Youth Groups Seek Stronger Collaboration With Defence Ministry on Peace and Security

 

A coalition of youth and civil society organisations has called for stronger collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Defence in efforts to promote peace, unity and security across Northern Nigeria.

The group, operating under the Forum for Youth Development, Unity & Peace Initiative (FYDUPI), made the call during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, in Abuja.

The delegation, which included members of the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership, ethnic nationality groups from Northern Nigeria, Christian Youth Alliance and other civil society partners, was led by its Chairman, Comrade Abdul Danbature.

The group said the visit was aimed at presenting a proposal focused on strengthening national security through coordinated youth and community engagement.

According to the delegation, key areas of focus include promoting peaceful coexistence among religious and ethnic groups, strengthening grassroots peacebuilding, supporting community-based intelligence sharing with security agencies, combating drug abuse among youths and enhancing youth empowerment initiatives.

Others include promoting public awareness of government and military achievements as well as encouraging productive youth engagement across communities.

The group said the Minister expressed readiness to work with them in advancing national peace and security efforts.

“He emphasized the importance of peace, unity, and continuous advocacy for social cohesion,” the statement said, adding that the Minister also stressed the need to address misinformation and ignorance through education and sustained engagement.

The delegation further noted that the Minister encouraged the use of social media platforms, including TikTok, as tools for promoting positive values and public enlightenment.

In recognition of the initiative, the Minister reportedly presented the delegation with an award, describing the engagement as a step toward stronger collaboration in support of national security objectives.

FYDUPI described the meeting as productive and reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Defence Ministry and other stakeholders to promote peace, unity and stability across the country.

The group said it would continue to pursue community-driven solutions aimed at addressing insecurity and strengthening social cohesion in Northern Nigeria and beyond.

Group Warns APC Against Imposing Kaduna Senate Candidate

The Capacity Movement has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against imposing a candidate for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that only a transparent and democratic primary process would be acceptable to party members.

The group issued the warning while rejecting the alleged endorsement of former senator Shehu Sani as a “consensus candidate” for the Kaduna Central Senate race.

In a statement signed by its President, Shehu Sani Sado, the movement described the purported endorsement as undemocratic and lacking broad consultation with stakeholders and aspirants within the party.

According to the statement, any attempt to impose a candidate could trigger discontent and political tension within the APC in Kaduna State.

“The APC must understand that fielding any unpopular or imposed candidate in Kaduna Central could have grave political consequences for the party in future elections,” the group stated.

The movement questioned how a credible consensus arrangement could emerge without the participation of other aspirants, including Yerima Shettima and Yusuf Zailani.

“We make bold to ask: how can any credible consensus emerge without broad consultations and the inclusion of other notable aspirants and stakeholders in the race?” the statement added.

The group also raised concerns over alleged links between the endorsement exercise and interests within the Kaduna State Government despite previous assurances that no aspirant would be favoured.

“It is also disturbing that despite repeated assurances by Governor Uba Sani, through the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, that there would be no anointed candidate in Kaduna State, an official campaign office allegedly linked to government interests is now being associated with this controversial endorsement exercise,” the statement said.

The Capacity Movement maintained that democracy within the APC could only thrive through openness, credibility and equal opportunity for all aspirants.

The group therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Uba Sani, the national leadership of the APC and the Kaduna State chapter of the party to guarantee free, fair and transparent primaries.

It specifically demanded direct primaries for the Kaduna Central Senatorial contest.

“We wish to state clearly, unequivocally and without ambiguity that we are demanding direct primaries for the Kaduna Central Senatorial contest,” the statement noted.

The movement further warned that any process perceived to deny aspirants a level playing field could be challenged through legal and political means.

“Anything short of a direct and credible democratic process will be resisted through every legitimate political and legal means available,” it added.

Northern Youth Groups Condemn Sealing of ACF Headquarters, Demand Legal Action

The Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations (JACON) has condemned the sealing of the national headquarters of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, describing the action as illegal and unconstitutional.

