Author Archives: News All Around

Ada Olonta

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has strongly condemned the baseless accusations made by the Katsina Elders Forum against Defence Ministers Badaru Abubakar and Bello Mohammed Matawalle. The Network described the accusations as morally indefensible and politically motivated, highlighting the significant progress made in the fight against insecurity under the current administration.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Salihu Suleiman, the NAN emphasized the commendable progress made by the military forces under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with essential support from Defence Ministers Abubakar and Matawalle. The Network’s statement underscored the significant strides taken towards enhancing national security, which must not be overshadowed by politically motivated narratives.

The NAN called upon the Katsina Elders and other stakeholders to refrain from politicizing security issues and instead unite to support ongoing efforts to ensure peace and stability. The group emphasized that security is a collective responsibility that transcends political affiliations and urged all citizens to look beyond political differences and prioritize the overarching goal of a safer and more secure Nigeria.

“We call on the Katsina Elders Forum to recognize the progress made and to work collaboratively with government bodies to further these gains, rather than undermine them with unfounded accusations,” Salihu Suleiman added. The Northern Awareness Network remains steadfast in its support for the current administration’s security strategies and urges all citizens to prioritize the goal of a safer and more secure Nigeria.

The Arewa Economic Advancement Promoters has described the appointment of the new Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, as a “masterstroke from President Bola Tinubu”.

In a media statement in Kaduna at the weekend, Chairman of the group, Adamu Ahmed, said Dantsoho’s appointment was a resounding triumph of merit over mediocrity”.

Adamu commended the President for the choice of Abubakar, saying, “the NPA now has a highly qualified and experienced maritime professional, as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)”.

The group explained that the appointment of Dr. Dantsoho, as the new helmsman of NPA, has sent a clear signal that the Tinubu administration is committed to excellence and determined to drive the nation’s maritime sector to unprecedented heights.

“With a Doctorate degree in Maritime Technology from Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, and a Master’s degree in International Transport from Cardiff University of Wales, United Kingdom, Dr. Dantsoho is a consummate professional with a wealth of experience spanning over two decades in the maritime industry”, the statement explained.

Before his appointment, Dantsoho had served in various roles in the Nigerian Ports Authority, including Assistant General Manager, Technical Assistant to the Managing Director, Port Manager, Onne Port, and Principal Manager, Tariff & Billing.

The group noted that President Tinubu’s reliance on merit in making this appointment “has also been widely commended by stakeholders in the maritime sector, who see it as a bold statement of intent to transform the sector and unlock its vast potential.”

The group then added: “With Dr. Dantsoho at the helm, the NPA is poised to enter a new era of excellence, marked by efficiency, productivity, and innovation. The appointment has inspired confidence in the sector, and expectations are high that the nation’s ports will soon become a model of efficiency and competitiveness.”

Dantsoho is expected to apply his vast experience to a string of reform policies to drive NPA to an enviable international status.

The National Forum of Ex-Councillors of Nigeria has announced plans to hold mass actions against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, regarding alleged misappropriation of funds. The forum’s National Chairman, Ambassador Awal Kasim, made this declaration at a press conference in Kaduna on July 11, 2024.

The Forum disclosed their planned actions against the former Governor through their National Chairman, Hon. Ambassador Awal Kasim, who addressed a Press Conference in Kaduna on Thursday, July 11, 2024. The mass action, according to Hon. Ambassador Awal Kasim, includes open protests at all known houses of Mallam Nasir El-rufai and his commissioners in Kaduna and Abuja, and filing judicial litigations to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to immediately investigate the alleged misappropriation.

Hon. Ambassador Awal Kasim further stated that the Forum will mobilize its members across the Nineteen Northern States to join in the mass actions against Mallam El-rufai and his cohorts, asserting that Kaduna, as the capital of Northern Nigeria, cannot be allowed to be “raped to death” by unpatriotic elements who, after allegedly mismanaging the state’s resources, shamelessly seek judicial protection.

He wondered why Mallam Nasir El-rufai has quickly forgotten how he turned the judiciary in the state into a “good for nothing” institution during his eight-year tenure as Kaduna State Governor. He also mentioned the alleged wanton hardship El-rufai unleashed on the people of the state by demolishing their houses, churches, mosques, schools, and markets.

Hon. Ambassador Awal Kasim further disclosed that the mass action in Kaduna against the former governor and his indicted cabinet members will be attended by mobilized members from nineteen northern states, while the mass action against the immediate past governor in Abuja will be attended by members drawn from the thirty-six states of the federation.

He appealed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission to place the former governor, his family, and the indicted Commissioners, as well as their families, on Interpol’s watch list in Lybia, Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, and United Arab Emirates. This, he believes, will prevent them from fleeing the country to escape justice.

Concluding, Hon. Ambassador Awal Kasim called on all lovers of democratic dividends to rally round the executive governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Uba Sani, and the speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Liman, in checkmating all the antics of the former governor of Kaduna State and his indicted commissioners.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Friday, commended President William Ruto of Kenya for sacking his entire cabinet following widespread anti-government protests by Gen-Zs.

Frank in a statement in Abuja said the action of Ruto which was in fulfillment of one of the demands of the protesters has shown him as a listening President who is ready to embrace new ideas in moving Kenya forward.

He said: “We commend President Ruto for taking this action in the interests of Kenya. We commend him for listening to the Gen-Z protesters. His decision to sack his ministers is no doubt for the greater good of Kenyans.”

He encouraged Ruto to take further urgent steps to implement other demands of the protesters “because they mean well for him and his government in particular and Kenyans in general.”

He appealed to him to release all protesters arrested during the demonstrations who are currently being detained by the police and other security forces as well as compensate families whose loved ones were shot dead by security agents and the injured.

He implored Ruto to capitalise on the opportunity now availed him by the youth upheaval and protest to rebuild and reunite Kenya.

“He must realise that listening to the protesters and implementing their demands does not mean he is a weak president,” he said.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua’s Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, added: “We urge him to bring on board young people that can make impact in the lives of the ordinary Kenyan in his new cabinet.

“He now has an opportunity to correct past mistakes which he is already doing and we want other leaders from the continent to emulate what Ruto has just done by always lending listening ears to the cries and demands of their people.

“We equally pray that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has seen what happened in Kenya and that they are ready to take the steps Ruto has taken by cutting down the present over bloated cost of governance and withdraw their pernicious economic policies or risk the Kenya-style uprising in the country.”

He equally urged the protesters to see the positive results of their action as a win-win for all sides and pardon Ruto for whatever missteps he must have done and work with him for a better Kenya “since the President appears to have learned his lessons and shown remorse by implementing their demands.

“The young people of Kenya have shown that power truly belongs to the people, not to anybody, or individual.

“Listening to the protesters has shown that the voice of the young people counts and that the President is a true leader who is neither weak nor blinded by the allure of power.

“That the President has harkened to the masses of Kenya who elected him into office shows that he is ready to toe the path of reason and work in the interest of the generality of Kenyans moving forward,” Frank said.

He noted that whatever the protesters had done was done in the interest and for the progress of Kenya and not to destroy or destabilise the country.

Going forward, he urged Ruto and the Kenyan Government to consult widely and consider the best interest of Kenyans before taking any decision that may negatively affect the people.

By Ibrahim H. Tinja

A bill aimed at creating additional seats for women in parliament has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Fatima Talba, seeks to amend the constitution to reserve special seats for women in the Senate and House of Representatives.

Talba, representing Nangera/Potiskum Constituency, threw her support behind the bill and canvassed understanding from her male counterparts. She appealed to them not to “kill the bill” as it is crucial for the future of women in the country. The bill, she emphasized, is not intended to take away their seats but rather to complement their efforts.

Talba noted that women constitute over 65% of the country’s population and are a significant voting bloc. She posited that one day, the male lawmakers will leave their seats for someone else, and their female children may fall victims if the bill is not passed. She appealed to the male lawmakers to allow the bill to see the light of day.

Following her appeal, the bill was put to a voice vote and passed, despite some opposition. It has been referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Mr. Kalu.

This development is a significant step forward for women’s empowerment in Nigeria. A similar bill was introduced in the last Assembly but was rejected. The rejection had sparked protests from women’s groups, who barricaded the entrance of the National Assembly. The then leadership of the House had promised to revisit the bill but failed to do so till the end of the session.

The passage of this bill is one of the items on the legislative agenda of this current Assembly. According to the document, the bill was to be introduced before the end of 2023. The lawmakers are already behind schedule. The bill proposes to amend sections 48 and 49 of the constitution to provide one special seat reserved exclusively for women in the Senate and House of Representatives for each state of the federation and the FCT.

Arewa Progressive Forum for Good Governance (APFGG), said the son of former Kaduna State Governor, Bashir Elrufai and his fellow co- travelers cannot Stop Northerners from re-electing Tinubu come 2027.

Bashir Elrufai via a post on his social media handle did attack President Bola Tinubu and his father’s successor, Governor Uba Sani, predicting that both will be voted out of office in 2027 for ”non-performance”.

