Author Archives: News All Around

By Idris Ahmed

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has condemned the Northern Governors’ sudden change of heart regarding the national tax reform bills. The governors initially opposed the reforms, citing concerns about their potential negative impact on the Northern economy. However, they have now inexplicably capitulated to the reforms, leaving many questioning their motives.

According to the AYCF, the governors’ actions constitute a clear betrayal of the trust placed in them by the Northern people. By initially opposing the tax reforms and then conceding, they have demonstrated a fundamental lack of respect for the electorate. The AYCF has called for greater accountability from the governors, urging them to focus on their primary responsibilities.

The AYCF President General, Yerima Shettima, stated that the governors’ initial opposition to the tax reforms was fundamentally flawed. Their arguments lacked substance and failed to acknowledge the vital role of robust taxation in funding essential public services. Instead of engaging constructively with the government, they chose to employ divisive rhetoric, fueling public unrest and hindering national progress.

The AYCF believes that the tax reforms are essential for Nigeria’s overall development, despite potential short-term challenges. The organization has maintained its support for the reforms, recognizing that effective taxation is the cornerstone of a functioning and prosperous nation.

The Northern Governors’ opposition to the tax reforms has been linked to their wider failures in managing their respective states. Many Northern states grapple with persistent poverty, underdevelopment, and a lack of basic amenities. The AYCF contends that the governors’ initial opposition was a distraction tactic, an attempt to mask their incompetence and avoid accountability for their shortcomings.

The AYCF has called upon the Northern Governors to provide a clear and transparent explanation for their change of heart. The people deserve to know the reasons behind this abrupt shift and whether any concessions were made that would compromise the effectiveness of the tax reforms.

The organization has also urged the governors to focus on their primary responsibilities, improving the lives of the people they represent through good governance and effective resource management. The hasty surrender to the tax reform bills without meaningful engagement or a transparent explanation constitutes a disservice to the North and a betrayal of the public’s trust.

The AYCF will continue to advocate for policies that promote sustainable development and economic progress for all Nigerians. The organization will remain vigilant in holding leaders accountable for their actions.

The tax reform debate has highlighted the need for effective leadership and governance in Nigeria. The AYCF’s stance on the issue emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the nation’s development and the well-being of its citizens.

The Northern Governors’ actions have raised questions about their commitment to the development of the North. Their initial opposition to the tax reforms and subsequent capitulation have created uncertainty and undermined public confidence in their leadership.

The AYCF’s call for accountability and transparency is a step in the right direction. It is essential for leaders to be held accountable for their actions and to prioritize the needs of their constituents.

The tax reform debate is far from over. As the issue continues to unfold, it is crucial for stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and to prioritize the nation’s development.

In conclusion, the AYCF’s condemnation of the Northern Governors’ actions is a testament to the organization’s commitment to promoting good governance and accountability in Nigeria.

The AYCF’s stance on the tax reform debate serves as a reminder that leaders must prioritize the needs of their constituents and work towards promoting sustainable development and economic progress.

By Ibrahim H. Tinja

In a significant move, Honorable Fatima Talba, representing Potiskum/Nangere Federal Constituency of Yobe State, has introduced a motion to amend the Federal Medical Center Act of 2022. The proposed amendment aims to establish a Federal Medical Center in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The motion gained momentum when Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, representing Koshofe Federal Constituency in Lagos, seconded it. Honorable Ogbara expressed her support, stating, “I am proud to support this bill, which will bring much-needed healthcare services to the people of Potiskum/Nangere Federal Constituency.”

After the motion was seconded, the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, sought approval from the members to send the bill for a second reading. With the members’ consent, the Speaker forwarded the bill for further consideration.

Speaker Abbass referred the bill to the Committee on Health Institutions, a crucial step in the legislative process. The Committee will review the bill, examine its implications, hold public hearings, and consider expert opinions before deciding whether to recommend it for further action.

This development is a testament to Honorable Talba’s commitment to improving the lives of her constituents. As a dedicated legislator, she has been advocating for quality healthcare services in her community ¹.

The establishment of a Federal Medical Center in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State will undoubtedly bring significant benefits to the people of the region. It will provide access to quality healthcare services, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.

