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A women’s group operating under the aegis of Kajuru/Chikun Women Group has strongly criticised Senator Lawal Adamu, representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District over what it described as his alleged failure to visit or support communities affected by recent bandit attacks in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The group, in a press statement jointly signed by its Coordinator, Mrs. Jumai Bulus, and Secretary,Mrs. Mary Galadima, accused the senator of showing “no sense of concern” for victims of insecurity in Kajuru and Chikun local government areas, despite the spate of attacks that have left several communities traumatised and displaced.

According to the women, it was disheartening that a lawmaker elected with the hope of improving the welfare and security of his constituents had failed to rise to the occasion at a critical time.

“It is painful to note that our senator has not only failed in his duties as a lawmaker, but has also disappointed the electorate who voted for him with the hope that he would make their lives better,” the statement read.

The group noted that previous occupants of the senatorial seat, under similar circumstances, didn’t waste time to speak out on the floor of the Senate and further visited affected communities as well as identified with victims of attacks and provided relief materials to ease their suffering.

“In this trying period, we expected Senator Lawal to act like his predecessors ,who openly condemned such attacks and personally visited affected areas. As we speak, we are not aware of any such visit or intervention by him,” the women said.

They further lamented what they described as the senator’s habitual silence on critical issues of security and welfare, stressing that both are fundamental constitutional responsibilities of elected representatives.

“We are deeply pained that our senator has not shown concern about our security and welfare, which are fundamental constitutional matters,” the statement added.

The women also alleged that rather than engaging with constituents or initiating legislative and advocacy efforts to address insecurity, the senator had been frequently travelling outside the country.

“We gathered that instead of sitting down to make relevant laws or interventions to better the lives of his people, he is often travelling out of the country,” the group claimed.

Raising further concerns, the Kajuru/Chikun women said they were unaware of any tangible constituency projects attracted or executed by the senator since he assumed office over two years ago.

“We have not seen any meaningful constituency projects that he has either attracted or executed since he came into office. If there are any in our communities, he should boldly come out to tell us,” they challenged.

The group also called on Senator Lawal to publicly account for constituency funds allocated to lawmakers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for constituency outreach and development.
“We are challenging him to render account of the huge monies given to lawmakers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to boost constituency outreach,” the statement read.

The women vowed to mobilise their communities to vote the senator out in the 2027 general elections, insisting that they would support candidates with proven capacity, courage and commitment to speaking for their people on the floor of the Senate.

“We will no longer support docile lawmakers. We are determined to elect people with proven track records of capacity and purpose—leaders who will stand up and speak for us,” they declared.

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has called for unity and collective responsibility in addressing the recent kidnapping incident in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, urging Nigerians to avoid politicising the tragedy.

Reacting to the incident, Sani expressed confidence in the capacity of the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to secure the release of the abducted victims, describing the rescue of the captives as an urgent priority.

“I have no doubt that the Kaduna State Government and the security agencies will work diligently to secure the release of the captives,” the former lawmaker said.

While condemning the attack, Sani acknowledged the security efforts of Governor Uba Sani, noting that significant progress has been made in tackling insecurity across the state over the past two years.

“Despite this tragic incident, Governor Uba Sani has been doing a lot to secure the state in the last two years, and his efforts should be appreciated,” he stated.
The rights activist emphasized that moments of crisis should not be exploited for political gains, stressing that the focus must remain on saving lives and restoring safety.

“Working towards securing the release of the hostages now is the priority. Everyone who has something to contribute should do that and not play politics with the lives of the people,” Sani warned.

He further noted that criminal elements often take advantage of vulnerable communities, urging sustained resolve in confronting insecurity.

“Bandits and terrorists will always hit soft targets, and we must never waver or falter in our determination to defeat them and secure our state and country,” he added.

The Kajuru kidnapping has once again drawn attention to the persistent security challenges in parts of Kaduna State, with calls mounting for sustained collaboration between government, security agencies, and local communities to end banditry and terrorism.

