Road Projects: Northern Group commends David Umahi, Thanks Tinubu

By Eidtor

Northern based Group, Arewa Development Forum (ADF) has commended the Minister of Works , Engr. Dave Umahi for his unwavering commitment to ensuring speedy work and visible progress made so far  on  the Lagos- Badagry to Sokoto Super Highway road projects.

According to the group, the excellent job of combining the expertise of the critical terrain with the political will by the Minister to push through the different land mines without compromising standards is a feat worthy of commendation.

"We observed with keen interest that despite being from the southeast part of Nigeria, the Minister of Works is leaving now stone unturned to ensure speedy  completion of the protracted work of the Abuja to road projects in northern areas". It stated .

In statement made available to journalists in Kaduna today, Arewa  Development Forum, which made the commendations said , the decision to single out the Minister of Works was informed by quality of work being done on the ongoing road projects 

While thanking President Bola Tinubu for the bold initiative to construct the 1000-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry superhighway,the Forum in the statement signed by the Chairman, Dr Muhammad Ibrahim Gusau  described the project as another evidence of his commitment to driving phenomenal socio-economic growth across the country.

The Forum noted that the road will not only create thousands of jobs ,but will also  open up the North western economy to the rest of the country and the World.Adding that Umahi is the best Works minister in the history of the country.

It stated , "We can recall that the Sokoto-Badagry road has been in the pipeline for the past 48 years, without considerations from  successive administrations, including immediate past Buhari led administration to kick start the project. But today,it is a reality and  we are not in doubt that  the legacy projects will be complete within time scheduled.

"For us as northerners, we view the bold vision of President Tinubu as an evidence of the priority placed on development that  commensurate with  infrastructure to connect northern regions to all  parts of Nigeria."

Yoruba youths commend security agencies over Hadejia's arrest, drum support for NSA, Bello Matawalle and President Tinubu

By Editor

Yoruba youths under the National umbrella body, the Yoruba Youth Council have commended the nation's entire security apparatus for the arrest of Bashir Hadejia, a notorious suspect implicated in treason, gun-running and other related transborder crimes that threaten the security and sovereignty of our dear Country Nigeria.

Also, they drummed support of all Nigerians for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement by the leader of the Yoruba Youth Council, Comrade Eric Oluwole, the youths  the arrest as "a loud testimony of the vigilance of our country's security network being coordinated jointly by the National Security Adviser; Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister; Bello Matawalle, the Armed Forces, Police and other security agencies."

He said the security agents involved "in this superlative achievement of arresting one of Nigeria's foremost suspected enemies deserve the special commendation of all well-meaning Nigerians."

Oluwole noted that the arrested Hadeja is one of the suspected most dangerous transnational criminals with strong local connections which they allegedly exploit to fuel unrest in our Country.

In his words: "Hadejia's confession of sponsoring the recent #EndBadGovernance protests confirms the fear in some quarters that unscrupulous individuals with means could infiltrate and exploit well intentioned protests by aggrieved Nigerians, to perpetrate their criminal, unpatriotic and selfish agenda of destabilising the Country and discrediting the government in power. 

"This is a disturbing development especially when we recall the alarming turn of the protests in some parts of the North where some disgruntled and  youths, apparently infiltrators, waved the Russian flag, ostensibly calling for a replication in the democratic Federal Republic of Nigeria, of the Russian-backed undemocratic change of government in some neighbouring West African countries. 

"It is clear from this that this unacceptable action of the infiltrators deviated from the intention of the original protesters, whose noble objective was to induce government to implement policies to ease the hardship being experienced across the country. 

"By infiltrating, corruptng and manipulating a legitimate dissent to destabilise our Country in pursuit of narrow and selfish agenda, the criminals are calling an urgent attention to the need  for a thorough grilling of the arrested suspect to disclose the whereabouts of other members of his unpatriotic gang who are at large, and their pending sinister plans, so that the threat could be crushed now."

