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The Atyap Community Development Association (ACDA) has issued a fierce condemnation of an anonymous petition targeting the Paramount Ruler of Atyap Chiefdom, Agwatyap Sir Dominic Gambo Yahaya, labelling it a dangerous attempt to disrupt hard-won peace in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.

The petition, purportedly authored by “Concerned Residents of Zango Urban,” accuses the Agwatyap of injustices and oppression against Hausa and Fulani communities within his domain, specifically alleging the denial of access to ancestral farmlands cultivated “for over 400 years.”

In a strongly-worded press statement signed by its President, Dr. Samuel T. Achie, ACDA dismissed the petition as “dangerous, provocative, unfounded, and highly divisive.” The association characterized it not merely as an attack on the Agwatyap’s reputation, but as a “direct assault on the peaceful coexistence” painstakingly built in the area with the efforts of communities and governments, including those of Senator Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Key Points from the ACDA Rebuttal:

1.  Defending the Agwatyap:

 ACDA described Sir Dominic Gambo Yahaya as a known “peace-builder and statesman” renowned for championing inclusive dialogue, fairness, and peaceful coexistence among all ethnic and religious groups in his chiefdom, including the Hausa and Fulani of Zango Urban. They stated he is widely recognized by these communities for his generosity, compassion, and fairness.

2.  Malicious Intent Alleged:

The association asserted that “disgruntled negligible elements” disguising themselves as concerned residents are unhappy with the sustained peace in Atyap land and Southern Kaduna. ACDA claims these elements aim to create ethno-religious tension, starting with Zangon Kataf.

3.  Baseless Allegations:

ACDA categorically denied all allegations of land seizure, targeted harassment, or ethnic oppression. They labeled the claims “entirely baseless, malicious and without any iota of truth,” fabricated to incite hatred and mislead the public. They challenged the anonymous petitioners to publicly prove their allegations.

4.  Land Ownership Disputes:

 The association clarified that land ownership in Atyap land is individual or familial, not tribal. They stated any land disputes are settled through traditional arbitration or courts, not by incitement or blackmail, and questioned why alleged claimants remain anonymous instead of using established channels.

5.  Condemnation of Zango Urban Leadership:

 ACDA expressed disappointment that the traditional leadership of Zango Urban District allegedly claimed helplessness in calling the petitioners to order, despite reportedly acknowledging the petition’s falsehood. ACDA viewed this as “tacit endorsement of illegality” deserving reprimand.

6.  Demands and Warnings:

 The association demanded an immediate retraction of the “inciting and libelous” petition, warning failure would be seen as deliberate sabotage of peace. They called on security agencies to urgently investigate and unmask the petitioners to prevent potential violence.

7.  Call for Calm and Support:

ACDA reaffirmed loyalty to the Agwatyap, Zangon Kataf LGA, Kaduna State, and Federal Government, pledging to remain law-abiding. They urged the public to disregard the petition entirely and allow security agencies to act.

The Controversial Petition’s Claim

The petition excerpt quoted by ACDA states:

 Agwa Atyap… has chosen to misuse his powers by oppressing the Zango Urban community. Alongside some of his chiefs and prominent Kataf individuals, he has denied our people access to their farmlands, lands which our forefathers have cultivated for over 400 years.

ACDA vehemently rejects this narrative, positioning the Agwatyap as the target of a destabilization plot aimed at reviving “the dark days of communal violence” in the region. They vowed to resist such efforts “with all lawful means available” and called for collective efforts to sustain the current peace. Security agencies are now under pressure from the community to investigate the origins of the anonymous petition.

By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

Southern Kaduna activist, Nasiru Jagaba, has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of ethnic exclusion, divisive politics, and complicity in the insecurity that claimed hundreds of lives in the region during his tenure.

In a statement made available to The ELANZA NEWS on Friday, Jagaba warned non-Hausa/Fulani ethnic groups in Northern Nigeria not to fall for “failed politicians rebranding themselves for power.”

“El-Rufai is a known sadist, a political cheetah whose spots are too glaring to ignore,” he declared.

Jagaba, a former National Coordinator of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) Youth Wing, alleged that El-Rufai dismantled the state’s fragile political balance, sidelined Southern Kaduna from government appointments, eroded traditional institutions, and enforced a Muslim-Muslim ticket “as a tool of religious supremacy and ethnic humiliation.”

