Author Archives: News All Around

By Tom Garba

He is young and agile, brave and forthright, he is intelligent and versatile. He can be seen as a regimented civilian General who will live to fight in keeping the tenets of Democracy for the common good of all.

I’m talking about a Medical Doctor, a former Minister of State for Health and foreign affairs, a businessman, and a philanthropist who is a household name in Adamawa and known with much passion to serve humanity.

This man was born on 31st December 1967 in Hong Local Government area of Adamawa State. Is no other person, is Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, the Man that help in consolidating Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s victory of the Adamawa state PDP.

Idi building to general elections has played sensitive roles to ensure his party, PDP has a gliding victory. He went the rock ways, endures the pains of nooks and crannies campaign of Adamawa towns and villages, he fought for the liberation of people as a loyal army general who had sworn to die defending his nation. Yes, that was Idi’s mission, to make sure Fintiri returned elected.

The war-fighting Spirit of Idi during the campaigns was of a warrior who was sure and ready to conquer his enemy under whatever guise. The nostalgic general sees only victory at the end of the battle. He fights for justice under the doctrines and dogma of Democracy tenets.

Idi’s disposition to Justice was rekindled when a hullabaloo that seems to be a Nollywood firm’s script acting by the Resident Election Commissioner (REC), Barr Yunusa Hudu Ari who at a collation center was playing a hanky panky game of delay suspicious to change the Adamawa election results.

There at the collation center, Idi showed up and begin to fight for Justice, his belief in the Adamawa Governorship election is to give to Ceasar what belongs to Ceasar.

This valiant warrior fought for Fintiri, fought for Adamawa, and fought for humanity when the election was declared inconclusive. It was a war to finish for him to defend the People’s mandate. The dramatic journey with a seeming description of a civilian coup De tat on Democracy was staged when Hudu with no constitutional back up declared Sen Aishatu Binani of APC as the winner of the governorship election threw the entire nation into a state of confusion. Adamawa few weeks ago was more of having a grave yard peace with everyone seems frustrated on what begile the state.

Idi was nicked name the commander-general defending the election process of the people roared, yelled, and stood his ground against the open show of mandate assassination in a broad daylight by the APC guber candidate.

The attitude exhibited by Idi Hong has distinguished him to be promising Man that Nigeria needs not only Adamawa state. He gave the right fight and struggled through the wild and vile interest of APC’s governorship candidate.

Today Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri returned elected and collected his certificate returning him a Governor of Adamawa state for the second term in a keenly contest even when it was so glaring they are robbing him out of the mandate but people like Idi Hong, Felix Tangwami, and Hon Barguma Hassan Mamman all contributed in one way or the other to ensure Justice is done.

Idi for me is another brilliant civilian general that Adamawa is proud to have to change the negative narratives that nothing good will ever come to the state. As a former Minister, a Business tycoon who is helping in managing the BUA company, a business conglomerate producing cement and allied products in the country. He is now a shining star with a radiant glory.

Idi is a gift, Idi is the ideal leader that the people of Adamawa should encourage to take leading roles in government affairs at both federal and state levels. He has all it takes, he has all the experience, is Young and strong, able and ready to take leadership roles for the state.

Idi defended, he protected and delivered what lawfully and legally belongs to the people of Adamawa. What a warrior! He and many others have paid proper dues not because they are PDP’s but because they are out for Justice, and for Democracy to stand tall in Nigeria.

Fintiri is indeed lucky to have this Man around, having him be part of a movement is a jewel to any leader that sees that virtue in him. Straight he is like a sword. Intelligent he is like the ancient men, he has wisdom like the people of old. Idi is a master piece creature created by eternal creator for solving problems of Mankind

Sir, keep living and fighting for the common man. Keep roaring for democracy, and keep the hope of people in Adamawa alive by singing the song of victors.

Idi thank you for being a promising leader and a civilian general who can lay down his life for the whole people of the state. I see you as an Eagle who has the vision of serving Adamawa State at a much higher capacity in a near future.

Tom Garba, MA, SPSP, FIMC, FBDM A Journalist and Peace expert He wrote this on top of the Mandara Mountains, Northern Adamawa

*Urges Supreme Court Judges to maintain integrity and resist inducement

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Timi Frank, has called on the Supreme Court Judges to maintain their integrity and resist any attempt of subversiveness through inducement as regards the Osun governorship matter.

