Gov Shettima Having Sleepless Nights

His Excellency, Kashim Shettima
Executive Governor of Borno State

            A keen observer of the violent conflict in Borno State will have no iota of doubt that the State’s number one citizen, Governor Kashim Shettima is having sleepless nights.

            Shettima assumed office as the Governor of Borno State at a point in time when the State is facing the highest challenge of its existence.

            Having inherited the hot seat from his predecessor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, the journey that eventually led Shettima to his present position was obviously rough.

Men Killing Men: Where is the Sanctity of the Human Life?

Boko Haram Mayhem
Borno State

If since the beginning of the world, man with his vast knowledge of Science and Technology cannot create human life, and then who is he to take it?

The manner in which human beings are killing themselves all over the world calls for urgent concern and immediate review of man’s abilities and disabilities in terms of giving and taking of lives.

A closer look at the global community will reveal an appalling picture of huge loss of human lives on daily basis, not committed by some kind of strange monsters, but by human beings themselves.

For instance, at the moment tens of thousands of people in some parts of Somalia especially Bakool and Lower Shabelle are dying of famine due to extreme drought that has ravaged the country.

Sanusi Vindicated on Islamic Banking

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
CBN Governor

The recent revelation by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi that 60% of the shares of the controversial Islamic Bank to by introduced in Nigeria are owned by the Igbos has agained boosted his integrity.

Sanusi made the disclosure when he appeared before the lower chambers of the National assenble to explain to the law-makers issues related to Islamic Banking and maximum withrawal level which have generated so much controversies.

If 60% of the Bank’s shares could be owned by Igbos, who undoubtedly are predominantly Christains, this shows that the bank does not discriminate against religion and ethnicity.

Mandela: “A Beacon for the Global Community”

Former South African President,
Nelson Mandela,
 who recently clocked 93.

Would you ever dream of becoming a president and global icon if you lost your father at the age of nine, took arms early in life and got sentenced to life in prison?

That was the story of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela who spent 27 years in prison for his strong opposition to apartheid but after his release, became the first South African President to be elected in a representative democracy.

Mandela, who recently turned 93, became the 19th Secretary-General of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1998.

With over 250 international and local awards to his honour, Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

Popularly called Madiba, the name of his Xhasa clan or “tata” (father), Mandela is revered as an embodiment of global peace and reconciliation.

Ministers to Make Nigeria Better – Jonathan

PRESIDENT
 GOODLUCK JONATHAN

President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed his belief in his Cabinet’s capacity to drive the country’s “transformation programme” to “make Nigeria better.”

The President made the expression at the occasion of the formal presentation and swearing-in of members of the Federal Executive Council at the State Council Chambers, State House, Abuja, recently.

Boko Haram: UniMaid Students’ Ordeal

            The news first came as rumours cycling the campus like a whirlwind before a circular confirmed that the University of Maiduguri has been shut down indefinitely due to deteriorating security situation in town.

The circular signed by the University’s registrar, Abagana Aji read in part: “this is to inform all members of staff and students that the Committee of Provosts, Deans and Directors (CPDD) at its emergency meeting held on Monday 11^th July, after carefully assessing the security situation in Maiduguri and its environs has on behalf of senate come to a painful conclusion to suspend studies indefinitely with effect from Tuesday 12^th July, 2011.”

            Most students were shocked, not because the development was unnecessary, but because the closure was unexpected.

Boko Haram: Damaturu Struggles to Stand

Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, North-eastern Nigeria, has been struggling to stand in the face of violence in Maiduguri due to activities of Boko Haram and military reprisals.

In the last few days, increased bombing of places of worship, drinking joints and public places by Boko Haram in Maiduguri has necessitated government’s resort to stringent security measures such as the ban on motorbikes which has left thousands of commercial motorcyclists jobless.

Four Arraigned in Court over the Execution of Boko Haram Leader

Former Boko Haram Leader,
 Late Mohammed Yusuf

Justice will soon come the way of former Boko Haram leader, Mohammed Yusuf who was summarily executed in 2009 by some Nigerian policemen shortly after he was captured for stirring up civil disobedience in Maiduguri.

Four policemen have been arraigned in court in Abuja awhile ago amid tight security over the summary execution of the ex-leader of Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad.