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STILL ON THE SOWORE, SAHARA REPORTERS’ DIATRIBE.

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By: Inuwa Bwala
Even with the ethical degeneration in journalism, a good journalist would seek to reflect the what, where, when, who and how, as the basic ingredients of a good story.
I also expect stories to be attributed to reliable and verifiable outlets, or risk credibility crisis.
I have read Sahara Reporters’ highly opiniated and faulty portrayals of situations in Borno and I have also read so many responses to the allusions made against the Government of Borno State, and by implications, the Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.

It is not in my place to speak for the Government nor the Governor, but I find it necessary to scratch the surface of the ethical breaches in the said report, and perhaps caution on the need for professionalism by people who parade themselves as journalists.
Of course, Nigerians are not strangers to the place of Omoyele Sowore and Sahara Reporters: which he publishes, in the annals of journalism, but to brazenly stand facts on the head, without subjecting same to test, may have crossed the ethical red line and there is the need for caution.
There would not have been the need for rebuttals, but as witnesses to the facts of the true situation of things, one can understand the general anger of citizens and the attendant responses.
The report in question, besides failing to satisfy the basic nuances of journalism, smacks of prejudice against the Government under the leadership of Proffessor Babagana Umara Zulum.
I have not read in it, a statement from security agencies or the government reflecting the other side.
It is needless to state that, given the volatile security situation in Borno and the noticeable innitiatives of the Government to end the menace, the report is not only misleading but entirely negate the facts on ground, nay the spirit of citizens.
Journalism goes beyond sitting down somewhere, and relying on assumptions ostenssibly from pure political mischief makers, in the name of exclusives.
It us doing journalism more harm, to rely on assumptions rather than facts, in reporting a volatile area like Borno.
Quite contrary to the assertions contained in the report, one can confidently say that the said order from Governor Zulum for the arrest of minors protesting under the guise of #EndBadGovernance, were never given, rather, it was a spontaneous response by security agencies, to the apparent hijack of the protest for mischief.
It is a known fact that, those arrested in recent times, were youths, who have self styled themselves as Malians: copying terrorists styles, akin to the situation in Mali.
They were deeply involved in various social vices, including drugs, robbery, rape, abductions and even killings.
The group was an emergent gang that had been causing mischief in Maiduguri by harassing innocent residents.
The chlampdown on them was a big relief to residents of Maiduguri generally. Infact the media had been awash with reports of the atrocities of the group, and I am aware of several appeals made to the Governor, to take decisive steps to put an end to their activities.

On the issu of heavy spending on counter insurgency efforts, it does not seem the report derive facts from records.
I had expected the report to capture figures of the expenditure by the state, on the dis-armament, dis-orientation and re-intergration of repentant Boko Haram members.
But even without that, one may be tempted to ask, which option is more important? Using the Borno model of DDR, which has been acknowledged internationally, as one of the most effective approaches to ending the insurgency, or allowing the insurgents to continue their atrocities?
Having been in Borno since the start of the ibsurgency places people like me in a better position to admit that, with the pragmatic approach of the Borno state Government, in recent times, there is relative peace and stability.
Any journalist in Maiduguri, who have seen all the sides to the conflict, should be responsible enough to say, that, it is not an anathema if the state government spends fortunes to achieve peace.
I am aware of a law banning vandalism and political thuggery in Borno. Complaining about those caught vandalising Government property, amounts to supporting the action. Except if otherwise, Sower has a stake in the trade, I do not see anything wrong in sanctioning those who engage in the act.
I do not want to suspect that, Sowore and Sahara Reporters have an axe to grind with the Government or the Governor. It presupppses therefore, that development journalism should define the approach and not lend our pages to mischief.

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Senator Monguno Delivers Monguno LGA for President Tinubu

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Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Chief Whip of the Senate and distinguished representative of Borno North Senatorial District, has once again proven his political dexterity and grassroots command by delivering Monguno Local Government Area overwhelmingly for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Primaries.

The primaries, conducted in a peaceful and transparent atmosphere, drew massive participation from party faithful, stakeholders, youth groups, and women across Monguno LGA. The exercise was marked by unity, discipline, and enthusiasm, as members reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and their unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Tinubu.

Senator Monguno, addressing the gathering, commended the people for their steadfastness and collective spirit. He emphasized that the success of the primaries was not merely a reflection of his leadership but a testament to the enduring bond between the APC and the people of Borno North. “Our strength lies in our unity, our discipline, and our loyalty to the ideals of progress and development. Together, we will continue to sustain the dominance of our great party,” he declared.

