By Usman Abdullahi

The Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman (Dan Galadiman Ningi), has described as baseless and unfounded the recent allegations linking the Bauchi State Governor or any government official to the financing of terrorism.

Rt. Hon. Suleiman made this known while addressing journalists after a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus meeting of the Bauchi State House of Assembly. The development followed the arrest of the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Yakubu Adamu, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged terrorism financing case involving the sum of 9.7 million dollars.

The Speaker categorically defended Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, denying any involvement of the Governor or officials of the Bauchi State Government in terrorism-related activities. He stressed that Bauchi State remains one of the safest states in the country, noting that the security profile of the state stands as clear evidence of the government’s commitment to peace and stability. He condemned the allegations in strong terms, emphasizing that no credible evidence has been presented linking the Governor or any public office holder in the state to terrorist groups.

He urged residents of the state not to panic over what he described as unsubstantiated and politically motivated claims, calling on the public to remain calm, hopeful, and prayerful. According to him, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has consistently prioritised peace, security, good governance, and sustainable development, and remains fully focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Bauchi State.

Speaking on the internal challenges facing the PDP at the national level, Rt. Hon. Suleiman acknowledged that the party is currently undergoing difficulties, but assured that the issues would soon be resolved. He disclosed that Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed is actively engaging stakeholders and doing everything possible to revive, stabilise, and strengthen the party, both within Bauchi State and nationally.

He further stated that the PDP in Bauchi State remains united and free of factional disputes, stressing that the loyalty and support of party members to the leadership remain firm. He added that members of the House would remain united and supportive of any political decision taken by the Governor in the overall interest of the party and the people.

The Speaker reiterated that the Bauchi State House of Assembly would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities in promoting good governance, peace, development, and the welfare of the people, guided strictly by the rule of law, democratic principles, and the collective interest of the state.

By Abubakar Rabilu, Ajingi

The Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Alhaji Jamilu Wada, has stressed the urgent need for accelerated development in Ajingi Local Government Area of Kano State, describing the community as one that has been left behind despite its strong educational background.

Alhaji Wada stated this during an Ajingi Development Forum organised by the Consolidated Ajingi Development Association (CADA), where he called for collective action by government officials, politicians and other stakeholders to reposition the area for meaningful growth.

According to him, Ajingi is widely recognised as a town of educated people, yet lacks commensurate socio-economic development, a situation he said must be urgently addressed.

“Ajingi is a community of educated men and women, but unfortunately it has not received the level of development it deserves. This gap must be closed through deliberate and coordinated efforts,” Wada said.

The NERDC boss, an indigene of Ajingi, assured residents that within the next one year, tangible developmental initiatives would begin to emerge, capable of positively transforming the town.

He noted that although Kano State has 44 local government areas, Ajingi remains among those requiring special attention, adding that leaders and public office holders must show commitment and sincerity in addressing the needs of their people.

Wada urged politicians and those in authority to put aside personal interests and work together for the common good, particularly in the areas of education, improved living standards and overall community development.

As part of his contribution to educational advancement, Alhaji Wada donated 18 sets of mini computers to support teaching and learning in Ajingi.

The donation, made through CADA, is aimed at improving access to digital education and equipping students with modern learning tools.

He explained that the donation followed an earlier intervention in which six computers were provided to one of the three learning centres in the area.

With the additional 12 computers now supplied, the remaining two centres Toranke and Chula have been fully equipped, bringing the total number of beneficiary centres to three.

“Education remains the foundation of every meaningful development. That is why it is at the centre of all efforts to move Ajingi forward,” he said.

He added that the computers would help secondary school students prepare better for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations and compete favourably in today’s digital learning environment.

In their separate remarks, community leaders and officials of CADA commended the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful, and appealed to other well-meaning individuals to support the development of Ajingi.

By Our Correspondent

The Gombe Network of Civil Society (GONET) has strongly condemned the brutal assault on a serving councillor that occurred in the Gombe metropolis, describing the incident as barbaric, unconscionable, and a serious violation of human rights and human dignity.

In a press release signed by its Chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf 3000, GONET expressed deep concern over the attack, which reportedly took place in broad daylight and has since gone viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage among residents of the state.

According to the civil society coalition, the assault on an elected political office holder is not only an attack on the individual but also a threat to democratic values, the rule of law, and public confidence in governance.

“GONET condemns in the strongest terms the brutal assault on a serving councillor on the streets of Gombe metropolis. Such an act is barbaric, unacceptable, and a grave violation of the victim’s fundamental human rights and dignity,” the statement read.

The organization called on relevant security and law enforcement agencies to carry out a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the incident, with a view to ensuring that all those responsible are swiftly apprehended and prosecuted.

GONET stressed that perpetrators must be made to face the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to others and to prevent a recurrence of such acts of violence in the state.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace and justice, the network said it would continue to speak out against any form of violence, intimidation, or abuse that undermines human rights and democratic principles in Gombe State.

“GONET remains unwavering in its commitment to promoting peace, tranquility, and the rule of law. We will continue to speak out forcefully against any act that undermines human rights, dignity, or integrity, and we will hold all actors accountable without exception,” the statement added.

The incident has continued to generate reactions across the state, with many residents and stakeholders calling for justice and stronger measures to protect public office holders and citizens alike from violence.