By Abba Anwar

It is in rare cases that you spot individual politician like the Deputy Senate President and First Deputy Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Dr Barau I Jibrin, CFR, who enters the new year of 2026 with a profound human development engagement.

On Thursday, First January, 2026, he distributed 129 federal government employment offers for his people. An event that took place at Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano.

Senator Barau was represented at the occasion by Honourable Minister of State, Housing, Yusuf Abdullahi Atah, who urged all the beneficiaries to remain committed and steadfast in the discharge of their responsibilities.

This at the very beginning of the new year, gives an insight into his relentless effort in developing his people with vigor and unwavering commitment. My readers could be witnesses in one way or another, of how difficult it is in today’s Nigeria to get access to federal government appointments.

This effort speaks volumes about how deeply rooted is the DSP in the welfare of his people. Being a highly responsive leader with special interest in building the capacity of his constituents, his love for skills development is concrete and unassuming.

What interests all about this New Year resolution process of the Deputy Senate President, is the selection process of the newly recruited beneficiaries. The procedure was characterized by due process as all applicants were given equal opportunities to compete.

Believe it or not, his unique interventions in the past instances, before now, helped in acknowledging him as one of the few identified productive politicians who always put the electorate first before any other consideration. Public interest first before personal identification.

The year 2026, could be a pregnant of many interpretations and divergent outcomes to many people. But from the look of things, as DSP opens the new year with the distribution of 129 federal government employment opportunities, his, will be a scenario of happy, happier and happiest. Making 129 families happy, the first day of a year, isn’t an easy task. He didn’t give these families fish, but he facilitated their knowledge and accessibility to learn how to catch a fish. A whole lot life saving engagement.

I read, listened and watched new year messages from individual politicians and non-politicians alike, not only across Kano state, or North West, but across the entire 19 Northern states, if not across Nigeria, as a whole, from yesterday to this morning, I couldn’t spot any, who opened a new chapter of 2026 with such style as DSP does.

I know if you can ask him one-on-one, he will tell you that, this is not his making but a Divine process and implementation. But I stand to be corrected. While individual preferences are always allowed in daily engagements, but the fate and outcomes are the fundamental power of The Creature. To the normal mind, DSP’s first public engagement in 2026, catalogues victory, safety and protection. That only discerning minds see the flipside.

During the event of the distribution of appointment letters, a great number of the beneficiaries attended the event with their families, friends and well wishers. All praying for happy and prosperous life for the DSP. For putting smile in their faces. Emphasizing that, this is what democracy and its dividends should be.

As one of the strongest pillars of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the country, Senator Barau, as reserve and calm, as he appears, maintains that, human development first before any other consideration. Hence his many years of meaningful interventions. While his approach strengthens his political base, his exposure places him above many of his contemporaries. Not to say a word on late comers.

Distinguished Senator’s name alone, is synonymous with hard work, selfless service, informed exposure, unwavering commitment, enduring political relationships, communal togetherness, focus, ingenuity, enhanced expertise in governance, collective responsibility and political independence.

Anwar writes from Kano
Friday, 2nd January, 2026

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Bauchi State Government has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over what it described as political misuse of state institutions and abuse of legal procedures following the arrest and arraignment of its officials on allegations of terrorism financing.

Recall that on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the anti-graft agency arraigned the Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, alongside three senior civil servants before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism financing–an accusation the state government insists is unfounded and malicious.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bala Mohammed, Mukhtar Gidado, the government expressed “deep concern” over the EFCC’s recent actions, describing them as targeted attempts to criminalise public service and smear the governor’s reputation.

According to the state, the accused officials acted strictly within constitutional and financial regulations, insisting that no offence was committed beyond the lawful discharge of official duties.

“To criminalise routine governance functions is to criminalise government itself and to endanger public administration across the federation,” the statement read in parts.

The government particularly frowned at what it called the “belated introduction” of terrorism and money laundering allegations, noting that such claims surfaced only after judicial scrutiny questioned the legality of earlier procedures.

It said no terrorist organisation or act had been linked to the state, nor had any credible evidence been presented to warrant such grave accusations.

“The timing and manner of these allegations raise fears they were introduced as an afterthought, intended to intimidate, scandalise, and damage reputations rather than advance justice,” the statement added.

The government also dismissed the EFCC’s claim that the Accountant-General was “at large”, clarifying that he honoured invitations, was detained for days, and later released on bail.

Gidado expressed worries that, despite not being listed as a defendant, Governor Bala Mohammed’s name was repeatedly mentioned in the court filings — a move he described as an attempt to subject him to a “trial in the court of public opinion” and violate his constitutional immunity.

