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PMB At The Kuje Correctional Center:Beyond The Chagrin On Culpability

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4 years ago

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President Muhammad Buhari

 

By Bala Ibrahim.

Pursuant to the embarrassing attack at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, by terrorists, in which hundreds of inmates escaped, including over 60 terrorists, one of whom is the chief bomb maker for the terrorists, President Muhammadu Buhari had paid an unscheduled visit to the centre yesterday, wherein he lamented on the failure of intelligence.

Like everyone in Nigeria, PMB asked, “How did the defences at the prison fail to prevent the attack? How many inmates were in the facility? How many of them can you account for? How many personnel did you have on duty? How many of them were armed? Were there guards on the watchtower? What did they do? Does the CCTV work?” PMB kept asking questions un-end. But the biggest question is coming from the public, thus, would the President do anything?

The cynics, who are of the view that on security, PMB is fast turning into a weakling, that is only motivated by self-interest, as against doing what is honourable, are saying, like what had happened in the past, beyond the chagrin before the camera at the correctional centre, nothing would come out of that outrage.

The picture of the attack became more painful when the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaib Mohammad Lamido Belgore and the Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, took time to show the President the bombed-out section used to gain entry, the records office which was set on fire, and how the terrorists targeted all the cells in which Boko Haram suspects were held. They said, at the end of it, all the 63 terrorists held at the centre have been set free.

In disillusionment, PMB said, “I am disappointed with the intelligence system. How can terrorists organize, have weapons, attack a security installation and get away with it?” The President said he is waiting for a comprehensive report on the attack.

FG’s lackadaisical attitude prolongs COEASU’s strike’

But the question on the lips of many is, would anything be done after the submission of the report?

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The most frightening part of the story is the disclosure by Mallam Tukur Mamu, the publisher of the Desert Herald Newspaper, and one that has been communicating with the terrorists, that he had prior knowledge of the attack on the Kuje Correctional centre, and he shared his intelligence with the security forces, but nothing was done to avert the attack. Mamu, who negotiated the release of some of the hostages that were abducted on the Kaduna-bound train from Abuja, said the same group that attacked the prison is the same group that attacked the Kaduna-bound train in March.

If PMB’s lamentation is on the failure of intelligence, Mamu, said that is not the cause of his concern. He said enough intelligence was given to the powers that be, but may be because some people are benefitting from the situation, the intelligence was treated with levity, which amounts to another crime completely.

“For me, there’s no difference between corrupt officials or contractors that are committing treason against the nation by way of stealing the resources that will benefit everybody, monies that will stop preventable deaths in our hospitals due to decaying structures, improve standards of education and even stop insecurity and crimes with the terrorists that emerged because of this sad reality and now unleashing terror on the entire society. It was after the failure of the fourth opportunity that they angrily issued the fresh threat to start slaughtering their victims yesterday, Tuesday. After much pleading with them, tolerated abuses and begged them to allow individual family members to contact them directly, they gave today, Wednesday, 6th July, that if there is nothing definite from family members, they will start executing their threat. I immediately passed this disturbing intelligence to all the relevant security agencies, the National Assembly leadership and other stakeholders. But sadly as of today, Wednesday, which is the deadline they gave, there is no word from anybody. I have nevertheless sent words to them to reconsider their threat and allow family members to reach out to them. And even on the tendency and threat to attack targets and other facilities of interest like the Kuje Correctional Centre attacks, I have shared that intelligence with the security agencies and the committee that was constituted by CDS (Chief of Defense Staff) Gen. Lucky Irabo”.

Indeed the Kuje attack is only one out of a number of coordinated attacks, that clearly aimed at embarrassing the President and those in charge of national security. To attack the advanced convoy of the President in Dutsenma, about 152 kilometres from his hometown of Daura, in the afternoon, and again attack a prison in Kuje, which is about 40 km to the Presidential palace in Aso rock, in the early hours of the night of the same day, is not only a sign of fearlessness, but a serious statement of sarcasm on the state of national security of a country.

