Apex Igbo Group Lampoons  Atiku’s Spokesman of Putting Personal Ambition Above Igbo Unity

The Igbo Youth League (IYL) has accused the media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, of placing personal political interests above the collective aspirations of the Igbo people, alleging that he has chosen “Atiku’s crumbs” over the interests of the South-East.

The group, in a statement issued on Thursday, alleged that Ibe’s recent political engagements and public comments were inconsistent with the quest for greater political inclusion and equity for the Igbo nation.

According to the league, Ibe’s continued defence of Atiku Abubakar and his political agenda amounts to a betrayal of the aspirations of many Igbos who believe the South-East deserves stronger representation in Nigeria’s leadership.

The youth organisation claimed that political appointments and personal benefits should not take precedence over the broader interests of the region, urging Igbo political actors to remain committed to advancing the collective cause of the South-East rather than individual ambitions.

The league further warned that history would judge public figures who, in its view, sacrifice regional interests for personal political gain.

It called on Igbo leaders, professionals and youths to remain united in pursuing justice, fairness and political inclusion, insisting that no individual should undermine the region’s collective voice for temporary political advantage.

Paul Ibe, a long-time spokesman and media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has consistently defended his principal’s political positions and recently criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over issues of governance, security and the economy.

As of the time of filing this report, Paul Ibe had not publicly responded to the allegations made by the Igbo Youth League.

2027: Northern Christians Group Seeks Tinubu’s DG Campaign Position, Assures Commitment to Fairness, Justice

By Our Correspondent

As the 2027 electioneering campaign draws closer, a Northern Christian Progressive group has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to appoint a Northern Christian as Director-General of the presidential campaign to ensure the overwhelming success of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The Group Secretary, Rev. Hayap Musa Danladi, made the appeal on behalf of the group in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

Danladi stressed that it is the right time for Northern Christians to demonstrate their loyalty and political weight in the forthcoming 2027 general election.

“We appeal to President Bola Tinubu to consider appointing a Christian politician from Northern Nigeria, especially prominent ones, as was done in the 2023 election by appointing the former Plateau State Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong, to steer the election ship,” Danladi said.

“We are optimistic that Lalong, with his widespread support and experience, contributed to securing victory for President Bola Tinubu’s election.”

According to him, giving such a position to a Northern Christian will further strengthen the campaign and clear all miscommunications, misconceptions and false claims of presidential bias being spread by political opponents.

The group secretary emphasised that the inclusion of Northern Christians will further highlight political acceptance, mutual respect and understanding among citizens.

He stressed that Christian politicians will surely work tirelessly to campaign for Tinubu’s victory in recognition of his achievements and landmark transformations in the country.

“We must shun religious hatred, ethnic differences and work toward national development, as well as overcoming challenges at all levels,” Danladi added.

“Christians mean well for all Nigerians. We consider all people equal and focus on nation-building without considering Muslims as opponents or critics of ideas.

“We must respect individuals, as demonstrated by President Bola Tinubu, through his style of leadership that works in the interest of all Nigerians.”

Earlier, the Leader of the Northern Christians Youth, Mr. Zakaria Bitrus Gwasshi, commended Tinubu on his administration’s achievements, fairness and for uniting the nation despite some pockets of challenges across the country.

Gwasshi said his blueprint for fighting insecurity, economic development and ensuring peaceful coexistence is glaringly evident in the country, particularly bringing an end to religious crises bedevilling some states of Bauchi, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue, without witch-hunts or other biases.


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Tags: 2027 Election, APC, Bola Tinubu, Northern Christians, Campaign Director-General, Simon Lalong, Religious Inclusion


Published: Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 8:45 AM

Source: Nigerian Guardian

Northern Security Trust Fund: A Tool for Sokoto, Borno Sultanates’ Interests, Not Security – MBF

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has rejected the newly established Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund (NNSTF), describing it as unacceptable to the people of the Middle Belt and warning that it will challenge the legality of state governments contributing N1 billion monthly to the initiative.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the group said while it supports the creation of state police and genuine efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, it opposes the decision of Northern governors to commit public funds to the regional security trust fund.

