By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Thursday said he is now a “freelance politician” with no direct ties to any political party.

Mohammed made the remark while hosting a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and stakeholders from the South-East in Bauchi.

The governor said the meeting centred on national unity and collaboration, noting that the discussions were not driven by partisan interests.

“Neither PDP nor ADC is standing alone. I am a freelance politician now, and his party is also in limbo. We are looking up to the judiciary.

“Certainly, we are all in the opposition, and that is why I say this is a political discussion. We will not disclose everything we have discussed in terms of the ‘I’s and ‘t’s we have crossed,” he said.

He added that ongoing engagements among political actors were focused on possible realignment and cooperation ahead of future elections.

“We cannot operate without a platform. At the end of the day, the current political situation may even help unify us and strengthen our chances of winning elections,” he added.

Mohammed described Obi’s visit as symbolic, saying it reflected efforts to build bridges across regions.

“He is talking about unifying the country, building bridges, and creating a new tomorrow for Nigeria. This is what we stand for as a state and as a people. We feel highly honoured by this visit,” Mohammed said.

Speaking earlier, Obi said the visit was aimed at fostering unity and strengthening collaboration across the country.

“My purpose is to solicit support and cooperation among stakeholders, particularly from the Bauchi state, in our quest to unite this country,” Obi said.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The DSS Arraigns El-Rufai over Ribadu’s Phone Interception Claim of State Services has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations of unlawfully accessing a telephone conversation involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

El-Rufai, who had served as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is being prosecuted on an amended five-count charge before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

At the commencement of proceedings presided by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, on Thursday, the prosecution informed the court that the charges had been increased from three to five counts.

When the case was called, DSS lawyer, Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, informed the court that the matter was fixed for the defendant to take his plea.

Aladedoye, however, told the court that a further amended five-count charge was filed on April 13.

The lawyer prayed the court to substitute it with the earlier three-count charge.

“We pray that the earlier charge be struck out, my lord,” he said.

Responding, El-Rufai’s counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, said he had been served with the amended charge and that he was not opposing.

The Federal Government has officially launched the Energise Commercialisation initiative, a nationwide programme aimed at transforming innovative ideas into market-ready products and services.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kano, Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Kinsley Tochukwu Udeh, said the initiative shows the government’s commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s innovation potential and driving economic growth through research and development.

Dr. Udeh explained that dignitaries and global partners are expected to converge on Kano from across Nigeria and beyond to participate in the programme. He noted that the gathering reflects the growing interest in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and the need to connect local talent with international opportunities and partnerships.

According to the minister, Nigeria is not lacking in ideas but has historically struggled with converting those ideas into revenue-generating ventures. He said the Energise Commercialisation programme is designed to bridge that gap by supporting innovators through the process of developing viable, market-driven solutions.

He further stated that the initiative will extend beyond its initial technical sessions in the North-West geopolitical zone. “After the North-West phase, we will move to other geopolitical zones to ensure nationwide participation,” Dr. Udeh said, emphasizing the Federal Government’s plan to make the programme inclusive and far-reaching.

The minister disclosed that more than 1,000 entries have already been received from innovators across the country. He added that the Federal Government is working in collaboration with regional governors to strengthen participation and ensure that promising ideas are identified and supported at the grassroots level.

Dr. Udeh highlighted the role of young women in the programme, noting that their innovative efforts will be nurtured and positioned for success in the marketplace. He said the initiative is focused on equipping participants with the tools and support needed to compete effectively in both local and global markets.

Describing the programme as a strategic investment, the minister said the government is committed to funding and developing innovation-driven projects that can generate economic value. He added that Energise Commercialisation is designed to stimulate a surge in viable research outcomes and practical innovations.

He also noted that the government is anticipating strong engagement from captains of industry, who are expected to play a key role in mentoring participants and supporting the commercialisation of research outputs. According to him, this collaboration will help bridge the gap between academia, innovation, and industry.

Dr. Udeh revealed that Kano State has recorded the highest number of entries so far, making it a natural choice for the national launch of the programme. He described Kano as Nigeria’s ancient commercial hub, adding that its historical and economic significance makes it an ideal host city.

He further explained that the choice of Kano was influenced by the support of the state government, particularly in providing logistics and enabling a conducive environment for the event. The minister commended the Kano State Government for its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Udeh said the programme is focused on building a sustainable platform that connects innovators, investors, and policymakers. He noted that contingents from the seven North-Western states have already arrived in Kano and set up their pavilions, showcasing a wide range of innovative ideas and projects.

He described Energise Commercialisation as a multi-stakeholder initiative anchored by the Federal Government, with strong institutional support at regional and state levels. According to him, the programme includes facilitation committees that will oversee implementation and ensure effective coordination.

The minister added that state governments have been tasked with identifying and nurturing talent from local government areas, ensuring that innovation opportunities are not limited to urban centres. He stressed that the inclusion of grassroots participants is critical to the success of the initiative and the overall development of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

Those that jointly attended the briefing are the state commissioner for information Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya and the Kano state ALGON chairman Hajiya Saadatu Yushau who is also the chairman of Tudun Wada Local Government area .