Author Archives: News All Around

Coalition of six northern based Civil Society Organisations have passed a vote of confidence Senate President Godswill Akpabio despite what it termed, “unfortunate and baseless” allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti.

According to the CSOs , the sexual allegation coming from a lawmaker is diversionary at this critical period when Nigerians are yearning for laws to help cushion effects of the harsh economy.

The group which stated this in a press statement signed by Comrade Mustapha Jibrin Musawa, described the allegation by Senator Natasha as nothing but, a calculated attempt to damage the hard earned political image and career of the Senate President .

While condemning Natasha for making such allegation against someone who is family friend and benefactor, the Coalition comprising Arewa Good Governance Forum; Peace and Unity Forum in North, Progressives Movement for Development, Development Initiative for Better Arewa and Forum for Advancement of Youths and Women explained ,”We are beginning to see the drama of Pull-him-down actions unveils in the manner sponsored protests have been deployed across Nigeria with a view to remove him for selfish political gains”.

The statement reads: ” When we are beginning to enjoy dividends of democracy under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led government as a result of the cordial relationship with National Assembly, suddenly comes this unnecessary distractions.

“From information gathered from the senators and members of House of Representatives, the detractors under guise of the sexual allegations are plotting to plant their own stooge as the Senate President ,who help them execute their plans to frustrate the good works of President Tinubu.

“The 10th Senate under Akpabio’s leadership has demonstrated high sense of maturity and even the critics today,are beginning to have rethink about the abinitio underated tarnished image of the National Assembly.”

The statement however, noted that Senator Akpabio who is widely known for his jovial gestures and nature since during his days as Governor of Akwa Ibom state could have been misread and interpreted. And for anyone to accuse him of sexual harassment is an aberration.

It further stater : “Akpabio has a track records of good relationship with people; performance and selfless service to his motherland, and we can watch Natasha damage these good side of him .

“It is against this background that as members of Civil Society Organizations from the north, we have come out strongly to support Akpabio and Pass a Vote of Confidence on his leadership as the Senate President.

“It therefore called for a full-scale investigation into the allegations made by Senator Natasha and reject the sponsored propaganda of character assassination.”

…Vows to Join Akpabio’s wife in Legal battle

Group under aegis of Northern Democratic Alliance (NDA) has condemned what it termed , Unfounded sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan.

The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti who protested the relocation of her seat accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of persistent harassment, victimization, and blocking her legislative efforts because she rejected his alleged inappropriate advances.

Natasha, who made the claim while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, detailed what she described as a troubling pattern of professional sabotage and personal intimidation — a fallout, she claimed, of her refusal to engage in an improper relationship with Akpabio.

However,in a reaction to Senator Natasha Apoti”s claim of sexual harassment, the Northern Democratic Alliance condemned the attacks on the Senate President.Saying her face-off with Senator Akpabio is unwarranted, unprovoked and shouldn’t have come from a family friend of the Senate President.

The statement reads: “We have known the Senate President since he was Governor of Akwa Ibom to his days as minister and now Senate President, and can authoritatively tell you that he’s a man who lots of respect for women .

“So , when we heard about Senator Natasha accusations, especially that of sexual harassment,it didn’t add up for us .

“The good people of Akwa Ibom,the wife of the Senate President and members of the National Assembly can also attest to fact that he’s only a cheerful personality,but a seasoned administrator who understands the implications of such act of irresponsibility while holding public office.

“It against this background that we have come to condemn Senator Natasha unsubstantiated claim of sexual harassment and victimization.”

” After careful study of the whole saga ,we have decided to join Senator Akpabio’s wife in court in legal battle against Senator , Natasha who has no evidence to prove her claim.”

… Demands Unreserve Apology for Abandoning Them

Kaduna based political group has expressed anger over the relocation of former President Muhammadu Buhari to his Kaduna residence after several years of abandoning the State .

The group, which asked Buhari to return to back to his Katsina hometown, said they never expected that he could stay away from Kaduna for 24 hours after he left office as Nigeria’s President .

