Author Archives: News All Around

Emeka Kalu

The current unrest plaguing Nigeria has instilled a sense of unease among the populace, with reports indicating a significant number of Nigerian politicians fleeing the country for shelter overseas. The abrupt exodus of top government officials, political elites, and prominent business figures has triggered widespread apprehension, particularly among the Igbo residents in the North and Southwest states.

In response to these concerning developments, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, is proud to extend its appreciation to the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for their unwavering dedication in curbing the politically motivated nationwide protests set to commence from August 1st to 10th, 2024.

Ohanaeze had previously called upon Igbo residents in the Northern and Southwestern states to abstain from participating in the forthcoming protests, aligning with our core principles of peace and advocating for calm amidst turbulent times.

A statement issued Secretary-General Ohanaeze Ndigbo Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro assured, both Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora, that stringent security measures will be enforced by the Ministry of State for Defence and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to safeguard against any form of molestation, intimidation, or harm to Igbo lives and properties in the North and Southwest regions.

He reiterated the resolute decision of Igbo traders and residents to boycott the planned nationwide protests is a testament to our unwavering commitment to peaceful coexistence and unity.

“We implore the proponents of the August 1st to 10th, 2024 protests to explore avenues for dialogue with President Tinubu to address their grievances peacefully and amicably, without resorting to violence or causing casualties.

“We are cognizant of the presence of foreign mercenaries in league with unpatriotic elements, scheming to incite chaos in Nigeria and using the Igbo people as pawns in their destructive pursuits. However, the collective decision of Igbo residents to distance themselves from the protests has left the instigators perturbed, prompting concerns that they may resort to inciting violence against the Igbo populace in a bid to provoke their involvement.

The Igbo leader underscored that the withdrawal of Igbo residents from the protests disrupts the sinister plans of the sponsors, rendering their malevolent intentions unattainable and therefore urged the Presidency, through the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, to intensify efforts in protecting Igbo residents in the North and Southwest from any form of harassment or intimidation.

“Importantly, we affirm that there will be no protests in the Southeast, as we entrust Igbo youths with directives to thwart any attempts to incite unrest within the region and in solidarity, we uphold the values of peace, unity, and non-violence, demonstrating our unwavering resolve to foster a harmonious and prosperous nation.

ENDS

By Deborah Ajulo

The Speaker of Zamfara State Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Abdulhamid Ibrahim, has been elected Chairman of the Conference of State Youth Parliament Speakers of Nigeria (CSYPS).

The election took place during a national meeting of the conference on Wednesday, where Abdulhamid secured the highest number of votes, achieving a two-thirds majority over his competitor, the Speaker of the Taraba State Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. AM-Dan Maliki, who did not receive any votes.

Abdulhamid succeeds Rt. Hon. Prince Osawemwenhio Uwagboe, the immediate past Speaker of the Edo State Youth Parliament, and will serve a one-year term.

In his acceptance speech, Abdulhamid expressed his commitment to elevating the conference by enhancing its role in youth activism through parliamentary dialogue and initiatives. He emphasized the importance of fostering strong connections and networks with other youth parliaments, parliamentary organizations, and notable institutions globally.

The Chairman urged Nigerian youths to shun violence and collaborate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Government to achieve greater infrastructural development as true dividends of democracy.

Abdulhamid also commended Dr. Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State, for his resilience in fighting banditry and the ongoing urban rehabilitation efforts in the state. He stressed that Governor Lawal’s dedication to restoring peace and improving infrastructure has created a more secure and prosperous environment for the youth and all citizens of Zamfara State.

Mike Odeh James

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) convened an emergency virtual meeting on July 24, 2024, bringing together its National Executive, 36 State Chairmen, and other key stakeholders to address the nation’s pressing issues and the planned nationwide protest on August 1, 2024.

During the meeting, the council discussed the escalating socio-economic challenges facing Nigerian youths, including rising inflation, insecurity, unemployment, and widespread hardship. The council acknowledged the alarming levels of poverty, inequality, and social injustice that have sparked widespread discontent among young people.

