Author Archives: News All Around

The Coalition of North-East Elders Forum (CNEF) said the Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District and the Chief Whip of the 10th Senate, Senator Ali Ndume’s twenty years in the National Assembly has neither helped Borno State nor the northern region that has been bedevilled with incessant attacks by insurgents and bandits.

The group, which took a swipe at the lawmaker, over his recent outburst about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ‘s administration, asked why a lawmaker who has not been able to use his position as ranking officer in the Senate to tackle the security challenges in his state and region have the moral right to question the leadership prowess of the President.

Senator Ndume did attack the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying it’s run by kakistocrats—those deemed the least qualified and most unscrupulous citizens—and kleptocrats, who are merely in power to steal.

But in a reaction to the outburst,the group in a Press Statement signed by the Coordinator, Alhaji Ali Ibrahim Sheriff , said it is overtly shocking that Senator Ali Ndume who has been in various committees in the Senate over the past two decades and from a State worst in terms of insecurity could be so insensitive and trivial to personalize issues of governance.

The statement further reads: “During the days of President Buhari, why did he choose to be silent in the midst of heightened problems of insecurity; pervasive hunger, looting of public funds and bad Governance?

“He must account for total sum of money recieved for Constituency projects and intervention funds allocated for members of his Constituency over the twenty years period in the National Assembly.

” If leadership is as easy as that ,we make bold to ask, all these years, how many Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has he trained; educated and empowered with funds allocated to him?

“Ndume is nothing but a liability and economic burden to the good people of Borno State and entire country.”

The group which called on northerners to shun what it termed , “Ndume divisive vituperations” ,vowed to mobilise citizens of his Constituency in Borno State to stop his re-election bid in 2027.

Hammed Zabura

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has strongly condemned the baseless accusations made by the Katsina Elders Forum against Defence Ministers Badaru Abubakar and Bello Mohammed Matawalle. The Network described the accusations as morally indefensible and politically motivated, highlighting the significant progress made in the fight against insecurity under the current administration.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Salihu Suleiman, the NAN emphasized the commendable progress made by the military forces under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with essential support from Defence Ministers Abubakar and Matawalle. The Network’s statement underscored the significant strides taken towards enhancing national security, which must not be overshadowed by politically motivated narratives.

The NAN called upon the Katsina Elders and other stakeholders to refrain from politicizing security issues and instead unite to support ongoing efforts to ensure peace and stability. The group emphasized that security is a collective responsibility that transcends political affiliations and urged all citizens to look beyond political differences and prioritize the overarching goal of a safer and more secure Nigeria.

“We call on the Katsina Elders Forum to recognize the progress made and to work collaboratively with government bodies to further these gains, rather than undermine them with unfounded accusations,” Salihu Suleiman added. The Northern Awareness Network remains steadfast in its support for the current administration’s security strategies and urges all citizens to prioritize the goal of a safer and more secure Nigeria.

By Ibrahim H. Tinja

… Rep Fatima Talba Canvases Support

… Seeks Male Counterparts’ Understanding

The member representing Nangera/Potiskum Constituency in the House of Representatives, Reps Fatima Talba has thrown her support to the bill and Canvases understanding of the male Counterparts.
While seconding the bill, she appealed for the understanding of the male Counterparts not to kill the bill as its dangerous for future of women in the country.
According to her the bill is not to take over their seats, adding that “ours is to complement their efforts, if given support their female children may fall victims in the nearest future”, she said.
Hajia Fatima recalled that women constitute over 65 per cent of the population of the country and most votes casted come from them.
She posited that “i don’t know why you are not too friendly on the afternoon to women”, saying that one day you will leave that seat for someone else. She said that you are only giving us special seat not taking over your own seat. She seriously appealed to the male Counterparts to allow the bill to see the light of the day. Taking the opportunity of the support, Mr Kalu put the bill to a voice vote. The deputy speaker ruled in favour of those in favour of the bill even though those against it were mire.
The bill was referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review, statutorily chaired by Mr Kalu.
A similar bill on the creation of extra legislative seats was introduced in the last Assembly, but the lawmakers rejected the bill.
It was one of the five gender bills introduced in that Assembly.
One of the bills sought to grant citizenship to foreign-born husbands of Nigerian women.
Another bill sought to allocate 35 per cent of political positions based on appointment to women.
Following the rejection of the bills, women’s groups barricaded the entrance of the National Assembly in protests at the time. The then leadership of the House had promised to revisit the bills but failed to do so till that House adjourned sine die.
The passage of this bill is one of the items on the legislative agenda of this current Assembly.
According to the document, the bill was to be introduced before the end of 2023. The lawmakers are already behind schedule.
The bill, among others, proposes to amend sections 48 and 49 of the constitution to provide one special seat reserved exclusively for women jn the Senate and House of Representatives for each state of the federation and the FCT.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Friday, commended President William Ruto of Kenya for sacking his entire cabinet following widespread anti-government protests by Gen-Zs.

