Targeting Kwankwaso over Twitter exchange with U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore is witch-hunt

By: Zagazola Makama.

The inclusion of former Kano State Governor and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in a proposed U.S. bill on religious freedom is nothing but a witch-hunt and grave injustice, as it is not based on any evidence but on a public disagreement with US Reps Riley Moore on X otherwise known as Twitter.

The proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, sponsored by U.S. Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith, seeks to sanction Fulani militias and Kwankwaso over alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria.

However, critics argue that Kwankwaso’s inclusion followed his Twitter (X) exchange with Rep. Moore, rather than any proven role in religious violations.

Naming Kwankwaso among those accused of supporting Christian persecution without a shred of evidence simply because he challenged Rep. Moore’s narrative online is witch-hunting and injustice.

The disagreement followed President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged violations of religious freedom.

In response, Kwankwaso issued a statement expressing concern over what he described as “heightened pronouncements” on Nigeria by the U.S. President, warning that such rhetoric could deepen divisions rather than address the country’s real security challenges.

“I have noted with increasing concern the heightened pronouncements on Nigeria by President Donald Trump. This follows his designation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’,” Kwankwaso said.

He stressed that Nigeria was a sovereign nation facing threats from outlaw groups that did not discriminate based on religion, ethnicity or politics.

“These threats come from terrorist and criminal networks whose victims are both Muslims and Christians. What Nigeria needs is support in technology, intelligence and operational capacity, not threats that polarise our people,” he said.

Kwankwaso also urged unity among Nigerians and called on the Federal Government to strengthen diplomatic engagement with the United States through special envoys and permanent ambassadors.

“To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division. God bless Nigeria,” he added.

In a swift reaction on X (formerly Twitter), Rep. Moore accused Kwankwaso of hypocrisy and linked him to alleged religious persecution in Northern Nigeria.

“Governor, do you care to comment on your own complicity in the death of Christians? You instituted Sharia law. You signed the law that makes so-called blasphemy punishable by death,” Moore wrote.

The U.S. lawmaker’s post appeared to connect Kwankwaso’s role in implementing Sharia law in Kano State during his tenure as governor to ongoing concerns about religious freedom in Nigeria.

The U.S. lawmaker’s reaction shifted from policy debate to personal targeting. This is not accountability. It is retaliation for speaking back.

Linking Sharia law directly to what is happening today with Bandits, Boko Haram and ISWAP is misleading. Sharia law is part of Nigeria’s constitutional federal structure. It is not genocide. Terrorism is. The real killers of Christians, Muslims and other faithfuls alike are Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, JNIM and Lakurawa, not Kwankwaso.”

Based on records, Kano State, under Kwankwaso’s leadership, confronted Boko Haram cells and prevented the group from establishing a foothold in the state during the peak of the insurgency.

Kano was the only state in the North-West that averted bloodshed by decisively confronting the Boko Haram cells and brought their activities to a standstill. At a time when Boko Haram was expanding across northern Nigeria, Kano shut down their recruitment networks, dismantled logistics cells and prevented the sect from gaining territorial control. That record alone contradicts any claim that Kwankwaso enabled religious extremism.

Security Analyst, Bulama Bukarti, wrote “Truth be told, Kwankwaso is among the most moderate and pro-Nigeria politicians the country has ever produced. Naming him in the U.S. House bill as the sole individual to be sanctioned is not only unfair but plainly erroneous. His name should be withdrawn from the bill without delay.

“More broadly, this episode exposes the poor quality of the information underpinning the so-called “Christian genocide” narrative. Its proponents just generate and circulate unsubstantiated claims and then rely on those same claims as evidence,”he said.

As off now, no evidence has ever been presented linking Kwankwaso to acts of Christian persecution. Kano under Kwankwaso did not witness any attacks on Christians.

Therefore, using foreign legislation to punish political figures for online disagreements sets a dangerous precedent. If foreign lawmakers can label Nigerian politicians as persecutors simply because of Twitter arguments, then this is no longer about human rights, it is about political intimidation. Such actions undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and fuel sectarian tension. Justice requires evidence. Not tweets. Not grudges. Not activism.

Targeting Kwankwaso over Twitter exchange with U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore is witch-hunt

New VC Mohamed Tahir Tours YSU ….Pledges Improved Welfare for Staff and Students

By: Bodunrin kayode

The new Vice-Chancellor of Yobe State University (YSU), Prof. Muhammad Tahir, has embarked on his first official tour of key facilities within the institution.

He did so recently as a mark of hitting the ground running even as he declared that the happiness and welfare of staff and students will be a top priority of his administration.

Prof. Tahir emphasized during the tour that “staff and students must be happy,” stressing that to him, a conducive working and learning environment is essential for academic excellence.

He noted that his leadership would focus on improving staff welfare, creating a pleasant workplace atmosphere, and enhancing the overall learning conditions for students.

The Vice-Chancellor assured members of the University community that deliberate efforts would be made to upgrade students’ learning environment, including lecture halls, laboratories, and hostel accommodations.

