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Open Letter To SMK @62, By Simon Reef Musa
I can’t believe you are 62-year old today. How time flies! When I was informed on Wednesday that you would be turning a new page of your life on Saturday; I thought someone was trying to play me April’s Fool.
Just this evening, the internet told me you turned three scores and two years today.
Let me first of all congratulate you once again for your recent emergence as the Senator-elect of Kaduna-South senatorial zone. Considering the decent campaign you ran that was devoid of the usual mudslinging, I must not hesitate to state here that your victory at the February 25th poll was foretold even before you threw your hat into the ring.
I need not remind you that your election as Senator is coming at a time of great distress, made worse by the rising waves of insecurity that has plunged our communities and our country into a horrifying night of despondency. While I am tempted to condemn the incumbent APC-led government, I also recall that even before the arrival of the APC to the corridor of power, our story has not been different as we also faced a vicious enemy that is poised in seeking our annihilation.
Let me be quick to remind you that conspiracy theories alluding to the fallout of climate change to explain our pitiful security problems are only aimed at veiling the real motives of our attackers. When we are told that these incessant killings ripping across our communities are farmer/herder’s clashes, we are tempted to ask why these dreadful killings are extended to women and children in the dead of the night.
Your emergence as Senator-elect comes with a burden of salvaging what remains of our distressed communities. Many of our communities have been destroyed, with inhabitants fleeing to make-shift IDP camps for refuge. With insecurity shredding our once prosperous and peaceful people, we have become walking corpses in our lands.
While we ponder of a frightful tomorrow, both state and national leaderships remain recalcitrant and unperturbed at the horror unleashed on us by these monstrous angels of death. As it is now, we have been turned into soft targets for terror gangs whose dream is to decimate and reduce us into oblivion.
If the past offered us opportunities in improving our fortunes, we made small use of it, preferring to neglect the bigger picture where prosperity is shared and not restricted. Our past representatives and appointed leaders never rose to the occasion by exploring options beyond our immediate communities; they became cheerleaders of our wailings.
In sticking to our book of Lamentations, these leaders made us embrace the permanent corner of protest as we continue to play victimhood. Unknown to many of us, other communities have suffered worse fate in the hands of these terror gangs under the watch of the Nigerian State.
After nearly eight years of a government, led by Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, the agony of the past stares us in the face, with the threat of a repeat if we refuse to unlearn our past. Of course, that does not foreclose the legal fireworks that may soon commence in proving the inviolability of the electoral victory of the APC in the March 18th Governorship poll. Much as we have witnessed spates of protest by various groups in the state over the outcome of the guber polls, we must be patient to await the final adjudication by the courts.
In the next two months or so, you shall be inaugurated as a Member of the Red Chamber of the National Assembly. It shall mark the end of Senator Danjuma La’ah’s eight years in the Senate. What is most important for now is what strategies you will deploy to change the story of a Zone inhabited by intelligent people, yet impoverished as they continue to cling to hope that someday, their conditions will be improved upon by leaderships that do not give a damn about them.
I am aware that you are not ignorant of the dynamics that led to your emergence as Senator-elect. Even when others thought the PDP would suffer defeat in Zone 3, I asked: What has the APC done to Kaduna South Zone after nearly eight years of being in the saddle of power? It was obvious that, considering the footprints of the el-Rufai government, it was better clinging to a party that identifies with you in your moments of needs than succumbing to one that has demonstrated unrestrained neglect.
Against the backdrop of your past performance in the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019, I am confident that you will leave no stone unturned to rise to the occasion. Your most important duty is to contribute to the process of lawmaking and bring to the attention of Nigerians and the world the travails of your people. An effective liaison office in feeling the pulse of the people must not escape your attention.
Furthermore, you should note that as Senator of the Zone, you have become a leader that must provide leadership, not only to members of the lower chamber of the National Assembly, but also to members of Kaduna State House of Assembly from Kaduna South Zone 3.
Incoming Distinguished Senator, you are no longer stranger to what is obtainable in the National Assembly. With the benefits of hindsight, you are well experienced enough in honing your lobby skills for the overall good of your Constituents.
Others have warned us not to expect much from you as you will become an Absentee Senator once elected. My response has always been that as long as you work to attract laudable projects to our communities and draw the attention of Nigerians and the world to what ails us as a people; I shall have no problem with your absenteeism. I shall judge you on the basis of your performance in your efforts of working for the common good, rather than attending to personal issues.
I beseech you to pay more attention to youths of the Zone that have been deprived of opportunities in life. More than anything, I implore you to focus on programmes that can assist our youths to access funds from government agencies and global donor bodies for empowerment. Most importantly, we look forward to your timely collaboration with both the State and Federal Government, including relevant security agencies, to confront the challenges of insecurity plaguing our Zone.
Impressed by your emergence that is coming on the heels of resuscitated hope for the future, you must ignore the politics of ‘gulma’ that sets brothers against brothers as you seek collaboration of all for inclusivity across religious and ethnic divides in advancing the development of Kaduna South Zone.
Sir, avoid the company of political shenanigans who troop to you for personal favours and, instead, seek the company and attention of people with altruistic purpose to help you navigate honest paths of working with diverse groups for the overall good of our people.
We have invested so much hope and dream in you. Please tread carefully because you are treading on our dreams. Accept my hearty congratulations on your arrival at the second step of the sixth floor of life. May the new year of your life bring increased devotion in the service of our people. Here is wishing you abundant good health and impressive collaboration with both local and global progressive groups as you prepare to be sworn in as our Senator in June 2023.
