Author Archives: News All Around

Manassas Darius

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State Chapter, strongly condemns the murder of Raymond Timothy Adia, a 35-year-old Councilorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Pari ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Adia and his brother, James, were killed on their way home from a political event in Kisachi village on September 29, 2024.

In a statement signed by the state chairman, Luka Binniyat, and sent to the press, “This heinous act is a stark reminder of the growing insecurity and political violence in our state, and we demand that the authorities take immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice.” The fact that the killers left behind large sums of money and a new motorcycle suggests that this may be a politically motivated murder. This incident raises concerns about the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 19, 2024, and the potential for further violence.

The MBF has urged law enforcement agencies to investigate the murder and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The Forum also condemned the November 2022 assassination of Mrs. Victoria Chintex, the Women Leader of the Labour Party in Kaura LGA, which is believed to be related to her rising political profile and that of her party [1).

The MBF has appealed to its members to shun violence and promote peaceful and civilized politics. The Forum condoled with the PDP family, Adia’s pregnant wife, and extended family, as well as Pari ward and Kauru Local Government Area.

About the Middle Belt Forum (MBF)

The MBF represents all residents of Kaduna State from areas that were not part of the Sokoto caliphate and Kanem Borno Empire in pre-independence Nigeria. This includes:

• 12 LGAs of Southern Kaduna
• Southern Kebbi
• Southern Borno
• South Bauchi
• Niger State
• Gombe State
• Adamawa State
• Taraba State
• Benue State
• Kogi State
• Kwara State
• Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
• Nassarawa state
• Plateau states

By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

The Tyap Wikipedia User Group has trained 20 participants to become Jju Wikipedia editors to help improve the translation and editing skills of the literate Bajju people predominantly found in Kaduna State.

PUNCH reports that the training was aimed at inculcating the participants with the necessary knowledge on how to edit specific articles from English Wikipedia to the jju language in the Wikimedia Incubator and Translatewiki websites.

The Executive Director of Tyap Wikimedians User Group, Levi Kambai Timothy, while fielding questions from AREWA PUNCH on Monday, said the Jju Wikipedia Outreach was designed to kick-start training of Jju speakers on how to create articles in the Wikimedia incubator.

He explained that the Wikimedia incubator is a site that’s owned by the Wikimedia Foundation, noting that it’s the site that usually introduces languages that’ll eventually become Wikipedias, Wiktionaries, etc., in the future.

” The Jju Wikipedia was introduced in the incubator just early this month and we didn’t have anything serious happening on the website, but we believe with this very program we now have 15 editors who speak the Jju and at least 5 of them are experts in writing the Jju language who will serve as guides to others within the time frame.

He said the response from the participants was very encouraging unlike when they had the first Tyap Wikipedia language training which the numbers were less and they had a lot of people who couldn’t read or write in the Tyap language but right here in the Jju training they have members of the Jju language board and 3 people who also know how to read and write in Jju.

” We are confident that these members of the Jju development board will be able to help those who are present in their spellings to be in uniform and not spell words incorrectly,” Levi added.

He disclosed that their motto for the Tyap Wikimedians User Group was to promote the Wikimedia projects in Tyap and Nenzit sister-languages.

” Our Wikimedia Foundation affiliate is bearing the name Tyap Wikimedians User Group but we have the intention of renaming it to the Nenzit Wikimedians User Group and the organization so that we can capture everybody.

” For some who do not know what Nenzit is, the Nenzit identity was first promoted in the 1950s by the first educated clergies in Southern Kaduna when it was called Southern Zaria, and the Jos Plateau.

” People like Rev. Nwayya Bagayya from Gworog and Rev. David Lot from Jos, these are people from Southern Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, Southern Bauchi, Southern Gombe, Niger, Southern Kebbi, and Taraba, in the Middle Belt, who saw the need to reintegrate into one because we have so many ethnic groups and languages that are related, having the same culture and religion, but don’t have a common sense of belonging together or a common name.

