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… 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.

By Yerima Soro

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has condemned the abduction of Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni, President of the Afenifere Youth Council, and demanded his immediate release.

According to AYCF President General Yerima Shettima, Prince Ojajuni was kidnapped on Monday, February 17, 2025, and has been in captivity ever since.

“The alarming situation surrounding the abduction of Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni, the President of the Afenifere Youth Council, calls for urgent attention, demanding his immediate release by the kidnappers,” Shettima said in a statement.

Shettima described the situation as “worrisome,” emphasizing the need for urgent action to ensure Prince Ojajuni’s safe release. He noted that the kidnappers are demanding an exorbitant ransom of ₦100 million and have threatened to take Prince Ojajuni’s life if their demands are not met.

“The recent escalation in the kidnappers’ demands, which now includes the provision of two Keke NAPEP vehicles, alongside a menacing deadline set for Tuesday, at 3 PM, underscores the urgent need for immediate action,” Shettima stated.

“The threat to execute Prince Ojajuni if these demands are not met is not just a reflection of the lawlessness that has gripped our nation, but also a stark reminder of the fragility of life in the face of greed and desperation,” he added.

Shettima posited that Prince Ojajuni is not merely a name but a beacon of hope and a symbol of the aspirations of the youth, adding that his unwavering commitment to championing the cause of the Yoruba people has resonated deeply within the communities.

“His abduction represents not only a personal tragedy for his family and friends but also a grievous affront to the collective conscience of our race and the nation as a whole. It is a stark reminder of the challenges our society faces in safeguarding the lives and futures of our youth,” Shettima said.

“The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, representing the interests and voices of the northern youth, unequivocally condemns this act of violence and lawlessness. We recognize that the abduction of Prince Ojajuni is part of a larger crisis that has plagued our nation, where kidnappings for ransom have become an all-too-common occurrence. This trend is not merely a regional issue; it is a national emergency that demands the immediate and concerted efforts of all levels of government,” he stated.

Shettima called on the Federal Government and all relevant state authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safe release of Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni.

“In light of this dire situation, we call upon the Federal Government and all relevant state authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safe release of Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni. It is imperative that security agencies are mobilized to locate and rescue Prince Ojajuni without delay,” he stressed.

Shettima further urged the Federal Government to collaborate with state governments, local communities, and civil society organizations to create a robust framework for combating kidnapping and improving the overall security situation in the country.

“The Federal Government must ensure that law enforcement agencies are adequately equipped and empowered to address the rising tide of kidnapping and violence in our society. Engaging with community leaders, youth organizations, and other stakeholders is essential to understanding the root causes of this crisis. A dialogue that prioritizes the safety and aspirations of our youth will foster a more secure environment for all,” he said.

Shettima also called for the immediate review and strengthening of existing laws regarding kidnapping and ransom.

“The government must launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about safety measures and encourage community vigilance. Empowering citizens with knowledge is a crucial step in combating the menace of kidnapping. We call for the immediate review and strengthening of existing laws regarding kidnapping and ransom. The legal framework must reflect the seriousness of these crimes and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable,” he stated.

In the present situation, Shettima said the AYCF stands in solidarity with the Afenifere Youth Council and all those advocating for the safe return of Prince Ojajuni, while imploring all Nigerians to unite in this critical moment, transcending ethnic and regional divides to demand justice and security for the people.

“We call upon everyone to act swiftly and decisively. The life of Prince Ojajuni hangs in the balance, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure his safe return. Let us not allow fear and despair to dictate our future; instead, let us rise together as a nation, resolute in our commitment to justice, safety, and the well-being of our youth. Time is of the essence,” he stressed.

In a recent press briefing held on Monday, February 24, 2025, Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, Chairman of the Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN), Delta State Chapter, lauded High Chief ENGR Kestin Pondi, Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, for his pivotal role in elevating Nigeria’s crude oil production to over two million barrels per day.

Fajoye attributed this significant achievement to the diligent efforts of Tantita Security Services Limited in combating oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta region. He emphasized that the enhanced security measures have not only bolstered oil output but also revitalized local aquatic ecosystems, allowing communities to resume fishing activities.

“Before now, if you threw bread into the river, you would hardly see any fish eating it. But today, thanks to Tantita Security Services Limited, the fishes are back,” Fajoye remarked, highlighting the environmental restoration witnessed in the region.

The youth leader also extended gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for entrusting High Chief Engr Pondi and Tantita Security Services Limited with the mandate to secure Nigeria’s oil fields. “I wish to thank President Bola Tinubu for reposing trust in Delta State and for giving our illustrious chief the opportunity of protecting Nigeria’s oil fields,” Fajoye stated.

In addition to enhancing national oil production, Fajoye praised High Chief Engr Kestin Pondi for creating employment opportunities for thousands of youths in Delta State, thereby contributing to the state’s safety and economic development.

Fajoye urged the Delta State Government to collaborate more closely with High Chief Engr Kestin Pondi to further benefit the state’s youth. He suggested initiatives such as tax relief for Pondi’s enterprises and granting greater access to state and federal facilities to facilitate job creation and development projects.

Reflecting on the state’s progress, Fajoye noted, “Delta State has never had it so good since the coming of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.” He expressed optimism that the combined efforts of Governor Oborewvori and High Chief Engr Kestin Pondi would continue to drive positive change and prosperity in the region.

Recent reports indicate that Nigeria’s oil production, including condensate, rose by 4% month-on-month to 1.737 million barrels per day in January 2025, with projections to reach 2.06 million barrels per day by the end of the year. The collaborative efforts of security agencies and local stakeholders have been instrumental in this upward trajectory.

Tantita Security Services Limited, under the leadership of High Chief Engr Kestin Pondi, has been recognized for its unwavering commitment to eliminating crude oil theft and safeguarding the nation’s vital oil infrastructure. Their operations have not only deterred illicit activities but also fostered a safer and more prosperous environment for the communities in the Niger Delta.

By Abdulrahman Yusuf

…Warns Against Dragging Gov. Uba Sani into Mr. LA’s Failure

The Kaduna Good Governance Monitoring Group has once again criticized the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Lawal Adamu, following accusations against Kaduna State Governor, Malam Uba Sani, of alleged sabotage.

According to the group, the real question is: who is sabotaging who? They argue that records over the past 18 months show that the PDP senator has failed to make an impact—unable to speak on the Senate floor or sponsor bills that could alleviate hardship in the state.

The PDP, through its Senior Special Assistant to the National Chairman on Media and Communication, Yusuf Dingyadi, had alleged that the state government refused to distribute learning and teaching materials procured by Senator Adamu, claiming it was a ploy to discredit him.

However, in a swift response, the Kaduna Good Governance Monitoring Group questioned why the PDP is defending a senator they claim has failed to fulfill campaign promises.

In a statement signed by its Secretary, Comrade Bello Bashir Mohammed, the group criticized the PDP for making what it described as baseless allegations, insisting that Senator Adamu has no significant projects to show since taking office.

The statement reads: “Mr. LA and his cohort cannot hide behind his inability to perform and bring tangible projects to the table. The public already knows he has failed, and he will be voted out in 2027.”

“How dare the PDP compare Governor Uba Sani’s time in the Senate with that of a lawmaker widely regarded by his constituents as a complete failure?”

The group further noted that other lawmakers from the state, including a PDP senator, have successfully executed impactful projects, such as attracting a university to Southern Kaduna—with the support of Governor Uba Sani and the President.

“If Senator Lawal Adamu had done anything significant, we are confident that the Governor and the President would have openly supported him and even gone the extra mile to ensure his success,” the statement added.

The group emphasized that it is speaking out to prevent the misrepresentation of facts, warning the PDP against blaming Governor Uba Sani for what it described as the incompetence of its senator.

Aisha Yesufu, a well-known Nigerian activist and co-founder of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) movement, is facing intense scrutiny over allegations of receiving funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the pretext of the BBOG campaign. The Forum for Peace and Tranquility in Nigeria (FPTN) has urged the federal government to launch an investigation into Yesufu, claiming that the funds may have been used to support Boko Haram insurgents.

