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All Progressives Congress Support Vanguard(APCSV) has faulted the failure on side appointed aides to respond to former Minister of Transportation and former Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi over alleged incitement of anarchy against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

According to the Support group, it is unfair for Party members, especially appointed aides to pretend not understand the implications of such vituperation from Amaechi and others in recent time with no response from them .

The APC Support Vanguard, which states this in a statement made available to journalists today, observed that, “Aside the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, who issued a warning to the former Minister of Transportation, over what he described as reckless and inciting statements regarding the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, we are yet to see other that rose in his defense of the Tinubu “.

In the statement signed by the Chairman , Abdullahi Mohammed Tofa , the group said the former Minister of Transportation warning that President Bola Tinubu will not relinquish power to the younger generation without resistance and pushing for alleged do-or-die election is dangerous to our existence as a people .

The statement further reads ,”For anyone to make public statements such as, “If you think Tinubu will just give you power, you are wasting your time”, is nothing but,an incitement. And seeing majority of his aides main sealed lips leave a lots to be worried about.

“We Recalled how same Amaechi in 2024 questioned the preparedness of President Bola Tinubu on the removal of the fuel subsidy and returning again in 2025 to say the political class, including President Bola Tinubu, would not willingly cede power to the younger generation.

“We are not against criticism of any sort,but let it be such that will be constructive and not overheat the polity .” It stated .

While noting that the aides can’t claim not to understand the erroneous signals being sent to the public and the subtle push for anarchy ahead of the 2027 general elections, the group said ,”As concerned support group,who are disturbed about the unwarranted attacks on Tinubu within the party hierarchy such as; Amaechi and Elrufai, we call on appointees ,the party structure and friends of the President to reply Amaechi immediately and put the records straight.”

The former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central Senatorial zone , Senator Shehu Sani took a swipe at former Kaduna Governor,Mal Nasir Elrufai over his recent political comments of ,” Illiterates In Leadership Position”.

According to Shehu Sani, Elrufai in power practiced tyranny, but out of power he preaches democracy.

Former Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, had accused his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), of abandoning its founding principles and fostering poor leadership, saying “You cannot afford to have illiterates, semi-illiterates, and cunning people as your leaders. This is why we end up with the poor leadership we have today,”

But in a reaction to Elrufai’s comments, Senator Shehu Sani via a telephone interview said ,”The man with a history of undisguised intolerance to opposition and hypersensitive allergy to criticisms have no moral and saintly feet to stand on the pulpit of democracy to preach about good governance.

While stating that Elrufai is like a man who is turned down by a woman and resorted to speaking ill of her, he posited that ,”If Nasiru is in a Keke napep, he will call it a Lamborghini; if he is thrown out of the Lamborghini,he will call it a Keke Napep.

He demonised the opposition when in the palace and now embracing them when in the wilderness.

According to him , today Tinubu’s Government is led by illiterates, because they refused to hire Professor Nasiru,who left behind a heap of garbage in kaduna and now preaching hygiene in Nigeria

By: Abubakar Sadiq

The decision of Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, to re-award the revoked section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway to a new company has received backing from Northern Professionals. The group praised the move, stating that the re-award of the road contract for the important route linking northern states is laudable.

The Federal Government had previously revoked a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway contract handled by Julius Berger Construction Company due to a price dispute and completion timeline issues. However, with the recent decision, Northern Professionals have expressed joy, stating that their initial fears of possible delay and abandonment have been allayed.

In a statement jointly signed by Chairman Dr. Isa Samaila Getso and Secretary Comrade Ibrahim Mohammad Geidam, the group thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking proactive action to complete the Abuja-Kaduna road. They acknowledged being bitter and unsettled when the contract handled by Julius Berger was revoked but expressed happiness that the road, which had become a death trap, would now be completed.

“We want to unequivocally thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking proactive action to complete the Abuja Kaduna road,” the statement read. “We were highly bitter and unsettled when the news filtered that the contract handled by Julius Berger was revoked, but with the recent decision, we are happy that the road that has become death traps would now be completed.”

