Author Archives: News All Around

By Abubakar Sulaiman

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL), in conjunction with several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and support groups, has criticized Aliko Dangote, owner of Dangote Refinery, over non-disclosure of premium motor spirit (PMS) prices.

In contrast, AYAGL commended Mele Kolo Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), for efforts to make PMS available despite challenges.

Ambassador Abdul DanBature, AYAGL Speaker, praised Kyari’s holistic approach to addressing the fuel shortage but urged Dangote to reveal the cost of a liter of petrol from his refinery. DanBature questioned Dangote’s sincerity, citing waivers granted to his refinery and the need for transparency.

The group warned that if Dangote fails to disclose the information, they will seek means to compel him to do so. AYAGL emphasized its commitment to good governance and transparency, calling on the Federal government and organizations to alleviate citizens’ suffering.

“We are committed to good governance and will support any organization providing good governance and transparency. Enough of the blame game, it’s time to know who is not being truthful to Nigerians,” the group stated.

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) in conjunction with several Civil Society Organizations, (CSOs) and other support groups has taken a swipe on Aliko Dangote, owner of Dangote refinery, over non-disclosure of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, accusing him of playing “hanky panky.”

Meanwhile, the group has commended the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kolo Kyari, over concerted efforts in making the product available against all odds.

Speaker of the AYAGL, Ambassador Abdul DanBature, said, painful as the present increase in the price of petrol might be, a critical assessment of the NNPCL under the leadership of Kyari needed to be commended for his efforts towards addressing the situation holistically and ensuring the availability of the product with market forces determining its price.

Danbature, however, stressed that Dangote should come out and tell the public how much is a liter of petrol from his refinery if truly he meant well for this country, stressing that his non-disclosure shows lack of sincerity.

The group averred that with waivers granted to the Dangote refinery, who gets the crude oil from Nigeria, there should be no reason why petrol should sell the much it is selling now except if he (Dangote) has what he is hiding from Nigerians.

The group said if this gentle call for Dangote to come out and explain to Nigerians the cost of a liter of petrol from his refinery is not yielded to, the youths will have no option but to seek means of compelling him to do so.

“For us, we are committed to good governance and will support any organization, be it government or individual, that is providing good governance and transparent in their dealings.

“We are not unaware of the hardship the citizens of this country are going through presently and we call on the Federal government and organizations to do everything possible to alleviate the suffering of the masses.

“Enough of the blame game, it’s time to know who is not being truthful to Nigerians,” the group said.

A recent publication by Metro Daily online has sparked outrage with its spurious allegations against Senator Danjuma Laah, the immediate past Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District at the 8th Assembly. The article, titled “Former Sen. Laah in Murky Waters over N390M Kaduna South Senatorial District ZIP, Capital Project Funds,” is a blatant attempt to tarnish Senator Laah’s reputation and undermine his years of dedicated service to the people of Kaduna South.

The Allegations: A Web of Deceit

The article claims that Senator Laah is accused of impropriety and unwarranted collection of N390 million meant for Zonal Intervention Projects and Capital Projects in his zone. It further alleges that he made these collections via Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) 14 months after losing his seat. These baseless accusations have left many wondering about the motivations behind such a malicious attack on Senator Laah’s character.

The Truth: A Record of Transparency and Accountability

Senator Danjuma Laah has never carried out any contract or been directly or indirectly linked to any companies that executed constituency and capital projects during his tenure. His role, as Senator, was to ensure projects were executed in good quality, based on contract specifications. Throughout his time in office, Senator Laah maintained transparency and accountability, ensuring that funds allocated for projects benefited his constituents.

Exposing the Fabrications: A Pattern of Dishonesty

A closer examination of the article reveals a pattern of dishonesty and fabrication. For instance:

1. Non-existent Project Location: There is no location as “Zangon Kataf – Kwali road” in Kaduna South Senatorial Zone, contrary to the article’s claims.
2. Fabricated Project: The National Livestock Training Center, Kachia project was never included in Senator Laah’s constituency projects.
3. Misrepresentation of Facts: The Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of Kwoi – Kafanchan Road was executed by MOFTREH CONSTRUCTION Nigeria Ltd, with no links to Senator Laah. The project was a maintenance project, not reconstruction, and its cost was N200 million, not N2.5 billion.

