NAN Condemns Governor Dauda Lawal's Comments on Judiciary

By Editor 

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) is deeply troubled by the recent comments made by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal regarding the nation's judiciary. 

We find Governor Lawal's remarks to be not only indecent but also damaging to the reputation of the judiciary and the overall governance of the state. 

In a statement released by its chairman Salihu Suleiman expressed profound concern over Governor Lawal's claims that the court was being influenced by powerful individuals to release accused bandits on bail.

 Suleiman described these remarks as filled with hate and a blatant disregard for the principles of justice and constitutionalism. It is disheartening to witness a state governor undermining the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary for his own political gain.

We believe that Governor Lawal's irresponsible behavior and baseless accusations are not only damaging his own reputation but also eroding the public's trust in the government of Zamfara State. Instead of focusing on pressing security and governance issues, Governor Lawal has chosen to engage in petty politics and attacking the justice system of the country.

It is evident that Governor Lawal is more concerned with assigning blame and discrediting his predecessor than supporting federal efforts to enhance security in Zamfara State. This behavior is not befitting of a leader and does a disservice to the people of the state who are looking for stability and progress.

As concerned citizens, we call on Governor Lawal to recognize the error of his ways and conduct himself with integrity and honesty.

 True leadership is about uplifting and empowering those around you, not tearing them down with baseless allegations. 

We urge Governor Lawal to return to responsible and respectful governance, focus on strengthening the community and working towards the betterment of Zamfara State rather than engaging in divisive and harmful rhetoric.

PDP Kebbi Chasing Shadows Again

By Editor 

The PDP in Kebbi state has developed a habit of baseless criticism towards the successes achieved by APC government, throwing unwarranted attacks without substantial evidence. Despite its failure at sowing the seed of discord between the government and the people and also trying, in another failed antics to discredit the development-oriented Governor and his Deputy with false accusations, it is a thing of joy that the people of Kebbi saw through these tactics and rejected the serial election loser.

Despite their previous failure, the PDP persists in its derogatory approach. Their recent press release, feigning concern for workers in the state and telling workers to “take heart and bear with the insensitivity of the government in Kebbi State” on matters of Sallah festival, is merely a facade to criticize a government decision aimed at protecting civil servants from unnecessary financial strain. The government's move to discourage early loan collection during Sallah festivities was intended to ensure long-term financial stability for workers, a fact conveniently overlooked by the insincere PDP.

The PDP's claims about other states providing loans for festivities very early in the month ignore the massive debts owed to workers in those same states. Their selective criticism reveals a lack of sincerity and fails to recognize the remarkable progress achieved under the current administration in Kebbi State.

The PDP's refusal to acknowledge the government's unparalleled achievements under just a year demonstrates their desperation and inability to come to terms with their lack of support from the people. Instead of appreciating the infrastructural development and financial commitment made by the state government, the PDP chooses to dwell on negativity.

The Kebbi State Government's commitment to sustainable salary payment and plans for increased wages should be commended, rather than undermined by misguided criticism from the opposition. The government's focus on long-term fiscal solutions for workers reflects a genuine concern for their well-being. The plan for wage increase and governments effort to sustain pension, gratuity and leave grant payment which has become a tradition in the state is sacrosanct and dear to the governor that nothing will be allowed to imperil it,

Governor Nasir Idris's track record of advocating for workers' rights is well-known, and his dedication to improving conditions for teachers and civil servants is evident. The people of Kebbi are encouraged to continue supporting his leadership, recognizing his efforts to address longstanding challenges and propel the state forward.

In conclusion, the Kebbi State Government's initiatives are geared towards overcoming past obstacles and fostering a brighter future for all residents. It is imperative to focus on constructive dialogue and genuine progress rather than baseless criticism.

Democracy Day: Let's Have Hope In Renewed Nigeria Says AYCF

By Editor 

As we mark another democracy day, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) says it has come to the.conclusion to call on Nigerians to have hope in a renewed Nigeria .

According to the President General of the forum Alhaji Yerima Shettima, after series of his consultations, our perceived unity is very superficial and skin deep only to sustain the bureaucracy of exploitation of the Nigerian populace.

