Author Archives: News All Around

By kunle Ganiyu

In commemoration of the International Women Day (IWD) celebration, Halhad Foundation has donated food items worth millions of naira to pregnant women and children.

The event which took at the Primary Healthcare in masaka, Karu local government area of Nasarawa state witnessed over 40 pregnant women in participants.

Speaking during the event, the Chief Executive Officer and founder of the Halhad Foundation, Ambassador Halima Hadi said ” every mother deserves to work into motherhood with confidence not fear.

” Motherhood is a journey of strength, sacrifice and love yet too many women face it without the support they deserves.

She noted that the foundation inspires women inclusion, empowers mothers and accelerate action.

Ambassador Hadi stressed that the foundation stood with women ensuring that they feel seen,valued and never alone.

She said ” over 100 expectant mothers benefitted from our outreach receiving maternal health lectures from Dr. Fatima, a gynecologist and a public health practitioner, Simeon Samuel encouraging them to engage in fitness exercises and receiving essentials health kits, foods supplies and new born gifts. “

Less than 24 hours after the former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District,Senator Shehu openly declared support for Governor Uba’s reelection bid, the former Kaduna Governor, Mal. Nasir Elrufai out of alleged fears of the unknown,officially dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party(SDP).

Information gathered revealed that the return of Shehu Sani and other prominent politicians in the State such as Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi; Senator Danjuma Laah , Former Governor Ramalan Yero and others to APC recently unsettled the Elrufai.

Shehu Sani had said his major political interest in 2027 is to see Governor Uba Sani reelected as Kaduna State governor.

Unwilling to face the heat, Elrufai in a Facebook Post today formerly resigned from APC.

He declared: “Today, 10th March 2025, I have submitted a letter resigning my membership of the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately. Prior to this step, I had concluded consultations with my mentors, colleagues and loyalists across the country about the future. I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities.

“Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God.

“I therefore call on all our supporters and other persons concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP in the journey towards making Nigeria flourish as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race.”

Meanwhile,in a reaction via telephone call , Shehu Sani said leaving APC for SDP wouldn’t make any difference for someone with no political relevance again. But one thing is sure , President Bola Ahmed Tinubu And Governor Uba Sani will be voted again.

By Maro Kura

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of exhibiting bias against Northern Senators, following the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The group has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, urging Akpabio to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan within 48 hours or face widespread protests across Northern Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, AYAGL Speaker Ambassador Abdul Danbature expressed concerns over Akpabio’s leadership, stating that the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan reinforces their belief that the Senate President is acting against the interests of the Northern region.

Danbature questioned the grounds for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension, her reassignment within the Senate, and her removal as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content. He also highlighted the blocking of a motion she moved regarding the NLNG gas pipeline project to Northern Nigeria, suggesting these actions indicate a pattern of marginalization.

The AYAGL emphasized that without the support of Northern Senators, Akpabio would not have ascended to his current position and warned against the victimization of Northern representatives. They called on leaders from both the Northern and Southern regions to address this issue in the interest of national unity and peace.

The group threatened to occupy the National Assembly Complex and block major roads across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory if their demands are not met within the stipulated timeframe. They also urged President Tinubu to intervene, expressing concerns that Akpabio’s actions might have higher approval.

In a cautionary note, the AYAGL reminded Akpabio of the transient nature of power and advised him to treat his colleagues with fairness and equity.

ENDS

By Emmanuel Okonkwo

Kaduna, Nigeria – The Christian Media Forum (CMF) has called on the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, to urgently intervene in the prolonged leadership crisis affecting the Christian community in the 19 northern states.

In a statement released in Kaduna and signed by its Secretary, Andrew Ibrahim Mshelia, the CMF expressed deep concern over the ongoing leadership tussle between Rev. Pam and Rev. Joseph Hayab, both of whom claim legitimate leadership of the Christian body. The group lamented that the crisis has led to confusion, division, and embarrassment within the Christian community.

Call for Peace and Unity

The CMF urged both factions to put aside their differences and seek reconciliation, emphasizing that the Christian faith should exemplify peace, love, and unity.

“We urge the warring factions to sheathe their swords and give peace a chance. It is our firm belief that the Christian community should be a beacon of hope, love, and unity, rather than a symbol of division and strife,” the statement read.

The group further highlighted its commitment to promoting peace and stability within the Christian community, stressing that the ongoing dispute has negatively impacted the reputation of the Church and CAN as a whole.

Biblical Call for Harmony

Citing 1 Peter 3:8, which urges Christians to live in harmony, be compassionate, and love one another, the CMF called on the feuding leaders to embrace biblical principles and work towards a peaceful resolution.

“As Christians, we are called to live in peace and harmony. The Bible teaches us to ‘live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.’ We urge all parties involved to uphold these principles and seek an amicable resolution,” the group stated.

