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Art Can Heal Nigeria — Shehu Sani Declares at Kaduna Painting Competition

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Comrade Shehu Sani, has reiterated the power of art as a unifying force and a catalyst for national development, as he sponsored and graced a Painting Competition held on Wednesday at the Kaduna Museum.

The event, which attracted dozens of young artists, students, cultural enthusiasts and community leaders, showcased a variety of paintings reflecting themes of peace, unity, diversity and social harmony.

Speaking during the ceremony, Sani said the competition was conceived to encourage creativity among young Nigerians and to provide them with a platform to express themselves freely through visual arts. According to him, painting and other creative expressions have the capacity to bridge divides, foster tolerance and strengthen national cohesion.

He noted that art remains a universal language that communicates across ethnic, religious and political barriers, making it a strategic tool for promoting peaceful coexistence in a multicultural society like Nigeria.

“Art has the power to heal, to unify and to inspire,” Sani said. “What these young artists have demonstrated today is that creativity can serve as a panacea for our national challenges, including unemployment, social tension and the lack of opportunities for the youth.”

The former senator emphasised that investment in art and creative industries can contribute significantly to job creation, tourism growth and youth empowerment. He urged government agencies, cultural institutions, NGOs and private-sector actors to support similar initiatives that highlight the talents of young Nigerians.

Sani also commended the participants for their outstanding works, promising to continue supporting programmes that promote creativity, skill development and peaceful engagement among young people.

Curators at the Kaduna Museum and coordinators of the competition praised Sani for his consistent commitment to cultural development and youth empowerment, stressing that the event would inspire many young artists to pursue careers in the creative sector.

Winners of the competition received certificates, cash prizes and art materials, while their works are expected to be displayed at the museum and other public exhibitions aimed at promoting peace and unity.

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Nigeria, Saudi Arabia sign Five-Year Defence, Military Cooperation Agreement

The Federal Government and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen defence and military cooperation between both nations.

The agreement, according to a statement by Special Assistant on media to the Minister of State, Defence, Ahmed Dan Wudil, will cover strategic collaboration across security, military training, intelligence sharing, defence production, and joint operations for sustainable security development.

The pact was signed on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle, while Dr. Khaleed H. Al-Biyari signed for the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It noted that the agreement marks a significant step in boosting bilateral relations, cooperation and enhancing collaborative efforts in tackling emerging security challenges in the country.

The Defence Ministry said it welcomes the development, noting the current security challenges in some parts of the country will soon be over.

Defence Counsel Faults 21-Year Sentence as Kaduna Court Concludes 11-Year Trial

A Kaduna State High Court has sentenced three defendants to a combined 21 years in prison over charges of conspiracy and intention to commit culpable homicide in the case of The State Vs. Ayuba Barde & 5 others KDH/KAD/88C/2014 — bringing an end to a legal battle that has stretched for more than a decade and raised serious concerns over delays in Nigeria’s judicial process.

The men, arrested in January 2014, were accused of attacking the late Chief of Jere, Dr. Sa’ad Usman, his driver and an orderly along the SSC Jere–Bwari Road in Kagarko Local Government Area. The defendants consistently pleaded not guilty.

The case passed through several judges, restarted multiple times, and witnessed prolonged periods without bail. The final judgment was delivered on 19 November 2025 by Justice Buhari M. Balarabe, who found the men guilty of conspiracy and intention to commit culpable homicide. However, the court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove that the Chief’s death in April 2020 — six years after the incident — was linked to the alleged attack.

Each defendant received five years for conspiracy and ten years for intention to commit culpable homicide, to run concurrently. Despite the court acknowledging that the men had already spent 11 years in custody, the judgment means they will remain in prison for an additional decade.

Lead defence attorney, Gloria Mabeiam Ballason Esa, disagrees with the judgment, describing it as “against the weight of evidence” and “not supported by law, justice or fairness.”

“To hand down 21 years imprisonment for conspiracy and intention is not contemplated by law. Not even the devil knows the intention of the heart of man,” she said.

Ballason also raised concerns about the conduct of the proceedings, citing the refusal of the court to entertain bail applications until after the full hearing — a move she said violated constitutional guarantees of presumption of innocence and fair trial.

She further noted that no medical report establishing the cause of death of the traditional ruler was tendered in evidence, leaving what she described as “a break in the chain of causation.”

The defence argues that the unusually long duration of the case — involving repeated transfers between judges and a trial that restarted several times — undermines public confidence in the justice system. “Eleven years for a criminal trial under a democracy is simply not justifiable,” Ballason stated.

