Arewa Times

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BOOK REVIEW By Luka Binniyat

What This Book Is

Reflection of a Shepherd: The Quotations of Bishop Matthew Kukah is not a biography. It is a distillation. Running to 229 hardcover pages and wrapped in a thick removable jacket, the volume assembles 200 quotations from one of Africa’s most fearless Catholic priests. Edited by veteran journalist and PR practitioner James S. Swam, and published by Edgewaters Communications Ltd, Kaduna (2025), the book opens with a Foreword by Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna, who calls the quotes reflections of “the heart of a priest deeply concerned about humanity and the dignity of every person.”

The Work Behind the Words

Swam, an award-winning communicator and author, invested thousands of hours combing through Kukah’s lectures, homilies, interviews, and public addresses. The task was Herculean. Kukah’s mind is restless, introspective, and fertile—and his words carry moral weight in a Nigeria worn down by unrelenting crises. Swam has done readers a real service by organizing this material into ten thematic chapters, each quotation given its own page. The result is a book that breathes.

What Kukah Says—and Why It Stings

Kukah directs his sharpest words at the ruling class. On page 22, speaking at the G-20 Religion Forum in Bali (2022): “The world will always be full of men and women with grand delusions about how they have been divinely sent to create a new world at the cost of human blood. However, we must work hard to cure them of their delusions by taking them out of circulation.”

That is not metaphor. It is a call to action.

On page 55, from “Witness to Justice”: “If we are unable to hold our leaders accountable for their promises to us… then those of us who claim some levels of literacy and possess a critical mind are guilty bystanders to the collective oppression of our people.”

The book, therefore, does more than quote. It indicts.

Nigeria on the Page

No chapter is more searing than the third. On page 96, from Kukah’s University of Jos Convocation Lecture (June 2025): “The idea that today, semi-literate and illiterate herdsmen have held the country ransom under the Boko Haram insurgency and the endless killings across the country suggests how low we have sunk.”

On page 81 (Milan, 2015): “The real challenge we face is how to find the space to express both our creeds and grievances in a society that has become increasingly dysfunctional as a result of the corruption of a tiny elite.”

And on page 141 (Arise News, 2021), the verdict is final: “Nigeria is a terrible and unjust society. It doesn’t even have the architecture to make justice happen.”

But He Does Not Despair

Remarkably, the shepherd refuses to abandon the flock. On page 142, before the U.S. Foreign Affairs Committee (July 2021): “We cannot give up. We must renew our commitment to creating a just society.” And on page 149: “Yes, though tribes and tongues may differ, creating an equal society is not impossible.”

These are not empty platitudes. They are hard-won declarations.

Tributes That Lift the Spirit

Chapter Nine offers a softer Kukah. At the burial of Kaduna State Governor Sir Patrick Yakowa (September 2012): “Mr. Yakowa has opened a door, and it will never shut again… For you, the entire people of Southern Kaduna, especially the youths, rise up—fear is dead, and it will never rise again.”

Also honoured: the late Pope Francis, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, President Shehu Shagari, and Dr. Junaidu Mohammed.

What Is Left Out (and Why It May Not Matter)

The reviewer notes that Swam appears to have avoided certain controversial quotations. A deliberate choice, likely shaped by the author’s background as a public relations expert (awarded 2022 Outstanding Performance in Communication by the African Educationist Project). Purists may object. Realists will understand.

A Flaw in Production, Not in Substance

Between pages 118 and 122, pagination scrambles awkwardly. It does not harm a single sentence.

Final Word

This book is for the millions who admire Bishop Kukah—and even more for those who do not. It offers motivation, inspiration, and an uncomfortable mirror. I await its public presentation with genuine anticipation.

— Luka Binniyat
National Spokesman, Middle Belt Forum & Correspondent, TruthNigeria.com

In a significant political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, former senator representing Kaduna Central, Comrade Shehu Sani, has concluded a strategic tour of seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kaduna State, garnering widespread endorsements from party executives and grassroots stakeholders.

The tour, which lasted several days, saw the outspoken rights activist-turned-politician engage directly with ward and local government party officials, community leaders, youth groups, and women’s associations. The LGAs visited include Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Igabi, Chikun, Kajuru, Kachia, and Birnin Gwari.