The allegations gained momentum following reports that USAID allocates around $697 million annually to various organizations, some of which have been linked to terrorist groups like Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and ISIS. In a statement signed by its Secretary, Mal Iliya Mohammed Suleiman, the FPTN demanded that Yesufu disclose her sources of funding, warning that failure to do so could result in legal action.

The controversy took a new turn when investigative journalist David Hundeyin alleged that Yesufu and her BBOG associates were involved in a USAID-supported initiative aimed at ousting former President Goodluck Jonathan. This revelation has sparked renewed debate about Yesufu’s involvement in the BBOG movement and her alleged political agenda.

The FPTN also highlighted previous accusations of financial impropriety against Yesufu. The Labour Party’s National Working Committee, led by Julius Abure, had previously called for an investigation into Yesufu’s handling of funds during the 2023 presidential campaign. The party accused her, along with Pastor Ighodalo and others, of misappropriating and diverting over N12 billion and $15 million in campaign donations.

The FPTN stressed that these allegations have created a cloud of suspicion, necessitating a thorough investigation into Yesufu’s financial activities and funding sources. The group called on authorities to take immediate action to address these concerns and ensure transparency.

Yesufu has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as unfounded and politically driven. She remains steadfast in her commitment to the BBOG movement and her broader activism, asserting that her work is focused on advocating for justice and accountability in Nigeria. As the debate continues, pressure mounts for a detailed investigation into the claims against her.

The Kaduna Good Governance Monitoring Group (KGGMG) has launched a scathing attack on Senator Lawal Adamu, representing Kaduna Central, for his alleged non-performance and lack of representation in the National Assembly. According to the group, Senator Adamu’s failure to speak on critical issues affecting the state, such as insecurity and economic hardship, has left his constituents feeling neglected and unrepresented.

The KGGMG expressed disappointment that despite being in office for almost two years, Senator Adamu has not adequately represented the interests of his constituents or advocated for policies that benefit the state. The group’s coordinator, Bagudu Ibn Mohammed, noted that several other groups in the state have also expressed similar concerns about Senator Adamu’s performance.

In fact, the Kaduna Elders Forum had previously demanded Senator Adamu’s recall due to his non-performance, while the Kaduna Peace and Tranquility Forum threatened to mobilize for his recall from the National Assembly. The KGGMG described Senator Adamu as the “worst senator ever” elected in Kaduna’s history, citing his lack of tangible achievements and infrequent visits to his constituents.

As the 2027 elections approach, the KGGMG is questioning how Senator Adamu expects to be re-elected when he has failed to deliver on his promises and has not provided adequate representation for his constituents. The group’s criticism highlights the growing concerns about Senator Adamu’s performance and the need for more effective representation in the National Assembly.

Senator Lawal Adamu, also known as “Mr. LA,” is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and has been serving as a senator since May 2023. Despite his philanthropic efforts and advocacy for social welfare reform, his performance as a lawmaker has been heavily criticized by various groups in Kaduna State.

The KGGMG’s condemnation of Senator Adamu’s performance is the latest in a series of criticisms from various stakeholders in Kaduna State. As the senator’s tenure comes under increasing scrutiny, it remains to be seen whether he will take steps to address the concerns of his constituents and improve his performance in the National Assembly.

Kaduna based Human Rights group, K-23 Movement has applauded the National Security Adviser,Mal Nuhu Ribadu for concerted efforts and proactive steps taken to rid the north and indeed the entire country of banditry, terrorism and other security challenges.

According to the group, kidnapping and banditry had become economic crimes, which many criminals engaged in to make cool money in the country, before Ribadu alongside security agencies deployed proactive strategies that are already yielding fruits to tame insecurity in the country

The Chairman of K-23 movement Comrade Bashir Bello, who made the commendation during a press conference held at Arewa House Kaduna, expressed angered overs what he described as “unprovoked vituperations” from the former Governor Nasir Elrufai against the NSA and other political leaders.

