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…Says Looted funds must be recovered

Kaduna Good Governance and Monitoring Forum has commended the security operatives in the State for the recent arrest of Malam Jafaru Ibrahim Sani, a commissioner who served under the administration of former Governor of Kaduna State, Mal. Nasir El-Rufai.

According to the group, there is nothing wrong with the arrest and subsequent arraignment of a public office holder on allegations of corruption and money laundering.

The Kaduna Good Governance and Monitoring Forum in a statement signed by Comrade Mustapha Ibn Mohammed, urged the State government to intensify efforts to ensure that all those linked to the funds Looted under the previous administration must be arrested and prosecuted without delay.

Though the charges have not been made public, information gathered by group after preliminary investigation revealed that Jafaru Sani is now facing money laundering charges .

The statement reads: “Recalled the Kaduna House of Assembly Committee probed alleged corruption and financial irregularities during the tenure of ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai and did submit its report, revealed that a total ₦423 billion was allegedly siphoned under his administration leaving the state with huge liabilities.

“We also recalled that some commissioners and aides of Elrufai that were invited and interrogated such as Former Finance Commissioner, Bashir Saidu, was arrested and arraigned for embezzling state funds.

“But instead of Elrufai to allow the law to take it course,he took to his Facebook page on Thursday to accuse the government of day of setting up the arrested, even when evidences have been provided in court.

“As concerned citizens and residents of the State,we are happy and have hope that our looted funds would be recovered and use for development. We are also elated that the two other arms of government are doing their job.However, the judiciary should under no circumstance, succumb to any propaganda within this period of prosecution of anyone found wanting.

“There is no where any country can develop without instruments of checks and balances ,the Kaduna State House Assembly has done great job and now the judiciary is working in line with our desire to recover funds stacked in the hands of corruption politicians.

“Let the people of Kaduna Join hands together with Governor Uba Sani led administration to recover our looted funds”.

By Mike Odeh James

The Delta State Chapter of the Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN) has lauded Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro on his first anniversary as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), commending his visionary leadership and transformative initiatives.

In a statement, UYAN extolled Dr. Otuaro’s exceptional dedication and the profound impact of his reforms over the past year. “Your ability to navigate the challenges associated with your office is truly commendable,” the statement read. “We appreciate your hard work, strategic insight, and unwavering support to those in need.”

Dr. Otuaro, a distinguished Niger Delta activist and scholar, was appointed as PAP Administrator in March 2024. His tenure has been marked by significant reforms aimed at enhancing the programme and fostering development in the Niger Delta region. Prior to his appointment, he earned a PhD in Comparative Politics and Development Studies from the University of Benin in November 2023, underscoring his commitment to the region’s advancement.

Under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, PAP has experienced growth, innovation, and positive change. His grassroots approach and deep understanding of the Niger Delta’s challenges have been pivotal in steering the programme toward meaningful impact. He has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring sustainable peace and security in the Niger Delta, focusing on economic empowerment and human capital development in the region.

In like manner, UYAN has been proactive in supporting vulnerable individuals. As most recently in December 2024, the association distributed palliatives worth millions of naira to less privileged persons in Warri, demonstrating their commitment to community welfare and social responsibility.

As Dr. Otuaro marks this significant milestone, UYAN joins all well-meaning Nigerians in celebrating his achievements and anticipates further advancements in PAP under his visionary leadership.

Ani Ini Obi

It has been reliably gathered that Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has distributed a total of 50 million naira to former governors and deputy governors of the state in the spirit of Ramadan

The Secretary to Government of Zamfara State (SSG) Abubakar Nakwada was quoted to have disclosed this in an informal discussion said, former Governor Ahmed Rufai Sani Bakura received N15 million, while former Governor Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi was also given N15 million. Additionally, former deputy governors, Muktar Ahmed Anka and Ibrahim Wakala Muhammad, each received N10 million.

However, sources suggest that the payments were made with the aim of garnering political support, particularly from opposition figures.