In a statement signed by Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe, the NYCN President, the council emphasized the need for a unified response to these challenges. The President announced that the council will engage in:

• Broad stakeholder consultations: The NYCN will hold talks with government officials, security agencies, civil society organizations, and the media within the next four days to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues and to explore possible solutions.
• Press conference: A national press conference is scheduled for July 31, 2024, where the NYCN leadership will address the nation and outline its stance on the planned protest. The council will also use this platform to present its demands and expectations from the government.
• Call to action: The council urged its members to remain vigilant and await further instructions. The NYCN has over 100 affiliated youth organizations and millions of members across the country, and the council is mobilizing its vast network to take action.

The National Youth Council of Nigeria reaffirmed its dedication to advocating for the interests of Nigerian youths and driving positive change in the country. The council acknowledged the nation’s challenges and called on all stakeholders to collaborate towards a better future for Nigeria.

Stella Mark

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has expressed concern and worries by recent revelations concerning a fabricated video that implicates Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, in collusion with bandit kingpin Bello Turji.

According to the group, evidence suggests that the video was orchestrated by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Dare Lawal, representing a desperate effort to smear the All Progressives Congress (APC) federal administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

A statement issued by the Chairman Salifu Suleiman said, such despicable actions are clear indicators of the rampant corruption and collusion between politicians and criminal elements that plague Zamfara State, stressing that the links between Governor Lawal and Turji, a notorious criminal, have raised substantial concerns about the quality of governance and mounting security issues in the region.

“It is deeply troubling that a sitting governor is linked to known criminal elements,” said [Name], spokesperson for NAN. “This form of corruption is not just a disservice to the people of Zamfara; it undermines the safety and governance of the entire state and sets a dangerous precedent for the rest of the country.”

NAN also deplored the situation where personal gain and power appear to motivate actions over the welfare of the citizens. The collusion between Governor Lawal and criminal entities exemplifies a blatant disregard for the rule of law and tarnishes the foundational principles of democracy and good governance. The implications have dire consequences not only for Zamfara State but for the nation at large.

NAN insist on the statement that an urgent federal intervention to investigate these troubling relationships and hold all parties involved accountable. Swift and decisive action is essential to eliminate corruption and dismantle criminal influences within Zamfara State, ensuring leaders are devoted to public service with transparency and accountability. The safety and security of all Nigerians, particularly those in regions afflicted by banditry and violent extremism, must be a top government priority.

“Federal authorities must act immediately to disarm bandits, dismantle these criminal networks, and restore law and order,” added [Name]. “Zamfara State’s residents deserve leaders dedicated to their safety and future prosperity.”

NAN averred that residents of Zamfara has continued to face attacks on their villages, rampant kidnappings, and senseless killings, making it imperative for security agencies, local authorities, and community leaders to work cooperatively to restore peace.

“To effectively combat rising violence, the government must address banditry and violent extremism’s root causes with urgency and decisiveness. NAN therefore calls on the federal government to prioritize the security and well-being of all Nigerians and deliver a safe environment conducive to growth and prosperity.

NAN said it remained committed to these values, advocating for peace, security, and socio-economic development across Northern Nigeria. Together, through united and concerted efforts, we can achieve a future free from violence and fear, enabling every Nigerian to live in peace and security.

NAN is a dedicated organization committed to promoting peace, security, and socio-economic development in Northern Nigeria. Our mission is to advocate for transparency, good governance, and justice while striving to create a secure and prosperous environment for all residents of the region, the statement added.

The Kaduna State Non-Indigenes Forum (KSNIF) has withdrawn from the planned nationwide protest against economic hardship, citing concerns that hoodlums may hijack the protest to loot their shops and market stalls.

In a statement, KSNIF Chairman Chief Emeke Emmanuel Okafor and Secretary Mr Adewale Peter Adelanwa urged citizens to shun the protest, given the police ban on unlawful protests and past experiences of violence and looting in Kaduna.

The forum expressed concerns about the potential for violence and looting, citing past instances where protests in the state had degenerated into crisis.

KSNIF called on security agencies to tighten security around business premises and appealed to citizens not to join the protest, citing the risk of hijacking by groups with ulterior motives.