The Christian Media Forum (CMF) has said that it received the news of the abduction of 167 Christian worshipers in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State with great concerns, demanding the government and security agencies do all possible for their immediate rescue.

In a statement signed by its National President, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, and National Secretary, Andrew Ibrahim Mshelia, the CMF called on security agencies to redouble their efforts towards ensuring the safe release of the abducted worshipers.

The statement said that the armed bandits were said to have arrived at the community while church services were being conducted, reportedly carrying out coordinated attacks on several churches.

“They fired shots into the air, causing panic which led to the abduction of more than 100 worshippers.

“The Christian Media Forum further gathered that the development forced a lot of the worshippers to attempt to escape into nearby bushes.

“However, they fell into the hands of other members of the bandits who seized them without much struggle.

“A local source, whose relative was among the victims, told newsmen that the attackers moved from one church to another, abducting people in large numbers during the operation,” the statement said.

The Christian Media Forum said that it is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of the abducted worshipers.

The forum urged the state government and well-meaning Nigerians to work closely with security agencies to bring an end to banditry and kidnapping in Kaduna State.

The CMF also appealed to the Kaduna State Government to put in place strategic measures that would deter kidnappers and curb the menace of kidnapping and other social vices in the state.

“We condemn this heinous act of violence and demand that the perpetrators be brought to justice.

“The abduction of innocent worshipers is a grave violation of human rights and dignity.

“We stand in solidarity with the families of the abducted worshipers and pray for their safe release,” the statement said.

The CMF commended the efforts of security agencies working to combat banditry and kidnapping in Kaduna State.

“However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of these crimes.

“We urge the government to provide adequate security for citizens and ensure that those responsible for these atrocities face the full weight of the law.

“The Christian Media Forum prays for the safe return of the abducted worshipers and for peace to return to Kaduna State,” it concluded.

As part of dedicated efforts to deliver the dividends of democracy to Nigerians under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government and Energy Commission of Nigeria have strengthened their collaboration in transforming Nigeria’s Energy Sector.

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), led by DG/CEO Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, in a meeting with the Minister of power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu discussed on strengthening collaboration and align with national energy
priorities.

Discussions were focused on enhancing cooperation on renewable energy priorities
and integrating ECN’s research outputs into national power infrastructure through joint implementation and shared resources.

Chief Adelabu reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to sustained partnerships,
especially in hydroelectric power generation and other strategic energy initiatives critical to transforming Nigeria’s power sector.

ECN updated the Minister on key programmes, including the Renewed Hope Solarization Programme, the National Energy Master Plan, and the National Energy Policy, reaffirming its commitment to delivering results that advance Nigeria’s energy and development goals.

By Barrister Aminu Hussaini

History often reveals itself not in moments of noise, but in moments of alignment-when power, timing and leadership converge. Nigeria is living through such a moment and at its centre stands President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The expanding national political consensus coalescing around the APC is not an accident of electoral arithmetic; it is the culmination of decades of political engineering, negotiations and strategic bridge-building in which Asiwaju has been the principal architect.

Nigeria’s recurring challenge has never been the absence of reform ideas. What has been missing is a leader capable of commanding sufficient national consensus to implement them.

Constitutional conferences have come and gone. Committees have produced volumes of recommendations. Yet reform repeatedly stalled at the altar of political fragmentation and mutual suspicion. Tinubu’s ascendancy marks a departure from that cycle.

Unlike many leaders who inherit power without reach, Tinubu arrived at the presidency with a deep, cross-regional political network patiently built over time. His politics has always been coalition politics-pragmatic, inclusive and unsentimental.

From his days as a pro-democracy activist, to his tenure as Governor of Lagos State and through his role in forging the APC itself, Tinubu demonstrated a rare understanding of Nigeria’s power map and how to align its diverse interests without collapsing into sectionalism.

The current national convergence around the APC reflects this strategic depth. It is not merely that the party governs across much of the federation; it is that this spread cuts across traditional fault lines-North and South, Muslim and Christian, majority and minority regions. Only a leader with Tinubu’s political credibility and negotiating instinct could have held together such a broad coalition in Nigeria’s notoriously volatile political terrain.