“So, we want to promote all the Plateau languages under the Nenzit and inculcate them into the Wikimedia projects. After we are done with the Jju language we’ll then extend the work to other languages.” Kambai stated.

One of the participants, Antyokaryi Joshua Nzamah, commended the Wikimedians User Group for the initiative, saying that the project will not only help to preserve languages but also document them.

This initiative is trying to see how our languages that are fast going into extinction can be preserved, documented and made accessible to the people on the Internet.

By: Luka Binniyat.

James Mangai, my egregious childhood buddy, now aging with a widening bald head, and an amusing grey mustache, just left my house.

Friendship and the Barracks

It’s been a while since we met, though we both live in Kaduna, with our wives and kids, some of them now grown-ups.

Mangai has been my friend dating back to 1970 when our parents brought us to stay with them at 130 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Ozala, East Central State, (now in Enugu state). The Nigeria civil war had just ended, and our dads, yearning for family companionship, felt we should join them from our homes in Zaria, as the first batch of family reunion. Mangai is of the Challah (Ron) tribal group or Bokkos at that time in Benue-Plateau State and I am from the Atyap ethnic group of ‘Southern Zaria’ North Central State. It is now Southern Kaduna in Kaduna State.

Our parents had met during recruitment at the Nigeria Army Depot in Zaria in 1967 and just hit it off. They fought side-by-side for the entire 3 years that the ‘Ojukwu war’ stretched as infantry soldiers and came out without a scratch.

From Ozala, where we started primary school (St. Paul Primary School Ozala) in 1974, our parents were transferred to Keffi and we both enrolled at the Army Children School, Keffi in the same 1974 up to 1977. After that, we found ourselves moved to three other Barracks around the country during our secondary and University days. After a long time of separation work reunited us in Kaduna in 2011.

After we had lunch, we left the parlor to sit outside for fresh air so we could enjoy our privacy

The Dimka Coup

We reminisced over many issues of those days.

Then, Mangai recalled a grim event that has come to be known as the ‘Dimka coup’ of 1976.

It took place on 13th February, 1976 and we were in primary 3 at Army Children School, Keffi. We recalled with angst the tension and anxiety that gripped 130 Battalion, Keffi. We could hear the voice of one Lt. Col. Buka Suka Dimka spoke over Radio Nigeria about overthrowing Gen Murtala Mohammed that morning and forming a new government. And it wasn’t quite long after Murtala had also expelled Gen. Yakubu Gowon from power. The barracks was thrown into confusion. Our parents got dressed into war gears and gathered at the parade ground for further instructions. There was also confusion and fear as it was said that Christian soldiers had killed Gen Mohammed, a Muslim.

I recalled that Mangai and our friends from Benue-Plateau were excited about the coup, because Dimka was from Pankshim, now in plateau State. But our friends from parts of the Muslim North Central, North Western and Kano states of those days were deeply hurt. Even as kids, we were careful how we discussed the coup ever after.

Then the coup failed.

We remembered that shortly after the coup failed, Olusegun Obasanjo was made Nigeria Head of state.

We heard that Dimka was on the run, but that some army officers had been arrested.
Then it was all over the news that Dimka was arrested somewhere in Igbo land.
We also heard that Maj. Gen Bissallah, also from Jos area, was also arrested.
They were later executed by a firing squad.

Within days, pictures of two soldiers were .posted all over our Barracks. They were also in the newspapers that we were sent to go buy for our teachers and soldiers who could read.

MOST WANTED! was the banner caption.

They were Capt Dauda Usman and Sergeant Clement Yildar.

Now, Yildar was from Benue-Plateau and Usman from ‘Southern Zaria’.

After the execution of the arrested coup plotters, the hunt for the two alleged accomplices continued.

Mythical figures

They later became more like legends because of the myths woven around them.
“Do you remember that it was said that Capt. Dauda was cornered in a House in Kafanchan, but that he turned into a bird and flew through the window,” I asked Mangai to express the invincibility of the ‘Southern Zaria’ man.

