LET'S PRAY FOR CAPTIVES' SAFE RETURN, UBA SANI URGES CHRISTIANS AT EASTER

In a message to Nigerian Christians as they celebrate this year's Easter, Senator Uba Sani representing the Kaduna Central District has urged for prayers for the safe return of all the people currently in captivity of criminal gangs across the country.
While wishing Christian community in Nigeria and across the world happy Easter celebrations, Uba Sani, a forerunner for the All Progressives Congress(APC) governorship ticket in Kaduna State, urged them to spare some thoughts for fellow brothers and sisters still in captivity.
"We thank the Almighty God for seeing you through the physically tasking but spiritually uplifting Lenten Season. May all your sacrifices be rewarded," the Senator said.
He noted that many families in Nigeria today are in distress, facing psychological torture and emotional trauma as terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements make life unbearable for people across communities.
"The latest in a series of abductions is the Abuja -Kaduna Train incident. The abductees have been moved to Shiroro Local Government in Niger State by terrorists. From the North West to North Central to South East, it is a trail of blood and tears.
"Terrorists and kidnappers have been having a field day. Few days ago 70 persons were abducted from communities in Plateau State. We must not forget that the Chibok School Girls, Leah Sharibu, four female students of College of Health Science and Technology, Tsafe, Zamfara State, and others across the country are still in captivity," he said.
He recalled that in a statement issued in August 2021 by UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Peter Hawkins, a scary picture was painted of the havoc school abductions have been wrecking on educational institutions in Nigeria.
"According to him, An estimated 200 Nigerian students are believed to still be held after school abductions that have plagued the country since December 2020.
"More than 1,000 have been abducted in these attacks from December 2020 to date", Uba Sani recounted.
He also referred to another worrying report by the Amnesty International on Thursday, April 14, 2022 that gave further startling statistics on the abduction of school children.
"According to AI's Nigeria Director, Osai Ojigho, "Of the more than 1,500 school children, who have been abducted in Northern Nigeria since the Chibok attack on April 14, 2014, at least 120 remain in captivity. They are mostly school girls, and their fate remains unknown.
"Of the 276 school girls abducted in Chibok by Boko Haram, 109 are still unaccounted for. Of 102 students, who were kidnapped from the Federal Government College in Birnin Yauri, nine are still being held by their captors. One of the 121 students abducted from Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna State remains in captivity. Five of the 19 students abducted from Greenfield University were brutally murdered, while one of the 333 students kidnapped in Kankara, was also killed.
"Five of the 276 students kidnapped in Dapchi were killed, while one student, Leah Sharibu, remains in captivity. Five of the 136 school children kidnapped from Salihu Tanko Islamiya School in Tegina, have also been killed," he pointed out.
The Senator described the situation as totally unacceptable, saying Nigeria must not allow terrorists to destroy education and mortgage the future of the nation's children.
"Let us take our challenges to God Almighty. The Federal Government must reinvigorate the war against terrorists and other criminal elements. Our country has bled enough.
"I urge us to seek the face of God in this Easter period for His divine intervention in the affairs of our country. May He touch the hearts and minds of the evil ones in our midst so that the bloodletting can stop. We must restore the dignity of the human person.
"May we also pray to the Supreme One to continue to guide and strengthen members of the Security Forces as they battle terrorists, insurgents and kidnappers. May He expose the fifth columnists in the Security Forces so that the efforts of our patriotic servicemen and women would start bearing fruits.
"I salute the courage, patience and resilience of the good people of Kaduna State. You have gone through a lot in the hands of terrorists, insurgents, kidnappers and other agents of destabilization. The government is not resting on its oars. Please continue to support the government and the security agencies as they battle these enemies of the people. Better and more effective strategies are being fashioned to make life unbearable for the merchants of evil," he said.

LETTER TO JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION: KWARA STATE JUDICIARY(ILORIN DIVISION) IS STINKING

By Muhammed M. Habibullah

My Lord,

It would seem that all the efforts being put up by the National Judicial Council, NJC, in conjunction with the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, to sanitise the judiciary have made little, or, no impact on the Kwara state ( Ilorin) branch.

The Judiciary in Ilorin, especially, has acquired the unenviable reputation, of an institution that perverts injustice, rather than promote it

In many of its Courts, there are cases that have been languishing for years, not necessarily for none diligence by parties, but, principally as a result of connivance between corrupt officials and litigants who benefit from such delays

Investigations in many of the courts, especially the state High Courts, have revealed that, some court officials use their positions to pervert the course of justice for wicked and selfish interests.

Many litigants with genuine cases in a number of courts in Ilorin, are being frustrated, as Court officials prevent quick dispensation of justice on such matters

There is a racket of court officials and lawyers, who have specialised in procuring long adjournment of such cases on often very flimsy and questionable grounds, putting the judges most of whom are among the best in the country, in very difficult situation to do their jobs properly

In Ilorin, now, it is common knowledge that, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of needle than for some one with genuine case to get justice in court, especially, where Perons of influence are involved as parties

Some cases have had to be abandoned by people who couldn't get justice due to fraustration after prolonged periods of trials and adjourments

The practice has become so prevalent that people who ordinarily should approach the courts for adjudication over genuine complaints are discouraged because of the fear of perpetual adjournments, and would rather seek divine intervention than go to Court.

The Court officials and lawyers who have specialised in this unwholesome practice are having a free reign in Kwara state Judiciary, with little, or, no hope in sight that such practices can be stamped out soon

Within the last few months, a couple of written complaints have been forwarded to the Chief Judge of Kwara state, to draw his attention to the unfortunate practice in his courts, but, nothing significant has been done about it.

The continuous desecration of the temple of justice in Kwara, cannot be allowed without check, because, it has the potential of damaging the image and reputation of the nation's entire judiciary, as such practices could spread to other states with time

This petition, is therefore meant to alert the National Judicial Commission and Nigerian Bar Association, to quickly take every necessary steps to arrest the shameful practice that is going on within the Kwara state judiciary.

This writer can provide(if required), particulars of at least one case out of several others that are affected by the ungodly activities of Court officials in Ilorin, Kwara state.

A stitch in time, saves nine.


Habibullah A public affairs commentator wrote from
Pakata, in Ilorin and can be reached on
08033175953

Cc: Chief Judge of Kwara state
Cc: Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin, Kwara state

SOKOTO EFCC EXPO: WILL TAMBUWAL ESCAPE?

By Aminu Mohammed

Ambition. Vision. Vanity. Any human being with these three deadly sins must do everything to preserve his self esteem. Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state combines these three and to achieve all these three in life within a short time, material quest must be at the fore.
Tambuwal's quest to rule, dominate, exercise power began at the National Assembly in 2003 when he was elected as a member from Tambuwal/ Kebbe Federal Constituency. Tambuwal went to the National Assembly with a deadly ambition, to rise to stardom, to rule Nigeria and to capture it all, to rule humanity. He went with the three deadly sins, very ambitious with a vision and mission to crush anybody that would stand on his way.
Within a very short time he rose from a committee chairman to a minority whip and then leader of the minority and capped that quest with the Speaker ship seat against all odds. That was when he believed it was time to unfold his lifetime agenda, to rule Nigeria. In 2015, he flew a kite with the hope of testing his political strength and capacity by holding series of meetings with his political associates whether it was time to declare his presidential ambition. The fear of Buhari in 2015 was a collective article of faith by all the presidential aspirants including the then president, Good-luck Jonathan. Tambuwal got the message and tactically withdrew and went back to Wamakko for the Sokoto state APC governorship ticket.
However, in 2018, Tambuwal dumped the APC and returned to the PDP to fulfil his personal desire of contesting in the presidential race. Atiku floored him. He retreated and kept hope alive and now that 2023 is fast approaching, Tambuwal believes is time to strike once again.
Politics, power and money are inseparable. In Africa, money is the major ingredient of winning elections and so a desperate politician who wants power by whatever means has to have funds to execute his campaign slogans, trips and other activities. In this category of desperate politicians, Tambuwal is not an exception.
In the last few weeks, there has been a trending and disturbing news in the country which revolves around the Sokoto state government under Tambuwal. A " classified document of huge Financial Misappropriation " alleged to be from the EFCC on how the Sokoto state Treasury has been personalized, vandalized and being LOOTED by top government officials for more than six years is on the front burner. According to the document which has gone viral anyway, very close allies of governor Tambuwal have misappropriated and looted close to N190b from the state Treasury. Most of those who have been aiding and abetting in the loot are already on the EFCC Radar and have been regular guests to the Zonal Office of the Anti graft agency in Sokoto. This is one of the reasons why the said document cannot be easily ignored. The document further revealed that out of the over N500b accrued to the state in the last six years, about N190b has been diverted to individual accounts leaving the state BLEEDING AS THE CENTER OF POVERTY in Nigeria. The sixty- four thousand dollar question here is, who supervised the looting of such quantum of money and is Tambuwal aware of this Fantastically Corrupt Practice in his government?
To understand the leadership style of Tambuwal, one has to trace the history of his stewardship at the National Assembly where he was House Speaker for four years. His tenure as a Speaker was not corrupt- free from financial impropriety. Former finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala told the Nigerian public that she had to bribe principal officers at the National Assembly to get National Budget passed and she specifically mentioned the Tambuwal/ David Mark era. Again Tambuwal was at the center of a N1b Amnesty budget scandal between 2012 and 2013 when a former deputy speaker of the House, Chibudom Nwuche was fingered as Tambuwal's henceman in that Amnesty budget padding. Although, Tambuwal's media aide then late Imam Imam told the nation that Tambuwal had never engaged in any legislative, political, administrative or business relationship with Hon. Nwuche but there were allegations of Nwuche's company, Foundation for Youth Development ( FYD) received a N4b contract from the Amnesty office under Mr. Kingsley Kuku. There are other expos on the Tambuwal tenure at the House of Representatives but the government kept denying any wrong doing but this recent EFCC revelation is not one of such the government foot soldiers can easily deal with because the figure looted is alarming considering the underwhelming performance of the Tambuwal administration in the period covered by the document and even now.
The defence put up by the governor's spokesman is very shallow, weak and has failed to address the issues raised. The state and the nation expect more from the government in its defence than just blaming political opponents as trying to pull Tambuwal down because of his presidential ambition. The Sokoto state government is duty bound to tell the state how much it has received from the Federation Account since June 2015 to date, how much it has received as Federal Government Intervention Funds, how much money was collected as Paris Club Bonanza, how much money it has received as Bailout and most importantly, how much Foreign and Domestic Loans it has collected on behalf of the people of the state and where all those monies were sunk because for a government to have collected over N500b and fail to execute N1b project in any of the 23 local governments, that administration is a prime suspect as far as embezzlement is concerned.
For a government to be seen as project oriented one, there should be structures on ground to support how the citizens' money is spent for development. In Sokoto, there are no structures to convince neither the EFCC investigating the government nor the people whose monies are allegedly looted in large scale. The Tambuwal administration should exonerate itself from this "Fantastically Looting Spree" by publishing all monies received from 2015 to date and tell the people what the monies were used for. From 1999 to date, this administration is the least performed in terms of uplifting the poverty rate in the state, it is the least performed in executing viable projects, it is the least performed in the area of human capacity building as it has created higher rate of unemployment with no social investment policies to cushion the harsh effect of its bad governance.

