News of the transition of Malam Kabir Dangogo hit me like a thunderbolt. Kabir was the man God used to throw me a lifeline when I was unceremoniously shown the door at the PUNCH newspapers on Christmas eve in 1998. My only baby at the time was just one year old and I had less than N500.00 (Five Hundred Naira) in my bank account. And that was because, like Yemi Olowolabi, Chief Press Secretary to the then Ondo State Gov. Olusegun Agagu, told me years after, I was a “Thank you” editor and not a “Ghana-Must-Go” editor! What Yemi meant was that all I savoured from the favours I dispenseed during my tenure as editor was the “thank you” people said to me! Of course, he was correct! Did I, then, regret the unsavoury turn of events when they came? I did not! God - and Kabir - did not let me!

Kabir told me to put forward a proposal for the consultancy job of printing Union Bank’s newsletter - The Stallion. He came down from his highbrow Ikoyi residence to my Ogba popular side with his entire family, bringing with him gifts that my family treasured for many, many years. My wife cooked, we all ate, and felt at home together. You would think we were members of the same family. For years, I handled the editing, production, and printing of Union Bank magazines and newsletters and lived comfortably on the proceeds. Kabir fought tooth-and-nail to keep the job for me, and the moment he left, I lost it!

Kabir retired over irreconcilable differences between him and the management (G.A.T Oboh was GMD at the time) over the policy of making everyone a banker. A consummate Public Relations professional, Kabir never wanted to be anything else. When he retired, he relocated from Lagos to Abuja, then Kaduna, and later to his home state of Katsina, living close to the perimetres of the Government House. We regularly rubbed minds on the country’s volatile security situation. At a point we lost touch and when we got back talking again, I was sad to hear that he had suffered a stroke; but the cherry news was that he was recovering very well.

The last time we spoke, he needed help for his son who was seeking employment with the NDLEA. After that, his lines went dead again. The next news was that of his demise, which I find too sad to describe; the same feelings I had when Mr. Kayode Awosanya of Mobil Producing Limited was killed by armed robbers/assassins during those giddy days of the June 12, 1993 crisis when the PUNCH newspapers were closed and proscribed again and again. During one of those closures, many staff members were taken off the payroll. For reasons I could not fathom, I was one of those affected. So, each day I stayed indoors devouring books, until one day when Moses Ebong, our Head of Cartoons, came with an artist’s impression of myself that he said Mobil Producing said he should deliver to me. In addition, he said Mr. Awosanya asked that I see him without delay. I went the next day and that was how this “Thank you” editor was handed the consultancy job of editing, producing, and printing Mobil Producing’s newsletter; which I did for many years! Sweet repose, continue to grant the soul of Mr. Kayode Awosanya, O Lord!      

While I was still ruminating on how to pen a tribute to Kabir, I stumbled on one written by Akaninyene Esiere and chose to adopt it because it captured the very essence of who Kabir was. Excerpts:  

“When he first proposed the idea of forming the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), he ensured that I was included as a founding member. Mallam would not have thrived as a politician because he always called a spade a spade and never sugarcoated issues… Our paths crossed in the mid-1990s when I was a business reporter at Theweek magazine. He was the Principal Manager and Head of the Public Relations Department at Union Bank. I was one of the reporters whose business and finance articles he enjoyed reading. Dangogo came over to Union Bank from the Bank of the North, headquartered in Kano, where he was the Assistant General Manager in the same PR Department…

“Not long after he joined the bank, he became aware that the majority of the personnel in the department were not professional public relations practitioners. Apart from Gabriel Edem and Femi Akinmoladun, who was based in Abuja, others had backgrounds in different fields, including core banking. Dayo Sobowale, who had spent many years in the department, had been transferred to head the Ibadan Area Office before Dangogo assumed office. If you knew Kabir Dangogo a little, you would know that he was a thoroughbred public relations professional and wasn’t going to be able to speak the same language with those who were not familiar with the profession!

“Dangogo then obtained the approval of his bosses to recruit professionals into the department. I happened to be one of those people whose curriculum vitae he asked for. I cannot remember how many of us wrote the employment examination but I was surprised I was subsequently invited for interview… I knew I didn’t do well in the exams because the bank got the West African Examination Council to set it. And WAEC being WAEC decided to punish me for failing mathematics in my WAEC and brought so much mathematics again into this exam… I failed the exam but I still got the job. After I got the job, which I started on December 1, 1998, I asked Mallam Kabir Dangogo if I passed the exam. He told me I did not but that he asked the Human Resources Department to still invite me to the interview, believing that I would do well.

