Author Archives: News All Around

The Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement (NSNCM), a coalition of 598 registered associations across the 19 Northern states and Northern communities in the 17 Southern states, has declared firm support for the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retain him in office in the interest of national security.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the National President of the movement, Dr. Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, said the organization—one of the largest socio-political coalitions in the region—convened the briefing to commend recent security appointments by the President and to restate the importance of continuity within the defence leadership.

Dr. Aliyu applauded President Tinubu for appointing General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the new Minister of Defence, describing him as a “detribalized, highly accomplished and patriotic military leader.” He said Musa’s experience and national outlook have inspired fresh confidence among Nigerians.

He also commended the former Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on health grounds, noting that his dedication and achievements remain appreciated.

The movement, however, devoted much of its statement to defending Dr. Matawalle against what it described as politically motivated calls for his removal.

According to Dr. Aliyu, Dr. Matawalle has demonstrated “genuine commitment, responsiveness and visible results” both as Governor of Zamfara State and as Minister of State for Defence. He cited key achievements, including the rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State, the strengthening of multi-agency intelligence-sharing structures, and advocacy for improved military funding and modernization.

He recalled Matawalle’s efforts as Governor between 2019 and 2023, during which he confronted severe banditry through a mix of community dialogue, intelligence-driven operations and enforcement. His Peace and Reconciliation Initiative, the establishment of Community Protection Guards, and coordination with security agencies reportedly contributed to reopening closed roads, reviving farming activities and reducing attacks in affected communities.

Dr. Aliyu dismissed recent calls for Matawalle’s removal as “political resentment” from long-standing adversaries uncomfortable with his loyalty to President Tinubu and contributions to the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He clarified that defence ministers do not command troops, as operational control rests with the service chiefs under the constitutional authority of the President. Rather, ministers provide policy direction, administrative coordination and strategic guidance. He added that the law does not require the minister to be a serving or retired military officer, emphasizing that competence and integrity remain the key criteria.

Highlighting recent gains in civil-military relations, community intelligence flow and stakeholder engagement, the NSNCM argued that removing Matawalle at this time would disrupt emerging progress in ongoing security reforms.

“At this critical point in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, continuity is essential,” Dr. Aliyu said. “The synergy between the Minister of Defence and the Minister of State for Defence is beginning to yield results, and the nation needs leadership stability to consolidate these gains.”

He urged President Tinubu to disregard “mischief makers and politically motivated distractors” seeking to undermine Matawalle, noting that the group’s 598 affiliate associations are committed to mobilizing support for peace, unity and cooperation with security agencies nationwide.

Dr. Aliyu reaffirmed the movement’s pledge to contribute to grassroots intelligence gathering, community sensitization and national stability.

Grace Itodo

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the nomination of former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, as Nigeria’s ambassador to an unspecified international mission, describing the development as a boost to the nation’s diplomatic profile.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja and signed by its Chairman, Salihu Sulaiman, the group said the nomination was a recognition of Yakubu’s “distinguished record of public service” and his “vast experience in global affairs,” which it argued would be invaluable in strengthening Nigeria’s engagement on the international stage.

Sulaiman noted that the former INEC chairman had earned national and international respect during his stewardship at the electoral body, where he championed reforms aimed at improving electoral transparency and deepening democratic processes.

He dismissed concerns raised in some quarters that Yakubu’s new appointment could compromise the independence of INEC, insisting such fears were “misguided and reckless.”

According to him, the neutrality of INEC is anchored on law, institutional safeguards, and multilayered oversight mechanisms—not on the post-service career of any individual.

“INEC’s integrity is not tied to the personal trajectory of any former official,” Sulaiman said. “It is a system strengthened by reforms since 2010, monitored by political parties, civil society organisations, and the media. Democracy rests on institutions, not personalities.”

The group further highlighted Yakubu’s career under four successive presidents—Umaru Musa Yar’adua, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu—as evidence of his professionalism and non-partisan disposition.

It recalled that as Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) between 2007 and 2012, Yakubu initiated reforms that continue to shape the nation’s tertiary education sector. It also pointed to innovations introduced under his leadership during the 2023 general elections, which it said enabled opposition parties to record their highest number of elective positions in the country’s political history.

The Northern Awareness Network urged Nigerians to support the nomination, adding that effective diplomacy required individuals with proven administrative competence and an understanding of Nigeria’s governance architecture.

Sulaiman stressed that rather than question Yakubu’s nomination, Nigerians should focus on strengthening national institutions and reinforcing accountability across all sectors.

“This appointment is an opportunity to present Nigeria’s democratic values to the world with credibility,” he added. “We call on Nigerians to rally behind this development and remain committed to building strong, resilient institutions.”