Concerns are being raised because the administration has failed to provide quality education, portable pipe-borne water, good roads, drugs in its hospitals and most importantly, security which the governor keeps blaming the Buhari administration as if the state government is not a major stakeholder.
The alleged looted N190 billion is good enough to provide security for the entire state, fund education, provide drugs to government hospitals, build good roads and uplift socio-economic activities which would greatly reduce poverty through various employment opportunities. The EFCC Investigation is therefore a right call to know whether government is for the entire people or a selected few.

In a memo titled " forwarding of Interim Intelligence Report on Sokoto Government", dated 13th, September, 2021, addressed to the EFCC Chairman, the Commission's Director of Intelligence, gave a breakdown of the financial transactions as follows:-
That between January 1st, 2015, and August, 31st, 2021, the state government received a total of 567, 160, 024, 619. 30(five hundred and sixty seven billion, one hundred and sixty million, twenty four thousand, six hundred and nineteen Naira, ninety three kobo), cumulatively.
According to the memo, all the monies were paid into the bank accounts operated by the state government, as follows:- Accountant General FACC Account number 0697434238 Access Bank, Secretary to the government Account number 07000669798 Access Bank, and Permanent Secretary Account number 0700669554 Access Bank.
The report revealed that out of the over Five hundred billion Naira that was cumulatively paid into these accounts, about 189, 155, 043, 852. 09( one hundred and eighty nine billion, one hundred and fifty five million, forty three thousand, eight hundred twenty five Naira and nine kobo), had disappeared into various accounts operated by cronies, friends and close aides of the state Governor
The EFCC probe should not be mistaken as a political witch-haunt by the Buhari administration or political opponents within the PDP who are also aspiring for the presidential ticket but rather a call for prudence from leaders who personalize state apparatus like the Treasury.

Aminu wrote from Clapperton Road G.R.A, Sokoto State

Ayade's Defection Case : PDP Desperate To Rip Where It Didn't Sow -Arewa Group



Arewa People's Democratic Coalition (APDC) has described the main opposition party ,the People's Democratic Party (PDP) as a desperate party that wants to rip where it didn't sow .


The northern based group which reacted to what it termed 'Laudable judgement' of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja that dismissed the suit PDP filed to declare the seat of Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State and his Deputy, Ivara Esu, vacant, following their defection to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.

According to the group, Governor Ayade was validly elected on the platform of the PDP in 2015 and defected to the APC on May 20, 2021, along with his deputy, but for PDP to ask for removal of the Governor and his Deputy, Ivara Esu, to vacate office following their defection to the All Progressives Congress was too much of an act of desperation .


In a statement signed by the Coordinator of Arewa People's Democratic Coalition , Comrade Mohammed Bagudu praised the judgement, which ruled that Governor Ben Ayade and his Deputy could not be sacked from their positions, other than through statutory procedures that were stipulated in sections 180, 188 and 189 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The Group in the statement noted that "The claim by PDP that votes at the election and elections are won by political parties and not their candidate or the candidates sponsored at the election by the political parties was not only debunked, but dismissed in line with constitution.


The group however lauded the judgement delivered by Justice Taiwo Taiwo,which held that defection to another political party was not stated as one of the grounds for the removal of either a governor or his deputy .


While congratulating Governor for victory at the court , it further stated, "And now , Nigerians can see clearly now that PDP ran to court out of desperation ,but we are highly elated that the court failed to heed to her frivolous claims .

"We stand by our earlier resolution as members of a Northern group that have come strongly to supporting Governor Ben Ayade for his avowed commitment to good governance in Cross River State .

"With this judgement , we are fully ready to hit the grounds in our bid to embark on house-to-house campaign for the man we have identified with a track records of performance and capacity to unite the country."

Gov. Ayade's Defection : Court Judgement is victory for democracy -Arewa Group


Arewa People's Democratic Coalition (APDC) has commended judgement of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja for dismissing the suit Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), filed to declare the seat of Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State and his Deputy, Ivara Esu, vacant, following their defection to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.

The said Governor Ayade was validly elected on the platform of the PDP in 2015 and defected to the APC on May 20, 2021, along with his deputy, but Peoples Democratic Party took the Governor to court seeking an order directing him and his Deputy, Ivara Esu, to vacate office following their defection to the All Progressives Congress

According to the northern based group,the judgement delivered by Justice Taiwo Taiwo,which held that defection to another political party was not stated as one of the grounds for the removal of either a governor or his deputy is a 'Victory for Democracy' .

In a statement signed by the Coordinator of Arewa People's Democratic Coalition , Comrade Mohammed Bagudu praised the judgement, which ruled that Governor Ben Ayade and his Deputy could not be sacked from their positions, other than through statutory procedures that were stipulated in sections 180, 188 and 189 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The Group in the statement noted that "The claim by PDP that votes at the election and elections are won by political parties and not their candidate or the candidates sponsored at the election by the political parties was not only debunked, but dismissed in line with constitution.

While congratulating Governor for victory at the court , it further stated, "And now , Nigerians can see clearly now that PDP ran to court out of desperation ,but we are highly elated that the court failed to heed to her frivolous claims .

"We stand by our earlier resolution as members of a Northern group that have come strongly to supporting Governor Ben Ayade for his avowed commitment to good governance in Cross River State .

"With this judgement , we are fully ready to hit the grounds in our bid to embark on house-to-house campaign for the man we have identified with a track records of performance and capacity to unite the country."

2023 presidency: Coalition of 65 pro-Akpabio groups rakes in over N100m for Nomination Form


A coalition of 65 groups, including women, civil society democratic solidarity associations have converged on Kano State to voluntarily drum support and raise funds for the 2023 presidential ambition of Senator Godswill Akpabio - Minister for Niger Delta Affairs.

Speaking at the event, the convener of the Coalition, Dr. Jibril Tafida said the 65 groups have all agreed to voluntarily raise funds for the purchase of the APC presidential contest form for Akpabio after "frantic search for a detribalize Nigerian politician with proven record of unbeatable policies at various points in the corridors of power".

On his part, Engineer Bello Bichi said Akpabio's "exemplary leadership abilities, his passion for helping people grow professionally and masses-friendly political style" has made him distinct in today's Nigeria.

A cross-section of respondents at the event stated that Senator Senator Godswill Akpabio has made his mark not just as a listening leader, but one whose main goal is to promote skills and competencies, as well as providing equipments, start-up funds and massive empowerment programmes to thousands of people in the six geopolitical zones of this country.

Earlier in his speech, convener of the coalition and National Coordinator of Senator Senator Godswill Akpabio for Common Good (SGACG) Dr. Jibril Tafida told the crowd VIPs, youth, women and traders association representatives that efforts through him have reached advanced stage, with the voluntary donation of sum of N111, 387,000 being raised. The youth and women associations led the pack with over N100m out of the total sum realised at the end of the event.

He explained that the voluntary donations have proved that "stakeholders of the Nigerian project have acknowledged not just the leadership competence of Akpabio but also his energetic and sound health status."

Also speaking, the former Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly Rt Honorable Gambo Sallau said he has never seen such a crowd of people from different States of Northern Nigeria converging on Kano for such an event.

In attendance at the venue event -- Mumbayya House of Bayero University in Kano, were the former Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly, traditional rulers, academics and the representatives of disabled organizations.

Anyim to FG: Wake up and act

Senator Anyim PIUS Anyim, a frontline Presidential aspirant of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the Buhari led APC government to wake up from its apparent slumber and take decisive measures to deal with the insecurity threatening to collapse our dear nation.

Chief Anyim who is a former Senate president and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) noted that what is needed to resolve our security crises are; a sincere commitment, political will and a holistic approach to dealing with the situation not the current mixture of empty condemnations, media propaganda and disjointed actions.

The frontline Presidential aspirant observed that a holistic approach must include: a decisive and well coordinated military action covering the major flashpoints at once, a drastic rural infrastructural development, at least at the main theatres of war, a sincere and honest peace overtures to the truly repentant as well as an all encompassing youth employment drive across the nation.

Chief Anyim further noted the cumulative impact of poor economic management, lack of clear cut economic policy and the resultant absence of conducive atmosphere for business and investment as fuel to insecurity.

He recalled with nostalgia the Textile industries in Kaduna and Bompai in Kano state, noting that the job loss occasioned by the closure of those and many other industrial areas in Nigeria set the stage for the current insecurity we face.

Chief Anyim said although time is not on the side of the APC government, with barely a year left in office, nevertheless mustering the political will to take decisive action to halt further descent to the abyss may somewhat help its place in history as a total failure.

Senator Uba Sani Commissions Esu Chikun Palace, Says Traditional Ruler Embodiment Of Peace

By John Femi Adi ,Kaduna

Senator Uba Sani has commissioned the newly built palace of Esu Chikun in Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone.

