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The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has formally responded to recent comments made by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, who criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu for allegedly lacking the will to address the chronic insecurity afflicting Zamfara state and Northern Nigeria.

The rebuff from NAN, presented by its Chairman, Salihu Suleiman, targets Governor Lawal’s assertions made during a recent appearance on Channels Television. Suleiman countered Governor Lawal’s criticisms by pointing out the governor’s own ineffectiveness and absence during critical security crises affecting his state.

Suleiman highlighted a striking instance to underscore his point; on the very day female students from the Federal University Gusau were abducted, Governor Lawal embarked on a personal trip to the United States, thus leaving his state leaderless during a dire emergency.

“Governor Lawal’s unwarranted trip to the United States at such a critical time demonstrates his disconnection from the realities on the ground in Zamfara. It was alarming that the governor remained incommunicado and inaccessible to efforts from the Ministry of Defence and federal government officials seeking his cooperation,” said Suleiman.

Further, NAN stressed that Governor Lawal has consistently refused to collaborate with federal initiatives aimed at combating insecurity, thereby undermining collective efforts.

“The NAN firmly believes that Governor Dauda Lawal needs to reassess his approach towards federal collaborations and should work constructively with all stakeholders to enhance security in Zamfara and beyond. The organization reaffirms its support for Minister Bello Matawalle’s efforts in ensuring a secure and stable Nigeria,” the statement said.

According to NAN, Governor Lawal’s expectation for the Federal Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, to prioritize Zamfara over other states solely based on his state of origin is both concerning and unjustifiable.

“Expecting Matawalle to prioritize Zamfara because he hails from there sets a dangerous precedent. While advocacy for one’s home state is natural, leaders must remain impartial and prioritize national interests. Matawalle’s duty is to safeguard the entirety of Nigeria, ensuring that each state receives adequate attention and resources to address its unique security challenges,” commented NAN.

The group underscored the expansive role of the Minister of Defence, which involves harmonizing efforts between the military, paramilitary, and intelligence agencies to combat nationwide security threats. Matawalle’s focus on overhauling the operational environment for the nation’s security forces has been pivotal in enhancing their effectiveness against terrorism, insurgency, and other critical threats.

NAN praised Matawalle’s proactive measures in addressing resource shortages, inadequate training, and operational constraints that had previously hampered security efforts.

“While it is understandable that Matawalle might have a vested interest in the security of Zamfara, his ultimate responsibility lies with the entire nation. Every state faces its unique security challenges, and it is essential that Matawalle maintains a balanced approach to ensure national security,” NAN emphasized.
[14/06, 06:52] Meta AI: NAN Slams Zamfara Governor for Abandoning State During Security Crisis, Criticizes Attacks on Federal Government

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has formally responded to recent comments made by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, who criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu for allegedly lacking the will to address the chronic insecurity afflicting Zamfara state and Northern Nigeria.

The rebuff from NAN, presented by its Chairman, Salihu Suleiman, targets Governor Lawal’s assertions made during a recent appearance on Channels Television. Suleiman countered Governor Lawal’s criticisms by pointing out the governor’s own ineffectiveness and absence during critical security crises affecting his state.

Suleiman highlighted a striking instance to underscore his point; on the very day female students from the Federal University Gusau were abducted, Governor Lawal embarked on a personal trip to the United States, thus leaving his state leaderless during a dire emergency.

“Governor Lawal’s unwarranted trip to the United States at such a critical time demonstrates his disconnection from the realities on the ground in Zamfara. It was alarming that the governor remained incommunicado and inaccessible to efforts from the Ministry of Defence and federal government officials seeking his cooperation,” said Suleiman.

Further, NAN stressed that Governor Lawal has consistently refused to collaborate with federal initiatives aimed at combating insecurity, thereby undermining collective efforts.

“The NAN firmly believes that Governor Dauda Lawal needs to reassess his approach towards federal collaborations and should work constructively with all stakeholders to enhance security in Zamfara and beyond. The organization reaffirms its support for Minister Bello Matawalle’s efforts in ensuring a secure and stable Nigeria,” the statement said.

