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The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned Mubarak Abdullahi, also known as Sardaunan Samari, over the alleged circulation of a fake letter purportedly written by President Bola Tinubu to United States President Donald Trump.

The suspect was brought before Chief Magistrate Court No. 10, Kabala Doki, Kaduna, after his arrest on September 28 for allegedly sharing the document on Facebook with the caption, ‘ATIKU IS COMING.’

President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the arraignment in a post on X late Monday, disclosing that the DSS had also filed a three-count charge bordering on cybercrime and defamation against Abdullahi at the Federal High Court, Kaduna.

According to Onanuga, Abdullahi admitted during interrogation that he shared the document and apologised for his actions. However, the apology did not prevent further legal action against him.

The suspect was subsequently remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Kaduna, on the order of the magistrate court.

In his post, Onanuga said, ‘An avowed supporter of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar now faces trial in Kaduna for circulating a document purportedly written by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the President of the United States of America.

‘The suspect, Mubarak Abdullahi (aka Sardaunan Samari), was arrested on 28 September for sharing the fake document on his Facebook page with the caption ‘ATIKU IS COMING.’

‘Mubarak admitted to investigators that he shared the fake document and apologised for his actions. The contrition was not enough.

‘The DSS arraigned him before Chief Magistrate Court No. 10, Kabala Doki, Kaduna, which ordered his remand at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Kaduna,’ adding that the agency ‘has filed a three-count charge bordering on cybercrime and defamation against him at the Federal High Court, Kaduna.’

Onanuga added that the DSS would continue to demonstrate its capacity to identify individuals involved in spreading what he described as misleading information online.

The former Minister of Transportation, Works and Housing, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, CON, has declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid, urging Nigerians to back the administration’s economic reforms.

Sambo, who served as the Taraba State Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council during the 2023 presidential election, made the declaration while speaking with journalists in Jalingo.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain also urged residents of Taraba State to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, saying it would help attract more development to the state.

According to Sambo, Tinubu’s economic policies and interventions would yield long-term benefits for the country, improve living standards and should be sustained.

He said the economic difficulties facing Nigerians were part of the effects of ongoing reforms that had been delayed for years, adding that the process would initially involve hardship.

Sambo said the country needed to remain committed to the long-term goal of achieving economic and financial stability as a foundation for prosperity.

‘We are not oblivious to the feedback from the common man and the general increase in cost of living. However, we believe that the sacrifices being made today are necessary for enduring economic and financial stability.

Let us allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu consolidate the path of economic recovery and growth with a second term in office,’ he said.

The former minister expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic prospects, saying the benefits of the ongoing reforms would become more apparent over time.

‘Nigerians can be rest assured that it will get better. I firmly believe that the reforms coupled with other interventions, including increased spending in infrastructure projects, will ultimately translate into long-term economic stability and prosperity for the people,’ he stated.

He also called for better communication of the administration’s policies and their expected benefits to Nigerians, both in the short and long term.

‘Undoubtedly, PBAT is working, but we need men and women who will translate the impact of his work into simple terms that the common man on the street can understand. Many people are not adequately explaining the benefits of these reforms, either in the short or over the long term.

‘I believe it is high time all of us joined hands with President Tinubu to build our country,’ Sambo added.

On the 2027 general elections, the former minister expressed confidence in the APC’s prospects, predicting that the party would perform strongly across the country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the murder of prominent Islamic preacher, Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka, and his friend, Adamu Abubakar, in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State.

Gunmen killed the duo in a drive-by shooting incident on Monday evening.

A statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed that the President, who was deeply saddened by the news of the killing, described the act as heinous and an assault on the values of peace and the sanctity of human life.

‘President Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, their followers, as well as the government and people of Katsina State, over the tragic loss.’

President Tinubu has directed the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to move swiftly, intensify efforts already underway by the Katsina State Police Command, and ensure the perpetrators are tracked down, apprehended, and brought to justice.

‘President Tinubu prays for the repose of the souls of the departed and for comfort for all those who mourn their death.’

Running a business or managing an organization in Nigeria comes with unique day-to-day challenges. Many business owners and managers struggle with confused workers, missed deadlines, and poor results not because their staff are lazy, but because the business lacks a proper setup.

Without a clear blueprint, even the most hardworking team will eventually run into confusion and avoidable mistakes.

In this article, Tribune Online examines the foundational pillars every organization must put in place to maintain order, increase staff productivity, and achieve long-term growth.

