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KAWAS: ‘POLITICAL CHOICE DOES NOT MAKE A BISHOP FAKE’ — WHY CBCN BACKED TINUBU

KAWAS: ‘POLITICAL CHOICE DOES NOT MAKE A BISHOP FAKE’ — WHY CBCN BACKED TINUBU

Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, President-General of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), has offered a detailed explanation of the conference’s decision to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, saying his political choices have never been a measure of his Christian ministry or clerical identity.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Kawas addressed the criticism that followed the CBCN’s endorsement, including comments from some Nigerians questioning his credibility as a bishop because of his decision to support Tinubu.

Rather than viewing the controversy in isolation, Kawas placed the decision within the context of his long experience in Christian ministry and his history of participating in Nigeria’s political process.

25 YEARS AS A BISHOP, 14 YEARS AS AN ARCHBISHOP

Kawas said he was consecrated a Bishop about 25 years ago and has served as an Archbishop for approximately 14 years, stressing that his involvement in Nigerian politics did not begin with the Tinubu administration.

According to him, he has supported different political leaders at different times without allowing political affiliations to define his Christian ministry.

He recalled his involvement with political figures including Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, arguing that his previous political choices did not make him less of a clergyman.

He also recalled campaigning for his former political leader, Reverend Jolly Nyame, who later became Governor of Taraba State and appointed him chairman of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Kawas further recalled his involvement in the political campaigns of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former President Goodluck Jonathan.

On Jonathan, he said he participated in his presidential campaign and described himself as the only bishop on Jonathan’s presidential campaign council at the time.

‘I SUPPORTED PETER OBI — HE NEVER GAVE ME ONE NAIRA’

One of the strongest points in Kawas’s response concerned his previous support for Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential campaign.

He said he supported Obi at the early stage of his presidential ambition, travelled with him across the country and participated in campaign activities without receiving financial support from him.

According to Kawas, he personally paid the transportation expenses of six clergymen who accompanied him to some of the campaign events.

He said:

«“I supported Peter Obi at the initial stage of his presidential ambition. I went with him everywhere in Nigeria. And he never gave me one dollar, one naira.”»

Kawas said his previous support for Obi did not attract questions about his clerical identity, leading him to ask why his present support for Tinubu should produce a different interpretation.

«“Is it now because I have prayed and God has led me that it is Tinubu, that I suddenly now become fake?”»

KAWAS: MY SUPPORT FOR TINUBU IS A MATTER OF CONVICTION

Another important part of Kawas’s explanation is his account of what informed his decision to support Tinubu.

He said he is based in the United States and described himself as highly blessed by God.

Against that background, Kawas argued that his political support should not automatically be interpreted as a search for financial reward or personal benefit.

Rather, he presented his decision as one based on prayer, spiritual discernment, foresight and personal conviction.

In his account, therefore, his support for Tinubu represents what he believes is the direction he should take after prayer and reflection.

This explanation comes amid public speculation over the motives behind the CBCN endorsement. Kawas’s position is that the decision should be understood in terms of his stated convictions rather than presumed financial inducement.

‘CBCN IS NOT ONE MAN’

Kawas also sought to correct any impression that the Tinubu endorsement was simply his personal political decision.

He described the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria as a broad Christian organisation comprising hundreds of bishops and archbishops.

During the interview, he said the organisation has more than 900 bishops and archbishops in Nigeria, while the wider International Communion of Charismatic Archbishops, Bishops and Apostles (ICCABA) has an international reach.

Reports from the 2026 Synod similarly cited about 950 canonical bishops in Nigeria and an international presence spanning 52 countries.

The clarification is significant because the Tinubu endorsement was presented at the Synod as a decision of the conference rather than simply Kawas’s personal political preference.

WHY CBCN RECONSIDERED ITS POSITION

Kawas also explained why the bishops’ assessment of Tinubu changed after the concerns they expressed during the 2023 election.

The conference had previously expressed concerns about the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket adopted by the APC in 2023.

However, Kawas said developments after Tinubu assumed office contributed to a change in the bishops’ assessment.

He particularly cited the appointment of Senator George Akume, a Christian, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, alongside other appointments which the bishops regarded as evidence of greater religious and ethnic balance.

Kawas said these developments helped change the perception of the administration among the bishops.

At the 2026 Synod, he said:

«“President Bola Tinubu came and balanced our diversity so very well. There is no iota of nepotism.”»

