14 WORSHIPERS KILLED IN KANO AS TRAILER RUNS INTO JUMAAT SERVICE
14 WORSHIPPERS KILLED IN KANO AS TRAILER RUNS INTO JUMAAT SERVICE No fewer than 14 worshippers were killed after a trailer ran into Jumaat congregation worshippers at Imawa town, Kura Local Government Area in Kano state. The trailer driver with the number plate MKA 537XN coming from Kaduna lost control and ran into the worshippers. The tragic incident occurred at Imawa town on the Kano-Kaduna highway shortly after Jumaat prayer around 1.50 pm on Friday, June 28. The public relations officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kano Sector Command, Abdullahi Labaran, disclosed this in a statement. Labaran said the driver of the trailer was at large. The statement partly read: “According to preliminary reports, a truck with the registration number MKA 537 XN lost control and collided with pedestrians who had just concluded their Friday prayers. The tragic crash not only resulted in fourteen fatalities but also left several others injured.” Labaran said upon receiving a distress call, the FRSC Kano state Command promptly dispatched personnel to the scene, alongside other security agencies He added that nine of the deceased were buried on Friday afternoon, while those injured were receiving treatment at a hospital. According to the statement, the FRSC Sector Commander, Ibrahim Abdullahi, condoled the families of the deceased. He urged all road users to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to prevent such avoidable tragedies. Meanwhile, another tragedy struck at the Mile 12 Market area along Ikorodu Road in Lagos state when a truck driver crushed a scavenger pushing a wheelbarrow to death. The truck driver lost control of the vehicle and rammed into the victim due to a brake failure while travelling at full speed.The victim was saved alive from the accident scene by LASTMA officers, but died while he was being rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
“IS IT YOUR MONEY?”, DOCUMENTARY ON CORRUPTION ALLEGATION AGAINST DIEZANI ALISON-MADUEKE
“IS IT YOUR MONEY?” DOCUMENTARY ON CORRUPTION ALLEGATION AGAINST DIEZANI ALISON-MADUEKE Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources and the first female president of OPEC, is set to break her silence in a new documentary titled “Is It Your Money?” after an eight-year hiatus from the public eye. The documentary directed by renowned Nigerian media personality Chude Jideonwo, promises an in-depth exploration of the controversies that have surrounded Diezani’s tenure in government. During her time as minister (2010-2015), Diezani faced numerous accusations of corruption, particularly related to oil deals. Allegations against her include the diversion of billions of dollars from Nigerian oil revenue, inflation of oil contracts for personal gain, accepting bribes from oil companies, and laundering money through complex financial schemes. Despite these serious charges, Diezani has consistently denied any wrongdoing. “Is It Your Money?” will mark the first time Diezani directly addresses these accusations in eight years. While specific details of the documentary’s content remain under wraps, the title itself hints at a focus on the alleged corruption and its impact. The film will also incorporate the views of Nigerians on the matter, providing a comprehensive perspective on the issue. Chude Jideonwo, known for his thought-provoking interviews and critical approach to social issues, is expected to bring a sharp and insightful lens to the project. The documentary aims to shed light on Diezani’s side of the story while examining the broader implications of the allegations. The exact release date for “Is It Your Money?” has yet to be announced, but it is confirmed for release sometime this year. The documentary is highly anticipated, as it will offer a rare glimpse into Diezani’s perspective and could potentially reshape public opinion about her controversial tenure. Diezani Alison-Madueke’s period as Minister of Petroleum Resources was a tumultuous one, marked by significant achievements as well as profound controversies. Her upcoming documentary represents a crucial opportunity for her to address the allegations head-on and provide clarity on the issues that have haunted her legacy.As the release date approaches, both critics and supporters eagerly await the revelations that “Is It Your Money?” promises to deliver.
