Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has removed 2,363 ghost workers from the state payroll, saving the government ₦200 million monthly.

The move, which eliminates fraudulent salary payments totaling ₦193,642,097.19, has been praised as a crucial step toward financial stability and development.

The Coalition of Rescue Support Groups in Zamfara commended the governor’s efforts, noting that the cleanup has facilitated the smooth implementation of the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 for civil servants.

“This is a departure from the vicious cycle of salary bondage imposed on workers by previous administrations,” said Alhaji Rufai Ahmed Gusau, the coalition’s state coordinator.

Governor Lawal’s reforms have ensured that only genuine employees remain on the payroll, with 28,273 workers verified and cleared.

The coalition believes these measures will strengthen service delivery, boost economic activity, and improve governance in Zamfara.

“With improved security and economic activities, Zamfara people now enjoy the dividends of democracy and good governance,” the statement read.

The group urged workers, union leaders, opposition parties, and residents to support the government’s efforts to reform and advance the state’s economic and administrative structures.

As Zamfara continues on this path of accountability and transparency, the removal of ghost workers marks a major milestone in Governor Lawal’s drive to restore financial integrity and promote sustainable development.

 The U.S. government has sanctioned six senior Chinese and Hong Kong officials for “transnational repression” and further eroding the autonomy of Hong Kong, in the first major move by the Trump administration to punish China over its crackdown on the city.”Beijing and Hong Kong officials have used Hong Kong national security laws extraterritorially to intimidate, silence, and harass 19 pro-democracy activists who were forced to flee overseas, including a U.S. citizen and four other U.S. residents,” the State Department said in a statement.In response, the U.S. is sanctioning six individuals who have “engaged in actions or policies that threaten to further erode the autonomy of Hong Kong in contravention of China’s commitments, and in connection with acts of transnational repression,” it said.Western countries have criticized Beijing for imposing the national security law on Hong Kong and using it to jail pro-democracy activists, as well as shutter liberal media outlets and civil society groups. Beijing says the law, which punishes acts like subversion and foreign collusion with up to life in prison, has brought stability after mass pro-democracy protests there in 2019. The sanctions announced on Monday put blocks on any property, funds or transactions within the U.S. for these individuals, including Dong Jingwei, a former senior official at China’s main civilian intelligence agency who is now the director of China’s Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong. Dong was previously China’s top spy catcher who had oversight of counter-intelligence. He was also vice minister of state security, a high-profile role which included hunting down foreign spies in China and nationals who colluded with foreign countries. Paul Lam, Hong Kong’s top legal official as secretary for justice, who has driven prosecutions against scores of democratic activists, was also sanctioned. Security and police officials Sonny Au, Dick Wong, Margaret Chiu, Raymond Siu were also sanctioned for their role in “coercing, arresting, detaining, or imprisoning of individuals” under the security laws. China’s Foreign Commissioner’s office in Hong Kong said in a statement the sanctions were “despicable” and were a sinister attempt to undermine Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability. The Hong Kong government strongly condemned the sanctions that it said “clearly exposed the US’ barbarity under its hegemony”. The post US sanctions six Chinese and Hong Kong officials for rights abuses appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the violent attack on the entourage of Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II after Eid prayers on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

The incident resulted in the death of a vigilante member and injuries to another.

In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, police confirmed that 20-year-old Usman Sagiru, a resident of Sharifai Quarters, was apprehended.

However, other suspects involved in the attack remain at large.

READ ALSO: Emir Sanusi II calls for justice over killing of 16 Kano indigenes in Edo

According to preliminary investigations, the suspects allegedly stabbed Surajo Rabiu, a vigilante member from Sabon Titi Jaba Quarters, who later succumbed to his injuries.

Another victim, Aminu Suleman from Kofar Mata Quarters, sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Murtala Mohammed Specialists Hospital in Kano.

As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities have invited Shamakin Kano, Alhaji Wada Isyaku, for questioning.

In response to the violence, the Kano State Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining public order and reaffirmed the ban on all Durbar activities.

READ ALSO: Appellate court halts Sanusi’s reinstatement

“Anyone found engaging in the event or causing disturbances will face legal consequences,” the statement warned.

The police also condemned the act of thuggery (Daba) and vowed to crack down on individuals threatening public peace.

“We appeal to members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with the police to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all,” the statement added.

The Command assured that all those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice and urged residents to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.