"Compatriots, the opportunity beckons as in the immortal words of Williams 

Shakespeare,’ there is a tide in the affairs of men which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat and we must take the current when it serves or lose our venture’. 

He admonished, "To all those saddled with the responsibility of ensuring a renewed hope, every Nigerian deserves a better life as the time to give the Nigerian worker his due is now. Though we are yet to overcome the primordial attachment to ‘loyalty’ over and above capacity, we are indeed confronted with the malaise of nepotism and of course mediocrity. 

"However, the project ‘NIGERIA’, is one I am convinced shall be successful 

given our collective resolve for a better nation, for with peace and plenty

NIGERIA shall indeed be blessed" he reiterated 

Shettima while congratulating Nigerians on democracy day urged us to reflect on gains of the democratic processes towards sustaining and making it better.

ENDS

Northern Forum to Minister: Why Dr Musa deserves National Honours

By Editor

A pressure group, Concerned Northern Forum, has urged the national honours committee to consider Dr. Emmanuel Musa, Founder and President of Emnanu Foundation, for national honours in recognition of his exceptional humanitarian services to vulnerable and less privileged people in his home state of Adamawa, the northern region and Nigeria at large.

The forum in a letter of recommendation jointly signed by its chairman, Aliu Sani Mohammed and it's spokesman, comrade Abdulsalam Moh'd Kazeem, addressed to the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs and copied the President and Secretary to the Federation, explained that the nominee has over time exhibited uncommon commitment to human and material development of the region and the country in general.

A copy of the acknowledged letter dated 6th June, 2024 reads in part this; "We write as a Caolition of over 73 civil society organisations with over 4 million members to recommend Dr. Emmanuel Musa, Founder and President of Emnanu Foundation, for national honours in recognition of his exceptional humanitarian services to vulnerable and less privileged people in his home state of Adamawa, the northern region and Nigeria at large and aside that we sighted another document of endorsement by the leadership over 45 various credible and reputable organisations from the region who are in support of the said national honour to Dr Emmanuel .

"Through his charity project, Emnanu Foundation, Dr. Musa has touched the lives of millions of Nigerians from the North East geopolitical zone who have been affected by Boko Haram insurgency by providing them with shelters, food and financial aid to enable them pick up their livelihoods and thrive. He has also been active in supporting camps for internally displaced persons all over the region and elsewhere.

"His swift response to the victims of a devastating windstorm in Pella, Hong Local Government Area where building materials, beddings, clothing and food supplies where made available to more than 500 victims were affected deserves special recognition and honour.

"As a man who is highly educated, Dr. Emmanuel Musa has shown great commitment to the education of indigent students all over the country. He had recently donated over ₦200 million to 200,000 Pupils under the Adamawa Pupils Welfare Scheme. This is an unprecedented gesture and the hallmark of generosity and philanthropy worthy of national honours and recognition.

"By using his personal resources to better the lives of people around him, it is our firm conviction that you'll find this young man, who at the tender age of 34 years has already impacted his community positively and is till touching more lives in several other ways.

"We therefore, present Dr. Emmanuel Musa as the recipient of this year's "Most Outstanding and Distinguished Humanitarian of the Year" award".

Count us out of anti-INEC protest - Ohanaeze youths

 

By Editor 

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has distanced itself from a planned protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and its chairman, Prof Yakubu Mahmood. 

This is also as the Igbo group urged the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate during the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi to accept the outcome of the polls and move on. 

A group, South Unity Youth Coalition, had announced a mass protest on June 12, Democracy Day, to demand the removal of Professor Mahmoud Yakubu as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The coalition believes that Professor Yakubu’s leadership has severely compromised the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

On his part, Obi had on Saturday while reacting to South-Africa's presidential election, said the last general election was plagued with fraud and widespread irregularities.

However, in a statement by Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, he said it was regrettable that over one year after the 2023 general elections, many politicians in the country had refused to move on. 

Okwu said one would have expected politicians to at this point join hands with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government to move the country forward. 

He expressed concern that, “instead, what we have continued to see is that politicians and some of their paid agents have continued to fan embers of discord in the country owing to the outcome of the elections. 

“We have said for the umpteenth time that there is no perfect election anywhere in the world. 

