Group Urges Buhari to Sack Custom Boss over Attack on NNPC without Evidence



Network for Election Education, Sensitization and Awareness has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to sack of Controller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali over recent attack on Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and its Group Chief Executive ,Mele Kyari .


According to the group, as a stakeholder in the oil and gas industry, it was regrettable to hear how the Controller General of Customs, Hameed Ali descended so low to attack the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd. without a scientific evidence to buttress his claims.


Addressing journalists at his Kaduna office today , Engineer (Dr.) Kailani Muhammad said after a careful scrutiny of Ali’s allegations against the NNPC Ltd and its Group Chief Executive, Mele Kyari, it became vividly clear that the issues he raised were unscientific and devoid of any facts.


He explained:"The accusations he leveled merely suggested how desperate he was at covering his failings as Controller General of the Nigeria Custom Services due to his inability to tame the wide allegations of corruption in the service, as well as his poor handling of the nation’s borders.


"The Custom Services under him is regrettably in its worst period, unable to root out the corrupt practices and to manage the nation’s borders very well.

"At a point in time, a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Fadahunsi, and the Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Customs Senator Fadahunsi had to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to relieve Hameed Ali of his position in order to save the organization from further drift."

He However said ,"While the custom services continue to drift under Hameed Ali's watch who apparently uses “military approach” to the organization that requires professional handling, Kyari has positive things to offer to the country, hence the best option is to ease Hameed Ali out and have a professional that can manage the organization very well as a round peg in a round hole."

While noting that the NNPC is now a private venture, operating as a business body in line with the best global practices, he said Mele Kyari who has been driving the organization with efficiency, passion and determination to turn it around as one of the best Petroleum Company in the world is still holding forte, a development that is giving hope to every stakeholder in the industry and at international level.

He posited that the Kyari administration has propelled NNPC to greater heights and the organization is being run as a successful profit venture.

Kailani further disclosed At the recent United Nation General Assembly 77 UNGA77, Kyari has attracted International community who are willing to invest in the Nigeria gas project.

"The issue of zero carbon emission, the need for huge foreign investment in the development of gas as a transition fuel, the persistent oil theft in the Niger Delta region and how government laid out security architecture to reduce the menace associated with the oil production as well as the laying of gas pipelines in the African corridor were the dominant issues in his address at UNGA77.

"Most importantly, Kyari will continue with the advocacy in Africa as he is billed to attend Africa Oil Week in Cape Town, South Africa where issues of sustainable growth in a low carbon world would dominate discussions."

Group Commends Key Appointments Made By Atiku

...Says PDP Sure of Victory in Niger ,other States



Atiku Haske Organisation(AHO) has commended the recent key appointments made by the Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and People's Democratic Party Flagbearer ahead of the kick off of campaigns across the country.

According to the group, the appointments wouldn't have come at a better time than this period when all hands must be on deck to ensure not only a hitch free campaigns ,but also a united front to defeat the ruling party, All Progressives Congress(APC)in the forthcoming 2023 elections across Nigeria .

"We are convinced and very optimistic that the selection and caliber of persons with high reputation and experience such as ,former Governor of Kwara State and Senate President, Alhaji Bukola Saraki, Former Senate President , Senator Pius Ayim, former Osun State Governor,Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola ,former PDP National Chairman,Prince Uche Secondus and several others will undoubtedly make the required impact for a resounding victory." It noted.

The group in a press statement signed by the Coordinator Atiku Haske Organisation ,Alhaji Aminu Sani Bello however, urged Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to remain focused , shun unnecessary distractions from some persons and find subtle ways of unifying aggrieved members of the party.

The group, which commended what it termed the "All Inclusive" campaign structure said , the manner it was constituted with people with vast political experience , capacity and competency gave all members hope that PDP will win the election landslide.

Speaking on Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike's vituperations and insistence of removal of Dr. Iyorcha Ayu, the National Chairman of the party , the group said ,it was not true that the party’s constitution has been violated and challenged the media to study the provisions of the party’s constitution as regards the issue of zoning.

The statement further reads : " Any party that is serious about winning elections shouldn't be talking about removing party officials, via media pronouncement at this critical moment .

"It is obvious that any change in the party leadership at the moment will boomerang and cause severe damage .

As it is today, the PDP Presidential Candidate and his running mate enjoy massive support across the six geo-political zones in the country and the need to consolidate on this is of paramount importance,thus our call on all party Leaders, members and stakeholders to come together and resolved the bickerings within the party now.

However , it enjoined all Nigerians of voting age to come enmasse to vote Atiku , stressing," He's the only Unifier and Nigerian with bother National and International widespread reach to rescue Nigeria fr shackles of bad administration, mismanagement of public funds , bad leader , insurgency , banditry and other problems militating against the progress and growth of the country .

" As for us in Niger State , it is going to a massive votes for Atiku" .He stated .

The group therefore expressed joy over the recent Supreme Court verdict on the issue of zoning presidency to the southeast adding , ' We are happy that the Court has finally struck out the suit instituted against the PDP.

Breaking: Igbos in Kaduna endorse Uba Sani's governorship bid

The Kaduna State APC governorship flagbearer for 2023, Senator Uba Sani has expressed joy over the endorsement of his candidature by the Igbo Community in the State.

The development followed the lawmaker's courtesy visit on the Grand Patron of the Igbo Community, Ozo Chief Francis Naegbuna, Ozo Ndigbo and epresentatives of the Ogbo Community, headed by President-General - Chief Francis Ani.

The lawmaker, in a statement on Monday, noted that the Igbo community has also expressed their readiness to "mobilize extensively to ensure it comes to fruition".

"The Grand Patron, a repository of knowledge who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of Kaduna State ( having lived here since 1957) shares with us the inspiring story of his close association with the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello and many leaders, after which he prayed for my success in the forthcoming election and also urged the entire Igbo Community to support my candidacy", he said.

Senator Uba Sani, who is currently the Chairman Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions said the Igbo assured him of their willingness to be in the mainstream of politics in the State. He went on to say that they are prepared to step up their contributions in the political landscape of Kaduna, the same way they have been unrelenting in investing in critical sectors in the State. He said Kaduna State is home to the Igbos and that despite challenges their faith in the huge potentials of the State remains unshaken.

"The continuing endorsements by different communities and interest groups for my governorship bid is a clear indication that Kaduna State is an impregnable stronghold of the APC. We shall never take the people's trust for granted. Their trust is a huge challenge to us. We shall ensure that we repay this trust by frontally addressing our developmental challenges and strengthening the people's faith in democracy", the lawmaker assured.

While appreciating the Igbo community for finding him worthy of recognition and honour, he described them as "unique people, industrious, hardworking and resourceful".

He noted that the Igbo community in Kaduna had made immeasurable contributions to the socio-economic development of Kaduna State in particular and Nigeria in general.

"If given the peoples mandate in 2023, I will run an inclusive and people-centred government where every citizen, irrespective of tribe and religion is carried along in the developmental journey of our dear State. As governor I will continue to engage with the Igbo community as I have always done even before I became a Senator.

He said his deep appreciation goes to the community, " it shall be well with the Igbo community and every other community in the State".

The endorsement of the Igbo community is coming on the heels of pledge of support by Arewa Traders Association in collaboration with Kaduna State Traders Association a few days earlier.

Kaduna gov'ship: Uba Sani empowers traders with N20m, receives decampees

From Nasir Dambatta, Regional Reporter in Kaduna

The Kaduna State APC governorship flagbearer, Senator Uba Sani has empowered traders with N20 million naira.

Meanwhile, his campaign has also got major boost too
as the Arewa Traders Association in collaboration with the Kaduna State Traders Association from all 23 local governments across the state unanimously declared their support for his candidacy and that of Presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State.

While addressing attendees at the event yesterday, the lawmaker thanked the association for coming together to declare their support for his candidacy and the APC in Kaduna State.

He gave a run down of some of his efforts efforts as a Senator representing Kaduna Central and as Chairman, Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions through which he facilitated CBN interventions to assist over 12,000 households and SMEs with grants/loans to boost their businesses, following the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.

He explained that in order to further complement the efforts of the state government, which has already constructed ultra-modern markets, he has supported a number of underprivileged traders with the sum of Twenty Million Naira (N20,000,000) "that will help them secure the 10% equity to own shops in the markets across the state."

While assuring them of his commitment to consolidating the efforts of the present administration in boosting the economy of Kaduna state, he reiterated his pledge to continue to facilitate soft loans to assist more traders who are in need of business capital.

"Different speakers took turns to express their readiness for the journey ahead in ensuring the success of our great party. I also joined other party officials in receiving thousands of decampees from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC)", he revealed.

