Author Archives: MOONLIGHT NEWS

By Comrade Musa Mohammed

“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” 

The above contemporary definition of a true leader is not only apt but reflected in the sterling character and personality of  the Vice-Chancellor Federal University Dutsanma, Professor Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi, the man whose pragmatic and transformative leadership are glaringly visible in the number of giant leaps that Federal University Dutsanma(FUDMA) has recorded under his visionary administration.
Professor Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi has been described as an astute manager of human and financial resources which has further taken the university to higher heights.

Accolades came from Staff, students and the team that served with him as Principal Officers .

He was described also as a good finisher of projects whether inherited or initiated. He also displayed maturity by coming to the level of everyone (staff, students and other stakeholders).

Prof. Bichi was also described as a thorough person who treated memos with speed required and gave adequate attention to such within the limit of available resources. 

Undoubtedly, his footprints and innovative ideas are rapidly transforming the institution. 
Armaya’u Bichi a focused leader and astute administrator with an unparalleled commitment to the development and greatness of FUDMA in spite of the daunting challenges. 
He remains the most humble Vice-Chancellor in Nigeria.

He has made sacrifices and selfless efforts in ensuring that he bequeath a transformed University that is globally visible and recognized for its quality impact in teaching, research, and community service. 

Always working round the clock, thinking outside the box, using his influence and networks of well-meaning friends to attract accelerated development to FUDMA.
He is god fearing with a large heart which culminated into peace experienced.

 He inherited a collapsing system and resuscitated it. He added values by increasing the number of Schools, splitting some, establishing new ones and reviving others.

Bichi is also described as the Father of Quality Assurance and named Ambassador for the University Advancement. 

Prof. Bichi deserved commendation for ensuring that peace reign through the help of God and the Vice Chancellor’s even handedness. 
He understood the system excellently and that brought successes.

Allegations of graft, looting running into millions of naira, alleged of over N150 million fraud  have hit at the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

The National chairman was accused of allegedly diverted the union funds amounting to over N150 million for his personal use.  “A lot can of worms, secret assets, banks transactions, fraud was discovered.

Investigations by Moonlightnews, reveal that the National chairman of the NURTW, Mr. Tajuddeen Baruwa is enmeshed in a cesspool of corrupt practices, which have created a chasm between members of the union.

Members of the union are planning to start protesting round the streets of Abuja, to kick against Baruwa’s second term, “Mr. Tajuddeen Baruwa should step aside, until thorough investigation have been made.
Such offence according to a source is punishable under the law guiding the union, the national Chairman should go for suspension.

According to Petitioners, they would resist any attempt by others to bring Baruwa for the second term.

“Tajuddeen Baruwa should step aside, and allow proper investigation to carry out.”Anti-graft agencies should investigate the NURTW national chairman Tajuddeen Baruwa, over alleged of over N150 million fraud.
Majority members of NURTW are agitating for the removal of the National chairman TAJUDDEEN BARUWA, which according to them is the only condition that could guarantee peace within NURTW nationwide.

While petitions by aggrieved members of the union are said to have been forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), calling on the anti-graft agencies to beam their anti-corruption searchlight on the ‘decay’ at the NURTW.

The Petitioners said that ‘Tajuddeen Baruwa styled administration’ has drained the finances of the NURTW without any significant project to match the Millions of naira missing , and set it on an imminent path of failure.

Most members of the union are not happy over his activities and are ready to support with more information about the National chairman.

The aggrieved members of the NURTW has called on the Anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) were called in to make a thorough investigation to bring the guilty to justice.

Based on the petition, the National chairman TAJUDDEEN BARUWA has continued to corruptly enrich himself and his cronies, which he is now rated among the richest people.

The members of the union call on the anti-graft agency to commence investigations into the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
“EFCC, ICPC should investigate how Tajuddeen Baruwa built a houses in choice places in Abuja and his hometown worth Millions of naira.And how he get his wealth and assets, how much is he earnings as a public servants that he purportedly used to buy expensive property’s in choice places”.

Former lawmaker who represent Dutsanma and Kurfi Federal constituency, and former board Chairman of Rural Electrification Board,
Hon. Danlami Mohammed Kurfi said his attention has been drawn to a written report circulating on different social media platforms.

