THE FRAME

For more than a decade, Nigeria has been trapped in a vicious cycle of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and violent criminality. From the deadly campaigns of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, to the ruthless bandit networks terrorising the North-West, to separatist violence and criminal gangs operating in other parts of the federation, the country has become a battlefield where innocent citizens pay the ultimate price. The bitter truth is that Nigeria is at war. This is not a conventional war fought with tanks across international borders. It is an asymmetric war against terrorists, kidnappers, insurgents, and criminal syndicates who have relentlessly challenged the authority of the Nigerian state for years. Yet, despite the magnitude of the threat, the national response often appears fragmented, reactive, and insufficient. The statistics are frightening. According to security reports, Nigeria recorded approximately 12,954 deaths from violent incidents in ...

INTRODUCTION  Few government policies in Nigeria have generated as much controversy as the rehabilitation and reintegration programme for repentant Boko Haram fighters, popularly known as Operation Safe Corridor (OSC). Since its establishment in 2015/2016, the programme has sought to deradicalize, rehabilitate and reintegrate former insurgents who voluntarily surrendered to Nigerian authorities. While supporters describe it as a pragmatic strategy to weaken insurgency and encourage defections, critics argue that it rewards violence and may be encouraging future armed groups to seek similar concessions. More than a decade after the Chibok schoolgirls' abduction in 2014, insecurity remains a major challenge across Nigeria. The Northeast continues to battle Boko Haram and ISWAP remnants, the Northwest faces banditry, the Southeast grapples with separatist violence, while oil theft and militancy remain concerns in the Niger Delta. This reality raises a difficult question : ...

In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian politics, few personalities command influence, admiration, and political gravitas with the magnitude of Senator Bala Muhammad Abdulkadir, Kauran Daular Usmaniyya. His political odyssey is not merely a career; it is a phenomenon forged through experience, resilience, administrative brilliance, and an unwavering commitment to public service. The name Kaura has become synonymous with visionary leadership, developmental governance, and people-oriented politics. Across Bauchi South Senatorial District and beyond, his legacy resonates as a testament to purposeful leadership anchored on competence, courage, and compassion. Senator Bala Muhammad Abdulkadir first etched his name into the annals of history when he emerged as Senator representing Bauchi South in 2007. Even at the Red Chamber, his eloquence, intellectual depth, and uncommon understanding of governance distinguished him as a lawmaker of substance and influence. His tenure refle...

  The political journey of Hon. Zainab Babantakko is far from accidental; it is a remarkable odyssey defined by integrity, trust, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to public service. Her aspiration to represent her people should never be misconstrued as a quest for power, but rather as a sincere desire to contribute meaningfully to the development and progress of her constituency. Driven by courage and a profound sense of responsibility, Hon. Zainab has consistently demonstrated her readiness to confront challenges head-on. Throughout her political career, she has encountered formidable obstacles—some orchestrated by known political adversaries, others emerging from unexpected quarters, including close associates and professional colleagues. These circumstances ultimately contributed to her removal from her position as a Commissioner in the current administration. Yet, adversity has only strengthened her resolve. Hon. Zainab Babantakko is an Amazon of...

A People-Centered Blueprint for Progress, Prosperity, and Development The “Bauchi First Agenda” is a vision built on the hopes, struggles, and aspirations of the people of Bauchi State. It is a commitment to place the welfare of the citizens above politics, and to build a modern, secure, educated, and economically productive Bauchi for present and future generations. 1. EDUCATION REVOLUTION “Quality Education for Every Child” Education remains the foundation of every developed society. The Bauchi First Agenda will prioritize genuine investment in education, not mere promises. Key Plans: * Massive renovation and construction of Primary and Secondary Schools across urban and rural communities. *Recruitment and training of qualified teachers with improved welfare packages. *Provision of modern learning materials, laboratories, libraries, and digital learning tools. * Introduction of free or subsidized educational materials for less privileged students. * Establishment of a spe...

As the political temperature in Bauchi State rises ahead of the 2027 governorship election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has seemingly settled on a familiar face: Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, the immediate past governor who was voted out of office in 2019. After eight years in political wilderness, the party appears poised to field him once more, framing his candidacy as an opportunity to “complete his second term.” Yet this decision raises profound questions about strategy, voter memory, and the party’s ability to overcome deep-seated public scepticism. Abubakar’s first tenure (2015–2019) ended in defeat to the PDP’s Bala Mohammed. Many voters cited perceived underperformance, administrative friction, and a leadership style that alienated key stakeholders. Critics described him as someone constantly at loggerheads with sections of the political class, civil servants, and even traditional institutions — a “Mr. Know-All” who projected an image of being above acco...