MAINA ON HUNGER STRIKE AS HE IS DENIED MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR LIFE THREATENING CONDITION

Information filtering from Kuje correctional facility indicates that AbdulRasheed Maina former Chairman of the pension reform task team has embarked on indefinite hunger strike to protest the refusal of the leadership of correctional centre to comply with Doctors' directives to allow him full medical/surgical services.

If the public may recall, Mr Maina has been diagnosed with life threatening ailments that requires series of surgeries and routine visits to hospital. Several SOS letters were written to the Controller General by Drs Folorunsho, Dr Dahilo, Dr ojji
all senior consultants at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital still emphasizing the urgency of the situation but the Doctors' directives and advise were ignored.

Investigation also revealed that four Controllers of Correctional service, who happened to be Doctors also wrote to the CGs office on the urgency of the situation but he directed Maina’s lawyers to meet with the staff at the Headquarters of the correctional service, where Deputy Controller Generals and other high ranking officers said that they know that Maina’s situation is critical but that, their hands are tight. This situation suggest that there is a sinister plot being hatched by some yet to be identified personalities from outside in collaboration with some mischievous elements from within to ensure his health deteriorates irredeemably to the point of death. Also on record was the recent attempts to get him poisoned when his drink was laced with poisonous substances from yet to be identified source within the facility.

No inmate should be held under this kind of near death situation, no inmate should be denied access to doctors and good medical facility since the KUJE Correctional facility does not have an equipped hospital to take care of his numerous illnesses. The United Nations Human Rights General Assembly resolution 45/111 no(9) States that "Inmates, shall have access to the health services available in the country without discrimination on the grounds of their legal situation" Rule 27 of the United Nations Human Rights also states
thus; "Inmates shall have prompt access to medical attention in urgent cases. Inmates who require specialized treatment or surgery shall be transferred to specialized institutions or to civil hospitals.

Where a Correctional facility has its own hospital facilities, they shall be adequately staffed and adequately equipped to provide inmates referred to them with appropriate treatment and care" Article 6 on the right to life also states that every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived (Like in this case) of his life. This is a universal instrument that is binding on all Nations including Nigeria.

So it is therefore illegal, inhuman and utterly despicable to keep denying an ailing inmate proper medical care and especially surgical attention. A staff of the correctional service who claimed anonymity said that he saw Mr Maina during the week looking frail and sick because he has not been eating. Food brought by his sister was left outside, he has also refused to even taking his drugs. The tumor which was growing other roots has reached his brain as blood continuously gushes out of his left ear from privileged medical sources.

Efforts to speak to the Officer in charge of the facility proved abortive as the staff at the gate refused our staff access to the facility to see him.

These ugly developments are being watched with keen interest by various civil society organizations and human rights bodies and activists both within and without. Maina deserves all his constitutional rights to medical care unconditionally. This call also extends to other inmates that are also deprived of these rights. (Even though we learnt that currently some inmates carrying capital punishment are being attended to on the basis of who you know)

Credible sources also revealed that even apprehended escapees who sustained various degrees of injuries were rushed to hospital for treatment. Maina had all the opportunity to escape like others from the facility when it was attacked, but chose to remain and see to the end of his case.

Any further waste of time in not granting him the urgently needed surgeries as indicated in the various letters from the Consulting Surgeons, will be met with stiff resistance from across the nation.

We are therefore calling on the Minister of Interior and Minister of Health to immediately direct the Leadership of the correctional Service to heed to the advice of the Doctors and ensure that Mr Maina is taken to the hospital urgently to access the surgical procedures he needs at this time, otherwise we would be left with no option than match to the National Assembly and the Ministry of interior to ensure our demands which is a fundamental right are met.

Sign..

Comrade Patrick Akinfemi
Secretary General,
West African Coalition for Social & Civil Rights

Kaduna Governorship: APC Primaries Runner-up backs Uba Sani

The Kaduna State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Uba Sani, seems galloping closer to victory at the polls, with the solidarity and support he garners daily from his co-contenders at the party primaries and other party henchmen in the state.

Most-notable of such support and solidarity came on Saturday from Assistant Comptroller of Customs and runner - up in the governorship primaries, Alhaji Bashir Abubakar, who has resolved to partner with Senator Sani to ensure he wins at the polls.

"He made a commitment to forge a strong partnership with me and to make his time and resources available to ensure our victory in the 2023 polls," Senator Sani told newsmen after his meeting with Bashir Abubakar.

"This is exemplary and must be emulated by all true and loyal party men and women," he noted, explaining, "Once an intra - party contest is over, we must close ranks and forge ahead in the interest of the party and our people," adding that "The interest of our people must at all times be uppermost in our minds."

He expressed profound appreciation to Alhaji Abubakar for the show of solidarity and support while resolving to commit his time and resources towards Senator Uba Sani's victory at the governorship election.

"I want to also thank Alhaji Abubakar for his remarkable service to Nigeria," Senator Sani continued, adding that he left indelible marks in the Customs Service.

He said he would need Abubakar's experience and skills in "the commitment to and conduct of public service when he becomes governor, to build on the worthy legacies of our mentor and leader, Governor Nasir El-Rufai."

Breaking: Jubilation in Kaduna as Dr. Tafida returns to PDP

There was wild jubilation in Kaduna on Thursday when news filtered out that Dr. Dr. Jibril Tafida has defected back to the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) from the ruling All Progressive Party( APC).

The news went viral on social media when top leadership of the opposition party took turns to congratulate Tafida for what one of them described as "returning to base at the right time".

Sources close to the Anguwan Sanusi Ward PDP leadership said the development came after it became impossible for Dr. Tafida to resist the pressure to come back.

"We need a tactician, a philanthropist and someone with very strong grassroots base to help us coast home to victory", Hajiya Hadiza Ahmed a party faithful in Tudun Wada told reporters, shortly after the news of the defection dominated the social media".

Efforts to reach Dr. Tafida, who was once the PDP Electoral Panel Chairman for Akwa Ibom State during Obasanjo era, for his comments proved difficult as at press time.

A cross-section of PDP members in the State said Dr. Tafida's return would give a big boost to the chances of the opposition party in next year's general elections.

There are concerns that ruling APC has been battling internal bickerings at state and national levels in recent years, leading to crisis, barely less than a year to the 2023 general elections.

ADC Crisis:Kaduna Chapter Didn't Declare Support for Embattled Chair, Remains Neutral

Kaduna Chapter of the Africa Democratic Congress ,(ADC) has disassociated self from the crisis rocking the party at the National level and said it remains neutral.

The State Chapter in a reaction to the statement published in some media outlets that Kaduna Chapter reiterated support for the National Chairman over the current crisis rocking the party at the National level, the Party after an emergency meeting held resolved that, " There was no point the State Chapter declared support for the embattled National Chairman of the Party ,Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu."

While noting that the misleading Press Statement should be disregarded, it stressed, "For the avoidance of doubt, this Press released by Mr. Ahmad was unfounded, misleading and uncalled for.It does not in any way reflect the true thinking and aspirations of the Kaduna A.D.C. Chapter Executive Committee meeting.

"Members of the party after an emergency held on Tuesday to clear the air over what was over press statement with title :2023 KADUNA A.D.C. REITERATES SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL CHAIR NWOSU, WARNS AGAINST DISUNITY,stated that ,"The Kaduna Chapter DID NOT support anyone of the disputing parties at the National.

"In addition to the above stated facts, there was no decision or agreement that the proceedings of the meeting should go to the Press

"As it stands now in Kaduna A.D.C. the substantiative Chairman is on suspension and the Deputy Chairman is Hon. Ahmad Tijani who acted and presided over the meeting.

"It is a fact that the Kaduna State A.D.C. Executive Committee met on 12th day of September, 2022.

"The meeting was slated to take stocks of the unfolding ugly events at the National Organ of the Party and to enable the chapter have clear direction.

"Issues relating to the two parties in conflict were put across to the floor for deliberations. The matter was looked at extensively and it was unanimously agreed that the chapter shall exercise caution before taking a position in the matter."

It however reiterated ,"No one NOT even the Publicity Secretary of the chapter was mandated to either issue a Press release or a Press Conference for that purpose.

"No doubt, the Press Release was a one show and he is on his own."

REJOINDER -2023 -:KADUNA A.D.C. REITERATES SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL CHAIR NWOSU, WARNS AGAINST DISUNITY

A REJOINDER

It is a fact that the Kaduna State A.D.C. Executive Committee met yesterday the 12th day of September, 2022.

The meeting was slated to take stocks of the unfolding ugly events at the National Organ of the Party and to enable the chapter have clear direction.

Issues relating to the two parties in conflict were put across to the floor for deliberations. The matter was looked at extensively and it was unanimously agreed that the chapter shall exercise caution before taking a position in the matter.

The Kaduna A.D.C. DID NOT support anyone of the disputing parties at the National.

Also, as it stands now in Kaduna A.D.C. the substantiative Chairman is on suspension and the Deputy Chairman is Hon. Ahmad Tijani who acted and presided over the meeting.

