Arewa Times

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, of criticising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu out of frustration and unmet personal expectations rather than genuine concern for democracy or citizens’ welfare.

Sani made the remarks during an interview with journalists, where he argued that El-Rufai ignored democratic principles and human rights while in office but only began championing them after leaving power.

According to him, El-Rufai’s eight-year administration in Kaduna State was characterised by repression, insecurity and deep division, leaving behind what he described as a troubling legacy.

“El-Rufai forgot democracy and human rights when he was in power and remembered them only when he left office,” Sani said. “He planted tyranny and insecurity and is now preaching democracy and security.”

While acknowledging that President Tinubu is not without flaws, the former lawmaker maintained that the president’s record does not compare with what he described as “years of tyranny” under El-Rufai’s leadership in Kaduna State.

“Asiwaju is not a perfect leader—there is no perfect leader anywhere in the world—but he did not leave behind a legacy of divisiveness, persecution, repression, violation of human rights and wholesale evil, as witnessed by the people of Kaduna State,” Sani stated.

He further alleged that El-Rufai’s administration treated parts of Kaduna State as though they were detention centres, claiming that Northern Kaduna was treated like Kuje Prison while Southern Kaduna resembled Kiri Kiri Prison.

Sani also warned Nigerians against embracing El-Rufai as a political alternative, urging caution over what he described as a dangerous misjudgment.
“Nigerians searching for an alternative to an eagle should not make the mistake of embracing a vulture,” he warned.

In his concluding remarks, Sani said that when measured by service, history, character and morality, El-Rufai falls far below President Tinubu.

“In the barometer of record of service, history, character and morality, El-Rufai is an apprentice to Tinubu,” he said.

Sani’s remarks were in response to El-Rufai’s recent statements in which the former governor claimed that he never had a personal relationship with President Tinubu comparable to the one he had with former President Muhammadu Buhari, of blessed memory.

The Her Safety, Her Future HSF 2 project, established by the Nigerian Women Trust Fund in collaboration with Women Community in Africa, the coalition and advocacy arm of Beyond Mentors Community Care Initiative, was officially launched on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at the Front of the Palace of the Sakaruyi of Karu, Abuja Municipal Area Council AMAC.

The Project Launch and Media Announcement marked the formal commencement of an initiative designed to strengthen women’s leadership, enhance community protection mechanisms, and promote inclusive governance at the grassroots level. The event brought together 35 participants, including traditional leaders, partner organisations, community members, youth and women representatives, as well as members of the media. The turnout reflected strong community interest and broad stakeholder support for the project.

The programme opened with prayers offered in both Christian and Muslim traditions, followed by welcome remarks delivered by Dr. Maimoona Salim, Chief Operating Officer of Beyond Mentors Community Care Initiative and SI Group. In her address, Dr. Salim expressed appreciation to the palace led by the Sakaruyi of Karu and acknowledged the support of Her Royal Highness, Queen Patricia Narai. She thanked the traditional institution for providing a platform for direct engagement with the community.
Dr. Salim emphasised that the initiative is centred on building sustainable growth and development within the community. She noted that women and young people, particularly young girls, are central to achieving long term transformation. She called on community members to embrace collaboration, learning and unlearning, and the intentional transfer of positive societal values that strengthen leadership capacity and inclusive governance across generations.
Speaking at the launch, the Founder of Beyond Mentors Community Care Initiative and Women Community in Africa, Dr. Khadijah Abdullahi Iya, highlighted the importance of knowledge as a foundation for leadership and development. She stated that while material possessions can be lost, knowledge remains permanent and empowering. According to her, knowledge equips individuals to make informed decisions, strengthens leadership, and has the capacity to protect and transform entire communities.
In her remarks, Her Royal Highness, Queen Patricia Narai spoke passionately about the importance of skill acquisition as a pathway to leadership, economic participation, and community stability. She expressed deep concern over the inability of many youths in the community to acquire practical skills, describing the situation as painful and troubling. The Queen lamented that this gap had contributed to the loss of two prominent youths in the community and called for urgent interventions that prioritise skills development as a tool for inclusion, protection, and participatory governance.
The project was formally declared open by the traditional leadership, marking the official launch of Her Safety, Her Future HSF 2. This was followed by a media briefing session where journalists engaged organisers on the project’s objectives, implementation strategy, and expected impact on women’s leadership and community governance. The media was encouraged to support advocacy, awareness, and accountability efforts around the initiative.
Also speaking during the programme, a beneficiary representative, Josephine Zakwoyi of the Dakachi Stakeholder Group, expressed appreciation to the organisers for prioritising women at a critical time. She lamented the repeated abandonment of women by leaders after unfulfilled promises and expressed hope that the project would deliver meaningful and lasting impact across Karu Local Government Area.
The event concluded with briefings on beneficiary mobilisation for upcoming activities, a vote of thanks, media interactions, and group photographs.
Overall, the launch recorded strong endorsement from the palace of the Sakaruyi of Karu, increased media visibility, strengthened partnerships, and early mobilisation of beneficiaries. Organisers described the event as a significant step towards building inclusive leadership structures, strengthening community protection, and promoting participatory governance through the Her Safety, Her Future HSF 2 project.

