Author Archives: News All Around

By: Abba Rufai

The decision of Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, to re-award the revoked section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway to a new company has received backing from Northern Professionals. The group praised the move, stating that the re-award of the road contract for the important route linking northern states is laudable.

The Federal Government had previously revoked a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway contract handled by Julius Berger Construction Company due to a price dispute and completion timeline issues. However, with the recent decision, Northern Professionals have expressed joy, stating that their initial fears of possible delay and abandonment have been allayed.

In a statement jointly signed by Chairman Dr. Isa Samaila Getso and Secretary Comrade Ibrahim Mohammad Geidam, the group thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking proactive action to complete the Abuja-Kaduna road. They acknowledged being bitter and unsettled when the contract handled by Julius Berger was revoked but expressed happiness that the road, which had become a death trap, would now be completed.

“We want to unequivocally thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking proactive action to complete the Abuja Kaduna road,” the statement read. “We were highly bitter and unsettled when the news filtered that the contract handled by Julius Berger was revoked, but with the recent decision, we are happy that the road that has become death traps would now be completed.”

The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road project is a significant highway project aimed at improving connections between northern regions of Nigeria and the southern parts to enhance transportation, trade, and economic development in the region.

The Northern Professionals further stated that the completion of the road project would have a positive impact on the economy and security of the region. They commended Minister Umahi for his commitment to completing the project and expressed their support for the Federal Government’s efforts to improve infrastructure in the country.

The group also called on the new contractor to ensure timely completion of the project and to maintain high standards of quality. They also urged the Federal Government to provide adequate funding for the project to ensure its completion without further delays.

Angered by the recent criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu policies by prominent northerners , the Northeast based Socio-Political Group under umbrella of Forum for Northeast Development has condemned Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed and Major Hamza Almustapha Former Chief Security Officer to late former Head of State , Gen Sani Abacha, Major Almustapha.

The Forum, which claimed Tinubu’s reform would be of great benefits to the north in the long run said, it has carefully studied the President after he was sworn in, and discovered he means well .

He however, stated that it has come out to back the new tax reform policies initiated by President Bola Ahmed Bola Tinubu, because the Northeast and entire northern region will benefit immensely.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Forum,Alhaji Baba Mala Biu and Comrade Lawan Mohammed, the Forum for Northeast Development explained :”First,we have no reason to complain because our son that the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima is from the northeast geopolitical zone and we believe he can’t betray us as a people as one of the trusted individuals that we rely upon politically.

“It is really unfortunate that some northerners such as :Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed and Former Chief Security Officer to late former Head State ,Major Hamza Almustapha have raised voices against a president that is working hard to restore the economy and indices of growth and development.

Whiles urging people of northeast and other parts of the north to remain hopeful and have confidence in Tinubu and Shettima led administration, it expressed optimism that the tax Reform policies and other economic reform policies are geared toward establishing a solid foundation for sustainable development in the region.

So, it is unwise and unacceptable for anyone from northeast region to join haters of the President to criticize reforms geared revamping our economy.

The forum however, condemned the duo of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed and Former Chief Security Officer to Late Head of State,Gen. Sani Abacha for their unnecessary criticisms and game of playing to gallery to gain cheap popularity.

Recalled that former Chief Security Officer and ex-presidential candidate of Action Alliance (AA), Major Hamza Al-Mustapha claimed President Bola Tinubu squandered has his goodwill with his shambolic performance since assuming office, highlighting the need for Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s potential, describing it as a ‘blessed but disorganised land.

Similarly ,Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, had criticised President Bola Tinubu, saying his economic reform policies are putting the North and Nigerians at large under strain.

But, we are putting the records straight that President Tinubu together with Senate Kashim Shettima are two set of focused and committed individuals who are passionate and have sound knowledge about good governance and selfless service to the humanity.

It against this back that we asked people from the Northeast to support President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to succeed and take us that desires level of development.

Abu Doke

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has expressed profound disappointment and outrage at the recent actions of the Northern Governors’ Forum regarding the proposed tax reform bills.

NAN in a statement issued by it’s Chairman Salihu Suleiman also condemned in the strongest possible terms the governors’ blatant disregard for the democratic principles of consultation and transparency. Their unilateral decision to proceed with these bills, after previously assuring the populace of their opposition, constitutes a profound betrayal of public trust and a grave abuse of power.