The statement concluded with the group expressing confidence that Professor Yakubu would bring his “wealth of experience, integrity, and calm leadership” to the diplomatic assignment once confirmed.

ENDS

Mary Terso

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI) has dismissed concerns that the ambassadorial nomination of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, could compromise the commission’s independence and impartiality.

In a statement issued by its Convener, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the group described the ongoing public debate as “misguided and reckless,” insisting that INEC’s autonomy is protected by law, not by the personal career choices of its officials.

Shettima noted that INEC’s independence is anchored on strong legal and institutional frameworks that prevent undue interference, adding that suggestions that Yakubu’s post-service appointment could taint the commission’s neutrality were unfounded.

“The integrity of INEC does not hinge on the actions of one individual. It is secured by robust structural safeguards and the active engagement of all stakeholders,” the statement read.

The NSCI emphasized that INEC remains the most scrutinized public institution in Nigeria, with its activities monitored by political parties, civil society organizations, and the media. According to the group, this level of oversight ensures that no single individual, including the chairman, can compromise the commission’s credibility.

Highlighting reforms since 2010, the organization said the electoral body has built a resilient system that continues to improve over time. It added that the 2023 general elections—described as historic for opposition parties—were a testament to the commission’s evolving strength and institutional capacity rather than the influence of any one official.

The group also defended Professor Yakubu’s record in public service, noting that he had served under four presidents with differing political ideologies—Umaru Musa Yar’adua, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, and Bola Ahmed Tinubu—without partisan controversy.

Shettima further recalled Yakubu’s achievements as head of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) between 2007 and 2012, where he was credited with helping to transform Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape. His tenure at INEC, he said, had similarly been marked by technological innovation and improved transparency.

The NSCI urged stakeholders to prioritize strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions rather than amplifying fears over individual appointments, stressing that democracy thrives on strong systems, not personalities.

“We call on political parties, civil society, and the media to reject narratives that undermine INEC and to recommit to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law,” the statement added.

The group reaffirmed its support for Yakubu’s nomination and called for collective efforts to maintain the integrity of the country’s electoral framework.

ENDS

Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has intensified moves for the removal of Minister State for Defense, Mr Bello Matawalle, as prerequisite to join All Progressive Congress (APC).

It was reported that Lawal had meeting with President Bola Tinubu along with Enugu and Taraba state governors at Peninsular Hotel, Paris sometimes a go where he indicates his intention of joining All Progressive Party, APC along with two governors mentioned.

Lawal was said to be presurising on the presidency to remove Matawalle and bestow with the APC party structures and leadership in Zamfara state for long time,

With the resignation of Mohammed Badaru as Minister of Defence yesterday, Gov Dauda returns to trenches of demanding the President Tinubu to sack Matawalle immediately as condition of his joining APC.

The move he is making with support of a senior security head to facilitate damning reports against the personality of Minister Matawalle.

Based on the demands Governor Lawal will mobilised Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members into APC folk when he ensured that Matawalle was removed.

It was glaring that Gov. Lawal dared President Tinubu and his loyalists forcing a way for his political collusions into APC highlighting Matawalle as the only stempling block behind his political success.

The governor was not pleased with Matawalle’s  political dominance especially in the northwest and his ability to succeed in mission assigned to him.

It was alleged that Lawal was not comfortable with Matawalle’s accomplishments on handling banditry and kidnappings in region as well as how is mastered ways to ensure peace building initiatives.

Matawalle’s glaring success manifested when giving with presidential mandates to rescue kidnapped Maga secondary students in Kebbi state, restoring normalcy in Sokoto state and others.

By Saul Aboje

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in what it described as a growing campaign of calumny against the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammad Bello Matawalle, warning that the development could undermine security and political stability in the North.

In a statement issued by its chairman, Salihu Sulaiman, the group alleged that following the recent resignation of the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, certain political interests had intensified efforts to discredit Matawalle.

NAN claimed that the attacks were part of a wider political strategy purportedly aimed at weakening President Tinubu’s support base in the North ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the organisation, intelligence it gathered suggested that Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, was linked to activities allegedly intended to stir public unrest and mobilise protests against the minister. The group said such actions could heighten tensions in the already fragile security environment in the North-West.

“These machinations are clearly designed to destabilise the region and erode the President’s strong support base,” the statement read. “The President must be wary of those seeking to weaken his administration through orchestrated attacks on loyal allies like Matawalle.”

The group further drew parallels between current security concerns in Kebbi State and the 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in Borno State, warning that any missteps in managing the situation could have far-reaching political consequences.

