Author Archives: News All Around

By Suleiman Abbah

The state of education in Zamfara under the current administration of Governor Dauda Lawal has witnessed a downward spiral in just the past one year.

The administration’s lack of focus on education has led to a deteriorating educational system in the state, with schools in disrepair, teachers underpaid and neglected, and students lacking the necessary resources to thrive academically.

This stands in stark contrast to the transformative changes brought about by Lawal’s predecessor Bello Mohammed Matawalle during his tenure.

Matawalle took office in 2019 when Zamfara was facing multiple challenges, including widespread poverty, insecurity, and a failing education system.

However, through strategic planning and dedicated leadership, he was able to turn the tide and prioritize education in the state.

One of his major achievements was the allocation of 19% of the state’s budget to education, the highest provision in Zamfara’s history.

This enabled the government to embark on various initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education in the state.

Another key focus of Matawalle’s administration was the renovation of science schools and the training of science teachers.

This investment in science education not only equipped students with the necessary skills for the future but also helped to bridge the gap in the STEM fields.

Additionally, over 6,000 primary school teachers who had been neglected for years were promoted, and their salary arrears cleared, demonstrating the government’s commitment to valuing and supporting educators.

Furthermore, Matawalle approved the reinstatement of over 500 teachers who had been dismissed by the previous administration, reaffirming his dedication to ensuring a robust and well-equipped teaching workforce.

He also awarded contracts for the construction of over 600 primary school classrooms and provided modern ICT centers to enhance the learning experience for students.

These investments in infrastructure and resources were crucial for creating a conducive learning environment that fosters academic excellence.

Matawalle’s efforts extended beyond just funding, as he also secured a significant intervention fund for Abdu Gusau Polytechnic and facilitated the enlistment of Zamfara State University by the National Universities Commission.

These actions demonstrated Matawalle’s determination to improve the quality of education in the state and provide opportunities for its students to excel.

The impact of Matawalle’s initiatives had not gone unnoticed, as the Federal Government of then President Muhammadu Buhari recognized and commended him for his efforts in moving Zamfara’s education sector to the top position in the North Western Zone.

The then Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwu Emeka Nwajuba, praised Matawalle for his achievements and highlighted the state’s success in the National Common Entrance Examinations.

This acknowledgment from the Federal Government underscores the significant progress made by Matawalle in the education sector.

Isaac Obey



In a landmark achievement, Hon. Mrs. Nita Byack George, Chairperson of Jaba Local Government, has successfully brought farmers and herders together in a historic peace accord. This remarkable feat is a testament to her unwavering dedication to peaceful coexistence in Kaduna State.

With the establishment of the Farmers and Herders Committee in 2022, Nita brought together security agencies, traditional leaders, Fulani Ardos, religious leaders, and other key stakeholders to find solutions to the persistent clashes between farmers and herders. After intense engagements, the committee developed a groundbreaking guideline that punishes offenders and rewards victims of deliberate farm destruction and animal poisoning.

The guideline is a game-changer, stipulating that child herding is a thing of the past, and adults will now lead their animals to avoid cows straying onto farms. Grazing after 7 pm is also a no-go. Farmers and herders have made commitments to protect each other’s interests, and offenders will face fines of up to N500,000.

Hon. Nita’s passion for peace is palpable as she speaks about her efforts. “We set up the Herders/Farmers Committee to ensure peaceful coexistence in Jaba. We won’t let anything jeopardize that status. Our Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Uba Sani, wants peace to govern well, and we at the grassroots must support him.”

The committee’s agreements have been met with joy by stakeholders, and a communique will be shared with district heads and Fulani Ardos to ensure everyone is on the same page. Jaba Local Government is working tirelessly to maintain its status as the most peaceful local government in the state. Peace is not negotiable in Jaba, and Hon. Nita’s leadership is a beacon of hope for a harmonious future.

As the people of Jaba celebrate this historic achievement, they know that their leader, Hon. Nita, has paved the way for a brighter future. Her selflessness and dedication to peace have inspired a community to come together and work towards a common goal. The farmers and herders of Jaba are now united, and their prosperity is a testament to the power of peace.

The Coalition of North-East Elders Forum (CNEF) said the Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District and the Chief Whip of the 10th Senate, Senator Ali Ndume’s twenty years in the National Assembly has neither helped Borno State nor the northern region that has been bedevilled with incessant attacks by insurgents and bandits.

The group, which took a swipe at the lawmaker, over his recent outburst about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ‘s administration, asked why a lawmaker who has not been able to use his position as ranking officer in the Senate to tackle the security challenges in his state and region have the moral right to question the leadership prowess of the President.