While performing the act of tape cutting signalling completion of the Royal edifice, the Senator labelled the monarch as an embodiment of peace, progress and development of Chikun community and beyond.

The Kaduna Central lawmaker urged people of the Local Government and Kaduna State in general to cooperate with constituted authorities by contributing their quota towards ensuring sustainable peace in the state.

The 2023 Governorship hopeful reiterated commitment to uplift people at the grassroots by delivering dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the needy whose interest he noted remained paramount in his heart.

He prayed for Allah's wisdom for the Esu to administer over his subjects with fear of God and compassion.

In his speech , Esu Chikun commended the administration of Governor Nasiru El-Rufai and Senator Uba Sani for their collaborative efforts towards developing the community and the state in general.

Uba Sani to Muslims: Ramadan, time to touch the lives of less privileged

Senator Uba Sani representing the Kaduna Central District has joined other world leaders in felicitating with Muslims across the globe the start of the glorious month of Ramadan, while urging special attention to the poor.

Recalling that Ramadan, is one of the five pillars of Islam, he said it is a time to apply effectively the key values of self-tolerance, forgiveness, sacrifice and love as well as a time to touch the lives of the less privileged and vulnerable in society through acts of charity.

"I urge us to seize the opportunity of this Ramadan period to reflect on the problems of our country and pray fervently for Allah’s divine intervention. We must remain united in order to defeat the common enemy that has sought to destroy our communities.

"I wish my dear constituents and the good people of Kaduna State a glorious Ramadan. May the spirit of this holy month stay in our heart and illuminate our soul from within," he said.

Arewa Group Backs Governor Ben Ayade for President

Northern based group, Arewa People's Democratic Coalition (APDC) has backed the idea of power shift to the South with a focus on a leader with clear vision and records of performance holding public office within the last ten years .

The group said part of it's decision to support power shift to the south is to send a strong message to the north that it has failed Nigerians and know that the current political tension stirred up by security challenges and power tussle can only fissile out, when the highly coveted seat of President returns to the South

According to the group , the current challenges facing Nigeria needs a leader from the South ,who is also intellectually sound with the requisite capacity to handle challenges of security , economy and other problems militating growth and development .

The group in a press statement signed by the Coordinator, Comrade Mohammed Bagudu said, "The only person that has all the leadership qualities mentioned earlier is the current Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade .

... Insists on Rotational Presidency

The Statement further stated , " We have held series off meetings with our friends from the South-west, South-east and South-South over the preferred candidate from the entire South and resolved to support the candidate that is selfless, Detribalised and committed to Unity and progress of Nigeria .

"Our research team worked on three candidates and Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade emerged the preferred candidate with 70 per cent aggregate score above others, hence our decision to give him absolute support to emerge as Nigeria's President come 2023.

"One of the projects that scored him high was the fact that he's the only Governor , who thought of constructing a Super Highway to the entire Eastern region a feat worthy of commendation .

"The former Federal lawmaker has demonstrated his passion to work hard and deminish all factors militating against peace and unity of citizens as well as residents of Cross River State .

"Our northern brothers in Cross River gave good account and recommendation of how Prof.Ayade provided adequate security for them and employment opportunities across board without sentiments .

"We therefore urge all Nigerians to rise up and give consideration to a President who is young , vibrant and focused .Most especially a tested leader ."

Group to Electorate :If you want a secured Kaduna ,Vote Sen. Shehu Sani as Governor


Worried about the spate of attacks by gunmen and terrorists in the State ,Group under umbrella of Kaduna Development Support Forum(KDSF) has expressed strong conviction that Senator Shehu Sani can provide the requisite strategies and technologies that help secure lives and properties of the citizens.

The group also said the former Federal lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial zone in the 8th Senate has demonstrated avowed commitment within and outside government that he could be the trusted leader who has the capacity to provide strategic security measures to ensure that lives and properties of citizens are adequately protected if elected Governor of Kaduna State .

The Coordinator of the Group, Abdulhakeem Hameed Alao in a press statement made available to journalists said ," The situation where all citizens and residents can no longer sleep with two eyes closed due to incessant banditry and terrorism attacks and failure on side of government to provide security is not only unfortunate ,but grossly pathetic .

"This is why we have decided to come strongly to recommend ND support Senator Shehu Sani as the only viable voice that fought; spoke and advised the federal government on the best security strategies to adopt to contain the insecurity challenges while in the Senate .

But it appeared the current government both at State and Federal levels have been unable to adopt the requisite strategy and proactive measures to tackle the overwhelming fire power of gunmen terrorising Kaduna and other States of the federation .

While condemning in strong terms what they described as "Dastardly acts" of the gunmen who attacked the Airport, Train and Major highways in Kaduna recently ,the group however noted that the recent attacks in Giwa , Southern Kaduna and other parts of the State could have be contained if the right security strategy and approach were deployed to prevent them.

"You can't afford to handle heinous crimes with kid gloves .There must a combined and coordinated forces from all security agencies to stop the attackers.

" It now obvious that there is a dire need to adopt grassroots intelligence gathering measures and involve traditional leaders a across the 23 local government areas to provide information about suspected criminals within communities.

" No doubt these so called gunmen or terrorists reside in communities and spend the ransoms collected from their victims in the same communities .

"But when a government is bereft of ideas on how to tackle the overwhelming security challenge , the consequence is the frequent attacks, kidnapping and killing of innocent citizens" .

"We are mobilizing over one million Kaduna women and youths to vote senator Shehu Sani during the 2023 governorship elections for a guaranteed security and dividends of democracy."

Abuja-Kaduna Train Attack: Ali Gidado Idris sympathises with Governor Elrufai

The APC spirant for the seat of Kaduna North Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Honorable Ali Gidado Idris has commiserated with Governor Nasir Elrufai and the people of Kaduna State over the recent attack on the Abuja-Kaduna bound train.

The aspirant's message of sympathy to the governor and the people of Kaduna State was contained in a media release he issued in Abuja on Thursday.

Hon Gidado Idris, in the media statement, noted that it was sad that families have lost their breadwinners to the savagery of armed bandits, at a crucial time Nigerians are struggling with other forms difficulties.

While commending the response by security agents in the rescue of the injured and evacuation of those killed, Honorable Gidado Idris prayed for the repose of the souls of the dead ones and quick recovery for those injured during the attack.

Honorable Ali Gidado Idris also urged Nigerians in general and Kaduna State citizens in particular to continue to pray for the safety of the nation, while urging security agents to redouble their efforts in combating crimes in society.

Terrorists Attacks : Interfaith Forum Organises Prayer Session to Seek Spiritual Intervention

... Sympathises with KDSG, Victims of Recent Attacks

The Progressives Interfaith Forum(PIF) along with the INTERFAITH ALLIANCE called on all Citizens,residents of Kaduna and people of goodwill outside Kaduna to join them in seeking for Divine Intervention through Special Interfaith Prayer Sessions tagged #KADUNA PRAYS.

The group , which sought divine retribution against the attackers of innocent citizens ,condoled Kaduna State Government,residents and families of the victims of recent incidents .

According to a Statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Progressive Interfaith Forum , Pastor Adebayo A. Emmanuel and Ustaz Abubakar S.Tahir ,"Adherents of all faiths are victims so no one is spared. Therefore,we must all arise to condemn these criminals and seek for Divine retribution against them.

The statement noted that , " As Spiritual Leaders given oversight roles by the Almighty over the people,we cannot continue to remain silent, indifferent or despondent in the face of the criminal activities of terrorists and bandits ravaging our beloved State.


While acknowledging that the Federal and State Governments are doing so much using the Kinetic approach, the Interfaith Forum said there is an obvious need for all hands to be on deck especially,from the Spiritual dimension.

"Therefore,we strongly believe that the efforts of the Government should be complimented through the partnership and support of Religious leaders and people of goodwill that want this Government to succeed in it's efforts to secure the lives and properties of all residents and visitors. " The Forum added .





...Read Full Statement ....



SHOW OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE VICTIMS OF RECENT ATTACKS AND THE KADUNA STATE GOVERNMENT AND THE NEED FOR INTERFAITH PRAYER SESSIONS TO TACKLE THE PROTRACTED SECURITY CHALLENGES AND UNREST IN KADUNA STATE.

In recent times Northern Nigeria and Kaduna State in particular have experienced incidences of Conflicts,Bandits attacks and other security challenges which have led to the loss of lives and properties.

The Progressives Interfaith Forum along with the INTERFAITH ALLIANCE express our condolences and sympathy to the Kaduna State Government,residents of Kaduna and families of the victims of these incidences.

We believe that as we surrender to His will ALLAH SWT will show us Mercy as stated in Qu'ran Chapter 1 Verse 155 which says "And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient,
Verse 156
Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allah , and indeed to Him we will return.
Verse 157
Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided."

As Spiritual Leaders given oversight roles by the Almighty over the people,we cannot continue to remain silent, indifferent or despondent in the face of the criminal activities of terrorists and bandits ravaging our beloved State.

Adherents of all faiths are victims so no one is spared. Therefore,we must all arise to condemn these criminals and seek for Divine retribution against them.

While we acknowledge that the Federal and State Governments are doing so much using the Kinetic approach,there is an obvious need for all hands to be on deck especially,from the Spiritual dimension.

Therefore,we strongly believe that the efforts of the Government should be complimented through the partnership and support of Religious leaders and people of goodwill that want this Government to succeed in it's efforts to secure the lives and properties of all residents and visitors.

To this end, The Progressives Interfaith Forum along with sister Faith based Organizations is calling on all Citizens,residents of Kaduna and people of goodwill outside Kaduna to join us in seeking for Divine Intervention through Special Interfaith Prayer Sessions tagged #KADUNA PRAYS.

The Holy Scriptures in 2 Chronicles 7:14 say "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Therefore,in anticipation of the involvement of all Residents of Kaduna State and all people of Goodwill, we will be mobilizing all Religious Leaders and all adherents of the various faiths towards achieving these laudable objective.

By the Special grace of God, the first #Kaduna Prays Interfaith Prayer Session is expected to hold in the First week of April,2022. The exact date will be communicated through various Media Platforms.

