Opinion
CHRISTMAS: WHEN DESPAIR CHALLENGES HOPE
By Gloria MABEIAM Ballason Esq
In Nigeria, many celebrated the 2024 Christmas without the merry. In the evening of Sunday 22 December, 14 people from Ari Doh of Ganawuri, in Plateau state, including a pregnant woman and a one-year-old baby, were gruesomely murdered. The Irigwe people believe that the murder was perpetrated by a combined operation of Fulani militias and security personnel attached to the Ari Doh Checkpoint, Sector 6. In 2023, it was more grim: 200 people were killed and over 500 injured in series of armed attacks that occurred between 23 and 25 December, 2023 in 17 rural communities of Bokkos and Barkin Ladi of Plateau state. To be clear, this is not a contest of murder figures; the death of one citizen is one too many.
The Ganawuri killings were preceded by lethal food stampedes in Oyo, Anambra and Abuja all of which claimed over 80 lives. The organizers of the philanthropic gestures have been arrested. The good they sort to do has now caused unspeakable pain. We must focus on the circumstances that have made these avoidable deaths possible: a Tinubu economy so harrowing that parents fling their children into arenas to lap up morsels to stitch body and soul together. These victims tragically exchanged hunger for their lives. It doesn’t get any more excruciating than that.
By Christmas day, the itinerary of mass atrocities would prove to have more in store: Nigerian military fighters bombed innocent people in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Sokoto State, resulting in the loss of at least 10 precious lives.
The military claimed it was a mistake that intercepted their efforts at stamping out the terrorists ravaging the nation. The problem is this sort of mistake has become all too common and the number of innocent lives exterminated to reach terrorists is simply, unjustifiable.
The Sokoto accidental killings has added up with the “Ocean of Innocent Blood Flowing In Eastern Nigeria,” report statistics published by the International Society for Civil Rights and Rule of Law, which alleges that Nigerian security operatives have killed about 32,000 civilians and extorted N3trn in the South East part of Nigeria.
The said report also states that thousands were unlawfully detained and tortured, whereas over 6,000 were blindfolded or face-bagged and bundled at late night from the East.
In another breath, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports that N2.23trillion was paid as ransom to terrorists in twelve months. How dizzying does it get?
But what is Christmas if despair can muster such audacity to challenge hope? It reminds of King
Herod’s obsession with an infant- a preoccupation so extreme he was willing to kill thousands of babies to reach that one baby he imagined would rival his kingship but who in reality was born for a different kingdom.
I often wonder what threat Jesus posed, for even if He were to be fed the most potent baby formula; how could he possibly have grown exponentially enough to be a contender to Herod’s throne? Yet Herod would have none of it. The illogicality of Herod’s actions led to a nadir of suffering and the wiping out of a generation. Herod’s model continues to be used by tyrants today.
Take Hunger: With 70.8 million hectares of agricultural land, the seventh largest globally, Nigeria has no business courting lack and hunger.
Consider resource-related killings: pauperized villagers live on wealth mines and never really know why they are massacred until they learn that there are resources that attract organized killings. If the government holds resources in trust then that trust should yield an even distribution otherwise the principle of quicquid plantatur solo solo cedit (fixtures of the land belongs to the land) should apply so the people till their ground and live by it.
Turning to the tragic case in Sokoto, it must now be asked if military precision is no longer attainable and if collateral damage should be imbibed as state art. On 6th December, 2023 over 300 unarmed civilians were killed by Nigeria’s military at Igabi local government of Kaduna state while trying to exterminate terrorists. Surely, the unfortunate incident which happened barely a year ago, ought to have been a learning curve- assuming without conceding, that learning was needed on the execution field.
Amidst reminiscing about these tragedies I sat in a pew on Christmas morning as the President of the COCIN Church read from Exodus 3:7-9, a text I thought was unusual for Christmas. God, in that scripture heard and saw the misery of the Israelites in Egypt, the land of their captivity, and the Almighty decided to act by sending Moses as their deliverer just as He sent Jesus as the Saviour after seeing the misery of mankind occasioned by sin. The Preacher went on to urge us to keep our eyes and ears on human suffering and to act on it.
