Connect with us

News

Bakeni Commiserates with NUJ and Zulum over the demise of Isa Gusau

Published

on

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:

  1. Alhaji Ali Makinta Jere
  2. Idrissa L Kemdey
  3. Tijjani Goni Mohammed
  4. Hon Ibrahim Haruna Biu
  5. Hon Tukur Digira
  6. Engr Kori Shettima
  7. Hauwa M Musa
  8. Hon Abubakar Tijjani
  9. Hon Garba Saje
  10. Hon Kester C Oguali
  11. Hon Alao Hassan
  12. Alhaji Audu Maaji
  13. Hon Abba Jato Bama
  14. Hon Abba Saje Mohd Nur
  15. Engr Musa Gashigar
  16. Hon Abba Nguru
  17. Hon Bukar Dalatu
  18. Hon Idrisa Jidda
  19. Shettima Bukar Kulima (Marte)
  20. Hon Kaka Adam Mustapha
  21. Shettima Lawan Maina
  22. Dr Abubakar Hassan
  23. Modu Ali Gana Dikwa
  24. Sheikh Modu Mustapha
  25. Abba Kawu Shehu Abubakar
  26. Hon Musa Abbas
  27. Alhaji Musa Gwamma
  28. Baba Ali Haruna Kukawa
  29. 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

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

KACRAN Applauds Dr. Goje’s Commitment to Advancing Buni’s Policies in Yobe

Published

on

KACRAN Applauds Dr. Goje’s Commitment to Advancing Buni’s Policies in Yobe

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has commended the newly appointed Acting Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, for what it described as his zeal, competence and commitment to driving the policies and programmes of Governor Mai Mala Buni.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Damaturu by its National President, Hon. Khalil Mohd Bello, the association said Dr. Goje’s appointment had generated widespread positive reactions across Yobe State, especially among residents familiar with his performance as former Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

KACRAN described the appointment as timely and well-deserved, noting that Dr. Goje distinguished himself through sacrifice, loyalty and dedication to humanitarian service while at SEMA.

The association particularly recalled his role in coordinating relief and support for victims of flooding in Maiduguri and parts of Yobe State, saying his response demonstrated leadership capacity and ability to deliver under pressure.

According to the statement, the large turnout of Permanent Secretaries, Directors, traditional representatives, Special Advisers, security personnel, journalists, SEMA staff and other well-wishers during his assumption of office reflected the confidence many stakeholders have in his leadership.

“KACRAN is impressed by the smooth transition and the immediate positive energy Dr. Goje has brought to the Office of the SSG,” Bello stated.

“From his articulate remarks during the handover to his engagements within the first week in office, he has shown he understands the task ahead and is ready to sacrifice his time and effort to ensure Governor Buni’s policies are implemented effectively.”

The association added that Dr. Goje’s previous working relationship with the Governor’s Office and former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, had equipped him with the experience needed to coordinate government activities effectively.

KACRAN further praised his consultative leadership style, citing his engagements with commissioners, permanent secretaries, directors and other critical stakeholders as evidence of his readiness to foster collaboration and improve governance.

The association also commended Governor Buni for appointing what it termed a committed and experienced public servant capable of supporting the administration’s development agenda and campaign promises.

In the same vein, KACRAN applauded the Yobe State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa Shehu, for efforts aimed at reforming and strengthening the state civil service through training and capacity-building programmes.

The association specifically hailed the ongoing training of Yobe teachers in Kaduna, describing it as a strategic investment toward improving the quality of education in the state.

KACRAN reaffirmed its support for policies and initiatives geared toward promoting good governance, security and the welfare of pastoralists and other citizens, while pledging continued partnership with the Yobe State Government in advancing development objectives

KACRAN Applauds Dr. Goje’s Commitment to Advancing Buni’s Policies in Yobe

Continue Reading

News

Zulum Visits Bama Windstorm Victims, Approves Relief for Bereaved Families

Published

on

Zulum Visits Bama Windstorm Victims, Approves Relief for Bereaved Families

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum on Sunday visited Bama town in the state to sympathise with victims of a devastating windstorm that destroyed hundreds of homes and claimed lives in the community.

The governor, who travelled to the affected area alongside top government officials, announced immediate relief measures for victims, including a cash donation of N500,000 to each family that lost a relative in the disaster.

Zulum was accompanied on the visit by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bukar Talba, the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, Acting Chief of Staff, Babagana Malumbe, former commissioners and other senior government officials.

Addressing residents during the visit, the governor directed an immediate assessment of the scale of destruction caused by the windstorm, assuring affected households that government assistance would be provided according to the level of damage suffered.