The CBCN subsequently announced its support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, saying its position followed its assessment of the administration and its approach to religious balance and inclusion.

A POLITICAL DECISION DOES NOT ERASE A CLERIC’S MINISTRY

At the heart of Kawas’s response is an argument that political disagreement should not automatically become a test of a Christian leader’s authenticity.

His political history, as he presented it, includes support for different political leaders at different times.

For him, supporting Tinubu today does not erase his previous support for Obi, Jonathan, Obasanjo or other political figures.

The issue has become particularly prominent following the strong social-media reaction to the CBCN endorsement, with some critics questioning the bishops’ motives and describing them as “fake bishops.”

Kawas has responded by placing the current controversy within the much longer history of his ministry and political engagement.

CBCN STANDS BY ITS DECISION

The CBCN formally announced its endorsement of Tinubu during its 2026 Synod in Abuja, with Kawas declaring that the conference had endorsed the President for the 2027 presidential election.

The conference has also said its engagement with government extends beyond electoral politics to issues of peace, national unity, religious freedom, governance and national development.

Kawas’s latest comments therefore provide additional context to an endorsement that has generated considerable public debate.

His message is that the decision should be understood against the backdrop of a long clerical career, previous political engagements with different Nigerian leaders, the bishops’ assessment of developments under the Tinubu administration, and his stated spiritual conviction.

For the CBCN President-General, supporting Tinubu in 2027 does not erase the organisation’s previous political positions, nor does it prevent Christian leaders from reassessing their political choices as circumstances change.

ADC Crisis Deepens In Adamawa As Discipline Committee Suspends Chairman Dasin Over Alleged N250m Fraud

ADC Crisis Deepens In Adamawa As Discipline Committee Suspends Chairman Dasin Over Alleged N250m Fraud

….Acting Chairman says is setting Party on a new threshold for victory

The crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Adamawa State has deepened after the party’s Discipline Committee led by Mark Dauda suspended the State Chairman, Rt Hon (Barr.) Ibrahim Dasin, over allegations of financial mismanagement and embezzlement of party funds.

Addressing newsmen in Yola, Dauda alleged that Dasin could not account over N250 million belonging to the party and had repeatedly absconded from meetings summoned to explain how the money was spent.

“Several invitations were sent to him to come and defend himself. He refused to appear before the committee and before the constituted authority,” Dauda said.

Following the suspension, the party said Alhaji Sa’idu Naira has been ratified by the State Congress as the Acting State Chairman of ADC in Adamawa.

Naira accused Dasin’s leadership of plunging the party into “disarray and unresolved crisis” due to lack of cohesion and inclusion.

“It was during his tenure that we lost major leaders like Senator Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (Binani), and Senator Ishaku Abbo (SIA). They left because of unpatriotic ego and disregard for party unity,” Naira alleged.

He further claimed that Dasin collected over ₦250 million, largely from the party’s former governorship candidate, Engr. Suleiman Omar, Dokaji Adamawa, before he was replaced by Tukur Modibbo, but failed to give any financial report.

Naira said the party’s troubles worsened when the Adamawa State Police Command invited Dasin to explain the party’s finances, but he allegedly refused to honor the invitation.

“He was indignant and flared up whenever he was asked to give account of the money spent. There is nothing more than this that led to his suspension,” the acting chairman stated.

Despite the crisis, Naira said the new leadership is working to reposition the party and restore unity.

“The party is gathering momentum again. We are receiving defectors. Over 7,000 groups and individuals have contacted us to join ADC in Adamawa,” he said.

On the governorship ticket tussle between Suleiman Omar and Tukur Modibbo, Naira said the party remains neutral.

“The matter is in court. Whoever the court affirms as candidate, that is who we will work with. Our focus now is to work for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and all ADC candidates in 2027, I must say the party is bigger than anyone,” he added.

Efforts to reach Barr. Ibrahim Dasin for reaction proved abortive as calls to his line were not answered at the time of filing this report.

The development is the latest in a series of leadership tussles that have affected ADC’s structure and electoral prospects in Adamawa ahead of the 2027 general elections. Watch and follow this medium to have updates on the prolonged ADC crisis in the state. As this is Coming other parties are warming up and flagging off their campaigns across the country and the state.

