An Open Letter to Former President Goodluck Jonathan - By Saleh Adamu Kwaru

Your Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,

In 2015, you etched your name into the annals of history by peacefully handing over power. That singular act was not just a political decision; it was a moral triumph. It was the day Nigeria showed the world that democracy could be stronger than ambition, and you became the face of that courage.

Since then, you have walked a path reserved for only the rarest of leaders. You have been celebrated across Africa and beyond as a statesman, a mediator, and a champion of peace. In conflict zones, you have stood as a voice of calm. In fragile democracies, you have been a pillar of guidance. Your name today carries weight not because of the office you once held, but because of the dignity with which you left it.

Now, as calls grow louder urging you to return to the battlefield in 2027, we appeal to your heart: do not succumb. Nigeria has changed. The political terrain is no longer what it was in 2015. It is volatile, bitterly divided, and stripped of the decency that once allowed for honorable contest. To step back into this arena would be to risk entangling your legacy in the chaos of ambition-driven politics.

History offers powerful lessons. Consider Nelson Mandela, who after serving just one term as South Africa’s president, chose not to seek reelection. He understood that his greatest gift to his nation was not clinging to power, but showing the world that leadership could be selfless. His stature as a global icon of peace and reconciliation was preserved because he walked away at the right time.

Think also of Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations. He could have returned to Ghanaian politics, but instead he chose the higher calling of diplomacy and global advocacy. His voice carried moral authority precisely because he did not entangle himself again in partisan struggles.

Closer to home, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania stepped aside voluntarily in 1985, choosing to mentor younger leaders and devote himself to education and African unity. His decision not to cling to power preserved his reputation as “Mwalimu” — the teacher — and ensured that his influence endured far beyond his presidency.

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Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, Africa’s first elected female head of state, also chose not to extend her stay in power beyond constitutional limits. By stepping aside gracefully, she reinforced Liberia’s democratic institutions and secured her place as a continental trailblazer.

Jerry Rawlings of Ghana, after years of military and civilian leadership, eventually embraced the role of elder statesman, guiding his nation from the sidelines rather than returning to the fray. His legacy was strengthened by his restraint.

Leopold Senghor of Senegal, revered as both a poet and president, voluntarily resigned in 1980 — a rare act in Africa at the time. His decision to step down peacefully set a precedent for democratic transitions in West Africa.

Festus Mogae of Botswana, after serving two terms, chose to leave office in 2008 and dedicate himself to HIV/AIDS advocacy across Africa. His moral authority grew because he placed service above ambition.

Even Tanzania’s Jakaya Kikwete, after completing his constitutional terms, resisted calls to extend his stay and instead became a respected voice in African diplomacy.

Dr. Jonathan, your silence in domestic politics over the past decade has been both a blessing and a burden. Millions of your supporters, once devoted, have moved elsewhere. To reach out now, after so long, would not be seen as a noble call to service but as a personal desire to reclaim power. That perception would wound the moral authority you have built so carefully.

Your legacy is already secure. You are remembered as the leader who chose peace over power, who gave Nigeria a democratic precedent, and who became Africa’s envoy for stability. That is a story greater than any election victory could ever be.

We write with emotion because we know what is at stake. Nigeria needs you — but not as a candidate. Africa needs you — but not as a partisan. The world needs you — as the statesman who continues to remind us that true leadership is measured not by how long one holds power, but by how gracefully one lets it go.

Dr. Jonathan, we plead with you from the depths of history and conscience: do not let the noise of politics drown out the music of your legacy. You have already won the greater battle — the battle for honor, for peace, and for history’s respect. To return now would risk entangling that victory in the chaos of ambition, but to remain above the fray is to preserve your place among Africa’s greatest statesmen, alongside Mandela, Nyerere, Sirleaf, Senghor, and others who chose dignity over power. Nigeria, Africa, and the world need you not as a candidate, but as a beacon of peace and democracy. Let your legacy stand untouched, shining as a light for generations to come.

Respectfully,

APC Clears Gov. Yusuf for Second Term Bid in Kano ahead of 2027

The All Progressives Congress has cleared Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to contest for a second term in office in the 2027 governorship election.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Friday.

The clearance followed the successful screening of Governor Yusuf by the National Working Committee of the APC after submitting his nomination and screening forms.

The National Chairman of the party Prof. Nantawe Yilwadda whol led the screening committee at Plateau Governor's l9dge, said party confirmed that Governor Yusuf satisfied all requirements to contest for second term.

Following the screening exercise, he was declared, so far as the sole contender for the APC governorship ticket in Kano State ahead of the 2027 election.

