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APC Dep Chair, 7,500 Others Dump Party For PDP In Bauchi

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Hama Media
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Yunusa Umar, the Deputy Chairman of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Dass Local Government Area, Bauchi State, has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) along with over 7,500 party members. Among the defectors are APC’s Youth Leader in Dass, Yusuf Inuwa Bora, and Welfare Secretary Isah Zakaria,leadership reports.

The group was officially welcomed into the PDP by the party’s local government Chairman, Hon. Yusuf Sabo, and the local council Chairman, Hon. Mohammed Abubakar Jibo, in a ceremony held on Sunday. Umar cited the exemplary performance of Governor Bala Mohammed as the key factor in their decision to leave APC.

He praised the governor’s people-centric policies and initiatives since taking office in 2019, noting their positive impact on citizens. “Governor Bala Mohammed’s visionary leadership has convinced us to join the PDP,” Umar said. “As politicians, the welfare of our supporters is paramount, and we have seen that the PDP genuinely cares about the people. There was no reason left to hesitate.”

ALSO READ: Experts Raise The Alarm On Misuse Of Antibiotics In Livestock, Fish…

Umar assured that the defectors would actively mobilize support for the PDP in the upcoming elections and contribute to the party’s growth and success in Bauchi State. Other former APC members also commended Governor Mohammed’s progress, citing the benefits they had received under his administration compared to the tenure of Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The defectors also expressed their support for Hon. Jibo, praising his leadership of the local government. In his remarks, Hon. Jibo welcomed the new PDP members, describing the defection as a significant event, and emphasized that despite challenges, Governor Mohammed’s leadership is dedicated to taking Bauchi State to new heights. Jibo reassured the new members of a warm and inclusive reception into the PDP, urging them to collaborate with his administration for the continued development of Dass Local Government Area. for 15 seconds

Yunusa Umar, the Deputy Chairman of the opposition APC in Dass local government area of Bauchi State, has led more than 7,500 party members to switch allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Among those defecting were Yusuf Inuwa Bora, the APC Youth Leader, and Isah Zakaria, the Welfare Secretary. On Sunday, the group was formally welcomed into the PDP by Dass local government PDP Chairman, Hon. Yusuf Sabo, and council Chairman, Hon. Mohammed Abubakar Jibo.

Umar credited Governor Bala Mohammed’s impressive performance for prompting the defection. He praised the governor’s people-centered policies and programs implemented since 2019, which he said have had a significant positive impact on citizens. “Governor Bala Mohammed’s policies and programmes have truly convinced us to join the PDP. As politicians, our primary concern is the welfare of our supporters, and we have seen that the PDP genuinely cares about the people. There was no reason to hesitate any longer,” he stated.

He assured that the new members would not only help mobilize votes for the PDP in the next general elections but also contribute significantly to the party’s growth and development in the state. Other defectors echoed his sentiments, noting that they had benefited more under Governor Mohammed’s leadership than during the tenure of former House Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara from the constituency.

The defectors also commended local government Chairman Hon. Jibo for his performance, pledging continued support for his administration. Jibo described the defection of the APC leaders and members as a significant milestone, emphasizing that despite challenges, Governor Mohammed’s administration remains dedicated to advancing Bauchi State. He assured the new PDP members that they would be fully integrated into the party without discrimination and urged them to collaborate with his administration for the betterment of Dass local government.

Experts Raise The Alarm On Misuse Of Antibiotics In Livestock, Fish Farming

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Hama Media
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In Nigeria, the unchecked use of antimicrobials in livestock and aquaculture has become a serious public health issue. Farmers routinely administer antibiotics to their animals without prescriptions, resulting in drug residues appearing in food products like meat, eggs, and milk.

Experts warn that this widespread practice is a key factor in the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing direct health risks to consumers. In an interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday, Dr. Sati Ngulukun—a director at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Vom, Plateau State—explained that many farmers, lacking proper guidance, depend on hearsay or unverified advice when using these drugs.

ALSO READ: Nigeria Still in Search of Great Leaders – Sheikh Gumi

“Farmers simply go to a market or pharmacy, buy antibiotics, and administer them to their livestock, poultry, or fish without proper regard for dosage or the withdrawal period,” he explained. The withdrawal period is the time required for a drug to clear from an animal’s system before its products, such as eggs, milk, or meat, are deemed safe for human consumption. However, many farmers ignore this crucial waiting period, leading to the contamination of food items with drug residues.

Dr. Ngulukun noted, “When consumers eat these products, they ingest antibiotic residues, which may contribute to antimicrobial resistance. This could render antibiotics ineffective when needed for treating infections later on.”