LABOUR REJECTS GOVERNORS BID TO TAKE OVER MINIMUM WAGE NEGOTIATIONS
LABOUR REJECTS GOVERNORS BID TO TAKE OVER MINIMUM WAGE NEGOTIATIONS Organised Labour, made up of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, has rejected the proposal of the Southern Governors’ Forum to decentralise minimum wage negotiations to state governments. The NLC condemned the proposal as “unfriendly and anti-worker”, noting that allowing states to determine their minimum wages would be detrimental to workers’ welfare. This follows a report that the Southern Governors’ Forum had sought for states to be allowed to negotiate the minimum wage for workers independently. At the end of a meeting held on Monday at the Ogun State Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta, the forum resolved that wages should be reflective of the cost of living. This was revealed in a communique issued from the meeting and signed by the newly-appointed Chairman of the forum, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; and Vice-Chairman, Prof Charles Soludo of Anambra State. The meeting was attended by Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos; Godwin Obaseki of Edo; Hope Uzodinma of Imo; Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti; Duoye Diri of Bayelsa; Ademola Adeleke of Osun; Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom; Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers; and Bassey Otu of Cross River. Other attendees included Governors Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State; Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo; Peter Mbah of Enugu; Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State; and Alex Otti of Abia State. “The forum discussed the minimum wage demanded by Labour and unanimously agreed that the minimum wage should be reflective of the cost of living, and that each state should be allowed to negotiate its minimum wage,” the communique stated. Meanwhile, the Presidency had on Monday appealed to Nigerians not to put unnecessary pressure on the President, assuring them that the Federal Government would transmit the proposed bill on the new minimum wage to the National Assembly once it was ready. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the plea in a terse statement. “People should be patient,” he stated. While Organised Labour is adamant about its N250,000 minimum wage demand, the state governors said that paying even the N62,000 proposed by the Federal Government would plunge many states into debt. This was even as President Bola Tinubu demanded more time for consultation on Wednesday. Reacting to the proposal of the governors, the National Treasurer of the NLC, Akeem Ambali, in an interview, insisted that the governors had no power to negotiate the new minimum wage. He added that the governors were compelled by law to implement the new national minimum wage. Ambali advised the governors to stop trying to strong-arm the Federal Government and labour with their request to negotiate with labour individually, and rather focus on how they would implement the national minimum wage when it is approved. Ambali noted that it was regrettable that labour had to always resort to strike actions to get the government to yield to its demands. He asked the governors make public how much they earn, and subject it to negotiations. He said, “Traditionally, the minimum wage is a national issue; it is not a sub-national negotiation. That is the essence of the Minimum Wage Act, and the law is clear. Governors don’t have the power to negotiate the minimum wage. What they can only negotiate are other allowances, but the minimum wage is a social protection content, and it is not only applicable to Nigeria. “My advice for the governors is that they should prepare their balance sheet and look at how to implement the national minimum wage once it is approved. They should not stress themselves with the issue of negotiating with Labour on a state level. After all, we have seen what happened in Zamfara, where they…
Dons Eze
- Entertainment
- June 28, 2024
- 407 views
MR. IBU LAID TO REST IN HOMETOWN, AMURRI, ENUGU STATE
MR. IBU LAID TO REST IN HOMETOWN, AMURRI, ENUGU STATE Nigerian entertainment industry and fans globally are grieving the loss of one of Nollywood’s most cherished actors, John Okafor, famously known as Mr. Ibu. Today, June 28, 2024, Ibu was laid to rest in his hometown of Eziokwe Amuri, Enugu State. John Okafor, fondly called Mr. Ibu, passed away after a brief illness, leaving a profound void in the hearts of those who adored his comedic brilliance and captivating personality. His distinctive comedic style, characterized by his hilarious facial expressions and impeccable timing, made him a household name not only in Nigeria, but across Africa and beyond. Born on October 17, 1961, Mr. Ibu’s rise to stardom was a testament to his resilience and determination. He began his career in the Nigerian film industry in the late 1990s and quickly gained fame with his breakout role in the film “Mr. Ibu in London.” Over the years, he appeared in numerous films, earning accolades and awards for his exceptional performances. Family, friends, colleagues, and fans gathered in Eziokwe Amuri to bid farewell to the legendary actor. The funeral service was both solemn and celebratory, reflecting the joy and laughter Mr. Ibu brought into many lives. Tributes have poured in from all quarters, with many remembering him not just as an actor, but as a mentor, philanthropist, and a loving family man. Nollywood stars, government officials, and fans from all walks of life attended the burial ceremony. The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) stated, “John Okafor was a cornerstone in our industry. His contributions to Nollywood are immeasurable. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on.” As Mr. Ibu was laid to rest, his legacy as a pioneer of comedy in Nollywood and a beloved public figure remains deeply etched in the hearts of many. His work continues to inspire upcoming actors and comedians, ensuring that his influence will be felt for generations to come.The entire nation joins the Okafor family in mourning this irreplaceable loss and celebrating the life of a true legend. Rest in peace, Mr. Ibu.
