Does Governor Uba Sani Ever Sleep? A Reflection on His Relentless Pace by Dr Nita Byack George

Over the past few weeks, I have watched Governor Uba Sani’s activities with keen interest, and one question keeps coming to mind: does this man ever sleep?

From one official engagement to another, from project inspections to policy meetings and community interactions, his schedule appears remarkably demanding. The consistency and intensity of his public engagements have prompted many to wonder how he manages such a relentless pace.

In just a matter of days, he commissioned roads in Jaba and Jama’a, flagged off another major road project in Zaria, and stood before thousands of farmers to distribute fertilisers and agricultural support that will help many families return to their farms with renewed hope.

To some people, these are just government activities, but to me, they tell a deeper story.

Years ago, when I had the privilege of serving as a Local Government Chairperson, I discovered something that many people outside government never get to see. Leadership is exhausting. The public only sees the ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

They rarely see the sleepless nights, the difficult decisions, the criticism, the impossible expectations, or the constant pressure to satisfy millions of people whose needs are genuine.

That experience taught me how to recognise hard work when I see it.

That is why I do not merely see Governor Uba Sani’s projects; I see the effort behind them.

Kaduna is not an easy state to govern. It carries the weight of years of insecurity, mistrust, political tension, economic hardship and communities that have, at different times, struggled to see themselves as one people. No governor inherits those realities and fixes them overnight.

But leadership is not always about performing miracles,
sometimes leadership is about refusing to stop trying.

That, to me, is what Governor Uba Sani represents today.

One thing that particularly touched me was the distribution of fertilisers and farming support. To on Saturday 25th July some, it may simply be another government programme; I saw something much bigger.

I saw a government saying to farmers, “Go back to the land. We have not forgotten you.”

In a state where insecurity has kept many people away from their farms, supporting agriculture is not only about increasing harvests.

It is about restoring confidence, reducing hunger, creating jobs, strengthening rural communities and reminding people that better days are still possible.

Food security begins long before the harvest. It begins when a farmer believes it is worth planting again. That is the real significance of Saturday’s intervention.

Beyond the projects is something that cannot be measured with statistics. Governor Uba Sani has consistently projected the spirit of bringing people together. The journey is not over, and no honest person would claim every challenge has disappeared.

But there is a visible effort to replace division with dialogue, exclusion with inclusion, and suspicion with partnership and that matters, because development grows faster where people begin to trust one another again.

As a former Local Government Administrator, I know how easy it is for people to criticise from a distance. I also know how difficult it is to wake up every morning carrying the expectations of thousands of citizens.

That is why I believe that we should never become so consumed by what remains undone that we fail to acknowledge what is being done.

Governor Uba Sani is showing Kaduna people that leadership can be present and can keep moving even when the road is steep.

Perhaps that is why he always seems to be on the move, from one community to another, from one project to another, from meetings in Abuja to engagements across Kaduna State, pushing, listening, negotiating, building.

Whether one agrees with every policy or not, one thing is difficult to deny: the man is putting in the work.

And as someone who understands the weight of public leadership, I simply want to say this:

Thank you, Gov. Uba Sani (CON) for choosing effort over excuses.

Kaduna still has work to be done; there are still roads to build, schools to strengthen, hospitals to improve, communities to heal, and young people to empower, and Governor Uba Sani has shown the determination to complete the task he began.

My prayer is that history will remember not only the projects he commissioned, but the hope he kept alive, the bridges he built between people, and the example he set that leadership is not about occupying an office; it is about showing up, every single day, for the people.

Hon Dr Nita Byack George (The Administrator) writes from Kaduna

AYAGL Faults Resignation Reports, Commends Musa’s Leadership Style

By Julia Amana

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has dismissed reports alleging that the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) has resigned from office, describing the claims as false, misleading and the handiwork of individuals seeking to undermine ongoing efforts to improve national security.

In a statement issued by its president, Amb.Danbature Abdul, the group reaffirmed its confidence in the Defence Minister, commending his leadership and commitment to strengthening the country’s security architecture.

AYAGL said General Musa’s operational approach has continued to produce positive outcomes in the fight against insecurity, alleging that those behind the rumoured resignation were individuals opposed to the progress being recorded in the sector.

The group also praised the minister for his contributions to youth development, noting that his support for empowerment programmes, capacity-building initiatives and engagement with young people reflects his commitment to Nigeria’s future.

According to the group, the continued confidence reposed in the minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, underscores his competence, professionalism and dedication to national service.

AYAGL urged Nigerians to disregard the resignation reports and avoid circulating unverified information capable of creating unnecessary tension or distracting government officials from their responsibilities.

