Short & Sharp
Kaduna as new den of kidnappers? Kaduna State, sadly, has now become a den of sorts for kidnappers. Within the period under review, several people were kidnapped including an army colonel who was gruesomely murdered by his abductors. Prior to that, a reverend father was also kidnapped during a seminar and there are too many […]
Kaduna as new den of kidnappers?
Kaduna State, sadly, has now become a den of sorts for kidnappers. Within the period under review, several people were kidnapped including an army colonel who was gruesomely murdered by his abductors. Prior to that, a reverend father was also kidnapped during a seminar and there are too many examples to list here. But most recently, a former special adviser to late one-time president Yar’adua, Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi, narrowly escaped being taken by the criminals. It is quite unfortunate that the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the state is being threatened. It is high time the government tamed these nasty syndicates before they constitute a major security challenge in the state.
Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua, Kaduna State.
Oh, our most historic budget!
This year’s budget will go down in history as the most-scrutinized ever. First, it was the National Assembly, then the budget developed wings between the executive and the lawmakers, resulting in the ‘padding’ scandal. Then came the president’s refusal to sign, because of inconsistencies within. As I write – or type – this, maybe President Buhari would’ve signed it into law, so Nigerians can finally begin to see what this government has in store for them. Not to forget, this year’s budget also pitched the entire nation against members of the National Assembly, even resulting in an occupation of its premises. The drama has shown that Nigerians should follow issues of governance, to avail themselves a chance to be heard.
Bala Nayashi, No. 1 Yashi Area, Lokoja, Kogi State.
This isn’t the Abuja of yesterday
Yes, I know it’s hard to catch up to an over-achiever like Malam Nasir El-Rufai when he was the FCT minister some years ago. Then, Abuja was a superb city where almost everything worked and every service was given properly. Streets were clean, lights were on and there weren’t indiscriminate building of any and all kinds of structures. Today, all I can do is be shocked: Filthy roads, dry lawns, dilapidated infrastructure and so much more hasleft me heart-broken for our once-great Abuja. The current minister should please wake up to his responsibilities as soon as possible.
Ahmadu Wali Aminu, Bwari, FCT.
What Kaduna needs to do about youths and drug abuse
I was so happy when the Kaduna State House of Assembly passed into law a bill to prohibit substance abuse and to provide treatment for substance abusers and addicts. While the law is a step in the right direction, measures need to be taken on pharmacies which sell cough medicines to youths who indiscriminately abuse it. I’m also happy that some objectives of the law include facilitating medical treatment, and plans to develop a comprehensive state plan for the prevention of substance abuse. First, though, social arena like the general NAF Club area in Kaduna should be closely monitored by the NDLEA.
Jamiu K. Adeoye, Kakuri, Kaduna.