Anti-Corruption Trial of El-Rufai Ally Draws Praise from North West Group

A socio-political group in the North West, the Concerned North West Stakeholders Forum, has praised the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for initiating the trial of Amadu Sule, a close associate of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged corruption.

Sule, the Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited, is facing charges related to a ₦311 billion money laundering scheme. The ICPC arraigned him recently on accusations of abuse of office and diversion of public funds, charges that he has denied.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna, the group’s Coordinator, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, described the ongoing trial as a significant step toward strengthening accountability and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.

“The ICPC’s decision to prosecute Sule, a known ally of the former governor, sends a clear message that no one is above the law,” the statement read. “This action will help restore public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption efforts.”

The group highlighted that Nigerians have long demanded greater transparency in the management of public resources, especially by political officeholders and their associates. It expressed hope that this trial would meet public expectations for a fair and impartial judicial process.

Furthermore, the forum urged the ICPC to maintain its commitment to ensuring that the case is rigorously pursued to its conclusion. “Selective justice would undermine the integrity of anti-corruption initiatives,” the statement added.

The Concerned North West Stakeholders Forum also called on other anti-graft agencies to follow the ICPC’s example and investigate corruption allegations against politically exposed individuals across the country. “Accountability is crucial for national development. Public office holders must remember that while power is transient, the law is constant,” the group emphasized.

While urging against any politicization of the case, the forum appealed to the judiciary to handle the trial with professionalism and independence, stressing the importance of justice for national stability.

The ICPC’s trial of Sule has drawn significant attention, as it is seen as a crucial test for Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight, especially involving prominent political figures and their associates.

THE HERESY OF STANDING STILL IN A MOVING POLITICAL TERRAIN

By Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi

One of the most persistent misconceptions about Kwankwasiyya is the attempt to imprison it within a single personality or a single political platform. This reductionist view strips the movement of its historical depth and undermines its ideological ancestry. Kwankwasiyya did not begin with an individual, nor was it designed to end with one. It is the latest expression of a political philosophy that has travelled – deliberately and consistently – through Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

The philosophical roots of Kwankwasiyya lie unmistakably in the radical populism of Malam Aminu Kano, the NEPU tradition and the audacious Tabo philosophy. Tabo was moral courage in action: the willingness to confront feudal dominance, inherited privilege and the culture of silence imposed on the talakawa. Aminu Kano embodied this ethos in both conduct and symbolism. His simple white attire represented moral clarity and humility; his red cap projected identity, resistance and solidarity with ordinary people. These symbols were not ornamental – they were political language.
Crucially, this philosophy never pledged eternal loyalty to a single platform. NEPU itself was born as a rejection of conservative politics. As Nigeria’s political environment evolved, NEPU gave way to the PRP, carrying the same ideals into a new democratic moment. Later, the same populist current found expression in the SDP during the Third Republic and the PDM tendency that followed, adapting again to shifting political realities without abandoning its core mission.

With the return to civil rule in 1999, the philosophy re-emerged within the PDP, where it gained administrative expression and delivered tangible outcomes, particularly in education and social mobility. When the PDP’s internal contradictions deepened, the movement explored the APC as a possible national reform vehicle. When that promise faltered, it returned to the PDP and later found a more accommodating home in the NNPP. At each stage, the platform changed; the values endured.

This historical movement – from NEPU to PRP, SDP, PDM, PDP, APC, back to PDP, and NNPP – is not evidence of ideological inconsistency. It is evidence of ideological resilience. The philosophy travelled because Nigeria changed.

To remain static would have meant irrelevance.
Understanding this lineage is essential to the present debate surrounding Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s imminent alignment with the APC. Resistance from some Kwankwasiyya notables often rests on the mistaken assumption that movement equals betrayal. History suggests otherwise.

The betrayal would be to freeze a living philosophy in sentiment while political realities shift around it.
Nigeria’s contemporary political environment rewards strategic relevance. Governance today is shaped by access to power, coordination of resources and the ability to negotiate influence. For a sitting governor, relevance is not ambition – it is capacity. Surely, capacity in the Kwankwasiyya tradition, exists solely to serve the people.

