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A recent publication by Metro Daily online has sparked outrage with its spurious allegations against Senator Danjuma Laah, the immediate past Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District at the 8th Assembly. The article, titled “Former Sen. Laah in Murky Waters over N390M Kaduna South Senatorial District ZIP, Capital Project Funds,” is a blatant attempt to tarnish Senator Laah’s reputation and undermine his years of dedicated service to the people of Kaduna South.

The Allegations: A Web of Deceit

The article claims that Senator Laah is accused of impropriety and unwarranted collection of N390 million meant for Zonal Intervention Projects and Capital Projects in his zone. It further alleges that he made these collections via Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) 14 months after losing his seat. These baseless accusations have left many wondering about the motivations behind such a malicious attack on Senator Laah’s character.

The Truth: A Record of Transparency and Accountability

Senator Danjuma Laah has never carried out any contract or been directly or indirectly linked to any companies that executed constituency and capital projects during his tenure. His role, as Senator, was to ensure projects were executed in good quality, based on contract specifications. Throughout his time in office, Senator Laah maintained transparency and accountability, ensuring that funds allocated for projects benefited his constituents.

Exposing the Fabrications: A Pattern of Dishonesty

A closer examination of the article reveals a pattern of dishonesty and fabrication. For instance:

1. Non-existent Project Location: There is no location as “Zangon Kataf – Kwali road” in Kaduna South Senatorial Zone, contrary to the article’s claims.
2. Fabricated Project: The National Livestock Training Center, Kachia project was never included in Senator Laah’s constituency projects.
3. Misrepresentation of Facts: The Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of Kwoi – Kafanchan Road was executed by MOFTREH CONSTRUCTION Nigeria Ltd, with no links to Senator Laah. The project was a maintenance project, not reconstruction, and its cost was N200 million, not N2.5 billion.

ICPC, Not EFCC: A Display of Ignorance

The article’s call for the EFCC to investigate Senator Laah demonstrates a lack of understanding of the agencies’ roles. The ICPC has a dedicated desk for investigating National Assembly members’ constituency and capital projects, not the EFCC.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The article’s writer and publisher aim to harm Senator Laah’s integrity without consequences. Senator Danjuma Laah is a grassroots philanthropist committed to his people’s progress and well-being. He will take necessary legal actions to address these malicious allegations.

As the people of Kaduna South and beyond look up to Senator Laah for leadership, it is essential to recognize the sinister intentions behind these baseless accusations. The public deserves truth and accuracy, not fabricated stories designed to destroy reputations.

Signed:
Alh. Yahaya Suleiman
Former Aide, Sen. Danjuma on Laah Project Monitoring
24/10/2024

Northern based group under aegis of Arewa Progressives Forum for Good Governance (APFGG) has accused the former Senate Whip, Senator Ali Ndume of stirring up unnecessary crisis and undermining the National Assembly.

The group with members across the nineteen States of North also expressed displeasure over failure on side of Senator Ndume to reach out to President Bola Tinubu privately for talks rather than criticising the government’s policies to gain cheap popularity.

But in a reaction to his attack on the President in a statement signed by Mal Ibrahim Musa Bichi, the Chairman of Arewa Progressives Forum for Good Governance, the group posited that it is ironical for Senator Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District and a member of the ruling party to use the media to call on President to tackle the hardship suffered by citizens,when he’s part of same government.

According to the group,Ndume’s blanket allegation that members of the National Assembly are thieves is not only disparaging,but also unacceptable for a ranking Senator.

The statement further reads:” From information gathered from Some of our members from Borno, his inability to attract meaningful development and projects to his Constituency and State because of antagonist position it not encouraging.

“It is true that politics is a game of number,but also about dialogue and lobbying government to ensure development are drawn to state and people.We have not seen anything tangible he has done for his people ,even as one of longest serving lawmaker in the National Assembly.

“The big question is,Why should the public take someone such as Ndume serious, when he has not done anything serious for his Constituency?

“It is on record that for this same antagonistic posture,during the era of Saraki as the Senate President,he was suspended. It clearly demonstrates that he wont change,thus he should be expelled and his seat declared vacant .

“Recalled that his party, the All Progressives Congress did ask the Senate to relieve him of his position as the Senate Chief Whip over his relentless public criticisms of President Tinubu and the ruling APC, a party to which he belongs.

“The work of a Lawmaker is not about “Seeking Attention” but making laws that would better lots of the citizens.”

