The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima on Saturday said both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches must be explored in tackling the various security challenges across the country.

He stated this at the graduation ceremony of the National Institute for Security Studies’ Executive Intelligence Management Course 16 which was held in Abuja.

The agitation by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South-East, the banditry in the North-Central, and terrorism in the North-East and North-West need to be tackled using not just a kinetic approach but also non-kinetic means, Shettima noted.

Attributing the current insecurity in parts of the country to poverty and unemployment, the Vice President harped on the need to improve governance in the country.

"For every Asokoro, there is a Karu. For every Maitama, there is a Dutse Alhaji. We need to create jobs. We need to improve governance in the country,” Shettima said.

Calling for the unity of the country, Shettima assured that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is determined to bring development to the country, canvassing for support from Nigerians.

Also speaking at the event is the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), who hinted that the agency will soon unveil weapons produced by its personnel.

According to him, the DSS will soon begin to “produce what it eats, and eat what it produces.”

Among the weapons the Secret Service will soon unveil are Unmanned Aeriel Vehicles (UAVs), he stated.

Bichi also assured that the agency will continue to support the National Institute for Security Studies to succeed in its quest to impart knowledge that will enhance security in the country.

He charged the participants to utilise the skills they have acquired to develop the country, urging Nigerians to remain patriotic and shun those whom he described as warmongers who want to set the country on fire.

The Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 16 commenced in February 2023 with 89 participants drawn from 35 agencies across Nigeria and four other African countries, namely, Niger, The Gambia, Rwanda and Chad.

The leadership of Labour Party has confirmed that they are part of the new coalition of concerned political parties that was launched this week.

A group of seven opposition political parties on Wednesday formed a new coalition in a bid to strengthen democracy in the country.

The movement tagged the Coalition of Concerned Political Parties was formed in Abuja at a meeting attended by leaders of the political parties at the National Secretariat of the Social Democratic Party.

However, the name of Labour Party, another major opposition party, was conspicuously missing in the list of members.

The coalition comprised the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, Social Democratic Party, Peoples Allied Movement, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Young Progressives Party, and Zenith Labour Party.

When contacted, the LP leadership denied withdrawing from the coalition.

In an exclusive phone chat with our correspondent, the National Secretary of the party, Umar Farouk, explained that the National Working Committee of the LP was duly informed about the formation of the coalition.

He said, “They (coalition) wrote and informed us. In fact, we shortlisted people to represent the party at the session yesterday (Thursday); unfortunately, those who were supposed to be there did not go. But we are together with them. The LP is part and parcel of the coalition.”

Sharing his sentiment, the chief spokesman of the LP, Yunusa Tanko, stated that the mission of the coalition was basically to defend the tenets of democracy and ensure that the country did not fall into a one-party state.

“The LP has been speaking basically with the PDP, NNPP and trying to see how we can speak as one to save democracy in which all of us are stakeholders,” he said.

‘APC not bothered’

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress has dismissed the threat of the new coalition formed by major opposition parties, saying they are not threatened by the move.

'APC not bothered’

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress has dismissed the threat of the new coalition formed by major opposition parties, saying they are not threatened by the move.

National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, disclosed that while members of the new coalition were free to exercise their democratic rights, the ruling party was not losing sleep over the development.

A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has urged the National Assembly to unbundle the commission to make it more effective.

He made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at a Citizens Town Hall on Electoral Reform organised by Yiaga Africa, European Union (EU) in collaboration with the National Assembly joint committees on electoral matters.

Jega also said if Nigeria’s electoral process must be improved, the issue of cross carpeting by politicians must be proscribed.

"From 2011 to 2022, a lot of efforts have been made to reform the electoral process. A few months after a new government has been sworn in, electoral reforms have started. The 2022 electoral reforms are the best in recent times but there is room for improvement.

"We must look at the voting rights and inclusion, political parties, primaries and litigation, security and public enlightenment which are necessary to electoral integrity.

"If we want to improve politics and deepen democracy, we must prevent cross carpeting by politicians from one party to another. The reason why our lawmakers don’t want to do that is because they win elections in another party and join the ruling party later,” Jega said.

The former INEC boss said even elected governors are cross carpeting which is affecting the polity.

He said, “The law is very clear. If you move, unless there is a crisis, a by-election should be conducted. If a politician crosses the carpet as a matter of principle, he should vacate his or her speech.

“If you cross the carpet, you should be able to vacate the seat. I strongly support the recommendation that the appointment of INEC chairman and the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) should be reviewed.

Because when the president nominates, there is no serious screening. The legal provisions of appointing someone that is non partisan should be considered.

