Nasir El-Rufai’s Ministerial Nomination A Tragedy - Shehu Sani

President of the Civil Rights Congress and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has said the nomination of the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, among the ministerial nominees by President Bola Tinubu is a "tragedy".

The activist said this in an interview on Arise TV News which is making the rounds on social media on Friday.

The Senate unveiled Tinubu’s 28 ministerial nominees list on Thursday, July 26 and the former governor of Kaduna State made the list.

Sani noted that it is not the time for the President to please and appease former governors but instead is time to appease Nigerians and bring in competent hands.

He said, "In the nomination which I have seen, the one that represented Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, is a tragedy.

"That such a man is given an opportunity again to serve this country with all he has done and said in the office, I don't think President Tinubu means well.

"It is not the best time to please and appease former governors but the best time to appease Nigerians and bring in competent hands.

"The list to some large extent is a big disappointment or meet expectations taking the time it took for it to be released.

Credit: Instagram | AriseNews

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Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo: A Visionary Leader Paving the way for Gombe’s Prosperity

By Sakina Nasir Sade


In the realm of Nigerian politics, certain leaders stand out for their dedication, vision, and commitment for the betterment of their communities. One of such prominent figure is Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, OON,FCA,FCIT,FNIM,FCIB,(Tolban Gombe). A visionary leader with a passion for politics, He is a dedicated and experienced politician with a proven track records of successes. Throughout his career, he worked tirelessly and improved the living conditions of his fellow citizens. His pronounced achievements are a testament to his commitment to excellence.

This article delves into his inspiring biography, remarkable achievements and praises that he has earned throughout his career. In this light, I will explore how Dankwambo’s continued efforts and services as a senator can further elevate Gombe state to a new heights.

Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo is a Nigerian politician and public servant. He was born on the 4th of April, 1962 in Gombe State, Nigeria. Dankwambo holds a degree in Accounting and also has a Doctorate in Accounting from Igbinedion University.
Dankwambo's political career began when he joined the Nigerian public service as an accountant and rose through the ranks to become the Accountant General of Gombe State. He demonstrated high level of financial management skills and serious commitment to service transparently.

In 2011, Ibrahim Dankwambo joined the political arena by contesting and winning the gubernatorial election in Gombe State. He was elected as a Governor and assumed office in May, 2011. During his two term tenure as Governor, Dankwambo focused on infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and agriculture, among other sectors.

His administration received accolades for its efforts in transforming and modernizing Gombe State by attracting investments, and improving the overall welfare of the people. Dankwambo's leadership style and achievements earned him popularity among his constituents and garnered attention on the national political stage.

Dankwambo has established himself as a rising star in the Democratic Party. In 2023, he was elected to represent the good people of his senatorial zone.


PRAISES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

As a Senator, Ibrahim Dankwambo stands as an illustrious embodiment of visionary leadership, unyielding dedication, and indomitable perseverance. Throughout his exemplary career, he has consistently displayed an unwavering commitment to public service and the amelioration of his community, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals. With an unyielding passion for progress, Senator Dankwambo has consistently championed initiatives that foster inclusive growth and development. His visionary policies and tireless efforts have led to significant advancements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, lifting communities out of poverty and paving the way for a brighter future. As a paragon of leadership, senator Dankwambo demonstrates the virtues of integrity, transparency, and humility, endearing himself to the hearts of his constituents and populace at large, transcending political boundaries and garnering widespread respect and admiration. He is an adept bridge-builder, a consummate unifier, and a beacon of hope for those yearning for positive transformation in the world. Senator Dankwambo’s journey to success is an inspiration in itself. From humble beginnings, he rose to prominence through hard work, determination, and a deep-seated desire to make a difference. His story reminds us that regardless of our backgrounds, we can achieve greatness if we remain steadfast in out pursuit of excellence and never lose sight of our values.

In times of adversity, Senator Dankwambo's unwavering optimism and resilience have served as a guiding light. His ability to turn challenges into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones is a testament to his indomitable spirit. As we look to the future, let us draw inspiration from Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo's remarkable journey. Let us be reminded that leadership is not about titles or accolades, but about making a positive impact on the lives of others. Let us strive to emulate his unwavering commitment and belief in the potential of humanity to create a better world.


AN APPEAL TO PROGRESS

Believing in the spirit of his visionary leadership, Dankwambo as a Senator has the opportunity and capacity to build upon his previous achievements and contribute even more significantly to the welfare of his constituents.
His expertise and experience could be used to a make a real difference in the lives of the people he serves.

Here are some ways in which he can continue to make a difference:

- By advocating for policies that will promote economic growth.
- Work on how to improve public safety.
- Legislative Advocacy.
- Infrastructural Development.
- Constituency projects.
- Oversight and Accountability.
- Resource Mobilization.
- Education and skills Development.
- Health care and social welfare.
- Youth Empowerment.

His influence could also help to build bridges between different community groups and find common ground on divisive issues. By leveraging his skills and experience Dankwambo can help sustain the future for all residents of his state.


To wrap up, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo has proven himself to be a visionary leader whose passion for development and service to his people has earned him praise and respect through his laud achievements as a Governor and his continued dedication as a senator. Dankwambo has the potential to leave a lasting legacy of progress and prosperity for Gombe state. As he forges ahead in his political journey, Nigerians are keenly anticipating the positive impact he will undoubtedly make on Gombe’s future.

In senator Dankwambo’s remarkable saga, we discover not only a paragon but also a clarion call to action-a summons to be the vanguards of change we envision, to uplift and empower others, and to etch a lasting legacy of compassion and progress. Together as we traverse the annals of time, let us continue to draw from the wellspring of his example, steadfastly endeavoring towards a future that is brimming with inclusivity, prosperity, and the promise of a better tomorrow.

Sakina Nasir Sade writes from Gombe and can be reached via: sakeenasade65@gmail.com

Gov Uba Sani sacrifices 50% of salary to new Trust Fund for the poor in Kaduna

...Warns Commissioners against flamboyance

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state has warned the 14 newly sworn-in Commissioners in the state against flamboyant lifestyles and launched a government-owned Trust Fund for the support of vulnerable, underserved populace.
Remarking during the swearing-in ceremony which attracted a very large crowd of enthusiastic citizens , the Governor said his administration has finally taken shape to bring succour to the citizens of Kaduna State, especially the poor, underserved and vulnerable.
Uba Sani said the state is in a period of emergency that calls for BELT TIGHTENING. "We must take firm measures in Kaduna State to cut down on the cost of governance. We must, as political leaders, show our people the way. We must avoid ostentatious lifestyles. We must not be telling our people to make sacrifices while we are busy living in opulence," he said.
Saying the Commissioners werr carefully selected to drive his administration’s SUSTAIN Agenda, Uba Sani said Commissioners must also use the old cars. We must collectively make sacrifices. If we lead by example, our people will follow and support us.
The Governor seized the opportunity of the swearing -in to touch on some burning national issues as they affect Kaduna State and certain measures he has decided to take to better the living standards of citizens of Kaduna State.
"It marks a major milestone in the journey of our administration. Those who made it to the cabinet were considered based on their proven track records, skills and competences, as well as dedication and commitment to the service of Kaduna State," he said.
"I stated that the Commissioners are joining our administration at the most challenging time in the history of our country. We are confronted with serious economic challenges.
"These challenges require the taking of extraordinary measures. It is for this reason that the President Bola Tinubu Administration has taken some hard, painful, but necessary decisions like the removal of subsidy on fuel," he said.
Uba Sani his administration is already matching words with action in Kaduna State and vowed to continue to use the old cars inherited from the previous administrations in Kaduna State.
"I signed my first Executive Order on Tuesday, 25th July 2023. It is on “Financial Inclusion in Kaduna State”. We are committed to improving the lives of our citizens, especially the poor, underserved and vulnerable. Majority of our people are excluded from financial services, and by extension access to opportunities from the State and Federal Government. This is unacceptable. We shall develop a credible STATE REGISTER that will capture our people in the rural areas, as well as the urban poor. We shall assist them to open bank accounts to enable them to benefit from available opportunities. Our goal is to effectively integrate the poor, underserved and vulnerable in Kaduna State into the financial ecosystem, so that they can benefit from State and Federal Governments social investment programmes, as well as donor agencies interventions. Our people-centered administration will not rest until we positively impact the lives of the poor, underserved, voiceless and vulnerable in our state," he said.
Consequently, he said, his administration will establish a TRUST FUND FOR THE POOR AND VULNERABLE IN KADUNA STATE to cater for the needs of the poor, underserved and vulnerable in Kaduna State.
"A Committee will be set up to develop a Framework for the Establishment of the Trust Fund. I will donate 50% of my salary to the Trust Fund for the next two years. This is part of my sacrifices towards reducing the cost of governance in Kaduna State, and to better the lot of the poor, underserved and vulnerable in our state," the Governor said.
He charged the Commissioners to adopt the inclusive approach to leadership, build a team and see everybody as important.
"They must get down to work immediately and deliver on the 7-Point Agenda of our administration, namely: Safety and Security, Upgrade of Infrastructure, Strengthening Institutions, Trade and Investment, Agriculture, Investing in Human Capital, and Nurturing Citizens Engagement. The central focus of our administration is however the Transformation of the Rural Areas. We want to revitalize the economies of the rural areas through massive infrastructural development," he said.
Warning the Commissioners to rise to the demands and challenges of their assignments the Governor said excuses for lacklustre performance will NOT be accepted.
"In the service of our dear state, we must put personal friendship aside. We shall strictly assess them based on performance indicators. Anyone that fails to measure up will be shown the way out. I however assured them that they will be given the support and tools they require to perform optimally," he said.

CSOs Caution NLC Against August 2 Planned Indefinite Nationwide Strike

... Say Strike Will Compound Hardship Faced by Nigerians

Northern based Coalition of Civil Society Organisations today cautioned Nigeria Labour Congress against planned indefinite nationwide strike action in view of the long term gains of fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration.

In a recent development, NLC gave the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to reverse all perceived anti-poor policies, including the recent hike in the pump price of petrol, or face an indefinite nationwide strike from August 2.

Consequently, NLC directed all affiliates to commence mobilisation of workers and civil society allies for a mass protest across Nigeria .