According to the forum, all the privileges the former President has enjoyed and success achieved over years apparently were due to his link to Kaduna, the historical headquarters of the northern region.

It was widely reported that the former President Buhari relocated from his hometown, Daura in Katsina State, to his residence in Kaduna, marking the end of a 21-month stay since leaving office in May 2023.

In a Statement issued today and made to journalists in Kaduna the forum explained: “Buhari abandoned us after he became the President and worst still, Daura home town became his favorite place of abode .

In the statement signed Dr. Musa Ibrahim Gusau the angry members posited, ” We have always supported Buhari in all aspects of his life from the days of military rule to when he decided to join politics and ran for the highly coveted seat of President.

“He later became President in 2015 and suddenly abandoned Kaduna people from 2015 to 2023 .Today he has returned to Kaduna and expect us to give same unalloyed and organic support.

“We used to love Buhari for his regards and respect for the masses .We also strongly believe in his unquenching passion to fight corruption and work for emancipation of the talakawas ,but out mindset had changed now .

“The decision to condemn his renewed decision to relocate to Kaduna was out of anger; pains and feelings of abandonment .

“We are sad that after he became the president, he simply changed and started going to his Daura home town .Kaduna people voted for him;stood for him, but when he became President ,he abandoned Kaduna now he has returned to stay in Kaduna.

“We are therefore call on the former President to apologize to all his supporters or return to Katsina.”

…Pay his salaries, entitlement for 8 years as President

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Thursday, urged President Bola Tinubu to validate the results of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and posthumously declare the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Moshood Kasimowo Olawale Abiola winner.

The political activist also urged President to do the needful by equally pay all salaries and entitlement due to him for the eight years he would have served the country to his family.

Frank, in a statement in Abuja, said the call has become necessary since former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) retired, who annulled the election has owned up to the validity of results.

IBB had during the public presentation of his book, titled: ‘A Journey in Service’, blamed former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha and other forces for instigating his annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election which he admitted that MKO Abiola won.

In his reaction, Frank equally called on IBB to as a mark of penitence, remit all the money he has realised from his book launch to MKO Abiola’s family.

Frank said: “I don’t think Tinubu should waste any more time in officially declaring Abiola President and according him all the entitlements and recognition due him as former president.

“He can do this by sending a Bill to the National Assembly to recognise the June 12, 1993 presidential election and lawfully validate the results and declare MKO as the winner of the election.

“Good enough, Tinubu was at the forefront of the June 12 Struggle which was principally aimed at getting the General Sani Abacha’s junta to recognize Abiola as President and hand over power to him.”

The Bayelsa-born political activist who is also the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, said it was not enough for IBB to express regret over the illegal annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election which was adjudged as the most peaceful, freest and fairest election conducted in Nigeria so far, he must apologise and beg Nigerians for forgiveness.

“IBB must apologize to Abiola’s family and Nigerians who continue to bear the negative consequences of his wicked, satanic, inhuman, anti-people and anti-God action when he single-handedly voided the election, an act which later culminated in the untimely death of Abiola in military custody.

“Until IBB atones for his sins and Tinubu officially recognizes Abiola as a former president of Nigeria, IBB will remain culpable and eternally blamable,” Frank said.

Mike Odeh James

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Oba Oladipo Olaitan on his emergence as the new leader of Afenifere, the influential pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization. The Forum’s President, Dr. Bittus Pogu, conveyed the message on behalf of the diverse ethnic nationalities of the Middle Belt, celebrating the peaceful and seamless transition within the Yoruba group.

In a statement signed by Luka Binniyat, the Forum’s spokesman, Dr. Pogu praised the orderly process through which Oba Olaitan was selected, describing it as a clear reflection of Afenifere’s enduring commitment to internal unity, consensus-building, and the preservation of its core values. He noted that such peaceful transitions further strengthen Afenifere’s credibility as a leading voice for the Yoruba people and the wider Nigerian polity.

