Pioneer Chairman of Kano NLC, Takai shares life story during surprised Birthday Party.

…Commends Comrade Taddu Nehemiah for being a ‘reliable mentee’

By Steven Kefas

It was an atmosphere of celebration and awe in the country home of Comrade Elder Takai A. Shemang, Mni, a pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Kano.

Comrade Takai who turned 76 recently recounted his journey through trade unionism as a young man from Bikini village in Manchok, Kaura local government Area of Kaduna state who went in search of greener pastures only to find himself in the forefront advocating for better working conditions for workers in Kano state and the country at large.

“I was a son of a nobody in this community but hard work, dedication, sincerity and commitment took me all over Nigeria and even international fighting for better welfare for workers.

“Growing up was challenging because as s son of a nobody, education back then was not easy to come by but hardwork took me through elementary education and since then I never stopped growing and building my capacity.” Comrade Takai said

The former electricity worker and international Labour activist who rose to the position of AGM in the defunct National Electric Power Authority NEPA said he is not happy that the foundations they toiled to lay for the labour unions in Nigeria have been abandoned by successive labour regimes.

“I am disappointed because the labour struggle in Nigeria has derailed and the foundations we laid have all been abandoned by successive labour regimes.

“I remember during our time in the struggle, the government take us very serious because we were never going to compromise on the morals guarding the trade unions.

“I was persecuted, arrested and even incarcerated all because of trade unionism but that never deterred me.” He said.

Takai who is a fellow of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru in Jos said his quest for knowledge forced him into obtaining a masters degree alongside his daughters at the same time in the same university.

“I didn’t join service as a graduate but over time, I continued to build my capacity.

“I and my daughters were receiving lectures in the same classroom for our masters degree program in University of Jos.

“We obtained our masters degree on the same day from the same institution with my daughters.” He said.

Comrade as he is fondly called by his children and friends, also shared how he rose to the pinnacle of his career.

“I rose to become a District Manager in NEPA despite not being a trained electrical engineer, I think I was the first to achieve that feat in the country at that time.” He said.

His wife, children, in-laws and mentees took turn to shower praises on him for being an astute disciplinarian, a loving father, a community builder and leader who never compromises at all times.

Upon retirement, Comrade Elder Takai returned back to Bikini village where it all started and founded Gantys Aid for Widows, Orphans and Needy (GAWON), a non governmental organization that caters for the less privileged in society.

On his part, the organizer of the surprised birthday party, Comrade Taddu Nehemiah, described Takai as a mentor, a father and benefactor he owes his successes so far to.

“Words alone cannot describe who Elder Comrade Takai is to me, he has been a strong pillar of support to me.

“He brought me into the electricity profession where I am today.

“I also joined unionism at work because of the inspiration and motivation I got from him.

“My prayer to God is for grace to continue walking on the path Takai left behind in service.” Comrade Taddu said.

The celebrant too time to praise Comrade Taddu whom he described as a son in whom he is well pleased and encouraged him to continue in the right path.

“I want to thank Taddu for honouring me in such a big way today, I lack words to describe how I feel right now.

“This is the second time I am getting such s surprise in my life, the first being in the 90s when a former military adminstrator, Mshelia and some friends and family organised a similar surprised for me.

Comrade Takai also encouraged the youth not to always be in a rush to achieve success.

“I want to advise the youth to be careful and not to be in a rush to achieve success.

“Where are you rushing to? That is why our values are depreciating because young people are always read to cut corners to attain success.” He said.

Elder Takai also attributed the many challenges bedeviling the nation Nigeria to the absence of justice and equity.

“Lack of equity is what has brought us to where we are as s nation, peace can never reign where there is no equity.” He said

The climax of the occasion was the cutting of birthday cakes and rendition of birthday songs by family and friends who had come from far and near to celebrate am man they all described as an achiever.

Baroness Cox, John Eibner Write to Luka Binniyat

…Accuse Aruwan of acting on behalf of a politically ascendant Islamist/Fulani power network

Caroline Cox, an independent member of the UK House of Lords, and Dr. John Eibner, the president of Christian Solidarity International, have written to Luka Binniyat, a journalist imprisoned for his reporting on massacres of Christians in his native southern Kaduna state.

“We admire greatly the courage and determination you have shown in exposing the atrocity crimes committed against the people of Southern Kaduna and elsewhere in the Middle Belt,” they wrote, “especially those that target the region’s defenseless Christian communities.”