Adamawa: Haske set to dump APC and join APM, political associate confirm

Adamawa: Haske set to dump APC and join APM, political associate confirm

A political associate of Abdulrahaman Bashir Haske has confirmed to this medium that all is set for Haske political structure to join the All People Movement (APM).

His associate, Alhaji Hussaini Ahmadu Har confirmed that Haske plans to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) is on top gear and his movement is going to be a political sunami to other politicians who are holding briefs for others.

Hussaini on his Facebook verified page posted Haske’s picture alongside the logo of his new Found party (APM) and themed it ”the movement is a Fight to Finish, don’t be left out of the train of victory, come back to reality and join the movement.”

“Abdulrahman Haske is Coming in 2027 and God willing he will win.” The post read.

Hussaini Har confirmed also that his likes who are Haske Loyalists have already moved out of the APC to APM.

Recall that Haske was a frontline gubernatorial aspirant of Adamawa APC who was rumoured he would have get the ticket under free and fair party contest. Many have predicted his high chances of winning the primary but the party’s internal mechanism structured him out

This medium also gathered that Haske is not in Adamawa while the political pressure of his defection is gathering momentum and there’s going to be mass defection of somany people from APC, ADC, LP and other political parties.

APC Grassroot Queens Mobilise Support for Tinubu, Galadima, Empower Adamawa Women

APC Grassroot Queens Mobilise Support for Tinubu, Galadima, Empower Adamawa Women

By Umar Zubainatu Kambari

The APC Grassroot Queens United has mobilised women and other grassroots supporters across Adamawa State in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The mobilisation, held in Girei LGA of Adamawa State brought together women, party supporters, political leaders and members of various support groups, with speakers calling for stronger grassroots participation and sustained support for the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The event also featured discussions on political engagement, economic empowerment, education, agriculture, security and local government autonomy.

Speaking at the programme, Dr. Ahmad Adamu Babukkoi, who introduced the leadership of the Renewed Hope Project, said the initiative was designed to support the implementation of government programmes and ensure that the benefits of federal policies reach ordinary citizens.

He welcomed dignitaries and officials to the gathering, including the National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Project, Alhaji Mahmud, and other leaders involved in the initiative.

Babukkoi said Adamawa required special attention in the implementation of development programmes, particularly in education, youth development and empowerment, urging stakeholders to work collectively to ensure the success of government initiatives.

He also stressed the importance of vocational training and programmes aimed at improving the economic wellbeing of young people and vulnerable groups.

In his remarks, Hon. Gibson Nathanial, Director/Coordinator of Support Groups, described the gathering as an introductory platform for the implementation of the Renewed Hope Project in Adamawa State.

Nathanial said the project was established to complement the vision of President Tinubu by creating empowerment opportunities for women and youths and expanding access to economic support across the state.

He called for greater coordination among support groups and grassroots structures to ensure that the objectives of the project were effectively implemented.

Also speaking, Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei urged APC women groups to remain committed to protecting the party’s platform and maintaining unity within its structures.

He said functional party leadership and grassroots mobilisation were essential to strengthening the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

Bakari highlighted a number of issues he said required continued attention from the federal government, including local government financial autonomy, student loan programmes, livestock development, national security, economic recovery and federal road projects.

He also called for increased crude oil production and stronger management of the country’s foreign reserves, while urging stakeholders to support APC candidates and leaders working towards the party’s success.

The programme further featured remarks by Hon. Salihu Muhammad Abba Girei, who emphasised the importance of constituency-level political engagement and strategic grassroots mobilisation.

He said political movements must understand the peculiarities of individual constituencies and the interests of their people in order to effectively mobilise support for the party and its candidates.

A major highlight of the gathering was the empowerment of women by the APC Grassroot Queens United.

The group distributed grinding machines to women as part of its economic empowerment initiative, with beneficiaries drawn from communities across Adamawa Central, including Yola North, Yola South, Girei, Hong, Gombi and Song.

The organisers said a total of 75 grinding machines were provided to support women in establishing or expanding small-scale businesses and improving their household income.

Comr. Mustapha Salihu,The APC senatorial candidate also announced a ₦500,000 cash support package, with ₦50,000 earmarked for beneficiaries under the empowerment programme.

The initiative, according to the organisers, was aimed at complementing political mobilisation with tangible economic support for women at the grassroots.

The event also reaffirmed the group’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, Alhaji Tijjani Galadima for Governor of Adamawa State, as well as other APC candidates, including those contesting for the Senate, House of Representatives and State Assembly.

