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The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged Nigerians, mostly youths and sports personalities to toe the path of peace and dialogue, instead of engaging in violent protest regarding the challenges facing the country.

This admonition is coming on the heels of planned protest by some persons in parts of Nigeria on August 1, 2024.

SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement through the Association’s Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo on Wednesday reckoned that while citizens have right to protest, such should be done in a most peaceful manner.

President Benjamin while recalling how previous protests in Nigeria had damaged critical National assets, called on the protesters to be mindful of mostly Sports infrastructure across the country as any form of destruction will further create needless deficit.

He said that instead of embarking on destruction of lives and properties, citizens should reflect on positive and progressive moves aimed at ensuring improved Sports development, which has obvious potential to uplift the country’s economy.

“As the second most economic viable option in the entire world, Sports serve as catalyst for needed growth and development in any society. Therefore Sports men and women including athletes, officials, administrators and of course the sporting media have the responsibility to lead the way in terms of conduct and influence in our various residential and public places.

“Instead of joining any band wagon of destructive tendencies, let us encourage fellow Nigerians to engage in sporting activities in terms of physical exercise and other areas of gainful endeavours,” he said.

The number one sports writer in Nigeria then admonished leaders at all levels to, in line with global standards, use legislative means to initiate sustainable policies that will loosen tight ends and clear bureaucratic bottlenecks, which had hampered sports development in the country.

He said, “Also, Nigeria as a developing nation should be a fortress for talent discovery and development because of abundance of human capital resources that abound in every nook and cranny of our communities, local government areas and states.

“Therefore, there is need for continious engagement with all stakeholders to harness and engage them meaningfully. In doing this, the role of the private sector which is a major driving force of the economy is critical.

“Again, the government at all levels should do more in the provision of sporting infrastructure at the grassroots, as a veritable way of engaging mostly the young people, because Sports, with the right funding approach, has enormous potential to drastically reduce unemployment.”

The SWAN President then assured that, “As professional Sports Writers, we are ever ready to offer useful contributions in form of advice amidst taking practical steps that will make meaningful impact.”

Aondona Asumbu

.Insists Tinubu is the target

.Asks Gov Dauda Lawal to thread softly

Group, Zamfara Peace Initiatives Forum (ZAPIF) has strongly condemned an attempt to raze the Minister for State Defence, Bello Matawalle’s house in Guzau, Zamfara State on Thursday.

The group in a statement by its Secretary, Alhaji Ahmed Bako
(Danmadamin Kucheri) alleged that the attempt was initiated by political enemies of President Bola Tinubu under the guise of the ongoing nationwide protests.

According to the group, it was saddening to see children between 15 to 17 years of age from Lalan, Gada Biyu, Tudun Wada, Birnin Ruwa, Hayin Maigemu and Unguwar Dallatu, to be mobilised by suspected agents of the State Government to make such an attempt on Matawalle’s property.

To this group, “President Tinubu’s political allies including Matawalle, Sen Abdul’aziz Yari, Sen Sahabi Yau, Hon Rikiji among others, were being targeted and attacked by hired miscreants just to get at him.

“Such open attacks on these highly respected elders by the sponsors of the protest in Gusau, Talata Mafara and Kaura Namoda are doing so to get political sympathy from the people and they must be stopped.

“It is unfortunate that the same state government that failed to account for billions of naira released by the federal government through allocations, COVID-19 intervention for sustainable development and fight against poverty, hunger, and insecurity could be blaming President Tinubu’s administration for its failure

“We, therefore call on well-meaning Zamfara State indigenes to caution Gov Dauda Lawal, to focus on good governance rather than promoting vandalism and intimidation of his perceived political enemies.

“We also call on parents to put their houses in order by way of cautioning their children from being used as an instrument of violence and social unrest in the state while the children of their sponsors are enjoying their lives abroad.

“To the security agents, we acknowledge your efforts at maintaining peace and order in Zamfara and Nigeria a s a whole. However, be reminded that it is your constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of Nigerians by placing miscreants to where they belong”, the group cautioned.

Musa Kankara

Abdulaziz Yari, the senator representing Zamfara West, yesterday addressed a massive crowd in Gusau, urging the people of Zamfara State to abstain from participating in the national protests scheduled for August 1st to 10th. Yari’s speech resonated with the thousands of supporters present, drawn from across the fourteen local government areas of Zamfara and neighboring states.
In his impassioned address, Senator Yari underscored the commitment of northern senators to the welfare of the people and the development of various sectors such as agriculture, industry, and public infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and the resolution of conflicts through dialogue and cooperation.
He also warned against the dangers of participating in protests that could potentially lead to violence and chaos, citing examples from other countries where similar actions had dire consequences.
Drawing on global examples, including the unrest in Libya and Sudan, Yari cautioned against blindly following political agendas without fully understanding their implications. He warned against succumbing to the influence of shadowy actors seeking to sow discord and destabilize the country for their own gain. Yari urged the people to exercise restraint, engage with the government constructively, and avoid actions that could lead to further conflict and unrest.
He urged the people to resist the temptation of being manipulated by those with ulterior motives and to instead work together towards building a better future for themselves and their nation.
The senator reminded the crowd of the need to trust in the government and to avoid unnecessary confrontations that could escalate into wider conflicts. He cautioned against falling prey to divisive agendas and urged the people to remain vigilant against the forces that seek to destabilize the nation.
Yari highlighted the need for strategic planning and thoughtful consideration in addressing challenges, rather than resorting to hasty and potentially damaging actions.
The senator’s message struck a chord with the crowd, who dispersed with a sense of reassurance and unity. Yari’s call for patience, cooperation, and discernment resonated with the audience, reminding them of the importance of safeguarding the nation’s stability and future. His words served as a timely reminder of the dangers of blindly following divisive agendas and the need to remain vigilant against external forces seeking to exploit internal tensions.
Senator Yari’s address to the people of Zamfara State exemplifies the importance of responsible leadership and thoughtful engagement in times of uncertainty and turmoil. By encouraging dialogue, collaboration, and informed decision-making, Yari has demonstrated his commitment to serving the best interests of his constituents and the nation at large. As the country navigates challenging times, leaders like Abdulaziz Yari play a crucial role in guiding the way forward and fostering a spirit of unity and resilience among the people.

No fewer than 45 Kaduna based Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and hundreds of Citizens across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state today announced decision to pull out of the proposed August 1 protest against the Federal Government.

According to the CSOs and citizens , the decision to withdraw is out fear that it could be hijacked by hoodlums and used for selfish reasons, beyond economic hardship issues.

The Civil Society Organizations and the citizens under the umbrella of Movement for Greater Kaduna (MGK) in a Statement signed by the Coordinator ,Hon. Bawa Ismail Muhammad however acknowledged the frustrations stirred up by the current economic situation, but expressed fears that protests can lead to more harm than good.

In the statement ,the group stressed, “Kaduna is a volatile state and because of past experiences ,we decided to hold a meeting of an enlarged house,where we discussed implications of the protest and possibilities of selfish politicians using it to destabilize the polity .

Stating further , it averred that ,”From information gathered, the national protest is a fifth column script aimed at taking undue advantage of the poor masses to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration .

“While we feel the same pains and understand the excruciating effects of some policies of the Tinubu led government , acknowledged that fact that he has with the past days deployed urgent interventions to cushion the effects, this don’t see reasons to embark on the protest.”

However, the group which commended various opinion leaders, trade unions, youth groups, civil and religious and traditional leaders that have so far dissociated themselves from the planned protest, noted that with collective efforts and will the Nigerians can compel the federal government to embrace people friendly policies.

By Awulu Luka

The Zamfara Conscience Movement strongly condemns the recent actions of the government of Zamfara State in inviting known criminal, Musa Kamarawa, to the government house in Gusau and engaging him in a sinister partnership with infamous bandit leader, Bello Turji. This collaboration is allegedly aimed at perpetuating false propaganda against the former governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, who currently serves as the Minister of State for Defence.

According to a statement issued by the Chairman of the movement, Tanko Illo Salihu, the unethical, dangerous, and irresponsible tactic will lead to misinformation, confusion, and public backlash. Such actions are unacceptable and must be resisted.

The effort to associate with individuals like Musa Kamarawa and Bello Turji, whose credibility and trustworthiness are severely compromised due to their criminal histories, is ultimately counterproductive. The Zamfara State government risks further tarnishing its own reputation and eroding the trust of the electorate by engaging with these notorious figures as mouthpieces for false propaganda.

It is deeply concerning that Governor Dauda Lawal is prioritizing political attacks on Matawalle while neglecting the pressing security needs of Zamfara State. The state remains vulnerable to the actions of dangerous bandits, kidnappers, rapists, and other criminal elements who exploit the apparent lack of political will to challenge them.

This continuous focus on attacking Matawalle is not only misguided but also detrimental to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Zamfara State.

The Zamfara Conscience Movement will vigilantly monitor, resist, and challenge any attempts by the Zamfara government to deploy notorious criminals for spreading false propaganda. We urge Governor Dauda Lawal to shift his focus to tackling the real issues affecting his state, primarily the security crisis, rather than engaging in unethical and ineffective tactics that compromise the democratic process.