Speaking governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party for the confidence reposed in him.

He reaffirmed his commitment to delivering more dividends of democracy and sustaining policies that promote peace, economic growth and inclusive development across Kano State.

The governor also called on party members and supporters to remain united and continue working together for the progress of the state and victory in 2027.

Governor Yusuf Submits Nomination Form as APC Sole Candidate for Kano Ahead of 2027 Election

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has formally submitted his nomination form to the National Working Committee of the APC in Abuja as the sole candidate for Kano State in the 2027 governorship election.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday.

The Governor was accompanied by Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senator Kawu Sumaila, members of the House of Representatives, and other respected dignitaries from Kano State.

Briefing journalusts at Treasure Suits shortly after the submission of his nomination form, Governor Yusuf described the declaration of his second term as a fresh call to service and a renewed commitment to the people of Kano State.

He said his administration will expand urban renewal projects across the state while road construction, drainage expansion, and market modernization will receive greater attention.

Governor Yusuf said rural development will remain a major priority. He pledged more investments in feeder roads, water supply, healthcare centres, and schools in rural communities.

The Governor also promised stronger support for agriculture and empowerment programmes for farmers and young people,,saying job creation and youth development will remain at the centre of his administration’s agenda.

Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his commitment to improving education and healthcare delivery across Kano State. He stressed that unity, peace, and inclusive leadership remain key pillars of his administration.

The Governor said he will continue to work with all stakeholders to move Kano State forward. He also reaffirmed his alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda to attract more federal projects and opportunities to Kano.

Governor Yusuf thanked the people of Kano for their continued support and confidence in his leadership. He assured them of greater dedication, transparent governance, and people-centred development.

Coalition of Ulama, Islamic Organisations Advocate Peaceful Politics in Kano

The Coalition of Ulama and Islamic Organisations in Kano State has urged politicians, their supporters, and members of the public to embrace peaceful conduct and mutual respect in all political activities across the state.

In a statement issued by the Secretary of the Coalition, Dr. Saidu Ahmad Dukawa, the group expressed concern over recent cases of political violence and the growing trend of abusive language during political engagements.

According to the Coalition, such actions pose a threat to public peace and contradict the cherished moral and cultural values of Kano State.

The group called on political actors to concentrate on issue-based politics and avoid inflammatory statements capable of causing tension or unrest.

It also advised youths not to allow themselves to be used as tools for violence, thuggery, or any form of political disorder.

The Coalition stressed that politics should be conducted with decency, tolerance, and a sense of responsibility in line with Islamic teachings and the traditions of the people of Kano State.

Furthermore, it commended efforts being made by relevant authorities and stakeholders toward sustaining peaceful coexistence and promoting responsible political participation.

The statement concluded with prayers for lasting peace, unity, and development in Kano State.

NASENI Distributes Clean Energy Solutions to 2,000 Kano Households - By Jamilu Adam

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has empowered over 2,000 households in Kano State with clean energy technologies under its Sustainable Empowerment Programme.

The initiative, flagged off on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Fabs Event Centre in Kano, provided beneficiaries with clean cookstoves, solar home systems, and other energy solutions designed to improve access to reliable and environmentally friendly power, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities.

Flagging off the programme, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, described the intervention as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to translating industrial and economic policies into tangible benefits for citizens.

She commended NASENI for driving innovation and promoting local production, noting that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the areas of industrialisation, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.

The minister also highlighted Kano’s strategic importance, describing the state as a historic commercial and manufacturing hub in West Africa with strengths in trade, textiles, agro-processing, and enterprise.

According to her, the programme also supports the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by promoting local technology deployment and enhancing productive capacity among households and small businesses.

In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the initiative is part of the agency’s broader Zero Carbon (ZeCo) Project aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner energy solutions across the country.

He explained that the distributed technologies are locally produced and tailored to meet Nigerian realities, adding that the programme is designed not only to support households but also to improve livelihoods and economic productivity.

Halilu urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the items, noting that the intervention is a step toward building a cleaner, healthier, and more economically resilient society.

Goodwill messages were delivered by key stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer, Mohammed Dahiru; the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Chris Osa Isokpunwu; the National Coordinator of AfCFTA, Patience Okala; and the Kano State Head of Service, represented by Salisu Mustapha.

The programme forms part of NASENI’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development through innovation, local manufacturing, and clean energy adoption.