The NNSTF Board of Trustees was inaugurated on July 8, 2026.

Grievances Over Losses and Perceived Neglect

The MBF argued that the Middle Belt has suffered the highest human and economic losses from years of insecurity across Northern Nigeria, with thousands killed, hundreds of communities destroyed, millions of hectares of farmland abandoned, and countless families displaced.

According to the group, despite the devastating impact of the violence, the Northern States Governors’ Forum had failed to consistently condemn attacks on Middle Belt communities or demonstrate solidarity with victims.

“The painful truth is that throughout these years of bloodshed, the Northern States Governors’ Forum has rarely spoken with one voice to condemn the repeated massacres of Middle Belt communities. Many victims have never received solidarity visits from the governors despite suffering some of the worst atrocities in Nigeria’s history,” the statement said.

Call for State-Level Investment

The forum maintained that governors should deploy any funds earmarked for the NNSTF to strengthen security within their respective states instead of contributing to a regional pool. It further alleged that the security trust fund was designed to advance the interests of the Sokoto Caliphate and Borno Sultanate rather than effectively address insecurity.

“The MBF believes that the idea of the NNSTF is a well-crafted design by the Sokoto Caliphate and Borno Sultanate to raise funds to be deployed to promote their interest and those of the terrorists that the fund was supposed to fight,” the statement added.

Challenge to the Northern Region’s Existence

The group also questioned the continued participation of Middle Belt governors in the Northern States Governors’ Forum, arguing that the old Northern Region ceased to exist following the abolition of regional governments in 1966.

“As far as we are concerned there is no such thing as the Northern Region. It was a vexatious, exploitative, suppressive and backward creation of colonial rule which died in 1966 with the abolition of regional government,” the statement read.

Legal Action and Alternative Proposals

The MBF said it would institute legal action to challenge the withdrawal of public funds for the NNSTF. According to the group, if states can afford to contribute N1 billion monthly, the money should instead be invested in community-based security initiatives, intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, emergency response systems, and collaboration with approved security agencies.

It also urged governors to prioritise rebuilding communities destroyed by violence, rehabilitating schools and hospitals, compensating victims, and permanently resettling internally displaced persons.

Concerns Over “Repentant” Terrorists

The forum expressed concern that the trust fund could eventually be used to finance the rehabilitation of “repentant” terrorists and bandits while victims of violence continue to receive little or no support. It further stated that the Middle Belt did not create the terrorist groups operating in Northern Nigeria and argued that those who understand the origins of such criminal networks are within the core North.

The MBF therefore called on governors of Middle Belt states to establish their own regional security framework to address what it described as “the genocide originating from the Sokoto/Borno Caliphate.”

Call for Withdrawal and Citizen Opposition

It stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through funding alone but required justice, accountability, effective prosecution of criminals and strong political will. The forum called on governors of Middle Belt states to withdraw from the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund and urged citizens across the region to oppose any financial contributions to the initiative.

“Let every state invest its resources directly in protecting its people, rebuilding destroyed communities, supporting victims of violence and restoring hope to citizens who have paid the highest price for insecurity,” the statement concluded.

Mustapha Abdullahi Empowers Young Nigerians Through Energy Leadership Fellowship

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has empowered more than 80 young Nigerians through the maiden edition of the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF) 2026,.

MAELF is a week-long leadership and capacity-building programme designed to equip participants with leadership skills, mentorship, professional networks and startup support for Nigeria’s energy sector and broader national development.

The week-long residential fellowship, initiated and fully sponsored by Dr. Abdullahi through the DAM Foundation in partnership with the APC National Youth Wing, brought together carefully selected young Nigerians from across the country for an intensive programme focused on leadership, energy policy, entrepreneurship, innovation, governance and sustainable development.

The fellows arrived in Abuja on Sunday and commenced activities on Monday, participating in six days of lectures, policy dialogues, mentorship sessions, panel discussions, innovation workshops, team projects and networking engagements before the programme culminated in a colourful graduation ceremony on Friday.

