Author Archives: News All Around

Musa Kankara

Kaduna,

In a stunning turn of events, nine Adara Elders have dragged former Kaduna Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai, to court over alleged human rights abuses, seeking N2.3 billion in damages.

Led by former Chairman of the Adara Development Association, Mr. Aweni Dio Maisamari, the claimants demand justice for their unjust imprisonment by the El-Rufai-led administration in 2019.

According to their lawyer, Gloria Ballason, El-Rufai specifically directed the arrest of Maisamari without investigation or reasonable suspicion of crime. The court found no evidence against them and dismissed the case.

The Adara Elders were imprisoned for over three months, alongside other prominent community leaders, including a former Commissioner of Police and the Waziri Adara, who was next in line to the murdered Chief, Rafael Maiwada Galadima.

“The Nasiru El-Rufai administration was notorious for rights violations, including killings, wrongful imprisonments, and attacks,” Ballason stated.

The claimants are seeking damages, including:

• N900 million for arbitrary arrest and perpetual injunction
• N100 million for general and exemplary damages
• N500 million for other damages incurred during the court case
• N800 million in special damages given the quantum of rights violated

Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court Kaduna adjourned the case to next month, allowing time for proper service to the respondent

Today, we celebrate the birthday of Coach Judith Seember Benson, a remarkable figure in the world of football and a true trailblazer from Benue State.

As a born football administrator and a certified advanced coach with the Nigeria Institute For Sports (NIS), Coach Judith has made significant contributions to the sport, earning her rightful place in history.

*A Record of Achievement*
Coach Judith made headlines last year when she became the only female coach from Benue State to graduate from National Institute For Sports advanced coaching program. This milestone not only showcased her dedication but also highlighted the potential of women in sports leadership, inspiring many aspiring female athletes and coaches in the region.

*The Invincible Angels of Gboko*
One of Judith’s most notable achievements is her instrumental role in establishing The Invincible Angels of Gboko, a prominent female football team that emerged following the dissolution of the Benue Queens.
Under her guidance, the team has gained recognition and respect in the local and national football scenes, becoming a stronghold for female talent in the region.

*Commitment to Continuous Learning*
In her quest for further knowledge and excellence, Coach Judith has taken proactive steps to enhance her coaching skills. With the support of Barr. Paul Edeh and the Benue State Football Association, she is currently enrolled in the ongoing CAF C coaching training course. This commitment to continuous development reflects her dedication to nurturing and grooming future footballers.

Today, as we honor Coach Judith Benson on her birthday, we celebrate not just her achievements but also her role as a mentor and leader in the community. She embodies resilience, passion, and a vision for a brighter future in women’s football.

*Happy birthday, Judith! May this year bring you even more success and inspire countless others to follow in your footsteps.

By

Samuel Akaolisa Enwerem
FCT 2023 senatorial candidate, wishing Coach Judy Benson a happy birthday today

By: Tunde Olanrewaju

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) reacting to recent troubling incidents involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its treatment of Former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has called on the anti-graft agency to come clean in the matter.

AYCF said it finds the actions of the EFCC on the 18th of September, 2024, alarming and deserving of serious public scrutiny because reports have it that the former governor, popularly known as GYB, voluntarily presented himself to the EFCC’s office, complying with all due processes and protocols expected from a citizen facing scrutiny.

A statement issued by the forum’s President General, Yerima Shettima, said instead of engaging him (GYB) in a meaningful dialogue aimed at clarifying any allegations against him, the EFCC inexplicably failed to follow through, opting instead to plan a heavy-handed operation reminiscent of state-sponsored intimidation.

“The subsequent heavy armed surveillance at the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja, including sporadic gunfire purportedly associated with the EFCC’s operatives, not only jeopardizes the safety of GYB but also sends a chilling message regarding the agency’s commitment to impartiality and fairness.

“This behavior poses fundamental questions about the EFCC’s operational integrity and its motivations in targeting specific individuals, particularly those from minority ethnic groups. Moreover, the disparity in the treatment of different political figures raises eyebrows.

“While GYB was met with armed siege, it is notable that the EFCC exhibited a vastly different demeanor when the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, reported to its office amidst a crowd of supporters. This inconsistency indicates an alarming bias that must not only be addressed but also rectified.”