WE’RE WORKING TO HAVE NEW MINIMUM WAGE BEFORE THE END OF JULY – LABOUR
WE’RE WORKING TO HAVE NEW MINIMUM WAGE READY BEFORE END OF JULY – LABOUR Organized labour has expressed hope that the processes for the implementation of a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers including the National Assembly process and the assent by President Bola Tinubu, would have been completed before the end of July. The president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, stated this when he received the Special Adviser on Labour Matter from the Kogi State Governor, Onuh Edoka, and his delegation in Abuja. According to him, there is a need for the National Tripartite Negotiation Committee to urgently conclude all processes so that the new minimum wage bill can receive attention from the President and the lawmakers. Osifo noted that the implementation of a new minimum wage would lift the burden of economic challenges many Nigerian workers are going through amidst the worsening inflation and rising cost of living in the country. He said: “What we are working on from both labour centres is that before the end of July, we should have a new minimum wage that must have passed through the processes and that must have been assented to by the President so that the plight of the workers will improve much more. “So that the economic challenges that we are facing as a country will be improved upon so that an average worker will be able to go to market and buy one or two things to take care of his or her family because of this skyrocketing inflation that we have in our country. “We will resolve and have a common front so that the President will be able to send the bill to the National Assembly, and at the end of the day, we will have a new national minimum wage. This is key; this is a topic that is germane for all labour unions today in Nigeria.” Osifo called on state governments to start making plans for the payment of the new minimum wage so they can be ready once its signed into law. “We are not at this moment even dwelling on the N30,000 again. I was listening to a state, I think Nasarawa State, that said they started setting aside some money to meet the new obligations when the new minimum wage is passed. So, I wish to also appeal that in Kogi, let that be the top priority amid this scarcity of income, amid this scarcity of revenue “I wish to also use this opportunity to speak to all other states that they should be putting plans in place to implement the new minimum wage because, in Labour today, we are totally ready because when the new Minimum Wage Act is passed, we are going to follow it state by state to ensure that it is implemented. “Let the workers heave a sigh of relief and we have the trust and the belief that, with the high Labour representation in the Kogi State government, we believe that the Kogi State government will do the needful,’’ the TUC President said.Earlier, the Special Adviser on Labour Matter to the Kogi State Governor, Onuh Edoka, said the administration of Governor Ahmed Ododo has corrected the shortcomings of the immediate past administration, especially workers’ welfare.
- Foreign Affairs
- June 28, 2024
- 214 views
US ELECTION: DEMS LOOK TO REPLACE BIDEN AS NOMINEE AHEAD OF AUGUST CONVENTION – CNN
US ELECTION: DEMS LOOKS TO REPLACE BIDEN AS NOMINEE AHEAD AUGUST CONVENTION – CNN John King, CNN’s chief national correspondent, says the Democratic party is looking to replace President Joe Biden as its presumptive nominee ahead of its national convention in August. Biden sparred with former US President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, on Friday, in a debate hosted by CNN. The incumbent’s speech was at times slurred, throaty, incoherent, he stuttered on occasion, and his ripostes came across as weak. At one point, as the candidates debated on border closure and immigration, a gloating Trump said: “I really don’t understand what he said at the end of that sentence. I don’t think he knows what he said either.” Analysing the performances of both candidates afterwards, all the CNN panellists submitted that Biden had done himself little favours on the night. “It was a game changing debate in the sense that right now as we speak, there is a deep, a wide and a very aggressive panic in the Democratic party,” said King. “The panic started minutes into the debate and continues right now. It involves party strategists, it involves elected officials, it involves fund-raisers. “And they are having conversations about the president’s performance which they think was dismal, which they think will hurt other people down the party in the ticket. They are having conversations about what they should do about it. “Some of those conversations include should we go to the White House and ask the president to step aside? Other conversations are about should prominent Democrats go public with that call? Because they think this debate was so terrible. “They do say, in moments in the debate later, the president got better and got his footing. But then in the end, even his closing statement was a little halty. The contrast between the two candidates was stark.” Abby Phillip, CNN anchor and a senior political correspondent who anchors CNN NewsNight, said Biden’s performance was “problematic” and “damaging”. Other panellists said Biden was “deeply vulnerable”, his voice was “shaky”, and that Democrats are worried that they could be throwing away the presidency if Biden remains top of the ticket. Biden, 81, and Trump, 78, sparred on the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, treatment of veterans, abortion, taxes, Medicare, inflation, Afghanistan, and America’s standing in the world — with the Republican repeatedly putting the Democrat on the defensive. Trump was US president from 2017 to 2021. He lost his re-election bid to Biden and challenged the outcome of the vote in an unprecedented manner.His supporters infamously invaded the US Capitol building on January 6, 2021 as Trump insisted that the election was stolen from him.