The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road project is a significant highway project aimed at improving connections between northern regions of Nigeria and the southern parts to enhance transportation, trade, and economic development in the region.

The Northern Professionals further stated that the completion of the road project would have a positive impact on the economy and security of the region. They commended Minister Umahi for his commitment to completing the project and expressed their support for the Federal Government’s efforts to improve infrastructure in the country.

By Mustafa Olayinka

The Akeja family of Aleke village in Isiwu town, Ikorodu Area of Lagos state is appealing for intervention from the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbotekun, Department of State Security and other relevant security agencies for immediate intervention in a land dispute involving the family and an alleged land grabber, Mr. Kamorudeen Lamina Olaseni popularly known as sir Kay Olowo who sold out their lands.

The family is seeking for justice over a long standing land disputes cases between the family and Mr. Adeniyi Odu Okemati, Mr. Rasheed Ogunbanwo among others which they claimed bought their lands from the land grabber.

Recall that Justice L.B Lawal Akapo of Lagos state court Ikeja Division Court No.15 on June 26th, 2024 ruled in favor of the members of Akeja of Aleke village as the geniune owners of the land.

In his judgement the judge said ” A declaration that members of the Akeja and Adembori families of Aleke village who have farms at Aleke village are the persons entitled to the grant of statutory/customary right of occupancy in respect of their respective farmlands at Aleke village over which they have exercised acts of ownership, enjoyed physical possession and control pursuant to Ijebu land holding system as ‘alego’ particularly described and contained in survey of Lagos government plans.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Elder name withheld due to threat said the issues is causing torture, unrest and disrupting the lives of family members and the residents in the community.

The source alleged that the land grabber has been mobilizing touts to beat and intimidate family members that dare to go against his wish.

Some of the touts mentioned to this medium includes Azeez awobo ( aka popo ), Kolawole Emmanuel ( aka stainless), Seun onifade (oro killer)
Bode oduyebo (aka general), Akeem (aka spirit), Semiu asikolaye (aka aji white)
Afolayan ( aka afo), Tajudeen ( aka obasanjo), Alahaji isiaka (aka elegusi) to deal mercilessly with any person that crosses their parts.

Recall that the Lagos State Property Protection Law, 2016, prohibits the use of force or self-help to take over landed property, but its implementation remains a concern.

Several attempts to get contact if the alleged land grabber at the time of filing this report was not successful.

Angered by the recent criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu policies by prominent northerners , the Northeast based Socio-Political Group under umbrella of Forum for Northeast Development has condemned Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed and Major Hamza Almustapha Former Chief Security Officer to late former Head of State , Gen Sani Abacha, Major Almustapha.

The Forum, which claimed Tinubu’s reform would be of great benefits to the north in the long run said, it has carefully studied the President after he was sworn in, and discovered he means well .

He however, stated that it has come out to back the new tax reform policies initiated by President Bola Ahmed Bola Tinubu, because the Northeast and entire northern region will benefit immensely.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Forum,Alhaji Baba Mala Biu and Comrade Lawan Mohammed, the Forum for Northeast Development explained :”First,we have no reason to complain because our son that the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima is from the northeast geopolitical zone and we believe he can’t betray us as a people as one of the trusted individuals that we rely upon politically.

“It is really unfortunate that some northerners such as :Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed and Former Chief Security Officer to late former Head State ,Major Hamza Almustapha have raised voices against a president that is working hard to restore the economy and indices of growth and development.

Whiles urging people of northeast and other parts of the north to remain hopeful and have confidence in Tinubu and Shettima led administration, it expressed optimism that the tax Reform policies and other economic reform policies are geared toward establishing a solid foundation for sustainable development in the region.

So, it is unwise and unacceptable for anyone from northeast region to join haters of the President to criticize reforms geared revamping our economy.