In his view, comfortable and well-maintained hostels are critical to students’ academic performance and well-being as they transit to becoming professionals in their chosen fields of study.

Prof. Tahir also underscored the importance of cleanliness across the University campus, directing that all faculties and units must maintain high standards of hygiene on a daily basis.

The VC described a clean environment as a reflection of discipline, responsibility, and institutional pride which he noted would be the spice of the University community.

On discipline, the Vice-Chancellor made it clear that truancy and absenteeism among staff would not be tolerated. He pledged to instill a culture of commitment and accountability, noting that academic excellence can only thrive where duties are taken seriously.

“We must ensure proper maintenance of our infrastructure and properties. What we have must be preserved and managed responsibly,” he stated, calling for collective ownership in safeguarding university facilities.

The Vice-Chancellor also met with the Director of the University Consultancy Unit, where he stressed the urgent need to boost the institution’s internally generated revenue ( IGR).

Prof Tahir noted that the University must not rely solely on government subvention, emphasizing that innovative and sustainable investment initiatives should be explored for it’s sustainability.

He charged the Consultancy Unit to develop viable business ventures, strengthen partnerships, and expand professional services that would generate income for the University.

To him, increased revenue would enhance infrastructural development, improve staff welfare, and support a more conducive environment for teaching, learning, and research.

Prof. Tahir has so far visited the University Library, Faculty of Sciences, the Desert Research Centre and Career Services, Centre for Qur’anic Studies, Consultancy Unit and Centre for Research and Capacity Development on Humanitarian Development.

At each stop, he interacted with staff, assessed ongoing activities, and listened to concerns and suggestions aimed at improving productivity and service delivery.

The tour marks the beginning of what observers describe as a proactive and reform-driven administration, as the Vice-Chancellor sets the tone for a new era of accountability, welfare improvement, and infrastructural sustainability at YSU.

New VC Mohamed Tahir Tours YSU ….Pledges Improved Welfare for Staff and Students

Nigeria-China Relations at 55: Dialogue Highlights Achievements, Strategic Opportunities, and Shared Future

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and China marked 55 years of diplomatic relations on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, with a high-level dialogue at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), reflecting on past achievements and exploring opportunities for deeper cooperation across economic, cultural, and strategic sectors.

The event, themed “Nigeria-China at 55 and Beyond”, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, scholars, and private sector leaders. It featured remarks from the Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi II, IPCR Director-General Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, representatives from the Chinese Embassy, and the Centre for China Studies (CCS), highlighting the significance of the long-standing partnership.

In his welcome address, Dr. Ochogwu described the dialogue as a timely platform to assess the evolution of Nigeria-China relations, which have grown from diplomatic ties to a comprehensive partnership spanning infrastructure, trade, technology, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

“Partnerships such as Nigeria-China relations must be continually examined through the lens of peace, stability, and sustainable development,” Dr. Ochogwu said. He emphasized that sustainable development and durable peace are inseparable, noting that economic cooperation must be people-centered, conflict-sensitive, and aligned with national and regional stability goals.

Emir Sanusi II reflected on his personal connection to Nigeria-China relations, recalling that his father, Ambassador Aminu Sanusi, served as Nigeria’s first ambassador to China in 1971. He highlighted the strategic importance of deploying experienced diplomats to critical posts, urging policymakers to prioritize long-term national interests over prestige when determining postings.

“Diplomatic deployments must align with national interests, particularly in emerging geopolitical realities,” he said. Sanusi also stressed that while Chinese infrastructure projects are welcome, Nigeria must focus on domestic production and industrialization to fully leverage bilateral cooperation under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Representatives of the Chinese Embassy reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening strategic trust, advancing shared development, strengthening multilateral engagement, and promoting mutual learning among civilizations. They cited landmark achievements, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Zungeru Hydropower Station, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Natural Gas Pipeline, and railway modernization projects.

“Over 55 years, China and Nigeria have been trusted friends, supporting each other in national development and regional peace,” the Chinese delegation said. Bilateral trade surpassed USD 28 billion in 2025, a year-on-year increase of over 28 percent, while Chinese direct investment reached USD 690 million, up 103 percent from 2024. People-to-people ties, including educational exchanges, Confucius Institutes, and cultural festivals, were also highlighted as key pillars of the relationship.

The Centre for China Studies (CCS) underscored the historical context of the relationship, noting Nigeria’s early support for China’s seat at the United Nations in 1971 and the continued adherence to the One China Policy. CCS Director Charles Onunaiju emphasized that Nigeria is strategically positioned to benefit from China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and called for closer study of China’s governance and economic policies to inform national development strategies.

“Even though Nigeria and China have achieved much over the past 55 years, what lies ahead is even greater,” Onunaiju said, urging policymakers and scholars to focus on structural transformation, industrialization, and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The dialogue concluded with calls for strengthened strategic engagement, alignment of development priorities, and enhanced people-to-people exchanges, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable development, regional stability, and a long-term partnership between the two nations.

Nigeria-China Relations at 55: Dialogue Highlights Achievements, Strategic Opportunities, and Shared Future