The organisation reaffirmed its support for the Defence Minister and other public officials working towards ensuring peace, security and national development.

ENDS

Electoral Process Collapses in Plateau NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel as Committee Resigns, Aspirants Withdraw

  • By Micah Jaja

The planned 2026 executive election of the Plateau State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has been thrown into disarray following the resignation of members of the reconstituted Credentials Committee and the withdrawal of key aspirants from the race.
The twin developments have effectively suspended the electoral process, leaving the Chapel without an electoral body and raising uncertainty over the conduct of the scheduled election.
The crisis reportedly escalated amid allegations of undue interference and attempts to influence the outcome of the polls. The concerns prompted several aspirants to withdraw from the contest, citing what they described as a process that no longer guarantees transparency, fairness and equal participation. Soon after, members of the Credentials Committee tendered their resignations, further deepening the uncertainty surrounding the election.
Sources within the Chapel alleged that persistent external pressure and vested interests had undermined confidence in the electoral process, fueling tension and dissatisfaction among members. The situation has sparked widespread concern over the independence of the Chapel’s internal democratic system.
The Plateau State Correspondents’ Chapel has historically been recognized for conducting credible, transparent and member-driven elections. Media stakeholders argue that preserving those democratic traditions is essential to maintaining the Chapel’s integrity, professional independence and the confidence of its members.
As uncertainty continues to surround the election, members are calling for an immediate review of the process, including the reconstitution of the electoral committee and the establishment of a transparent framework that will guarantee a free, fair and credible election without external influence or intimidation.

Defense Minister, Matawalle Warns  Opposition Against Inciting Nigerians Against Tinubu Govt

By Habila Monday

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has cautioned opposition politicians against comments and actions capable of inciting Nigerians against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Matawalle, in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, faulted the reported decision of a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, to engage a foreign lobbying firm to circulate decades-old documents concerning Tinubu in the United States.

He described the move as unfortunate, saying it neither advanced Nigeria’s democracy nor addressed the pressing challenges confronting the country.

The minister urged opposition leaders to redirect their energy towards supporting government efforts on insecurity, national unity and the welfare of citizens, rather than seeking to damage the country’s image abroad.

“The Presidency is a national institution and symbol of Nigeria’s sovereignty that deserves respect, regardless of political differences,” he said.

Matawalle insisted that Nigeria’s democratic outcomes would not be shaped from outside the country.

“No foreign government or lobbying firm will determine Nigeria’s democratic choices or alter the mandate freely given by Nigerians,” he said, adding that political differences must not come at the expense of the nation’s image and collective interest.

He cited what he described as a recent commendation of Tinubu’s leadership by United States President Donald Trump, who he said acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in strengthening security cooperation and combating terrorism.

According to him, such international recognition reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s efforts under the present administration and should encourage citizens to work together instead of promoting divisive narratives abroad.

The minister warned that campaigns of propaganda against a government enjoying popular goodwill would ultimately rebound on their sponsors, leaving them politically and morally diminished.

He added that those who believe falsehood and mischief can unseat the Tinubu administration were mistaken, insisting that the country belongs to its people, who would make their choice again in 2027.

Matawalle called on opposition politicians to embrace constructive engagement by offering credible alternatives and supporting ongoing efforts to combat insecurity, promote peaceful coexistence and accelerate national development, rather than pursuing campaigns capable of heating up the polity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and every political actor has a responsibility to protect the country’s unity, stability and international reputation,” he said.

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Group Faults Atiku’s Spokesman Over Alleged Disregard for Igbo Political Aspirations

The Igbo Youth League (IYL) has accused Paul Ibe, the media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, of prioritizing personal political gain over the regional interests of the South-East.

In a statement released on Thursday, the organization claimed that Mr. Ibe’s recent public remarks and political activities are inconsistent with the push for greater political inclusion and equity for the Igbo nation. The league alleged that his persistent defense of Atiku Abubakar’s political agenda constitutes a betrayal of Igbos who advocate for stronger regional representation in Nigeria’s leadership .

The group argued that political appointments and personal benefits must not take precedence over the broader interests of the region. They urged Igbo political actors to focus on advancing the collective cause of the South-East rather than pursuing individual ambitions .

The IYL further warned that history would judge public figures who sacrifice regional interests for personal political advantage. They called on Igbo leaders, professionals, and youths to remain united in the pursuit of justice, fairness, and political inclusion, asserting that no individual should undermine the region’s voice for temporary political gain .