The Yoruba Youth leader said: "Commendable as Hadeja's arrest is, there is need for more vigilance by our security agencies in policing the nation's borders to fence off the threat posed to our Nation's security by these transnational criminals and their local collaborators.

"Besides, the suspicion that Hadejia in league with others at large, coordinate a ring of criminal activities such as arms trafficking, money laundering, and terrorism sponsorship, calls for more concern especially considering the collosal number of Nigerians who are being slaughtered in their hundreds across the country under the guise of banditry, kidnapping and other violent communal clashes. This is not to talk of the property and farms being destroyed in these crimes.

"Because of the international connections involved, the need to get to the root of the matter, and in view of the security implications of the activities of the suspect and his collaborators to Nigeria and our neighbouring countries, the investigation of this case should done also in collaboration with the security agencies of Nigeria's neighbouring countries, and possibly with INTERPOL. This international dimension should complement the investigation within the country."

Oluwole said: "We the Yoruba youths note that the economic hardship being experienced by all Nigerians across the country predated the present administration. The problems, which the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's, GCFR, inherited, were a carry-over from the preceding administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR

"Therefore it would be wrong to blame the Tinubu administration for the present hardship which accumulated over the years, due to wrong policies of successive administrations until May 29 last year when President Tinubu assumed office.

"It is in this wise that we call for a thorough investigation of the suspected Hadejia. He should be grilled over his confession especially concerning his connections with influential politicians and the top echelon of our Country's security apparatus to destabilise our Country.

"While we commend the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for it's efforts to protect the sovereignty of our Country we call on the Federal Government to provide the fund and materials needed  for the security agencies to function optimally.

"We declare our unwavering support for the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR."

Oga Driver, Davido, AY, Wins In Most Popular Celebrity Award 2024

BY  Editor

Kaduna State based radio presenter Mr Philip Arome Omachi popular known as Oga driver has won the most popular on-air personality radio in the 2024 edition of the Most Popular Celebrity Award (MPCA).

Other winners include most popular actor (Nigerian language) Male- Odunlade Adekola, most popular actor (Nigerian language) female- Fisayomi Olamide Abebi and most popular actor (English movie) male- Akume Akume.

Other winners are most popular actor (English movie) female- Funke Akindele, most popular stand-up comedian-Richard Ayodeji Makun also known as AY, the most popular Afrobeat - Adeleke Ayodeji  David (Davido) and the most popular Fuji- Waisu Alabi Pasuma.

Speaking to Journalists in Kaduna on the achievement, Mr Omachi who first thanked God for ensuring his emergence, said there were 66 nominees in his category selected from.varioua radio  stations across Nigeria.

The eventual winners he disclosed was done via an online voting in which he polled almost 10500 votes to emerge winner in the event that was organized by the Muokhab Brooks services and powered by the Osun State government.

Mr Omachi who said he has over 107 awards to his name, also disclosed that, he is the first in northern Nigeria to win this prestigious award of the most popular on air personality in the radio category.

" This award is a testament that hard work pays , I wish to urge up coming on air producers to up their games and be committed to whatever they do and give it their very best, it will certainly pay off with time.

" I also dedicate the award to the Almighty God who gave me the strength and to all those who belief in me and took out time to vote for me, this award will further spur me to put in more efforts in what I do" he stressed.

ENDS

NAN Calls for Urgent Action After Bashir Hadejiya’s Arrest Unveils Extensive Criminal Network

By Editor

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has called for immediate and thorough action following the arrest of Bashir Hadejiya, whose alleged criminal activities pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s security and stability. Hadejiya faces serious charges including treason, gun-running, and involvement in transnational crime, shedding light on a complex network of illicit operations extending beyond Nigeria's borders.