According to NAN, Governor Lawal’s expectation for the Federal Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, to prioritize Zamfara over other states solely based on his state of origin is both concerning and unjustifiable.

“Expecting Matawalle to prioritize Zamfara because he hails from there sets a dangerous precedent. While advocacy for one’s home state is natural, leaders must remain impartial and prioritize national interests. Matawalle’s duty is to safeguard the entirety of Nigeria, ensuring that each state receives adequate attention and resources to address its unique security challenges,” commented NAN.

The group underscore

As we mark another democracy day, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) says it has come to the conclusion to call on Nigerians to have hope in a renewed Nigeria. According to the President General of the forum Alhaji Yerima Shettima, after series of his consultations, our perceived unity is very superficial and skin deep only to sustain the bureaucracy of exploitation of the Nigerian populace.

“Compatriots, the opportunity beckons as in the immortal words of Williams Shakespeare,’ there is a tide in the affairs of men which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat and we must take the current when it serves or lose our venture’. He admonished, “To all those saddled with the responsibility of ensuring a renewed hope, every Nigerian deserves a better life as the time to give the Nigerian worker his due is now.

Though we are yet to overcome the primordial attachment to ‘loyalty’ over and above capacity, we are indeed confronted with the malaise of nepotism and of course mediocrity. “However, the project ‘NIGERIA’, is one I am convinced shall be successful given our collective resolve for a better nation, for with peace and plenty NIGERIA shall indeed be blessed” he reiterated Shettima while congratulating Nigerians on democracy day urged us to reflect on gains of the democratic processes towards sustaining and making it better. ENDS

Northern Coalition for Democracy and Good Governance (NOCODGOG )has replied the Nigerian Labour Congress over recent attack on the personality of the Secretary of Federal Government, Mr George Akume .

Mr. Akume had declared that he cannot afford to pay each of his four drivers N100, 000 as salary in a month.

But in reaction,the Nigerian Labour Congress via press statement issued on Friday said, it was “disheartening” that the SGF, a high ranking government official would make statement to trivialise the genuine grievances of Nigerian workers, when he said, he can’t afford to pay his four drivers N100,000 each as salary.

According to the group in the statement signed by Comrade Abdullahi Baffa Ringim and Comrade Andrew Bartholomew Rufus , the NLC’s reaction was undoubtedly grossly insensitive and inconsiderate to the personality someone,who was a former Governor; former Senator and the current SGF.

The further reads:”We know Akume as a patriot and a sensitive Nigerian,who considers the reality on ground rather than playing to the gallery.He was just being honest by making such statement over lingering matter of minimum wage for workers .

“The statement Akume made was because he didn’t steal public funds while in positions of authority held over the years. It is only corrupt leaders and thieves that afford to pay such unrealistic demands by Labour unions.

“We also deemed unacceptable for NLC to express disappointment over Akume’s comments, where the SGF described the “legitimate and constitutionally protected industrial action” as a “treasonable felony” and “economic sabotage” .

It asked, “what is “deeply troubling” that has undermined the spirit of constructive dialogue necessary for resolving the ongoing issues with the realistic statement made by the SGF”

“We make bold to say , Akume not among those who loot our treasury around the country, those who diverted public resources meant for hospitals and schools, padded budgets and inflated contracts including those who steal trillions of naira in the name of subsidy are the real economic saboteurs who commit treasonable felony.

While stating that the SGF is not one those NLC described people paying personal staff “starvation wages”,the group said considerations must be given to background of leaders to reach conclusion.

“The SGF during his as Governor of Benue State was not committed to regular payments workers,but also an advocate their rights and welfare.”it added .

By Florence Nwafor

There was jubilation among Agric workers as One of the popular Labour Leaders and President of Nigeria Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees (NUAAE), Comrade Obafemi Oyenubi as has taken over the Secretariat of the Organization on Monday.