The organisers said the mobilisation would continue as part of efforts to strengthen the APC’s grassroots structures and build wider support for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kaduna Group Throws Weight Behind Musa, Accuses El-Rufai Of Dividing Kaduna

Kaduna Group Throws Weight Behind Musa, Accuses El-Rufai Of Dividing Kaduna

The Kaduna State Muslim-Christian Network for Good Governance has thrown its weight behind the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, describing his recent comments on former Governor Nasir El-Rufai as a reflection of the experiences of residents during the former governor’s eight-year tenure.

The group, in a statement issued yesterday, accused El-Rufai’s administration of policies and actions that allegedly deepened ethnic and religious divisions, worsened insecurity and suppressed dissent in the state.

It also faulted what it described as attempts by some individuals to discredit Musa over his remarks during a recent interview on Channels Television.

The network, which described itself as a political pressure group comprising Muslims and Christians, said the reactions to Musa’s comments were characterised by “selective amnesia and ethno-religious rhetoric”.

According to the group, Kaduna residents were living witnesses to what it called the “divisive and arbitrary rule” of El-Rufai between 2015 and 2023.

It alleged that the former administration sacked thousands of workers, took actions against traditional rulers, demolished markets and homes, mishandled insecurity and arrested or detained some Christian and Muslim leaders who criticised its policies.

The group further accused El-Rufai of allegedly using religion as a political weapon, particularly during elections.

It also referred to a widely circulated video in which it alleged that the former governor spoke about laying the foundation for the marginalisation of a section of the state.

The network said Musa’s comments should not be interpreted as referring exclusively to Southern Kaduna, arguing that his reference to “our people” covered Kaduna residents generally.

“General Musa’s remarks on that ugly past are a true reflection of what we experienced in the state during those toxic years,” the group said.

It challenged those who disagreed with the Defence Minister to produce facts to counter his position instead of relying on ethnic or religious arguments.

The group declared its “total support” for Musa and commended his efforts in tackling the country’s security challenges.

It urged the minister to continue working with other stakeholders to deliver a safer Nigeria.

The network also called on Kaduna residents to support the state government in its efforts to restore unity, inclusiveness and fairness in governance.

The statement was signed by the Chairman, Tahir Tanko; Secretary, Steven Kefas; Publicity Secretary, Adamu Abdullahi; and members Yakubu Adamu, Joyce Michael, Kevin Bahago and Zariyi Yusuf.

Perm Sec Backs ECN’s Renewable Energy Drive, Pledge Stronger Support

Perm Sec Backs ECN’s Renewable Energy Drive, Pledge Stronger Support

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, has pledged stronger support for the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) following the installation of a 0.5-megawatt solar hybrid power system that has taken the commission completely off the national grid.

Dr. Muhammad gave the assurance during a familiarisation visit to the ECN as part of his tour of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

The Permanent Secretary said the visit provided him an opportunity to interact with the Director-General and management staff of the commission, understand their activities and challenges, and identify areas where the ministry could provide necessary support.

“I must say that this visit is very important to me, to meet not only with the DG but also with the management staff and to hear from them the issues, the challenges and what we can do as the ministry to support what they are doing,” he said.

Dr. Muhammad said he was impressed by the performance of the ECN management and the projects delivered by the Commission.

“I am impressed by the performance of the DG and what I have seen in terms of projects that have been delivered by the commission,” he said, pledging to work closely with the Director-General to ensure that the ECN received the support required from the ministry.

The Permanent Secretary particularly commended the commission’s renewable energy project, describing it as a model that could be replicated across government agencies, ministries and communities.

“This is the way to go,” he said. “Nigeria is blessed in so many ways. One of our blessings is actually the abundant sunlight.

“Seeing it being fully utilised and how the experts have packaged it, this is actually more efficient, and we are looking at the scalability and how we can use this in other agencies, ministries and even for community use purposes.”

Speaking on the project, the Director-General of the ECN said the commission had, since his appointment in October 2023, undertaken several initiatives aimed at demonstrating Nigeria’s capacity to deploy sustainable energy solutions.

He said the highlight of the projects was the installation of the 0.5MW solar hybrid system, which has completely taken the commission off the national grid.

According to him, the Commission now generates its electricity from solar energy, reducing dependence on the national grid and demonstrating the viability of sustainable energy solutions.