Paul Ibe, who has long served as a spokesman for the former vice president, has notably criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu on issues of governance, security, and the economy. As of the time of this report, he had not publicly responded to the allegations .

  Christian Group From North  Demands Tinubu’s Campaign DG Slot

— Says appointment will neutralise claims of presidential bias

By Our Correspondent

A Northern Christian Progressive group has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to appoint a Northern Christian as Director-General of the presidential campaign to ensure the overwhelming success of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The Group Secretary, Rev. Hayap Musa Danladi, made the appeal on behalf of the group in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

Danladi stressed that it is the right time for Northern Christians to demonstrate their loyalty and political weight in the forthcoming 2027 general election.

“We appeal to President Bola Tinubu to consider appointing a Christian politician from Northern Nigeria, especially prominent ones, as was done in the 2023 election by appointing the former Plateau State Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong, to steer the election ship,” Danladi said.

“We are optimistic that Lalong, with his widespread support and experience, contributed to securing victory for President Bola Tinubu’s election.”

According to him, giving such a position to a Northern Christian will further strengthen the campaign and clear all miscommunications, misconceptions and false claims of presidential bias being spread by political opponents.

The group secretary emphasised that the inclusion of Northern Christians will further highlight political acceptance, mutual respect and understanding among citizens.

He stressed that Christian politicians will surely work tirelessly to campaign for Tinubu’s victory in recognition of his achievements and landmark transformations in the country.

“We must shun religious hatred, ethnic differences and work toward national development, as well as overcoming challenges at all levels,” Danladi added.

“Christians mean well for all Nigerians. We consider all people equal and focus on nation-building without considering Muslims as opponents or critics of ideas.

“We must respect individuals, as demonstrated by President Bola Tinubu, through his style of leadership that works in the interest of all Nigerians.”

Earlier, the Leader of the Northern Christians Youth, Mr. Zakaria Bitrus Gwasshi, commended Tinubu on his administration’s achievements, fairness and for uniting the nation despite some pockets of challenges across the country.

Gwasshi said his blueprint for fighting insecurity, economic development and ensuring peaceful coexistence is glaringly evident in the country, particularly bringing an end to religious crises bedevilling some states of Bauchi, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue, without witch-hunts or other biases.


Tags: 2027 Election, APC, Bola Tinubu, Northern Christians, Campaign Director-General, Simon Lalong, Religious Inclusion

Middle Belt Forum rejects Northern governors’ N1bn monthly security fund contribution

Says regional fund a ‘well-crafted design’ by Sokoto Caliphate, Borno Sultanate to promote terrorists’ interests

By Our Correspondent

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has strongly rejected the decision by Northern governors to contribute N1 billion monthly each towards the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund (NNSTF), describing the initiative as a “well-crafted design” by the Sokoto Caliphate and Borno Sultanate to raise funds to be deployed to promote their interests and those of the terrorists the fund was supposed to fight .

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Spokesman, Mr Luka Binniyat, the MBF said while it supports the establishment of state police and appreciates every sincere effort aimed at ending terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country, it strongly opposes the decision of Northern governors to commit huge monthly contributions into the regional fund .

The forum’s reaction followed the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund on July 8, 2026, by the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) .

Middle Belt bears brunt of violence, says Forum

The MBF argued that the Middle Belt has suffered the greatest human and material losses from years of insecurity in Northern Nigeria, with thousands of innocent men, women and children killed, hundreds of communities destroyed, millions of hectares of farmland abandoned, and countless families now living as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) .

“The painful truth is that throughout these years of bloodshed, the Northern States Governors’ Forum has rarely spoken with one voice to condemn the repeated massacres of Middle Belt communities,” the statement lamented .

The forum alleged that many victims had never received solidarity visits from the governors despite suffering some of the worst atrocities in Nigeria’s history .

Governors should invest in home states, not regional fund

According to the MBF, instead of creating another regional fund, each governor should use his state’s contribution to directly strengthen security in his home state .

The forum maintained that the continued membership of Middle Belt states’ governors in the “Northern” States Governors Forum was unpopular, not recognised by any state law, and unacceptable to the majority of people in the Middle Belt .

“As far as we are concerned there is no such thing as the Northern region. It was a vexatious, exploitative, suppressive and a backward creation of colonial rule which died in 1966 with the abolition of regional government,” the statement declared .

MBF vows to challenge fund’s legality

The Middle Belt Forum said it would challenge the legality of withdrawing N1 billion monthly from participating states to the fund .

The forum advised that if each state is ready to contribute about N1 billion every month, the money should first be invested in empowering local communities to form First Lines of Defence, improved local intelligence, communication equipment, surveillance technology, and emergency response systems working with approved security agencies .