But the Coalition disagree with NLC's decision , saying that any form of nationwide strike by the labour unions now, will not only compound current economic hardship faced by the masses ,but also counter productive and catalyst for impending chaos.


The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary, Comrade Muhammad Usman Ali and Comrade Markus Bulus appealed to Nigeria Labour Congress to rather call for an emergency meeting with the Federal Government to discuss and resolve areas of concerns on the issues of fuel subsidy removal and other perceived harsh government policies affecting the Nigeria workers.

The statement further reads : "We believe the Tinubu led government has demonstrated that it can listen to plights of labour unions and should he government fail to meet demands after the meeting, NLC is free to embark on planned long-lasting strike and mass protest.

"But we want to remind NLC that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is just 57 days in office as President. And with the collosal damages done to economy by previous leaders ,which are beyond imagination , he needs some time correct them .

"On the hand ,we urge NLC to work together with the FG to ensure that monies saved from subsidy removal are monitored and judiciously used to better lots of workers and Nigerians instead threats of strike."

While defending the removal of subsidy , the Coalition asked NLC to consider that removal of subsidy has stopped smuggling of petroleum products; stopped payment of homongous amount money to fraudulent business men and made products available at filling stations .

It also said removal of subsidy will ensure private sector participation in the importation of petroleum products; ensure the ready availability of petrol at all times for all Nigerians with no diversion by marketers and curb the greed for higher profits and sabotage by a few players in the oil industry which will positively affect the
economy.

"We hope that soon the competition in the industry and market forces will drive
down the price of petrol in the long run
as witnessed in the telecoms sector for
the benefit of Nigerians; permanently banish queues from petrol stations." It added .

However ,the Coalition Commended President Tinubu for bolds steps taken so far to change course of governance in the country .

Tinubu's Reforms Policies will Make Nigeria Greater-DG Confederation of APC Support Groups


The Confederation of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups today came out strongly to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's reform policies,as they will Nigeria greater.

According to the support groups, so far President Tinubu has not only demonstrated good knowledge of governance,he has also shown the commitment to take drastic decisions through his reform agenda to take the country to a greater heights.

Briefing journalists on the State of the Nation ,the Director General of Confederation of the APC Support Groups and National Chairman of Tinubu Shettima Network, Engineer (Dr.) Kailani Muhammad urged Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu led APC government with hope that the future will be better and bright.

On the current hardship, Eng. Kailani who acknowledged that Nigerians are groaning under hardship, expressed optimism over the deliberate efforts made to provide succour and gave assurance that the pains are just for a short moment.

Speaking further,he said the Palliative measures taken to cushion the effects of the removal of subsidy are most welcomed, but advised it strictly should monitored to avoid abuse by unscrupulous government officials.

He also applauded Tinubu for inaugurating a Tax Review Committee , adding that the downturn review of tax and reduction of five percent on custom duties on some import items will surely have positive impact on the economy.

According to him, the issue of reviving the industries is one of the major factors that should be treated with urgency it deserves as a platform to create employment for teeming unemployed masses .

Kailani who noted that the issues of security is key to economic development, commended the President for appointing a man of good character such as Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the National Security Adviser,the suspension of CBN Governor.

Meanwhile, he urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recognize capable leaders from the various support groups in the Renewed Hope agenda for appointment into positions of authority.Noting that they have good understanding about the Renewed Hope agenda and could help in the proper implementation.

About the ordeal of the former Central Bank Governor, Kailani said , "The support groups called on Mr. President to shun the call by some lawyers for Emefiele to be released on grounds that he could run away.As far as we are concerned ,the Director General of DSS knows his job and should allowed to conclude his investigations."

Stressing ,"The allegations of importation firearms is a grievous offence and such individual involved shouldn't be released and must face the music. Those calling for his release are nothing but enemies of Nigeria who want anarchy and chaos to prevail."

On the the 2023 election and the tribunal hearing , The Director General of the APC Support Groups explained: "We took pains to campaign to the electorate to vote for Tinubu and will not allow anyone to cancel it and order any rerun .We have taken our destinies in our hands and we are watching with hope that the court will do the right thing .

"The President scored the 25 percent required votes across 24 states out of 36 .FCT has never been an issue because it's not a state .

"The argument of FCT as a factor to be won by Presidential candidate to validate his election does not hold water The argument surfaced in 1979 between late Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo on what constituted two-third majority of the 19 States then .The case was thrown out by the court as an insufficient grounds to void the election.

"We are therefore calling on the tribunal to throw out all the cases filed against APC and our current President."

"The EU report and position on the elections shouldn't distract the president from his dedication and commitment to reform and revive the Nigerian template.

"The unfounded and misplaced presentation by EU on the election should not distract Mr. President in his quest to reform and revive the Nigerian template.

"The EU should concentrate on global issues and should not be hell bent on installing its stooge for easy access to our richly endowed natural resources.

"We want to state here that Nigerians are for peace and don't envisage some foreign imperialists to forment grounds that will lead us to war.As far as we are concerned,the only interest of external forces is to gain access to our resources ,in the event our centre can no longer hold."

"We want to use this medium to call on our lawmakers to forget about bullet proof cars and work on security architecture to be able to move freely."

NASS ultimatum: APC stalwart lampoons SERAP over bullet-proof vehicles

A stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC), Dr. Jibril Tafida has described as "treacherous unfairness", the 7-day ultimatum given to the National Assembly to halt the planned N110billion purchase of bullet-proof cars.

In a media statement he issued Sunday night, Dr. Tafida said SERAP's threat, as a "hitherto exceptionally respected governance watchdog is most unfortunate and devastating to those desirous of the best obtainable security and comfort for the federal parliamentarians who are the de facto producers of democratic governance and prosperity".

Dr. Tafida expressed dismay over the stand of SERAP that the parliamentarians don't deserve such class of security devices and basic comforts, " in a country that, over the last decade, showed instances of parliamentarians being kidnapped and ransom paid for their release, a situation that substantially unsettled the operators of the engine room of democratic governance for the discharge of their duties and responsibilities as required by the law".

He then stated that Distinguished Senators and Right Honorables, "completely exposed to the enduring storms of insecurity would imply that the entire over 260 million Nigerians and, therefore, the entire country, are completely insecure".

He went on to say that foreign investors would be convincingly scared if the status quo is upheld, adding that "they would say, only a mad investor would hazard wasting his money in a country where even top echelon of governance can be kidnapped and or killed, as hawk feast on chicks".

The APC stalwart said it was "most devastating to note that SERAP could not spew a bile, or chose not to do so for whatever reasons, over the hundreds of billions of Naira drained on the entire education sector with a pathetically incommensurate development to show".

He lamented that SERAP rather "chose to make infantile suggestions on a project so vital to the prosperity of the country's democracy as the security and comfort of the lawmakers.

"The ultimatum, therefore, only exposes SERAP's treacherous unfairness against Nigeria's federal parliament and, indeed, Nigerian democracy, as if it is doing a hatchet job. SERAP is goofing", he added.

Tragedy: Gov Fintiri's Brother stabs Neighbor's wife, rushes to Kano Hospital for emergency treatment



Domestic violence was ensured between the Neighbors of a blood-related Brother of Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Adamawa State Governor.

A neighbor who pleaded to be anonymous narrated that Musa Umaru's (Governor Fintiri's Brother) wife had a verbal quarrel with the wife of his neighbor over baseless issues.

Sources related to the injured Woman said Musa and one Bello, who is also related to Fintiri as a cousin Brother was the one that stabbed the woman and left her half dead.

That fight escalated to using dangerous weapons by the husbands of the fighting women in defense leading to the stabbing of Sadiq's wife by Bello.

Our reporter confirmed that in other to conceal the matter out of the public domain the Governor's Personal Assistant, Tanko Wazumtu secured a government ambulance from Federal Medical Center Yola to sponsor the trip to Kano Hospital where they are referred to.

Further investigation by our correspondent revealed that Bello and Musa are in the custody of the Adamawa police command and being interrogated.

The investigation revealed that Bello a supposed NDLEA staff was recently transferred to Yola from Kano constituting a menace in the Bachure community, a suburb of Jimeta where the Governor built a bungalow for them.

This medium however called on their Kano correspondent to confirm the situation and said the injured woman is fairing well and responding to treatment as he saw her making calls and snapping pictures with her phone.

Kaduna Senator Denies Using Forged Certificate , Threatens Legal Action against Media House
... Demands N1b as Damages

The Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone, Senator Lawal Adamu Usman has denied using any fraudulent academic certificate as part of documents presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) during the 2023 election process .

The All Progressives Congress is challenging the election victory of the PDP Senator, on the grounds that he did not attend some schools he claimed in his INEC nomination form.

One of the witnesses, a former student of the Department Public Administration of Ameer Shehu ldris College of Advanced Studies, Zaria, Halima Ibrahim Ndanusa in recent story published by Leadership Newspapers claimed that the serving senator from Kaduna State used her result to gain admission into a university.

In his reaction , Senator Lawal adamu Usman in a two-page letter through his solicitors Messrs E. N. Ogbu & Associates stated that the story published on 12th July, 2023 with caption: "KADUNA SENATOR USED MY RESULT FOR VARSITY ADMISSION, WITNESS TELLS TRIBUNAL is Libelous and defamatory , thus threatened legal action.

The Senator, who demanded for immediate retraction of the story filed for damages in the sum of N1,000,000,000 (One Billion Naira Only) against the Newspapers for publishing a targeted at tarnishing his image and reputation.

According to the letter, the contents of the said newspaper publication portrayed Senator Lawal Adamu Usman as one,who made illegal and fraudulent use of a certificate belonging to one HALIMA IBRAHIM NDANUSA to gain admission into a university .

The letter further stated: "And further went on in the reportage to add that the said HALIMA IBRAHIM NDANUSA made the said piece of malicious information known in an appearance at the Election Petitions Tribunal while seeking for justice and prosecution of the offenders for using her results fraudulently as captured in Paragraphs 1, 2, and 10 of the online publication made available to us by our Client.”

