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RAMADAN! CAN threatens court action over closure of schools in northern Nigeria

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The Christian Association of Nigeria has issued an ultimatum to the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states, demanding the reversal of their directives mandating a five-week closure of schools for the Ramadan fast.

CAN described the move as discriminatory and a violation of the rights of non-Muslim students, warning that it would pursue legal action if the orders were not rescinded.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, CAN President, Daniel Okoh, criticized the policy, highlighting its potential to worsen the educational crisis in the affected states, which already account for 44% of Nigeria’s out-of-school children.

“Education is a fundamental right and the bedrock of progress,” Okoh stated.

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“The closure of schools across these states, ranging from nursery to tertiary levels, for an extended period disrupts academic schedules and threatens the educational advancement of millions of students.”

He added that the decision lacked transparency and failed to involve broad consultations with stakeholders, including Christian leaders, educators, and parents.

“Policies impacting diverse populations—Muslims, Christians, and others—demand transparent, inclusive dialogue with parents, educators, religious leaders, and school proprietors.

“The absence of such engagement erodes trust and unity in our pluralistic society,” Okoh remarked.

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Citing examples from predominantly Islamic nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the CAN President argued that Nigeria should adopt pragmatic measures that balance religious observance with education.

“Globally, nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—where Islam is central and Ramadan deeply revered—do not shut down schools for the entire fasting period.

“Instead, they adapt schedules, shortening hours or offering flexibility, to balance education with religious practice. A month-long closure, or five weeks in Bauchi’s case, is excessive and departs from sensible precedent,” Okoh said.

CAN emphasised that it remains committed to interfaith harmony but would not tolerate policies that undermine constitutional rights.

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The association called on Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dikko Umar Radda (Katsina), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), and Nasir Idris (Kebbi) to engage stakeholders in constructive dialogue to resolve the issue.

“Transparency is essential, and we expect these governments to act in good faith by promptly engaging all parties.

“The education of our children and the unity of our states are at stake. Should these rights face further jeopardy or dialogue fail to deliver justice, CAN is prepared to seek legal recourse,” Okoh warned.

CAN concluded with an appeal for calm among residents of the affected states, urging unity and cooperation to ensure no child’s education is compromised.

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“Let us unite as Nigerians to forge a society where faith and progress harmonize, where no child’s education is compromised, and where every community is valued,” the statement read.

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Netizens ask World Bank to stop borrowing TInubu money over reported $1.25 bn Loan Plan

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Nigerians have taken to social media to express outrage and concern following reports of a proposed $1.25 billion loan linked to the administration of , sparking intense debate over the country’s rising debt profile and economic direction.

The reactions, which trended heavily on X, formerly known as Twitter, saw users storming the comment sections of the with mixed opinions on Nigeria’s continued borrowing and fiscal management.

Many commenters strongly opposed the reported loan move, arguing that additional borrowing would worsen economic hardship and deepen the country’s debt burden.

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Some of the reactions included:

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@yengoblog9ja: “Don’t borrow Tinubu’s money again they want to finish Nigerians ooh”
@captbobyi01: “Please do not borrow @officialasiwajubat any loan, I repeat do not borrow Tinubu and his son any money.”
@realkingdavid: “Please 🙏 don’t borrow Tinubu’s loan again please he is using the money to kill us in the country 🇳🇬”
@pr_eci0us2291: “Please stop borrowing our president.”
Others criticised government spending priorities and questioned accountability in public finance management.

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@BIG_Mayana7: “They should not borrow his a s s any loans again, they are using the money to buy expensive vehicles for themselves.”
@Marjix_: “If we had responsible leaders… revenue from taxes and subsidy removal would develop the nation.”
Some users, however, argued that borrowing is a standard economic practice globally and should not automatically be condemned.

@GloryUyimse: “The world runs on DEBT and no bank wants you to repay your loans.”
@cossyb: “If they stop World Bank from borrowing… We’ll pay it ourselves for free… abeg make una allow them borrow o.”
Others blamed leadership failures and governance issues rather than the loans themselves.

