development of Goya district, Fika emirate council, Fika local government area, and Yobe state at large.

District head commends Buni over road construction from Fadawa to Daya in Yobe

News

Cuba, Colombia React as US Confirms Military Strikes on Venezuela

Published

9 hours ago

January 3, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Cuba, Colombia React as US Confirms Military Strikes on Venezuela

By: Michael Mike

Cuba and Colombia have issued statements following reports of US military strikes on Venezuela, after multiple explosions were recorded in the capital, Caracas, early Saturday.

Residents reported loud blasts across several parts of the city, alongside sightings of warplanes, helicopters and what appeared to be unmanned aerial vehicles operating overhead. Venezuela’s government described the incident as a “serious military aggression,” alleging that US forces targeted both civilian and military sites in Caracas and in the surrounding states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.

US President Donald Trump later confirmed that American forces carried out the operation, announcing that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country.

In a strongly worded response, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the action, calling on the international community to respond urgently. He described the strike as a criminal act that violated regional peace, accusing Washington of state terrorism against Venezuela and Latin America as a whole.

“Our zone of peace is under brutal assault,” Díaz-Canel said, expressing solidarity with the Venezuelan people.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro took a more measured approach, stating that his government was closely monitoring developments. He expressed concern over the reported explosions and increased aerial activity, warning against further escalation.

“The Colombian government rejects any unilateral military action that could worsen the crisis or endanger civilians,” Petro said.

Former Bolivian President Evo Morales also condemned the strikes, describing them as an imperialist attack that violated Venezuela’s sovereignty. He pledged solidarity with the Venezuelan people, insisting the country was not facing the situation alone.

The developments unfold against the backdrop of longstanding tensions between Washington and Caracas. The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Venezuela’s leadership of involvement in large-scale drug trafficking, claims the Maduro government has dismissed as justification for foreign intervention and regime change.

Cuba, Colombia React as US Confirms Military Strikes on Venezuela

News

Seven killed in Qua’an-Pan as attackers target fellow Christian villagers in Plateau

Published

9 hours ago

January 3, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Seven killed in Qua’an-Pan as attackers target fellow Christian villagers in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

At least seven persons were killed late Friday night in Bong village, Doemak District, Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, in an attack reportedly carried out against fellow Christians residents by criminals operating within the community.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the community late at night while residents were asleep in an attempt to rustled their livestock.

A native of the area, Mr Lawrence Dogari, said that many villagers were injured in the attack, while some persons were still missing.

“For now, I can confirm that over seven persons have been killed, while several others were injured. Some people are still unaccounted for,” Dogari said.

Confirming the incident, Mr Danaan Cletus Sylvanus, Director of Press and Publicity to the Executive Chairman of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council, Mr Christopher Audu Manship, said the exact number of casualties was still being verified.

He said the council chairman had condemned the attack and was working closely with security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators were arrested and brought to justice.

“The chairman is deeply saddened by the attack on innocent persons and is collaborating with security operatives to ensure the culprits are brought to book,” Sylvanus said.

Meanwhile, sources at the Plateau State Police Command said the incident was linked to a cattle-rustling attempt carried out by criminal elements operating within the area.

According to a police sources, at about 4:20 a.m. on Jan. 2, unknown armed men invaded Bong/Kook village in Qua’an-Pan LGA and rustled some cows. It said that operatives of the police, military, NSCDC and vigilante groups were mobilised to the area following a distress call.

The sources said that two of the assailants were killed in a bid escape, but later abandoned the rustled cows and fled.

“The rustled cows have been recovered, while the corpses of the deceased were deposited at the Cottage Hospital morgue in Kwalla for autopsy,” the police sources said, adding that additional security deployment had been made to the area.

Notably, preliminary accounts from the community and security sources indicate that the attack was not carried out by Fulani bandits, nor did the rustled livestock belong to Fulani pastoralists, pointing to the indications that the attackers were members of the local community.

Seven killed in Qua’an-Pan as attackers target fellow Christian villagers in Plateau