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After hoodlums yesterday burnt down a government agency; looted and destroyed properties worth millions in State, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani swift into action to hold meetings and consult with security agencies and citizens to avoid escalation of violence.

The planned peaceful protest against bad governance held in Kaduna yesterday turned violent, leaving no fewer than 3 youths dead and many other protesters injured.

However,the swift consultations made by Governor to stop the palpable tension stirred up by violent protests and impending mayhem appeared to have yielded results with the visible relative normalcy that has returned on the day-two of the protest.

Our Correspondent who took a tour round the metropolis today , observed that the relative calm could be linked to the deliberate efforts my by Governor Uba Sani ,who immediately meet with security agencies and embarked on wide consultations with opinion leaders as well as stakeholders to avoid further breach of peace and fall out of Kano situations.

Though Some residents out of fear of further breach public peace and destruction of properties had called for 24-hour curfew to be imposed on the state ,but Governor Uba Sani had allayed the fear of the residents,with an assurance that situation is under control in the state.

The Governor, who posted on his social media handle yesterday allayed the fears. Saying,there was no need for curfew as the heightened situation and tension is under control .

Meanwhile, information gathered from the tour round the metropolis also revealed that the overt palpable tension stirred up by yesterday’s violent protests have doused down amongst residents.

Some of residents interviewed at Barnawa; Sabon-Tasha , Nasarawa,Kudenda ,Rigasa ,Kawo and other areas within the metropolis expressed joy that the protest today appeared coordinated with everyone calm.They therefore commended the Governor for his swift reaction and efforts made to provide adequate security.

Meanwhile , the former lawmaker and Senator who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Senato Shehu Sani expressed disappointment over the manner hoodlums hijacked the protest and destroyed properties of innocent citizens in Kaduna.

He advised those willing to encourage continuation of the protest, especially in the north to reconsider their stands .

The Human Rights Activist who stated this via Twitter handle,Said,”With scores dead,hundreds injured and properties worth billions of Naira belonging to private businesses and Government destroyed by hoodlums,mostly in Northern states,those wishing to encourage the continuation of this protest,especially in the North should reconsider.At our end its violent protest without visible leadership and must be discontinued.”

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged Nigerians, mostly youths and sports personalities to toe the path of peace and dialogue, instead of engaging in violent protest regarding the challenges facing the country.

This admonition is coming on the heels of planned protest by some persons in parts of Nigeria on August 1, 2024.

SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement through the Association’s Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo on Wednesday reckoned that while citizens have right to protest, such should be done in a most peaceful manner.

President Benjamin while recalling how previous protests in Nigeria had damaged critical National assets, called on the protesters to be mindful of mostly Sports infrastructure across the country as any form of destruction will further create needless deficit.

He said that instead of embarking on destruction of lives and properties, citizens should reflect on positive and progressive moves aimed at ensuring improved Sports development, which has obvious potential to uplift the country’s economy.

“As the second most economic viable option in the entire world, Sports serve as catalyst for needed growth and development in any society. Therefore Sports men and women including athletes, officials, administrators and of course the sporting media have the responsibility to lead the way in terms of conduct and influence in our various residential and public places.

“Instead of joining any band wagon of destructive tendencies, let us encourage fellow Nigerians to engage in sporting activities in terms of physical exercise and other areas of gainful endeavours,” he said.

The number one sports writer in Nigeria then admonished leaders at all levels to, in line with global standards, use legislative means to initiate sustainable policies that will loosen tight ends and clear bureaucratic bottlenecks, which had hampered sports development in the country.

He said, “Also, Nigeria as a developing nation should be a fortress for talent discovery and development because of abundance of human capital resources that abound in every nook and cranny of our communities, local government areas and states.

“Therefore, there is need for continious engagement with all stakeholders to harness and engage them meaningfully. In doing this, the role of the private sector which is a major driving force of the economy is critical.

“Again, the government at all levels should do more in the provision of sporting infrastructure at the grassroots, as a veritable way of engaging mostly the young people, because Sports, with the right funding approach, has enormous potential to drastically reduce unemployment.”

The SWAN President then assured that, “As professional Sports Writers, we are ever ready to offer useful contributions in form of advice amidst taking practical steps that will make meaningful impact.”