A Southern Kaduna activist, Steven Kefas, has launched a blistering attack on former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent comments on national security and citizens’ wellbeing.

El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023, had taken to his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to share a commentary titled “National Security, Justice, and the People’s Wellbeing: Reclaiming the Purpose of Power.” In the post, the former governor reflected on governance, justice, and the need for leaders to prioritise the safety and welfare of citizens.

However, Kefas, a vocal rights advocate from Southern Kaduna, responded sharply, accusing El-Rufai of lacking the moral authority to speak on security matters.

Activist’s Sharp Rebuttal

“You, amongst all people, do not have the moral standing to talk about security and the people’s wellbeing,” Kefas wrote on his X handle. “You are one of the architects of the insecurity facing our dear country today.”

Kefas’ reaction has since sparked widespread debate on social media, reopening long-standing controversies surrounding El-Rufai’s handling of security challenges during his eight-year tenure as governor.

Kaduna State ,particularly Southern Kaduna, witnessed repeated incidents of banditry, communal clashes, and deadly attacks on rural communities during El-Rufai’s administration. Human rights organisations and community leaders frequently criticised his government over its response to violence, alleged insensitivity to victims, and policies which critics claimed exacerbated ethnic and religious tensions.

While El-Rufai consistently defended his security strategies, maintaining that his administration worked closely with federal authorities and security agencies, critics argue that many communities remained vulnerable, with thousands displaced and numerous lives lost.

Kefas’ remarks reflect the views of several Southern Kaduna activists who have long accused the former governor of downplaying attacks in the region and failing to adequately protect minority communities.

Background of Tension and Detention

The exchange comes amid renewed national conversations on insecurity, governance accountability, and the role of past leaders in shaping Nigeria’s current security challenges.

It would be recalled that in 2019, Kefas—who has been a persistent critic of El-Rufai—was arrested and detained in Kaduna, reportedly on alleged “orders from above,” an incident that further heightened tensions between the activist and the former governor’s administration.

Details of Kefas’ 2019 Arrest:

· Duration: 150 to 162 days in detention.
· Charges: Inciting disturbance, injurious falsehood, cyberstalking, and defamation based on social media posts.
· Petitioners: The Office of the Special Adviser to Governor El-Rufai on Legal Matters (Aisha Dikko) and the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Cafra Caino.
· Outcome: Granted bail by the Kaduna State High Court after months; a fundamental rights suit seeking N500 million in damages was filed on his behalf.

El-Rufai’s recent criticism extends beyond activist circles. In a television interview, he alleged that the current federal and Kaduna state governments are paying ransoms and allowances to bandits, a claim both governments have strongly denied as false and dangerous. The Kaduna State Government accused El-Rufai of plotting to unleash mayhem and destabilize the state.