Shettima queried: “What are the true intentions behind these maneuvers by the EFCC? What criteria are they using to determine who is subjected to their procedural scrutiny? The selective operational tactics employed by the EFCC creates the unsettling notion that the agency may be acting under undue influence, serving certain interests rather than fulfilling its paramount duty to uphold justice and equity for all Nigerians.”

The AYCF, however, said it remained resolute in its call for transparency and accountability in the actions of public institutions, especially those tasked with fighting corruption, adding that former governors with cases to answer, regardless of their ethnic affiliations or political connections, must be treated with the same level of scrutiny.

“It is unacceptable for the EFCC, under the leadership of Mr. Olu Olukoyede, to overlook significant financial misappropriations involving individuals from certain ethnic backgrounds while escalating attacks against others.”

Shettima also said the alarming atmosphere of intimidation fostered by the EFCC must be addressed with urgency. “We are particularly concerned about the safety and well-being of GYB in light of these developments. It is imperative that the Nigerian government and relevant authorities take immediate action to protect him and ensure that due process is followed.

“Moreover, we wish to convey our concerns to international community members regarding the concerning patterns of selective justice and the potential implications for human rights. We urge global organizations and foreign governments to monitor these developments closely as we collectively champion the cause of justice for all Nigerians.

“In conclusion, as we heed the words of General Omar N. Bradley, let us remember that a failure to prevent unjust actions can lead to dire consequences.”

AYCF reiterated its firm stand against any misuse of power by the EFCC or any other institution against the people of Kogi State or any state in Nigeria.

Magareth David

The Yoruba Youth Council, (YYC) has called on the Zamfara State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Dauda Lawal over his alleged shoddy handling of the deteriorating security situation in their troubled state. This is even as the youth council caution the Governor to stop attacking the Minister of State for Defence and his predecessor, Alhaji Bello Matawalle. The ethnic group also deplored the alleged refusal by the Governor to work in harmony with the Minister in the ongoing sweeping efforts by the military to crush the escalating banditry, and thus the worrisome insecurity ravaging the state.


The YYC in a statement issued by its President, Comrade Eric Oluwole, said, “It is appalling and unacceptable that rather than cooperate with the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in crushing the worsening banditry in his state, he is the one fuelling the bandits in their bloody attacks which have claimed many lives because his is not a listening Governor.


According to Oluwole: “Information reaching us through a document in a social media shows that the Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, on July 2, 2024, approved a whopping N1.378 billion “to finance the state government reconciliation programme with bandits in order to bring the menace to an end”.


“The money was to be shared to five notorious banditry kingpins including Kachalla Dogu Dide (N200 million); Kachalla Bello Turji (N200m); Ado Alero (N200m): Kachalla Halilu Sububu (N150m); and Gwaska Dan Karami ((N150m). Among the quoted beneficiaries of the largesse were also six “media promoters” including a prominent online media outfit (N100m); Jackson Ude (N150m); Bashir Hadejia (N100m); Shaibu Mungadi (N50m); Tijani Lamaran (N50m); and Danbiliki Kwawanda (N20m).


Governor Lawal, it was learnt approved the above money as shared, from the State Security Trust Fund following a request on June 30, 2024 by the Secretary to the State Government, Mal. Abubakar Nakwanda. He had asked the governor to “Direct the state Ministry of Finance to release the said amount for distribution to the beneficiaries listed above as a matter of urgency.”


Oluwole said: “We think that Dauda Lawal should be impeached as the Governor of Zamfara State in view of his conivance with, and funding of bandits with state resources to fund the reign of terror in his state.


“Regrettably still, recently, the Yoruba Youths Council monitored Governor Lawal’s interview on a TV station calling for the resignation of Alhaji Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence.


“We make bold to say that viewing the current situation in Zamfara, Mr Governor could not have accused his predecessor of not doing enough. This is because Alhaji Bello Matawalle has tried his best to work with him, but Governor Dauda Lawal has refused his intervention.


“We expect that the Governor of a state being ravaged by banditry everywhere is not supposed to jeopardise any effort from anywhere to crush banditry and restore normalcy in the beleaguered state.


“Yoruba youths have been monitoring Zamfara issues over time, and we cannot allow Governor Dauda Lawal to continue molesting Alhaji Bello Matawalle as one of the best Ministers in the administration of Tinubu Government.