Senator Ndume did attack the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying it’s run by kakistocrats—those deemed the least qualified and most unscrupulous citizens—and kleptocrats, who are merely in power to steal.

But in a reaction to the outburst,the group in a Press Statement signed by the Coordinator, Alhaji Ali Ibrahim Sheriff , said it is overtly shocking that Senator Ali Ndume who has been in various committees in the Senate over the past two decades and from a State worst in terms of insecurity could be so insensitive and trivial to personalize issues of governance.

The statement further reads: “During the days of President Buhari, why did he choose to be silent in the midst of heightened problems of insecurity; pervasive hunger, looting of public funds and bad Governance?

“He must account for total sum of money recieved for Constituency projects and intervention funds allocated for members of his Constituency over the twenty years period in the National Assembly.

” If leadership is as easy as that ,we make bold to ask, all these years, how many Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has he trained; educated and empowered with funds allocated to him?

“Ndume is nothing but a liability and economic burden to the good people of Borno State and entire country.”

The group which called on northerners to shun what it termed , “Ndume divisive vituperations” ,vowed to mobilise citizens of his Constituency in Borno State to stop his re-election bid in 2027.

“Gambo Tsafe

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has strongly condemned the baseless accusations made by the Katsina Elders Forum against Defence Ministers Badaru Abubakar and Bello Mohammed Matawalle. The Network described the accusations as morally indefensible and politically motivated, highlighting the significant progress made in the fight against insecurity under the current administration.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Salihu Suleiman, the NAN emphasized the commendable progress made by the military forces under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with essential support from Defence Ministers Abubakar and Matawalle. The Network’s statement underscored the significant strides taken towards enhancing national security, which must not be overshadowed by politically motivated narratives.

The NAN called upon the Katsina Elders and other stakeholders to refrain from politicizing security issues and instead unite to support ongoing efforts to ensure peace and stability. The group emphasized that security is a collective responsibility that transcends political affiliations and urged all citizens to look beyond political differences and prioritize the overarching goal of a safer and more secure Nigeria.

“We call on the Katsina Elders Forum to recognize the progress made and to work collaboratively with government bodies to further these gains, rather than undermine them with unfounded accusations,” Salihu Suleiman added. The Northern Awareness Network remains steadfast in its support for the current administration’s security strategies and urges all citizens to prioritize the goal of a safer and more secure Nigeria.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Friday, commended President William Ruto of Kenya for sacking his entire cabinet following widespread anti-government protests by Gen-Zs.

Frank in a statement in Abuja said the action of Ruto which was in fulfillment of one of the demands of the protesters has shown him as a listening President who is ready to embrace new ideas in moving Kenya forward.

He said: “We commend President Ruto for taking this action in the interests of Kenya. We commend him for listening to the Gen-Z protesters. His decision to sack his ministers is no doubt for the greater good of Kenyans.”

He encouraged Ruto to take further urgent steps to implement other demands of the protesters “because they mean well for him and his government in particular and Kenyans in general.”

He appealed to him to release all protesters arrested during the demonstrations who are currently being detained by the police and other security forces as well as compensate families whose loved ones were shot dead by security agents and the injured.

He implored Ruto to capitalise on the opportunity now availed him by the youth upheaval and protest to rebuild and reunite Kenya.

“He must realise that listening to the protesters and implementing their demands does not mean he is a weak president,” he said.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua’s Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, added: “We urge him to bring on board young people that can make impact in the lives of the ordinary Kenyan in his new cabinet.

“He now has an opportunity to correct past mistakes which he is already doing and we want other leaders from the continent to emulate what Ruto has just done by always lending listening ears to the cries and demands of their people.

“We equally pray that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has seen what happened in Kenya and that they are ready to take the steps Ruto has taken by cutting down the present over bloated cost of governance and withdraw their pernicious economic policies or risk the Kenya-style uprising in the country.”

He equally urged the protesters to see the positive results of their action as a win-win for all sides and pardon Ruto for whatever missteps he must have done and work with him for a better Kenya “since the President appears to have learned his lessons and shown remorse by implementing their demands.

“The young people of Kenya have shown that power truly belongs to the people, not to anybody, or individual.

“Listening to the protesters has shown that the voice of the young people counts and that the President is a true leader who is neither weak nor blinded by the allure of power.

“That the President has harkened to the masses of Kenya who elected him into office shows that he is ready to toe the path of reason and work in the interest of the generality of Kenyans moving forward,” Frank said.