Observers noted that the outcome of the primaries further cements Senator Monguno’s reputation as a formidable political figure in Borno State. His ability to mobilize diverse groups – from traditional leaders and community stakeholders to youth and women organizations – underscores his deep connection with the grassroots and his commitment to inclusive leadership.

The primaries also highlighted the growing confidence of the people in President Tinubu’s administration. Many participants expressed optimism that the Renewed Hope Agenda would bring lasting development, security, and prosperity to the region. The atmosphere was charged with chants of solidarity and renewed determination to ensure the continued success of the APC at both state and national levels.

Political analysts have described Monguno’s achievement as a strategic boost for the APC in Borno State, reinforcing the party’s dominance and strengthening its prospects for future contests. The senator’s role in coordinating the primaries has been widely praised as an example of effective leadership and organizational skill.

As the APC consolidates its position across Nigeria, the Monguno LGA primaries stand as a clear demonstration of the party’s resilience and the people’s trust in its vision. Senator Monguno’s influence, coupled with the collective will of Borno North, has once again positioned the district as a stronghold of support for President Tinubu and the APC.

With this successful outing, Borno North remains united, resolute, and firmly committed to advancing the progress of the party and the nation under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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KUMO CONGRATULATES TINUBU ON PRIMARY VICTORY: “NIGERIA HAS FOUND IN YOU A LEADER WORTHY OF HER TRUST “

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Hon. Hamma-Adama Ali Kumo, popularly known as “Dattuwa”, Deputy National Financial Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his landslide victory at the 2026 APC Presidential Primary Election.
In a warm and heartfelt message, Kumo described the President’s victory as a clear and resounding endorsement by millions of ordinary Nigerians who have seen, felt, and believed in his leadership.
“Mr. President, today the people have spoken. From the North to the South, from state to state and ward to ward, APC members came out in their millions to say — we are with you. This victory belongs to every Nigerian who believes in a better tomorrow,” Kumo said.
He praised President Tinubu for the courage and humility he demonstrated by subjecting himself to the democratic process — choosing to stand and be elected rather than using the power of incumbency to sidestep the people’s verdict.
“You are a President who could have taken the easy road. Instead, you opened the door to all, welcomed a challenger, and stood before the Nigerian people to be judged. That is the mark of a true democrat, and we are proud of you,” he said.
Kumo also celebrated the Electoral Act 2026 — signed by the President — which abolished the delegate system and empowered grassroots party members across all 8,809 wards to vote directly for their preferred candidate. He described it as one of the most important gifts any President has given to Nigerian democracy.
“You did not just talk about democracy. You legislated for it, and then you lived by it. That consistency of character is what sets you apart,” Kumo added.
As a member of the APC’s National Working Committee and Chairman of the ITF Governing Board — a position he holds by the confidence of the President — Kumo said he remained fully committed to supporting the Tinubu administration in delivering on its Renewed Hope agenda for all Nigerians.
He closed with a personal charge to the President.
“Your Excellency, the mandate is yours. The people trust you. Go and finish the work. Nigeria is counting on you, and we are all standing firmly behind you.”

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CBIAMEC Elects New Executives as National Coordinator, Onomuodeke Unveils Seven-Point Agenda

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The CSO Budget Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC) has on Friday, elected new executives to pilot the affairs of the committee, with Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero Onomuodeke, emerging as the newly elected National Coordinator.

The election, which drew members, stakeholders, and observers from different sectors, marked a significant transition in the leadership structure of the committee and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, inclusion, and effective project monitoring across the country.

Other officers were also elected into key positions including General Secretary, Head of Operations, Head of Legal, Head of Media, among others.

Speaking shortly after the election, Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero unveiled a seven-point agenda aimed at repositioning the committee for greater efficiency, visibility, and impact. According to him, the agenda will focus on strengthening institutional capacity, promoting transparency in budget implementation processes, improving collaboration with relevant stakeholders, enhancing media visibility, deepening citizen engagement, promoting inclusiveness, and ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of projects and policies.

He stressed the importance of unity, professionalism, and dedication among members, noting that civil society organizations must continue to play active roles in promoting good governance and accountability in the country.

The newly elected National Coordinator further pledged to run an open, inclusive, and result-driven administration that would prioritize teamwork, transparency, and national development.

The election also witnessed the presence of notable observers and stakeholders, including Comrade Adodo Solomon, Chairman Public and Private Partnership, as well as international development expert, Mrs. Tamara Jensin, President and Chairman Arc-royal International, alongside other dignitaries.

Members of the committee expressed optimism over the emergence of the new executives, describing the development as a fresh opportunity to reposition the organization and strengthen its relevance within the civic and governance space.

The event concluded with goodwill messages and renewed commitments by members to work collectively toward achieving the vision and objectives of the committee.

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