While disclosing that the said HALIMA IBRAHIM NDANUSA was neither subpoenaed nor present at the tribunal as confirmed by our correspondent, the Senator’s solicitors further averred that Senator Lawal Usman is of the firm contention that the veracity or otherwise of the entire reportage captioned herein are proceedings of a Tribunal,which are available to the general public as it relates to what transpired before the Tribunal in actual fact. Stating that as unfair as the reportage could be,he was never called upon to hear his own version of what actually transpired.

The letter further reads: "However, the procedure to obtain this facts were thrown to the wind with respect to the reportage in itself as same, according to our Client were a calculated effort to wickedly dent an image and status earned over the years by dint of hard work.”

“Our Client has suffered emotional and psychological trauma over the "fake news" printed to dent his hard earned reputation in the eyes of the public over an information that is not only false but inexistent.

"And to make matters worst ,same unscrupulous information were carried by THISDAY NEWSPAPERS, a widely circulated media house in Nigeria and abroad without authenticating same in the first place. An action our Client considers severely damaging as no amount of money may remedy the humiliation and damage caused to his reputation as a result of the said reckless publication.

"The Nigerian Government has times without numbers strictly warned the generality of the public against spreading what is now known to be "fake news.”

The lawmaker however, said if after 7 days of receipt of the letter the media house fail, omit, refuse, and/or neglect to formally retract the said libelous piece of information, which our Client considers defamatory of his person and apologize, he would take legal action .

PLOT TO DENT NFIU CEO TUKUR UNCOVERED

...As a staff indulges in name-dropping of the First Lady

A plot to sponsor false, damaging news stories online against the Director/CEO of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Mr. Modibbo Tukur has been uncovered.

Sources close to the financiers of the damaging propaganda disclosed that the plotters have already given cash backing of the contract to the editors and managers of a "fringe online newspaper known as Quest Times for onward distribution to other willing online newspapers".

The source also explained why the office of the NFIU helmsman has become the target of the plotters and their alliance with Quest Times: " The head of NFIU, which is the prime agency in Nigeria responsible for combating money laundering and terrorism financing is a very strategic position and has international impact on the country’s global image and ranking, being a member of the prestigious Egmont Group of FIUs."
Another source revealed that the The Quest Times.com has of late "managed to line-up false and damaging news series containing cooked up allegations and accusations against Mr. Modibbo Tukur as the incumbent Director/CEO of NFIU who has less than 6 months remaining of his tenure."

The source further explained this: "The reason for these allegations is not hidden from discerning minds as it is to pave way for the sacking of the Director/CEO.
We were reliably informed that Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of Redeem Christian Church of God is pushing for the appointment of one Mrs. Biola Shotande (a member of his church) and a staff of NFIU to take over from the incumbent, contrary to public service protocols, as she is not the most senior staff of the agency."

Explaining further, the source pointed out that "Pastor Adeboye is said to be soliciting for the assistance of the First Lady Mrs. Remi Tinubu (who is also a pastor of the church) in his venture.

"Mrs Biola Shotande is rumoured to have reached out to some former staff of the NFIU in a bid to get them back to the Unit to assist her run the agency upon her appointment hoping the current NFIU boss would be sacked. Whilst some declined her offer, others agreed, pending when she takes over."

An anonymous source that corroborated the insider dealings said: "Strangely, amongst those former staff she reached out to were two of the staff dismissed by the Unit allegedly for unethical practices, and whose dismissal was affirmed by the Court of Appeal."

Already, a cross-section of industry players are disturbed by the rumoured pendency of the dismissal of Mr. Modibbo Tukur and appointment of Mrs. Biola Shotande, since it portends grave danger for Nigeria’s financial system, as the international community of AML/CFT will frown at such action, especially now that Nigeria is under the FATF ‘Grey List’. There are also fears that in the event of unwarranted dismissal of the NFIU boss, the Egmont Group will suspend Nigeria's memebership because security of tenure of Heads of FIUs is held very serious by the body.

Reports have it that Mrs. Biola Shotande has been parading herself as the de-facto Director/CEO of NFIU, boasting that the first lady has assured her of the appointment and her name submitted to DSS for screening.

For now, industry players are restless, considering that no serious infraction has been established against the incumbent.

Uba Sani moves to secure Kaduna, other states, meets with Service Chiefs

In keeping to his administration's commitment to forging partnerships with security agencies in order to tackle current and emerging security threats in Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani held separate meetings Tuesday with the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar.
Hinting at what transpired, Governor Uba said they had robust discussions on the security challenges confronting Kaduna and other neighboring states.

"Although successes have been recorded in the fight against insecurity in Kaduna State, I reminded the service chiefs on the need to consolidate on the successes," the Governor said.

Uba pledged maximum cooperation and support from the state government to enable the security agencies carry out their vital role of securing the lives and properties of citizens.

He then used the opportunity to convey the warm congratulations and best wishes of the government and good people of Kaduna State to the service chiefs on their well-deserved appointments.

The service chiefs on their part, assured the Governor of their commitment to working with the government and people of Kaduna State to degrade bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements and restore peace and security to our troubled communities.

OPINION :Musings on Mele Kyari's beautiful reforms in NNPC

By Shahid Abdulkadir

Throughout the history of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited there has never been a moment of radical reforms that the current era of Mele Kyari-led management. This is moreso because the former GMD now GCEO came on board fully prepared with his blueprint.

With an unwavering determination to turn around the fortunes of Africa's biggest oil giant, Kyari set for himself, the management and staff very tough goals. Tough? Indeed! It would be no longer business as usual because any official from management level to the bottom is expected to work based on clear official principles, devoid of cutting corners. Tough, because transparency has become the official mantra of the NNPC.

Given his antecedents as a disciplinarian and action-oriented CEO, virtually everyone is NNPC was now on his/her toes - to deliver on their assignments with every sense of responsibility.

The fearless NNPC helmsman ran the organization in accordance with internationally accepted standards of professional excellence. Consequently, the NNPC and Kyari won quite a number of laurels for various feats.

The discovery of oil in some States of the federation and particularly in the Northern part of the oil took many Nigerians by surprise and many Northerners were overwhelmed with joy. It was the dawn of a new, bold era of economic emancipation of the North, nay Nigeria.

The milestone of identifying and initiating moves for oil drilling by the NNPC under the able leadership of Malam Mele Kyari set the tone for economic revolution on a national scale.

By dint of hard work, strategic management - characterised by clear goal setting and determination to deliver, made the NNPC reforms quite seamless.

Nigerian oil and gas history will not complete without the strategic reforms recorded by the NNPC management under Mele Kyari. The media shy GCEO has set standards that have remained uncompromising in the history of this all-important sector.

He has so far been able to successfully confound his critics and ensures that politicians with hidden agenda have failed woefully to paint the management in bad light, using the media as their stepping stone.

Understandably a section of the political class were disturbed by the massive interventions of the NNPC in the educational and health sectors as well as the funding of infrastructural development projects. This much the civil society has been hammering on since last year, to checkmate centrifugal forces on the prowl.

Crushing of illegal refineries in strategic locations of the South-South that Kyari-led NNPC has been doing would definitely not go down well with unpatriotic people feeding fat on the fortunes of the industry.

It is obvious that massive policing of oil pipelines in the Niger-Delta, by security forces, courtesy of NNPC's review of strategy has touched on raw nerves of oil thieves in high places, with others threatening to harm Kyari. He has however refused to be distracted since middle of last year, when the threat to kill him surfaced. It is noticeable that since then, nothing has stopped Kyari from proceeding with his transparency accountability policy of running the oil giant. And his bravery, in this direction, is quite legendary.

Breaking:Community hails Governor Uba Sani over choice of veteran journalist as aide in Kaduna

A community development organization consisting of professors, businessmen, other professionals and politicians - Chikaji Gidan Zumunci (CGZ)has held a special reception in honour of Nigeria's Corp Marshal of Federal Road Safety Commission(FRSC) , Malam Dauda Biu; New Managing Director of Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria FAAN - Alhaji Kabiru Yusuf and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Uba Sani, Nasir Abdulkadir in Kaduna.


The organization commended Governor Uba Sani for finding a veteran journalist worthy of appointment as Senior Special Assistant (SSA), on Saturday evening.

Chairman of the occasion, Bello Maude( PhD) told the mammoth gathering that the Forum, decided to hold the reception "in our true tradition of recognising our illustrious sons who get elevated in their various careers at a very higher level, among others". He explained that it was a thing of pride that the Corp Marshal of the FRSC has continued to provide valuable contributions in the realm of job creation to the Chikaji community at regular intervals.

Turning to the second recipient, the new Managing Director of FAAN, who also holds the title of Sardaunan Sabon Gari, Maude described him as the symbol of fight against low level of literacy in the community, for his sponsorship of education in support of indigent sons and daughters of the community.

He went to say that the new Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Abdulkadir, fondly called Dambatta has built a beautiful career in the journalism profession and deserving of the latest elevation.

Distinguished guests at the event, notably the former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Aminu Shagali, commended the organisation for "taking the lead in uniting the people of the community regardless of ethnic or religious affinities and encouraging excellence in career pursuits by recognising performance.

The religious leaders of the community, while praying for the two federal appointees, also commended Governor Uba Sani for choosing a veteran print media practitioner as his Senior Special Assistant in the current dispensation.

Leader of another group in the community, known as Over-50, Malam Rabiu Shehu charged the three dignitaries not to relent in their efforts to give back to the society manyfolds.

In their respective contributions, the elected representatives in the community assured of their willingness to join hands with the three government appointees in moving the community forward.

In attendance at the event were police, military and Air Force personnel who have also reached the peak of their professional careers.

Giving a vote of thanks on behalf of the FRSC boss and FAAN MD, the SSA to the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Abdulkadir expressed gratitude to the CGZ leadership and the monarchs.

"On behalf of all of us that were honoured today, I wish to express our gratitude to all our community leaders for voluntarily giving their all - in cash and kind - to hold this reception in our honour. By this gesture, we feel encouraged to redouble our efforts in the service of this community and the society at large. It is our conviction that Chikaji Gidan Zumunci is an exemplary silver-lining not just in Kaduna State but the entire North".