At each stop, Sani held consultative meetings with party executives and broader stakeholder groups of the All Progressives Congress (APC), focusing on strategies ahead of the next electoral cycle.

During the engagements, the former lawmaker declared his support for the re-election bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani in 2027.

Stakeholders who spoke with journalists described the meetings as part of efforts to consolidate party unity, rebuild trust, and articulate a forward-looking agenda anchored on inclusivity and good governance.

Party leaders across the seven LGAs passed votes of confidence in Sani, citing his record in legislative advocacy, constituency development, and longstanding human rights activism.
In Igabi LGA, the party chairman described him as “a bridge between the people and government,” highlighting his accessibility and consistency in addressing national issues.

Leaders in Chikun pledged to mobilise support, describing Sani as “a voice for the voiceless and defender of democratic values,” while recalling his intervention during disputes linked to the proposed demolition of the Gbagi-Villa community by former Kaduna Governor,Mal. Nasir Elrufai.

Similar sentiments were echoed in Birnin Gwari, where community leaders commended his contributions to local development, including support for educational and healthcare infrastructure, as well as his vocal stance on insecurity.

In Kajuru, stakeholders recounted his advocacy during periods of heightened violence in the area, noting his role in amplifying the plight of affected communities.

Women groups at the meetings also expressed solidarity, citing empowerment programmes initiated during his tenure and his consistent advocacy for social justice and inclusion.

Addressing stakeholders, Sani reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening party cohesion and tackling key challenges such as insecurity, unemployment, infrastructural deficits, and the need for quality representation.

“We must rebuild our political structures from the grassroots. The strength of any democracy lies in its people. I am here to listen, to learn, and to work with you for a better future,” he said.

He further emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing insecurity, particularly in rural communities, while advocating policies that expand economic opportunities for young people.

Information gathered revealed that the tour reflects a deliberate effort to reconnect with the grassroots and reassert relevance in Kaduna’s evolving political landscape.

Findings also indicate that endorsements at the local government level remain critical indicators of political viability in the state, known for its complex and competitive alignments.

Although Sani is widely considered a grassroots politician, the scale of endorsements and mobilisation recorded during the tour suggests growing momentum around his potential comeback.

For now, the outcome of the visits has not only reaffirmed his political influence, but also underscored the enduring importance of grassroots engagement in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Renames Engineering Faculty Complex As Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha Complex.

To marki a significant step in expanding renewable energy deployment across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, alongside the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, flagged off a 2-megawatt solar mini-grid project and commissioned 200 solar-powered streetlights at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil, Kano State.

The intervention, implemented under ECN’s renewable energy and sustainable power programme, is aimed at improving electricity supply on campus, enhancing security through solar-powered lighting, and strengthening research and innovation in clean energy technologies.

Speaking at the event, the Minister commended ECN’s technical leadership, noting that, “The Energy Commission of Nigeria has done exemplary technical work to bring us to this point, following rigorousT energy audits, demand assessments, and validated system specifications.”

He further stressed accountability and timely delivery, stating that, “The contractor has a clear, firm mandate:to deliver within three months, to specification, with no tolerance for variation, and my ministry will hold them to that mandate.

The highlight of the event was the formal renaming of the Engineering Faculty Complex as the Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha Complex, in recognition of his contributions to national energy development, institutional collaboration, and the advancement of renewable energy solutions in Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Musa Tukur Yakasai, also honoured the Director-General, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, with an Outstanding Award, noting that the recognition reflects his exceptional achievements and enduring impact in the energy sector.

Dr. Mustapha, who was among the 2009 graduating class of the university’s Faculty of Engineering, described the moment as both significant and symbolic, reflecting a full-circle journey from student to national energy leader.

The ceremony was attended by the Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Abdulkadir; the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Musa Tukur Yakasai; and the Director-General of the Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Dr. Magaji Da’u Aliyu.

Speaking, Dr. Mustapha reaffirmed ECN’s commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s energy transition through practical, impact-driven projects that expand access to clean and reliable electricity, particularly within educational institutions.