The forum stated that while they are affected by economic hardship, they cannot afford to lose their investments and properties, especially during Nigeria’s current economic crisis.

KSNIF also called on the state government to deploy security operatives to potential flashpoints should the protest take place.

James Shindong

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has said the recent sponsored attacks on the Minister of State for defence Bello Matawalle and the National Security Adviser (NSA) Malam Nuhu Ribadu are targeted on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It would be recalled that recently during his appearance on Channels Television, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal criticized the administration of President Tinubu alleging that he lacks the will to address the chronic insecurity afflicting Zamfara state and Northern Nigeria.

Similarly, Governor Lawal through sponsored faceless groups attacked the Minister for state defence Matawalle and the NSA apparently calling for their removal, another subtle way of trying to get at the President knowing well that they are among the trusted loyalist of the President.

In a statement issued by the President General of AYCF Alhaji Yerima Shettima, he averred that Governor Lawal has failed to repose his own ineffectiveness and absence during critical security crises affecting his state, stressing that on the very day female students from the Federal University Gusau were abducted, the Governor embarked on a personal trip to the United States, thus leaving his state leaderless during a dire emergency.

Governor Lawal’s unwarranted trip to the United States at such a critical time demonstrates his disconnection from the realities on the ground in Zamfara. It was alarming that the governor remained incommunicado and inaccessible to efforts from the Ministry of Defence and federal government officials seeking his cooperation.

Shettima said, it is no longer news that Governor Lawal has consistently refused to collaborate with federal initiatives aimed at combating insecurity, thereby undermining collective efforts, This was recently collaborated with a viral video where bandits pledged their allegiance to him.

The expansive role of the Ministers of Defence and the NSA, which involves harmonizing efforts between the military, paramilitary, and intelligence agencies to combat nationwide security threats and their focus on overhauling the operational environment for the nation’s security forces has been pivotal in enhancing their effectiveness against terrorism, insurgency, and other critical threats.

Specifically, Matawalle’s proactive measures in addressing resource shortages, inadequate training, and operational constraints that had previously hampered security efforts and maintaining a balanced approach to ensure national security is quite commendable.

AYCF therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to give attention to distractors because Matawalle and Ribadu are trusted ally who remain committed to his renewed agenda.

By Ibrahim H. Tinja

In a passionate appeal on the floor of the National Assembly, Hon. Fatima Talba, Representative of Nengere Potiskum Federal Constituency, urged the Federal Government to engage in peaceful dialogue with the organizers of the upcoming protest scheduled for August 1, 2024. Her plea came as tensions simmered across the country, with many fearing the protest could turn violent.

Hon. Talba’s words were laced with concern and a deep understanding of the issues at play. She acknowledged the protesters’ grievances, citing unemployment, poverty, and inequality as legitimate concerns that needed to be addressed. However, she cautioned that violence and confrontation would only exacerbate the problems, leading to more harm and suffering for all Nigerians.

Instead, she advocated for a peaceful resolution, urging the government to listen to the protesters’ demands and work together to find solutions that benefit everyone. Her appeal was rooted in her belief that dialogue and understanding are essential for building a harmonious society.

The Representative’s words resonated across the chamber, striking a chord with her colleagues who share her commitment to peace and prosperity. Her call for peaceful dialogue has sparked hope that a resolution can be found before the protest, avoiding a potentially volatile situation.

Hon. Talba’s appeal is a testament to her dedication to her constituents and her country. She remains steadfast in her belief that Nigeria can overcome its challenges through peaceful means, and her voice is a beacon of hope in these uncertain times.

As the clock ticks closer to August 1, the nation holds its breath, hoping that Hon. Talba’s words will be heeded, and a peaceful resolution will be found. The world watches, eager to see if Nigeria can navigate its troubles and emerge stronger on the other side.

By Vincent Bono

The Grand Alliance of Coalition of Northern Youths Movement (GANOM) has accused Bello Turji, a bandits kingpin, of making baseless allegations against Minister of State Defence, Bello Matawalle, in order to destroy President Bola Tinubu’s legacy fight against insecurity in the North-West.