NIGERIA: A COUNTRY WHERE GOVERNORS ARE MORE POWERFUL THAN PRESIDENT
NIGERIA, A COUNTRY WHERE GOVERNORS ARE MORE POWERFUL THAN PRESIDENT GOVERNORS in Nigeria, no doubt, wielded power either rightly or wrongly in Nigeria since the nation returned to democratic governance in 1999. Under their state enclave despite the separation of powers, the three organs of government, the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary that was well spelt out in the Constitution, Governors have been seen deciding who should be the Speaker or Chief Judge in the State. They only obey and respect the law when it is in their favour. Who becomes the Speaker is at the prerogative of the governors, if he is to be removed, it lies in the decision of the governor. Seventeen Deputy Governors have been sacked by their governors in last 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria since 1999. Twenty-six Speakers were impeached and replaced with new ones with hand-in-glove mostly influenced by the State Governors. Former Governor of Rivers State and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara have turned Rivers State into war grounds forgetting the oath of Office they took not to allow their personal interest override their decisions. What is really going on in Rivers State? Fubara demolished a section of the State Assembly under the excuse that the building was defective using the minority at the State Assembly to take decision over the majority. The Governor recently replaced the Chairman of the State Supreme Council of Traditional Ruler’s Council, High Royal Majesty, Eze Sergeant Awuse, and appointed Eze Ohna Apara, His Royal Majesty, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo as a replacement to occupy the office of the Chairman of the council. He did this because Awuse was loyal to Wike, therefore, the state must suffer for this. But how long will this continue? Both Wike and Fubara’s tenures will expire, but Rivers State will remain, this, they failed to realize. It would be recalled that former Coordination Minister of Finance, Mrs Okonjo Iwuala had running battles with the governors over plans to save for the raining days. They vehemently frustrated the wise initiative of the Minister, part of which Nigerians are paying the bitter price today. On Enthronement And Dethronement of Monarchs Many monarchs have been dethroned or enthroned through questionable circumstances, a recent typical instance was the Emir of Kano saga. Once the Governor finds out that the monarch does not belong to his caucus, what follows would be dethronement not minding whether due process was followed or not, whether kingmakers appointed the king according to customs and traditions or whether there is peace in the city or not, this is none of their business. Many Obas have been dethroned and enthroned even when their cases are still pending in court. Most of them forgot that they became the governor at the mercy of the same court they are trying to disobey. Intervention of the governors in selection of the monarchs have caused more harm than good. Their actions have desecrated our traditional institutions. While the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Rotimi Makinde respects the kingmakers and the courts in the appointments of the Obas, the reverse is the case in Osun where some towns are battling with the intervention of the state government in the selection of their monarchs when there are pending cases in court. Ridiculing of our traditional institution is ongoing in Kano just because two rival personalities are at each others throats, the grass and trees must suffer. The state must be pulled down because of the personal interests of politicians. This is not what they campaigned for. There is a threat by the governor to pull down the Palace of Ado Bayero. Emir of Sokoto issue is taking the centre stage as I write, there are plans to reduce his powers.…
- Entertainment
- June 28, 2024
- 175 views
ENUGU RANGERS YET TO RECEIVE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP PRIZE MONEY – OWUMI
