Author Archives: News All Around

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.

Kaduna State has officially activated the PAYKADUNA Revenue Administration Portal, marking a seamless transition to a more efficient and transparent tax payment system.

Unveiled by Governor Uba Sani on May 22, 2024, the PAYKADUNA platform is now fully operational across all sectors of the state’s economy.

Designed to fastrack the process of internally generated revenue (IGR) collection, the portal simplifies the tax administration process, making it more accessible for taxpayers and revenue-generating agencies.

Comrade Jerry Adams, Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), announced the official cutover to PAYKADUNA, emphasizing the state’s dedication to leveraging technology for streamlined revenue collection.

“This strategic shift embodies our commitment to efficiency, transparency, and accessibility,” Adams remarked.

The platform centralizes payments for all state Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, ensuring secure and unified transactions.

By setting a new benchmark for revenue administration, PAYKADUNA is expected to enhance compliance rates and contribute to Kaduna’s economic growth.

KADIRS also called for continuous collaboration with partners to ensure the system’s success, positioning PAYKADUNA as a model for digital-friendly governance.

By Ismaila Sanni

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has condemned in strong terms the torture and unlawful incarceration of Seaman Haruna Abbas, who has been held captive for six years.

According to AYCF President General Yerima Shettima, the case is a “gross violation of human rights” and demands the immediate release of Mr. Abbas.

Recent revelations by Mr. Abbas’s wife, Hassana Abbas, exposed the cruelty and injustice suffered by her husband at the hands of Brigadier General Muhammad S. Adamu and other individuals complicit.

AYCF unequivocally condemned the actions of Brigadier General Muhammad S. Adamu and all those involved in the wrongful conviction, unjust incarceration, and subsequent torture.

The group demanded accountability for all individuals implicated in this egregious violation of justice.

AYCF also called for the establishment of transparent mechanisms for reviewing cases of alleged wrongful detention.

Especially those involving military personnel who continue to suffer in silence while their rights are trampled upon.

The plight of Seaman Abbas should serve as a rallying cry for all Nigerians who value justice and human rights.

His story is emblematic of a broader systemic issue that affects many citizens who fall prey to arbitrary detention and abuse of power.

AYCF reiterated its unwavering support for Seaman Abbas and his family.

The group vowed to continue advocating for all those who have been wronged by systems intended to serve and protect them.

Until justice is served, and the perpetrators of such heinous crimes are brought to their rightful place before the law.

AYCF urged human rights organizations, legal advocates, and civil society to join them in this fight for justice.

The collective voices of concerned citizens can foster a culture of accountability and transparency in our institutions.

The time to act is now; justice for Seaman Haruna Abbas is not just a demand but a moral imperative that we must uphold for humanity, dignity, and the rule of law.

By Abdulahi Abubakar

Kaduna, Nigeria – The Kaduna State chapter of the Labour Party has hailed the appointment of Senator Nenadi Usman as the Chairman of the party’s Caretaker Committee and Hon. Solomon Danbaki as the Interim Chairman of the state chapter.

According to a communiqué issued by the All Support Groups and Obidient Stakeholders, Kaduna State Chapter, the stakeholders congratulated the new leadership and expressed gratitude to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, and Dr. Alex Otti.

At a strategic meeting held in Kaduna, the stakeholders condemned the actions of immediate past Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, and his associates, accusing them of anti-party activities.

The communiqué called on Abure to refund party assets and funds, urging him to “embrace peace and accept the current reality for the greater good of the nation.”

The stakeholders advised the new leadership to embark on a membership drive and create a new membership register.

They also appealed to aggrieved members to return, assuring them that efforts are being made to address past anomalies.

The meeting adopted a new slogan: “Obidient Movement! Doing the right thing! Doing the right thing! Go and verify!”

With the new leadership, party stakeholders expressed optimism about the party’s prospects.

“We remain steadfast in our determination to reclaim Nigeria for ourselves and future generations,” the communiqué stated.