“NAN demands a full and transparent explanation of the governors’ decision-making process, along with a clear accounting of how they arrived at their conclusions without any demonstrable evidence of consultation with the very people they misled.

“The Northern Governors’ initially presented a united front against the proposed tax reforms, leveraging public sentiment and concerns to seemingly champion the interests of the Northern region. They actively campaigned against the bills, portraying them as detrimental to the economic wellbeing of Northerners. This strategic positioning skillfully gained the trust and confidence of the populace, who overwhelmingly rejected the reforms based on the governors’ assurances.

“However, the recent shift in stance demonstrates a cynical manipulation of public opinion, a calculated ploy to win popular support only to subsequently abandon it for reasons yet to be explained. This calculated deception is not merely a political misstep; it is a profound breach of the social contract between the governors and the people they represent.

“The subsequent adoption of the bills without prior notice or meaningful consultation reveals a disregard for democratic processes and a contempt for the will of the people.
The Northern Governors’ Forum has failed to provide any credible evidence of consultation with relevant stakeholders before endorsing the tax reform bills. This omission is unacceptable. A crucial element of good governance involves transparent and inclusive decision-making processes.

“Meaningful engagement with communities, civil society organizations, and other representatives of the populace is paramount before enacting legislation with such potentially significant implications. The absence of any public consultation renders the governors’ decision arbitrary and illegitimate. It undermines the democratic foundation upon which their authority rests.

The Northern Awareness Network demands a comprehensive explanation for this lack of consultation, including the identification of all individuals and groups who were involved in the decision-making process. We also demand the release of all documentation relating to the decision to support the bills, including any internal memos, correspondence, and analyses that informed the governors’ change of heart.

The Governors’ attempt to justify their sudden change of heart by suggesting that the tax reforms will ultimately benefit the Northern region rings hollow in the absence of concrete evidence. Their claim that the previously condemned bills will now somehow have a positive impact on the region lacks credibility and smacks of desperation.

This assertion appears to be a thinly veiled attempt to buy time and deflect criticism for their about-face. It is a blatant attempt to mask their failures and avoid accountability for their actions. The Northern Awareness Network challenges the governors to present compelling evidence, backed by rigorous data and independent analysis, to substantiate their claims.

We demand a detailed breakdown of how these reforms will specifically improve the economic conditions in the Northern region, addressing concerns about potential negative impacts on vulnerable populations. Without such evidence, the governors’ justification remains unconvincing and further fuels public distrust.

“The Northern Awareness Network demands immediate and concrete action from the Northern Governors’ Forum. We call upon them to Publicly apologize for the deception and betrayal of public trust, Provide a full and transparent explanation of the decision-making process that led to the endorsement of the tax reform bills, including the identification of all individuals and organizations involved, release all relevant documentation pertaining to the decision”.

NAN also demand the governors to conduct a thorough and independent review of the potential impact of the tax reforms on the Northern region, involving representatives from civil society, academia, and other relevant stakeholders, engage in meaningful and inclusive consultations with the people of the North before proceeding with the implementation of the reforms.

“The Northern Governors’ Forum’s actions represent a grave threat to democratic governance in the Northern region. Their blatant disregard for the principles of consultation, transparency, and accountability has eroded public trust and undermined the legitimacy of their authority.

“The Northern Awareness Network will not stand idly by while our elected officials engage in such deceitful and manipulative tactics. We will continue to advocate for good governance, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that the voices of the Northern people are heard and respected. We will closely monitor the governors’ response to our demands and take further action if necessary to ensure that justice is served and the interests of the people are protected. We call on all Northerners to demand accountability from their leaders and actively participate in the fight for a more just and transparent governance system”.

ENDS

By Chika Odili

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on the Northern Governors to provide a clear and transparent explanation for their sudden change of heart regarding the national tax reform bills. The governors initially opposed the reforms, citing concerns about their potential negative impact on the Northern economy. However, they have now inexplicably capitulated to the reforms, leaving many questioning their motives.

According to the ACF, the governors’ actions have raised serious concerns about their commitment to the development of the North. The organization has urged the governors to provide a detailed explanation for their change of heart, including any concessions that may have been made that would compromise the effectiveness of the tax reforms.

The ACF’s call for an explanation comes amidst growing criticism of the Northern Governors’ handling of the tax reform debate. Many have accused the governors of prioritizing their own interests over the needs of their constituents, and of failing to provide effective leadership on the issue.