James Itodo

The Northern Elders Progressive Group has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in the fight against insecurity in the northern region.

Chairman of Arewa Elders Progressive Group in Northwest, Alhaji Mustafa Aliyu Dutsin Ma, in a statement on Thursday, praised Tinubu’s new strategy, dubbed “Fansan Yamma,” which has recorded significant positive results in the region.

According to the Northern Elders, President Tinubu’s aggressive approach to tackling insecurity, particularly his decision to use military force to crush bandits in their hideouts without mercy, has shown promising results.

The group expressed confidence in Tinubu’s ability to tackle the issue head-on, citing his Defense Minister’s recent visit to the epicenter of banditry in Sokoto State as a testament to his bravery and commitment.

The Minister of State, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, recently visited the eastern part of Sokoto State, where banditry activities have escalated.

The Northern Elders described that visit as a “major achievement” toward sustaining President Tinubu’s fight against insecurity.

“We are convinced with greater joy that the federal government under President Tinubu is ready to approach the issue of insecurity aggressively, taking the bull by the horns to destroy bandits’ enclaves, reaching them in their own places without mercy,” the group stated.

These Elders urged northern governors, especially those in the northwest, to collaborate with the federal government to achieve lasting success in the fight against banditry.

They specifically praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto for bringing federal might to bear against the challenges.

The group assured President Tinubu of their fatherly role of advising, support, and goodwill to achieve his objectives of ensuring peace, unity, and cohesion for all Nigerians.

They commended the efforts of Minister Matawalle, the Chief of Defense Staff, and gallant soldiers for their sacrifices in bringing peace and security to areas of the north previously uninhabitable due to insecurity.

“We advised President Bola Tinubu to extend the gesture of such on-the spot visit of Minister of state defense and his military commanders to other ne ignoring states in the region in order to booster the morale of military operations” said Elders group

This development is a significant boost to President Tinubu’s efforts to address the longstanding issue of insecurity in the region.Compose Message

Mike Odeh James

In a shocking revelation, the Kaduna State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Edward Marsha, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating the local government electoral law to rig the upcoming election ¹. Marsha sounded the alarm during a press conference at the Nigerian Union of Journalists Secretariat, claiming that the APC-led government has distorted the law to favor its own interests.

The Alleged Manipulation

Marsha specifically pointed out that the section of the law requiring chairmanship and councilorship results to be announced at polling units and ward collation centers has been removed. Instead, the chairperson of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM) will now have the sole authority to announce results from the headquarters or designate an area of their choice.

A Threat to Democracy

Marsha condemned this move, stating that it undermines the democratic process and denies citizens their right to choose their leaders. “If you deny people the right to choose their leaders at the local government level, you deny them everything,” he emphasized. The PDP chairman vowed to challenge this manipulation through legal channels.

Call to Action

Marsha urged stakeholders, including Kaduna State House of Assembly members, to resist this alleged manipulation and stand up for democracy. He also demanded the impeachment and removal of those involved in altering the law.

The Stakes Are High

With the local government election scheduled for October 19, the PDP chairman’s allegations have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. Will the people of Kaduna be able to exercise their democratic rights, or will the alleged manipulation silence their voices? The nation watches with bated breath.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor LGAs of Bayelsa state has suspended the current Minister of State, Petroleum resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, the 2019 governorship candidate of the party, Chief David Lyon, and other party members for alleged anti-party activities.

The party leaderships of the two LGAs who read out the suspensions seperately on Friday said the decision came having considered the report of the disciplinary committee that was set up in accordance with Article 21.3 (i) of the party’s constitution, 2022, as amended.

Those suspended from the party in Southern Ijaw LGA alongside Chief David Lyon include Mr. Jothan Amos (Former State Chairman of the APC, Bayelsa State), Hon. Godbless Diriwari (Ex-Officio member, National Executive of the party), Hon. Omiebi Fuoebi (Party stakeholder), Sabi Morgan ​(LGA APC Youth Leader) and Barr. Peres Biewari (Current Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Bayelsa State).

Others are Mr. Timiondi Fabofieghe (APC Chairman, Ward 3, Southern Ijaw LGA), all the ward 3 Executive members of the party, Mr. Claudius Odobu (APC Chairman, ward 4, Southern Ijaw LGA) and all ward 4 Executive members of the party.

In Ekeremor LGA, those suspended along the Minister for State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, include the current Commissioner for Power, Bayelsa State, Engr. Karin Kumoko and other loyalists to the Petroleum Minister.