He said some desperate politicians have began move to upturn Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory at Appeal Court at all cost.

Frank also raised the alarm that recent intelligence reports available suggest that the enemies of democracy and fascist elements operating in the ruling party are bent on truncating democracy by using every state apparatus available in perpetuating mischief and subversion of legitimacy, as evident in the just concluded Adamawa governorship rerun election.

In a statement released to newsmen Thursday in Abuja, the political activist opined that with an overwhelming Court of Appeal judgement, affirming the victory of Sennator Ademola Adeleke as the Osun state governor, and a previous Supreme Court judgment clearing all issues as regards his eligibility and certificates, “it is clear that any further judicial exercise is akin to witch hunt.”

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, alleged that some desperate politicians in the ruling APC have arisen once again to compromise the integrity of the judiciary by vowing to upturn the decision of the Court of Appeal by any means necessary in relation to the Osun state Supreme Court decision.

He alleged that monetary inducement, coercion and intimidation using state security agencies to influence the judgment of the Supreme Court are rife and underway.

“Howbeit, these same elements who’ve been operating without fear for consequences have once again arisen to compromise the integrity of the judiciary by vowing to upturn the decision of the Court of Appeal, by any means necessary in relation to the Osun state Supreme Court decision. Monetary inducement of $2million per JSC on this matter is the offer inherent as well as coercion and intimidation using state security agencies to greatly influence the judgment of the SC is in top gear and underway.

“The Supreme Court must be put on notice that Nigerians are very interested in the outcomes of judgement decisions from the SC and will continue to beam it’s searchlights on the discreet activities of the Judges especially after the ridiculous decisions as regards Sen Ahmed Lawan and Sen Gods will Akabio. We are constrained to believe that indeed, recent decisions from the SC suggest that certain compromise may have been plausible by the outcomes of judicial matters.

“The hopes of many Nigerians is fast fading away as most Nigerians doubt the independence of the judiciary in the dispense of justice. The SC must not be seen going the way of the INEC chairman, who blatantly voided it’s own rules to subvert the will of the people save for personal agradissment. The JSC must put the country first in its discharge of their constitutional duties. The 2023 Presidential Elections results are still rife in the minds of many and thus any attempt to deliver any controversial judgement may end up in anarchy.

“The SC must be reminded that the Osun State matter will be first litmus test for the JSC. The facts of the matterr are very clear, with the CA putting to rest the issues of overvoting and any other discrepancies. Therefore the minimum expectations for the SC is to stand by the truth and avoid any semblance of intimidation and coercion. The Right thing must be done, as it is clear that the Osun people are extremely pleased with the choice of their governor and are elated with his performance since his inception into office.

“In other to demonstrate independence and integrity the SC should as a matter of Public Opinion approve for the use of live telecast in broadcasting it’s proceeding for the Presidential Elections matter. The Supreme Court must stand on what is right and just and endeavor to reclaim it’s already batterd image,” Frank stated.

Rilwanu Adamu

A rather taciturn and seemingly laid back figure, Lt Col Agbu Kefas (rtd) is now the ultimate leader of Taraba state politics. You doubt this at your perils. Don’t be fooled by that serene appearance. He holds all the aces and it is doubtful if any one can upturn that dominance in its form and essence. Among the many things Kefas can do now is also determine who eventually takes over from him after his two tenures for two tenures he shall surely do. It is the most important power of a Chief Executive of a state: the ability to manage the transition and become a godfather. Many believe Kefas has what he takes to pull that off. The election that produced him gave him an edge in the political history of the state. It was a poll that tested the strength and weaknesses of the state’s fault lines. At the end, it was very clear that the ruling PDP would remain the party that can constantly produce a Governor for the state.

Beyond this is what has clearly emerged as the peculiar appeal of the Kefas brand: fresh and very promising. He’s young and enchanting and has carried the youth force of the state behind him at the campaigns. He’s clearly their product and would remain so for long.

Moreover, with his party controlling the legislative arm, it is doubtful if any other party would outgrow the PDP. This on its own is a testimony to the capacity of the ruling party in the firm vice like hold of Kefas.

