Author Archives: MOONLIGHT NEWS

The Nigerian Correctional Service, Kano State Command, is pleased to announce that 58 inmates from the Command’s custodial facilities are sitting for the 2025 National Examination Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

This milestone achievement would not have been possible without the generous support of the Kano State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, which kindly paid the registration fees for the examination. This gesture is a testament to the State Government’s commitment to the welfare, rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration of inmates in the command.

The Command wishes to express its profound gratitude to His Excellency, the Governor, for his unwavering support and partnership. This gesture will go a long way in boosting the morale of the inmates and providing them with a second chance at education and a brighter future.

The Nigerian Correctional Service, Kano State Command, remains committed to providing a conducive environment for the rehabilitation and reformation of inmates, and we are proud to have the support of the Kano State Government in this endeavor.

By Zaidu Zaidu

Purposeful leadership has long been the missing link in Northern Nigeria’s development journey. Despite its vast human and mineral resources, the region is often seen as a drawback in the country’s quest for sustainable progress. Simply put, many perceive Northern Nigeria as a burden, a region with little to offer. This perception might have been different if the region had continued to produce visionary leaders in the mould of the Sardauna and other great northern statesmen, who not only led with purpose but also united the people across all divides.

Today, however, a new wave of leadership is beginning to challenge this narrative. Senator Uba Sani stands out among a handful of emerging leaders who are redefining what it means to govern with vision, empathy, and results. Calm, calculative, and unassuming, the former Senator representing Kaduna Central has hardly put a foot wrong since he emerged as Governor of Kaduna State. He started by putting the people first and breaking free from the human factors that so often impede growth and development. This did not come easily, but who else would take such bold steps if not Uba Sani? If he could stand up to military juntas in the past, why would he now fear diminutive men in flowing agbadas?

Governor Uba Sani’s leadership style gives life to John C. Maxwell’s saying that “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Since assuming office, he has wasted no time translating his vision into action, and he is doing so without media frenzy or fanfare. Unlike his predecessor, who employed the tactic of divide and rule, Governor Uba Sani has been able to harmonise both the northern and southern parts of Kaduna State.

Before he came on board, Kaduna was a hotbed for bandits and terrorists, a place where, to borrow the words of Thomas Hobbes, life was “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” But through dialogue and a non-kinetic approach, he has helped restore a measure of peace, especially in troubled axes like Birnin Gwari. While pockets of attacks still occur, the frequency has reduced significantly, showing that security is not only about force, but also about trust and community engagement.

In terms of infrastructure, Governor Uba Sani has made meaningful strides despite inheriting a huge debt running into hundreds of millions of dollars. Roads like the Kachia-Kafanchan link and rural feeder roads in Giwa and Soba have been rehabilitated, reconnecting communities and boosting local economies in ways that touch people’s daily lives.

When the time came to organise the North West Stakeholders Forum, many doubted it could hold without descending into chaos, especially considering how the North East Stakeholders Forum had gone. But Governor Uba Sani proved the doubters wrong by spearheading one of the most seamless and productive forums in recent times. His success mirrors the Igbo proverb that “When an elder is in the house, the she-goat does not suffer parturition on its tether.” Though Governor Uba Sani is still young, he has succeeded where some elders have failed.

When predictions of chaos at the North West Stakeholders Forum did not come to pass, critics shifted their doubts to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to commission landmark projects like the rebuilt Sabon Gari Market. They said the President could not visit Kaduna without crisis, especially considering this is the state where his strongest and bitterest critic governed for eight years. Yet again, Uba Sani silenced them. Talk of a leader who knows his onions.

In the area of appointments, Governor Uba Sani has shown that he understands the time-tested Nigerian cliché that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow. His cabinet includes young, qualified professionals alongside experienced hands, with clear attention to gender balance.

In all this, one thing stands out: Governor Uba Sani’s quiet revolution in Kaduna is not just transforming a state, it is rewriting the story of Northern Nigeria. By proving that with vision, courage, and sincerity, purposeful governance is indeed possible, he reminds us that the North still has leaders who know the way, go the way, and show the way.