For further enquiry please contact 08033177170,07085595958, 09098546422,08060814146

We believe strongly that by the Special grace of God and the intervention of Allah SWT ,Kaduna State will overcome these challenges . Amen

Signed
For Progressives Interfaith Forum


Pastor Adebayo, A. Emmanuel
- Chairman
Ustaz Abubakar S. Tahir
Vice - Chairman

Sokoto APC: How the cookies crumbled
By Aminu Mohammed
Often times people say the "law is an ass" because " no be person wey first call police de always win case". If the law is an ass then "Karma too is a bitch". Karma is real because what goes around comes around.
Now that the Sokoto APC " coup plotters" have failed in their desperate attempt to destabilize the party, where do they go from here? There are two sides to every attempted coup, you either plan and execute successfully or plan to fail and face the consequences.
Somewhere mid last year, Hon. Abdullahi Salame and two others were sponsored to cause confusion in the APC and they came out under a false umbrella of Sokoto Vision 2023. The name sounds catçhy but beneath that, there was a sinister motive which gradually unfolded and their collaborators who were hiding under a mask were unmasked. It became clear, they were being sponsored by some external forces who thought they could take away the APC from the present structure which has always been solid as the Gibraltar.
Hon Salame and Senator Abubakar Umar Gada were pushed by their greed for power and thought by rebelling against the APC structure under Hon. Isa Sadiq Achida they could dislodge Senator Wamakko who has been the party's strong pillar since its formation in 2014. What the disgraced politicians did not put into consideration was that greed is very dangerous because if you give way to it, the end result would be devastating. That is just one way the cookies always crumble through greed.
The three Sokoto APC moles who began the rebellion knew they could not dare the tiger by its tail so they had to look for external help and that was where the attorney general of the federation, Abubakar Malami and some highly placed Sokoto government officials came in. ( Ance kashin baki sai taro) What began like a mere drama started taking new twist and the attorney general did not hide his involvement when he announced in Sokoto on February 27 while commissioning some items Salame distributed to some of his misled supporters in the APC and PDP respectively that one Mainasara Sani was the chairman of APC in Sokoto and not Hon. Isa Sadiq Achida while the case was still in court. Malami as the Chief Law Officer of the land goofed. That singular statement made by Malami proved his involvement in the Sokoto APC crisis and made a lot of political observers wonder what business has Malami in Sokoto by meddling in the APC internal crisis? Simply put, power. For someone who has been fingered in the lingering APC crises before the March 26 convention, he wanted to spread his tentacles to neighboring states of Sokoto and Zamfara to enable him take control of the party structures in those states should his dream of becoming the next Kebbi state governor is actualized.
Both Salame and Gada were misled by their sponsors that they would get all that it takes to execute the contract but now that the contract has failed woefully, would that ill motivated alliance still function or the moles in the APC would be dumped by their external collaborators? They say when the chips are down, your on your own. Salame in particular is among the many who have benefited from Wamakko's political largess and for such a person who was lifted from the classroom as a mere teacher by Wamakko to a political stardom to collaborate with others to stab his benefactor at the back, he should be a very, very greedy person. In one of James Hardly Chase collections, Paw in the bottle, Julie, the housemaid lacked nothing from her employer but greed led her to be stealing from her master and was later caught and sentenced but before the sentence, this is what the judge asked Julie. "Do you know how people catch monkeys in Brazil Julie, they put a nut inside a bottle and tie the bottle to a tree. The monkey comes and grab the nut inside the bottle but it cannot release its paw from the bottle until it releases the nut but because the monkey is very greedy it would not and this is how it is caught. Greed is very dangerous, if you give way to it sooner or later you would be caught ". Salame was greedy like the Brazilian monkey. He wanted to rob shoulder with his master and he was cut to size. He failed to cut his coat according to his size.
Senator Gada on the other hand has always been a political liability. He first came into politics when Senator Abdallah Wali picked him as a running mate in the 2003 governorship election under the PDP and since they lost he went underground only to resurface and become a senator through a dubious means by conniving with the then PDP secretary in 2007 to substitute the PDP's preferred candidate's name with that of Gada at the eleventh hour. His grouse with Wamakko was when he was denied another tenure in 2011 so when Salame as the arrowhead of the Vision 2023 agenda contacted him, he thought he would have his own pound of flesh but in the end both the moles and their sponsors have been put to shame.
: Hon Salame and Senator Gada were obsessed with vengeance and forgot that you don't walk into the enemies territory without studying his strength and weaknesses and by failing to do so they not only exposed themselves as preys who dared the tiger by the tail in its domain but political tools working for other people's agenda without a direction.

Salame who was brought into politics by Wamakko and served as his political godfather betrayed his own conscience by allowing illusion to becloud his sense of judgement and he went too far by bringing in ECOMOG from Kebbi and Sokoto government officials to pursue a very selfish agenda which has crashed and destroyed his political career. Senator Gada was aggrieved since 2011 when he lost his seat to Wamakko's political superiority and has since remain irrelevant therefore, he joined Salame not because he believed in Salame's cause but for his own selfish agenda. The former local government chairman who joined forces with them miscalculated his steps and fell into a dangerous trap which has now consumed all of them including their "Presumed Foreign Allies" who until recently thought they have the artillery to fight Wamakko. Karma is real, what you sow is what you reap. Great kingdoms and their emperors fell simply because they had bitten more than they could chew. That is just the way the cookies crumble.
What they however forgot was that Wamakko is APC and APC is Wamakko in Sokoto. If you take Wamakko away from APC, that would be the end of the party. In case they have memory lapse, Salame shouldn't have easily forgotten the 2007 drama when Wamakko was drafted by president Olusegun Obasanjo to the PDP from the ANPP, what happened to the ANPP in Sokoto? When Wamakko left the ANPP the party collapsed and the PDP which has been in the opposition for eight years was given a new hope and eventually won the 2007 governorship election. Furthermore, when Wamakko and the G 5 governors left the PDP to the APC in 2014, what happened? The PDP lost to the APC in Sokoto. There is a collective political slogan in Sokoto "MU ALU MU KAI BA JAM'IYA BA. Simply put, Alu ( Wamakko is our political party) Alu is the political identity of Wamakko in Sokoto and even the neighboring states. Anywhere you mention Alu everyone knows your referring to Wamakko and it is a common household name, in fact you may not be far from the truth if you say Alu is Wamakko's political DNA. He is the only politician with an identity in Sokoto and beyond.
These coup plotters have murdered sleep and they shall sleep no more If you want to know how the cookies crumble like pack of cards, ask Hon. Salame and his collaborators

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: UBA SANI BLOWS HOT OVER INCESSANT ATTACKS ON KADUNA COMMUNITIES

The Kaduna Central District Senator, Uba Sani has decried the recent step up of terrorist attacks on some communities in Giwa Local Government of Kaduna State, saying enough is enough.
The latest attacks by these murderous elements, the Senator explained, took place in Angwan Sarki Yahya, Tashar Shari, Bare-Bari, Tsaunin Natal, Dillalai, Durumi and Jatin Kanwa, communities all in Yakawada Ward.
Other places affected, he said, include Kaya community, Mai kyauro and Fatika which he pointedly said are aimed at instilling fear in the people and destroying the economies of local communities in the state.
While condemning the attacks in the strongest terms, Senator Uba said it is disheartening that these enemies of the people are getting emboldened by the day and are becoming more brazen.
"These blood cuddling vampires have no regard for human life. They have no place in a civilized society. The unrelenting attacks calls to question the strategies and tactics being adopted by our security forces.
"We expected that with the declaration of bandits as terrorists, they will be degraded in no time. This appears not to be happening," he said and charged the security forces to reassess their strategies and come up with workable and effective solutions to the menace of terrorists in Giwa Local Government in particular and Kaduna State in general.
"The forests where these terrorists are holding sway are not impregnable. A comprehensive operational plan, executed with high sense of professionalism and responsibility, will rid Kaduna State forests of these murderous elements. What we need is total commitment on the part of our security forces and the support and cooperation of the local communities.
"Security is local. That is why I have been in the forefront of advocacy and pushing of bills in the Senate for State Police. We must bring law enforcement closer to the people. Effective gathering of intelligence and sustained security operations at the local level will make life uncomfortable for terrorists. They will have no operational base.
"I urge our people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security operatives. Terrorists are not spirits. They live in our midst. We must have zero tolerance for them. The damage they are doing to our communities is unimaginable," he said.
He condoled the families of the victims of the attacks and the government and people of Kaduna State and disclosed that his field officers were headed to the affected communities with relief materials.
"I will also pay sympathy visits to the affected families and communities. I pray to the Almighty God for the repose of the souls of our loved ones and for the safe release of the abducted members of the affected communities," he said.

Spot The Difference: Between Fuel Scarcity And Fuel Queues

By Abdullahi Sabiu

Just about 3 weeks ago, surprisingly, fuel queues surfaced in major cities starting from Lagos with Abuja, Portharcourt and Kano following suit. Many Nigerians were relaxed considering that similar queues that faded away in 3 days was experienced in December. The body language from Nigerians was that of “the queues will disappear soon” considering that we’ve enjoyed relative availability of PMS hassle-free for over 5 years now. As against the normal trend during festive periods and ember months.

But just before we could begin to be disturbed by the continued presence of these queues, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) made a press statement urging Nigerians to keep calm and avoid panic buying and attributed the trend to recall of low-spec fuel in circulation. For many of us, this term is new and while seeking further clarification, we understood that the NNPC has initiated a recall of the product as the presence of ethanol surpasses the specification required.

For a few days, the Corporation was overwhelmed with picking the importers of the product, recalling the bad fuel in circulation and staying top of their game to ensure steady flow of product to the end user. In the same period, the country was agog with news that global prices of crude oil was on the rise and therefore, the shortage was a preamble to a raise in petrol price. While some were of the opinion that the cost and logistics of the recall - which was about 100 million litres was - hindering availability of the product.