“Bello Matawalle has been a man working hard for the good development of Zamfara state.”


Oluwole noted the successes recently recorded by the nation’s gallant armed forces in the ongoing onslaught against banditry in the North, including the neutralization of the notorious banditry kingpin Halilu Sububu, and the arrest of another gun running banditry kingpin, Bashir Hadejia.


The YYC President recalled the group’s statement on the achievements being recorded by the military in the ongoing battle to crush banditry. It was titled “Governor Dauda Lawal Faces Public Scrutiny Amid Anti-Banditry Operations in Zamfara”


According to the statement: “In recent months, Zamfara State has been a focal point of concern as significant developments unfold in the ongoing battle against insecurity and lawlessness, primarily attributed to the activities of bandit leaders.


“The arrest of Bashir Hadejiya, a notorious gun running figure, coupled with the neutralization of infamous bandits such as Halilu Sububu, marks an apparent attempt by the state

By Abubakar Sadiq

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has called for the resignation of Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal, citing his failure to provide effective governance and alleged involvement in financial misconduct linked to terror groups.

The forum condemned Governor Lawal’s call for Defence Minister Bello Mohammed Matawalle’s resignation, stating it is misplaced and indicative of deeper governance issues.

Allegations surround Governor Lawal’s request for One Billion, Three Hundred and Seventy-Eight Million Naira for a reconciliation program with notorious bandits, including Bello Turji, Dogo Gide, Ado Aliero, Halilu Sububu, and Gwaska Dan Karami.

The NSCF questioned the ethical governance of Zamfara State, citing the recent arrest of Governor Lawal’s aide, Bashir Hadejiya, on serious charges of gun running and international criminal conspiracy.

Defence Minister Matawalle’s progress against banditry, including eliminating leaders and reducing violence, should not be overshadowed by Governor Lawal’s politically motivated attacks.

The NSCF demands Governor Lawal’s resignation, threatening to advocate for a state of emergency if he fails to step down.

The forum urges stakeholders, including the Federal Government and civil society, to recognize the urgency of the situation and act decisively.

Governor Lawal is urged to prioritize the wellbeing and safety of Zamfara’s citizens above political expediency.

“We implore Governor Dauda Lawal to resign in the interest of peace and security within Zamfara State. The time is now to place the wellbeing of our people above all else, for in their safety and prosperity lies the future of our communities,” said Comrade Danjuma Paul, convener of the NSCF.

By Adina Garba

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has called for the immediate resignation of Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, citing alarming evidence of his involvement in financing terror groups operating in the region. This demand comes in response to Governor Lawal’s recent comments demanding the resignation of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle [1).

According to AYCF President General Yerima Shettima, Governor Lawal’s actions and desperation have escalated significantly since the arrest of his former aide, Bashir Hadejiya, on serious charges of gun running and international criminal conspiracy. Furthermore, the elimination of bandit leader Halilu Sububu and the diminishing power of criminal factions, attributed to Minister Matawalle’s efforts, have exacerbated Lawal’s unease.

A recently circulated document, RE-NORTH-WESTERN GOVERNORS/UN-ORGANIZED SECURITY SUMMIT IN KATSINA, reveals intricate ties between Governor Lawal and criminal enterprises. The document requests One Billion, Three Hundred and Seventy-Eight Million Naira for a dubious state government reconciliation programme with notorious bandit leaders, including Bello Turji, Dogo Gide, Ado Aliero, and Gwaska Dan Karami. This initiative raises serious ethical and legal concerns.

AYCF views Governor Lawal’s calls for Matawalle’s resignation as a diversionary tactic and a grave misunderstanding of the region’s dire circumstances. The forum stresses that Minister Matawalle’s ongoing efforts have yielded palpable results in the battle against banditry, weakening the affiliates of criminality that Governor Lawal appears to be shielding.

The AYCF urges Governor Lawal to step down, citing his tenure’s dangerous overlap of governance and criminality. Should he fail to resign voluntarily, the forum advocates for a total state of emergency in Zamfara State, entailing Lawal’s removal and the appointment of a military sole administrator.

The people of Zamfara and the broader region deserve governance prioritizing their safety and well-being. As AYCF emphasized, “The time for decisive action is now.”