It is now up to the people to demand and support such leadership elsewhere, for only then can the North truly rediscover the greatness it once gave Nigeria and Africa.

Zaidu Zaidu is a public affairs analyst. He can be reached via: Zaiduzaidu@gmail.com

A prominent women’s advocacy group in Kaduna Central Senatorial District has sharply criticized Senator Lawal Adamu for what it described as two years of non-performance, lack of constituency engagement, and failure to provide empowerment programs, particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

In a statement issued to journalists today, the Women Forum for Unity and Development of Kaduna Central expressed disappointment over the senator’s alleged silence on the Senate floor and his inability to attract any meaningful development to the district since assuming office in 2023.

“It is over two years now since we elected Senator Lawal Adamu, and we have never heard his voice on the floor of the Senate,” said Hajiya Amina Suleiman, the group’s leader. “We have not seen any serious empowerment programme aimed at cushioning the effect of the current economic situation.”

The group lamented that while lawmakers in other parts of Kaduna and across the country have implemented various initiatives—such as distribution of tricycles (Keke Napep), grinding machines, motorcycles, and grants for small-scale businesses—Kaduna Central has seen no such dividends of democracy under Adamu’s leadership.

“We see other senators initiating scholarship schemes, distributing farm implements, and launching skill acquisition centers. Sadly, our representative has failed to do any of this,” Suleiman added.

The forum also criticized Adamu’s frequent absence from the senatorial district and his reported prolonged stays abroad. “He is always in Saudi Arabia instead of sitting in the Senate to raise issues concerning the progress and development of our constituency,” the statement read.

Most strikingly, the group condemned the senator’s failure to visit any of the seven local government areas within the district, stating that he appears more interested in aligning himself with the Senate leadership than in addressing the pressing needs of his constituents.

“We didn’t elect him to serve as an aide to Senator Godswill Akpabio,” the group emphasized. “Our recent review meeting at Arewa House concluded that Senator Lawal Adamu is the worst-performing representative Kaduna Central has ever had.”

Citing the ongoing economic hardship worsened by the removal of fuel subsidy, the women’s group warned that their patience is wearing out.

  BY INUWA WAYA. 

The circumstances that led to the ceasefire after the 12 day war between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel are in the public domain. Whatever distortions are coming out from the media defending from which side they belong to, the truth is that both Israel and Iran had shown signs of exhaustion.

 The only point requiring remark here is that Israel showed more signs of exhaustion by  inviting the United States to join the war. Had the war continued, no one would determine its outcome. After the ceasefire, each of the parties involved  claimed victory. Donald Trump said that the American bombs at  the three nuclear sites in Iran had obliterated the Country’s nuclear programme.

 According to him, it would take nearly 20 years for Iran to restart uranium enrichment. Israel also claimed victory. They believed that by eliminating top Iranian nuclear scientist and military commanders, they have dealt a fatal blow to the Islmic Republic.

 Iran, on the other hand, is also claimed victory. The fact that they dared Israel and caused  maximum damage to  buildings and military offices in the Country is a major consolation to them. Their symbolic attack against the American military base in Qatar is another reason to claim victory.

The claim of victory by each side is understandable. What is not expected and which is troubling is the war of words between the  parties involved following the ceasefire agreement . In spite of claiming to obliterate the Iranian nuclear programme, President Trump said America will not hesitate to attack again if Iran restarts uranium enrichment. He also said  because of the Iranian Supreme leader’s derogatory  comments against him, he has decided not to lift the sanctions against Iran. Israel had re-echoed the American rhetoric.

 In fact, they went further to hint at assassinating the Iranian spiritual leader Ayatollah khomeini and toppling the entire regime and causing maximum chaos in the  Country. On the other hand, Iran has downplayed the significance of the American and Israeli attack on their nuclear facilities. Informed sources from Tehran said the Country is looking for a historic opportunity to permanently neutralise the Israeli threat against it. 

