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Reflecting on 25 Years of Freedom from Abacha”s Death Sentence: A Journey of Resilience and Gratitude

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Reflecting on 25 Years of Freedom from Abacha”s Death Sentence: A Journey of Resilience and Gratitude

By Bello Fadile_

As I sit down to pen these words, my mind drifts back to a momentous day etched in the annals of my personal history – March 4, 1999. It was on this day, 25 years ago, that I emerged from the shadows of incarceration into the warm embrace of freedom. The memory of that day remains vivid in my mind, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering power of faith.

In a recent conversation with journalists, I had the opportunity to recount the events surrounding my unexpected liberation from the confines of Argungu Prison, a facility now known as a Correctional Facility, in Kebbi State. Sentenced to what seemed like a lifetime behind bars for advocating a non-violent transition to democracy, I found myself grappling with the harsh realities of life under the regime of the late Gen. Sani Abacha–my then friend and boss.

The following excerpt is testimony of my release from a “life sentence”, as extracted from the upcoming book, “Nine Lives: The Bello Fadile Memoirs”:

“..25 years ago, in the wee hours of March 4 1999, I had tap, tap, tap, on my cell window and Colonel! Colonel!! wake up. I got up and went closer. Then I saw the warder on duty, a retired Warrant officer of the Nigerian Army now working for the Nigeria Prison Services. He said, “Oga you don free, congratulations sir, start packing your things, you are going home.”

I asked him, what did you just say? ” He said, “Yes sir you are  to be released today, sir.” I did not say anything. I just believed him and rushed to the general open cell opposite my cell to tell the two other inmates who were on a three-day dry fasting with me, seeking the face of God in my situation. It was the beginning of the third day. I told them the good news and they shouted, “Hallelujah!” and we stood up and joined hands to sing out sing-song chorus; God is able, abundantly able, to deliver and to save; The Lord is able, abundantly able, to deliver those who trust in him. Hallelujah!”

As can be seen from the excerpts, it was as the early hours of March 4th dawned that a gentle tap on my cell window shattered the silence of the night, heralding the arrival of long-awaited news. A retired Warrant Officer turned prison warder stood before me, bearing tidings of liberation. With a heart overflowing with gratitude, I shared the news with my fellow inmates, their voices rising in a chorus of praise and thanksgiving.

In those fleeting moments, as I prepared to leave my confinement behind, I was overcome with a profound sense of gratitude towards those who had supported me during my darkest hours. It was with a newfound appreciation for the precious gift of freedom that I stepped out of the prison gates, my spirit unshackled from the chains of oppression.

As I reflect on the significance of this momentous occasion, I am reminded of the countless individuals who fought tirelessly for the cause of democracy in Nigeria. I extend my deepest gratitude to Gen. Abdusalami Alhaji Abubakar, whose act of clemency paved the way for my release, and to all those who contributed to the establishment of a true democratic government in our beloved nation.

As March 4th, 2024, marks the 25th anniversary of my freedom, I am filled with a sense of humility and reverence. My journey from incarceration to liberation serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the triumph of justice over adversity. I am eternally grateful for the unwavering support of my fellow countrymen and women, and I remain committed to upholding the values of democracy and freedom for generations to come.
To God be the honor and glory, and may His blessings continue to shine upon the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Col. Bello Fadile (Ph.D Law) is human rights lawyer and retired Nigerian Army officer

Reflecting on 25 Years of Freedom from Abacha”s Death Sentence: A Journey of Resilience and Gratitude

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President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

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President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

By: Bodunrin Kayode

President Bola Tinubu will today visit the Plateau state capital Jos to commiserate with residents who lost loved ones during the Palm Sunday shooting spree by criminals that took place at Angwa rukuba area of the city.

The President who was scheduled to visit Ogun state postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, meant to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport.

From the Plateau, the President is expected to travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday public holiday which ushers the beginning of the Easter public holiday which rounds up the lent period.