ICPC, Not EFCC: A Display of Ignorance

The article’s call for the EFCC to investigate Senator Laah demonstrates a lack of understanding of the agencies’ roles. The ICPC has a dedicated desk for investigating National Assembly members’ constituency and capital projects, not the EFCC.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The article’s writer and publisher aim to harm Senator Laah’s integrity without consequences. Senator Danjuma Laah is a grassroots philanthropist committed to his people’s progress and well-being. He will take necessary legal actions to address these malicious allegations.

As the people of Kaduna South and beyond look up to Senator Laah for leadership, it is essential to recognize the sinister intentions behind these baseless accusations. The public deserves truth and accuracy, not fabricated stories designed to destroy reputations.

Signed:
Alh. Yahaya Suleiman
Former Aide, Sen. Danjuma on Laah Project Monitoring
24/10/2024

By Suleiman Idris

Kaduna Peaceful Frontiers (KPF) has commended the successful conduct of the local government elections by the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM) in Kaduna State. The peaceful and transparent nature of the elections is a testament to the commitment of all stakeholders involved in the electoral process and the impressive turnout of voters en masse and orderly conduct is quite commendable.

A statement issued by its Chairman, Abubakar Alhasaan, said, “We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the elected officials who emerged victorious in the elections. We also urge them to serve the people of Kaduna State with integrity and dedication, and to work towards the development and progress of the state.”

The group averred that it is imperative that the elected leaders prioritize the needs of the people and work tirelessly to improve the lives of all residents of Kaduna State.

“We also commend the professionalism displayed by the security agencies during the electoral process. Their efforts in ensuring the safety and security of all participants are highly appreciated. We also applaud the mass of the people for their orderly conduct throughout the elections.”

“We call on all candidates who were not successful in the elections to accept defeat in good faith. It is important for the losers to demonstrate sportsmanship and respect the will of the people.”

“We urge them to continue to contribute positively to the development of Kaduna State and work towards a better future for all residents.”

The KPF reiterated their commitment to promoting peace, unity, and progress in Kaduna State and further urged all elected officials to prioritize the needs of the people and work towards the common goal of building a better Kaduna State for all.

“Together, we can achieve great things and create a brighter future for our beloved state” it stressed.

To the winners of the election, Alhasaan urged them to be magnanimous in victory while those not successful to accept it in good faith and in the spirit of sportsmanship and hope for a better outing in subsequent elections.

Pelumi Yusuf

The Northern Elders Progressive Group has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in the fight against insecurity in the northern region.

Chairman of Arewa Elders Progressive Group in Northwest, Alhaji Mustafa Aliyu Dutsin Ma, in a statement on Thursday, praised Tinubu’s new strategy, dubbed “Fansan Yamma,” which has recorded significant positive results in the region.

According to the Northern Elders, President Tinubu’s aggressive approach to tackling insecurity, particularly his decision to use military force to crush bandits in their hideouts without mercy, has shown promising results.

The group expressed confidence in Tinubu’s ability to tackle the issue head-on, citing his Defense Minister’s recent visit to the epicenter of banditry in Sokoto State as a testament to his bravery and commitment.

The Minister of State, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, recently visited the eastern part of Sokoto State, where banditry activities have escalated.

The Northern Elders described that visit as a “major achievement” toward sustaining President Tinubu’s fight against insecurity.

“We are convinced with greater joy that the federal government under President Tinubu is ready to approach the issue of insecurity aggressively, taking the bull by the horns to destroy bandits’ enclaves, reaching them in their own places without mercy,” the group stated.

These Elders urged northern governors, especially those in the northwest, to collaborate with the federal government to achieve lasting success in the fight against banditry.

They specifically praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto for bringing federal might to bear against the challenges.

The group assured President Tinubu of their fatherly role of advising, support, and goodwill to achieve his objectives of ensuring peace, unity, and cohesion for all Nigerians.

They commended the efforts of Minister Matawalle, the Chief of Defense Staff, and gallant soldiers for their sacrifices in bringing peace and security to areas of the north previously uninhabitable due to insecurity.

“We advised President Bola Tinubu to extend the gesture of such on-the spot visit of Minister of state defense and his military commanders to other ne ignoring states in the region in order to booster the morale of military operations” said Elders group

This development is a significant boost to President Tinubu’s efforts to address the longstanding issue of insecurity in the region.Compose Message

By: Abdulwahab Isa

In a shocking revelation, the Kaduna State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Edward Marsha, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating the local government electoral law to rig the upcoming election.