The source further claimed that Iran has in stock a new generation missiles that can penetrate the Israeli air defences. On the issue of nuclear inspection, Iran had formally suspended any cooperation with the IAEA. According to Tehran, the impartiality of the agency is  completely compromised.  Calling it a tool in the hands of Israel and the US.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)  Chief Rafael Grossi has said that while American bunker buster bombs had  caused serious damage to the Iranian nuclear facilities, the Country can within months restart uranium enrichment operations. 

According to the IAEA chief, the nuclear knowledge in possession of the Iranian scientist can not be disinvented. The media is not left out in this quagmire. According to Washington post, intercepted communications between senior  Iranian officials suggested that the American strikes at the Iranian nuclear facilities were far less destructive than expected. Indeed several American media outlets reported a leaked classified intelligence assessments that suggests  the US strikes only caused moderate damage to the Iranian nuclear facilities.

 All these doubts, claims and counter claims, goes to the direction of opening their own second front.

There is no doubt that the next war between Iran and Israel will be deadly, dramatic and catastrophic. Each is looking for the opportunity to annihilate the other. There would be massive loss of lives and destruction that has probably not been seen before.

 The entire Middle East will turn to a battle ground. If that region with a lot of oil wells, refineries and power plants is set ablaze, the World economy would definitely be affected. Closing the Strait of Hormuz which is likely as the conflict escalates, would affect the supply of 20% of the World’s crude oil supply. It is inevitable that the impact of the  war would negatively affect the rest of the World.

In our view, this is the time  to tame the tide. The Wold powers are in the unique position to calm frayed nerves. This is not the time of division or pursuing narrow interest.

 No one should take the  current atmosphere as it affects Iran and Israel as parochial. 

The aftermath of that war if it happens, would invariably change the World as we know it today. The United Nations, especially the Security Council (UNSC) must come together to speak with one voice and save the World from the calamitous effect of any war. A stich in time saves nine.

 The World and its inhabitants  will not be happy with shedding  of crocodile tears if the war is allowed to happen. The spilling of innocent blood under whatever guise is enough.

 The World must be a safer and not a dangerous place. All wars must be stopped at this second. 

The people are tired of seeing mutilated bodies  on the mother earth. The starvation of women and children must be stopped. 

The scenes being aired on televisions and shown on social media are gory and appalling. All hands must be put on deck to avoid the World turning into an animal kingdom where savagery and wickedness  reign supreme. Civilisation is measured by the ability of humans to avoid wanton killings and  destructions of whatever is built on the surface earth.  United Nations, please save humanity

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has officially inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). The event, which took place at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, on Monday 30th June 2025, marks a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to reposition the maritime sector as a driver of national economic development.

In his address, the Minister described the inauguration as a vital step in strengthening the governance framework of the NPA and aligning it with the broader vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to reform and revitalise key government institutions. According to the Minister, the move underscores the administration’s firm commitment to institutional reforms aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, boosting transparency, and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy in a manner that is inclusive and sustainable.

Oyetola noted that the Nigerian Ports Authority Act assigns critical policy oversight responsibilities to the Governing Board, particularly in areas concerning staffing and budgetary matters. These roles, he said, are executed primarily through the Board’s Staff and Establishment Committee and its Finance Committee.

However, he emphasised that the day-to-day management of the Authority remains the exclusive responsibility of the Managing Director and the executive management team. This distinction, he stressed, is vital for operational integrity and is clearly outlined in both the NPA Act and the Public Procurement Act of 2007.

“It is important to emphasise that the day-to-day operations and execution of policy decisions remain solely the responsibility of the Managing Director and the Management Team. This is clearly stipulated in Section 10(3) of the NPA Act and further reinforced by the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007. Clear boundaries between governance and management must be maintained for operational integrity and efficiency.
 
“The Board is to provide policy direction and supervision in line with government directives but must not interfere with routine management or operational execution.
 
“To the Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority, I enjoin you to engage constructively with the Board in a manner that reflects professionalism, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. Institutional harmony is vital, and this can only be achieved through cooperation, transparency, and unwavering dedication to national service.