While some are of the opinion that the President should, as a matter of urgency, sack the CG, Correctional Services, Mr Haliru Nababa and the Minister of interior, Rauf Aregbesola, methinks that would only amount to the making of some scapegoats.

If indeed the President want’s to match words with action, he should go beyond the chagrin on culpability, by showing his anger first at the office of the national security adviser.

Monguno has no business advising the President on national security, if he can not foresee the twin attacks on the President’s state of origin and the President’s city of residence. More so, when both attacks, technically took place on the same day.

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Kano Pillars Unveils New Technical Adviser, Promises Club Reforms and World-Class Academy

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6 hours ago

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July 11, 2026

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Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Kano Pillars Football Club has officially unveiled Daniel Ogunmodede as its new Technical Adviser, with the club outlining an ambitious plan to rebuild the team, establish a world-class youth academy, and restore the club’s status as one of Nigeria’s leading football institutions.

Speaking during his unveiling in Kano, Ogunmodede said he accepted the appointment because the club’s vision aligned with his personal football philosophy and long-term ambitions. He said the project presented by the club’s leadership convinced him that Kano Pillars was committed to building a successful future.

“The vision and mission presented to me fit perfectly with what I want to achieve as a coach. This is an important project aimed at building a team capable of winning every competition we participate in. We are not just here to play football; we are here to win,” Ogunmodede said.

The new Technical Adviser revealed plans to restructure the club’s football development system through the establishment of a world-class academy beginning from the Under-12 level. According to him, the academy will serve as the foundation for sustained success while preparing young talents to compete at the highest level.

“We will restructure and organize a world-class academy from the Under-12 category upwards. Our goal is to compete in every competition available to us, including the CAF Champions League, and to build a team that consistently challenges for honours,” Ogunmodede stated.

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Ogunmodede also stressed the importance of open communication within the club, saying he would operate an inclusive leadership style that encourages dialogue rather than authoritarian decision-making. He assured players, officials, and supporters that his office would remain accessible to everyone working towards the club’s success.

“My door is always open for proper communication. I dislike autocracy and believe in deliberation and teamwork. If you cannot meet the chairman, you can meet me. I am result-oriented, but I also believe we must work together as brothers and sisters to achieve our objectives,” he said.

Addressing Kano Pillars supporters, Ogunmodede acknowledged the passion of the club’s fans and appealed for patience and unity throughout the rebuilding process. He noted that while success cannot be guaranteed in every match, the team would remain committed to improving and competing for honours.

“I have seen how passionate Kano Pillars supporters are. It is impossible to win every game, but we want to build a team that competes and wins consistently. I appeal to the fans to remain calm and avoid the kind of crises the club experienced over the past three years. This project is built on respect, honesty, hard work and discipline. While I will not beg for respect, my players and I deserve it,” Ogunmodede said.

The Technical Adviser added that challenges were inevitable in football but expressed confidence that the club would be prepared to overcome them. He also noted his familiarity with northern Nigeria, saying he was pleased to return to the region.

“We cannot run away from problems, but whenever they come, we will be ready to handle them squarely. I have lived in northern Nigeria before, and I am happy to be back. I appreciate the warm welcome and hospitality I have received and the numerous goodwill messages. I promise not to let the people of Kano down,” he added.

Ogunmodede further urged all stakeholders to put aside political differences and unite behind the club’s collective ambition of returning Kano Pillars to the summit of Nigerian football.

Earlier, Chairman of Kano Pillars Football Club, Ahmad Musbahu Garo, expressed appreciation to the Governor of Kano State for his continued support for the club. He described the appointment of Ogunmodede as a demonstration of the club’s determination to build a competitive and successful team.