Recall that Comrade Oyenubi was elected National President of NUAAE among other executives at the end of the union’s Extra Ordinary Delegates Conference held in March, 2024 in Abuja.

The members of NUAAE were seen chanting solidarity songs accompanied by law enforcement security into their National Headquarters in Gwagwalada one of the six Local Councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Speaking to a team of Journalists, Cmr. Oyenubi said “We are glad that the lingering crisis in the union over a decade has been resolved by the law enforcing agencies.

” This is our national Secretariat and we are operating an open office for every member of our union to come to roundabout discussion on plans to move the union towards achieving greater height.

” We are appealing to our Aggrieved members to embrace peace as we are ready to accommodate them into the fold because we are one therefore must work to support President Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration to enhance productivity in the Agricultural Sector.

Cmr. Oyenubi emphasized that he has constituted a stakeholder committee to reconcile the Aggrieved factions of the union and given a one month period to settle their grievances.

On his part, the Vice President of NUAAE, Comrade Anedi Ekpo said ” towing the line of Mr. President I want to say that this is a public office for all members therefore no need locking the gate for other genuine members.

” As responsible Union that caters for her members we’ll continue to engage them using the ambit of the law to see that we move forward.

Also Speaking, the General Secretary of NUAAE, Comrade Paul Chapi summoned that the rule of law has come to be today and they’re witnessing a fresh atmosphere in the activities of the union.

He said ” the rule of law has come to stay and this is what has been guiding us for the past 12years and we’ll ensure that all Secretariat Staff operates within the framework of the law.

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has distanced itself from a planned protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and its chairman, Prof Yakubu Mahmood. This is also as the Igbo group urged the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate during the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi to accept the outcome of the polls and move on.

A group, South Unity Youth Coalition, had announced a mass protest on June 12, Democracy Day, to demand the removal of Professor Mahmoud Yakubu as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The coalition believes that Professor Yakubu’s leadership has severely compromised the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

On his part, Obi had on Saturday while reacting to South-Africa’s presidential election, said the last general election was plagued with fraud and widespread irregularities.

However, in a statement by Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, he said it was regrettable that over one year after the 2023 general elections, many politicians in the country had refused to move on.

Okwu said one would have expected politicians to at this point join hands with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government to move the country forward.

He expressed concern that, “instead, what we have continued to see is that politicians and some of their paid agents have continued to fan embers of discord in the country owing to the outcome of the elections.

“We have said for the umpteenth time that there is no perfect election anywhere in the world.

“Our appeal to our brother, His Excellency Mr Peter Obi is to accept not just the outcome of the election, but the verdict of the apex court in the land, the Supreme Court.

“In the case of the 2023 election, without sounding biased, it is a wrong conclusion for anyone to say that the INEC performed woefully. This cannot be so, when the court upheld the majority of the election and in some of the cases where elections were annulled, it had to do with candidates’ qualifications and some other issues that could not be blamed on the INEC.”

Okwu called on those planning any kind of protest to drop the idea, stressing that “Igbo youths are not going to be lured into such a selfish agenda aimed at heating up the polity.

“Rather, we remain firmly behind President Bola Tinubu’s government and INEC. We welcome further reforms to the electoral process through the National Assembly.

“However, any form of protest, we are not going to be a party to it and those behind the plot should jettison it.”
[10/06, 09:37] Meta AI: Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Rejects Anti-INEC Protest, Urges Peaceful Resolution

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has distanced itself from a planned protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and its chairman, Prof Yakubu Mahmood. This is also as the Igbo group urged the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate during the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi to accept the outcome of the polls and move on.

A group, South Unity Youth Coalition, had announced a mass protest on June 12, Democracy Day, to demand the removal of Professor Mahmoud Yakubu as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The coalition believes that Professor Yakubu’s leadership has severely compromised the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

On his part, Obi had on Saturday while reacting to South-Africa’s presidential election, said the last general election was plagued with fraud and widespread irregularities.

However, in a statement by Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, he said it was regrettable that over one year after the 2023 general elections, many politicians in the country had refused to move on.