“To the newly inaugurated Board Members, I congratulate you. I urge you to approach this assignment with discipline, focus, and a firm commitment to national interest. Your role is pivotal to the development of a competitive and efficient port system — one that meets global standards and contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic transformation,” the Honourable Minister said.

Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated Board, the Chairman, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and the other members of the Board. He extended his appreciation to Minister Oyetola for his unwavering support throughout the nomination and inauguration process, describing the Minister as a pillar of encouragement whose guidance had been instrumental to the success of NPA.

The Chairman praised the composition of the Board, highlighting the collective experience and expertise of its members. He also commended the Managing Director and executive management of the Nigerian Ports Authority, as well as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, for their warm reception and evident willingness to work collaboratively with the new Board.

Adeyeye affirmed the Board’s determination to work in close harmony with the NPA’s management and the Ministry to ensure a successful and impactful tenure. He emphasised the importance of unity and cooperation, describing the Minister as the head of the family under whose leadership the Board would function with a spirit of shared purpose and without discord.

The NPA Board members include Senator Adedayo Adeyeye (Chairman), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho (Managing Director), Hon. Olabanji Olawale Olateju (Member), Hon. Amirudin Tukur Idris (Member), Barr. Kelechi Igwe (Member), Ekpebide Ebi-Erin Daniel (Member) and Dr. Mercy Ilori (member), representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The others are Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar (Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services), Engr. Olalekan Badmus (Executive Director, Marine and Operations) and Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet (Executive Director, Finance and Administration).

A pro-democracy group under the aegis of the June 12 Ibadan Alliance for Democracy has faulted former Military Governor of Kaduna State, Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (rtd), over his recent suggestion that several of his military colleagues be considered for national honours for their roles in the June 12, 1993 struggle.

In a statement personally signed by Col. Umar, following his recent conferment with the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the retired officer had called on the federal government to also recognise “38 or more” unnamed ex-military officers whom he described as “unsung heroes” of the democratic struggle.

However, the June 12 Alliance, in a press release issued and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Arisekola Abdulwahab, strongly disagreed with Col. Umar’s recommendation.

The group accused some of the officers mentioned of fraternising with the late General Sani Abacha and playing roles that ran contrary to democratic ideals.

“We appreciate Col. Dangiwa Umar for accepting the national honour and we acknowledge his outstanding role in defending the sanctity of June 12 despite being in military uniform,” the group said. “However, it is unacceptable to recommend for honours those military officers who were part of the machinery that frustrated and truncated Nigeria’s democratic aspirations.”

The group insisted that while Umar’s own contributions to the pro-democracy movement are undeniable and deserving of national recognition, “those of his colleagues, particularly those who hobnobbed with anti-democratic forces, should not be rewarded.”

“For the benefit of younger generations who may not know the history, honouring such officers would wrongly present them as champions of democracy. That would be a distortion of history,” the statement added.

The group concluded by urging President Tinubu and the National Honours Committee to be cautious in selecting future recipients, stressing that “national recognition should only go to individuals with verifiable contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey.”

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has expressed joy and pride as three of its distinguished members were conferred with national honours during this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

The awardees include Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, who received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON); renowned poet and political thinker Odia Ofeimun, and former senator and human rights activist Senator Shehu Sani, both awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

In a joint statement signed by ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, Ph.D, the association congratulated the recipients for their lifelong commitment to literature, democracy, and nation-building.

“We celebrate our illustrious members on this well-deserved recognition,” the statement read. “Their honour is a testament to the enduring power of words, ideas, and principled action in shaping our national journey.”

The association also commended President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for recognizing literary icons and public intellectuals as deserving of the nation’s highest honours.

“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all citizens as we mark 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance,” the statement concluded.

BY INUWA WAYA

Let me start with a hypothetical scenario. You have a neighbour who was full of pride because he is strong economically and otherwise. He has friends equally very powerful who come to his assistance whenever he requested. Because of that, he holds every household in your area with disdain and contempt. With or without provocation, he enters any household, maim, and even kill if there is resistance.