The defendants plan to appeal the judgment, with their legal team insisting there are strong grounds to challenge both the conviction and the sentencing.

The Kaduna State Ministry of Justice, represented in court by Solicitor-General J. N. Azumi Esq, declined to make comments on the record.

The case, already drawing national attention, is expected to face renewed scrutiny as it moves to the appellate courts, where legal observers say it may become a test of Nigeria’s commitment to fair trial standards and judicial reform.

Kano at a Turning Point: Building on Government Successes to Secure a Sustainable Housing Future

By Barr. Aminu Hussaini

As Kano State continues to affirm its position as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic economic and population hub, a major opportunity lies ahead: transforming its growing urban landscape through smarter planning, stronger regulation and deeper collaboration with the private sector.In recent years, the state has witnessed a rapid rise in demand for residential land, driven by population growth, urban migration and economic expansion.

While this heightened demand has encouraged private developers to supply residential plots at unprecedented scale, an increasing number of these private layouts emerged without adequate planning, infrastructure or regulatory approval, placing both residents and government agencies at risk.

Government Achievements: A Foundation Worth CelebratingDespite these challenges, the Kano State Government under the leadership of AKY has made remarkable strides in improving land administration, urban planning and infrastructure delivery.

From digitizing key aspects of land records to strengthening the operations of land management agencies, the government has taken bold steps to enhance transparency, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and promote orderly development.Key achievements include the introduction of more structured land allocation processes that prioritize fairness and efficiency; revitalization of planning agencies, improving their capacity to assess and approve layouts according to modern standards and improved monitoring and enforcement against unauthorized developments, expansion of government-serviced layouts as well as provision of safer and more affordable residential options.

Why Stronger Regulation Still Matters Even with these gains, the increasing proliferation of substandard private layouts means regulation and oversight must remain a priority. Many of these unapproved layouts lack essential infrastructure and pose long-term risks.Public–Private Partnership: The Key to Sustainability One of the most important lessons from modern urban development worldwide is that government effort alone is not enough — sustainability is best achieved when public institutions and private developers work hand-in-hand.

With proper PPP frameworks, developers can co-invest in roads, drainage, energy and water systems while government ensures clear standards, oversight and incentives. Together, both sides can build high-quality and well-planned residential communities.A Shared Responsibility for a Shared FutureKano’s transformation can neither be left solely to government agencies nor entirely to private developers.

Sustainability depends on mutual responsibility, where government maintains strong oversight, private investors build responsibly and communities embrace regulated housing options.ConclusionKano stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey. The state government’s outstanding achievements in strengthening land administration and urban planning have laid a strong foundation for progress.

The next phase requires complementary partnership with private developers to sustain this momentum and ensure every resident has access to safe – modern housing.With continued government leadership and responsible private-sector participation, Kano under the AKY is set to become a national model for sustainable urban growth.

This opinion piece was written by Barrister Aminu Hussaini – Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State – AKY on Justice/Constitutional Matters – +234 8033742424 – aminuhussaini173@gmail.com

Steady Hand In Stormy Times: The Legacy And Leadership Of General Christopher Musa (Rtd.)

In moments when nations confront the limits of their endurance, history often turns to leaders whose lives have been shaped on the frontlines of discipline, strategy and sacrifice. General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), Nigeria’s former Chief of Defence Staff and now Minister of Defence, stands among such figures—calm in crisis, firm under pressure and unwaveringly committed to the ideal of a secure and united Nigeria.

A Soldier Forged by Training and ExperienceGeneral Musa’s pathway into the upper echelons of Nigeria’s security architecture is the result of decades of methodical preparation. A graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy, among the country’s toughest institutions, he also received specialized training in strategic warfare, counterterrorism and operational command both in Nigeria and abroad. His academic credentials, including coursework in defence management and national security strategy, complement a career of hands-on military experience.

It is this blend of intellectual grounding and practical command that enabled him to helm Operation Hadin Kai, the major counterinsurgency mission in the northeast, with a reputation for coordination, discipline and respect for humanitarian considerations.Bravery without SpectacleThose who served under him often describe his bravery not as the loud, chest-beating kind but as something quieter and more resolute. Musa was known for visiting forward operating bases that many senior officers only observed from afar. His presence—unannounced, unarmed beyond standard protocol and fully exposed to the same dangers as his troops—communicated a simple truth: leadership is accountability lived, not preached.