“We shouted and raised a red flag for the local government election… where we noticed a deliberate attempt to maneuver the process that is meant to be free and fair as enshrined by the law,” Marsha said during a press conference at the Nigerian Union of Journalists Secretariat.

The Alleged Manipulation

Marsha specifically pointed out that the section of the law requiring chairmanship and councilorship results to be announced at polling units and ward collation centers has been removed. Instead, the chairperson of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM) will now have the sole authority to announce results from the headquarters or designate an area of their choice.

“This is unacceptable,” Marsha emphasized. “The results after polls are to be announced first at the polling units by the presiding officer… then polling units would assemble with their results at the ward collation centers, which the ward returning officer will collate the results and announce the winners.”

Consequences of Manipulation

Marsha warned that any manipulation of the electoral law would deny citizens their legitimate rights. “If you deny people the right to choose their leaders at the local government level, you deny them everything… We will not accept this gross manipulation and distortion; we will challenge it through the right channels.”

A Call to Action

Marsha urged stakeholders, including Kaduna State House of Assembly members, to resist this alleged manipulation and stand up for democracy. “Let us come out and resist this planned manipulation by the APC… It’s undemocratic, unpatriotic, and a violation of the tenets of democracy.”

Impeachment Call

Marsha demanded the impeachment and removal of those involved in altering the law. “We call for the impeachment and removal from office of all those that have allegedly worked together to change the law… meant to favor the All Progressive Party.”

The PDP chairman’s allegations have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. Will the people of Kaduna be able to exercise their democratic rights, or will the alleged manipulation silence their voices? The nation watches with bated breath.

“We will not allow this to stand,” Marsha vowed. “The people of Kaduna deserve free and fair elections.”

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Tuesday, condemned in strong terms the burning of two Local Council secretariats by sponsored thugs in Rivers State following the outcome of last Saturday’s local governments elections.

While sympathising with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the people of Rivers state over the unfortunate incident, Frank in a statement in Abuja, said the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, should not only resign their positions but they should be held accountable for the wanton destruction of government property and shedding of innocent blood being witnessed in Rivers.

Frank categorically accused the police of openly supporting sponsored political thugs that set ablaze the council headquarters, saying, “no sooner did the IGP ordered the withdrawal of policemen from the council secretariats than the hoodlums descended on them without any action on the part of the Force to prevent or bring the orgy of violence under control.”

While welcoming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s order to the Police to act to safeguard lives and property in Rivers State in the face of violence, he described the President’s intervention as coming too late, biased and skewed in favour of the pro-Wike faction now wrecking havoc in the state.

Frank said: “Wike has been boasting that he has the President’s blessings to do and undo in Rivers State as well as carry out any action aimed at destabilizing Governor Fubara’s administration and make the entire State ungovernable and he has done it.

“Wike equally vowed to set fire on any state opposed to him and he has commenced by setting Rivers State ablaze, yet President Tinubu and the relevant security agencies have not deemed it necessary to call Wike to order or invite him for questioning, simply because their grand conspiracy and plot to use the oil rich state to win the 2027 presidential election.

“It is highly unfortunate that the President is being perceived as tacitly encouraging his minister to cause mayhem in Rivers State because he thinks it will benefit him in the 2027 presidential but this must stop.

“Enough is enough. Wike and the Inspector General of police must go. They must be held accountable for this arson. The perpetrators must be arrested and brought to justice.

“All patriotic Nigerians including former Presidents and heads of Labour and Trade Unions must speak up to save Rivers State and its oil facilities from destruction by these sponsored arsonists.

“President Tinubu must for once act as the Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not the commander-in-chief of the All Progressives Congress and political stooges.

The President swore to an oath to carry out his duties as President without fear or favour, but today it is glaring that he has taken sides with Wike against Rivers’ people.”

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, called on the United Nations to take note of what is currently playing out in Rivers State and hold the key aggressors and sponsors of violence to account through relevant international laws, conventions, covenants and protocols.

He also reiterated his call on the people of Rivers State to stand solidly behind Fubara in the face of gross violence and acts of provocation being meted on the state by external forces seeking to gain control of the resources and political capital of the state.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Sunday, raised the alarm over an alleged plot by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to secure a court injunction to block releases from the Federation Account to the 22 Local Government Councils in Rivers state.

Frank who made this disclosure in a statement in Abuja, said Wike and his co-travelers that are opposed to the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, resorted to the plot, following their failure to stop local government elections in the state which held successfully on Saturday October 5, 2024.