 His powerful friends rearmed him with weapons and money from time to time for him to continue oppressing and frightening the neighbourhood.

 Everyone in the environs and beyond is afraid of him, and nobody dare  challenge his impunity and wanton display of power and arrogance. Any perceived threat to his power is met by maximum punishment. When the situation became unbearable, you started showing signs of disapproval. You began to raise awareness for the neighbourhood to address his excesses. Once he noticed your actions, he became more aggressive and started planning on how to deal with you.

 He began by planning with his powerful friends to kill your relations who are staying in a nearby neighbourhood. He followed that with  clandestine actions to intimidate you for daring him. 

One day in your absence, he entered your house, vandalised properties, and killed some members of your family whilst others managed to escape. 

He also left an inscription on your door stating that you are the next target. When you returned home and saw the carnage, you became confused. You started having a dilemma on whether to avenge or beg him to spare your life and those of the remaining members of your family. 

The aforementioned hypothetical narration typified the situation between the Islamic Republic of  Iran and Israel. We assumed you are IRAN and ISRAEL is the neighbour who has been terrorising the neighbourhood and the one that conducted the assault in your house.

 Let’s move out of the hypothetical World into the realm of reality. After the Israel preemptive  attack against Iran on the 13th of June, it took  less than twenty- four hours for Iran to exert her revenge. 

The revenge itself was one, it’s significance however was the show of determination and courage on  the part of the  Iranian nation to confront the state of Israel. Since its creation in 1948, Israel uprooted and expelled the Palestinians who are the original inhabitants of the land. Over time, they expanded their land grab by building more settlements in occupied lands of Jerusalem, Jericho, West Bank, and Bethlehem, actions which are illegal under the International Law.

They invaded Southern Lebanon in 1982 and   participated in planning, preparation and execution of Sabra and Chatila massacre in which nearly three thousand five hundred Labanese and Palestinians were killed. In June 1967, Israel  entered and gained control of Golan Heights, which was under the control of the Syrian Arab Republic. From time to time, Israel made incursions into any territory to conduct covert and overt military and intelligence operations. Through targeted assassinations, Israel  killed a number of persons. In Palestine for instance, Israel assassinated Yahaya Ayesh, Sheik Ahmed Yasin, Mahmoud Rantisi his brother Abdulaziz Rantisi, Yahaya Sinwar, Mohammed Sinwar, Ismail Haneya, Chairman Yasser Arafat, to mention but a few. On 27th November 2020, Israel assassinated Mohsen Fakhrizadeh Mahabad an Iranian nuclear scientist. In the 13th June attack, Israel killed fourteen Iranian nuclear scientist along with their neighbours and members of their families. At the behest of Israel, the United States assassinated Iranian Genaral Qasim Soleimani on the 3rd January 2020 at the Baghdad airport.

It was based on Israel false intelligence that America and the rest of the West invaded Iraq and deposed  Saddam Hussain in March 2003. Tens of thousands of people were killed in that war. In the end,  no weapons of mass destruction were found as stated by the Israeli intelligence. In Gaza where Israel is raging a relentless war against unarmed people, over 56,000 thousand  Palestinians were killed and 2.1 million of them were displaced and subjected to starvation. All  infrastructures in Gaza were destroyed by Israel bombs.

The strip is now unhabitable for ordinary human beings. This war followed the Hamas attack on Israel which killed 1200 Israelis. In addition to the general subjugation the Palestinians are going through since Israel was created in 1948, the people of Gaza suffered additional humiliation by living in what is generally referred to as the largest open prison in the World.

 In this particular war, Israel tested lethal weapons that were never use in any warfare. When they run out of bombs, America, replenished them with new supplies. Millions of Palestinians are scattered all over the World as refugees or on exile to escape Israel onslaught. 

Israel is a very powerful Country. It is the only nuclear state in the Middle East, although it maintained  policy of silence regarding its nuclear weapons. The Israel nuclear possession came to the World’s attention in 1986, when Mordachai Vanunu a former Israel nuclear technician gave detailed information and photos of Israel’s nuclear program to the British newspaper The Sunday Times.