He further claimed the former governor’s rhetoric emboldened armed herdsmen and Fulani militias to carry out targeted killings, sexual violence, and mass displacement in Southern Kaduna.

The activist also accused El-Rufai of neglecting the region in infrastructure and development despite billions in allocations and loans.

On El-Rufai’s recent verbal attacks against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Jagaba said the former governor was driven by “personal pain” after being denied a ministerial post.

“Tinubu has given Southern Kaduna a Federal University, a Federal Medical Centre, and a Military Brigade Command in just two years, more than El-Rufai gave us in eight,” he stated.

Jagaba urged his people to negotiate for projects, appointments, and justice before any election season, warning:

“We will no longer be pawns, we will be players shaping our future.”

End

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has declared that the persistent underdevelopment and poverty in Northern Nigeria are not the fault of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but rather the direct result of decades of failed leadership by Northern elites.

Speaking when members of the Tijjaniyya Grassroots Mobilization and Empowerment Initiative of Nigeria (TIGMEIN) paid him a courtesy visit at his Kaduna residence, Senator Sani was blunt in his assessment.

“We had Buhari in power for eight years, but the North remained backward and impoverished. Industries like KTL, UNTL, Nortex, Arewa Textiles, and others were abandoned. Our leaders lacked vision and pursued development only for their families,” he said.

Sani expressed deep disappointment over the dashed hopes of many northerners who believed that electing “one of their own” in 2015 would usher in transformative development. Instead, he said, the region continues to struggle with poverty, insecurity, joblessness, and poor infrastructure.

According to him, it is both dishonest and misleading to lay the blame for the North’s current woes at the feet of President Tinubu, who has been in office for only two years.

> “The North’s problems didn’t begin two years ago when Tinubu took over. They stem from selfish power struggles and missed opportunities. Former leaders had the chance to fix education, healthcare, and security, but they failed,” Sani said.

He alleged that many past Northern

*Demands explanations on N54bn spent by Abia govt

The immediate past Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Lands Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne, has raised serious concerns over the Alex Otti-led administration’s claim that it spent ₦54 billion on the retrofitting and construction of public schools across Abia State.

Speaking through his media assistant, Ujo Justice, PhD, while addressing stakeholders in Ukwa, Prince Ikonne described the government’s claim as “deeply suspicious, laughable, and insulting to the collective intelligence of Abians,” especially when compared to the current shameful condition of schools in the state. He questioned how any responsible government could boldly claim to have spent such an enormous sum—₦54 billion—on merely 53 schools, without corresponding evidence on the ground.

A state government report, signed by the Accountant General of Abia State, Njum Uma-Onyemenam, had revealed that the state generated N320 billion in 2024 from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations, internally generated revenue (IGR), and other capital receipts, excluding local government earnings and borrowings.

Among the key expenditures listed in the report—published on the state government’s official website on January 28, 2025—are include rehabilitation of Public Schools – N54.07 billion

In a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday, Ikonne said: “What we see in Ukwa and several other parts of Abia is an education sector that is visibly in ruins. Ceilings are caving in, blackboards are barely usable, roofs are missing, walls are covered in moss, and some students still sit on bare floors under leaking roofs. If ₦54 billion was truly spent, then show us where. Which schools? What exactly was done? Let the government name them and take us there,” Ikonne queried.

The statement challenged challenged the government to immediately publish a breakdown of how the ₦54 billion was disbursed—identifying the contractors, locations, timelines, and photographic or video evidence of completed work.

According to him, anything short of this transparency amounts to a blatant disrespect for accountability and governance.

Prince Ikonne called on Governor Alex Otti to invite journalists, civil society organizations, and independent assessors to embark on an open and unscripted tour of the so-called renovated schools.

“Until then,” he warned, “this ₦54 billion remains a phantom project—something that only exists on budget documents and media headlines.”

He also pointed to the dilapidated condition of state-owned tertiary institutions such as the Abia State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology, where parts of the buildings have collapsed, leaving students in unsafe and non-conducive learning environments.

“If we can’t even maintain our own health college, how can we claim that we’re making progress in education? It is an utter disgrace and a sign of failed priorities,” he said.

Furthermore, Prince Ikonne reminded the public that under the current federal administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, states now enjoy increased federal allocations.