Muri Alade

The Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria Chartered (ISMNC), on Thursday expressed its readiness to partner with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation in providing strategic leadership training and capacity building for senior-level public servants.

President and Chairman, Governing Board of the Institute, Mr Alex Ndudi Enebeli, said this when he led a delegation of the Institute’s officials on a courtesy visit to the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Esther Didi Walson-Jack in Abuja.

He said the Institute which was founded in 2003 and chartered in 2023, is Africa’s premier institution dedicated to the strategic development of professionals and organisations.

Enebeli said the mission of the Institute is to advance knowledge and skills in strategic management, leadership, governance, entrepreneurship and innovation through research, education, training, certification and the induction and regulation of members.

He said the purpose of the visit was to seek the partnership of the Office of the Head of Civil Service for greater impact strategic leadership and policy implementation, saying, the office “as the hub of government operations, plays a critical role in the execution of government policies and programmes.”

According to him, the collaboration will be mutually beneficial, as it will help in strengthening both the office of the Head of Civil Service and the broader public service.

He said the Institute has identified three key areas of collaboration which include programme support; supporting the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) 2021-2025 and public service professionalisation.

“At ISMNC, we are committed to delivering quality and result-oriented professional development. We believe in transformative innovation – not only through methodologies but through mindset change. Our aim is not just to respond to known challenges, but unlock new opportunities through strategic design and execution.

We prepare people to be flexible specialists. The world is changing so fast and only those who are flexible can meet up”, Enebeli said.

Responding, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Esther Didi Walson-Jack, expressed delight over the mission of the Institute, which she said aligns with that of her office.

“You know, we have so much in common, not only for me as an individual, but also the office itself. Because I see that much of what you are doing are things that this office actually is greatly involved in. And so, your vision of strategic management, leadership and governance, and innovation are critical to some of the key areas that we deal with in this office.

“Specifically, we have the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025, which is actually the strategy document housing the ongoing civil service reforms. And in this document, we have the six pillars of the reforms. And I would let you know that the very first pillar is capability building and talent management.

“And so I see that your vision resonates squarely with pillar one of our strategy documents. And so I listened carefully to all that you said and to the three key areas which you have identified for collaboration with this office. I’ll take them one at a time.

“You talked about programme support and the fact that you are offering to us a short course on leading strategic change. I think this is a good place to Start. Because without mincing words, yes, yes, and yes.

“Our vision actually is to tackle capability building from all angles. Right now, we’re in the process of procuring an e-learning platform. And as you mentioned, we chose that e-learning platform so that you are fully abreast of our activities.

“We have the SMART-P and LEAD-P programmes. At the moment, we are thinking of expanding pillar one to the extent that we will have a centre of excellence which will manage all the different programmes under pillar one. And so I’d like to appreciate your offer and to say we accept your offer and we will look into how we can expand it as time goes on”, she said.

She urged the Institute to provide her office with a contact person who will liaise with the permanent secretary, career management office, so they can work out the details of the different levels of collaboration.

Among members of the delegation from the Institute include, Mr Obitunde Obiyemi, Registrar and CEO; Dr Jummai Umar-Ajijola, Chair, Board of Fellows; Dr Otive Igbuzor, past President; Mr Adeyemi Mapaderun, member, Governing Board; Mrs Rachel Kotso, Chair, Abuja Chapter; Dr Vitalis Emeka Obi, Permanent Secretary, Budget and Dr Emmanuel Meribole, Permanent Secretary, Aviation.

The meeting also had in attendance, permanent secretaries, directors and other top officials from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

By Femi Adi, Kaduna

When Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani was sworn -in on May 29,2023, he made promises to inject new ideas of leadership with emphasis on his SUSTAIN Agenda that will change the face of governance in Kaduna and beyond.

No doubt,he has within one year in office achieved the feat and has continued to push for more radical development changes that focuses on the principles of good governance based on world standards.

Despite facing a critical period of cash crunch due to the heavy loan burden, he has remained undeterred in his avowed commitments to create the requisite enabling environment for business and economic prosperity.

Considering the Governor’s administrative process coupled with his smart sense of viable vision, Little wonder, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu invited him to join the super delegation on a State visit to China .

Governor Uba Sani and other senior government officials received the President in Beijing, China for the State Visit to China and the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation #FOCAC Summit with the theme: “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build High-Level China-Africa Community with Shared Future”.