Perhaps the most damaging misunderstanding is the portrayal of Kwankwasiyya as a personal empire rather than a historical continuum. Individuals may carry the torch at different moments, but the fire itself predates them and will outlive them. To reduce the movement to a personality is to erase Aminu Kano’s legacy and misunderstand the meaning of Tabo.
Kwankwasiyya was never a prisoner of parties. It has always been a travelling philosophy – rooted in justice, powered by relevance and willing to move again to its next destination if that is what service to the people requires.

By Barrister Aminu Hussaini – Special Adviser – Justice/Constitutional Matters to the Governor of Kano State – AKY. May be reached: +234 803 374 2424 / aminuhussaini173@gmail.com

Maina Has No Political Value, Says Zaria Group

A Zaria-based political group, the Zaria Progressives Movement (ZPM), has dismissed the political relevance of a former Director-General of the Uba Sani Campaign Organisation and erstwhile Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Muhammad Sani Bello (popularly known as Maina Zazzau), following his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a statement issued on Friday, the group said Prof. Sani Bello’s exit from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would not affect the political strength of Governor Uba Sani or influence the voting pattern of the people of Zaria.

The statement, signed by the ZPM Coordinator, Malam Yusuf Garba, said the people of Zaria are politically conscious and remain committed to good governance and sustainable development, not only within the Zaria Emirate but across Kaduna State.

According to the group, Zaria voters would continue to give their full support to the APC and Governor Uba Sani for what it described as his achievements in promoting peace and development in the state.

“The people of Zaria are known for their political focus and loyalty to leaders who deliver good governance and development,” the statement said. “The defection of Prof. Maina Zazzau does not in any way diminish the growing support for Governor Uba Sani.”

ZPM further alleged that Prof. Zazzau was removed from office as Commissioner for Education due to his inability to effectively manage the education sector, adding that his decision to join the ADC was motivated by personal grievances and declining political influence.

“We strongly believe that his defection is borne out of frustration following his removal from office and his loss of political relevance,” the group stated.

The group also commended Governor Uba Sani, describing him as a true son of Zaria who has upheld the values and traditions of the Zazzau Emirate since assuming office.

“It is not in doubt that Governor Uba Sani has consistently promoted the ideals of the Zaria people through inclusive governance and people-oriented policies,” the statement added.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the group reaffirmed its support for the governor, stating that the people of Zaria would overwhelmingly back him at the polls.

“We are fully prepared to demonstrate that the people of Zaria Emirate appreciate good governance and the achievements of our son, Governor Uba Sani, and we will reciprocate with our votes in the 2027 general elections,” the statement concluded.

Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf at 63: Turning People’s Mandate Into Visible Progress

By Barrister Aminu Hussaini

As Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf turns 63, Kano State marks more than a personal milestone; it reflects on a defining moment in its contemporary governance – one characterised by steady leadership, deliberate choices and a visible renewal across critical sectors of development. It is an occasion that invites sober assessment – and the evidence across key developmental indices points unmistakably to progress driven by clarity of vision, political will and unrelenting commitment to the welfare of the people.

From the outset, Governor AKY’s administration signaled a return to governance anchored on social justice and inclusive development. Education, long acknowledged as the soul of Kano’s future, has received renewed attention. Massive investments in school rehabilitation, teacher recruitment, welfare and the revitalisation of technical and vocational institutions have begun to restore confidence in the public education system. The emphasis is not only on access, but on quality – laying the groundwork for a skilled and competitive generation.

In healthcare, the administration’s interventions have been equally transformative. Upgraded facilities, improved equipment and enhanced manpower across primary and secondary health centres are expanding access to quality care, particularly for rural and underserved populations.

These efforts are gradually yielding improved health outcomes and reaffirming government’s obligation to safeguard the wellbeing of its citizens.
Infrastructure development under Governor Yusuf has been guided by a people-first philosophy.

Strategic road construction and rehabilitation projects within the Kano metropolis and across local government areas eases movement, boosting commercial activity and reconnecting communities. Complementary urban renewal initiatives – ranging from drainage rehabilitation to environmental sanitation – are addressing long-standing challenges of congestion and flooding, making Kano a safer, more functional and livable city.

Economic empowerment remains a defining pillar of the administration. Targeted support for agriculture, small and medium-scale enterprises, and youth entrepreneurship is expanding avenues for productivity and wealth creation. Farmers are benefitting from improved access to inputs and extension services, while market revitalisation efforts are reinforcing Kano’s historic status as a major commercial nerve centre of northern Nigeria.