Binniyat, a Nigeria Report contributor, was arrested on 4 November for his reporting on the massacre of 38 Christians in Madamai village in southern Kaduna state. He has been detained ever since.

“It is known throughout the world that you were thrown into prison on the orders of a state security agent, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, acting on behalf of a politically ascendant Islamist/Fulani power network,” Cox and Eibner wrote. “As a result, you have been kept there for over two months without bail.”

As Cox and Eibner notes in their letter, on 27 January, the court finally granted Binniyat bail, but under conditions that are difficult to meet. As of this writing, he remains in jail while his supporters assemble the guarantees required by the judge.

“The way the authorities deal with you has all the hallmarks of the political persecution of a journalist and human rights defender,” Cox and Eibner concluded. “While they intend your imprisonment to be an intimidating display of power, it in fact reveals profound weakness on their part. The mighty inevitably become fearful when light is shed on atrocity crimes and the perpetrators who remain unpunished.”

Credit: Christian Solidarity International

Eleven confirmed killed, others injured in Southern Kaduna

Security forces have reported to the Kaduna State Government that Kurmin Masara general area of Zangon Kataf LGA was attacked in the early hours of today.

According to the reports, troops of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces who responded to distress calls from the area also fell into an ambush as they mobilized to the scene of the attack.

The troops cleared the ambush and reached the general area, along with troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).

As of 4:30PM, eleven residents were confirmed killed, and some inflicted with gunshot injuries.

The victims confirmed killed are listed as follows:

• Elizabeth Ayuba
• Veronica Auta
• Bege Daniel
• Kephas Waje
• Promise Jacob
• Damaris istifanus
• Hauwa Joshua
• Dogara Gambo
• Lidia Ishaya
• Michael Achi
• Gabriel Michael

Over thirty houses and properties were burnt in the attack.

The injured were evacuated for treatment. Search-and-rescue operations and pursuit of the attackers are in progress on different fronts.

The Government of Kaduna State will make public further details as soon as they are received from security forces.

Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i, who has been in touch with the security forces and is receiving hourly briefings, expressed sadness at this report of the latest in a series of attacks in the area.

He prayed for the repose of all those killed and conveyed his condolences to their families. He further wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Signed

Samuel Aruwan
Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State.

BREAKING: Scores Feared Killed As Suspected Terrorists Attack Southern Kaduna

Many villagers are feared killed after terrorists suspected to be Fulani herdsmen militia in the early hours of Sunday attacked Atak-Mawe (Kurmin Masara) community in Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna state, North-West Nigeria.

A source who confirmed the attack to Middle Belt Times said the terrorists invaded the community at about 3am on Sunday and began shooting sporadically.

As of the time of filing this report, this newspaper could not authoritatively confirm the casualty figure even though the source said many are feared killed and many house destroyed by the attackers.

Details later…..

BREAKING: Court Grants Journalist Binniyat Bail

A federal high court in Kaduna has granted detained SOKAPU spokesman, journalist Luka Binniyat bail.

Recall that Binniyat was arrested on November 4, 2021 over allegations of cyber stalking.

Details later

A Gallant Soldier: Triple I, Retired 3-Star General of the Nigerian Army – A Star is Gone!

Vice Admiral Iko Ishaya Ibrahim, who I fondly called Triple I, CNS and later Former CNS until his sudden death. It has been difficult for my wife and I to put down some lines to celebrate this unusual and uncommon life of a selfless, focused, and determined achiever. A fighter with a human heart who spilled the milk of human kindness for the good of friends and foes alike.

He will be sorely missed. I heard about him during my primary school days in the mid ‘60s and early ’70s and really longed to see the only naval in-training Military Officer to come from our village Gora. Finally, I got to meet him for the first time when I was in Government College Kaduna. When I first met him, he appeared too gentle for the soldier I heard about. But with time, as I related with him throughout the several military postings and Command posts he held, I found that behind this gentleness was a man of steel, ready to take down an enemy whenever necessary.

This Vice Admiral was as humane and down to earth as he was sophisticated and full of class, disguised in simplicity. When I got married and took my wife, Funmi, now a Professor, to introduce to him and his wife Aunty Grace, he reminded me that traditionally my wife is his ‘wife’ and his wife, is my ‘wife.’ But he was so smart! Each time I visited them in Abuja, he would ‘hide’ his wife to ensure I wouldn’t pull any pranks before he allowed me to see Aunty Grace. Whenever I visited with my wife, he would be quick to thank me for bringing ‘his wife’ but warns not to take his wife Aunty Grace away from him – he wanted to outsmart me. We used to sit, relax and joke so warmly in our respective homes in Abuja and Jos whenever we visited each other. Anywhere we met, whether in our village Gora A, his village Gora B (Garage) or in his Kwoi home, his first question after welcoming me always was, “Where is ‘his wife?’ We will miss him big time.