Designed to bridge the gap between leadership potential and national development, the fellowship exposed participants to practical knowledge and emerging opportunities within Nigeria’s energy ecosystem while equipping them with the skills, values and networks required to drive innovation, promote sustainable development and provide responsible leadership in their various fields.

Throughout the programme, participants interacted with senior government officials, policymakers, development experts, academics and private sector leaders who shared practical insights on leadership, governance, innovation, public service, youth development and Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.

Among the distinguished personalities who delivered lectures and participated in interactive sessions with the fellows were the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN; the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom; former President of the Senate and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu; and the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Dayo Israel, alongside other accomplished professionals, public officials and development experts.

The fellowship climaxed on Friday with the presentation of certificates and an empowerment package valued at over ₦17 million, including startup grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million awarded to outstanding fellows to support innovative ideas, enterprise development and community-based initiatives.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Abdullahi said the vision behind the fellowship was to nurture a new generation of ethical, competent, innovative and visionary leaders capable of advancing Nigeria’s energy transition and contributing meaningfully to national development.

“As I look around this hall today, I see not just graduates of a fellowship programme; I see ambassadors of hope, innovators in waiting, solution providers and future architects of Nigeria’s energy future,” he said.

He commended the fellows for their discipline, resilience, commitment to learning and ability to build friendships across regional, ethnic and religious divides throughout the programme.

“You came here with curiosity. You embraced learning with humility. You challenged ideas respectfully, built friendships across regions and backgrounds, collaborated with one another and demonstrated that the Nigerian youth, when given the right opportunity, possess limitless potential,” he said.

Abdullahi urged the participants to make integrity, excellence and service the defining principles of their leadership journey.

“Certificates may open doors, but character sustains leadership. Knowledge may create opportunities, but integrity preserves them. Influence may attract followers, but service is what builds lasting legacies,” he stated.

He stressed that the energy sector extends beyond electricity generation and infrastructure, describing it as a critical driver of social and economic transformation.

“The energy sector is not merely about electricity, solar panels, gas, hydrogen, batteries or infrastructure. It is fundamentally about people. It is about improving lives, reducing poverty, creating opportunities, empowering industries, strengthening healthcare, enhancing education and securing a better future for generations yet unborn,” he said.

According to Abdullahi, Nigeria’s energy transition requires courageous leadership, innovation, ethical professionals and strategic thinkers willing to place national interest above personal ambition.

“I therefore charge each of you to become advocates of sustainable development, ambassadors of clean energy, champions of innovation, and examples of transformational leadership wherever life takes you. This Fellowship must never become a certificate that gathers dust on your shelf. It must become a responsibility you carry in your heart,” he said.

He also encouraged the participants to sustain the relationships established during the fellowship, collaborate across disciplines and continue developing practical solutions to national challenges, noting that the conclusion of the programme marked the beginning of a lifelong network of leaders committed to national transformation.

The successful conclusion of the maiden edition of the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship marks a significant milestone in the DAM Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development and human capital investment.

The initiative is expected to pave the way for future editions as Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi continues to invest in raising a new generation of ethical, innovative and solution-driven leaders equipped to advance Nigeria’s energy transition and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Atiku’s $1.2 Million U.S. Lobbying Deal Against Tinubu Draws Fire from Shehu Sani

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has condemned the engagement of a Washington-based lobbying firm by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to circulate documents relating to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to officials in the United States.

Sani described the move as unnecessary and capable of undermining Nigeria’s image abroad, urging political actors to resolve their differences within the country’s democratic and legal institutions rather than seeking to influence foreign governments.

His reaction followed reports that the Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., retained by Atiku Abubakar under a reported 12-month contract, had begun distributing documents relating to a long-running U.S. civil forfeiture case involving President Tinubu to officials in the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, members of Congress and congressional staff.