But in a reaction to his attack on the President in a statement signed by Mal Ibrahim Musa Bichi, the Chairman , the group which described Bashir Elrufai as ‘disrespectful and mannerless’ alleged, ,”The boy is simply speaking the voice of his couchy father,who is accused of misappropriating 423 billion naira state funds”.

According to the statement, his anger no doubt stemmed from the fact that his father was denied ministerial position.

It explained, “Those who understand politics know that Tinubu has built a political structure over the years that is helping him to move Nigeria forward in the right direction.And we don’t see reasons to fight an administration that is determined to make the country a better place .

“We want the likes of Bashir Elrufai to know that the real voters within the north will support Tinubu, because they are fully aware of the President’s efforts via his Renewed Hope Agenda to tackle the challenges of insecurity and economic hardship caused previous administrations”.

While stating that Bahir and his co-travelers are children,who have history of lack of home training ,the group dared Elrufai to contest the Presidential election in 2027.

“If your father has the capacity and popularity, why hide under former Rivers State Governor ,Mr Rotimi Amaechi and not personally contest the highly coveted seat of President in 2023 .

“We are challenging he, Elrufai to pick presidential ticket and contest against Tinubu and see who the north will vote .” It declared.

By Suleiman Abbah

The unfolding political scenario in Nigeria, particularly in Zamfara State, is indeed fraught with intrigue and danger. The plots against President Tinubu are thickening, as desperate elements attempt to undermine his administration and derail his chances of securing a second term in office.

The situation in Zamfara State is alarming, with a surge in violence and political unrest, fueled by attacks from armed groups resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives and the displacement of countless others. These attacks are not isolated incidents but rather a calculated effort to destabilize the region and cast a shadow of doubt on the President’s leadership.

It is clear that there are individuals or groups working tirelessly to undermine the democratic process in Nigeria. Through propaganda campaigns and deceitful tactics, they seek to create chaos and sow seeds of doubt among the populace. This level of political desperation and corruption poses a serious threat to the stability of the country and the integrity of its leadership.

Senator Abdulaziz Yari and Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, key allies of President Tinubu, are at the center of this battleground. Their loyalty to the President and the fear ignited by their recent reunion into a formidable force have made them targets for those seeking to destabilize the APC and cast doubt on Tinubu’s leadership.

These attacks are not random but a calculated effort to tarnish the President’s reputation, weaken his hold on power and undermine his chances of a return for a second term. At the core of these sinister plots are a bankrupt group of northern political elites determined to destabilize the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North, beginning with Zamfara, with the goal of weakening influential figures like Yari and Bello Matawalle.

Matawalle, who have played pivotal roles in building and sustaining the party in the North-West region, and fought an almost impossible battle to secure the North-West for Tinubu in the 2023 election. In the intricate world of politics, the maneuvering and scheming of power-hungry individuals can often lead to disastrous consequences.

The recent developments in Zamfara exemplify the calculated maneuvers of power-hungry individuals who often fail to foresee the disastrous consequences of their actions. The anti-Tinubu plotters have identified Kabiru Marafa and Sani Jaji as potential pawns in their failing game against Yari and Matawalle and the established leadership.

However, Marafa and Jaji lack the credibility, political clout, and strategic vision needed to mount any credible challenge to the current leadership. Their history of opportunism and lack of loyalty to any political ideology make them unreliable and ineffective leaders.

Kabiru Marafa, a political lightweight with a track record of unreliability and incompetence, is a wrong choice for the plotters to pin their hopes on. Marafa’s lack of credibility and political clout make him a weak and ineffective leader, incapable of rallying any substantial support or influence in Zamfara.

His history of jumping from one political party to another, driven by personal ambition rather than principles or ideology, further undermines his reputation and reliability as a leader. In essence, Marafa is a liability rather than an asset to any political faction seeking to challenge the status quo in Zamfara.

On the other hand, Sani Jaji, a virtually unknown entity with no discernible political base or credibility, is an even more puzzling choice for the plotters to entrust with the task of leading a supposed faction in the APC. Jaji’s lack of experience, influence, and political acumen render him an ineffective and insignificant player in the political arena.

Without a solid foundation of support or a track record of achievement, Jaji is ill-equipped to mount any credible challenge to the established leadership in Zamfara. The decision of the anti-Tinubu plotters to rely on Marafa and Jaji in this game therefore reveals a profound lack of understanding of the complex dynamics of politics and power.

Rather than identifying capable and charismatic leaders with a genuine following and a strategic vision, the plotters have settled for individuals who lack the necessary qualities to effectively challenge the incumbent leadership in Zamfara. This shortsightedness is likely to backfire, as Marafa and Jaji are unlikely to garner sufficient support or legitimacy to pose a real threat.

