In a region long marred by the shadows of insurgency, where peace has been both a dream and a demand, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State is emerging as a relentless force for change. His bold and unwavering commitment to security has not only earned him respect within the corridors of power but has positioned Yobe as a beacon of hope in northeastern Nigerias’ quest for peace.

From the onset of his administration, Buni has treated security not as an abstract policy concern but as a personal responsibility.

His frequent visits to military troops, heartfelt engagements with security chiefs, and strategic hosting of sector commanders at the Government House in Damaturu show a governor deeply involved and not detached from the ground reality. These aren’t for routine photo ops. They are part of a strategic, ongoing dialogue aimed at real solutions.

But words alone dont win wars. Buni’s strength lies in translating rhetoric into action. Under his stewardship, Yobe has seen significant investments in security infrastructure from state-of-the-art procurement of operational vehicles and support packages for troops and local vigilante groups. These investments are helping close the security gaps, making it harder for terrorists to strike and make it easier for communities to breathe again.

His empathy for victims of these attacks also sets him apart. In a remarkable demonstration of compassion, Governor Buni recently approved ₦2 million in relief support to each family affected by an insurgent attack—an amount that spoke volumes. It shows this wasn’t about political optics; it was a statement of solidarity, an affirmation that every Yobe life matters deeply to his government.

What makes Buni’s approach extraordinary is his consistency. Since the beginning of his administration, especially in 2025, there’s not a single week that has passed without a tangible initiative from the governor targeting security. He has held high-level security meetings, pushed for community-based peace initiatives, and worked hand-in-hand with federal agencies to address root causes of unrest.

Just today, despite an already packed schedule filled with developmental inspections and governance reviews, Governor Buni led a delegation of Northern Governors to Kaduna. The mission: to strengthen inter-state collaboration and forge a united front against insecurity across the region. His presence at such strategic summits reflects a leader who recognizes that the path to peace is regional, not just local.

Even as Yobe experiences a renaissance of infrastructure, such as roads being built, schools being renovated, and healthcare revitalized, Buni keeps security at the centre. He believes, rightly, that development without peace is fragile and fleeting.

His vision is clear: build a Yobe where families can live without fear, where children can walk to school safely, and where the economy can thrive because the people are secure.

Governor Mai Mala Buni is not just reacting to insecurity; he is reshaping the security narrative. He is proving that when leadership is focused, empathetic, and strategic, the tide can turn. His vehemence, resilience, and tireless pursuit of a safer Yobe have ignited a new sense of belief among the people, belief that liberation from fear is no longer a distant goal but an approaching reality.

In him, northeastern Nigeria sees more than a governor. It sees a goal-getter, a defender of the people, and above all, a leader determined to leave behind a legacy of peace. Governor Buni isn’t just talking about security he’s delivering it. From massive investments to compassionate relief for victims, his actions are setting Yobe apart.

By A. A. Mshelia, Public Affairs Analyst.

#MaiMalaBuni #YobeState #PeaceInTheNortheast

A pro-democracy group, the Progressive Group for Democracy (PGD), has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop local government officials in Lagos State from pursuing unconstitutional third terms in upcoming council elections.

The group alleges that officials in Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) are exploiting legal loopholes to extend their tenures, in violation of Nigeria’s Constitution.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, PGD National Coordinator Aladesanmi Abiodun Salawu described the move as a “clear violation” of constitutional provisions and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

He invoked President Tinubu’s historical opposition to tenure elongation, referencing the president’s fierce resistance to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term bid in the early 2000s.

“As a pro-democracy group, we are reminded of President Tinubu’s fierce opposition to Obasanjo’s third-term agenda. President Tinubu stood firmly against constitutional manipulation then. Where is the president’s voice now?” Salawu asked.

The PGD alleges that the officials in question assumed office following the deaths of elected chairpersons, took oaths of office, and later won full terms in subsequent elections.

“Their current bids for re-election, the group argues, constitute an unconstitutional third term. Salawu cited the Fourth Alteration to the Constitution, signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, which prohibits individuals from seeking a third term after completing a predecessor’s tenure and winning a subsequent election.

“Today, we stand at a very dangerous crossroads. The same anti-democratic forces that our heroes fought against during the June 12 struggle are re-emerging in Lagos State,” Salawu said.

“In Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri LCDAs, we are witnessing a calculated attempt to normalise constitutional violations through the backdoor.”

The group also criticised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, accusing him of complicity due to his silence on the issue. “As the chief security officer of Lagos State, (Sanwo-Olu)has a constitutional duty to uphold the rule of law. His silence is not just concerning; it is complicity,” Salawu said.

The PGD urged President Tinubu to publicly denounce the third-term bids and called on the Attorney General of the Federation to issue an advisory on term limits for local government administrations.

It also demanded that the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) disqualify candidates seeking unconstitutional terms.

“These individuals in Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri LCDAs must withdraw their candidacy immediately. We are not making a request; we are stating what the constitution already mandates,” Salawu declared.

The group vowed to challenge the alleged violations through legal means, including mobilising civil society, approaching the courts, and organising peaceful protests if necessary.