He noted that the 2MW solar mini-grid represents a scalable model for decentralized energy solutions, while the 200 solar-powered streetlights will significantly improve safety and extend academic and social activities within the university environment.

The Director-General sincerely appreciated His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for this laudable initiative, which continues to drive sustainable energy development and expand access to clean power across the nation.

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By Mica Joseph

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has issued a resounding endorsement of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kolo Kyari, celebrating his six-year tenure (2019–2025) as a watershed era of honesty, institutional overhaul, and unexpected compassion.

In a press statement signed by its President, Ambassador Abdul Danbature, the group declared that Kyari did not merely manage the national oil company but fundamentally repositioned it, pulling it back from the brink of public distrust and operational stagnation.

A New Culture of Openness

AYAGL highlighted that upon assuming leadership, Kyari dismantled decades of opacity by introducing the Transparency, Accountability, and Performance (TAPE) agenda. For the first time in NNPCL’s history, the group noted, the company consistently published audited financial statements—a move that shocked industry watchers and restored faith among international partners and local stakeholders alike.

The group also credited Kyari with steering the historic transition of NNPCL from a opaque state corporation into a commercial, profit-driven entity under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Through aggressive digitisation and governance reforms, operational efficiency soared while waste was systematically curtailed.

Navigating the Storm of Deregulation

On the volatile issue of fuel pricing, AYAGL said Kyari displayed rare strategic courage. As Nigeria transitioned to full deregulation, his leadership ensured relative stability in supply and pricing—even as global markets convulsed during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “He held the nation’s energy security together with both hands,” the statement read.

Legacy Infrastructure and the Gas Push

The statement acknowledged major infrastructure milestones achieved under Kyari’s watch:

· The ongoing rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries.
· Steady progress on the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline Project.
· Enhanced pipeline surveillance systems that significantly curbed crude oil theft.

Furthermore, AYAGL praised Kyari’s “Decade of Gas” initiative as a visionary roadmap for cleaner energy and industrial growth, while polishing Nigeria’s standing in global energy diplomacy.

The Human Face of Big Oil

Beyond balance sheets and pipelines, the group placed unusual emphasis on Kyari’s humanitarian footprint—a side of his leadership rarely highlighted.

Under his watch, NNPCL expanded healthcare interventions, funded educational support programmes, and executed community development projects ranging from rural water supply and school rehabilitation to solar electrification in off-grid communities.

The statement specifically noted his quiet support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria’s North-East, as well as his personal commitment to mentoring young oil and gas professionals.

“Many of his personal philanthropic efforts were carried out quietly, reflecting humility and a genuine desire to impact lives, not headlines,” AYAGL said.

Steering the Nation Through Elections

The group also commended Kyari for ensuring uninterrupted energy supply during election periods and maintaining strict institutional neutrality—moves that contributed directly to national stability and democratic continuity.

Final Verdict

Concluding its lengthy tribute, the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership described Kyari’s tenure as “a rare legacy of reform, resilience, and compassion.” The group urged future leaders of NNPCL and other state institutions to emulate his blend of hard-nosed efficiency and genuine service.

“He proved that a national oil company can be profitable, transparent, and humane—all at once,” the statement added.

ENDS

On April 22, dignitaries from across Nigeria’s political, traditional, and socio-economic spectrum converged on Kaduna for an event that was as symbolic as it was historic the commissioning of the state’s newly constructed Banquet Hall.

For the first time since Kaduna State’s creation in 1967, former governors including Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, Namadi Sambo, and Mukhtar Ramalan Yero,gathered under one roof alongside an array of political leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders. The moment was more than ceremonial; it was deeply symbolic of reconciliation and unity.

At the heart of this convergence is a vision championed by Governor Uba Sani to create a space deliberately designed to foster dialogue, partnerships, and investment.

Beyond Steel and Glass
By all appearances, the Banquet Hall is an architectural statement,an imposing structure of steel and glass built with ambition. Yet beyond its physical presence, it represents something far more profound: a renewed civic identity for a state long shaped by diversity and complexity.

The facility, inaugurated by Vice President Kashim Shettima at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, was not merely unveiled as another public building. It was introduced as a strategic instrument for governance,one designed to bring people together under a shared roof.

