Arewa Youth Consultative Forum Affirms INEC's Credibility Following Peter Obi's Comments

By Editor

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has reiterated its unwavering trust in the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following recent comments made by presidential candidate Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

In a statement issued by Yerima Shettima, President General of the AYCF, the Forum reiterates its longstanding belief that INEC is a reputable institution that consistently upholds the principles of fairness, impartiality, and transparency in conducting elections. Peter Obi's acknowledgment that the judiciary, rather than INEC, poses the greatest challenge to Nigeria's democracy, further strengthens our conviction in the integrity of INEC.

The AYCF has long maintained that INEC is a credible, impartial, and unbiased institution that consistently conducts credible elections. Peter Obi's remarks have vindicated our stance and affirmed that INEC is not the primary obstacle to democratic electoral practices in Nigeria.

We emphasized the importance of strong institutions like INEC in ensuring the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process. He further highlighted the detrimental impact of the judiciary assuming the role of the sole arbiter in election matters.

"The AYCF firmly believes that strong and independent institutions such as INEC are essential in preserving the democratic fabric of our nation. The Forum recognizes the critical role that INEC plays in upholding the will of the people through free, fair, and credible elections. 

"We commend INEC for its dedication to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and safeguarding the democratic rights of Nigerian citizens.

It is our steadfast belief that any attempts to undermine the credibility of INEC or question its impartiality are detrimental to the progress of our democratic system. 

"The AYCF stands firm in its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria's electoral system. We will continue to advocate for the independence and effectiveness of INEC in carrying out its constitutional mandate".

Furthermore, the AYCF condemns any undue interference or overreach by the judiciary in electoral affairs. We believe that the judiciary's role in electoral matters should be limited to adjudicating legal disputes and upholding the rule of law, rather than assuming the primary responsibility for determining electoral outcomes. Such interference undermines the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process and threatens the foundations of democracy in Nigeria.

The AYCF called on all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the media, to support and uphold the independence of INEC in conducting free, fair, and credible elections, while also urging all Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively participate in the electoral process to safeguard the democratic principles upon which our nation is founded.

ENDS

Gov. Idris donates additional vehicle to Press Crew

 

By Editor 

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has  donated an additional operational vehicle to Government House Press Crew to boost its official function.

Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor disclosed this shortly after receiving the vehicle, a Peogeot 406 Wagon from Hon. Zayyanu Sanka, Special Adviser to the Governor on Pilgrimage.

"The vehicle was donated to Press Crew in addition to the HILUX vehicle they were using, this is with a view to enhancing the performance of members of the crew," he said.

Responding on behalf of the crew, the CPS appreciated the governor for what he described as a kind gesture directed towards optimal productivity.

"I, on behalf of members of Kebbi State Government House Crew, want to sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris for supporting the crew to discharge their official function efficiently and effectively.

"I, also want to advise the crew members to make judicious use of the vehicle to discharge their official function diligently," he advised. 

Gov. Idris flags-off distribution of FG's assorted grains

By Editor

The Kebbi State Governor,  Comrade Dr Nasir Idris has flagged-off the distribution of assorted grains provided by the Federal Government to vulnerable members of the society.

Speaking at the distribution ceremony on Wednesday at Bulasa Birnin Kebbi, the governor said the gesture was meant to support and reduce the poverty amongst the less privileged.

He said the initiative underscored the government's commitment in supporting those in need especially in this challenging times.

The governor said: "In the face of the ongoing global challenges, it is imperative that we come together as a community to support the vulnerable citizens," he urged.

Dr Idris observed that distribution of assorted grains as palliative was a crucial step towards ensuring that those most in need receive the necessary support and assistance in this trying times.

He described the gesture as an act of kindness and generosity of APC led-administration towards making a real difference by impacting in the lives of those facing hardship and uncertainty.

"I will like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the federal government under the able leadership of our dear President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift response and unwavering commitment in providing relief to the most vulnerable members of our society," he noted.

In her remarks, the Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar commended the federal government and Kebbi State Government for supporting the less privileged members of the state.

She said the gesture from the federal government was aimed at reducing poverty acoss the country.

The director general said the gesture would be distributed across the state 21 local government areas to purely vulnerable persons in the society.

Absent-Mindedness and Human Stupidity: The Case of Abubakar Matawalle

By Suleiman Abbah

Stupidity is a concept that has puzzled and fascinated philosophers, psychologists, and ordinary people for centuries. It is not just a lack of intelligence or knowledge, but a complex array of behaviors and decisions that defy logic and reason. Human stupidity can be categorized into distinct groups, with the most puzzling being individuals who harm themselves and others due to their nonsensical decisions.

One of the most frustrating aspects of stupidity is when individuals display behaviors that are clearly illogical and harmful. We see this in the blind devotion of some to politicians or ideologies that are clearly damaging to their own interests. The root causes of such stupidity often lie in inherent flaws such as arrogance, self-delusion, persistent ignorance, and absent-mindedness. 

