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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured prominent Nigerians, including Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani and former lawmaker and rights activist Senator Shehu Sani, for their pivotal roles in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.

Speaking during the 2025 Democracy Day celebration on June 12, President Tinubu acknowledged the sacrifices made by several pro-democracy advocates during Nigeria’s years under military rule. In a speech delivered before a joint session of the National Assembly, the President commended the bravery and enduring commitment of individuals like Uba Sani and Shehu Sani in advancing democratic ideals.

“These patriots stood firm when it mattered most,” Tinubu said. “Their courage helped shape the democratic foundation we stand on today.”

As part of the commemorations, President Tinubu conferred national honours on several distinguished Nigerians for their contributions to the democratic journey. The list includes academics, journalists, politicians, civil society leaders, and posthumous awardees.

Key honourees include:

Prof. Wole Soyinka – Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON)
Senator Shehu Sani – Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)
Governor Uba Sani – Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah – CON
Barrister Femi Falana, SAN – CON
Dapo Olorunyomi (Publisher, Premium Times) – Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)
Bayo Onanuga (Presidential spokesman) – CON
Ken Saro-Wiwa (Posthumous) – CON
Alhaja Sawaba Gambo – CON
Chief Bola Ige – CFR
Mobolaji Akinyemi – CFR
Others honoured include rights activists, lawmakers, journalists, and late pro-democracy campaigners such as Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Balarabe Musa, Chief Frank Kokori, and Odia Ofeimun.

The recognition, Tinubu said, is part of a broader effort by the federal government to memorialize the efforts and legacies of those who played vital roles in shaping Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

Former lawmaker and human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani, has called on Nigerians to show empathy and compassion toward the orphans, widows, and widowers affected by the devastating floods in Mokwa, Niger State.

Senator Sani, who personally donated food items to the victims and their families, described the Mokwa flood as not just a disaster, but a national tragedy.

In a statement he personally signed, Senator Sani said, “The Mokwa tragedy is a dark cloud of responsibility hanging over the sky of our country.” He emphasized the need for the nation to learn from the incident by channeling its resources toward improving the lives of its people.

The former senator also urged the Federal Government to create a special budget aimed at rebuilding Mokwa into a modern town, as a tribute to the memory of those who lost their lives in the flood.

Musa Maye

Kaduna,

The Coalition of Gbagyi Nationality in Kaduna State has issued a scathing rebuke of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of launching “unwarranted verbal attacks” against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu out of bitterness over his failed ministerial nomination.

At a press conference held in Kaduna on Monday, the coalition condemned El-Rufai’s recent public criticisms of the Tinubu administration, labeling them as “self-serving” and “a serious threat to national unity and democratic stability.”

“Since Mallam El-Rufai lost the opportunity to be appointed a Minister in President Tinubu’s administration, he has remained inconsolable and has resorted to making divisive and antagonistic statements,” the group declared. “His actions are not only self-serving but pose a serious threat to national unity.”

The Gbagyi coalition also used the platform to recount what they described as the harsh and discriminatory policies suffered under El-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. According to the group, Southern Kaduna communities, including Gbagyi people, endured demolition of homes, exclusion from governance, and neglect of infrastructure.

“El-Rufai’s time in office was marked by destruction of properties, marginalization, and the exclusion of Southern Kaduna communities and Christians from governance,” the coalition said. “Markets were demolished without alternatives, roads were abandoned, and banditry was poorly addressed.”

The group questioned the moral authority of El-Rufai to criticize President Tinubu, arguing that his motives were rooted not in principle, but in political vendetta.

“Let us ask ourselves: If he had been appointed a Minister, would he be attacking President Tinubu today? The answer is a resounding NO,” the statement emphasized.

They also dismissed what they described as El-Rufai’s emerging political coalition aimed at challenging Tinubu’s leadership in 2027, warning Nigerians not to be deceived by his “crusade of bitterness.”

“It is laughable that he now seeks to rally those he previously scorned, in a bid to unseat President Tinubu… Let it be known: El-Rufai has no moral standing to criticize the President.”

The Gbagyi coalition ended the briefing with a strong endorsement of President Tinubu’s leadership, urging Nigerians to support his administration in navigating the economic and security challenges facing the country.

“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for tackling the deep-rooted challenges inherited from past administrations. The Gbagyi people say: NEVER AGAIN,” the group concluded.

Apparently angered by the recent attacks on the President, Former lawmaker , Senator Shehu Sani took a swipe at the former Kaduna and Rivers State governors , Mal Nasir Elrufai,who and Routine Amaechi ,who accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating policies that heightened hunger and poverty across the country.