According to him,the report written by Emmanuel Ogebe, Esq, who claimed to be a prominent US-based international human rights lawyer and Nigerian pro-democracy advocate with the US Nigeria Law Group in Washington, in question is nothing more than a product of the imagination of the writer , clearly designed to mischievously sow discord and confusion among the general public.

The writer said that the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal ruled against multiple claims by Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, including fraud, violations of electoral process and allegations that Tinubu failed Constitutional thresholds of qualifications to run in the first place.

The court denied the parallel suit from the Peoples’ Democratic Party [PDP] headed by former Vice President Abubakar Atiku in addition to a third opposition party, Tinubu and Vice-Presidential running mate Kashim Shettima were declared victors of a controversial and disputed presidential election on February 25.

Emmanuel alleging that Tinubu won mostly on technicalities as the court threw out evidence of forgeries of his Chicago State university certificates and witness testimony it claimed was not filed on time.

Alleging that the electronic voting systems, allegedly detected fraudulent wins for Tinubu in two states won by Peter Obi and showed 39,000 missing results affecting millions of votes, Emmanuel Ogebe said we’re irrelevant.

He said that the European Union observer team condemned the conduct of the election, concluding that it marred the public’s trust in the election process.

“The alleged Tinubu’s forfeiture in 1993 of narcotic trafficking drug money during his stay in Chicago. It ruled that the $460,000 money-laundering forfeiture in US District Court was not based upon a conviction of Tinubu, and therefore the Constitution did not disqualify him to run for office in Nigeria.

Emmanuel Ogebe also said, whether Tinubu’s party fulfilled a constitutional threshold of 25 percent of the votes in 24 states and the capital territory of Abuja to be president.

He said, “Unfortunately for the challengers, the court ruled that although Tinubu scored only 18 percent of the votes in Abuja compared to his challenger Peter Obi who scored more than 50 percent, Tinubu’s party made up for it in other states. It didn’t have to be Abuja.

He also argued that candidates should have 25 percent of votes in Abuja to remediate the lack of full voting power in the capital territory.

“The deeply disappointing court verdict on Sept. 6, 2023 is reminiscent .

“A terrible mistake have been made, A court of five deciding an election for millions of people strikes many as unjust, describing them as “wickedly false designed to create mischief among Nigerians”.

That statement circulating is false, Infact wickedly false designed to create mischief among Nigerians.”

“I, Hon. Danlami Kurfi, categorically and unequivocally state that the report are entirely baseless and without any merit whatsoever.

“I and the entire family of APC view such misinformation with great concern and urge the public and well-meaning Nigerians to exercise caution and discernment when encountering such unfounded reports.

“I hereby advise the general public to disregard the story in its entirety, as it is nothing but a deliberate attempt to spread fake news and create unnecessary tensions.

“We the APC family are waiting for the Challengers of Bola Tinubu’s Election to Appeal to Nigeria’s Supreme Court as Emmanuel Ogebe said.

Hon. Kurfi said the general public to disregard the statement, noting that it is false and Mischievous described the allegation as false and fabricated by mischief makers.

He said those behind the publication seek to create “tension and confusion in the nation’s polity”.

“The intention of the forces behind the fake and mischievous news, for reasons best known to the writer, is to create tension and confusion in the nation’s polity.”

Stressing that the entire content is fabricated, and he is trying to pass off to spread mischief.

The former lawmaker therefore urged the general public to disregard the publication .

 The Election Petition Court sitting in Kaduna State today upheld  the Victory of the  Senator representing Kaduna central , Lawal Adamu-Usman of the People’s Democratic Party. 
The tribunal also dismissed the petitions filed against the lawmaker . The petition, which was filled by the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Abdullahi Muhammad-Sani  challenged the election of the PDP senator, on four grounds.

According to petition,the grounds were of the issue of school certificate forgery, over voting, non compliance and the issue of nomination and sponsorship of the first respondent by the PDP.The three-man panel led by Justice H.H Kereng stated that all the grounds presented by the petitioners’ had failed and was dismissed.