“Our appeal to our brother, His Excellency Mr Peter Obi is to accept not just the outcome of the election, but the verdict of the apex court in the land, the Supreme Court. 

“In the case of the 2023 election, without sounding biased, it is a wrong conclusion for anyone to say that the INEC performed woefully. This cannot be so, when the court upheld the majority of the election and in some of the cases where elections were annulled, it had to do with candidates’ qualifications and some other issues that could not be blamed on the INEC.”

Okwu called on those planning any kind of protest to drop the idea, stressing that “Igbo youths are not going to be lured into such a selfish agenda aimed at heating up the polity. 

“Rather, we remain firmly behind President Bola Tinubu’s government and INEC. We welcome further reforms to the electoral process through the National Assembly. 

“However, any form of protest, we are not going to be a party to it and those behind the plot should jettison it.”

AYCF Urges Peaceful June 12 Celebrations, Condemns Plans Of Violent Protests

By Editor

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) is gravely concerned about recent reports of plans by certain groups to disrupt the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations by instigating chaos and violence.

AYCF in a statement by its President General Yerima Shettima,  strongly condemned any form of protest or demonstration intended to disrupt the peace and stability of Nigeria, particularly on the June 12 Democracy Day when  the nation commemorates its hard-fought struggle for freedom and democracy.

"The AYCF believes that any disturbance could undermine the significance of this symbolic day and strongly condemns any form of protest or demonstration that seeks to disrupt the peace and stability of our country, especially on a day as significant as Democracy Day. As a youth organization committed to the advancement and unity of our nation, we believe that peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement are the most effective tools for driving positive change and progress," said Shettima.

While acknowledging the legitimacy of peaceful protests as a form of expression, Shettima warned that when such activities escalate into violence, it undermines the very principles of democracy that is being celebrated.

 "Though protest and demonstration are legitimate, when these activities escalate into violence, destruction of property, and endangering of lives, they no longer serve their intended purpose and instead it undermines the very democracy we seek to uphold," Shettima noted.

Addressing the importance of Democracy Day, Shettima emphasized, "On a day like Democracy Day, when we commemorate the hard-fought struggle for freedom and democracy in our country, it is particularly important to uphold the values of peace, unity, and progress. Disrupting the peace and stability of our nation on such a significant day only detracts from the achievements and sacrifices of those who fought for our democracy."

Shettima called on all Nigerians to use this day for reflection, gratitude, and solidarity. "Celebrating our Democracy Day should be a time for reflection, gratitude, and solidarity as we honor the sacrifices made by our forefathers to secure our freedom. It is a day when we should come together as one nation, setting aside our differences and focusing on the progress and development of our country," he said.

To ensure that the day's celebrations proceed without incident, Shettima urged the government to take decisive action. "Maintaining law and order is crucial not only for the safety and security of the citizens but also for upholding the principles of democracy. The government has a responsibility to protect its people and ensure that they can exercise their rights and freedoms without fear of intimidation or violence."

He further stated, "Any attempts to disrupt the peace and stability of the Democracy Day celebrations must be met with swift and severe consequences.Those who seek to sow chaos and disorder should be held accountable for their actions and face the full force of the law."

In addition to punitive measures for potential troublemakers, Shettima advocated for increased security. "Increased security measures, including the deployment of law enforcement personnel and the implementation of crowd control measures, should be put in place to deter any potential threats to public safety."

Shettima concluded with a call to action for the youth and all citizens: "We urge all citizens, especially the youth, to engage in peaceful and constructive means of advocacy and dialogue to address their grievances and push for the change they desire. Let us work together to build a better and more inclusive society, where the rights and aspirations of all citizens are respected and protected."

Gov. Idris settles $4,000 medical bills of Kebbi student in India

 

By Editor

The Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has paid the sum of 4,000 US dollars for the treatment of Yusuf Sani Zauro, a Kebbi State student, who is currently suffering from kidney complication in India.

The Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Issa Abubakar-Tunga, stated this in a statement he issued to Journalists on Friday.

Abubakar -Tunga said: "The student is said to be having kidney problem. We pray to Almighty Allah for a quick recovery."