“Do you also remember that it was said that the army rushed to Kanke (home town of Sgt. Yildar in Kanke LGA of plateau State) to arrest Yildar who was farming for his father and that he just turned into a small flowing stream and they couldn’t fetch him,” he said of his own person the way myths were woven around them. Of Course we laughed over those tales.
Such monumental happenings don’t fade from memory till death.
Need to revisit Dauda and Yilda’s case

But, then, It’s 48 years now and no one has come up to say anything about the whereabouts of these two fugitive soldiers.
“Strangely, it’s like they don’t have families or children. I can’t remember anyone saying he’s related to them all these years,” Mangai said.

And that also beats my thinking.

These figures still hold remarkable childhood impressions on our psyche 48 years after in a profound manner. And it may also be so for members of our generation and above.

“If Ojukwu who carried out a bloody secession war against the Nigeria State could get a state pardon and Boko Haram terrorists who killed and maimed could be forgiven and rehabilitated, I don’t see why an official pardon cannot be granted to these two soldiers if they are still alive,” Mangai posited.

“Niger Delta militants have been granted amnesty and even apologists for Fulani bandits are asking for their amnesty and even for their ‘compensation despite their heinous crime against humanity,” I added.

“Could it be that certain ethnic nationalities cannot also ask for such favours even for alleged political crimes committed nearly half a century?” I queried.

“If they are alive, they would be in their late eighties or early nineties. I also do believe that they deserve a state pardon,” Mangai said.

“You are the Chairman of the Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna state Chapter,” he pointed out, “these two men need your voice as your members, since their families won’t appear to make a case for them,” he said.

“You must begin to find out what has happened to them and how they can enjoy state pardon alive or postmortem,” he challenged me.

And I have taken that challenge.

They have been on the run for 48 years.

I believe that it’s high time Nigeria revisited their case, especially as no one has heard their own side of the story in that tragic event which redirected the course of this nation.

………………………………………
Luka Binniyat is an award winning Journalist, freelance writer and is the Chairman, Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State Chapter.

Tahir Adoko

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has extended its heartfelt commendation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Security agencies for their remarkable roles in the conduct of the recent governorship election in Edo State.

NAN said, the commendable achievement not only underscores the diligent efforts, unwavering commitment, and vigilance of the Commission but also serves as a beacon of hope and a positive precedent for future electoral processes across our great nation.

In an era where the integrity of electoral systems is constantly under scrutiny, the successful execution of the Edo State governorship election stands as a testament to the dedication of INEC officials and their collaborative partners.

NAN in a statement by it’s Chairman Salihu Suleiman said, the efficient management of this crucial democratic exercise demonstrates that, with collective effort and adherence to lawful conduct, it is indeed possible to achieve an election that reflects the true will of the people.

“Furthermore, we express our gratitude to the law enforcement agencies that played a pivotal role in ensuring peaceful polls. Their credible and professional conduct allowed voters to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation, contributing significantly to the overall atmosphere of tranquility that characterized the election.

The commendable behavior exhibited by the citizens of Edo State, marked by orderly queuing and respect for democratic principles, deserves recognition. It is a clear manifestation of the growing political consciousness and commitment among the electorate, strengthening the foundations of our democratic society, the statement added.

“We extend our warmest congratulations to the winner of the Edo State governorship election. Your victory is a reflection of the aspirations and confidence of the electorate who placed their trust in your leadership. We wish you success as you take on the responsibilities of governance, and we hope that you will strive to serve the people with integrity, inclusivity, and transparency.

At the same time, we implore the candidates and supporters of the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party to exhibit graciousness and sportsmanship in their defeat. In a democracy, losing an election is not the end of the road; rather, it offers an opportunity for reflection, growth, and future engagement.

“We call upon them to refrain from discrediting our electoral institutions, as such actions only serve to undermine the integrity of our democratic processes and the trust that the citizenry places in them. Engaging constructively with the outcome of this election is imperative as Nigeria collectively seeks to strengthen its democratic framework.