“The President, in his wisdom, has ensured that more resources flow to the states. One would have expected that the Abia State government would utilize this opportunity to transform critical sectors like education, health, and road infrastructure. Instead, what we are seeing is media packaging, propaganda, and empty political marketing.”

He emphasized that good governance is not about viral videos or curated press releases, but about results that citizens can see and benefit from.

“How on earth does anyone justify spending ₦54 billion on just 53 schools, with nothing visible to show? This must not be swept under the carpet. Abians must ask questions. Lawmakers must wake up. We need a comprehensive forensic audit of this expenditure. Our children deserve better,” Ikonne concluded.

He urged all well-meaning Abians, civil society groups, anti-corruption agencies, and legislative oversight bodies to rise in defense of accountability and demand answers from the state government.

The Sokoto Democratic Youth Forum (SDYF) has come down hard on former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent comments seen as an attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a visit to Sokoto.

The Forum accused El-Rufai of fueling regional discord and reminded the public of his past controversial remarks about the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, as well as the arrest of respected Islamic cleric Sheikh Bello Yabo.

In a strongly worded statement issued to journalists on Saturday, the Forum expressed dismay at El-Rufai’s political maneuvers, accusing him of attempting to manipulate northern sentiments against the President. They described his campaign against Tinubu as selfish and rooted in personal grievances rather than any sincere commitment to national progress.

“We have not forgotten how El-Rufai insulted the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, nor have we forgotten how he ordered the arrest of respected Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Bello Yabo. His visit to Sokoto is a provocation we totally reject,” the Forum stated.

The youth group did not mince words in criticizing El-Rufai’s recent political moves, particularly his flirtation with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which they described as a desperate and premature attempt to undermine Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“There is no amount of insult or mobilisation that will discourage the average northerner from supporting President Tinubu. We have seen the bold steps he has taken to recover the economy, enhance security, and improve agricultural productivity across the country,” the statement read.

The Forum emphasized that Northern youths are now more politically aware and will not be manipulated by what they called El-Rufai’s “political theatrics.” They described his criticism of the current administration as hypocritical, pointing out that El-Rufai had failed to deliver real development in Kaduna State and was now projecting blame to cover his political frustrations.

“Just because he didn’t get a ministerial appointment, El-Rufai has chosen to fight President Tinubu under the guise of a false coalition. We want to categorically state that we are in full support of the South completing its constitutionally guaranteed two-term tenure of eight years.”

The statement concluded by reaffirming the group’s commitment to national unity and democratic stability, urging other northern youth groups across the 19 Northern states to reject divisive rhetoric and personal vendettas disguised as political activism.

“We will not allow El-Rufai or any politician to drag us back. The North is awake and united behind the values of peace, progress, and patriotism,” the Forum declared.

The Kaduna Central Stakeholders Forum has issued a strong rebuke against the lawmaker representing the Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Lawal Adamu (popularly known as LA), accusing him of playing with the intelligence of his constituents and failing to live up to legislative expectations.

In a strongly worded statement, the Forum described Senator Adamu’s approach to governance as “superficial and misleading,” particularly criticizing his reliance on social media posts as a substitute for effective representation.

The statement signed by the Coordinator Dr .Mustapha Ibrahim Further reads:“Someone who can’t stand up in the Senate and speak on behalf of his people is pretending to be doing well by simply posting on Facebook,” the stakeholders lamented. “This is an insult to the intelligence of the people who voted him into office.”

Their reaction comes in the wake of a recent Facebook post by Senator LA in which he criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of neglecting the critical Abuja-Kaduna Expressway—a major artery connecting Northern and Southern Nigeria.

In the post, Senator Adamu reportedly wrote: “Renewed agony. You abandoned the Abuja-Kaduna road—a very important road that connects the economic growth of the North and Southern Nigeria—yet you are spending over 700 billion naira on an existing airport.”

While the senator’s post may have resonated with some of his online followers, the stakeholders argue that mere social media commentary without concrete action in the red chamber is hollow and unproductive.

They further urged the senator to take legislative responsibilities seriously and engage meaningfully in the National Assembly to address pressing issues affecting his constituents.

“Representation is not a Facebook popularity contest. Our people need action, not empty online rhetoric,” the Forum emphasized.

The Northern Professionals and Academics Forum (NPAF) has expressed strong support for recent remarks made by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s developmental strides across Northern Nigeria.