“The elections and return of the first respondent is hereby affirmed ;This petition is hereby dismissed”, he ruled.Earlier, the judge stated that the petitioners’ failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the first respondent’s NECO results and other  School certificates were forged.

He added that the petitioners’ had also failed to prove that the first respondent was not duly elected by majority of votes in the February 25 polls.”The APC got 182035 votes while PDP got 225066 votes giving a margin of 43031;The petitioners’ has failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the respondent didn’t get majority votes.

“Therefore, this issue is in favour of the first respondent and against the petitioner”,he said.On the issue of non- compliance, the judge also stated that the petioners couldn’t prove that there was non compliance which affected the elections results.

He added that the issue of sponsorship and nomination of candidate was the responsibility of the political party not court while resolving issue in favour of the respondent.

While speaking with journalist,  the personal assistant to the Senator, Jalal Falal appreciated God for granting them victory saying the outcome of the judgement had validated the Senator’s Election.

urged the opposition to join hands with the seating Senator to work for the process and  development of the people of Kaduna Central.

By Comrade Musa Mohammed

A chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, Hon. Abubakar Mahmoud (Jarman Abakwa), says the present administration of Kaduna state under the able leadership of Senator Uba Sani has taken giant steps to address the security challenges in the state in the last 100 days.

Abubakar Jarma made the statement during a media chat in Kaduna, to congratulate Gov. Uba Sani’s achievements in 100 days.

He noted that the government of Kaduna state had focused on enhancing the sectors of Education, health, Agriculture, infrastructure development, security etc, since his inauguration as governor on May 29.

“The issue of insecurity is of paramount importance to the present administration under the able leadership of Senator Uba Sani. “That’s why he approved the Training of old and newly recruited 7000 men and women of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service to deal with the insecurity challenges.

According to him, the administration has also made significant progress in the education sector.

“The reduction in tuition fees in all the state- owned tertiary institutions by Governor Uba Sani, by 30 and 50 percent, including Kaduna Sate University, Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, College of Education Gidan Waya, Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences and Technology, Makarfi respectively, is highly appreciated and commendable.

On health, Jarma said the kaduna state government has been working to enhance all health care services across the state.“Recruitment of 89 medical doctors to address the staffing gap identified in the recent years.

“Distribution of advanced medical equipment to our upgraded primary health care centres.

Abubakar Jarma commends governor Uba Sani Leadership style and his greatest achievements.

A chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, Hon. Musa Aliyu Kali, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice president Kashim Shattima and the All Progressives Congress (APC) on their victory at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

The Presidential Election Petitions Court has held that the Labour Pary (LP) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, failed to specify how they scored the majority of lawful votes in the February 25 presidential election.
In the lead judgment read by Justice Abba Bello Mohammed, said the political party made generic allegations of irregularities, suppression of votes and corrupt practices to rob them of their votes, especially in Rivers, Benue, Lagos, Taraba, Imo and Osun states but failed to specify the polling units affected.
Justice Mohammed further held that LP also failed to prove the allegations of overvoting against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and their actual reduced votes.

in Abuja dismissed the petition by the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and affirmed the reelection of Mr Buhari.
Hailing the development, Musa Kali said: “The judgment of the tribunal has again put a judicial seal on the mandate freely given to the president by the Nigerian people in the 2023 presidential election.”

He urged the president to take the affirmation of his election “as a reminder of the confidence of Nigerians in his capacity to continue to lead Nigeria towards its manifest destiny of greatness.”

He said the Nigerian people have great expectations from the Agenda of the president and further pledged the full cooperation of the with the Executive in the pursuit of the best interest of the Nigerian people.
Musa Kali also commended the petitioners for using the judicial window prescribed by the constitution in seeking redress for their grievances and urged them to join hands with the government and the Nigerian people in the task of nation-building.

Hon. Musa Kali commended Gov. Senator Uba Sani, executive Governor of Kaduna state for putting in place necessary administration and results oriented programmes across the state.

He said : “Governor Uba Sani’s administration had focused on enhancing  health, education, agriculture and infrastructure development since his inauguration as governor on May 29, also he has taken giant steps to address the security challenges in the state in the last 100 days”.