“As we move forward from this pivotal moment, it is essential that all stakeholders—including political parties, civil society, and the electorate—continue to demonstrate their commitment to upholding the values of democracy. We must work in unison to ensure that every Nigerian’s voice is counted and that the integrity of our electoral processes is safeguarded for generations to come.

“The Northern Awareness Network reaffirms its unwavering support for the ideals of democracy, and we encourage all parties to prioritize collaboration and respect for the electorate moving forward. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient democracy that reflects the will and aspirations of all Nigerians”.

By Abdul Safana

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its exemplary conduct during the recent governorship election in Edo State.

Yerima Shettima, President General of the AYCF, described the successful delivery of a fair, free, and credible electoral process as a pivotal advancement in Nigeria’s democratic experience.

Shettima attributed the success to INEC’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and adherence to electoral laws.

The credibility of an election, he noted, is paramount to fostering public confidence in the electoral process.

INEC has demonstrated its dedication to this principle, setting a commendable standard that other states can emulate.

The deployment of efficient electoral technology and systematic training of personnel also contributed significantly to enhancing the integrity of the electoral process.

This showcases INEC’s dedication to improvement and reform.

Moreover, the peaceful conduct of voters and the relative absence of electoral violence are indicative of the growing maturity of Nigeria’s political culture.

The participation of citizens and stakeholders in a peaceful and orderly manner highlights a collective aspiration for progress and stability within the region.

The AYCF believes that this trend, if maintained, will invigorate public trust and encourage greater electoral participation in future elections.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winner of the polls, whose election is a clear reflection of the choice made by the electorate.

In light of this victory, we urge the newly elected governor to embrace the spirit of magnanimity, fostering an inclusive administration that seeks to heal the divisions experienced during the campaign period.

In a time when society finds itself polarized by political differences, it is the responsibility of elected officials to build bridges, prioritize unity, and work for the common good of all citizens.

The AYCF also commended the professionalism displayed by security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Army.

Their effective supervision was instrumental in ensuring the safety of voters and the orderly conduct of the election.

Ibrahima Dangari

Kaduna, Nigeria – Nine Adara Elders have dragged former Kaduna Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai, to court over alleged human rights abuses, seeking N2.3 billion in damages.

Led by former Chairman of the Adara Development Association, Mr. Aweni Dio Maisamari, the claimants demand justice for their unjust imprisonment by the El-Rufai-led administration in 2019.

According to their lawyer, Gloria Ballason, El-Rufai specifically directed the arrest of Maisamari without investigation or reasonable suspicion of crime. The court found no evidence against them and dismissed the case.

The Adara Elders were imprisoned for over three months, alongside other prominent community leaders, including a former Commissioner of Police and the Waziri Adara, who was next in line to the murdered Chief, Rafael Maiwada Galadima.

The claimants are seeking damages, including:

• N900 million for arbitrary arrest and perpetual injunction
• N100 million for general and exemplary damages
• N500 million for other damages incurred during the court case
• N800 million in special damages given the quantum of rights violated

Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court Kaduna adjourned the case to next month, allowing time for proper service to the respondents.

The case has generated significant interest, with many watching to see how it unfolds. The adjournment has given the respondents time to prepare their defense.

The Adara Elders’ lawyer expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to deliver justice. “We are hopeful that the court will consider the evidence and grant our clients the compensation they deserve,” Ballason said.

By Mike Odeh James and Luka Binnyat

…urges Zamfara Governor to stop blame game

Elated by proactive measures taken to eliminate bandits in the northwest region, the National Forum for Peace and Unity (NFPU) has urged the Minister of State for Defence , Bello Matawalle to remain focused and avoid distractions on his avoid commitment to rid the country of bandits and other criminal elements.

According the forum, the intensified efforts by the federal government to rid the North-west of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and other forms of terrorism is gradually yielding results .