The ECN DG said the Commission has an electricity load requirement of about 350 kilowatts, while the newly installed system has a capacity of 500 kilowatts.

He said the excess capacity could potentially support neighbouring facilities, adding that the project was designed as a pilot that could be replicated across the country.

“We are demonstrating capacity, we are demonstrating sustainability and we are showing Nigerians that it is possible,” he said.

The ECN boss added that the commission was working to localise renewable energy technology in Nigeria through a partnership with LONGi, with plans to establish local solar panel production.

According to him, the initiative would help reduce the cost of renewable energy technology and make solar solutions more affordable for Nigerians.

“This is to tell Nigerians that it is going to become cheaper and very affordable because it is going to be Nigerian-made,” He said.

He further disclosed that the ECN was collaborating with state governments to build their capacity and scale renewable energy generation as electricity generation and distribution become increasingly decentralised.

He said the Commission ssion had signed agreements with states to support capacity development and attract financing for renewable energy projects.

The ECN, he added, was also working with Energy China to deploy five-megawatt mini-grid projects across states.

According to him, the initiatives align with the Federal Government’s ambition to expand Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity to 30,000 megawatts by 2030, with 30 per cent expected to come from renewable energy sources.

The visit highlights the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the ECN in advancing renewable energy solutions and expanding access to sustainable electricity across Nigeria.

Tom Garba Empowers Kaduna Constituents, Splashes Cash on Loyalists, Declares ‘Non-Negotiable’ APC Win in ’27

Tom Garba Empowers Kaduna Constituents, Splashes Cash on Loyalists, Declares ‘Non-Negotiable’ APC Win in ’27

….says Tinubu, Uba Sani best for Nigeria and Kaduna

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By Zubainatu Kambari
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Tom Garba, the former APC frontline aspirant for Lere West Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, has reaffirmed his steadfast loyalty to the All Progressives Congress. He has pledged to fully deploy his campaign structure to mobilise support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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‎Garba made the commitment while addressing hundreds of APC supporters, grassroots politicians and party loyalists at a gathering in Garun Kurama, where he also provided cash support to some party members and less-privileged residents.
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‎He said his decision to support the party remained firm despite not securing the APC ticket, describing his loyalty to the party as greater than personal political ambitions.
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‎“With my campaign structure, I will use all I have to vigorously canvass, advocate and mobilise votes for all the APC candidates. I’m a loyal party man. The fact that I didn’t get the ticket is never an ‘I must do’ agenda,” Garba said.
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‎He added that he believed political leadership was ultimately determined by God, stressing that his failure to clinch the ticket at this time would not prevent him from contributing to the party’s success.
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‎“I’m a man of conscience who believes in the prerogative power of God to enthrone and to dethrone leaders. He gives power to whosoever He wishes at His time. It’s not time for me. I’m convinced mine is coming at the appointed time, which is going to be the best.”
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‎Garba declared that securing victory for APC candidates across the political hierarchy would be his immediate priority.
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‎“My business for now is focused on seeing that I deliver all my candidates in APC from top to bottom. It’s non-negotiable, and I mean it,” he said.
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‎The APC chieftain praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying his administration had made significant efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges while pursuing economic reforms and infrastructure development across the country.
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‎According to Garba, the administration’s efforts to strengthen the economy and undertake major infrastructure projects demonstrated a commitment to transforming the country.
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‎He also commended Tinubu for appointing several indigenes of Kaduna State to strategic positions in the Federal Government, describing the appointments as evidence of inclusiveness.
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‎Garba equally expressed strong support for Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, describing his administration as a positive development for residents of Lere Local Government Area.
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‎He said Sani’s leadership had demonstrated fairness and a commitment to carrying people along, urging APC supporters to support the governor’s re-election bid.
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‎“Leaders like Uba Sani are rare because his human nature of serving with all sense of fairness is his watchword. His efforts to carry everyone along so that people can feel and get the dividends of democracy are commendable,” he said.
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‎‘Vote APC From Top to Bottom’
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‎Garba urged residents of Garun Kurama and surrounding communities to vote for APC candidates across the various elective positions, saying the party’s continued control of government would provide opportunities for further development.
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‎He particularly highlighted the agricultural potential of the area, describing Lere as an agrarian community with a long history of farming and food production.
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‎He also noted that the constituency was witnessing greater attention to education and agriculture, while expressing optimism that the area could benefit from initiatives designed to strengthen its agricultural economy.
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‎Garba further celebrated the emergence of a female Majority Leader in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, describing it as a significant achievement for the area.
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‎He appealed to voters to support APC candidates, including former Kaduna State Governor and the party’s senatorial candidate, His Excellency Lamaran Yero, as well as the APC candidate for Lere Federal Constituency, Engr. Ahmed Mannir, and the consensus candidate for the State House of Assembly, Mubarak Ibrahim.
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‎Garba described the candidates as capable of representing the interests of the people and urged his supporters to work collectively for their victory.
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‎With the 2027 elections drawing closer, Garba also called on residents to pray for peace and unity in Nigeria.
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‎He urged party supporters to conduct themselves peacefully during the political season and asked God to provide the country with leaders capable of meeting the aspirations of Nigerians.
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‎He maintained that his political ambition would not stand in the way of party unity, insisting that his immediate objective was to contribute to the APC’s electoral success across Kaduna State.
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‎The gathering ended with renewed appeals for grassroots mobilisation and support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