The news of his death hit us very hard, as both Funmi and I, are away in UK. For days, I was dazed. It’s still like a dream, even now as I write this. My wife kept consoling me. Neither of us expected that he would be gone so soon.

There was so much we planned to do together. Our last meeting was in Kwoi when Kpop Ham, a First Class Monarch, His Royal Highness, Dr. Danladi Gyet Maude, called some of his sons and daughters to deliberate on critical and strategic matters for the collective wellbeing of Ham people. After the meeting, before I went to him, he walked over to have a word with Madakin Jaba, the amiable Senator Aziz and the enterprising Elder Elisha Buba, Wakilin Jaba and Triple I, walked up to me, shook and held my hand for some time, then he said “we need to meet. I have somethings I would like us to discuss together as a follow-up to this meeting.” I was still planning to visit him when I received news of his death via a phone call on January 4th from my childhood friend and his nephew – Dr. Danjuma Ndakson. I feel so pained, still. My Uncle, Triple I, you left with those issues undiscussed, but God knows your heart for our people, Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State and Nigeria. You wanted a Nigeria devoid of all the rancor and on-going senseless killings being witnessed today. In a sense, I think I have a glimpse into those issues, having been around you. You will never die in vain. You loved the people of Ham with all your heart. You were not happy with some things happening in Kaduna State today and wished it were not so. The Kaduna State you envisaged is not the Kaduna of your dream when you prevailed on me to support a change in government at the State level in 2015.

How sad that you died with such pain in your heart for Kaduna State. Nigeria’s unity was sacrosanct and you were even ready to die defending the interest of Jaba as Sarkin Yaki Jaba (Traditional Military Commander); and the survival of Nigeria against all forms of injustice: within and without.

You were mighty in the Military, mighty in heart and mighty in generosity. Engaging in acts of kindness to others including total strangers was for you a way of life. After Secondary School in Kagoro, you proceeded to Kufena College, Zaria, Fomer St. Paul’s for ‘A’ levels. Thereafter, you joined the Nigerian Army and went on to train at the Nigeria Defence Academy and graduated in Sec 14. You held several notable Military Command positions. At one time serving as: Commanding Officer, NDA, Commanding Office, Naval Dockyard, Lagos, Naval College in Onne, Rivers State, Director of Administration, NDA, Military Defence Attache, Cotonou, Benin Republic. You also served in some security duties at Dodan Barracks, as a young officer where you met, knew and developed a close personal relationship with the current President of Nigeria, Mohammadu Buhari, until your death and you wanted me to support him badly in 2015 to be Nigeria’s President. You later went for further training at the War College and became Defence Intelligence Officer at the Defence Hqts and then Chief of Logistics at the Naval Hqts, Abuja. Your meteoric rise continued as you also served as Flag Officer – equivalent of GOC: Naval Training Command, Flag Officer Naval Western Command and was later appointed, Chief of Naval Staff, Nigerian Navy. This position you served with distinction from August 2008 to September 2010 under two Presidents: the late Umaru Musa Yaradua and Dr. Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan. Triple I was a fearless and very courageous soldier. God blessed you to also serve on several Boards and until your death, as Chairman of the Nigerian Inland Water Ways Authority.

About two weeks before your death, in our village, the Youth of Gora in the presence of religious, traditional and community leaders, honored three of us with leadership Awards of Excellence and Selflessness; I stood in for you and spoke on our behalf. Unknown to all of us present, including myself, that would turn out to be a farewell salute to a worthy Gora son. Rest on – buried on 22nd. You are survived by your wife Mrs Grace Ibrahim and five (5) children. I am lost for words but submit totally to God because He knows the future you passionately envisioned. One day, we will meet at the feet of our Master, the Lord Jesus Christ and part no more. May God condole and comfort Mummy Grace and the five children you left behind. God will remember you Triple I and take care of them. May God enable the rest of us to continue where you stopped in seeking to serve our people. O gallant soldier of Gora, Jaba, and the Nigerian Army: May your legacy live on!!!