Equally noteworthy is the restoration of order, discipline and institutional integrity in governance. A renewed emphasis on fiscal prudence, workers’ welfare and respect for traditional institutions has helped stabilise the polity and rebuild public trust. The civil service is more motivated and governance is increasingly driven by rules, processes and accountability rather than impulse.

At 63, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf embodies a blend of experience, empathy and resolve. His leadership reflects an understanding that development is not measured by rhetoric, but by tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary people. While challenges remain – as they inevitably do, the trajectory is clear and encouraging.

While challenges inevitably remain, the direction is unmistakable.
AKY’s birthday, therefore, is not merely a celebration of age, but a moment for Kano to acknowledge steady progress and renew confidence in a governance agenda that places people above politics. In celebrating Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano celebrates continuity, renewed hope and a future being patiently and purposefully rebuilt.

In this spirit of reflection and renewed confidence, Kano joins millions of well-wishers to congratulate His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, on the occasion of his 63rd birthday. It is a celebration of a life devoted to public service and of a leadership that continues to translate vision into measurable progress for the people of Kano State.

As His Excellency marks this milestone, the prayers and goodwill of the state accompany him – wishing him sound health, renewed strength and greater wisdom to sustain the noble task of governance. May the years ahead consolidate the gains already recorded and further entrench Kano on the path of stability, prosperity and inclusive development under his steady and purposeful leadership.

Barrister Aminu Hussaini – Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State – H.E. AKY on Justice/Constitutional Matters contributed this piece

Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf at 63: Turning People’s Mandate Into Visible Progress

By Barrister Aminu Hussaini

As Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf turns 63, Kano State marks more than a personal milestone; it reflects on a defining moment in its contemporary governance – one characterised by steady leadership, deliberate choices and a visible renewal across critical sectors of development. It is an occasion that invites sober assessment – and the evidence across key developmental indices points unmistakably to progress driven by clarity of vision, political will and unrelenting commitment to the welfare of the people.

From the outset, Governor AKY’s administration signaled a return to governance anchored on social justice and inclusive development. Education, long acknowledged as the soul of Kano’s future, has received renewed attention. Massive investments in school rehabilitation, teacher recruitment, welfare and the revitalisation of technical and vocational institutions have begun to restore confidence in the public education system. The emphasis is not only on access, but on quality – laying the groundwork for a skilled and competitive generation.

In healthcare, the administration’s interventions have been equally transformative. Upgraded facilities, improved equipment and enhanced manpower across primary and secondary health centres are expanding access to quality care, particularly for rural and underserved populations.

These efforts are gradually yielding improved health outcomes and reaffirming government’s obligation to safeguard the wellbeing of its citizens.
Infrastructure development under Governor Yusuf has been guided by a people-first philosophy.

Strategic road construction and rehabilitation projects within the Kano metropolis and across local government areas eases movement, boosting commercial activity and reconnecting communities. Complementary urban renewal initiatives – ranging from drainage rehabilitation to environmental sanitation – are addressing long-standing challenges of congestion and flooding, making Kano a safer, more functional and livable city.

Economic empowerment remains a defining pillar of the administration. Targeted support for agriculture, small and medium-scale enterprises, and youth entrepreneurship is expanding avenues for productivity and wealth creation. Farmers are benefitting from improved access to inputs and extension services, while market revitalisation efforts are reinforcing Kano’s historic status as a major commercial nerve centre of northern Nigeria.

Equally noteworthy is the restoration of order, discipline and institutional integrity in governance. A renewed emphasis on fiscal prudence, workers’ welfare and respect for traditional institutions has helped stabilise the polity and rebuild public trust. The civil service is more motivated and governance is increasingly driven by rules, processes and accountability rather than impulse.

At 63, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf embodies a blend of experience, empathy and resolve. His leadership reflects an understanding that development is not measured by rhetoric, but by tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary people. While challenges remain – as they inevitably do, the trajectory is clear and encouraging.

While challenges inevitably remain, the direction is unmistakable.
AKY’s birthday, therefore, is not merely a celebration of age, but a moment for Kano to acknowledge steady progress and renew confidence in a governance agenda that places people above politics. In celebrating Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano celebrates continuity, renewed hope and a future being patiently and purposefully rebuilt.