Minister Visits Family of Late Veteran Actor Tumbuleke in Kaduna

Minister Visits Family of Late Veteran Actor Tumbuleke in Kaduna

The Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has visited the family of late veteran Hausa actor, Mohammed Sani, popularly known as Tumbuleke, at his residence on Adamawa Road, Kaduna.

Tumbuleke, a prominent Hausa comedy actor who rose to fame through the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in the 1980s, died on August 11, 2026, at the age of 86 after a prolonged illness.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the condolence visit, Musawa described the late actor as a remarkable cultural icon whose contributions to Hausa comedy and Nigeria’s creative industry remained invaluable.

She said the visit was aimed not only at sympathising with the bereaved family but also at exploring ways of preserving and documenting Tumbuleke’s artistic legacy for future generations.

“We are here to share in the grief of the family and condole with them. We also want to see how we can preserve his legacies and document them for the future,” the minister said.

Musawa disclosed that she had intended to visit Tumbuleke before his death to have a detailed discussion with him on how best to document his contributions to the entertainment industry, but was unable to do so.

“However, I decided to visit today and see how we can actualise that idea of documenting his legacies. I will meet with the family to ensure that his enduring legacies are preserved,” she added.

The minister prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and asked God to grant his family the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Tumbuleke was widely remembered for his distinctive contributions to Hausa comedy and television drama, particularly during the 1980s era of NTA productions.

He is survived by his wife and children.

Kogi Assembly Lauds Dr Mustapha Abdullahi Efforts In Empowering Kogites

Kogi Assembly Lauds Dr Mustapha Abdullahi Efforts In Empowering Kogites.

Pass Resolution in Support of His Renewable Energy Initiatives

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, the Director General of Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN has been commended for his unwavering support and developmental strides in Kogi State.

This is as the Kogi State House of Assembly has commended him for his contributions to renewable energy development, youth empowerment, education and other initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of people across the state.

The commendation was contained in a resolution adopted by the Kogi State House of Assembly following deliberations during its plenary session on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

The resolution, identified as House Resolution 080 of the 8th Assembly (2026), followed the House’s consideration of the contributions of Dr. Abdullahi, particularly his role in facilitating the establishment of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College, Kogi State (BARECKS).

According to the House, Dr. Abdullahi’s efforts demonstrate strategic leadership and a commitment to using renewable energy and other interventions to create opportunities for people across Kogi State.

The Assembly specifically acknowledged initiatives associated with the Barefoot Renewable Energy College, empowerment opportunities for persons living with disabilities, financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), training in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), provision of laptops, scholarships for students at primary, secondary, tertiary and postgraduate levels, as well as the provision of solar-powered motorised boreholes.

The House described these interventions as significant contributions to human development and public service, noting that they have the potential to provide sustainable opportunities for communities across the state.

In its resolution, the Assembly directed that a letter of commendation be issued to Dr. Abdullahi in recognition of his vision, dedication, commitment, humility and selfless contribution to nation building.

The House also noted that the projects and initiatives reaffirm the commitment of the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the efforts of the Governor of the State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, towards advancing renewable energy innovation, green-energy entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

The resolution was formally adopted by the Kogi State House of Assembly on August 6, 2026.