The Minister of State for Defence,Bello Matawalle, on September 3,sought the
support of Sokoto State Government and citizens to execute President Bola Tinubu’s directive to flush out bandits and other criminals terrorising the North-West.

The National Forum for Peace and Unity in a press statement signed by the coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmadu Dambata,passed a vote of confidence on Matawalle and called on Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Dauda Lawal to stop the blame game over the insecurity challenges in the State and join together with his predecessor and Minister of Defence, former Governor Bello Mattawalle.

While stating that,”The people of Zamfara State are tired of frequent killings, kidnappings and threats of attack on communities that fail to contribute money to bandits, it said, those who accused Matawalle of having ties with bandits and the ones finding it different to face the reality of the feat achieved in the fight against banditry.

The statement further reads,”Anyone who wants progress and development of this country should be happy with the actions taken against banditry and stop the unnecessary blame games as well as thr political witch-hunting.

“We all know that banditry in the northwest region , especially Zamfara State requires a united and calculated approached from all stakeholders and former governors of the State to address once and for all.

“We insist that it’s not time for political blame game ,but the opportunity to be united and support the federal government to ensure that bandits are completely eliminated from the region.

“The forum therefore expressed dissatisfaction over the manner the state government is handling the security of lives and properties in the State and appealed to the Governor to rather explore the opportunity of having his predecessor as a Minister of State for Defence.”

By: Mohammed Dahiru

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) reacting to recent troubling incidents involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its treatment of Former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has called on the anti-graft agency to come clean in the matter.

AYCF said it finds the actions of the EFCC on the 18th of September, 2024, alarming and deserving of serious public scrutiny because reports have it that the former governor, popularly known as GYB, voluntarily presented himself to the EFCC’s office, complying with all due processes and protocols expected from a citizen facing scrutiny.

A statement issued by the forum’s President General, Yerima Shettima, said instead of engaging him (GYB) in a meaningful dialogue aimed at clarifying any allegations against him, the EFCC inexplicably failed to follow through, opting instead to plan a heavy-handed operation reminiscent of state-sponsored intimidation.

“The subsequent heavy armed surveillance at the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja, including sporadic gunfire purportedly associated with the EFCC’s operatives, not only jeopardizes the safety of GYB but also sends a chilling message regarding the agency’s commitment to impartiality and fairness.

“This behavior poses fundamental questions about the EFCC’s operational integrity and its motivations in targeting specific individuals, particularly those from minority ethnic groups. Moreover, the disparity in the treatment of different political figures raises eyebrows.

“While GYB was met with armed siege, it is notable that the EFCC exhibited a vastly different demeanor when the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, reported to its office amidst a crowd of supporters. This inconsistency indicates an alarming bias that must not only be addressed but also rectified.”

Shettima queried: “What are the true intentions behind these maneuvers by the EFCC? What criteria are they using to determine who is subjected to their procedural scrutiny? The selective operational tactics employed by the EFCC creates the unsettling notion that the agency may be acting under undue influence, serving certain interests rather than fulfilling its paramount duty to uphold justice and equity for all Nigerians.”

The AYCF, however, said it remained resolute in its call for transparency and accountability in the actions of public institutions, especially those tasked with fighting corruption, adding that former governors with cases to answer, regardless of their ethnic affiliations or political connections, must be treated with the same level of scrutiny.

“It is unacceptable for the EFCC, under the leadership of Mr. Olu Olukoyede, to overlook significant financial misappropriations involving individuals from certain ethnic backgrounds while escalating attacks against others.”

Shettima also said the alarming atmosphere of intimidation fostered by the EFCC must be addressed with urgency. “We are particularly concerned about the safety and well-being of GYB in light of these developments. It is imperative that the Nigerian government and relevant authorities take immediate action to protect him and ensure that due process is followed.

“Moreover, we wish to convey our concerns to international community members regarding the concerning patterns of selective justice and the potential implications for human rights. We urge global organizations and foreign governments to monitor these developments closely as we collectively champion the cause of justice for all Nigerians.