Frank in a statement in Abuja said the action of Ruto which was in fulfillment of one of the demands of the protesters has shown him as a listening President who is ready to embrace new ideas in moving Kenya forward.

He said: “We commend President Ruto for taking this action in the interests of Kenya. We commend him for listening to the Gen-Z protesters. His decision to sack his ministers is no doubt for the greater good of Kenyans.”

He encouraged Ruto to take further urgent steps to implement other demands of the protesters “because they mean well for him and his government in particular and Kenyans in general.”

He appealed to him to release all protesters arrested during the demonstrations who are currently being detained by the police and other security forces as well as compensate families whose loved ones were shot dead by security agents and the injured.

He implored Ruto to capitalise on the opportunity now availed him by the youth upheaval and protest to rebuild and reunite Kenya.

“He must realise that listening to the protesters and implementing their demands does not mean he is a weak president,” he said.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua’s Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, added: “We urge him to bring on board young people that can make impact in the lives of the ordinary Kenyan in his new cabinet.

“He now has an opportunity to correct past mistakes which he is already doing and we want other leaders from the continent to emulate what Ruto has just done by always lending listening ears to the cries and demands of their people.

“We equally pray that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has seen what happened in Kenya and that they are ready to take the steps Ruto has taken by cutting down the present over bloated cost of governance and withdraw their pernicious economic policies or risk the Kenya-style uprising in the country.”

He equally urged the protesters to see the positive results of their action as a win-win for all sides and pardon Ruto for whatever missteps he must have done and work with him for a better Kenya “since the President appears to have learned his lessons and shown remorse by implementing their demands.

“The young people of Kenya have shown that power truly belongs to the people, not to anybody, or individual.

“Listening to the protesters has shown that the voice of the young people counts and that the President is a true leader who is neither weak nor blinded by the allure of power.

“That the President has harkened to the masses of Kenya who elected him into office shows that he is ready to toe the path of reason and work in the interest of the generality of Kenyans moving forward,” Frank said.

He noted that whatever the protesters had done was done in the interest and for the progress of Kenya and not to destroy or destabilise the country.

Going forward, he urged Ruto and the Kenyan Government to consult widely and consider the best interest of Kenyans before taking any decision that may negatively affect the people.

Arewa Progressive Forum for Good Governance (APFGG) has dismissed Bashir El-Rufai’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu, saying Northerners will re-elect Tinubu in 2027 despite El-Rufai’s opposition.

Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor, had attacked President Tinubu and his father’s successor, Governor Uba Sani, predicting their defeat in 2027 due to “non-performance.”

However, the group described Bashir El-Rufai as “disrespectful and mannerless” and alleged that his father misappropriated 423 billion naira in state funds.

According to the group, Tinubu’s political structure and Renewed Hope Agenda will secure his re-election, despite El-Rufai’s criticism.

The group challenged Bashir El-Rufai to contest the Presidential election in 2027, saying, “If your father has the capacity and popularity, why hide under former Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, and not personally contest the highly coveted seat of President in 2023?”

They dared El-Rufai to pick a presidential ticket and contest against Tinubu, confident that Northerners will support Tinubu’s re-election.

Abu Mainoma

…

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN), a prominent organization dedicated to fostering unity and progress in the Northern region of Nigeria, has shed light on the motivations behind the emergence of fake factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Senator Kabiru Marafa and Aminu Sani Jaji.