In addition to the above stated facts, there was no decision or agreement that the proceedings of the meeting should go to the Press.

No one NOT even the Publicity Secretary of the chapter was mandated to either issue a Press release or a Press Conference for that purpose.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Press release by Mr Ahmad was unfounded, misleading and uncalled for. It does not in any way reflect the true thinking and aspirations of the Kàduna A.D.C. Chapter Executive Committee meeting.

No doubt, the Press Release was a one show and he is on his own

Yours sincerely,


Danlami Musa Dabai Esq
Kaduna State A.D.C.,
Legal Adviser.

Uba Sani Best Northern Senator Since First Republic - Reps Member

By Femi Adi

The political fortunes of the Kaduna State All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 elections, Senator Uba Sani, gained a significant boost on Monday, when he was described as the best federal parliamentarian from the North since the First Republic.

"As far as I know, since the Senate of the First Republic to this day, there has never been a Northerner who, as a first-timer possessing no experience and antecedents, performed exceptionally-well in the Federal Parliament as Distinguished Senator Uba Sani," Tajuddeen Abbas, the member representing Zaria Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives said.

Tajuddeen Abbas, who holds the traditional title of Iyan Zazzau, was speaking when Senator Uba Sani commissioned the constituency projects he executed in his Zaria Constituency.

"Apart from the capital projects he attracted to his 7-LGA Constituency, Distinguished Senator Uba Sani is reputed to have tabled numerous bills, many of which President Buhari signed into law, to the benefit of not only Northern Nigeria, but the entire country," Abbas maintained.

"Considering his towering accomplishments, I make bold to congratulate us in Kaduna State for having Senator Uba Sani as our governorship candidate for the 2023 elections," the Iyan Zazzau said.

Abbas appealed to the entire Kaduna State electorate to elect, not only Uba Sani as their Governor, but also members of the State House of Assembly on the APC platform to build the required executive-legislature harmony to enable Uba Sani deliver the projects and programmes he has fashioned out for the state.

"If you want Uba Sani to work well for you, you should also elect for him legislators who possess the capacity, committment and goodwill towards him to enable him succeed," he stressed to the Kaduna electorate.

Chief of Staff: Samaru Forum Lauds Gambari's Maturity ,Responsibility

...Urges Public Office Holders to Emulate Him

Samaru Community Development Progressive Forum(SCDPF),Zaria ,Kaduna State has commended Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari for the responsibility and maturity he has brought to the office since assumed duty .

The Forum also acknowledged the manner the former Nigerian academic and diplomat has handled affairs of the office without any controversy traced to him .

It stated , "What Nigerians demand from political leaders are good governance and political will to implement campaign promises for growth and development of the country."

The Forum , which disclosed this in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman;Arc. Muhammad Bala Zaria and Secretary ,Mallam Mustapha Faisal said it resolved to single out the Chief of Staff , Professor Ibrahim Gambari as a former member of the community,who has not only proved to be a worthy ambassador , but has adequately represented the Samaru community well .

"We are urging all political leaders , especially Alumni members of various institutions holding public offices to emulate the former Ahmadu Bello University ,Zaria Lecturer .

"From information gathered by our research unit , lots of federal government programmes seen with the Samaru and Zaria communities as well the northern states had a touch of Gambari's influence."It further stated.

While noting that the past and present contribution to supporting the community in terms of educational growth for children of the community , which according to the Forum has helped to contain social evils.

However, the Forum advised the Prof. Gambari to shun selfish detractors and remain focused in discharge of his duties and responsibilities.

Senate clears President Buhari's CBN Director nominees, says Uba Sani

The Chairman Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Uba Sani has revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari's nominees have been cleared for confirmation as Non-Executive Direct ors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The lawmaker in a media statement he issued this evening explained that "the four reappointed Non-Executive Directors who were screened are; Prof. Mike Idiahi Obadan, Prof. Justitia Odinakachukwu Nnabuko, Prof. Ummu Ahmed Jalingo and Mr. Adeola Adetunji."

Shedding light on the process, the Senator said "the nominees were asked a wide range of questions on the mandate of the CBN, the challenges it is facing, the current situation in the banking and financial sectors, how to build strong synergy between the monetary and fiscal authorities, and how to get Nigeria out of its present economic difficulties".

The lawmaker, who is also the Kaduna State APC governorship flagbearer for 2023 noted that "the screening session was robust and interactive" adding that "the nominees exhibited high levels of understanding of the Nigerian economy as well as the challenges, intricacies and opportunities of the Nigerian financial sector. No petition was received in respect of any of the nominees"

Group to Navy Chief: Don't mock our President

A group under the aegis of Buhari Legacies Solidarity Forum(BLSF) has cautioned Nigeria's Naval Chief Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo to desist from trying to mock President Muhammadu Buhari with "controversial claims to figures", saying his action betrays regards for the limit of media attack on the Commander-in- Chief".

Reports quoted the Air Commodore as disputing NNPCL, Petroleum Ministry’s Oil theft figures, a stance the group said was akin to making a mockery of the President that appointed him.
But in a swift response in its media statement on Saturday, the group said the culture of discipline in the paramilitary organization such as the navy today "seems to be compromised because we have a Naval Chief so in love with media attention", the group noted in the statement, signed y its National Chairman - Tirmizi Imam.

"Why should the Chief of Naval Staff who comes from professional background of discipline and respect for procedure be involved with taking on an agency headed by the President? Isn't this a move to make mockery of our President who has been fighting to sustain his legacy of transparent governance?

The BLSF, in the statement, urged the "relevant agencies in this country to keep a close watch on the media outbursts of this Naval chief".

The group then promised to be in the forefront of any effort to encourage President Buhari to move on with his reforms undistracted, by officials all out for publicity.

NNPC: Pro-Buhari group blasts Customs boss Ali, others over comments

A group under the auspices of Buhari Legacies Legacies Solidarity Forum(BLSF) has taken a swipe at Nigeria Customs Service Controller - Hamid Ali, over what it described as "disrespectful attack on the President Muhammadu Buhari, by virtue of the President's mandate as Nigeria's petroleum Minister".

A terse media statement signed by the group's National Chairman, Timizi Imam described Hamid Ali's recent media criticism of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company( NNPC) Ltd as "unethical and an abuse of the privileges he is enjoying as an official of the Federal Government".

The group queried: " When Hamid Ali came under fire for deliberately refusing to wear Customs Service uniform, the National Assembly asked President Buhari to dismiss him from service, but Buhari refused to so, thereby saving Hamid Ali from a humiliating exit from the government."

Chairman Tirmizi went on to say that it was not surprised by the recent delige of attacks on President Buhari because "we're approaching election year and desperate politicians are eager to undermine all the good records of Buhari's war on corruption and the legacy of transparent management at the NNPC. Hamid Ali may have joined the anti-Buhari propaganda gang-up, to keep his seat under a new Federal Government in 2023".

The group noted that the choice of NNPC as the target of a huge media budget campaign might have been informed by the reason that President Buhari is the nation's minister of petroleum and the NNPC being the only strategic agency under the Ministry Petroleum, has become an automatic target for mischief".

Tirmizi, in the statement, advised the Customs Service boss to "be cautious about openly attacking a President who appointed him -- in the public domain, when he already has unfettered access to the Villa and to Buhari; and moreso when he is part and parcel of the same government".

The group warned that it would no longer tolerate "the unethical attitude of Federal Government officials who are making a mockery of President Buhari", while calling on the President to "immediately query" the Customs for "unethical conduct".

2023 gov'ship: Uba Sani brainstorms with Zonal party leaders, others

By Femi Adi

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Uba Sani, has brainstormed in three separate meetings with party leaders and other relevant stakeholders in Zones 1, 2 and 3 of the State, to fine-tune strategies of victory for the ruling party in 2023.

He explained that the three series of meetings were beyond assessing effective and efficient campaign strategies but also setting the tone for reconciliation with aggrieved party chieftains, so as to have a common front in all of 23 Local Government areas in State, ahead of the commencement of campaigns in September."

The Local Government Areas in Zone 1 are; Lere, Ikara, Kubau, Kudan, Makarfi, Zaria, Soba and Sabon Gari.
Also at the strategic meeting was his running mate and current deputy governor of the state, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe.

The Governorship flagbearer stressed the need to have a strong and united party, capable of mobilizing the electorate in all the three Zones to vote for the APC in the 2023 polls.

The APC governorship flagbearer then stated: “The highly interactive meetings were concerned to fine-tune campaign strategies to ensure the success of our great party in the 2023 Presidential, Governorship, Senatorial and House of Assembly and State Assembly elections in Kaduna State.

“The consultations were also devoted to resolving differences among party members in order to approach the all-important elections as a united front.