“I got the job because Kabir Dangogo believed in me and gave me a chance. In this same Nigeria where ethnicity and religion are the pillars and ladders of progress in life, a Fulani (was he Hausa?) Muslim from Katsina State saw competence in a person from a different religion, ethnicity, and state. Let me even shock you: three people were eventually recruited into the department through that exercise: Francis Barde, Cecile Agwu, and yours truly. That was Kabir Dangogo for you!

“To say that Kabir was a highly detribalized Nigerian is an understatement. Because he was a stickler for excellence, he was always looking for where to get the best quality service from. Most of the professionals or companies who rendered services to the department were not from the north. Here are some: Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi (of the Daily Times fame); Bola Bolawole (previously with The PUNCH); SO&U; Engr. Nsikak Essien; Dawn Functions; May Nzeribe, Taiwo Ola, to mention but a few. And most of his mentees were from the southern states; some of whom have written tributes in honour of their mentor.

“Kabir was a very well organized and meticulous person. He was principled; yes, annoyingly principled. He would hate to cut corners; to see people do so or behave anyhow. He had strong opinions about many things and how people and organizations behaved. He was not a tongue-in-cheek public relations expert and would call a spade by its name without thinking how you would feel. For him, being politically correct was politically incorrect. His dressings were top-notch; his office very inviting. His meals were special: he lectured us on why it was unhealthy to drink water while eating; he was a stickler for timeliness and very impatient with the notion of “African time”. He lived in an ideal state! All of this made Francis Barde to nickname him “Bature”, the Hausa word for an Englishman.

“Kabir Dangogo was a consummate and thoroughbred professional known across the length and breadth of the African continent as far as public relations was concerned… The Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB) was his brainchild; and he was its founding President. He brought life to the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). He was regular at its monthly meetings and ensured that those of us in the department attended meetings on rota. He was the General Secretary of the Federation of African Public Relations Association (FAPRA).

“Kabir liked to holiday in London, print beautiful diaries in London, order for expensive (he called them top quality!) corporate gifts from London! Occasionally, he would invite us to his official residence on Thompson Street, Ikoyi. Union Bank had the third largest number of properties in Nigeria after the federal government and UACN!

“When he retired from the bank in 2005, Dangogo moved to Abuja and then Kaduna where he set up a school for the teaching of public relations… For whatever reasons, he left Kaduna for Katsina, his homestead, and started to fall ill. The sickness saw him in and out of hospital. By September last year, he had gone into a coma and needed to be moved back to Kaduna for better treatment. When in October 2024 Mr. Barde visited him, Mallam Kabir Dangogo could not recognize his right hand man of nearly three decades! He breathed his last on March 6, 2025 at the age of 76 years. He will be sorely missed!”

May Allah forgive Kabir his shortcomings and admit his soul into Jannatul Firdaus!

The recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, is currently ongoing across the five senatorial districts of Kogi State.

Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate for six months.

The embattled senator has been at loggerheads with Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexually harassing her.

Details later...

[DailyPost]

The senate has postponed a decision on approving the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers state until Thursday.

Opeyemi Bamidele, the senate leader, recommended that the motion be “stepped to the next legislative day”, a proposal seconded by Abba Moro, the minority leader.

When Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the matter to a voice vote, the majority of lawmakers supported the delay.

The motion, listed as the first item for discussion, was put on hold before any debate could take place.

According to the order paper, the senate acknowledged that the crisis in Rivers had left the state at a standstill, preventing residents from fully benefiting from democratic governance.

“The senate also notes that the state has been at a standstill since the crises started with the good people of Rivers state not being able to enjoy the dividend of democracy,” the motion reads.

“The senate observes the magnitude of the crises has overwhelmed the state government as parties involved have not allowed good sense to prevail and bring about peace in the state hence federal government attempts to restore peace, security and good governance.”

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the state.

