PEN BEBEJI BLOGS

Ending Insecurity in Northern Nigeria: A Call for Swift Action - Haruna Abubakar Bebeji  The recent abduction of female students at the Federal University in Gusau, Zamfara State, is not just an isolated incident; it is a stark reminder that banditry poses a serious security threat to Nigeria. The attack not only traumatized the victims and their families but also serves as a national humiliation. It is high time President Bola Tinubu moves beyond mere statements and implements effective strategies to permanently end the perpetual security breaches in the once revered region. The audacity with which the bandits invaded the female hostels, capturing 30 students and escaping effortlessly into the forest, exposes the chronic security failures in North-West Nigeria. The absence of any security presence to deter such attacks is deeply concerning and allows banditry to persist. While President Tinubu, echoing his predecessor, ordered the military to rescue all the students, t...

The Kano Election Petitions Tribunal Verdict: In Defense of Vice President Kashim Shettima - Haruna Abubakar Bebeji  The recent verdict delivered by the Kano State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, which declared Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the rightful winner of the Kano State governorship poll, has sparked controversy. Some supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have accused Vice President Kashim Shettima of influencing the judgment in favor of the APC. However, it is essential to shed light on the facts and refute these baseless allegations. First and foremost, it is crucial to acknowledge the resilience of our judicial system. The Election Petitions Tribunal exists to ensure fair and just outcomes in disputed election cases. In a state that witnessed a hotly contested election, the tribunal's verdict serves as a testament to the fairness and effectiveness of our electoral laws. Contrary to the claims made by ...

Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal Judgement: A Call to the Good People of Kano State - Haruna Abubakar Bebeji  As the Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal prepares to deliver its verdict on the petition filed by the All Progressive Congress (APC) challenging the election of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), the atmosphere in Kano State is filled with anticipation and tension. However, it is crucial for the good people of Kano, particularly party supporters and the youth, to prioritize peace and harmony above all else. Kano is greater than any politician, and it is our responsibility to be good ambassadors and ensure the state remains a beacon of unity. In light of the upcoming tribunal verdict, it is essential to remind ourselves that violence and mayhem have no place in our society. Kano State has always been known for its rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and peaceful coexistence. It is imperative that we uphold these val...

Malam Nasir El-Rufa'i deserves a royal treatment: A response to an ethnic jingoist Zamani Lekwot - Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai A wise saying has it that when someone saves your life and gives you life to breathe, there's need for gratitude and humility. The recent outburst by the Former Military Governor of Rivers state and Chairman, Southern Kaduna Elders Forum Zamani Lekwot describing General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida as an awkward character as well as Malam Nasir El-Rufa'i as a bad leader speaks volumes of his character as an unrepentant being, whose action brought shame not only to him alone but to the people of Kaduna State, Nigeria and humanity as a whole. The same Zamani Lekwot who was found guilty of causing the death of several innocent lives and convicted for the same.Other charges were illegal possession of arms, rioting,unlawful assembly, among others. Someone who should have been sent to the gallows or firing squad but pardoned despite the death sen...

Commending the Visionary Efforts of Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate in Restructuring Nigeria's Healthcare System - Haruna Abubakar Bebeji  Introduction It is with great admiration and appreciation that we commend the exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment of Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare in Nigeria. His tireless efforts to restructure and strengthen the Nigerian healthcare system highlight his passion and dedication towards improving the health and well-being of all Nigerians. Recognizing the Inadequate National Healthcare Workforce Prof. Ali Pate's acknowledgment that Nigeria's current healthcare workforce of around 400,000 is insufficient to effectively address the healthcare needs of Nigerians is a commendable admission. This realization showcases his honesty and transparency regarding the challenges faced by the healthcare sector. Emphasizing the Need for Infrastructure and Respect Prof. Pate rightly highli...