Okwu said one would have expected politicians to at this point join hands with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government to move the country forward.

He expressed concern that, “instead, what we have continued to see is that politicians and some of their paid agents have continued to fan embers of discord in the country owing to the outcome of the elections.

“We have said for the umpteenth time that there is no perfect election anywhere in the world.

“Our appeal to our brother, His Excellency Mr Peter Obi is to accept not just the outcome of the election, but the verdict of the apex court in the land, the Supreme Court.

“In the case of the 2023 election, without sounding biased, it is a wrong conclusion for anyone to say that the INEC performed woefully. This cannot be so, when the court upheld the majority of the election and in some of the cases where elections were annulled, it had to do with candidates’ qualifications and some other issues that could not be blamed on the INEC.”

Okwu called on those planning any kind of protest to drop the idea, stressing that “Igbo youths are not going to be lured into such a selfish agenda aimed at heating up the polity.

“Rather, we remain firmly behind President Bola Tinubu’s government and INEC. We welcome further reforms to the electoral process through the National Assembly.

“However,

NAN Criticizes Peter Obi’s Comparisons Between Nigerian And South African Elections … The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has released a statement describing as absurd and comical the recent comparison made by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s defeated presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 elections, between the electoral processes of Nigeria and South Africa. The NAN chairman Salihu Suleiman emphasized in the statement that the two nations have vastly different political histories and contexts, making any such comparisons by Peter Obi unreasonable and misleading. “South Africa has a long history of democracy, having gone through significant political reform and transformation over several decades of practice. On the other hand, Nigeria only transitioned to democracy in 1999 after years of military rule,” explained Suleiman. He argued that Peter Obi’s attempt to juxtapose the electoral experiences of these two countries demonstrates a lack of understanding of their respective political landscapes. “It is clear that Peter Obi’s attempt to compare the electoral processes of South Africa and Nigeria is quite ridiculous,” he said. “The two countries are at different stages of democratic development, and it would be more prudent to focus on addressing the specific challenges facing the Nigerian electoral system rather than drawing unwarranted comparisons.” NAN pointed out that the Nigerian electoral system is still in its infancy and that comparing it to South Africa’s more mature democracy is not only inaccurate but also unfair to the people of Nigeria, who have been working diligently to build a functioning democracy. Despite the challenges confronted by Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), NAN commended the commission for its commendable strides in ensuring the conduct of credible, free, and fair elections. Over the past 27 years, Nigeria has enjoyed uninterrupted democracy and peaceful transitions, a testament to INEC’s commitment to upholding democratic principles. “INEC has taken proactive measures to address these challenges by implementing various reforms and adopting new technologies to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process,” Suleiman noted. He highlighted Nigeria’s vast geographical expanse and extensive population as significant challenges to conducting elections smoothly, yet acknowledged INEC’s innovations in logistical planning and collaborations with relevant stakeholders to meet these challenges effectively. Further illustrating INEC’s progress, NAN pointed to the enhancement of voter education and public awareness campaigns, which have increased civic participation and informed voters about their rights and responsibilities. Using social media, radio, and television, INEC has managed to reach millions of Nigerians, providing comprehensive electoral education. In an admonition to Peter Obi, NAN detailed South Africa’s historical and recent electoral irregularities, underscoring that the country has faced its own significant electoral challenges. “During the apartheid era, elections were manipulated to disenfranchise the majority of the population. Post-apartheid, South Africa has still encountered issues such as voter fraud, ballot tampering, voter intimidation, and questionable campaign financing. “In recent years, there have been concerns about the influence of money in politics, with allegations of illicit campaign financing and corruption. The 2019 elections were marred by reports of double voting and discrepancies in the voter registration process,” NAN said, emphasizing that neither country is free from electoral issues. Suleiman called on Nigerian politicians, including Peter Obi, to acknowledge the unique challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system and work towards addressing them instead of making false equivalences with countries that have a more entrenched democratic tradition. He called for a focus on constructive measures to improve Nigeria’s electoral system and encourages political leaders to acknowledge and address these challenges head-on rather than resorting to impractical comparisons.

