Author Archives: News All Around

ABUJA 

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Kaduna State, former Senator and acclaimed human rights icon, Shehu Sani, has officially picked up his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to contest for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The political titan, known for his courageous voice and unwavering defense of the common man, collected the documents at the APC national secretariat on Wednesday. This bold declaration marks the return of a political juggernaut who many describe as the “people’s lion.”

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A Fearless Champion Steps Forward

Senator Sani is not just another politician; he is a movement. A former political prisoner turned senator, Sani represented Kaduna Central from 2015 to 2019 with a rare blend of intellectual firepower and street-level activism. He earned a reputation as the “Conscience of the Senate” for standing alone against powerful forces, including his own party, to defend the rights of the oppressed.

His decision to re-enter the race under the APC banner is being celebrated by supporters as the homecoming of a legend.

“Shehu Sani is the only senator in recent history who turned his constituency office into a shelter for the vulnerable. He fights without fear or favour,” said a jubilant supporter in Kaduna.

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Why Kaduna Central Is Shaking

Political analysts say Sani’s entry into the race has immediately raised the stakes. Here is why the ground is shifting:

· Grassroots Dominance: Unlike many career politicians, Sani walks the streets of Kaduna, listens to market women, and amplifies the voices of the voiceless. His connection to the common citizen is unmatched.

· The Voice of the Voiceless: In the Senate, he was the first to blow the whistle on corruption, human rights abuses, and bad governance—even when it meant sacrificing his own comfort.

· National Stature: As a global rights activist who once hosted Nelson Mandela’s foundation in Nigeria, Sani brings international attention and respect to Kaduna Central.

“Sani is not a typical politician begging for votes. He is a statesman who has already paid his dues with his freedom. That is the kind of leader we need,” said a youth leader in Kaduna North.

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Sani Speaks: “I Am Coming to Restore Dignity”

After picking up the forms, an energized Senator Shehu Sani addressed journalists and a crowd of cheering supporters. True to form, he did not hold back.

“Some thought they had buried the lion. But you cannot silence the truth forever. I am not returning to settle scores. I am returning to restore the dignity of Kaduna Central.”

“Under my watch, we will fight for education, healthcare, and justice. I will not be a ‘Yes Sir’ senator. I will remain the one voice that says ‘No’ when the people are being crushed.”

He added that his mission is to bridge the gap between the elite and the masses, insisting that true representation is about service, not self-enrichment.

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A Race for the Ages

With Shehu Sani now officially in the APC primary race, the contest for Kaduna Central has been elevated to a battle of heavyweights. His popularity cuts across party lines, and many political observers believe he is the man to beat.

Supporters have already taken to social media, flooding timelines with the hashtag #BackToSenateWithSani and #LionOfKaduna.

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The Road Ahead

Senator Sani will now face the party’s screening and primary election. But if history is any guide, counting him out is a fool’s errand. Whether inside the Senate chamber or on the streets, Shehu Sani remains a force that can never be ignored.

Kaduna Central, prepare for the return of the Lion.

By Musa Maye

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL), alongside the Forum for Youth Development Unity & Peace Initiative and 11 other civil society organisations, has lauded the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem, for what it described as impactful reforms and disciplined leadership in the administration of military pensions.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and made available to journalists, the coalition said the Board under Abdulraheem has distinguished itself as a model of transparency, efficiency, and accountability—particularly in ensuring the timely and consistent payment of entitlements to retired military personnel.

President of AYAGL, Ambassador Abdul Danbature, who signed the statement on behalf of the coalition, noted that the current administration of the Board represents a clear shift from years of delays and administrative setbacks that had long plagued pension management in the military.

“The timely and consistent payment of retired military personnel under his leadership is not just commendable—it is exemplary and transformative,” Danbature stated.

He observed that pension administration within the military had historically been burdened by inefficiencies, but stressed that recent reforms have significantly improved service delivery, restoring confidence among retirees.

According to the coalition, notable strides recorded by the Board include improved operational efficiency, elimination of bureaucratic bottlenecks, and the adoption of a people-oriented approach that places priority on accountability and the welfare of pensioners.

“This remarkable turnaround reflects a clear vision for institutional reform and a commitment to service. This is leadership that delivers and reform that works,” the statement added.

The group also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Abdulraheem to lead the Board, describing the decision as both strategic and productive. It noted that the results achieved so far demonstrate a broader commitment by the administration to strengthening governance structures and enhancing public sector performance.