Reading out the notice of suspension, the chairman of the APC, Southern Ijaw LGA, Mr. Ebikazi Gbefa, noted that the suspended stakeholders has played anti-party activities since 2020 till date.

“Recall that the said stakeholders and members of the party have been involved in anti-party activities since the Senatorial bye-election in 2020 when they conspired with the People’s Democratic Party candidate and worked against our party’s candidate then, Mr. Ebifemowei Abel. For the sake of a united party, their actions were overlooked and the party refrained from taking disciplinary actions against them.

“In the 2023 National Assembly elections, the same set of stakeholders and their supporters openly worked against our National Assembly candidates.

“In the 2023 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State, all the aforementioned members openly worked for Gov. Douye Diri of the People’s Democratic Party and some of them were compensated with contracts and appointments. For example, Barr. Perepuighe Biewari who was Chief David Lyon’s Personal Assistant, was nominated by Chief David Lyon and appointed as the current Commissioner for Lands and Survey in the Gov. Douye Diri administration in Bayelsa State.

“As we strive to rebuild the party ahead of 2027, it is our resolve to strengthen the party and build confidence in party grassroots members who believe in and have sacrificed remarkably to the party in the state. It is a common saying that ‘it is better to go to war with fewer loyal and committed soldiers than a numerous and uncommitted number of soldiers.’ It is on this premise that we, the under-signed executives of the Southern Ijaw APC hereby suspend them indefinitely from the party.

“Cases of other members who were involved in anti-party activities are being investigated and consequential actions shall be taken against them in due course,” the suspension notice read.

For the Ekeremor LGA, the Party Chairman, Senator Mitin Eniekenimi, while reading the suspension notice said “the Minister for State Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri and his followers have been involved in anti-party activities since the 2019 gubernatorial election when he sought to be the standard bearer of the party’s flag but the party members did not support his ambition, hence he lost out and started working against the party, using his supporters to institute cases in court against the party and also establishing a factional State Secretariat of the party at the Isaac Boro Expressway, Biogbolo, Yenagoa.

The suspension notice further read in part;
“In the 2023 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State, he led a group of disgruntled party members to openly support and work for Gov. Douye Diri of the People’s Democratic Party and was compensated by the PDP-led government of Bayelsa State. His personal Aide, Engr. Kharin Kumoko, was nominated by the Minister for State, Petroleum Resources, (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri and appointed as the current Commissioner for Power in Bayelsa State.

“It is on record that from the day he was appointed as Minister, he has been fighting the party in Bayelsa state and has refused to make peace despite all entreaties. It is on this note that we, the under-signed executives of the Ekeremor local government area APC hereby suspend Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri and Engr. Kharin Kumoko indefinitely from the party.

“The Executive of the party in Ekeremor local government is still reviewing other cases of anti-party activities done by other party faithful and appropriate actions would be taken against anyone found guilty in the coming days.”

The both Ekeremor and Southern ljaw LGA executives conclusively noted that the suspensions of the above stakeholders are transmitted to the State Executive Committee of the APC for ratification.

The Southern Ijaw LGA executives who signed the suspension notice include; Ebikazi Gbefa,
LGA APC Chairman, October Woyinkeditonmene, LGA APC Deputy Chairman, Amakiri Ayebanoah, LGA APC Secretary, Mr. Living Jackson,
LGA Ass. Secretary, Christian Dise,
LGA Treasurer, Abraham Fulman,
LGA Financial Secretary, David Sese, LGA Organizing Secretary, Dorua Oyeintunumubofa, LGA Ass. Organizing Secretary, Dauzi Agbe Oyinmiebi, LGA Publicity Secretary and Ayibatonye Izeikumo​, LGA Ass. Publicity Secretary.

Others are Eric Ebiumono, LGA Welfare Secretary, Oyinki Whitex, LGA Auditor, Princewill Matthew​, LGA Ass. Auditor, Joy Steven Asimena, LGA Woman Leader​, Josephine Simeon Tondeghe, LGA Ass. Woman Leader, Ossy Isaiah Ekpete, LGA Ass. Youth Leader, Sophy Timidiseghe​,
LGA (Special PWD Leader), Tonweriyai Waripamo, LGA Ex-Officio I, Douye Akienkpo, LGA Ex-Officio II, Silas Koko, LGA Ex-Officio IIl and Delta Waminiye Dede,
LGA Ex-Officio IV.