“INEC should be unbundled. We also need to review how people stand to contest a presidential election. Some people form political parties just to run for the office of the president. A political party should not field a presidential candidate unless they meet a certain threshold.”

He later submitted his recommendation to the National Assembly members at the event.

Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the national assembly will work hard to ensure that they make INEC truly independent.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Barrister Sylvester Okonkwo, Akpabio said they were committed not only to go along with the people, but want to protect the independence of INEC and restore the trust of the people in the electoral process.

“All stakeholders must be doggedly involved in this. History will record every move we take to move this country forward. We will collaborate with Yiaga Africa and other stakeholders to ensure that we do the right thing.

"The National Assembly and this administration is ready to work with anyone and everyone that is ready to work for the progress of this nation. The time has come for all of us to be positive about our country. Let us also find time to talk about the great achievement that has been made for the greatness of our country,” Akpabio said.

On his part, Executive Yiaga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, said that Nigerians must realise that making the nation’s democracy and good governance work for the interest of the people is not by mere wish or thinking.

"Everyone must play their parts in ensuring that the democratic system work for the interest of the nation,” Itodo said.

The anticipated mega rally and protest on Saturday by the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) supporters in Kano State failed to materialise despite heavy security measures put in place across the metropolis.

In the wake of the Appeal Court judgment, which ousted Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and declared Dr Nasir Yusuf Gawuna of the APC as the winner of the March 18 election in the state, stakeholders from both parties had initially planned rallies and protests.

However, the streets remained deserted as no supporters were sighted, contrary to the earlier planned agendas.

The Director-General of the Gawuna/Garo Campaign Organisation, Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, confirmed the suspension of its plans, stating concerns over the security of lives and properties as the paramount reason.

He was quoted as saying, “Looking at the issues of security of properties and lives that are at stake, we have shelved the plan.”

Contrary to earlier indications, the NNPP’s state Chairman, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, had denied any plans of a protest. However, there were reports of some groups of supporters standing by the original plan despite the official rebuttal.

Earlier, the police command in Kano issued warnings against any attempts to stage public processions, protests, or rallies, urging all parties involved to refrain from actions that could lead to unrest.

Security operatives were observed stationed at strategic locations and patrolling major streets across the state, especially within the metropolis.

Mansur Haruna Dandago, an aide to Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the APC, emphasised the change of plans based on the critical importance of prioritising security concerns.

He stated, “We have decided to prioritise the security of lives and properties, hence the decision to shelve the planned event.”

Despite the initial intentions, the day passed without any significant gatherings or protests, as both political parties seemingly prioritised peace and security over their planned demonstrations.

The situation in Kano remains relatively calm following the planned rallies being called off, as stakeholders continue to navigate the aftermath of the court ruling and its implications for the state’s political landscape.

Hope Uzodinma, the Imo state governor-elect, says the victory recorded by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo and Kogi states during the off-cycle election shows that Nigerians are happy with the party.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on November 11 conducted off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.

On Friday, Uzodinma and Usman Ododo, Kogi governor-elect, presented their certificates of return to President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa in Abuja.

Speaking during the visit, Uzodinma said APC’s victory in Kogi and Imo states showed the “growing popularity” of the party.

Uzodinma said they came to present the certificate to the president to appreciate his leadership in the country.

“You recall that the election of November 11, our great party, APC, is growing in popularity and came out successfully in Kogi and Imo states,” Uzodinma said.

Our victory at the polls shows that Nigerians are still very happy with the APC. Nigerians voted en mass for the President and this victory validates this claim through the voters in Kogi state and Imo state.

“So we have come to honour the president and also use the opportunity to thank him for his support, advice, and wisdom.

“He imparted on us and achievements he has recorded since he became the president which most of us leverage on to be able to convince the voters to vote for us.”

There was tension in Kano city on Friday as supporters of the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party and the All Progressives Congress vowed to go ahead with their planned protests today (Saturday) in defiance of warnings by the state police command.

The separate protests are for and against the Court of Appeal ruling, which affirmed the governorship election petitions tribunal’s judgment removing Governor Abba Yusuf of the NNPP.

The NNPP supporters are protesting against the judgment of the appellate court and the emergence of a conflicting written judgment that affirmed Yusuf as the duly elected governor, but the court later explained that the removal of the governor was valid as the conflicting written judgment was a clerical error.

On the other hand, supporters of the APC are insisting on their planned protest in support of the party’s governorship candidate, Dr Nasiru Gawuna.

The state police command, however, warned that it would not allow any unauthorised protest capable of snowballing into violence, adding that it would deal decisively with organisers of such and anyone caught fomenting trouble.

The warning was contained in a statement on Friday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, on behalf of state Commissioner of Police, Mr Husaini Gumel.