According to NAN, the recent political realignment involving Senator Abdulaziz Yari and Minister of State for Defence Bello Mohammed Matawalle, which has formed a formidable alliance with significant political influence beneficial to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu across the northern region, has provoked a sense of threat among figures such as Marafa and Jaji who are the masterminds of orchestrating actions against President Tinubu and his administration in the North.

In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Salihu Suleiman, NAN elaborates on the reasons behind Marafa and Jaji’s pent-up jealousies against the President. The forum asserts that both individuals harbor deep-seated grudges against President Tinubu, driving their current machinations.

“Specifically, Marafa is dissatisfied due to his belief that he was excluded from federal government appointments, while Jaji’s grievances stem from not being appointed Speaker of the House of Representatives despite allegedly contributing N10 billion to Tinubu’s campaign,” the group said.

NAN also called for a thorough investigation into the sources of Jaji’s income to verify the origins of such a substantial sum as claimed. They also stress the need to address Jaji’s use of connections with top security officials to gather potentially damaging information against President Tinubu. Additionally, the forum has accused Jaji of financing religious sermons in Friday mosques aimed at undermining the President and emphasized the urgency for swift and decisive action to counter these calculated attacks.

“We are aware of the slanderous actions being financed and conducted under the guise of religious sermons. The President must take swift and decisive action to counter these calculated attacks,” said Suleiman. “The actions of Senator Kabiru Marafa and Aminu Sani Jaji raise serious concerns about the political future of party politics in Nigeria.

The motivations behind their factions within the APC must be thoroughly investigated, and decisive action must be taken to safeguard the unity and progress of the party. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must remain vigilant in the face of these challenges and strive to uphold the values of integrity and unity within his administration.”

NAN’s stance underscores the importance of addressing factionalism within the political landscape to maintain stability and progress in the country. The organization remains committed to supporting measures that promote unity and integrity within the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC.

…Group Slams Elrufai ,Aides for Criticising Assembly Probe Report

… Says they are Shameless , Disrespectful

Coalition of Kaduna based political groups under aegis of Good Governance and Accountability Forum(GGAF) have described former Governor of Kaduna State ,Mal. Nasir Elrufai and His former Commissioners as Shameful individuals for accusing the State Assembly of fabricating figures of the recent probe .

Apparently angry at the recent criticism of the State Assembly’s probe, the group averred that Elrufai must be arrested and compelled to give account of the funds siphoned and misappropriated during his days as Kaduna Governor.

In a press statement signed by the Coordinator of the Forum,Comrade Muhammad Jibrin , ” El-Rufai’s administration embezzled over N423 billion, but Some former Commissioners who served under him, claimed the Assembly’s report was tainted with bias, riddled with inaccuracies with intensions to inflict reputational damage on the former Governor and his government.

However the forum in statement said at this critical period and with the tension stirred up due to the wanton looting of state treasury,it is laughable that Elrufai and his former aides couldn’t provide evidence to counter the allegations of the wanton fraud and misappropriation of funds.

The statement further reads : ” Though the Commissioners who spoke at a press conference in Abuja described the Kaduna State House of Assembly report as tainted by bias, riddled with inaccuracies and intended to inflict reputational damage on the former Governor and his government, but we ask them to counter the allegations with facts and figures.

“It is unfortunate that under Elrufai’s eye ,coordinated looting of the State funds through phoney contracts and looting were done and these aides who know the truth have come out twice now to defend an open truth.

“We can authoritatively say from our findings that the Kaduna State House of Assembly, in line with its constitutional mandate has done a thorough job to unravel the humongous debts incurred by the immediate past administration without commensurate projects.

“On a sad note , it is unfortunate to a historical state such as Kaduna is battling a huge debt burden due to the financial mismanagement by Elrufai’s government.

“The overt corrupt acts by aides and cronies from outside the State cannot be overlooked,thus we asking the anti-graft agencies to swing into action and do the needful with a view to serve as deterrent to public office holders.”It stated.

“We want to announce that the forum has concluded arrangements to formally submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) ; Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on the allegations of misappropriation of funds by ex-governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Bego Haruna

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has strongly condemned the kidnapping of two Kaduna-based journalists, Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe of The Nation newspaper and Alhaji Abdulraheem Aodu of Blueprint newspaper, along with some of their family members.

In a statement issued on Monday, AYCF President General, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, described the incident as “totally unacceptable” and called on relevant government authorities and security agencies to take immediate action to ensure their safe release.