The group’s chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf, described Turji’s allegations as a “poorly scripted job by enemies of progress” and emphasized that those targeting Matawalle are more interested in destroying Tinubu’s legacy on the fight against insecurity in the North-West.

Yusuf questioned the credibility of Turji’s allegations, asking why a bandit like him would be given prominence to talk about insecurity when he is making life difficult for his own people.

He concluded by calling on President Tinubu to intensify military operations against bandits in the North-West and to address economic hardship in the country.

The group also clarified that Matawalle is not hiding bandits in Zamfara Government House, as alleged by Turji.

“Our attention has been drawn to a viral video on social media where one of the notorious bandits’ kingpins known as Bello Turji was making an allegation against some notable political leaders in the North-West including the former Governor of Zamfara State and the current Minister of State Defense Bello Matawalle and current Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu.

“Ordinarily, it is not in our character to respond to such baseless and poorly-scripted nothingwood movie being acted by element like Bello Turji and his co-crime merchants within and outside Zamfara State, but a need to set the record straight on the person of criminal Turji and the political rationale behind the viral video.

“It is on record that Bello Turji is fond of making baseless accusations against perceived political enemies of his sponsors who are teleguiding him to poison the minds of northerners against the possible re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu come 2027.

“And let us clearly state here that the majority of those calling on President Tinubu to replace Matawalle over the comedy video clip shared allegedly by agents of Zamfara state government are dangerous and worse unpatriotic Nigerians who are ready to go to any length to sow a seed of discord among Nigerians against a southern president just like they did to Goodluck Jonathan in 2014.

“So, those targeting Minister Bello Matawalle are more interested in destroying Tinubu’s legacy on the fight against insecurity in the North-West so they can use it against him and his political party which should not be allowed.

“Or, how can a bandit like Bello Turji being given prominence to be talking about insecurity when he is making life difficult for his own people?

“The truth is that, the ongoing military operations in the North-West is breaking Turji’s enclaves and his promoters unhappy which is why the military needs to intensify their onslaught against these criminal elements in their enclaves in Shinkafi, Sabon Birni, Isa, Zurmi, Jibia and many other areas surrounding Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and Niger States.

“Again, his allegations have not been only against Matawalle. He has accused a former governor of Zamfara State, Ahmed Sani Yerima that he was sponsoring bandits. He also accused the late Emir of Zurmi, Atiku Abubakar of the same allegations.

“Can we now say the security agencies especially the Department of State Security Service have not done their work which could have led to disqualification of Matawalle while he was being screened by the National Assembly better than Turji and his hidden sponsors?

“For those who watched the clip, Turji is just playing a script, using politics to destroy good names of many innocent people after his terror reigns in Shinkafi and environs.

“So it’s those who wants to destroy Tinubu’s led federal government that are using him because there was never a time the federal government is committed to securing Nigeria and deployment of military to trouble zones like what we have now.

“One can imagine a heartless bandit like Bello Turji who set vehicle on fire with several persons including a pregnant woman talking about sympathy. Those he killed their loved ones, those he destroyed their livelihood are still alive today to judge him.

“It’s pertinent for the Security agencies to invites the social media user who is very closed and ally to Zamfara state government that have recorded and shared the interview with Bello Turji for clarification of sponsorship.

“To this end, we are calling on President Tinubu not to take the development lightly and we urge him to put on his political thinking cap to address some of the issues like economic hardship in

Abo Musawa

..
The Zamfara Conscience Movement (ZCM) has issued a stark warning regarding a troubling and increasingly apparent close relationship between the Zamfara State government, led by Dauda Lawal Dare, and notorious bandits and criminal gangs that have devastated the state and neighboring areas in the North-West region.

The ZCM’s concerns escalated following the emergence of a video clip featuring Bello Turji, a prominent bandit leader. In the clip, Turji is seen openly criticizing eminent political leaders such as the Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle.

The ZCM finds it highly improbable that such bold statements could have been made without governmental support, pointing to a potentially deeper and more sinister collaboration with these criminal elements.