 His revelations indicated that Israel had developed a substantial nuclear arsenal. After that revealing interview, Vanunu was kidnapped in Rome and brought to Israel by the Israel intelligence outfit, Mossad. He was tried in secret and was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment. To date Israel refused to join the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA) and denied it’s inspectors entry visa to visit the County for inspection. 

Through the work of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee ( AIPAC), Israel was able to get political and diplomatic cover from the United States of America.

 It was estimated that the United Nations Security Council had passed over 30 resolutions that Israel is accused of contravening. Additionally, the US had used its veto power over 40 times to block resolutions critical of Israel in the Security Council. Most of these resolutions relates to Israel’s activities in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Jerusalem. In today’s World, political analysts have concluded that Israel is the most powerful Country, more powerful than even the United States that gives it all the protection at the International level. 

When a Country like Israel attacks one, it is in One’s interest to retreat and run away. That  brought us to the significance of the revenge carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran against the Jewish state.

The Iranian bravery demystified the  vulnerability of the invulnerability of the state of Israel. It further exposed the myth that no Country can attack Israel and remain a Country. 

In the twelve days war, the Iranian short, medium and long range missiles caused massive destruction in Israel. The Iranian drones and missiles penetrated the Israel’s iron dome, David sling and arrows, to cause maximum damage in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Dimona, Hora, Hod HaSharon, Beersheba, and Rishon LeZion.

 During the period of the war, the Israelis experienced terrible consequences of their actions. Schools were closed, workers were asked to go home, sirens were activated every now and then and  people were in and out of public shelters. At home, people were asked to listen to radios and television for intermittent announcements. 

The restaurants, beaches and night clubs were all deserted. People were running helter skelter. Before the 13th of June, if you ask the Israelis that they would experience such, they would say you are deluded. But it happened, it was a reality and not a dream. The government became confused just as the people were. The jews are pampered people full of pride and lavish lifestyle. The Iranians are not. They are prepared for a long war. They experienced it before fighting the Iraqis for eight years. 

The Iranians have been in one form of sanction or another since the Islamic revolution of 1979. The sanctions made them  resilient and enable  to make inventions and innovations for their progress and development. They also have pride about their religion and their ancestry. You just can not beat them easily. 

When Israel realised that their military campaign is ineffective, they begged the Americans to come to their rescue. Back home, the majority of the Americans do not have the appetite for war. President Trump  was elected to stop Americans from going to war. 

However in order not to embarrass the Israelis, President Trump decided to intervene in the war by striking the Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22. On that day, the United States Air Force and Navy attacked three Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. 

The operation was conducted using bunker buster bombs. President Trump said the Iranian nuclear programme has been obliterated. Israel said the same thing. Iran and other intelligence sources  in the US said otherwise. 

They believe the programme was only delayed with a month or two. Be that as it may, the Islamic Republic of Iran had always insisted that its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes and nobody can stop it from exercising that right under whatever guise. On June 23, Iran retaliated by attacking the American air base at  Al Udeid in Qatar. One hour before the attack, the Iranians gave the Qatari government notice of the attack, and also to the Americans through Qatar. There were no casualties in the attack.

On the 12th day of the war, President Trump informed the World that both Iran and Israel agreed on ceasefire.  From the way  President Trump spoke, it appears both Iran and Israel showed signs of exhaustion. More importantly,  Israel who started the  unjustified pre-emptive military strikes was severely devastated . It was a  tactical blunder on their part.

They should have known that there is a limit to nations endurance. The ceasefire which everyone has been asking them for over 15 months in  respect of their war in Gaza, they now agree to it in 12 days in the  war with Iran. Their pre-emptive strike at this time boomerang. As for the Middle Eastern region and the World in general, the ceasefire has brought a welcome relief. The global economy would have been adversely affected had the war continue.

In conclusion, it is our hope that the International community especially the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will take a lesson from these. They should put the necessary mechanisms in place to ensure that all members of the United Nations are treated equal.

