Concerned Northern Forum Commends Kebbi Governor, Calls for Presidential Reward

By Editor

The Concerned Northern Forum has praised the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, for his efforts in preventing the spread of nationwide protests within his state. During a press conference held at Sharon Ultimate Hotel, Area 3, Garki, Abuja, on August 5, 2024, the forum passed a vote of confidence in the governor and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recognize and reward his effective governance.

In his address, the forum's spokesman, Abdulsalam Moh'd Kazeem, described the ongoing nationwide protests as mindless and purposeless, attributing them to a few criminal elements with failed political ambitions. These individuals, he said, have incited Nigerians, particularly the youth, against President Tinubu’s administration. Kazeem lamented that what began as a peaceful protest has escalated into a catastrophe of unprecedented proportions.

Kazeem noted that the protests, aimed at ending hunger and bad governance, could have been avoided. He highlighted President Tinubu’s efforts to address the wrongs of previous administrations and criticized some state governors and stakeholders for failing to properly distribute funds and materials meant for the masses. This negligence, he argued, has fueled legitimate hunger and anger among Nigerians.

Contrasting the unrest in other states, Kebbi State has remained a model of stability due to the dedication of Governor Nasir Idris. The governor’s efforts to channel revenue, palliatives, and other incentives towards alleviating the hardships caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy and other economic reforms were commended. The forum noted that Idris' leadership aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.

The forum called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate governors who have mismanaged the increased allocations resulting from the fuel subsidy removal. They suggested that the federal government relocate strategic facilities from states that have experienced significant protest-related destruction to neighboring states with effective governance. Specifically, they recommended relocating the Digital Innovation Park from Kano to Kebbi State, citing the latter’s youthful population and economic viability.

The Concerned Northern Forum highlighted several achievements of Governor Idris within his first year in office, including the transformation of the state’s infrastructural landscape, improvements in education, healthcare, agriculture, and security, and gaining the trust and support of the people of Kebbi State, who have refrained from participating in the nationwide protests.

The forum concluded by passing a vote of confidence in Governor Nasir Idris and urging President Tinubu to consider patriots and progressives in the distribution of sensitive national assignments. They emphasized that Kebbi State should be included in more intervention projects as Governor Idris continues to work toward lifting his people out of poverty and suffering.

Why We Honored Core Northerner with Mayegun Oodua title - Group

By Editor

The Oodua Youth Parliament has honored business mogul Chief Adi Pajo, a core Northerner from Taraba state with the title of Mayegun of Oodua Youth Parliament. 

The ceremony, held in Abuja, celebrated Dr. Pajo's exceptional contributions to humanity and his remarkable philanthropic efforts. 

The group said Pago has empowered thousands of people accross the country and created jobs for the teaming youth. 

The Oodua Youth Parliament, representing Yoruba-speaking ethnic minorities across 17 countries, including Brazil as an ancestral home, said it was deeply impressed and inspired by Dr. Pajo's achievements. 

The group said as the founder and CEO of Jukun TV and Frontline TV, Chief Pajo has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to uplifting humanity and empowering others through his various initiatives.

 Aare Abdulmajeed Oladimeji Oyeniyi, the Speaker of the Oodua Youth Parliament, presented the chieftaincy title to Dr. Pajo. In his speech, AARE Oyeniyi commended Dr. Pajo for his extraordinary service, vision for a just and egalitarian society, and relentless campaign for peace and harmonious co-existence.

"We are appreciating him for his service, upliftment of humanity, and life-saving activities that make him extraordinary in all ramifications. His sagacity to show and lead by example, his vision for a just and egalitarian society, his unending, vigorous campaign for peace and harmonious co-existence, and his exemplary dedication to one united Nigeria are outstanding, remarkable, and worthy of emulation," said AARE Oyeniyi.

Dr. Pajo has empowered thousands of youths across the country and created numerous job opportunities, further solidifying his reputation as a leader dedicated to the betterment of society. His philanthropic endeavors, including various empowerment programs, have made a significant impact on communities.

Members of the Oodua Youth Parliament across Nigeria have followed Dr. Pajo's antecedents and provided glowing attestations to his attributes, confirming that he embodies the qualities needed for the Nigeria Project.