He noted that whatever the protesters had done was done in the interest and for the progress of Kenya and not to destroy or destabilise the country.

Going forward, he urged Ruto and the Kenyan Government to consult widely and consider the best interest of Kenyans before taking any decision that may negatively affect the people.

Arewa Progressive Forum for Good Governance (APFGG) has dismissed Bashir El-Rufai’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu, saying Northerners will re-elect Tinubu in 2027 despite El-Rufai’s opposition.

Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor, had attacked President Tinubu and his father’s successor, Governor Uba Sani, predicting their defeat in 2027 due to “non-performance.”

However, the group described Bashir El-Rufai as “disrespectful and mannerless” and alleged that his father misappropriated 423 billion naira in state funds.

According to the group, Tinubu’s political structure and Renewed Hope Agenda will secure his re-election, despite El-Rufai’s criticism.

The group challenged Bashir El-Rufai to contest the Presidential election in 2027, saying, “If your father has the capacity and popularity, why hide under former Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, and not personally contest the highly coveted seat of President in 2023?”

They dared El-Rufai to pick a presidential ticket and contest against Tinubu, confident that Northerners will support Tinubu’s re-election.

By Suleiman Abbah

The unfolding political scenario in Nigeria, particularly in Zamfara State, is indeed fraught with intrigue and danger. The plots against President Tinubu are thickening, as desperate elements attempt to undermine his administration and derail his chances of securing a second term in office.

The situation in Zamfara State is alarming, with a surge in violence and political unrest, fueled by attacks from armed groups resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives and the displacement of countless others. These attacks are not isolated incidents but rather a calculated effort to destabilize the region and cast a shadow of doubt on the President’s leadership.

It is clear that there are individuals or groups working tirelessly to undermine the democratic process in Nigeria. Through propaganda campaigns and deceitful tactics, they seek to create chaos and sow seeds of doubt among the populace. This level of political desperation and corruption poses a serious threat to the stability of the country and the integrity of its leadership.

Senator Abdulaziz Yari and Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, key allies of President Tinubu, are at the center of this battleground. Their loyalty to the President and the fear ignited by their recent reunion into a formidable force have made them targets for those seeking to destabilize the APC and cast doubt on Tinubu’s leadership.

These attacks are not random but a calculated effort to tarnish the President’s reputation, weaken his hold on power and undermine his chances of a return for a second term. At the core of these sinister plots are a bankrupt group of northern political elites determined to destabilize the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North, beginning with Zamfara, with the goal of weakening influential figures like Yari and Bello Matawalle.

Matawalle, who have played pivotal roles in building and sustaining the party in the North-West region, and fought an almost impossible battle to secure the North-West for Tinubu in the 2023 election. In the intricate world of politics, the maneuvering and scheming of power-hungry individuals can often lead to disastrous consequences.

The recent developments in Zamfara exemplify the calculated maneuvers of power-hungry individuals who often fail to foresee the disastrous consequences of their actions. The anti-Tinubu plotters have identified Kabiru Marafa and Sani Jaji as potential pawns in their failing game against Yari and Matawalle and the established leadership.

However, Marafa and Jaji lack the credibility, political clout, and strategic vision needed to mount any credible challenge to the current leadership. Their history of opportunism and lack of loyalty to any political ideology make them unreliable and ineffective leaders.

Kabiru Marafa, a political lightweight with a track record of unreliability and incompetence, is a wrong choice for the plotters to pin their hopes on. Marafa’s lack of credibility and political clout make him a weak and ineffective leader, incapable of rallying any substantial support or influence in Zamfara.

His history of jumping from one political party to another, driven by personal ambition rather than principles or ideology, further undermines his reputation and reliability as a leader. In essence, Marafa is a liability rather than an asset to any political faction seeking to challenge the status quo in Zamfara.

On the other hand, Sani Jaji, a virtually unknown entity with no discernible political base or credibility, is an even more puzzling choice for the plotters to entrust with the task of leading a supposed faction in the APC. Jaji’s lack of experience, influence, and political acumen render him an ineffective and insignificant player in the political arena.

Without a solid foundation of support or a track record of achievement, Jaji is ill-equipped to mount any credible challenge to the established leadership in Zamfara. The decision of the anti-Tinubu plotters to rely on Marafa and Jaji in this game therefore reveals a profound lack of understanding of the complex dynamics of politics and power.

Rather than identifying capable and charismatic leaders with a genuine following and a strategic vision, the plotters have settled for individuals who lack the necessary qualities to effectively challenge the incumbent leadership in Zamfara. This shortsightedness is likely to backfire, as Marafa and Jaji are unlikely to garner sufficient support or legitimacy to pose a real threat.