The hardship of Nigerians is man made. The angst will come to an end when people of goodwill resist the reign of despondency and in its place, enthrone hope; only then will the Nigerian people who dwell in darkness find light and the land where death casts its shadow, find life. Merry Christmas!
Ballason is the Chief Executive Officer of the House of Justice and may be reached at gloriaballason@houseofjusticeng.com
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio on Saturday said the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended by the Senate for six months, traumatised him and others.
Akpabio had come under heavy criticism following the sanction handed out to the lawmaker.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, cautioned the Senate against making the political atmosphere toxic for women.
Major opposition parties in the country have also expressed outrage over the manner in which the complaint was handled.
But Akpabio maintained his innocence, saying none of what she alleged was true.
Speaking at an event to commemorate International Women’s Day, Akpabio raised concerns that he was merely her latest victim, saying previous allegations by Natasha had turned out to be false.
He said, ‘’It is only yesterday that I realised that what we are talking about only happened when there was a change of seat. That is when hell was let loose, and all sorts of allegations came up, only after the change of seat and change of committee, which my Senators know to happen from time to time.
“This is said to have happened on December 8, a day before my birthday, which was celebrated in the Stadium in 2023. So from the 8th of December 2023, I never heard, my wife never heard, no Nigerian ever heard, even the husband never heard any issue of sexual harassment until her committee was changed and then her seat was changed.
“Have you ever wondered about the trauma caused by that same woman on the other people she has accused in the past? None has been proven so far. Do you even wonder about the trauma this caused to the 10th Senate and the image of the Senate with all these useless allegations? I have refrained myself from making a statement.
“Look at these beautiful women. They have come across me so many times. Have I ever harassed any one of you? Or is the person thinking that you are not beautiful?”
By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice
The appointment of Dr. Fashagba Femi Paul as the Provost of Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, is a masterstroke in academic leadership. With an impressive track record in academia, administration, and professional excellence, he is undoubtedly the right person to lead the institution into a new era of transformation. His wealth of experience and outstanding credentials make him well-suited for the task ahead, one that requires vision, strategic planning, and a relentless commitment to excellence.
Dr. Fashagba’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Having served as the Director of the Academic Planning Unit at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, he demonstrated exceptional administrative acumen, successfully leading the accreditation and reaccreditation of over thirty academic programs—an achievement unmatched in the history of the institution. His tenure as Dean of Students’ Affairs further highlighted his ability to foster a student-friendly academic environment while ensuring discipline and quality education. In addition to his administrative competence, Dr. Fashagba is a well-respected scholar, researcher, and mentor, with numerous academic publications and conference presentations to his name. As a Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) and a distinguished member of the Chartered Institute of Finance and Control of Nigeria (CIFCN), he embodies the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Now at the helm of Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, Dr. Fashagba must harness his expertise to drive meaningful reforms. The institution, like many teacher-training colleges in Nigeria, requires structural, academic, and administrative revitalization to remain competitive. One of the key areas of focus should be academic excellence and accreditation. Strengthening the college’s accreditation status by ensuring that all programs meet national and global standards is essential. A research-driven environment must be fostered, encouraging both lecturers and students to engage in innovative academic work. Additionally, modern pedagogical tools must be introduced to align with contemporary teacher education.
Beyond academics, institutional development and infrastructure must be prioritized. Improving physical facilities, including classrooms, hostels, and ICT centers, will significantly enhance the learning environment. Seeking partnerships with government and private sector stakeholders to attract funding and grants should also be a focal point. Establishing a robust e-learning system to complement conventional learning methods will further modernize the institution and expand its reach.
To build a well-rounded institution, the welfare of students and staff must also be taken into account. Policies that ensure a conducive learning and teaching environment should be implemented, while continuous professional development programs must be introduced for lecturers to keep them updated on modern teaching methodologies. Encouraging student participation in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service programs will also help in shaping well-rounded graduates who are equipped to make meaningful contributions to society.
As an astute accountant, Dr. Fashagba is well-positioned to enhance financial management and transparency within the college. Prudent financial practices, revenue-generating initiatives, and reduced reliance on government subventions will be key to ensuring the financial stability of the institution. At the same time, fostering strong ties between the college and the local community will be instrumental in driving mutual growth. Building strategic alliances with education-based NGOs, international bodies, and government agencies will further enhance institutional development and open up new opportunities for students and faculty members.