The forum however, condemned the duo of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed and Former Chief Security Officer to Late Head of State,Gen. Sani Abacha for their unnecessary criticisms and game of playing to gallery to gain cheap popularity.

Recalled that former Chief Security Officer and ex-presidential candidate of Action Alliance (AA), Major Hamza Al-Mustapha claimed President Bola Tinubu squandered has his goodwill with his shambolic performance since assuming office, highlighting the need for Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s potential, describing it as a ‘blessed but disorganised land.

Similarly ,Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, had criticised President Bola Tinubu, saying his economic reform policies are putting the North and Nigerians at large under strain.

But, we are putting the records straight that President Tinubu together with Senate Kashim Shettima are two set of focused and committed individuals who are passionate and have sound knowledge about good governance and selfless service to the humanity.

It against this back that we asked people from the Northeast to support President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to succeed and take us that desires level of development.

By Abubakar Sadiq

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has expressed profound disappointment and outrage at the recent actions of the Northern Governors’ Forum regarding the proposed tax reform bills. NAN in a statement issued by its Chairman Salihu Suleiman also condemned in the strongest possible terms the governors’ blatant disregard for the democratic principles of consultation and transparency.

Their unilateral decision to proceed with these bills, after previously assuring the populace of their opposition, constitutes a profound betrayal of public trust and a grave abuse of power. “NAN demands a full and transparent explanation of the governors’ decision-making process, along with a clear accounting of how they arrived at their conclusions without any demonstrable evidence of consultation with the very people they misled.

“The Northern Governors’ initially presented a united front against the proposed tax reforms, leveraging public sentiment and concerns to seemingly champion the interests of the Northern region. They actively campaigned against the bills, portraying them as detrimental to the economic wellbeing of Northerners. This strategic positioning skillfully gained the trust and confidence of the populace, who overwhelmingly rejected the reforms based on the governors’ assurances.

“However, the recent shift in stance demonstrates a cynical manipulation of public opinion, a calculated ploy to win popular support only to subsequently abandon it for reasons yet to be explained. This calculated deception is not merely a political misstep; it is a profound breach of the social contract between the governors and the people they represent.

“The subsequent adoption of the bills without prior notice or meaningful consultation reveals a disregard for democratic processes and a contempt for the will of the people. The Northern Governors’ Forum has failed to provide any credible evidence of consultation with relevant stakeholders before endorsing the tax reform bills. This omission is unacceptable. A crucial element of good governance involves transparent and inclusive decision-making processes.

“Meaningful engagement with communities, civil society organizations, and other representatives of the populace is paramount before enacting legislation with such potentially significant implications. The absence of any public consultation renders the governors’ decision arbitrary and illegitimate. It undermines the democratic foundation upon which their authority rests.

The Northern Awareness Network demands a comprehensive explanation for this lack of consultation, including the identification of all individuals and groups who were involved in the decision-making process. We also demand the release of all documentation relating to the decision to support the bills, including any internal memos, correspondence, and analyses that informed the governors’ change of heart.

The Governors’ attempt to justify their sudden change of heart by suggesting that the tax reforms will ultimately benefit the Northern region rings hollow in the absence of concrete evidence. Their claim that the previously condemned bills will now somehow have a positive impact on the region lacks credibility and smacks of desperation. This assertion appears to be a thinly veiled attempt to buy time and deflect criticism for their about-face. It is a blatant attempt to mask their failures and avoid accountability for their actions.

The Northern Awareness Network challenges the governors to present compelling evidence, backed by rigorous data and independent analysis, to substantiate their claims. We demand a detailed breakdown of how these reforms will specifically improve the economic conditions in the Northern region, addressing concerns about potential negative impacts on vulnerable populations. Without such evidence, the governors’ justification remains unconvincing and further fuels public distrust.