Despite regulations, enforcement remains weak, and antimicrobial drugs are widely available over the counter—an approach that conflicts with international best practices. “Antibiotics should only be sold with a prescription from a veterinarian or medical doctor. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, anyone can walk into a pharmacy or market and buy these drugs freely,” he lamented.

He also emphasized the importance of veterinary professionals in safeguarding food safety, pointing out that Nigeria’s workforce—comprising just over 10,000 registered veterinarians—is insufficient to effectively monitor the country’s vast livestock population. In many rural areas, the lack of veterinary services further fuels the unregulated use of these medications.

Nigeria Still in Search of Great Leaders – Sheikh Gumi

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Hama Media
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Renowned Islamic scholar, Shaikh Ahmad Mahmoud Gumi, has stated that Nigeria is still in search of visionary leaders capable of driving the nation forward,Daily Trust reports.

According to him, true leadership prioritizes the welfare of citizens over personal wealth accumulation.

Gumi made these remarks during an award presentation organized by the Sultan Bello Primary School Old Pupils Association (SUBOPA) in honor of two distinguished members—Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd) and Brigadier General Abdulkadir Gumi (Rtd)—who recently received government appointments.

Major General Jibrin was appointed Secretary of the Civil Defence, Fire Service, and Immigration Board (CDCFIB) by the Federal Government, while Brigadier General Abdulkadir Gumi (Rtd) was named Chairman of the Security Trust Fund Board of Zamfara State.

ALSO READ: ‘The man they envied’, Abacha’s son writes about late father after…

Praising Major General Jibrin, Gumi described him as a hardworking, disciplined, and dedicated officer, emphasizing that Nigeria needs leaders like him—individuals committed to national service and patriotism.

“Nigeria is in dire need of great leaders who are well-trained, well-mannered, and genuinely dedicated to serving others, rather than pursuing personal gain. People with integrity and strong character should be the ones entrusted with leadership positions,” he stated.

He also criticized the self-serving nature of many leaders in the country, lamenting that insecurity has deeply affected states like Zamfara, disrupting education and stability in various communities.

Gumi commended the Zamfara State Government for appointing Brigadier General Abdulkadir Gumi (Rtd) to the Security Trust Fund Board, urging Nigerians to actively contribute to the development of their communities and the nation at large.

Speaking at the event, SUBOPA President Mohammad Babayo Hassan highlighted that the appointments were not just personal achievements but a testament to the values, determination, and excellence instilled in them by their alma mater.

In his response, Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd), speaking on behalf of the awardees, dedicated the honor to all members of the association, acknowledging their support and recognition.

‘The man they envied’, Abacha’s son writes about late father after IBB’s book

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Hama Media
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Sadiq S. Abacha, son of former Nigerian military ruler General Sani Abacha, has praised his late father, describing him as a leader whose legacy remains strong despite ongoing criticism,Daily Trust reports.

In a social media post, Sadiq claimed his father was often the target of envy and silent deceit but insisted that history would ultimately judge him favorably.

“The man Abacha—you have always been the one they envied with silent deceit. History shall remember you for being a better leader, no matter how much they try to put you down. As a son, I am most proud of you today. You indeed are the man they wish they were half of,” he wrote.

He ended his message with a Hausa proverb, “Duk wanda yayi jifa a kasuwa,” meaning, “Whoever throws a stone in the market…”

ALSO READ: Gov Adeleke Casts Vote In Osun LG Polls

His post comes just days after the release of former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s (IBB) highly anticipated memoir, which has sparked widespread reactions.

A major point of discussion in the book is the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which Babangida admitted was won by MKO Abiola. He expressed regret over the decision but claimed it was ultimately influenced by internal forces led by Abacha, allegedly without his prior knowledge.

Abacha, who ruled Nigeria from 1993 until his death in 1998, remains a polarizing figure in the country’s history. While his administration is credited with economic reforms and national security measures, critics continue to highlight allegations of corruption and human rights abuses.

The controversy intensified after Gumsu Abacha, one of the late general’s daughters, posted a cryptic message directed at Babangida.

In a one-word post on her X handle on Friday, she wrote: “Weakling.”

She also reposted sentiments suggesting that Babangida portrayed Abacha as a villain because he knew the late general could no longer defend himself.

Gov Adeleke Casts Vote In Osun LG Polls

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Hama Media
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Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, cast his vote on Saturday in the ongoing local government elections across the state,leadership reports.

The governor arrived at his polling unit in Sagba/Abogunde Ward 2, Unit 9, in Ede, where he was accredited before exercising his civic duty. The election, aimed at selecting new chairmen and councillors for the 30 local government areas, saw a significant voter turnout under tight security and close monitoring by observers.

