Renowned political singer Dauda Kahutu, also known as Rarara, has claimed that Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former Kano State governor and head of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, has played a role in Nigeria’s ongoing economic and administrative difficulties. Rarara voiced these accusations in an interview with the online outlet SL Update, stating that Nigeria’s present challenges stem from historical policy choices.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Rarara’s primary concerns include:

• He contends that the restriction and withholding of local government funds by higher tiers of government are significant drivers of underdevelopment in grassroots areas.

• The musician explained that these funds are essential for providing services to citizens at the local level, and interfering with them disrupts these critical services.

• According to Rarara, this lack of financial independence has undermined the ability of local councils to carry out vital projects for rural communities.

• He argues that development in essential sectors—specifically education, healthcare, rural infrastructure, and water supply—has stalled due to the absence of financial autonomy for local governments.

• Rarara concluded that Nigeria will only realize long-term economic growth and development if local governments are permitted to manage their own resources without outside interference.

• He believes that allowing councils full control over their funding would enhance service delivery and make governance more accessible to the public.

Galatasaray is intensifying efforts to retain Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen as major European clubs, particularly Arsenal and Manchester United, prepare substantial offers for the star. The Turkish champions previously secured Osimhen on a permanent deal for a record-breaking €75 million. Since his arrival, the 27-year-old has been instrumental in the club’s Super Lig title success and their UEFA Champions League performance, leading Galatasaray to reject a €120 million verbal offer from Atlético Madrid.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• The club is reportedly planning to offer Osimhen the captain’s armband for the 2026/27 season, a move supported by head coach Okan Buruk, who has lauded the striker’s leadership and work ethic.

• If current captain Mauro Icardi departs, Osimhen is expected to take over the iconic No. 9 shirt.

• The club aims to permanently establish his leadership role to demonstrate his high value, despite his previous humility in declining the captaincy during a match to respect senior teammate İlkay Gündoğan.

Competition from the Premier League remains intense:

• Manchester United: New manager Michael Carrick views Osimhen as a priority target, particularly with Joshua Zirkzee expected to exit. The club is reportedly prepared to bid between £110 million and £130 million.

• Arsenal: Manager Mikel Arteta is pursuing the striker, with sporting director Andrea Berta reportedly discussing a potential deal with Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek. The total financial package for this transfer could reach £200 million when including wages and bonuses.

• Chelsea: The club maintains an interest in the player but is currently proceeding with more caution than its rivals.

Osimhen, who is currently the highest-paid player in the history of Turkish football with an annual salary of approximately €15 million, continues to be a central figure in European transfer discussions.

• Passing of Hon. Mohammad Wanzam: The Bauchi State House of Assembly announced the death of Hon. Mohammad Wanzam, the lawmaker representing the Sakwa Constituency, who passed away on Sunday morning. Hon. Wanzam also served as the chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations. The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Sulaiman, paid tribute to the late legislator, praising his dedicated service to both his constituency and the state, and expressed prayers for his soul to be granted Aljannatul Firdaus.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The funeral prayer for the late lawmaker was scheduled for 11:00 a.m. this Sunday at the Gwallaga Juma’at Mosque in Bauchi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Passing of Audu Sule Katagum: Additionally, the former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Audu Sule Katagum, has died at the age of 69. He served as deputy governor from 2018 to 2019 under the administration of former Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar. His passing was confirmed early Saturday by Shamsuddeen Lukman Abubakar, an aide to the former governor.