NASS Reaffirms Backing for Military After Deadly Borno Attack

By Musa Garba, Kaduna

The House of Representatives has restated its firm support for Nigeria’s security forces, pledging sustained legislative action to strengthen the fight against terrorism and banditry across the country.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Philip Agbese, said the 10th National Assembly would continue to provide the legal framework, funding and oversight needed to enhance the effectiveness of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

His remarks come in the wake of a recent terrorist assault on troops in Benisheikh, Borno State, which claimed the life of senior military officer Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, alongside other personnel.

Agbese acknowledged the scale and complexity of Nigeria’s security concerns, noting that insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, and related crimes remain serious threats to national stability.

He assured that lawmakers are working closely with the executive arm of government to confront the challenges head-on, stressing that the legislature will remain unwavering in its support for the military.

“The National Assembly stands firmly alongside our armed forces and all security institutions in the effort to defeat those undermining the peace and unity of our nation,” he said.

The lawmaker praised troops on the frontline for their bravery and sacrifice, describing them as dedicated patriots who continue to risk their lives to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty.

He also highlighted that the House prioritises defence and security in its legislative agenda, which includes improved funding, better welfare packages for personnel, and enhanced intelligence systems to boost operations.

Agbese added that the National Assembly would intensify its oversight of defence expenditures to ensure accountability and the efficient use of allocated resources.

According to him, adequate and timely funding remains critical to equipping the military with the tools needed to confront evolving security threats.

While acknowledging competing national demands, he stressed that prioritising defence spending—especially the procurement of essential equipment—would significantly improve security outcomes.

He further called on citizens to actively support security agencies by sharing credible and timely information, noting that national security is a collective responsibility.

“The military alone cannot fight against insecurity.” Nigerians must remain alert and cooperate with security agencies to safeguard our communities,” he said.

Agbese expressed confidence that stronger collaboration among the legislature, executive and security agencies would ultimately restore peace and stability in affected regions.

Northern Governors Mourn Kebbi Speaker Muhammad Usman Zuru

By Jamila Muhammad

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has expressed profound grief over the death of the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Usman Zuru, who reportedly passed away in the early hours of Tuesday in Egypt.

In a condolence message, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described the late Speaker’s death as a painful and significant loss, not only to Kebbi State but to the wider democratic and legislative family in Northern Nigeria.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya said Muhammad Usman Zuru was a seasoned lawmaker, a dependable pillar of governance and a patriotic public servant who devoted himself to the service of his people with rare dedication, wisdom and humility.

He noted that the late Speaker earned respect through his commitment to democratic values, legislative service and unwavering loyalty to the peace, growth and development of Kebbi State.

The NSGF chairman said the passing of the Kebbi lawmaker has created a vacuum in the state’s political and legislative landscape, stressing that his contributions to governance and public service would not be forgotten.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya extended heartfelt condolences to Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, the family of the deceased, members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly and the Zuru Emirate Council over what he described as a deeply painful loss.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late Speaker, reward his lifetime of service to humanity and grant him Aljannat Firdaus.

The condolence message was signed by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe.

Ali Isah Secures Temporary Site, ₦1bn, for Federal Orthopaedic Hospital in Gombe

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and member representing the Billiri/Balanga Federal Constituency, Hon. Ali Isah, has secured a temporary site and committed ₦1 billion to fast-track the take-off of the proposed Federal Orthopaedic Hospital in Gombe State, in what he described as a deliberate move to ensure the specialist facility begins operation without waiting for the 2027 federal budget cycle.

Hon. Ali Isah disclosed the information after a courtesy visit to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, where he said the visit was aimed at appreciating the governor for his support toward the establishment of the hospital, which he sponsored through a bill at the National Assembly and has now received presidential assent.

He explained that although a budget line had already been created for the hospital, the project was unable to secure full provision in the current federal appropriation because the programme came up after the executive had already submitted its budget proposal to the National Assembly.

According to the lawmaker, while the hospital may eventually be captured through a supplementary budget or the 2027 appropriation, he considered it too important to remain delayed by administrative timelines.

“As the member representing the constituency and the person that initiated the bill and made it happen, I feel I do not need to wait for 2027 for the hospital to take off. I put ₦1 billion through my envelope to enable the hospital to commence,” he said.

Ali Isah said beyond securing a temporary site for the immediate take-off of the hospital, Governor Inuwa Yahaya had also offered a permanent site and directed relevant state institutions, including the Ministry of Health, to support the smooth commencement of the project.

He commended the governor for what he described as a practical demonstration of commitment to healthcare development and the wellbeing of the people of Gombe State.

The lawmaker noted that the proposed Federal Orthopaedic Hospital would not only serve residents of Billiri and Balanga but would also stand as a major referral centre for patients across Gombe State, the Northeast, and the wider Northern region.

He said the hospital would help address the growing demand for specialist orthopaedic services, particularly for trauma, fractures, disability-related conditions and other bone and joint complications that often require referrals outside the region.

“The importance of the hospital is not only to my constituents. I believe this hospital will be one of the major hospitals that will serve not only the Northeast but also most parts of the northern states of this country,” he stated.

Ali Isah observed that access to quality orthopaedic care remains limited in much of Northern Nigeria, forcing many patients to travel long distances for treatment, a burden he said the new facility would help reduce significantly.

The federal lawmaker stated that, despite belonging to different political camps, his relationship with Governor Inuwa Yahaya demonstrates that governance must rise above party interests when the welfare of citizens is involved.

He stressed that collaboration between state and federal leaders remains key to delivering meaningful development and ensuring that people enjoy the true dividends of democracy.

“Governance is not solely the responsibility of one individual. I cannot be in the National Assembly and operate alone. I have to partner with my governor to ensure that my people enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he said.

He further praised the governor for maintaining an open and supportive disposition toward development-orientated projects, noting that such cooperation has made it easier for him to attract and execute projects in his constituency, including roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.

According to him, some of the achievements recorded in his constituency were made possible because the state government provided the needed institutional support and enabling environment for implementation.

Ali Isah also acknowledged Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s wider efforts in strengthening the healthcare system in Gombe, particularly through the renovation and upgrading of regional hospitals across the state.

In light of the lingering uncertainty surrounding the crisis in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and speculations over his political future, the minority leader said consultations were still ongoing and that he would make his position known at the appropriate time.

He disclosed that political matters also featured in his discussions during the visit but declined to make any firm pronouncement for now.

“We are still discussing, we are still consulting, and as soon as possible, I will make my position clear about the crisis we are facing in the PDP and my next political step,” he said.

He, however, maintained that as one of the lawmakers involved in the passage of the country’s electoral law, he remains fully aware of the legal framework and timelines guiding political decisions.

The development has since stirred fresh interest within Gombe’s political and public space, with many observers seeing the proposed Federal Orthopaedic Hospital as both a major healthcare intervention and a strong example of how collaboration can deliver results beyond party lines.