The MBF added that such funds should also be used to rebuild destroyed villages, rehabilitate schools and hospitals, compensate victims, and permanently resettle thousands of displaced families who have remained in camps or with relatives for many years .

Concern over rehabilitation of ‘repentant’ terrorists

The forum expressed concern that the funds could eventually be used to rehabilitate “repentant” terrorists and bandits while innocent victims continued to suffer without support .

“The Middle Belt did not create the terrorist groups or armed gangs terrorising Northern Nigeria. Those who understand the roots of these criminal networks are in the core north,” the statement said .

The MBF therefore called on governors of Middle Belt states to form their own security network to tackle what it described as the persistent attacks on communities in the region .

Justice and accountability, not money alone

The forum argued that lasting peace cannot be achieved through money alone, saying justice, accountability, effective prosecution of criminals, and political will remain the real foundations of lasting security .

“We therefore call on the governors of the Middle Belt states to stay out of these Funds. We call on our members in affected Middle Belt states to raise their voices and reject any contributions to the NNSTF,” the statement added .

“Let every state invest its resources directly in protecting its people, rebuilding destroyed communities, supporting victims of violence and restoring hope to citizens who have paid the highest price for insecurity,” the forum declared .

Mustapha Abdullahi Empowers Young Nigerians Through Energy Leadership Fellowship

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has empowered more than 80 young Nigerians through the maiden edition of the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF) 2026,.

MAELF is a week-long leadership and capacity-building programme designed to equip participants with leadership skills, mentorship, professional networks and startup support for Nigeria’s energy sector and broader national development.

The week-long residential fellowship, initiated and fully sponsored by Dr. Abdullahi through the DAM Foundation in partnership with the APC National Youth Wing, brought together carefully selected young Nigerians from across the country for an intensive programme focused on leadership, energy policy, entrepreneurship, innovation, governance and sustainable development.

The fellows arrived in Abuja on Sunday and commenced activities on Monday, participating in six days of lectures, policy dialogues, mentorship sessions, panel discussions, innovation workshops, team projects and networking engagements before the programme culminated in a colourful graduation ceremony on Friday.

Designed to bridge the gap between leadership potential and national development, the fellowship exposed participants to practical knowledge and emerging opportunities within Nigeria’s energy ecosystem while equipping them with the skills, values and networks required to drive innovation, promote sustainable development and provide responsible leadership in their various fields.

Throughout the programme, participants interacted with senior government officials, policymakers, development experts, academics and private sector leaders who shared practical insights on leadership, governance, innovation, public service, youth development and Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.

Among the distinguished personalities who delivered lectures and participated in interactive sessions with the fellows were the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN; the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom; former President of the Senate and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu; and the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Dayo Israel, alongside other accomplished professionals, public officials and development experts.

The fellowship climaxed on Friday with the presentation of certificates and an empowerment package valued at over ₦17 million, including startup grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million awarded to outstanding fellows to support innovative ideas, enterprise development and community-based initiatives.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Abdullahi said the vision behind the fellowship was to nurture a new generation of ethical, competent, innovative and visionary leaders capable of advancing Nigeria’s energy transition and contributing meaningfully to national development.

“As I look around this hall today, I see not just graduates of a fellowship programme; I see ambassadors of hope, innovators in waiting, solution providers and future architects of Nigeria’s energy future,” he said.

He commended the fellows for their discipline, resilience, commitment to learning and ability to build friendships across regional, ethnic and religious divides throughout the programme.

“You came here with curiosity. You embraced learning with humility. You challenged ideas respectfully, built friendships across regions and backgrounds, collaborated with one another and demonstrated that the Nigerian youth, when given the right opportunity, possess limitless potential,” he said.

Abdullahi urged the participants to make integrity, excellence and service the defining principles of their leadership journey.

“Certificates may open doors, but character sustains leadership. Knowledge may create opportunities, but integrity preserves them. Influence may attract followers, but service is what builds lasting legacies,” he stated.

He stressed that the energy sector extends beyond electricity generation and infrastructure, describing it as a critical driver of social and economic transformation.

“The energy sector is not merely about electricity, solar panels, gas, hydrogen, batteries or infrastructure. It is fundamentally about people. It is about improving lives, reducing poverty, creating opportunities, empowering industries, strengthening healthcare, enhancing education and securing a better future for generations yet unborn,” he said.

According to Abdullahi, Nigeria’s energy transition requires courageous leadership, innovation, ethical professionals and strategic thinkers willing to place national interest above personal ambition.