In a statement signed by ZCM Chairman Sahabi Lawali, the movement highlighted a prior video showing hooded armed bandits confessing to having ties with the government. These disturbing revelations, coupled with Turji’s audacious declarations, suggest a worrying trend of collusion between the current administration and criminal groups.

The bandits in the videos not only express their loyalty to Dauda Lawal but also vow to execute any orders he may give, raising significant questions about the present-administration nexus and Lawal’s motives.

“There appears to be a deliberate strategy employed by Dauda Lawal to use these bandits as instruments to discredit his predecessor,” stated Sahabi Lawali. “This tactic undermines the rule of law, erodes the ethical foundations of our political process, and jeopardizes the safety and well-being of our citizens.”
Lawali said it is no wonder that the security situation in Zamfara State has significantly deteriorated under the current administration compared to the previous leadership of Bello Matawalle.

The group said the fact that none of the local government headquarters were ever infiltrated by bandits during Matawalle’s tenure, whereas now, under the current administration, these areas are constantly under attack, is a cause for concern.

“The lack of action from Governor Lawal in addressing these frequent invasions is disappointing. Instead of consoling with the victims or condemning the attacks, Governor Lawal seems more focused on criticizing his predecessor, Bello Matawalle. This misplaced focus has resulted in wasted resources and energy that could have been better utilized in providing relief for the people who are suffering from these attacks.

“It is time for Governor Lawal to shift his attention from political squabbles to the pressing issue of security in the state. Cooperating with the federal government’s effort in addressing the root causes of these attacks and implementing effective measures to prevent future invasions should be the main focus of the government,” Lawali said.

ZMC noted that the stark difference in the security situation in Zamfara State under the two administrations of Matawalle and Lawal is undeniable and warned Governor Lawal to concentrate more on taking action to address the escalating violence in the state and prioritizing the well-being of the people over personal vendettas.

The group pointed out that Governor Matawalle’s decision to engage in dialogue with bandits has been vindicated by the presence of former IGP MD Abubakar in Governor Lawal’s administration as chairman of the state Security Trust Fund after leading his transition team in 2023.

“We recall that MD Abubakar led the reconciliation committee under the previous administration of Bello Matawalle by engaging with various stakeholders, including leaders of the bandits, religious and traditional leaders, and community representatives.

“Despite Governor Lawal’s firm stance against negotiating with bandits, the fact that Bello Turji claims that bandits still exist in the government house suggests that MD Abubakar may still be continuing negotiations behind the scenes,” they said.

The ZCM urges a comprehensive and transparent investigation into these alarming developments to ensure that justice prevails and the integrity of Zamfara’s political system remains intact. Inaction, the ZCM warns, would only embolden criminal elements, further tarnish governmental credibility, and compromise public safety.

“The administration must address these allegations head-on. It is imperative that swift, decisive action is taken to dismantle any existing alliances between the government and the bandits,” added Lawali. “Public trust in our leadership and the rule of law must be restored.
“This call to action is both justified and essential.

The video evidence depicting bandits pledging allegiance to Dauda Lawal is a clear indicator of the alarming collusion that threatens the state’s peace, security, and democratic ethos. Immediate and thorough measures are critical to safeguard the interests of the citizens and uphold the sanctity of the political process in Zamfara State” Lawali concluded.