Senators Urged to Be Patient with Senate President

A close associate to Senate President Dr. Jibril Tafida, has urged senators to be patient with the Senate President Godswill Akpabio by giving him time to provide competent leadership and smoothen the path to legislative activities.

Dr. Tafida gave the advice in Kaduna while answering questions from newsmen shortly after Eid Prayers. He also assured senators that Akpabio will give everyone opportunities to contribute to national legislation on the floor of the Chamber and definitely do justice to all.

It was reported that some senators misunderstood the Senate President and his intentions, soon after he announced a few appointments.

Dr. Tafida, however, described him as a gentleman who "in the spirit of national unity and development will, as usual, carry everyone along."

Dr. Tafida explained that all he wants is for the senators to understand that the issue at stake is being handled and that Akpabio is committed to working with everyone towards achieving the goals of the Senate.

He then reiterated his plea with the senators to be patient and to believe in his leadership, assuring that Akpabio is not the kind of leader that will take any action that would undermine the integrity of the Senate.

He also assured senators that the President of the Senate will always be available, to listen to their concerns as a leader committed to creating an enabling environment for them to perform their duties effectively.

His words: "I urge all senators to be patient and give him time to settle down. The SP is committed to inclusiveness in order to achieve the goals of the Senate. He is gentleman who believes in developing people and giving everyone the appropriate chance and opportunities. I assure you that he will do justice to all and will not take any action that would undermine the integrity of the Senate."

The Senate President's associate then called for understanding as a step towards having an organised senate for the overall interest of Nigerians. He further stated that Akpabio has demonstrated leadership and commitment to resolving issues in the past and can do even better at the moment.

Re: MOHAMMED DAUDA UNMASKING THE FACE BEHIND FRIVOLOUS NIA PETITIONS: MY RIGHT OF REPLY

Let me start by stating that I am a patriotic Nigerian, who, as a loyal and dedicated officer of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, has never done and will never do anything detrimental to National Security and Integrity of Nigeria. I must confess that, Nigeria: my dear country has done so much for me, for which I have also put in my best, in service throughout my career in the Public service. I have no grudge whatsoever against the NIA or the Government as institutions. I owe alot to my country.

In the last four years or there about, since I left the service of the NIA: albeit unceremoniously, I have been under tremendous pressure from friends and well-wishers, to counter the propaganda being orchestrated by media hirelings of the leadership of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), against me. But, knowing that, they were mere attempts to cover up the crass ineptitude, nepotism, impunity, tyranny and administrative rascality and impunity, that is taking place at the nation’s apex Intelligence agency, I often did not find it necessary to respond to some of the vile allegations.

Although it is an open secret that, the NIA has been suffering bad press, following my removal as the Ag. Director General and my subsequent purported dismissal from the NIA, I find it rather strange, that I am being painted as the culprit behind the negative media, to the extent that I have been branded a saboteur of National Security, for choosing to remain silent in the face of all the vilifications. An issue that the FCA, have cleared me thoroughly.

It is a universal truism, that, when lies are repeatedly told and allowed to fester for too long, without any form of exposure, challenge or contradiction, some gullible minds are bound to begin seeing and believing such lies, as being the truth. It is in the face of this fact, and the continuous recirculation of these falsehood, that I have chosen to reluctuntly respond to some of the fallacies being repeatedly circulated in the media, to the effect that, I have been the masked face behind petitions, or write-ups that pose security risks. Sometimes silence is not golden, especially when it is about protecting ones integrity and countering falsehood.

I take particular exception to one of such unprofessionally scripted piece, entitled: “MOHAMMED DAUDA: UNMASKING THE FACE BEHIND FRIVOLOUS NIA PETITIONS”, co-authored by one Ismaila Iliyasu and Ekenna Ellis Ezenekwe. Both characters in the said piece do appear to be hack writers. In the said write up, the authors claimed to have undertaken a painstakingly discreet investigation, and interviewed people who are knowledgeable and authoritative on the subject matter, even as they further claimed to have laid their hands on UNIMPEACHABLE documents.

As a professional; with a verifiable record of tremendous outing, and as a former boss at the NIA, I must confess that I was least impressed, with what I read, as being the accounts of what the writers claimed they discovered. As a matter of fact, that piece was the shabbiest piece of investigation I have ever seen: may be, next to the doctored findings of the so-called investigative panel that sat and recommended for my dismissal. If they are indeed NIA Staff and that is the kind of intelligence they give this country to use in policy planning and direction, then we are in serious problem.

It should be embarrassing to whoever wrote the script and gave them to adopt as their finding, that even records of events which are public knowledge, could not be accurately reflected, especially the claim that, I was appointed as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Chad by President Muhammadu Buhari. Apparently trying to garnish their seeming ignorance, they wrote, “a crucial post in view of our two countries’ close cooperation in the fight against insurgency, he gladly accepted the appointment, even though there were other, more worthy people that President Buhari could have appointed”.

As far as I know, being the appointee in question, and as far as the records show, I was appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to Chad by former Pres. Goodluck Jonathan in May, 2014. Pres. Buhari could not have appointed me in May 2014, one year before he became the President of Nigeria. At the time of my appointment, I was the D1, Regions at the NIA headquarters: effectively the third in rank, after the then DG, Amb. EO Oladeji and Amb. Ayo Oke. Each time the two were out of town, I had been the one in charge of all operations at the NIA headquarters. There was no other person above me. I will be correct to therefore say, that, nothing could have been further from the truth, in trying to say there were others more worthy of being appointed.

I wish to place it on record that, I had protested the earlier appointment of a female Ambassador, who was lower than me in rank to a neighboring French speaking country before me. I was only pacified with the explanation that, the lady, who had failed her Deputy Directorship exams, once, at the time, was appointed on the insistence of her lover, a former NSA, as a consolation prize, after he failed to get Presidential approval to appoint her as the DG, or even one of the two DDG's. I also did not understand their concept of worthiness, but it could not have been worse than that of someone who left the NIA as a relatively junior officer, under controversial and shady circumstances, having failed promotion examinations three times consecutively. The same exams that I passed at the first sitting. How this "more worthy" guy rebound, dubiously, through the back door, as Head of the Agency, is still inexplicable. May be this abracadabra, or 'government magic' according to late Fela will be unraveled someday.

The two so-called investigators also claimed to have found out that I emptied the vaults of the NIA, by moving $44 million to another location, without due authorization and before proper audit of our accounts, immediately I was sacked. I recall that, in exhibiting their crass ignorance of the workings of the NIA and the circumstances surrounding that action, a particular analyst, apparently also a hireling of the NIA leadership, had even tried comparing the movement of that money, to a situation in the Central Bank of Nigeria, where the Governor moves money out of the CBN after his or her sack.

As I earlier explained in one of my responses to the National Assembly’s inquiries on the $44million, I wish to restate that I moved the money to the office of the National Security Adviser, for three reasons, for safe keep, after Gen Jaafaru, who was sent purposely to NIA, to safe guard the controversial money(which was not actually part of our budgetary allocation), was suddenly withdrawn back to ONSA, and also to create a witness out of it, being the supervisory Office of all Security Agencies, under the law. I knew that to be a big risk, but given the circumstances I found myself in, where highly placed individuals: including those who eventually determined my fate, showed unreserved interest in siphoning the money: by asking me to make available parts of it for their personal uses, I felt a compelling urge to save public funds, by taking it away from the reach of these people (even if temporarily), who were to take charge of the agency following my exit.

It also seems that, the authors of that so-called investigative findings, were not conversant with the story of how the matter got to the National Assembly, and possibly through the National Assembly into the public domain. Let me state, that, I did not go to the National Assembly on my own volition, neither did I write a petition as they claimed, rather, I was invited(subpoenaed), by a committee of the House on National Security and Intelligence via an invitation letter Ref. No. NASS/HR/8/CT.80/IV/325, of 18th of January, 2018.

Signed by a member of the Committee, Hon. Usman Danjuma Shiddi, the invitation, under the heading “NEED TO INVESTIGATE THE ALLEGED CARTING AWAY OF $44 MILLION FROM NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY (NIA), I was directed to unfailingly appear before the committee, with all relevant documents relating to the issue, on 29th January, 2018 at 1pm.

Let me state for the avoidance of doubt, that, there had been serious pressures mounted on me not to appear before the committee, by people I had mentioned in my earlier report, before another investigative agency, about the $44 million in question. I even received several threats, but I eventually honored the invitation and made my presentation on oath, before the committee, after which, i was asked to submit 17 copies of my presentation to the Committee. Whatever became of the report I made, was never known to me. It is therefore very unfair and most uncharitable to accuse me of leaking my presentation( which they called petition), to the media or to the public: whichever was the case.

Permit me to place it on record that, I did not write any petition to the National Assembly. I did not leak the contents of my presentation before the Committee to the press or the public, neither did I ever release documents or postings. As a matter of fact, I do not have access to any NIA documents, since my removal in 2018, and I could not have leaked what I did not have. I have been subjected to all sorts of media trials, ostensibly sponsored by the NIA leadership, through sponsored articles and reports: thereby subjecting me to further psychological tortures. The facts about what was happening in the NIA was deliberately shielded from the Government, making its decisions prejudiced against me, just as some public perception has been poisoned against me.

In seeming further display of their ignorance, or out of sheer mischief, the sponsored authors opined that, I acted for only one month as Ag. Director General of the NIA. I was there for 54 eventful days from 7th November, 2017 to the date I effectively handed over. But even if I had acted for only one day, no one said, I was removed for incompetence, corruption or ineptitude, or that the person that they were in a hurry to bring, as my replacement, was better or more qualified than me. The records of what I did in the agency and their impact on the Agency and its Staffers is a story for another day.

Iliyasu et al also wrote that my appointment was not backed by any formal correspondence in the form of a letter from the Presidency. That is a fact. But just like all my predecessors, appointments of DGs have been seamless, for almost 36 years of the existence of the Agency, at that time. The most senior person automatically steps in. A letter of confirmation usually follow later. It is therefore not an anathema, that I was directed to assume leadership via electronic or verbal message, like others before me. I recalled the same situation with Amb. Uche Okeke, who later served for eight years as DG, I was one of those who conveyed a similar verbal message to him, while he was the Ambassador in Romania, to come down and take charge, following the retirement of his predecessor, Amb. Preware. In the almost 40 years of the existence of the NIA, it was the first time that " the goal post was shifted in the middle of a game". Just to accommodate an imposter, whose only qualifications is being the President's Brother.
No one brings a disgraced failure, through the back door to head the NIA. It is the first time that someone who was never a Director or an Ambassador, was brought out of forced retirement to lord it over bona fide Directors and Staff of the NIA. May be it is the same game plan that they were preparing for the FORMER RECHARGE CARD seller.