ENUGU RANGERS YET TO RECEIVE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP PRIZE MONEY – OWUMI The Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Davidson Owumi, has confirmed that Enugu Rangers have not received their prize money. Enugu Rangers emerged winners of the 2023-2024 NPFL campaign on matchday 37, a week to the end of the season following their home victory over Bendel Insurance. They beat Gombe United 1-2 away from home to finish the campaign with 70 points in 38 games. During the trophy presentation ceremony, the Enugu-based side received a mock cheque of 150 million as the prize money for winning the league on Sunday, June 23. In an interview with veteran journalist, Mitchell Obi on Sports Salsa, Davidson Owumi admitted that the prize money has not gotten to the league winners. Owumi added that the league body is working on releasing the money to the club within seven days in line with its regulations. He also added that the league body was aiming to make the payment during the FA Cup final between Abia Warriors and El-Kanemi Warriors in Lagos on Saturday, June 30, 2024. He said, “They have been given the mock cheque and they should receive their prize money cheque in the next few days, hopefully they will get it if they come for the 2024 President’s Federation Cup this weekend because it ought not to be more than seven working days after they win the league.” In his assessment of the just concluded 2023-2024 NPFL season, Owumi added: “The NFF put up a good selection of people to be in the NPFL board and the clubs too were also cooperative, while the press was there too. “It was a win-win situation for the entire sectors involved in the league. We could not have done anything without the fans. It is just the beginning of a very long journey.” Meanwhile, the 2024-2025 NPFL season will commence on August 31, 2024. But Davidson Owumi said though the fixtures and the start date for the forthcoming league were ready, they are tentative until they are approved by the Club Owners and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) during the league body’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). “From the NPFL internal workings, we already have that one in place, but the league board also need to call the Congress of Nigeria Clubs for them to agree”, Owumi said.“It is the only thing left to be done because the fixtures, dates and other things are ready. But we cannot say that because the Congress of Clubs need to ratify it so that we do not jump the gun.”
JUDICIARY HAS DESTROYED DEMOCRACY IN SOUTH EAST -CSOs
JUDICIARY HAS DESTROYED DEMOCRACY IN SOUTH EAST – CSOs A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) domiciled in the South Eastern states has accused the judiciary of destroying democracy in the region. According to the group, the judiciary has been playing an ignoble role in the lack of progress in the region since the advent of the democratic governance, especially since 2019. The group stated this yesterday at a one-day symposium in Umuahia, Abia State to mark the 10th anniversary of Southeast Democracy Clinic, a platform geared to help deepen civil rule and ensure that the dividend of democracy gets to people of the zone. It alleged that the judiciary has been in bed with “vagabonds of power ” in the zone who they claim, brazenly steal the mandate of the people and mock them with the usual refrain ‘Go To Court’, confident that their loot is secured. According to the CSOs, it was only the 2023 governorship election in Abia and the off-season governorship election in Anambra State in 2022 that had a semblance of electoral credibility, and which outcomes represented the will of the people of the two states, stressing that judiciary hasn’t been fair in delivering justice to the people of Imo in the recent off season poll, as well as Enugu and Ebonyi States in the 2023 general elections. While zeroing on Imo, Dr. Emeka Ononamadu, Founder of Southeast Democracy Clinic and former Resident Electoral Commissioner, Enugu State, queried what the Imo State Electoral Tribunal meant when it ruled in its recent judgment that the poll was in substantial compliance with enabling statutes when issues of widespread violence, thuggery, intimidation of voters, Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) issues, vote buying, manipulation of results, snatching and or destruction of ballot boxes were rife. Ononamadu, a lawyer, insisted that there was widespread violence and intimidation, electoral malpractice, incidents of ballot box snatching, vote-buying and manipulation of results. “These practices undermined the integrity of the election process. Also Logistical Problems: Delays in the delivery of electoral materials and issues with the functionality of the BVAS led to significant disruptions and confusion at many polling stations. “Security Failures: Despite the presence of security forces, there were failures in effectively securing polling units and ensuring the safety of voters and election officials,” he added. “Low Voter Turnout: Due to fears of violence. Amidst these and other plethora of complaints reported by election observers Ononamadu noted