Shettima expressed concern over the targeting of journalists, who he described as a “key sector of society” providing essential information for growth and development. He appealed for intensified efforts to end the “barbaric incidence” and ensure the journalists’ safe return to their families.

The AYCF leader also called on individuals to intensify prayers for the journalists’ safe release, especially for the wife of Abdulraheem, who was initially kidnapped and dumped in the bush due to her health condition.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the journalism community, with many calling for the immediate release of their colleagues. The AYCF’s condemnation and call to action add to the growing pressure on authorities to address the situation.

Bego Haruna

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) will hold a crucial stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja in July to address internal issues and reinforce the expulsion of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, Elder Buba Galadima, and the national working committee led by Dr. Ahmed Ajuji. The meeting, according to National Secretary Oginni Olaposi Sunday, is mandatory for all party leaders, elders, and elected members, including Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, who remains suspended till December.

The party emphasizes its commitment to internal democracy and urges INEC to respect its constitution and objectives. The NNPP also expresses regret over Kwankwaso’s actions, describing his betrayal of trust as evil and thanking God for intervening in the 2023 presidential election.

The statement reads, “The NNPP constitution is supreme for all members without prejudices to the grand norm of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We regret to note that a person like Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who was once a minister, two-time governor of Kano State, senator, and presidential candidate, can bring this kind of avoidable shame to Nigeria and Kano State. His betrayal of trust in the name of politics is evil.”

The party leadership expressed gratitude to God for preventing Kwankwaso’s presidency, stating, “We thank God Almighty for His intervention. This is because these two gentlemen (Kwankwaso and Galadima) would have betrayed the trust of Nigerians if Senator Kwankwaso had won the presidential seat in 2023.”

The stakeholders’ assembly aims to strengthen the party’s internal dynamics and prepare for the 2027 general elections. With a strong message against anti-party activities, the NNPP is poised to reinforce its commitment to democracy and development.

Samaila Jaja

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has firmly endorsed Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle’s bold assertion that the Northern support for President Bola Tinubu remains resilient and steadfast, with expectations for this support to grow even stronger.
The NAN also pledged to solidify its backing for President Tinubu’s ongoing administration and his bid for re-election, vehemently condemning the political maneuverings by certain discredited Northern politicians.
In a statement issued by its chairman, Salihu Suleiman, NAN underscored President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the development and security of the Northern region and emphasized the widespread recognition among Northerners of the importance of consistent leadership for sustained growth and progress.
“The NAN has recognized President Tinubu as a leader who prioritizes the well-being of the Northern region and has pledged its unwavering support for his administration’s success and subsequent reelection,” said Suleiman.
NAN highlighted concerns over an orchestrated political gang-up led by Nasir El-Rufai and Rabiu Kwankwaso, with hangers-on such as Kabiru Marafa, Danbilki Kwamanda, and Professor Dikwa. The network condemned these actions as self-serving attempts by opportunistic politicians aimed at undermining President Tinubu’s administration.
“The Northern youth are no longer swayed by the deceitful tactics of such opportunistic leaders. Unity and solidarity within the Northern region remain paramount, and our people must stand together in support of President Tinubu’s vision for a prosperous and secure future,” Suleiman added.
NAN praised President Tinubu’s proactive measures in addressing the various challenges facing the Northern region. His engagement with the region, responsiveness to its needs, and strategic initiatives aimed at fostering growth and stability have earned him the trust and support of the Northern populace.
NAN clarified that their endorsement and denouncement of political detractors reflect a firm commitment to the welfare and interests of the Northern populace. This endorsement underscores their belief in President Tinubu’s capabilities and his dedication to advancing the Northern region’s development agenda.
“The NAN’s endorsement of President Tinubu is grounded in the belief that his commitment to the development and security of the Northern region is evident and unwavering. We laud the president for his dedicated efforts in ensuring the region’s progress and prosperity.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the NAN stands as a steadfast advocate for President Tinubu and his vision for a better future for the Northern region. Our pledge to consolidate support for the president’s success in government and subsequent re-election shall lay the foundation for a unified front in the face of political challenges, ensuring that President Tinubu’s transformative agenda continues to shape the Northern region’s trajectory,” NAN concluded.