The Revd Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam
President & CEO of The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation

Group seeks termination of Kaduna deputy gov’s son appointment for drug addiction, murder

A group under the aegis of Kaduna State Concerned Citizens on Wednesday called on Governor Nasir El-Rufai to terminate the appointment of Ibrahim, son of his deputy, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe.

The group also urged law enforcement agencies to prosecute him, following alleged drug-related offences which include abuse, dangerous driving, and rascality.

Ibrahim is a staff Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority.

According to a press statement signed by the Chairman of the group, Musa Haruna, and the group’s Secretary, Jatau Hakuri, which was obtained by punch correspondent, the group lamented the consequences of Balarabe’s actions.

They also alleged that Ibrahim has on several occasions exhibited actions not befitting of a true citizen of the country, not to talk of one occupying the public position, adding that he has been a notorious ‘drug addict’.

While enumerating various incidence where Ibrahim was culpable, the group stressed that the Police and other security agencies have failed to arrest him nor prosecute him because of the influence of his mother as Deputy Governor of the state.

The statement partly read, “Ibrahim has no regard for the sanctity of human life, which he has shown several times by the way he often recklessly ram into people with his car, with impunity.

“In 2019, Ibrahim drove Government vehicle attached to his mother and hit a person who had parked beside the road. The man died, but nothing was done.

“In Sept 2021, he had three incidences of accidents where he hit people. The most fatal was that of 30th September 2021, when he hit a KASTLEA officer, in which the officer sustained 5 fractures. Yet Ibrahim began to fight other KASTLEA officers. Even at the hospital, he was not remorseful, as he was openly taking drugs. The KASTLEA officer was hospitalised at Barau Dikko.”

They expressed dismay that such a person is given a public position, in government with a track record of integrity, commending the governor for landmark achievements recorded, it urged him to terminate his appointment.

“We express shock at how Ibrahim has gotten away with serious crimes he has committed, such a person is a stain to a government renowned with integrity, justice, equity, and fairness,” the group added.

Punch publication with the exception of header

Nothing must Happen to SOKAPU Spokesman in Prison: Southern Middle Belt Alliance Tells El-rufai

…SaMBA demands immediate release of Journalist Luka Binniyat

Southern and Middle Belt Alliance (SaMBA) has demanded for the immediate release of Spokesman of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Luka Biniyat by the Governor El-rufai’s led administration with immediate effect.

The Group condemned continuous detention of Southern Kaduna Born Journalist and wondered how somebody could be detained for two months in a civil matter.

SaMBA warned that if anything happens to Luka Biniyat, the governor would be held responsible.

In the statement signed by Prince Rwang Pam Jnr. SAMBA stated that while the illegal detention at the maximum-security prisons in Kaduna was at the instance of the the Kaduna State Commissioner for internal Security Samuel Aruwan, the illegality can’t be achieved without approval of the Executive Governor of Kaduna state and Aruwan should remember that he can never be in corridor of power for life.

The statement reads, ” Our Attention has been drawn to the continuous detention of the Spokesman of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Luka Biniyat for the past two months on the Orders of a Magistrate Court in Kaduna on the trumped-up charges filed by the governor El-rufai led administration using the Kaduna State Commissioner for internal Security Mr Samuel Aruwan.

It is shocking and alien to democratic traditions that a matter that ought to be civil in nature is twisted into a high-profile criminal case traceable to terrorism and therefore brought under the terrorism prevention Act. There is no doubt that the Kaduna State government is using its DPP to haunt and use the Judiciary in persecuting its perceived enemies.

The SOKAPU Spokesman was arraigned before the Magistrate Court on an initial offence of injurious falsehood which is ordinarily bailable however when the Bail application was moved before the Magistrate the Kaduna State government through its DPP quickly filed charges of Internet stalking etc under the terrorism prevention Act that are not ordinarily bailable. This move was clearly targeted at keeping Luka Binnyat in prison until his application for bail is heard by a superior Court.
SaMBA is appalled by this crude and inhuman use of institutions of State to harass, humiliate and persecute citizens by a so-called democratic government

SaMBA therefore calls on the Kaduna State government, the Federal government of Nigeria and the international community to take note of the following.
a Luka Binnyat is a Nigerian citizen who is entitled to a fair and unbiased trial before the Courts if he has committed any offence.

b That while in custody of the Kaduna state correctional center, Luka Binnyat is reported to have fallen ill and his health has deteriorated to the point that he is now unable to walk

c Luka Binnyat is under our laws assumed to be innocent until proven guilty by a Court. Therefore, he should not be serving a prison sentence before the commencement of trial.