He also urged "patriotic, committed and dogged to commit to the cause of our party as important stakeholders whose contributions are needed like never before as we approach the next election.

“Interest of our party, Kaduna State and Nigeria must always be uppermost in our calculations, declarations and prayers so we could maintain the tempo of nation building through infrastructure development, transparency in governance and above all, upholding the ethos of democracy in our contemporary polity as enshrined in our Constitution.

“We must ensure inclusiveness and stay focused to retain the trust of the people who should be our primary concern as we sell our candidates through intensive campaigning which I am optimistic We will emerge victorious at the end of the day,” he said.

The three series of meetings that were held for three days in a stretch, ended with party officials from the 8 local governments in Zone 3 that kicked-off on Tuesday, August 30th, 2022. The local governments include; Jema’a, Kaura, Kachia, Kagarko, Jaba, Kauru, Sanga and Zangon Kataf.

Meanwhile, at the end of the three brainstorming sessions, the lawmaker donated a brand new peugeot 301 model to Birnin Gwari Local Government orphanage.

NLNG Ltd Receives Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Certificate For Bonny - Bodo Road from FIRS

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), one of the companies undertaking the construction of roads under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, received its Tax Credit Certificate from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), for the construction of the Bonny - Bodo Road, in Rivers State last week.

The certificate was received by the Company’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr Olalekan Ogunleye, who represented the CEO NLNG, Mr. Philip Mshelbila at the handover ceremony on Thursday, 18th August, 2022 at the FIRS Headquarters, Abuja.

While issuing the Tax Credit Certificate, the Executive Chairman, FIRS, Muhammad Nami commended the NLNG for its increased investments in Nigeria.

“The Service has faith in your Company and the increased investments it is making in our country. We look forward, with optimism, to the completion of your Train Seven (7) Project for it to join the country’s tax revenue streams,” Mr. Nami noted.

He also used the ceremony to highlight how the Service was improving on its relations with stakeholders, as well as building a customer-centric tax authority for improved revenue generation.

“In order to efficiently deliver on our mandate, the Board and Management of the Service is focused on the following strategic planks and action areas: we are energising our consultations and regular engagements with stakeholders; we are building a customer centric and data centric organisation while also restructuring the administrative framework and processes of the Service; we are driving towards full automation of core tax operations.

“You may recall that the FIRS started with the development and deployment of an in-house digital solution – The Taxpromax Solution. This solution allows taxpayers to sit in the comfort of their offices or homes to file returns, pay taxes and conduct all forms of tax processes with us.

“At the heart of our customer-centric reforms is the setting up of a multi-lingual Call Centre for enquiries and report from taxpayers.

“Consequent upon these strategic moves, the Service recorded an unprecedented collection of over N6trillion in 2021 and has set its sight on higher performance this year. There is no doubt that the Service can achieve its targets with taxpayers like the NLNG.

“I wish to assure you that the Service is ever ready to attend to any issue that will enable you and taxpayers like you to comply with statutory tax obligations,” the FIRS Executive Chairman noted.

The CEO Nigeria LNG in his remarks noted that the company was a major contributor to the country’s economic development and is working towards building a better Nigeria; he also commended the FIRS for being at the forefront of economic resuscitation and progress the country is experiencing.

“I also want to put on record our appreciation for the expedited issuance of the tax credit certificate. As you know, this tax credit is in relation to the Bonny-Bodo road which is itself a landmark project and a pilot scheme in this initiative.

“This would be the first time the Island of Bonny will be linked by road to the rest of the country. And this is very significant to the development and advancement of the country because it will open new opportunities for economic activity,” Mr. Mshelbila noted.

The Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, also referred to as the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme is a public-private partnership scheme signed by President Muhammadu Buhari under Executive Order 007, in January 2019, that enables the Federal Government of Nigeria to leverage private sector capital and efficiency for construction, refurbishment and maintenance of critical road infrastructure in the country.

Under the Scheme, participants are entitled to tax credits against their future Companies Income Tax to the tune of the project cost incurred in the construction or refurbishment of eligible roads.

NNPC, MTN, Transcorp Group, Access Bank, GZI industries, among others are some of the entities currently participating in the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme of Executive Order 007.

Johannes Oluwatobi Wojuola
Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman, FIRS
(Media&Communication)
August 21, 2022

NLNG Ltd Receives Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Certificate For Bonny - Bodo Road from FIRS

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), one of the companies undertaking the construction of roads under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, received its Tax Credit Certificate from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), for the construction of the Bonny - Bodo Road, in Rivers State last week.

The certificate was received by the Company’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr Olalekan Ogunleye, who represented the CEO NLNG, Mr. Philip Mshelbila at the handover ceremony on Thursday, 18th August, 2022 at the FIRS Headquarters, Abuja.

While issuing the Tax Credit Certificate, the Executive Chairman, FIRS, Muhammad Nami commended the NLNG for its increased investments in Nigeria.

“The Service has faith in your Company and the increased investments it is making in our country. We look forward, with optimism, to the completion of your Train Seven (7) Project for it to join the country’s tax revenue streams,” Mr. Nami noted.

He also used the ceremony to highlight how the Service was improving on its relations with stakeholders, as well as building a customer-centric tax authority for improved revenue generation.

“In order to efficiently deliver on our mandate, the Board and Management of the Service is focused on the following strategic planks and action areas: we are energising our consultations and regular engagements with stakeholders; we are building a customer centric and data centric organisation while also restructuring the administrative framework and processes of the Service; we are driving towards full automation of core tax operations.

“You may recall that the FIRS started with the development and deployment of an in-house digital solution – The Taxpromax Solution. This solution allows taxpayers to sit in the comfort of their offices or homes to file returns, pay taxes and conduct all forms of tax processes with us.

“At the heart of our customer-centric reforms is the setting up of a multi-lingual Call Centre for enquiries and report from taxpayers.

“Consequent upon these strategic moves, the Service recorded an unprecedented collection of over N6trillion in 2021 and has set its sight on higher performance this year. There is no doubt that the Service can achieve its targets with taxpayers like the NLNG.

“I wish to assure you that the Service is ever ready to attend to any issue that will enable you and taxpayers like you to comply with statutory tax obligations,” the FIRS Executive Chairman noted.

The CEO Nigeria LNG in his remarks noted that the company was a major contributor to the country’s economic development and is working towards building a better Nigeria; he also commended the FIRS for being at the forefront of economic resuscitation and progress the country is experiencing.

“I also want to put on record our appreciation for the expedited issuance of the tax credit certificate. As you know, this tax credit is in relation to the Bonny-Bodo road which is itself a landmark project and a pilot scheme in this initiative.

“This would be the first time the Island of Bonny will be linked by road to the rest of the country. And this is very significant to the development and advancement of the country because it will open new opportunities for economic activity,” Mr. Mshelbila noted.

The Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, also referred to as the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme is a public-private partnership scheme signed by President Muhammadu Buhari under Executive Order 007, in January 2019, that enables the Federal Government of Nigeria to leverage private sector capital and efficiency for construction, refurbishment and maintenance of critical road infrastructure in the country.

Under the Scheme, participants are entitled to tax credits against their future Companies Income Tax to the tune of the project cost incurred in the construction or refurbishment of eligible roads.

NNPC, MTN, Transcorp Group, Access Bank, GZI industries, among others are some of the entities currently participating in the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme of Executive Order 007.

Johannes Oluwatobi Wojuola
Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman, FIRS
(Media&Communication)
August 21, 2022

Kaduna: APC group hits PDP, says opposition no licence for pedestrian propaganda

By Femi Adi, Kaduna

The Uba Sani Campaign Monitoring and Consultative Committee (Uba Sani CMCC) has reacted to the remark by the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) spokesman alleging sharing of money by the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate( APC) Senator Uba Sani, saying, PDP is desperate and resorting to politics of calumny.

"It obvious that the Kaduna State PDP, which has no record of performance to market their candidate has resorted to cheap blackmail against our governorship candidate in person of Senator Uba Sani", the group stated.

The group said for PDP, which throughout the years it wasted in power, literally entrenched godfathers, money politics, vote-snatching, vote-buying, and all negative traits in political dictionary to now suggest that APC is involved in such malfeasance, speaks volumes of its desperation and frustration.
"The APC does not have the need to attempt any malpractice in view of its records of performance in the state in the last seven years. Rather it's the PDP that is desperate to sell a dummy to the people.

"Completely out of relevance, out of fashion and unwanted by the people, the PDP in Kaduna State ought to bury its face in shame after leading the state to the brink of decadence, decay and near irrelevance during the years it held power.

"They should therefore know that no amount of pedestrian propaganda, disemination of fake and false information, desperate criticism, frustrated mischief, fetishist untruth and make-belief will ever return it to relevance or diminish the achievements of the APC", the Group said in a statement signed by its Chairman, Honorable Muktar Maude, Secretary Yusuf Lawal and made available to newsmen in Kaduna by Nasir Dambatta, its Special Adviser on Media.