By Mike Odeh James

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has announced new appointments to its National Working Committee (NWC), with a notable appointment being that of Mr. Luka Binniyat as the National Public Relations Officer (PRO). Binniyat, a veteran reporter and former National Spokesman of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), has been a vocal advocate for the rights of the Southern Kaduna people, who are part of the Middle Belt nation.

Binniyat’s commitment to speaking truth to power has come at a personal cost, as he was jailed by former Governor Nasiru El Rufai in 2016 and 2021 for defending the rights of his people. His courage and resilience in the face of persecution have earned him recognition and respect among his peers and the wider community.

As the new National PRO of the MBF, Binniyat will be responsible for articulating the Forum’s position on key issues affecting the Middle Belt region. His experience as a journalist and advocate will be invaluable in amplifying the voices of the Middle Belt people and promoting their interests.

The MBF has also announced the appointment of Barrister Aba Ejembi from Benue State as the new National Secretary General. Ejembi was previously the Deputy Secretary General of the MBF. The appointments were announced on January 14, 2025, and are expected to strengthen the Forum’s leadership and advocacy efforts.

Dr. Pogu Bitrus, President of the MBF, has urged the Middle Belt family and the general public to cooperate with the new officials. The appointments are seen as a significant boost to the Forum’s efforts to promote the interests of the Middle Belt people and address the challenges facing the region.

The MBF is the overarching umbrella body of the people of the Middle Belt in central Nigeria. The Forum plays a critical role in promoting the interests of the Middle Belt people and advocating for their rights. With the new appointments, the MBF is poised to continue its advocacy work with renewed vigor and determination.

By Abdulaziz Abdulaziz

Kaduna, Nigeria – The Northern Coalition of Socio-Political Groups (NCSPG) has made a shocking revelation about the alleged sinister plans of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, to sabotage the administration of current Governor, Senator Uba Sani. The accusation was made at a press conference held at the Arewa House in Kaduna, where Comrade Musa Mohammed, the National President of NCSPG, revealed that the coalition had uncovered a plot by El-Rufai to undermine Governor Uba Sani’s administration.

According to Mohammed, El-Rufai’s actions are in response to the Kaduna State House Assembly’s adoption of a report recommending that El-Rufai and his aides be investigated for alleged financial mismanagement. The report accused El-Rufai’s administration of leaving behind a debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities.

Mohammed stated that instead of cooperating with the investigation, El-Rufai had resorted to clandestine meetings and plotting against Governor Uba Sani. The coalition warned El-Rufai to desist from his actions, emphasizing that they would not hesitate to defend Governor Uba Sani and the people of Kaduna State.

The NCSPG expressed satisfaction with Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, citing his commitment to good governance despite the challenges posed by the debt burden inherited from El-Rufai’s administration. Mohammed noted that Governor Uba Sani had decided to follow due process in unraveling the truth about the debt burden, rather than resorting to confrontation.

The coalition vowed to resist any attempts by El-Rufai to unseat Governor Uba Sani, emphasizing that the people of Kaduna State would not be swayed by El-Rufai’s “evil machinations.” Mohammed declared that Governor Uba Sani had done well and would continue to work tirelessly to develop Kaduna State.

Mohammed also called on anti-graft agencies to take immediate action against El-Rufai, citing the recent arrest of his finance commissioner as evidence of embezzlement. The coalition prayed for peace and tranquility in Kaduna State and the country at large.

The press conference was attended by various stakeholders, including journalists, civil society organizations, and community leaders. The NCSPG’s allegations against El-Rufai are likely to generate significant attention and debate in the coming days.

It remains to be seen how El-Rufai will respond to the allegations, but one thing is clear: the political landscape in Kaduna State is set to become increasingly contentious in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

As the situation unfolds, the people of Kaduna State will be watching closely to see how their leaders respond to the challenges ahead. The NCSPG’s revelations have raised more questions than answers, and it is clear that the battle for the soul of Kaduna State has only just begun.

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State Chapter, has expressed disappointment over Punch Newspaper’s criticism of the federal government’s decision to establish a Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Southern Kaduna. In a press statement signed by the Chairman, Luka Binniyat, the MBF questioned the newspaper’s motives, wondering why it did not condemn the establishment of four new federal tertiary institutions in Zaria town, which already has 11 federal institutions.