In a  statement jointly signed by Muhammad Isa, Director of Public and Strategic Communication of JACON, and the group’s Secretary, Comrade Raphael Terkolar, they stated that the closure of the ACF headquarters represented “a dangerous assault on the rule of law, fundamental rights of association, and the sanctity of civil society organization's in Northern Nigeria.”

The youth groups said there was no justification for the shutdown of the ACF office without due legal process.

“This draconian action… represents a dangerous assault on the rule of law,” the statement said, adding that the development was being viewed “not as an isolated act but as a calculated pattern of intimidation against voices of reason and conscience in our region.”

JACON accused the police of exceeding its constitutional powers, insisting that sealing a private property and civil society office without a court order amounted to abuse of power.

The group called on the Inspector-General of Police to identify and sanction officers allegedly involved in the action.

“We strongly condemn the Nigeria Police Force for overstepping its constitutional mandate,” the statement added.

The youth coalition further alleged that the action may have been aimed at silencing the ACF over its positions on governance and national issues.

It urged the leadership of the ACF to institute legal action against the Nigeria Police Force and any other parties connected to the sealing of the headquarters.

According to the group, the ACF should seek judicial pronouncement declaring the action unlawful and resist “any backdoor negotiations that legitimise the act.”

JACON also warned that northern youths may mobilise for peaceful protests and civil action should the ACF headquarters remain sealed.

The development comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ACF, which has pitched the Board of Trustees (BOT) against the National Executive Committee (NEC) over tenure disputes, constitutional interpretation and allegations of financial misconduct.

The internal rift has led to parallel claims of legitimacy by both camps, further deepening tensions within the influential northern socio-political organisation.

Kaduna 2027: Shettima Picks APC Nomination Forms for Senate Bid

A frontline aspirant for Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, has obtained his expression of interest and nomination forms on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The forms were collected on his behalf by his associates, Hon. Danjuma Paul and Barrister Onus Eugene.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the exercise, Shettima said his decision to pick the forms was aimed at dispelling doubts about his seriousness to contest the seat.

He recalled that he recently led a large crowd of supporters on a declaration visit to the party leadership in Kaduna State, where he formally signalled his intention to join the race.

The aspirant reaffirmed his readiness to participate in the party primaries and dismissed speculations about the emergence of a consensus candidate.

According to him, Kaduna Central requires quality representation in the Senate, stressing that he possesses the integrity, capacity and acceptance needed to serve the people effectively.

Shettima, a former President-General of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and convener of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative(NSCI), said his background in youth advocacy has strengthened his connection with the electorate.

Political observers believe his previous leadership roles have boosted his popularity, particularly among young people in the district.

Also speaking, President of the Capacity Movement, Shehu Sani Sado, described Shettima as a strong contender in the race, noting that current political dynamics favour his emergence.

He added that the aspirant remains one of the leading figures to watch in the Kaduna Central senatorial contest.

ENDS

AYAGL, CSOs Applaud Military Pensions Board Boss Over Reforms

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL), in collaboration with the Forum for Youth Development Unity & Peace Initiative and 11 other civil society organisations, has commended the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem, for what it described as outstanding leadership and transformative reforms in pension administration.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, and made available to newsmen,  the group said the Board under Abdulraheem’s leadership has emerged as a model of discipline, transparency and efficiency, particularly in the timely payment of entitlements to retired military personnel.

AYAGL President, Ambassador Abdul Danbature, who signed the statement on behalf of the coalition, noted that the consistent and prompt payment of pensions marks a significant departure from past challenges that had undermined the welfare of retirees.

He said, “The timely and consistent payment of retired military personnel under his leadership is not just commendable. It is exemplary and transformative.”

The group observed that pension administration in the military had, over the years, been fraught with delays and inefficiencies, but added that the current leadership of the Board has reversed the trend through deliberate reforms and administrative discipline.

According to the statement, key improvements recorded by the Board include enhanced operational efficiency, removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks, and the adoption of a people-centred approach that prioritises accountability and welfare.

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

The coalition also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Abdulraheem to lead the Board, describing the decision as strategic and impactful.

It stated that the appointment has yielded tangible results and underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening public institutions and improving governance.