The statement read in part, “Credible information at the command’s disposal revealed that some groups of people claiming to be political party supporters of both the NNPP and the APC are using various media platforms and mobilising people and planning to enter the streets on Saturday, 25th of November, 2023 to stage protests against the Kano State governorship Appeal Court’s verdict.

"The information further revealed that the intention of the protesters is to shut down the state and attack prominent political party opponents; an action which may likely result in violence.

”At this juncture, the police command is making it categorically clear that no formal notice was received from any of these political parties about the plan to conduct any protest or gathering.”

Haruna added, “The police command is issuing this warning to all residents of the state to be extra careful as whoever intends to conduct any protest or procession should do so only in accordance with the provisions of the law.

“Furthermore, the position of the law is very clear; whoever attempts to disrupt the peace in the state will be arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.

"You will all recall that before and after the Court of Appeal ruling, the leaderships of both the NNPP and the APC had attended a peace meeting and signed an accord among themselves before the Kano State Police Command where both buttressed their stand of working with the security agencies for the promotion of sustainable peace.

"In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Police Command, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, calls on all residents to maintain calmness and avoid any form of unlawful gathering, protest, or procession that may trigger violence as joint security forces have since been dispatched to strategic locations to safeguard peace and order throughout the state.”

Military on alert

The Commander of the 3rd Brigade, Kano, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Jamiu Are, during a courtesy call to him by the leadership of the Kano State Correspondents’ Chapel, gave an assurance that the military would collaborate with the state police command to ensure peaceful co-existence in Kano State.

Are said, “Kano is the commercial nerve centre of the North, and we cannot compromise its security, as it will disrupt the economy of the region in particular and the country at large.

“Kano is not only central, but the nerve centre of all activities in the northern part of the country and the commercial nerve centre of the region. Whatever happens in Kano will spread to parts of the North.”

He pledged that the military would continue to collaborate with other security agencies in the state, like the Department of State Services, the police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps to ensure that the security of lives and property was secured.

Are added, “We do not want anything to happen to Kano; that is why insecurity has been contained in Kano.

This is possible because of so many factors, including the synergy among all the security agencies. Rest assured that all of us that are involved as security agencies are working as one in the way we work.”

Govt blames opposition

When contacted for his reaction on the threat by both the APC and the NNPP to stage protests, the state Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, stated that the position of the government was that the protest was largely being organised by the opposition to discredit the government.

According to him, the opposition is staging a protest ostensibly to cause a breach of the peace.

“We are happy that the state government has called on the security agencies to ensure that they protect lives and property of the people,” the commissioner added.

Dantiye noted that the governor appealed to the good people of Kano to remain calm and have faith in the judicial process of the country.

He said Governor Yusuf called on the people to remain calm and maintain peace and not cause any harm or engage in anything that would cause the destruction of lives and property.

ShenTeh:


Dia Nyee? Bedeno be?

ShenTeh:


BTW, op, are you from Kaiama? It's your handle that's nudging me.

A Thursday statement signed by the Commissioner for Finance, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, said no form of payment should be made to anyone from the government account henceforth.

According to the statement, all “standing orders and investment instructions are hereby cancelled forthwith”.

However, our correspondent gathered that the decision may be connected with the governor’s concerns regarding the performances of some members of his cabinet.

The PUNCH reports that Governor Yahaya Bello last Saturday gave some members of his cabinet, including the local government chairman, a dress down and questioned their loyalty.

According to him, despite being mobilised to provide transportation and other logistics for the electorates during the election, “you have all failed to deliver while the mobilisation funds ended in private pockets.”

The governor went ahead to issue a questionnaire to all 21 loc

The Police Command in Kaduna State said its operatives have arrested a suspected thief who specialised in stealing goats in Pasali Konu village of Kagarko Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Mansur Hassan, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Kaduna that the suspect was arrested on Saturday.

Hassan said that on Nov. 11, at about 0430hrs, a surveillance team and vigilante members, while on visibility patrol at the village, arrested the 20-year-old suspect.

According to him, the suspect hails from Igwa village of Kagarko LGA.

He explained that the suspect armed himself with dangerous weapons and a facemask.

The suspect, who specialised in stealing goats, confessed that they were two that came to the village to steal goats,” Hassan said.

He said when they sighted the patrol team, the other suspect ran away, adding that the Police however arrested the second suspect.

"The other suspect who is at large ran to an unknown destination, but we will trail him and arrest him,” Hassan said.

The police spokesperson said that the suspect would be charged in Court after the preliminary investigations.

Hassan reiterated the command’s commitment to rid the state of all forms of criminality, while he appealed for timely and useful information for proactive measures to nip crimes in the bud. (NAN)

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he does not miss his time as president.

Buhari made the disclosure in an interview with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA).