The disaster, which swept through parts of Bama town, reportedly destroyed rooftops, buildings and other properties, leaving many residents homeless and vulnerable.

Chairman of Bama Local Government Area, Babagana Barma, disclosed that no fewer than 1,200 houses were affected by the storm, while four persons lost their lives.

Zulum described the incident as unfortunate and expressed condolences to bereaved families, assuring them that the state government would continue to stand by victims during the difficult period.

The governor, however, used the occasion to raise concerns over environmental degradation, warning residents against indiscriminate tree felling, which he identified as a major contributor to the increasing occurrence of windstorms and ecological disasters in the region.

“We must stop cutting down trees arbitrarily. This is a key factor behind the increasing intensity of storms and ecological challenges we face. We already have laws on the ground, and there is a need to ensure that we fully implement them,” he said.

Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that deforestation and desert encroachment remain major threats in many parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in states within the Sahel region, where changing climate patterns have continued to worsen flooding, erosion and wind-related disasters.

Borno State has in recent years intensified campaigns on environmental protection and tree planting as part of broader efforts to combat desertification and climate-related challenges.

During the visit, Zulum also reiterated his administration’s commitment to the safe return of displaced persons currently residing in Internally Displaced Persons camps across the state.

He assured residents that government would continue to pursue policies aimed at restoring communities devastated by years of insurgency and humanitarian crises.

Bama, one of the communities worst affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, has continued to witness gradual reconstruction and resettlement efforts under the present administration, despite recurring security and environmental challenges.

Zulum Visits Bama Windstorm Victims, Approves Relief for Bereaved Families

Continue Reading

News

UNIFEMGA Urges Positive Mindset, National Unity as Key to Nigeria’s Growth

Published

on

UNIFEMGA Urges Positive Mindset, National Unity as Key to Nigeria’s Growth

By: Michael Mike

Members of the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA) have called on Nigerians to embrace positive thinking, patriotism and collective responsibility as essential ingredients for national transformation and sustainable development.

The association made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its 2026 Annual National Re-union held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, between May 8 and May 10.

The conference, themed “The Potential Within Nigeria: Positive Mindset and Communication for Success,” brought together Muslim professionals, academics, business leaders and alumni from across the country to deliberate on issues affecting national development, education, governance and economic growth.

The communiqué, signed by the National President of the association, Mohamed Buari, and the National Secretary, Sefiu Ikudaisi, stressed that Nigeria possesses abundant human and material resources capable of transforming the country into a global economic and political force if citizens adopt the right mindset and attitudes.

According to the association, negative narratives, disunity and poor value orientation have continued to undermine the country’s enormous potential.

It noted that Islam encourages development, innovation and the pursuit of knowledge capable of improving the quality of life, provided such advancements remain within the ethical boundaries prescribed by the religion.

The conference commenced with a special Jumat service at the OAU Central Mosque of Unity and a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Adebayo Simeon Bamire, and other principal officers of the institution.

During the visit, discussions centred on issues of mutual interest, with the university management reportedly commending the association for its contributions to the growth and development of the institution.

A major highlight of the reunion was the presentation of scholarships worth N14.6 million to 140 students of the university as part of the association’s welfare and educational support programme.

UNIFEMGA disclosed that since the introduction of the scholarship initiative in the 2009/2010 academic session, it has disbursed over N103.4 million to 1,148 students of the institution.

The association also launched a N200 million endowment fund targeted at supporting widows and orphans of members under its welfare scheme.

The event featured a networking dinner sponsored by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the association, Rafiu Ebiti, focusing on value-driven entrepreneurship and investment opportunities.

The reunion lecture was delivered by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, while the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Matrix Energy Group, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, chaired the occasion.

Also in attendance were representatives of the Osun State Government, including Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Religious Affairs, Bello Adeniyi, as well as the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Adejare Bello.

The association expressed concern over the growing challenges confronting tertiary education in Nigeria, including brain drain, obsolete learning equipment, unstable academic calendars and outdated curricula.

It urged the government to urgently address the problems and transform the current “japa” trend into an opportunity for “brain gain” capable of enhancing national productivity and innovation.

UNIFEMGA further called for stronger collaboration between universities and the private sector to ensure sustainable research, innovation and technological advancement.

On the economy, the association urged governments at all levels to create an enabling business environment through improved electricity supply, infrastructure development and investment in human capital.

It also stressed the need to tackle unemployment, warning that many jobless youths are vulnerable to manipulation by individuals promoting violence and instability.

The association said that a positive national mindset remains the foundation for building a prosperous and united Nigeria, urging citizens to embrace values that promote peace, productivity, discipline and national cohesion.

UNIFEMGA Urges Positive Mindset, National Unity as Key to Nigeria’s Growth

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights