Author Archives: News All Around

A faith-based advocacy group, the Christian Forum for Peaceful and United Kaduna, has commended Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for reinstating the Christian pilgrimage scheme in the state, describing the move as bold, inclusive and a step toward rebuilding trust between government and the Christian community.

The group, in a statement issued in Kaduna, applauded the governor for approving the 2025 Christian pilgrimage and facilitating an orientation programme for 50 intending pilgrims held on February 17, 2026.

In the statement signed by the Secretary, Reverend Ishaya Bulus, the group said, “The development marks the return of the programme after it was suspended in 2015 by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, whose administration also scrapped the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Agency.

According to the forum, the reinstatement signals a renewed commitment to fairness and religious harmony in the state.

“We commend Governor Uba Sani for taking a courageous and just decision to reinstate the Christian pilgrimage scheme. This is a testament to inclusivity, equity and a genuine desire to strengthen unity among the diverse religious communities in Kaduna State,” the statement read.

The group recalled that it had strongly criticised the suspension of the scheme under the previous administration, arguing that it denied Christians in the state the opportunity to undertake pilgrimage to the Holy Land and offer prayers for peace and progress in Nigeria.

It noted that the return of the programme represents what it described as a departure from an atmosphere it perceived as unfavourable to Christians during the last administration.

“Today, a milestone has been achieved. The return of the pilgrimage programme demonstrates that government policies can be reviewed in the interest of justice and unity. It restores confidence among Christian faithful who felt marginalised,” the forum added.

“We are happy that Governor Sani’s administration has framed the reinstatement as part of broader efforts to promote religious harmony, inclusiveness and fairness in governance. We are also glad that the government has also emphasised the need to rebuild relationships with faith-based organisations across the state.”

However, the Christian Forum further linked the development to what it described as improved security in Southern Kaduna, noting that the relative calm being experienced in recent months stands in contrast to the insecurity and tensions witnessed in previous years.

The group which condemned the decision of the former Governor, Mal Nasir Elrufai to suspend the pilgrimage scheme, urged the Governor Uba Sani to sustain policies that promote peace, equity and mutual respect among Kaduna’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.

“Elrufai marginalized Christians in Kaduna and planted seed of discord and hatred amongst the two main religions. But we thank God, Uba Sani has uprooted all those trees that hitherto created the cracks.

“Kaduna State, known for its complex religious and ethnic composition, has in the past grappled with sectarian tensions, it against this background that we say initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion and interfaith cooperation remain critical to consolidating peace and stability in the state.” It stated.

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has defended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, dismissing allegations made against him by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as diversionary and unfounded.

Sani, in a statement via his X handle @shehusani on Sunday, said the former governor should concentrate on addressing allegations reportedly raised against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission rather than making what he described as “phantom claims” against the National Security Adviser.

“The ex-governor of Kaduna State should focus on the allegations before him and clear his name instead of diverting attention with his purported and phantom claims against the NSA,” Sani said.

He questioned the timing of the allegations, asking why such sensitive information was not made public earlier.
“Why the delay in disclosing such sensitive information to the public until when he was invited? His antics and deceptions should be ignored,” he added.
Sani, a long-time critic of the former governor, further accused him of attempting to whip up public sentiment to deflect from accountability.

He said leaders who have held public office must be prepared to answer for their stewardship rather than seek to shift focus.

Reflecting on his personal experiences during El-Rufai’s tenure, Sani alleged that he and others were subjected to harassment and intimidation but maintained that such experiences did not break their resolve.

“For those of us whom he once traumatised, framed and dragged to the police and the courts in Kaduna, we forgive him, but urge him to learn to handle his karma with maturity, decorum and faith. We have been to prisons, police cells, DSS cells and even military underground cells, but never lost our sense of reasoning,” he said.

The former lawmaker warned that shielding former public office holders from scrutiny sends a dangerous signal to those currently in power.

“If our society continues to pamper and protect past leaders who should be held accountable for their actions while in power, it is giving a life and unconditional guarantee to those in power today that they will also be protected after power,” he stated.

A northern advocacy group, the Northern Progressives Forum for Development (NPFD), has asked former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, to “face the charges against him with the courage he claims to possess” rather than allegedly attempting to divert public attention with accusations against the National Security Adviser.

The group’s position follows reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited El-Rufai over allegations bordering on corruption and mismanagement of public funds during his tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023.