The appointment of Dr. Fashagba Femi Paul is not just another administrative change—it is a call to action. The weight of expectation is enormous, and the demand for impact is immediate. As he takes over the reins, he must bring on board the right strategies, policies, and personnel to reposition the college for greatness. The people of Kogi State, the academic community, and the students of Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, look forward to a progressive, transformative, and prosperous tenure. With his sterling credentials, vast experience, and stoic commitment to education, there is no doubt that Dr. Fashagba will leave an indelible mark on the institution. Now is the time to deliver, and the future starts today.
Perfectly musing
BY Musa Ilallah
For the people of Hadejia emirate in the present jigawa state, their hope and optimism remains high now more than ever before that their 42 year old struggle to get a state of their own will soon see the light of the day. The movement had so far submitted a request for the creation of Hadejia state in 1982, 1991, 1994, 1996, 2009, and 2021.
This optimism beams its light and hinges its hope for 2 reasons.
First came the opener when the Jigawa North East Senator, Ambassador Ahmad Abdulhamid Malam Madori on the 25th day of February 2025 sponsored a bill for an act to create Hadejia state out of Jigawa state on the floor of the senate.
The bill, which sought to alter the Constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria1999 (Cap.C23), is presently awaiting further legislative action.
Second, the House of Representatives committee on the review of the 1999 constitution opened it’s door wide open and allowed all interested applicant seeking new states to be created in their domains to submit their request on or before the 16th of March, 2025.
Taking this opportunity with all the seriousness it deserves, the steering committee led by a former Commissioner in the old Kano state, Alhaji Musa Shuaibu had an interaction with the Chairman of the national Constitution review Committee and also the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Barau I. Jibrin, to press home the demand for the creation of Hadejia state and thereafter solicits his support for the noble cause.
Consequently, the Chair of the movement for the creation.of Hadejia state, Musa Shuaibu was at the National Assembly on Tuesday March 4th 2025 where he formally presented the demand.
Accompanied by Senator Malam Madori, 2 of the 3 members of the House of Representatives from the area, some members of the state House of assembly and some representatives of LGCs.
Also present were the Representatives of the State Governor, Naannabi Ahmad, Falakin Hadejia and Chairman of the state Civil service commission; Emir of Hadejia’s Representative and Galadiman Hadejia, Usman Abdulaziz, Representatives of 8 local government councils, representatives of State assembly members; members of the house of representatives, Dr Abubakar Fulata and Makki Yanleman; prominent sons and daughters and also some members of the steering committee of the movement led by elder Dr (Arch) Aminu Kano
According to Musa Shuaibu, in addition to the present 8 local government areas that make up the proposed state, the area has presently submitted request to expand the LGAs to more than 12. The present Senatorial zone has Hadejia, Kafin Hausa, Auyo, Kaugama, Malam Madori, Guri, Birniwa and Kiri Kasamna LGAs.
Some of the potentials that seem to work in favour of the demand for Hadejia state include an approximately 700, 000 hectares of total landmass of which 75% is arable for all year round farming.
Others include the economic viability, active and enterprising human resource, utilities and infrastructure, electricity via a 132 KVA, potable water, ethanol renewable energy resource, forests and wildlife. Others include industry and commerce, tourism and rich cultural heritage among others.
Formally receiving the request for the creation of Hadejia state, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Honourable Tajuddeen Abbas in his office, stated that he is 100% in support of the movement and gave an unflinching committment to get the aspiration through.
At the Senate, the Clerk to the Senate committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution, Innocent Mobere received the memorandum on behalf of the chairman and also promised to present the request to the whole house committee.
Meanwhile, Senator Ambassador Ahmad Malam Madori also during a 2day public hearing organised by the Senate committee on health on a bill to consider the creation of a Federal Medical Centre , Hadejia, had appealed to all and sundry to make the proposal a reality.
All eyes are.now on deck to see how fast the National Assembly will fast track the creation of more states and LGCs in the country for its growth and development.
Musa Ilallah, a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. He can be reached at musahk123@yahoo.com