Consequently, with the current governor out of the equation having failed to make it to the Senate, Kefas becomes the direct inheritor of what remains of the Darius political structure. It is a structure Kefas will fuse into his own and make it more formidable.

Meanwhile, it would be difficult for any party to reach a place where it can favorably compete with the PDP. The main APC is greatly punctured. The NNPP may fizzle out at the end. Erstwhile political gladiators would be easily wooed by the very appealing Kefas who has a knack for making opponents relaxed around him.

On a personal level, the former military intelligence boss, is regarded as a super sleuth whose uncanny ability to read situation is second to none. How he negotiated his way to the top almost noiseless has become a major factor in the power profiles of the state.

Kefas comes to office with a wealth of connections from within and outside the country. Calm and collected, he’s not your regular politician. Watchers believe that with sterling performance, he will continue to enjoy his rather rock star appeal into the coming years. Taraba finally found the Ultimate “babban Taraba”

Adamu is a political commentator based in Gassol

Fulani Killin

Are Renewed Killings in Benue, Southern Kaduna, Taraba, Buhari’s Parting Gift, Northern Christian Elders Lament

Worried by the recent spate of killings in Benue, Taraba and Southern Kaduna, the Northern Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the various security agencies to take decisive action against perpetrators.

NOSCEF expressed this in a statement on Monday April 17, signed by its Chairman, Engineer Oyinehi Ejoga Inalegwu, made available to newsmen in Kaduna, in which the group wondered if the renewed onslaught by terrorists is Buhari:’s parting gift to the affected areas.

“NOSCEF is worried that the recent increasing wave of unchecked and persistent killings in Benue, Taraba and Southern Kaduna by bandits/ herdsmen is seeming to look like the parting gift, of the Buhari administration, to our people as it rounds up its 8-year rule,” they said.

The group expressed shock that, “with the security architecture in place, such wanton killings, in such magnitude, can be perpetuated without any counter from the security forces”.

They therefore, called on the security forces to checkmate the ugly trend and go after those terrorizing, killing, maiming people and destroying properties of citizens.

“We also appeal to all Nigerians to pray for God’s intervention in bringing to an end the new wave of killings” across the states, the statement said.

The Special Assistant on Public Communication to Waziri Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, has alleged that the electoral misconduct perpetrated by the Adamawa Resident Electoral Commission, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, is nothing different from what the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, did during the Presidential polls.

Yunusa-Ari had on Sunday, announced Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani, the APC governorship candidate in Adamawa, as the winner of the election even while the results were still being collated.

The Adamawa REC has since been suspended by the headquarters of the commission while the announcement of the results has been postponed indefinitely.

Responding in a statement, however, Shaibu said the national leadership of INEC could not pretend to be unaware of the many allegations hanging on the neck of the Adamawa REC.

Shaibu added that the suspension of the Adamawa REC without his arrest and prosecution was merely a slap in the wrist.

“It is crystal clear even to the blind that the Adamawa REC learnt well from the INEC Chairman. INEC as an organization, from the top to the bottom is akin to Ali Baba and the 40 thieves. As a matter of fact, the baby goat learns to eat grass by diligently watching the mama devour the lush grass around them”.

He said, “Over a month ago, Sahara Reporters published an audio clip where the Adamawa REC was heard directing an election official, Hammajam Mohammed, to rig the governorship election in favour of Binani.

“In the leaked audio, Yunusa told Mohammed to do everything humanly possible to make Binani win. He told the electoral official that he was instructed by a higher authority to make Binani win. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri complained severally about the compromised REC but INEC did nothing about it.

“Despite having over one month to prepare for this supplementary poll, INEC retained this compromised REC who went ahead to undermine the election once more. From all that has happened, it is obvious that Yunusa-Ari was acting on orders from above and that is why Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s warnings were ignored.

“This carefully orchestrated action is a reflection of the electoral heist of February 25, 2023 when the INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, decided to announce Bola Tinubu of the APC as winner despite the many irregularities and complaints from several opposition parties. Indeed, Yunusa-Ari acted like his father and boss, Mahmood Yakubu.”

Atiku’s aide said the Adamawa fiasco came as no surprise since INEC had always been in bed with Binani and had even admitted in a statement that it awarded a contract to one of her companies.