Normally, a pipeline connected country will overcome mere challenges of this nature in days. One is left to wonder why should we not maximize our pipeline for product delivery ? Why shouldn’t we have alternative sources of distribution but our own attitude seems to have limited our options right before ourselves. But in a country where pipeline vandalism is seen as normal and these vandals are celebrated as successful businessmen in their communities, then we must put up with the pains of manual distribution. So our inexplicable fairness as citizens to allow for infrastructures to work is partly responsible for this menace.

NNPC interventions
As the fuel crisis lingers, the NNPC on a weekly basis has been updating Nigerians on measures being put in place to restore normalcy. Some of them Include:

Temporary relocation of MD PPMC to Lagos* – this move came in the first week of the crisis on the orders of the GMD NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari on the observation that, loading and distribution should be monitored from the starting point which is Lagos. The presence of Mallam Isiyaku Abdullahi MD PPMC was also meant to oversee the mopping of the low-spec and ensure stability of the product in and around Lagos.

24-hour Loading, Dispensing of PMS – Soon after the Lagos mission was accomplished, the problem at the Abuja end was still present then came the 24-hour loading initiative. The NNPC in a statement said this effort was designed to speed-up distribution which was mainly the problem behind the shortage. This initiate was a partnership with Major marketers, Depot Owners, IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MOMAN etc and this chain puts every player in the supply chain on board to clear the queues.

Boost to reserves beyond the national target* – Also, the NNPC in another intervention, boosted its reserves with additional 2.3 billion litres of PMS. This move was all secured in two weeks to guarantee steady supply. The Management through GED Downstream, Engr. Adeyemi Adetunji in a press statement said 1.3 billion litres of PMS was in stock and the 2.3 billion was more of security should there be any problem. Quite commendable and when the queues eased-off for some days, the ripple effect of logistics still bounced back to limit supply. This action was further buttressed by the GMD/CEO of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari while addressing the Ad-hoc committee of the House of Representatives investigating the circumstances surrounding the importation of the adulterated fuel into the country where he said “I am assuring more supply plan. We will contain this development”, as “2.1 billion litres will be injected into the system before the end of the month”. And he reiterated that the NNPC is a law abiding company and will do everything within its power to ensure normalcy.

PPMC intervention – I noticed the presence of trucks of A.Y.M Shaffa offloading PMS at a Conoil station which was relatively strange and inquiries led us to understand that, it is a PPMC Intervention. The concept they said, was to help bridge the gap and the move was given an inter-retailer approached where supply is based on need not given any peculiarity to location or truck ownership.

It is good to draw a clear line with what has been put in place. Obviously, what led to this was an effort to save Nigerians from the effects of the low-spec PMS.

Most pump stations in the country have and dispense PMS but a carefull study shows a panic gap and this cannot be far from black marketers who are seen selling in containers. Since these black marketers don’t refine Crude, the PMS they hawk is a backdoor acquisition originally meant for the average Nigerian.

And to check the excesses of these black marketers, we learnt the NNPC on Friday 25th February engaged security agencies to ensure all products loaded get to the right destination. Hopefully the end of black market is here. Then, if trucks will take about 4 days from loading to most destinations, particularly across the Niger, then time and sustained effort is key to defraying the queues.

Why the latest challenge of queues in some parts of this country
In spite of all the efforts and assurances of the Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari and his competent lieutenants on closing and maintaining supply of PMS across Nigeria, there is an international problem that constituted fresh challenge. That fresh challenge emanated from the ongoing Russian/Ukranian war. Be that as it may and the in-country major players role of price arbitrage, the queues are thankfully disappearing.

The final picture
From my observation, what we have at hand is a backlash of the corrective measures as against the normal scarcity with previous administrations. It is worthy to commend President Muhammadu Buhari for giving us Mallam Mele Kyari as GMD/CEO of NNPC Ltd and Engr. Adeyemi Adetunji as GED Downstream. We are forever gratefull to Mallam Mele Kyari for saddling Mallam Isiyaku Abdullahi as MD PPMC for his interventions, major players in the industry for their commitment and largely Nigerians for their patience. Together we should bridge the gap.

Abdullahi writes from Wuse II, Abuja.

*MALAMI: BETWEEN INTEGRITY AND NOTORIETY*
*By Ayodele Badmus*

Of all the President's trusted appointees, the Attorney general, Abubakar Malami, has earned the unenviable reputation of being the most selfish and reckless public officer in recent times.

Rather than exhibit the sterling attributes of scholarship and erudite qualities of an Attorney general, Malami, has become more notorious for rabble rousing, meddlesomeness, and arrant disregard for decency in the manner he carries himself as Nigeria's Chief law officer
In many respected quarters, Malami's reputation oozes with bad odour giving his not too salutary tendencies and preferences for disreputable conduct
Many continue to wonder how, Malami, has become so powerful and impudent to the point that he miasadvices Mr President on very sensitive issues of national interest and importance, once he thinks that such issues clash with his selfish interests

Within the last seven years as Nigeria's Attorney general, Abubakar Malami, has been using his position to forment crises both in his own home town and other places, in an attempt to secure unmerited political advantage over those he considers to be his adversaries, rightly, or, wrongly.

His foray into the local politics of Kano State, where he supported the faction of the APC, led by Senator Shekarau, has contributed in widening the gulf between the Governor Ganduje faction of the party on one hand and the Senator Shekarau group on the other.

Recently, he instigated another crises in his own home state of Kebbi, by pitting the supporters of former Governor Adamu Aleiro against his own group, mostly comprising thugs and hoodlums, who have been terrorising supporters of the former governor and anyone who is not in support of his aspiration to become the next governor of Kebbi State

His predisposition to meddlesomeness, has also taken him to Sokoto, where he is living no stone unturned thinking that he can dislodge the political godfather of Sokoto, Senator Wamako, and imposing his puppets as his preferred leaders of the APC in that state but Wamakko has been proving a hard nut to crack while Malami is now praying for a soft landing.

Not many have forgotten his ignoble roles in the Zamfara political tragedy that saw the APC losing that state to the opposition PDP in 2019.

The raging controversy, over the Federal High Court, Umuahia's ruling on section 84(12) of the newly enacted Electoral law, to the effect that it ordered the expunging of that section from the Act, is strongly believed to have been engineered by the Attorney general, Malami.

His involvement in that questionable court ruling is tied to his desperation to remain in office, while he contests election to the office of the next governor of Kebbi State

Everyone knows that Malami and his other political appointees, are morbidly afraid of losing election after resigning from office as required by the section 84(12) of the electoral act, which they thoroughly rescent. In a recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Senator Ahmed Baba Kaita from Katsina state said it loud and clear that "those behind the shameful court ruling are those who are afraid to resign and go back home to contest elections because they have no grassroots support". According to Senator Kaita the National Assembly is the only constitutional body to formulate laws through legislation and no office no matter who is occupying it can temper with such laws not even the Attorney general of the federation. Those afraid of that section and agitating for deleting it from the amended electoral act know they cannot win election anywhere and they are only postponing the doomsday but it will come.

Therefore, in a desperate attempt to safeguard against such an eventuality, Malami who is vividly aware he does not have IMMUNITY after leaving office and that the "Dogs of Witch hunt" he has released against his perceived enemies would turn against him, has resorted to manipulation of the judiciary through the Federal High Court, Umuahia, thus opening up another pandora box of scandal around him. No attorney general in this democratic dispensation has messed up that office like Malami has done in the last seven years and without immunity he is afraid of the unknown between now and election time because he cannot clean up the messy footprints created by selfish ambition.

The Attorney general, actually exposed himself with the speed he deployed to implementing the controversial court ruling by quickly proceeding to gazette it, even when, the room for appeal to a higher court has not been closed

To legal experts, all the processes leading to the Court ruling, were irregular, as there was only one party, the plaintiff, before the court, in a case that should, ordinarily have involved the defendants as interested parties too

The Attorney general, was clearly up to some mischief by sneaking into Umuahia with the suit, principally to take the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, by surprise, and thereby prevent them from stating their own positions before the court.

Going by the groundswell of legal options on the matter, chances are that the APC, may be stepping on a banana peel, in the event that the Umuahia court decision is overturned at the Appeal Court, which lawyers believe would most likely happen

The consequences would now throw the APC in a serious quagmire, if the political appointees had participated in the National Convention slated for this weekend in Abuja, because, the whole process would stand nullified.

These are just a few of the many shenanigans of the Attorney general, which Mr President has continued to tolerate to the bewilderment of many.
It will not be out of place to predict that Malami and characters like him, who have surrounded Mr, President, may end up being the archiles hill of the APC and the Buhari administration even if not visible for now the years to come would tell how Malami misled the president and the nation.
*Mr. Ayodele Badmus is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja.*

Re: Petition Against the Use of Public Funds for Personal Political Campaigns

By Abubakar Rabiu Abubakar

It has been brought to the attention of Senator Uba Sani's Political Organization that an amorphous group that goes by the name "Concerned PDP Members, Kaduna State" has written a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleging that our principal has been using public funds for personal political purposes. In particular, they pointed at the Senator's mobilization of his constituents to access the CBN/NIRSAL COVID 19 funds for households and small businesses as evidence of his use of public funds to influence party delegates.

We are not surprised at this act of desperation by political opponents using hired hands. Since Senator Uba Sani's entry into the governorship race, entrenched political forces have become jittery, thus a resort to blackmail, concocting of lies and unnecessary heating up of the Kaduna State political landscape. The petition reeks of crass ignorance. What else can we say of petition writers who are unaware that the CBN/NIRSAL COVID 19 Funds is a Federal Government Intervention to cushion the effect of COVID-19 on vulnerable households and distressed small and medium enterprises. They are not aware that it is a mark of responsiveness for a representative of the people to effectively mobilise them to access such funds.

(1) As an illustrious son of Kaduna state and lover of his people, Senator Uba Sani encouraged the majority of his people to apply and benefit from the loan. As a result of his mobilization and equipping of his people with financial skills, over 10,000 people from Kaduna State benefitted from this loan. Most of the beneficiaries are rural farmers, traders and artisans and market women. Out of these 10,000 beneficiaries, just about 500 are party delegates. This convincingly proves that the aim was not political patronage but to mobilize people in need to access the funds. The Covid 19 Loan is for all Nigerians. Citizens from different states of the federation have been benefiting from this loan since it was flagged off without complaints and hiccups. Unfortunately, some elements in Kaduna State cannot live with the fact that a first time Senator has broken new grounds and has surpassed all expectations. They are applying foul means to try to stop the momentum his governorship project is gathering.