that the tribunal ruled that the poll was in substantial compliance with enabling laws. Also speaking at the symposium with theme :Post Election Judgment and Conflicting CSOs Observation Report: An Indictment on CSOs or Judicial Intervention, Dr. Chris Nwadigo, Executive Director, Peoples Rights Organisation, noted that there’s no law prohibiting the admission of report of election observers in evidence in court, and wondered why the nation’s courts have failed to leverage on reports of election observers to dispense justice. According to him, Nigeria should join other nations in the world who he said use such reports as grounds for judicial intervention in election disputes. In a communique drawn at the end of the symposium and made available to this medium the participants called on the judiciary to use electoral justice to save Nigeria democracy, starting with the outstanding post-election case in Imo StateOther participants in the event included the State Coordinator of National Human Rights Commission, Bar. Uche Nwokocha, the Convener of Southeast Democracy Clinic Dr. Temple Nwosu, who facilitated the event, the Special Assistance to the Abia State Governor on People with Disabilities, Mr. David Anyaele, the Special Adviser to Abia State Governor on Ease of Doing Business, Bar. Jennifer Agbonma Ukaobasi, the Executive Director of Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights, Ms. Nnenna Onyenoha, among…
KANO EMIRATE CRISIS: JOURNALISTS RESIGNS AFTER CRITICAL REMARKS AGAINST GOVERNOR, LAWMAKERS
KANO EMIRATE CRISIS: JOURNALIST RESIGNS AFTER CRITICAL REMARKS AGAINST GOVERNOR, LAWMAKERS A journalist has quit his job at Freedom Radio, Kano, following critical comments he posted on Facebook against the state government and House of Assembly on the scrapping of four emirates in the state. Abubakar Ishaq posted a video on his personal social media handles saying the decision of the state government in dissolving the Emirates is unpopular with residents of the scrapped emirates. He said the decision will affect the ruling New Nigeria People Party (NNPP) in the state in the 2027 elections. Mr Ishaq, in a statement dated 11 June, announced his resignation from Freedom Radio after 16 years of service. He said the reason for the resignation was personal. What he said about the Emirates crisis Mr Ishaq, who anchored a popular political programme, ‘Kowanne Gauta,’ said several residents are not aware of the historical background of the emirates in Rano, Karaye, and Gaya. “The government did not do the residents of the scrapped emirates a favour by upgrading them to first class emirates; previously, they were first class emirs. The government just returned to them their initial first-class titles, which they have; it’s not a favour; people must understand this. “The elevation to first-class emirates has brought a drastic improvement in the areas more than any other time, but for selfish reasons and lack of foresight by the lawmakers, they went ahead and dissolved them. “Right from the governor to the lawmakers that did this, the result will not favour them during the election. No serious person from the dissolved emirates will vote for you”, Mr Ishaq said. Reacting to the development in a Facebook post, a former Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abdullah Uba-Adamu, described the resignation as the loss of an ‘iconic voice’. Mr Adamu commended the radio station for its creativity and mentioned several of its staffers who have excelled and exited the station. “Now, to Ibrahim Ishaq Ɗan Uwa Rano. Also, an incredibly amazing voice. One social media outlet described it as ‘Iconic’. I couldn’t agree more. When Abubakar General left Freedom in 2015, the vocal attracting power of the Station fell on the larynx of Ishaq. His main programme was Kowanne Gauta, a political programme aired between 9.00 to 9.30 p.m. on weekdays. “His fantastic voice was complimented by his rapid-fire smooth flow – like a fast-flowing river in a shallow bed. Usually, people listen to the radio while engaged in something – the radio being in the background. Not when Ishaq is presenting. You have only a Hobson’s Choice – listen to him and stop whatever you were doing. Not possible to mix the two because you don’t want to miss a word of what he was saying. He is truly gifted.“I was shocked, therefore, when he resigned from Freedom Radio on June 11, 2024. I am not aware of the intricate internal politics of the Station, but I felt sad at his resignation because, for me, he remained one of the most significant reasons for listening to Freedom Radio”, Mr Uba-Adamu said.