While urging the Military Pensions Board to sustain and consolidate the gains made, the coalition called on other government agencies to emulate the Board’s standards of efficiency and service delivery.

AYAGL further reaffirmed its commitment to advancing good governance, transparency, and responsible leadership across Nigeria, emphasizing that effective leadership remains critical to national development.

“When leadership works with integrity, the people benefit. Today, we celebrate such leadership,” the statement concluded.

ENDS

In a significant political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, former senator representing Kaduna Central, Comrade Shehu Sani, has concluded a strategic tour of seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kaduna State, garnering widespread endorsements from party executives and grassroots stakeholders.

The tour, which lasted several days, saw the outspoken rights activist-turned-politician engage directly with ward and local government party officials, community leaders, youth groups, and women’s associations. The LGAs visited include Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Igabi, Chikun, Kajuru, Kachia, and Birnin Gwari.

At each stop, Sani held consultative meetings with party executives and broader stakeholder groups of the All Progressives Congress (APC), focusing on strategies ahead of the next electoral cycle.

During the engagements, the former lawmaker declared his support for the re-election bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani in 2027.

Stakeholders who spoke with journalists described the meetings as part of efforts to consolidate party unity, rebuild trust, and articulate a forward-looking agenda anchored on inclusivity and good governance.

Party leaders across the seven LGAs passed votes of confidence in Sani, citing his record in legislative advocacy, constituency development, and longstanding human rights activism.

In Igabi LGA, the party chairman described him as “a bridge between the people and government,” highlighting his accessibility and consistency in addressing national issues.

Leaders in Chikun pledged to mobilise support, describing Sani as “a voice for the voiceless and defender of democratic values,” while recalling his intervention during disputes linked to the proposed demolition of the Gbagi-Villa community by former Kaduna Governor, Mal. Nasir Elrufai.

Similar sentiments were echoed in Birnin Gwari, where community leaders commended his contributions to local development, including support for educational and healthcare infrastructure, as well as his vocal stance on insecurity.

In Kajuru, stakeholders recounted his advocacy during periods of heightened violence in the area, noting his role in amplifying the plight of affected communities.

Women groups at the meetings also expressed solidarity, citing empowerment programmes initiated during his tenure and his consistent advocacy for social justice and inclusion.

Addressing stakeholders, Sani reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening party cohesion and tackling key challenges such as insecurity, unemployment, infrastructural deficits, and the need for quality representation.

“We must rebuild our political structures from the grassroots. The strength of any democracy lies in its people. I am here to listen, to learn, and to work with you for a better future,” he said.

He further emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing insecurity, particularly in rural communities, while advocating policies that expand economic opportunities for young people.

Information gathered revealed that the tour reflects a deliberate effort to reconnect with the grassroots and reassert relevance in Kaduna’s evolving political landscape.

Findings also indicate that endorsements at the local government level remain critical indicators of political viability in the state, known for its complex and competitive alignments.

Although Sani is widely considered a grassroots politician, the scale of endorsements and mobilisation recorded during the tour suggests growing momentum around his potential comeback.

For now, the outcome of the visits has not only reaffirmed his political influence, but also underscored the enduring importance of grassroots engagement in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Renames Engineering Faculty Complex As Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha Complex.

To marki a significant step in expanding renewable energy deployment across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, alongside the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, flagged off a 2-megawatt solar mini-grid project and commissioned 200 solar-powered streetlights at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil, Kano State.

The intervention, implemented under ECN’s renewable energy and sustainable power programme, is aimed at improving electricity supply on campus, enhancing security through solar-powered lighting, and strengthening research and innovation in clean energy technologies.

Speaking at the event, the Minister commended ECN’s technical leadership, noting that, “The Energy Commission of Nigeria has done exemplary technical work to bring us to this point, following rigorousT energy audits, demand assessments, and validated system specifications.”

He further stressed accountability and timely delivery, stating that, “The contractor has a clear, firm mandate:to deliver within three months, to specification, with no tolerance for variation, and my ministry will hold them to that mandate.

The highlight of the event was the formal renaming of the Engineering Faculty Complex as the Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha Complex, in recognition of his contributions to national energy development, institutional collaboration, and the advancement of renewable energy solutions in Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Musa Tukur Yakasai, also honoured the Director-General, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, with an Outstanding Award, noting that the recognition reflects his exceptional achievements and enduring impact in the energy sector.

Dr. Mustapha, who was among the 2009 graduating class of the university’s Faculty of Engineering, described the moment as both significant and symbolic, reflecting a full-circle journey from student to national energy leader.