They accused me of shunning the disciplinary committee set up by the present DG to probe me. As an intelligence officer, who has vast contacts within and without the NIA, I was aware that the said disciplinary committee now legally declared illegal, by all the Courts, had a preconceived mission, which was to recommend for my dismissal and to rubbish my career. Looking at the assemblage of the distressed hatchet men coopted to be on the committee (including a convicted self confessed criminal, who stole and refunded more than N500m from Falcon Eye Project, at the ONSA), coupled with the fact that it negated laid down rules as contained in the NIA establishment Act(CAPS 278), 1986, I decided not to glorify their findings by giving it a semblance of legitimacy and fairness, by attending.

The coinage, Special Management Staff Disciplinary Committee(SMSDC), was not only strange to our procedures at the NIA, but a negation of the law, just as the assemblage of its members completely fell out of the provisions of the National Securities Act (CAPS 278), 1986: which governs such matters. The Act does not give any retired Directors any role in pure administrative schedules at the NIA, to wit recruitment, vetting or discipline, neither does the NSC Act, obliges the agency to continue footing bills for medical checkups, children’s’ school fees, family burials and many others, of officers long after their disengagement, as is presently being done, in addition to hundreds of thousands of Dollars, being shared to Traditional Rulers and family and friends all over the Country, all in the futile efforts of the DG to legitimize, what is illegitimate and Lauder his badly soiled corruption ridden image.

I will draw my conclusions on this matter by referring to the judgment of the Hon. Judge of the National Industrial Court, while ruling on my suit challenging my purported dismissal; to the effect that implied that an organization, including the NIA cannot create its own laws to try anyone, when the Establishment Act had already made adequate provisions for that requirement. That was the crux of the judgment which, confirmed the Committee as a mere "kangaroo court" and ordered my immediate re-instatement as a Director at the NIA, an order that was unanimously upheld by the Hon. Justices of the Federal Court of Appeal
On the issues raised by the release issued by the NIA(DG/CG/1/VOL.5) of 22nd June, 2023. As usual. I am always the "punching bag'. They are already accusing me of manipulating the FCA judgment, that I was not present in the Court, when it was issued, nor was I even in the country. I am even yet to see the CTC of the judgement, as they also admitted, how can I then manipulate the judgement, its outcome or what the press said or wrote. If the press, that carried the information, made any misrepresentations of the court ruling or published what they understood as the ruling, what then is my fault there?
I guess the best thing they could have done, is to state their positions, after thoroughly studying the CTC
I can't be responsible for what the press wrote as their understanding of the judgement. Additionally, it is also absolutely untrue that there is an outstanding or remaining issue that is not adjudicated, as far as the Federal Court of Appeal is concerned. Unfortunately for them, it is the last Court that will deal with this matter. They will not have the opportunity to manipulate and delay another case for another four years. The remaining unadjucated case is just a figment of their own imagination, not in any law court in Nigeria. I guess they will tell our lawyers, which Court the lingering unknown unadjucated is, when we write to them to demand for the implementation of CourtOrder.


I wish to take this opportunity to boldly state, for the avoidance of doubts that, I have never written or cause to be written, any petition, or press statement: and I will never do so: on any matter that may tend to compromise national Security. I left the NIA as it’s Acting DG almost six years ago, and since then, I did not have any access to any document or correspondences of the NIA. In any case I have no reason, at all, to fight my Country Nigeria or it's people, just because I disagreed with what I see as a gross injustice, by the former administration. Governments come and go, but the Country remains.

The circumstances that trailed my appointment, and the stormy relationship I had with some very powerful people in Government, over my refusal to avail public funds for their personal uses and my eventual removal and replacement with the Secretary of the Committee that sought to squander the funds, gave me the impression, that, my remaining as the DG of NIA was a threat to some selfish quests. I was so easily removed for no reason at all, because I had no godfather, working in a Government which is averse to being incorruptible, as I wanted to be. But I leave judgment for posterity.

I know as a matter of fact that all the falsehood being bandied about me shall definitely crash, in the fullness of time. In the meantime, my candid advice to the management of the NIA and indeed the sponsors of the callous campaign of calumny against my person, to employ professionalism in handling all matters, and not rely on the mischievous opinions of hirelings, in the desperate attempt to change the flowing narrative about the saga, arising from my purported dismissal.

I will respond to other matters subsequently; now that I have decided to finally open up, if only to correct the erroneous impressions being created about the matter. Truth has only one color but falsehood has to be garnished in so many forms in addressing issues bordering on injustices and attendant deficiencies in the NIA, as it is.

I remain a patriotic, loyal and dedicated Nigerian, always willing to salvage my country from the corruption that is eating deep into our national fabric.

God Bless you.
Amb. Mohammed Dauda

There's gang-up Against NNPC GCEO - Group cries out

A group under the auspices of Tansparent Leadership Advocacy (TLA) has advised President Bola Tinubu not to be distracted by what the group described as "well-funded disinformation against the current NNPC management led by Malam Mele Kyari".

A media statement signed by the group's Chairman Dr. Musa Adam revealed that a politically-motivated media campaign has been launched by "interests operating from the shadows, since the inglorious exit of CBN's governor Godwin Emefiele from the management of the apex bank".

Adam, in the statement, noted that the new media plot against NNPC and Mele Kyari was "first hatched when news of successful oil discovery and its official presidential commissioning started in Kolmani River Field( Bauchi-Gombe axis) on November 22 followed closely by drilling in Obi/Keana of Nasarawa State on the 21st of March 2023."

The statement also pointed out that "some unpatriotic elements, operating from the shadows have been unsettled by the transparent culture introduced into the new-look NNPC by the Kyari management, as well as policing of the oil pipelines to check theft".

The group then stated this: "Kyari introduced the Roadmap to Global Excellence, anchored on TAPE Agenda, which means Transparency, Accountability, Performance and Excellence and it has remained the guiding rubric of his era. Every month, the NNPC publishes all its transactions in the conventional and new media platforms - something that has never happened in the economic history of this nation.".

The TLA, in the statement also described the NNPC GCEO as a man of strict principles, an exceptionally devout Muslim in his private life, who has committed to using his personal earnings in the service of the weak and the poor in the society.

The group urged President Bola Tinubu to "ignore the rantings of unpatriotic elements working hand-in-hand with fifth columnists in the oil and gas industry to spread falsehood massively in the media and create bad blood between the President and NNPC GCEO, at a critical juncture in Nigeria's economic history".

Proactive Leadership: Islamic Group Praises Tinubu for Sacking Service Chiefs
...Defends Shettima on Christian Senate President Statement

Northern based Islamic group under aegis of Imams for Peace and Unity (IPU) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for dissolving service chiefs and proactive steps taken to savour the economy and tackle the lingering security challenges that hitherto have bedevilled the country for over two decades .

According to the group , all action taken so far from the removal of petroleum subsidy; to signing of significant Bills that touch on lives of the ordinary citizenry into law to opening of the boarders and balanced appointments are good for sustainable development .

"As a group of concerned Nigerians, without mincing words, we state unequivocally that we are impressed and satisfied with the proactive steps taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led government to reposition the hitherto dwindling economy and the country at large."he stated.

In a statement signed by Sheikh Abubakar Musa Mohammed
Chairman ,Imams for Peace and Unity, the group said, it is convinced that from the body language of the Mr.President as a passionate and committed leader, he will deliver dividends of democracy to the common man in the streets.

While stating that the President has very good plans for progress and development of Nigeria, it noted ," All the actions taken so far from the removal of petroleum subsidy; to signing of significant Bills that touch on lives of the ordinary citizenry into law to opening of the boarders and balanced appointments , Tinubu is fully prepared for the highly coveted number seat .

The statement further reads :" It is against this background that as religious leaders under the umbrella of Imams for Peace and Unity, held a meeting and resolved to commend the President for identifying the problems and fighting the battle of restoration from those agents of destruction that looted the nation common wealth."

The group, which issued the statement after the one-day meeting of the Executive Members across 19 Northern states in Kaduna , said it was left with no option than to take a stand to lend support to the Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration for the focused leadership provided since assumption of office as the Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces.

On the issue about the Vice President Kashim Shettima saying , “under the current dispensation, the worst incompetent Southern Christian is better than the most puritanical Northern Muslim for the Presidency of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
If you read in-between ,you will discover those shouting fowl are out to call the dog Abad to hang it .He has not done anything wrong by the above statement.

"Shettima's statement in our view was stated out concern for Justice , Equity and fairness .

"It apparently clear that he was misquoted out of context ,hence our resolve as a Northern based Islamic group to defend Vice President, Kashim Shettima,a good Muslim and commend his efforts to ensure that a Christian Senate President emerged in the interest of justice and fairness in line with tenets of Islam.

"From information gathered , Senators
Shettima has contributed to Islam more than any other Governor in Nigeria since 1999 in terms of the kind of situation he found himself during the heat of Boko Haram war. The criticisms against are baseless .

"The bitter Truth is that most of those critizing him today , couldn't even stay in Borno during the battle with Boko Haram insurgents, when he was a constant target of terrorists."

Breaking: Kaduna Governor Rejoices over Appointment of Defence Chief

The Governor of Kaduna State Senator Uba Sani has welcomed the appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, saying it is well-deserved by an illustrious son of the state.

"I wish to congratulate our dear brother and citizen, on his well deserved appointment as the Chief of Defence (CDS)," the Governor said in a statement he personally wrote on Monday.

The Governor described the new Chief of Defence Staff as a worthy Ambassador of Kaduna State who has had a distinguished military career and held many strategic positions, including Theatre Commander Operation Hadin Kai.