They noted that Senator Uba Sani has performed creditably as Senator and has proven himself a worthy people's representative and reminded the PDP attack dogs to take up issues for intellectual debate rather than relying on the deceptive lies it used in the past.

"For the record, it is important to point out that the APC in Kaduna State has achieved unprecedented strides in infrastructure, boosted education, enhanced job creation, good pension payments policy, with revenue generation records that has beaten some Nigerian oil producing states to second place.

"This is in sharp contrast to whatever they think their unpolished candidate - Isa Ashiru, can offer without any blueprint on roads, schools, hospitals, safety of the people, job opportunities or start-up capital for SMEs" the Group said.

Northern Group Insists on Shettima, flays Lagos ‘Sponsored’ protest

By Abdulganiyu Alabi, Kaduna


Arewa People’s Coalition has condemned what it described as a “sponsored Lagos protest” by some All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters against the party’s contentious Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

APC presidential candidate, Sen. Bola Tinubu, had chosen a fellow Muslim, Sen. Kashim Shettima, as running mate, against all appeals for a balance between the country’s two dominant faiths, Islam and Christianity.

Insisting on having Shettima as the party’s vice presidential candidate, the group disagreed with the Coalition of APC Stakeholders Network and South West Supporters of Tinubu, who asked the former governor of Borno State to step down for a Christian.

“The choice of Shettima is a product of consultations across the 36 states for a better Nigeria. This, among many other reasons, is why we insist the Tinubu/Shettima ticket is far from anything religion,” the group stated.

It, however, advised that instead of protesting and calling for the impossible now, the protesters should sheathe their swords and meet party leaders to discuss the ways to address their grievances in the interest and progress of the party.

The coalition, in a statement signed by the Chairman, Usman Fagge, considered the protest as the handiwork of mischief-makers and enemies of progress working against the chances of the ruling party winning the 2023 presidential election.

While explaining the need to jettison ethnic and religious sentiments in the choice of leaders across all tiers of governance, the group noted: “Seeking the replacement of a validly nominated running mate, whose name has been duly submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is not only ridiculous but also disturbing, considering that they are acclaimed members and stakeholders of the party.

“We want the protesters to know that the APC flagbearer and former governor of Lagos State, Tinubu, chose Shettima on grounds of experience, merit, competence and ability to deliver good governance.”

According to the coalition, there is no attempt by APC or its presidential candidate to create an atmosphere for one religion to dominate the political structure and widen the gap of mistrust and destroy the delicate sense of tolerance cultivated over the years

APC Running Mate:Northern Group Condemns Protest Against Muslim-Muslim Ticket, Insists On Shettima,

...Says It'll Organise One Million Man-Match in Kano,Abuja

Arewa People's Coalition has condemned what it described as alleged recent sponsored Lagos protest by some stakeholders and supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against the contentious Muslim-Muslim ticket.

According to the group, for the demonstrators, who paraded themselves under umbrella of a Coalition of APC Stakeholders Network and Southwest Supporters of Tinubu to ask the running mate and former Borno Governor ,Alh. Kashim Shettima to step down and be replaced with a Christian to have balanced ticket is outrightly rejected.

"The choice of Senator Shettima is a product of consultations across the 36 states for a better Nigeria and this amongst many reasons is why we insist the Tinubu/Shettima ticket is far from anything religion and this is why we are going to organize a one million Man-Match to inform Nigerians ", the group stated .

It however, advised that instead of protesting and calling for the impossible now, the protesters should sheath their swords and meet party leaders to discuss the ways to address their grievances in the interest of progress of the party.

The Arewa People's Coalition ,which stated this in a statement signed by the Chairman, Mal. Usman Abdullahi Fagge, said it considers the protest as the handiwork of mischief makers and enemies of progress working against the chances of the ruling party to win the forthcoming 2023 presidential election.

While explaining the need to jettison ethnic and religious sentiments in choice of leaders across all tiers of governance ,the group noted, " Seeking the replacement of a validly nominated running mate ,whose name has been duly submitted to INEC is not only ridiculous ,but also disturbing considering the fact that they are acclaimed members and stakeholders of the party .

The statement further reads: "We want the protesters to know that the party; APC Flagbearer and former Governor of Lagos State , Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu chose Senator Shettima on grounds of experience, Merit, competence and ability to deliver good governance and not any religious consideration.

"We want them to know that in develop countries, people elected into political offices are most often on basis of merit , track records of performance and ability to work and ensure good governance and this is what is expected here in Nigeria and APC is setting the pace for others to follow in future.

"When they posited that the only obstacle between APC presidential candidate and the presidency in 2023 is his choice of Muslim -Muslim Ticket they failed to understand that Nigerians are wiser to know difference between mediocrity and capacity .

"There is no attempt by APC or it's presidential candidate to create an atmosphere for one religion to dominate the political structure and widen the gap of mistrust and destroy the delicate sense of tolerance cultivated over the years."

Renaming Kaduna to Zazzau is a lie from pit of hell - Sen Uba Sani

By Femi Adi, Kaduna

The Senator, representing Kaduna Central, Uba Sani has taken a swipe at information being circulated on social media of a purported sponsorship of bill to rename Kaduna State to Zazzau State describing it as a lie from the pit of hell.

Sani made the refusal in a statement on Monday.
‘The senator expressed dismay at what he described as concocted, subversive, malicious, and false information circulating in social media claiming that President Muhammadu Buhari had signed a bill for the creation of Zazzau State, allegedly co-sponsored by him in the Senate with Senator Sulaiman Abdu Kwari.
“My immediate reaction to this outrageous and patently false piece of information is to wonder how mischievous elements can allow their imaginations to run riot, all in a bid to undermine their political opponent.

“How can people go to the extent of planning to destabilise their own state and worsen the insecurity situation because.
“Senator Uba Sani has gained the full support of the people and is the man to beat in the 2023 governorship elections in Kaduna State,” he said.
Sani who is the APC governorship candidate for the 2023 election in Kaduna said the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was on break, adding that no such bill was before the Senate.
He said requests for the creation of states are normally tabled before the Committee for Constitutional Review.

According to him, the story is therefore the handiwork of agents of destabilisation and must be investigated by security agencies.
He said those behind this subversive act must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.
He said he was fully focused on putting finishing touches to fashioning effective strategies to ensure our success in the 2023 governorship elections.

“We have also been sharing our blueprint for Kaduna State with critical stakeholders in order to get their inputs.
” We are set for the commencement of campaigns in September 2022.no amount of evil machinations can distract us from our set goals.
“Their plans would continue to fail because our people are enlightened and understand the schemes of anti-development elements,” Sani said.

Christians'll Surely Vote Tinubu/Shettima,Arewa Group Tells Babachir, Dogara

... Says They're Spent Forces , Using Religion to Divide Nigerians



Northern based religious group under umbrella of Arewa Coalition for Good Governance has said the hardline positions of Former Secretary to the Federal Government; Mr. Lawal Babachir, former House of Representatives Speaker,Rt. Hon.Lawal Dogara and Adamawa Lawmaker, Senator Ishaku Abbo over issue of the All Progressives Congress, APC's choice of Muslim-Muslim ticket are based on selfish interest.

According to the group, their anger is premised on the fact that none of them was picked as running mate and not on issue of Muslim-Muslim Ticket as it being projected .

"At a time when all critical stakeholders of APC are supposed to be working for unity and progress of the party during the forthcoming 2023 general elections, they have decided to deploy religious sentiments as a weapon of war to discourage Christians from Tinubu/Shettima", the group posited .

In a press statement signed by the Leader of the Coalition of Christian groups for Good Governance, Elder Peter Sati Auta,the group hold the view that, " Nigerians , especially the Electorate are wise enough to know that whipping religious sentiments against any candidate is not the solution to the challenges of insecurity; dwindling economy, Insurgency, high unemployment rate, bad governance and other problems militating against progress and development of Nigeria .

While stating that Holy Bible gave Christians the mandate to pray for leaders, it noted "anything out of this is not only unhealthy ,but retrogressive".


This amongst several reasons is why as Christian leaders in various churches , we decided to come out and speak against the divisive move by our brothers to create a religious crack in the polity ahead of the 2023 elections .

"Instead of holding nocturnal meetings to fight the issue of of Muslim -Muslim Ticket, we expected them to spend energy on talking about about how to contribute their quota to finding solutions to plethora of above mentioned problems that over the past twenty years have served as cog in the wheel of progress."

While noting in that statement that Babachir and Dogara could be the ones working to overheat the polity and destroy same party that gave them platform of political relevance, It stressed, we hold the view that this is nothing but mere selfish interest of the spent forces ,which should should be rejected outrightly ".