[TheCable]

 Czech National Bank board member Jan Kubicek is "sceptical" about the inclusion of bitcoin among the bank's hefty reserves, wary of legal uncertainties and concerns around volatility of the digital currency.

CNB Governor Ales Michl put bitcoin up for consideration earlier this year, and the bank has begun an analysis looking into broadening the asset classes it holds in its reserves portfolio.

"We will assess different classes of assets. Bitcoin is just one of them," Kubicek said in an interview on Tuesday. "My position is rather sceptical about bitcoin."

He said bitcoin's legal status was one concern, and that direct ownership would mean developing many new processes in accounting or auditing, for example.

Volatility was another worry and assessing market price developments was difficult, he said.

"We cannot be certain that bitcoin's volatility in the coming years will mirror the patterns observed over the past decade because I suspect that, if more institutional investors accept bitcoin as an investment asset, it will start to behave differently from what we have seen so far."

The bank's study on new asset classes could come by October, Kubicek said.

Holdings of international corporate bonds could be explored, he said, as well as the possibility of investing in more targeted equity indices, such as for technology, and property investment funds.

CNB Vice Governor Eva Zamrazilova has said bitcoin is not a suitable asset for reserves, while European Central Bank boss Christine Lagarde has also said Europe's central banks are not the place for it.

The Czech central bank's reserves - at 142.8 billion euros ($155.75 billion) - are around 45% of gross domestic product, and it has diversified holdings in recent years, gradually purchasing gold, and shifting a larger portion of the portfolio into equities.

($1 = 0.9168 euros)

(Reporting by Jason Hovet; Editing by Rachna Uppal)

[(Reuters]

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) has vowed to challenge the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and other elected officials of the state in court. 

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers, suspending the governor, his deputy and members of the State House of Assembly.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the PDP governors asked the President to accept that he had made a mistake and reverse the decision.

The forum accused the President of bias, noting his failure to acknowledge the role played by his Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in fueling the political crisis in Rivers.

Part of the statement said, “We stand in solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the good people of Rivers State at this very difficult and trying moment of the state’s political history. There is no other time that our philosophy of ‘TOUCH ONE TOUCH ALL’ is more apt than now.

“He who goes to the court of equity must go with clean hands. Mr. President , your silence on the active role played by your Minister of the FCT in the Rivers impasse is golden and enabling. He has become a law unto himself because he was playing out your script. Now we know. This is totally unstatemanly, biased, and divisive.

“We state categorically that this unwarranted but premeditated attack on Rivers State and the Peoples Democratic Party and other opposition parties is today, the greatest threat to democracy in our dear country.

“Nigeria and it is an ill wind that will blow no one any good. It is a dangerous course of action that will not only endanger our hard won democracy, but will exacerbate the crises in the nation, deepen mistrust, elevate security threats, destroy the economy, and our national cohesion and stability.”

The Governors also said ” The Forum completely aligns itself with the position of the NBA and promises to subject Section 305 (3) of the Constitution to judicial interpretation. This authoritarian shenanigan is unacceptable and cannot stand.

“Mr President is therefore called upon to listen to wise counsel and the voice of reason, as well as accept that he made grevious mistakes and acted in haste, and reverse this atrocious and retrograde decision before it is too late.”

[DailyTrust]

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, said President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in River State was timely and meant to avert an implosion in the state.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, stated this while briefing State House Correspondents at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

“We have about two years into the administration in the state.

“Now, when do you think he (President Tinubu) should have come in? Is it when everything has been destroyed? I don’t think so.

“I think the President has acted timeously. He has given the opportunity to all the parties involved to make amends. Before then, he had to assemble them, and he had tried to mediate,” he stated.

Tinubu had on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

In a national broadcast, Tinubu cited prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats as reasons for the extraordinary measure.

The crisis, which had paralysed governance in the oil-rich state, stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

As part of the directive, the President also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs until normalcy is restored. Ibas served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Tinubu announced, “In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State, the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State has failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, March 18, 2025 and I so do.

“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.”

[Punch]

The senate has set up an ad hoc committee to investigate Cameroon’s alleged encroachment on Nigeria’s territory.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the committee’s composition during plenary on Tuesday after most senators supported it through voice votes.

The committee is expected to report back to the senate within two months with recommendations.