As Christians around the world mark Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for peace and unity in the country.
Extending warm greetings to all the faithful and people of goodwill across the nation on Palm Sunday, CAN said the sacred occasion invites citizens to reflect deeply on the life and mission of Jesus Christ, whose message of peace, humility, and sacrificial love remains as urgent today as it was over two thousand years ago.
This was contained in a statement released by the Christian body on Sunday, and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.
The umbrella body for Christians in Nigeria also strongly condemned the recent wave of brutal killings in Plateau State, particularly the April 4, 2025 attacks that claimed dozens of innocent lives in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.
It added that the acts of violence represent not only a gross violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life but also a serious threat to our national unity and peace.
CAN called on the security agencies to act swiftly and decisively in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The statement read in part, “Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna!”—a powerful symbol of peace, humility, and hope.
“This moment, recorded in the Gospels (Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, and John 12:12–19), offers enduring lessons for our nation as we navigate these uncertain and challenging times. These lessons are especially pertinent as we are once again confronted with a painful reminder of the fragility of peace in our land.
“With deep sorrow, CAN strongly condemns the recent wave of brutal killings in Plateau State, particularly the attacks of 4 April 2025, which claimed the lives of dozens of innocent citizens in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas. These senseless acts of violence represent not only a gross violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life but also a serious threat to our national unity and peace.
“We call on the security agencies to act swiftly and decisively in bringing the perpetrators to justice. We also urge the government—at all levels—to intensify its efforts to secure all communities and prevent further bloodshed. The continued loss of lives in such tragic circumstances is simply unacceptable.
“We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families and the people of Plateau State. May God grant comfort to the grieving, healing to the wounded, and peace to every troubled heart. In times like these, we are reminded that true leadership is most vital when lives are at risk and communities are in distress.
“In this critical moment, we call on our leaders to rise to the occasion with humility and a clear sense of purpose. Jesus’ choice to enter Jerusalem on a donkey—symbolising peace and servanthood—remains a timeless example. Our leaders must embrace the principles of servant leadership, placing the welfare of the people above personal or political interests. Amidst insecurity, economic hardship, and displacement, let their actions be marked by compassion, justice, and a steadfast commitment to national healing.
“In the same spirit, we appeal to all Nigerians—regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation—to rise above division and embrace our shared identity as one people under God. Just as the diverse crowds in Jerusalem were united in hope, so too must we come together with a common purpose: to heal our land and build a future grounded in mutual respect, compassion, and solidarity.
“Palm Sunday reminds us that even in times of trial, there is hope. The journey to national renewal begins with each of us. Let us be mindful of our words and actions, choosing to be peacemakers in our homes, communities, and workplaces. Through a shared commitment to truth and justice, we can overcome the pain of the present and help shape a Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
“As we lift our palm branches today, let them serve not only as symbols of worship but as signs of our collective resolve to work for a peaceful and united Nigeria. May God grant us wisdom, courage, and grace in these trying times. We pray for our leaders, that they may be guided by divine insight; for our people, that they may draw strength from unity; and for our nation, that peace may reign in every corner.
“God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, has joined other prominent Nigerians in paying tribute to late Super Eagles legendary former captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, who died on Saturday.
The Nigerian football icon, nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for his imposing presence and the authority he exuded just in defence, died at 74, throwing family, friends, and the entire nation into mourning.
In a tribute to the former centre defender posted on his social media pages on Sunday, Otedola said that Chukwu creatively used the game of football as a unifying force for us as individuals and the nation in general.
“The sudden passing of the legendary Christian Chukwu, former captain and head coach of the Super Eagles, has come as a rude shock to me. As one of Nigeria’s Patriots, Christian Chukwu creatively used the game of football as a unifying force for us as individuals and the nation in general.
“His footballing career as the captain and subsequently coach of the national team remains legendary and fully etched in the annals of our national history,” the statement said.
The former national team and Enugu Rangers captain was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019, and Otedola stepped in to offer financial support for his medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
The Executive Chairman of Geregu Power PLC recalled that his intervention in 2019 saw Chukwu saw through a very challenging time and gave him a new lease of life.
He condoled the family of the late legendary footballer and his fans all over the world.
“Back in 2019, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer that affected his legs, I stepped in with the necessary support so as to enable him receive comprehensive care and medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
“Thankfully, that intervention and opportunity saw him through a very challenging time and gave him a new lease of life. My condolences go out to his entire family and to his fans all over the world. May you all find comfort during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”
Chukwu captained Nigeria to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in 1980 and was also a former coach of the side between 2002 and 2005. He led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2004 edition of the continental competition in Tunisia.
He devoted his club career to Enugu Rangers, where he won multiple national titles and led the club to continental glory with their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.
The Presidency has reacted to the directive to US law enforcement agencies to release confidential information generated on President Bola Tinubu.
Elanza News had reported how a United States District Court ordered the FBI to release the information on Nigeria’s number one citizen.
Reacting, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the information being sought did not indict President Bola Tinubu.
He also hinted that there is nothing new, in the report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report, saying the report has been in the public space for more than 30 years.
According to Onanuga, “Journalists have sought the Presidency’s reaction to the ruling last Tuesday by a Washington DC judge ordering the US FBI and DEA to release reports connected with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“There is nothing new to be revealed. The report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report have been in the public space for more than 30 years. The reports did not indict the Nigerian leader. The lawyers are examining the ruling.”