The statement further reads : "Everyone knows that both Former Lagos State Governor ,Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and former Borno Governor , Alh. Kashim Shettima are not religious bigots ,so the earlier they know that the idea of whipping religious sentiments against won't work .

"It is in public domain that Tinubu and Shettima helped good numbers of Christians during their days as Governors of Lagos and Borno.

"Where were they,when the heavy campaign of calumny of been a "Religious Bigot" was muted against Buhari? Of course , some of them supported him to win and were later compensated with appointments. Even with all the unprintable names Buhari was called ,yet they worked for him.

The group also asked, " When Babachir and Dogara held public offices ,at what point did they speak or work for Christians ?

Reacting to what it described as "Senator Abbo's outburst on the Muslim-Muslim ticked problem, it simply asked ,"Was the intimacy gadget scandal and slapping of the lady at the intimacy gadget shop part of religious evangelism?

We are urging Christians to shun Babachir ,Dogara and Senator Abbo's divisive strategies and vote candidates of their choice regardless of religion and tribal backgrounds. Adding ,"The most important thing for Nigerians now is come out during the elections and vote good leaders based on merit ; experience and records of performance .

Christian Group Says Babachir, Dogara Spent Forces , Using Religion to Divide Nigerians

Northern based religious group under umbrella of Arewa Coalition for Good Governance has said the hardline positions of Former Secretary to the Federal Government; Mr. Lawal Babachir, former House of Representatives Speaker,Rt. Hon.Lawal Dogara and Adamawa Lawmaker, Senator Ishaku Abbo over issue of the All Progressives Congress, APC's choice of Muslim-Muslim ticket are based on selfish interest.

According to the group, their anger is premised on the fact that none of them was picked as running mate and not on issue of Muslim-Muslim Ticket as it being projected .

"At a time when all critical stakeholders of APC are supposed to be working for unity and progress of the party during the forthcoming 2023 general elections, they have decided to deploy religious sentiments as a weapon of war to discourage Christians from Tinubu/Shettima", the group posited .

In a press statement signed by the Leader of the Coalition of Christian groups for Good Governance, Elder Peter Sati Auta,the group hold the view that, " Nigerians , especially the Electorate are wise enough to know that whipping religious sentiments against any candidate is not the solution to the challenges of insecurity; dwindling economy, Insurgency, high unemployment rate, bad governance and other problems militating against progress and development of Nigeria .

While stating that Holy Bible gave Christians the mandate to pray for leaders, it noted "anything out of this is not only unhealthy ,but retrogressive".


This amongst several reasons is why as Christian leaders in various churches , we decided to come out and speak against the divisive move by our brothers to create a religious crack in the polity ahead of the 2023 elections .

"Instead of holding nocturnal meetings to fight the issue of of Muslim -Muslim Ticket, we expected them to spend energy on talking about about how to contribute their quota to finding solutions to plethora of above mentioned problems that over the past twenty years have served as cog in the wheel of progress."

While noting in that statement that Babachir and Dogara could be the ones working to overheat the polity and destroy same party that gave them platform of political relevance, It stressed, we hold the view that this is nothing but mere selfish interest of the spent forces ,which should should be rejected outrightly ".

The statement further reads : "Everyone knows that both Former Lagos State Governor ,Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and former Borno Governor , Alh. Kashim Shettima are not religious bigots ,so the earlier they know that the idea of whipping religious sentiments against won't work .

"It is in public domain that Tinubu and Shettima helped good numbers of Christians during their days as Governors of Lagos and Borno.

"Where were they,when the heavy campaign of calumny of been a "Religious Bigot" was muted against Buhari? Of course , some of them supported him to win and were later compensated with appointments. Even with all the unprintable names Buhari was called ,yet they worked for him.

The group also asked, " When Babachir and Dogara held public offices ,at what point did they speak or work for Christians ?

Reacting to what it described as "Senator Abbo's outburst on the Muslim-Muslim ticked problem, it simply asked ,"Was the intimacy gadget scandal and slapping of the lady at the intimacy gadget shop part of religious evangelism?

We are urging Christians to shun Babachir ,Dogara and Senator Abbo's divisive strategies and vote candidates of their choice regardless of religion and tribal backgrounds. Adding ,"The most important thing for Nigerians now is come out during the elections and vote good leaders based on merit ; experience and records of performance .

Christian Group Gives Reasons for Backing Muslim-Muslim Ticket

...Urges Nigerians to Consider Merit, Capacity above religious sentiments





As controversies continue to trail the Muslim-Muslim ticket fielded by the All Progressives Congress (APC) , presidential Flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu , group under aegis of Progressive Christian Clerics, North-West Zone said Christian faith encourages brotherliness, hence their decision to support Tinubu/Shettima ticket .


The group with members across 19 northern states including Federal Capital Territory,Abuja said Nigerians should more concerned about electing leaders with capacity to tackle daring security challenges and economic problems militating against the country's progress rather issues of religious and ethnic sentiments .

In a statement signed by North-West Zonal Chairman, Reverend Moses Bitrus of Arise and Shine Prophetic Ministry, Kaduna said Instead of joining to fight and grudge over the issue Muslim-Muslim ticket ,we have resolved to pray to God to give us leaders the wisdom and knowledge to govern Nigeria.

According to the Statement, the group noted "Nigeria is collapsing and needs leaders with proven track record of performance that are adequately equipped to fight the threats by insurgency with all seriousness.We need committed leaders with the capacity to deliver on campaign promises without excuses once elected .

"These among several reasons are why we disagreed with Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other churches kicking against issues of Muslim -Muslim Ticket ."

The group however pointed out that ,"Though Nigeria is cosmoplitan state with a multi-ethnic and religious diversity, it is high time we began to speak about leadership on the basis of merit, competence, experience and record of performance in choice of who leads across all tiers of government. "

While stating that Tinubu governed Lagos for 8 years and Shettima governed Borno for same period of years, it said ," The records of their examplary leadership in the area of religious tolerance, economic development and others indices of development are in the public domain.

"We therefore resolved to stand by our faith that preaches Love for our neighbours and peaceful Coexistence without any fear of intimidation to urge Nigerians to vote on basis of records and not religion.

"Tinubu has been married to a Christian wife for over 40 years and known for his good relationship with Christians across Nigeria . Shettima was singled out as a very receptive Governor ,who gave priority to growth and development of Christian communities in Borno during his day as Governor, so why the outcry ?

"Religion should not be the basis for electing a President and his running mate".

Guber Race : Kaduna PDP Flagbearer Visits PDP Chieftain , Barrister Sani Abbas


Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Kaduna People's Democratic Party Governorship Flagbearer, Hon. Isah Ashiru Kudan alongside his running mate ,Dr. John Ayuba have commenced House-to-House visit to members of the party in the State.

The purpose of the visit according to an official of the party, who spoke under plea of anonymity to Our Correspondent is to chart a course for a united party to defeat the ruling party, All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming 2023 elections .

According to him, Ashiru decided to visit Barr. Sani Abbas again at his residence after the Primaries to discuss how to also ensure victory during the general elections.

Barrister Abbas, who lost the Primaries to Ashiru expressed overt joy at the step taken by the governorship candidate to unite members of the party ahead of campaign activities, reiterated his total support to the success of the party at the next elections adding that " PDP is one family".

During the Visit , Ashiru urged Barrister Abbas to join hands with his campaign team to send APC out of Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House come 2023.

Group under the umbrella of PDP National Youth Vanguard, which commended the efforts taken by Hon. Ashiru ,said a party that wants to wrest power from a ruling party must leave no stone unturned to be able to emerge victorious during the election .

The Coordinator of the group , Hon. Ibrahim Ahmadu said ,"Osun Election is real eye opener for all PDP members, especially the Flagbearers ,that with right the strategy ,an opposition party can defeat any incumbent governor .

"We are therefore appealing to all party stakeholders , officials and members to sheath their swords and work together as a team with the soul purpose to win the general elections .

"Enough is enough,we are sick and tired of the senseless killings; kidnappings, Economic hardship , Insecurity, soaring unemployment rate and above all, high rate of corruption in the APC led government."