In a statement signed by Mal Musa Mohammed Sule and made available to journalists , the NPFD said it was concerned about what it described as “a pattern of diversionary narratives” coming from the former governor at a time he is expected to respond to anti-graft inquiries.

El-Rufai had, in a letter dated January 30, 2026 and reportedly received on February 11, 2026, written to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) seeking clarification over the alleged procurement of about 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate, a toxic chemical substance, purportedly sourced from a supplier in Poland.

The letter, titled “Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate,” stated that he was acting “as a concerned citizen” and requested details on the purpose of the acquisition, regulatory compliance, and safety protocols surrounding the substance.

However, reacting swiftly, the NPFD alleged that the move was calculated to shift focus from the EFCC’s invitation.
“It is unfortunate that at a time when he is expected to answer serious allegations raised by the EFCC, Malam El-Rufai is seeking to introduce unrelated matters into public discourse,” the group said.

“We observed that he development comes amid claims attributed to El-Rufai that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had ordered his arrest — an allegation that reportedly led to tension at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in recent days.

” El-Rufai was also quoted as alleging that an unnamed individual had tapped the NSA’s phone and confirmed Ribadu’s alleged involvement in plans to detain him. ” The group stated .

The NPFD described the claims as “serious and weighty,” urging the former governor to provide credible evidence to security agencies rather than making public accusations.

“It is disheartening that someone who has served as governor and minister would resort to what appears to be blackmail and rabble-rousing in the face of lawful investigation,” the group stated.

The forum insisted that the EFCC, as a statutory anti-corruption agency, should be allowed to carry out its mandate without interference or politicisation.

“We expect Malam El-Rufai to respect the institutions of state and submit himself to due process. If he believes he is innocent, the proper place to prove that is before investigators and, if necessary, in a court of law — not in the media,” the statement added.

By Barrister Aminu Hussaini

In politics, timing is everything. In Kano, the timing could not be more decisive.

With the formal movement of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf into the All Progressives Congress (APC), the conversation about “possible alignment” between Kano and the federal government is no longer speculative. It has happened. The real question now is not whether Kano will realign—but how profoundly that realignment will reshape 2027.

For a state long considered the strategic heartbeat of northern politics, this development is seismic. Kano is not just numerically significant; it is symbolically powerful. It has birthed movements, defined oppositions and influenced presidential trajectories. Any shift in its political center of gravity sends ripples across the federation.

In 2023, the dominance of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) under the formidable influence of Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso appeared to signal a durable restructuring of Kano’s loyalty map. But politics in Kano has always been dynamic rather than permanent. Structures hold—until they don’t.
The Governor’s shift fundamentally alters the architecture of power in the state.

In Nigeria’s federal system, alignment between a state government and the presidency is not merely symbolic; it is structural. It affects project delivery, fiscal coordination, political patronage networks and most importantly, public perception.
When voters see synergy rather than rivalry between Kano and Abuja, it changes the psychology of governance. Federal presence becomes more visible; infrastructure collaboration accelerates and political messaging becomes unified rather than combative. In a state where performance increasingly shapes voter behavior, this matters.
The alignment also supercharges an already growing youth mobilisation wave around President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The “City Boy Movement”, once dismissed by critics as branding theatrics, now operates within a dramatically altered terrain. Youth-driven digital messaging combined with institutional state backing is a far more potent formula than online enthusiasm alone.

Kano is demographically young. Its streets, campuses, markets and online spaces are politically alive. Youth identity and aspirational politics are becoming central drivers of loyalty. When that demographic energy aligns with both the state and the federal factor, it creates a consolidation effect that opposition forces will find difficult to fracture.

More provocatively, the Governor’s move forces a recalculation within opposition ranks. Political narratives built around resistance lose potency when governance delivery improves under alignment.
The argument of marginalisation becomes harder to sustain if federal-state cooperation produces visible results.
It is true, none of these guarantee 2027. Economic pressures have remained real and misinformation about ongoing reforms exist. Likewise, voter volatility is a permanent feature of Nigeria’s democracy and Kano’s political culture has never been short of surprises.

But what cannot be ignored is this: the electoral battlefield has shifted. What was once a competitive triangle is steadily consolidating into a power bloc. The APC no longer approaches Kano as an external contender—it now operates from within the state’s executive core.
Kano has made a move. Governor AKY has made a move. And with federal alignment now an established reality rather than a theoretical possibility, the game of thrones in 2027 has not merely evolved – it has been irrevocably rewritten. For Nigeria, the game has changed.
In a country where electoral arithmetic is often decided by strategic states, Kano’s latest chapter will not just influence the next election; it will define it.

