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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.

By Dr Kabir Lawal Tsafe

Senator Kabiru Marafa used to be known as part of the Zamfara All Progressives Congress (APC) big boys. However, in recent times, he has found himself on the outskirts of the political scene, struggling to regain the relevance he once enjoyed within the party.

Marafa’s fall from grace within the All Progressives Congress (APC) can be attributed to a combination of factors that have led to his marginalization within the party. One of the key reasons for his decline in influence is his betrayal of the party leadership ideals and his refusal to toe the party line.

In the realm of politics, loyalty to one’s party and its core values is often seen as a crucial aspect of a politician’s career. However, there are times when individuals choose to deviate from this path in pursuit of their own personal ambitions. 

Such was the case with Senator Kabiru Marafa, who decided to align himself with a section of the northern Nigerian elite in a bid to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s  2027 bid as accurately insinuated by Senator Shehu Sani recently

Marafa’s decision to go against the established hierarchy of his party, the APC, ultimately backfired. Instead of working within the party’s framework and supporting its leadership, Marafa chose to align himself with individuals like Alhaji Danbilki Kwamanda, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Nasir Elrufai and Professor Dikwa, who are among the prominent names in the Anti-Tinubu project. 

This move not only alienated Marafa from the party’s  mainstream, but also pushed him to the margins of irrelevance and political decay. By aligning himself with a faction that is opposed to the party’s leadership, Marafa effectively isolated himself from the mainstream of the party and lost the support of key party members.

Furthermore, Marafa’s decision to undermine Tinubu was seen as a betrayal by many within the party. Tinubu, as one of the founding members of the APC and current Nigerian president,  commands a significant amount of respect and influence within the party. 

By joining the plot against Tinubu, Marafa not only undermined the party’s leadership but also damaged what remains of his own diminshed reputation within the party.

In the end, Marafa’s decision proved to be a costly mistake. Instead of furthering his own political career, Marafa found himself on the fringes of the party, marginalized and irrelevant. 

By choosing to align himself with a faction opposed to the party’s leadership, Senator Kabiru Marafa ultimately sealed his own fate and found himself on the path to political irrelevance and decay. As a result, his voice, which once carried weight and influence, is no longer taken seriously by many within the party, as he is seen as someone who cannot be trusted to uphold the party’s values and principles.

In an attempt to reclaim his lost status within the APC, Marafa has embarked on a campaign to reassert himself by forming a small circle of friends outside Zamfara state and claiming to hold a faction of the APC. However, instead of seeking to align himself with key party figures like Senator Abdulaziz Yari and Defence Minister Bello Natawalle, Marafa has chosen to continue making inconsequential claims of leading a faction that is non-existent. These efforts have so far been met with limited success, as many within the party remain wary of his intentions and skeptical of his motives.

Marafa’s quest to regain relevance within the APC remains an uphill battle.

 The party leadership is unlikely to welcome him back with open arms, given his history of dissent and his tendency to challenge the status quo. Moreover, his reputation as a maverick and a troublemaker precedes him, making it difficult for him to win back the trust and support of his colleagues.

Marafa must make efforts to mend fences with those he has clashed with in the past and demonstrate a commitment to upholding the party’s values and principles. By aligning himself with key party figures and working towards a common goal, Marafa may be able to rebuild his image within the party and regain the trust of his colleagues. However, if he continues on his current path of division and betrayal, Marafa’s fall from grace within the APC is likely to continue, leading to further marginalization and isolation within the party. Only time will tell whether Marafa can once again become relevant within the party, or whether he will remain a lost politician, struggling to find his way back into the fold.

The Nineteen-Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement for Peace, Unity, Empowerment, and Development Initiative (NSNCM) has condemned calls for the sack of Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of NNPCL, labeling them as “enemies of progress” and “blackmailers.” The group believes the attacks on Kyari are baseless, biased, and retrogressive, driven by those opposed to Nigeria’s economic transformation and development.

According to the group, the call for his sack is not only baseless; biased, but also very retrogressive, citing proactive measures taken to block all their possible ways and means to continue the cannibalization of the Nigeria oil sector as only reason for the attacks. “Apparently the handiwork of so-called 401 ethnic Nationalities Leaders sponsored by enemies of Nigerians Economic transformation and general development who also are suspected boys of Bunkers and their agents.” It added.

The National Chairman of the group, Comrade Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, who disclosed this during a Press conference held at Abuja said ,” It is clear that Mele Kyari is one of the best things that have ever happened to NNPC Ltd and therefore, it would be suicidal to nurse any negative attempt to unseat him at this crucial time that he is already transforming the corporation, unless if the nation is not truly after the economic transformation and revitalization of NNPC Ltd and Nigeria. He further said, “We don’t want to believe someone somewhere is nursing an Anti-North agenda which we strongly believe is not President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, having known how much the North rally around him with the massive vote and looking towards 2027 for his re-election,considering the President, Economic, Security and Infrastructural developmental drive a word is enough for a wize.