"In his years of military service, he has been exemplary in his professional conduct. His diligence, dedication and loyalty has been rewarded with this elevation to the position of CDS.

"I wish to therefore express our profound gratitude to our dear leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for finding our son worthy of this important national assignment. Mr. President has always identified with Kaduna State and its people. We shall give Mr. President all the support he needs to take our nation to higher heights," he said..

Ribadu's Appointment,Right Step in Right Direction,Arewa Group Says

...Hails Tinubu


The Arewa New Agenda(ANA) has welcomed the appointment of Malam Nuhu Ribadu as Special Adviser on Security, describing it as the right step taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the right direction.

A statement by the Convener of the Group, Sen. Ahmed Abubakar MoAllahyidi, noted that Tinubu has exhibited exemplary leadership and wisdom with his most recent appointments of Special Advisers including that of Nuhu Ribadu.

With particularly the appointments of Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Nuhu Ribadu as SA Security, President Tinubu has signaled his intention to tackle the twin menace of security and corruption, the Group said.

Noting that he excitement following the appointment of the special adviser on security is still revibrating around the country, the Group expressed hope that Nigeria will get it right this time around.
"Prior to his appointment as the Chairman of EFCC in 2003, Ribadu served as key operational officer in the General Investigation and the Force Criminal Investigation Departments of the of the Nigerian Police. He was a member of the highly commended Failed Banks Tribunal that sanitized the rottenness in the Nigerian Banking sector of the late eighties," the Group recounted.

According to them, Ribadu has been widely acknowledged as bringing to his job a deep passion and an exemplary sense of dedication and efficiency. In three years, the EFCC under his leadership built the now most celebrated Crimes Training and Research Institute in the-sub-region.

These achievements, they said, helped make the EFCC a reference Law Enforcement Agency on the continent; and the bold investigation, prosecution, and conviction of Nigeria’s hitherto untouchable politicians and businessmen earned him the reputation of being a foremost and respected anti-corruption crusader in the world.

"It is to his record that he rejected a N30 million bribe from one of the country’s major money laundering offenders in 2005, although the most sensational report of his ethical conduct thus far was the 2007 rejection of a $15 million bribe from a former governor from one of Nigeria’s Niger Delta states.

"In acknowledgement of these modest achievements, he was promoted Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), in March 2007; the African Union put him on its advisory board on anti-corruption matters; and he was lately invited to join the advisory board of the friends of the World Bank/UNODC initiative on stolen-asset-recovery," the said.

Other notable achievement of Mallam Ribadu according to the Group, include but not limited to the de-listing of Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force (on Money Laundering) (FATF) List of Non-Cooperative Countries & Territories, admission into the prestigious The Egmont Group and the withdrawal of the US Treasury the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Advisory on Nigeria.

"This No 1 crime fighting czar on the continent of Africa; Mallam Nuhu Ribadu it was who led the conviction, jailing and the return of £150 million ill-gotten wealth of the most powerful Police Man on the continent of Africa.

"This astute and fearless police officer it was who diligently investigated and provided evidence that helped prosecute foreign businesses who turned our country into one in which bribes must be offered while doing business in Nigeria," they said.

They listed major achievements and recognitions Ribadu has garnered during his service to the Nigerian nationc to includes World Bank's 2008 Jit Gill Memorial Award for Outstanding Public Service, the Global Lifetime Achievement Award on anti-corruption campaign from Qatar-based think-tank, Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Centre (ROLACC) and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Award from the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Centre (ROLACC).

"On Friday December 7 2018, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu won the Sheikh Tamim Bn Hamad al Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award.
"In May 2010 he made the list of the 20 most influential Nigerians alongside people like Philip Emagwali, Aliko Dangote, Emake Anyoku, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Wole Soyinka and others," the Group noted.

The Group said it has followed with keen interest how the administration has approached and put forward its intention to provide leadership and discharge the responsibility of governance. "President Tinubu has in two weeks exhibited the ability to tackle key issues in the country by taking some tough decisions. Many commentators have spoken about this new breath of ‘Governance-fresh-air’ it is not out of place for us to revisit some of the popular decisions and actions the President has taken in his less than three weeks of being President," they said.

10th Senate:NEF, Shehu Sani Differs on Shettima ,Says VP Fair on Choice of Christian Senate President

... Insists VP was quoted out of Context

As tension is stirred up over the choice of the President of 10th Senate, Senator Shehu Sani has backed Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima on the appeal for the senators to elect a Christian to occupy the highly coveted seat against the position of Northern Elders Forum that either Islam or Christianity, should not be a deciding factor in who leads the Senate.

The northern elders had knocked Vice President Kashim Shettima for saying, “under the current dispensation, the worst incompetent Southern Christian is better than the most puritanical Northern Muslim for the Presidency of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

But in a reaction on the matter, Senator Shehu Sani via his Twitter handle explained :I watched the video clip, where the VP Shetima spoke about the comparative suitability and competence of a Northern Muslim and Southern Christian.

"My understanding is that he spoke within the context of their effort to balance the religious scale with regards to who becomes the Senate President. He is evidently making a case for a Christian Senate President in view of the lopsided religious configuration.

"With a Muslim President and VP and a Muslim Speaker and CJN,the ruling party's only opportunity to score a balance is the Senate Presidency.If they lost this,definitely the accusation against them will be a proven case.

According to the Human Rights Activist, It was very clear that Shettima made a statement of appeal. Adding, "I viewed him as making a case for Akpabio as the only possible option left for APC to clear the air over the issue of alleged Islamization Agenda."

He said a situation where, "The President is a Muslim;the Vice President is a Muslim , the Speaker is a Muslim, the Chief Justice of Nigeria is a Muslim is capable of creating more disharmony and certainly the reason Shettima said, the worst Southern Christian is better that a Northern Muslim as far position of Senate is concerned."

He however said the Northern Elders must have quoted Vice President Shettima out of context. Noting ," I didn't see where Shettima said a Christian Senate President is better than any Northern Muslim candidate in the race."

Shehu Sani, who said ,"Professor Ango Abdullahi as the leader the Northern Elders Forum(NEF) and Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed are respected elder statesmen, whose contributions remained invaluable on issues of National discourse and development, noted , "But on matter of the election of President of the 10th Senate ,I want our elders to see reasons for fairness, equity and justice.


" If a Christian is denied the seat of Senate President, it will only corroborate the claims of alleged Islamization Agenda."

He therefore, urged the the 109 senators to consider a Christian to emerge as the President of the 10th Senate to avoid undue political friction and tension.

Democracy Day: ALGON Nat'l Chair, Hon. Abubakar Congratulates Nigerians

...says ALGON Ready to Support President Tinubu to Develop Nigeria

As Nigerians celebrate Democracy day today, the National Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, (ALGON) and Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Abdullahi said the nation's democracy has come of age.

Hon. Abubakar stated this in his message to Local Governments Councils of Nigeria as the nation celebrates June 12 as Democracy day.

Admonishing the Council Chairmen on need for focused leadership and people based governance,the National ALGON Chairman said "as grassroots leaders, the Chairmen have much role to play in ensuring the sustainability of the hard-earned democracy in the country."

According to him, the June 12 general elections is just like the last general elections which saw the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a true reflection of the desires of Nigerians.

"June 12 will continue to remain a unifying factor for present and future Nigerian politicians" he added .

He also congratulated Nigerians for witnessing yet another celebration as he promised that ALGON will give the present administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the necessary support and cooperation in bringing development to our dear fatherland.

He however recalled the immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari set aside June 12 as democracy day in the country ,as the federal government has already declared Monday this week as public holiday to mark the day.

Let's consolidate lessons of June 12 to build trust in government, Uba Sani says

Senator Uba Sani, the Governor, Kaduna State has said the lessons of the June 12 incident should be used to build and renew people's trust in government while recounting the late MKO Abiola's huge sacrifices to ensure that democracy thrives in Nigeria.
The Governor said Nigeria has come a long way in its practice of democracy which has been a mixed bag of successes, failures, unmet expectations and rising expectations.
"It is also a story of heroes and villains," Governor Uba Sani lamented.
He noted that Nigeria's founding fathers, labour leaders, civil society and pro-democracy activists have made remarkable contributions to the growth and development of democracy and the nation owes them a debt of gratitude for their labours of love.
"The last few years of our practice of democracy have been full of challenges. Our people's trust in democracy and government waned considerably due to economic, social and political crisis, with their debilitating consequences.
"Many of our people feel the country and its leaders do not care about them. The youths feel the country does not care about their future. Many parts of the country feel they have not been given a sense of belonging. These sentiments and anxieties threaten our country's economic prospects and our desire for national unity," the Governor said.
He lamented that the way policies are designed and implemented in Nigeria without adequate consultations and scrutiny have tended to alienate the people while corruption has worsened the trust deficit.
The challenge before us therefore is how to restore the people's trust in government and effectively mobilize them for the important task of national renewal.
"Our country must move in a new direction. We must put in place measures to ensure inclusiveness, responsiveness, fairness and integrity in policy making and service delivery. Devolution of powers is the way to go. More powers must be given to the states to take care of the needs of the people at the grassroots. Decentralization of powers will unleash the potential that exists everywhere in Nigeria," he said.
Kaduna State, the Governor said, is making conscious and deliberate efforts to spread development by focusing on the rural areas and his government is determined to reinvent and reenergise the rural economies through massive infrastructural development.
"When we make the grassroots attractive to our people, rural - urban migration will be checked and our people will fully embrace democracy as a system that caters for their welfare and enables them to realize their full potentials," he said

10th NASS: Arewa New Agenda Promotes Healing and Inclusion

A northern political pressure group, Arewa New Agenda (ANA), has emphasized the need for healing, inclusivity and national cohesion in the upcoming inauguration of the 10th National Assembly.

The chairman of the group, Sen Ahmed Abubakar MoAllahyidi said this at a press briefing in Abuja, on Saturday.

As a prominent voice representing the northern region of Nigeria, ANA aims to promote social harmony and peaceful coexistence in the country.

The group expressed concerns about the current landscape, where the President, Vice President, Chief Justice of Nigeria, and the front-runner for the Speaker of the House of Representatives are all Muslims.

