The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Bayero University Kano (BUK) has labeled the federal government as untrustworthy due to the half salary payment to university lecturers for October. During a protest at BUK, ASUU's Kano Zonal Coordinator, Professor Abdulkadir Mohammed, accused the government of attacking Nigeria's intellectuals. The lecturers submitted a letter to the BUK Vice Chancellor and threatened to take action if their issues are not resolved. BUK students also protested in support of the lecturers, demanding a resolution to the ongoing conflict between ASUU and the government, which they believe is undermining education in Nigeria. ASUU had previously ended an eight-month strike on October 14, and upon resuming work, lecturers were only paid half of their expected salaries.

Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces (REMENAF) and the Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV) are planning a protest to demand full payment of their Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) by the federal government. The allowance is designed to prevent retired servicemen from using their military skills against the state. This announcement comes shortly after President Bola Tinubu approved N18 billion for Group Life Assurance and other benefits for families of deceased servicemen. The veterans' spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, has criticized government officials for obstructing their demands and has also condemned the purchase of expensive SUVs for federal lawmakers. The veterans are calling for a new SDA payment template, pension adjustments, and payment of outstanding wage arrears from the Buhari administration. Durowaiye-Herberts has called on veterans to be ready for a new protest date, which will be communicated under the hashtag #Let the Veterans Breathe.

The Kano State government, through the Commissioner for Justice, Lawan Musa, has reiterated Governor Abdullahi Ganduje's commitment to signing the death sentence of Abdulmalik Tanko, who was convicted for the murder of five-year-old Hanifa. Tanko, the owner of Noble Kids School, killed Hanifa after kidnapping her and collecting ransom. The case has caused national outrage, with significant public interest in the swift execution of justice. The convicts have a three-month period to appeal the sentence. The Commissioner assured that if no appeal is made, the execution will be carried out in Kaduna, as Kano State lacks the facilities for such executions. Currently, there are nine other individuals on death row in Kano, but their cases are under appeal. The article also references a past suggestion by Governor Ganduje to amend the law so that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, rather than state governors, would sign death warrants.

The Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV) has given Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu a five-day ultimatum to apologize to the Chief of Defense Staff for ordering the arrest of a soldier and making derogatory remarks, which were circulated in a viral video. CCV's spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, stated that failure to apologize would lead to Lagos State being excluded from the 2024 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day. Herberts criticized the governor's actions and language towards the soldier and announced plans for a protest by veterans at Tafawa Balewa Square on January 14, 2024, warning of a confrontational approach if opposed by the governor's supporters.

Paul Adama, a member of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo's inner circle, stated on Wazobia FM Kano that Osinbajo has President Muhammadu Buhari's support to run for president. Adama highlighted that Osinbajo's role as vice president is largely ceremonial and that he should not be blamed for the current administration's faults. He also mentioned that APC governors and some from the PDP back Osinbajo. The vice president has been lobbying state governors, crucial in Nigerian politics, and formally declared his presidential intention after securing the necessary support. His declaration followed a meeting with APC governors, signaling a strong position to become the party's presidential candidate.

Nigerian biker and author Kunle Adeyanju is nearing the end of his London to Lagos charity motorcycle ride, set to arrive in Lagos on May 29. He announced his updated arrival date on Twitter after reaching Ghana. The journey aims to raise awareness and funds for polio immunisation. Adeyanju has traveled through multiple countries and recently expressed his dissatisfaction with his experience in Mauritania, criticizing the locals' unfriendly behavior towards foreigners. His adventure covers 12,000km and has taken him through over 75 countries.

Military veterans from the Retired Members of Nigerian Armed Forces (REMENAF) and the Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV) are set to conduct a protest at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja on Monday. This demonstration, as stated by REMENAF's National Secretary Ambassador Roy Okhidievbie, is aimed at demanding the payment of their security debarment allowance. Previously in 2022, these veterans had organized protests at the ministries of finance, defence, and the National Assembly to voice the same demand. The upcoming protest intends to block access to the Ministry of Defence's Ship House on Olusegun Obasanjo Way.

The National Population Commission (NPC) has criticized the federal and state governments in Nigeria for not collaborating with the commission in distributing palliatives intended to mitigate the economic impact of petrol subsidy removal. Citizens have reported the distribution as non-inclusive. Despite not conducting the 2023 census, the NPC claims it has sufficient data to help target the most vulnerable Nigerians. The removal of petrol subsidies by President Bola Tinubu has led to significant price increases, affecting the cost of goods and reducing purchasing power. The Nigerian government has responded by approving the distribution of food and funds to states. In Kano State, complaints have arisen about the exclusion of junior workers and artisans from the palliative distribution, which the Kano State Head of Civil Service denies. The NPC insists it can provide accurate data for distribution, while analysts debate the effectiveness of palliatives as a long-term solution.

The article discusses Nigeria's journey since gaining independence 63 years ago, highlighting the country's struggle with democracy, economic challenges, and social issues. It reflects on the opinions of Nigerians who feel the country is retrogressing due to problems like high fuel prices, unemployment, and elite domination. The National Bureau of Statistics reports job losses and multidimensional poverty, while experts like Dr. Abdulsalam Muhammad Kani and Prof. Kamilu Sani Fage criticize the government's mismanagement and policies that exacerbate insecurity and poverty. The 2023 Global Organised Crime Index ranking Nigeria sixth globally for organized crime is also mentioned, with Dr. Yahuza Getso suggesting solutions to security challenges. The article concludes with a call for government officials to reflect and address the nation's issues as Nigeria celebrates its independence anniversary.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that it only monitored the People’s Democratic Party's (PDP) primaries conducted by the Shehu Wada Sagagi faction in Kano State. The PDP had parallel governorship primaries on May 25, resulting in Muhammad Sani Abacha emerging as the winner from the Sagagi faction, while Alhaji Sadiq Wali won in the faction led by Ambassador Aminu Wali. INEC's Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kano, Riskuwa Arabu Shehu, stated that the commission recognized the Sagagi faction as the lawful faction at the time of the primaries. INEC declined to monitor the parallel primaries requested by the PDP headquarters team, as they were already committed to the Sagagi faction's primaries. INEC is not legally bound to recognize any candidates from primaries it did not monitor.