@Shayolala: “Find out who they are na dem dem… yet they can’t hold their so-called failed leaders accountable.”
@NigIsland: “A man who refuses to mend his roof in the rain will not decide the weather by shouting at the clouds.”
The online reactions reflect growing public sensitivity over Nigeria’s debt situation amid ongoing economic reforms, inflationary pressures, and concerns over living costs under the current administration.

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Wike Hails Quality of Abuja Road Projects

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing road projects across Abuja, saying residents can now “see governance in action.”

Wike spoke on Wednesday while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Gbazango, popularly known as Arab Road in Kubwa.

The minister commended contractors handling the various projects, particularly local construction firm Abdul Val and Zeberced, for delivering quality work within schedule.

“With what we have seen today, right from the roads in Karu down to Apo-Karshi and now to Gbazango, which is popularly called Arab Road in Kubwa, we are very satisfied with the level of work that has taken place,” Wike said.

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He praised Abdul Val for the quality of work on the Karu road project, noting that the company had earlier delivered the Ushafa road project commissioned last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“I’m quite impressed. This is the second time. If you remember, the Ushafa road commissioned last year was also carried out by Abdul Val, and they are doing the one in Karu now. They are doing a good quality job,” he stated.

According to him, the Karu road project will be among projects slated for inauguration during President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

Speaking on the Apo-Karshi road being handled by SCC, Wike described it as a critical project frequently demanded by residents, expressing optimism that it would be completed before the end of the year.

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He also commended Zeberced for the ongoing Gbazango road project, which he said would also be inaugurated during the President’s third anniversary celebrations.

“If you remember, this company handled the A2 to Pai road commissioned by Mr. President last year. They are also handling the Goma to Yangoji road, which will also be inaugurated during the third anniversary,” he said.

“You can see the quality of work. You can see how happy the residents are seeing us here. Without invitation, they came out to appreciate the fact that they can now see governance in action.”

Wike stressed that beyond quality delivery, meeting project timelines remained equally important.

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“One thing is doing a quality job, another thing is keeping to timeline. I’m very happy. I think the President’s third anniversary will be full of activities,” he added.

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“I don’t play politics of enmity” — Wike defends Visit to APC Chair Yilwatda(Photos)

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed insinuations following his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, stating that he does not practice “politics of enmity”.

​Speaking with newsmen during a project inspection on Wednesday, Wike clarified that his interaction with the APC chairman was a matter of personal association and professional courtesy rather than a formal political meeting.

The Minister had inspected the ongoing construction of roads in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Kubwa, to ensure completion as scheduled.

​Responding to questions regarding the lack of a formal briefing after the visit, the Minister maintained that he is under no obligation to disclose details of his private life or social interactions.

​Wike argued that every individual has the freedom to associate with others regardless of political affiliations.

​He maintained that the visit was private, questioning why such a personal act should be announced to the “whole world”.

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​He rejected the idea that members of different political parties, such as the APC and PDP, should avoid each other.

​Wike reminded reporters of his long-standing relationship with Yilwatda, noting that both had served as colleagues when was a minister.

​”We’re all colleagues before he left for the chairmanship of APC. So what I should do anytime I see him is to hide? Anytime he sees me, he should run away so people will not say something?”

​He explained that the visit was a reciprocal gesture after Yilwatda had made several unsuccessful attempts to see him at his office.

Wike noted that as a busy minister, he often receives many visitors, and since the APC Chairman could not secure an appointment at the office, he opted to visit the APC chairman at his residence to hear what he had to say.

​The Minister emphasized that his primary concern remained the fulfillment of his duties and the satisfaction of his “appointor”.

He stated that he remained indifferent to public perception or “what somebody on the road is thinking” as long as he is carrying out his assigned tasks dutifully.

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​”What’s important to me is what I’m doing for my people,” Wike concluded, asserting that the results of his work hold more weight than political speculation.

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