The ACF has emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, and has urged the Northern Governors to prioritize the needs of their constituents. The organization has also called for greater engagement and dialogue between the governors and their constituents, in order to build trust and ensure that the needs of the people are being met.

The tax reform debate has highlighted the need for effective leadership and governance in Nigeria. The ACF’s call for an explanation from the Northern Governors serves as a reminder that leaders must prioritize the needs of their constituents and work towards promoting sustainable development and economic progress.

In a statement, the ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Yawe, said: “The ACF is concerned about the sudden change of heart by the Northern Governors regarding the tax reform bills. We urge them to provide a clear and transparent explanation for their actions, and to prioritize the needs of their constituents.”

The ACF’s call for an explanation has been supported by many stakeholders, who have expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the handling of the tax reform debate.

As the issue continues to unfold, it is crucial for stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and to prioritize the nation’s development. The ACF’s call for an explanation from the Northern Governors serves as a reminder that leaders must prioritize the needs of their constituents and work towards promoting sustainable development and economic progress.

By Mike Odeh James

Kaduna, Nigeria – The Northern Coalition of Socio-Political Groups (NCSPG) has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, of sabotaging the administration of current Governor, Senator Uba Sani. The accusation was made at a press conference held at the Arewa House in Kaduna, where Comrade Musa Mohammed, the National President of NCSPG, revealed that the coalition had uncovered a plot by El-Rufai to undermine Governor Uba Sani’s administration.

According to Mohammed, El-Rufai’s actions are in response to the Kaduna State House Assembly’s adoption of a report recommending that El-Rufai and his aides be investigated for alleged financial mismanagement. The report accused El-Rufai’s administration of leaving behind a debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities.

Mohammed stated that instead of cooperating with the investigation, El-Rufai had resorted to clandestine meetings and plotting against Governor Uba Sani. The coalition warned El-Rufai to desist from his actions, emphasizing that they would not hesitate to defend Governor Uba Sani and the people of Kaduna State.

The NCSPG expressed satisfaction with Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, citing his commitment to good governance despite the challenges posed by the debt burden inherited from El-Rufai’s administration. Mohammed noted that Governor Uba Sani had decided to follow due process in unraveling the truth about the debt burden, rather than resorting to confrontation.

The coalition vowed to resist any attempts by El-Rufai to unseat Governor Uba Sani, emphasizing that the people of Kaduna State would not be swayed by El-Rufai’s “evil machinations.” Mohammed declared

A prominent Niger Delta Youth Group Leader, has defended Tantita Security Services Nigeria limited’s record, on preventing oil theft and improving the country’s oil production quota.

This comes after criticism from Comrade Jude Gbaboyor, former Secretary General of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), who had petitioned the management of Arise Television to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), over alleged false claims that Nigeria had recorded two million barrels per day in crude oil production.

Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, Chairman of the Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN), Delta State Chapter, has come out in support of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. Fajoye stated that though he was not willing to join words with Gbaboyor, he would like to say that no sincere Nigerian or true son of the Niger Delta region would support his claims.

Nothing that apart from securing oil installations & pipelines in the Niger Delta region, through a community/people friendly formation, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has also brought peace to the once chaotic waterways and creeks in the region, this he said, is a testament to the company’s commitment to securing the region and improving oil production in the country.

Fajoye went on to highlight the various measures that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has implemented to combat oil theft. He stated that the company has detected and eliminated several illegal operations, including the discovery of 3,963 incidents related to oil theft between August 2022 and November 2024.

According to him, these incidents included 702 illegal connection points, 971 theft cases, and 1,784 illegal refineries, leading to the destruction of 3,063 facilities. This, he said, demonstrates the company’s commitment to tackling oil theft and ensuring that the country’s oil installations are protected.

Fajoye also stated that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has apprehended several vessels and equipment involved in illegal oil activities. He listed the apprehended equipment amongst others, to include eight vessels, three tugboats, six barges, 117 vehicles, 52 tanker trucks, 47 fiber/speed boats, seven tricycles/motorcycles, and 1,743 wooden boats.

In addition to these efforts, Fajoye noted that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has collaborated with government and security agencies to enhance coordinated efforts against oil theft. He stated that the company has partnered with the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police Force, Civil Defence, and the Department of State Security Services to tackle oil theft, in ensuring the security of lives, properties and oil installations in the region. He went on to also highlight the company's use of advanced surveillance technologies to monitor oil installations and detect illegal activities. He stated that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited employs state-of-the-art technology, including drones, sensors, and satellite imagery, for real-time monitoring of oil installations.

