Author Archives: News All Around

“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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Markus Yusuf

The endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, is gaining momentum as more influential groups in the North vocally express their support.

Among these groups, the Women and Youth Northern Empowerment (WYNE), an alliance of twenty-seven women and youth groups across northern Nigeria, has come forward to laud Tinubu’s administration while condemning the plots by some northern elite against the administration to undermine the President’s 2027 reelection chances.
In a statement, WYNE Chairperson Rebecca Turai Zing emphasized the overwhelming support for Tinubu in the region, noting that the scheming by an inconsequential section of northern Nigerian elite is a manifestation of the disquiet fueled by political opportunism and corruption.
“The assertion by Minister Matawalle that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration enjoy solid support from the North is validated by the unanimous backing from various influential groups,” stated Zing. “The futile northern schemes are merely symptoms of the disquiet in the country, exacerbated by political opportunism and the corruption that is now fighting back against a system committed to integrity and reform.”
Zing further elucidated that the intentions of these “forces of reaction” are clear: to derail the war against corruption and reverse the progressive, populist measures implemented by the Tinubu government.
“That the aims of these reactionary forces are to halt the war against corruption and reverse the populist tendencies of the Bola Tinubu government is not in doubt,” Zing affirmed. “The intention to undermine Tinubu’s administration reveals a desperate attempt to cling onto remnants of a corrupt past.”
The WYNE alliance, which represents a broad coalition of women and youth from across northern Nigeria, is unequivocal in its support for President Tinubu’s administration. The group’s endorsement adds to a growing list of regional endorsements that underscore the president’s popularity and his administration’s wide-reaching support.
Zing insisted that the people of the North are standing firmly behind President Tinubu in his efforts to drive progress and development in the country. This show of support, she said, is not without reason, as President Tinubu has shown a strong commitment to combating insecurity, poverty, corruption and improving the lives of northerners and all Nigerians.
The statement pointed out that despite facing adversity and resistance from corrupt and power- thirsty elites, the people of the North remain steadfast in their support for their leader saying, this unwavering loyalty stems from President Tinubu’s track record of delivering tangible results and his commitment to uplifting the nation as a whole.
One of President Tinubu’s most notable achievements, according to Zing, has been his relentless efforts to tackle insecurity and corruption head-on. She said by implementing strict anti measures and holding individuals accountable for their actions, President Tinubu has demonstrated a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
“This stance has resonated with the people of the North, who have long been disenfranchised by the desperation of elites like Elrufai, Kwankwaso and others.
Furthermore, President Tinubu, according to the group, has been instrumental in driving economic growth and development in the region. Through strategic investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, “President Tinubu has created opportunities for the people of the North to thrive and prosper. His visionary leadership has empowered the people to take control of their own destinies and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.
“In the face of attempts by corrupt elites to derail the progress that has been made, the people of the North have remained resolute in their support for President Tinubu. They recognize the transformative impact that his leadership has had on their lives and are unwilling to let it be undermined by self-serving interests. Through their unwavering solidarity, the people of the North send a clear message to those who seek to disrupt the harmony and progress that has been achieved under President Tinubu’s administration.
“Any attempts by corrupt elites to derail this progress will be met with firm resistance from the people of the North and indeed all Nigerians who are committed to building a better and more just society,” Zing concluded.