Dr. Pogu highlighted Oba Oladipo Olaitan’s deep-rooted dedication to Afenifere, recalling his diligent service as Deputy Leader to the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo. Despite his standing as a respected royal father, Oba Olaitan never wavered in his commitment to the group’s ideals and the larger struggle for justice, democracy, and fairness in Nigeria, the statement added.

The MBF President expressed strong confidence in Oba Olaitan’s capacity to deepen the historic relationship between the Middle Belt Forum and the Southern Leadership Forum, particularly in advancing shared goals like leadership rotation, restructuring, and the push for a truly federal constitution that ensures equity, security, and prosperity for all Nigerians.

While congratulating Oba Olaitan, Dr. Pogu also paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as a selfless, principled leader whose relentless pursuit of justice and national progress left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history. He emphasized that Adebanjo’s legacy of courage and integrity would continue to inspire both Afenifere and the Middle Belt Forum.

Dr. Pogu assured Oba Olaitan of the Middle Belt Forum’s unwavering friendship, cooperation, and solidarity as both groups pursue their shared vision for a more inclusive, productive, and democratic Nigeria. He expressed optimism that under Oba Olaitan’s leadership, Afenifere would remain steadfast in promoting the rights of the Yoruba nation and working for the overall good of Nigeria.

The statement concluded with a renewed commitment from the Middle Belt Forum to collaborate closely with Afenifere under Oba Olaitan’s leadership, reaffirming the strong partnership between the Middle Belt and Southern Nigeria in the ongoing effort to build a just, secure, and prosperous nation for all Nigerians

By Ojo Shola

The Executive Director of Retail and Digital Business at Wema Bank, Tunde Mabawonku, on Tuesday described Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the future of Nigeria, hence the need for the right investment in it.

The bank executive spoke while remarking on the launch of an initiative to establish a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre in Nigeria, with the groundbreaking event happening in Kagarko, Kagarko Local Government area of Kaduna State.

He said, his financial outfit, in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), decided to partner in putting the centre in place as a way of bringing AI hub to young people at the community level.

According to Mabawonku, “The goal was to create a “skillnovate” platform that enables young people to acquire ICT skills, digital skills, and social skills, ultimately adding income to them”.

Mabawonku emphasized that providing the required resources for basic coding and understanding of AI was crucial to making Nigeria an AI hub.

“Ours is to create what we call “skill novate” to empower young people and enable them to ICT skills, digital skills and social skills, and then it adds income to them.

“When people come to the NYSC for the national service, they are largely unsure of what to do within and outside the service.

“So the thinking is that for that one year or thereabouts they will spend during the national service, can they have a centre like this where they can upgrade themselves digitally so by the end of the service, they can do a lot on their own.

“So we are in partnership with the NYSC to create that platform for development for Nigerian youths.

“The best approach to making the country an AI hub is to provide the required resources for the basic coding and basic understanding of AI.

“These days, you don’t need to be a computer guru to learn AI. They are human-created tools that one can just listen to and learn greatly.

“So, we are going to equip the centre and subsequent ones with the best technology so that the young people can learn and start doing things with AI as seen in countries like China and Japan, among others.

“You can see on your social media handles how the service providers are imbuing AI in them.

“The idea of putting this facility here in Kagarko and not Kaduna is that we have noticed that when we are planning development, we always abandon the hinterlands.

“Everybody is concentrating in State capitals. So, working with the NYSC, we chose this area so we can bring the youths around together to learn and fortunately, the location is close to Abuja and Kaduna”, he added.

By Ibrahim Hassan

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has condemned the abduction of Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni, President of the Afenifere Youth Council, and demanded his immediate release by the kidnappers.

AYCF in a statement by its President General, Yerima Shettima, averred that since the forcible seizure on Monday, February 17, 2025, of the Afenifere Youth President, he has remained in captivity, a situation he described as worrisome.