Although the distribution has sparked criticism from residents, especially considering the widespread poverty and hunger in Zamfara State.

Many are particularly surprised that former Governor Bakura, who played a key role in the introduction of Sharia law in Zamfara and Nigeria, would accept such a sum in a time of hardship.

Some of the resident recalled that former Governor Bakura amputated a man convicted of stealing and now he is receiving money he never worked for which is equal to stealing and should be subjected to same treatment.

Some residents, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, criticized the Governor for what they saw as a misuse of public funds in the pursuit of his own political ambitions.

“Those claiming to be in other political parties are undermining their integrity by accepting such payments. They have shown they cannot be trusted,” one resident remarked.

Another resident expressed disbelief over Bakura’s involvement, saying, “It’s shocking that former Governor Bakura, who introduced Sharia in Zamfara and Nigeria, would accept money when the people of the state are suffering from extreme poverty and hunger.”

Some of the residents claimed that this is against Sharia law and the beneficiaries should be subjected to the law accordingly.

The SSG Nakwada disbursed the money to the former Governors and deputy Governors in conjunction with the State Commissioner for Budget, Abdulmalik Gajam, who is also a son inlaw to former Governor Bakura.

The Commissioner of Budget it was further gathered confirmed the transactions in yet another informal gathering.

ENDS

By Mike Odeh James

Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, Chairman of the Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN), Delta State chapter, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Senator James Manager, and peace advocate Comrade Sheriff Mulade for their impactful contributions towards education and youth empowerment. The trio received Awards of Excellence during the historic maiden convocation of the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, held on March 8, 2025.

Governor Oborevwori was honored for his pivotal role in elevating the institution from the Delta State School of Marine Technology, to Nigeria’s first maritime polytechnic, making it the second such institution in West Africa. Senator Manager was also recognized for his legislative support toward educational development, as one of the loudest voices, to attract the institution to the region, while Mulade was celebrated for advocacy towards the establishments of higher education institutions in Ijaw land.

In his remarks, Comrade Fajoye praised Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to educational infrastructure, stating that, “His efforts have not only raised academic standards but also created pathways for youth employment and skill acquisition.” He also highlighted Senator Manager’s advocacy and Mulade’s grassroots initiatives as critical steps to addressing unemployment.

Professor James Okoro, Rector of the polytechnic, expressed gratitude to the awardees and stakeholders for their support, emphasizing that, the institution’s journey toward academic excellence, would not have been made possible, if not for the selfless supports of both the people and the stakeholders.

Fajoye further lauded Prof. Okoro and the polytechnic for their contributions to youth development, noting that, “This institution has become a beacon of hope, for equipping youths with skills for tomorrow’s challenges.”

Comrade Fajoye noted that, the convocation underscored Delta State government’s strides, in education and youth empowerment, which aligns with UYAN’s mission, to promote skill-based employable youths.

The Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN) continues to champion initiatives fostering peace , employment and innovations, in reinforcing its partnership with state institutions to empower Delta’s younger generation.*

Less than 24 hours after the former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District,Senator Shehu openly declared support for Governor Uba’s reelection bid, the former Kaduna Governor, Mal. Nasir Elrufai out of alleged fears of the unknown,officially dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party(SDP).

Information gathered revealed that the return of Shehu Sani and other prominent politicians in the State such as Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi; Senator Danjuma Laah , Former Governor Ramalan Yero and others to APC recently unsettled the Elrufai.

Shehu Sani had said his major political interest in 2027 is to see Governor Uba Sani reelected as Kaduna State governor.

Unwilling to face the heat, Elrufai in a Facebook Post today formerly resigned from APC.

He declared: “Today, 10th March 2025, I have submitted a letter resigning my membership of the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately. Prior to this step, I had concluded consultations with my mentors, colleagues and loyalists across the country about the future. I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities.

“Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God.

“I therefore call on all our supporters and other persons concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP in the journey towards making Nigeria flourish as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race.”