The Northern Transparency Advocate Group (NTAG) has strongly condemned the Justice Mu”azu Pindiga Committee of Inquiry set up by the Sokoto State Government under Governor Ahmed Aliyu to probe the financial activities of the immediate past administration of Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

The group described the panel’s allegations against Tambuwal’s government as “politically motivated, misleading and laughable”, insisting that the former governor’s administration remains one of the most financially disciplined in Nigeria.

Speaking at the end of a two-day seminar on “Corruption and Related Offences Against Economic Growth in Nigeria” held in Kaduna, the Zonal Coordinator of the group, Dr Murtala Abbas Tafoki, accused the current Sokoto State Government of using the committee as a tool for persecution and political intimidation.

“We find it very amusing, surprising and disappointing that Justice Pindiga, who himself has unresolved allegations of corruption, is now leading a panel to accuse one of the cleanest administrations in Nigeria of financial mismanagement.

“This is nothing but a politically sponsored witch-hunt aimed at destroying the records and achievements of the Tambuwal administration,” Tafoki said.

Tafoki described the committee’s report as “a laughing affair”, arguing that it lacks credibility in the face of what he called “widespread financial recklessness” under the current APC-led government in Sokoto.

“There is absolutely no justification, in whatever manner, for Justice Pindiga to point accusing fingers at an administration that was widely commended for prudence, transparency and accountability by reputable international organisations.

“The Tambuwal government was given a clean slate by both national and international institutions for excellent financial management, good service delivery and strict adherence to due process,” he stated.

According to the group, institutions such as the World Bank, United Nations financial monitoring agencies and CBN had previously rated Tambuwal’s government highly in terms of fiscal discipline and governance standards.

However, Tafoki alleged that the present administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu has weakened financial controls and dismantled key due process mechanisms in the state.

“The Ahmed Aliyu administration has turned Sokoto into a spending empire without rules.

“Over N114 billion was allegedly withdrawn between July 2023 and November 2025 through five commercial banks without due process or adherence to financial guidelines.

“This level of financial recklessness is unprecedented and yet the government is busy chasing a past administration that was known for discipline and prudence,” he claimed.

The group also accused anti-corruption agencies of failing in their responsibilities.

“Even the EFCC economic monitoring teams, both at the state and federal levels, have failed woefully to stop the abuse of financial procedures in Sokoto State.

“It is ironic that a government accused of massive financial violations is now pretending to be a champion of accountability,” he alleged.

The group insisted that the allegations against Tambuwal are purely political.

“This so-called investigation is not about accountability; it is about revenge, intimidation and rewriting history for political gain.

“The aim is to destroy the legacy of a government that managed public resources responsibly and served the people with integrity,” Tafoki said.

NTAG called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to redirect their attention to the current administration.

“We call on EFCC and ICPC to immediately investigate how the Ahmed Aliyu administration is spending the resources of the people of Sokoto State instead of allowing themselves to be used as tools of political propaganda,” Tafoki demanded.

The group also urged the agencies to revisit older corruption cases involving previous Sokoto administrations.

“For these agencies to prove their neutrality, they must reopen corruption allegations against the Bafarawa and Wamakko administrations as well,” he added.

On the judiciary, the group called for transparency regarding Justice Pindiga himself.

“While we commend the judiciary for resisting political intimidation, we demand the immediate release of all reports and findings on corruption allegations against Justice Pindiga,” Tafoki said.

“This is necessary to restore public confidence and prevent him from interfering in sensitive judicial matters where his integrity is already in question.”

The group, however, warned that politicising anti-corruption efforts could weaken democracy and undermine genuine accountability in Nigeria.

By Musa Rosa
F

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has raised fresh alarm over the abduction of 15 married Christian women by Boko Haram terrorists in southern Borno State, while sharply criticizing the continued silence of authorities over the kidnapping of 166 worshippers from churches in southern Kaduna.