The ceremony was attended by the Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Abdulkadir; the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Musa Tukur Yakasai; and the Director-General of the Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Dr. Magaji Da’u Aliyu.

Speaking, Dr. Mustapha reaffirmed ECN’s commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s energy transition through practical, impact-driven projects that expand access to clean and reliable electricity, particularly within educational institutions.

He noted that the 2MW solar mini-grid represents a scalable model for decentralized energy solutions, while the 200 solar-powered streetlights will significantly improve safety and extend academic and social activities within the university environment.

The Director-General sincerely appreciated His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for this laudable initiative, which continues to drive sustainable energy development and expand access to clean power across the nation.

By Micah Adaji

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has praised the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPCL) Mele Kolo Kyari, describing his tenure as a defining period marked by reforms, transparency and humanitarian impact.

In a press statement issued and signed by its President, Ambassador Abdul Danbature, the group said Kyari’s leadership from 2019 to 2025 repositioned the national oil company and restored public confidence in the petroleum sector.

AYAGL noted that Kyari introduced the Transparency, Accountability and Performance (TAPE) agenda, which it said transformed operational standards within NNPCL. It highlighted the consistent publication of audited financial statements as a major shift from decades of opacity in the sector.

The group also credited him with driving the commercialization of NNPCL in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, alongside improvements in operational efficiency through digitisation and stronger governance structures.

On fuel pricing, AYAGL said Kyari demonstrated strategic leadership during Nigeria’s transition to deregulation. It noted that his approach helped maintain relative stability in fuel supply and pricing despite global market volatility, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statement further acknowledged investments in critical infrastructure under his leadership, including the rehabilitation of refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna, as well as progress on the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline Project. It added that enhanced pipeline surveillance contributed to efforts to curb crude oil theft.

AYAGL said Kyari’s “Decade of Gas” initiative laid a foundation for cleaner energy development and industrial growth, while also strengthening Nigeria’s position in global energy diplomacy.

Beyond policy and infrastructure, the group emphasised Kyari’s humanitarian contributions. It cited NNPCL’s expanded healthcare interventions, educational support programmes, and community development projects, including water supply, school rehabilitation and rural electrification.

It also noted his support for internally displaced persons in the North-East and his commitment to youth empowerment and mentorship within the oil and gas industry.

“Many of his personal philanthropic efforts were carried out quietly, reflecting humility and a genuine desire to impact lives,” the statement said.

AYAGL further commended Kyari for ensuring energy supply stability during election periods and maintaining institutional neutrality, which it said contributed to national stability and democratic continuity.

The group concluded that Kyari’s tenure represents “a legacy of reform, resilience and compassion,” urging future leaders to emulate his commitment to integrity, service and inclusive development.

ENDS

Hassan NaAbu

Workers warn exclusion undermines collective bargaining as union restructures downstream sector

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LAGOS, Nigeria – Petrol Station Workers (PSWs) across Nigeria have raised concerns over what they describe as their continued exclusion from ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), despite constituting a significant segment of the downstream petroleum workforce.

In a press statement issued on Monday, the workers, under the banner of Concerned Petrol Station Workers, acknowledged NUPENG’s ongoing restructuring efforts—including zonal elections and preparations for a national conference—but argued that such processes have largely sidelined their interests.

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Unstructured and Unprotected

The group noted that while the union has taken visible steps to strengthen its institutional framework and advance workers’ rights across the oil and gas sector, Petrol Station Workers remain “largely unstructured, insufficiently protected, and inadequately represented” within its decision-making system.

According to the statement signed by Comrade Ibrahim Zango, the situation is particularly troubling given that NUPENG’s jurisdiction extends across the entire downstream value chain, including petrol filling stations.

“Despite being one of the most visible and numerous categories of workers in the sector, PSWs continue to face poor welfare conditions, weak organisational structures, and limited voice within the union framework,” the statement read.

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Vulnerable to Exploitation

The workers stressed that their exclusion undermines the core principles of unionisation and collective bargaining, especially at a time when the union is undertaking reforms aimed at improving inclusivity and representation.

