The Federal Government has responded to recent claims of marginalization from Northern stakeholders by presenting a physical count of political appointees from the region under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The count was made public during a two-day interactive session organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) in Kaduna. The event, which began Tuesday at Arewa House, focused on evaluating government-citizen engagement and assessing the administration’s performance over the past two years.

Ahead of a scheduled speech by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, asked all federal appointees present at the event to stand, providing attendees with a visual confirmation of Northern representation in the administration.

Malagi said the current appointments represent only an initial phase, suggesting that more positions will be filled.

“More are still coming, and we will continue to attend your event whether you invite us or not,” he said.

In his remarks, Akume urged Northern leaders to support President Tinubu’s administration through 2031.

He recalled the 1999 decision by Northern leaders during the lead-up to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention in Jos, which established the practice of rotating the presidency between North and South as a means of preserving national unity.

“By this conception, the North—the region that is so dear to me—will be eligible for the presidency in 2031, not 2027,” Akume said. “Let us walk this path together, with faith in our country and renewed hope in our shared future.”

Akume said Tinubu had promised a fair and inclusive government, with priorities spanning economic recovery, security, infrastructure, agriculture, and job creation.

He noted that the government’s focus has been translated into eight key priority areas designed to drive sustainable growth, improve national security, and raise the quality of life.

“The economic reform strategies are designed to create a robust, diversified, and resilient economy,” he said. “By fostering an environment conducive to investment and innovation, the administration aims to stimulate growth across all sectors.”

On security, he said efforts were underway to enhance the capacity of security agencies and ensure safety across the country.

Akume also highlighted energy and natural resource reforms, adding that responsible management and technological investment were intended to promote long-term economic development and environmental stability.

Reflecting on governance, he said the Renewed Hope Agenda was anchored on transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.

He noted that as of May 2023, Nigeria’s economy was under stress, and reforms were necessary to avoid collapse.

The SGF also paid tribute to the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, describing him as a symbol of integrity and service. (The Guardian)

‘It took one of us, now it feeds many of us’: Adamawa resident after rogue hippo is killed, served as dinner

A hippopotamus believed to have attacked and killed a fisherman in Banjiram, Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State, was hunted down and killed by residents of Shelleng town last week.

The incident followed several weeks of tension in riverside communities along the River Gongola, where displaced hippopotamuses had reportedly entered farmlands and settlements. According to local authorities, the animals were driven from their habitat due to seasonal flooding and reduced grazing areas.

Chairman of Guyuk Local Government, Shalom Kassa, confirmed the fatality, stating, “He was fishing when the hippo attacked. We have warned people to stay away from the riverbanks, but these creatures are unpredictable when displaced.”

In response to the attacks, residents said they avoided riverbanks, kept children away from water sources, and suspended fishing activities.

The hippopotamus was later sighted near Shelleng town. Hunters and vigilante groups mobilised and tracked the animal down. After several hours, they succeeded in killing it using local methods.

Community members opted not to waste the carcass. The meat was divided among households, sold in portions, and prepared by residents.

“It took one of ours,” said a Shelleng resident handling portions of the meat. “Now it feeds many of us.”

Conservationists have warned that such incidents stem from larger environmental challenges. One wildlife expert stated, “This should not be seen as a victory, but a wake-up call. These hippos don’t attack without reason. Their homes are vanishing.”

Residents in Guyuk and Shelleng remain cautious, with the recent events highlighting ongoing struggles between wildlife displacement and human habitation. (The Guardian)