Appeal to CAN President

The CMF expressed confidence in Archbishop Okoh’s ability to mediate in the dispute, urging him to use his office to bring the warring factions together for dialogue and reconciliation.

“We appeal to Archbishop Okoh to use his good offices to facilitate a peaceful resolution. His intervention is crucial to restoring peace and unity within the Christian community in northern Nigeria,” the statement continued.

The group also called on the opposing factions to approach mediation with open hearts, stressing that a peaceful resolution is achievable if all parties prioritize unity over personal interests.

Hope for Resolution

As the CMF awaits Archbishop Okoh’s response, the organization remains hopeful that wisdom and divine guidance will lead to a resolution of the crisis.

“We pray that God will grant us wisdom, courage, and strength to work towards a peaceful resolution. With God’s guidance, we believe the Christian community can overcome this challenge and emerge stronger and more united than ever before,” the CMF affirmed.

In conclusion, the forum reiterated its plea for intervention, emphasizing the need to restore peace and unity among Christian leaders in northern Nigeria.

“We are confident that Archbishop Okoh’s intervention will bring an end to this crisis and help rebuild trust within the Christian community,” the statement concluded.

…Vows to Join Akpabio’s wife in Legal battle

Group under aegis of Northern Democratic Alliance (NDA) has condemned what it termed , Unfounded sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan.

The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti who protested the relocation of her seat accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of persistent harassment, victimization, and blocking her legislative efforts because she rejected his alleged inappropriate advances.

Natasha, who made the claim while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, detailed what she described as a troubling pattern of professional sabotage and personal intimidation — a fallout, she claimed, of her refusal to engage in an improper relationship with Akpabio.

However,in a reaction to Senator Natasha Apoti”s claim of sexual harassment, the Northern Democratic Alliance condemned the attacks on the Senate President.Saying her face-off with Senator Akpabio is unwarranted, unprovoked and shouldn’t have come from a family friend of the Senate President.

The statement reads: “We have known the Senate President since he was Governor of Akwa Ibom to his days as minister and now Senate President, and can authoritatively tell you that he’s a man who lots of respect for women .

“So , when we heard about Senator Natasha accusations, especially that of sexual harassment,it didn’t add up for us .

“The good people of Akwa Ibom,the wife of the Senate President and members of the National Assembly can also attest to fact that he’s only a cheerful personality,but a seasoned administrator who understands the implications of such act of irresponsibility while holding public office.

“It against this background that we have come to condemn Senator Natasha unsubstantiated claim of sexual harassment and victimization.”

” After careful study of the whole saga ,we have decided to join Senator Akpabio’s wife in court in legal battle against Senator , Natasha who has no evidence to prove her claim.”

… Demands Unreserve Apology for Abandoning Them

Kaduna based political group has expressed anger over the relocation of former President Muhammadu Buhari to his Kaduna residence after several years of abandoning the State .

The group, which asked Buhari to return to back to his Katsina hometown, said they never expected that he could stay away from Kaduna for 24 hours after he left office as Nigeria’s President .

According to the forum, all the privileges the former President has enjoyed and success achieved over years apparently were due to his link to Kaduna, the historical headquarters of the northern region.

It was widely reported that the former President Buhari relocated from his hometown, Daura in Katsina State, to his residence in Kaduna, marking the end of a 21-month stay since leaving office in May 2023.

In a Statement issued today and made to journalists in Kaduna the forum explained: “Buhari abandoned us after he became the President and worst still, Daura home town became his favorite place of abode .

In the statement signed Dr. Musa Ibrahim Gusau the angry members posited, ” We have always supported Buhari in all aspects of his life from the days of military rule to when he decided to join politics and ran for the highly coveted seat of President.

“He later became President in 2015 and suddenly abandoned Kaduna people from 2015 to 2023 .Today he has returned to Kaduna and expect us to give same unalloyed and organic support.

“We used to love Buhari for his regards and respect for the masses .We also strongly believe in his unquenching passion to fight corruption and work for emancipation of the talakawas ,but out mindset had changed now .

“The decision to condemn his renewed decision to relocate to Kaduna was out of anger; pains and feelings of abandonment .

“We are sad that after he became the president, he simply changed and started going to his Daura home town .Kaduna people voted for him;stood for him, but when he became President ,he abandoned Kaduna now he has returned to stay in Kaduna.

“We are therefore call on the former President to apologize to all his supporters or return to Katsina.”

…Pay his salaries, entitlement for 8 years as President

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Thursday, urged President Bola Tinubu to validate the results of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and posthumously declare the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Moshood Kasimowo Olawale Abiola winner.

The political activist also urged President to do the needful by equally pay all salaries and entitlement due to him for the eight years he would have served the country to his family.

Frank, in a statement in Abuja, said the call has become necessary since former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) retired, who annulled the election has owned up to the validity of results.