“The Northern Awareness Network demands immediate and concrete action from the Northern Governors’ Forum. We call upon them to Publicly apologize for the deception and betrayal of public trust, Provide a full and transparent explanation of the decision-making process that led to the endorsement of the tax reform bills, including the identification of all individuals and organizations involved, release all relevant documentation pertaining to the decision”.

NAN also demands the governors to conduct a thorough and independent review of the potential impact of the tax reforms on the Northern region, involving representatives from civil society, academia, and other relevant stakeholders, engage in meaningful and inclusive consultations with the people of the North before proceeding with the implementation of the reforms.

“The Northern Governors’ Forum’s actions represent a grave threat to democratic governance in the Northern region. Their blatant disregard for the principles of consultation, transparency, and accountability has eroded public trust and undermined the legitimacy of their authority.

“The Northern Awareness Network will not stand idly by while our elected officials engage in such deceitful and manipulative tactics. We will continue to advocate for good governance, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that the voices of the Northern people are heard and respected. We will closely monitor the governors’ response to our demands and take further action if necessary to ensure that justice is served and the interests of the people are protected

By Abubakar Sadiq

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has expressed profound disappointment and outrage at the recent actions of the Northern Governors’ Forum regarding the proposed tax reform bills. NAN in a statement issued by its Chairman Salihu Suleiman also condemned in the strongest possible terms the governors’ blatant disregard for the democratic principles of consultation and transparency.

Their unilateral decision to proceed with these bills, after previously assuring the populace of their opposition, constitutes a profound betrayal of public trust and a grave abuse of power. “NAN demands a full and transparent explanation of the governors’ decision-making process, along with a clear accounting of how they arrived at their conclusions without any demonstrable evidence of consultation with the very people they misled.

“The Northern Governors’ initially presented a united front against the proposed tax reforms, leveraging public sentiment and concerns to seemingly champion the interests of the Northern region. They actively campaigned against the bills, portraying them as detrimental to the economic wellbeing of Northerners. This strategic positioning skillfully gained the trust and confidence of the populace, who overwhelmingly rejected the reforms based on the governors’ assurances.

“However, the recent shift in stance demonstrates a cynical manipulation of public opinion, a calculated ploy to win popular support only to subsequently abandon it for reasons yet to be explained. This calculated deception is not merely a political misstep; it is a profound breach of the social contract between the governors and the people they represent.

“The subsequent adoption of the bills without prior notice or meaningful consultation reveals a disregard for democratic processes and a contempt for the will of the people. The Northern Governors’ Forum has failed to provide any credible evidence of consultation with relevant stakeholders before endorsing the tax reform bills. This omission is unacceptable. A crucial element of good governance involves transparent and inclusive decision-making processes.

“Meaningful engagement with communities, civil society organizations, and other representatives of the populace is paramount before enacting legislation with such potentially significant implications. The absence of any public consultation renders the governors’ decision arbitrary and illegitimate. It undermines the democratic foundation upon which their authority rests.

The Northern Awareness Network demands a comprehensive explanation for this lack of consultation, including the identification of all individuals and groups who were involved in the decision-making process. We also demand the release of all documentation relating to the decision to support the bills, including any internal memos, correspondence, and analyses that informed the governors’ change of heart.

The Governors’ attempt to justify their sudden change of heart by suggesting that the tax reforms will ultimately benefit the Northern region rings hollow in the absence of concrete evidence. Their claim that the previously condemned bills will now somehow have a positive impact on the region lacks credibility and smacks of desperation. This assertion appears to be a thinly veiled attempt to buy time and deflect criticism for their about-face. It is a blatant attempt to mask their failures and avoid accountability for their actions.

The Northern Awareness Network challenges the governors to present compelling evidence, backed by rigorous data and independent analysis, to substantiate their claims. We demand a detailed breakdown of how these reforms will specifically improve the economic conditions in the Northern region, addressing concerns about potential negative impacts on vulnerable populations. Without such evidence, the governors’ justification remains unconvincing and further fuels public distrust.