 They must ensure that every member respects the UN charter and also abide by the UNSC resolutions. They should immediately call for ceasefire in respect of the Israel war in Gaza.

 That war is an embarrassment to the International  community. Human rights has no meaning if human life is not guaranteed. Solving the Palestinian issue is solving half of the global conflicts. Just as the Israelis are leading their free lives, the Palestinians deserve to live in peace and dignity. God created human beings as equals. 

There is no superior race or races. Blacks and whites are the same.

 I rest my case.

By Inuwa Waya

During the 20th Century, human life lost its value as a result of the barbarism that accompanied the first and the second World wars. The war machines invented for the protection of mankind were ruthlessly unleashed against the human race. The inability of the League of Nations to prevent the appalling crimes led to the emergence of the United Nations at the end of the second World war in 1945. Since than, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has been working to enforce international peace and security without success. On the 13th June, 2025, Israel began a massive military operation against Iran. The operation according to the Jewish state was aimed at degrading the ability of the Iranian State to develop nuclear weapons. The Israel claim that Iran is developing nuclear weapons was refuted by Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA). The Iranian nuclear programme according to Tehran is for civilian purposes. Under Operation True Promise, Iran rains down missiles and drones against Israel’s critical military targets. Since than, Iran and Israel has been trading air attacks. The international community is helplessly watching . Donald Trump, a long time ally of Benjamin Netanyahu had stated that the United States of America will decide whether to join Israel in attacking Iran within the next two weeks. The American President had taken this latitude to allow diplomacy to work and to also convince his make America great again (MAGA) movement to agree for the Americans to take part in the fight. A window of international diplomacy was opened with the Iranian foreign Minister Abbas Agharachi having his first meeting with the European Union delegation led by the foreign ministers of France, Britain, Germany and the EU foreign policy chief. During the meeting which was held in Geneva, the Swiss Capital, Iran reiterated it’s position that the Country can not negotiate their civilian nuclear programme while Israel’s aggression against their nation is ongoing. The stakes are high and the atmosphere is palpable. America and the European Union are supporting Israel in its aggression against Iran. Even without participating in combat operation, the Americans are already helping Israel with Iron Dome, Arrow and David’s sling to defend itself against the Iranian drones and missiles. China, Russia and other Countries from the global South faulted Israel for what they regarded as a unilateral and unprovoked aggression against a member of the United Nations. According to them, such action is against the International Law and Order. The same position was taken by the Muslim Countries under the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC). If Israel refuse to stop the attack, and the Americans decided to join the fight at the expiration of the two weeks period, the situation will deteriorate further and even become more complicated. Iran had already warned the United States not to participate in the conflict. The Islamic Republic also sent messages across to all the Countries in the region where America has its military bases not to allow their territory to be a launching pad by the Americans. In simple terms, Iran is sending signal that if America join the fight, all the American military bases in Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Iraq, are legitimate targets for the Iranian Armed forces. That also means the Iranian allies ( both state and non state actors) in the region would assist Iran in this regard. The Houthis in Yemen,Hamas in Gaza, Hesbollah in Lebanon and the Iraq Shia militia are all affiliated to Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is within easy reach for Iran and the Houthis. Under pressure, both of them can block that shipping route. That will impact negatively on International Shipping and would block 20% of the World crude oil supply. The global economy will definitely be affected. Before we move out of the Middle East, we should note that Israel is already fighting with Hesbollah, Houthis and Hamas. In Gaza alone, nearly 56,000 people were killed by Israel. In Syria, Israel’s rain of missiles are dropping on daily basis ostensibly to protect the Druze tribe. The Jewish state had also made incursion into the Syrian territory and established a military base around the Golan Heights. Elsewhere in Europe, the war between Russia and Ukraine has become protracted. The conflict is adversely affecting the World economy. To stop the war, Russia insisted that Ukraine must recognise the newly redesign borders and abandon their desire to join NATO. Ukraine and its main supporters the EU, refused to accept those conditions. The war is still going on. There are other worrisome conflicts that are equally threatening World peace in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
As mentioned earlier, UNSC is finding it difficult to enforce peace and security at the global stage. The five permanent members are polarised along unipolar and multipolar beliefs. The undemocratic nature of the veto power neutralises any position the non permanent members would take.
Be that as it may and whether America decide to join Israel in its war with Iran or not, the World is in a delicate balance. If the World powers want a better and safer World as they always say, they must collectively match words with actions. International Law and Order must be respected by all Countries irrespective of their military or economic power. The United Nations, especially its Security Council, must be reformed to make it more democratic as regards to the exercise of veto power. These two are sine qua non for peace and security to flourish in our mother earth.