This convergence creates something Nigeria has seldom enjoyed; the political space for courage. Restructuring- long caricatured as a sectional agenda- can now be approached as a national project.

Under Tinubu, the argument for reform no longer sounds like a threat to unity but like a strategy to save it. When a president commands trust and influence across regions, fears give way to dialogue and suspicion yields to pragmatism.

Nigeria’s problems are structural and well known. Over-centralisation has weakened security, stifled economic initiative and eroded accountability. States remain fiscally dependent and administratively constrained, while the federal centre is overburdened and inefficient. These dysfunctions persist not because they are unsolvable, but because previous leaders lacked the political alignment to confront them decisively.

Tinubu’s leadership changes that equation. His presidency coincides with a rare political consensus strong enough to sustain difficult conversations about devolution, fiscal federalism, state policing and a more balanced federation. Crucially, this is not consensus born of coercion, but of political inclusion. It is the product of alliances negotiated, interests balanced and egos managed – hallmarks of Tinubu’s political style.

With the groundwork of national consensus already laid, Kano’s decision to plug into the centre reflects a clear reading of history, power and opportunity. Given its demographic strength, economic reach and symbolic standing in the North, Kano’s cooperation significantly deepens the legitimacy and reach of ongoing reforms. More than a political gesture, the alignment positions the state as an active stakeholder in shaping outcomes rather than reacting to them.

At a time when reform demands coordination and shared purpose, Kano’s alignment enhances its influence at the centre while reinforcing national stability and policy coherence.
Yet history is unforgiving of missed opportunities.

Consensus can be a tool for reform or a trap of complacency. The measure of Tinubu’s place in Nigeria’s political history will not be the scale of his political dominance, but the depth of the reforms he dares to pursue. Power that merely consolidates itself is soon forgotten; power that restructures a nation endures.

Restructuring under Tinubu need not be radical rupture. It can be deliberate, negotiated and stabilizing – strengthening the federation by empowering its parts while preserving national cohesion. That balance between firmness and flexibility is precisely where Tinubu’s political genius has always resided.

This moment calls for statesmanship over partisanship, legacy over longevity. If Tinubu deploys this unprecedented national consensus to reset Nigeria’s federal architecture, history will remember him not merely as a master strategist, but as the leader who finally aligned Nigeria’s power structure with its realities. Moments like this define nations and leaders. For Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this is more than a presidency. It is an appointment with history!

Barrister Aminu Hussaini is the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State – AKY on Justice/Constitutional Matters: +234 8033742424 – aminuhussaini173@gmail.com

By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

Doha, Qatar — Nigeria has recorded a historic milestone in its defence and industrial development with the global debut of the DICON-D7G, a fully indigenous defence platform, at the ongoing Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026).

The exhibition, which runs until January 23, is one of the world’s leading maritime and naval defence gatherings, bringing together policymakers, senior military officials, and defence technology companies from across the globe.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who formally declared the DICON-D7G exhibition booth open on Monday, described the platform as a major demonstration of Nigeria’s growing indigenous defence manufacturing capacity and technological innovation.

Abbas, noted that Nigeria’s participation at DIMDEX reflects the country’s commitment to maritime security cooperation and industrial advancement on the global stage, adding that the exhibition represents Nigeria’s most ambitious international defence presentation to date.

For the first time since the establishment of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in 1968, the Federal Government is showcasing a comprehensive platform designed for the production, assembly, maintenance, storage, and export of military equipment.

The initiative, officials said, underscores Nigeria’s determination to transition from an import-dependent defence system to a self-reliant, export-oriented military-industrial complex.

Fielding questions from journalists, the Chief Executive Officer of DICON-D7G, Mr Osman Chennar, said the platform was a product of years of strategic reforms, public-private partnerships, and policy alignment aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

“DICON-D7G delivers end-to-end defence solutions, ranging from weapons production and systems integration to maintenance, logistics, warehousing, and export readiness,” Chennar said.