“The Lagos Society for Good Governance will utilise every legal means available to challenge this dangerous precedent,” Salawu added.

BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF

History was made again today at the National Assembly Service Commission NASC as the newly appointed as Executive Chairman,Dr Saviour Enyiekere and his Commissioners, was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential villa to signify the beginning of another five years journey for the new management of the Commission.

Dr Enyiekere who was appointed along with his 12 commissioners representing the six geopolitical zones on 20th, February, 2025, assumed duty on 5th, May, 2025 few months after their appointment after been taking oath office.

He took the oath of office as the sixth National Assembly Service Commission Chairman since the inception of the Commission over four decades ago .

Until his appointment, Enyiekere, an environmental specialist, was the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President and had played a leading and strategic roles in the last 19 months before his elevation.

Soon after he took the oath office along with his commissioners , he assumed duty and was hosted by management and staff of the National Assembly Service Commission NASC and by extension, the National Assembly management led by Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, the new Clerk to the National Assembly CNA.

Fresh and determined to make a difference,While acknowledging the audience along with his new commissioners , he described today’s occasion as unique with the date falling to 5/5/2025, stating his determination to work with all stakeholders at the NASC and NASS.

He eulogised the outgone leadership of the commission and also paid a glowing trubutes to the deceased ones , acknowledging their unique performance and contributions to the development of the commission in all areas.

Enyiekere who solicited for the cooperation of the management, staff and staff union , promised to prioritize the welfare and well-being of staff of the commission.

The New Executive Chairman , National Assembly Service Commission NASC, Dr Saviour Enyiekere also promised to work harmoniously with the management of the commission , staff, and members of Parliamentary Staff Association PASAN.

Dr Saviour who attracted a conference hall that was filled to capacity bare his mind of carrying all and sundry along in his new administration .

Assertive, young and brilliant to manage the affairs of the commission, he promised to promote and sustain the legacies of management and previous leadership saying their contributions was indelible on the sands of time.

He used the opportunity to appreciate Nigeria’s President and reiterated his commitment along with his commissioners to promote and protect the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with full support the leadership of the National Assembly under Senator Godswill Akpabio and Rt Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, lauding them for a job well-done and careful selection of the new Chairman and members/commissioners of the commission.

While describing the new responsibility as hectic and challenging, , saying with prayers , God will see us through.

Dr Saviour Enyiekere who promised to keep intact the good records of NASC management and the staff union , so as to ensure harmonious working relationship going forward.

During the handing over ceremony, The Secretary to the Commission, Mr
Lucky U. Ikharo, while presenting the handover documents to the new NASC boss, pledged the total commitment of the NASC Management towards the effective performance of the Commission’s assignment.

Speaking further during the handing and talking over ceremony at the Commission’s Conference Room, the new NASC boss told officials of the National Assembly Service that his leadership would emphasise the welfare of the workers of the Service, harmonious working relationship and productivity.

The new Chairman and his commissioners anxious to make a difference asked all stakeholders to extend their fellowship, admonition and possibly corrections.

Dr Saviour , a grassroot politician , with indepth experience in civil and political exposure, promised to make a difference without further delay .

The entire National Assembly Service Commission NASC bounced back to life after three months since the exit of the former Executive Chairman , National Assembly Service Commission NASC, Engr Ahmed Kadi Amshi FNSE.

Highlights of the occasion included group photograph, media interview and interactions with the management and staff of both the National Assembly Service Commission NASC, National Assembly leadership led by Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana along with the new commissioners.

With his assumption of duty and his promises, no doubt a new dawn has encapsulated and heralded the National Assembly Service Commission NASC and his leadership.

In a goodwill message, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, assured the new Commission of the full co-operation of the National Assembly Management towards achieving success. He, however, pleaded with the Commission to carry the National Assembly Management along on key decision-making.

The Honourable Commissioners that reported to duty alongside the Chairman include: Mr. Hanmation Mark Tersoo and Mr. Salisu Umar Agboola-Balogun (North-Central); Alhaji Lawan Maina Mahmud and Aminu Ibrahim Malle (North-East); Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi and Hon Yusuf A. Tabuka (North-West), Chief Festus Ifesinachi Odii (South-East), Mary Samuel Ekpenyong and Mr Patrick Giwa (South-South), Mrs Taiwo Olukemi Oluga and Ipesa-Balogun, Afeez (South-West, with

The Honourable Commissioners that reported to duty alongside the Chairman include: Mr. Hanmation Mark Tersoo and Mr. Salisu Umar Agboola-Balogun (North-Central); Alhaji Lawan Maina Mahmud and Aminu Ibrahim Malle (North-East); Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi and Hon Yusuf A. Tabuka (North-West), Chief Festus Ifesinachi Odii (South-East), Mary Samuel Ekpenyong and Mr Patrick Giwa (South-South), Mrs Taiwo Olukemi Oluga and Ipesa-Balogun, Afeez (South-West), with Festus Ifesinachi Odii not yet resume from the South-East .

Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.