We call on the people of Zamfara State to remain vigilant and hold their leaders accountable and warn Governor Dauda Lawal to prioritize the interests of the people and work towards creating a safer, more prosperous future for all residents of Zamfara State.

The Zamfara Conscience Movement stands firm in its commitment to upholding the principles of honesty, integrity, transparency, and overall security of lives and properties in Zamfara and the North-West. We will not stand idly by while the citizens of Zamfara State are left vulnerable to criminal elements and political manipulation.

In conclusion, the Zamfara Conscience Movement demands that Governor Dauda Lawal prioritizes the security and well-being of the people of Zamfara State, rather than engaging in unethical political tactics. We urge the people of Zamfara State to remain vigilant and hold their leaders accountable for their actions. Together, we can create a safer, more prosperous future for all residents of Zamfara State.

Musa Kankara

.As Sen La shares fertiliser to constituents

There was an impressive turnout as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held ward Congress to elect new executives at that level across the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State.

The ward congress held between Saturday, 27th and Sunday 28 July 2024, was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere in all the 81 wards of Kaduna central senatorial district under the supervision of party officials from both the local, state, and National Secretariats respectively.

While INEC officials and security operatives observed the conduct peacefully.

This is even as the Senator representing Kaduna Central, Lawal Usman Adamu (Mr. LA) donated 12 trailers of fertiliser in addition to the financial support of over N50 million to his constituents, just as he promised to continue with such a gesture for their well-being.

Going round to monitor the congress in his constituency along with some party officials, the Lawmaker called on PDP members across the state to unite and ensure discipline, political unity, and cohesion among them.

The Lawmaker described the ward congress as an avenue of injecting new leadership where necessary and agreement of endorsement for those that have done well for party progress.

Sen LA assured the party’s leadership of his unwavering support and loyalty towards achieving the set goals for the progress and development of PDP in the State and beyond.

“According to him, “We will continue to support our great party, PDP, and our leaders at all levels to ensure we give Nigerians a sense of belonging once again.

“As the representative of Kaduna North in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, we have been supporting our people with agricultural inputs and other relief items to reduce the impact of the current economic hardship in the land on them.

“For example, we just procured and shared some trucks of fertiliser to our farming communities so that our people can have enough food to eat and possibly sell.

“This is in addition to several relief items and cash we have been giving to members of our constituency and that we shall continue to do Insha Allah”., he said.

Reports across the state stated that the 2024 party congresses in almost all the wards of 23 local governments were conducted peacefully.

By Usman Aboki

On July 29, 2024, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) convened a press conference to address the escalating economic crisis and present a comprehensive plan to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The NYCN, representing over 120 million young Nigerians, commended the President’s efforts to revitalize the economy but highlighted the unintended consequences of recent policies, which have led to soaring prices and reduced purchasing power.

Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, NYCN President, emphasized the need for swift action: “The current economic situation demands immediate attention. We urge the government to implement measures to reduce prices, stimulate growth, and alleviate the suffering of Nigerian youths.”

The council expressed concerns about the exclusion of young people from key national initiatives and programs, despite their enthusiasm for national development and support for the President’s agenda.

“To address these challenges, we have developed a comprehensive set of demands and recommendations,” Amb. Sukubo explained. “By collaborating with the government, we can find solutions to the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians.”

The NYCN’s proposals include:

• Implementing price controls and subsidies to reduce the cost of living
• Establishing a joint committee to develop strategies for addressing hunger and poverty
• Engaging in dialogue with the National Security Adviser and President Tinubu to discuss national issues
• Organizing a National Youth Conference to identify problems and propose solutions
• Launching a Youth Intervention Program to reduce support for the planned hunger protest
• Implementing economic relief measures, including job creation programs and support for SMEs
• Investing in vocational training and education initiatives
• Supporting young farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs
• Improving access to affordable healthcare
• Ensuring transparency and accountability in economic policy implementation
• Enhancing public transportation infrastructure

By addressing these demands and recommendations, the NYCN believes that the government can help alleviate the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians.

“Empowering young people is crucial to building a prosperous nation,” Amb. Sukubo stressed. “We urge the government to take our recommendations seriously and work with us to create a brighter future for Nigerian youths.”

By Abubakar Dangwa

Video Footage: Northern Awareness Network Issues Stern Warning Against State Complicity in Turji’s Reign of Terror …

The Zamfara State chapter of the Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has issued a strong warning concerning the emboldened actions of Kachallah Bello Turji, a notorious mass murderer, kidnapper, and bandit leader. This call to action follows the release of video footage showing Turji with unprecedented audacity, which NAN asserts is inadvertently supported by the actions or inactions of the Zamfara State government.