In a press statement issued Monday and signed by its president, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, the MBF said the women were abducted on December 18, 2025, from Kilakasa village in Dille District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area while fishing by a nearby river. The group identified the attackers as Boko Haram.

According to the MBF, all 15 victims are Christian women of the Marghi ethnic group, aged between 30 and 40, and are mothers with young children. At least one of the abducted women reportedly has six children who have now been left without their mother.

Despite families reporting the incident to security agencies and making initial ransom contacts, the forum said communication with the abductors has since ceased, with no known rescue operation underway.

“The complete silence by the Nigerian media on such a grave crime is curious and deeply troubling,” the MBF said, adding that the lack of information has compounded the anguish of families and heightened fear in Middle Belt communities within Borno State.

The forum contrasted the inaction with the recent rescue of 12 girls abducted by Boko Haram from a communal farm in Mussa District, Askira Emirate. The girls were freed within four days by troops of Operation Hadin Kai. MBF urged authorities to apply the same urgency to the Kilakasa abduction.

Beyond Borno, the forum expressed deep concern over the fate of 166 worshippers abducted from three churches in Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru Local Government Area of southern Kaduna. The kidnappings, which occurred about 15 days earlier, were initially denied by state authorities, according to the MBF.

“The silence of the Kaduna State Government and the Kaduna State Police Command is not only unsettling but heartlessly insensitive to victims’ families,” the statement said.

The MBF also condemned a recent coordinated attack on Agwara town in Niger State, where armed bandits reportedly overran local security, burned a police divisional headquarters, attacked a church, and abducted at least five residents. The assault, the forum said, has left the community traumatized and fearful of further attacks.

According to the MBF, the Agwara incident reflects a broader pattern of violence across the Middle Belt, increasingly targeting churches, schools, police facilities, and civilian communities.

In southern Kaduna, the forum cited continued daily kidnappings and attacks in Kauru, Kachia, Lere, Chikun, and Kagarko local government areas, warning that armed groups are operating with near-total impunity.

The group criticized Kaduna State for lacking a well-trained and properly funded civilian security support structure, arguing that neighboring states have made more progress through community-based security collaborations.

It also questioned the effectiveness of what the state government has described as the “Kaduna Peace Model,” noting that the period has coincided with mass kidnappings and displacement. The MBF alleged that some armed Fulani bandits previously pardoned and reintegrated in 2024 are linked to the current wave of violence.

“These developments lend credence to claims of a targeted campaign against Christian-majority ethnic nationalities of the Middle Belt,” the forum said, describing the situation as evidence of a wider pattern of religiously motivated violence.

The MBF demanded immediate and transparent updates on all abducted persons, swift and coordinated rescue efforts, and concrete protection strategies that uphold citizens’ constitutional rights to life and security.

“The lives of these women and all other abducted persons matter,” the statement concluded.

The Kaduna Central Elders Forum has asked Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, to render an account of his stewardship at the National Assembly, citing what it described as poor performance and weak engagement with constituents since his election.

The elders accused the senator of being more visible on social media than in the communities he represents, saying his approach to representation has failed to address the pressing challenges facing Kaduna Central.

In a statement jointly issued and signed by Mal. Inuwa Rigachikun and Mr Moses Bulus Madami, the forum described Senator Lawal Adamu as a lawmaker who relies largely on Facebook posts to communicate with constituents, rather than regular physical engagement, consultations and constituency outreach.

“Our Kaduna senator appears to exist only on Facebook. Representation goes beyond online posts. The people need to see, feel and interact with their elected representative,” the forum stated.

The group, made up of traditional rulers, retired civil servants and community stakeholders across the senatorial district, said the senator’s poor physical presence had widened the gap between him and grassroots communities, especially at a time when Kaduna Central is grappling with insecurity, unemployment and deteriorating infrastructure.

According to the elders, several communities within the district have not had any direct engagement with the senator since he assumed office, either through town hall meetings, constituency visits or stakeholder consultations.

They also accused the senator of failing to take strong positions on critical local issues, including repeated security challenges affecting rural communities, economic hardship, youth unemployment and the poor state of roads and public facilities.

