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

APC Commissioners meet to assess dividends of democracy

Published

6 hours ago

October 15, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Abdulahi Bego

APC Commissioners meet to assess dividends of democracy

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Commissioner of information in Yobe State Abdulahi Bego has said that the quarterly meetings of Commissioners of information of All Progressive Congress (APC) controlled states in the country is to assess dividends of democracy in their respective states.

Bego said that the progressive forum of Commissioners is a unified platform of information commissioners of APC states gathering together for the joint assessment of how far they have gone in the dishing out of vital dividends of democracy to the entire citizens of their respective states.

Commissioner Bego added that the key reason for the meeting of Commissioners of information was to further assess the impacts and performances of their Principals and how they co-managed the APC states to see if their performances are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

The APC Commissioners according to Bego who spoke to this reporter just after the opening session today noted that the quarterly gathering was a platform were they are expected to tell their stories in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

Bego stated that with the performances of the Governors at the sub regional levels, looking at all the vital sub sectors like agricultural, education, health and others that have come on top as performing indices across the States most Progressive Governor’s were not doing badly.

“This is the reason why we gather together quarterly to do these types of appraisals to see what next or how we can improve on our performances for the betterment of the people of Nigeria.”

President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was set up to ensure that all Nigerians including the no income, vulnerable and underprivileged groups have access to decent and dignified accommodation.

Present were commissioners of information from all APC states in the country.

APC Commissioners meet to assess dividends of democracy

News

Class Of 1978, Nshiagu College Ogwashi-Uku Congratulates Hon. Justice Flora Azinge On Homecoming Posting To Ogwashi-Uku High Court

Published

7 hours ago

October 15, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Class Of 1978, Nshiagu College Ogwashi-Uku Congratulates Hon. Justice Flora Azinge On Homecoming Posting To Ogwashi-Uku High Court

Class Of 1978, Nshiagu College Ogwashi-Uku Congratulates Hon. Justice Flora Azinge On Homecoming Posting To Ogwashi-Uku High Court

Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State — It is with immense pride and joy that the 1978 graduating class of Nshiagu College, Ogwashi-Uku, extends heartfelt congratulations to our their own distinguished alumna, Hon. Justice Flora Ngozi Azinge (née Osadebay), on her transfer from High Court 4, Asaba, to a much-anticipated homecoming posting at the Ogwashi-Uku High Court.

A Homecoming Long Awaited
The news of Justice Azinge’s transfer to Ogwashi-Uku High Court has been received with keen excitement across her old class circle. For many members of her class of ’78, this is more than a judicial reassignment — it is what feels like a return to her roots, an opportunity for her to serve in the ancestral community where she went to school, close to the people who have watched and celebrated her rise through the years.
As a daughter of Chief Dennis Osadebey, former Premier of the defunct Mid-West Region, Justice Azinge carries both the weight of a distinguished lineage and the expectation of public service.

During her tenure in Asaba, she earned attention — for her firm judgments. In 2023, she presided over a chilling case in which a 28-year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his four-year-old daughter. In delivering judgment, she described the offender’s act as “callous, animalistic, barbaric.”

Her strong stance in exposing attempted bribery in tribunal settings has also made headlines. In a high-profile case, she disclosed that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria attempted to corrupt proceedings in which she was presiding.

These episodes have only reinforced her image as a no-nonsense jurist with integrity, which adds to the pride with which her classmates now celebrate her return to Ogwashi-Uku.

Bonds of Friendship and Support — Chief Mike Nwaukoni & Classmates
Among those leading the congratulations within the community is Chief Mike Nwaukoni, widely known in Ogwashi-Uku as “Supu Lele,” a wealthy clearing and forwarding magnate and senior chief in the Kingdom.
Over the years, Chief Nwaukoni has become particularly close to Justice Azinge, offering both moral support. It is well known among the 1978 class that she has frequently opened her home to key classmates — to dine, socialize, share stories, and to strengthen class bonds. In every such gathering, she is said to have welcomed her peers with warmth, and many in the class say that those experiences helped deepen loyalty to her success.

In acknowledging her homecoming, classmates note that Chief Nwaukoni has been a steadfast ally — not merely in name, but in action — supporting her, uplifting her profile, and affirming her. She has also been very good to him and has always welcomed him to her house for meals and exchange of banter. The existing relationship of friendship, respect, and mutual backing between her and Chief Nwaukoni is thus a cornerstone of this congratulatory message.

Other members of the class of ’78 also join in this chorus of support. From professionals in law, business, education, and public service — many of whom credit Justice Azinge’s example as inspirational — the message is unanimous: she has made them proud, and they will walk with her in this new leg of her judicial journey.

In Her New Station — A Promise of Growth and Service
While Ogwashi-Uku is now her station, the class expects nothing less than excellence from Justice Azinge. They express unshakeable confidence that she will elevate the Ogwashi-Uku High Court, bring to it the same zeal, fairness, and integrity she displayed in Asaba, and even surpass them.
In heartfelt words circulated among class WhatsApp groups and letters, they promise: “Now that she is practically in her home, we will be there to support her at every step of the way.” That promise, made in unity, underscores how personal and collective this transition is for them.

Looking Ahead: What This Move Means Locally
Her return holds significant symbolic and practical value for Ogwashi-Uku. Having a high court judge of her caliber locally can speed up access to justice for the people, reduce burdens on litigants who otherwise travel to Asaba, and potentially strengthen the judicial presence in the community. For her classmates, neighbours, and the kingdom at large, her appointment is more than a personal victory — it is a community asset.

As she settles into her role, the Class of 1978 encourages all stakeholders — from the judiciary to the local bar, traditional institutions to civil society — to rally around her, support her, hold her accountable, and celebrate her success. They look forward to the stories of justice done, reforms made, and lives impacted under her watch in Ogwashi-Uku.

Class Of 1978, Nshiagu College Ogwashi-Uku Congratulates Hon. Justice Flora Azinge On Homecoming Posting To Ogwashi-Uku High Court

News

Borno Council Elections set for Dec 13th

Published

8 hours ago

October 15, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Borno APC Chairman, Bello Ayuba

Borno Council Elections set for Dec 13th

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Chair of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) party in Borno state Bello Ayuba has said the next council elections will take place on Dec 13th.

To this end, he assured recently that his party will work with the Borno state electoral commission to ensure that they conduct a free and fair party primaries to encompass everyone in the game.

Ayuba who addressed newsmen recently noted that his party has hit the ground running by inaugurating four committees that will guide the democratic process of electing the next sets of council chairmen in the state.

He said his party has formed a special reconciliation committee to ensure that aggrieved card carrying members will have a place for stabilization in the process of conducting the primaries within the 320 wards of the 27 council areas of the state.

Larger committees he posited will also be setup soon to work with the party leadership even after screening, appeal and reconciliation committees have concluded their service.

The chairman noted that his party has directed that candidates for the position of Councillor has been pegged at N 0.5m while Chairmanship candidates will pay only N2m for their forms compared to what goes on in other progressive states.

Borno Council Elections set for Dec 13th