…

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) is gravely concerned about recent reports of plans by certain groups to disrupt the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations by instigating chaos and violence.

AYCF in a statement by its President General Yerima Shettima, strongly condemned any form of protest or demonstration intended to disrupt the peace and stability of Nigeria, particularly on the June 12 Democracy Day when the nation commemorates its hard-fought struggle for freedom and democracy.

“The AYCF believes that any disturbance could undermine the significance of this symbolic day and strongly condemns any form of protest or demonstration that seeks to disrupt the peace and stability of our country, especially on a day as significant as Democracy Day. As a youth organization committed to the advancement and unity of our nation, we believe that peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement are the most effective tools for driving positive change and progress,” said Shettima.

While acknowledging the legitimacy of peaceful protests as a form of expression, Shettima warned that when such activities escalate into violence, it undermines the very principles of democracy that is being celebrated.

“Though protest and demonstration are legitimate, when these activities escalate into violence, destruction of property, and endangering of lives, they no longer serve their intended purpose and instead it undermines the very democracy we seek to uphold,” Shettima noted.

Addressing the importance of Democracy Day, Shettima emphasized, “On a day like Democracy Day, when we commemorate the hard-fought struggle for freedom and democracy in our country, it is particularly important to uphold the values of peace, unity, and progress. Disrupting the peace and stability of our nation on such a significant day only detracts from the achievements and sacrifices of those who fought for our democracy.”

Shettima called on all Nigerians to use this day for reflection, gratitude, and solidarity. “Celebrating our Democracy Day should be a time for reflection, gratitude, and solidarity as we honor the sacrifices made by our forefathers to secure our freedom. It is a day when we should come together as one nation, setting aside our differences and focusing on the progress and development of our country,” he said.

To ensure that the day’s celebrations proceed without incident, Shettima urged the government to take decisive action. “Maintaining law and order is crucial not only for the safety and security of the citizens but also for upholding the principles of democracy. The government has a responsibility to protect its people and ensure that they can exercise their rights and freedoms without fear of intimidation or violence.”
He further stated, “Any attempts to disrupt the peace and stability of the Democracy Day celebrations must be met with swift and severe consequences.Those who seek to sow chaos and disorder should be held accountable for their actions and face the full force of the law.”

In addition to punitive measures for potential troublemakers, Shettima advocated for increased security. “Increased security measures, including the deployment of law enforcement personnel and the implementation of crowd control measures, should be put in place to deter any potential threats to public safety.”

Shettima concluded with a call to action for the youth and all citizens: “We urge all citizens, especially the youth, to engage in peaceful and constructive means of advocacy and dialogue to address their grievances and push for the change they desire. Let us work together to build a better and more inclusive society, where the rights and aspirations of all citizens are respected and protected.”