It is clear to any impartial observer that these individuals lack the requisite skills, experience, and popular support to mount a credible challenge to Yari and Matawalle’s influence in the APC. Their ineptitude and lack of political acumen render them incapable of effectively executing the nefarious plans of their puppeteers, who are themselves operating from a position of weakness and desperation.

The selection of Kabiru Marafa and Sani Jaji reflects a fundamental miscalculation on the part of the plotters. By entrusting the leadership of a supposed faction to individuals with

…Group Slams Elrufai ,Aides for Criticising Assembly Probe Report

… Says they are Shameless , Disrespectful

Coalition of Kaduna based political groups under aegis of Good Governance and Accountability Forum(GGAF) have described former Governor of Kaduna State ,Mal. Nasir Elrufai and His former Commissioners as Shameful individuals for accusing the State Assembly of fabricating figures of the recent probe .

Apparently angry at the recent criticism of the State Assembly’s probe, the group averred that Elrufai must be arrested and compelled to give account of the funds siphoned and misappropriated during his days as Kaduna Governor.

In a press statement signed by the Coordinator of the Forum,Comrade Muhammad Jibrin , ” El-Rufai’s administration embezzled over N423 billion, but Some former Commissioners who served under him, claimed the Assembly’s report was tainted with bias, riddled with inaccuracies with intensions to inflict reputational damage on the former Governor and his government.

However the forum in statement said at this critical period and with the tension stirred up due to the wanton looting of state treasury,it is laughable that Elrufai and his former aides couldn’t provide evidence to counter the allegations of the wanton fraud and misappropriation of funds.

The statement further reads : ” Though the Commissioners who spoke at a press conference in Abuja described the Kaduna State House of Assembly report as tainted by bias, riddled with inaccuracies and intended to inflict reputational damage on the former Governor and his government, but we ask them to counter the allegations with facts and figures.

“It is unfortunate that under Elrufai’s eye ,coordinated looting of the State funds through phoney contracts and looting were done and these aides who know the truth have come out twice now to defend an open truth.

“We can authoritatively say from our findings that the Kaduna State House of Assembly, in line with its constitutional mandate has done a thorough job to unravel the humongous debts incurred by the immediate past administration without commensurate projects.

“On a sad note , it is unfortunate to a historical state such as Kaduna is battling a huge debt burden due to the financial mismanagement by Elrufai’s government.

“The overt corrupt acts by aides and cronies from outside the State cannot be overlooked,thus we asking the anti-graft agencies to swing into action and do the needful with a view to serve as deterrent to public office holders.”It stated.

“We want to announce that the forum has concluded arrangements to formally submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) ; Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on the allegations of misappropriation of funds by ex-governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Musa Kankara

…demand their immediate release

The leadership of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has described as unacceptable the targeted kidnap of two Kaduna Journalists and some of their family members.

The President General of the forum Alhaji Yerima Shettima in a statement issued on Monday condemned the kidnap in the strongest terms and demanded their immediate release by their abductors.

Shettima noted that the saddened news of the kidnap of Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe of Nations newspaper, his wife and two children alongside Alhaji Abdulraheem Aodu is very disheartening and worrisome.

He called on relevant government authorities and security agencies to swing into serious action and ensure their safe release.

Shettima also called on spirited individuals to intensify prayers for their safe release.

” The news of the kidnap of two Kaduna based journalists Abdulgafar Alabelewe and Abdulraheem Aodu of blueprint newspaper and some of their family members is very shocking and worrisome and totally unacceptable.

“Journalists shouldn’t be target of kidnap because they are very key sector of the society providing needed information for growth and development of the society.

” I wish to appeal to government and security agencies to intensify efforts to see to their safe release and ensure an end is put to this kind of barbaric incidence.

” I also call for prayers for their safe release and for them to be reunited with their families, and also for quick recovery for the wife of Abdulraheem who was initially kidnapped and dumped in the bush due to her health condition”.

He said, he shared in the present trauma the members of the pen profession are passing through now because of their colleagues in captivity and further urged them to continue to pray with the assurance that they will be released soon

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“Eligibility Criteria:
A minimum 2:1 degree from an accredited university.
Completion of NYSC with a certificate.

“WAEC/NECO with at least 5 credits, including Mathematics and English.
Applicants must be under 26 years old.

“Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by July 14, 2024, to seize this unique opportunity to join a dynamic and innovative team.

*To register and start your journey with us, visit https://cigmotors.com.ng/talent-hunt, ” the statement said.