He added that the platform actively integrates retired military generals and other seasoned professionals with civilian experts to mentor and train the next generation of defence personnel.

“We are not just building equipment; we are building human capacity for the future of Nigeria’s defence sector,” he said.

Also speaking, Retired Major General Mainasara Abdul Masanawa, Director of Land Systems at DICON, described DIMDEX 2026 as a strategic opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its expanding capabilities while engaging global defence manufacturers, technology partners, and investors.

According to him, DICON-D7G is exploring technology transfer arrangements, joint ventures, and export opportunities, particularly across Africa, the Middle East, and other emerging defence markets.

Industry analysts said Nigeria’s participation at DIMDEX sends a strong signal of the Federal Government’s resolve to reposition DICON as a competitive player in the global defence industry while strengthening national security through local content development.

Similarly, Retired Brigadier General Abiodun Morakinyo noted that Nigeria’s presence at the exhibition aligns with broader national defence and industrialisation objectives, including reducing foreign exchange exposure, enhancing the operational readiness of the Armed Forces, creating skilled jobs, and promoting technological innovation.

“DIMDEX is a global platform where nations assert their defence autonomy, and Nigeria’s debut sends a clear message that the country is now firmly part of that league,” he said.

Beyond technology exhibition, the Nigerian delegation is also engaging in high-level discussions on strategic partnerships, maritime security cooperation, and defence export opportunities.

With the unveiling of the DICON-D7G platform, Nigeria aims to secure a foothold in international defence markets, particularly among African and Middle Eastern countries seeking reliable and affordable defence solutions.

Observers say the launch represents a broader vision for Nigeria’s defence sector, focused on local innovation, job creation, and technological growth, while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

As DIMDEX 2026 continues, analysts expect Nigeria’s indigenous defence debut to attract significant global interest and strengthen the country’s strategic standing in the international defence and security landscape.

The Management and Staff of Energy Commission of Nigeria has congratulated their Director General, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi on the occasion of his birthday.

The staffs in their birthday message applauded the leadership style of Dr. Mustapha describing him as a good manager of men and resources.

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi was also described as a man with an amiable personality and God -fearing disposition.

According to the staffs. “Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi has displayed an enviable leadership quality in the development of the sector through his significant contributions to the Commission including the energy sector that has witnessed sustainable growth in energy solutions that has also fostered appreciable levels.

“His unwavering dedication to duty, improvements to staff welfare have remained a rallying point that has continued to” encourage staff, attract admiration and support to his policies for the overall good of the sector.

While wishing the indefatigable DG a happy birthday anniversary celebration, the Management and Staff of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, ECN called on Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha to remain focused on his vision to take the Commission to the enviable heights for all and the nation at large.

The staffs lauded him as a dedicated agent of Renewed Hope which has uplifted the spirit of the workforce from its near-obscurity in its over four decades of existence.

They further commended Mr. President for appointing a sound visionary and genuinely dedicated person as Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria in the person of Dr. Mustapha, who on assumption to office had assured that under his leadership, “The ECN will set the tone for economic development based on progressive innovation and policy initiatives as envisioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.”

The Yari Foundation has concluded arrangements to organise a series of high-level summits in Lagos, Enugu and Port Harcourt as part of efforts to promote peace, national development and inclusive dialogue across Nigeria.

According to the Foundation, the summits, scheduled to hold between January 19 and 23, will bring together key stakeholders from government, the private sector, civil society, academia and the media to deliberate on critical national issues. Key focus areas include economic growth, education, leadership, peacebuilding and social development.

A statement issued by the Foundation explained that the choice of Lagos, Enugu and Port Harcourt was deliberate, noting that the cities are major commercial, cultural and industrial hubs in the South-West, South-East and South-South geopolitical zones respectively.

The Foundation said hosting the summits across the regions would ensure broad participation while underscoring its commitment to national unity and balanced development.

The statement further disclosed that each summit would feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, interactive sessions and policy dialogues aimed at generating practical and sustainable solutions to challenges confronting the country.
Participants are expected to share ideas and experiences that would help strengthen institutions, promote an enabling environment for peace and enhance sustainable development at both national and grassroots levels.