According to Binniyat, the Punch Newspaper’s editorial of January 7, 2025, dismissing the new university as “political” and a “Greek gift,” was unfair and demonstrated a lack of understanding of the historical marginalization of Southern Kaduna. “We feel that had the Editors of Punch been armed with the shocking marginalization that Southern Kaduna has suffered in the allocation of federal institutions in Kaduna State, they would have written their editorial from a rather sympathetic perspective,” Binniyat said.

The MBF chairman noted that Southern Kaduna, which makes up 12 local government areas out of the 23 in Kaduna State, has been neglected in the allocation of federal institutions. “Kaduna State has an approximate landmass of 46,000 square kilometers, out of which Southern Kaduna has an estimated 26,000 square kilometers. Yet, Southern Kaduna has no single university,” Binniyat lamented.

Binniyat also pointed out that the new university in Kachia already has a well-developed physical structure, courtesy of the privately-built Nok University, which was forfeited to the federal government by the EFCC. “Unlike Speaker Abbas, who secured N80 billion funding for Zaria’s new schools, the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, is not costing the federal government much to build,” he said.

The MBF chairman questioned the Punch Newspaper’s silence on the establishment of four new federal tertiary institutions in Zaria town, which already has 11 federal institutions. “Why didn’t the Editors of Punch write their editorial condemning the creation of new federal universities when Zaria town, which is already saturated with federal institutions, got additional four new ones?” Binniyat asked.

Binniyat also expressed concern that the Punch Newspaper’s criticism may be motivated by a desire to discourage the federal government from establishing the new university. “We suspect that the motive behind the Punch Editorial is to discourage the federal government from seeing the takeoff of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia,” he said.

The MBF chairman emphasized the importance of the new university to the people of Southern Kaduna, who have been historically marginalized. “A university is not merely a place of learning; it is an economy and a development hub of its own, with accompanied value chains that could dramatically spark unprecedented prosperity to its area of location and environs,” Binniyat said.

Binniyat called on the Punch Newspaper to reconsider its stance on the new university, noting that the MBF would appreciate a follow-up editorial that takes into account the historical context of Southern Kaduna’s marginalization. “We hope that the Punch Newspaper will do the right thing and give us a balanced reportage,” he said.

In conclusion, Binniyat reiterated the MBF’s commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of the people of Southern Kaduna. “We will continue to speak out against injustice and marginalization, and we will not be silenced by critics who do not understand our struggles,” he said.

A prominent Niger Delta Youth Group Leader, has defended Tantita Security Services Nigeria limited’s record, on preventing oil theft and improving the country’s oil production quota.

This comes after criticism from Comrade Jude Gbaboyor, former Secretary General of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), who had petitioned the management of Arise Television to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), over alleged false claims that Nigeria had recorded two million barrels per day in crude oil production.

Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, Chairman of the Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN), Delta State Chapter, has come out in support of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. Fajoye stated that though he was not willing to join words with Gbaboyor, he would like to say that no sincere Nigerian or true son of the Niger Delta region would support his claims.

Nothing that apart from securing oil installations & pipelines in the Niger Delta region, through a community/people friendly formation, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has also brought peace to the once chaotic waterways and creeks in the region, this he said, is a testament to the company’s commitment to securing the region and improving oil production in the country.

Fajoye went on to highlight the various measures that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has implemented to combat oil theft. He stated that the company has detected and eliminated several illegal operations, including the discovery of 3,963 incidents related to oil theft between August 2022 and November 2024.

According to him, these incidents included 702 illegal connection points, 971 theft cases, and 1,784 illegal refineries, leading to the destruction of 3,063 facilities. This, he said, demonstrates the company’s commitment to tackling oil theft and ensuring that the country’s oil installations are protected.

Fajoye also stated that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has apprehended several vessels and equipment involved in illegal oil activities. He listed the apprehended equipment amongst others, to include eight vessels, three tugboats, six barges, 117 vehicles, 52 tanker trucks, 47 fiber/speed boats, seven tricycles/motorcycles, and 1,743 wooden boats.

In addition to these efforts, Fajoye noted that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has collaborated with government and security agencies to enhance coordinated efforts against oil theft. He stated that the company has partnered with the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police Force, Civil Defence, and the Department of State Security Services to tackle oil theft, in ensuring the security of lives, properties and oil installations in the region. He went on to also highlight the company's use of advanced surveillance technologies to monitor oil installations and detect illegal activities. He stated that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited employs state-of-the-art technology, including drones, sensors, and satellite imagery, for real-time monitoring of oil installations.

