The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has praised members of the Commission’s armed squad for their outstanding performance during a recent evaluation exercise.

This exercise included shooting, marksmanship, tactical drills, and a stripping demonstration.

The performance evaluation took place at the 177 Battalion Guard Brigade of the Nigerian Army base in Keffi, Nasarawa State, on Saturday.

Dr. Aliyu applauded the squad for their discipline, precision, and professionalism displayed during the rigorous training sessions.

He emphasized that their high-level performance demonstrated their readiness to combat corruption and protect ICPC officers while carrying out their official duties.

“The armed squad has shown remarkable improvement and a commitment to excellence in handling arms and ammunition.

This reflects their dedication to duty and preparedness to confront any security challenges they may encounter,” he stated.

The Chairman underscored the importance of the exercise in boosting the squad’s confidence and effectiveness in high-risk operations.

He highlighted the synergy between the ICPC and the Nigerian Army, expressing gratitude for the military’s support in training the Commission’s armed personnel.

Dr. Aliyu noted that such partnerships were crucial for strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. “By collaborating with the Nigerian Army, we are ensuring that our armed squad receives world-class training to meet the challenges of combating corruption.

This collaboration is essential in building a secure and corruption-free society,” he added.

He concluded by reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to providing the armed squad with adequate resources and continuous training while urging them to remain steadfast in fulfilling their duties with integrity and diligence.

In his remarks, Lieutenant Colonel Abi Enuwa, the Commanding Officer of the 177 Guards Battalion Brigade, represented by Major M.A. Sani, commended the ICPC for its dedication to combating corruption in Nigeria.

He praised the Commission for organising the training programme for the armed squad, which aims to enhance their operational capacity and instill discipline in the fight against corruption.

Major Sani acknowledged that the ICPC’s initiatives were crucial for ensuring accountability and integrity in governance, aligning with the military’s national security objectives.

He further emphasised the importance of such training in equipping personnel with the skills necessary to confront corruption effectively.

He urged the trainees to apply the knowledge and strategies gained during the programme to contribute meaningfully to the ICPC’s mission and the broader goal of achieving a corruption-free society.

The event concluded with a live demonstration of tactical drills and shooting accuracy by the armed squad, the ICPC Chairman and other senior ICPC officials present at the event.

The training and evaluation focused on marksmanship, tactical drills, the stripping and maintenance of different firearms, and operational readiness, all aimed at enhancing the squad’s capabilities.

Federal lawmakers from Kano State have opposed the controversial Tax Reform Bill, which recently passed its second reading in the National Assembly.

The decision was reached during a state caucus meeting chaired by Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, and attended by most of the state’s representatives.

Hon. Idris Dankawu, the member representing Kumbotso Federal Constituency, stated, “To clarify this issue, I want to inform the people of Kano State, especially the residents of Kumbotso Federal Constituency, that based on the outcome of our meeting, we are against the proposed Tax Reform Bill. We have agreed to work collectively to ensure that the bill is withdrawn in the overall interest of the people of Kano State.”

He further assured, “Let me reassure the good people of Kumbotso Federal Constituency that your views, opinions, and yearnings will continue to receive my utmost attention and care.”

The lawmakers are actively working to challenge the bill, citing its potential negative impacts on residents of Kano State.

The four bills, transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on September 3, have sparked widespread controversy and strong opposition.

These bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

Critics, including the Northern Governors Forum, the Traditional Rulers Council, the National Economic Council, and the Northern Elders Forum, have raised serious concerns about the bills.

The National Economic Council, comprising the vice president and governors, has advised the president to withdraw the bills for further consultations. The governors argue that some clauses in the bills are detrimental to the northern region.

While the Senate allowed the bills to pass their second reading, the House of Representatives halted their progress due to heated debates and confrontations. Lawmakers across party lines reportedly resisted attempts by the House leadership to advance the bills further.

Kano Times

Musbahu El Hamza

Do you remember that feeling of meeting your first school teacher after a long time?

This morning, my father, brother, and I went for a condolence visit in Rikkos, Jos, where we unexpectedly met one of my earliest teachers, Mallama Wasila.

I was under 10 years old when she taught us at the Saturday and Sunday school of the College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Jos.

One of my most vivid memories is her teaching us how to pray Salat in practice—starting from ablution to the Taslim (salutation).

She dedicated almost an entire term to ensure we mastered every aspect of the prayer, and to this day, wallahi (by Allah) I sometimes envision her demonstrating it as I pray. Wallahi!

She’s a disciplinarian and a role model. A “no nonsense” type of a teacher.

Mallama Wasila never let her friendship with my mother affect her professionalism. In class, she treated us with the same firmness and fairness as any other student. She was meticulous, punctual, and committed to her teaching.

She’s always clean and tidy.

She remain a teacher to this day. When we met this morning, she was on her way to school. I will always be grateful for her sacrifices and the impact she’s had on my life.

Allah Ya ƙara albarka a rayuwarta. Amin.