According to reports, the firm said it was sharing records from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) concerning a 1993 civil forfeiture proceeding involving funds allegedly linked to Tinubu. The lobbying contract, reportedly valued at $1.2 million, covers advocacy, diplomatic outreach and the presentation of Atiku’s positions to U.S. policymakers.

Reacting to the development, Sani maintained that disagreements arising from Nigeria’s political process should not be exported to foreign capitals.

He argued that Nigeria’s sovereignty and international reputation should take precedence over partisan interests, warning that attempts to lobby foreign governments against the country’s leadership could have unintended consequences for Nigeria’s diplomatic standing and national interest.

The former lawmaker called on politicians across party lines to conduct their political engagements responsibly, stressing that elections and governance issues should be addressed through constitutional means and established democratic institutions.

Sani further urged all stakeholders to place national unity and the country’s global image above political rivalry, noting that healthy opposition remains an essential part of democracy but should not come at the expense of Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage.

EXCLUSIVE: APC Elders Expose Yari’s Secret Plot to Sabotage Party, Bankroll PRP Candidate in Bauchi


The Bauchi State All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Group has accused former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, of allegedly sponsoring the governorship ambition of Senator Shehu Buba of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

The group described the move as anti-party activity capable of destabilising the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.


In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the group’s Zonal Secretary, Dr. Mustafa Babayo Tunga, the elders described the alleged actions of Senator Yari, a prominent APC chieftain, as a calculated attempt to weaken the party’s campaign structure and electoral prospects in Bauchi State.

The group vowed to resist any individual using influence or financial resources to sow division within the party.


“We are aware of Senator Abdul’aziz Yari’s alleged efforts to build a political structure through financial inducements to some APC supporters across the state in support of Senator Shehu Buba of the PRP against our party’s governorship candidate, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement read.


According to the elders, Senator Yari was allegedly involved in meetings with some political stakeholders in Abuja where strategies were discussed to mobilise support for the PRP governorship candidate despite his membership of the opposition party.

The group also alleged that vehicles and other forms of support had been provided to strengthen Senator Buba’s political structure.


It maintained that Senator Buba, having left the APC, no longer had any relationship with the party, warning that anyone supporting his governorship ambition should be regarded as an opponent of the APC.

“Senator Buba has nothing to do with our party. He voluntarily left the APC for the PRP. Anyone openly supporting him is working against the interest of our great party,” the statement added.


The elders called on the National Chairman of the APC to investigate the allegations and take disciplinary action against Senator Yari if found culpable, saying such steps were necessary to preserve unity and cohesion within the party.

“It is unfortunate that one of our political leaders is allegedly working to undermine the APC’s chances in Bauchi State by supporting the ambition of a candidate who abandoned the party for personal interests,” the group stated.


The APC Elders Group reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 and securing victory for the party in the Bauchi State governorship election, insisting that the party remained united despite the alleged attempts to create internal divisions.

Forgotten Children of Mussa: Middle Belt Forum Laments Double Standard in Nigeria’s Fight Against Terror

By Our Correspondent

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has expressed deep concern over what it describes as a glaring disparity in the national response to mass abductions across Nigeria, lamenting that while the country celebrated the rescue of schoolchildren in Oyo State, dozens of children kidnapped in Borno and Kaduna States have been abandoned to their fate in captivity.

In a press statement signed by its Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, on Wednesday, the MBF commended the Federal Government, security agencies, and all parties involved in the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State on May 15, 2026, describing their safe return as a relief to their families and the nation at large.

However, the forum cautioned that protecting lives is not an act of charity but a constitutional obligation.

“Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), clearly states that ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.’ Every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity, religion or location, deserves equal protection under this constitutional obligation,” the statement read in part.

The Mussa Tragedy: 42 Children, Including Toddlers, Still in Captivity

The MBF drew attention to the tragic fate of pupils from Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, who were abducted on the same day terrorists struck in Oyo State.

According to the forum, the school complex—which housed a secondary school, a primary school, and a nursery school—was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists, with 42 innocent children abducted, including toddlers as young as two years old.