Even as he rose in the ranks, he maintained this ethos, showing the country that courage is measured not only on the battlefield but also in the willingness to take responsibility when decisions carry real-world consequences.Principles That Anchor LeadershipThree values have consistently defined his service: Professionalism – General Musa’s insistence on discipline, due process and respect for the chain of command helped restore confidence in joint operations during a period of fragmented security efforts; Integrity – known for his straightforward communication style, he routinely provided briefings grounded in facts rather than theatrics—an essential quality in an era of misinformation and national uncertainty and Humanity – Musa emphasized protecting civilians, collaborating with humanitarian agencies and ensuring that military operations aligned with Nigeria’s legal and ethical obligations.A Legacy Rooted in Service, Not PowerAcross his career, Musa has worked to professionalize the military, strengthen inter-agency intelligence sharing and promote welfare reforms for troops deployed in high-risk zones.

His tenure as Chief of Defence Staff demonstrated the potential of a security leadership that is steady even when the national mood is anxious. If his legacy has a central theme, it is this: service above self.Suitability at a Critical HourNigeria today confronts a complex security landscape—terrorism, banditry, oil theft, cyber threats and communal tensions converging into one of the nation’s most challenging periods. At such a time, the role of the Minister of Defence demands not only policy knowledge but also a deeply practical understanding of the terrain, the troops and the tactics that work.

General Musa brings decades of field command experience, proven record of coordinating multi-theatre operations, strong credibility within the armed forces as well as disciplined and principle-driven approach to national defence. These qualities do not promise miracles—but they offer something more realistic and arguably more important: competence, steadiness and an understanding of what it truly takes to safeguard a nation’s sovereignty.An Image of Hope in Difficult TimesNigeria’s insecurity challenges are steep, undeniably so.

But history shows that nations have overcome worse when guided by leaders capable of clear thinking and grounded action. General Christopher Musa (Rtd.) represents a generation of officers who understand the price of peace because they have fought through the cost of its absence. His career is a reminder that leadership, at its best, is not about promises—it is about presence, principle, and persistence.In a moment when the country seeks reassurance, his story rekindles a belief that Nigeria has within its own ranks the capacity, courage and competence to overcome the storms it faces.

No doubt, his appointment reflects political wisdom and thoughtful leadership decision from the Commander in Chief – it has reinforced public confidence and strengthened the nation’s resolve.

Northern Forum Urges DSS to Arrest Marafa, Shinkafi Over ‘Foreign Invasion’ Remarks

By Musa Maye

A northern-based organisation, the Northern Progressive and Advancement Forum, has demanded the arrest of Nigerians alleged to be agitating for foreign invasion in the country’s security affairs.

The call was issued on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi by the group’s spokesperson, Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf, following an emergency meeting convened to review what it described as rising “treasonable statements” capable of undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty and peaceful coexistence.

Yusuf cautioned that freedom of expression and political disagreements must not be used as a shield for reckless rhetoric, especially statements he said were targeted at destabilising the nation. He accused some northern politicians—particularly from Zamfara State—of benefitting from previous political appointments but now resorting to dangerous public commentary due to personal grievances.

According to him, recent agitations have deliberately targeted the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, with critics allegedly seeking to discredit his record and contributions to ongoing security operations.

“A highly placed politician from Zamfara State, who should be offering solutions to our lingering security challenges, is instead fuelling tension and making reckless statements,” he said.

Yusuf recalled that during Matawalle’s tenure as governor, he removed a traditional ruler who had reportedly conferred a chieftaincy title on notorious bandit leader Ado Alero, arguing that such actions demonstrated the minister’s commitment to security reforms.

He also accused former APGA National Secretary, Alhaji Abdullahi Shinkafi, of publicly criticising the minister and making allegations the group described as unsubstantiated.

Condemning the utterances as harmful to national unity, the forum stressed that Matawalle holds his office legitimately with presidential approval and is working in the interest of Nigerians.

“We call on the DSS and the NIS to arrest Senator Kabiru Marafa and Alhaji Abdullahi Shinkafi and to seize their international passports for actions capable of undermining national peace and security,” Yusuf said.

The group commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Matawalle and praised what it described as his contributions to counter-insurgency operations, noting the rescue of schoolgirls in Kebbi alongside earlier successes in Chibok, Dapchi, and Yauri.

Yusuf further applauded the President, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security agencies for what he termed significant progress in combating insurgency, banditry, and related crimes. He urged northerners to unite, adopt constructive approaches to their security challenges, and take advantage of available opportunities for socioeconomic development and peaceful coexistence.