Every business relies on specific structural building blocks to coordinate human effort and deliver results efficiently. When these core elements are missing, business operations quickly fall into complete disorder.

Clear division of work

Division of work means breaking down the overall goals of a business into specific jobs so that every employee knows exactly what they are hired to do. Instead of asking one staff member to handle marketing, customer care, accounting, and delivery all at once, the business assigns specific roles based on skills and expertise.

This element is vital because human beings perform far better when they focus on a specific set of tasks rather than trying to do everything. When job roles are clearly defined, employees become faster and more skilled at their daily assignments. It also prevents workplace arguments over who is responsible when a mistake happens.

Proper departmentalisation

Departmentalization is the process of grouping employees who perform similar or related activities into the same unit or team. For instance, putting everyone in charge of finances into an Accounting Department, and grouping all sales personnel into a Sales Unit.

This setup allows team members to share knowledge easily, pool resources, and collaborate without friction. It helps management monitor departmental performance, track expenses accurately, and ensure that every critical area of the business gets the attention it deserves.

Direct line of authority

A clear line of authority, often called the chain of command, establishes who gives orders and who reports to whom within the organization. It traces a direct path from the highest executive down to the frontline staff member.

Every employee needs to know their direct supervisor to avoid confusion and conflicting orders. When two different bosses give opposing instructions to one staff member, work grinds to a halt. A defined line of authority ensures that instructions flow smoothly down while reports and feedback move back up without blockage.

Balanced span of control

Span of control refers to the total number of staff members that a single manager or supervisor is directly responsible for overseeing. If a manager has too many direct reports, they become overwhelmed and cannot monitor work quality effectively.

Finding the right balance ensures that managers can give adequate support and guidance to their subordinates. It prevents burnout among leaders and guarantees that junior workers get the direct supervision and mentorship they need to succeed.

Clear operational rules and procedures

Formal rules and standard procedures provide written guidelines on how daily tasks should be carried out across the organization. This includes company policies, work hours, safety measures, and quality control steps.

Having written procedures ensures that work quality remains uniform, whether the manager is present or absent. It sets equal expectations for all workers, protects the organization from legal issues, and allows new hires to settle into their roles quickly.

President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate seeking approval for external loans worth $20.52bn and pound 1.045bn under the 2026-2027 Supplementary External Borrowing Plan.

Tinubu said the proposed loans would finance critical projects across various sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, water supply, security, and employment generation, as well as financial management reforms.

The President’s request was contained in a letter read by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on the floor of the Senate in Abuja on Tuesday.

The President explained that the proposed borrowing was necessary to support his administration’s reform agenda, adding that the projects had been selected based on technical and economic evaluations and their expected contributions to the country’s socio-economic development.

He wrote, ‘I want to emphasise that the projects and programmes included in the Borrowing Plan were selected based on thorough technical and economic evaluation, as well as their anticipated contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.’

Tinubu added that the projects would also promote employment, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship, reduce poverty, and improve food security, thereby enhancing the livelihoods of Nigerian children.

Tinubu stated that most of the projects and programmes would be implemented across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The letter read further, ‘These initiatives aim to generate employment, promote skills acquisition, foster entrepreneurship, reduce poverty and enhance food security, all of which improve the livelihood of the Nigerian child.

‘In light of the need for significant infrastructure investment in the country and the vast financial resources needed to address this gap, it has become essential to pursue broader external borrowings to close the financing shortfall.’

Tinubu also said the funds would be channelled into critical infrastructure projects, particularly in the power, transportation, and healthcare sectors.

The letter stated, ‘Given the urgent nature of these needs and the importance of stabilising the country, it is crucial to seek the consideration and approval of the National Assembly leadership and the entire National Assembly for the 2026-2027 Supplementary External Borrowing Plan.

‘This will enable the government to fulfil its obligations to the Nigerian people through timely disbursements and effective project implementation.’

The Senate immediately referred the request to its Committees on Local and Foreign Debts and Appropriations for further legislative scrutiny, with the report expected back in a week’s time.

The Kogi State House of Assembly has unanimously approved a proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police in Nigeria, citing the need to tackle insecurity, strengthen local intelligence gathering, and create employment opportunities for youths.

The Speaker of the House, Aliyu Umar Yusuf, announced the decision on Tuesday during plenary deliberations on the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to provide for the establishment of state police across the country.