The meeting was attended by representatives of support groups and stakeholders from across Kaduna State.

Shortly after the September 4th All Important Stakeholders Meeting of the Labour Party at Government House Umahia, which gave birth to the Sen. Usman Nenadi led LP Interim National Caretaker Committee (LP-NCC), one character, Engr Mike Auta came out with outlandish claims and mudslinging against Sen. Nenadi Usman and topnotch leaders of the party in Kaduna state. His outburst was shared on many platforms until our attention was called to it.

His disrespectful posture to our most valued leaders and clear barefaced lies are unworthy of reproduction here, but it suffices to point out the following from his outing

He claimed that Sen. Nenadi Usman and Hon. Jonathan Asake worked against him when he contested for the Senate seat of Kaduna South Senatorial Zone in 2023.
That Sen. Nenadi Usman, Hon. Jonathan Asake, Dr. Datti Baba Ahmed and others worked against the victory of Mr Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential elections.
He also boasted as being the sole financier of the LP in Southern Kaduna and Kaduna state.
In a display of shocking guts that are only found among hardened crooks, he said that the Obi/Datti campaign organisation is still owing him.
In utter frustration and bitterness, he rejected the emergence of (LP-NCC) and denounced it as “illegal” among other vulgar invectives.

Though it beats our imagination how he came about the title “Engr”, because his last known honest vocation was carpentry after his apprenticeship, we want to guess that he assumed the title as an alias. In fact it is believed that he didn’t even complete his secondary school being a chronic truant as a school kid.

Now, back to the issues at stake:
His first claim is an absurd lie. Though Sen. Nenadi, Hon Asake et al may have earlier noticed the “Engr” as one of shady and dubious character filled with empty ego, Sen. Nenadi nonetheless in conjunction with Hon. Asake assisted him financially during his campaign and there is irrefutable evidence to show. In fact Hon. Asake took the campaign of this charlatan personally as he entered every nook and cranny of Kaduna South Senatorial Zone campaigning for Mike Auta and Peter Obi, as part of his own gubernatorial campaign. And we have everything in audio and video. Let Mike Auta come out with his own evidence and put a lie to this claim. From events that followed after the Kaduna South Senatorial Zone election, it is now evident that Kaduna South Senatorial Zone was spared the emergence of a conscienceless person who can take school children from here and dump them in Togo under a phoney scholarships scheme.
No one that is in his right mind will accuse Dr. Baba Ahmed of working against his own victory in his own state, when it was obvious that he was going to be vice president elect. What do Sen. Nenadi and Hon. Asake stand to gain if Mr Obi lost in Kaduna state. True observers of our 2023 Presidential campaigns in Kaduna state know that no presidential candidate got the support of our state like Mr Obi. And we still stand on our irrevocable belief that Mr Obi won in Kaduna state, no matter the result that was cooked by INEC. So it is abject madness for Mike Auta to level such accusations. But, bitterness and frustration are mind benders.
For Mike Auta to claim that he was the sole financier of the LP in Southern Kaduna and Kaduna state is the same insane and brazen claim he is making as being the owner of Nok University. Mike has unparalleled nerves for snatching what doesn’t belong to him and staking his life to it. Agreed, he rented and furnished his campaign office in Kafanchan, but unknown to most people, including his supporters, Mike made promises in scores of millions which he never fulfilled. During the campaigns he was and still is owing car rental companies; hotel accommodations, filling stations, POS operators and even “mama puts” restaurants. He is a known grabber of Abuja lands and is engaged in numerous shady sales of property in Abuja. His cases in court are in scores. He has to carry truck loads of police to evade arrest and attacks from those he highly owes debts, He was a big embarrassment to the party by the shame he brought upon it through such borrowing from even the struggling poor.The major life line of LP in the entire Kaduna State was Hon. Jonathan Asake. Payments made to Mike Auta can be produced, if he dared such.
A man without integrity have no qualms about making falsehoods. The truth is that Mike Auta was the beneficiary of 75% of the Obi/Datti campaign funds that came to Kaduna South Senatorial Zone. Every Kobo to the last million is well documented, unknown to him.
The tantrums of Mike Auta against the emergence of Sen. Nenadi and her LP-NCC is nothing a non-entity like the fake engineer can do about it. We understand that he has invested some of his ill-gotten wealth in lobbying to be part of the inner caucus of the LP both in Kaduna state and in Abuja. Unfortunately he has no pedigree. His only asset as a party member is that he contested for the Senatorial seat of the LP and lost. Therefore when serious stakeholders of the party are called over matters of national importance to the party, forget his little education, there’s no room for him. Sen. Nenadi and the other party leader he is insulting are light years ahead of him in political attainments, social clout and moral standing. And as he can see, Sen Nenadi has not only been totally accepted by serious LP and Obedient members home and abroad, INEC has duly affirmed her as the true interim leader of our party today, 13th September, 2024.