According to Fajoye, the efforts of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited have led to a significant reduction in oil losses. He stated that the company’s operations contributed to a 79% reduction in crude oil losses, which is a testament to the company’s effectiveness in combating oil theft and improving oil production.

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State Chapter, has expressed disappointment over Punch Newspaper’s criticism of the federal government’s decision to establish a Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Southern Kaduna. In a press statement signed by the Chairman, Luka Binniyat, the MBF questioned the newspaper’s motives, wondering why it did not condemn the establishment of four new federal tertiary institutions in Zaria town, which already has 11 federal institutions.

According to Binniyat, the Punch Newspaper’s editorial of January 7, 2025, dismissing the new university as “political” and a “Greek gift,” was unfair and demonstrated a lack of understanding of the historical marginalization of Southern Kaduna. “We feel that had the Editors of Punch been armed with the shocking marginalization that Southern Kaduna has suffered in the allocation of federal institutions in Kaduna State, they would have written their editorial from a rather sympathetic perspective,” Binniyat said.

The MBF chairman noted that Southern Kaduna, which makes up 12 local government areas out of the 23 in Kaduna State, has been neglected in the allocation of federal institutions. “Kaduna State has an approximate landmass of 46,000 square kilometers, out of which Southern Kaduna has an estimated 26,000 square kilometers. Yet, Southern Kaduna has no single university,” Binniyat lamented.

Binniyat also pointed out that the new university in Kachia already has a well-developed physical structure, courtesy of the privately-built Nok University, which was forfeited to the federal government by the EFCC. “Unlike Speaker Abbas, who secured N80 billion funding for Zaria’s new schools, the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, is not costing the federal government much to build,” he said.

The MBF chairman questioned the Punch Newspaper’s silence on the establishment of four new federal tertiary institutions in Zaria town, which already has 11 federal institutions. “Why didn’t the Editors of Punch write their editorial condemning the creation of new federal universities when Zaria town, which is already saturated with federal institutions, got additional four new ones?” Binniyat asked.

Binniyat also expressed concern that the Punch Newspaper’s criticism may be motivated by a desire to discourage the federal government from establishing the new university. “We suspect that the motive behind the Punch Editorial is to discourage the federal government from seeing the takeoff of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia,” he said.

The MBF chairman emphasized the importance of the new university to the people of Southern Kaduna, who have been historically marginalized. “A university is not merely a place of learning; it is an economy and a development hub of its own, with accompanied value chains that could dramatically spark unprecedented prosperity to its area of location and environs,” Binniyat said.

Binniyat called on the Punch Newspaper to reconsider its stance on the new university, noting that the MBF would appreciate a follow-up editorial that takes into account the historical context of Southern Kaduna’s marginalization. “We hope that the Punch Newspaper will do the right thing and give us a balanced reportage,” he said.

In conclusion, Binniyat reiterated the MBF’s commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of the people of Southern Kaduna. “We will continue to speak out against injustice and marginalization, and we will not be silenced by critics who do not understand our struggles,” he said.

Residents of Sankwab Runji community in Zango Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State have decried constant collapse of primary School classes which adversely affects academic activities in the community.

The school’s classrooms, with broken walls and crumbling infrastructure, have become a symbol of neglect but also of determination.

The LGEA Primary School which serves about 200 pupils from the village and nearby areas, has been functioning in a precarious state for years.

Two blocks of classrooms have partially collapsed walls, exposing the students to extreme weather conditions whereby during rainy seasons, water seeps through the broken walls flooding the classrooms, while in dry seasons cold winds whip through the exposed spaces, making learning a big challenge.

Lamenting to our reporter, the Chairman, Parents Teachers Association of the school Mr. Bitrus Magaji said the school has only 4 Teachers who have been making extraordinary efforts to ensure learning continues.

Mr. Bitrus Magaji continued by stating that every year community members make voluntary financial contributions and community service towards fixing the school but each year comes with it’s challenges

The school has been using tree shades to carry out some class lessons However, these temporary fixes are far from being adequate, whereby some parents had to transfer their wards to nearby public or private schools.

Youth Leader of the community Mr. Livinus Achi and Mr. Joseph Bitrus who is a parent, expressed frustration over the development and called on the State Government and Local Government Chairman Engineer Bege Joseph to come to their assistance.

