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Is This Even Legal’: Internet Erupts as Senator Lawan Boasts About ‘Facilitating’ Secret Agent Jobs for Constituents

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A social media post by Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan,the former Senate President celebrating the recruitment of two constituents into the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has ignited a fierce online debate, raising critical questions about political ethics, meritocracy, and the security protocols surrounding Nigeria’s intelligence community.

Senator Lawan, representing Yobe North Senatorial District, took to Facebook on the 14th of July, 2026, to share photos and a statement detailing his role in facilitating the employment of Abdulsalam Shafiu Yaro and Abdullahi Sani Machina. In the post, he recounted meeting the young men after plenary, noting that their recruitment was “facilitated” with the DIA. He praised their character and charged them to be exemplary ambassadors of their district.

However, the celebratory post quickly drew sharp criticism when it was shared by biologist Abdulrazak Ibrahim, who simply captioned it: “Is this ethical?”

The comment section on Mr. Ibrahim’s wall became a microcosm of the larger national discourse, with netizens split on two primary issues: the propriety of a sitting lawmaker publicly admitting to securing jobs for individuals, and the potential security risks of publicly identifying new intelligence officers.

The Ethics of ‘Facilitation’ vs. Merit

The first wave of criticism targeted the Senator’s admission of direct influence in the hiring process. Critics argued that such actions undermine the principles of a fair and transparent civil service.

Commenter Ibrahim Mohammed voiced a common sentiment, stating, “Of all people, a Lawmaker should know better.” This was echoed by Rejoice Iyasco, who questioned the process with a pointed query: “Facilitated not merited?”

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While some, like Aliyu Jalal and a commenter named Vicky, dismissed the controversy as par for the course in Nigeria’s political landscape—with Vicky noting, “Yes, given the Nigeria of today, it is a big flex”—others maintained that the act, regardless of intention, sets a dangerous precedent.

Security Breach: Exposing Intelligence Operatives

A more severe criticism centered on the Senator’s decision to publicly display the faces and names of the new DIA employees.

Commenters argued that the public exposure contradicts the covert nature of intelligence work. Nate Alford raised the alarm, stating, “These gentlemen are supposed to operate under the radar due to the sensitivity of their work. Is it anything that is politics?”

Similarly, Amos Adziba questioned the logic of the post, asking, “I thought defence intelligence agency (DIA) is a secret organisation?” This point was further emphasized by Saminu Giwa, who stated, “I thought they were not supposed to be exposed according to the working ethics?”

The Distinction Between Recommendation and Influence

The debate over the Senator’s role was further refined by internet governance advocate Muhammad Bello Buhari. In response to a defense of the Senator’s actions, Mr. Buhari drew a distinction between a professional recommendation and what he termed “something completely opposite.”

“But a recommendation is absolutely different from this,” Mr. Buhari wrote. “In fact, recommendations are very ethical. They speak to the character and experience of the candidate. Employers usually ask that.” He added, “And to speak of intelligence Officers and even posting their faces and names! This is utterly embarrassing.”

In his original post, Senator Lawan framed his actions as a fulfillment of his commitment to youth empowerment. He described the recruits as “bright, disciplined, and eager to serve,” adding that “seeing the joy and renewed sense of purpose in Abdulsalam and Abdullahi’s eyes reminded me of why I remain deeply committed to creating opportunities for our youth.”

He charged the men to “remain loyal to the Constitution” and to discharge their responsibilities “with the highest level of professionalism.”

The incident highlights the ongoing tension in Nigeria between the political class’s penchant for “constituency projects” and the demand for a technocratic, merit-based civil service. Furthermore, it underscores the need for public officials to be mindful of the security implications of their social media activity, particularly regarding individuals serving in sensitive national security roles.

As of the time of filing this report, the DIA has not issued an official statement regarding the recruitment process or the public posting of their new officers’ identities. Also, the Senator in question has not make any further comments or post regarding the backlash.

