By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed condolences over the death of former Minister of Budget and Finance, Sir Abubakar Alhaji, the Sardaunan Sokoto, describing him as a distinguished public servant and respected elder statesman. In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, the ACF said it received news of Alhaji’s death “with profound sadness.”

The forum described the late statesman, popularly known as “Triple A,” as a seasoned civil servant, former Federal Permanent Secretary, diplomat and Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. It also noted that he was honoured as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE).

According to the ACF, Alhaji combined public service with scholarship and community engagement, serving at various times as Minister of Budget and Finance and later as Special Adviser on Economic and Budgetary Affairs to the Sokoto State Government. The forum said he was widely respected for his leadership, mentorship and commitment to national development, adding that his contributions to public administration would be remembered.

ACF Chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman, OFR, on behalf of the forum’s National Executive Council and members, prayed for Allah to forgive the late statesman’s shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. The forum also extended its condolences to the Government and people of Sokoto State, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultanate Council, and the family of the late Sardaunan Sokoto.

By Jabiru Hassan

The Kano State House of Assembly has commenced a four-day retreat for its members and management staff in Kaduna as part of efforts to strengthen legislative capacity and promote inclusive governance.

According to a statement issued by the Speaker’s spokesperson, Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai, the retreat, which began on Thursday, features sessions on legislative research, document management, the code of conduct for public officers, preparation of legacy reports, and executive-legislative relations.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore, commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for supporting legislative capacity-building initiatives, saying the administration recognises the importance of a strong legislature in promoting good governance, accountability and sustainable development. Falgore reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the passage of legislation aimed at improving the welfare of Kano residents.

Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Muhammad Bello Butu-Butu also praised the governor for maintaining a cordial working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government. He assured residents that the Assembly would continue to deliver effective legislation and carry out its constitutional oversight responsibilities.

The retreat includes presentations by academics and governance experts, including Prof. Aminu Umar of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and Dahiru Idris of Bayero University, Kano. Organised by the Kano State House of Assembly in collaboration with SAHL Human Resource, the programme is designed to enhance institutional memory, improve accountability, support leadership transition and strengthen legislative effectiveness.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has urged political actors in Kaduna State to avoid divisive politics ahead of the 2027 general elections and instead focus on campaigns centred on development, peace and inclusive governance.

Hayab made the call on Thursday in Kaduna during the inauguration of the Kaduna State Indigenous Ministers Association (KASIMA), where he appealed to politicians across party lines to promote issue-based campaigns rather than exploit ethnic or religious differences. He said Kaduna had made progress in fostering unity and inclusiveness and encouraged political leaders to sustain that momentum during the electioneering period.

Hayab also commended Governor Uba Sani and other political actors for what he described as efforts to promote inclusion across the state, while urging all stakeholders to ensure that politics strengthens rather than weakens social cohesion.

Speaking on the inauguration of KASIMA, Hayab said the association was established to unite indigenous Christian ministers and support peacebuilding, good governance and community development. He noted that the body had operated informally for more than five years before its formal inauguration.

He encouraged indigenous Christians to take greater ownership of the state’s development by supporting initiatives that promote peace, security and responsible leadership.Also speaking, Kaduna State Vice Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joel Simon Madaki, described KASIMA as a platform for strengthening Christian unity and promoting peaceful coexistence.

The newly inaugurated KASIMA President, Archbishop Dr. Joseph Yari Jatau, said the association would work with religious leaders and government institutions to promote peace and development across Kaduna State. He added that representatives from all 23 local government areas attended the inauguration.