While expressing optimism about the prospects of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, the Foundation said preparations for the events were at an advanced stage, adding that invitations would be extended to prominent Nigerians and relevant stakeholders across various sectors.

The Yari Foundation reiterated its commitment to initiatives that foster peace, dialogue, capacity building and socio-economic advancement, stressing that the forthcoming summits form part of its broader mandate to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development and national cohesion.

It recalled that the Foundation successfully organised similar summits in Abuja, Kano and Jos last year, which attracted wide participation and positive reviews from stakeholders across the country.

A socio-political group in the North West, the Concerned North West Stakeholders Forum, has praised the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for initiating the trial of Amadu Sule, a close associate of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged corruption.

Sule, the Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited, is facing charges related to a ₦311 billion money laundering scheme. The ICPC arraigned him recently on accusations of abuse of office and diversion of public funds, charges that he has denied.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna, the group’s Coordinator, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, described the ongoing trial as a significant step toward strengthening accountability and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.

“The ICPC’s decision to prosecute Sule, a known ally of the former governor, sends a clear message that no one is above the law,” the statement read. “This action will help restore public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption efforts.”

The group highlighted that Nigerians have long demanded greater transparency in the management of public resources, especially by political officeholders and their associates. It expressed hope that this trial would meet public expectations for a fair and impartial judicial process.

Furthermore, the forum urged the ICPC to maintain its commitment to ensuring that the case is rigorously pursued to its conclusion. “Selective justice would undermine the integrity of anti-corruption initiatives,” the statement added.

The Concerned North West Stakeholders Forum also called on other anti-graft agencies to follow the ICPC’s example and investigate corruption allegations against politically exposed individuals across the country. “Accountability is crucial for national development. Public office holders must remember that while power is transient, the law is constant,” the group emphasized.

While urging against any politicization of the case, the forum appealed to the judiciary to handle the trial with professionalism and independence, stressing the importance of justice for national stability.

The ICPC’s trial of Sule has drawn significant attention, as it is seen as a crucial test for Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight, especially involving prominent political figures and their associates.

A Zaria-based political group, the Zaria Progressives Movement (ZPM), has dismissed the political relevance of a former Director-General of the Uba Sani Campaign Organisation and erstwhile Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Muhammad Sani Bello (popularly known as Maina Zazzau), following his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a statement issued on Friday, the group said Prof. Sani Bello’s exit from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would not affect the political strength of Governor Uba Sani or influence the voting pattern of the people of Zaria.

The statement, signed by the ZPM Coordinator, Malam Yusuf Garba, said the people of Zaria are politically conscious and remain committed to good governance and sustainable development, not only within the Zaria Emirate but across Kaduna State.

According to the group, Zaria voters would continue to give their full support to the APC and Governor Uba Sani for what it described as his achievements in promoting peace and development in the state.

“The people of Zaria are known for their political focus and loyalty to leaders who deliver good governance and development,” the statement said. “The defection of Prof. Maina Zazzau does not in any way diminish the growing support for Governor Uba Sani.”

ZPM further alleged that Prof. Zazzau was removed from office as Commissioner for Education due to his inability to effectively manage the education sector, adding that his decision to join the ADC was motivated by personal grievances and declining political influence.

“We strongly believe that his defection is borne out of frustration following his removal from office and his loss of political relevance,” the group stated.

The group also commended Governor Uba Sani, describing him as a true son of Zaria who has upheld the values and traditions of the Zazzau Emirate since assuming office.

“It is not in doubt that Governor Uba Sani has consistently promoted the ideals of the Zaria people through inclusive governance and people-oriented policies,” the statement added.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the group reaffirmed its support for the governor, stating that the people of Zaria would overwhelmingly back him at the polls.

“We are fully prepared to demonstrate that the people of Zaria Emirate appreciate good governance and the achievements of our son, Governor Uba Sani, and we will reciprocate with our votes in the 2027 general elections,” the statement concluded.