In this spirit of reflection and renewed confidence, Kano joins millions of well-wishers to congratulate His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, on the occasion of his 63rd birthday. It is a celebration of a life devoted to public service and of a leadership that continues to translate vision into measurable progress for the people of Kano State.

As His Excellency marks this milestone, the prayers and goodwill of the state accompany him – wishing him sound health, renewed strength and greater wisdom to sustain the noble task of governance. May the years ahead consolidate the gains already recorded and further entrench Kano on the path of stability, prosperity and inclusive development under his steady and purposeful leadership.

Barrister Aminu Hussaini – Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State – H.E. AKY on Justice/Constitutional Matters contributed this piece

Farmers Threaten to Abandon Farms Over N10bn Loss, Seek Govt Bailout

By Our Correspondent

A group of 2,143 grain farmers in Kaduna State has appealed to the Federal Government for urgent intervention in the form of free or subsidised farm inputs, following losses estimated at N10.16 billion during the 2025 farming season.
The farmers, spread across the three senatorial districts of Kaduna State, said they were pushed to the brink by a sudden crash in maize prices nationwide, despite unprecedented increases in the cost of agricultural inputs.

Their plea was contained in a letter addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Agriculture, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the three Senators representing Kaduna state at the Senate.

The letter, written through their counsel, Barrister Ehizogie Fidelis Imadojemu, detailed how the farmers, operating under a maize farming scheme coordinated by Alhaji Rufai Muazu Dikko (popularly known as Sarkin Labar), were unable to recover production costs after harvest.

According to the farmers, the scheme, which began in 2017 with 1,000 hectares, has expanded to about 10,000 hectares cultivated by 2,143 farmers across Igabi, Soba, Kauru, Zaria and Sabon Gari local government areas.

Under the arrangement, Sarkin Labar provides capital, inputs and logistics, while farmers repay him in maize after harvest and sell the remainder for income.

However, the 2025 season proved disastrous. The farmers said a 50kg bag of NPK fertiliser sold for about N60,000, while urea rose to N50,000 per bag. As a result, the total cost of cultivating one hectare of maize climbed to over N2 million from about N1 million for the preceding year.
With an average yield of 45 bags of 100kg per hectare, the farmers said each bag needed to sell for about N44,578 to break even. Instead, the prevailing market price crashed to about N22,000 per 100kg bag. This is less than half the required recovery price, resulting in a loss of N22,577 per bag.

From the total output of about 450,000 bags harvested across the 10,000 hectares, the farmers calculated an aggregate loss of over N10.16 billion.

“With these losses, the farmers cannot afford the cost of farming next season,” the letter stated, warning that the situation reflects the wider crisis facing maize farmers across Nigeria.

The farmers cautioned that unless urgent support is provided, many producers—particularly in northern Nigeria—may abandon farming in the 2026 season, a development they say could undermine the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s food security agenda.

They are therefore requesting a bailout through the CBN in the form of free or heavily subsidised inputs such as fertiliser and urea for the 2026 farming season. In return, they proposed to reimburse the Federal Government with maize equivalent to part of the value of the inputs at the end of the season.
The farmers argued that such an intervention would stabilise grain production, boost food availability, and deliver political and economic dividends ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Only by this arrangement will our clients and many other grain farmers around the country return to their farms in the 2026 farming season,” the letter said.
They also requested an urgent meeting with government officials, noting that preparations for the next planting season would soon begin.

Senator Shehu Sani Receives Maiden Freedom Fighter Award from Northern Women


Women from 19 northern states, under the aegis of Women’s Voices for Northern Nigeria, have honoured former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, with their maiden Freedom Fighter Award, recognising him as the Best Freedom Fighter for 2025.
Presenting the award at a ceremony in Kaduna, the National President of the group, Comrade Jamila Malumfashi, said Senator Sani was selected for his unwavering stance, consistency and vocal defence of the poor, the downtrodden and vulnerable groups in society.
According to her, the former senator has over the years demonstrated uncommon courage in standing up for the masses, particularly women, through advocacy and public engagement.
“Senator Shehu Sani has consistently used his voice to defend the poor, the oppressed and women. His commitment to social justice and equity informed our decision to honour him as the first recipient of this award,” Malumfashi said.
She explained that Women’s Voices for Northern Nigeria operates across 19 states in the region and focuses on empowering women, especially widows, orphans and unemployed women who are largely dependents.
In his remarks, Senator Shehu Sani expressed appreciation to the group for organising the event in Kaduna and for finding him worthy of the honour.
He commended the organisation’s activities, particularly its skill acquisition and empowerment programmes aimed at improving the economic status of women in the North.
“I am encouraged by your commitment to empowering women through skills and self-reliance. This is the right path to sustainable development,” he said.
The former lawmaker pledged his personal support to help the group grow and to facilitate access to support from relevant agencies.
However, he advised the organisation to place greater emphasis on empowerment initiatives rather than partisan politics.
The event attracted women leaders and stakeholders from across the northern region, who described the award as a recognition of long-standing advocacy for social justice and inclusive governance.