In the recent video, Turji made allegations against the current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. While the Northern Awareness Network had previously tolerated such instances, the latest clip signifies a crucial turning point where silence equates to complicity. NAN has declared that inaction is no longer an option.

Samaila Kwali, the NAN state chairman, delivered a powerful statement emphasizing the intolerability of a government allowing criminal organizations to operate freely with brazen impunity: “It is unacceptable for a government charged with the responsibility to protect the lives and properties of its citizens to allow such open displays of criminality.”

NAN called on Governor Dauda Lawal to immediately cease any actions that could be perceived as playing dubious political games at the expense of the lives of the citizens. Kwali stressed, “From the interview with Turji, it is clear he was playing a script handed to him by certain desperate politicians in the state, aiming to discredit Matawalle by insinuating his connections with bandits. However, the ill-conceived scheme backfired.”

Turji’s inaccurate assertions during the interview, notably the unfounded claim that bandits still held significant influence in the government house more than a year after Matawalle had left office, not only backfired on the current governor, Dauda Lawal but also revealed the desperation and lack of credibility of some Zamfara state politicians.

Throughout Matawalle’s tenure as governor, none of the headquarters of the 14 local government areas were ever infiltrated by bandits. Unfortunately, under the current administration, several local government headquarters and even the state capital have been invaded by bandits in just the first year.

This is a clarion call to the Zamfara State government and all relevant authorities to take decisive and effective measures to end the menace posed by Turji and his gang. “The latest video clip featuring Kachallah Bello Turji is a stark reminder that we cannot afford to be silent any longer. The audacity of such criminals to appear freely and at will in public spaces is a clear indication that the state’s security apparatus is either compromised or grossly ineffective. We will not stand idly by while the lives of innocent citizens are endangered,” said the chairman.

“Governor Dauda Lawal must prioritize the safety and security of his constituents above all else. The time for political maneuvering is over. It is high time the government demonstrates its commitment to eradicating the threat posed by these killer gangs,” the chairman added.

The NAN urges all citizens, civil society organizations, and concerned stakeholders to demand accountability and swift action from the Zamfara State government. The fight against banditry and crime requires a collective effort and begins with ensuring that no criminal feels invincible enough to challenge the authority of the state.

The Northern Awareness Network is a leading advocacy group dedicated to promoting peace, security, and socio-economic development in Northern Nigeria. Through various initiatives, NAN aims to raise awareness, influence policy, and mobilize community efforts to tackle the region’s most pressing challenges.

By Grace Musa

The desperate attempts by forces of corruption now fighting back the system including sponsoring tailored interviews to shamefully twist the narratives using terror leaders like Bello Turji and other crime lords to fabricate unsubstantiated lies against Matawalle has been uncovered.

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has come forward with allegations that a sinister and coordinated cabal is targeting the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.

This revelation was made in a statement by Comrade Danjuma Paul, highlighting Matawalle’s crucial role in challenging and successfully nullifying the controversial currency swap policy instituted by the Buhari administration.

At the height of public suffering due to the Buhari government’s unpopular Naira redesign policy, three former governors—Bello Matawalle of Zamfara, Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna, and Yahaya Bello of Kogi—took decisive action to challenge the policy in court.

Their bold intervention played a key role in relieving the nation of its economic duress.

“An unforgiving cabal, in collaboration with certain individuals within the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and supported by a financially bankrupt section of a disgruntled northern elite, is orchestrating attacks against these former governors,” explained Comrade Paul.

“El-Rufai has already been marginalised, while Yahaya Bello is being relentlessly pursued, leaving Matawalle as the last man standing.”

Comrade Paul recounted the immense hardship endured by Nigerians during the implementation of the currency swap policy, which saw the redesign of the Naira lead to significant economic disruptions and mass suffering.

It was during this period that the trio of former governors intervened legally, a move that turned public sentiment against them among certain powerful factions.

The NSCF’s statement emphasizes that the current targeting of Matawalle is not a random act but a calculated vendetta aimed at settling scores for their judicial triumph over the now-defunct currency swap policy.

Comrade Paul called for vigilance and support for Matawalle, stressing the importance of ensuring that those who stand up for the people’s welfare are not penalized for their actions.

“The scheming against Matawalle, fueled by those who wish to exact a ‘pound of flesh’ for the loss inflicted upon them by the court’s decision, is not just an attack on one man but an affront to justice and the collective good of Nigeria,” Comrade Paul asserted.

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum urges the Nigerian public and international observers to pay close attention to this unfolding situation and to stand in solidarity with those who have shown courage in the face of adversity.