(2) On the allegation of a compilation of account numbers to bribe the electorate, nothing can be farther from the truth. If the masquerades behind this petition had cared to do a little research, they would have realized that because of the low level of financial literacy and inclusion in Kaduna State in particular and Northern Nigeria in general, few persons have been able to access Federal Government interventions. We may recall that the CBN rolled out the percentage of citizens without a bank account. About 70% of people in Northern Nigeria have no account details. In his usual manner of intervention, Senator Uba Sani partnered with CBN in organizing seminars and training for his people on the need to be financially included as a basis for benefitting from empowerment programmes, government loan schemes and other subsidies in the country.

Senator Uba Sani is focused on his bid to secure the mandate of the good people of Kaduna State to take the state to higher heights. He is interested in issues-based politicking. Character assassination and concocting of lies are not his idea of politics. He is ever ready to join issues based on facts and sound arguments. The use of proxies or hatchet men to fight political battles is an act of cowardice. The EFCC have enough on their plate to worry about, not to be treating ill-conceived and mischievous petitions that are not grounded in facts or logic.


Abubakar Rabiu Abubakar is Zonal Chief Constituency Officer to the Senator of Kaduna Central, Uba Sani

Kaduna 2023: Group Faults Calls for Zoning Governorship to Zone One

The Kaduna Democracy Defenders Forum(KDDF) has flayed recent calls for the 2023 governorship position to be zoned to the northern Senatorial District, saying it is pedestrian, myopic and attention-seeking.
Reacting to the calls by a group named Zone One Concerned Stakeholders, the KDDF said the call was as un-informed as the Group is fringe and obscure.
KDDF in a reaction by its Convener, Suleiman Abbah said it is quite unreasonable for any person or group to attempt to deny other sections of the state their legitimate right to seek to be governor of the state, using a divisive method.
"We are compelled to react to the shameful attempt to change the narrative, alter facts, review and rewrite history by wrongly insinuating that the Zone 1 Senatorial District has been shortchanged in the current administration and political structure of the state.
"We find it ridiculous that any Group would venture the careless remarks that the Northern part of the state has been sidelined in terms of state and federal appointments.
"It is important to put the record straight that the Zone 1 has enjoyed almost all the commissioner and cabinet appointments in the state by more than 70 per cent.
"This is in addition to the historical fact that almost all previous governors of the state were from the same Zone One. But most importantly, our position as a group is that both Zones 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3 are a united family and there is no need for this divisive campaign by Zone One Concerned Stakeholders", Abbah said.

Niger State Youths Laud Alh. Aminu Sani Bello for Development Strides




Niger State Youths have commended Alhaji Aminu Sani Bello for all the philanthropist gestures and development efforts deployed to better the lots of the downtrodden and less privileged in the State .

According to the youths, Alh Sani Bello's rare approach to needs of the people , especially youths and women in Niger State is not only worthy of commendation,but also should serve as a lesson to those in position of leadership and authority.


In a press statement signed by Comrade Mukhtar Murtala ( BOSO)
and made available to journalists ,the Youths said, though Sani Bello is not holding any political office or desirous to contest in the forthcoming 2023 elections , he been helping communities to dig boreholes in order to provide drinking water; sponsored youth empowerment schemes and several development gestures.

The statement further reads :" We have decided to single him out for commendation as a mark of honour and way to encourage him to continue bro do more for humanity.

"It is true that Alhaji Sani Bello is a member of the People's Democratic Party, but he has extended his development gestures to all citizens and residents of Niger State."

"It against this background that as youths across the local government areas of the State ,we express our desire to identify with him as a role model and leader .

"We are also willing to provide the necessary support to achieve more in his future endeavours."

2023 Presidency: It's Unfair for North to Retain Power after Buhari's Tenure - Arewa Group

...Backs Southern Presidency

As the race for the 2023 Presidential Election gathers momentum across Nigeria, Northern based groups under aegis of Arewa Coalition for Rotational Presidency (ACRP) have come out strongly against aspirants from the North, saying it's would be unfair for north to retain power after eight years.

The group also vowed to practically rise and mobilize against all Presidential candidates from the North,who dared to contest under any political party during the general elections.

In statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of ACRP, Comrade Abdullahi Biu and Hamza Malumfashi said it will fair and just for the seat of the President to return to the South to after President Muhammadu Buhari for the North, would spent two terms of eight years in power.

The statement further reads : "The current brewing political tension stirred by the call for power shift to south by Southern Governors and groups can only be doused , when all Stakeholders from the North, Governors and political parties agree to the Presidency.

"In the interest of peace ;equity and Justice, more so, that the north has been in power for eight years now, the idea of north even contesting for the highly exalted position of the President should be immediately jettisoned .

"All those pick nomination forms, especially from the People's Democratic Party should step down if there are true democrats .

"As a group of democrats from the 19 Northerner states, we strongly believe in the principle of equity and fairness as a panacea for peace ; progress and, thus our resolve support rotation of power to our brothers in the southern region .

"It is against this background that we are Advising all the political parties , especially the two major parties, APC and PDP to field only southern Candidates".

EXCITEMENT AS KADUNA GOVERNORSHIP ASPIRANT, SEN. UBA SANI DONATES BUS TO NUJ

Kaduna State governorship aspirant and Senator representing Kaduna Central District, Uba Sani has donated a brand new Ford Galaxy Bus to the state branch of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Receiving the donation, Chairperson of the NUJ Council Hajiya Asma'u Halilu said it was a commendable gesture that will encourage and aid the media in the discharge of their duty.

Uba Sani who said the gesture was in the spirit of Gender-sensitivity and to support the media as much as possible, was excited that Kaduna's is the only chapter that has a female chairperson, and the first in the media union history of the Northwest.

He said the media is a critical partner in every enduring democratic process as well as a critical component of every society and urged the media to eschew slanted reporting of events and show professionalism, accuracy and timeliness in the discharge of their noble duty.

The donation was presented on behalf of the Senator by Arc Rabiu Abubakar, his Chief Constituency Officer who was accompanied by the Director of Strategic Communication, Ibrahim Salisu Abubakar, Saratu Abdulaziz, and Ismail Kaseem - the Project Monitoring Officer among others.

Northern Youth Blast Wike over Disparaging Remarks on Danfodio



A group under the aegis of Northern Youth Forum(NYF) had lambasted Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State for comparing his local chief to the revered 19th Century Islamic Reformer - Usman Danfodio.

A media statement signed the group's Director of Special Duties, Engineer Danjuma Ibrahim pointed out that Wike has "tried to belittle a frontline historical figure, West African reformer who is being held in high esteem by all respected Northerners and this is quite dsiparaging".

The NYF, in the statement asked Governor Wike to "immediately retract this insult on Northerners and tender an unreserved apology for the unguarded utterances.

"We do not expect a person of Wike's calibre to be involved in this manner of shameful disregard for the hero of our contemporary history of spiritual rejuvenation and purity as a people and therefore find his disposition unacceptable", the NYF stressed.

"Unless Governor Wike is out to deliberately provoke Northerners and especially the intellectuals and scholars of the African reformist hero, he has no basis to go into a senseless comparison", the group argued.

The NYF, in the statement, said it's committee on media would be "watching closely to see what action Governor Wike will take on this political brigandage and see whether he will have the guts to come down North to seek our support for his favored PDP presidential candidate in 2023".