Named after Abba Kyari, the state-of-the-art hall boasts a seating capacity of about 1,300 and spans approximately 2.7 hectares. It fills a long-standing infrastructural gap in Kaduna, providing a venue capable of hosting high-level engagements,from diplomatic meetings to cultural exhibitions and investment summits.

A Space for Dialogue in a Complex State
Kaduna has historically held a central role in Nigeria’s political and socio-economic landscape. However, like many states in northern Nigeria, it has also faced challenges, ethno-religious tensions, security concerns, and political divisions.

Against this backdrop, the Banquet Hall emerges as more than a venue; it is a deliberate attempt to create a shared civic space.

Governor Sani emphasized during the commissioning that the project is not just about infrastructure, but about strengthening governance and encouraging meaningful engagement.

“This is a strategic investment in institutional capacity,” he said, underscoring its role in fostering policy dialogue and partnerships.

By hosting events such as the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Week, intergovernmental forums, and stakeholder engagements, the hall provides a neutral ground where individuals from diverse backgrounds can interact constructively.
Repositioning Kaduna on the Global Stage
Central to Governor Sani’s broader vision is repositioning Kaduna as a hub for national and international engagement. The Banquet Hall is a cornerstone of that ambition.

Designed to meet global standards, the facility is expected to attract conferences, diplomatic missions, and investors,activities that can stimulate economic growth while reshaping perceptions about the state.

Vice President Shettima described the project as a reflection of “purposeful leadership,” noting its potential to strengthen institutions and deepen national cohesion.

Unity Through Shared Experience
Unity is rarely achieved through rhetoric alone,it is built through shared experiences. The Banquet Hall provides precisely that opportunity.

Each event hosted within its walls, whether a policy dialogue, cultural showcase, or regional summit,adds to a growing narrative: that Kaduna is not merely defined by its challenges, but by its capacity to serve as a meeting point of ideas and opportunities.

Stakeholders present at the commissioning described the project as a “magnificent achievement” and a “strategic investment in governance,” highlighting its potential to redefine public engagement in the state.

A Political Statement in Concrete Form
Infrastructure often carries political meaning, and this project is no exception. For Governor Sani, the Banquet Hall signals a shift toward inclusive governance, one rooted in openness, communication, and institutional strength.
It also reflects a deliberate effort to rebuild trust. By investing in a space designed for interaction and accessibility, the administration is making a clear statement: governance must be participatory and visible.

The Road Ahead
While a single structure cannot resolve all of Kaduna’s challenges, it can set a tone. The true measure of the Banquet Hall’s impact will lie in how it is utilized, how often it hosts meaningful dialogue, how inclusive those conversations are, and how effectively they translate into tangible outcomes for citizens.

If fully leveraged, the facility could become a cornerstone of Kaduna’s transformation, a place where differences are negotiated, partnerships are forged, and unity is actively practiced.

In a region often defined by its divisions, the Kaduna Banquet Hall offers a different narrative, one of convergence, possibility, and shared purpose.
Sometimes, unity begins with something as simple and as powerful as bringing people together in the same room.

By Uba Sani Continuity Project

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By Grace Buba

A former Administrator of Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Hon. (Dr.) Nita Byack George, has formally declared her intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Zangon-Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections. She will be running under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking during her declaration at the APC Party Office in Zonkwa, George said her decision to join the race was driven by a strong sense of duty, years of grassroots engagement, and the urgent need to deliver practical governance to the people.

“I have not come merely to declare an ambition; I have come to answer a call—one rooted in my record of service, the urgency of our times, and the political moment before us,” she said.

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A Record of Service and Grassroots Engagement

George, who highlighted nearly two decades of community engagement, pointed to her track record in peacebuilding, women empowerment, and infrastructure development as evidence of her readiness for higher responsibility.

She referenced several key initiatives:

· Farmers/Herders Peace Treaty: Promoted dialogue and reduced communal tensions.
· Sha’ruwa Lafia Project: Improved access to clean drinking water.
· Taimakon Jarin Mata: A programme focused on empowering women economically.

According to her, her experience as a local government administrator demonstrated that governance could be “disciplined, accountable, and close to the people.”

