The governor of Kano, Abba Yusuf, has finally met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Monday.

According to Daily Trust, the meeting is still ongoing.

According to the report, Mr Yusuf, who dressed in white babbarriga and red cap, entered the villa at about 4:10 pm.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, has announced the death of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih OON.

In a condolence message issued on Monday by his Press Secretary, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir conveyed the news of the cleric’s passing and his acceptance of Allah’s will.

According to multiple reports, the Imam passed away early Monday, aged 75.

He said: “Inna lillahi waina ilaehi roji’un, it is with total submission to the will of Almighty Allah that we receive the news of the demise of the 12th Chief of Ilorin, Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih Onida OON.”

Speaking further on the personal qualities and character of the late Chief Imam, the Emir described his attributes and the impact of his death on the Ilorin Emirate.

He said: “He was a cleric with unique features, intelligence, honesty, loyalty, dedication, and tolerance.

“His demise has caused us in Ilorin Emirate great sadness of no particular measure.

“We reflect on his lifetime as a man of great honour and piety.”

The Emir also highlighted the role of the late cleric in fostering unity within the Muslim community and promoting harmony across religious lines.

According to him: “Late Imam Solih was full of wisdom, and he was notable for unifying the entire Muslim clerics as well as promoting inter-religious harmony in the state.”

Providing details of the burial arrangements, the Emir announced the schedule for the janazah prayers.

He said: “The Janazah will hold at the Palace Square of the Emir of Ilorin by 4 pm today, Monday, 19th January 2026.”

The Emir concluded by offering prayers for the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to grant Imam Bashir Imam forgiveness, accept his good deeds, and admit him into Al-janatul firdaos.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Government offices in Abuja and across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were, on Monday, deserted as workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) withdrew their services following an indefinite strike declared by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC).

The strike comes after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCTA management to resolve long-standing labour and welfare issues. Union leaders accused authorities of deliberately ignoring repeated engagements and failing to address grievances that have lingered for years.

JUAC, in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Comrade Abdullahi Saleh, ordered all categories of staff across FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals to comply fully with the strike directive until their demands are met.

Among the issues fueling the industrial action are: unpaid wage awards and outstanding promotion arrears; delayed promotions and what unions described as the “illegal retention” of retired directors and permanent secretaries beyond their statutory tenure; failure of the administration to remit pension contributions and National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions; and worsening working conditions and alleged intimidation of staff.

The unions also raised the alarm over what they termed a “colossal failure” in the 2024 promotion examinations, claiming that about 77.5 percent of candidates were unfairly failed.

Union leaders said the strike became inevitable after management’s “silence and lack of commitment” to resolving the issues. They accused the FCTA of deliberately frustrating workers while extending privileges to retired officials who should have exited service.

Copies of the strike notice were reportedly forwarded to the Minister of State for the FCT, the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service, and the Director of Security Services.

As of Monday morning, it was observed that government offices in Abuja city centre and area councils were shut down, with workers absent from duty posts. The strike is expected to paralyse administrative activities across the territory until the government addresses the demands.

JUAC has vowed not to call off the action until all entitlements are paid and the welfare of workers is secured.