Meanwhile,in a reaction via telephone call , Shehu Sani said leaving APC for SDP wouldn’t make any difference for someone with no political relevance again. But one thing is sure , President Bola Ahmed Tinubu And Governor Uba Sani will be voted again.

BY  Jose Munoz

The Arewa Youth Assembly For Good Leadership (AYAGL) has averred that putting into perspectives former and recent actions of the Senate President Godswill Akpabio against Northern Senators, it is crystal clear that the Senate President has something against the northern region hence fighting the North directly and indirectly.

AYAGL who also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call him to order

in the interest of justice, harmony and peace, posited that “For us as Northern Youths, we feel Akpabio is fighting the entire Northern region and would want to silence all the notable voices from the region who are critical of his high handedness and sectional politics”.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna, the Speaker of the AYAGL, Ambassador Abdul Danbature reiterated that, “going by what has happened under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio, we believe Akpabio is fighting the North directly or indirectly. Our reasons for this belief is not farfetched. The perfunctory suspension of distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti recently has reinforced our beliefs that Akpabio is fighting the North”.

The youth group queried’ “What has Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduanghan done to warrant her suspension from legislative duties for 6 months, what has She done to warrant her change of seat? What has She done to warrant her removal as Senate Committee Chairman on Local Content and above all, what has Northern women done for continue harassment?

“What has Northern Nigeria done against Senator Akpabio to stop a motion moved by senator Natasha on NLNG gas pipeline project to Northern Nigeria? Alot of questions are begging for answers and we hope Senator Akpabio will provide answers.

“Northern Nigeria deserves more than what its getting from Akpabio as Senate President. Without the overwhelming support of our Senators from the North, Akpabio wouldn’t be sitting as Senate President today. He must stop the victimisation of Senators from the North. He must stop his selective justice. He should realise that power, position and influence are ephemeral.

Since the emergence of Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, it has been one drama to another and as discerning Northern Nigeria Youth, we are gradually jumping to the conclusions that Akpabio has a axe to grind with some section of the country especially, the North.

 As Youth who constitute the bulk of the population of Northern Nigeria, we have unanimously resolved to lend our voice in condemnation of the mistreatment and maltreatment Northern Nigeria Senators have been subjected to under the leadership of Akpabio. 

We have endured and tolerated Akpabio beyond limit and now it is time to speak out. We have realised our Senators from the North are afraid to call a spade a spade because of fear of witch hunting and suspension from the Senate. 

Danbature further said, Senator Akpabio must stop relegating the North, stressing that “He must stop his anti North policy. Let Akpabio quickly recall Senator Natasha Akpoti in the interest of justice otherwise, posterity will remember him harshly.

“Let our Northern leaders call Senator Akpabio to order and let the Southern leaders too do same in the interest of peace and unity. This is not just a Senate issue but a national disgrace. Senator Akpabio has ridiculed and denigrated the parliament in Nigeria. We are now a laughing stock among the comity of Nations.

“Akpabio must heed to our call to recall Senator Natasha within 48 hours else we will occupy National Assembly Complex, block lokoja -Kaduna express road and all the 19 Northern States and FCT. We are very much ready and prepared to engage in civil protest until our demands are met. 

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to wade into this matter because some section of the North believes Akpabio could not have done this without his imprimatur”.

“As Youth, we are using this medium to tell Akpabio that Nothing last forever, no position is permanent and no power is eternal. Therefore, we will like to advise him to be circumspect and treat his colleagues equally and fairly”.

ENDS

Nigerians in Diaspora Forum (MDF) appeared divided about the planned protest against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the recent face-off with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

According to information gathered in the communique issued after a meeting held in London on Friday, some members insisted the protests scheduled for Monday 10,2025 in London and New York must be done and others disagreed.

The communique signed by Dr. Timothy Gabriel and made available via electronic mail to some journalists, revealed that some members of the Forum, backing Senator Natasha are of the view that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio is using his office to silence and malign an innocent woman,thus he should resign immediately.