According to Shettima, more worrisome is the fact that the kidnappers are demanding an exorbitant ransom of ₦100 million, a situation he said is compounded by the kidnappers’ ultimatum, threatening to take his life if their demands are not met.

“The recent escalation in the kidnappers’ demands, which now includes the provision of two Keke NAPEP vehicles, alongside a menacing deadline set for Tuesday, at 3 PM, underscores the urgent need for immediate action.

“The threat to execute Prince Ojajuni if these demands are not met is not just a reflection of the lawlessness that has gripped our nation, but also a stark reminder of the fragility of life in the face of greed and desperation.

He posited that Prince Ojajuni is not merely a name but a beacon of hope and a symbol of the aspirations of our youth, adding that his unwavering commitment to championing the cause of the Yoruba people has resonated deeply within our communities.

“His abduction represents not only a personal tragedy for his family and friends but also a grievous affront to the collective conscience of our race and the nation as a whole. It is a stark reminder of the challenges our society faces in safeguarding the lives and futures of our youth.

“The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, representing the interests and voices of the northern youth, unequivocally condemns this act of violence and lawlessness. We recognize that the abduction of Prince Ojajuni is part of a larger crisis that has plagued our nation, where kidnappings for ransom have become an all-too-common occurrence. This trend is not merely a regional issue; it is a national emergency that demands the immediate and concerted efforts of all levels of government.

“In light of this dire situation, we call upon the Federal Government and all relevant state authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safe release of Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni”.

The Arewa youth leader said it is imperative that security agencies are mobilized to locate and rescue Prince Ojajuni without delay, stressing that the Federal Government must ensure that law enforcement agencies are adequately equipped and empowered to address the rising tide of kidnapping and violence in our society.

He further urged the Federal Government to collaborate with state governments, local communities, and civil society organizations to create a robust framework for combating kidnapping and improving the overall security situation in the country.

“Engaging with community leaders, youth organizations, and other stakeholders is essential to understanding the root causes of this crisis. A dialogue that prioritizes the safety and aspirations of our youth will foster a more secure environment for all.

“The government must launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about safety measures and encourage community vigilance. Empowering citizens with knowledge is a crucial step in combating the menace of kidnapping.

“We call for the immediate review and strengthening of existing laws regarding kidnapping and ransom. The legal framework must reflect the seriousness of these crimes and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable”.

In the present situation, Shettima said the AYCF stands in solidarity with the Afenifere Youth Council and all those advocating for the safe return of Prince Ojajuni while imploring all Nigerians to unite in this critical moment, transcending ethnic and regional divides to demand justice and security for our people.

He reiterated the urgent plea for the safe release of Prince Ojajuni, “Let us not allow fear and despair to dictate our future; instead, let us rise together as a nation, resolute in our commitment to justice, safety, and the well-being of our youth. Time is of the essence. We call upon everyone to act swiftly and decisively. The life of Prince Ojajuni hangs in the balance, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure his safe return” he stressed.

By Ahmed Sani

…Warns Against Dragging Gov. Uba Sani into Mr. LA’s Failure

The Kaduna Good Governance Monitoring Group has once again criticized the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Lawal Adamu, following accusations against Kaduna State Governor, Malam Uba Sani, of alleged sabotage.

According to the group, the real question is: who is sabotaging who? They argue that records over the past 18 months show that the PDP senator has failed to make an impact—unable to speak on the Senate floor or sponsor bills that could alleviate hardship in the state.

The PDP, through its Senior Special Assistant to the National Chairman on Media and Communication, Yusuf Dingyadi, had alleged that the state government refused to distribute learning and teaching materials procured by Senator Adamu, claiming it was a ploy to discredit him.

However, in a swift response, the Kaduna Good Governance Monitoring Group questioned why the PDP is defending a senator they claim has failed to fulfill campaign promises.

In a statement signed by its Secretary, Comrade Bello Bashir Mohammed, the group criticized the PDP for making what it described as baseless allegations, insisting that Senator Adamu has no significant projects to show since taking office.