Abubakar Matawalle, the self-proclaimed secretary of Voice of Zamfara, serves as a poignant case study in the realm of human stupidity. His fervent defense of protests against Minister of State for Defence Bello Mohammed Matawalle highlights the blind loyalty and stubbornness often associated with such behavior. Abubakar Matawalle's attempts to justify these protests by revising history to suit certain political agendas are not only nonsensical but also harmful.

His blind devotion to his paymasters and his willingness to spread falsehoods and provoke conflict reflect a disturbing lack of critical thinking and rationality. His actions not only harm himself but also contribute to the propagation of harmful narratives and divisiveness within society. 

The behavior exhibited by Abubakar Matawalle serves as a stark reminder of the damaging potential of human stupidity. By aligning himself with divisive and destructive forces, he exemplifies the irrationality and harmful nature of blind loyalty and flawed reasoning. His actions underscore the importance of recognizing and challenging such behavior in order to prevent further harm and promote critical thinking within society.

In his efforts to justify the protests, Abubakar Matawalle shamefully attempts to revise history to suit certain agendas of his paymasters like Aminu Sani Jaji sponsored by the Governor Dauda Lawal's administration which has acquired the reputation of being the worst in the history of Zamfara State in terms of any capacity to generate credible goals.

In his misguided efforts to defend these protests, Abubakar Matawalle conveniently ignores the pivotal role played by Bello Matawalle in the 2023 elections. Bello Matawalle's relentless efforts to mobilize the Northern populace in support of Bola Tinubu were instrumental in bringing about positive change in the region. 

Abubakar Matawalle did this by disregarding the fact that it was Bello Matawalle who fought against significant odds to ensure the North-West votes overwhelmingly went to Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress and combined with those from other parts of the nation to comprehensively reject the Peoples Democratic Party, a party that had run its course. 

Abubakar seemed to have forgotten the pivotal role played by Bello Matawalle, the Zonal Coordinator of the Tinubu campaign for the North-West, in the 2023 elections. Matawalle's efforts were nothing short of extraordinary as he tirelessly worked to mobilize the Northern populace to come out and vote for change. His selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to the Tinubu cause represented a turning point in the fight against poor governance, indifference, and corruption that had plagued the nation throughout the PDP years.

From Sokoto to Kano, Katsina to Jigawa, Bello Matawalle galvanized Northern groups and political elites to unite in support of Tinubu and a better future. The people, especially the poor, young, and women, responded to the Bello Matawalle pull and rejected the culture of receiving handouts in exchange for their votes and instead chose to empower themselves by electing Tinubu who would prioritize their security and prosperity.

The success of President Tinubu in the North-West was a testament to Bello Matawalle's leadership and the triumph of popular will over deaperate attempts to manipulate it. 

Despite facing criticism and unwarranted attacks from such detractors as Jaji and attack dogs as Abubakar, Matawalle remained a beacon of respect, integrity, and decency. His dignified response to their accusations and provocations only served to highlight his unwavering commitment to serving the people and upholding the values of good governance.

It is unfortunate that despite Matawalle's exemplary conduct, there are those like Jaji and Abubakar who continue to spread falsehoods and attempt to provoke him into reacting. These individuals have thrown every accusation imaginable at the Defence Minister, yet he has maintained his composure and refused to be drawn into unnecessary conflicts.

Bello Matawalle's resilience in the face of such adversity is a testament to his character and unwavering dedication to the betterment of society. As he continues to lead the Defence Ministry with grace and humility, his supporters stand by him, unwavering in their loyalty and admiration for a leader who embodies the values of respect, integrity, and compassion.

On the other hand, the kind of behavior exhibited by Abubakar in the service of his paymasters can only be described as nonsensical and harmful to both himself and others and a classic example of how stupidity can drive individuals to make decisions that are clearly irrational and harmful.

Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, individuals like Abubakar Matawalle persist in their misguided beliefs and actions, causing harm to themselves and their masters in the process. Their inability to see beyond their own biases and agendas highlights the irrationality and damaging nature of human stupidity.

In the grand scheme of things, Abubakar Matawalle's actions may seem inconsequential, but they serve as a stark reminder of the power of stupidity to cloud our judgment and lead us astray. It is a sobering reflection of the human capacity for irrationality and folly, despite all our advances in knowledge and technology.

In conclusion, the case of Abubakar Matawalle sheds light on the complexities of human folly and the potential harm that can arise from blind devotion and flawed reasoning. As we navigate the challenges of modern society, it is crucial that we remain vigilant against the influence of stupidity and strive towards greater rationality and critical thinking in our actions and decisions. By doing so, we can work towards a more enlightened and harmonious society, free from the damaging consequences of irrational behavior and misguided beliefs. It ibs up to us to recognize and challenge the influence of stupidity in our lives, before it leads us down a path of self-destruction and harm.

Journalist gets training on conflict sensitive reporting

 

Journalists during training

By Editor

In a bid to adapt to evolving conflict dynamics exacerbated by social media and ensure more responsible reporting, journalists in Jos, Plateau State, underwent a comprehensive one-day workshop on Conflict-sensitive Reporting for Media Practitioners.