“What has followed since then is deeply disturbing. While the entire nation rightly mobilised in support of the Oyo victims, the children of Mussa have suffered in almost complete silence,” the MBF lamented.

A Pattern of Neglect: Lassa, Shikarkir, Southern Kaduna Attacks

The forum further noted that the tragedy in Southern Borno did not end with the Mussa attack. On 29 June 2026, armed terrorists attacked Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, also in Askira/Uba LGA, while students were sitting for their examinations. Thirty-six students (twenty-five girls and eleven boys) and a staff member were abducted, with at least one teacher killed during the attack.

The MBF also recalled that in August 2025, terrorists invaded Shikarkir in Chibok LGA and abducted seven boys and girls who remain in captivity to date.

Highlighting attacks in Southern Kaduna, the forum noted that on 6th April 2026, armed Fulani bandits attacked three churches in Ariko Village, Kachia LGA, during Easter Sunday worship. Seven worshippers were murdered and thirty-seven people, mostly women and children, were abducted—among them an elderly blind man. One of the kidnapped women reportedly gave birth while in captivity, and some have since died from harsh conditions.

Barely two weeks later, on 20 April 2026, Awon Community in Kachia LGA was attacked, leaving two citizens dead and eleven others abducted.

“All these victims remain in captivity, while their families continue to endure unimaginable pain with little reassurance from those entrusted with protecting them,” the statement read.

A Call for Equal Treatment and National Conscience

The MBF expressed dismay that enormous public resources are being devoted to programmes for “repentant” Boko Haram members and bandits, while innocent citizens remain abandoned in captivity.

“The Middle Belt Forum believes that no government should appear more concerned about rehabilitating criminals than rescuing innocent citizens still held by those same criminals,” the forum declared.

It warned that “the continued silence of both the Federal Government and the governments of Borno and Kaduna States sends a dangerous message that some Nigerian lives matter more than others.”

The forum demanded that the governments of Borno and Kaduna States demonstrate the same commitment shown by the Oyo State Government during its abduction crisis, including regular briefings for families of the abducted.

The MBF also urged the Federal Government to intensify rescue operations, and called on the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), civil society organisations, human rights groups, religious leaders, and the media to extend the same solidarity and outrage to victims in Southern Borno and Southern Kaduna.

“Every Nigerian child held hostage by enemies of society deserves to be remembered. Every hostage deserves hope. Every family deserves justice,” the statement concluded.

Coalition Raises Alarm Over Defence Properties Ltd’s Alleged Land Invasion in Abuja

ABUJA, NIGERIA – A coalition of civil society groups has raised the alarm over what it describes as a “brazen, violent invasion” of a property in Abuja by Defence Properties Ltd, accusing the agency of colluding with a convicted fraudster to forcibly seize land belonging to Efab Properties.

In a press statement issued on Saturday, The Mighty One Empowerment Foundation and a coalition of anti-fraud groups alleged that Defence Properties Ltd deployed heavy equipment to trespass on the land, acting under a purported joint venture agreement with one Sylvanus Enonche Oko, a man they describe as a “notorious fake General and chronic land grabber.”

The groups revealed that Oko is currently facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly impersonating a deceased businessman, Kenneth Ogbogu, to fraudulently take possession of properties. They claimed Oko altered ownership documents at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), but these were voided following an EFCC investigation.

Allegations of Complicity and Abuse of Power

The coalition expressed shock that Defence Properties Ltd “would allow itself to be engulfed in such a shady transaction,” accusing its management of a “severe failure of corporate governance” and raising “serious questions about complicity.” The statement condemned the use of “state apparatus, intimidation, and raw force” to occupy land that does not belong to the agency or its partner.

The groups have called on President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, the National Security Adviser, and the Chief of Army Staff to intervene urgently, directing Defence Properties Ltd to withdraw its personnel and machinery. They warned the public to avoid dealings regarding the property through Oko or Defence Properties Ltd.

The EFCC has previously been commended for its prosecution of Oko, who is accused of identity theft, forgery, and unlawful land grabbing.