According to Fajoye, the efforts of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited have led to a significant reduction in oil losses. He stated that the company’s operations contributed to a 79% reduction in crude oil losses, which is a testament to the company’s effectiveness in combating oil theft and improving oil production.

By Usman Bokoko

In the rural community of Sankwab Runji, Zango Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State, the LGEA Primary School stands as a testament to neglect and determination. Despite its crumbling infrastructure, the school remains a beacon of hope for the approximately 200 pupils who attend classes there.

The school’s classrooms are in a deplorable state, with broken walls and partially collapsed structures. During the rainy season, water floods the classrooms, while in the dry season, cold winds whip through the exposed spaces, making learning a significant challenge.

According to Mr. Bitrus Magaji, Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association, the school has only four teachers who have been making extraordinary efforts to ensure learning continues. Despite the community’s efforts to contribute financially and through community service, the school’s infrastructure remains in disrepair.

The community has resorted to using tree shades to conduct some classes, but these temporary fixes are far from adequate. Some parents have been forced to transfer their children to nearby public or private schools.

Youth Leader Mr. Livinus Achi and parent Mr. Joseph Bitrus expressed frustration over the situation, calling on the state government and local government chairman, Engineer Bege Joseph, to intervene.

“We have been engaging in community service, collecting tokens from each family to repair the school, but after some months, another part of the structure collapses, making the situation worse. That’s why we’re calling on our governor, Senator Uba Sani, and the local government chairman to come to our aid,” said Mr. Achi.

The school was established in 1992, with the government building a two-classroom block and the principal’s office. However, all other classes were built through community efforts.

The parents believe that with government intervention, the resilience of the students, and the dedication of their teachers, the school can be transformed, enabling the children to achieve their future dreams.

The plight of LGEA Primary School Sankwab Runji serves as a stark reminder of the disparities in access to quality education in rural areas. It also highlights the strength of communities that refuse to let adversity stand in the way of their children’s futures.

By Mike Odeh James

A firestorm of controversy has erupted in Kaduna State, as the Kaduna Elders Forum has come under scathing attack for its brazen attempt to discredit Senator Lawal Adamu Usman. The senator, representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, had raised a distressing alarm about a recent assassination attempt on his life. However, in a shocking display of audacity, the Kaduna Elders Forum swiftly accused the senator of fabricating the assassination attempt, while also berating him for his alleged non-performance in office.

But the forum’s scathing criticism has raised more questions than answers. In a blistering rebuttal, the Mr. LA Support Group, a political forum dedicated to supporting the senator, has exposed the Kaduna Elders Forum as a group of “faceless persons” driven by ulterior motives. According to Ovyeh Ishaya and Sophie Umar, co-conveners of the group, the forum’s demands are nothing short of a politically motivated smear campaign.

The Mr. LA Support Group has highlighted Senator Adamu’s impressive achievements, which include:

• Legislative Achievements: Sponsored 4 bills and 4 motions
• Education and Empowerment: Built 100 smart classes, paid scholarships for 1,000 students across Kaduna State, and empowered 430 individuals with ₦500,000 each for small-scale businesses
• Infrastructure Development: Building 100 solar-powered boreholes across 7 local governments and distributing 10,000 bags of fertilizer to farmers across Kaduna Central Senatorial District

According to Ovyeh Ishaya, “one thing is clear: the people of Kaduna State will not be fooled by the Kaduna Elders Forum’s blatant attempt to discredit their senator.” Ishaya added that the forum’s credibility “hangs in the balance, and its true intentions are being closely scrutinized by the people of Kaduna Central Senatorial District and the whole of Kaduna.”

Meanwhile, Sophie Umaru, co-convener of the Mr. LA Support Group, has called on the authorities to investigate the attempted assassination. “We have seen the proofs of an attempt to snuff life out of our lawmaker, we have seen the damaged car, the shattered windscreen, and we are fully convinced that there was an attempt to kill the Senator,” she said. Umaru emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, stating, “We are calling on the police, the DSS, and other security agencies to expedite actions with investigation with the aim of bringing to book the perpetrators.”

Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, also known as Mr. LA, is a Nigerian politician who currently serves as a senator representing the Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 10th Nigerian National Assembly ¹.