By Suleiman Abdul-Azeez

The case of Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai serves as a poignant example of the age-old saying, “what goes around comes around.” During his tenure as governor of Kaduna State, El-Rufai wielded his power with arrogance, a god-like aura, feeling invincible and untouchable. However, his actions and decisions during that time have now come back to haunt him in a dramatic turn of events.
El-Rufai’s leadership style was marked by a sustained rampage on the general heritage of Kaduna State. He targeted every leader and symbol of respect in the state and the North, accusing them of being responsible for all the problems facing the state and Nigeria today. History was shamefully rewritten and falsified to suit his own agendas, portraying past and present Northern and Kaduna state leaders in a negative light.
El-Rufai attempted to bring down individuals he perceived as threats by destroying their personal assets, expelling their supporters from government positions, and undermining the economic and social fabric of Kaduna State.
He launched vicious attacks on respected figures such as Tijjani Ramalan, Suleiman Hunkuyi and Sani Shaaban, seeking to undermine their influence and tarnish their reputations. His efforts to dismantle their personal and political assets, as well as his attempts to sow discord within the state, only served to highlight his own descent into corruption and abuse of power.
One of his main targets was Sani Shaaban, whom he attacked and undermined throughout his eight-year tenure.
It is undeniable that Nasir El-Rufai entered Kaduna politics as a relative outsider and complete stranger, relying heavily on the established political structures and support of individuals such as Shaaban and Tijjani Ramalan to secure victory in the 2015 elections. However, his actions since taking office have demonstrated a clear disregard for the loyalty and assistance provided by these key figures.
Despite benefiting greatly from Shaaban’s widespread political network across all the wards in all the 23 local government areas of the state and Ramalan’s immense resources, El-Rufai wasted no time in turning against them once in power. His apparent ingratitude and willingness to destroy those who had helped him achieve his political ambitions speaks volumes about his character.
It is disappointing to see someone who owes their position to the goodwill and support of others so quickly forget those who played a crucial role in their success. El-Rufai’s actions not only betray a lack of gratitude but also a deep-seated political prejudice and shameless opportunism.
In targeting individuals like Shaaban, Ramalan, and Hunkuyi, El-Rufai has shown a willingness to sacrifice loyalty and solidarity for personal gain. It is a stark reminder of the cutthroat nature of Elrufai’s politics and the lengths he will go to maintain their hold on power.
Overall, El-Rufai’s betrayal of those who helped him rise to power is a disappointing display of disloyalty and self-serving behavior. It serves as a cautionary tale about the fickle nature of political alliances and the importance of integrity in leadership.
Despite his relentless efforts, Shaaban, Ramalan, Hunkuyi and others remained pillars of respect, integrity, and dignity, refusing to engage in confrontations with him.
Shaaban, in particular, stood as a pillar of integrity and dignity, weathering the storm of El-Rufai’s attacks with grace and composure.
His unwavering commitment to integrity and moral values stood in stark contrast to El-Rufai’s unscrupulous tactics and disregard for the rule of law.
Now, the tables have turned as El-Rufai finds himself in the hot seat at the receiving end of justice as he faces allegations of embezzlement and financial mismanagement.
An investigation by the Kaduna State House of Assembly revealed that he and some of his appointees had siphoned N423 billion of state funds. The Assembly adopted the report and urged the current Governor to refer El-Rufai and his accomplices to relevant security agencies for further investigation.
The findings of the probe shed light on the financial mismanagement and corruption that plagued El-Rufai’s administration, leaving the state with a lean treasury and a massive debt burden. This turn of events serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of abusing power and betraying the trust of the people.
The probe of the Elrufai administration in Kaduna State is likely to extend beyond the reported N450 billion embezzled funds, as further allegations emerge regarding forceful forfeitures, demolitions, and takeovers of government and individual lands and properties across the state.
Since assuming office in 2015, Governor El-Rufai has been known for his ruthless approach towards perceived political rivals. His actions have earned him the nickname ‘Mai Rusau’ or ‘the demolisher,’ due to his penchant for using bulldozers to deal with those he sees as a threat to his authority.
One infamous incident involved the demolition of the homes of prominent political figures within his party, such as Inuwa Abdulkadir and Suleiman Hunkuyi. Additionally, El-Rufai revoked the Right of Occupancy of nine companies owned by former Governor Ahmed Muhammed Makarfi, with plans to demolish the properties.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that El-Rufai inherited a state with a healthy financial position in 2015, only to leave behind a massive debt burden for his successor. Despite inheriting a state with no domestic debt, he accumulated significant debt during his tenure, with reports of funds collected from international institutions for projects that were never executed.
The probe into the Elrufai administration may reveal a pattern of abuse of power and mismanagement of state resources beyond the initial allegations of embezzlement. The reported cases of land seizures and demolitions are indicative of a leadership style characterized by authoritarianism and disregard for due process.
It is essential for transparency and accountability to prevail in the investigation of these allegations to ensure justice for the people of Kaduna State.
The downfall of Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai is a testament to the truth of the saying, “what goes around comes around.” His actions as governor have come back to haunt him, highlighting the importance of integrity, accountability, and ethical leadership in public office. As the saying goes, no one is above the law, and eventually, justice catches up with those who exploit their positions for personal gain.
The irony of El-Rufai’s downfall is not lost on those who have witnessed his reign of tyranny and manipulation. The same tactics that he employed to consolidate his power and suppress dissent have now come back to haunt him, exposing the depths of his greed and deceit.
In the end, the story of Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai serves as a cautionary tale of the perils of hubris and unchecked ambition. His fall from grace is a stark reminder that no one is above the law, and that those who abuse their power will ultimately face the consequences of their actions. What goes around truly does come around, and El-Rufai’s downfall stands as a testament to the inevitable justice that awaits those who would seek to exploit and oppress others for their own gain.
Ultimately, the case of El-Rufai is a lesson in the cyclical nature of karma, proving that no one is above the consequences of their actions.