Middle Belt Forum Shifts December Stakeholders Conference Over Unforeseen Development

Bulus Adam

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has postponed its much-anticipated December Stakeholders Conference scheduled to hold from December 10 to 12, 2025, in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

The Forum, founded in 1947 as the umbrella body for the diverse peoples of the Middle Belt, disclosed that the decision followed “unforeseen developments” requiring resolution before the regional gathering can proceed. The event was to be hosted at Kini Country Guest Inn.

The conference was expected to bring together leaders, civil society groups, and community representatives from across the Middle Belt—a region encompassing the autochthonous ethnic nationalities of the former Northern Region who did not belong to the Sokoto or Borno Caliphates before colonial rule. These include indigenous groups from Southern Kebbi, Southern Kaduna, Southern Borno, Southern Bauchi, and communities across Gombe, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Niger States and the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement issued Sunday and signed by the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee (CPC), Barrister Dan Ejembi, on behalf of MBF President Dr. Pogu Bitrus, the Forum expressed regret over the development.

“Any inconveniences caused by this unfortunate development are deeply regretted,” the notice read, assuring that a new date would be announced soon.

The MBF stressed that it remains committed to strengthening unity and building a coherent agenda for the region, adding that consultations with stakeholders will continue.

The statement was signed by the Forum’s spokesman, Luka Binniyat.

Kaduna Takes Bold Stand as CERSDOV Leads Dramatic Community Walk Against Technology-Driven Gender Violence

Kaduna State joined the global campaign against gender-based violence with a strong focus on technology-facilitated abuse as the Centre for Study and Resolution of Domestic Violence (CERSDOV) led a community sensitisation walk in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area, as part of activities marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The 16 Days of Activism, observed globally from November 25 to December 10, continues to serve as a rallying point for renewed commitment toward eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls both offline and in the rapidly expanding digital space.

The Kaduna community walk reflects a growing recognition that as technology evolves, advocacy and protection mechanisms must also adapt to confront emerging forms of abuse.

Leading the advocacy was the Founder of CERSDOV, Professor Hauwa’u H. Yusuf, who disclosed that the campaign was aimed at drawing public attention to the growing dangers of technology-enabled gender-based violence, including cyberstalking, online harassment, image-based abuse, and other digital violations.

According to her, the walk was designed not just as a symbolic action but as a direct community engagement effort to educate residents on how digital tools are increasingly being used to perpetrate abuse and how such acts can be prevented.

Professor Hauwa’u noted that the initiative was carried out in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and supported by key partners including the International Centre for Advocacy (ICA), e-CAPH, Babajo Foundation, and the Nigerian Correctional Service.

“As we walk through this community, we are carrying critical information to enlighten the people on the dangers of technologically facilitated gender-based violence.

“We want this menace to end, and we are committed to putting in all our strength to ensure that it does,” she said.

Residents were engaged with awareness materials and interactive education on digital safety, responsible technology use, and reporting channels for victims of online and offline abuse.

The presence of correctional services officers further reinforced the legal consequences of gender-based violence.

NSNCM Urges President Tinubu to Retain Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence

The Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement (NSNCM), a coalition of 598 registered associations across the 19 Northern states and Northern communities in the 17 Southern states, has declared firm support for the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retain him in office in the interest of national security.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the National President of the movement, Dr. Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, said the organization—one of the largest socio-political coalitions in the region—convened the briefing to commend recent security appointments by the President and to restate the importance of continuity within the defence leadership.

Dr. Aliyu applauded President Tinubu for appointing General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the new Minister of Defence, describing him as a “detribalized, highly accomplished and patriotic military leader.” He said Musa’s experience and national outlook have inspired fresh confidence among Nigerians.

He also commended the former Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on health grounds, noting that his dedication and achievements remain appreciated.

The movement, however, devoted much of its statement to defending Dr. Matawalle against what it described as politically motivated calls for his removal.

According to Dr. Aliyu, Dr. Matawalle has demonstrated “genuine commitment, responsiveness and visible results” both as Governor of Zamfara State and as Minister of State for Defence. He cited key achievements, including the rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State, the strengthening of multi-agency intelligence-sharing structures, and advocacy for improved military funding and modernization.