IBB had during the public presentation of his book, titled: ‘A Journey in Service’, blamed former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha and other forces for instigating his annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election which he admitted that MKO Abiola won.

In his reaction, Frank equally called on IBB to as a mark of penitence, remit all the money he has realised from his book launch to MKO Abiola’s family.

Frank said: “I don’t think Tinubu should waste any more time in officially declaring Abiola President and according him all the entitlements and recognition due him as former president.

“He can do this by sending a Bill to the National Assembly to recognise the June 12, 1993 presidential election and lawfully validate the results and declare MKO as the winner of the election.

“Good enough, Tinubu was at the forefront of the June 12 Struggle which was principally aimed at getting the General Sani Abacha’s junta to recognize Abiola as President and hand over power to him.”

The Bayelsa-born political activist who is also the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, said it was not enough for IBB to express regret over the illegal annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election which was adjudged as the most peaceful, freest and fairest election conducted in Nigeria so far, he must apologise and beg Nigerians for forgiveness.

“IBB must apologize to Abiola’s family and Nigerians who continue to bear the negative consequences of his wicked, satanic, inhuman, anti-people and anti-God action when he single-handedly voided the election, an act which later culminated in the untimely death of Abiola in military custody.

“Until IBB atones for his sins and Tinubu officially recognizes Abiola as a former president of Nigeria, IBB will remain culpable and eternally blamable,” Frank said.

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has congratulated Oba Oladipo Olaitan on his emergence as the new leader of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization. The MBF President, Dr. Bittus Pogu, praised the peaceful transition within Afenifere, describing it as a reflection of the group’s commitment to internal unity and consensus-building.

In a statement signed by Luka Binniyat, the Forum’s spokesman, Dr. Pogu celebrated the orderly process through which Oba Olaitan was selected. He noted that such peaceful transitions further strengthen Afenifere’s credibility as a leading voice for the Yoruba people and the wider Nigerian polity. Dr. Pogu highlighted Oba Olaitan’s deep-rooted dedication to Afenifere, recalling his diligent service as Deputy Leader to the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

Despite his standing as a respected royal father, Oba Olaitan never wavered in his commitment to the group’s ideals and the larger struggle for justice, democracy, and fairness in Nigeria. The MBF President expressed strong confidence in Oba Olaitan’s capacity to deepen the historic relationship between the Middle Belt Forum and the Southern Leadership Forum. This partnership aims to advance shared goals like leadership rotation, restructuring, and the push for a truly federal constitution that ensures equity, security, and prosperity for all Nigerians.

Dr. Pogu also paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as a selfless, principled leader whose relentless pursuit of justice and national progress left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history. He emphasized that Adebanjo’s legacy of courage and integrity would continue to inspire both Afenifere and the Middle Belt Forum. The MBF President assured Oba Olaitan of the Middle Belt Forum’s unwavering friendship, cooperation, and solidarity as both groups pursue their shared vision for a more inclusive, productive, and democratic Nigeria.

Dr. Pogu expressed optimism that under Oba Olaitan’s leadership, Afenifere would remain steadfast in promoting the rights of the Yoruba nation and working for the overall good of Nigeria. He reiterated the Middle Belt Forum’s commitment to collaborating closely with Afenifere under Oba Olaitan’s leadership. This partnership aims to reaffirm the strong bond between the Middle Belt and Southern Nigeria in the ongoing effort to build a just, secure, and prosperous nation for all Nigerians.

The statement concluded with a renewed commitment from the Middle Belt Forum to work together with Afenifere in advancing their shared goals. By doing so, both organizations aim to promote a more inclusive and democratic Nigeria, where the rights and dignity of all citizens are respected and protected.

Tired of waiting for their entitlements to be paid after being sacked in 2017, the Kaduna State Illegally Disengaged Teachers Forum has publicly condemned former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s administration for its actions. The teachers, who were dismissed after allegedly failing a competency test, claim the test was unfair and designed to reduce the workforce.

According to the teachers, God will punish El-Rufai for making them suffer untold hardship over the past seven years without paying their entitlements. They also expressed happiness that El-Rufai is already facing the consequences of his actions.

The El-Rufai-led government had sacked 21,000 out of 30,000 primary school teachers who failed the competency test. However, the State Coordinator of KSIDF, Comrade Aminu Maitama, revealed that the test was not conducted in good faith. Maitama personally scored 70% on the test but was still sacked, leading him to question the motives behind the test.

Maitama accused El-Rufai’s administration of using the test as a pretext to reduce the number of teachers and cut costs, without considering the impact on education in the state.

The teachers have appealed to Governor Uba Sani to reconsider their case and pay their entitlements. They also commended Governor Sani for releasing N548 million in withheld funds to the Nigerian Union of Teachers Endwell scheme. Additionally, they requested another competency test to assess their eligibility for reinstatement.