“The appointment of our new Technical Adviser reflects our unwavering commitment to assembling a competent team capable of achieving our goals. We pledge our full and unreserved support to him as he begins this important assignment, and we are confident that together we will return Kano Pillars to its rightful place among the top clubs in Nigeria and Africa,” Garo said.

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APC Ends Speculation, Unveils Shettima as Tinubu’s 2027 Running Mate

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1 day ago

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July 10, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has finally laid to rest months of intense speculation over the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 general election, formally presenting Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate.

A meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) alongside top party leaders is currently underway at the Continental Hotel in Abuja to seal the announcement. Senior APC leaders at the venue confirmed to Politics Digest that President Tinubu has re-nominated Shettima, effectively reaffirming the partnership that delivered victory for the party in the 2023 presidential poll.

The decision comes after months of speculation that the President might replace his deputy with a northern Christian candidate ahead of the election, a move that would have significantly altered the religious composition of the ticket. Friday’s development represents the clearest indication yet that the President has chosen continuity over political recalibration.

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According to THEWILL, Tinubu’s decision was conveyed through his Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Masari, during the meeting. Masari presented the President’s nomination form to the APC leadership and simultaneously submitted Shettima’s nomination form, officially confirming the Vice President as the running mate.

The ceremony was attended by members of the APC National Working Committee, some governors, and members of the National Assembly elected on the party’s platform, who witnessed the formal presentation of the nomination documents. Also present were members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), led by its Chairman and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

The announcement puts to rest sustained debate over the fate of the Vice President, who has faced repeated questions about his position on the ticket since the 2023 election. With this formal unveiling, the Tinubu-Shettima ticket is now set for the 2027 presidential race.

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Gombe Assembly Screens, Confirms Hon. Maigari as Commissioner, thrice

Published

2 days ago

on

July 10, 2026

By

 

By: Umar Umar

 

The Gombe State House of Assembly has screened and confirmed Prof (Hon) Aishatu Umaru Maigari as a substantive commissioner following her nomination by the executive governor of Gombe State Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya as part of efforts to restructure the state’s Executive Council.

Her confirmation followed the governor’s submission of her name alongside those of other nominees to the House of Assembly for screening in accordance with constitutional provisions.

The confirmation marks another chapter in Maigari’s public service career under the administration of Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, having previously served in key positions in the state cabinet.

Maigari was first appointed Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation in 2019, a position she held until 2022.

Following a cabinet reshuffle by Governor Inuwa Yahaya in 2022, she was redeployed to the Ministry of Education, where she served as Commissioner for Education until 2023.

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After the governor secured a second term in office, she was reappointed and continued to head the Ministry of Education from 2023 until 2026, when the governor dissolved the State Executive Council as part of plans to reconstitute the cabinet.

Her latest screening and confirmation by the House of Assembly clears the way for her return to the cabinet following her reappointment by Governor Inuwa Yahaya.

Over the years, Prof. Maigari has earned recognition for her contributions to public service, particularly in the Education and Science sectors.

During her tenure, she participated in the implementation of government policies aimed at improving education delivery, promoting innovation and strengthening institutional development in Gombe State.

Beyond her official responsibilities, Maigari is widely regarded by supporters and political associates as a grassroots politician who has maintained close contact with her constituents through various empowerment initiatives and community engagement programmes.

Supporters say she has consistently demonstrated commitment to improving the welfare of ordinary citizens through interventions targeted at women, youths and vulnerable groups across communities.

She has also been described by colleagues, associates and supporters as a leader who maintains cordial working relationships with employees at all levels. Those who have worked with her say she is approachable, encourages teamwork and promotes cooperation among both junior and senior staff in the various ministries where she has served.

Political observers believe her reappointment reflects Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s confidence in her experience and administrative capacity as the administration seeks to strengthen governance and accelerate the implementation of its development agenda.

The reconstitution of the State Executive Council is expected to inject fresh momentum into the government’s programmes and policies, with the newly confirmed commissioners expected to contribute their experience toward improving service delivery and socio-economic development across Gombe State.

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