Speaking during the opening of a two-day interactive forum on government-citizen engagement organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) at the historic Arewa House in Kaduna, Governor Sani lauded President Tinubu’s commitment to state-level development.

> “No Nigerian President has supported governors like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Governor Sani said. “No governor will oppose him.”



Similarly, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, highlighted significant improvements in the security landscape in Kaduna and neighboring states. He credited the synergy between federal and state security agencies for what he described as a “remarkable drop in banditry and kidnappings.”

Ribadu further noted that the enhanced security situation has restored public confidence in road travel, particularly among government officials and ordinary commuters previously deterred by insecurity.

In a statement signed by its Head of Communications, Hajiya Fatima Bello, the Northern Professionals and Academics Forum said the remarks by Sani and Ribadu were “honest and factual reflections” of President Tinubu’s visible efforts in Northern Nigeria.

> “Those attacking them for speaking the truth are nothing but enemies of the North,” the forum declared.



The forum emphasized that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Northern states are receiving increased federal support, enabling governors to embark on people-focused projects and pay workers’ salaries promptly.

> “It is obvious that under Tinubu’s leadership, Northern Nigeria is experiencing sustained focus on critical areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security,” the NPAF said.



> “Governor Uba Sani and Malam Ribadu have rightly highlighted these achievements, which align with our own assessments as professionals and scholars committed to the region’s progress.”



The group commended what it called President Tinubu’s “multi-dimensional approach” to governance, describing it as a “blueprint for inclusive development.”

> “We salute Governor Sani and Adviser Ribadu for spotlighting these successes, which are translating into real improvements in livelihoods and safety across the North,” the statement added.



However, the group expressed concern over what it termed “unnecessary sentiments” among some individuals in the region who, it alleged, continue to undermine the President’s efforts.

> “Rather than support national progress, some elements choose to politicize issues for selfish interests,” the statement warned.



The Northern Professionals and Academics Forum is a non-partisan network of over 1,500 experts, educators, and practitioners committed to advancing socio-economic development in Northern Nigeria through research, policy advocacy, and civic engagement.

The Youth Reformation and Leadership Skills Development Foundation recently conducted independent enquiries regarding allegations levelled against the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, specifically focusing on personnel pay, allowances, and promotions. Our investigations aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the Nigerian Army and the initiatives undertaken to enhance the welfare of its troops.

Commitment to Personnel Development

Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has consistently demonstrated a robust commitment to uplifting the Nigerian Army through comprehensive training and retraining programs. These initiatives ensure that soldiers are adequately equipped to perform their duties and are prepared to meet future challenges. The focus on continuous professional development is essential for maintaining operational readiness and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the Army.

Structured Promotion Procedures

Promotions within the Nigerian Army are strictly governed by well-defined guidelines that prioritize merit, performance, and available vacancies, as detailed in the Armed Forces of Nigeria Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) Soldiers/Ratings/Airmen 2024. The Chief of Army Staff has steadfastly upheld these standards, ensuring that promotions are awarded based on hard work, efficiency, and compliance with established criteria.

Improved Pay and Allowances

During General Oluyede’s leadership, significant strides have been made in ensuring the prompt payment of salaries and addressing any outstanding arrears. The recent increase in Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) exemplifies the Army’s commitment to adequately compensating its personnel for their dedicated service. This measure not only boosts morale but also reflects an understanding of the financial challenges that soldiers and their families face.

Enhanced Living Conditions

The Chief of Army Staff has prioritized the construction and renovation of soldiers’ accommodations, hospitals, schools, and recreational areas. Such improvements are vital for fostering a supportive environment that promotes the health and well-being of service members and their families. By investing in essential facilities and amenities, General Oluyede aims to enhance the quality of life for troops.

Findings from Our Independent Assessment

Our independent fact-finding mission allowed us to engage in discussions with personnel across various military formations. The feedback received during these interactions provided valuable insight into the current state of the Nigerian Army.

Commendations and Appreciation

The findings reveal widespread commendation and appreciation for the initiatives implemented by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede. Personnel expressed satisfaction with his leadership style and acknowledged the tangible improvements in their working conditions and quality of life. Many voiced their loyalty and commitment to the Army and the nation while also expressing hopes for ongoing enhancements to their well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Nigerian Army, under the leadership of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, remains dedicated to the welfare of its personnel. The ongoing initiatives in training, promotion, pay adjustments, and facility improvements reflect a genuine commitment to excellence. The Army values the support and dedication of its personnel, and together, we will continue to pursue a more effective and prosperous service for the benefit of the nation.