In a statement, NAN Chairman Salifu Suleiman commended the Nigerian security agencies for their successful arrest of Hadejiya. “The apprehension of Hadejiya reflects the dedication and efficiency of our security forces in tackling sophisticated criminal networks,” Suleiman said. However, he urged that this accomplishment should not be seen as the end but as a critical step towards addressing a deeper issue.

Hadejiya’s activities have exposed alarming cross-national implications. His alleged connections to arms smuggling and the trafficking of gold stolen from the Central Bank of Libya illustrate a dangerous collaboration with international crime syndicates. This partnership threatens not only Nigeria’s national security but also regional and global stability.

Further complicating the situation, Hadejiya is reportedly linked to the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, where he allegedly financed and incited violence. Suleiman expressed concern, stating, “It is deeply troubling to discover that Hadejiya exploited legitimate protests to further his criminal agenda, undermining public trust and destabilizing communities.”

The investigation has also revealed disturbing links between Hadejiya and high-ranking officials, including former heads of the Department of State Security Service (DSS). Suleiman highlighted, “These connections point to a broader systemic failure and corruption within our institutions that must be addressed.”

NAN is calling on the government to take decisive and comprehensive action. “We demand that all individuals involved in Hadejiya’s criminal network be swiftly apprehended and prosecuted,” Suleiman asserted. He also urged the government to improve inter-agency collaboration, strengthen security protocols, and conduct thorough investigations into all implicated parties.

The organization emphasized the need for public vigilance and cooperation with security agencies to combat these threats. “Our democracy relies on accountability and transparency,” Suleiman concluded. “We must act decisively to eradicate these criminal activities and restore faith in our national institutions.”

NAN’s statement underscores the urgent need for a coordinated response to safeguard Nigeria’s future and ensure that those who threaten national security are held accountable.

Bashir Hadejiya Arrest: A Turning Point in Nigeria's Security Landscape - AYCF

By editor 

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) today addresses a matter of grave national concern, yet one which provides an avenue for unity and enhanced commitment to our shared future. Our recent collective focus on the security of the Nigerian state has been underscored dramatically by the arrest of Bashir Hadejiya, a suspect implicated in treason, gun-running, and other transnational crimes.

This operation, orchestrated by our diligent security agencies, represents a remarkable achievement in safeguarding the integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria.

We commend the Nigerian Police and the myriad security agencies involved in this extraordinary success. Your commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of our communities is exemplary. 

According to a statement issued by the President General of the forum Yerima Shettima, the apprehension of individuals such as Bashir Hadejiya not only protects our borders but also underscores the importance of vigilance in combating increasingly sophisticated networks of crime and terrorism. The nexus between local and international criminal enterprises calls for a fortified response from all stakeholders to dismantle these dangerous operations.

The confession of Bashir Hadejiya has unveiled a disturbing nexus of criminality that transcends national boundaries, posing significant threats not only to Nigeria but to the broader West African region and beyond. His involvement in the gun-running trade and the smuggling of gold pilfered from the Central Bank of Libya underscores a perilous partnership with international criminal networks.

These entities do not merely undermine our national integrity; they provide the very resources necessary for exacerbating terrorism and instability across West Africa—a situation that represents a severe affront to our sovereignty and a pronounced invasion of our peace.

The implications of Hadejiya's criminal endeavors are profound and far-reaching. Reports surrounding his arrest paint a grim portrait of a culprit enmeshed in a web of illicit activities, including arms trafficking, money laundering, and the facilitation of terrorism. Such actions should function as a harbinger of concern for citizens and lawmakers alike.

Hadejiya's confessions illustrate a shadowy underbelly that not only threatens the stability of Nigeria but also serves as a bellwether for the broader security landscape, as these criminal networks operate beyond geographical constraints. The ripple effects of their operations have generated an environment rife with violence, fear, and socio-economic decay—equally damaging to individual nations and to the wider international community.

Compounding these alarming developments is Hadejiya's admission of funding and orchestrating protests, notably the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations that erupted across Nigeria. 