Speaking to journalists after casting his vote, Governor Adeleke encouraged all eligible voters to participate peacefully. He emphasized the importance of grassroots democracy and urged citizens to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.

ALSO READ: Policeman ‘shoots’ immigration officer in Niger

Describing the election process as seamless, the governor commended the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) for its efforts in conducting a smooth election. He encouraged residents to turn out in large numbers, highlighting the significance of the election in strengthening democracy at the grassroots level.

Policeman ‘shoots’ immigration officer in Niger

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Hama Media
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An Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (ASI), Christian Oladimeji, sustained a gunshot wound in Minna, Niger State, after hoodlums attacked a police patrol team recovering suspected stolen materials,Daily Trust reports.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Friday.

Intelligence sources quoted by Makama revealed that a surveillance patrol team from the ‘A’ Division Police Command in Minna, led by Ibrahim Paiko, was conducting a routine patrol near the Obasanjo Complex when they encountered road construction workers carrying iron rods suspected to be stolen. Upon spotting the police, the workers abandoned the materials and fled.

ALSO READ: Fire razes houses, offices in Jos

As officers attempted to recover the abandoned iron rods, they were suddenly attacked by a group of road construction workers and hoodlums who pelted them with stones and other objects. The assault damaged the Dangote Patrol Vehicle used by the police.

In an effort to escape the violent mob, ASP Ibrahim Audu fired a shot, which inadvertently struck ASI Christian Oladimeji, who was passing by on a motorcycle.

The bullet hit Oladimeji’s lap, causing her to fall from the motorcycle and sustain further injuries. She was rushed to IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna, where medical personnel confirmed that while no bullet fragments remained in her body, she suffered a waist fracture.

Several suspects have been detained for questioning, and disciplinary action has been initiated against the officers involved. Meanwhile, authorities have urged residents to remain calm as security agencies continue efforts to maintain law and order in the state.

Fire razes houses, offices in Jos

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Hama Media
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A fire outbreak on Adebayo Street in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Tuesday night destroyed several houses, shops, and offices,Daily Trust reports.

Residents told our correspondent that the fire started in the middle of the night while people were asleep.

Many buildings were severely damaged, leaving victims to count their losses. According to eyewitnesses, the fire originated from a communication mast before spreading to nearby houses and businesses.

ALSO READ: $220m Fine: No Date For Tribunal Ruling On Meta’s Appeal Yet

Imran Abdulrahman, one of the victims, described the devastation: “I live close to where the fire started, and my office was attached to one of the buildings that burned down. I looked through my window and saw the flames spreading rapidly. When I rushed downstairs, everything was already in ruins. A woman lost three million naira in cash—it’s heartbreaking.”

Another victim, Abdulrahman Onimisi, lamented his loss: “I am a carpenter, and I couldn’t save a single item from my workshop. Property worth millions of naira was destroyed. I have worked hard for years, but I lost everything in one night. I don’t even know what to say.”

The victims also expressed frustration over the lack of response from the owner of the communication mast, whom they believe should take responsibility.

They called on the company to take necessary steps to compensate those affected by the fire.

$220m Fine: No Date For Tribunal Ruling On Meta’s Appeal Yet

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Hama Media
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The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has reserved judgment in an appeal filed by Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and WhatsApp, against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC),leadership reports.

Meta is challenging a $220 million penalty imposed by the FCCPC, which accused the company of violating Nigeria’s competition and data protection laws. The three-member panel, led by Justice Thomas Okosun, adjourned judgment to a later date, which will be communicated to the parties involved after hearing their oral arguments.

In its appeal, Meta argues that the FCCPC’s decisions, penalties, and demands are vague, excessive, technically unfeasible, and not supported by Nigerian law.

ALSO READ: US probes donations to Nigeria amid claim of Boko Haram sponsorship

On July 12, 2024, the FCCPC fined Meta and WhatsApp $220 million following a joint report alleging multiple, repeated, and ongoing violations of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), 2019.

The Commission accused Meta of engaging in abusive data collection practices against Nigerian consumers, including collecting personal data without consent. It also claimed that Meta discriminated against Nigerian data subjects by treating them differently from users in other jurisdictions.

According to the report, Meta’s practices constituted prolonged and repeated violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 (FCCPA). The Commission further alleged that Meta failed to allow users to withdraw consent from its privacy policy, violating the NDPR. It highlighted that Nigerian users faced coercion to update the application through repeated notifications, threats of access withdrawal, and eventual restrictions on functionality for non-compliant users.

The NDPR was modeled after the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the Commission viewed the disparity in treatment between Nigerian and European users as discriminatory.