According to Shehu Sani, Elrufai and Amaechi should hold their heads in shame for failing to tackle same problems or insecurity; poverty and hunger during their days as Governors because they are the architects of banditry and hunger they talked about.

El-Rufai recently declared that Nigerians have allowed bandits to occupy positions of authority, while speaking at a Public Lecture to celebrate former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amechi, said, “What we have done in this country is to allow bandits, not the ones in the bushes, the urban bandits, to take over the governance of our country.”

However ,Shehu Sani who addressed journalists on State of the Nation at his Kaduna residence today, said all those who held public office and positions of authority under the former President Muhammadu Buhari don’t have the moral rights to speak about the issues of banditry, poverty and hunger because they failed to tackle them when in office.

He accused them of witch hunting and working against the Tinubu led government because they either failed to secure ministerial positions or appointed in the cabinet.

Speaking further he said ,”There is nothing wrong in criticizing a government or leader, but when it is done out of selfish interests rather genuine course it becomes a problem.

The Senator, who represented Kaduna Central zone at the 8th Senate, Shehu Sani, lambasted Elrufai and other leaders who controlled the affairs of the country, but failed to turn the Northern region into a socio-economic paradise over the years.

“Nigeria is not just a country; it is a country that came from horrible and terrible experiences as a nation. And we ought to learn from our past experiences in order not to repeat the same experience. So I want to call on the people to caution the elements who had the opportunity to turn the North into a paradise but left it as a hell; today, such elements are crying foul for no reason other than that they have been excluded from government.

“So their grievance is about their own personal interests and not about the people, not about the North, not about the masses, not about insecurity and governance. However, everybody has the right to voice their opinions, but it shouldn’t be done in such a way as to burn down the country.

“Under the last administration, all the security apparatus were of Northern extraction; they never stopped terrorism in the North, they never stopped banditry in the Northwest, they never stopped killings in Benue State, in Plateau, and most parts of North Central states.

“The insecurity in the North is not yet over. Bandits are still killing people; they are kidnapping people in Katsina State, they are still doing that in Zamfara State. There are major killings on the roads by bandits. But if we are going to compare it to where we are coming from, I think things are better. The Chief of Defence has relatively been able to bring peace to the southern part of Kaduna, which was neglected and abandoned when Governor Nasir El-Rufai was in power. We know the Birnin Gwari road; it used to be a road that was inaccessible because of banditry.

“Banditry happened every hour, not every day, for eight years along the Birnin Gwari road. Now people can travel day and night. When last did you hear of an attack since the attack on Kuriga school? When last did you hear of an attack on any school in the state? So for those of us, when you compare the government headed by someone who came from our own part of the country and the government headed by someone who is not from our own part of the country, I think it is important for those of us from the North to appreciate the relative progress they have made.

” We have seen many things that were brought in, and we only demand more. But my message is also to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that more should be done in terms of addressing challenges in the Northern part of Nigeria, and critics should be listened to, and where there are lies, they should be responded to. And this country will be great if there is development in all parts of Nigeria,” Shehu Sani said.

Refinery Shutdown: CSOs Plan To Embark on Protest Against Kyari over Fraudulent Maintenance Contracts

Coalition of over twenty advocacy groups under umbrella of Civil Society Coalition for Energy Transparency and Development in Nigeria (CSCEDN) have concluded arrangements to mobilise its members to headquarters of National Nigerian Petroleum Company Limited ,Abuja next week for a Two-day massive protest against the former Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Engineer Mele Kyari over recent shutdown of Port Harcourt Refinery.

According to the group, the protests scheduled to hold on Monday and Tuesday is to demand for arrest and protection of the former NNPCL boss for what it described as “fraudulent overhaul maintenance” carried out on Port Harcourt Refinery under his management that hitherto led to recent shutdown for another round of maintenance.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) recently announced the shutdown of Unit 10 in Area 5 of the Port Harcourt Refinery (PHRC), officially citing sustainability concerns for scheduled maintenance.
The Civil Society groups in a Press Statement made available to journalists in Kaduna, which expressed dismay over the shutdown of the facility, said it is a clear evidence that Kyari didn’t do anything to ensure sustainable operations. the maintenance work was just a fraud.

The statement jointly signed by Comrade Musa Ibrahim Gusau and Comrade Henry Rewane stated, “Most annoying is that the shutdown is coming six months after the refinery commenced truck loading of petroleum products following the $1.5 billion spent on rehabilitation.