The organization believes that such a situation lacks the necessary balance, inclusion, and cohesion that Nigeria's diversity demands. To address this, ANA commended the idea of electing a Southern Christian as the President of the 10th Senate, viewing it as a bold move that could unite the country across tribal and religious lines.

While acknowledging that several highly qualified contenders from different regions have expressed their interest in the leadership positions, ANA respectfully urged the northerners, particularly Muslims among them to defer their ambitions.

The organization believes that such a sacrifice would promote a spirit of brotherhood, fraternal accommodation, and goodwill.

ANA highlighted the suitability of Senator Godswill Akpabio from the South-South Geopolitical Zone to head the 10th Senate.

The organization also called upon the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reward Nigerians who entrusted the party with their mandate, despite the opposition to having two Muslims as President and Vice President. The group stressed the importance of reducing acrimony and power struggles among the different geopolitical zones, in order to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Meanwhile, ANA appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to support President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in their mission to elevate Nigeria to new heights.

The organization emphasized the need for national reconciliation and urged all stakeholders involved in the leadership transition of the 10th National Assembly to unite and usher in a new era of progress for the country.

As Nigeria prepares for the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, ANA believes this moment presents an opportunity to heal the nation and looks forward to the peace and tranquility that will follow this significant national activity.

Muslim, Christian Groups Want NLC,TUC to Shelve Planned Strike Action over Subsidy Removal

...Says Payment of 12 Trillion Naira to few Cabals ridiculous, insensitive

Group under umbrella of Muslim League of Nigeria (TML) has called on Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress and other labour unions to shelve the planned nationwide strike scheduled to commence on Wednesday in protest of the pronouncement made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol.

The group also urged Nigerians, especially the workers across the 36 states of the country to consider the long term merit of removing the fuel subsidy above the demerits.

According the Muslim group, the payment of over 12 Trillion Naira on Subsidy to few cabals under guise of subsidy over the past 4 years is not only ridiculous, but insensitive to economic realities.

"As a group of religious leaders, it is our duty and responsibility to ensure we always pray for progress and development of our country as well as messages of peace and unity to our adherents."The group stated .

In a statement signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Muslim League of Nigeria (TML), Sheikh Musa El Yakoob
and Mallam Mustapha Harris, the group said,"We can't fold our arm and pretend all is well, when we see impending tension and crisis brewing that are capable of destroying the existing peace.

"We are not unaware that Nigerians continue to writhe in agony over sudden hike in the pump price of petrol and soaring cost of good and services due to the removal of fuel subsidy."

Similarly, Forum of Nigerian Christian Leaders(FNCL) also called on labour unions to consider the economic implications of embarking on nationwide protest on Wednesday.

In the statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Pastor James Adeleke; Vice Chairman ,Pastor Moses Onuoha
Secretary ,Pastor Eziekel Kanyip and Asst. Secretary ,Pastor Garba Dickson,the Christian group urged President Tinubu to convey an enlarged stakeholders meeting with markers; entrepreneurs, labour unions and other pressure groups to discuss and reach amicable resolutions on the matter."

"We reliably gathered that the NLC insisted on the announced plans to down tools from Wednesday, if the pump price is not reversed, but are appealing to the unions to consider exhausting all tools of lobbying and negotiation to avoid subsequent hardship the strike action will cost the country.

"While we appeal to President Tinubu to remain focused and committed to his campaign promises ,we are calling on him to see the labour unions more as partners than enemies".

10th NASS: Tinubu's Renewed Hope, Akpabio's Renewed Tension

By Babagana Mohammed

A few days ago, on Sunday, I read a news story in ThisDay and Vanguard newspapers about the renewed tensions in the camp of Senator Godswill Akpabio. This former minister of Niger Delta Affairs Ministry is the second strongest contender of Senate Presidency slot after front-runner Senator Abdul'Aziz Yari.

Though I found the two reports raising a fundamental challenge, I was not too surprised that the Akpabio team is fast fast sinking. My reason for holding such a view is simple: it is not difficult to identify a healthier horse before the start of any race. The Akpbaio camp has already started showing signs of fatigue in the race. Reason? Senator Yari's alliance with opposition party leaders of the new sent shockwaves to the Akpabio camp. Opposition parties will definitely be strong in the race because any candidate they pitch tent with, has guarantees of emerging as the next Senate President.

Beyond the opposition leaders, Yari also has another support base - Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu. Kalu is a formidable candidate for the Senate Presudency, too, and he has a large following among the Senators-elect. The reports I have read at the weekend have revelations about Yari and Kalu having reached advanced stage in their strategy of working together for Yari's victory. This rare partnership means Kalu and Yari loyalists are coming together to outnumber or outmanouvre the Akpabio camp.

Having reportedly joined hands with opposition leaders of the new Senate to strengthen his support base, according to a group called the One North Legacy, Yari is still clearly ahead of the game.

Recall the series of meetings hosted by President Bola Tinubu and powerful forces of the ruling party on the Senate Presidency battle. The President has brought in highly influential political kingmakers. Not only that, he brought forth the radical and proactive Progressive Governors Forum(PGF) into the mix.

Leader of the Northern group reported by ThisDay and Vanguard, Ahmed Yusuf, confirned that "already, Yari has forged a serious alliance with another strong candidate for the slot, from the Southeast, Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu". Let us not forget this development in hurry because it is also about numbers, an important condiment of democratic victory. This amounts to a further boost on Yari's political arsenals for the race.

One thing is also clear: history is beckoning on Yari as the next Senate President.

Most importantly, in contrast to all the other candidates for the Senate Presidency Yari is not desperate at all, but he is relying on his enormous goodwill.

I also share the view of the One North Legacy chairman, that Yari was driven more by competence than the clear case of desperation in the part of his rivals and childish criticism of peopleline Ali Ndume.

When I read a full-page interview with National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu, I was able to get the real message embedded in the interview. He said the new Senators would elect their leaders on "-day". This means that all the candidates claiming they were anointed by the APC were being economical with the truth.

What is certain is that the reality will dawn on all the aspirants to the Senate Presidency seat, when the chips are down.

Babagana, a national commentator, wrote from Maiduguri

Zamfara Governor,Dr. Lawal Dare Charges New ALGON IMC Chair, Hon. Abubakar on Focused, Creative Leadership


The Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Lawal Dare, Gamji Gusau has congratulated Hon. Abubakar U. Abdullahi, the Chairman of Abaji Area Council ,Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on his selection as the newly elected Interim Management Committee National Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria(ALGON).

According to the Governor, the local government as the third tier of government in any clime across the world requires a focused and ingenious individuals to steer its affairs to be able to achieve the desired goals on delivery of dividends of democracy at the grassroots level.

" But in our clime,part of the main challenges facing local government affairs in some quarters today is certainly lack of capacity and ability on side of most elected Council Chairmen to create and generate sustainable sources of revenue for development as well as overdependence on FAAC".He noted .

The new Zamfara State Governor, Dr Lawal Dare , Gamji Gusau, who disclosed this in a congratulatory Message personally signed said the emergence of Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi as the new leader of ALGON in Nigeria is a clear evidence of new dawn for a visionary and purposely leadership that will help carve a niche for progress and development the Association.

He However, advised the new ALGON National Chairman to work closely with the federal and state governments in order to ensure smooth and cordial relationship that will engender growth , development and avenues for revenue and wealth creation .

While stating that the independence of the Local Government is important for revenue generation and control, he advised LG chairmen across the 36 states of the federation and FCT,Abuja to look inward and avoid over dependence on monthly allocation from federal government.

"As a Governor, I am are ready to give all necessary support needed to make our local government areas in Zamfara to be more viable and business driven is achieved with shortest period.

Governor Dare further pointed out,"The essence of creating local governments as third tier of government is to bring government closer to the people at the grassroots and this is sacrosanct".

Meanwhile ,he enjoined all the members of ALGON to support Hon. Abdullahi while his tenure lasts .

Group Commends Tinubu, NNPCL Management for Insisting on Fuel Subsidy Removal


Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Development (CGGED) as a group of concerned Nigerians that Fuel subsidy should removed to allow the market forces of demand and supply to determine pump price of petroleum henceforth.

In a press release signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Usman Abdulkadir and made available to the press on Wednesday, the group explained, their decision to support the removal of fuel subsidy is because, it discovered from the advantages of removing the fuel subsidy far outweighs the disadvantages business and economic development .

The National Coordinator also explained the failure of previous administrations to take decisive steps in order to stop importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and outright removal of subsidy was the reason behind the recurring scarcity and fuel queues at our filling stations across the country .

Abdulkadir further noted that with the dwindling economy and paucity of funds, Nigeria cannot afford to continue to pay 1.2 Trillion naira monthly as fuel subsidy.

The group Coordinator further noted that
"If there is provisions made for fuel subsidy in the budget , how do we expect the current administration to pay for what is not appropriated for ? Any attempt to pay for subsidy now , will surely amount to breach law .More so, that government can't withdraw money illegally to pay subsidy.

We now understand why the Management of Engineer Mele Kyari led NNPCL during an emergency press conference held at the NNPC Towers, Abuja, told Nigerians that the move was in the best interest of the company.

The Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL revealed that the company has been spending a substantial amount of its profits in the subsidy of the product

He concluded, "It is against this background that we insist on removal of subsidy and the money used to pay subsidy in the past be used for development of agricultural and industrial Sectors.

We strongly believe that doing so will lead to high production of food and raw materials for industries as well as employment generation .

Senate Presidency: NPF blasts ex-Buhari aide, others over anti-Yari rants

The Northwest Progressives Forum( NPF) has lampooned ex-Presidential aide Mr. Obono-Obla, for what it described as "reckless outburst and attention-seeking rant" against Senator Abdul'Aziz Yari, a frontline APC contender for the slot of Senate President.

In a media statement signed by the group's Director of Public Relations, Adamu Isa on Saturday, the group wondered why the ex-presidential aide "who has case of fraud with the ICPC has the guts to call Yari names and even object the APC Senate President's legitimate struggle for the number-three seat".

The group, in the statement, recalled that "the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) in late January 2021 arraigned Mr. Obono-Obla, and two others for fraud and certificate forgery."