“In conclusion, as we heed the words of General Omar N. Bradley, let us remember that a failure to prevent unjust actions can lead to dire consequences.”

AYCF reiterated its firm stand against any misuse of power by the EFCC or any other institution against the people of Kogi State or any state in Nigeria.

By Mike Odeh James

The Arewa Young Lawyers Forum (AYLF) has condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) handling of corruption allegations against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

According to Abubakar Kurawa, Esq., President of AYLF, the EFCC’s actions constitute a deliberate attempt to create unnecessary controversy and harm the commission’s reputation.

The EFCC’s establishment statute empowers it to investigate financial crimes, not convict suspects. However, in Yahaya Bello’s case, the commission has overstepped its bounds by convicting him in the public eye.

On September 19, Yahaya Bello voluntarily presented himself for questioning at the EFCC headquarters. Despite this, the commission claimed to have no questions for him, raising concerns about their true intentions.

Later that evening, EFCC operatives arrived at the Kogi State Governor’s residence, shooting sporadically and claiming they were there to arrest Bello.

The AYLF emphasized that every citizen has the right to a fair hearing and that innocence must be presumed until proven otherwise in a competent court of law.

With the matter pending before the court, the AYLF stressed that the EFCC should allow the court to give its judgment, rather than engaging in headline-grabbing tactics.

The AYLF urges the EFCC to operate within the bounds of the law, respect citizens’ rights, and focus on meaningful investigations rather than media trials.

The forum’s intervention highlights the need for accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, upholding the rule of law and protecting individual rights to ensure a fair and just society.

The AYLF’s stance is clear: the EFCC must respect the rule of law and protect individual rights, rather than engaging in actions that undermine the country’s democratic principles.

By Ismail Abdulaziz

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has called for Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal’s immediate resignation. This demand follows allegations of Governor Lawal’s involvement with terror groups operating in the region.

AYCF President General Yerima Shettima stated that Governor Lawal’s recent demands for Minister of State for Defence Bello Mohammed Matawalle’s resignation are misguided. Instead, Governor Lawal should step down due to his alleged ties to criminal enterprises.

A leaked document, RE-NORTH-WESTERN GOVERNORS/UN-ORGANIZED SECURITY SUMMIT IN KATSINA, reveals Governor Lawal’s connections to notorious bandit leaders. The document requests One Billion, Three Hundred and Seventy-Eight Million Naira for a dubious reconciliation programme.

This initiative raises serious concerns, as funds were earmarked for bandit leaders Bello Turji, Dogo Gide, Ado Aliero, Halilu Sububu, and Gwaska Dan Karami, and payoffs for media houses and influencers.

The AYCF views Governor Lawal’s actions as a diversion from his alleged complicity with terror groups. His unease grew after his aide, Bashir Hadejiya, was arrested for gun running and international criminal conspiracy.

The elimination of bandit leader Halilu Sububu and dwindling criminal factions, thanks to Minister Matawalle’s efforts, have weakened Governor Lawal’s alleged affiliates.

Governor Lawal’s calls for Matawalle’s resignation demonstrate a grave misunderstanding of the region’s dire circumstances. The AYCF praises Minister Matawalle’s tangible results in combating banditry.

The forum demands Governor Lawal’s resignation, citing his tenure’s dangerous governance-criminality overlap. If he refuses, the AYCF advocates for a Zamfara State emergency declaration.

This would involve Governor Lawal’s removal and replacement with a military sole administrator. The AYCF believes this measure is crucial for restoring order and addressing the security crisis.

The people of Zamfara deserve governance prioritizing safety and well-being. As the AYCF emphasized, “The time for decisive action is now.”

The AYCF urges authorities to investigate Governor Lawal’s alleged ties to terror groups and take necessary action.

The forum’s stance reflects growing concerns about governance and security in Zamfara State.

AYCF’s call for Governor Lawal’s resignation marks a significant development in the region’s ongoing security crisis.