The Coordinator APC New-Media Forum, Comrade Musa Mohammed has said that the executive Governor of Kaduna state Senator Malam Uba Sani, over the last 100 days, has saved the ship of the state from sinking.

Comrade Mohammed made the statement in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna on Friday, noted that governor Uba Sani has proven to the people of Kaduna that the state can have a reduction in criminal activities with the right leadership in place.

“Since he assumed office 100 days ago, governor Uba Sani has focused on how to steady the floundering ship of state, redirect the economy and remove all barriers that inhibit productivity and growth which includes Health, Education, security and infrastructural development among others.

The Coordinator APC New-Media further stated that the executive Governor has approved the full implementation of the 2014 Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS) for the Association of Resident Doctors in the state.

“Resident doctors in the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, receive 75% of the 2014 CONMESS, while their counterparts working at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital receive 100% of CONMESS.

“Recruitment of 89 medical doctors to address the staffing gap identified in 2017, as recommended by the committee.

“Distribution of advanced medical equipment to our upgraded primary health care centres.

“Training old and newly recruited 7000 men and women of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service.

“The governor has also take a bold-step by approving of the downward review of school fees for all state- owned tertiary institutions by 30 and 50 percent.

“His action was a positive responds to the public outcry over hike in fees being charged by the state tertiary institutions and its effect on school enrolment and retention.

“The reduction in tuition fees in all the state- owned tertiary institutions by Governor Uba Sani, including Kaduna Sate University, Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, College of Education Gidan Waya, Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences and Technology, Makarfi respectively, is highly appreciated and commendable.

“His initiatives and policy on education are not only people oriented but friendly and good gesture worthy of emulation by all and sundry across party line.

“Uba Sani’s courage to gave the approval of the downward review of school fees for all state-owned tertiary institutions by 30 and 50 percent, is highly appreciated and commendable.

“His initiatives and policy on education are not only people oriented but friendly and good gesture worthy of emulation by all and sundry across party line.”

“Governor Uba Sani has also form a strong partnership between the state and the Middle Eastern nation to attract foreign investments.

“The partnership aims to address social issues and facilitate investors’ engagement with the state, thereby fostering economic growth and development as part of efforts to make Kaduna a reference point of investment in Nigeria, also expected to bring about significant improvements in the lives of Kaduna State residents by providing better access to essential services and creating more job opportunities.

“Despite with the limited resources, intimidating debt profile and battered economy that depended solely on federal allocations and poor internally-generated revenue, the state has been totally revamped from total collapse by Uba Sani in the last 100 days, also the state has also witnessed unprecedented achievements.

“The citizenry are now have gotten the confidence to trust their leaders”.

“We now have renewed confidence in the government, with the same going for the international community, leading to an influx of more foreign direct investments into our dear state.

“Only sustainable peace, respect for the rule of law, equality, unity and prosperity can guarantee a greater state in the nearest future”.

“Uba Sani’s 100 days in office ushered in renewed hope for kaduna state.

“Uba Sani has shown strong commitment for kaduna’s renewed hope in his 100 days in office”.

“The activities that have taken place within the period are evidences that the governor is prepared to revitalise the state economy.

Comrade Mohammed commended the governor’s political will to dare a move that many governments before him avoided.

“The people of Kaduna state should be patient as the governor is doing everything possible to turn kaduna around and make it great again, he added.

The Kaduna State Media Cooperation (KSMC) Staff kick against Tenure Extension of their MD…..