A state house release signed yesterday by the Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga noted that President Tinubu will travel to Ogun State for the commissioning of the Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircrafts for the export and import of goods, aimed at boosting the state’s economic growth on Saturday April 4th.

“He will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles.

“He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is also expected to commission infrastructural projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“These projects include: the iconic Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge; the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building; the Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, and a school Complex.

“Before returning to Abuja, President Tinubu will visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to commission some of Governor Duoye Diri’s completed projects.” Said the release.

Sadly several residents lost their lives during the black Palm Sunday shooting spree which is suspected to have been carried out by auto bike riding bandits following after their patterns in the hinterlands of the state.

These bandits who had tormented, killed and destroyed homes of residences of the Jos north axis of the state for several years after September 7th 2001

This damnation let loose on innocent residents is resurfacing after hundreds of killings had occurred in the Jos North council area of the state from September 7th 2001 till date.

And because of the myriad of challenges creeping into the federal security system sub regionals have geared up to manage their on police and Intel services which would assist greatly because they are masters of their territories.

The Federal government is fast tracking the process of state police to ensure that each sub nationals take charge of their environment to ensure that they support the center in the maintenance of internal security.

President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

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NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

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NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said that in 2026, the length of the rainy season in Gombe State is expected to be between 107 and 138 days.

This is contained in the Agency’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document, which Gayus Musa, the meteorological manager for Gombe State, made available to Our Correspondent in Gombe on Tuesday.

The total amount of rainfall across Gombe State in 2026 is predicted to be between 701 mm in the northern part of the state (Nafada) and 1089 mm in the South (Shongom).

The onset of the rainfall is expected to commence in the state on May 29 (Shongom) and cease by October 22 (Yamaltu/Deba).

Similarly, in the prediction, four local government areas of the state, namely: Nafada, Yamaltu/Deba, Dukku and Funakaye were likely to be impacted by a severe dry spell (21 days and above) between June and August.

Musa while speaking to Our Correspondent on the first rainfall experienced in some communities in Akko, Gombe and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state on Monday urged farmers to resist the temptation of early planting of crops.

He described the first rain as false onset, explaining that the rainfall was false because it would not support any germination as seeds planted with such rain would not survive.

“This (first rain) is a false onset because the precipitation cannot carry any germination and so any seed planted would not survive.

“So farmers should not engage themselves in planting but to prepare their farmlands while getting their seeds and other inputs ready,” he said.

Musa advised farmers in the state, to make use of the prediction in carrying out farming activities towards avoiding losses in view of the impact of climate change on agriculture.

He further urged relevant authorities in the state to take proactive measures towards tackling environmental issues associated with the rainy season.

NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

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Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

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Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

By: Michael Mike

The rumoured interest of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar in becoming the governor of Bauchi State come 2027 may have been confirmed he resigned on Monday to prepared ground for actualization of his political ambition.

The resignation was ahead of the deadline set for political appointees seeking elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.

In a resignation letter submitted to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tuggar expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and contribute to the implementation of the administration’s Four-D foreign policy strategy.

The former minister also appreciated the management and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic community for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.

During his time in office, Tuggar was credited with advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives through initiatives focused on people-centred diplomacy. These included humanitarian evacuations, facilitation of scholarships for Nigerians abroad, and sustained support for citizens in the diaspora.

His tenure also witnessed increased diaspora engagement, including efforts to develop a structured database of Nigerians living abroad aimed at strengthening their participation in national development.

In addition, Tuggar strengthened bilateral and multilateral relations through strategic engagements with traditional partners and regional alliances, particularly across the Global South. His leadership also promoted regional security cooperation and supported the formation of the Regional Partnership for Democracy initiative.

He also prioritised economic diplomacy, positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment, especially in the energy sector, while facilitating diplomatic interventions that secured the release of detained Nigerians in foreign countries and improved bilateral relations.

The resignation letter was received on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by Dr. Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, ahead of the March thirty-first deadline directed by President Tinubu in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.

Tuggar’s resignation was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.

Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

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