.Insists Tinubu is the target

.Asks Gov Dauda Lawal to thread softly

Group, Zamfara Peace Initiatives Forum (ZAPIF) has strongly condemned an attempt to raze the Minister for State Defence, Bello Matawalle’s house in Guzau, Zamfara State on Thursday.

The group in a statement by its Secretary, Alhaji Ahmed Bako
(Danmadamin Kucheri) alleged that the attempt was initiated by political enemies of President Bola Tinubu under the guise of the ongoing nationwide protests.

According to the group, it was saddening to see children between 15 to 17 years of age from Lalan, Gada Biyu, Tudun Wada, Birnin Ruwa, Hayin Maigemu and Unguwar Dallatu, to be mobilised by suspected agents of the State Government to make such an attempt on Matawalle’s property.

To this group, “President Tinubu’s political allies including Matawalle, Sen Abdul’aziz Yari, Sen Sahabi Yau, Hon Rikiji among others, were being targeted and attacked by hired miscreants just to get at him.

“Such open attacks on these highly respected elders by the sponsors of the protest in Gusau, Talata Mafara and Kaura Namoda are doing so to get political sympathy from the people and they must be stopped.

“It is unfortunate that the same state government that failed to account for billions of naira released by the federal government through allocations, COVID-19 intervention for sustainable development and fight against poverty, hunger, and insecurity could be blaming President Tinubu’s administration for its failure

“We, therefore call on well-meaning Zamfara State indigenes to caution Gov Dauda Lawal, to focus on good governance rather than promoting vandalism and intimidation of his perceived political enemies.

“We also call on parents to put their houses in order by way of cautioning their children from being used as an instrument of violence and social unrest in the state while the children of their sponsors are enjoying their lives abroad.

“To the security agents, we acknowledge your efforts at maintaining peace and order in Zamfara and Nigeria a s a whole. However, be reminded that it is your constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of Nigerians by placing miscreants to where they belong”, the group cautioned.

Laminu Sarki

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) applauds Senator Abdulaziz Yari for his persuasive address to the people of Zamfara State, urging them to refrain from participating in the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1st to 10th.
NAN in a statement issued by it’s Chairman Salihu Suleiman noted that Senator Yari’s impassioned plea for restraint, cooperation, and vigilance reflects the qualities of a true and responsible leader dedicated to promoting peace, stability, and progress in the face of uncertainty and turmoil.

It is reassuring that in his speech, Senator Yari emphasized the importance of responsible leadership and thoughtful engagement in times of crisis. By cautioning against the potential dangers of participating in protests that could escalate into violence and chaos, the senator demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges facing the nation and the need for strategic planning and thoughtful consideration in addressing them.

Senator Yari’s call for the people of Zamfara State to trust in the government, exercise restraint, and avoid unnecessary confrontations resonated with the massive crowd gathered in Gusau, drawing supporters from across the state and neighboring regions. His message of patience, cooperation, and unity left the crowd with a sense of reassurance and a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the nation’s stability and future.

Leaders like Senator Abdulaziz Yari play a crucial role in guiding the way forward and fostering a spirit of unity and resilience among the people. By encouraging dialogue, collaboration, and informed decision-making, Senator Yari has exemplified his dedication to serving the best interests of his constituents and the country at large.

NAN commends Senator Abdulaziz Yari for his inspiring leadership and unwavering commitment to promoting peace, stability, and progress in Zamfara State and beyond. We stand in solidarity with Senator Yari in his efforts to encourage responsible and thoughtful engagement during times of uncertainty, and we pledge our continued support in building a better future for Nigeria.

We fully supports Senator Abdulaziz Yari’s efforts and encourages the people of Zamfara to heed his call for restraint, cooperation, and vigilance in the face of external pressures. We believe that by working together and resisting divisive agendas, the people of Zamfara can build a better future for themselves and their nation.

As a network dedicated to promoting awareness, unity, and progress in Northern Nigeria, we commend Senator Abdulaziz Yari for his exemplary leadership and urge other leaders to follow his example in guiding the nation towards a path of peace, stability, and prosperity, the group emphasized.

