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

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8 months ago

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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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NISO Announces Power Outage in Kano, Jigawa, Katsina for Grid Maintenance

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2 days ago

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June 27, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has announced a planned power interruption affecting Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states this Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

In a statement posted via its X handle, NISO explained that the temporary outage is necessary to facilitate essential maintenance at the 330kV Kumbotso Substation, to be carried out by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

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Describing the upgrade as a critical investment, the system operator noted that the exercise would strengthen the national grid, enhance transmission capacity, and improve the overall resilience of Nigeria’s power system—ultimately leading to better electricity supply for customers in the affected region.

NISO expressed regret over the inconvenience and appealed for patience, understanding, and cooperation from members of the public during the maintenance period.

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DSS Releases Detained Farmer, Awards N3 Million Compensation After Review Clears Him of Terror Links

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2 days ago

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June 27, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has ordered the immediate release and compensation of a man who had been wrongfully detained on suspicion of ties to Boko Haram.

Nura Idris, a farmer and livestock rearer from Soba Local Government Area in Kaduna State, was released following a comprehensive review by a DSS investigation panel that found no evidence to support the allegations against him.

In addition to ordering his release, the DSS Director-General approved a compensation package of N3 million to assist Idris with his immediate needs and pledged further support to help him rebuild his business.

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According to a security source, Idris was initially arrested in June 2024 in Suleja, Niger State, by a sister security agency over alleged links to terrorists. He was subsequently transferred to DSS custody, where the case underwent a full review.

Receiving the compensation, Idris expressed gratitude to the DSS leadership. “I thank the DGSS for his kindness. I was well treated in DSS custody and I pray that Allah rewards the DGSS immensely,” he was quoted as saying.

His father, Yusuf Idris, who received him upon his release, also thanked the DSS Director-General for his compassion and generosity, assuring that the compensation would be put to good use.

Another security source disclosed that in similar cases, the DSS routinely provides psychological and medical support to released detainees and assists them in establishing businesses to facilitate their reintegration into society.

The release of Idris is part of a broader internal review exercise initiated by the Service last year. The initiative aims to reassess inherited and prolonged detention cases to ensure that individuals held without sufficient evidence are not left in custody.

“The Service under the current DG has continued to show that safeguarding national security must go hand in hand with upholding the rights and dignity of citizens,” the source said.

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Army Approves Strategic Redeployment, Names New GOCs for 3 and 6 Divisions

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2 days ago

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June 27, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior officers, with changes affecting key operational, command, training and staff appointments.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the reshuffle is part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve operational effectiveness across the country.

The statement added that the postings affected field commanders, school commandants and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters.

It noted that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the strategic redeployment of senior officers, saying the move was aimed at enhancing the Army’s capacity to address emerging security challenges.

Under the new appointments, Major General WM Dangana has been named the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.

Similarly, Major General EI Okoro has been appointed GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, succeeding Major General EE Emeka.

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The statement also announced the appointment of Major General JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola will serve as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.

As part of efforts to strengthen operational leadership and combat readiness, Brigadier General IB Buhari was appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu was named Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

In a move reflecting the Army’s growing emphasis on technology and emerging security threats, Major General SA Emmanuel was appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.

The statement noted that the appointment “reinforces the Army’s growing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations.”

Major General O Adegbe was also appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.

In the area of military education and institutional development, Major General KE Chigbu was appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo became Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.

Other appointments include Major General SO Adejimi as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport and Major General FS Etim as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army (TRADOC).

Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

The reshuffle further saw Major General KO Ukandu appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison was named Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.

The statement added, “The COAS charged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authority in maintaining peace and security across the nation.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its transformation drive and commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of effectively addressing contemporary and future security challenges in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives.”

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