E-Signed

Comrade Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu Director General

By Sandra Ukeredi 

Abuja

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has kicked against a controversial clause in the proposed National Council for Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to make the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife permanent co-chairmen of the council.

In a strongly-worded statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Luka Binniyat, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, the Forum described the move as an insult to the historical and cultural heritage of the Middle Belt region.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Simon Bako Lalong (Plateau South), has passed second reading in the Senate and is currently before the Committee on Establishment and Public Service. But the MBF has raised serious objections, particularly against the permanent placement of the Sultan, warning that it undermines the dignity and status of traditional rulers from the Middle Belt.




Historical Superiority of Middle Belt Monarchies

The Forum argued that many traditional institutions in the Middle Belt predate and surpass the Sokoto Sultanate in historical relevance and authority.

“For instance, the ancient Kwararafa Kingdom, whose modern-day representative is the Aku Uka of Wukari, existed centuries before the Sokoto Caliphate was even imagined,” Binniyat stated. “How can the Sultan, whose dynasty only emerged in the 1800s, be placed above our monarchs in a national hierarchy?”

The Forum also highlighted the Attah of Igala, whose kingdom flourished long before the Fulani jihad, and the Tor Tiv, whose acephalous people were never conquered by the Caliphate—underscoring their independent cultural legacy.



Religious Bias and Security Complicity

The MBF condemned the move to elevate the Sultan—who doubles as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims—as a permanent co-chair, calling it a direct threat to Nigeria’s secular identity.

“Traditional rulers are guardians of culture, not extensions of religion,” the Forum noted. “Imposing a religious figure as a permanent traditional leader sends a clear message that Nigeria is drifting toward theocracy.”

The Forum also raised red flags about the Sultan’s role as patron of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), which has been linked to relentless attacks and bloodshed across the Middle Belt.

“The Sultan has never forcefully denounced the atrocities committed by herdsmen. Instead, he remains silent, while our people are being massacred,” the statement said.


We’ll Form Our Own Council

Warning of the consequences if the bill becomes law, the MBF stated plainly that Middle Belt traditional rulers will boycott the Council.

“We will not accept a council where our respected monarchs must bow before the Sultan. If this injustice is forced on us, we will respond by establishing our own Council of Middle Belt Traditional Rulers,” the Forum declared.


—

Demand for Rotational Leadership, Not Sultanate Supremacy

To ensure fairness, the Forum proposed that the leadership of the council be rotational across the six geopolitical zones or among Nigeria’s major ethnic groups.

“Why should two monarchs—one from the far North, one from the South-West—be permanently enthroned, while others are ignored? This violates the federal character principle and reeks of political domination,” Binniyat argued.


—

Conclusion

The Middle Belt Forum vowed to resist the bill using every legal and democratic instrument available, declaring that Nigeria’s fragile unity must be grounded in justice, balance, and mutual respect.

> “We will not allow history to be rewritten in favour of one dynasty while others are erased. This bill is an insult to Nigeria’s cultural mosaic, and we reject it totally,” the statement concluded.

Civil society organizations under the aegis of the Coalition for Justice and Equity Forum have called on the United States Government to disregard a petition seeking a visa ban on the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo.

The petition, allegedly filed by unnamed political actors, urges the U.S. to impose travel restrictions on Governor Okpebholo and members of his immediate family. If granted, the ban would prevent them from entering the United States.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and jointly signed by Comrade Peter Okafor, the Chairman, and Comrade Musa Ndanusa, the Secretary,the Coalition described the petition as politically motivated and aimed at undermining the governor’s achievements and developmental efforts in Edo State.

“It is important that foreign governments, including the United States, recognize the political undertones of such petitions. Otherwise, we risk encouraging undue external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs,” the statement said.

The group warned that approving such a petition could set a dangerous precedent where international diplomatic actions are used as tools in local political rivalries.

While reiterating the importance of international accountability, the Coalition cautioned against the misuse of foreign policy instruments for partisan agendas.

“We support global standards for justice and human rights, but those standards must not be manipulated for political witch-hunts,” the group added.

The Coalition called on the U.S. Government to uphold principles of fairness and due process in dealing with petitions from politically sensitive environments.