The group further highlighted the vulnerability of Petrol Station Workers, citing widespread issues such as:

· Exploitation by employers
· Poor remuneration and irregular pay
· Lack of social protection and benefits
· Unsafe working conditions at many filling stations

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Specific Demands to NUPENG Leadership

The group is now calling on NUPENG leadership to formally recognise and integrate Petrol Station Workers into its structure nationwide. Specifically, they demanded:

1. Creation of a defined PSW structure across all zones of the union
2. Inclusion of their representatives in ongoing zonal elections and national conference processes
3. Development of policies that address their welfare and safety
4. Establishment of a clear framework for the organisation, registration, and protection of Petrol Station Workers across the country

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A Historic Opportunity

“The ongoing reforms present a historic opportunity to correct longstanding imbalances and ensure that no segment of the workforce is left behind,” the statement added.

The workers reaffirmed their commitment to industrial harmony while expressing readiness to engage constructively with union leadership to secure better representation within the sector.

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No official response has been issued by NUPENG leadership at the time of this report.

In Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape, technocrats who can bridge governance and grassroots mobilization are increasingly valuable.

Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), has emerged as one of such figures—leveraging his administrative influence and policy visibility to support the political momentum behind Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the broader Renewed Hope agenda.

While Dr. Abdullahi’s primary mandate lies within the energy sector, his role has evolved beyond technical administration into strategic political engagement.

⁰As a member of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Team, he contributes to shaping narratives around governance performance, particularly in areas tied to energy reform and infrastructure development—key pillars of President Tinubu’s administration.

His ability to communicate policy outcomes in relatable terms has positioned him as an effective advocate for continuity in leadership.

A central element of his political relevance is the alignment between energy sector progress and electoral confidence. Under his stewardship, initiatives tied to renewable energy expansion, rural electrification, and energy policy coordination have become part of the administration’s broader performance story.

These efforts, whether directly political or not, serve as tangible indicators that can influence public perception ahead of future elections.

Dr. Abdullahi’s approach reflects a calculated understanding of Nigeria’s political environment, where development outcomes often shape voter sentiment.

By highlighting improvements in energy access and sustainability, he indirectly strengthens the case for a second term for President Tinubu. His engagements—ranging from policy forums to stakeholder meetings—often reinforce the narrative that continuity is essential for consolidating ongoing reforms.

Within the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Team, his role extends to mobilization among professional and policy-oriented audiences. Unlike traditional political actors, Dr. Abdullahi brings a technocratic voice that appeals to intellectuals, industry stakeholders, and young professionals.

This expands the administration’s support base beyond conventional political structures, adding credibility to its reform agenda.

Moreover, his visibility in national discourse contributes to shaping elite opinion—an often overlooked but critical component of electoral success. By maintaining a consistent message around progress, innovation, and long-term planning, Dr. Abdullahi helps anchor the administration’s image as forward-looking and results-driven. This is particularly important in a political climate where public trust must be continuously earned.

Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi stands out as more than a policy administrator; he is a strategic contributor to the political ecosystem surrounding Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Through his role in the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Team, he helps translate governance achievements into political capital, reinforcing the case for continuity and a potential second term.

His influence underscores the growing importance of technocrats in shaping not just policy, but also the narratives that drive electoral success in Nigeria.

Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi contributes to youth and sports development through mentorship, talent identification, and infrastructure development.

He supports grassroots sports, advocates for youth sports policies, and promotes physical activity for health.

His work emphasizes gender inclusivity, community engagement, and collaboration with government and private sectors.

All these has endeared him to the youths and makes convincing the youths to embrace the policies and re-election of President Ahmed Tinubu easy for him, as he has already set the pace for a beautiful relationship with the youths.

…He lost his ward and local Government to PDP in 2023 Elections.

Fresh political tensions are emerging within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State following allegations that a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani, is working against the party’s interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The claims were made by the Kaduna Progressives Forum (KPF) in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Malam Bala Ibrahim Igabi, who expressed concern over what the group described as Zailani’s “desperate bid” for the Kaduna Central Senatorial seat.

According to the statement, the former Speaker’s political influence has declined significantly, with the group alleging that he failed to deliver his ward and local government area to the APC during the 2023 general elections. The forum argued that this development reflects weakening grassroots support in his political base.

“In several constituencies across Kaduna State, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made notable gains, pointing to an increasingly competitive political environment,” the statement noted.

The group also accused Zailani of engaging in actions perceived as detrimental to the unity and electoral strength of the APC in parts of the state. The accusations come amid lingering grievances within the party following the outcome of the 2023 polls.

The 2023 governorship election in Kaduna highlighted the intensity of the contest between the APC and the PDP, with the APC candidate securing victory by a narrow margin of less than one percentage point an outcome widely seen as evidence of a fragile political balance in the state.