Meta, however, contends that the FCCPC’s fine should be overturned, arguing that the directive is vague, the data-sharing order is unjustifiable, and procedural errors were made. It also claims that the FCCPC failed to consider the operational complexities of WhatsApp, imposing an unrealistic burden on the company.

Additionally, Meta asserts that Nigerian users are free to reject its privacy policy by declining WhatsApp’s Terms of Service and choosing not to use the platform. It further argues that the FCCPC denied it a fair hearing by imposing the penalty without explaining the calculation method or allowing Meta to respond to the proposed fine.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has filed a $5 million lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., accusing the company of violating his privacy.

Falana alleges that Meta published a false video about his health, featuring his name and image, on its platform—www.facebook.com. The video falsely claims he has suffered from prostatitis for 16 years. Falana contends that this publication is “false, inaccurate, misleading, and unfair,” violating Section 24(1)(A) and (E) of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.

He is seeking a court declaration that Meta’s continued publication of his name, images, and voice in a video titled “AfriCare Health Centre” constitutes an invasion of his privacy, as guaranteed by Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution.

Additionally, he requests an order directing Meta to immediately remove, erase, and delete the video from its platform.

Falana insists he has never suffered from prostatitis and that the wrongful publication has significantly harmed his reputation.

No date has been set for the hearing of the suit.

US probes donations to Nigeria amid claim of Boko Haram sponsorship

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Hama Media
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The U.S. government is set to investigate how past aid allocated to Nigeria and other countries has been utilized,Daily Trust reports.

This follows former President Donald Trump’s January 20, 2025, decision to suspend all foreign aid for 90 days, citing concerns over global destabilization and misalignment with American interests.

The move comes amid growing calls for a comprehensive review of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) health funds. U.S. Congressman Scott Perry alleged that USAID had funded terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram. Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, made the claim during the inaugural hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency last Thursday.

ALSO READ: KEDCO Restores Electricity Supply After Fixing Burnt Substation In Jigawa

Boko Haram, officially known as Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, is a self-proclaimed jihadist terrorist organization operating in northeastern Nigeria, as well as in Chad, Niger, northern Cameroon, and Mali.

For over 15 years, Boko Haram has carried out deadly attacks in Northeast Nigeria, killing tens of thousands of people, targeting security forces, civilians, and government institutions.

“Who gets some of that money? Does that name ring a bell to anybody in the room? Because your money—$697 million annually—plus shipments of cash funds in madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS Khorasan, terrorist training camps. That’s what it’s funding,” Perry said.

In a post on X on Tuesday, the U.S. Mission to Nigeria confirmed that monitoring systems are in place to track past assistance provided by the U.S. government.

The U.S. Mission also strongly condemned Boko Haram’s ongoing violence and the loss of lives in Nigeria.

“Comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to help verify that U.S. assistance reaches intended recipients. The United States condemns the violence and blatant disregard for human life perpetrated by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Nigeria and the region.

“The Secretary of State designated Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on November 14, 2013, to block the group’s assets, disrupt fundraising efforts, prosecute individual members, and restrict their travel to the United States.

“The United States continues to work with Nigeria and regional partners to counter terrorism,” the statement read.

KEDCO Restores Electricity Supply After Fixing Burnt Substation In Jigawa

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Hama Media
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Residents of Dutse metropolis in Jigawa State have praised the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) for repairing their burnt substation, which had left them without electricity for months,leadership reports.

During the prolonged power outage, residents struggled with daily life, facing darkness and disruptions to their water supply.

Aliyu Mohammed, one of the residents, expressed relief that electricity has been restored, allowing businesses such as welding, tailoring, and barbing to resume operations.

ALSO READ: Court fixes April 15 to hear preliminary objections in Ganduje’s ‘bribery’…

KEDCO’s spokesperson, Sani Bala Sani, confirmed that the company had successfully rehabilitated the Dutse Old Injection Substation in the state capital. The repairs included refurbishing the damaged 7.5 MVA transformer, replacing all power and control cables, enhancing the station’s safety and security, and carrying out a comprehensive renovation of the switchyard and offices.

He stated that the restored feeders from the substation include the 11kV Garu, 11kV Limawa, and 11kV Government House lines. He also highlighted KEDCO’s ongoing investment, through its core investor Future Energies Africa (FEA) and management, in modernizing the distribution network to improve reliability and support the region’s socio-economic growth.

“This achievement is a testament to the commitment and support of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi, and the Honorable Commissioner of Power and Energy, Engr. Suraj Musa,” Sani said.

“Their visionary leadership will undoubtedly enhance electricity supply in Jigawa State and its surroundings, boosting socio-economic activities in the region.

“With continuous investment commitments, KEDCO is not just fixing faults—it is building a stronger, more sustainable power future for its entire franchise area,” he added.

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