2023: Lessons from Malami's visit to Wamakko
By Aminu Mohammed

Just like in life, nothing is permanent except change, which is constant. In politics, politicians have their own language of wining and dining with one another and this has been one constant aspect of Nigerian democracy that is quite unmistakable.
The cliche that there is no permanent friend or enemy in politics was at play in Sokoto few days after the Sallah festivities, when the Attorney-General of the Federation and minister of Justice, Hon. Abubakar Malami ( SAN) paid a surprise visit to former governor of Sokoto state and a serving Senator, Distinguished Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko at his Gawon Nama residence in Sokoto.
It was not just a visit but landmark one that added great value to Wamakko's political credentials, which have been on the rise since 2007 when he hit the ground running by changing the political climate of Sokoto politics. This is notwithstanding the numerous gang-ups to stop him from being the godfather of Sokoto politics by the then political actors who thought they had it all in their favour.
Ordinalrily, Malami's visit on July 12th, 2022 could have passed for just another politician paying homage once in a while, especially during festive periods but considering how political events before the APC national convention unfolded, the visit to Gawon Nama by the minister was a huge and massive political statement which has proved that politicians are human too. The minister confessed that Wamakko is a political leader, father and a role model for every politician to emulate and be proud of. According to the minister, he was on his way to Abuja from his home state of Kebbi and felt a compelling need to call on his political father, leader and role model in Sokoto, by paying homage especially as it was a festive period. Malami took time to extol the qualities and political acumen of Senator Wamakko who has been a politician with a difference because of his large heart. He described him as a politician like no other in Sokoto -- who has been building bridges for decades now. One thing is clear in the points raised by the minister: Wamakko is a strong force in the politics of Sokoto State nay Nigeria. How it all started?
Wamakko's political journey began way back in the late 70's but the political Tsunami that brought him to limelight beginning from 1999 when he was on a joint ticket with Bafarawa as governor and deputy respectively has been expanding from local Tsunami to a national Hurricane and is becoming like a snowball which has kept on rolling nonstop .
In 2006, before the 2007 general elections which brought Wamakko to power as governor of Sokoto state, a local anthem was composed and it influenced many in joining the bandwagon and before one could say Jack Robinson, SAI ALU and A BAMU A HUTA became household morning prayers and the momentum was unimaginable as the young and the old, women and children all joined in singing that chorus. "A bamu a huta, sai Alu". Since then, it has become a unanimous and simultaneous anthem not only in Sokoto but beyond the shores of the Caliphate states. It became the vogue on the democratic space.
Going by the political shenanigans before the APC national convention four months ago, political observers were taken by surprise in hearing or seeing Malami at Wamakko's residence. But to the discerning observers, that is the beauty of politics, you disagree to agree and vice versa. Malami has shown and proved that he is a politician who learns from his past errors and as a lawyer, he knows politics is dynamic and so one should not keep malice and destroy the bridges one has built in the past. Malami has also exhibited a good spirit of sportsmanship as a young politician who has a lot to learn from his elders and political godfathers like Wamakko.
Again, Malami's visit to Wamakko has sent a positive signal to those who had wanted to mislead him to severe his political ties with Wamakko that you don't bite the finger that feeds you and wine and dine comfortably with. Furthermore, the visit to Gawon Nama by the minister has exposed those fifth columnists who went to Malami with a bad project and products, especially those losing sleep over the towering influence of this godfather of Sokoto politics. They should bury their faces in shame, for their agenda has collapsed; a clear proof that they are too bad OMBUDSMEN.
They were bad marketers who went to Malami with bad products. They had gone to Malami for a very selfish reason and nearly deceived him in buying their unmarketable products. But in the end, the minister was smart enough to ditch the moles and Judases who have found their way out of the APC and carried with them their dirty politics. Malami has abandoned the cookies to crumble and so shall it be.
The minister's Sallah visit to Wamakko in Sokoto is one massive political statement that has been making other political parties in the state jittery as we gradually approach another election year. The APC in Sokoto has been boosted and uplifted with that singular gesture that brought Malami and Wamakko to the public glare.
The key word here is respect from a young minister to the Senator. Malami has exhibited respect for the man who really deserves such from him and his contemporaries. It is an eye-opener for those Wamakko single-handedly built politically but are plotting, albeit unsuccessfully, to destroy his political legacies. Like Wamakko once said "an aging Lion is still more useful than a young dog". In the local par lance, he would say Zaki ko ya tsufa ya fi saurayin kare amfani
Tough times never last, tough people do and that is why Wamakko is still standing like the Iroko Tree. Being the tactician he is, he has been ahead in the political game.

Unemployment Problem:Group Blasts Customs Boss for Failing to Employ Kaduna Youths


Apparently sad about the rising unemployment rate across northern states, Kaduna Youths Forum (KYF) has blasted the Controller-General of Customs Service ,Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Retired) for Failing to employ youths as measure to tackle the problem of unemployment and insecurity challenge in the North .

According to the group, there were high expectations from the Customs Boss,who should have used his highly exalted position to create job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths, who today have taken to different forms of criminal acts .

In a press statement signed by the Coordinator, Ismail Mustapha Soba, the group singled out Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali , who they alleged has done nothing tangible to create job opportunities for them after working and supporting the APC to win the 2015 elections.

The group in the statement further explained: "We recalled how were massively mobilised to join the nationwide 2012 fuel subsidy protest in Kaduna that later led to the downfall of former President Goodluck Jonathan's government.

"When we were invited for the protest alongside Late Former Governor of defunct Kaduna, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Former Lawmaker , Senator Shehu and Col . Hameed Ali himself with several prominent Nigerians and we did so with hope that our unemployment problem and the disturbing security challenges facing the North would be history."

However, it alleged that since Ali was appointed the Comptroller General of Customs by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 ,he neither has employed any known Kaduna youth nor met with them to discuss their problems.

"We challenge him to make public the state by state employment records to prove us wrong .We stand to be corrected, from our records and information gathered ,he has never employed any serious person in Kaduna into Customs,he just turned to Bauchi State.

" He should know that part of reasons Buhari appointed him as the Comptroller-General was to tackle chronic problems in service ,including personnel shortage.it added .

While stressing that personnel shortage would be solved with the recruitment of thousands of personnel for active duty, the group noted : "It was expected that he visits Kaduna regularly to feel the pulse of the ordinary citizens,as we speak , he has not found time to meet the youths that Labour for Buhari's election victory .

"Even when a list of youths was compiled to assist them into Customs, he didn't even the see the person ,who went to submit it talkless of take action ."

"If nothing is done to make amends ,we would be left with no option to mobilise for his sack ".

Group Blasts Babachir over Muslim-Muslim Ticket Comments

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum ( AYCF) has lambasted former SGF Babachir Lawal over what it described as "narrow-minded, unguarded political sentimentalism and provocative stance" over the 2023 presidency.

Rising from its meeting on Friday, chaired by the National President of AYCF - Alhaji Yerima Shettima - the group said there can be no better choice of Vice President for Tinubu than Senator Kashim Shettima, who is a nationalist to the core, saying "no one should turn our democratic space into the home of religious extremism".

The group, in the statement said Babachir and his co-travellers in the "myopic, sentimental stance, should stop this madness in this new century of advancement all over the world".

The AYCF queried Babachir and all the proponents of "this distraction and dangerous religious extremism", saying " we are familiar with the antics of narrow-minded, emotionally-driven politicians wearing religious garb".

The AYFC then pointed out: " Talking of Muslim-Muslim ticket, have these charlatans become so blinded by emotional religious fixation that they forgot history? We had Christian-Christian ticket with Awolowo under the UPN in 1978 and Azikiwe under the UNPP when he picked Professor Ishaya Audu - another Christian as running mate".

Going further, the AYCF recalled that "since the emergence of democracy till date, the South-south, South-east States have never given the chance for Muslims to taste the seat of running mates even at the level of governorship".

The statement warned the "anti-Shettima campaign promoters to shut before they create bad blood along religious fault-lines and drag the nation into further insecurity"

Christian Group Backs Choice of Shettima as Tinubu's Running Mate

...Urges Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious sentiments in choice of leaders


Northern Progressive Christian Alliance (NPCA) has thrown its weight behind the All Progressives Congress Flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu's choice of Senator Kashim Shettima as running mate.

The group, an interdenominational Christian forum known for promoting peaceful Coexistence and religious tolerance with members across the 19 northern states, said the decision to back Senator Shettima was on ground competence, performance and love for Christians during his days as Borno Governor.

"It is high time Nigerians rose above ethnic or religious sentiments in the consideration of choice of leaders at all level of governance".It stressed.

The Christian group,which disclosed this in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary; Reverend Moses Bwala Bitrus and Pastor Nicolas Abimaje and made available to journalists in Kaduna said the election of a President and his running mate as well as other political positions shouldn't be measured on basis of tribe, religious and regional interests ,but on who can work and tackle the plethora of problems facing Nigeria.

Reacting to the trending allegation that Senator Shettima created and has been sponsoring Boko Haram, " We challenge those behind the allegations to provide evidence with an assurance that our group will mobilize Nigerians to reject him outrightly and if none ,they should stop the campaign of calumny.

The statement further stated :" We know all the efforts he has done to rescue the Chibok girls and end Boko Haram insurgency at the risk his life.

"Good number of our members in Borno and the Borno CAN Chairman Bishop Naga have confirmed that under Shettima as Governor, between 2011 and 2019 , the Christian communities in Borno enjoyed a better deal and gave priority to growth and development of all residents in the State .