Laminu Sarki

The Zamfara Conscience Movement strongly condemns the recent actions of the government of Zamfara State in inviting known criminal, Musa Kamarawa, to the government house in Gusau and engaging him in a sinister partnership with infamous bandit leader, Bello Turji.

This collaboration is allegedly aimed at perpetuating false propaganda against the former governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, who currently serves as the Minister of State for Defence.

According to a statement issued by the Chairman of the movement, Tanko Illo Salihu, the unethical, dangerous, and irresponsible tactic will lead to misinformation, confusion, and public backlash. Such actions are unacceptable and must be resisted. The effort to associate with individuals like Musa Kamarawa and Bello Turji, whose credibility and trustworthiness are severely compromised due to their criminal histories, is ultimately counterproductive.

The Zamfara State government risks further tarnishing its own reputation and eroding the trust of the electorate by engaging with these notorious figures as mouthpieces for false propaganda.
It is deeply concerning that Governor Dauda Lawal is prioritizing political attacks on Matawalle while neglecting the pressing security needs of Zamfara State.

The state remains vulnerable to the actions of dangerous bandits, kidnappers, rapists, and other criminal elements who exploit the apparent lack of political will to challenge them. This continuous focus on attacking Matawalle is not only misguided but also detrimental to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Zamfara State.

The Zamfara Conscience Movement will vigilantly monitor, resist, and challenge any attempts by the Zamfara government to deploy notorious criminals for spreading false propaganda.

We urge Governor Dauda Lawal to shift his focus to tackling the real issues affecting his state, primarily the security crisis, rather than engaging in unethical and ineffective tactics that compromise the democratic process.

We call on the people of Zamfara State to remain vigilant and hold their leaders accountable and warn Governor Dauda Lawal to prioritize the interests of the people and work towards creating a safer, more prosperous future for all residents of Zamfara State.

The Zamfara Conscience Movement stands firm in its commitment to upholding the principles of honesty, integrity, transparency and overall security of lives and properties in Zamfara and the North-West. We will not stand idly by while the citizens of Zamfara State are left vulnerable to criminal elements and political manipulation.

By Malika

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held a highly successful ward congress in Kaduna State, with an impressive turnout across all 23 local government areas. The congress, which took place on July 27-28, 2024, was conducted peacefully in all 81 wards of Kaduna Central Senatorial District, under the supervision of party officials and observed by INEC officials and security operatives.

Senator Lawal Usman Adamu (Mr. LA), representing Kaduna Central, took the opportunity to donate 12 trailers of fertilizer and over N50 million to his constituents, fulfilling his promise to support their well-being. This generous gesture was widely appreciated by the attendees, who praised Sen. LA for his commitment to their welfare.

While monitoring the congress in his constituency, Sen. LA emphasized the importance of unity, discipline, and political cohesion among PDP members. He described the ward congress as a chance to inject new leadership and endorse those who have performed well for party progress. He encouraged party members to work together towards a common goal, stressing that unity is key to achieving success.

Sen. LA assured the party leadership of his unwavering support and loyalty towards achieving the set goals for PDP’s progress and development in the state and beyond. He expressed his confidence in the party’s ability to bring about positive change in Nigeria and pledged to continue working tirelessly towards this objective.

“We will continue to support our great party, PDP, and our leaders at all levels to ensure we give Nigerians a sense of belonging once again,” he said. “We are committed to building a better future for our country, and we will not rest until we achieve this goal.”

Reports from across the state indicated that the 2024 party congresses in almost all wards of the 23 local governments were conducted peacefully, with no major incidents reported. This was attributed to the effective planning and coordination by party officials, as well as the cooperation of security agencies.

The success of the ward congress has been hailed as a major milestone for the PDP in Kaduna State, and sets the stage for further progress in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections. With renewed unity and a sense of purpose, the party is poised to make a significant impact in the state and beyond.

In his closing remarks, Sen. LA thanked the party members for their participation and cooperation, and urged them to remain committed to the party’s ideals. He also expressed his gratitude to the security agencies and INEC officials for their roles in ensuring a peaceful and successful congress.

As the PDP in Kaduna State looks to the future with optimism, one thing is clear: the party is united, empowered, and ready to make a difference in the lives of Nigerians.