Allegations Against Former Zamfara Governor, Bello Matawalle Are Untrue - Fahad Ogan Boye

We wish to categorically respond to the series of allegations and defamatory statements being directed at the former Governor of Zamfara State and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

In a statement signed by Fahad Ogan Boye, these claims are baseless, misleading, and driven by envy, hatred, and a calculated attempt to tarnish his hard earned reputation.

Let it be made unequivocally clear that we will not stand by while these unfounded accusations persist. Any individual or group found spreading falsehoods against him will be met with appropriate legal action.

It is important to recall that similar allegations were previously made, linking him to banditry activities claims which have since been proven to be entirely false and without merit.

His continued role and relevance within the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a clear testament to his integrity, credibility, and commitment to national service.

Arabs says “If you want to know a person, look at his friends.” Nigeria’s security agencies are made up of professionals who uphold truth and justice. If there were any substance to these accusations, investigations would have been conducted and appropriate actions taken.

The absence of such findings further affirms that Bello Matawalle is a man of honor and integrity.

I extend our sincere appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence and opportunities he has given to patriotic Nigerians like Bello Matawalle, who remain committed to the unity, progress, and security of our nation.

Therefore, I extend my gratitude to the Minister of defence Christopher Musa and National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribado over their dedication in ensuring security and Stability in the nation under the of the President Bola Ahmad Tinubu.

I therefore call on all Nigerians to remain steadfast in supporting the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he continues to steer the country toward growth and stability.

Retire or Re-tyre: An Encomium to a Paragon of Scholarly Excellence and Mentorship.- By Hassan Alhaji Ya'u, PhD

Whenever I come across the horrific and horrible idea; Retire, I regret not the idea but the practice. My regret is influenced by the critical question of whether the idea of retirement in its conceptual and real senses, is applicable to academics and specifically to Abdallah Uba Adamu who spent exactly 46 years advancing the course of intellectulism, scholarship and research at national, continental and global scale. This prompted my conclusion that in significant cases, there is an apparent etymological fallacy in the conceptualization and application of the idea of retirement, especially in the academic environment. 

Etymologically, the word retire in British  grammatical structure refers to an intransitive VERB, which means to stop work on a full-time basis or is best known in the Nigerian context of labor relations and manpower management as Permanent and Pensionable system, fundamentally due to old age or illness.

In American etymological analysis, however, Retire is a compound word consisting of a prefix Re and the root word tire alternatively spelled as Tyre. It connotes the act of fitting a vehicle with new tires (tyres) for greater or maximum efficiency. Thus, form a new word in American English structure; Retyre, which in British English, grammatical structure, which means Retire.

Otto Von Bismarck, the German Chancellor (1872-1890) was arguably the first official who introduced the idea of retirement in the structure of labor and workforce management in the late 1880s. This decision was influenced by Industrialization,  Urbanization, capitalism, Social unrest, and socialist movement which necessitated  government intervention and the introduction of social insurance reforms in health, accident, and old age to maintain stability and secure elite power. This facilitated the development of the first state-run pension system. 

My first formal contact with Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu was in June 2012 as a PhD. student and a staff member in the department of mass communication, Bayero University Kano. He was obliged to teach Advanced Communication Methods for the PhD. students then. Most students at that time perceived him as an intimidating scholar with horrible intellectual flair that eventually confused students. Hence, the popular maxim about him; the more you hear, the less you understand.

Abdalla Adamu is an eminent scholar and researcher with a paradigmatic exemplar of intellectual polymathy, possessing a vast and labyrinthine expertise that spans multiple disciplines and traverses the boundaries of conventional academic siloes. His oeuvre is characterized by an unyielding commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry, with a particular emphasis on  transnational media flows, cultural studies, etc.

With a career spanning several decades, he has cultivated an intimidatingly broad range of expertise, encompassing science education, media and cultural communication, Hausa language and culture, etc. His research has been marked by a consistent ability to distill complex phenomena into incisive, theoretically informed analyses, often with a profound impact on the field.

In the pantheon of Nigerian academia, Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu stands as a towering figure. His scholarly oeuvre and mentorship are leaving an indelible mark on the intellectual landscape at national and international levels. As a luminary in Science and Technical Education and Media and Cultural Communication, his contributions have not only enriched our understanding of Hausa culture and transnational media flows but also inspired a new generation of interdisciplinary scholars.

Professor Adamu's groundbreaking research has elucidated the complex dynamics of Hausa popular culture, illuminating the intersections of literature, film, music, and performing arts within the context of national, regional, and global cultural exchange. His work on the impact of Bollywood and Nollywood on Hausa media, for instance, has been a seminal contribution to the field of media and cultural studies.