The workshop, facilitated by Peace Action for Rapid, Transformative Nigerian Early Response (PARTNER), a USAID-funded program by Mercy Corps, aimed to equip media practitioners with the necessary skills to incorporate conflict sensitivity guidance into their reporting with participants drawn from the plateau Peace Media Network

Danjuma Saidu Dawup, the Chief of Party for PARTNER, emphasized the need to recognize the changing context and dynamics of various communities, especially in light of social media's influence on conflict dynamics. He stressed that conflicts often spill from online spaces will ripple effects on offline dynamics, either exacerbating tensions or fostering peace, underscoring the importance of collaboration between media and peace-building organizations.

The training sought to foster a symbiotic relationship between media and peace-building initiatives, allowing for the dissemination of peace messages to a wider audience. Dawup expressed expectations that the media would utilize their platforms to reach communities beyond the scope of traditional interventions, leveraging their influence to promote peace.

Chrysantus Lapang, the Mercy Corps' Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) Technical Manager for the PARTNER project, highlighted the critical role of journalists in conflict prevention and resolution. He emphasized the importance of understanding conflict sensitivity and underlining indicators, as journalists serve as primary communicators to the public.

Lapang emphasized that journalists play a pivotal role in shaping public perception and behavior through their reporting. By adopting conflict-sensitive reporting practices, journalists can help alleviate tensions and create an environment conducive to peaceful conflict resolution.

Furthermore, Lapang underscored the role of journalists in early warning and response, noting that their timely and accurate reporting can prevent misinformation and disinformation from fueling violence. He emphasized the need for journalists to report on early warning indicators, enabling authorities to address potential conflicts before they escalate.

The workshop provided journalists with valuable insights and tools to navigate the complex landscape of conflict reporting, with a focus on promoting peace, understanding, and responsible journalism. Also encouraging collaborative efforts between media practitioners and peace-building.

Kebbi govt. provides land to FHA for construction of 500 housing units

By Editor

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris has provided land to the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) for the construction of five hundred (500) housing units for civil servants in the state.

The Governor disclosed this on Thursday when he received the Managing Director/CEO Federal Housing Authority Abuja, Hon. Oyetunde Oladimeji-Ojo who was in Government House on a courtesy visit.

He added that his administration would provide an enabling environment for them to provide a beautiful and befitting housing estate for the workers.

"My administration promised to give quality houses for the civil servants in the state, I am ready to collaborate with the federdal housing authority and any financial institution that will bring changes and development to my administration and give my people a sense of belonging," he said.

The governor applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for championing the course of renewed hope agenga and his strive to ensure smooth democratic process in the country.

Dr Idris assured the team that his administration would pay for the land compensation and promised to give any other necessary support required.

Responding, the Managing Director/CEO federal housing authority, Mr Oyetunde Oladimeji-Ojo commended the governor for embarking on developmental projects that had direct bearing to the lives of people of the state.

The Managing Director who was accompanied by the permanent Secretary Ministry of Land and Housing TPL Abubakar Ahmed said that the essence of the visit was to seek collaboration with the state government and any financial institution to provide housing units to the workers.

"The visitation that I embarked on across the country is part of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's renewed hope agenda targeted at providing dividends of democracy to the people. We want to choose Kebbi state for a grand ceremony where Mr president will flag-off the programme" he added.

He then thanked the governor for the worthm reception accorded them since they arrived Kebbi state.

Those in attendance are the Secretary to the Kebbi State Government Yakubu Bala-Tafida, Head of Service Alhaji Safiyanu Garba-Bena, Hon. Commissioner for finance, Alhaji Abubakar Chika, Hon. Commissioner Environment Musa Tunbulawa, and the permanent secretary ministry of land and Housing TPL Abubakar Ahmed who lead the team for the assessment.

Seat of God FC Not Disbanded- Management

By Editor

The attention of the management of the Seat of God FC has been drawn to a malicious and unsubstantiated news making the rounds as being peddled by enemies of the club that the club has been disbanded.

The information is not true and certainly the greatest of lies from the pit of hell to tarnish the image of the club and draw it into the mud by such rumours.

For the records, the Seat of God FC has not been disbanded and there is no such plan either now or in the future to disband it.

Recall that the Seat of God FC has played consistently the Nationwide League One (NLO) for the past four seasons.

We therefore call on the good people of Kaduna State, the management of the NLO and Nigerians to disregard such malicious rumour as it is the opinion and imaginations of the peddlers.

 

For the record,  the management only addressed the players,coaches and other crew at the end of the season to take a short break to allow the management take proper assessment of the 2024 NLO season and how the team has performed  and come up with ways of making it better preparatory to the 2025NLO season.

The Seat of God FC is still intact and will resume preparations for the next season after the break stronger and more focused to get promotion to the NNL by the grace of God.

We implore you all to disregard the rumour of disbandment in its entirety as there is no element of truth in it.