SaMBA calls on the government of Kaduna State to quickly refrain from the current persecution of Luka Binnyat and allow him to enjoy his liberty as provided by the Nigerian constitution until such a time that such liberty is taken away at the conclusion of his trial if any.

SaMBA states finally that, if anything untoward happens to Luka while under this persecution, the Kaduna state government should be held responsible.

I KNOW OF A MAN

By Jerry Ishaku

I know a Man who was honest, gentle, peaceful, who understand the rule of Law, a great reformer, Intelligent yet so calm, great achiever, yet so silent.

I know a Peace Maker..An unbiased, non ethno religious sentimental.

I know the Transformation Master..the midwife of modern democracy.

Throw him the insults, and he replies with a smile, Pierce him with arrows and he spills the bowels of mercy, Nail him with betrayals, and he replies with a Laughter..

Lacerated by the blade of his trusted, But his Soul bleeds with the tears of compassion, His heart is without guile no hatred, colder than the winters zone.

Look into his eyes and you see the aura of peace..

A compassionate diplomat..an active leader in servitude..

His smiles are genuine, pure, honest and true..
He was never Perfect, but he gave his best..
He was not always right, but even when he was wrong, He was true and sincerely wrong..

His weakness was Trust..

Like the wonder years, you will remain Precious, More Precious than the jewel of stones..

Tender at heart, kind in Spirit and joyful in soul..

I Know Barr Sunday Marshall Katunɡ

May Katung Succeed…

Bandits are being released without charges – Governor Matawalle raises alarm

Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara State has said part of the reason for the persistence of banditry is the non-punishment of the apprehended criminals, saying many times bandits are released without being charged.

Matawalle spoke on Wednesday when he received the Federal Government delegation on sympathy visit to the state over the recent attacks on some communities in Anka and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas of the state.

The members of the delegation, which was headed by the Minister of Defence, Major-General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd), were the National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Munguno rtd, Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali.

Others are Minister for Police Affairs Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Sadiya Umar Farouk, and Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media Garba Shehu.

“Another problem we have noticed is that despite the remarkable zeal of our troops, they lack modern equipment with which to prosecute modern warfare. Prosecution of modern warfare depends largely on modern war equipment and gadgets. It is very vital for these modern war instruments to be provided to our troops if we are to win this fight against banditry in Zamfara and the North West”

“It is evident that unless enough modern equipment is provided to our security forces to fight the war effectively, the country faces the danger of anarchy. This could be foreseen from the recent calls by some leaders for their people to take up arms to defend themselves. It is a recipe for lawlessness when the state loses its monopoly over the instruments of coercion.

“As a matter of urgency, the Federal Government should procure Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) and deploy them across all parts of the country. If 1000 APCs could be made available, they would go a long way in turning the tide of the war against the bandits in a short period of time, Insha Allah.

“I want to draw the attention of the Federal Government to the fact that the pockets of insurgencies in many parts of the north are interrelated. In some instances, evidence has been found of connection between Boko Haram and some of the bandit groups operating in the northwest.

“There should be a comprehensive review of our strategy of fighting insurgency. We need a more workable plan of action tailored explicitly in tune with the realities on the ground. This is a clarion call for us to step up efforts in this fight before the dreadful monster consumes our region and the country as a whole.

“I would like to add that any strategy to be drawn for fighting banditry and all forms of insurgency should focus greater attention on Zamfara State. Our forests have become fortresses for bandits, from where they plan and launch attacks to other parts of the northwest,” he added.

He said as part of the strategy, special forces should be deployed to some black spots, particularly identified to be more dangerous centres of activities of the bandits.

Matawalle said in his administration’s search for peace, he built cooperation not just with the affected states but with the authorities of the Niger Republic. They had also employed Service Hunters and provided them with motorcycles and allowances.

He said they had paid the Service Hunters the sum of N53 million, in addition to their full upkeep. In the aftermath of the recent attacks in Anka and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas, they had expended the sum of N250 million to provide vehicles, and allowances for both the Civilian JTF and the conventional security outfits.

Earlier, Magashi said the federal government is all out to bring an end to killings plaguing the country, adding that they are on top of the situation.

He said the federal government is doing much better in order to secure the country assuring that killings of this magnitude would never happen again and that federal would come to the aid of the victims of the attacks.

Dailytrust