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OCCEN engages North West Youth On Democratic Process  And Participation 

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By Ozimi Abdul

In the bid to entrench democratic tenets for effective and wholesome participations amongst the youths of the North West region, Organisation for Community Civic Engagement Organisation (OCCEN) organised a 3-day workshop capacity building where youths from different states of the region are engaged, enlightened and educated about democratic process with the view of passing the knowledge of whatever they learnt during their 3 days engagement to other youths of their individual societies.

According to Mallam Abdulrazak Alkali who is organiser of the workshop said the major objectives of the workshop are to train the youth to understand the generality of what democracy entails and also to provide a mechanism that would empower them to hold those elected to represent them accountable for their actions and inactions.

On his expectations from the participants of the workshop after their 3-day engagement, Abdulrazak exuded the confidence that after the training, they would have increase in knowledge to understand how democracy works, human rights and constitution, while also expecting that the knowledge they learnt to be passed to other youths in their various states.
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“Our expectations are that after the training they would have increased knowledge of the understanding of democracy, rule of law and the rest, so that if they return to their individual states they can do some step-down trainings for those who are not privileged to be here whether because of financial constraint, or other reasons in the same areas and topics, in order to have expanded knowledge amongst young people about the concept of democracy “.

 

Speaking during the workshop, The Director, Centre for Research and Documentation, Professor Muhammad Habu ruled that there are 3 major challenges confronting the Nigerian fledgling democracy since its return in 1999, which he described as” epileptic” considering its weak democratic institutions, the limit in which democracy can elicit good governance, while also adding that the challenges can not be pegged on these three alone as there are other gamut factors putting spanner in the wheel of the development of the country’s democratic process.

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He stressed that for democracy to grow in the country, the government must be responsive and responsible.

“Democracy is a process and as a process it is normal to envisage challenges. But it is also good to remind ourselves that in some countries, they have gone too far to make their institutions of government very strong, unlike these countries, ours are very weak, and the extents which democracy can elicit good governance in Nigeria are very limited, insecurity is another issue “.

He continued,” Democracy has not engendered good governance in my opinion, by good governance, the government must be responsive and responsible, so since 1999, our democracy has been crawling as a troubling one and has never engendered good governance “, he submitted.

Professor Habu regretted that the country is ranked the capita of poverty in the world in spite of the country’s boast for enormous natural resources, which according to him is “disgusting”, with lack of quality health sector, insecurity, lack of infrastructural development and so many other indices that can be used to measure the development of the democracy of any democratic nation or otherwise.

On the role of the youth in effecting positive changes, the political science professor was unapologetically opmistic by emphatically stating that the “raw resources” of the youth need to be tapped, by catching them young, training them on the workings of democracy in participating actively against all odds so that they can have their imprints in rekindling true democracy in Nigeria ; emphasing that the civil societies particularly the youth sector have prominent roles to play.

He said the opportunity to discuss the pending “Not Too Young To Run” bill and the challenges.
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“The raw resources of the youth need to be tapped, catch them young if you like by training, impart in them about the workings of democracy ; and to participate actively against all odds so that the youth would have their imprints in rekindling the country’s dwindling fortune of true democracy. Also, the civil societies especially the youth sector have prominent roles to play in educating the youth so that they can become leaders of tomorrow “, he hoped.

He concluded by advising the stakeholders to come in and never to botch on their responsibilities, noting that it would be in the collective interest of the stakeholders to converge and discuss the issues that affect the growth of democracy in the country, and also frown at some undemocratic tendencies.

He however warned that while the youth have the right to protest or frown at any government’s policies, that there are limitations to such right as it must be within the purview of law.

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Ganduje’s 12,000 Capacity Independent Hisbah Distributes Application Forms

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Independent Hisba Fisabilillah has launched the distribution of forms to 12,000 persons who were screened in 44 local government areas of Kano State from Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s administration to the current administration.

The Co-Chairmen of the committee who distributed the forms are former Kano State Commandant of the Hisbah Board during Ganduje’s tenure, Sheikh Muhammad Haruna Ibn Sina, and Director-General of the National Productivity Centre, Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, in Kano.

After the committee formed by the former Kano State Governor and former National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, completed its work, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf, sought the arrest of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for his alleged intention to launch his own security forces. But the committee that conducted the operation denied this, saying that it is the Independent Hisba Fisabilillah.

The committee added that this Independent Hisba has been operating since the tenure of former Kano Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, when he was reluctant to implement Islamic Shari’a law at that time.

The committee stated that the Independent Hisba Fisabilillah will work in collaboration with the security agencies and will not tolerate anything that is against the law and not the work of Almighty God.

And as the committee explained, the Nigerian Constitution allows that anyone found to be acting improperly should be handed over to the appropriate authority.

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Therefore, the committee said that if he did so, then according to the Constitution of the country, he did not commit a crime.