Although Zailani won his seat in the State House of Assembly election, concerns persist among party members over internal divisions and the ability of key political figures to effectively mobilise support at the grassroots level.

The KPF further alleged that Zailani recorded minimal achievements during his over two decades in public office and accused him of failing to actively participate in, or support, the party during the Chikun/Kajuru by-election.

Some APC members warned that unresolved internal disputes and alleged anti-party activities could undermine the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.

They called on the party leadership in Kaduna State to investigate the allegations and enforce discipline where necessary to maintain cohesion and strengthen its electoral prospects.

Abuja, FCT The Governance and Leadership Reforms Network (GLRN) makes this heartfelt appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to graciously instruct for the immediate implementation of the appointment of Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Idris Adamu (Rtd) as Chairman, Military Pensions Board (MPB).

A Leader Prepared by Service
AVM Adamu (Rtd) is not a stranger to discipline, integrity, or institutional reform. A distinguished senior officer of the Nigerian Air Force, his career reflects decades of meritorious service marked by operational excellence, financial prudence, and uncommon empathy for personnel welfare. In every command he held, he left behind systems that worked and people who were better. That is the pedigree the Military Pensions Board needs today.

The Value He Brings: Competence Meets Compassion
The MPB is more than an administrative office. It is the last bridge between the nation and the men and women who gave it their youth, their strength, and sometimes their health. Under AVM Adamu’s leadership, we are confident the Board will witness a new era defined by:

1. Prudent Management: Deployment of digital audit trails, transparent payment schedules, and strict adherence to the Standing Operating Procedure to eliminate delays and leakages.
2. Welfare-Centered Innovation: Introduction of a Veterans Welfare Desk, quarterly town-halls with retirees, and a simplified verification process that respects age and dignity.
3. Institutional Renovation: Modernization of MPB directorates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force to ensure seamless, data-driven pension administration and rapid response to veterans’ needs.
4. Trust Restoration: Open-door policy and published service charters to rebuild confidence among retired military personnel and their families.

Why the Delay Hurts Those Who Served
For five months since presidential approval was granted effective December 1, 2025, our veterans have waited. Every day of delay is a day a widow waits for her entitlement, a day an amputee struggles without support, a day the nation appears to forget. AVM Adamu’s appointment was not just an administrative act; it was a promise to those who defended us. That promise must be kept.

Our Clarion Call
We respectfully urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose Renewed Hope Agenda rests on Security and Welfare, to direct the immediate resumption of AVM Abubakar Idris Adamu (Rtd) as Chairman, MPB.

Let this competent, compassionate officer bring his renovations to life. Let the Board become a model of prudent management and good welfare. Let our veterans see that Nigeria remembers, Nigeria cares, and Nigeria rewards sacrifice.

When a nation honors its veterans, it strengthens its future. When it delays their dignity, it weakens its soul.

Signed:
Comrade Ayuba Garba

National Convener
Governance and Leadership Reforms Network (GLRN)

By Hauwau Luka

Jos

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has withdrawn its earlier criticism of the leadership of the Nigerian Military Pensions Board, declaring support for the current administration under Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the group said its previous position was based on insufficient verification of facts, prompting a formal retraction and clarification to the public.

AYAGL President, Ambassador Abdul Danbature, stated that the decision followed “extensive consultations, fact-finding engagements, and independent inquiries,” which revealed notable reforms introduced by the board’s leadership.

According to the group, the reforms include measures aimed at improving transparency, strengthening pension administration processes, and enhancing the welfare of retired military personnel.

The statement noted that Abdulraheem has demonstrated commitment and effective leadership in repositioning the board, adding that such efforts should be encouraged rather than undermined by misinformation.

“We have come to the conclusion that our earlier criticism was not based on sufficient verification of facts. We hereby withdraw those statements and offer our sincere clarification to the Nigerian public,” the statement read.

The group also raised concerns over what it described as confusion surrounding a purported appointment allegedly linked to Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Idris Adamu.

AYAGL called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and relevant security agencies to investigate the claims and clarify the situation to safeguard the integrity of public institutions.

It further urged members of the public, particularly youths in Northern Nigeria, to avoid being used for political manipulation or actions capable of undermining national institutions.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability, peace, and constructive engagement, while pledging continued support for initiatives that advance transparency and national development.

AYAGL reiterated its backing for the leadership of the Military Pensions Board and called for sustained reforms to improve the welfare of retired members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

ENDS