The members, who are angry about the suspension of Senator Natasha , described the action of the Akpabio led Senate as an assault on democracy and a deliberate attempt to silence women in leadership.

They insisted on the planned protests and vowed to mobilise members thinking along same line in United States of America and United Kingdom to come out for the protests and tell the world about the injustice meted out on Natasha.

However ,those supporting Akpabio described the planned protests against Akpabio as nothing, but mischief-makers who are exploiting the process to embark on the protests to cast aspersions on the Senate President’s image.

The communique captured that they appeal to the Nigerians in Diaspora to avoid any action that cast aspersions on the image of our country and leadership of the Senate over an issue that been resolved with the floor of the Senate.

We are not in support of any protest after the Senate has taken action to suspend Senator Natasha.And therefore urge members of the Forum to avoid being used for sponsored protests aimed at personal political mischief.

The Senate had taken a decision to suspend after referring the matter to the Ethics Committee for fair hearing and transparency and the ends the stirred up tension.

…Says Action Will Have Adverse Effects on Economy

In playing the role of an arbiter, Sheikh Usman  Mohammed Musa and Sheikh Abbas Ibrahim have cautioned the Rivers State House of  Assembly  members against the widely rumoured move to impeach  Governor Siminalayi Fubara. 

Recalled that recently at the plenary on Wednesday, the second after the Supreme Court restored the 27 Pro-Wike Lawmakers, in a letter  profiled the constitutional infractions they claimed Fubara has committed.

But the Imams have expressed  fears with a note of caution that any attempt to impeach Governor Fubara will not only breach the existing peace enjoyed by the good people of State ,but also have consequential effects on the growing economy of the state and country at Large.

In a seven paragraphs statement jointly signed by Sheikh Usman Mohammed Bawa and Sheikh Abbas Ibrahim on behalf  of Concerned Muslim Imams (CMI),the Imams asked the lawmakers to avoid crisis that could lead to anarchy and wanton destruction of lives and  property of our Muslim brothers and others citizens in the State.

According  to the Imams,it appears  the pro-Wike lawmakers have revived their earlier attempt to impeach Governor Fubara, whom they accused  of violating the  Constitution by appointing persons to serve as commissioners without their approval

But in the interest of peace , the clerics who called for peace and harmony between the executive arm and some members of the House of Assembly, said  the need for robust relationship between the two arms of government is of paramount importance for growth and development.

The statement reads :” We are worried because we have lots of our Muslim brothers in Rivers State and  it is our desire that they are protected and secured ,thus our resolve to appeal to Amawhule led House of Assembly to create an atmosphere of peace .”

On the economic implications of the impeachment, the Imams said ,”If the impeachment threat against Fubara is allowed to pull through, we fear the youths may carry out the threat to shut down all the flow stations in the Niger Delta. At this juncture,we are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene to safe our refineries

“By and large, it will equally  heightened insecurity capable of scaring investors off the state. No investor is willing to put his investments where there is political instability. “

While wondering the motive behind the impeachment of a hardworking Governor such as Fubara, they queried ,” The rational behind the attempt by some members of the State House of Assembly to impeach a governor without any  known reason and recourse to the Constitution by which they came into the House and which they swore to uphold.

“We therefore urged all political actors  to sheath their swords and embrace dialogue. The state can only thrive and prosper in a peaceful and conducive atmosphere.

“We expect the political leaders amid the storm to be conscious of the fact that their actions have only succeeded in creating unnecessary tension and  fear in the minds of residents and citizens.  

“They however expressed concern that if the tension continues, it could plunge the state into an avoidable crisis with dire economic and social consequences.”

While urging Muslims in the state to support  Governor Fubara during the critical period of the threat to impeach him, the Imams called on the warring parties to set aside their grudges and iron out their differences .

Coalition of six northern based Civil Society Organisations have passed a vote of confidence Senate President Godswill Akpabio despite what it termed, “unfortunate and baseless” allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti.

