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Shekarau at 70: Politics Is a Religious Duty in Service to Humanity – Former Kano Governor

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Malam Ibrahim Shekarau addressing the press

 

Former Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has described active participation in politics as a religious duty and a means of serving humanity, emphasizing that the process of producing credible leaders must be anchored in moral and spiritual values.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists at his residence in Kano to mark his 70th birthday, Shekarau said leadership selection through political participation is not only a civic responsibility but also a divine obligation for Muslims.

According to the former governor, “Since the only way we establish and get leaders is through the political process, then politics and the process of producing credible leaders have also become a religious duty. Participating in the process of producing credible leadership is a must under the umbrella of Islam because that is service to humanity.”

Shekarau explained that his continued involvement in politics is not driven by personal ambition but by a lifelong commitment to ensuring the emergence of credible, just, and trustworthy leaders. “I’m not in politics necessarily to become A, B, or C,” he said. “I will remain in the political arena to contribute to the best of my ability to ensure credible leadership. This is my mission in life.”

Addressing questions about his future plans, the former governor said he has no concerns about what comes next, insisting that his focus remains on service and contribution to society. “There’s nothing like ‘what next’ for me,” Shekarau stated. “When I was made a principal, I never begged for it. When I was promoted, I never lobbied. Whatever comes my way is determined by Allah.”

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Reflecting on his political and professional journey, Shekarau said he has no regrets, noting that every event in his life has been guided by divine will. “I have never had any regrets because whatever happens, I believe it is Allah’s choice,” he said. “Even if I set out to achieve something and do not succeed, I have no regrets because Allah has destined what I will achieve in life.”

The former educationist also recalled his early days as a teacher and union leader, noting that his leadership experience dates back to the early 1980s. “I was elected state secretary of the Principals’ Conference in 1982, became state president in 1984, and later served as national president between 1988 and 1992,” he recounted. “So, election and leadership have always been part of my life.”

Commenting on Nigeria’s political development, Shekarau expressed his belief in party-based politics rather than individual alliances. “I do not believe in individual politics; I believe in party politics,” he emphasized. “That was why we worked to form the APC in 2013 when ANPP, CPC, and a faction of APGA came together. But unfortunately, what we see today are individuals moving from one party to another for personal gain.”

He also called for unity among opposition parties ahead of future elections, arguing that a strong opposition is necessary for Nigeria’s democratic growth. “Whatever you say about the PDP, it remains the only party that has survived since 1999,” he said. “We are inviting other parties like APC, Labour, SDP, and others to come together under one umbrella to form a formidable opposition ahead of the next elections.”

Assessing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Shekarau commended efforts to address insecurity but urged more decisive action to curb killings and improve citizens’ welfare. “No nation is free from criminality, but what matters is reducing it to the barest minimum,” he said. “Government must prioritize security of lives and property.”

He further stressed that economic reforms must focus on ensuring food security, describing access to affordable food as the most important aspect of governance. “Whatever the government does, if people cannot afford food, then it is meaningless,” Shekarau stated. “Food is the most important thing in people’s lives.”

The elder statesman also shared what he described as his five guiding principles of success good conduct, hard work, perseverance, consistency, and patience urging Nigerians, especially the youth, to live by these values. “Good conduct makes people respect and trust you, hard work brings success, perseverance sustains it, consistency earns recognition, and patience crowns all efforts,” he said.

Shekarau concluded by expressing gratitude to Allah and to all who supported him throughout his 70 years of life, offering prayers for mutual forgiveness and peace. “I thank everyone who stood by me and forgive all who may have wronged me,” he said. “Let us continue to be good, hardworking, and patient in all that we do.”

 

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JUST IN: National Assembly to Re-gazette Tax Laws Amid Controversy

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

The National Assembly has directed the Clerk to re-gazette four major tax reform acts and issue Certified True Copies of the versions officially passed by parliament, following public controversy over discrepancies in the published laws.

In a Friday statement, House Spokesman Akin Rotimi said the leadership of both chambers authorized the move to “protect the integrity of the legislative record,” describing it as an administrative step to accurately reflect parliamentary decisions.