Yusuf described the passage of the bill as a significant step towards strengthening the country’s security architecture, noting that growing threats to lives and property require more effective and responsive policing mechanisms.

He identified terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder clashes, political thuggery, and other criminal activities as persistent security challenges that have made the need for decentralised policing increasingly urgent.

According to the Speaker, allowing states to establish their own police formations would enable them to respond more swiftly to security threats within their jurisdictions.

He explained that state police officers recruited from local communities would have a better understanding of the terrain, residents, and peculiar security challenges, thereby enhancing intelligence gathering and the early detection of suspicious movements.

Yusuf recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had initiated the proposed constitutional amendment, which was considered and passed by both chambers of the National Assembly before being transmitted to state Houses of Assembly for concurrence in line with Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The Speaker said the proposed arrangement would enable state governments to recruit personnel familiar with their communities, thereby improving responses to distress calls and complementing the operations of the Nigeria Police Force.

He added that decentralising policing could reduce administrative delays and improve operational efficiency, particularly in communities where urgent security interventions are required.

Beyond security, Yusuf identified youth employment as another major benefit of the proposed state police system.

He noted that recruiting young people into state police formations could provide job opportunities while helping to address some of the social challenges associated with unemployment.

Contributing to the debate, lawmakers unanimously supported the proposal, arguing that bringing policing closer to the people would improve public safety and enhance the effectiveness of security operations.

They maintained that officers drawn from local communities would be better positioned to identify unfamiliar persons, monitor suspicious movements, and provide timely intelligence to security agencies.

The lawmakers also argued that state police would help reduce pressure on the existing federal policing structure, which they described as overstretched by nationwide responsibilities.

Yusuf urged his colleagues to support the amendment, stressing that their decision would demonstrate the Assembly’s commitment to effective governance, public safety, and sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.

He said the proposed reform presents an opportunity for Kogi State to contribute to the development of a more responsive security framework capable of addressing emerging threats.

At the conclusion of deliberations, the Assembly unanimously approved the bill and directed the Clerk of the House to formally communicate its resolution to the National Assembly.

President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the Transfer of Convicted Offenders (Enactment and Enforcement) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to the House of Representatives for consideration, seeking to strengthen the legal framework for transferring convicted offenders between Nigeria and other countries.

The bill was conveyed in a letter titled ‘Transmission of the Convicted Offenders Enactment and Enforcement Amendment Bill, 2026 for Consideration’, dated October 20, 2026, with reference number PRES/134-1/HR/45/EB.

The letter was addressed to the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, who read its contents during plenary on Tuesday.

In the letter, Tinubu said the bill was transmitted pursuant to Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

He said: ‘Pursuant to Section 58(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I forward herewith the Transfer of Convicted Offenders (Enactment and Enforcement) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 for the kind consideration of the House of Representatives.’

According to the President, the proposed legislation seeks to amend the Transfer of Convicted Offenders (Enactment and Enforcement) Act, Cap. T16, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to provide for arrangements to transfer convicted offenders between Nigeria and other countries.

Tinubu explained that the amendment would give effect to provisions in any scheme or agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria and another country for the transfer of convicted offenders.

A key provision of the bill would empower the President to issue an order, published in the Federal Gazette, extending the Act’s application to any country with which Nigeria has concluded an agreement on the transfer of convicted offenders.

The proposed amendment also seeks to facilitate the implementation of such agreements with non-Commonwealth countries, expanding the scope of Nigeria’s existing legal framework.

Tinubu urged the House of Representatives to consider the bill expeditiously to enable the proposed amendments to take effect.

The member representing Bichi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Abubakar Kabir Bichi, has said the late President Muhammadu Buhari would not have won the 2015 presidential election without the political support and strategic intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, hence the need for the North to reciprocate the good gesture President Tinubu did to ‘our son’, the late President Buhari, by voting for him massively in the 2027 general election.

Bichi also called on Northern political stakeholders to reciprocate Tinubu’s support for Buhari by mobilising massive votes for the incumbent President in the 2027 presidential election.

The lawmaker disclosed that political stakeholders in Kano North Senatorial District had resolved to deliver at least one million votes for Tinubu in the forthcoming election.

He made the declaration on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting and the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council for Bichi Federal Constituency in Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State.

‘Tinubu made the late President Muhammadu Buhari after several unsuccessful attempts to become president. It is now time for us to compensate Tinubu for what he did for the North,’ Bichi said.