Musa Maye

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) held a press conference on July 29, 2024, to discuss the planned nationwide hunger protests and present recommendations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the economic challenges in Nigeria.

The NYCN, representing over 120 million Nigerian youths, acknowledged President Tinubu’s efforts to improve the national economy but noted that these changes have significantly increased the cost of living, making life difficult for many, especially the youth.

According to Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, President of the NYCN, “The recent economic policies have led to a surge in prices of daily consumable goods, making it challenging for young people to afford basic necessities. We urge the government to take immediate action to reduce prices and alleviate the suffering of Nigerian youths.”

The council expressed concerns about being left out of important national programs and projects that require youth involvement, despite their support for national development and President Tinubu’s plans.

“To address these issues, we have presented the following demands and recommendations to the government,” said Amb. Sukubo. “We believe that by working together, we can find solutions to the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians.”

The NYCN’s demands and recommendations include:

• Immediate steps to reduce prices of daily consumable goods
• Formation of a joint national committee to formulate measures to cushion the effects of hunger
• Meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA) and President Tinubu to discuss government plans and national issues
• National Youth Conference to identify problems and propose solutions
• Youth Intervention Program to reduce support for the planned hunger protest
• Economic relief measures such as subsidies, job creation programs, and support for SMEs
• Investment in vocational training and education programs
• Support for young farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs
• Improved access to affordable healthcare
• Transparency and accountability in economic policy implementation
• Improved and subsidized public transportation

The NYCN believes that addressing these demands and recommendations will help alleviate the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians.

“Building the youth is building the nation,” emphasized Amb. Sukubo. “We urge the government to take our recommendations seriously and work with us to create a better future for Nigerian youths.”

BY Grace Sume

Arewa Youths Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) an umbrella body of the young people in the 19 Northern States has urged Nigerian youths to resist the temptation of participating in the proposed nationwide wide protest.

The group urged youths in the north to do everything possible to protect their land and nation from every form of violence.

In a statement signed by the Speaker, AYAGL, ambassador Abdul Danbature on Monday called on well meaning Nigerians to consider other form of protest apart from street protest so as not to play into the hand of the enemies of the nation.

“We have therefore come to conclusion to explore other avenues to express our displeasure and this we have done by writing detailed position paper to Mr President and this is enjoying adequate attention of the Government as we speak and we at this point officially and collectively withdraw from the National street protest”.

“As you all know that recently we have be in the fore front of the struggle mobilizing for the fort coming National protest tagged ‘End Bad Governance in Nigeria’ and this is as a result of our conviction that there are genuine grands to protest, ranging from insecurity to harsh economy situation in the Nation as a result of some economy policies of this Government.

“Meanwhile, as we were mobilizing for the protest, we were also consulting Our Stakeholders in the Northern Nigeria; the Royal Fathers, the Entrepreneurs and some political and social actors across the lengths and breaths of our region and all these consultations have enriched and deepen our knowledge about the various government policies and programs”.

“We have also understood that while we have genuine intentions to express our displeasure on the current economic situation in our Nation there are other several and more effective way to communicate the same message bearing in mind that there are different enemies of our Nation both within and outside Nigeria waiting for every available opportunity to perpetrate evil in Nigeria.

ENDS

By Joshua Akul

The National Unity Forum For Peace has denounced the videos circulating online, featuring bandit leader Bello Turji making allegations against Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, as politically motivated.

The group’s chairman stated that the videos are a deliberate attempt to tarnish Matawalle’s image and are sponsored by enemies of Zamfara and other North-West states affected by banditry.

The group urged those behind the videos to desist from playing politics with security issues, emphasizing the need for northerners to put politics aside and condemn such acts.

The chairman expressed concern that certain individuals are behind the release of the video clip, warning those sharing it that they are ignorant of Zamfara politics and God’s protection is supreme.

The group accused some officials of the Zamfara State government, including a media aide to Governor Dauda Lawal, of sharing the video on social media.

The National Unity Forum For Peace warned those promoting Turji’s videos at the expense of Zamfara citizens who are being killed, maimed, and kidnapped daily to cease their actions.

Turji’s mischief videos against Matawalle politically motivated — Says Group

Group, National Unity Forum For Peace on Monday described the videos in circulation credited to the Bandit leader Bello Turji against the Minister of State Defense, Bello Matawalle as politically motivated.