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An Opportunity for Tested Leadership

The aspirant described her declaration as one focused on “execution, not just aspiration,” noting that the decision of the incumbent lawmaker to contest for a Senate seat has created an opportunity for tested leadership to emerge.

While reaffirming support for the Reserved Seats Bill aimed at improving women’s representation, she stressed that inclusion must begin immediately through capable candidates who can win elections and deliver results.

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Agenda Anchored on Three Priorities

George identified key challenges facing the constituency, including deficits in infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and economic growth, pledging to address them through legislation and effective representation.

Outlining her agenda, she said her candidacy was anchored on three priorities:

1. Supporting existing leadership to succeed.
2. Translating policies into tangible projects.
3. Strengthening democratic representation.

She aligned her vision with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, particularly in advancing gender and youth inclusion.

“If entrusted with this mandate, I will ensure our voices are heard at the national level and that governance is brought closer to our people,” she said.

She further pledged to champion laws that would enhance security, expand economic opportunities, and provide structured support for youth and women.

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A Call for Unity and Inclusion

Appealing to party stakeholders and constituents, George called for unity and collective action to secure victory for the APC. She urged women to mobilise as partners in governance and encouraged men to embrace inclusion as a strategic necessity.

She also addressed young people and persons with disabilities, assuring them that her campaign would prioritise their needs through policies and budgetary provisions that create real opportunities.

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Campaign Structure Inaugurated

The declaration event followed the commissioning of her campaign office in Kwoi and the inauguration of her campaign structure, including the Team Nita Network (TNN).

George called on the people of Zangon-Kataf/Jaba to support her candidacy, promising responsive and impactful representation.

“I am ready to serve, and with your support, we will achieve greater things together,” she said.

By Yahaya Bello

A former Administrator of Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Hon. (Dr.) Nita Byack George, has formally declared her intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Zangon-Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections. She will be running under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking during her declaration at the APC Party Office in Zonkwa, George said her decision to join the race was driven by a strong sense of duty, years of grassroots engagement, and the urgent need to deliver practical governance to the people.

“I have not come merely to declare an ambition; I have come to answer a call—one rooted in my record of service, the urgency of our times, and the political moment before us,” she said.

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A Record of Service and Grassroots Engagement

George, who highlighted nearly two decades of community engagement, pointed to her track record in peacebuilding, women empowerment, and infrastructure development as evidence of her readiness for higher responsibility.

She referenced several key initiatives:

· Farmers/Herders Peace Treaty: Promoted dialogue and reduced communal tensions.
· Sha’ruwa Lafia Project: Improved access to clean drinking water.
· Taimakon Jarin Mata: A programme focused on empowering women economically.

According to her, her experience as a local government administrator demonstrated that governance could be “disciplined, accountable, and close to the people.”

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An Opportunity for Tested Leadership

The aspirant described her declaration as one focused on “execution, not just aspiration,” noting that the decision of the incumbent lawmaker to contest for a Senate seat has created an opportunity for tested leadership to emerge.

While reaffirming support for the Reserved Seats Bill aimed at improving women’s representation, she stressed that inclusion must begin immediately through capable candidates who can win elections and deliver results.

---

Agenda Anchored on Three Priorities

George identified key challenges facing the constituency, including deficits in infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and economic growth, pledging to address them through legislation and effective representation.

Outlining her agenda, she said her candidacy was anchored on three priorities:

1. Supporting existing leadership to succeed.
2. Translating policies into tangible projects.
3. Strengthening democratic representation.

She aligned her vision with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, particularly in advancing gender and youth inclusion.

“If entrusted with this mandate, I will ensure our voices are heard at the national level and that governance is brought closer to our people,” she said.

She further pledged to champion laws that would enhance security, expand economic opportunities, and provide structured support for youth and women.

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A Call for Unity and Inclusion

Appealing to party stakeholders and constituents, George called for unity and collective action to secure victory for the APC. She urged women to mobilise as partners in governance and encouraged men to embrace inclusion as a strategic necessity.

She also addressed young people and persons with disabilities, assuring them that her campaign would prioritise their needs through policies and budgetary provisions that create real opportunities.

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Campaign Structure Inaugurated

The declaration event followed the commissioning of her campaign office in Kwoi and the inauguration of her campaign structure, including the Team Nita Network (TNN).

