Author Archives: News All Around

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.

Juliet Ugbo

…

The current unrest plaguing Nigeria has instilled a sense of unease among the populace, with reports indicating a significant number of Nigerian politicians fleeing the country for shelter overseas. The abrupt exodus of top government officials, political elites, and prominent business figures has triggered widespread apprehension, particularly among the Igbo residents in the North and Southwest states.

In response to these concerning developments, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, is proud to extend its appreciation to the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for their unwavering dedication in curbing the politically motivated nationwide protests set to commence from August 1st to 10th, 2024.

Ohanaeze had previously called upon Igbo residents in the Northern and Southwestern states to abstain from participating in the forthcoming protests, aligning with our core principles of peace and advocating for calm amidst turbulent times.

A statement issued Secretary-General Ohanaeze Ndigbo Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro assured, both Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora, that stringent security measures will be enforced by the Ministry of State for Defence and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to safeguard against any form of molestation, intimidation, or harm to Igbo lives and properties in the North and Southwest regions.

He reiterated the resolute decision of Igbo traders and residents to boycott the planned nationwide protests is a testament to our unwavering commitment to peaceful coexistence and unity.

“We implore the proponents of the August 1st to 10th, 2024 protests to explore avenues for dialogue with President Tinubu to address their grievances peacefully and amicably, without resorting to violence or causing casualties.

“We are cognizant of the presence of foreign mercenaries in league with unpatriotic elements, scheming to incite chaos in Nigeria and using the Igbo people as pawns in their destructive pursuits. However, the collective decision of Igbo residents to distance themselves from the protests has left the instigators perturbed, prompting concerns that they may resort to inciting violence against the Igbo populace in a bid to provoke their involvement.

The Igbo leader underscored that the withdrawal of Igbo residents from the protests disrupts the sinister plans of the sponsors, rendering their malevolent intentions unattainable and therefore urged the Presidency, through the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, to intensify efforts in protecting Igbo residents in the North and Southwest from any form of harassment or intimidation.

“Importantly, we affirm that there will be no protests in the Southeast, as we entrust Igbo youths with directives to thwart any attempts to incite unrest within the region and in solidarity, we uphold the values of peace, unity, and non-violence, demonstrating our unwavering resolve to foster a harmonious and prosperous nation.

ENDS

By Deborah Ajulo

The Speaker of Zamfara State Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Abdulhamid Ibrahim, has been elected Chairman of the Conference of State Youth Parliament Speakers of Nigeria (CSYPS).

The election took place during a national meeting of the conference on Wednesday, where Abdulhamid secured the highest number of votes, achieving a two-thirds majority over his competitor, the Speaker of the Taraba State Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. AM-Dan Maliki, who did not receive any votes.

Abdulhamid succeeds Rt. Hon. Prince Osawemwenhio Uwagboe, the immediate past Speaker of the Edo State Youth Parliament, and will serve a one-year term.

In his acceptance speech, Abdulhamid expressed his commitment to elevating the conference by enhancing its role in youth activism through parliamentary dialogue and initiatives. He emphasized the importance of fostering strong connections and networks with other youth parliaments, parliamentary organizations, and notable institutions globally.

The Chairman urged Nigerian youths to shun violence and collaborate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Government to achieve greater infrastructural development as true dividends of democracy.

Abdulhamid also commended Dr. Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State, for his resilience in fighting banditry and the ongoing urban rehabilitation efforts in the state. He stressed that Governor Lawal’s dedication to restoring peace and improving infrastructure has created a more secure and prosperous environment for the youth and all citizens of Zamfara State.

Friday Ameh

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) convened an emergency virtual meeting on July 24, 2024, bringing together its National Executive, 36 State Chairmen, and other key stakeholders to address the nation’s pressing issues and the planned nationwide protest on August 1, 2024.

During the meeting, the council discussed the escalating socio-economic challenges facing Nigerian youths, including rising inflation, insecurity, unemployment, and widespread hardship. The council acknowledged the alarming levels of poverty, inequality, and social injustice that have sparked widespread discontent among young people.

In a statement signed by Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe, the NYCN President, the council emphasized the need for a unified response to these challenges. The President announced that the council will engage in:

• Broad stakeholder consultations: The NYCN will hold talks with government officials, security agencies, civil society organizations, and the media within the next four days to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues and to explore possible solutions.
• Press conference: A national press conference is scheduled for July 31, 2024, where the NYCN leadership will address the nation and outline its stance on the planned protest. The council will also use this platform to present its demands and expectations from the government.
• Call to action: The council urged its members to remain vigilant and await further instructions. The NYCN has over 100 affiliated youth organizations and millions of members across the country, and the council is mobilizing its vast network to take action.

The National Youth Council of Nigeria reaffirmed its dedication to advocating for the interests of Nigerian youths and driving positive change in the country. The council acknowledged the nation’s challenges and called on all stakeholders to collaborate towards a better future for Nigeria.

By Friday Ameh

The Yoruba Youth Council (YAC), an influential body representing the youths of Yorubaland, has strongly condemned recent allegations suggesting that Dr. Muhammad Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, facilitated the escape of the embattled former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to Niger Republic.

In a fervent response to a report that Matawalle, described as an ally of Bello, orchestrated the escape using eight military personnel in two dark-tinted Hilux pickup trucks and a Land Cruiser, Comrade Eric Oluwole, National Leader of Yoruba Youths, condemned these allegations as “reckless, wicked, unethical, false, irresponsible, immoral, and actionable,” describing them as a blatant attempt to smear the minister’s reputation.

Oluwole asserted that the accusations appear to be a coordinated attack, potentially involving the incumbent Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal. “Jackson Ude, the writer of this trash, is suspected to be working with Governor Lawal, who has long sought to tarnish the image of Dr. Matawalle, one of the most effective ministers in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. How can the writer be so specific about Matawalle among all the ministers working with Mr. President?” Oluwole questioned, invoking a Yoruba proverb: “Bi iku ile ko ba pani, ti ita ko le pani,” meaning “It is difficult for the enemy from outside to kill without the support of the enemy within.”

Independent investigations by the Yoruba Youth Council suggest that Jackson Ude is affiliated with Atiku Abubakar, while retired General Aliyu Gusau, a close associate of Atiku Abubakar from Zamfara state, might also be involved, implying a conspiracy involving these figures and Governor Dauda Lawal aimed at destabilizing President Tinubu’s government by maligning Dr. Bello Matawalle.

“Yoruba youths recognize Dr. Bello Matawalle as a successful former Governor of Zamfara State who significantly contributed to the state’s progress. This reputation led to his inclusion in President Tinubu’s cabinet, where he has demonstrated unwavering dedication and excellence. Dr. Matawalle’s proximity to the President and his hard-working nature have made him a valuable asset to the current administration,” stated Oluwole.

The Yoruba Youth Council stands firmly behind Dr. Bello Matawalle and calls for a thorough investigation into these allegations to uncover the truth and uphold justice. The council also urges media outlets and individuals to exercise due diligence and ethical standards in reporting, to avoid spreading unfounded and damaging claims.

In conclusion, the Yoruba Youth Council reaffirms its confidence in Dr. Bello Matawalle’s integrity and commitment to the well-being of Nigeria. We urge all Nigerians to be cautious of malicious propaganda and to support those who are working tirelessly for the progress of our great nation.