“I therefore charge each of you to become advocates of sustainable development, ambassadors of clean energy, champions of innovation, and examples of transformational leadership wherever life takes you. This Fellowship must never become a certificate that gathers dust on your shelf. It must become a responsibility you carry in your heart,” he said.

He also encouraged the participants to sustain the relationships established during the fellowship, collaborate across disciplines and continue developing practical solutions to national challenges, noting that the conclusion of the programme marked the beginning of a lifelong network of leaders committed to national transformation.

The successful conclusion of the maiden edition of the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship marks a significant milestone in the DAM Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development and human capital investment.

The initiative is expected to pave the way for future editions as Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi continues to invest in raising a new generation of ethical, innovative and solution-driven leaders equipped to advance Nigeria’s energy transition and contribute meaningfully to national development.

APC IN CRISIS: Elders Expose Yari’s ‘Secret Plot’ to Hand Bauchi to Opposition PRP


The Bauchi State All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Group has accused former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, of allegedly sponsoring the governorship ambition of Senator Shehu Buba of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).


The group described the move as anti-party activity capable of destabilising the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.


In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the group’s Zonal Secretary, Dr. Mustafa Babayo Tunga, the elders described the alleged actions of Senator Yari, a prominent APC chieftain, as a calculated attempt to weaken the party’s campaign structure and electoral prospects in Bauchi State.


The group vowed to resist any individual using influence or financial resources to sow division within the party.


“We are aware of Senator Abdul’aziz Yari’s alleged efforts to build a political structure through financial inducements to some APC supporters across the state in support of Senator Shehu Buba of the PRP against our party’s governorship candidate, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement read.


According to the elders, Senator Yari was allegedly involved in meetings with some political stakeholders in Abuja where strategies were discussed to mobilise support for the PRP governorship candidate despite his membership of the opposition party.


The group also alleged that vehicles and other forms of support had been provided to strengthen Senator Buba’s political structure.


It maintained that Senator Buba, having left the APC, no longer had any relationship with the party, warning that anyone supporting his governorship ambition should be regarded as an opponent of the APC.


“Senator Buba has nothing to do with our party. He voluntarily left the APC for the PRP. Anyone openly supporting him is working against the interest of our great party,” the statement added.


The elders called on the National Chairman of the APC to investigate the allegations and take disciplinary action against Senator Yari if found culpable, saying such steps were necessary to preserve unity and cohesion within the party.


“It is unfortunate that one of our political leaders is allegedly working to undermine the APC’s chances in Bauchi State by supporting the ambition of a candidate who abandoned the party for personal interests,” the group stated.


The APC Elders Group reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 and securing victory for the party in the Bauchi State governorship election, insisting that the party remained united despite the alleged attempts to create internal divisions.

Coalition Condemns Defence Properties Ltd’s “Corporate Lawlessness” in Abuja Land Dispute

ABUJA, NIGERIA – A coalition of civil society groups has raised the alarm over what it describes as a “brazen, violent invasion” of a property in Abuja by Defence Properties Ltd, accusing the agency of colluding with a convicted fraudster to forcibly seize land belonging to Efab Properties .

In a press statement issued on Saturday, The Mighty One Empowerment Foundation and a coalition of anti-fraud groups alleged that Defence Properties Ltd deployed heavy equipment to trespass on the land, acting under a purported joint venture agreement with one Sylvanus Enonche Oko, a man they describe as a “notorious fake General and chronic land grabber” .

The groups revealed that Oko is currently facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly impersonating a deceased businessman, Kenneth Ogbogu, to fraudulently take possession of properties . They claimed Oko altered ownership documents at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), but these were voided following an EFCC investigation .

Allegations of Complicity and Abuse of Power

The coalition expressed shock that Defence Properties Ltd “would allow itself to be engulfed in such a shady transaction,” accusing its management of a “severe failure of corporate governance” and raising “serious questions about complicity.” The statement condemned the use of “state apparatus, intimidation, and raw force” to occupy land that does not belong to the agency or its partner .

The groups have called on President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, the National Security Adviser, and the Chief of Army Staff to intervene urgently, directing Defence Properties Ltd to withdraw its personnel and machinery. They warned the public to avoid dealings regarding the property through Oko or Defence Properties Ltd.

The EFCC has previously been commended for its prosecution of Oko, who is accused of identity theft, forgery, and unlawful land grabbing .


Signed:

Professor Barika Dominic Saro-Laka JP
Founder, The Mighty One Empowerment Foundation

For: Coalition of Civil Society Groups Against Fraud and Criminality