In his remarks, High Chief Dr. Adi Pajo expressed his gratitude for the honor. He thanked God Almighty and acknowledged the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, for his support.

"I am deeply humbled and grateful to be named High Chief Mayegun of Oodua Youth Parliament, i.e., Leader of Peace. This title is a profound honor and a responsibility which I accept with great pride. As Chief Mayegun, I pledge to promote peace, justice, equity, and fairness. This title is a great motivation for me," said Dr. Pajo.

The Oodua Youth Parliament looks forward to Dr. Pajo's continued contributions to peace and development across the Southern Region and Nigeria at large, confident that his leadership and philanthropic efforts will inspire many.

How Halima Adenike’s intervention foiled nationwide protest in Kogi

 

By editor 

 The Coalition of Concerned Kogi Indigenes (CCKI) has announced their decision to refrain from participating in the Nationwide protest scheduled from August 1st to August 10th, 2024, citing the influential intervention of philanthropist Hajiya Halimat Adenike Tejuosho as a pivotal factor.

In a press statement issued today, CCKI, representing over one million members, disclosed that discussions with Hajiya Halimat Adenike played a crucial role in shaping their stance against the protest. The philanthropist, renowned for her humanitarian efforts through the QAT Foundation, expressed deep concerns over the potential for unrest and exploitation of state divisions during the protest period.

"Hajiya Halimat Adenike's impassioned plea resonated deeply with our concerns for peace and stability in Kogi State," stated Comrade Philip Adamu Isah, Chairman of CCKI. "Her foresight into the risks posed by the protest convinced us to prioritize dialogue and unity over participating in nationwide demonstrations."

The coalition emphasized their commitment to fostering a peaceful environment within Kogi State amidst ongoing political tensions and social complexities. They also voiced support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, urging patience in addressing national challenges inherited from previous administrations.

"We believe in constructive engagement and unity," added HON. Oheiza Anda Recheal, Secretary of CCKI. "Our decision reflects our dedication to safeguarding our community's interests and maintaining the harmony we cherish."

In response to their decision, CCKI called upon President Tinubu to consider merit and competence in future ministerial appointments, highlighting individuals like Hajiya Halimat Adenike as exemplary candidates for critical roles, particularly within the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry.

The coalition concluded by reaffirming their stance against participating in the nationwide protest and encouraged youths across Nigeria to prioritize dialogue and constructive engagement for the collective progress of the nation.

For further information or inquiries, the Coalition of Concerned Kogi Indigenes can be contacted through their official channels.

Protest: Halima Tejuoso calls for calm, says Tinubu will fix Nigeria

From Editor

 Founder QAT Foundation, Hajiya Halimat Adenike Tejuoso has called on Nigerians to maintain every sense of decorum regarding the ongoing nationwide protests.

Hajiya Halimat made the call in Abuja earlier this week during youths' solidarity protest with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said that the protest is uncalled for, noting that the current administration is still trying to sort out inherited liabilities from the previous administration.

Suing for peace, patience and dialogue against violent protests capable of turning the country into chaos, Adenike noted that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu's led administration has used available means to plead with Youths on the need to shelve their sword as the government is doing everything possible to address current challenges.

Speaking further at the protest tagged, ”protect, not protest, an initiative powered by QAT Foundation, she avered that the plan to end the present administration is out of order, warned against plunging the country into Kenya and Libya experiences.

She said, “What bad governance are we ending when the government of the day is yet to stabilize from some challenges it inherited from the former government.

“The minister of information and national orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris has been addressing various youth groups and meetings. Nigeria is not Kenya and we will not allow any protest that will affect market women or one that would be hijacked by looters and hoodlums lurking around. Let’s cherish our peace and grow this democracy via dialogue.

“To this end, I urge all Nigerian youth and civil society organizations to dissipate their energies in protecting this government, this country and shun all planned protests.” she stressed.

Hajiya Adenike before now has used different avenue to urge Nigerian youths on the need to give president Tinubu more. She noted that the policies and reforms by the APC government under Tinubu will materialize in a no distant time as such Nigerians should envisage the future advantages imbedded in those reforms both for individual and national growth

Planned Protest: SWAN Rallies Nigerian Youth, Sports Personalities, Sues For Calm, Dialogue

By editor 

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged Nigerians, mostly youths and sports personalities to toe the path of peace and dialogue, instead of engaging in violent protest regarding the challenges facing the country.