Former NNPC FC Kaduna Star Monday Auta Bedridden, Appeals for Lifesaving Aid

Mike Odeh James 

Kaduna 

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A former Nigerian footballer who once proudly represented his club and earned an invitation to the national team is now fighting for his life, far from the cheering crowds and glory days of the pitch.

Monday Auta, a former player of NNPC Football Club Kaduna, is currently bedridden and battling a serious medical condition that has severely limited his mobility. For more than three months, the ex-footballer has been unable to afford the drugs, medical tests, and specialized care essential to stabilize his health.

Today, his story is not about trophies or victories—it is about survival.

A Once-Active Athlete, Now Confined

Monday Auta was once known for his strength, discipline, and commitment on the field. Teammates and fans recall a dedicated player who gave his all for the game.

Now, illness has taken a devastating toll. Medical sources confirm Auta can no longer move freely and has been confined to bed for months. His condition demands continuous medical attention, including laboratory tests, medications, and possible specialist intervention.

Yet, like many retired athletes in Nigeria, he lacks the financial means to sustain prolonged care.

Doctor Sounds the Alarm

The only consistent support Auta has received is from Dr. Jude Osemen, the medical practitioner overseeing his care. Speaking with deep concern, Dr. Osemen stated the situation has surpassed what he can manage alone.

“I have been trying my best to make sure that he survives, but he needs financial support. There are many tests he needs to undergo at this moment, and without them, it is difficult to move forward with proper treatment. We are trusting God that well-wishers will come to his aid.”

Dr. Osemen has personally contributed funds and resources but emphasizes that the cost of treatment continues to rise.

“I have contributed my own quota as a human being, but he still needs more money for further treatments.”

Three Months of Pain & Uncertainty

For over 90 days, Monday Auta has remained in this precarious state. During this time, he has received no structured institutional support—no assistance from football authorities, former clubs, or organized welfare schemes.

Beyond Dr. Osemen’s efforts, Auta has largely faced this struggle alone.

Friends note that his condition remains unstable due to the inability to conduct necessary tests and maintain regular medication. Each week without proper treatment increases the risk to his life.

Remembering His Career

Monday Auta’s football journey includes playing under late coach Paul Hamilton in 1986, a period when Nigerian football was building its international reputation.

He also earned an invitation to the Super Eagles, placing him among the nation’s respected talents of his era.

At NNPC FC Kaduna, Auta was regarded as a disciplined and hardworking player, contributing to the team’s competitiveness during his active years. Like many of his generation, he played in an era of modest wages and minimal post-retirement welfare protection.

A Broader Tragedy in Nigerian Sports

Auta’s plight reflects a painful reality for many retired Nigerian athletes. After years of service, they often face health challenges without insurance, pensions, or medical support.

When illness strikes, survival depends on personal savings, family, or public goodwill—options now exhausted for Auta.

A Call for Compassion & Action

Dr. Jude Osemen appeals to football lovers, former teammates, sports administrators, corporate organizations, and compassionate Nigerians to intervene urgently.

Contributions—large or small—can help cover:

· Medical tests

· Essential drugs

· Ongoing treatment and care

Those wishing to support can contact Dr. Jude Osemen, who is coordinating care and assistance.

Beyond One Man’s Struggle

This appeal is not only about saving a former footballer’s life. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need for structured welfare systems for retired athletes in Nigeria.

Final Appeal

Monday Auta once gave his strength and talent to the game. Today, he needs the support of the same society he once entertained and represented with pride.

Time is critical. Help is urgently needed.