It argued that Minister Matawalle had demonstrated firm commitment to improving security and had earned the trust of many northern communities.

“Northern Nigeria stands united in appreciating Matawalle’s efforts. His initiatives have yielded tangible results, and attempts to tarnish his image are distractions from the real issues,” NAN stated.

The group urged President Tinubu to reaffirm his confidence in the minister, stressing that sidelining him would amount to a strategic error in the buildup to the next general election.

NAN also called for a public denouncement of what it described as “baseless attacks” against the Defence Minister, insisting that Matawalle remained a key pillar in sustaining political cohesion and public confidence in the North.

ENDS

The Northern Forum for Good Governance has appealed to Northern Senators to support and ratify the nomination of Mr. Reno Omokri as one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees.

In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Dr. Musa Mohammed, the group said Omokri has demonstrated “the capacity to lead and represent Nigeria effectively at any level,” adding that his nomination is a welcome development deserving of national support.

President Tinubu recently forwarded 32 ambassadorial nominees — including Omokri — to the Senate for confirmation, just days after sending an initial list of three names. However, sources within the National Assembly revealed that the Senate is currently grappling with internal disagreements, largely triggered by Omokri’s inclusion on the list.

Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and a prominent social media commentator, had in the past been critical of President Tinubu, including allegations that he once referred to the President as a “drug baron.” These past comments have reportedly stirred controversy within Senate circles as lawmakers debate his suitability.

But the Northern Forum for Good Governance insists that ambassadorial appointments should be based solely on merit, competence, and the capacity to deliver, not on sentiments or past political disagreements.

“The issues of capacity and performance should be the yardstick for appointments, not flippant matters or emotional considerations,” the group stated.

The Forum urged Northern Senators to prioritize national cohesion and development by supporting Omokri’s confirmation. It argued that President Tinubu’s decision to nominate him despite previous criticisms shows statesmanship and an ability to recognize talent above personal differences.

“Tinubu must have seen a unique side of him despite his past attacks, and that is what is most important from a good leader,” the statement added.

The Senate is expected to begin screening the nominees in the coming days.

The Yari Roundtable for Inter-Religious Harmony has scheduled Thursday, December 4, for another high-level interfaith peace parley aimed at strengthening unity and understanding among Christian and Muslim stakeholders in Plateau and Kano States.

The planned dialogue follows the organisation’s recently concluded and widely commended interfaith engagement in Abuja, where religious leaders from across the North explored collaborative approaches to mitigating tensions and fostering a culture of mutual respect.

In a statement issued on Monday, the organisers said the forthcoming summit would bring together prominent Islamic and Christian clerics, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, youth representatives and key community influencers from both states.

According to the statement signed by Dr. Mohammed Kassim, the initiative seeks to consolidate ongoing conversations on peaceful coexistence, enhance inter-religious cooperation, and build sustainable frameworks for conflict prevention across northern communities.

“The Yari Roundtable has created a platform for honest dialogue, where leaders can collectively examine root causes of conflicts and articulate actionable solutions that promote lasting peace,” the statement read.

The parley is expected to review recent communal challenges and outline strategies for strengthening trust between various faith-based groups, particularly in communities that have experienced recurrent violence.

The organisers stressed that the event aligns with the Roundtable’s broader mission of promoting unity, tolerance and harmony across the North. They expressed confidence that the Plateau–Kano peace dialogue would contribute meaningfully to ongoing peacebuilding efforts and reinforce the importance of partnerships among religious bodies.

At the end of the meeting, participants are expected to issue a joint communiqué outlining resolutions and commitments to deepen interfaith collaboration and long-term peace initiatives.

By Mike Buba

The Kaduna State Multi-Stakeholder State Action Plan (SAP) Implementation and Monitoring Committee (SMIMC) has joined the global commemoration of the 2025 International 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, expressing concern over escalating insecurity across Kaduna State and the country.

Committee’s Chairperson, Saadatu Hamma, in a statement on Tuesday, said the Committee is working in partnership with the CLEEN Foundation and the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

She highlighted the growing incidents of kidnapping, terrorism, and banditry, noting that these threats continue to endanger residents and expose women, girls, and vulnerable groups to heightened protection risks.

The SMIMC also referenced the recent classification of Nigeria as a “country of concern” by the United States, describing it as further evidence of the urgent need for strengthened preventive and coordinated responses to insecurity, human rights violations, and gender-based violence.

The Committee stressed that worsening insecurity has deepened the vulnerability of women and girls, exposing them to sexual and gender-based violence, displacement, disrupted education and economic activities, trauma, and exclusion from peacebuilding processes.

It reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Kaduna State Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (KADSAP), with actions focused on strengthening community early warning systems, supporting coordinated services for survivors of gender-based violence, and enhancing women’s participation in peace and security decision-making.

The SMIMC also called on government authorities to intensify security operations, urged security agencies to adopt gender-sensitive approaches, and appealed to traditional leaders to protect women and girls and speak out against violence.

Civil society, the media, women’s groups, HeforShe ambassadors and youth networks were encouraged to amplify peace messaging and support community-level resilience efforts.

The Committee believed that sustainable peace and development in Kaduna State is not achievable without the inclusion, protection, and leadership of women and girls.

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has strongly dismissed former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s allegation that the Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani paid N1 billion to bandits.

In a sharply worded statement issued on Sunday and made available to journalists, Senator Sani described El-Rufai’s claim as “false, ridiculous and devoid of credibility,” insisting that the former governor is attempting to smear his successor for political gain.

According to Senator Sani, it was El-Rufai—not the current administration—who institutionalised what he called a “culture of appeasement to terrorists” during his eight-year tenure. He recalled that El-Rufai had publicly admitted to engaging in “conditional cash transfers” to bandits, a revelation which, at the time, contributed to the controversial arrest and detention of journalist Luka Biniyat.

Sani argued that Kaduna State experienced some of its darkest and deadliest security crises under El-Rufai’s watch. He cited a series of catastrophic incidents, including:

The Kaduna–Abuja train attack of March 2022

The mass abduction of Greenfield University students

The kidnapping and killing of students from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation

Attacks on Bethel Baptist High School and several other institutions


“Under his watch, bandits and terrorists operated freely like lords and kings,” Sani said. He added that Central and Southern Kaduna “became slaughterhouses where criminals operated unchallenged,” noting that even the Kaduna airport was forced to shut down due to escalating insecurity.

The former senator also referenced El-Rufai’s widely publicised withdrawal of his son from public school for security reasons, describing it as proof that the former governor had no moral ground to lecture the current administration about safeguarding lives.

Challenging El-Rufai to provide proof of his allegations, Sani said:
“If he has images or videos showing cash being handed to bandits, he should make them public.”

Sani further accused the former governor of being motivated by “envy” over Governor Uba Sani’s growing acceptance across the state—particularly his efforts to foster unity between the predominantly Christian Southern Kaduna and the Muslim-majority northern parts.

According to him, El-Rufai presided over an era marked by “religious and ethnic discrimination, division, persecution, torment and terror,” while Uba Sani is now “building bridges across religious divides and dismantling the structures of banditry allegedly inherited from his predecessor.”

While acknowledging that Kaduna, like many northern states, still faces security challenges, Sani insisted that the current administration has made visible progress, particularly in community engagement and conflict resolution.

Concluding his statement, Sani said:
“No sensible or responsible person conscious of history will give credence to the stream of lies that have become habitual in the life of a man in his mid-60s.”


.

ECN DG champions energy-efficient cooling and stronger global partnerships

Nigeria’s participation at the ongoing COP30 in Belēm, Brazil, witnessed a tremendous boost when Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), delivered a keynote address at the High-Level Buildings and Cooling Pavilion Side Event.

The DG ECN used the platform to highlight Nigeria’s commitment to a smarter, energy-efficient cooling transition aligned with global climate goals.

Dr. Mustapha, alongside global partners including Daikin Industries, UNEP-U4E, and the International Energy Agency, explored practical solutions to expand access to cooling while minimizing environmental impact.

At the global event, discussions emphasized the role of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and modern cooling technologies in reducing emissions across emerging economies. Side conversations were also held with staff of the NNPC on how the initiative can be further supported by the Government of Nigeria.

The ECN Director-General, an avowed and committed believer in the country’s solarization project, reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to harmonize standards, deepen collaboration, and accelerate sustainable cooling innovations under the Global Cooling Pledge.

He told listeners that “ECN remains focused on advancing technologies and policies that enhance comfort, boost productivity, and protect the environment.”

Similarly, the ECN DG engaged with Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy and Climate Change, to discuss fostering a just and equitable energy transition for developing nations.

Their discussion centered on responsibly harnessing natural resources to accelerate sustainable growth, reflecting a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and an energy future that benefits people while protecting the planet.

Dr. Mustapha, at the global event which comes to an end today, joined other distinguished Nigerians at the Nigeria Pavilion to celebrate Nigeria Day at COP30 in Brazil, where he delivered a brief remark.

The delegation included the Minister for Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh; the Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha; and the Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology, Hon. Adelegbe Emmanuel Oluwatimehin.

Several other eminent Nigerian representatives were also present, underscoring the nation’s strong commitment to climate action and sustainable development on the global stage.