The directive addresses growing scrutiny over the Nigeria Tax Act (2025), Nigeria Tax Administration Act (2025), Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act (2025), and Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act (2025)—particularly concerning harmonization of bills, documentation sent for presidential assent, and the versions eventually published in the Official Gazette.

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Rotimi emphasized that the legislature is addressing the matter within its constitutional authority. Last week, the House formed a seven-member Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the legislative and administrative handling of the acts.

“The Committee, alongside relevant National Assembly bodies, is conducting an institutional review to establish the sequence of events and identify any contributing factors,” he stated, noting the review will examine potential “lapses, irregularities, or external interferences.”

The process, he added, complies fully with the Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, and parliamentary standing orders.

While the re-gazetting aims to “clear any ambiguity,” Rotimi clarified that the review “does not constitute, imply, or concede any defect in the exercise of legislative authority.” He also stated the action is without prejudice to other arms of government and does not affect existing rights or legal processes.

Reaffirming its commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law, the House pledged to take “appropriate corrective measures” if procedural refinements are needed.

The public was urged to allow the institutional process to proceed “without speculation or conjecture.”

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Airstrikes: Activist Sowore Decries Reckless Breach of Sovereignty By the U.S Government

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has issued a fierce condemnation of a confirmed U.S. military airstrike inside Nigeria, labeling the action a dangerous breach of sovereignty and an “imperialist move” by President Donald Trump.

Sowore’s warning follows President Trump’s announcement on Truth Social that he had ordered a “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS fighters in northwest Nigeria. Trump justified the operation, stating the militants had been “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians” and that he had delivered promised retribution: “there was hell to pay.”

While the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strike was conducted “at the request of Nigerian authorities,” Sowore argued that direct foreign military intervention is a catastrophic precedent.

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“Nobody should be rejoicing about this,” Sowore stated. “The U.S. could help the Nigerian military, but U.S. military carrying out an attack inside Nigeria is extremely dangerous, reckless, and bad.”

He described the event as “a sad day for the so-called African liberation and Independence.”

The strike triggered panic on the ground in Sokoto State. Residents of Jabo village reported a sudden, loud explosion on Christmas night, with many fearing an imminent attack. “It happened suddenly… The explosion caused fear, but thank God it did not land among people,” one eyewitness said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude for “Nigerian government support & cooperation” and ominously added there would be “more to come.”

The operation marks a sharp and controversial escalation of U.S. counter-terrorism activity in West Africa, raising urgent questions about sovereignty, foreign intervention, and the future of regional security partnerships.

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Nigeria Aides U.S in Sokoto Airstrike Against ISIS

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Donald J. Trump has announced that the United States carried out targeted military strikes against ISIS–affiliated militants in north-west Nigeria, marking a sharp escalation in American counter-terrorism operations in West Africa.

In a late-night statement published on Truth Social, the U.S. President said the operation was conducted under his direct orders as Commander-in-Chief, describing it as “a powerful and deadly strike” aimed at extremist elements responsible for repeated attacks in the region.

According to Mr Trump, the militants had been involved in brutal assaults on local communities, particularly targeting Christian populations. He said he had previously warned the group of consequences if the violence continued.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians… I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” the statement read in part.

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He added that the “Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes,” asserting that the U.S. would not allow extremist groups to flourish under his leadership.

While the President praised the American military, he also issued a stern warning to the militants, saying there would be further consequences if attacks on civilians persisted.

Confirming the development, the Nigerian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that it provided the intelligence needed to the United States government concerning the airstrike.

“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security,” said the ministry.

It further stated that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

On the particular location of the strike in the northwestern part of the country, netizens, particularly from Sokoto State, have confirmed that a rocket landed in Jabo Ward, under Tambuwal LG of Sokoto State, Nigeria this same night.

Similarly, the United States Africa Command(AFRICOM), an organization responsible for the United States military operations in the continent, in a series of posts on X, said the airstrikes were launched based on requests of the Nigerian government.

“AFRICOM conducted a strike at the request of Nigerian authorities in Sokoto State killing multiple ISIS terrorists. Lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of our military and our commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad,” the statement reads.

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