He recalled Matawalle’s efforts as Governor between 2019 and 2023, during which he confronted severe banditry through a mix of community dialogue, intelligence-driven operations and enforcement. His Peace and Reconciliation Initiative, the establishment of Community Protection Guards, and coordination with security agencies reportedly contributed to reopening closed roads, reviving farming activities and reducing attacks in affected communities.

Dr. Aliyu dismissed recent calls for Matawalle’s removal as “political resentment” from long-standing adversaries uncomfortable with his loyalty to President Tinubu and contributions to the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He clarified that defence ministers do not command troops, as operational control rests with the service chiefs under the constitutional authority of the President. Rather, ministers provide policy direction, administrative coordination and strategic guidance. He added that the law does not require the minister to be a serving or retired military officer, emphasizing that competence and integrity remain the key criteria.

Highlighting recent gains in civil-military relations, community intelligence flow and stakeholder engagement, the NSNCM argued that removing Matawalle at this time would disrupt emerging progress in ongoing security reforms.

“At this critical point in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, continuity is essential,” Dr. Aliyu said. “The synergy between the Minister of Defence and the Minister of State for Defence is beginning to yield results, and the nation needs leadership stability to consolidate these gains.”

He urged President Tinubu to disregard “mischief makers and politically motivated distractors” seeking to undermine Matawalle, noting that the group’s 598 affiliate associations are committed to mobilizing support for peace, unity and cooperation with security agencies nationwide.

Dr. Aliyu reaffirmed the movement’s pledge to contribute to grassroots intelligence gathering, community sensitization and national stability.

Court Wades Into Oba Crisis, Orders Police and FIRS to Probe Northbridge Energy Chairman

Court Storms Into Oba Crisis, Orders Police and FIRS to Probe Northbridge Energy Chairman

A Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has ordered the Nigeria Police and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to investigate the allegations of tax evasion, fraud, and related offences levelled against Engr. Augustine Chinedum Emelobe, Chairman of Northbridge Energy Limited.

The court order comes as the Leaders and Elders’ Council of Oba community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State renewed their demand for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately prosecute Engr. Emelobe over the same allegations.

Elders Petition EFCC, Accuse Commission of Silence

In a petition dated September 8, 2025, and submitted through their legal representatives, Chuks Uguru & Co., the Elders’ Council accused the EFCC of maintaining what they describe as a “conspiracy of silence” after reportedly concluding investigations into the allegations months earlier.

The elders said they had written to the EFCC on December 10, 2024, and April 23, 2025, requesting updates on the status of the investigation and prosecution. Both letters, they said, were ignored.

Dispute Over the Igwe Stool

The Elders’ Council also faulted Engr. Emelobe’s continued parading of himself as the Igwe of Oba, despite facing a four-count criminal charge before an Anambra State Magistrate Court for alleged usurpation of the traditional stool.

They insist that the traditional rulership position must be occupied by a man of unquestionable integrity, arguing that anyone battling unresolved criminal allegations should not lay claim to the revered Igwe title.

30-Day Ultimatum to EFCC

In the petition, the elders issued a 30-day ultimatum to the EFCC to prosecute Engr. Emelobe, warning that failure to act within the stipulated period would compel them to seek an order of mandamus to force the Commission into action.

Call for Transparency and Rule of Law

The Elders’ Council expressed concern that the EFCC’s silence is generating tension within the community. They urged the Commission to act promptly, follow due process, and help safeguard the integrity of the traditional institution.

They also called on the Police, FIRS, and relevant agencies to comply fully with the FCT court order and ensure a thorough, transparent investigation.

Court Storms Into Oba Crisis, Orders Police and FIRS to Probe Northbridge Energy Chairman

Elders Petition EFCC, Accuse Commission of Silence

The elders said they had written to the EFCC on December 10, 2024, and April 23, 2025, requesting updates on the status of the investigation and prosecution. Both letters, they said, were ignored.

Dispute Over the Igwe Stool

30-Day Ultimatum to EFCC

Call for Transparency and Rule of Law

They also called on the Police, FIRS, and relevant agencies to comply fully with the FCT court order and ensure a thorough, transparent investigation.

Elders Petition EFCC, Accuse Commission of Silence

The elders said they had written to the EFCC on December 10, 2024, and April 23, 2025, requesting updates on the status of the investigation and prosecution. Both letters, they said, were ignored.

Dispute Over the Igwe Stool

30-Day Ultimatum to EFCC

Call for Transparency and Rule of Law

They also called on the Police, FIRS, and relevant agencies to comply fully with the FCT court order and ensure a thorough, transparent investigation.