He added, “INEC had in a statement by National Commissioner, Festus Okoye, admitted to awarding a sensitive contract to the Binani Printing Press Limited, a firm owned by the APC governorship candidate.

“In the statement, Okoye had claimed that the company was awarded the contract as a way of stimulating the economy and encouraging Nigerian enterprise. It is obvious that Binani and INEC are in bed together.”

Shaibu said Yakubu’s name had become a by-word for scorn after conducting the most flawed election in the history of Nigeria.

Atiku’s aide wondered why INEC under the leadership of Yakubu had failed to deliver a credible poll despite receiving the largest budget ever.

He added, “How will Mahmood Yakubu be remembered? Well, Nigerian singers like Falz and Vector have already composed a song titled Yakubu so that generations unborn will remember the sort of character he is. The video alone has garnered over one million views on Youtube and has become a social media sensation.

“This is a man who promised over and over again to upload the results of elections in real-time unto the INEC’s portal and failed to do so yet he lacks the decency to apologise to over 200 million people. Nearly two months after that shambolic election, all the results have yet to be uploaded.

“Results from Rivers State even show that Tinubu did not even win in that state. Rather than suspend the announcement of results, Mr Yakubu decided to announce Tinubu as the winner. One wonders how such a man sleeps at night.”

By James Maman

Concerned CSOs Demand Binani, Adamawa REC Arrest

*Allege N2bn was disbursed in to facilitate announcement of APC Candidate as Governor Elect

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) have while describing the unlawful declaration of Senator Aishatu Binani as Adamawa Governor-elect, called for the immediate arrest of the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu Ari as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the polls.

The coalition expressed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna on Monday April 17, 2023, jointly signed by Mada Ibrahim and Michael Ayuba James.

“In the face of the glaring coup d’etat against democracy by Sen. Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani, Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), State commissioner of police, Director State Security and his counterpart of National Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC) we the concerned civil society organizations (CSOs) do hereby urge president Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgency directed the arrest of the mentioned anti democratic forces for treason and constitutional mischief,” the coalition demanded.

According to the text of the statement titled, “Call for the immediate arrest of Binani, Adamawa REC, Commissioner of Police, Director DSS, and NSCDC commandant for staging coup against democracy” the coalition said that as a full blown democrat, this call has become incumbent on President Muhammadu Buhari in order to save Nigeria’s democracy from being supplanted by desperate conspirators for their self serving and whimsical proclivities.

“Democracy especially in Adamawa State will continue to be under serious threats if the mentioned elements are not duly prosecuted in line with Nigeria’s extant rules for treason.

“These elements have made Nigeria a laughing stock in the committee of nations for their effrontery to hold democracy hostage in furtherance of their primitive lust for power or personal aggrandizement.

“The president whom we know for his towering credentials and integrity should not allow some few individuals to truncate our hard earned democracy because doing that is archetypal to allowing them to rubbish all his efforts at ensuring a credible electioneering process at the twilight of his exit from power.

“In this respect we want to acknowledge the decisive role played by the headquarters of INEC which wielded the big stick against their erring REC by calling off his bluff and maintained the narrow path of honor and truth,” they said.

They urged INEC to as a matter of urgency, order the arrest and prosecution of the REC to serve as deterrent to others and to also assert that the electoral umpire is truly independent.

“The morbid fascination of these dubious elements has nearly robbed Adamawa State of its peace and tranquility yesterday saved for the maturity of the people who are known for their tact, and resilience even in the face of blatant and unnecessary provocation and intimidation.

“We must acknowledge the superlative show of maturity displayed by our amiable governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his calculated restraint and resilient in the face of the day light armed robbery hoisted by these charlatans and undemocratic forces to take his leadership through the back door.

“Such show of resilience is the reason why Adamawa State has remained calm up till this moment. What do you think would have happened to Adamawa State had governor Fintiri also displayed an insane desperation and lust for power as the others?

“Following the ugly incident of yesterday in Adamawa State where the Resident Electoral Commissioner usurped the responsibility of the returning officer, we are constraints to call on Mr. President to constitute a full blown inquest into the sordid happening with a view to prevent future ugly occurrences.