2023: UBA SANI RAISES STAKE, DECLARES FOR KADUNA GOVERNORSHIP, DONATES 59 CARS

By Femi Adi

Senator Uba Sani representing the Kaduna Central District on Tuesday raised the bar in Kaduna State by declaring for the 2023 governorship contest in the All Progrossives Congress (APC).
At a public presentation in Kaduna with the theme Sustaining And Building On A Legacy Of Outstanding Public Service And Impact, Senator Uba stressed his long standing alliance with "the pace-setting, innovative and resourceful Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai."
Uba who said that Governor Elrufai has changed the face of Kaduna State and made it the envy of all, also made on the spot donation of 59 cars in appreciation of the work of the State APC executives and local government chairmen.
"I donate 59 cars to them to help facilitate their work and motivate them to prepare for the 2023 electoral battle," he said.
Noting that Elrufai's transformational leadership and developmental drive has redefined and raised the bar of governance, he said the high standards he has set is both a source of pride and a challenge to his associates and loyalists.
The occasion was eminently graced by party bigwigs including the state chairman, deputy chairman, secretary, and other members of the State Executive Committee.
Delivering the declaration address, Uba Sani observed that under El Rufa’i, Kaduna State has undergone a major revolution.
"The State has been totally reworked; and this is evidenced in the remarkable milestones the State has recorded in policies, infrastructure, health, education, water resources, agriculture, agribusiness, to list but a few. It is truly a new dawn in Kaduna State," he said.
The huge challenge before the state, he said, is how to sustain and build on El-Rufai's legacy of outstanding public service and impact.
"This is because a reversal of these gains in the post 2023 era will be a huge tragedy. Our people have witnessed selfless and impactful leadership and cannot settle for anything less," he explained.
Offering himself as a suitable, natural and legitimate successor to Elrufai, Senator Uba said he stepped forward to carry the banner of continuity as El-Rufai’s understudy.
"I have worked closely with him. I understand his vision and mission. I stand in good stead to sustain his vision and mission. I am conversant with the developmental challenges of Kaduna State. I understand it's complexities and possibilities.
He recalled that he had worked very closely with El Rufa’i for over 20 years – spanning his days at the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), the period he served as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
"And when President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed me Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, I benefitted immensely from wise counsels from El Rufa’i, who was at the time, a key and highly respected member of the Obasanjo administration.
"I have remained a key ally of the Governor since he assumed office as the Governor of Kaduna State," he said.
From this vantage position, Uba said, he had in the last seven years, seen Elrufai doggedly and sacrificially pilot the affairs of Kaduna State and has learnt a lot. "Watching, listening and learning from him, I now have a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a transformational leader," he said, adding that El Rufa’i has impacted in him the expediency and urgency of moving outside of the transactional leadership space and into a transformational leadership space that focuses on long-term solutions rather than short-term gains.
"I have learnt from Governor El Rufai the critical place of vision. Largely, it is a vision that is immersed in deploying new thinking to urgently meet the needs and aspirations of the long suffering people of our dear State.
"From the onset, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, made it abundantly clear that driving and actualising the vision of the administration would demand uncommon courage, especially given traditionally entrenched interests that were far from being altruistic. Governor El Rufai insists at all times that an effective leader needs courage and must take tough decisions, no matter whose ox is gored, for the greater good of the greatest number of the people.
"Mr. Chairman, esteemed State Exco members of our great party, fellow party men and women, ladies and gentlemen, as our Governor prepares to gloriously depart the office in May 2023, the onus is on us all to continue and consolidate his achievements and legacy. And like the popular saying goes, you can not coach football if you were not a footballer yourself. It is only fair and natural that we have someone who understands the El - Rufai philosophy; one who has carefully understudied him; a person who has been in the trenches with him, to continue from where he will stop on May 29 2023.
"It is on this score, Mr. Chairman, that I, Senator Uba Sani, is formally declaring today, my intention to seek to contest the gubernatorial primaries of our great party, the APC and indeed the main election in 2023 to succeed my leader and mentor, Mallam Nasir el Rufa’i as the next Governor of Kaduna State.
"I make this bid and declaration with the greatest sense of responsibility, intense love for this great state and our wonderful people and of course with the fear of Almighty Allah," he said.
He recalled the legislative strides he made in the Senate to include the successful sponsorship of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Act 2020, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria Act (Amendment No.3) Act 2021, and the Federal Medical Centre, Rigasa, Kaduna State (est. etc.) Bill, 2019.
Others he said, include the Fire Arms Act Cap F28 LFN, 2004 (Amendment) Bill 2021, and the Federal College of Education Giwa, Kaduna State (est. etc.) Bill, 2019.
Other Bills initiated, currently at various stages of passage in the Senate include: Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill 2020, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill 2020, Foreign Exchange (Control & Monitoring) Act 2004 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2020 and the National Human Rights Commission Act (Amendment) Bill 2020.
Recounting his impact on his constituency, Uba said he has been able to address issues around Agriculture; Security; Job Creation; Primary Healthcare, Banking and financial inclusivity across the country and the myriad of needs affecting his constituents in Kaduna Central in particular and Kaduna State as a whole.

Jubilation as Uba Sani lights up his constituency

There were jubilations as Senator Uba Sani in the discharge of another social responsibility donated 11 units of 300KVA transformers to support electrification around communities in his senatorial district.
The Senator's gesture in response to the communities' worries over poor power supply resulting from faulty or insufficiency of transmission plants, was spread across communities in all the seven local government areas that make up the Kaduna Central District.
The beneficiary Local Governments worst hit by the electricity supply problem include Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Igabi, Chikun and Giwa, identified under the first batch of beneficiaries of the brand new transformers.
Making the donation, Uba Sani pledged to continue to deliver on his campaign promises by prioritizing the welfare of his constituents, saying this installation will be the 'first phase' in an ongoing rural electrification effort embarked by him.

Group blasts Niger Delta Women Wailers over Akpabio's Man of the Year Award

The Senator Godswill Akpabio for Common Good(SGACG) has lambasted a group called Women Wailers of Niger Delta(WWND) which said the Man of the Year Award given to Minster Godswill Akpabio should be withdrawn.

A terse media statement signed by the SGACG National Coordinator, Dr. Jibril Tafida described the WWND as a "self-righteous, fringe group working for their thieving patrons who are disturbed by the reforms of Minister Akpabio that has bringing development projects to the Niger Delta since he became Minister".

The SGAC took a swipe at the Women Wailers group, saying Daily Independent as a well respected publishing company must have done serious research to have found Akpabio quite suitable for the award.

Dr. Tafida, in the statement, pointed out that the Women Wailers demand that the Forensic Audit Report on NDDC to published, "exposes their ignorance about the essence of a report meant to trace funds to their thieving patrons and commence a recovery process. President Buhari himself has recently declared that going by the Forensic Audit Report, every NDDC penny diverted as contract mobilization would be recovered".

The SGACG, then stated thus: "No amount of mischief by hired, faceless wailers will change the course of history as Akpabio reforms have started yielding wonderful results at the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry and the Ministrr is still being commended by many Nigerians of good conscience for having the courage to sanitize the NDDC, which was once a cesspool of corruption".

The statement then noted: " Akpabio is the only Nigerian governor who, at the mere mention of his name, the people would add Mr. uncommon transformation, for turning around the fortunes of a once backward Akwa Ibom State, with things like the best surgery hospital in Africa, the best stadium in Nigeria; free education for the children of the poor and massive infrastructure, rural electrification and building goodwill across both Southern and Northern Nigeria for empowering youths and women with start-up kits and support funds".

2023 Guber Race: I'll Provide Leadership That Will Secure, Protect Kaduna If Elected -Sen Shehu Sani


Sen. Shehu Sani, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has promised to provide a leadership that will serve as a bridge between the people of Northern and southern Kaduna State if elected governor in 2023.

Sani made the pledge on Thursday while speaking with newsmen in Kafanchan, the headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Area.

According to him, Kaduna State was in need of a leader that will unite the people and ensure social justice and equality.

“The people of Kaduna State need a leader that will lead them out of Egypt. It is no fiction that our dear state has never been so divided.

“What we need now is a leader that will unite and secure our people, a leader that will ensure social justice and equality. And I believe I can provide that.

“I will provide a leadership that will spread prosperity to all the 23 local government areas of the state,” he added

He solicited for the support and prayers of the people of Southern Kaduna towards his governorship bid and promised to give every citizen a sense of belonging.

“I have always stood by the people of Southern Kaduna. I have spoken for and defended the people of Southern Kaduna.

“I am here to urge the people of Southern Kaduna to support my gubernatorial mission and ambition to salvage, secure, unite and prosper Kaduna State.

“So, I am here in need of your support; in need of your solidarity and in need of your prayers,” he stated

On the chances of PDP winning the governorship in the 2023 elections, the aspirant noted that the failure of the ruling party in the state to provide security gives the PDP an edge.

“The people of Kaduna State have no viable option than to vote for the PDP because the ruling party in the state has failed to secure the lives of the people.

“Our people are being killed and kidnapped every day. People in the villages pay taxes and fines to go to the farms and cultivate their crops.

“Our students are no longer free to go to school without fear of abduction or being killed in the hands of terrorists.

“We need a leader that will deliver Kaduna State from terrorism. We need a leader that will treat every citizen as equals and the PDP will provide that,” he said

*Education Monitor, Yellow journalism and Prof Armaya'u Bichi of FUDMA*

In a boringly long, badly written and poorly constructed text, the irritating editors of a relatively unknown news platform called Education Monitor attempted a clumsy defense of its unprofessional conduct, while asking for N2m bribe to step down a news story disowned by the original author and the Federal University Dutsinma authorities.

In what was clearly a living example of bad journalism, the editors of Education Monitor news platform made a bad work of trying willy-nilly to create a false story about the current Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsinma - Ptofessor Armaya'u Bichi. It started with a so-called petition by one Dr. Dankota, who eventually admitted that his petition on allegation of corruption against Professor Bichi was false, and quickly withdrew it. When the original author of a petition withdraws it and apologize, which journalistic ethic gives any reporter the professional backing to go ahead with it? This was the question the editors at Education Monitor conveniently refused to ask themselves on the spurious allegation against Professor Bichi, that was withdrawn by one Dr. Yusuf Maikano, the dramatis personae.

The VC went the extra mile to keep the editors at Education Monitor up-to-date, by sharing the refutal of the same story by another news medium - The Summit, which also apologized to the Professor for publishing the unverified allegations of corruption.

Furthermore, both the Public Relations Directorate of the Federal University Dutsinma and other relevant public communication stakeholders of the university collectively dissociated themselves from the so-called allegation news story. It became abundantly evident that the allegation of corruption against the professor was entirely false , mischievous and of no effect. Yet, the editors at Education Monitor seem to think they could still go to town with a false, concocted and roundly refuted news story, or be paid N2m not to proceed, which is laughable.
Scholars of Mass Communications would gladly knock the editors at Education Monitor because of their ignorance of the distinction between a developing story and a refuted one. Why should any journalist worth his professional image proceed with a news story about an institution that has already been officially denied? Do these people really know something about spurious allegations or even criticisms that are 'actionable' in a court of law? It seems the editors at Education Monitor are professionally reckless and their insistence on doing a story officially denied presupposes they are prone to blackmail and extortion.

Now, here comes the most intriguing part of the Education Monitor's 'pay-us-or-we-damage-your-reputation" brand of journalism and shameful extortion.

Going by the presumption that Professor Bichi would chicken out and grant any wish of theirs, because they own a media platform to blackmail him, they forwarded a request for money. They asked the VC for N2million to stop the story from being published. Imagine! When he ignored them, they flashed some libelous highlights of the story, in a desperate bid to make good their threat to proceed.

Much to their surprise, Professor Bichi may well be on his way to court and the onus of proving whether the allegation of corruption ever existed, will rest on the shoulders of the Education Monitor's management. The second matter is the request for N2million bribe, ostensibly to stop the publication, which Professor Bichi flatly refused.

This issue has a lot of lessons for media practitioners in today's Nigeria and it's another eye opener for all practicing journalists in this country on the bad eggs who resort to blackmail and extortion.

2023 RUN Project : Northern Elders
Meet, Resolve to Back Only Igbo Candidate for President

...Urge PDP to Give Ticket to Ugwuanyi


Worried about the political tension stirred up by the agitation for power to the South, Forum of Northern Elders for Unity (FNEU) today held a meeting and resolved to back only candidate from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) for the position of President come 2023.