“The people of Kaduna Central are facing serious challenges. These problems cannot be addressed from Abuja or through Facebook posts alone,” the elders said, adding that constituents expect their representative to be vocal both on the floor of the Senate and within the district.

The forum further called on the senator to publicly outline constituency projects attracted so far and explain his legislative contributions in clear terms to the people he represents.

The elders who underscores the senator’s performance as underwhelming, said physical presence was critical to effective representation. “Even if motions are sponsored, people want to see their senator. Physical engagement builds trust,” they said.

An Islamic group, the Young Muslim League of Nigeria (YMLN), has publicly disagreed with the position of the Sharia Council on recent electoral matters, declaring its support for the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan.

In a press statement issued by the National Coordinator of the group, Mal. Ibrahim Mohammed Abdullahi, the League’s position was based on its assessment of the INEC chair’s leadership, which it described as “professional, fair and committed to the democratic process.”

According to the group, while it holds the Sharia Council in high regard as a respected religious body, it believes that differences of opinion on national issues—especially governance and elections—should be expressed constructively and without undermining democratic institutions.

The statement reads: “The Young Muslim League of Nigeria wishes to clearly state that we differ with the recent stance taken by the Sharia Council concerning INEC,” the coordinator said. “Our support for Chairman Amupitan is anchored on his commitment to transparency, rule of law and the conduct of credible elections, which are essential for national stability.”

The group however,cautioned against what it described as attempts to politicise religion or discredit public officials without verifiable evidence, noting that such actions could deepen divisions in the country.

It further urged religious and civil society organisations to play complementary roles by promoting peace, voter education and national unity, rather than actions that could erode public confidence in electoral institutions.

“We believe that constructive engagement, not confrontation, is the best way to strengthen democracy,” the statement added.

The League also called on INEC to sustain reforms aimed at improving electoral integrity, while encouraging citizens—especially Muslim youths—to participate actively and responsibly in the democratic process.

The Sharia Council had earlier expressed concerns over electoral issues, prompting reactions from various groups across the country.

By Jackson Debby

Residents of Gusau, Zamfara State capital, have accused the state government of complicity in the alleged abduction of Ambassador Bashir Isa Gusau, the Northwest Tinubu/Shettima Youth Coordinator for Zamfara State.

Gusau, a prominent supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, was reportedly taken from his residence by armed men, sparking controversy over whether he was kidnapped by bandits or detained by government operatives.

An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, claimed that “more than 30 armed bandits” stormed Gusau’s residence and abducted him in front of his wife, leaving the neighborhood in confusion.

However, residents have cast doubt on the bandit narrative, pointing instead to what they describe as a pattern of arrests targeting opposition party members in the state.

“We believe that our member Bashir Isa was abducted and detained by Zamfara government, not kidnapped by any group of bandits,” said Dr. Ado Usman Charanci, APC Support Group Northwest Coordinator, in a press statement.

According to the statement, efforts to locate Gusau through security agencies including the Police Headquarters in Gusau, the Department of State Security Service (DSS), and the Civil Defence proved unsuccessful.

“After some minutes of the ugly incident, we contacted the relevant security agents… only to discover that Isa Gusau is nowhere to be found,” a source disclosed.

Some reports allege that Gusau was taken by unknown security operatives attached to the Government House in Gusau and is being held in one of the guest houses within the premises.

The APC Support Group has called on security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding Gusau’s disappearance and warned the Zamfara state government, led by Governor Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), against what they termed “intimidation and persecution of innocent APC supporters.”

Gusau is known for his active role in mobilizing support for President Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the Northwest zone.

His family members have expressed confusion and frustration over their inability to determine the reason for his detention or secure his release.

The Zamfara state government has not issued an official statement on the allegations at the time of this report.

By Kimbe Usman David

Residents of Gusau, Zamfara State capital, have accused the state government of complicity in the alleged abduction of Ambassador Bashir Isa Gusau, the Northwest Tinubu/Shettima Youth Coordinator for Zamfara State.