While the original intent of such protests—calling for accountability and reform—may be noble, the infiltration of criminal elements into these movements poses a serious danger. It has led to the corruption of legitimate dissent, precipitating chaos and disorder across our communities. The stark reality that vulnerable populations can be manipulated in their moments of frustration reveals the exploitation of genuine grievances by those with ulterior motives. 

This manipulation is particularly evident in the recent disturbances across northern Nigeria, where young demonstrators, driven by long-standing frustrations, were co-opted and funded by criminal conspirators intent on advancing their own chaotic agendas.

The gravity of the implications of Bashir Hadejiya's actions cannot be overstated. His confessions, particularly regarding his connections to influential figures in the political sphere, including allegations linking him to a former Director of the Department of State Security Service (DSS), reveal deeper, systemic failings within our governance structures. 

These connections are not merely incidental; they indicate a troubling state of affairs in which the very institutions tasked with ensuring the safety and integrity of the nation appear to harbor, or at the very least tolerate, criminal enterprises. This complicity—or, at best, the negligence of duty—exposes a vulnerability in our political and security frameworks that must not be ignored.

In essence, the cross-national implications illuminated by Hadejiya's confession provide ample justification for alarm. 

The interconnected nature of global criminal networks means that incidents of this sort cannot be treated as isolated cases. Rather, they form part of a larger tapestry of chaos that jeopardizes national security and regional stability. The implications ripple outward, threatening democratic processes and undermining the rule of law. The ability of individuals like Hadejiya to not only navigate but exploit the gaps within our governance structures serves as a clarion call for more stringent measures to ensure accountability and transparency in our political arenas.

To stem the tide of these insidious influences, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive. Policymakers, security agencies, and civil society must engage in robust discourse on how to fortify our political institutions against the encroachment of organized crime. This includes enhanced accountability mechanisms to ensure that political actors are not only transparent in their dealings but also held liable for any complicity in illegal activities. 

The integrity of our democratic processes and the safety of our communities depend on a comprehensive approach that addresses the multifaceted challenges presented by figures like Bashir Hadejiya.

In light of these events, we take this opportunity to remind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the numerous communiqués and calls urging him to acknowledge the ongoing machinations against his administration driven by malicious elements, both within and outside our borders. These tactics are directed not just at the President, but at his steadfast supporters and defenders.

They aim to sow discord and factionalism among the ranks of those who support this administration, thereby rendering it vulnerable to subversive takeover.

We laud the unwavering commitment of President Tinubu's security team, specifically praising the resolute efforts of key figures such as National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar, and Minister of Defence Bello Mohammed Matawalle.

Their tireless work is essential in our collective fight against these threats. To bolster our national security further, we advocate for empowering these defenders—providing them with the tools, resources, and authority necessary to navigate complex national security challenges. It is only through a well-resourced and supported security team that we can expect to confront the evolving threats that loom over our democracy.

The revelations surrounding Hadejiya's criminal affiliations underscore a pressing need for a united front against the forces that threaten our sovereignty and stability. As citizens, we must advocate for reforms that prioritize transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct. Failure to address these issues will not only permit the continuation of this dangerous status quo but also set a precedent for other criminal actors to exploit vulnerabilities within our political systems. The time for action is now, as the stakes could not be higher for Nigeria, West Africa, and the international community at large.

It is imperative that we signal our intent to take the necessary actions against those who manipulate the socio-political landscape for personal gain. Those who assist in camouflaging their ill-intentions under the guise of political involvement must be held accountable. The implications of Hadejiya's confession are crucial; his links to political figures—both in the North and South—demand scrutiny and refusing to convict these corrupt partnerships only hampers our national unity and progress.

We insist on a thorough investigation of all individuals involved in this nefarious enterprise. We reiterate our support for President Tinubu and his administration in their efforts to maintain national security and social cohesion. Let us remain vigilant and united against any entities that seek to undermine the stability of Nigeria and, by extension, the wellbeing of her people.