It is clear to any impartial observer that these individuals lack the requisite skills, experience, and popular support to mount a credible challenge to Yari and Matawalle’s influence in the APC. Their ineptitude and lack of political acumen render them incapable of effectively executing the nefarious plans of their puppeteers, who are themselves operating from a position of weakness and desperation.

The selection of Kabiru Marafa and Sani Jaji reflects a fundamental miscalculation on the part of the plotters. By entrusting the leadership of a supposed faction to individuals with

A coalition of Kaduna-based political groups, the Good Governance and Accountability Forum (GGAF), has slammed former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his aides for attempting to discredit the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s probe report, which alleged fraud and misappropriation of funds totaling N423 billion during El-Rufai’s administration.

The group described El-Rufai and his aides as “shameless” and “disrespectful” for accusing the Assembly of fabricating figures and bias, without providing evidence to counter the allegations. The GGAF demanded that El-Rufai and his aides provide facts and figures to refute the allegations, and called on anti-graft agencies to investigate and take action.

The group also announced plans to submit a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on the allegations of misappropriation of funds by El-Rufai.

In a press statement, the Coordinator of the Forum, Comrade Muhammad Jibrin, said: “El-Rufai’s administration embezzled over N423 billion, but instead of providing evidence to counter the allegations, they are resorting to cheap blackmail and intimidation. We will not be deterred in our quest for justice and accountability. We demand that El-Rufai and his aides be held accountable for their actions.”

Abi Olam

The Zamfara Political Monitoring Coalition (ZPMC) has issued a scathing critique of Senator Kabiru Marafa’s leadership claims, labeling him a discredited politician lacking credibility and significance in the state’s political landscape. The coalition accused Marafa of falsely claiming to lead a faction of the party in Zamfara, stating that his claims are unfounded and misleading.

The group pointed out that Marafa lacks influence and support among the party’s heavyweights, contributing to the party’s failure in the 2019 elections. They urged Marafa to accept his political irrelevance and step aside, allowing more capable leaders to take the reins and salvage the party’s reputation.

The coalition’s statement is a stark reminder of the harsh realities of politics, where credibility and influence are paramount. Marafa’s lack of both has left him isolated and ineffective, according to the group.

“Our statement is a stark reminder of the harsh realities of politics. In a landscape where credibility and influence are paramount, Marafa’s lack of both has left him isolated and ineffective,” the group pointed out.

The ZPMC, led by Chairman Comrade Lawal Tanimu, made it clear that Marafa’s claims of leadership within the party are baseless and misleading, and that his divisive tactics and lack of leadership contributed to the party’s downfall in the 2019 elections.

The coalition called on Marafa to come to terms with his political irrelevance and accept the reality that his career as a politician was over. They urged him to step aside and allow more capable leaders to take the reins, in order to salvage the party’s reputation and chances of success in future elections.

Nigerians have been called upon to rise in unison and free the nation through the 2027 ballots, from the privileged few that have been frustrating the dream of a truly prosperous nation.

President of the National Youth Alliance (NYA), Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas made the call in a statement signed by his SA Media and Publicity, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday July 2, 2024.

“The time is now for Nigerians to reject the status quo and work towards a nation that serves the interests of all its people, not just a privileged few. Only by doing so can Nigeria fulfill the promise of independence and emerge as a truly democratic and prosperous nation,” Ambassador Abbas was quoted.

According to the statement titled, “Nigeria or Nigeria Ltd: A Nation’s Struggle for True Independence” NYA said that since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1960, Nigeria’s journey has been a turbulent one.

“The initial euphoria of self-governance was quickly overshadowed by a series of military coups that plunged the nation into political instability.

“The subsequent military regimes and the devastating Biafra War left indelible marks on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. As we examine Nigeria’s trajectory from its independence to the present, we must confront the unsettling theory that foreign interests have covertly manipulated Nigeria’s leadership, fostering corruption and undermining the country’s sovereignty,” it said.

It explained that Nigeria’s path to independence was characterized by the gradual involvement of indigenous people in the political process.

“The 1950s saw the emergence of nationalist movements and political parties, such as the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) and the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), led by figures like Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo. These movements galvanized the Nigerian populace, advocating for self-rule and greater participation in governance.

“By October 1, 1960, Nigeria achieved independence, with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa becoming the Prime Minister. However, the optimism of the early 1960s was short-lived. Ethnic tensions and regional rivalries began to surface, leading to a series of political crises. The first coup d’état in 1966, led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, marked the beginning of a dark era in Nigeria’s history.