Finally, let our party members and the general public not be deceived or be misled by Mike Auta as a giant LP member. The truth is that after the presidential elections of 2023, he teamed up with the Lamidi Apapa led faction of the LP. After a kangaroo meeting in Bauchi, he was made vice Chairman of LP, Northwest. Their aim was to fight Peter Obi at the Election Tribunal.

The Labour Party in Kaduna state then called an emergency SEC meeting at the BBS hotel, Kaduna where he was given an indefinite suspension. It still stands till date.

Kindly disregard the frustration and rage of that imposter.

Sign: Campaign for Renewed Labour Party (CRLP).

13/09/2024.

By Abdullahi Mohammed

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed satisfaction with the reported killing of Halilu Buzu Sububu, a notorious bandit leader, by the Nigerian Military under the leadership of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. This development marks a significant turning point in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West region.

NEF Spokesman Abdul-Azeez Suleiman highlighted the growing optimism regarding the military’s efforts, suggesting that the elimination of Sububu, a major arms supplier to bandits, may provide a strategic advantage in diminishing their operational capacity.

Suleiman called upon the Nigerian government to provide greater backing for the Junior Defence Minister, emphasizing the need for a concerted effort to dismantle the network of banditry that has engendered fear and disruption within communities.

He dispelled misconceptions regarding the Forum’s stance towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, articulating a nuanced position that emphasizes constructive criticism as a tool for national progress.

Suleiman emphasized that the fight against banditry is far from over, recognizing the determination of the Nigerian Army and allied security agencies. He called for unity in support of ongoing military operations and discouraged divisive critiques that could undermine progress.

The NEF’s spokesman articulated a vision for Nigeria’s future that balances support for military efforts with a culture of respectful engagement with leadership, promoting collaborative efforts that prioritize the well-being of all citizens.

The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has raised the alarm over the activities of fraudulent individuals and groups posing as tax collectors, defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.

Speaking at a Press Conference in Kaduna, the KADIRS Executive Chairman, Comrade Jerry Adams, warned that these impostors are operating a coordinated cartel to deceive the public, and are not authorized by the agency.

According to him, some of these impostors have already been apprehended, while efforts are ongoing to catch the remaining criminals and their sponsors. KADIRS assured the public of its commitment to ending the menace of fraudulent levy collectors and maintaining transparency, integrity, and accountability in all operations.

The agency also warned taxpayers to ensure that all tax clearance applications and payments are processed through official KADIRS channels, and not to make payments to private accounts or individuals. He also disclosed that some of its staff members have been implicated in issuing fake tax clearance certificates, and are taking stringent measures to identify and punish those involved.

Furthermore, Comrade Adams warned about the proliferation of fake drivers’ licenses and vehicle documents in the state, urging the public to be vigilant and ensure that all documents are obtained from authorized channels. “We have received reports of individuals and groups selling fake drivers’ licenses and vehicle documents, which is a serious security risk. We urge the public to report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” he said.