For Uba Sani , it was not a time for tea party , but an opportunity as a spin doctor to meet chief executive officers of major Chinese corporations to discuss business and various important matters of growth and development.

According to Global Times report, After China and Nigeria elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Uba Sani, the governor of Nigeria’s Kaduna State,said he is thrilled to see his state partner with China in a “smart city” project, which aligns with the country’s industrialization.

Kaduna State lies at the southern end of Nigeria’s northern plateau,and 80 percent of is 5 million population work in agriculture,according to media reports.

The smart city project will be built under cooperation with Chinese tech giant Huawei -“a very reliable partner,” Sani told the Global Times.

The project will enhance public security,efficiency and transparency in public service,and help his state to establish an e-government,make education, healthcare and talent cultivation “smart,” and boost the use of renewable energy, the governor said.

Sani hopes to form a joint committee between Kaduna government and Huawei “in one or two weeks.”

The smart city project is one of several broader deals between China and Nigeria that have been inked during the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu held talks on Tuesday and announced the elevation of China-Nigeria ties They also witnessed the signing of
cooperation documents including the application of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, peanut exports to China and news media cooperation.

Sani said that China plays a significant role in Nigeria’s industrialization, and he is “more hopeful and confident that [after this time fat the FOCAC, we will see more fruits.”

Kaduna State has Nigeria’s first modernized railroad, the Abuja-Kaduna Railway. It is the first railway in Africa built based on Chinese technical standards.

Sani revealed that two months ago his state partnered with North China’s Hebei Province to construct an industrial park. Hopefully.

By Aliyu Abdullahi

In a surprising turn of events, the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) and over 500 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have withdrawn their planned protest against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over the recent fuel price increase.

The decision to shelve the protest was taken after a meeting with Northern leaders, elders, and security forces, who advised against the protest due to its potential consequences.

AYAGL Speaker Ambassador Abdul DanBature explained that the decision was made to avoid exacerbating the already challenging economic situation in the country.

The group commended NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kolo Kyari, for his efforts in addressing the fuel shortage and ensuring availability.

AYAGL praised Kyari’s leadership, citing his commitment to transparency and accountability. The group noted that Kyari’s success has attracted envy and opposition from forces seeking to tarnish his reputation.

The group had previously held a solidarity rally in support of President Tinubu and urged him to disregard calls for Kyari’s sack. AYAGL reiterated its support for Kyari, citing his impressive scorecard and dedication to repositioning NNPCL.

AYAGL called on the Federal government to provide palliatives to alleviate the suffering of the masses amidst the current hardship. The group emphasized the need for proactive measures to address the economic challenges facing Nigerians.

In conclusion, AYAGL’s decision to withdraw its protest call demonstrates its commitment to national interest and constructive engagement. The group will continue to support leaders like Kyari who prioritize good governance and effective leadership.

By Sani Tukur

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has strongly condemned the torture and unlawful incarceration of Seaman Haruna Abbas, who has been held captive for six years. AYCF President General Yerima Shettima described the case as a “gross violation of human rights” and demanded the immediate release of Mr. Abbas, as well as a comprehensive investigation into his case.

According to a statement by AYCF, recent revelations by Mr. Abbas’s wife, Hassana Abbas, exposed the cruelty and injustice suffered by her husband at the hands of Brigadier General Muhammad S. Adamu and other individuals complicit in this gross violation of human rights.

AYCF unequivocally condemned the actions of Brigadier General Muhammad S. Adamu and all those involved in the wrongful conviction, unjust incarceration, and subsequent torture of Seaman Abbas. The group demanded accountability for all individuals implicated in this egregious violation of justice.

AYCF also called for the establishment of transparent mechanisms for reviewing cases of alleged wrongful detention, especially those involving military personnel who continue to suffer in silence while their rights are trampled upon.

The group emphasized that the plight of Seaman Abbas should serve as a rallying cry for all Nigerians who value justice and human rights, adding that his story is emblematic of a broader systemic issue that affects many citizens who fall prey to arbitrary detention and abuse of power.

AYCF reiterated its unwavering support for Seaman Abbas and his family and vowed to continue advocating for all those who have been wronged by systems intended to serve and protect them, until justice is served, and the perpetrators of such heinous crimes are brought to their rightful place before the law.