By Suleiman Tanko

Bello Turji, the infamous bandit gang leader, has inflicted immense suffering upon the communities of Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, and other north-western states. His reign of terror has brought about widespread devastation, leaving behind a trail of tears, sorrow, and death. Turji’s criminal activities, which include kidnapping for ransom and wanton destruction of properties, have instilled fear and anxiety in the hearts of innocent citizens, turning once-thriving communities into ghost towns.
Turji’s modus operandi is one marked by ruthlessness and brutality. He shows no mercy towards his victims, resorting to violence and intimidation to achieve his nefarious goals. The sheer audacity of his actions, combined with the callous disregard for human life, underscores the urgent need for law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against him and dismantle his criminal network.
In addition to his criminal activities, Turji is also a master manipulator and propagator of lies. He has made it a habit to falsely accuse prominent personalities, including traditional leaders, community heads, religious scholars, and political figures, in an attempt to tarnish their reputations and sow discord within communities. His baseless accusations against Sheikh Bello Yabo and Minister of State for Defence Bello Mohammed Matawalle are clear examples of his malicious intent and ruthless tactics.
Turji’s attacks on Minister of Defence Bello Matawalle, a key figure responsible for the current successes in the fight against banditry in Zamfara and the North generallu, are not only unfounded but also attempts to undermine the progress made in addressing the security challenges faced by the region.
Minister Matawalle has been instrumental in implementing various strategies to combat banditry and restore peace to the area. His efforts have led to a significant decrease in the activities of criminal elements in the North and have brought hope to the residents of the region.
It is important to recognize Turji’s actions for what they truly are – the desperate actions of a criminal backed into a corner, lashing out in a final attempt to save himself from his inevitable downfall. By resorting to deceit and manipulation, Turji is seeking to deflect attention from his own crimes and evade accountability for his actions. However, it is essential that his lies and fabrications are exposed for the falsehoods they are and the larger conspiracy at play, with political motives driving his malicious agenda.
From the interview with Turji, it is evident that he was playing a script handed to him by some desperate politicians in the state.
The interview seemed to be orchestrated with a specific agenda in mind, aiming to discredit Matawalle by insinuating his connections with bandits even after he had left office. However, the ill-conceived scheme backfired as Turji failed to convincingly play his part in the script.
This misguided attempt to discredit Matawalle through Turji’s interview only served to expose the desperation and lack of credibility of some politicians in Zamfara state and his attempt to follow the script fell short as he made several glaring errors and missteps.
One of the biggest blunders in Turji’s interview was when he claimed that more than a year after Matawalle had left office, bandits still held substantial influence in the government house. This statement not only backfired on the current governor, Dauda Lawal, but also lacked any basis in reality.
Importantly too, throughout Matawalle’s tenure as governor, none of the headquarters of the 14 local government areas in the state were ever infiltrated by bandits. In contrast, under the current administration, several local government headquarters and even the state capital have been invaded by bandits in just the first year.
Moreover, Turji attempted to link Matawalle to the activities of bandits in Sokoto state, where he had never been governor. This blatant misrepresentation only further highlighted Turji’s lack of comprehension and ability to play the script effectively.
It is also worth mentioning that Turji was actually involved in Matawalle’s reconciliation initiative, which led to a year of peace and decreased hostilities in the state before the resurgence of violence under the current administration.
Another source of concern is a video clip of a band of heavily armed masked bandits proclaiming their allegiance to Dauda Lawal. The fact that they stated they are “with Dauda Lawal 100 per cent and will do whatever he likes us to do” raises serious suspicions about the ties between the current administration and criminal elements.
This unequivocal declaration of loyalty indicates a close relationship between Dauda Lawal and these bandits, suggesting that they may be working in concert to further their own interests. Furthermore, the bandits’ willingness to carry out any task assigned to them by Lawal raises questions about the true nature of their relationship and the motives behind their actions.
It is clear that Dauda Lawal is using these bandits as a tool to tarnish the image of his predecessor, by aligning himself with criminal elements and using them to carry out his bidding.
The latest attempt to undermine Matawalle and his legacy through Turji’s interview only serves to highlight the depth of this connection between the bandits and the Lawal administration in the state
It is however clear that the scheme has failed miserably. The lack of accuracy and coherence in Turji’s statements only serve to discredit the script handed to him by desperate politicians. It is imperative for the citizens of Zamfara state to critically assess the information presented to them and not fall victim to manipulative political agendas. The truth always prevails, and it is essential to seek out factual and unbiased information in order to make informed decisions for the betterment of the state.
Bello Turji’s malicious campaign of lies and deceit should not be allowed to dictate the narrative. His actions must be met with skepticism and condemnation, as he continues to wage a war of misinformation against innocent individuals and institutions. As the truth comes to light, Turji’s downfall is imminent, and justice will prevail in the face of his reckless and unfounded allegations.