He words: ” We are angry at Elrufai’s vituperations against the respected National Security Adviser , Mal Nuhu Ribadu and Kaduna State Governor .

El-Rufai had backed Haj. Naja’atu Muhammad when he released a newspaper article as evidence of where Ribadu vowed to expose leaders of the All Progressives Congress, including President Tinubu. According to him, Ribadu has serious amnesia.

According to him , the K-23 is unhappy that a man facing alleged corruption, should be very careful not stirr up controversy that overheats the polity. We want him to know that this campaign of calumny against he highly revered National Security adviser would be resisted

While noting that those who come to equity must come with clean hands, the Chairman described, Mal Nuhu Ribadu as a man of proven integrity ,who served his country meritoriously as the pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC and left with an unblemished record with unrivaled achievements .

Bello who reiterated readiness ready to give all necessary support that will help the NSA rid the north of insecurity challenges, said he is elated that the National Security Adviser is working tirelessly to rid the north and indeed the entire country of banditry, terrorism and other security challenges.

Speaking about El-Rufai, he said ,he It is on record that his administration in Kaduna State built a reputation for political repression by muzzling dissenting voices, sending numerous citizens to jail including journalists, traditional, politicians and academics without recourse to fairness.

He further said, “Among the numerous casualties of his repressive rule are a journalist Luka Biniyat who spent 185 days in jail. Steven Kefason also journalists spent 162 days in Jail. Dr. John Danfulani a university lecturer with the Kaduna State University was detained for 22 days and subsequently sacked from the university. We will not forget the nine Adara elders detained for 183 days. Abubakar Idris alias Dadiyata, a lecturer and public commentator was also abducted in his home.

“Five years down the line, his whereabouts is still unknown. Bashir Hamdada, a political associate of Senator Shehu Sani, was abducted and tortured for days in a detention facility for voicing his concerns. Galadiman Ruwan Zazzau A traditional title holder was detained for several days for defending the labour movement. His predecessor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero was not spared either as he was humiliated and forced to display the EFCC charges board to the world after being detained for several days. likewise the former Secretary to the State Government Hamza Ishaq Danmahawayi and former PDP State Chairman A.G. Haruna. The list is endless.

“The ex-governor has flooded the media with wild claims that the current administration of Gov. Uba Sani has failed to disclose to the people of Kaduna State the fabled N150billion Financial intervention to the state while forgetting to remove the speck on his own eyes.

“Lest I forget, it is on record that erstwhile governor has, for the eight years he held sway as, refused to disclose the trillions that accrued to the state coffers from various grants and loans, which to date no member of the Kaduna state can testify how they were spent. The followings may suffice
He received millions of dollars Paris refund from the Federal Government without disclosing the sum to the people of the state.

Bello however revealed, “He received billions of naira in Ecological funds and failed to disclose the sum to the people of the state .He collected billions of Naira from the Excess Crude Account without disclosing the sum to the state
He also received billions of naira from Special Grants by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) without disclosing the sum to the state.

“He received payment for Stamp Duties in billions without disclosing the sum to the state. He also mortgaged the state Internally Generated Revenue IGR to a commercial bank and received billions of naira in return without disclosing the sum to the state until the startling revelations made by the report of Kaduna State House of Assembly emerged, no one could defend how the USD350million loan the ex-governor received from the World Bank was spent
Mal Nasir El-Rufai should therefore spare Governor Uba Sani his tantrums which are capable of distracting the current administration from the steady progress being made in the state in all areas of governance.

“Besides, we are calling on all relevant agencies to investigate his record of abuse of office and human rights violation including arbitrary detention and the illegal demolition of homes and business property in Kaduna, Zaria and Kafanchan, which rendered the state’s economy comatose. We should not forget that the ex-governor was disqualified by the National Assembly when his name was forwarded for ministerial screening on the grounds of security and poor human rights records”.

He emphasized the need for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prosecute El-Rufai for the alleged charges of monumental corruption levelled against him by the State House of Assembly and other crimes committed against the State.