Barrister Aminu Hussaini – is the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State-AKY on Justice/Constitutional Matters

A Southern Kaduna activist, Steven Kefas, has launched a blistering attack on former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent comments on national security and citizens’ wellbeing.

El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023, had taken to his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to share a commentary titled “National Security, Justice, and the People’s Wellbeing: Reclaiming the Purpose of Power.” In the post, the former governor reflected on governance, justice, and the need for leaders to prioritise the safety and welfare of citizens.

However, Kefas, a vocal rights advocate from Southern Kaduna, responded sharply, accusing El-Rufai of lacking the moral authority to speak on security matters.

“You, amongst all people, do not have the moral standing to talk about security and the people’s wellbeing,” Kefas wrote on his X handle. “You are one of the architects of the insecurity facing our dear country today.”

Kefas’ reaction has since sparked widespread debate on social media, reopening long-standing controversies surrounding El-Rufai’s handling of security challenges during his eight-year tenure as governor.

Kaduna State ,particularly Southern Kaduna, witnessed repeated incidents of banditry, communal clashes, and deadly attacks on rural communities during El-Rufai’s administration. Human rights organisations and community leaders frequently criticised his government over its response to violence, alleged insensitivity to victims, and policies which critics claimed exacerbated ethnic and religious tensions.

While El-Rufai consistently defended his security strategies, maintaining that his administration worked closely with federal authorities and security agencies, critics argue that many communities remained vulnerable, with thousands displaced and numerous lives lost.

Kefas’ remarks reflect the views of several Southern Kaduna activists who have long accused the former governor of downplaying attacks in the region and failing to adequately protect minority communities.

The exchange comes amid renewed national conversations on insecurity, governance accountability, and the role of past leaders in shaping Nigeria’s current security challenges.

It would be recalled that in 2019, Kefas—who has been a persistent critic of El-Rufai—was arrested and detained in Kaduna, reportedly on alleged “orders from above,” an incident that further heightened tensions between the activist and the former governor’s administration.

The Northern Transparency Advocate Group (NTAG) has strongly condemned the Justice Mu”azu Pindiga Committee of Inquiry set up by the Sokoto State Government under Governor Ahmed Aliyu to probe the financial activities of the immediate past administration of Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

The group described the panel’s allegations against Tambuwal’s government as “politically motivated, misleading and laughable”, insisting that the former governor’s administration remains one of the most financially disciplined in Nigeria.

Speaking at the end of a two-day seminar on “Corruption and Related Offences Against Economic Growth in Nigeria” held in Kaduna, the Zonal Coordinator of the group, Dr Murtala Abbas Tafoki, accused the current Sokoto State Government of using the committee as a tool for persecution and political intimidation.

“We find it very amusing, surprising and disappointing that Justice Pindiga, who himself has unresolved allegations of corruption, is now leading a panel to accuse one of the cleanest administrations in Nigeria of financial mismanagement.

“This is nothing but a politically sponsored witch-hunt aimed at destroying the records and achievements of the Tambuwal administration,” Tafoki said.

Tafoki described the committee’s report as “a laughing affair”, arguing that it lacks credibility in the face of what he called “widespread financial recklessness” under the current APC-led government in Sokoto.

“There is absolutely no justification, in whatever manner, for Justice Pindiga to point accusing fingers at an administration that was widely commended for prudence, transparency and accountability by reputable international organisations.

“The Tambuwal government was given a clean slate by both national and international institutions for excellent financial management, good service delivery and strict adherence to due process,” he stated.

According to the group, institutions such as the World Bank, United Nations financial monitoring agencies and CBN had previously rated Tambuwal’s government highly in terms of fiscal discipline and governance standards.

However, Tafoki alleged that the present administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu has weakened financial controls and dismantled key due process mechanisms in the state.

“The Ahmed Aliyu administration has turned Sokoto into a spending empire without rules.

“Over N114 billion was allegedly withdrawn between July 2023 and November 2025 through five commercial banks without due process or adherence to financial guidelines.

“This level of financial recklessness is unprecedented and yet the government is busy chasing a past administration that was known for discipline and prudence,” he claimed.

The group also accused anti-corruption agencies of failing in their responsibilities.

“Even the EFCC economic monitoring teams, both at the state and federal levels, have failed woefully to stop the abuse of financial procedures in Sokoto State.