Yauri Emir lauds Gov. Idris for restoring peace, facilitating people back to farm

 

The Emir of Yauri in Kebbi State, Dr Zayyanu Abdullahi, has commended His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris for restoring prevailing peace in his domain and the state at large.

He gave the commendation while receiving All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign entourage on a courtesy at his palace in Yauri on Tuesday.

The entourage were in Yauri to flagg-off the Zonal Campaign Rally for the upcoming Local Government elections scheduled for Aug. 31, 2024.

The Monarch said his subjects were very happy with the present Kauran Gwandu led-administration, saying that: "It is during your time that people of Yauri are enjoying peace, we are now sleeping with our two eyes close.

"Your efforts in restoration of peace across the state is really yielding positive results, our people in the villages have gone back to their farms. Therefore, we must appreciate your sincere efforts."

The Emir also appreciated the governor for executing multiple developmental projects in the emirate, which he said, had transformed the area.

"His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu has built schools in our domain, road construction is ongoing apart from other infrastructure, we are short of words to show our real appreciation.

"Your administration has positively impacted on our lives, as such, people of this emirate will remain grateful and supportive to your administration," he assured. 

Earlier, the governor told the emir that they were in his palace to seek royal blessings, advice, and support for peaceful and successful local government elections.

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Sen. Umar Abubakar-Tafida appreciated the traditional ruler for his fatherly advice and support to the present administration at all levels.

He promised to work hand-in-hand with traditional institutions for the betterment of the state. 

Northern stakeholders demand investigation into Hon. Ikenga led C’tee over alleged corruption

By Editor

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has called on the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, to launch a comprehensive investigation into Hon. Ugochinyere Ikenga led disbanded committee on oil industry, following alarming allegations of bribery and corruption.

Hon. Ikenga, who was a co-chairman of a recently disbanded committee overseeing the oil industry, is accused of soliciting a substantial financial bribe and boasting about paying $1.7 million to secure his committee chairmanship.

Addressing the press in Kaduna, the forum expressed deep concern over the accusations, which they claim threaten to erode public trust in Nigeria's legislative process. The stakeholders emphasized that such misconduct not only undermines the integrity of the National Assembly but also poses a serious risk to the nation’s democratic foundations.

In a text of the briefing read by spokesperson of the forum,  Comrade Ali Mohammed Sani, in the presence of key forum members including the Convener Yerima Shettima, Secretary General Comrade Danjuma Paul, and Patron Abdulazeez Suleiman of the group, they  highlighted the potential consequences of the disbanded committee’s actions. They warned that if left unaddressed, the alleged misconduct could undermine the trust of the Nigerian populace in their elected officials and in the legislative framework that governs the country.

The forum further revealed that its ongoing investigations uncovered deeply troubling patterns of behavior by Hon. Ikenga. According to the group, “as recently as July 4, 2024, unusual activities were reported around the House of Representatives premises. Subsequent inquiries allegedly revealed that Hon. Ikenga had engaged private investigators to gather compromising information for the purpose of blackmailing the Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abass, and the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Kalu Benjamin. “

The goal, the forum claimed, was to pressure the House leadership into allowing Ikenga to maintain his leadership role in the disbanded committee.

The forum urged the leadership of the House of Representatives to review CCTV footage from the House complex on the mentioned date, asserting that the recordings would validate their claims and expose the true intent behind Hon. Ikenga's actions.

The NSCF, in partnership with 72 other organizations, reiterated its commitment to promoting accountability, transparency, and ethical governance in Nigeria. They called for a swift and thorough investigation, stressing that the broader implications of unchecked misconduct within the legislature could be devastating to Nigeria's democracy.

The forum however emphasized the need for all stakeholders to take collective responsibility in addressing these alarming developments. They advocated for a legislative process that is transparent, ethical, and accountable, one that genuinely serves the Nigerian populace and restores faith in the nation’s democratic institutions.