Daily Trust reports that this is his first interview since leaving office on May 29, 2023.


The former president, when asked about what he misses from his time in office, responded saying: “Miss. I don’t think I miss much.”

The teaser of the interview was released by NTA on its X handle. The full version of the interview will be aired on Monday by 10:30 pm.

Buhari had previously said he would not miss his time in office because he was being “harassed”.

In December 2022, the former president said he was doing his best for Nigerians, but it was not good enough.

“I believe I’m trying my best, but still my best is not good enough. I wonder if I am going to miss much. I think I’m being harassed,” Buhari had said.

Between 2015 and 2021, Buhari spent 171 days on medical vacation in the United Kingdom.

2017 alone accounted for 152 days away.

“I think only my doctor can honestly answer this question,” he had said while speaking on the nature of his illness when he was president.

A former Kaduna Central Senator and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has suggested that merging the People’s Democratic Party, PDP with the Labour Party, LP supporters is like fixing a Ferrari engine into a peugeot vehicle.

Sani stated this in a tweet via his X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.

The former lawmaker stated, “Merging PDP with the young, agile, and restless Labor supporters will be like fixing a Ferrari engine into a peogeot.”

Recall that there were reports earlier speculating a potential merger of the PDP with the Labour Party.

But the Labour Party was quick to dispel the rumour, as it urged Nigerians to disregard the news that the party is working out a merger arrangement with any political party.

Mr Obiora Ifoh, National Publicity Secretary, Labour Party, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

The presidential candidate of the PPD, Atiku Abubakar, had earlier called on opposition parties to form a merger and save Nigeria from slipping into a one-party state.

According to Ifoh, it is purely a news item twisted and sensationalized by a section of the media to embarrass the party.

His words: “In my reaction, I said that it was only a proposal that every Nigerian should be interested in making democracy work and that what we have presently is an autocracy.

"There was nowhere in the response that the purported merger between LP and PDP was mentioned,” he said.

Ifoh said that LP had just concluded the 2023 general election episode and a post-mortem was yet to be held.

He said that the way forward for the party had not been discussed.

“When we do, Nigerians will be properly informed,” he said.

The Labour Party has described the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar’s merger proposal as a good proposal that should be considered.

But the New Nigeria People’s Party said it could only accept the proposal if Atiku would support a former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.

The major opposition parties were reacting to the call by Atiku, on Tuesday, that opposition parties should enter a merger to dislodge the APC from power.

The PUNCH reports that Atiku made the merger proposition while hosting the National Executive Committee of the Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria.

The former Vice President warned against the likelihood of Nigeria slipping into a one-party state.

He said, “We have all seen how the APC is increasingly turning Nigeria into a dictatorship of one party. If we don’t come together to challenge what the ruling party is trying to create, our democracy will suffer for it, and the consequences of it will affect the generations yet unborn.”

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the acting National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, described Atiku’s call as a good preposition that should be considered by every Nigerian.

Ifoh said, “Atiku’s call is a proposition, and every Nigeria will consider a good proposition that is meant to remove the Octopus in power because they are not democrats.

“Every Nigerian is interested in having a true democracy. What we have now is far away from democracy. So, if there is a preposition by opposition elements to ensure that democracy is installed, why not? That preposition must be given a good thought. Anything that will make Nigerians witness democracy is accepted."

But the NNPP described Atiku’s call as emotional and medicine after death.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Yakubu Shendam, said any merger being considered must be to support Kwankwaso to become President, otherwise, the NNPP was not interested.

Shendam said, “This is like medicine after death. If there is any future collaboration, it should not be as a result of emotions. We are going all along because we have a gladiator who has the capacity to take over Nigeria.

"We believe that there is a need to canvass for support from people to win the election, from all sides. However, we believe that single-handedly Kwankwaso can deliver Nigeria in 2027.

“But that doesn’t mean that we are not looking for players like Atiku to join our party. If there is going to be a merger, it should be with the NNPP, because Atiku is now retiring, so, he should support Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

"We don’t want to join forces with people who are under emotions but we are comfortable as a party having a person like Rabiu Kwankwaso, as our national leader. We are calling on Atiku as an elder brother to close ranks with Kwankwaso if he wants to be relevant in 2027.”

Meanwhile, the ruling APC said it was not moved or threatened by Atiku’s call for opposition parties to close ranks against the ruling party.

The APC Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, said, “How and why should we (be threatened)? Atiku has been trashed in the court and trashed in the public opinion. In what way does Atiku and his party have the wherewithal to instill threat in the mind of the party in power?

“The PDP, as far as Nigeria is concerned, is inconsequential. Atiku and the PDP do not have the power to instill fear in the ruling party, especially a party that is progressive.”