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‘How Kebbi Governor’s Humility Humbled Me’ —– City Architect, Teju Ajayi Chronicles His Experience With Abubakar Bagudu

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In the course of life’s peregrination, one has been fortunate to meet highly placed Nigerians across the socio-political and economic divides. Every one of them has left an impression, whether good or bad.

None has, however, left me humbled and awed as did Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State.

Some days ago, we boarded the same Aero flight from Abuja to Lagos. I saw him the moment I got aboard. He sat sedately in Business Class, deep in conversation with his wife.

Except for a few people who recognised and exchanged hearty pleasantries with them, you would hardly believe that this was the Kebbi State First Couple. They had no airs or affectations of the powerful. All through the flight, I noticed that the Bagudus kept chatting and laughing, seemingly oblivious to the world around them.

It was when the plane eventually taxied to a stop at the domestic wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, and we all alighted that the real surprise awaited me.

I was hoping that waiting at the foot of the plane would be a retinue of protocol and security aides but the reverse was the case. Governor Bagudu would further shock me when he and his wife joined the Airport Shuttle alongside ‘lesser mortals’.

All through the short trip to the arrival terminal, I kept glancing at the urbane and unobtrusive couple to see if this act was just a smokescreen and their mien would sooner betray their discomfort.

Not at all; they looked relaxed as the shuttle soon burped to a stop. At that point, my mind was made up on making his acquaintance; my conviction buoyed by the fact that there were no overzealous security men around to shove off a hapless passenger about to extend mere courtesies to their boss.

As we approached the arrival lounge, and with madam slightly out of sight, I walked up to the governor and introduced myself. He beamed, then, extended a warm handshake which I grabbed enthusiastically.

Having spent considerable time around some of Nigeria’s finest media professionals, I knew not to blow my chance. I knew also that my time was limited. So, I asked why he chose to fly commercial (and this should not be interpreted to mean that other governors do not fly commercial) when he could have simply chartered a flight and why he had no aides waiting for him. He smiled and said holding public office does not mean one should detach themselves from reality. Instructive!!!

I would later find out that Governor Bagudu was born into a wealthy home, holds two Master’s degrees in Economics and International Affairs, both from the University of Jos; and was a successful businessman in the United States before venturing into politics where he served as a Senator between 2011 and 2015. In spite of these accomplishments, he remains unassuming.

Even by the rating of Nigeria’s Northwest geopolitical zone, Kebbi is like the self-effacing but brilliant younger sibling.

Governor Bagudu is not like his counterpart in Kaduna, Nasir El-Rufai, a very popular former minister with national name recognition; neither is he Sokoto’s Aminu Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives or Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano who has been in the news more than any other Northern governor in recent time. Still, those who are abreast of happenings across Nigeria must have heard a couple of good things about the man in Kebbi.

I can safely say that I got to know Governor Bagudu when Kebbi entered into a partnership with the former Governor of Lagos State to produce ‘LAKE Rice’. The two states made a success of the venture.

Since then, I have inadvertently followed news about him and been impressed by all, so far. He shared with me some of the ideas that have separated Kebbi from other Northern states and which have placed him high on the list of Nigeria’s most ingenious and futuristic governors. Then, his ADC emerged from the blues. I looked at my wristwatch and we had barely spoken for about seven minutes, which in reality, seemed like seventy.

As we exchanged numbers, I thanked him for his time, the knowledge he freely shared with me and promised to keep in touch and he said likewise. I hope I have begun to fulfil my part of the bargain, Your Excellency.

Your friend

Teju Ajayi

BIG STORY

Kaduna Government Gifts N100,000, Smartphones To 39 Released #EndBadGovernance Protesters

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The Kaduna State government has provided N100,000 in cash, new smartphones, and additional support to 39 #EndBadGovernance protesters who were recently released from detention.

The government facilitated their reunion with their families on Wednesday, following their release from detention.

The reunion ceremony took place at the Children Homes along Kauru Road in Kaduna, where Governor Uba Sani offered support to the protesters, promising to assist them in reintegrating into society.

He assured them of opportunities for empowerment, contingent upon their commitment to lawful and responsible conduct.

Speaking to journalists after the release of the protesters, the Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, Abdulkadir Meyere, who represented the governor, revealed that Sani had instructed him to gather the credentials of those who have completed their tertiary education.

‘’The governor promised that some of them will be given start-up capital to begin trading, others will be taught skills, and some will be offered employment,’’ he said.

However, the SSG emphasized that the activities and conduct of the released protesters would be monitored to ensure they maintain good behavior, “before these benefits will be extended to them.”

Meyere also noted that the state government had taken the details of the released detainees, including their contact information, telephone numbers, and the names of their Next of Kins, to facilitate tracking and monitoring.

He further explained that the protesters underwent medical evaluations and received psycho-social counseling to encourage them to make positive changes and become productive members of society.

“Both Islamic and Christian religious leaders preached to them to embrace the teachings of their faiths and avoid bad company, so as to benefit from God’s blessings here and in the hereafter,” he said.

Meyere added that the detainees were each given a phone because they had lost theirs during detention, and ‘’the Governor has graciously given each of them N100,000 as a measure of goodwill.”

The state Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, also addressed the protesters during the reunion, emphasizing the government’s commitment to their welfare.