*Says what is good for judicial office holders is good for Nigerian workers

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Friday, called on the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to reject any minimum wage offer from the federal government that is less than N250,000.00 per month.

Frank who was reacting to reports of alleged Federal Government’s offer of N105,000.00 to workers as new minimum wage during their ongoing tripartite negotiation, said: “any amount below N250,000.00 cannot be considered a decent wage for Nigerian workers considering the present socio-economic hardship in the country.”

In a statement in Abuja, Frank accused the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration of double standards in the fixing of salaries, saying what is good for judicial office holders is good for Nigerian workers.

According to the Bayelsa-born political activist, Tinubu recently sent a Bill to the National Assembly in which he proposed 300 per cent increase in the salaries and allowances of Supreme Court Justices, Appeal Court Justices, President of the National Industrial Court, Judges of the Federal and State High Courts as well as Grand Khadi of State Sharia Courts, among others, in the country.

He noted that the Bill has been hurriedly passed as proposed by the President in both chambers of the National Assembly and now awaiting the assent of the President to become enforceable law.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, said: “How can you increase the salary of an arm of government that is already earning a humongous salary by 300 per cent and add peanuts to the paltry N30,000 that workers have been compelled to live with in this country as minimum wage in the last five years?

“Why did the President send an Executive Bill to the National Assembly to effect a 300 per cent upward review in the salaries of Judicial Office Holders but set up a tripartite committee to negotiate a “starvation wage” (apologies to NLC President Joe Ajaero) for suffering Nigerian workers instead of a “living wage” he promised them on assumption of office in May last year?”

He said that the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government ought to reduce their salaries and allowances to accommodate Nigerian workers who can barely have one meal a day rather than increasing their take home which is already over bloated and economically, financially and socially suffocate workers.

He however declared that “Nigerians are no fools as they know that the proposed generous increase in the salaries of Judicial Office Holders is meant to pay them for the devious work they did to judicially ratify the stay of key political office holders in this administration in office including President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, among others, and to compromise them ahead of any judicial challenge in future polls.”

He reiterated that workers are the engine room of the nation’s economy and that paying them a living wage will boost their morale to work diligently and even pay the supreme price in line of duty for the country’s development if need be.

He therefore urged the leadership of organized labour to be resolute in their demand to ensure that workers get a deserved living wage at this time in the nation’s developmental journey.

He urged them to leave their foot prints on the sands of time by being non-compromising but warned that doing otherwise will inscribe their names in the hall of shame.

By Suleiman Abbah

In recent years, Nigeria has faced a growing challenge of insecurity, particularly in the northwestern region of the country. The rise of banditry and other security threats has left many citizens living in fear and uncertainty.
At the risk of overstating the case, one can unhesitatingly assert that the situation in the North is one of the most serious social and security challenges facing Nigeria today. The fact that the problem is insidious and not readily apparent is the more reason why it should be seen as an existential matter that needs to be addressed and tackled robustly and defeated once for all. No nation can aspire to greatness or seek to remain secure and safe when its youth and the productive segments of society are left wasted at the mercy of murderous criminals.