“The Northern Awareness Network demands immediate and concrete action from the Northern Governors’ Forum. We call upon them to Publicly apologize for the deception and betrayal of public trust, Provide a full and transparent explanation of the decision-making process that led to the endorsement of the tax reform bills, including the identification of all individuals and organizations involved, release all relevant documentation pertaining to the decision”.

NAN also demands the governors to conduct a thorough and independent review of the potential impact of the tax reforms on the Northern region, involving representatives from civil society, academia, and other relevant stakeholders, engage in meaningful and inclusive consultations with the people of the North before proceeding with the implementation of the reforms.

“The Northern Governors’ Forum’s actions represent a grave threat to democratic governance in the Northern region. Their blatant disregard for the principles of consultation, transparency, and accountability has eroded public trust and undermined the legitimacy of their authority.

“The Northern Awareness Network will not stand idly by while our elected officials engage in such deceitful and manipulative tactics. We will continue to advocate for good governance, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that the voices of the Northern people are heard and respected. We will closely monitor the governors’ response to our demands and take further action if necessary to ensure that justice is served and the interests of the people are protected

By Aliyu Umar

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has condemned the Northern Governors’ sudden change of heart regarding the national tax reform bills. The governors initially opposed the reforms, citing concerns about their potential negative impact on the Northern economy. However, they have now inexplicably capitulated to the reforms, leaving many questioning their motives.

According to the AYCF, the governors’ actions constitute a clear betrayal of the trust placed in them by the Northern people. By initially opposing the tax reforms and then conceding, they have demonstrated a fundamental lack of respect for the electorate. The AYCF has called for greater accountability from the governors, urging them to focus on their primary responsibilities.

The AYCF President General, Yerima Shettima, stated that the governors’ initial opposition to the tax reforms was fundamentally flawed. Their arguments lacked substance and failed to acknowledge the vital role of robust taxation in funding essential public services. Instead of engaging constructively with the government, they chose to employ divisive rhetoric, fueling public unrest and hindering national progress.

The AYCF believes that the tax reforms are essential for Nigeria’s overall development, despite potential short-term challenges. The organization has maintained its support for the reforms, recognizing that effective taxation is the cornerstone of a functioning and prosperous nation.

The Northern Governors’ opposition to the tax reforms has been linked to their wider failures in managing their respective states. Many Northern states grapple with persistent poverty, underdevelopment, and a lack of basic amenities. The AYCF contends that the governors’ initial opposition was a distraction tactic, an attempt to mask their incompetence and avoid accountability for their shortcomings.

The AYCF has called upon the Northern Governors to provide a clear and transparent explanation for their change of heart. The people deserve to know the reasons behind this abrupt shift and whether any concessions were made that would compromise the effectiveness of the tax reforms.

The organization has also urged the governors to focus on their primary responsibilities, improving the lives of the people they represent through good governance and effective resource management. The hasty surrender to the tax reform bills without

Kaduna, Nigeria – The Northern Coalition of Socio-Political Groups (NCSPG) has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, of sabotaging the administration of current Governor, Senator Uba Sani. The accusation was made at a press conference held at the Arewa House in Kaduna, where Comrade Musa Mohammed, the National President of NCSPG, revealed that the coalition had uncovered a plot by El-Rufai to undermine Governor Uba Sani’s administration.

According to Mohammed, El-Rufai’s actions are in response to the Kaduna State House Assembly’s adoption of a report recommending that El-Rufai and his aides be investigated for alleged financial mismanagement. The report accused El-Rufai’s administration of leaving behind a debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities.

Mohammed stated that instead of cooperating with the investigation, El-Rufai had resorted to clandestine meetings and plotting against Governor Uba Sani. The coalition warned El-Rufai to desist from his actions, emphasizing that they would not hesitate to defend Governor Uba Sani and the people of Kaduna State.