For support or further information, please contact Dr. Jude Osemen directly.

Bauchi State Officials Face Corruption, Terrorism Financing Charges As Group Warns Against Sympathy Pleas

Mark Zukus

The Arewa Joint Initiative for Peace has issued a strong public statement urging Nigerians to reject what it describes as an attempt by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to seek public sympathy amid serious corruption and security-related allegations against officials of his administration.

In a statement signed by its president, Julius Danlami, the group referenced the recent arraignment of senior Bauchi State government officials, including the Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, before the Federal High Court in Abuja. According to the statement, the officials are facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) bordering on conspiracy, conversion of public funds, and alleged terrorism financing.

The group described the allegations as grave and far beyond routine political disputes. It argued that the charges represent a significant breach of public trust and raise serious concerns about governance and accountability in the state.

The Arewa Joint Initiative for Peace criticized Governor Bala Mohammed’s public remarks in which he suggested that his administration was being targeted for political reasons, particularly due to his refusal to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The group described this claim as an attempt to deflect attention from the substance of the allegations and warned that such narratives could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

According to the statement, allegations involving the receipt of millions of dollars in illicit funds and the financing of terrorism must be treated with the utmost seriousness, especially in northern Nigeria, where communities have suffered prolonged violence and insecurity. The group stressed that no public official should be allowed to evade scrutiny or accountability by framing legal actions as political persecution.

While acknowledging the constitutional immunity enjoyed by a sitting governor, the organization emphasized that immunity does not amount to impunity. It maintained that legal processes must be allowed to proceed without interference and that justice should be served in line with the rule of law.

The group further noted that the case reflects a wider problem of corruption and mismanagement in Nigeria and called on citizens to resist emotional appeals that could obscure the truth. It urged Nigerians to demand transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership from those in power.

In its concluding remarks, the Arewa Joint Initiative for Peace called on judicial authorities to expedite proceedings related to the allegations, warning that delays only deepen public distrust. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice, and good governance, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and united in holding leaders accountable.

The statement ended with a call for a renewed national commitment to integrity, security, and progress, insisting that sympathy should not replace scrutiny when serious allegations threaten the stability and moral foundation of society.

Corruption, Terrorism Financing Charges: Arewa Group Urges Nigerians to Reject Bauchi Officials’ Sympathy Plea

John Nnabuike

The Arewa Joint Initiative for Peace has issued a strong public statement urging Nigerians to reject what it describes as an attempt by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to seek public sympathy amid serious corruption and security-related allegations against officials of his administration.

In a statement signed by its president, Julius Danlami, the group referenced the recent arraignment of senior Bauchi State government officials, including the Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, before the Federal High Court in Abuja. According to the statement, the officials are facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) bordering on conspiracy, conversion of public funds, and alleged terrorism financing.

The group described the allegations as grave and far beyond routine political disputes. It argued that the charges represent a significant breach of public trust and raise serious concerns about governance and accountability in the state.

The Arewa Joint Initiative for Peace criticized Governor Bala Mohammed’s public remarks in which he suggested that his administration was being targeted for political reasons, particularly due to his refusal to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The group described this claim as an attempt to deflect attention from the substance of the allegations and warned that such narratives could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

According to the statement, allegations involving the receipt of millions of dollars in illicit funds and the financing of terrorism must be treated with the utmost seriousness, especially in northern Nigeria, where communities have suffered prolonged violence and insecurity. The group stressed that no public official should be allowed to evade scrutiny or accountability by framing legal actions as political persecution.

While acknowledging the constitutional immunity enjoyed by a sitting governor, the organization emphasized that immunity does not amount to impunity. It maintained that legal processes must be allowed to proceed without interference and that justice should be served in line with the rule of law.

The group further noted that the case reflects a wider problem of corruption and mismanagement in Nigeria and called on citizens to resist emotional appeals that could obscure the truth. It urged Nigerians to demand transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership from those in power.

In its concluding remarks, the Arewa Joint Initiative for Peace called on judicial authorities to expedite proceedings related to the allegations, warning that delays only deepen public distrust. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice, and good governance, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and united in holding leaders accountable.

The statement ended with a call for a renewed national commitment to integrity, security, and progress, insisting that sympathy should not replace scrutiny when serious allegations threaten the stability and moral foundation of society.