National challenges such as the one we are faced with should not be treated with levity and condescension. Neither should they be seen as affecting only one region or state or, for that matter, one ethnic group or the other. On the contrary, such challenges are cross-national issues that affect every one of us regardless of where we live or come from. For this reason, the security problem must be confronted collectively with the entire will and resolve of the nation behind the effort. Failure to do so will indubitably mean that every effort made in isolation will defeat all endeavours, and render the task the more difficult and futile.
Every one must therefore, become a stakeholder and a committed actor in this struggle to free our society and our country of this hazardous and debilitating problem. The young and old, men and women, leaders and the led, politicians and civil servants, businessmen and women, teachers and students, and people from all walks of life must get involved in this struggle to eradicate this menace from the midst of our society.

It was in recognition of the enormity of the challenge before the north and the country in general, and the urgency of the situation, that Bello Matawalle, the former Governor of Zamfara state and current Minister of State for Defence, emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a different approach to addressing these issues that has yielded significant results.

Matawalle has long been a proponent of dialogue and reconciliation as the most effective means of addressing security challenges, particularly the menace of banditry. During his tenure as Governor of Zamfara state, he implemented a strategy of engaging in dialogue with bandits, which led to a significant reduction in violence and a year of zero incidence of bandit attacks in the state. This approach not only helped to bring about peace and stability in the region but also fostered a sense of coexistence among different communities.

In his current role as Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle has continued to champion dialogue and collaboration as key tools in the fight against insecurity. He has embarked on comprehensive stakeholder engagement and consultations with key national and regional leaders to seek their input on how to best tackle the escalating security challenges facing the country. His recent meeting with former Head of State, Abdussalami Abubakar, underscores his commitment to seeking out practical solutions to the issue of insecurity.

Before the current leadership of the Defence Ministry came up virtually the entire North was a battlefront, and the nation was a hostage of Boko Haram and assorted criminal gangs. Today the Ministry’ effort has provided a vastly-improved security atmosphere, with Boko Haram, kidnappers and bandits pinned to enclaves.

Matawalle’s effort represents an initiative by a leader with a major role to play in rescuing Nigeria from the margins of irrelevance, impotence, consequences and decay in the context of the global order which currently runs on the basis of values and practices that Nigeria needs to understand, adapt to or create alternatives that suit its cultures, circumstances and interests.

This Matawalle initiative represents a major step up in the activities of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as part of the mobilization strategies to involve every significant component of Northern society to make the federal government presence felt among the nation’s intelligentsia, community leaders, students in higher institutions as well as the business community and bring them into the mainstream of the “Renewed Hope Agenda activities.

Matawalle recognizes that addressing insecurity requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including political leaders, traditional institutions, and security heads. In a recent statement, he emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in finding lasting solutions to the security crisis. By prioritizing peacebuilding and conflict resolution over purely military intervention, Matawalle has shown that sustainable peace and stability can only be achieved through dialogue and consensus-building.

His dedication to finding peaceful solutions to security challenges serves as an inspiration to other leaders across the country who are grappling with similar issues. Matawalle’s example highlights the importance of seeking non-violent means of resolving conflicts and underscores the power of dialogue and reconciliation in achieving lasting peace. As Nigeria continues to navigate the complex landscape of insecurity, Matawalle’s commitment to peaceful solutions should serve as a guiding light, showing that it is indeed possible to achieve peace and stability through dialogue and collaboration.

This, without doubt, is a commendable step, because if the Nigeria today needs to hear the truth, it should be told that before the coming of Tinubu and his defence team, previous Nigerian leaders had lost the energy and some of the courage to take up those issues that were once the major focus of its leaders and its community.

Nigerians must therefore commend the successes of its gallant troops and the strong will of President Tinubu in the fight against insecurity. We must applaud the new spirit of cooperation among our regional neighbors, and appreciate the support of our friends across the world who are assisting us in this fight.

We urge the government and security forces to fight this insurgency with resolve and awareness of their obligations under the law, as well as the knowledge that victory will only be pronounced when the nation achieves full cessation of hostilities, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration in the entire region.