According to him, Wike through his proxies will tomorrow (Monday) or any day soon, approach a Federal High Court in Abuja with spurious writ with prayers that monthly funds allocation to the 22 LGAs in Rivers State should henceforth be withheld with claims that the elections were held in violation of a court ruling.

However, the Bayelsa-born political activist called on Wike to abandon the plot in the interest of the people of Rivers State and find alternative means to settle his rift with Governor Fubara.

He also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to allow Wike to dent his democratic credentials with such a retrogressive court action seeing that local councils in Lagos state suffered similar fate during his administration as Governor through the devious orchestration of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, also warned the Judiciary especially Judges and Justices always out to do Wike’s bidding for personal gain not to grant any frivolous prayer brought before them on this matter.

Besides, he condemned the partisan role the police have played so far in the
political crises rocking the state and called on them to protect all Rivers’ people instead of taking sides with the Ruling All Progressives Congress.

He said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot afford to fold his arms and watch as Wike plots to reverse democracy in Rivers State and by extension Nigeria.

“The anti-democratic tendency of former President Olusegun Obasanjo who seized funds meant for local councils in Lagos during Tinubu’s administration as Governor must not be allowed to repeat itself in Rivers State.

“As we speak, Wike is putting finishing touches to plans to secure a kangaroo court order to stop monthly funds allocation to local government councils in Rivers State. This must not be allowed to happen.”

He warned that such a move could lead to economic disruption in Rivers State in particular and the country in general as well as reversal of of democratic gains the country has made since 1999.

“Any action capable of truncating democracy in the country similar to ongoing scenarios in some West African States must be avoided.

“The people of Rivers State have elected their council chairman and councilors in line with the recent ruling of the Supreme Court to democratize all LGAs in Nigeria and any attempt to truncate democracy in Rivers would be resisted by the people,” he said.

While urging Fubara not to be distracted by the evil machinations of his traducers and political opponents, he congratulated the people of Rivers for successfully electing their council representatives and urged them to redouble their support for the Governor.

By: Luka Binniyat.

James Mangai, my egregious childhood buddy, now aging with a widening bald head, and an amusing grey mustache, just left my house.

Friendship and the Barracks

It’s been a while since we met, though we both live in Kaduna, with our wives and kids, some of them now grown-ups.

Mangai has been my friend dating back to 1970 when our parents brought us to stay with them at 130 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Ozala, East Central State, (now in Enugu state). The Nigeria civil war had just ended, and our dads, yearning for family companionship, felt we should join them from our homes in Zaria, as the first batch of family reunion. Mangai is of the Challah (Ron) tribal group or Bokkos at that time in Benue-Plateau State and I am from the Atyap ethnic group of ‘Southern Zaria’ North Central State. It is now Southern Kaduna in Kaduna State.

Our parents had met during recruitment at the Nigeria Army Depot in Zaria in 1967 and just hit it off. They fought side-by-side for the entire 3 years that the ‘Ojukwu war’ stretched as infantry soldiers and came out without a scratch.

From Ozala, where we started primary school (St. Paul Primary School Ozala) in 1974, our parents were transferred to Keffi and we both enrolled at the Army Children School, Keffi in the same 1974 up to 1977. After that, we found ourselves moved to three other Barracks around the country during our secondary and University days. After a long time of separation work reunited us in Kaduna in 2011.

After we had lunch, we left the parlor to sit outside for fresh air so we could enjoy our privacy

The Dimka Coup

We reminisced over many issues of those days.

Then, Mangai recalled a grim event that has come to be known as the ‘Dimka coup’ of 1976.

It took place on 13th February, 1976 and we were in primary 3 at Army Children School, Keffi. We recalled with angst the tension and anxiety that gripped 130 Battalion, Keffi. We could hear the voice of one Lt. Col. Buka Suka Dimka spoke over Radio Nigeria about overthrowing Gen Murtala Mohammed that morning and forming a new government. And it wasn’t quite long after Murtala had also expelled Gen. Yakubu Gowon from power. The barracks was thrown into confusion. Our parents got dressed into war gears and gathered at the parade ground for further instructions. There was also confusion and fear as it was said that Christian soldiers had killed Gen Mohammed, a Muslim.

I recalled that Mangai and our friends from Benue-Plateau were excited about the coup, because Dimka was from Pankshim, now in plateau State. But our friends from parts of the Muslim North Central, North Western and Kano states of those days were deeply hurt. Even as kids, we were careful how we discussed the coup ever after.

Then the coup failed.