“We have being engaging ourselves in community service where we tasks each family some token for repair work at the school after which we contract builders to come and fix the collapsed structures but after some months, another side will collapse and the situation becomes worst that is why we are calling on our Governor, Senator Uba Sani and the Local Government Chairman Engineer Bege Joseph to come to our assistance”

According to the youth leader, the school was established in 1992 when government build a 2 classroom block and the principal’s office but all other classes where built through community efforts.

The parents believe that with government intervention, resilience of the students and the dedication of their teachers will inspire change and enable the children achieve their future dreams.

“The plight of LGEA Primary School Sankwab Runji serves as a stark reminder of the disparities in access to quality education in rural areas. It also highlights the strength of communities that refuse to let adversity stand in the way of their children’s futures”

Apparently angered by the recent alleged claim of assassination,and non performance, the Kaduna Elders Forum has demanded recall of Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, representing Kaduna Central senatorial district for undermining the peace of the State; poor representation and failure to deliver on campaign promises.

According to the Elders Forum,in the history of Senatorial representation in the state, no elected lawmaker has performed beyond expectation like senator Lawal Adamu.

The Kaduna Elders Forum, which demanded for the recall of the Senator in Press Statement signed by the Chairman ,Alhaji Inuwa Bala Rigasa expressed disappointment over his alleged claim of assassination and failure to speak and fight for the masses despite overt biting economic hardship.

Lawal Adamu Usman, the senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, has reportedly survived an alleged assassination attempt.

Recalled the senator, who was elected to the Senate in 2023 raised alarm over attempted assassination, but did not provide detailed information about the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.

The forum disclosed that the Kaduna Police Command in a press release signed by the Public Relations Officer,DSP Mansir Hassan said, “Without mincing words, the Command is yet to receive any formal complaint from the distinguished Senator, aside from this astonishing publication on the social media, and all efforts to contact him proved abortive.”

The statement further reads: Worst of all ,we were embarrassed when Senator Lawal Adamu posted that he was attacked by thugs in Kaduna during the New Year Day .

“We did set up machinery to investigate and confirm the veracity of the attack claim and as the time is issuing this press statement neither the police or members of Kawo communities have confirmed the occurrence of such incident.

“At this stage,we can no longer contain his excuses thus we are demanding for his Recall immediately from the Senate.”

“It is unfortunate that despite being in the red chamber for over 18 months Senator Lawal Adamu Usman has remained mute and unaccessible to his constituents.”

… Queries veracity of the claim

Progressives Forum for Kaduna Development (KFKD) has dismissed the claim of attack by the Senator representing Kaduna Senatorial District, Senator Lawal Adamu popularly known as Mr. LA as a false alarm raised by a drowning lawmaker,who has failed in his duty to deliver since elected.

According to the Forum, Kaduna youths have restrained from such violent attacks on people and communities since Senator Uba Sani became Governor of the State.

It was reported that Senator Lawal Adamu was attacked on Wednesday,New Year Day, while visiting his Senatorial District.

But in a reaction to the claim as reported, the Kaduna based political group,said the alleged assassination attempt on the lawmaker while visiting his constituency for the New Year celebration was nothing but false and should be disregarded.

The statement signed by the Coordinator,Comrade Musa Baba Aliyu further reads: “We can authoritatively say without mincing words that Kaduna citizens have become more refined and peaceful in recent times. And we strongly believe that he’s just raising false alarm to draw sympathy to himself after he couldn’t perform and even speak on matters affecting growth and development of the State.

“Why is it that no lawmaker or politician was attacked over past 19 months despite harsh economy caused by removal of fuel subsidy.

“Though the Senator,who is Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education raised the alarm via his Facebook account,”I have just escaped an assassination attempt by some thugs in Kaduna North, “We demand pictorial or video evidence of when the assailants pelted the lawmaker’s vehicle with stones as claimed and reported.”

“We know that people criticised Senator Usman’s performance at the National Assembly for non-performance since his election. He said some of his constituents are not happy with the lawmaker.

“He also claimed that the action angered the residents and that many people in the senatorial district have vowed to oppose his re-election.

“He is viewed as the worst performing senator in history of lawmakers that have represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District since the return to democracy in 1999

“He has never stood up to speak on matters that affected the state since elected and sworn-in as Senator.”