The group said , ” The information gathered so far revealed that the shutdown was triggered by a combination of inconsistent product quality, poor maintenance cycles, and frankly an underwhelming performance .

The statement further reads: “During the planned protest, We will urge the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) to arrest and prosecute Kyari immediately as well as review all agreements entered into by the NNPCL during his administration .

“We are particularly angry and asking questions on behalf of Nigerians that why is it that after the initial overhaul maintenance gulped over $1.5 billion, the company shut down operations for another round of maintenance within just six months of resumption.

“The ‘old plant,’ which was commissioned in 1965, with a processing capacity of 60,000 barrels per day appeared to have become a conduit pipe for siphoning our money.

” After years of inactivity and failed multiple rehabilitation efforts, the refinery resumed operations on November 26, 2024, following a significant overhaul that cost $1.5 billion for the entire complex.

“We are going to ensure that the controversies surrounding the rehabilitation and recommissioning of the refineries by Kyari led management and billions of dollars spent without transparency are unraveled and made public.”

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UBA SANI: The Unifier, Bridge Builder, Astute Leader, Selfless Servant, Compassionate Listener, Noble Statesman, and Innovative Thinker.

The man UBA SANI has been a gift from God Almighty to the people of Kaduna State, making him stand out in his administrative responsibilities, governance, and accountable style of leadership.

He is unique in his personal endeavours—an embodiment of peace and an epic representation of a unifier. Within his 730 days in office, he has unleashed his untapped potential in leadership and governance, underscoring his commitment to the improvement of peace, stability, and security in the state.

Governor Uba Sani has attained a remarkable level of success across core sectors of governance, including Security, Economy, Education, Health, Governance, and Infrastructure.

His Excellency’s commitment to safeguarding the state—most notably through the strategic approach employed in addressing security threats, especially in the Birnin-Gwari/Giwa axis—has earned him accolades and recognition for his novel and effective methods in protecting lives and property. Furthermore, he has proven himself a strong and determined leader who does not entertain the word “impossible.” He has bridged the gap of nepotism and tribalism, ensuring inclusivity and unity by carrying everyone along, regardless of faith, tribe, belief, or personal sentiment. This has fostered peace, unity, and inclusiveness in governance.

The Magic Leader has, within his two years in office, supported security operatives in the state with 100 brand-new operational vehicles, 1,500 motorcycles, and various incentives to combat insecurity.

Governor Uba upgraded 14 General Hospitals and over 200 Primary Health Care Centers to Tier 2 facilities equipped with modern tools and technology.

He initiated 79 road projects covering 819KM, with 49 roads completed.

He sponsored WAEC and NECO examination fees for 5,000 public school students and cleared outstanding debts associated with foreign scholarship students.

He launched rural electrification projects and empowered over 50,000 youth, farmers, and women in agriculture, business, and innovation. He also provided solar streetlights to improve community security and access.

He built 62 new schools comprising over 650 classrooms and established skills acquisition/vocational centres across the three senatorial districts.

He strengthened traditional institutions and distributed 23 SUVs to traditional rulers. Additionally, he attracted both foreign and local investments, thereby boosting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Governor Uba Sani created a Ministry for Youth Development and ensured that 69.7% of appointed officials are youth and women, promoting inclusive governance.

His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, has distinguished himself through purposeful leadership and impactful, inclusive government.

His two years in office have been a testament to visionary leadership and dedication to the welfare of the people of Kaduna State.

Indeed, he is a unifier, a builder, and a symbol of hope and transformation.

Compiled by,
Hon. M.K Uthman,
S.A on Legal Matters to the Governor of Kaduna State

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Let me know if you’d like a version tailored for a press release, newspaper feature, or social media summary.

The man UBA SANI has been a gift from God Almighty to the people of Kaduna State, making him stand out in his administrative responsibilities, governance, and accountable style of leadership.

He is unique in his personal endeavours—an embodiment of peace and an epic representation of a unifier. Within his 730 days in office, he has unleashed his untapped potential in leadership and governance, underscoring his commitment to the improvement of peace, stability, and security in the state.

Governor Uba Sani has attained a remarkable level of success across core sectors of governance, including Security, Economy, Education, Health, Governance, and Infrastructure.