This admonition is coming on the heels of planned protest by some persons in parts of Nigeria on August 1, 2024.

SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement through the Association's Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo on Wednesday reckoned that while citizens have right to protest, such should be done in a most peaceful manner.

President Benjamin while recalling how previous protests in Nigeria had damaged critical National assets, called on the protesters to be mindful of mostly Sports infrastructure across the country as any form of destruction will further create needless deficit.

He said that instead of embarking on destruction of lives and properties, citizens should reflect on positive and progressive moves aimed at ensuring improved Sports development, which has obvious potential to uplift the country's economy.

"As the second most economic viable option in the entire world, Sports serve as catalyst for needed growth and development in any society. Therefore Sports men and women including athletes, officials, administrators and of course the sporting media have the responsibility to lead the way in terms of conduct and influence in our various residential and public places.

"Instead of joining any band wagon of destructive tendencies, let us encourage fellow Nigerians to engage in sporting activities in terms of physical exercise and other areas of gainful endeavours," he said.

The number one sports writer in Nigeria then admonished leaders at all levels to, in line with global standards, use legislative means to initiate sustainable policies that will loosen tight ends and clear bureaucratic bottlenecks, which had hampered sports development in the country.

He said, "Also, Nigeria as a developing nation should be a fortress for talent discovery and development because of abundance of human capital resources that abound in every nook and cranny of our communities, local government areas and states.

"Therefore, there is need for continious engagement with all stakeholders to harness and engage them meaningfully. In doing this, the role of the private sector which is a major driving force of the economy is critical. 

"Again, the government at all levels should do more in the provision of sporting infrastructure at the grassroots, as a veritable way of engaging mostly the young people, because Sports, with the right funding approach, has enormous potential to drastically reduce unemployment."

The SWAN President then assured that, "As professional Sports Writers, we are ever ready to offer useful contributions in form of advice amidst taking practical steps that will make meaningful impact."

Coalition Pulls Out Of Nationwide Protest, Cites Intervention of Anyim Pius, Others

By editor

The Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria, comprising more than 100 ethnic nationality groups with millions of members says it has decided to pull out if the planned nationwide protests following the intervention of key stakeholders like Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.

Anyim Pius, a former President of the Senate and a foundation member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had recently defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) to align his political mission and vision with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a press release signed by its chairman  Comrade Moh'd Kazeem and Comrade Emmanuel Gabriel, spokesperson and made available to journalists in Abuja  shortly after a stakeholders engagement facilitated by the elder statesman, the group said it succumbed to the superior wisdom and the sound reasoning of stakeholders who are unanimous in calling for restraint and patience as Mr. President is already addressing most of the contending issues.

"We are compelled by superior wisdom of statesmen like Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and glaring facts on the ground to jettison out earlier position on the planned nationwide protests. While we were convinced that out course of action was legitimate and patriotic, it is humbling to admit that we were deceived by miscreants who are out to discredit the current administration for their personal interests.

"With the opening of our national borders to ease the importation of food and fight food inflation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated a deep commitment to addressing the hunger and pain Nigerians are currently experiencing. It'll therefore be unwise to continue with the protests when all hands are on deck to address our grievances.

"Just few days ago, Mr. President magnanimously issued an Executive Order mandating NNPCL deliver crude to Dangote Refinery and other Modular refineries operating in the country with naira payment. This is also a step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency, reducing the strain of foreign exchange and making products affordable.

"There are also interventions in the Ministries of Trades and Investment, Youth and Sports, Agriculture and others to address youth unemployment by scaling up skill acquisition programs with a view of creating jobs and empowering Nigerians. The Consumer Credit Scheme and National Youth Investment fund are just some examples out of many", the release noted.