“For the sake of emphasis, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu Ari walked into INEC collation Centre on the 16 of March and declared the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Aisha Binani winner of the Adamawa Supplementary polls even when collation of results have not concluded,” they submitted.

The coalition said that according to Nigeria’s electoral law, the REC, Hudu Ari, has no power to announce the winner of the election.

“That responsibility solely lies with the state collation officer appointed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“In view of these and other facts at our disposal, we are calling for the arrest, investigation and prosecution of Mr. Hudu Ari and his conspirators. We want the the security agencies to investigate all those involved in the black Sunday Saga.

“We note with concern how a Senior lawmaker Senator Aishatu Binani choose to ignore all the illegality shrouded in declaring her Governor- Elect and choose to give an acceptance speech.

“The speed at which the speech was read immediately after the illegal declaration shows that the whole sordid act of rascality was premeditated and perfected amongst the conspirators of doom.

“We hereby call for her immediate arrest and questioning in order to ascertain what actually transpired.

“Aishatu Binani should be questioned for giving an acceptance speech after being declared Governor Elect illegally,” they stressed.

Furthermore, they pointed out that in a viral video, it was speculated that N2 billion was disbursed in order to facilitate the announcement of the APC Gubernatorial Candidate as Governor Elect, this claim must be investigated as well .

They also demanded that the APC chairman in the state, and the governorship candidate of APC should be questioned in respect of the alleged N2 billion that was disbursed in order to change the electoral will of Adamawa people.

“Similarly, by giving acceptance speech, Binani has participated in an attempt albeit illegally to remove a sitting Governor, she should therefore be disqualified from participating in any future polls.

“We call on the Inspector General of Police, the Commandant of the Nigerian Civil Defence Corp and the Department For State Security to launch a probe into why senior officers from these security agencies accompany Mr. Ari Hudu to INEC centre where he illegally made the announcement.

“In the same vein, we are aware that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission deployed to the state have displayed gross incompetence, partiality and favoritism all geared towards suppressing the wishes of Adamawa voters in order to make Binani the Governor of Adamawa State by hook or by crook.

“These inordinate schemes came to a head yesterday when the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu legally declared Binani Governor Elect .

“Therefore, we are calling on INEC to redeploy it’s officials from the state and to bring in new ones.

“Furthermore, we are in the know that Governor Umaru Fintiri actually won the elections ab initio and that APC, Binani and others connived to foist the supplementary polls on us, in view of these, we are calling on INEC to declare Umar Fintiri as the Governor Elect of the state immediately.”

*Plans 2m man-march in support of Tinubu

*Warns against molestation of Northerners in South

*Insist they are ready to return any negative attack with potent positive reaction

The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) has warned those calling for coup or interim national government ahead of the May 29 inauguration of President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make a retreat, while tasking security agencies to arrest and prosecute those threatening the nation’s democracy.

AYF made the call in a statement signed by its acting national president, Ahmed Mohammed Zagi after a meeting held on yesterday, April 16, 2023 in Kaduna.

“We are also calling on all our security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities. It amounts to treason for anybody to call for truncating our democracy by whatever guises, be it Interim National Government let alone the call for a military coup.

“Perpetrators must be arrested and be brought to book with immediate effect!Meanwhile, arrangements for the handover ceremonies are in full swing,” the group said.

They insisted that, “the President-Elect will, by His Grace, take his Oath of Office as President of Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29th, 2023,” they added.

The group said that the 2023 General elections exercise has come and gone with a few Bye-Elections.

” It is our position that this elections is by far the most credible, fair and freest Elections in our history as a nation.

“We at the Arewa Youth Forum, significantly note that the elections were so credible that it threw up some upsets in our otherwise settled demography. For the first time, 20 sitting Governors lost their states, mostly those of the ruling party.

“Seven Governors who sought elections into the Senate failed to scale through.

“This has never happened in the history of Nigeria. In addition and more evidently, the President-Elect lost his home state (Lagos State); the sitting President lost his home State (Katsina State); the Director-General of the Campaign lost his home state (Plateau State); the ruling Party Chairman lost his h (Nasarawa State); the Chairman of the ruling Party’s Governor Forum lost his home State (Kebbi State) and the ruling party lost some of its traditional strong holds like Yobe State, Kaduna State and Kano State respectively,” AYF said.