While urging the Military Pensions Board to sustain and deepen the reforms, the group called on other government agencies to emulate the standard of service delivery demonstrated by the board.

AYAGL further reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance, accountability, and impactful leadership across the country.

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

ENDS

Kebbi State Government Moves to Address Power Supply Challenges, Set Up Investigative Committee

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has assured 

 the people of Kebbi State that his administration will do everything humanly possible to ensure they enjoy 24 hours electricity supply.

The governor also directed that a committee be established to investigate the causes of lingering epileptic power supply in the state.

He made this known during a meeting with KEDCO management and electricity consumers held in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday night.

The meeting, attended by the Managing Director, KEDCO, Dr Umar Hashidu, alongside other top management staff of the company, drew participants from various segments of society, electricity consumers from different walks of life, including government officials, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Trade Unions and ordinary citizens.

Governor Idris directed that the committee should comprise representatives from Kebbi Development Forum (KDF), Commissioners, Local Government Chairmen, CSOs, State Assembly, APC, NLC, Traditional Rulers, among others.

He stated that the committee would engage with the Kaduna Electric to identify the root  causes of epileptic power supply to Kebbi and recommend actionable solutions.

Idris assured that: "As a government, we are looking for another alternative as far as power is concerned and In-Sha-Allah, we will get there."

Earlier, the Secretary to Kebbi State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, said the essence of the meeting was to discuss with the suppliers of electricity why Kebbi was underserved towards finding a lasting solution to the lingering challenges of power.

In their submission, Mr Usman Anache, the NLC Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the state, and Mr Ibrahim Ngaski, Chairman, CSOs Kebbi State chapter, described the lingering power shortage as a sabotage against the government.

They insisted that over 70 per cent of power challenges were deliberately caused by Kaduna Electric.

Also in their separate submission, the Chairman, KDF, Alhaji Usman Abubakar, and the Youth Leader in the state, Ahmad Rufa'i, observed that Kaduna Electric did not invest 10 per cent of what the Kebbi Government invested in the purchase of electrical installations.

They urged the company to be fair, sincere and transparent in dealing with customers, adding that demands of Kaduna Electric on government and customers were endless.

The duo recalled that when power was under NEPA, the company used to replace poles, transformers, and other electrical installations, but today Kaduna Electric declines, leaving such responsibilities to government and communities.

In his response, the MD KEDCO insisted that the company was supplying power to Kebbi in different bands, adding that those on Band A were enjoying 24 hours power supply, while other bands were being served according to their band.

While assuring that, based on his record, Kebbi was getting power compared to some states, the MD, however, promised to improve the supply.

He also cited the vast landmass of Kebbi State as a logistical challenge, noting that it is comparable in size to some countries.

President Tinubu Condoles With Kebbi Govt. Over Bandits' Attack, Speaker's Death

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has visited Kebbi to sympathise with the State Governor and the entire people of the state over bandits' attack that claimed the lives of eleven security personnel in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State as well as the death of the Speaker, Kebbi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Usman-Zuru.

The President, who was represented by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, described the loss of the security personnel and the late speaker as a profound and painful one. 

Delivering his message of sympathy at the Government House in Birnin- kebbi, President Tinubu condemned the killing of the security personnel as a barbaric act and commended the gallant efforts of security in protecting lives and property. 

"We commend you for your efforts, the Federal Government is doing everything possible to support you in all ramifications.

"We are here to express our deep sympathy to the families of the fallen soldiers and the affected communities.

"We are also here to condole with you over the demise of the speaker, Kebbi State House of Assembly, late Rt. Hon. Muhammad Usman-Zuru," he said.

Responding, the Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris expressed appreciation to the President for the visit, noting that it demonstrate ls solidarity and shared grief with the people of the state.

The Governor explained that the security personnel were ambushed while responding to distress called in Shanga LGA.

He added that the state government made very effort to ensure the late speaker received adequate medical attention abroad but ultimately submitted to the will of Almighty Allah.

The governor commended the president for his  show of compassion, care and support to Kebbi State and its people.

Also speaking, the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Sanusi Mika'ilu, praised the governor for his sustained support to the families of victims and affected communities within the emirate.