The Clerk of the House and Head of Legislative Service, Alh. Chogudo S. Ahmed, conveyed the Assembly’s commendation and resolution, while also calling for continued action and collaboration towards improving the quality of life in Kogi State.

The development further highlights the growing attention being given to renewable energy, skills development, education and sustainable community interventions as important tools for economic and social development in Kogi State.

Letter Reads:

TRANSMISSION OF RESOLUTION OF THE KOGI STATE HOUSE OF
ASSEMBLY: 8A/AS/2026/080

LETTER OF APPRECIATION AND COMMENDATION TO DR. MUSTAPHA
ABDULLAHI, DIRECTOR GENERAL/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF ENERGY COMMISSION OF NIGERIA, FOR FACILITATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BAREFOOT RENEWABLE ENERGY COLLEGE, KOGI
STATE (BARECKS).

The Kogi State House of Assembly, at its plenary session held on Thursday, 6th
August 2026, deliberated extensively on a matter of urgent state importance
urging this Honourable House to resolve and issue a letter of Commendation to DR. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General/Chief Executive Officer of Energy Commission of Nigeria for facilitating the establishment of Barefoot Renewable Energy College, Kogi State (BARECKS).

During debates, the Honourable House acknowledged with deep appreciation the
strategic leadership measures adopted by Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, the Director
General/Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, for facilitating the establishment of Barefoot Renewable Energy College, Kogi State, providing empowerment opportunity for persons living with disabilities, granting cash to small and medium enterprises (SMES) across Kogi State, training young
people in ICT and provision of Laptops full scholarship to needy students from primary, Secondary, Tertiary and post Graduate level across Kogi State and provisions of several solar-powered motorized Boreholes among others.

After exhaustive deliberations, the House unanimously adopted House Resolution 080 of the 8th Assembly (2026), and resolved as follows:
House Resolution 080 of the 8th Assembly (2026):

That this Honourable House issue a letter of Commendation to Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Energy Commission of Nigeria for his remarkable vision, dedication, Commitment, humility, and selfless outstanding contribution to Nation Building to serve as an inspiration to other well-placed and well-spirited individual in public service.
The House notes with satisfaction that these Landmark projects reaffirm commitment of the Renewed Hope Administration of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the concerted efforts of the Chief Servant of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State for advancing Renewable Energy Innovation, Green Energy Entrepreneurs and Sustainable Development in Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
Resolved: This Thursday, 6th Day of August, 2026
This Resolution was duly adopted by the Kogi State House of Assembly on Thursday, the 6th day of August, 2026.
I have the honour to convey the House’s commendation and resolution, and respectfully request continued action and collaboration in pursuit of improving the quality of life in Kogi State.
Please accept the assurances of the highest regard of the House.

[Signature]

Alh. Chogudo S. Ahmed, MBA, FCTI, FCNA
Clerk of the House/Head of Legislative Service.

Bandits demand N100 million for farmer’s wife and son

Bandits demand N100 million for farmer’s wife and son

Armed bandits abducted the wife and young son of farmer Abdullahi Usman Fatima and Ibrahim from his homestead in Faskari Local Government Area, Katsina State, on the evening of Saturday, 22 August, relatives and security sources said. The attackers reportedly stormed the compound, took the two victims and fled.

Alarmed neighbours were quickly notified and the family informed local authorities. The police have confirmed that an abduction took place and say they have opened an inquiry.

Relatives speaking on condition of anonymity said the kidnappers contacted the family by phone and demanded a ransom of N100 million for the safe release of the wife and child. The family and community are waiting anxiously as negotiations are under way.

Local security operatives said they are investigating the kidnappers’ movements and attempting to verify leads that could pinpoint the victims’ location. Officials cautioned that negotiations are delicate and ongoing.

Community leaders and residents condemned the attack, expressing shock and sorrow at the violent intrusion into what is normally a quiet farming settlement. They appealed for calm and urged neighbours to remain vigilant while authorities work to secure the victims’ release.

Security officials have warned against paying large ransoms, saying such payments can encourage further kidnappings and do not guarantee a safe return. They stressed that operations to trace the abductors and recover the victims remain a priority.

The Usman family has asked for privacy as they await news, pleading for restraint from speculation while efforts to bring their loved ones home continue.

The abduction has renewed concerns about banditry in parts of northern Nigeria, highlighting the vulnerability of rural communities. Residents and officials are calling for swift action to ensure the victims’ safe return and to prevent similar attacks in the future.