The NCSPG expressed satisfaction with Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, citing his commitment to good governance despite the challenges posed by the debt burden inherited from El-Rufai’s administration. Mohammed noted that Governor Uba Sani had decided to follow due process in unraveling the truth about the debt burden, rather than resorting to confrontation.

The coalition vowed to resist any attempts by El-Rufai to unseat Governor Uba Sani, emphasizing that the people of Kaduna State would not be swayed by El-Rufai’s “evil machinations.” Mohammed declared that Governor Uba Sani had done well and would continue to work tirelessly to develop Kaduna State.

Mohammed also called on anti-graft agencies to take immediate action against El-Rufai, citing the recent arrest of his finance commissioner as evidence of embezzlement. The coalition prayed for peace and tranquility in Kaduna State and the country at large.

The press conference was attended by various stakeholders, including journalists, civil society organizations, and community leaders. The NCSPG’s allegations against El-Rufai are likely to generate significant attention and debate in the coming days.

It remains to be seen how El-Rufai will respond to the allegations, but one thing is clear: the political landscape in Kaduna State is set to become increasingly contentious in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

As the situation unfolds, the people of Kaduna State will be watching closely to see how their leaders respond to the challenges ahead.

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State Chapter, has expressed disappointment over Punch Newspaper’s criticism of the federal government’s decision to establish a Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Southern Kaduna. In a press statement signed by the Chairman, Luka Binniyat, the MBF questioned the newspaper’s motives, wondering why it did not condemn the establishment of four new federal tertiary institutions in Zaria town, which already has 11 federal institutions.

According to Binniyat, the Punch Newspaper’s editorial of January 7, 2025, dismissing the new university as “political” and a “Greek gift,” was unfair and demonstrated a lack of understanding of the historical marginalization of Southern Kaduna. “We feel that had the Editors of Punch been armed with the shocking marginalization that Southern Kaduna has suffered in the allocation of federal institutions in Kaduna State, they would have written their editorial from a rather sympathetic perspective,” Binniyat said.

The MBF chairman noted that Southern Kaduna, which makes up 12 local government areas out of the 23 in Kaduna State, has been neglected in the allocation of federal institutions. “Kaduna State has an approximate landmass of 46,000 square kilometers, out of which Southern Kaduna has an estimated 26,000 square kilometers. Yet, Southern Kaduna has no single university,” Binniyat lamented.

Binniyat also pointed out that the new university in Kachia already has a well-developed physical structure, courtesy of the privately-built Nok University, which was forfeited to the federal government by the EFCC. “Unlike Speaker Abbas, who secured N80 billion funding for Zaria’s new schools, the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, is not costing the federal government much to build,” he said.

The MBF chairman questioned the Punch Newspaper’s silence on the establishment of four new federal tertiary institutions in Zaria town, which already has 11 federal institutions. “Why didn’t the Editors of Punch write their editorial condemning the creation of new federal universities when Zaria town, which is already saturated with federal institutions, got additional four new ones?” Binniyat asked.

Binniyat also expressed concern that the Punch Newspaper’s criticism may be motivated by a desire to discourage the federal government from establishing the new university. “We suspect that the motive behind the Punch Editorial is to discourage the federal government from seeing the takeoff of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia,” he said.

The MBF chairman emphasized the importance of the new university to the people of Southern Kaduna, who have been historically marginalized. “A university is not merely a place of learning; it is an economy and a development hub of its own, with accompanied value chains that could dramatically spark unprecedented prosperity to its area of location and environs,” Binniyat said.

Binniyat called on the Punch Newspaper to reconsider its stance on the new university, noting that the MBF would appreciate a follow-up editorial that takes into account the historical context of Southern Kaduna’s marginalization. “We hope that the Punch Newspaper will do the right thing and give us a balanced reportage,” he said.

In conclusion, Binniyat reiterated the MBF’s commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of the people of Southern Kaduna. “We will continue to speak out against injustice and marginalization, and we will not be silenced by critics who do not understand our struggles,” he said.