The Statement stressed that Obono-Obla, as a former Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution and ex-Chairman of the disbanded Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), "was arraigned by the ICPC and the matter is not yet over".

The NPF also reacted to the stance of the Forum of National Assembly Legislative Aides from the North West, which reportedly expressed displeasure with the refusal of Yari to back down for Senator Akpabio.

"We were not surprised that the Forum of Legislative Aides of the National Assembly would hold a Press Conference to insinuate that Yari's backing out of the race was the only way forward just because they have a hidden agenda . Truth is, at the end of the day, only Senators elected under the 10th Senate have the power to choose their leaders from amongst themselves.

"We're happy to have read and fully support the position of the ruling party as reflected in the full-page interview of the National Chairman of the APC, His Excellency Abdullahi Adamu, in the Daily Trust, when he said ' Senators will elect elect their leaders on D-day", the NPF Director said in the Statement.

New ALGON IMC Chairman, Hon. Abubakar set to reposition LG Affairs

...Says no mercy for lawbreakers, usurpers within Association


The newly elected Chairman of the Interim Management Committee of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, Hon. Abubakar U. Abdullahi vowed to take strides in repositioning and redefining the association for sustainable grassroots development across Nigeria.

Abdullahi, who is the Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Federal Capital Territory ,Abuja stated this while addressing newsmen after his selection as IMC National Chairman during the extraordinary NEC meeting held in Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, the Association, which has been hijacked by the Kolade Alabi led faction, through impersonation amongst others will be recovered, repositioned and redefined to meet with the expectations of its mandate and lawbreakers within shall meet with dire legal consequences.

He said;"I am thrilled to have been appointed as Chairman of the association, and I accept it in good faith. I will fulfill my duties with utmost dedication and efficiency while maintaining the standards set by the Association."

The Chairman further pledged that the association will be repositioned to fast-track local government development and change whatever bad narrative the usurpers have drawn to it through their malicious acts of lies, deceit and fraudulent practices.

He however, urged all members of ALGON across the country to join hands with him he quest to ensure local government areas get the deserved attention needed to make it more functional in line with its constitutional roles .

While promising to operate an open door policy, he thanked members for the confidence reposed in him to lead ALGON during this crucial transitional period.

Senator Uba Sani bags best Nigerian Senator award

Less than two years after emerging as the overall best in the Senate’s Top Ten Bills Productivity Index, Senator Uba Sani has just been named "overall best Senator" by Order Paper in Abuja.

The lawmaker, who is now the APC Governor-elect of Kaduna State was first declared among the “Top Performers on Bills Sponsorship for North-West Geopolitical Zone” under "Most Valuable Parliamentarians Hall of Fame Awards organised by OrderPaper Nigeria" in July 2022.

It would be recalled that OrderPaper Nigeria, an independent organisation, is focused on monitoring the legislative activities of the National Assembly for effective service delivery to citizens.

Reacting to the award, days before his exit as Senator of the Federal Republic and now Governor-elect of Kaduna State, Uba said he was quite delighted and "deeply humbled by the fact that my efforts in the 9th Senate have been closely monitored and assessed by not just my discerning constituents and colleagues but perhaps, Nigeria’s most credible legislative watchdog, Orderpaper Nigeria."

He expressed excitement over his recognition as the “Most Valuable Parliamentarian (MVP) Of The 9th Senate” describing it as "purely as a result of my toil and sleepless nights in the Senate which culminated in several bills including those of them that have since been signed into law by the President, His Excellecy, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR."

The outgoing lawmaker explained that he felt fulfilled by the Order Paper organisation's "credible assessment of my efforts in the 9th Senate and I say a big thank you. This recognition clearly shows that our impactful legislative interventions have not gone unnoticed."

Going further to identify the premise of his award, Senator Uba said: This recognition is bestowed on me purely on merit. The facts used by Orderpaper to assess me and indeed other lawmakers in the 9th National Assembly are easily verifiable. They are, in fact, public knowledge."

He also emphasized that he did not and "could not have lobbied for this recognition" adding that "For this, I am extremely glad to accept and own this honour done me by the very profound team at Orderpaper Nigeria."

He hailed the "pioneering efforts and painstaking approach by Orderpaper Nigeria," adding that "it attests to the fact that hard work pays and that Nigerians actually notice good and selfless leadership".

"I am confounded by the professionalism and thoroughness of the team at Orderpaper led by the very cerebral Mr. Oke Epia. I have since learnt that the selection process the organisation followed was extremely methodical and spanned over three years of painstaking data-driven research and routine monitoring of the activities of all the members of the 9th National Assembly. The process of assessment and selection, I have found out, received inputs from some of the best minds in academia, civil society, international partners, and other critical stakeholders. This is truly commendable.

"I am humbled by the fact that of the 469 lawmakers, I emerged as the overall best performer. This is both gladdening and most encouraging.

"It is even more so because as I assume office as the Governor of Kaduna State on May 29, by the grace of God, I am going to be very conscious of the fact that well-meaning and credible organizations like Orderpaper Nigeria are watching and assessing me very closely. This is the kind of check or monitoring our leaders need in every tier of governance. Please keep up the good work.

"It is my hope that this induction of my humble self and other deserving legislators into the Hall of Fame will spur other legislators to strive for excellence. It is all about making impact," the lawmaker said.

Balarabe Rufai is nonentity, NPF reacts to reported endorsement of Akpabio, insists on Yari

The Northern Progressives Forum (NPF) has frowned at a reported endorsement by an obscure Northern young man, Balarabe Rufai and insisted former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari is most competent for the office of the Senate president.
Rufai, is reported to have called on Senator Abdulazeez Yari to "sheath his sword and accept" the puported position of All Progressives Congress (APC) on Senator Godswill Akpabio as Senate President.
He claimed to be speaking in the capacity of vice President of a certain Nigerian Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council.
In a swift reaction , NPF Chairman Nasir Dambatta said the statement by Rufai is as out of place and confused as Rufai himself is.
"First, it is ridiculous that Rufai, posing as public commentator should make such disgraceful unresearched venture as to say Akpabio or any other candidate has been endorsed by the APC.
"Second and even more embarrassing is Rufai making reference to being the former coordinator of the reputable Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) in order to earn some semblance of credibility. We challenge Rufai to explain the circumstances in which he was stripped of his position in the CNG, " Dambatta said.
The Group insisted that Yari is constitutionally empowered to contest and is the man to beat, notwithstanding the shaky position of such hired nonentities as Rufai, who was just recently rejected at the polls by his immediate constituency.

"We call on Akpabio to step down instead and allow Yari who has been a committed party man, contributed to the emergence of Tinubu with maximum votes and a dependable gentleman over the years to lead the 10th National Assembly. Akpabio cannot be politically trusted outrightly.
"We urge Yari to remain steadfast with his contest and not be distracted by the antics of lame detractors," Dambatta said.

May Day: Kaduna Governor-elect pledges workers friendly administration

Governor-elect of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, in a solidarity message with workers on the occasion of this year's Workers Day, pledged to run a workers friendly administration in the state.

While felicitating with Nigerian workers and the Labour Movement, the Governor-elect applauded the workers for what he described as immeasurable contributions to the building and sustenance of the Nigerian State.

"Your sacrifices are well documented and deeply cherished by Nigerians," he said.
He said Nigeria as a nation has been going through challenges but noted it is heart-warming to note that workers have not wavered in their belief in the country and commitment to national progress and development.

"You have stoutly defended our democracy and the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Nigerian people. You stand for national unity at all times. Nigerian workers and indeed the Labour Movement are the key pillars of Nigeria’s progress and unity," said the Governor-elect.

He paid a special tribute to the resilient, resourceful, and hardworking workers of Kaduna State, saying, "you have been diligent and committed to the progress and development of our dear state."
Pledging to run a workers friendly administration, Uba Sani said he will prioritize workers' welfare and provide them with the tools and incentives that will help fire up their zeal to perform optimally.

"Hardwork will be rewarded. All I seek is your cooperation and total commitment," he said.

Senate Election: Nisah Companies Congratulate Governor Tambuwal, Says Wealth Of Experience Will Count

The election of Sokoto State Governor ,Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal as the Senator to represent South Senatorial District in the 10th Senate is a sign of good things to come considering his wealth of knowledge, experience and capacity as member of the Executive and legislative arms of government.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nisah Group of Companies,Haj. Ummi Ahmed ,who stated this in a congratulatory Message made available to journalists in Abuja today said Governor Tambuwal's, " Return to the National Assembly, Abuja as a senator representing Sokoto South senatorial district having served as a three-term Federal House of Representatives member representing the Kebbe/Tambuwal federal constituency, where you emerged as the Speaker between 2011 to 2015, we strongly believe that your wealth of experience will count for sustainable progress and development ."

Haj. Ahmed who warmly congratulate him on what she described as deserved victory, assured Governor Tambuwal and the good people of Sokoto State of the company's unflinching loyalty and support to achieve desired success.


...Read the full text of the Congratulatory Message


Message of Congratulation to Governor of Sokoto State ,Rt. Hon.Aminu Tambuwal as the official winner of the concluded Sokoto South Senatorial District Election.

Nisah Group of Companies warmly congratulate Sokoto State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal on his victory during the concluded Senatorial Election and our best wishes for your success as you prepare to take up the responsibilities and challenges as member of hallowed red chamber of Federal Republic of Nigeria.


As an Abuja based company with interest in business development and wealth creation ,We are glad to join the good people of Sokoto South Senatorial District to celebrate the Independent National Electoral Commission's official announcement of your victory on Sunday morning.

Your Excellency, as we celebrate your return to the National Assembly ,Abuja as a senator representing Sokoto South senatorial district having served as a three-term Federal House of Representatives member representing the Kebbe/Tambuwal federal constituency, where you emerged as the Speaker between 2011 to 2015, we strongly believe that your wealth of experience will count for sustainable progress and development .

As you embark upon this new responsibilities sir , we wish to assure you and the people of Sokoto State of our unflinching loyalty and support to achieve desired success .

We look forward to working with you not only to develop closer relations for a greater Nigeria ,but also to concert our efforts in the cause of unity and progress of our dear country.


Signed:

Haj. Ummi Ahmed

Founder/CEO, Nisah Group of Companies, Abuja.