According to the CSOs , the sexual allegation coming from a lawmaker is diversionary at this critical period when Nigerians are yearning for laws to help cushion effects of the harsh economy.

The group which stated this in a press statement signed by Comrade Mustapha Jibrin Musawa, described the allegation by Senator Natasha as nothing but, a calculated attempt to damage the hard earned political image and career of the Senate President .

While condemning Natasha for making such allegation against someone who is family friend and benefactor, the Coalition comprising Arewa Good Governance Forum; Peace and Unity Forum in North, Progressives Movement for Development, Development Initiative for Better Arewa and Forum for Advancement of Youths and Women explained ,”We are beginning to see the drama of Pull-him-down actions unveils in the manner sponsored protests have been deployed across Nigeria with a view to remove him for selfish political gains”.

The statement reads: ” When we are beginning to enjoy dividends of democracy under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led government as a result of the cordial relationship with National Assembly, suddenly comes this unnecessary distractions.

“From information gathered from the senators and members of House of Representatives, the detractors under guise of the sexual allegations are plotting to plant their own stooge as the Senate President ,who help them execute their plans to frustrate the good works of President Tinubu.

“The 10th Senate under Akpabio’s leadership has demonstrated high sense of maturity and even the critics today,are beginning to have rethink about the abinitio underated tarnished image of the National Assembly.”

The statement however, noted that Senator Akpabio who is widely known for his jovial gestures and nature since during his days as Governor of Akwa Ibom state could have been misread and interpreted. And for anyone to accuse him of sexual harassment is an aberration.

It further stater : “Akpabio has a track records of good relationship with people; performance and selfless service to his motherland, and we can watch Natasha damage these good side of him .

“It is against this background that as members of Civil Society Organizations from the north, we have come out strongly to support Akpabio and Pass a Vote of Confidence on his leadership as the Senate President.

“It therefore called for a full-scale investigation into the allegations made by Senator Natasha and reject the sponsored propaganda of character assassination.”

Women Rights and Justice Forum (WRJF),a coalition of women’s associations working to protect the interest of women has concluded arrangements to storm the Federal Capital Territory on Monday , March 10 to hold one million people march in protest against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio over alleged harassment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan .

According to women Rights group, part of reasons, it resolved to embark on the protest is call for resignation of the Senator President .

The group with members across the 36 states of Nigeria said it has already commenced mobilisation of women to come out and remain on the roads until President Bola Ahmed and the National Assembly remove Senator Akpabio from the highly exalted position of Senate President .

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uguaghan had accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment.She also alleged that Akpabio blocked her motions from being heard on the floor of the Senate because she rejected his advances.

In a Statement issued today and made available to Journalists in Kaduna, the Women Rights and Justice Forum,which condemned in strong terms any attempt by men in high positions to harass women for personal gains, hinted that,”The Million People March will be the first of a series of protests to call for the resignation of the Senator Akpabio, who allegedly harassed a woman”.

The statement signed the Coordinator of the Forum, Hajiya Hauwa Suleiman Usman explained: ” The decision to embark on the one million man March is equally to make strong statement that women will not tolerate such oppression and harassment against women in politics.

“We have waited and watched with keen interest to see if the Senate President will tow the honourable lane and apologize to Natasha after she was compelled to speak out on Arise Television, but we later discovered that some of the lawmakers and members of the public have taken side against her .

“As women, have decided to unite to stop these overt attempts to shut women down and make them second class citizens in their own country.

“To serve as deterrent to other men, we resolved to not only talk, but take decisive action to ensure that Senator Akpabio suffer for his actions to harass and undermine a woman for rejecting sexual advances.

“It unfortunate that without investigating the allegation, Akpabio’s wife, who should know her husband better concluded prematurely and dragged senator Natasha to court . But note this she will shocked after she sees evidence.

“Senator Akpabio must resign or we remain on the roads till he does so. “