As a dual professor, his expertise, intellectual flair, and analytical prowess have spanned two distinct yet interconnected fields, demonstrating his intellectual versatility and breadth of critical knowledge in advancing scholarship endeavors. 

His leadership roles, including his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of National Open University of Nigeria (2016-2021), have been characterized by vision, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to academic excellence.

Beyond his impressive academic credentials, Professor Adamu is a revered mentor known for his generosity, simplicity, and compassion with ideas, guidance, and support. His influence extends far beyond his students, shaping the intellectual trajectory of countless scholars and researchers.

As one of his PhD. supervisees in 2012, I have experienced from him the real meaning and application of mentorship as well as the nature and structure of mentor-mentee relationship. 

He strategically shifted and refocused my research interest and approach to cultural communication which is grounded in Qualitative research methods as key cornerstones of scholarly inquiry, that offer  nuanced and contextual understanding of complex phenomena. These methods prioritize depth over breadth, seeking to uncover rich, detailed insights into human experiences, meanings, and social processes.

These efforts were initially criticized in the department of Mass Communication as not being a core media and communication centered area of research and for substantially deviating from the traditional media and communication research. The initiative was equally seen as a fundamental paradigm shift which is more aligned with literature, sociolinguistics or sociological studies.

He remained relentless in providing academic resources,  ideas, and connections to me throughout the supervision period. He has equally provided the desired motivation, enthusiasm, and encouragement to support the progress of the process. He linked me directly with the two most authoritative scholars working in the area of cultural communication; Professor Silvie Bringas and Professor Katherine Shutze. These scholars have made  tremendous contributions to the substance of my initial conceptual framework. This was an intellectual eye opener for my subsequent academic journey and development. 

Professor Abdalla remained available,  accessible, approachable and supportive of my entire needs throughout the supervision era, thus the process culminated within the shortest period ever in the history of the department (to his acknowledgement).

His recent contributions to the development of Hausa language and culture, including the development of 'hooked' Hausa language character font sets (ɓ Ɓ ɗ Ɗ ƙ Ƙ), are a testament to his commitment to linguistic and cultural preservation.

Based on the two etymological analyses as enshrined in the British and American structure of the word retire and retyre as discussed earlier in this submission, I strongly contest and reject the British etymological analysis due to the etymological fallacy inherent in the application of the idea especially to academics and specifically to Abdallah Uba Adamu. Alternatively,  I align my thoughts with the American etymological analysis and argue that Abdalla's exit is neither on the basis of incapacitation because of old age nor due to any apparent physical, social or mental health abnormalities. The exit is rather a consequence of a structured colonial bureaucratic principle, which is pragmatically dysfunctional and idealistic, thus requiring strategic, practical, realistic, and functional review. 

Professor Abdalla is therefore Re-tyring- fitting into the contemporary digital scholarship and intellectulism for more significant contributions in the area. He will continue to use ICT and all available digital resources to teach, supervise, mentor, and participate in all academic endeavors requiring his expertise,  experience, and competencies. Digital scholarship and intellectualism entails the use of digital tools, methods, and media to advance scholarly research, teaching, and public engagement.

 This includes digital research methods, digital publishing, digital collaboration, and digital public engagement. My perception of retirement is that it is not the end of service but the beginning of serving life and humanity in different ways.

I sincerely celebrate Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu's scholarly achievements, his mentorship, and his enduring impact on academia and to my academic and intellectual development. I also celebrate his re-tyre into a more pragmatic and rewarding academic venture; digital scholarship and intellectulism for the rest of his life.

Hassan Alhaji Ya’u, PhD.

Department of Information and Media Studies. 

Bayero University Kano. 

Kwaro73@gmail.com

Gwamna Yusuf ya aika sunan Murtala Garo zuwa Majalisar Dokoki domin Tantance Shi A Matsayin Mataimakinsa

Gwamnan Jihar Kano, Abba Kabir Yusuf, ya aika sunan Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo zuwa Majalisar Dokokin Jihar domin tantance shi tare da amincewa da shi a matsayin Mataimakin Gwamna.

Hakan na kunshe ne cikin wata sanarwa da Babban Sakataren Yada Labaran Gwamnan, Mustapha Muhammad, ya sanya wa hannu.

Nadin ya yi daidai da Sashe na 191(3) na Kundin Tsarin Mulkin Najeriya na 1999 (wanda aka yi wa kwaskwarima), wanda ke bai wa Gwamna damar nada Mataimakin Gwamna idan mukamin ya zama babu kowa a ciki.