By Douglas Ekhenghen

It is truly mind-boggling to witness the audacity of Abdulsamad Dasuki, a member of the family of a failed and discredited former National Security Adviser, attempting to downplay the successes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s security team in the fight against insecurity. Dasuki, a Peoples Democratic Party member of the House of Representatives, has the nerve to call for the sacking of all security-related appointees from the northern region of the country, despite his own family’s involvement in a financial scandal related to the purchase of arms.
The recent comments made by Dasuki, the brother of former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki, regarding the current administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity in Nigeria have raised eyebrows and sparked controversy. Dasuki, whose brother was implicated in a scandal involving funds meant for addressing the country’s security challenges, has been vocal in his criticism of the Tinubu government’s approach to addressing the issue. However, his criticism is nothing short of hypocritical, as it is clear that his motives are driven by personal biases and a desire to undermine the current administration, rather than a genuine concern for the well-being of the country.
It is important to note that Sambo Dasuki, the former National Security Adviser, was at the center of a scandal involving the misappropriation of funds meant for addressing the country’s security challenges. The scandal, which came to light during the previous administration, raised serious questions about the integrity and accountability of those in power. Given this background, it is ironic that Dasuki, the brother of the implicated official, would have the audacity to criticize the current administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity.
Dasuki’s motives for criticizing the current administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity are questionable. It is apparent that his comments are driven by personal biases and a desire to discredit the Tinubu government, rather than a genuine concern for the well-being of the country. By using his family’s connection to the previous administration’s scandal as a platform to criticize the current government, Dasuki is engaging in a political game that serves his own interests rather than the interests of the Nigerian people.
The insecurity that plagues our nation today is a direct result of the mismanagement and corruption that characterized the previous administrations, including the one in which Dasuki’s brother served. The looting of the treasury and the theft of defense resources during the 16 years of PDP rule have left a legacy of insecurity that the current administration is working tirelessly to address.
Instead of acknowledging the progress that has been made in combating insecurity under President Tinubu’s leadership, Dasuki and his cohorts are intent on sowing discord and discrediting the government for their own political gain. Their actions are not only irresponsible but also dangerous, as they risk destabilizing the country and undermining the efforts of those who are working to restore peace and security.
Dasuki’s criticism of the Tinubu government’s approach to addressing insecurity in Nigeria is not only hypocritical but also misguided. It is evident that the current administration has made significant strides in addressing the security challenges facing the country, including the fight against Boko Haram and other insurgent groups. The government has implemented various strategies and initiatives to enhance security and protect the lives and property of Nigerians. While there is still much work to be done, it is unfair to dismiss these efforts and undermine the progress that has been made.
It is imperative that we see through the political games being played by individuals like Dasuki and hold them accountable for their actions. The security and well-being of our nation should not be used as a pawn in a political power struggle. It is time for us to stand united against those who seek to exploit our vulnerabilities for their own selfish interests. President Tinubu and his security team deserve our support and recognition for their unwavering commitment to keeping our country safe.
In conclusion, Dasuki’s criticism of the Tinubu government’s efforts to tackle insecurity in Nigeria is hypocritical and misguided. His comments are driven by personal biases and a desire to undermine the current administration, rather than a genuine concern for the well-being of the country. It is important to recognize the progress that has been made in addressing security challenges in Nigeria and to support the government’s efforts to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.

Abu Barau

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Alliance has vehemently refuted Senator Kabiru Marafa’s recent assertion of leading a faction within the party in the state.

In a statement issued by the group’s chairman, Tijjani Kaula Shinkafi, Marafa was vehemently discredited as a politically insignificant figure with no relevance in Zamfara politics. Shinkafi emphasized Marafa’s lack of credibility, labeling him as a non-entity without any substantial political influence.

The statement further dismissed Marafa’s delusional claims of coexisting with prominent political figures such as Yari and Matawalle, portraying such assertions as symptoms of political delirium. The chairman urged Marafa to acknowledge his futile political endeavors and accept his waning significance in the political landscape of Zamfara State.

Additionally, the statement clarified that Marafa’s alleged leadership of a faction within the APC lacked substance, asserting that he stood isolated and bereft of any considerable support within the party.

The APC Youth Alliance’s resolute repudiation underscores a stark rejection of Marafa’s purported involvement in Zamfara politics, portraying him as a lone figure detached from the party’s core leadership and membership.

“For a featherweight like Marafa who has since stripped himself of every credibility and been swimming in the sea of irrelevance and inconsequence to claim to rub shoulders with eminent heavyweights like Yari and Matawalle is the peak of political insanity.

“The earlier Marafa comes out of his dementia and accepts the stark reality that he is a deadbeat politician who fate had been permanently sealed, the better for him,” Shinkafi said.

The statement went on to assert that Marafa’s claim of leading a faction of the APC in Zamfara State was baseless and unfounded, as he had no support or following within the party.

“Marafa is a lone ranger who has been abandoned by his own people and has no political relevance or influence in Zamfara State. His delusions of grandeur are laughable and pathetic,” Shinkafi added.