“It is ironic that a government accused of massive financial violations is now pretending to be a champion of accountability,” he alleged.

The group insisted that the allegations against Tambuwal are purely political.

“This so-called investigation is not about accountability; it is about revenge, intimidation and rewriting history for political gain.

“The aim is to destroy the legacy of a government that managed public resources responsibly and served the people with integrity,” Tafoki said.

NTAG called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to redirect their attention to the current administration.

“We call on EFCC and ICPC to immediately investigate how the Ahmed Aliyu administration is spending the resources of the people of Sokoto State instead of allowing themselves to be used as tools of political propaganda,” Tafoki demanded.

The group also urged the agencies to revisit older corruption cases involving previous Sokoto administrations.

“For these agencies to prove their neutrality, they must reopen corruption allegations against the Bafarawa and Wamakko administrations as well,” he added.

On the judiciary, the group called for transparency regarding Justice Pindiga himself.

“While we commend the judiciary for resisting political intimidation, we demand the immediate release of all reports and findings on corruption allegations against Justice Pindiga,” Tafoki said.

“This is necessary to restore public confidence and prevent him from interfering in sensitive judicial matters where his integrity is already in question.”

The group, however, warned that politicising anti-corruption efforts could weaken democracy and undermine genuine accountability in Nigeria.

As Katsina Launches Network of Peace Centres, Zamfara Awaits Governor’s Approval for Similar Framework

In a major development for justice delivery in Nigeria’s Northwest, Katsina State has fully activated its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) law, establishing six mediation centres, while Zamfara State has passed a bill for a Multi-Door Courthouse and awaits the governor’s signature. These initiatives are designed to offer quicker, more affordable, and culturally attuned conflict resolution, particularly in communities grappling with insecurity.

The advancements were a central focus of a recent training workshop in Gusau, organized by the peacebuilding group International Alert Nigeria, which aimed to enhance the mediation skills of justice officials from both states.

Katsina’s Operational Centres

Abdulrahman Lawal Buhari, Director of Citizens’ Rights and Head of the Mediation Centre in Katsina, confirmed that Governor Mallam Umar Radda, Ph.D., has signed the ADR law into effect. A network of centres is now functioning in Katsina, Daura, Malumfashi, Funtua, Dutsinma, and Kankia.

“In many affected areas, people do not require the formal rigors of the court. They can resolve disputes amicably with the support of the mediation centres,” Buhari said. He credited International Alert as a key partner in supporting the Ministry of Justice and sharing knowledge.

Zamfara’s Pending Framework

In Zamfara, the State Assembly passed a bill in November 2025 to create a Multi-Door Courthouse, a system that directs disputes toward mediation and arbitration. It now awaits the governor’s assent to become law.

Sunday Momoh Jimoh, Program Manager for International Alert Nigeria, said the organization aided the Ministry of Justice in drafting the legislation. “The ministry reached out to us, learning from our work in Zamfara and Katsina. That collaboration led to this training,” he noted.

Building Capacity for the New Systems

The Gusau training prepared future staff for Zamfara’s planned courthouse and Katsina’s existing centres. “Although staff in Zamfara are yet to be formally appointed, we are training key stakeholders from the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary who will form the core of the structure,” Momoh Jimoh explained.

International Backing for Local Peace

This work is part of the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) program, funded by the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. It is implemented by Tetra Tech International alongside the Centre for Democracy and Development and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.

Mrs. Priscilla Ankut, Deputy Team Leader for SPRING, stated the program’s objective is to back conflict-sensitive policies and broaden access to justice where formal courts are overburdened or out of reach.

A Community-Led Path to Peace

Amid insecurity and court backlogs, these ADR frameworks present a critical alternative. They enable local dispute resolution, alleviate pressure on the judiciary, and promote reconciliation—essential for lasting peace.

As Zamfara moves to formalize its system, following Katsina’s lead, the cooperation between state authorities and international partners signals a meaningful turn toward sustainable, community-driven justice in the region.

Mike Odeh James

Kaduna

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has raised fresh alarm over the abduction of 15 married Christian women by Boko Haram terrorists in southern Borno State, while sharply criticizing the continued silence of authorities over the kidnapping of 166 worshippers from churches in southern Kaduna.

In a press statement issued Monday and signed by its president, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, the MBF said the women were abducted on December 18, 2025, from Kilakasa village in Dille District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area while fishing by a nearby river. The group identified the attackers as Boko Haram.