The tenure of Ibrahim Samaila, as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kaduna State Media Cooperation (KSMC), might not be renewed by governor Uba Sani, the executive governor of Kaduna state because of the inability of the former to coordinate appropriately good working environment .
The staff in a petition to the executive Governor of Kaduna state against the MD/CEO which was made available to Journalists on Thursday, claimed that
he battered profitable business opportunities and has failed to keep his loyalty to the Kaduna state government but rather keep  undermining the policy of the state. His failure to maintain a harmonious relationship with staff of the KSMC.
The concerned officials of the KSMC on condition of anonymity disclosed sent SOS, petitioning through the governor, as seen below.
 Subject: Concern KSMC staff kick against tenure extension of their MD.
1st of September,2023
His Excellency,Senator Uba Sani,Executive Governor of Kaduna State.
Dear Sir,
We, the concerned employees of KSMC are writing to you to express our deep concerns regarding the incompetency of our Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO). We believe that the continued presence of the current MD/CEO poses a significant threat to the success and well-being of our company and its employees.
Our concerns stem from a series of disappointing decisions and actions taken by the MD/CEO, which have had detrimental effects on the company’s performance, morale, and overall work environment. We understand the importance of competent leadership in guiding a company towards prosperity, and unfortunately, we feel that the current MD/CEO is not fulfilling this vital role and therefore, does not require another extension  of tenure.
Specifically, we have observed the following issues that highlight the CEO’s incompetency:
1. Poor decision-making: The MD/CEO has made numerous questionable decisions that have resulted in financial losses, missed opportunities, and an overall underperformance of our company. These decisions lack foresight and fail to consider the long-term implications for our business.
2. Lack of effective communication: The MD/CEO has displayed poor communication skills and a disregard for transparent and clear communication with employees. This has led to confusion, mistrust, and a lack of confidence in the company’s leadership.
3. Inability to foster a positive work culture: The work environment under the current MD/CEO has become toxic and demoralizing. There is a lack of accountability, recognition of employee achievements, and a failure to address grievances and concerns promptly and appropriately.
Given the gravity of the situation, we respectfully request your intervention in addressing this matter. We believe that a change in leadership at the executive level is imperative to ensure the long-term success and growth of our company. We humbly request that you initiate an investigation into the MD/CEO’s actions and consider appropriate steps to rectify the situation.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your swift and decisive action.
Yours sincerely,
Concerned KSMC Staff .  No tenure extension of KSMC MD/CEO.

Former Chairman of the governing board of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, Hon. Danlami Mohammed Kurfi has congratulated President Bola Tinubu and the vice president on the victory at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

Danlami Kurfi made the statement in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
It is on Wednesday the presidential election petition Tribunal had affirmed the election of Tinubu and dismissed the petitions of Mr Peter Obi of Labour Party and his party, likewise Alhaji Abubakar Atiku and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Delivering the lead judgment, Chairman of the five-member panel of justices, Justice Haruna Tsammani said the petitioners had failed to prove their allegations beyond reasonable doubts.
Hon. Kurfi further stated that the judgment by the presidential election Tribunal was comforting and an affirmation of the will of over eight million Nigerians who filed out to cast their ballots for the APC and President as their choice.
“Nigerians were witnessing the beauty of democracy and the rule of law”.
According to him, the losers should have displayed good spirit of sportsmanship by congratulating the winner but they chose to contest the election results, which is within their rights.
“Now that election and the results have been upheld by the court, l hope they will do the needful.”
“All the Citizens should team up with the President to deliver the real dividends of democracy to Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Agenda of the incumbent administration”.
“The judicial verdict is victory for democracy and the rule of law.

“I congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the vice president Kashim Shettima on the well deserved victory.
“The court affirmed that President Tinubu’s election truly represented the aspiration of the majority of Nigerians”.

Hon. Kurfi also congratulated President Tinubu on his 100 days in office and commended his efforts in leading Nigeria into a new era of patriotism and prosperity.

Former member Borno state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Alhaji Haruna Kukawa has congratulates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima on their victory at the Election Petition Tribunal.

Hon. Kukawa says the triumph at the tribunal stands as a testament to the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and reaffirms that our courts remain the hope of the common man.

On Wednesday, the presidential tribunal dismissed the petitions filed by the Allied Peoples Movement, the Labour Party and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as well as that of the Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar for lacking in merits.

Kukawa said, The judgment will act as a tonic that will further energize the President to deliver on his Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The judgment delivered by the tribunal is a significant milestone, as it upholds the will of the people, as clearly demonstrated during the elections held on 25 February 2023. “It underscores the importance of fair and transparent electoral processes in our great nation”.

“This gesture of inclusivity will further strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and foster national unity.

“I have confidence that, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, our nation will continue to prosper and thrive.

The former lawmaker urged the opposition to join hands with the present administration under the able leadership of president Bola Tinubu to move the country forward.