They explained that all these go to show that it was a keenly contested election and one of the most credible in our history.

“Also, and more heartwarming is the fact that the 2023 General elections has provided a level playing field for all political parties in such a manner that the APC and the leading opposition PDP had to struggle to win and other fringe political parties made huge and surprising gains by causing upsets in some areas.

“Political parties aside the two (2) major ones, the APC and the PDP have not been pocketed and relegated to the dustbin of history, their efforts have been allowed to manifest through the ballot and they have won seats in an unprecedented manner.

“The reports of some irregularities and violence in some polling units as reported, could not have affected the overall outcome of the elections too. There are 176,974 polling units in Nigeria and infractions and violence were recorded in less than one per cent of these units. How could these have affected the overall results of the elections?

“Whilst we look forward to an era when there would be no single casualty during elections in Nigeria, however, the statistics shows that 2023 recorded the lowest casualty rates ever. During the 1964/65 elections about 200 deaths were recorded as a result of election violence; 1993 election recorded 100 deaths; 1999 election recorded 80 deaths; 2003 polls recorded 100 deaths and 2007 polls recorded 300 deaths.

“The 2011 polls recorded 800 deaths, the 2015 polls recorded 100 deaths and the 2019 polls recorded 150 deaths. However, the 2023 polls recorded no more than 28 deaths as a result of election violence. So, the claim that this is the “worst” election so far is totally unfounded and baseless,” they pointed out.

They therefore, commended Professor Mahmud Yakubu for leading the INEC to display professionalism, sincerity of purpose and unquestionable integrity by delivering what they described as the best and keenly contested elections so far.

The AYF congratulated the President-elect His Excellency Jagaban Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice president-elect Kashim Shettima, and indeed other elected Governors, members of the Federal and state Assemblies.

“We dare say, Nigerians voted for them and expect them to govern in such a manner that selfless and pro-active delivery of Democracy dividends shall be on display moving forward.

“Conversely, we call on those that lost to accept defeat in the most honourable manner because Elections are contests like in sports, all contestants cannot win but only a few that the electorate decide they desire to serve them win at the end.

“Moving forward, our laws have provided for settled means by which election disputes are resolved. The aggrieved parties have taken advantage of this remedy by filing their cases in Court.

“We urge them to have faith in our judicial system and desist from spreading false tales about our election across the world.The courts are there to adjudicate on grievances as the constitution provide,” they advised.

AYF said that they are following with keen interest the unfolding anti Democracy activities, whereby Politicians that lost Elections and their cohorts are making extremely dangerous divisive, unguarded, outrightly false claims that this Elections was not credible, free and fair.

“Their vociferous agitations by themselves and their agents in the media seeking global attention and sympathy so that they can be provided with foreign funds, visas to stay in countries that claim to be Nigeria’s friends but work against its interests, is very divisive, unfortunate and treasonable.

“To these people, we say ENOUGH IS DEFINITELY ENOUGH! We don’t have any country but Nigeria and we shall expose, as well as face all negative anti Democracy elements within the political class and outside it,; as we are presently making preparations to organize a Youth driven Two million (2M) man march in the three Geo-political zones of Northern Nigeria in support of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu /Kashim Shettima Presidency because Nigerians have spoken through the Ballot boxes and we shall resist all anti Democracy forces calling for and working towards an interim government or military intervention and fight them to a standstill,” they warned.

Meanwhile, the group further warned that they will not also accept the undue molestation of any Northerner for whatever reasons, anywhere in Nigeria as it happened in the past in some parts of the South.

“We are ready to return any negative attack with equally or more potent positive reaction that will counter it forthwith.

“We remain committed to the unity and corporate existence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” they assured.

…Says Declaration by REC amounts to Civilian Coup

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Shehu Sani has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for taking the bold step to suspend the collation of the Adamawa State supplementary governorship poll.

According to the Former lawmaker, a situation, where the Resident Electoral Commission declared the APC governorship candidate the winner of the election as against the Returning Officer while the election process is still on “is equivalent to a civilian coup.”

Sen. Shehu Sani who disclosed this in a swift reaction to the what he termed ‘Ilegal declaration” by Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner in a statement personally signed and made available to journalists in Kaduna today commended Professor Mahmud Yakubu and the INEC for prompt intervention.

