Dan Bilki Commander, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, has reportedly been subjected to a brutal public assault.

A viral video shows the politician, handcuffed and being flogged by unidentified individuals.

The Video

In the video, the assailants are seen questioning Commander about his criticism of Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, despite not being a Kaduna State native. Known for his outspoken nature, Commander frequently criticizes politicians on Kano radio stations.

Throughout the assault, Commander can be heard pleading, “I have a heart problem.”

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Commander later accused Governor Uba Sani of orchestrating the attack.

“They were sent by Governor Uba Sani to beat me. I can recognize some of them and where they got the handcuffs from. Look at the bumps and scalds on my hands and back. Some police officers did it. Uba Sani directed them. They said they would kill me and throw me into the water. They recorded the beating and humiliation,” he stated.

The Kaduna State Government has responded with a statement, announcing an investigation into the incident.

Signed by Chief Press Secretary Muhammad Lawal Shehu, the statement read, “The Kaduna State Government strongly disassociates itself from this heinous act. We stand for the rule of law and due process. Our administration is based on justice, equity, fairness, inclusivity, and respect for human dignity.”

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The statement emphasized Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to civil rights, rule of law, and due process, asserting that he would never authorize such brutality.

“Governor Uba Sani has ordered a full investigation into the incident to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” it added.

The video has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice.

The video

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru Ahmad El-Rufa’i, has filed a petition with the Chief Judge of the Abuja Federal High Court, alleging bias against Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa, who is presiding over his case against the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

El-Rufa’i’s counsel, Abdulhakeem Mustapha (SAN), submitted the petition at the Federal High Court in Abuja, citing bias, injustice, and denial of a fair hearing.

El-Rufa’i’s petition requests the transfer of his case to another judge to ensure justice.

The document outlines several grievances with Justice Aikawa’s handling of the case, which El-Rufa’i filed to enforce his fundamental human rights to a fair hearing.

The case concerns accusations by the Kaduna State House of Assembly that El-Rufa’i and other officials misappropriated ₦423 billion.

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The petition details events that transpired during the hearings.

On July 8, 2024, El-Rufa’i’s representative, S.S. Umoru, and the respondents’ counsels appeared in court.

The case was adjourned to July 17, 2024, by mutual agreement. However, on July 17, the court did not sit, and El-Rufa’i’s principal counsel, A.U. Mustapha, SAN, had to return to Lagos.

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Unexpectedly, the court rescheduled the hearing for July 18, 2024. El-Rufa’i’s legal team was informed of this new date late on July 17, prompting them to request an adjournment due to the short notice.

Despite this, the court proceeded with the hearing on July 18 without El-Rufa’i’s representation, during which the respondents adopted their processes and further argued their case.

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El-Rufa’i’s petition argues that the lack of notice for the July 18 hearing denied him a fair chance to respond to the respondents’ counter affidavit and written address.

The petition highlights that the respondents filed their processes late and applied for an extension of time, which was granted on July 18.

According to Order 11 Rule 7 of the Fundamental Human Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, El-Rufa’i should have been allowed five days to respond.

El-Rufa’i initially filed the case in June 2024, challenging the Assembly’s report on the grounds of unfair hearing.

He requested the court to declare the report null and void.

El-Rufa’i’s petition underscores his belief that the court’s actions display extreme bias and injustice, thereby undermining his right to a fair hearing.

The Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) has condemned the recent punitive actions taken against former Senate Majority Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Senate leadership, labeling it a suppression of dissent and a threat to democracy.

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Chief Peter Ameh, National Secretary of CUPP, voiced these concerns in Abuja on Thursday.

Ameh emphasized that a healthy democracy must encourage and respect dissenting voices as they are crucial for informed decision-making.

“In a democracy, the separation of powers is essential to ensure checks and balances among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This prevents any single branch from abusing its power and promotes the protection of individual rights,” Ameh stated.

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He warned that the current trend in Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly, where dissent is being stifled, could lead to authoritarian rule.

Ameh further highlighted that the separation of powers supports the rule of law, ensuring equal treatment under the law, and strengthens public trust.

“Each branch must be able to make decisions independently, free from undue influence, to maintain constitutional integrity and preserve democratic foundations,” he added.

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He criticized the weak legislative leadership of the 10th National Assembly, arguing that it poses significant risks to Nigeria’s development and democratic health.

According to Ameh, it is troubling that a Senator could be reprimanded by his party and the Senate leadership for merely expressing widely held public concerns.

Senator Ndume, Ameh noted, was simply voicing the frustrations of many Nigerians affected by poor policy choices of the current administration.

“Instead of facing censure, Ndume should be commended for attempting to bring these issues to the attention of party leaders.”

“By stifling such critical voices, the government undermines the principles of democracy and risks eroding public trust and confidence,” Ameh concluded.

Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has warned against over-reliance on products from the Dangote Refinery.

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He raised concerns about the consistency and standardization of the refinery’s output, noting that its products currently fall short in quality compared to imported alternatives.

Addressing concerns about the national supply of petroleum products, Ahmed refuted claims that the NMDPRA is attempting to undermine the Dangote Refinery.

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He clarified that the refinery is still in the pre-commissioning stage and has not yet been licensed, with completion standing at approximately 45%.

“We cannot rely heavily on one refinery to meet the nation’s demands, especially given Dangote’s request to suspend imports of AGO and DPK and direct all marketers to his refinery,” Ahmed stated.

“Such a monopoly is detrimental to energy security and market competition.”

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Ahmed also highlighted that Dangote’s AGO does not meet West Africa’s sulfur content requirement of 50 parts per million (PPM), instead ranging between 650 and 1,200 PPM. “In terms of quality, their products are inferior to imported ones,” he concluded.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has criticized the lack of a merit-driven system in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for the country to celebrate and promote merit.

Speaking on Thursday at a Yoruba Tennis Club event in Lagos State, where he delivered a lecture on patriotism and citizenship, Uzodimma highlighted the importance of creating an environment where merit is recognized and rewarded.

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Uzodimma attributed the decline in patriotism among Nigerians to systemic failures and the numerous disappointments citizens have experienced.

He called on stakeholders to address these issues to restore the spirit of patriotism.

“The wave of ‘japa syndrome,’ where Nigerians seek better opportunities abroad, is driven by the desire for a functional system and a better life,” Uzodimma noted.

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He stressed that purposeful leadership and accountability are essential to building trust and fostering patriotism.

He further emphasized the importance of national unity and inclusivity in promoting patriotism, urging leaders to strengthen national symbols and traditions.

“Reviving patriotism is a collective task. We must work together to rekindle the flames of patriotism in our country by promoting unity,” Uzodimma concluded.