George called on the people of Zangon-Kataf/Jaba to support her candidacy, promising responsive and impactful representation.

“I am ready to serve, and with your support, we will achieve greater things together,” she said.

By Musa Maye

A group, NdIgbo for Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT), has cautioned former Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, over his continued assertion that he won the 2023 presidential election, warning that such remarks could heighten political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Secretary General, Dr. Ugwuoke Ugwuoke, the group described Mr. Obi’s repeated claims as misleading, saying they risk deepening political divisions if not properly checked.

NDI-ABAT warned that inflammatory political narratives, particularly in a pre-election period, could destabilise the polity, urging political actors to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public engagements.

“The persistent assertion of victory in the 2023 presidential election, despite the declared outcome, risks fuelling unnecessary political tension and public distrust in the democratic process. If not managed responsibly, such narratives may become a source of avoidable unrest in the build-up to 2027”.

The group also urged Mr. Obi to be mindful of the influence of his statements on his supporters, stressing the need for caution in political communication to preserve national stability.

The group further referenced his tenure as governor of Anambra State, alleging shortcomings in governance, including the non-conduct of local government elections during his administration and what it described as limited visible infrastructural development in key sectors.

NDI-ABAT expressed concern that continued disputes over the 2023 election outcome could overshadow national development discussions if political actors fail to moderate their rhetoric.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the forum reiterated its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while calling for peaceful political engagement and strict adherence to democratic principles.

The forum urged politicians to avoid statements capable of escalating tensions, insisting that national unity and stability must remain a priority.

By Adeh Ogebe

A Muslim advocacy group, the Muslim League Unity Group, has cautioned against what it described as attempts by foreign-based actors to inflame religious tensions in Nigeria through misinformation and politically motivated narratives.

In a statement jointly signed by Professor Ahmed Umar Daudu and Dr. Yunusa Bala Maikafi, the group alleged that certain international Christian organisations, particularly from the United States, are circulating what it called “doctored reports” about the alleged mistreatment of Christians under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group maintained that Nigerians of different faiths have historically coexisted peacefully and warned that such narratives risk creating unnecessary divisions and distrust among citizens.

According to the statement, some of the organisations behind the reports are relatively unknown groups that have been spreading claims of targeted violence against specific religious communities, a development the group described as “dangerous and capable of plunging the country into chaos,” particularly as the 2027 general elections approach.

The group also criticised recent remarks attributed to U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, which it said alleged attacks on Christian schools and places of worship by Muslims in Nigeria. It described the comments as part of a broader agenda to incite division and promote religious intolerance.

Similarly, the statement took issue with allegations reportedly linked to Kimberly Daniels, accusing her of calling for the dismissal of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle. The group dismissed the claims as unfounded and politically motivated.

It argued that while public officials, including Matawalle and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, should be held accountable, such scrutiny must be based on verifiable evidence and due process rather than “external pressure or religious bias.”

The group further alleged a pattern in what it described as foreign-driven accusations against prominent Nigerian figures, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and President Tinubu.

Defending Matawalle’s record, the group stated that no court conviction, official indictment, or audit report has directly implicated him in wrongdoing, either during his tenure as Zamfara State governor or in his current role.

The statement expressed confidence in Matawalle’s capacity to serve effectively and contribute to national security efforts.

It also questioned attempts to link the Federal Government or its officials to extremist activities, asking critics to provide credible evidence for such claims.

While acknowledging security challenges globally, including in the United States, the group urged both domestic and international stakeholders to avoid narratives that could deepen religious divisions in Nigeria.

The statement concluded by calling for restraint, mutual respect, and a commitment to preserving Nigeria’s long-standing culture of religious coexistence.

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, held a private meeting with former Governor of Zamfara State and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Yari, in Abuja.

The newspaper Daily Trust reported that the meeting took place at Atiku Abubakar’s residence in Abuja and was conducted behind closed doors without the presence of journalists.

After the meeting, neither of them spoke to the press, and as of the time of filing the report, no official statement had been released explaining the purpose of the meeting.

However, the meeting might not be unconnected with the political calculations surrounding the 2027 presidential elections .