The Coalition applauded the efforts of Senator Anyim Pius Anyim for opening their eyes to the complexities inherent in governance and the fact that most of the damages the current administration is trying to salvage were actually caused by the rot in successive administrations

"Our meeting with the esteemed statesman is an eye opener. We are heeding his appeal and pulling out of the nationwide protest because of his deep understanding of Nigerians political landscape and his conviction that President Tinubu is on the right track to restore Nigeria's economic fortunes and glory.

"The fact that he committed his time to facilitate this meeting instead of siding with the enemies our country is truly inspiring. As one who is committed to  the development of youths and the nation in general, we are convinced our decision to pull of the purported protest is in the interest of our country. We call on other elder statesmen to emulate him", the statement added.

The release appealed to other groups and individuals to "equally distance themselves from anarchists who are out to set fire on our beloved nation, stating further that the horrors of the EndSars protests are still fresh in the hearts of Nigerians and a repeat of the same episode will wreck Nigeria terribly"

Arewa Network Raises Alarm Over Collusion Between Zamfara Govt and Criminal Gangs

By editor

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has issued a stark warning regarding a troubling and increasingly apparent close relationship between the Zamfara State government, led by Dauda Lawal Dare, and notorious bandits and criminal gangs that have devastated the state and neighboring areas in the North-West region.

In a press statement, NAN hinted at the recent invitation of Musa Kamarawa to the government house in Gusau, suggesting this visit furthers Governor Lawal's conspiracy with some disgruntled northern politicians against President Tinubu, targeting the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle. 

Musa Kamarawa, arrested during Matawalle's tenure and subsequently released by the current administration, is purportedly working as the link between Dauda Lawal and Bello Turji. Kamarawa, last seen at the Zamfara Government House, is also to be the architect behind a video featuring Bello Turji, a prominent bandit leader.

In the video, Turji openly criticizes eminent political leaders such as Minister Bello Mohammed Matawalle.

According to NAN, such bold statements could not have been made without governmental support, pointing to a potentially deeper and more sinister collaboration with these criminal elements.

In a statement signed by NAN Chairman Sahabi Lawali, the forum highlighted a prior video showing hooded armed bandits confessing to having ties with the current government. "These disturbing revelations, coupled with Turji's audacious declarations, suggest a worrying trend of collusion between the current administration and criminal groups," Lawali stated.

The bandits in the videos expressed their loyalty to Dauda Lawal and vowed to execute any orders he may give, raising significant questions about the administration's motives. "There appears to be a deliberate strategy employed by Dauda Lawal to use these bandits as instruments to discredit his predecessor," added Lawali. 

"This tactic undermines the rule of law, erodes the ethical foundations of our political process, and jeopardizes the safety and well-being of our citizens."

NAN noted the significant deterioration in the security situation in Zamfara State under the current administration compared to the previous leadership of Bello Matawalle. 

The group pointed out that local government headquarters were never infiltrated by bandits during Matawalle's tenure, whereas such areas are now under constant attack. "The lack of action from Governor Lawal in addressing these frequent invasions is disappointing," Lawali stated. 

"Instead of consoling the victims or condemning the attacks, Governor Lawal seems more focused on criticizing his predecessor."

The Network warned the Governor to shift focus from political squabbles to the pressing issue of security in the state, advocating for cooperation with federal efforts to address the root causes of the attacks and implement effective preventive measures.

NAN also highlighted the role of former IGP MD Abubakar, who now serves as chairman of the state Security Trust Fund after leading Lawal's transition team. "We recall that MD Abubakar led the reconciliation committee under the previous administration of Bello Matawalle and engaged with various stakeholders, including leaders of the bandits," they said.

Despite Governor Lawal's propagated stance against negotiating with bandits, the fact that bandits still exist in the government house suggests ongoing negotiations behind the scenes. NAN calls for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into these alarming developments to ensure justice prevails and the integrity of Zamfara’s political system remains intact.

"The administration must address these allegations head-on," Lawali stated. "It is imperative that swift, decisive action is taken to dismantle any existing alliances between the government and the bandits."

"The video evidence depicting bandits pledging allegiance to Dauda Lawal and the appearance of Kamarawa at the government house are clear indicators of the alarming collusion that threatens the state's peace, security, and democratic ethos. Immediate and thorough measures are critical to safeguard the interests of the citizens and uphold the sanctity of the political process in Zamfara State," Lawali concluded.