The chairman of the group in a statement argued that the sponsors and promoters of the malicious videos against the former Governor of Zamfara State were cooked to tarnish his image.

The group believed that the drama was being scripted and acted by enemies of Zamfara and other banditry-invested states in the North-West, urging the scriptwriters and actors to desist from playing politics on the issue of security.

”We should be careful in all we do. We shouldn’t become tools for the destruction of lives and property all in Destroying the name of politicking.

“It is a matter of principle and patriotic tendencies for all of us northerners to put politics aside and condemn such irresponsible acts sponsored to malign the personality of Hon Bello Matawalle.

”It is a serious concern to us that certain characters are behind the release of the trending video clip of Bello Turji on social media.

“We warn that those hired or misguided to be abusing and sharing that video of characters like bandit Bello Turji against Matawalle are ignorant of Zamfara politics,

The chairman stressed that the reality about what he referred to as a comedy show was intended to destroy and bring him down politically against 2027 political activities without knowing God’s time and protection are supreme.

”The video clip was shared on all the social media platforms and funny enough, some officials of Zamfara State government are allegedly involved in sharing it on their timeline – including a media aide to Governor Dauda Lawal”, the group said.

The group, however, warned anyone involved in promoting Turji Bello at the expense of Zamfara citizens who were being killed, maimed, and kidnapped for ransom daily, to desist from such acts.

By Monday Moses

The Zamfara State chapter of the Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has issued a strong warning concerning the emboldened actions of Kachallah Bello Turji, a notorious mass murderer, kidnapper, and bandit leader. This call to action follows the release of video footage showing Turji with unprecedented audacity, which NAN asserts is inadvertently supported by the actions or inactions of the Zamfara State government.

In the recent video, Turji made allegations against the current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. While the Northern Awareness Network had previously tolerated such instances, the latest clip signifies a crucial turning point where silence equates to complicity. NAN has declared that inaction is no longer an option.

Samaila Kwali, the NAN state chairman, delivered a powerful statement emphasizing the intolerability of a government allowing criminal organizations to operate freely with brazen impunity: “It is unacceptable for a government charged with the responsibility to protect the lives and properties of its citizens to allow such open displays of criminality.”

NAN called on Governor Dauda Lawal to immediately cease any actions that could be perceived as playing dubious political games at the expense of the lives of the citizens. Kwali stressed, “From the interview with Turji, it is clear he was playing a script handed to him by certain desperate politicians in the state, aiming to discredit Matawalle by insinuating his connections with bandits. However, the ill-conceived scheme backfired.”

Turji’s inaccurate assertions during the interview, notably the unfounded claim that bandits still held significant influence in the government house more than a year after Matawalle had left office, not only backfired on the current governor, Dauda Lawal but also revealed the desperation and lack of credibility of some Zamfara state politicians.

Throughout Matawalle’s tenure as governor, none of the headquarters of the 14 local government areas were ever infiltrated by bandits. Unfortunately, under the current administration, several local government headquarters and even the state capital have been invaded by bandits in just the first year.

This is a clarion call to the Zamfara State government and all relevant authorities to take decisive and effective measures to end the menace posed by Turji and his gang. “The latest video clip featuring Kachallah Bello Turji is a stark reminder that we cannot afford to be silent any longer. The audacity of such criminals to appear freely and at will in public spaces is a clear indication that the state’s security apparatus is either compromised or grossly ineffective. We will not stand idly by while the lives of innocent citizens are endangered,” said the chairman.

“Governor Dauda Lawal must prioritize the safety and security of his constituents above all else. The time for political maneuvering is over. It is high time the government demonstrates its commitment to eradicating the threat posed by these killer gangs,” the chairman added.

The NAN urges all citizens, civil society organizations, and concerned stakeholders to demand accountability and swift action from the Zamfara State government. The fight against banditry and crime requires a collective effort and begins with ensuring that no criminal feels invincible enough to challenge the authority of the state.

The Northern Awareness Network is a leading advocacy group dedicated to promoting peace, security, and socio-economic development in Northern Nigeria. Through various initiatives, NAN aims to raise awareness, influence policy, and mobilize community efforts to tackle the region’s most pressing challenges.