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Nigeria’s First Lady Faces Backlash Over Alleged Religious Bias in Humanitarian Aid”

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1 year ago

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Oluremi Tinubu

 

 

A storm of controversy is brewing around Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has issued a statement accusing her of religious bias in the distribution of humanitarian aid across the country.

The SCSN, a prominent Islamic body representing the interests of the Muslim Ummah, claims that the First Lady’s widely publicized Renewed Hope Initiative has disproportionately favored Christian communities, leaving Muslim-majority areas in the shadows during times of crisis.

 

The SCSN in a statement sigend by its president Sheikh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, and Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, mni
Secretary General while acknowledging her recent visit and donation to flood victims in Mokwa, Niger State, the Council criticized the timing and scale of the intervention, describing it as “too little, too late.” More troubling, they argue, is a pattern of selective outreach that has seen billions of naira and truckloads of relief materials channeled almost exclusively to Christian-dominated regions such as Plateau and Benue States.

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Sheikh Dr Bashir Aliyu Umar said the key allegations Include:
– ₦500 million donation to Christian families in Plateau (Sept 2023)
– ₦5 million and 1,200 bags of rice distributed via Christian political forums in 19 northern states (Dec 2024)
– ₦1 billion relief package to Christian-majority areas in July 2025
– No comparable aid to Muslim victims of boat disasters, killings, or displacement in Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Kwara

The Council also reminded the presidency of the pivotal role the Muslim Ummah played in securing the Tinubu/Shettima victory, especially during the contentious Muslim-Muslim ticket debate. They expressed disappointment that the First Lady’s denomination, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), allegedly opposed the ticket, yet now appears to be the primary beneficiary of her humanitarian outreach.

The SCSN urged Senator Tinubu to “rise above partisan and sectarian instincts” and embrace a more inclusive approach that reflects Nigeria’s religious diversity. “Compassion loses its moral power when it appears to follow political loyalties or religious lines,” the statement read.

As tensions simmer, political analysts warn that the First Lady may be treading a path reminiscent of past administrations where perceived sectional favoritism became a liability. Whether she will recalibrate her outreach to heal growing divisions remains to be seen.

 

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Kano Governor Nominates Ex- Speaker, Spokesperson as Commissioners

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5 hours ago

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November 2, 2026

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Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has nominated his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, and a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Balarabe Sa’idu Gani, for appointment as commissioners.

The governor has forwarded their names to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

The Assembly is expected to screen the nominees on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

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In a statement issued on Monday, the Assembly’s spokesperson, Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai, said the legislature had received a formal communication from Governor Yusuf requesting the screening of the two nominees.

He added that the exercise would be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Gani served as Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly from 2003 to 2007, while Bature currently serves as the governor’s spokesperson.

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2027: Rep Abubakar Kabir Bichi holds strategic meeting with Kano lawmakers

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7 hours ago

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November 2, 2026

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The Chairman, House of representatives committee on appropriations Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, has convened a meeting of all APC State Assembly Members and 40 Candidates in the upcoming 2027 General elections, led by the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore.

Crucial issues were discussed on how best to coordinate their campaigns programs to deliver the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

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The meeting was held at his Bichi office, Sunday evening 1st November 2026.

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Waiya’s Removal: Veteran Journalist Urges Yusuf to Appoint Professional as Information Commissioner

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11 hours ago

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November 2, 2026

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A veteran journalist, Dr. Garba Ubale Danbatta, has commended Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for removing Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya from his position as Commissioner for Information in the state’s recent cabinet reshuffle.

Danbatta, who has more than 30 years of experience in journalism, made the commendation in a statement issued to the press, arguing that Waiya’s approach to managing the Ministry of Information was more reflective of civil society activism and advocacy than professional journalism.

According to the veteran journalist, the former commissioner’s activities did little to strengthen professional journalism standards and improve the reputation of the media industry in Kano State.

“As someone who has spent over 30 years in the field of journalism, I commend Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his decision to remove the former Commissioner for Information. His approach was not that of a journalist; rather, he operated like an activist, an approach that essentially distorted the profession because it conflicted with the established ethics and standards of journalism,” Danbatta said.

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He further alleged that Waiya’s activities had created a negative perception of Kano State among organisations monitoring media freedom, professional standards and the rights of journalists.

“His actions created a negative perception of Kano State among organisations that monitor the media industry and the rights of journalists. It is truly regrettable,” he added.

Danbatta expressed hope that Governor Yusuf would appoint a suitably qualified and experienced professional to head the Ministry of Information, stressing the importance of appointing someone with a solid background in journalism and a cordial working relationship with media practitioners.

He said the next commissioner should prioritise the development of the media industry, promote professional ethics and work towards restoring the reputation of journalism in Kano State.

The veteran journalist also expressed his readiness to offer professional advice and support to the state government towards improving the media sector.

“If the Governor of Kano State takes this step, we, for our part, are prepared to continue offering our full support and advice to help improve the profession and elevate its standing in Kano State in the eyes of the world,” he stated.

Dr. Garba Ubale Danbatta has over three decades of experience in journalism, having worked with several media organisations in Nigeria and abroad.

His professional career includes service with the Hausa Service of Deutsche Welle (DW) in Bonn, Germany; the Hausa section of Daily Trust newspaper; and as Deputy Editor of Rariya newspaper.

He also served as an editor at Hamada Radio in Abuja and Head of the Hausa Service at Kiss FM, Abuja, before joining Radio Nigeria in a managerial capacity.

Waiya was recently reassigned from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Youth as part of Governor Yusuf’s cabinet reshuffle.

 

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