Apparently angered by the recent alleged claim of assassination,and non performance, the Kaduna Elders Forum has demanded recall of Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, representing Kaduna Central senatorial district for undermining the peace of the State; poor representation and failure to deliver on campaign promises.

According to the Elders Forum,in the history of Senatorial representation in the state, no elected lawmaker has performed beyond expectation like senator Lawal Adamu.

The Kaduna Elders Forum, which demanded for the recall of the Senator in Press Statement signed by the Chairman ,Alhaji Inuwa Bala Rigasa expressed disappointment over his alleged claim of assassination and failure to speak and fight for the masses despite overt biting economic hardship.

Lawal Adamu Usman, the senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, has reportedly survived an alleged assassination attempt.

Recalled the senator, who was elected to the Senate in 2023 raised alarm over attempted assassination, but did not provide detailed information about the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.

The forum disclosed that the Kaduna Police Command in a press release signed by the Public Relations Officer,DSP Mansir Hassan said, “Without mincing words, the Command is yet to receive any formal complaint from the distinguished Senator, aside from this astonishing publication on the social media, and all efforts to contact him proved abortive.”

The statement further reads: Worst of all ,we were embarrassed when Senator Lawal Adamu posted that he was attacked by thugs in Kaduna during the New Year Day .

“We did set up machinery to investigate and confirm the veracity of the attack claim and as the time is issuing this press statement neither the police or members of Kawo communities have confirmed the occurrence of such incident.

“At this stage,we can no longer contain his excuses thus we are demanding for his Recall immediately from the Senate.”

“It is unfortunate that despite being in the red chamber for over 18 months Senator Lawal Adamu Usman has remained mute and unaccessible to his constituents.”

The Progressives Forum for Kaduna Development (KFKD) has questioned the veracity of Senator Lawal Adamu’s claim of an assassination attempt on his life. According to the group, the senator’s allegation is nothing but a “false alarm” raised by a “drowning lawmaker” who has failed to deliver on his duties since being elected.

The senator, who represents Kaduna Central Senatorial District, had claimed that he escaped an assassination attempt by some thugs in Kaduna North on New Year’s Day. However, the KFKD has dismissed this claim, stating that Kaduna youths have restrained from such violent attacks on people and communities since Senator Uba Sani became Governor of the State.

The group’s coordinator, Comrade Musa Baba Aliyu, signed a statement expressing their doubts about the senator’s claim. “We can authoritatively say without mincing words that Kaduna citizens have become more refined and peaceful in recent times,” the statement read.

The KFKD believes that Senator Lawal Adamu is raising a false alarm to draw sympathy to himself after failing to perform his duties as a senator. “He couldn’t perform and even speak on matters affecting growth and development of the State,” the group said.

The group also questioned why no lawmaker or politician was attacked in the past 19 months, despite the harsh economy caused by the removal of fuel subsidies. “Why is it that no lawmaker or politician was attacked over the past 19 months?” the KFKD asked.

The senator had claimed that his vehicle was pelted with stones by the assailants, but the KFKD is demanding pictorial or video evidence of the incident. “We demand pictorial or video evidence of when the assailants pelted the lawmaker’s vehicle with stones as claimed and reported,” the group said.

The KFKD also criticized Senator Lawal Adamu’s performance as a senator, stating that he has never stood up to speak on matters that affect the state. “He has never stood up to speak on matters that affected the state since elected and sworn-in as Senator,” the group said.

The group described Senator Lawal Adamu as the “worst performing senator in history” of lawmakers who have represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District since the return to democracy in 1999.

The KFKD’s statement also claimed that many people in the senatorial district have vowed to oppose Senator Lawal Adamu’s re-election due to his poor performance. “He is viewed as the worst performing senator in history, and many people in the senatorial district have vowed to oppose his re-election,” the group said.

The group’s criticism of Senator Lawal Adamu’s performance is not limited to his failure to speak on matters affecting the state. The KFKD also accused the senator of failing to deliver on his duties as a representative of the people.

In conclusion, the KFKD has dismissed Senator Lawal Adamu’s claim of an assassination attempt as a “false alarm” raised by a “drowning lawmaker” who has failed to deliver on his duties. The group has demanded evidence of the incident and criticized the senator’s performance as a representative of the people.