He dismissed allegations that Tinubu’s policies were deliberately designed to undermine Northern Nigeria, describing such claims as insincere and politically motivated.

According to him, the President’s commitment to Kano State’s development, particularly through the approval of major road construction and other infrastructure projects, demonstrated his administration’s concern for the region.

‘Those saying President Tinubu does not like the North are not sincere. We have decided to vote massively for the president because of his developmental support for Kano,’ he said.

The lawmaker maintained that several development projects currently being executed in Kano would not have been possible without the support and intervention of the Tinubu administration.

‘President Tinubu’s approvals have brought several developmental projects to Kano. There is no way I would have delivered all these projects without his support,’ he stated.

Bichi said the decision to support Tinubu was not merely a political obligation but also an expression of gratitude for his role in Buhari’s emergence as President and his administration’s continued interventions in Kano State.

He added that the APC was determined to consolidate its political influence in Kano North and mobilise support for the President across the state’s 44 local government areas.

‘We are not just talking about Bichi or Kano North; we are talking about the whole 44 local government areas. We are talking about the whole of Kano, and we will get what we want,’ he declared.

The federal lawmaker disclosed that Kano North had approximately 1.3 million registered voters, expressing confidence that the district could mobilise at least one million votes for the APC in the 2027 elections.

In his remarks, Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the event, urged members of the campaign council to deploy the necessary resources and energy to secure victory for all APC candidates in the state.

Garo, however, cautioned the campaign team against actions capable of threatening peace and tranquillity in Kano North.

He encouraged party supporters to adopt issue-based campaigns and convince voters through constructive engagement rather than confrontational tactics.

Similarly, the Director-General of the APC Presidential and Governorship Campaign Council in Kano, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, urged the Bichi campaign team to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and engage youth support groups to generate widespread backing for the party.

Gwarzo expressed optimism about the APC’s chances in the 2027 presidential and governorship elections in Kano, while urging campaign officials and supporters to shun violence and aggression capable of disrupting the peace in the state.

A leg cramp can happen suddenly and leave a person struggling to move for several minutes. It may occur while walking, exercising or even in the middle of the night. The affected muscle suddenly tightens and becomes hard and painful. In most cases, the cramp settles on its own and does not cause lasting harm. However, frequent or unusually painful cramps should not always be ignored.

Leg cramps can have several causes. Sometimes they are linked to something as simple as not drinking enough water or overworking a muscle. In other cases, they may be associated with changes in the body’s electrolytes, nerve problems, poor blood circulation, pregnancy or the side effects of certain medicines. The calf is one of the most common areas affected, although cramps can also occur in the feet and thighs.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights nine common causes of leg cramps and when the symptoms may require medical attention.

Dehydration

Not drinking enough dehydration can make the muscles more likely to cramp. The risk may increase when a person loses a lot of fluid through sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea or fever. People who exercise for long periods, particularly in hot weather, may also lose substantial amounts of fluid.

When dehydration is mild, replacing lost fluids may help. However, drinking water alone may not be enough when there has been significant fluid or electrolyte loss. Severe dehydration can cause symptoms such as extreme thirst, dizziness, weakness, confusion and very little urine. These symptoms require prompt medical attention. People who frequently experience cramps after strenuous activity or spending a long time in the heat should pay attention to their fluid intake.

Low potassium

Potassium is an important electrolyte that helps nerves and muscles function properly. When potassium levels become too low, a person may develop muscle cramps, weakness or abnormal heart rhythms. In severe cases, very low potassium can become dangerous.

Low potassium can result from repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, certain medical conditions or the use of some medicines, particularly some diuretics.

This is one reason people should be careful about taking potassium supplements simply because they have leg cramps. Too much potassium can also be harmful, especially in people with kidney problems or those taking certain medicines. Abnormally high potassium levels can affect the heart. If low potassium is suspected, a healthcare professional can determine whether testing is necessary and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Low magnesium

Magnesium is another mineral involved in normal nerve and muscle function. A significant magnesium deficiency may contribute to muscle cramps, weakness and muscle twitching. It can occur because of poor nutrition, certain gastrointestinal conditions or heavy alcohol use. Some medicines can also affect magnesium levels.

Magnesium supplements are sometimes marketed as a quick solution for leg cramps, but they do not help everyone. Taking supplements without knowing whether a deficiency exists may not address the actual cause of recurrent cramps. People who have persistent symptoms, particularly alongside weakness or other unusual symptoms, should speak with a healthcare professional about whether testing is appropriate.