Likewise, the committee warns anyone who joined Hisba Kwankwasiyya to leave it or go and collect this Hisba Fisabilillah form, which is free and not for sale.

The Chairman and Co-Chairman of the committee, Sheikh Haroon Sani Ibn Seena and Dr. Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, said that if the APC takes power in 2027, they will confirm that this person is not a Hisba Fisabilillah and is not a person who is doing the work of God.

Therefore, they called on them to go and collect this form so that they will not be screened and found to be non-compliant, saying that this is not Hisba Gandujiyya or Hisba Ganduje Foundation, but only Hisba Independent Fisabilillah.

After the committee formed by the former Kano State Governor and former National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, completed its work, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf, sought the arrest of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for his alleged intention to launch his own security forces. But the committee that conducted the operation denied this and said that it is the Independent Hisba Fisabilillah.

The committee added that this Independent Hisba has been operating since the time of former Kano Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, when he did not implement Islamic law at that time.

The committee stated that the Independent Hisba will work in collaboration with the security forces and will not tolerate anything that is against the law and not the work of God.

And as the committee explained, the law of the land allows that anyone found to be acting improperly should be handed over to the appropriate authority.

Therefore, the committee said that if he did so, then according to the Constitution of the country, he did not commit a crime.

Likewise, the committee warns anyone who joined Hisba Kwankwasiyya to leave it or go and collect this Hisba Fisabilillah form, which is free and not for sale.

The Co-Chairman of the committee said that if the APC party takes power in 2027, he will confirm that this person is not a Hisba Fisabilillah and is not a person who is doing the work of God.

Therefore, he calls on them to go and collect the form so that they will not be screened and found to be non-compliant, saying that this is not Hisba Gandujiyya or Hisba Ganduje Foundation, but only Hisba Independent Fisabilillah.

 

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Kano Convenes Prayer Session With 4,444 Reciters

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The Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, organised a special prayer session where 4,444 Qur’anic reciters devoted the entire day to supplications for lasting peace and security across the state.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.

Kano State has, in recent weeks, experienced incidents of banditry, particularly in the Northern Senatorial District, where 15 persons were abducted and one woman was tragically killed.

According to the statement, the prayer session was held at the Government House, Kano, and brought together Qur’anic reciters, Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, and government officials to collectively pray against the enemies of the state, especially those responsible for the recent security challenges.

Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful gathering and urged the people of Kano, particularly key stakeholders, to support the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity, stressing that banditry does not distinguish between political affiliation, social status, or community.

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He recalled that the ancient city of Kano and its environs have historically enjoyed divine protection, noting that the administration will continue to embrace prayers alongside lawful measures to ensure the sustenance of peace and tranquillity.

The Governor also appealed to residents to engage in personal prayers, especially during the late hours of the night, for lasting peace and stability in Kano State and across the country.

Governor Yusuf further commended the security agencies for their continuous support and sacrifices, emphasising that cooperation between the agencies and the present administration remains cordial and effective.

In his remarks, the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, thanked Almighty Allah for the successful prayer gathering and called on the people of Kano to remain united in supporting government efforts toward restoring peace for the collective good.

The Emir also appreciated Governor Yusuf’s recent visit to affected communities alongside heads of security agencies, describing the action as timely and reassuring.

Sheikh Muhammad Sani Ashir led the prayers.

Leaders of various Islamic sects, including Sheikh Tijjani Bala Kalarawi, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Sani Ashir, Sheikh Adam Abba Koki, Sheikh Bazallah, Sheikh Nasir Kabara, Sheikh Abdullahi Uwaisu Madabo, Sheikh Dr. Mujitaba Abdulkadir Bauchi, and Gwani Lawi Gwani Dankillori Maiduguri, emphasised the urgent need for continuous prayers to overcome the security challenges facing the state.

They commended Governor Yusuf for combining physical security efforts with spiritual interventions, describing the approach as bold, holistic, and reassuring to the people of Kano.

 

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Soldiers Toppled President Talon of Benin

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Toppled President Talon of Benin: Photo Credit AFP Via BBC

 

Soldiers in the West African nation of Benin have announced on national TV that they have ousted President Patrice Talon and seized power.

A message from the French embassy in Benin said gunfire had been reported near the residence of the president in the main city of Cotonou.

The soldiers also announced a suspension of the constitution, the closure of all land borders as well as the country’s airspace.

According to their statement, Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal will be leading a military transition council.

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They justified their actions by criticising President Talon’s management of the country

Talon, 67, is due to step down next year after completing his second term in office, with elections scheduled for April.

A businessman known as the “king of cotton”, he first came to power in an election in 2016. He had promised not to seek a third term and had already named a successor.

The French Embassy has urged its citizens to stay indoors for their safety.

This apparent coup in Benin comes just over a week after Umaro Sissoco Embaló was overthrown as president in nearby Guinea-Bissau.

In recent years, there have been several coups in West Africa, including in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger, heightening fears that the security of the region could worsen.

BBC

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