We remembered that shortly after the coup failed, Olusegun Obasanjo was made Nigeria Head of state.

We heard that Dimka was on the run, but that some army officers had been arrested.
Then it was all over the news that Dimka was arrested somewhere in Igbo land.
We also heard that Maj. Gen Bissallah, also from Jos area, was also arrested.
They were later executed by a firing squad.

Within days, pictures of two soldiers were .posted all over our Barracks. They were also in the newspapers that we were sent to go buy for our teachers and soldiers who could read.

MOST WANTED! was the banner caption.

They were Capt Dauda Usman and Sergeant Clement Yildar.

Now, Yildar was from Benue-Plateau and Usman from ‘Southern Zaria’.

After the execution of the arrested coup plotters, the hunt for the two alleged accomplices continued.

Mythical figures

They later became more like legends because of the myths woven around them.
“Do you remember that it was said that Capt. Dauda was cornered in a House in Kafanchan, but that he turned into a bird and flew through the window,” I asked Mangai to express the invincibility of the ‘Southern Zaria’ man.

“Do you also remember that it was said that the army rushed to Kanke (home town of Sgt. Yildar in Kanke LGA of plateau State) to arrest Yildar who was farming for his father and that he just turned into a small flowing stream and they couldn’t fetch him,” he said of his own person the way myths were woven around them. Of Course we laughed over those tales.
Such monumental happenings don’t fade from memory till death.
Need to revisit Dauda and Yilda’s case

But, then, It’s 48 years now and no one has come up to say anything about the whereabouts of these two fugitive soldiers.
“Strangely, it’s like they don’t have families or children. I can’t remember anyone saying he’s related to them all these years,” Mangai said.

And that also beats my thinking.

These figures still hold remarkable childhood impressions on our psyche 48 years after in a profound manner. And it may also be so for members of our generation and above.

“If Ojukwu who carried out a bloody secession war against the Nigeria State could get a state pardon and Boko Haram terrorists who killed and maimed could be forgiven and rehabilitated, I don’t see why an official pardon cannot be granted to these two soldiers if they are still alive,” Mangai posited.

“Niger Delta militants have been granted amnesty and even apologists for Fulani bandits are asking for their amnesty and even for their ‘compensation despite their heinous crime against humanity,” I added.

“Could it be that certain ethnic nationalities cannot also ask for such favours even for alleged political crimes committed nearly half a century?” I queried.

“If they are alive, they would be in their late eighties or early nineties. I also do believe that they deserve a state pardon,” Mangai said.

“You are the Chairman of the Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna state Chapter,” he pointed out, “these two men need your voice as your members, since their families won’t appear to make a case for them,” he said.

“You must begin to find out what has happened to them and how they can enjoy state pardon alive or postmortem,” he challenged me.

And I have taken that challenge.

They have been on the run for 48 years.

I believe that it’s high time Nigeria revisited their case, especially as no one has heard their own side of the story in that tragic event which redirected the course of this nation.

………………………………………
Luka Binniyat is an award winning Journalist, freelance writer and is the Chairman, Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State Chapter.

By Mada Ibrahim

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for their exceptional roles in the recent Edo State governorship election.

NAN hailed INEC’s administrative excellence and the security agencies’ professionalism, citing their diligent efforts, unwavering commitment, and vigilance.

The successful election, according to NAN, sets a positive precedent for future electoral processes and underscores the dedication of INEC officials and their partners.

NAN’s Chairman, Salihu Suleiman, commended the efficient management of the election, which allowed voters to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.

“The commendable achievement not only underscores the diligent efforts, unwavering commitment, and vigilance of the Commission but also serves as a beacon of hope and a positive precedent for future electoral processes across our great nation,” Suleiman said.

The citizens of Edo State also received praise for their orderly conduct and respect for democratic principles.

“We extend our warmest congratulations to the winner of the Edo State governorship election. Your victory is a reflection of the aspirations and confidence of the electorate who placed their trust in your leadership,” Suleiman added.

NAN urged the winner to serve with integrity, inclusivity, and transparency.

“We hope that you will strive to serve the people with integrity, inclusivity, and transparency.”

The network also encouraged defeated candidates to exhibit graciousness and sportsmanship, emphasizing the importance of constructive engagement.

“We implore the candidates and supporters of the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party to exhibit graciousness and sportsmanship in their defeat. In a democracy, losing an election is not the end of the road; rather, it offers an opportunity for reflection, growth, and future engagement.”