“The public is urged to report suspicious individuals or groups claiming to represent KADIRS without proper identification or authorization. With the public’s cooperation and vigilance, KADIRS aims to maintain a law-abiding and prosperous Kaduna State”, he told newsmen on the sidelines of the press conference.

David Onyilokwu

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has commended the bravery and resolve of the Nigerian Armed Forces under the astute leadership of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle in military’s rigorous operations—spurred by the directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which has initiated a significant turning tide in the persistent battle against banditry, particularly in the North-Western region of Nigeria.

According to the northern group in a statement issued by it’s Chairman Salihu Suleiman, the Northern region has long been beleaguered by the terror and violence inflicted by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji Kachalla whose criminal enterprise, characterized by extortion, intimidation, and the tragic loss of lives, has wrought havoc upon our local communities.

NAN averred that the audacity with which Turji has operated, compelling citizens to pay exorbitant protection levies and perpetuating a culture of fear, is a matter of grave concern for all stakeholders in our beloved nation.

“In a decisive move to combat the incessant menace of banditry, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated Minister Matawalle to lead intensified military operations aimed squarely at dismantling Turji’s illicit activities. This directive symbolizes a pivotal juncture in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against banditry, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security to vulnerable communities.

“The recent strategic realignment of military resources to Sokoto, where Minister Matawalle has relocated to ensure enhanced oversight, further underscores the government’s urgency to reclaim authority in the region. The commitment shown by both President Tinubu and Minister Matawalle serves as a beacon of hope for citizens weary of insecurity”.

NAN therefore applauded the swift action taken by Minister Matawalle and the gallant troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Their recent operations have clearly demonstrated effectiveness in incapacitating bandit elements, leading to a marked decline in the organized criminal activities that once seemed unassailable.

Suleiman said, reports indicate that bandit leaders, who were once emboldened by a perceived lack of concerted military presence, have been sent scampering into the shadows, with their criminal enterprises thrown into disarray. This newfound momentum in our security apparatus is both reassuring and promising, the group said.

“The neutralization of Halilu Buzu a foreign national (from the Republic of Niger)is a terrorist leader involved in cattle rustling and illegal gold mining in Jawayi Anka LGA of Zamfara State and a notorious leader of the bandits marks a significant milestone in the fight against banditry in Nigeria, reflecting the resolve of local authorities to confront and dismantle criminal networks.

“This development not only reassures residents of Zamfara State but also represents a broader commitment to securing the nation against the threats posed by both domestic and foreign criminals. The fight against banditry is ongoing, but with sustained efforts like those demonstrated by Minister Matawalle, there is hope for a more peaceful and secure future for the region.

“In light of these recent successes, we call for deeper support and understanding from the public. The collaboration of citizens is paramount in the collective endeavor to restore peace and stability within our communities. The resilience of the Nigerian populace and their participation in intelligence-sharing efforts will serve to fortify the recent gains achieved by our military forces.

By Bayero Saidi

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has commended the recent successes recorded by the military in the fight against banditry in Nigeria’s North-West region. The forum attributed the progress to the strategic leadership of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and the renewed commitment of the current administration to restoring peace and security.

The AYCF noted that the North-West has been plagued by banditry, resulting in insecurity and harm to innocent civilians. However, the military’s intensified operations have led to the displacement of bandit elements and a significant reduction in attacks.

The forum urged the military to sustain the momentum and ensure the total eradication of banditry in the region. It also emphasized the need for a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of banditry, including socio-economic development and community engagement.

The AYCF expressed confidence in Minister Matawalle’s ability to lead the military to victory against banditry and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to invest in programs that empower local communities and restore faith in governance.

By working together, the AYCF believes that sustainable peace and security can be achieved in Nigeria’s North-West region, and the communities can flourish without fear of violence.

The forum also commended the troops for their bravery and sacrifices, and urged them to remain vigilant and focused on the mission to restore peace and security to the region.

The AYCF further emphasized the need for continued support and cooperation from local communities, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the military’s operations and the achievement of lasting peace in the region.