Signed:

Professor Barika Dominic Saro-Laka JP
Founder, The Mighty One Empowerment Foundation

For: Coalition of Civil Society Groups Against Fraud and Criminality

Kada Queens Defeat Plateau 2-0 to Retain National Hockey Championship Title

Defending champions, Kada Queens of Kaduna State, on Saturday successfully retained their women’s title at the 2026 National Hockey Championship after defeating Plateau State 2-0 in the final played at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The victory reaffirmed Kaduna State’s dominance in Nigerian women’s hockey, as the Kada Queens produced a disciplined and commanding performance to overcome a determined Plateau side and lift the championship trophy for another year.

The Kaduna team controlled the pace of the match with impressive tactical organisation, converting two scoring opportunities while keeping their opponents at bay to seal a deserved victory before an enthusiastic crowd of hockey enthusiasts and officials.

Former Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani as the Guest of Honour, attended the final and congratulated both teams for their outstanding display of sportsmanship and competitiveness.

He commended the Kaduna State Government for its sustained commitment to sports development, describing the team’s success as a reflection of deliberate investment in youth and athletic excellence.

The triumph further strengthens Kaduna State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading hockey centres. Prior to the championship, officials of the Kada Queens had expressed confidence in the team’s readiness to defend its title, citing months of intensive preparations, quality coaching and participation in international competitions.

Team officials also attributed the successful title defence to the support of Governor Uba Sani’s administration, noting that increased funding for sports, improved welfare for athletes and continuous investment in hockey development have played a significant role in the team’s consistent achievements at national competitions.

With the latest triumph, Kada Queens have added another remarkable chapter to their illustrious history, further cementing their status as one of Nigeria’s most successful and formidable women’s hockey teams while setting the benchmark for excellence in the sport.

ADC Court Victory Silences Tinubu’s Critics, Proves President’s Hands-Off Judiciary Policy – Minister

The Federal High Court ruling affirming the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership has dealt a devastating blow to opposition propaganda against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of State for Defence has declared.

By Our Correspondent

The Minister of State for Defence and former Governor of Zamfara State, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, has said the recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja affirming the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under former Senate President David Mark has vindicated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against allegations of interfering in the judiciary or plotting to impose a one-party system on Nigeria.

Reacting to the court’s dismissal of a suit filed by House of Representatives member Leke Abejide challenging the ADC leadership, Matawalle said the ruling had once again demonstrated that President Tinubu remained committed to the independence of the judiciary, due process and the rule of law.

He maintained that despite sustained political attacks by opposition figures and some members of the political elite, the President had never interfered with judicial proceedings or attempted to influence the outcome of politically sensitive cases.

“President Tinubu’s democratic credentials were built long before he became President.

“So having participated in the struggle for the restoration of democracy, he fully understood the importance of preserving democratic institutions.

“The sanctity of the judiciary remained non-negotiable under the current administration because the President believed that a strong and independent judiciary was fundamental to Nigeria’s democratic survival, political stability and national cohesion,” he said.

Matawalle accused some opposition politicians of deliberately spreading falsehood and propaganda to discredit the President, alleging that they were quick to accuse him whenever court decisions did not favour their political interests but unwilling to acknowledge judgments that reflected the independence of the judiciary.

He argued that genuine patriots should be fair enough to commend the President when court decisions clearly showed that democratic institutions were functioning without executive interference.

On the security, Matawalle said the Federal Government remained undeterred, noting that troops under Operation Fansan Yamma had recorded significant successes by dismantling several bandits’ enclaves, neutralising notorious bandit leaders and recovering communities previously under the control of criminal elements across the North-West.

“Similar operations by the military and other security agencies across different parts of the country had continued to weaken terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups, leading to improved security in many affected communities,” he maintained.

He, however, assured Nigerians that President Tinubu remained resolute in ending insecurity across the country and would continue to provide the Armed Forces and other security agencies with the necessary support, equipment and political backing to defeat all criminal elements.

E-signed
Ahmed Dan Wudil,
Media Aide,
Hon Minister of state for Defence