NAN cautioned against discrediting electoral institutions, stressing that such actions undermine democratic processes and the trust placed in them.

“We call upon them to refrain from discrediting our electoral institutions, as such actions only serve to undermine the integrity of our democratic processes and the trust that the citizenry places in them.”

The network reaffirmed its support for democratic ideals and encouraged stakeholders to prioritize collaboration and respect for the electorate.

“Engaging constructively with the outcome of this election is imperative as Nigeria collectively seeks to strengthen its democratic framework.”

“As we move forward from this pivotal moment, it is essential that all stakeholders—including political parties, civil society, and the electorate—continue to demonstrate their commitment to upholding the values of democracy.”

Together, NAN believes, Nigerians can build a stronger, more resilient democracy that reflects the will and aspirations of all citizens.

“The Northern Awareness Network reaffirms its unwavering support for the ideals of democracy, and we encourage all parties to prioritize collaboration and respect for the electorate moving forward.”

Sati Sabo

…

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its exemplary conduct during the recent governorship election in Edo State.

According to the forums President General Yerima Shettima in a statement, the successful delivery of a fair, free, and credible electoral process signifies a pivotal advancement in Nigeria’s democratic experience, reinforcing the foundations upon which our governance system stands.

He said, the credibility of an election is paramount to fostering public confidence in the electoral process, and INEC has demonstrated its commitment to this principle. By ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and the proper adherence to electoral laws, the Commission has set a commendable standard that other states can emulate.

Shettima also said, the deployment of efficient electoral technology and the systematic training of personnel contributed significantly to enhancing the integrity of the electoral process, showcasing INEC’s dedication to improvement and reform.

Moreover, the peaceful conduct of voters and the relative absence of electoral violence are indicative of the growing maturity of Nigeria’s political culture. The participation of citizens and stakeholders in a peaceful and orderly manner highlights a collective aspiration for progress and stability within the region, he stressed.

“The AYCF believes that this trend, if maintained, will invigorate public trust and encourage greater electoral participation in future elections.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winner of the polls, whose election is a clear reflection of the choice made by the electorate. In light of this victory, we urge the newly elected governor to embrace the spirit of magnanimity, fostering an inclusive administration that seeks to heal the divisions experienced during the campaign period.

“In a time when society finds itself polarized by political differences, it is the responsibility of elected officials to build bridges, prioritize unity, and work for the common good of all citizens.

“We commend the professionalism displayed by the security agencies during the electoral process, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Army. The effective supervision by these institutions was instrumental in ensuring the safety of voters and the orderly conduct of the election. Their presence not only provided security but also bolstered public confidence in the electoral process.

“The AYCF applauds their efforts and reinforces our belief in the importance of a well-coordinated security system that upholds democracy”.

The Forum however expressed their disappointment with the reaction of the candidates who fell short at the polls in the wake of the election, stressing that the unfortunate display of a lack of sportsmanship is unbecoming of aspiring leaders.

It stated further that, “Politics should be an arena of ideas and constructive engagement, not one characterized by bitterness and unnecessary dissent. The partisan expressions that followed the announcement of election results reflect the need for a more profound understanding of democratic principles. Contestants must recognize that in every election, there is only one winner, and it is imperative to respect the decision made by the electorate.

“Particularly concerning is the reaction from representatives of the Labour Party. Their campaign, heavily reliant on online media presence, failed to resonate meaningfully with the electorate. It is noteworthy that such platforms, while they can mobilize, seldom translate into tangible electoral success unless they connect with the grassroots.

“The outcome of this election is indicative of the reality that aspirants must align their strategies with the true sentiments and needs of the people on the ground, rather than solely relying on digital narratives. We also find it perplexing that the outgoing governor, who has previously secured two electoral victories, would not express gratitude for his support base, which has sustained his political journey thus far.

“Political wins are never singular achievements; they are collaborative efforts, forged by the trust and dedication of the populace. Acknowledgment of such support is not only courteous but essential for fostering enduring relationships with constituents.

“As the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, we remain committed to the advancement and unity of Nigeria. We advocate for constructive dialogue and a political culture that recognizes the strength in diversity, whether in opinion or perspective. In the spirit of moving forward, we encourage all political stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of the citizenry above personal ambitions, thereby advancing our democratic ideals”.

Shettima congratulated the newly elected governor of Edo State once again while commending the security forces for their crucial role, and called for a renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence and collaboration among all political actors in the state.