The committee is to be headed by Jimoh Ibrahim, senator representing Ondo south. Members are Seriake Dickson, Bayelsa west senator, and Ipalibo Banigo, senator representing Rivers west.

Others are Adeniyi Adegbonmire, senator representing Ondo central; Shehu Kaka, senator representing Borno central; Agom Jarigbe, Cross River central senator; and Ekong Samson, senator representing Akwa Ibom south.

Aniekan Bassey, senator representing Akwa Ibom north-west, who sponsored the motion, is also a member of the committee.

The motion was titled: ‘Illegal annexation of Nigerian mangrove islands, waters, and its crude oil by the republic of Cameroon’.

Bassey, in his motion brought under orders 41 and 51 of senate standing rules, said the areas annexed were not part of the territory ceded to Cameroon.

He said the encroachment has led to the loss of over 2,560 oil wells and gas revenues. 

“It is an affront on Nigeria’s territorial integrity and unlawful exploitation of Nigeria’s economic resources,” he said.

“The illegal occupation of these villages and waters by Cameroon contravenes the ICJ ruling, the 1913 Anglo-German treaties, and sections of the Nigerian Constitution.

“This is a direct assault on Nigeria’s territorial integrity and an unlawful exploitation of our economic resources.”

Contributing to the motion, Ibrahim said Nigeria must report the issue to the United Nations.

“The senate cannot keep quiet when there’s a threat to the sovereignty of our country,” he said.

“There is a violation of our territorial rights, and this can cause environmental disaster and reduce national revenue.”

Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra central, said Nigeria should enforce the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on the mangrove islands.

He added that Nigeria cannot be a beneficiary of the judgment and not enforce it.

“Let us act fast and recover our territory with over 2,000 oil wells,” he said.

Other lawmakers who spoke on the motion were Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president; Abdul Ningi, Bauchi central senator; and Asuquo Ekpenyong, senator representing Cross River south.

The committee is expected to engage with key stakeholders, including the National Boundary Commission (NBC), the ministry of foreign affairs, and security agencies.

Residents of Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states have expressed deep concern over the recent hikes in electricity and telecommunication tariffs, urging the government, service providers, and relevant authorities to urgently review and reduce the rates.

The consumers expressed disappointment over persistent poor service delivery despite the increased costs, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

A civil servant in Sokoto, Malam Isma’ila Umar, described the tariff hike as a source of punishment, adding that middle-income earners can no longer afford basic needs due to rising expenses.

He stressed that electricity and telecommunication services are essential, making the additional costs an unbearable burden. Umar urged the government to take immediate steps to alleviate the hardship faced by citizens.

A community activist, Mr. Sanusi Sarki, lamented the sharp rise in data costs, revealing his monthly data expenses increased from N6,000 monthly to N28,000 despite unreliable service.

Journalist Suleiman Nasir decried the poor network quality amid rising telecom tariffs stating his usual N3,000 plan now costs N9,000, yet remains unreliable.

He cited areas in the Sokoto metropolis, including Dambua, Offa Road, and Old Airport Road, where residents barely receive 12 hours of electricity daily. Many, he said, have resorted to using generators to meet their power needs. Nasir called on NCC, NERC, and KEDCO to reverse the tariff hikes, provide prepaid meters, and ensure fair billing.

More insight

The Commissioner for Energy and Petroleum Resources, Alhaji Sanusi Ibrahim, urged KEDCO to improve the power supply, stating that residents should not be made to pay for darkness.

• He advised NERC and KEDCO to engage stakeholders before implementing any tariff increase and focus on better service delivery to boost revenue.

In Gusau, Zamfara state, data and airtime vendor Sufuyanu Dahiru called for urgent action to reverse the tariff hikes and enhance service quality, noting that the current cost does not reflect the poor services rendered.

• In Birnin Kebbi, Garba Dalhatu, a Mass Communication student at Umaru Waziri Federal Polytechnic, described the rising cost of living as overwhelming, especially for students. He said many are struggling to pay tuition, buy food, and cover electricity and data expenses.
• Ibrahim Ahmad, a businessman in Argungu, noted that high data costs and poor telecom services are undermining the government’s cashless policy and hurting businesses.

He added that epileptic power supply, combined with high electricity tariffs and fuel prices, has forced many rice millers out of business, worsening economic conditions in the region.

[Nairametrics]