According to the Elders Forum, first because PDP during its reign in power ,was able to provide all inclusive government for a United Nigeria and secondly, it is now 22 years since Nigeria returned to democracy, and it's unfair that the Igbos have not been considered for either position of the President or Vice President.

"Part of the reasons for our meeting today is to create a unifying platform for consultation that will help douse tension created by some power hungry and selfish politicians, who want to destroy the one Nigeria our forefathers toiled to build."the Elders stated .

In a Communique issue after the "Restore Unity of Nigeria (RUN) Project ," meeting held held at ASAA Pyramid Hotel,Kaduna on Monday, the Northern Elders Forum for Unity said the ruling Party ,All Progressives Congress has a Northerner as President now and it will only be fair and democratic to return power to the South, especially Southeast because the Igbos have been politically marginalized .

In the Communique jointly signed by Chairman and Secretary of FNEU ,Alhaji Baba Mala and Mal. Yau Aliyu ,the Forum urged the main opposition party ,PDP to give its Presidential Ticket to Enugu State Governor, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi because of his antecedent as a leader with passion for peace , progress and unity of the country.

The communique further read: "We have studied all the Governors in the South-East and discovered that Governor Ugwuanyi is a bridge builder and visionary leader that we can trust with power .

"And If PDP wants to win the 2023 Presidential election , it should consider giving it's ticket to Governor Ugwuanyi and we are prepared to work and ensure that his victory at the polls is guaranteed" .

"Ugwuanyi has a proven track records as one of the Governors, who has worked passionately to protect lives and properties of Northerners and settlers ; created employment for all regardless of tribe and religion since he assumed office, a feat worthy of note .

"We therefore call on all Igbos and southerners to join NEFU's Project " Restore Unity of Nigeria Now" and beg Nigerians across the geo-political zones to support our bid to for a United Nigeria with the best Presidential Candidate come 2023.

"We are from an advantaged region with numerical voting strength to decide who becomes Nigeria's President,thus we will continue to meet to work out the solutions to douse the threatening tension created due call for power tussle ."

Breaking: Atiku's 2023 presidential ambition hits brickwall

Fresh facts have just emerged that former VP Atiku Abubakar's closed-door meeting with his boss, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has ended abruptly.

A highly-dependable source close to Obasanjo at the venue of the meeting with Atiku (the Abeokuta Presidential Library) said it ended abruptly, as the former President told his erstwhile VP that he had already told the world that 2023 should be time for young people to take over the democratic space. Obasanjo, according to the source, told Atiku that he could not go back on his call for older politicians to play advisory role and leave the stage for younger ones.

Indications that the 2023 journey would be tough for the Wazirin Adamawa first emerged when former President Ibrahim Babangida hosted Atiku at his Minna residence and refused to even comment on the former VP's 2023 ambition. Babangida had earlier declared in a viral interview with Arise TV that he had identified about four "young" Nigerian politicians with better potentials of becoming Nigerian president. He then rejected the recircling of old, aged Nigerians as leaders of modern day Nigeria.

A few weeks after Atiku's visit to former President Babangida's residence, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Waziri's presidential campaign director met Afenifere leaders to seek their blessings for his principal's 2023 ambition. A topshot of the Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo reportedly told Dokpesi openly, that he would not support Atiku's ambition, saying " I won't endorse Atiku because of his( Atiku's) use-and-dump style of politics".

Shortly after the Adebanjo's reported rejection, the political terrain was heated by a floodgate of protests against Atiku's 2023 ambition, simultaneously by almost all the Atiku 2019 support groups across the nation. The Southwest States of Lagos, Oyo, Ondo and Ogun protesters asked Atiku to jettison his ambition. This was shortly followed by another street protest from Atiku support groups in the South, which went by the name of Southwest Development Frontier (SDF), with huge placards bearing slogans like "Waziri please leave 2023 for a younger person", meant to get him to back down on his ambition.

Up North, support groups started by shutting down Atiku's immediate constituency of Adamawa, then other States - notably Kaduna - by a group which went by the name of Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance and other 2019 Pro-Atiku groups in Plateau and Benue States.

Also the Northern Elders Forum(NEF) set out its criteria, which spelt out the quality of leadership that would befit the successor of incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, showing NEF's preference for "more vibrant, leadership", that is well-grounded in all ramifications.

On their part, the Coalition of Northern Groups(CNG) and Arewa Youth Consultative Forum(AYCF) earlier advocated for generational power shift in separate public engagements with the nation's media. The CNG has issued a number of public statements in support of the emergence of young people as leaders in 2023 and beyond, while it took the campaign to all universities in the region and it stepped up the campaign during the Late Yusuf Maitama Sule Memorial Lectures Series, where it created a critical mass of young men as advocates and potential leaders of the near future, in terms representative democracy, entrepreneurship and engineering among others.

At a recent meeting of the Northern elders and opinion leaders at Arewa House in Kaduna sometime in January 2022, the position of the participants was that the young ones should be allowed to take centre-stage on the democratic space, to end the worrisome culture of producing leaders above 60 years of age.

Analysts have expressed shock at the dwindling political fortunes of Atiku, seeing how prominent Nigerians who massively supported him in 2019 are now back-tracking in droves, signposting an internal rebellion - though most of leaders of the mass protests alleged being used and dumped by the Waziri. Some went so far as to state that the Waziri seldom spend six months in the country as he junkets round the globe doing other things and paying less attention to his political foot soldiers.

Also the 13 PDP governors have taken a stand that is in sharp contrast to that of the former Vice President, who had to secure a court order to affirm he is qualified to even contest in 2023.

There is the growing consensus that the dominant quest for young people to take over Nigeria's democratic space in 2023 and beyond has finally nailed Atiku's latest presidential ambition. But pundits think the Atiku support groups' backtracking would compel the former VP to take a new look at his politics in general and review his strategy that now seems to be slowly failing.

Group Alerts Of Plans By Politicians To Smear Akpabio Through Sponsored Protests

A group, Godswill Akpabio For Common Good (GACG), has alerted of plans by some faceless politicians to sponsor smear campaigns against the Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The group also advised members of the public to disregard such, as they existed only in the minds of the sponsors and purveyors of the demonic plans.

The revelation was contained in a press statement issued by the National Coordinator of the group, Dr Jibril Tafida in Abuja.

The statement reads:

"The attention of the Godswill Akpabio For Common Good (GACG) Media Office, has once again, been drawn to plans by some faceless politicians to instigate public protests, publication of falsehood and campaign of calumny against the person and office of the Hon Minister Niger Delta Affairs.

"The planned needless protests, according to information available to us, is being planned, organised and sponsored by some politicians who are afraid of their shadows and equally scared of the profile of the Hon Minister.

"They are afraid that with the torrents of calls from individuals, statesmen, captains of Industries, different groups and well-meaning members of the society across the nation, compelling the Hon Minister to join the 2023 Presidential race might be acceded to.

"We equally gathered that their action plan is to sponsor some disgruntled youth organisations, ex-militant groups, women and highly partisan NGOs on baseless and needless protests in major cities against the Minister, while some compromised media organisations, conventional and online platforms, would be flooded with articles laced with lies, frivolous accusations, inuendoes and falsehood, purportedly written by different organisations, paid analysts/public commentators, but from one source, intended to paint the Hon Minister in bad light before unsuspecting Nigerians.

"The kick-off date for the planned campaign of calumny against the Hon Minister is March 1, 2022.

"Nigerians are by this statement, advised to discountenance and disregard their concocted and fabricated falsehood, as such only existed in the warped minds of the sponsors and purveyors of the devilish and demonic plans".

2023 Presidency : "Our Candidate is Governor Okowa" - North-West Coalition Group

...Vows to Mobilse Voters Against Northern Candidates


Ahead of the forthcoming 2023 General Elections, group under umbrella of North West Coalition for Democracy and Good Governance(NWCDGG) has said it has completed plans and strategy to mobilse millions of voters across the federation against choice of any candidate from the North, because it is now turn of South to Produce President .

The group also said it's working with several political groups across the country to ensure that all political parties zoned seat of the president to the South , especially the South-South geo-political zone.

In a press statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary ; Alhaji Musa Mohammed Ringim and Mal. Ahmadu Shehu , the group which alleged , "North in collaboration with the Southwest geo-political zone ganged up against former President Goodluck Jonathan and for us this was unfair, said it will be politically fair to allow a candidate from the South-South from an Igbo extraction to complete the quashed tenure if there must be a political balance .

Adding, "This amongst many reasons is is why have endorsed Delta State Governor , Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who is from Delta , but someone from the Igbo extraction as our preferred candidate from the South to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari .

"We based argument on the fact that the east, was yet to produce a President after Nigeria became a Republic, the group however , hinged its appeal on the commendable giant strides Governor Okowa has recorded in the areas of infrastructural development in the state."

While stating that the country needs visionary leaders such as Governor Okowa to take her out of the shackles of poverty, underdevelopment and youth restiveness, it stressed, " At this critical period of stirred up tensions due to insecurity, secession agitations , ravaging poverty and dwindling economy , Nigerians need a leader who has the capacity to unite the country.

The statement further reads : "We are therefore ready to mobilise Nigerians irrespective of political linings for the emergence of Governor Okowa, especially for his impeccable landslide achievements in the state through his unbiased governance."

‘’This is why we are calling on our brothers of Igbo origin in different parts of the country to come together and work with NWCDGG to make this dream of Igbo Presidency a reality come 2023.

"At this point , we strongly believe Nigerians bwill accept Governor Okowa for his inclusive government and passion for infrastructural development in Delta State which brought unity, peace,​ cohesiveness and reduced youth restiveness in the state" .

However, the group urged Delta Governor to accept the call for National assignment and reciprocate the level of good governance and patriotism he has demonstrated in his state to the national level for the country to benefit and​ move forward.

"We have also seen your numerous projects​ geared at reducing poverty and youth restiveness through his empowerment​ and skill acquisition programme as well as robust free healthcare delivery system in the state that has​ cared for the children and women.

"If Nigerians are asking for someone to fix this country, we will nominate Gov Okowa​ as one of the most experienced , Detribalised , and focused."