“The transformational and developmental drive of the oil sector by Mal. Mele Kyari, through robust revenue generation, redirection and scientific upliftment of the Nigeria oil sector, is making this enemies of Nigeria Economic boom to have sleepless night.”

Speaking on how deliberate efforts were made to strengthened Nigeria’s energy security and improved the profitability and efficiency of its oil and gas sector, the Chairman of group of Amalgamation of 596 registered affiliated grassroots Northern Association from Nineteen Northern States and associations of Northerners Resident in the Seventeen Southern States and FCT, further stated: “President Buhari appointed Mele Kyari as the Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC in July 2019, succeeding Maikanti Baru upon his retirement. Since assuming the role, Kyari has implemented numerous reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and transparency of the corporation.

“One of Kyari’s major initiatives is the TAPE agenda, which focuses on transparency, accountability, performance, and excellence. This agenda seeks to eradicate corruption, bribery, and racketeering within NNPC, transforming it into a reputable oil giant.

“Kyari has also set ambitious goals for the corporation, including raising crude oil production to 3 million barrels per day and increasing reserves to 40 billion barrels by 2023. His efforts have already led to significant achievements, such as resolving a longstanding dispute in the Akuku Toru community of Rivers State, which restored 35,000 barrels of oil production per day.

“Under his leadership, the NNPC successfully reached the Final Investment Decision (FID) on Train 7 of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) in November 2019, a project expected to generate over $20 billion in revenue and create over 50,000 jobs. Additionally, Kyari oversaw the commencement of the Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project, with funding secured from a Chinese bank.

“Kyari has also driven the digitization of NNPC’s operations, reducing human-related operational risks. For instance, the corporation launched software that enables marketers to view inventories across 22 depots in real-time, improving decision-making and efficiency.

“In terms of recruitment, Kyari organized a transparent and fair exercise, leading to the employment of 1,050 candidates out of 600,000 applicants. This marked the first publicly advertised recruitment exercise by NNPC since 2012.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kyari mobilized stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to raise N21 billion for the Petroleum Industry Intervention Fund, supporting medical interventions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

“The creation of the National Assembly has significantly empowered NNPC Limited to ensure Nigeria’s energy security, a critical aspect of national security. This responsibility is particularly crucial during the year-end festivities and beyond, with the NNPC Limited making robust plans to avoid any shortages in petroleum product supplies.

“The enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 by the National Assembly has transformed the NNPC into a commercially-oriented National Oil Company governed by the Company & Allied Matters Act (CAMA). This

Baba Tureta

The Zazzau School of Health Technology held its 1st unveiling and induction ceremony on June 29, 2024, with a call to youth to become the engine of society.

The event featured a keynote address by Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, who emphasized the importance of youth empowerment and leadership. Suleiman praised the school’s efforts in mentoring and educating young people, stressing that the North needs leaders who can drive progress and bring about positive change.

He encouraged the youth to learn from the past, embrace their heritage, and work together to address challenges facing their communities. The speech highlighted the need for quality education, moral values, and proactive leadership to address issues like poverty, insecurity, and social injustice.

Suleiman urged the youth to demand more from their leaders and work towards building a better future for the North. The event was attended by notable figures, including General Hassan Mamman Lai and Kuliyan Zazzau Justice Ishaq Usman Bello, who were recognized for their leadership and commitment to the community.

The ceremony aimed to inspire and motivate young people to become agents of change and shape the future of their nation.

*Urges President Ruto to apologise over anti-people law

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Friday, called on the International Criminal Court (ICC), to investigate and prosecute heads of security agencies responsible for the killing of innocent protesters in Kenya which constitutes crime against humanity.

He also called on President William Ruto to urgently apologize to the people of Kenyan for attempting to make a legislation that was manifestly anti-people before he was forced to beat a retreat by the angered youths.

Frank who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, said he is standing solidly behind the youths of Kenyan for rising up to oppose dictatorial tendencies on the part of the government of Kenya in a democratic setting even though President Ruto is his personal friend.

He further called on the international community especially the United States, United Kingdom, European Union to place a visa ban on the heads of the security agencies that would be indicted by the ICC after wholistic investigations.

“Those who issued orders to security agencies to shoot at and kill innocent and peaceful protesters must be urgently fished out and prosecuted according to international law,” Frank said.

According to him, the right to protest is enshrined in several international treaties and declarations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

He insisted that recognising this right inevitably imposes an obligation on the state including the government and armed forces of Kenya to facilitate protest, including by ensuring protesters are safe and not to kill them.