The statement reads: “Mr. LA and his cohort cannot hide behind his inability to perform and bring tangible projects to the table. The public already knows he has failed, and he will be voted out in 2027.”

“How dare the PDP compare Governor Uba Sani’s time in the Senate with that of a lawmaker widely regarded by his constituents as a complete failure?”

The group further noted that other lawmakers from the state, including a PDP senator, have successfully executed impactful projects, such as attracting a university to Southern Kaduna—with the support of Governor Uba Sani and the President.

“If Senator Lawal Adamu had done anything significant, we are confident that the Governor and the President would have openly supported him and even gone the extra mile to ensure his success,” the statement added.

The group emphasized that it is speaking out to prevent the misrepresentation of facts, warning the PDP against blaming Governor Uba Sani for what it described as the incompetence of its senator.

By Christiana Onuoha

The national leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, to work collaboratively with Senator Lawal Adamu, representing Kaduna Central and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education. The PDP made this plea in response to the state government’s alleged refusal to distribute learning and teaching materials procured by Senator Adamu.

According to Yusuf Dingyadi, Senior Special Assistant to the National Chairman of PDP on Media and Communication, the APC-led state government has deliberately withheld teaching and learning materials, including textbooks and notebooks, from primary and junior secondary schools in Senator Adamu’s constituencies. The PDP claims that this move is aimed at discrediting Senator Adamu, who has been working to improve education in the state.

The party also accused the APC of hiring political propagandists to spread false information about Senator Adamu’s achievements. “They are hiring political propagandists using radio and social media platforms to accuse Sen LA of not doing anything, forgetting that the two years of Sen LA is far better than the four years of Sen Uba Sani,” Dingyadi said.

Dingyadi emphasized that the state government should work with elected representatives to improve the living standards of the Kaduna populace. He also warned Governor Uba Sani against being misled by politicians who prioritize their personal interests over the state’s development.

The PDP maintained that its elected members, including Senator Adamu, are performing well in their constituencies, contrary to the APC’s claims. Dingyadi concluded, “You cannot manipulate our political success by sponsoring propagandists attacking our performing elected legislators or showcasing decampees in a sponsored arena.”

The Delta State chapter of the Association of Unemployment Youths of Nigeria (UYAN) has commended High Chief Engr Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSNL), for his efforts in securing the waterways of the Niger Delta region.

“We are grateful to High Chief Engr Kestin Pondi for bringing peace and stability to the waterways of Delta State and the entire Niger Delta region,” said Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, Chairman of UYAN. “By bringing sanity to our waterways, High Chief Engr Kestin Pondi has created a stable environment for fishermen, farmers, and transporters to carry out their activities without hindrance.”

Fajoye also praised Dr. Ahmed A. Audi, Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), for visiting Delta State and recognizing the contributions of High Chief Engr Kestin Pondi. “We thank Commandant General Audi for visiting our state and for entering into a strategic agreement with Tantita Security Services Limited,” Fajoye said.

“The partnership between Tantita Security Services Limited and the NSCDC has been instrumental in curbing oil theft, creating job opportunities for hundreds of youths, reducing environmental degradation, and decreasing related crimes in the Niger Delta region,” Fajoye noted.

High Chief Engr Kestin Pondi’s leadership has been pivotal in achieving these milestones. “Under his guidance, Tantita Security Services Limited has made significant strides in securing the Niger Delta region,” Fajoye said. “The company’s efforts have not only improved crude oil production but also restored aquatic life, creating a better environment for the local community.”

“We also wish to thank High Chief Engr Kestin Pondi and Dr. Audi for the significant improvement in crude oil production and the restoration of aquatic life in Niger Delta region,” Fajoye added.

The partnership between Tantita Security Services Limited and the NSCDC is a shining example of effective collaboration between private security outfits and government agencies. “The success of this partnership is a testament to the dedication and hard work of High Chief Engr Kestin Pondi and Dr. Audi, and their commitment to securing the Niger Delta region,” Fajoye concluded.