“The 1966 coup was followed by a counter-coup, bringing General Yakubu Gowon to power. The subsequent years were marked by military rule, which saw the suspension of democratic processes and the centralization of power. The most tragic event of this period was the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafra War, which lasted from 1967 to 1970. The war, fought between the Nigerian government and the secessionist state of Biafra, resulted in significant loss of life and economic devastation.

“The war’s end did not bring peace but rather a succession of military governments, each promising reforms but often entrenching corruption and authoritarianism. The military’s grip on power was solidified by foreign interests, who saw in Nigeria’s instability an opportunity to exert influence and control over the country’s vast natural resources,” it recalled.

The frontline youth movement said that the theory that Nigeria’s coups and even the Biafra War were covertly influenced by foreign interests is not without merit.

“Historical evidence suggests that various foreign governments and multinational corporations have, at different times, supported and protected corrupt Nigerian leaders to advance their economic and geopolitical interests. These external forces provided financial and military support to factions within Nigeria, ensuring that compliant leaders remained in power.

“This manipulation extended beyond mere support. Foreign interests actively encouraged corruption by offering safe havens for illicit wealth and facilitating the laundering of stolen assets. The protection of corrupt leaders by foreign governments allowed these leaders to act with impunity, perpetuating a cycle of corruption and mismanagement that has hindered Nigeria’s development,” it lamented.

The group frowned that the concept of “Nigeria Ltd” posits that Nigeria operates more like a profit-driven company than a sovereign nation.

“This analogy aligns with the economic theories of Milton Friedman, who argued that the primary responsibility of a business is to maximize profits for its shareholders. In the context of Nigeria, the “shareholders” are the political elites and their foreign backers, who benefit immensely from the country’s resources, while the “stakeholders” – the Nigerian people – suffer the consequences.

“This profit-driven model explains the persistent exploitation of Nigeria’s wealth, the mismanagement of public funds, and the lack of meaningful development. The elites prioritize their financial gains over the well-being of the populace, resulting in widespread poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and poor public services. The manipulation of ethnic and religious divisions serves as a distraction, preventing the people from uniting against their common oppressors,” the statement stressed.

NYA expressed worries that compounding this issue is the role of religious institutions in Nigeria.

“Religion, which should ideally serve as a source of hope and moral guidance, has often become the “opium of the people.” As famously quoted by Bishop Desmond Tutu, “They gave us their religion and we closed our eyes. When we opened our eyes, we had their bibles and they had our land.” This poignant statement underscores the way religion has been used to pacify the masses while elites continue to exploit the country’s resources.

“Religious leaders often promise divine intervention and miracles, providing a false sense of hope that keeps people distracted from the harsh realities of their socio-economic conditions. In return, these institutions receive substantial financial contributions from their followers, further enriching the religious elite. This dynamic indirectly supports the “Nigeria Ltd” model, as the populace remains oblivious to the looting of their land and property by the political elites. The intoxication of religious fervor blinds many to the systemic corruption and mismanagement that pervades the nation,” it pointed out.

NYA said that in recent years, Africa has experienced a wave of political activism and upheaval reminiscent of the Arab Spring.

” This “African Spring” has seen citizens across the continent rising up against corruption, economic mismanagement, and authoritarianism. One of the most notable examples is Kenya, where widespread protests and rioting led to the overturning of the contentious Finance Bill. The citizens’ collective action demonstrated their power to hold the government accountable and demand economic justice.

“Similarly, countries like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Senegal have witnessed significant political changes, including military coups and the emergence of young, vibrant leaders with a fresh mindset compared to their predecessors. These leaders are often characterized by their commitment to addressing corruption, improving governance, and prioritizing the needs of their people. This new wave of leadership offers hope for a brighter future and serves as a stark contrast to the entrenched, self-serving political elites that have long dominated African politics,” it assured.

The group therefore, called on Nigerians to wake up to these Machiavellian games that have pitched them against each other under the guise of tribe and religion.

“The true division lies not in ethnic or religious differences but in the chasm between the ruling elite and the ordinary citizens. The elites do not operate under the same rules; they share wealth and power across ethnic and religious lines, united in their exploitation of the masses.

“Figures like Aisha Buhari and other mavericks have called out the old guard for their continued cabalism of Nigerian polity and their proverbial knees on the necks of the Nigerian masses. It is time for Nigerians to recognize that the current system will only change if they stand up and demand accountability. The youth, in particular, must harness their energy and technological savvy to mobilize for a better future,” NYA advised.