Gusau, a prominent supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, was reportedly taken from his residence by armed men, sparking controversy over whether he was kidnapped by bandits or detained by government operatives.

An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, claimed that “more than 30 armed bandits” stormed Gusau’s residence and abducted him in front of his wife, leaving the neighborhood in confusion.

However, residents have cast doubt on the bandit narrative, pointing instead to what they describe as a pattern of arrests targeting opposition party members in the state.

“We believe that our member Bashir Isa was abducted and detained by Zamfara government, not kidnapped by any group of bandits,” said Dr. Ado Usman Charanci, APC Support Group Northwest Coordinator, in a press statement.

According to the statement, efforts to locate Gusau through security agencies including the Police Headquarters in Gusau, the Department of State Security Service (DSS), and the Civil Defence proved unsuccessful.

“After some minutes of the ugly incident, we contacted the relevant security agents… only to discover that Isa Gusau is nowhere to be found,” a source disclosed.

Some reports allege that Gusau was taken by unknown security operatives attached to the Government House in Gusau and is being held in one of the guest houses within the premises.

The APC Support Group has called on security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding Gusau’s disappearance and warned the Zamfara state government, led by Governor Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), against what they termed “intimidation and persecution of innocent APC supporters.”

Gusau is known for his active role in mobilizing support for President Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the Northwest zone.

His family members have expressed confusion and frustration over their inability to determine the reason for his detention or secure his release.

The Zamfara state government has not issued an official statement on the allegations at the time of this report.

A delegation of leaders from the Nigerian Interdenominational Pastors Assembly (NIPA) has commended Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for his swift visit and rescue efforts to recent bandit attacks and mass abductions in Kajuru Local Government Area, as well as his administration’s renewed focus on infrastructure development and community support.

The delegation visited several affected communities in the Kurmin Wali axis of Kajuru amid heightened tension following coordinated attacks by armed bandits, during which scores of residents were abducted in separate incidents that attracted national and international concern.

Speaking during the visit, NIPA representatives, led by Reverend Abraham Habila Zock, praised Governor Uba Sani’s visible leadership and hands-on approach to crisis management. They noted that the governor’s decision to personally visit the affected communities to console families and reassure residents had restored hope and confidence among the people.

While addressing community members on needed to be security conscious , the group acknowledged the Governor’s decision to stand with the people in this darkest hour and for strengthening their communities through both spiritual and practical support.”

Stating further, Reverend Zock who observed that Governor Uba Sani’s administration has consistently reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on insecurity, pledged sustained collaboration with federal security agencies and the deployment of new strategies to protect vulnerable communities, particularly in Southern Kaduna.

” We can see that during an earlier visit to Kurmin Wali, the governor described the attacks as a “cruel abduction of innocent citizens” and assured residents that coordinated security efforts were ongoing to ensure the safe release of those still in captivity.”

Beyond security interventions, the visiting clergy highlighted the importance of infrastructure development in stabilising Kajuru and neighbouring communities. They pointed to ongoing road construction projects and improved access to social services under the Uba Sani administration as critical to restoring economic activities, enhancing mobility, and reducing the isolation that often worsens insecurity in rural areas.

Residents also welcomed recent infrastructure initiatives, including the rehabilitation of rural road networks and plans for new healthcare facilities, describing them as vital steps toward improving living conditions and strengthening community resilience.

Despite the grim backdrop of the abductions, community leaders said the pastors’ visit had boosted morale and reinforced collective resolve. “We are grateful that our religious leaders stood with us and recognised the government’s role in saving lives and rebuilding our communities,” a local community chairman said.

The clerics noted that the latest abductions underscore the persistent security challenges in Southern Kaduna, where years of banditry and kidnappings have disrupted farming, education, and daily life. However, they expressed optimism that the combined efforts of faith leaders, government authorities, and security agencies would continue to shape a more coordinated and resilient response to violence across the region.