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Mahanga TV appoints former AREWA24 staff Zuwairiyah Girei as MD

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Mahanga TV, a Kano-based television station, has appointed former AREWA24 staff member Zuwairiyah Adamu Girei as its new Managing Director, bringing her more than 14 years of experience in Hausa-language television production and broadcasting to the organisation.

Girei was formally welcomed into her new role during a reception held at Mahanga TV’s premises in Kano on Monday, November 2, 2026, marking a new phase in the organisation’s growthe barely three months after its launch.

Speaking at the reception, Girei expressed excitement over her appointment, describing her experience at AREWA24 as a significant milestone in her professional journey.

She said she would draw on the knowledge and experience acquired during her time at the television station to strengthen Mahanga TV and drive it towards greater achievements.

“All the experience I have at AREWA24, I will bring here, and I think I will do extraordinary because I know what I have learnt there. I pray that we will see success beyond our expectations,” she said.

Outlining her vision for Mahanga TV, the new Managing Director said the organisation would look beyond Northern Nigeria and target audiences across Africa and the rest of the world.

She identified the large Hausa-speaking population as a major opportunity for the industry, noting that despite the challenges facing Hausa-language broadcasting, the sector has a substantial audience.

“We have over 60 million Hausa speakers in Nigeria, so I think we have a target audience we have to try to reach,” she said.

Girei said her leadership would focus on understanding audience expectations, introducing improvements and positioning Hausa productions for international recognition.

“Our thinking is pan-African; our thinking is the world. Our thinking is now how can Hausa film reach the Oscars. That is the thinking,” she said.

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Looking ahead to the next decade, she expressed her ambition to see Mahanga TV secure three to four Academy Awards, earn international recognition and become a household name among viewers across different age groups.

She said she envisioned a future where Mahanga TV would be the preferred television platform in homes, with both adults and children identifying with its programmes.

The Chief Executive Officer of Mahanga TV, Nuhu Abdullahi Balarabe, said Girei’s appointment was informed by the organisation’s rapid growth and the need for experienced leadership to sustain its progress.

Balarabe explained that he initially served as both Managing Director and CEO but decided to appoint a dedicated Managing Director to oversee the organisation’s daily operations and provide the leadership required to sustain its expanding activities.

He said the organisation needed someone who could provide consistent leadership and maintain its momentum as it continued to grow.

“She is well experienced, and I’m sure she will use that experience to take the organisation further from where it is,” he said.

Balarabe disclosed that Mahanga TV had recorded progress beyond its initial expectations within three months of launching, attributing the achievement to the dedication of its staff, consultants and advisers.

He said the organisation was expanding its content offerings through original productions and partnerships with independent producers to provide audiences with engaging programmes.

He also urged viewers to continue supporting the station and sharing feedback through its social media platforms and WhatsApp channel, assuring them that the organisation remained open to suggestions as it worked to improve its services.

Reaffirming the organisation’s broader ambition, Balarabe said Mahanga TV was committed to ensuring that Hausa stories, culture and experiences reached audiences across the world.

“We have a beautiful tale happening in Northern Nigeria, and I believe it is only we that can tell our own story. We want to make sure all our stories are told and they reach every part of the world,” he said.

Also speaking, Mahanga TV’s Creative Director and Brand Manager, Abdulbasit Abanikanda, described Girei’s appointment as a timely development that would strengthen the organisation’s management structure and provide better direction for its expanding workforce.

Abanikanda recalled that Mahanga TV started with a team of just three people but had since grown considerably, making the appointment of an experienced manager necessary to coordinate its activities.

He expressed confidence in Girei’s ability to advance the station’s creative vision, noting that her ambition of taking Hausa stories to audiences across the world aligned with the organisation’s objectives.

With Girei’s appointment, Mahanga TV aims to consolidate its early progress, strengthen its content production and expand the reach of Hausa storytelling, creating opportunities for Northern Nigeria’s stories, culture and creative talent to gain wider national and international recognition.

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Kano Governor Nominates Ex- Speaker, Spokesperson as Commissioners

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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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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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