"We also gathered that in the history of Borno there was no Governor that worked with Christian community and sponsored highest number of Christian Pilgrims every year since 2011as much as Shettima .

"We want Nigerians to know that Part of his principles of fairness is reason the Plateau Governor, Simon Lalong was elected the Chairman of Northern States Governors Forum after he insisted his successor must be a Christian.

The group,which noted that Shettima that didn't choose himself, but Tinubu chose him, said , "We strongly believe that Tinubu/Shettima combination viewed as Muslim-Muslim Ticket is unacceptable.

"We urge Nigerians to rather view the ticket as a combine force that will help to tackle the issues of insecurity; poverty, unemployment, dwindling economy , dearth of industrial growth and several problems militating against growth and development of the country ."

Eid-el-Kabir: PDP Chieftain, Abubakar Idris facilitates with Muslims in Kogi, Nigeria

...Calls for Prayers to End various Challenges

As Nigerians join Muslim counterparts all over the world to celebrate this year's Eid-el-Kabir, the Chieftain of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Idris,the Wazirin Jakadan Sokoto and Ochada Onu'Ife, felicitates with Muslims in the State and Nigeria in general.

Alhaji Abubakar, who is the former governorship Aspirant in 2019 election, urged the people to pray fervently and seek divine intervention for various challenges facing the country.

In his 2022 Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslim faithfuls and others on Saturday, the PDP Chieftain also charged all citizens to have strong faith in Allah, imbibe positivity rather than negativity for the progress of the State.

In a statement issued by his Media Team, Chief Abubakar, "said celebration of Eid-el-Kabir goes beyond slaughtering of ram alone, adding that the faithful must pray and work to ensure peace and unity across board in the country.

"It is important for Islamic faithful to see the occasion as a period of sober reflection because of insecurity in the country, and I want to use this occasion to remind those in authority that they have signed a social contract with Nigerians, hence the need for them to respect the laws of the land and serve the people well, irrespective of religious and ethnic differences.

"Nigerians should use the opportunity of the celebration to pray for peace, calm, prosperity and unity all over the country".

He however, called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious belief, to close ranks as citizens and rebuild confidence in themselves for the betterment of the country.

While urging Muslims to abide by laws guiding the festival, he also enjoined them, especially those in authority to fulfill promises made during the election period.

“You should emulate Prophet Ibrahim, who made promise to Almighty Allah and he fulfilled his obligation and because of that, Almighty Allah did not allow him to slaughter his only son, but replaced him with a ram, and that is why Muslims are slaughtering ram today.

"So, all Muslims should have this at the back of their minds that the celebration is not just the funfair and the celebration, they should not do it their own way, but the way Allah prescribed that it should be done.

"Anybody who wants Allah to be pleased with him should follow the laws that guide the Eid-el-Kabir festival.” Alhaji Abubakar said.

2023 Guber Race: Kaduna APC Muslim-Muslim Ticket is About Merit,Not Religion-KCSDPF

By John Femi Adi

Group under aegis of Kaduna Central Senatorial District People’s Forum(KCSDPF) said the All Progressives Congress Muslim-Muslim ticket was done on basis of merit ; good faith to make Kaduna Greater Again and not religious considerations .

According to group, the APC Governorship flag bearer , Senator Uba Sani's choice of the current Deputy Governor, Hajiya Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe was on basis of her track records of performance ; merit and competence .

Briefing Journalists today in Kaduna, the Coordinator of the Kaduna Central Senatorial District People’s Forum, Comrade Musa Mohammed said it is high time Nigerians started to consider issues of merit,track records of performance and experience as basis for electing leaders and not religious considerations.

Musa further explained , " Hajiya Balarabe has been Deputy Governor to Governor Nasir El-Rufai for almost four years now and her track records of religious tolerance, kindness and sensitivity towards the Christian communities.

Everyone who has follow the El-Rufai led government, must seen or heard about her role in ensuing that government policies are carefully implemented to favour all residents and citizens regardless of their religious affiliation. Adding" This is part of reasons we are gladly supporting such a candidate and such a ticket.

"We are all aware that Muslim-Muslim ticket has dominated the public conversation across Kaduna state, with the Southern Kaduna People’s Union, (SOKAPU) coming outrightly to reject it ahead of the forthcoming general elections .

The truth is APC needs a running mate that can help Sen. Uba Sani to consolidate on the good development strides in the State and the choice of running mate is key to brighten the party’s chances at the next governorship election.

The Coordinator however APC in Kaduna needs a Muslim -Muslim Ticket

" It is perceived by many in the APC that a Muslim/Muslim ticket may be the winning formula in the coming election. They believe that it would be politically expedient to take advantage of that and present such a ticket.

"It is also perceived by others in the APC that a Muslim/Muslim ticket will be a direct challenge to the Christian community in Kaduna and it may jeopardise the chances of our party in the coming election.

"Our view is that Hadiza Sabuwa, Uba Sani’s running mate is not an extremist,who will undermine the interests of the Christian community.

"In this matter, we must not allow ourselves to be guided by emotions but, rather by our obligation to support our candidate and party, the quest and desire to win the coming governorship election at all costs, political expediency and by what the British call ‘real politik’.

"Muslim/Muslim ticket or no Muslim/Muslim ticket we will not sit by idly and allow ANYONE or any GOVERNMENT to undermine our faith or our people.

"Hence Uba Sani decides on a Muslim/Muslim ticket, we shall either swim or sink with him and, whichever way, given the experience of Isa Ashiru Kudan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who give it’s deputy governor ticket to a Christian, it may be a hard fight!.

"Because there are many Christians in Kaduna state,who feel passionately about their faith and who believe that they MUST be protected and represented at the highest level of government in the State.

"The SOKAPU knew Hadiza Sabuwa who came from their zone, is a Muslim who has shown love and displayed sensitivity to the Christian community over the years and who we believe we can trust, that’s why we and many of other Christians will support the ticket.

"It is left to those of us who are Christians to let the faithful know who is who and who they can trust amongst the Muslims in the knowledge that not all Muslims are bad and not all Christians are good.

"There are indeed good and bad people on both sides of the religious divide.

"The truth is that in an ideal world, religion and faith should not determine who our candidates and their running mates ought to be and when it comes to matters of governance, we agree with those who say that in this day and age, we should not bring religion into it".

APC Running Mate : Group Rejects Muslim-Muslim Ticket ,Urges Tinubu to Pick Gov. Lalong

...Says those rooting for Muslim-Muslim ticket are selfish few

National Coalition for Democracy ,Peace and Unity (NCDPU) after a meeting in Kaduna rejected the idea of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu picking a Muslim as running mate .

According to the group ,there was no need for the palpable tension caused by the Muslim-Muslim ticket rumours at this critical period, when APC has a Christian Governor such as Plateau Governor,Mr. Simon Lalong.

It also urged Tinubu to avoid being put under by few selfish persons to pick a running Mate against the wish of Nigerians .

The National Coalition for Democracy,Peace and Unity,which stated this in a Communique issued at the end on a one-day political summit held on Sunday at Epitome Hotel, Barnawa, Kaduna State resolved to work with only political parties and candidates with considerations for the diversity and regional interests of Nigeria.

It said the topic of a one-day summit "The 2023 Presidential Elections;Need for a United and Peaceful Nigeria" was carefully selected to discuss the best approach to addressing the issues overheating the polity ahead of the 2023 general elections .

The Communique jointly signed by the National Coordinator and Secretary; Comrade Ibrahim Ringim and Comrade Peter Emmanuel further reads: "As concerned democrats, we are deeply worried about the potential threats and political crisis that would be created if the ruling party resolved to consider a Muslim-Muslim ticket during the forthcoming 2023 Presidential elections.

"The need for the political summit was informed by the palpable tension stirred up by regional agitations and the impending crisis the idea of Muslim-Muslim ticket could cause.Thus,we are asking all political parties to strike a balance along religious and ethnic for a united and peaceful Coexistence ."

The Communique also stated : "After an exhaustive deliberations by the Executive Members on the way forward for a sustainable peace and progress of our dear country, we resolved that in the interest of National Unity, it is good to for ruling party APC and its Presidential Candidate , Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pick a Christian running mate in the same manner the main opposition party,PDP has done."

The group however, suggested that as the only Christian Governor in the party from the North, Mr. Lalong should be considered automatically.

"It is in public domain that Lalong has shown himself to be a unifier, who has managed the crises in Plateau very well that even the Muslims in the State are comfortable with him, evidence that he will no doubt be fair to all." It added .

Meanwhile , it warned ,"If APC goes otherwise,it will not only discourage Christians in the party and electorate that are willing to vote the party during the election , but might also create a disharmony that will force them to vote other parties with balanced candidates."

It maintained that ,"At this critical moment where the corporate existence of Nigeria is threatened,the emphasis on the unity and progress should be paramount importance to all political parties and Presidential Candidate."