His Excellency’s commitment to safeguarding the state—most notably through the strategic approach employed in addressing security threats, especially in the Birnin-Gwari/Giwa axis—has earned him accolades and recognition for his novel and effective methods in protecting lives and property. Furthermore, he has proven himself a strong and determined leader who does not entertain the word “impossible.” He has bridged the gap of nepotism and tribalism, ensuring inclusivity and unity by carrying everyone along, regardless of faith, tribe, belief, or personal sentiment. This has fostered peace, unity, and inclusiveness in governance.

The Magic Leader has, within his two years in office Supported security operatives in the state with 100 brand-new operational vehicles ,1,500 motorcycles, and various incentives to combat insecurity.

Gov.Uba Upgraded 14 General Hospitals and over 200 Primary Health Care Centers to Tier 2 facilities equipped with modern tools and technology.

Initiated 79 road projects covering 819KM, with 49 roads completed.
Sponsored WAEC and NECO examination fees payment for 5,000 public school students, and cleared outstanding debts associated with foreign scholarship students.

Launched rural electrification projects and empowered over 50,000 youth, farmers, and women in agriculture, business, and innovation.
Provided solar streetlights to improve community security and access.

Built 62 new schools comprising over 650 classrooms, and established skills acquisition/vocational centres across the three senatorial districts.

Strengthened traditional institutions, distributed 23 SUVs to traditional rulers. Attracted both foreign and local investments, thereby boosting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Created a Ministry for Youth Development and ensured that 69.7% of appointed officials are youth and women, promoting inclusive governance.

His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, has distinguished himself through purposeful leadership, impactful and inclusive government.

His two years in office have been a testament to visionary leadership and dedication to the welfare of the people of Kaduna State.
Indeed, he is a unifier, a builder, and a symbol of hope and transformation.

Compiled by,
Hon. M.K Uthman,
S.A on Legal Matters to the Governor of Kaduna State.

A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has slammed N900 Million in damages against former governor of Kaduna State Mallam Nasiru Elrufai and Five others on charges of violations of multiple Fundamental Human Rights and arbitrary imprisonment of Adara Elders in Kaduna state, Nigeria .

Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna on Tuesday 27 May, 2025, delivered judgement in the case which had Mr. Awemi Dio Maisamari and eight other Southern Kaduna Adara elders as victims of the illegal detention in 2019.

The Judge had earlier in the proceedings ruled against the preliminary objections filled by the Respondents challenging the jurisdiction of the Court, on the claims that the Federal High Court was not the right venue, the time of setting down the case for hearing exceeded seven days and that the wrongful imprisonment was in Tort and not Fundamental Human Rights. The Court found no merits in the Preliminary Objection and proceeded to deliver its judgment.

The Judge granted an order of compensation in the sum of N 900 million against Nasir Ahmad Elrufai for arbitrary arrest which he personally orchestrated. N10million was awarded in general damages and another sum of 10 million in special damages were awarded against the 3rd-5th Respondents who are the Nigerian Police Force, the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police of Kaduna State.

In an interview, counsel to the Applicant, Gloria Mabeiam Ballason Esq who led S.A. Alkali Esq and J.N. Buzun Esq described the judgement as a landmark achievement against abuse of fundamental Human Rights and abuse of power by the former governor Mallam Nasiru Elrufai stating that the judgment marks a watershed against abuse of power and accountability for abuse whether the occupiers of the office are temporarily shielded by immunity or not.

She contended that the case was filed after Mallam Nasiru Elrufai had left government, which explains why he was sued in personal capacity as the first respondent stating that even when people in authority enjoy immunity, it does not warrant executive lawlessness.

The 2nd and 6th Respondents were represented by J.A. Danazumi Esq, Solicitor General and Koni Tauna Esq while Sirajo Mohammed Esq represented the 3rd, 4th and 5th Respondents. The Respondent Counsel declined to give comments.

The Applicant , Mr Awemi Dio Maisamari, who was at the time of his arrest the national President of the Adara Development Association, was arbitrarily arrested during a town hall meeting following the questionable and curious circumstances of the murder of the paramount ruler Dr. Raphael Maiwada Galadima who was kidnapped and murdered while returning from a meeting with Governor El-rufai.

The first Respondent, Nasir Ahmad Elrufai who was Governor of Kaduna state at the time and had convened the town hall meeting, personally ordered the Police to arrest Mr. Awemi Maisamari after labelling him as ‘part of the security problem’ in Kajuru. The second to sixth respondents were the Governor of Kaduna State, the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney General of Kaduna State respectively.

Maisamari who was arrested and detained along with eight other Adara elders including a former Commissioner Engr. Bawa Magaji and a former Commissioner of Police, were later released after months in detention on the advice of the Attorney General who found nothing incriminating against them.