In Ekeremor LGA, the suspension notice was signed by Mitin Eniekenimi Senator​​​​​, LGA APC Chairman and Loki Ebikeniye Misoro, LGA​​​​ APC Secretary.

By Mairo  Dani

The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has commended Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for their efforts in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze emphasized that their foremost priority remains the security and welfare of Igbo families living in the North.

“We recognize the invaluable contributions these distinguished leaders have made in stabilizing our nation’s precarious security landscape,” the statement read. “As we navigate these tumultuous times, it is imperative to express our gratitude to both Mr. Matawalle and Mr. Ribadu for their unwavering commitment to the safety and protection of all Nigerians, including the Igbo residents and community in Northern region.”

The Igbo group noted that under Matawalle and Ribadu’s stewardship, they witnessed a tangible decline in insecurity and targeted onslaughts against Ndigbo, especially during the nationwide protests in August 2024.

Their initiatives and steadfast dedication deserve admiration and support.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promote Matawalle to substantive Minister of Defence and retain Ribadu as National Security Adviser, ensuring continuity of effective strategies.

The organization remains committed to supporting measures promoting security, welfare, and prosperity for all Nigerians, particularly the Igbo community.

Through collaboration and vigilance, Ohanaeze Ndigbo believes Nigeria can overcome challenges and forge a path toward a more secure and unified nation.

“As we rally our collective support around these commendable leaders, we trust that President Tinubu will heed our plea, recognizing the needs and aspirations of a community striving for peace, security, and dignity.”

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Tuesday, condemned in strong terms the burning of two Local Council secretariats by sponsored thugs in Rivers State following the outcome of last Saturday’s local governments elections.

While sympathising with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the people of Rivers state over the unfortunate incident, Frank in a statement in Abuja, said the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, should not only resign their positions but they should be held accountable for the wanton destruction of government property and shedding of innocent blood being witnessed in Rivers.

Frank categorically accused the police of openly supporting sponsored political thugs that set ablaze the council headquarters, saying, “no sooner did the IGP ordered the withdrawal of policemen from the council secretariats than the hoodlums descended on them without any action on the part of the Force to prevent or bring the orgy of violence under control.”

While welcoming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s order to the Police to act to safeguard lives and property in Rivers State in the face of violence, he described the President’s intervention as coming too late, biased and skewed in favour of the pro-Wike faction now wrecking havoc in the state.

Frank said: “Wike has been boasting that he has the President’s blessings to do and undo in Rivers State as well as carry out any action aimed at destabilizing Governor Fubara’s administration and make the entire State ungovernable and he has done it.

“Wike equally vowed to set fire on any state opposed to him and he has commenced by setting Rivers State ablaze, yet President Tinubu and the relevant security agencies have not deemed it necessary to call Wike to order or invite him for questioning, simply because their grand conspiracy and plot to use the oil rich state to win the 2027 presidential election.

“It is highly unfortunate that the President is being perceived as tacitly encouraging his minister to cause mayhem in Rivers State because he thinks it will benefit him in the 2027 presidential but this must stop.

“Enough is enough. Wike and the Inspector General of police must go. They must be held accountable for this arson. The perpetrators must be arrested and brought to justice.

“All patriotic Nigerians including former Presidents and heads of Labour and Trade Unions must speak up to save Rivers State and its oil facilities from destruction by these sponsored arsonists.

“President Tinubu must for once act as the Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not the commander-in-chief of the All Progressives Congress and political stooges.

The President swore to an oath to carry out his duties as President without fear or favour, but today it is glaring that he has taken sides with Wike against Rivers’ people.”

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, called on the United Nations to take note of what is currently playing out in Rivers State and hold the key aggressors and sponsors of violence to account through relevant international laws, conventions, covenants and protocols.

He also reiterated his call on the people of Rivers State to stand solidly behind Fubara in the face of gross violence and acts of provocation being meted on the state by external forces seeking to gain control of the resources and political capital of the state.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Sunday, raised the alarm over an alleged plot by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to secure a court injunction to block releases from the Federation Account to the 22 Local Government Councils in Rivers state.

Frank who made this disclosure in a statement in Abuja, said Wike and his co-travelers that are opposed to the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, resorted to the plot, following their failure to stop local government elections in the state which held successfully on Saturday October 5, 2024.

According to him, Wike through his proxies will tomorrow (Monday) or any day soon, approach a Federal High Court in Abuja with spurious writ with prayers that monthly funds allocation to the 22 LGAs in Rivers State should henceforth be withheld with claims that the elections were held in violation of a court ruling.