According to the MBF, all 15 victims are Christian women of the Marghi ethnic group, aged between 30 and 40, and are mothers with young children. At least one of the abducted women reportedly has six children who have now been left without their mother.

Despite families reporting the incident to security agencies and making initial ransom contacts, the forum said communication with the abductors has since ceased, with no known rescue operation underway.

“The complete silence by the Nigerian media on such a grave crime is curious and deeply troubling,” the MBF said, adding that the lack of information has compounded the anguish of families and heightened fear in Middle Belt communities within Borno State.

The forum contrasted the inaction with the recent rescue of 12 girls abducted by Boko Haram from a communal farm in Mussa District, Askira Emirate. The girls were freed within four days by troops of Operation Hadin Kai. MBF urged authorities to apply the same urgency to the Kilakasa abduction.

Beyond Borno, the forum expressed deep concern over the fate of 166 worshippers abducted from three churches in Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru Local Government Area of southern Kaduna. The kidnappings, which occurred about 15 days earlier, were initially denied by state authorities, according to the MBF.

“The silence of the Kaduna State Government and the Kaduna State Police Command is not only unsettling but heartlessly insensitive to victims’ families,” the statement said.

The MBF also condemned a recent coordinated attack on Agwara town in Niger State, where armed bandits reportedly overran local security, burned a police divisional headquarters, attacked a church, and abducted at least five residents. The assault, the forum said, has left the community traumatized and fearful of further attacks.

According to the MBF, the Agwara incident reflects a broader pattern of violence across the Middle Belt, increasingly targeting churches, schools, police facilities, and civilian communities.

In southern Kaduna, the forum cited continued daily kidnappings and attacks in Kauru, Kachia, Lere, Chikun, and Kagarko local government areas, warning that armed groups are operating with near-total impunity.

The group criticized Kaduna State for lacking a well-trained and properly funded civilian security support structure, arguing that neighboring states have made more progress through community-based security collaborations.

It also questioned the effectiveness of what the state government has described as the “Kaduna Peace Model,” noting that the period has coincided with mass kidnappings and displacement. The MBF alleged that some armed Fulani bandits previously pardoned and reintegrated in 2024 are linked to the current wave of violence.

“These developments lend credence to claims of a targeted campaign against Christian-majority ethnic nationalities of the Middle Belt,” the forum said, describing the situation as evidence of a wider pattern of religiously motivated violence.

The MBF demanded immediate and transparent updates on all abducted persons, swift and coordinated rescue efforts, and concrete protection strategies that uphold citizens’ constitutional rights to life and security.

“The lives of these women and all other abducted persons matter,” the statement concluded.

The Kaduna Central Elders Forum has asked Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, to render an account of his stewardship at the National Assembly, citing what it described as poor performance and weak engagement with constituents since his election.

The elders accused the senator of being more visible on social media than in the communities he represents, saying his approach to representation has failed to address the pressing challenges facing Kaduna Central.

In a statement jointly issued and signed by Mal. Inuwa Rigachikun and Mr Moses Bulus Madami, the forum described Senator Lawal Adamu as a lawmaker who relies largely on Facebook posts to communicate with constituents, rather than regular physical engagement, consultations and constituency outreach.

“Our Kaduna senator appears to exist only on Facebook. Representation goes beyond online posts. The people need to see, feel and interact with their elected representative,” the forum stated.

The group, made up of traditional rulers, retired civil servants and community stakeholders across the senatorial district, said the senator’s poor physical presence had widened the gap between him and grassroots communities, especially at a time when Kaduna Central is grappling with insecurity, unemployment and deteriorating infrastructure.

According to the elders, several communities within the district have not had any direct engagement with the senator since he assumed office, either through town hall meetings, constituency visits or stakeholder consultations.

They also accused the senator of failing to take strong positions on critical local issues, including repeated security challenges affecting rural communities, economic hardship, youth unemployment and the poor state of roads and public facilities.

“The people of Kaduna Central are facing serious challenges. These problems cannot be addressed from Abuja or through Facebook posts alone,” the elders said, adding that constituents expect their representative to be vocal both on the floor of the Senate and within the district.

The forum further called on the senator to publicly outline constituency projects attracted so far and explain his legislative contributions in clear terms to the people he represents.

The elders who underscores the senator’s performance as underwhelming, said physical presence was critical to effective representation. “Even if motions are sponsored, people want to see their senator. Physical engagement builds trust,” they said.