Certain medicines

Some medicine can contribute to muscle cramps. For example, diuretics can increase the loss of water and certain electrolytes from the body. Changes in these electrolytes may contribute to muscle symptoms. Some other medicines can also cause muscle-related problems. Statins, which are commonly prescribed to reduce cholesterol, may sometimes cause muscle pain or weakness.

However, muscle cramps have many possible causes. If cramps begin after starting a new medicine, changing the dose or adding another medicine, it is worth discussing the symptoms with a doctor or pharmacist. People should not stop prescribed medicines on their own. A healthcare professional can determine whether the medicine may be contributing to the problem and whether a change is necessary

Pregnancy

Leg cramps are common during pregnancy , particularly at night. Several changes that occur during pregnancy may contribute, including increased body weight, changes in circulation and additional pressure on muscles and nerves. Cramps can be uncomfortable and may interrupt sleep, but they are usually not dangerous on their own.Gentle stretching and regular movement may help some pregnant women manage ordinary cramps.

However, a painful leg during pregnancy should not automatically be assumed to be a simple cramp. A blood clot in a deep vein can cause pain and swelling in one leg. If one leg suddenly becomes swollen, red, warm or significantly more painful than the other, the person should seek prompt medical assessment. A suspected blood clot requires proper medical evaluation rather than massage or home treatment.

Poor blood circulation

Problems with blood circulation can sometimes cause pain that feels like a muscle cramp.

One important example is peripheral artery disease, or PAD. It occurs when arteries supplying blood to the legs become narrowed, reducing blood flow to the muscles.

A common pattern is pain or cramping in the calf, thigh or buttocks when walking or exercising. The discomfort may improve after the person stops and rests.This is known as intermittent claudication.

The risk of peripheral artery disease is higher among people who smoke or have conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Repeated pain that follows this pattern should be medically assessed rather than repeatedly treated as an ordinary muscle cramp. Other circulation problems can also cause changes in the colour or temperature of the foot and should be taken seriously.

Heavy exercise or muscle overuse

Muscles can cramp when they become fatigued after strenuous or prolonged activity. This can happen during exercise or several hours afterwards. The risk may be higher when someone suddenly increases the intensity or duration of their workouts. For example, a person who is not accustomed to running may develop cramps after suddenly taking on a long-distance run. Similar problems can occur after prolonged cycling, sports or other demanding physical activities.

Exercising in hot conditions can also increase the risk because of fluid loss and muscle fatigue.

Gradually increasing exercise gives the body time to adapt. Adequate rest, hydration and gentle stretching may also help reduce the likelihood of exercise-related cramps.

However, severe or repeated cramps during exercise should not simply be attributed to being unfit. Other causes may need to be considered.

Low calcium

Calcium is essential for normal muscle contraction and nerve function.

When calcium levels become significantly low, muscles can become more prone to cramping or spasms. Some people may also experience tingling, particularly around the mouth, fingers or feet.

Low calcium can be associated with vitamin D deficiency, problems affecting the parathyroid glands, kidney disease and some medicines.

A person should not automatically assume that frequent cramps mean they need calcium supplements. Too much calcium can also cause health problems. Where a calcium disorder is suspected, blood tests can help determine whether calcium levels are abnormal and identify possible causes.

Thirty-seven suspected illegal miners died from asphyxiation while being held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, with a Federal Government investigative panel describing the deaths as preventable.

The panel’s chairman, Jonathan Kure, a former Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, disclosed this on Tuesday during the submission of the committee’s report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja.

Kure said the committee recommended ?1.4 billion in compensation for the families of 33 victims and 44 survivors.

According to him, the victims, among them 14 minors, were detained in inhumane conditions that contributed to the avoidable loss of lives.

The panel called for the dismissal of the Niger State NSCDC commandant and other officers found to have been directly involved in the miners’ detention and the events that culminated in their deaths.

It also urged the government to introduce institutional reforms within the corps to improve leadership and strengthen accountability.

Responding to the report, Tunji-Ojo pledged that the government would act on the recommendations to ensure justice for those affected.

The minister further ordered the immediate suspension of officers accused of cleaning up the detention facility in an alleged attempt to destroy evidence.

The findings represent a significant step in the investigation into the deaths, which occurred on September 17, 2026, while the suspected miners were in the custody of the NSCDC’s Niger State Command in Minna.

The victims were among several people arrested during operations targeting suspected illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State.