By Comrade Musa Mohammed

2027 general elections, the time for the people of Kaduna Central to put on their thinking cap has come.

This is no time to pander to political party supremacy without questioning. Political parties, as has been emphasized over time are simply vehicles for promoting the vision and aspirations of the individuals, particularly in the Nigerian context without a clear-cut ideological foundation for the political parties.

What the people need at this point in our political journey are men and women with the capacity and character to deliver on their mandates.

From our experiences so far, there is no gain in saying the fact that the calibre of people elected as leaders determines the quality of democratic dividends that would be delivered to the citizens.

It is out duty to elect someone like ‘YERIMA SHETTIMA ABBAS’ who I believe would deliver the devidens of democracy to make the lives of the people of his Constituency better.

With all indication, our democracy is wearing a new look to the extent that people with ideas and new visions ‘like Yerima Shettima’ are taking our political space by storm.

. If we are looking for a candidate with the character and personal clout to deliver, then ‘YERIMA SHETTIMA’ is the man.

I believed that if Yerima Shettima occupy the seat of Senate to represent kaduna central districts, the land would yield her increase and the people will see reasons to celebrate democracy in the coming years. Those faces that represent the corruption and heartless failures of the past should be barred from the coming dispensation when character will reinforce hope and peace for a better Nigeria.

There is no better candidate for the senate in the 2027 general election than Yerima Shettima Abbas.

The time to elect YERIMA SHETTIMA to replicate the magic of his visible successes in the corporate world in the senate has come.

YERIMA should be encouraged with our votes in 2027. He is fully prepared. He may not be a saint but he has demonstrated decorum and modesty in his service to the people.

He is a thinker. He is disciplined. He has been a successful national development expert and Nigerian public servant, who has over a decade of experience politics and activism, with experiences in several organizations, multi-national organizations, he knows how to play boardroom politics and could be a huge asset to the National Assembly.

These are the kind of people we should be sent to the senate and not some empty political noisemakers who boast of everything but achieve nothing for the people.

YERIMA SHETTIMA ABBAS, the APC Candidate for the kaduna Central senatorial elections in 2027 represents true change as he brings a breath of fresh air to the political space.

We can understand why there is palpable faith and hope across the Kaduna Central Senatorial district in his capability and credibility account. The people had always craved a new dispensation and a new order in leadership.

YERIMA comes to the table with an amazing score in competency, in capacity, credibility, integrity, passion, humaneness and humanity and in believability. No doubt, the impact of a Yerima’s representation of Kaduna Central in the senate will be monstrous, magnificent and huge.

The 2027 political game is wearing a new look. The reality of the moment is to send men who can breast the tape with uncommon charm and grace.
The coming dispensation is for people with grit and audacity to dare the system to yield our lot. None of those in the race is better qualified and equipped than ‘YERIMA SHETTIMA’.

His world-class taste and acclaim would galvanize the people to aspire for better things. His carriage is urbane and elegantly sophisticated.

He is already being referred to as the ‘Barrack Obama’ of KADUNA CENTRAL because of his unassuming mien and outlook.

Handsomely suave and polished, YERIMA is like a shining star in the firmament of Kaduna political cosmology. Kaduna Central deserve the best. Yerima Shettima Abbas is the best.

Comrade Musa Mohammed
Political Writer/Analyst
From Shaba Ward 1
Doka District, Kaduna North Local Government.
musamohdeen@gmail.com
+2348038895334