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.

2027: APC Stakeholder Pushes for Power Shift to Yobe South, Backs Bomai’s Governorship Bid

By Abubakar Alhaji, Damaturu

A fresh political conversation is gaining momentum in Yobe State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, as a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) mobiliser, Yusuf Zaki, has urged party stakeholders to support the emergence of Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai as the next governor.

Speaking with journalists in Potiskum, Zaki made a strong case for zoning the governorship to Yobe South, arguing that equity and fairness demand a shift in power after years of dominance by other senatorial zones.

He traced the state’s political trajectory since the return to democracy, noting that leadership has largely rotated between Zones A and B. According to him, the late Mamman Ali from Zone B was elected governor but died in office, paving the way for his deputy, Ibrahim Gaidam from Zone A, who went on to complete two terms. He added that the current governor, Mai Mala Buni, also hails from Zone A.

“This pattern clearly shows that Yobe South has yet to produce a governor in the current democratic dispensation. It is only fair that the zone is given the opportunity in 2027,” Zaki said.

Throwing his weight behind Bomai, Zaki described the senator as a capable and inclusive leader whose track record in public service has earned him widespread respect across the state.

“Yobe South is ready and deserving. Senator Bomai has demonstrated capacity, integrity, and commitment to development. His leadership style reflects unity and fairness, which are essential for the progress of our state,” he stated.

He highlighted several constituency projects attributed to Bomai, including road construction, improved healthcare services, foreign scholarship initiatives, and empowerment programmes targeting youths and women. According to him, these interventions have begun to change the development narrative in the zone.

Zaki further emphasized the importance of continuity in governance, noting that backing Bomai would help sustain and build upon the achievements of the Buni administration.

“Our zone has a significant voting strength made up of peaceful and independent-minded people. For the APC to retain power in Yobe, it must recognise this reality and give Yobe South a fair chance,” he added.

As political alignments gradually take shape ahead of the 2027 polls, Zaki’s call is expected to resonate within party ranks and beyond, potentially influencing debates on zoning, inclusivity, and the future leadership direction of Yobe State.