Mukamin ya zama babu kowa ne bayan murabus din da tsohon Mataimakin Gwamna, Abdussalam Gwarzo, ya yi da kansa a ranar 27 ga Maris, 2026.

Bayan yin tuntuba mai fadi da masu ruwa da tsaki, Gwamnan ya bukaci Majalisar da ta amince da nadin Murtala Sule Garo.

Murtala Sule Garo mai shekaru 48, gogaggen dan siyasa ne kuma mai kwarewa a harkokin gudanarwa, inda ya shafe sama da shekaru ashirin yana rike mukamai daban-daban na zabe da na nada.

Ya taba zama Sakataren Tsare-tsare na jam’iyyarsa a jihar, Mashawarcin Gwamna na Musamman, da kuma zababben Shugaban Karamar Hukumar Kabo.

Haka kuma ya taba zama Shugaban ALGON a Kano, Kwamishinan Kananan Hukumomi da Harkokin Sarauta, da kuma dan takarar Mataimakin Gwamna na jam’iyyar APC a zaben 2023.

Nadin nasa wani bangare ne na kokarin kara inganta shugabanci da kuma dorewar kyakkyawan aikin yi wa al’umma hidima a Jihar Kano.

OBITUARY: Nigerian Sports Mourns Ibrahim Galadima As Legendary Ex-NFA Chairman Is Laid To Rest In Kano

By Ado Salisu, Kano | April 19, 2026

Nigeria’s sporting community has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Chairman and Galadiman Fagge, Dr. Ibrahim Galadima, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 78 in Kano.

The elder statesman and revered sports administrator died at a hospital in Kano, according to an announcement by his junior brother, Alhaji Abba Galadima. His funeral prayer was held on Sunday at the Fagge Central Juma’at Mosque in Fagge quarters, drawing a large turnout of dignitaries, sports stakeholders, and mourners.

Among those who attended the funeral prayers were the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, and former Jigawa State Governor Ali Sa'ad Birnin Kudu.

In a heartfelt tribute, the National Sports Commission described Galadima’s passing as a monumental loss to Nigerian sports, with Shehu Dikko remembering him as a mentor, father figure, and patriot whose influence shaped generations of sports administrators.

“He was more than a leader; he was a guiding light,” Dikko said, recalling his close working relationship with the late sports icon during Galadima’s tenure as NFA Chairman from 2002 to 2006.

Dikko highlighted Galadima’s role in fostering global partnerships for Nigerian football, including the landmark FIFA Goal Project and strategic collaboration with the English Premier League and The FA in 2005.

The NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, also lamented the loss, describing it as a painful blow at a critical time in Nigeria’s ongoing sports reforms.

Galadima’s legacy in Nigerian sports remains enduring. Beyond his stewardship of the NFA, he served as Chairman of the Kano State Football Association, Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Council, First Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, and Commissioner for Social Welfare, Youth and Sports in Kano State.

He was also instrumental in the establishment of Kano Pillars F.C., one of Nigeria’s most prominent football clubs.

The Commission extended condolences to his family, the people of Kano State, and the entire Nigerian sporting fraternity, praying for Almighty Allah to grant him eternal rest in Aljanna.

SCSN Denies Social Media Claims, Reiterates Position on INEC Chairman

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that it directed Muslims to embark on prayers for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a press statement issued on April 13, 2026, and signed by its Secretary General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the Council described the reports as baseless fabrications attributed to anonymous and unofficial sources.

The statement noted that the claims, which also suggested that the Council threatened that elections would not hold if its alleged demands were not met, were entirely untrue and intended to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension.

According to the Council, it never issued any directive or statement of such nature, stressing that the misinformation was an attempt to drag the organisation into partisan political controversies.

The SCSN reaffirmed its stance as a non-partisan religious body committed to promoting justice, equity, moral values, and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians. It emphasized that it operates independently of political interests and avoids actions that could undermine national stability.

However, the Council reiterated its earlier position that the INEC Chairman should either resign or be relieved of his duties. It explained that this position was based on concerns over actions and dispositions attributed to the Chairman, which it said raised questions about neutrality and fairness required for such a sensitive national office.

The Council maintained that its position was not influenced by political or sectarian considerations but rooted in principles of justice and integrity.

It urged the public, particularly members of the Muslim community and the media, to disregard the false narratives and rely only on official communications from the Council.

The statement further reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to fostering a just, peaceful, and inclusive society where all citizens can practice their religion freely without fear or discrimination

The statement was issued under the leadership of the Council’s President, Bashir Aliyu Umar, and Vice President, Isa Salahuddeen Akindele.