He further stated ,”It was obvious that the REC was out to truncate democracy in the state and by extension Nigeria if his action was allowed unchecked .

He expressed joy that the statement signed by the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education, Barrister Festus Okoye ,where the electoral umpire slammed the action of the Adamawa REC, saying it usurps the power of the Returning Officer is highly appreciated.

Noting that the good step about the statement is that it declared the announcement ,”… null, void and of no effect. Consequently, the collation of results of the supplementary election is hereby suspended.”

Senator Shehu Sani’s Statement further reads: ” The declaration by Adamawa REC is an equivalent of a civilian coup.

“The action of the Rec stands condemnable. Our democracy can’t survive if we condone such brazen act of criminality and brigandage.

He however, said it not enough to summon the REC and other perpetrators but also advised that ,”The REC and the security men, who perpetrated the acts must be prosecuted.

While stressing that “Our political culture and attitude to election needs chemotherapy,he noted , “The Dangerous trend in our electoral system has gone beyond the culture of Violence,Vote buying and falsification of results to the most obnoxiously and brazenly crude phase of taking over the collation center,seizing the Mic and illegally declaring the results of an election.”

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani Herders attacked Sankwab community of Zango Kataf LGA killing not less than 20 people and injuring several others

Reliable sources from the area told our correspondent that the invaders stormed the community some few minutes to 10pm and started s͎h͎o͎o͎t͎i͎n͎g͎, k͎i͎l͎l͎i͎n͎g͎ a͎n͎d͎ b͎u͎r͎n͎i͎n͎g͎ o͎f͎ h͎o͎u͎s͎e͎s͎ while the occupants scamper for safety.

According to our sources,, A few of the local guards keeping vigil we’re able to engaged the invaders but it took the swift intervention of military operatives to repel the attacks.

They therefore, commended the swift response of the military whom without their intervention, the suspected herdsmen would have wipe out the whole community

*Says world watching Presidential Election Petitions proceedings

A social activist and author, Reno Omokri, has said forensic analysis of the presidential election result of the February 25, 2023 showed that there were over voting in more than 10,000 polling units, which represents almost 8% of all PUs.

He, however, told the the Nigerian judiciary that the world is watching the Presidential Election Petitions Court and hopes it will abide by the provision of the law as enshrined in Nigeria’s Electoral Act of 2022.

In a statement released to newsmen Saturday, the former President aide also called on Nigerians to add their voices to that of millions of others against miscarriage of justice by the Nigerian Judiciary.

The statement titled “An Action Call To Save Democracy in Nigeria”, said the over voting was only possible due to manual accreditation and transmission of voters and votes, rather than the legally required electronic accreditation via Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines.

Omokri said: “On February 25, 2023, Nigeria held Presidential elections in which the ruling party won.

“However, forensic analysis of the result of the election showed that there were over voting in more than 10,000 polling units. This represents almost 8% of all PUs.

“Evidence has been presented by both the Peoples Democratic Part, and the Labour Party at the Presidential Election Petition Court that the ruling party candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was declared President-elect based largely on the votes he amassed in some of these 8% of polling units where over voting occurred.

“Now this is very convenient, and too coincidental. And it is also unlawful.

“By virtue of Section 47 (3) of Nigeria’s Electoral Act, those results ought to have been cancelled, and the elections rescheduled for a later date when the issues with the machines would have been resolved. That section says:

‘Where a smart card reader or any other technological device deployed for accreditation of voters fails to function in any unit and a fresh card reader or technological device is not deployed, the election in that unit shall be cancelled and another election shall be scheduled.’

“The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justuce Kayode Ariwoola, who sits at the head of the judiciary, and who has set up the PEPC, made comments, on video, praising the ruling party on November 25, 2022. As a result of those comments, millions of Nigerians lack confidence in his ability to spearhead a judiciary that dispenses impartial justice.

“What I humbly ask of you reading this is for you to consider using your good offices, no matter how small you think it is, to add your voice to that of millions of Nigerians, and tell the Nigerian judiciary that the world is watching the PEPC and hopes it will abide by the provision of the law as enshrined in Nigeria’s Electoral Act of 2022.”