When contacted for their reaction on the judgement, Counsel to the respondents Barrister J. A. Danazumi who is the solicitor General declined comment.

COV/SHINDONG BALA

A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has slammed N900 Million in damages against former governor of Kaduna State Mallam Nasiru Elrufai and Five others on charges of violations of multiple Fundamental Human Rights and arbitrary imprisonment of Adara Elders in Kaduna state, Nigeria .

Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna on Tuesday 27 May, 2025, delivered judgement in the case which had Mr. Awemi Dio Maisamari and eight other Southern Kaduna Adara elders as victims of the illegal detention in 2019.

The Judge had earlier in the proceedings ruled against the preliminary objections filled by the Respondents challenging the jurisdiction of the Court, on the claims that the Federal High Court was not the right venue, the time of setting down the case for hearing exceeded seven days and that the wrongful imprisonment was in Tort and not Fundamental Human Rights. The Court found no merits in the Preliminary Objection and proceeded to deliver its judgment.

The Judge granted an order of compensation in the sum of N 900 million against Nasir Ahmad Elrufai for arbitrary arrest which he personally orchestrated. N10million was awarded in general damages and another sum of 10 million in special damages were awarded against the 3rd-5th Respondents who are the Nigerian Police Force, the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police of Kaduna State.

In an interview, counsel to the Applicant, Gloria Mabeiam Ballason Esq who led S.A. Alkali Esq and J.N. Buzun Esq described the judgement as a landmark achievement against abuse of fundamental Human Rights and abuse of power by the former governor Mallam Nasiru Elrufai stating that the judgment marks a watershed against abuse of power and accountability for abuse whether the occupiers of the office are temporarily shielded by immunity or not.

She contended that the case was filed after Mallam Nasiru Elrufai had left government, which explains why he was sued in personal capacity as the first respondent stating that even when people in authority enjoy immunity, it does not warrant executive lawlessness.

The 2nd and 6th Respondents were represented by J.A. Danazumi Esq, Solicitor General and Koni Tauna Esq while Sirajo Mohammed Esq represented the 3rd, 4th and 5th Respondents. The Respondent Counsel declined to give comments.

The Applicant , Mr Awemi Dio Maisamari, who was at the time of his arrest the national President of the Adara Development Association, was arbitrarily arrested during a town hall meeting following the questionable and curious circumstances of the murder of the paramount ruler Dr. Raphael Maiwada Galadima who was kidnapped and murdered while returning from a meeting with Governor El-rufai.

The first Respondent, Nasir Ahmad Elrufai who was Governor of Kaduna state at the time and had convened the town hall meeting, personally ordered the Police to arrest Mr. Awemi Maisamari after labelling him as ‘part of the security problem’ in Kajuru. The second to sixth respondents were the Governor of Kaduna State, the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney General of Kaduna State respectively.

Maisamari who was arrested and detained along with eight other Adara elders including a former Commissioner Engr. Bawa Magaji and a former Commissioner of Police, were later released after months in detention on the advice of the Attorney General who found nothing incriminating against them.

When contacted for their reaction on the judgement, Counsel to the respondents Barrister J. A. Danazumi who is the solicitor General declined comment.

COV/SHINDONG BALA

Lawyers of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Saturday, confirmed receipt of details of a suit filed by the Federal Government against the lawmaker in a case involving her and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saying they will present their defences in court at the appropriate time.

In a statement by Dr Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, the lawyers also sought the prayers and support of all.

The statement reads; “At about 2:30pm on Friday, the 23rd of May, 2025, in the premises of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, we received the information filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions DPP containing three counts bordering on allegations that our client, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria made imputations which she had reason to believe will harm the reputation of Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We received the said information on behalf of our client upon a letter of authority duly issued by her and filed in the Registry of the said Court.

“The Legal team would adequately prepare all factual and statutory defences available to our client and place same before the Court during trial. We count on the prayers and solidarity of all.”

The Federal Government had instituted a suit against Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan on May 16 over alleged defamatory remarks made on live television.

It accused the senator of “making imputation knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person”, citing Section 391 of the penal code, CAP 89, laws of the federation, 1990. The offence is punishable under Section 392 of the same law.

The government also listed the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, among others, as witnesses.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had reportedly accused Akpabio and Bello of plotting to assassinate her.

The allegations followed her suspension from the Senate over a sitting arrangement which she deemed punishable.

She had thereafter accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, petitioning both the Inspector General of Police IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, demanding a probe of her alleged traducers.