“The serial mention of the governor’s name is a deliberate attempt to indict him and politically destroy his image. This is unacceptable,” the statement continued.

The Bauchi State government further warned against actions that could endanger the safety of the governor, his staff, and their families, alleging that an atmosphere of fear and tension was being created around the issue.

It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability but insisted that the fight against corruption must be impartial, evidence-based, and devoid of political vendetta.

“Selective justice, retaliatory prosecutions, and the politicisation of law enforcement institutions weaken democracy,” the state warned.

Adding that the governor’s name must be removed from the charge sheet in line with immunity provisions, the statement further called on the Attorney-General of the Federation to review the EFCC’s conduct and ensure adherence to constitutional safeguards.

The government said it would continue to defend democratic norms and the dignity of the people, urging political actors to avoid weaponising state institutions.

“Bauchi remains peaceful, united, and focused on governance. No amount of persecution will diminish the confidence the governor enjoys across Nigeria,” the statement maintained.

The Kano State Executive Council has approved a total sum of ₦6.9 billion for the execution of key infrastructure, social, and governance projects across the state.

The approvals were made during the 36th meeting of the State Executive Council, held on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, at the Council Chamber, Government House, Kano.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the state Commissioner of information and internal affairs Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya said the approved funds are aimed at improving citizens’ welfare and accelerating socio-economic development across various sectors.

The Commissioner explained that, ₦859m was Approved for Road Compensation in Tudun Wada

He said, in the area of land administration, the council approved ₦859.2 million for the payment of compensation to owners of structures affected by the construction of a five-kilometre dualised road in Tudun Wada Local Government Area.

“The compensation process will be supervised by the Ministry of Land, in line with government’s commitment to fairness and smooth project implementation”.

Flood Control: ₦358m for Drainage in Kano Municipal

Comrade Ibrahim Waiya further revealed that, to address flooding and environmental challenges, the council approved ₦358.4 million for the construction of stormwater drainage and culverts at Tudun Wuzirci in Kano Municipal Local Government Area.
The project will be executed by the Ministry of Environment.

He said, the Ministry of Works received the largest share of the approvals due to the strategic importance of road and drainage infrastructure.

The Council approved:₦896.05 million for the reconstruction of a failed multi-cell box culvert along the Kiru–Alhazawa–Bellon Koki Road in Kiru LGA.

The council approved ₦2.62 billion for the construction of the ’Yandodo–Mai-Allo Road in Nassarawa LGA and ₦1.21 billion for the construction of a 10-cell reinforced concrete box culvert and other hydraulic structures along the Karari–Kwaimawa–Santar Komau–Badau–Dutsen Karya–Gima Road.

Youth Empowerment: ₦431m for Entrepreneurship Graduates

As part of its youth empowerment drive, the council approved ₦431.6 million for the graduation ceremony and provision of empowerment kits to beneficiaries of selected Entrepreneurship Institutes across the state.

The programme will be implemented by the Steering Committee on the 26 Entrepreneurship Institutes.

Water Supply: ₦85.5m for Pipeline Extension in Gwale

To boost access to potable water, particularly within the metropolis, council approved ₦85.56 million for the extension of water pipelines in Gwale Local Government Area.
The project will be handled by the Ministry of Water Resources.

Education: ₦285m for Classroom Construction Across LGAs

In the education sector, the council approved ₦285.17 million as a reviewed cost for the construction of storey blocks of four classrooms with offices across the 44 local government areas of the state.

The project, to be executed by the Ministry of Education, is aimed at improving learning infrastructure statewide.

Anti-Corruption Workshop Gets Approval

To strengthen transparency and accountability, council approved ₦157.7 million for the conduct of an anti-corruption workshop for all state directors (Batch 3).
The programme will be coordinated by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Key Bills Approved for Transmission to Assembly

On policy matters, the Executive Council approved the transmission of the following bills to the Kano State House of Assembly:

Kano State Local Governments Administration Bill 2025

Kano State Economic Planning and Development Council Bill 2025

Kano State Education Bill 2025

Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Dambatta Law 2025 (for renaming of the institution)

Council also approved the implementation of the reviewed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy and Manual to attract private sector investment into the state.

Awards, Donations Presented to Governor, Govt

The council also witnessed the presentation of several awards and recognitions to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Kano State Government for achievements in digital transformation, leadership, housing, healthcare delivery, community development, and support for vulnerable groups.

Additionally, development partners presented a skill acquisition training package and donated a 32-seater coaster bus to the state government.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive development, transparency, and improved service delivery under the leadership of Governor Yusuf.