She stated that the 39 protesters, including two minors aged 16 and 17, had received various forms of support from the government.

“We want you to be ambassadors of peace and preach peace within your peer groups, so you won’t be involved in any unlawful protests.

“We want you to return to a more peaceful environment with your families, and then we can invite you back for further training,” she said to the released protesters.

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BIG STORY

Two Robbers Gunned Down, 23 Suspects Arrested In FCT

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The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has killed two armed robbers during a gun duel and arrested four others in the Jahi area of the nation’s capital.

Additionally, no fewer than five car snatchers were arrested, and 13 stolen vehicles were recovered during operations carried out by the FCT command’s Scorpion Squad.

Speaking on Wednesday while parading the suspects in Abuja, FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, said the armed robbers opened fire on October 21 after seeing police officers who had responded to a distress call about a robbery in the Jahi area.

According to Disu, during the ensuing gun battle, the police neutralized two of the armed robbers, recovered two of their vehicles, and arrested two suspects, Haruna Abdullahi, 32, from Ikara LGA, Kaduna State, and Yerima Usman, 28, from Itoro LGA, Bauchi State.

He said, “Upon sighting the police patrol vehicle, the suspects opened fire, and in the ensuing confrontation, two suspects were neutralized.”

Disu added that after a follow-up operation on October 23, the suspects led police operatives to arrest two additional gang members—Abba Ismail, aka Dan-Abba, and Ashiru Suleiman—who had escaped from the scene.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of a gang of armed robbers led by one Dan Auwalu, who is still at large. So far, they have carried out armed robberies in Mabushi, Jahi, and Gishiri. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining gang members,” he stated.

Disu also identified the arrested car-snatching suspects as 32-year-old Arji Thomas from Gwoza LGA, Borno State; Amobi Ndukwe, 40, from Awgu LGA, Enugu State; and Amaechi Sampson, 26, from Imo State.

He said the trio—Thomas, Ndukwe, and Sampson—are members of a notorious car-snatching gang led by one Chidiebere, who is currently on the run.

According to him, the suspects were apprehended just as they were about to sell a stolen blue Toyota Corolla with registration number KTW 2155D.

“It is important to note that both Arji Thomas and Amobi Ndukwe are ex-convicts. During interrogation, they admitted to operating in Garki for the past year and a half, claiming responsibility for numerous car thefts within the metropolis,” Disu added.

Disu also explained how Joseph Abang was arrested. He said one Philemon Olaoluwa reported at the Central Police Station that his mechanic, Abdulhamid Saidu, had absconded with his car—a 2006 ash-colored Honda Accord with registration number RBC 40—after repairing it and taking it to Jos.

He added that Saidu, who is still at large, handed over the vehicle to Abang, who confessed to being part of a gang of car thieves operating in Abuja, Plateau, and Nasarawa states.

Disu said, “Extensive investigations led police operatives of the Central Police Station to Jos, Plateau State, where Joseph Abang was arrested. During interrogation, he informed the police that he belonged to a gang of car thieves who operated in Jos, Abuja, and Nasarawa State.

“He specializes in receiving, remodelling, and selling off vehicles stolen by his gang members. During a search operation at his residence and place of business, two additional vehicles—a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208—suspected to be stolen were also recovered from him. He is in custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.”

Disu also revealed that a Toyota Hilux with registration number 03A309 FG, stolen by a newly employed security guard, Usman Abubakar, was recovered. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspect.

Disu explained that the vehicle, owned by Mr. Frank Udah, was stolen on October 7 by Abubakar, who had only been employed for three days. Preliminary investigations revealed that Abubakar took the vehicle to Nasarawa State, where he handed it over to two other gang members, who have since been arrested and are facing trial for another offence in Nasarawa State.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the security guard, who had been employed for barely three days, stole the said vehicle on October 7, 2024, and took the same to Nasarawa State where he gave the vehicle to two other gang members who were arrested and currently facing trial for another offence in Nasarawa State. While the vehicle has been recovered, efforts are in place to arrest the suspect, Usman Abubakar, who is still on the run,” Disu stated.

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BIG STORY

SECURITY: Troops Kill Suspected IPOB Militants In Enugu

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Combined security operatives have reportedly neutralized four gunmen suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed militia, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

A statement from Governor Peter Mbah’s media office, issued on Wednesday, said the operation occurred in the early hours of the day at Eha Alumona in the Nsukka Local Government Area, where the gunmen were allegedly preparing to launch attacks in the state.

According to the statement, the security operatives—comprising the Nigerian Army, Police, and personnel of the State Security Services—also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the gunmen.

“Some of the gunmen fled into the bush with gunshot injuries,” the statement indicated.

The statement further claimed that an ESN commander, who had been operating from neighboring states and was on the wanted list, was apprehended following an intense gunfight.

“The commander led the security operatives to their hideouts, where they found stashed arms, charms, and other dangerous objects.”

“Fortunately, the two security officers who sustained minor injuries during the exchange of fire are receiving treatment and are in stable conditions.”

The statement added that the operation is part of Governor Peter Mbah’s ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal elements and hoodlums fueling insecurity in the state.

“The governor has established the Distress Response Squad, invested in the state’s Command and Control Centre, surveillance security system, and modern technology to intercept and eliminate security threats,” the statement read in part.

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