Frank said: “Protest is a public demonstration of disapproval and it not a criminal action, therefore to kill lawful citizens for protesting is a crime against humanity which must be condemned by all with attendant sanction on perpetrators to serve as a deterrent.

“We stand with the Kenyan protesters and we mourn those who have paid the supreme price. However, we urgently demand the International Criminal Court to go after those that killed protesters.”

He lamented that “majority of Kenyans including the youths now being massacred voted massively to elect Ruto to office because of the trust and confidence that they had in him and people believed he was going to be a people’s president and that is what we expect him to be.

“So apologising to the youths and by extension Kenyans is not a sign of weakness but an action that will further endear him to the people and bring the much needed stability and peace in Kenya.

He called on Ruto to listen to and prioritise the wishes of Kenyans because they were the ones that voted him into power.

In a similar manner, he called on the youths of Nigeria to wake up the spirit of Occupy Nigeria in 2012 and the #ENDSARS Protests to curb the excesses of the present administration through legitimate protests.

“Let Nigerians wake up and pay the sacrifice that Kenyans have paid because that is the only way we can have a better country,” he said

By

By Ehis Agbon, Kaduna, North West Nigeria.

The recently concluded Capacity Building Training for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Service Providers in Kaduna State, organized by Save The Children International, has instilled hope in survivors, signaling a brighter future ahead.

The comprehensive training, which centered on the provision of services to survivors and the effective management of GBV data, included sessions on data collection, registration, reporting, and analysis.

 The event saw participation from service providers across the public sector, non-governmental organizations, and civil society organizations, including members of the Technical Working Group of the Open Government Partnership.

Tanko Mohammed, the State Team Lead for Save The Children International in Kaduna

Tanko Mohammed, the State Team Lead for Save The Children International in Kaduna, welcomed the participants, emphasizing the critical importance of protecting victims and survivors from stigmatization and victimization. 

Mohammed highlighted the essential role of accurate data management in equipping service providers and government entities to address GBV issues effectively and develop robust policies for implementation. He expressed gratitude to the attendees for their dedication and participation in the training.

Juliana Umaru, the Gender and Inclusion Coordinator for Save the Children International Nigeria

During the training, participants received in-depth instruction on GBV Data Management and Referral mechanisms, as well as coordination strategies among service providers. Juliana Umaru, the Gender and Inclusion Coordinator for Save the Children International Nigeria, under the Expanding Social Protection for Inclusive Development (ESPID) project, provided a comprehensive overview of GBV. She defined gender-based violence as “an umbrella term for any harmful act perpetrated against a person’s will, based on socially ascribed (gender) differences between males and females.”

The training concluded on a positive note, with participants committing to apply their newly acquired knowledge to enhance the welfare of GBV victims and survivors. They also pledged to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in the fight against GBV in Kaduna State, fostering a supportive environment for survivors and reinforcing the commitment of service providers to address this pressing issue effectively.

Babangida Lukati

The Kano State chapter of the Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has expressed solidarity with the recent ruling of the Federal High Court in Kano, which set aside the Kano State Emirate Law 2024.

This law had dissolved the five Emirates in Kano State, causing significant controversy and upheaval within the region. In a statement released by NAN chairman for Kano State Sani Abubakar, the organization expressed its satisfaction with the court’s decision to dismiss all actions taken by the Kano State Government to repeal the Kano Emirates Council Law.

This law was relied upon by the state to dethrone the 15th Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, and four others. NAN described the ruling as a significant step in restoring honor and integrity to the traditional institution.

The organization has highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law and constitutionalism in order to prevent political manipulation of traditional institutions. It recalled that traditionally, the traditional institution has held a revered and respected position in Nigerian society.

However, in recent years, there have been instances of political interference and manipulation of traditional rulers for political gain. This has not only tarnished the reputation of traditional rulers but has also undermined their ability to serve as unbiased and impartial leaders within their communities.

“The court’s ruling is a pivotal moment in addressing these challenges and restoring the honor and dignity of the traditional institution. By upholding the rule of law and constitutionalism, the court has sent a clear message that traditional rulers should be free from political manipulation and interference.

This decision will help to ensure that traditional rulers can continue to fulfill their roles as custodians of tradition, culture, and community leadership without outside influence. Moving forward, it is important for all stakeholders to respect the independence and integrity of the traditional institution.

By upholding the rule of law and constitutionalism, we can safeguard the honor and reputation of traditional rulers and ensure that they continue to play a vital role in promoting peace, unity, and development within Nigerian society,” the NAN statement said.

NAN issued a call to the Kano State government and Sunusi Lamido to abide by the court’s decision, urging them to respect the sanctity of the legal system. “This court decision should serve as a reminder to politicians that traditional institutions are to be revered, not tarnished,” stated Suleiman.