However, the Bayelsa-born political activist called on Wike to abandon the plot in the interest of the people of Rivers State and find alternative means to settle his rift with Governor Fubara.

He also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to allow Wike to dent his democratic credentials with such a retrogressive court action seeing that local councils in Lagos state suffered similar fate during his administration as Governor through the devious orchestration of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, also warned the Judiciary especially Judges and Justices always out to do Wike’s bidding for personal gain not to grant any frivolous prayer brought before them on this matter.

Besides, he condemned the partisan role the police have played so far in the
political crises rocking the state and called on them to protect all Rivers’ people instead of taking sides with the Ruling All Progressives Congress.

He said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot afford to fold his arms and watch as Wike plots to reverse democracy in Rivers State and by extension Nigeria.

“The anti-democratic tendency of former President Olusegun Obasanjo who seized funds meant for local councils in Lagos during Tinubu’s administration as Governor must not be allowed to repeat itself in Rivers State.

“As we speak, Wike is putting finishing touches to plans to secure a kangaroo court order to stop monthly funds allocation to local government councils in Rivers State. This must not be allowed to happen.”

He warned that such a move could lead to economic disruption in Rivers State in particular and the country in general as well as reversal of of democratic gains the country has made since 1999.

“Any action capable of truncating democracy in the country similar to ongoing scenarios in some West African States must be avoided.

“The people of Rivers State have elected their council chairman and councilors in line with the recent ruling of the Supreme Court to democratize all LGAs in Nigeria and any attempt to truncate democracy in Rivers would be resisted by the people,” he said.

While urging Fubara not to be distracted by the evil machinations of his traducers and political opponents, he congratulated the people of Rivers for successfully electing their council representatives and urged them to redouble their support for the Governor.

By Emmanuel Uangbaoje

President Ahmed Tinubu is facing growing calls to reevaluate his cabinet, with prominent Kaduna-based journalist, Andrew Ibrahim Mshelia, urging the removal of Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, and Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.

Mshelia cited the ministers’ alleged poor performance and lack of accountability in critical sectors, stating, “The petroleum and energy sectors are plagued by fuel scarcity, power outages, and corruption allegations. It’s time for a change.”

Mshelia’s call comes as Nigerians increasingly express dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the economy and energy sectors. The journalist emphasized the need for decisive action, noting, “Underperforming ministers must be held accountable to drive economic growth and better governance.”

The cabinet reshuffle speculation has sparked debate among Nigerians, with some supporting Mshelia’s call and others advocating for more time to assess the ministers’ performance.

Notable figures in the cabinet, including Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, are watching the situation unfold.

As President Tinubu weighs his options, Nigerians await his next move, hoping for improved governance and economic growth.

Mshelia’s demand has highlighted the urgency for reform and better management in critical sectors, with many calling for President Tinubu to take bold action.

The outcome of Mshelia’s demand remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: President Tinubu’s response will have significant implications for his administration’s performance.

…Fear violence ,Hoodlums Hijacking it again

Less 24 hours to commence the planned October 1 Nationwide protest, Northern Coordinators of the #Endbadgovernance Protest across the 19 northern states have pulled out on grounds that organizers haven’t done enough provide security for protesters.

According to the Coordinators, the decision to pull out was reached after failure on side of national organizers to resolve the knotty issues around how to safeguard protesters and wade off hoodlums from hijacking the process again.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Northern Coordinators of #Endbadgivernance Protest ,Comrade Abdullahi Daura and Mal. Mohammed Musa Biu, the Coordinators disclosed that members were apprehensive about a repeat of the violence that erupted in Kano;Kaduna and other parts of the north and didn’t want anything destructive.

In the statement made available to journalists in Kaduna today, the Coordinators explained,”We have asked questions and wrote several requesting for security cover in at the convergence points in the north where people will join the protest action. But we are yet to get clear answer and measure taken to avoid violence and looting of property .

“Against this background, we are urging all out members all the nineteen states to obey the directives from the Coordinators and pulled until w get clearance from security agencies.”

While assuring Nigerians about their resolve to put pressure on the federal government to reverse all the unfriendly policies that have caused untold hardship ,it Stated ,” Lives and property of innocent citizens matter to us more anything.thus we back out until further notice”.

“We therefore warn our members to remain calm and peaceful during the October 1 Independence Day Celebration across the North.”