NAN Warns Against Fabricated Claims by Arewa Integrity League Against Matawalle

By Editor,

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has brought to public’s attention disturbing developments concerning the planned dissemination of a press statement by the Arewa Integrity League, allegedly sponsored by Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State. 

The said statement is expected to contain false claims and fabricated allegations aimed at discrediting key figures in Nigeria’s national security architecture, including the National Security Adviser, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector General of Police; the Director-General of the Department of State Security, Mr. Yusuf Bichi; and the Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle. 

According to the Chairman NAN, Salihu Suleiman, in the planned offensive by the Arewa Integrity League, its spokesman, Comrade Musa Garba, would seek to create a narrative suggesting that these esteemed officials have engaged in manipulative tactics to engineer false reports implicated in a high-profile ongoing investigation tied to the arrest of Bashir Hadejiya.

He said, such unfounded attack aims primarily to tarnish the reputations of individuals who are steadfast in their commitment to national security and the principles of justice, while simultaneously seeking to obfuscate the real issues surrounding the investigation.

"We, at NAN, firmly believe that any attempts to distort the truth for political leverage are not only unethical but also detrimental to the integrity of our national institutions. The nature of these allegations raises serious concerns regarding the intentions behind such a coordinated smear campaign against responsible officials who are executing their duties to ensure law and order within our great nation"

NAN therefore called on the public to remain vigilant and discerning when consuming information that may serve as propaganda rather than fact. The role of the media and the public is crucial in upholding our democratic values and ensuring that truth prevails over deceitful narratives.

It also called on Law Enforcement Agencies to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability. We encourage these bodies to diligently pursue the ongoing investigations without political interference and to ensure that those who promote falsehoods face the necessary legal repercussions.

NAN further called on political leaders to conduct their affairs with integrity and honor, refraining from engaging in character assassinations that detract from the greater good of society. It is imperative for leaders to focus on genuine issues affecting our communities, rather than resorting to underhanded tactics that threaten our unity.

" We also call on Civil Society Organizations to play their part in safeguarding the integrity of our governance systems by calling out misinformation and holding accountable those who perpetuate falsehoods for their own ends".

The NAN also declared their stand in solidarity with the individuals targeted by this nefarious campaign, recognizing their dedication and service to our nation’s security and stability. We will not shy away from advocating for truth and justice while exposing those who choose to weaponize falsehoods for personal or political gain.

NAN reiterated their commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of truth in governance and implored all citizens and leaders to reject division and embrace integrity, prioritizing the collective interest of our nation above all else.

Bashir Hadejiya's Arrest: Ethic Groups Commend NSA, Defence Ministers, Security Agencies

By editor 

Group of ethnic nationalities namely Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), Northern Awareness Network (NAN) and.the Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) has said that 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.

According to the groups in separate press statements, the operation, orchestrated by our diligent security agencies, represents a remarkable achievement in safeguarding the integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria, while commending the Nigerian Police and the myriad security agencies involved in such extraordinary success. 

According to a statements issued by the President General of AYCF Yerima Shettima, Chairman of NAN, Salifu Suleiman and the leader of the YYC Comrade Eric Oluwole, the arrest is a loud testimony of the vigilance of our country's security network being coordinated jointly by the National Security Adviser; (NSA)Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru and defence minister for State; Bello Matawalle, the Armed Forces, Police and other security agencies.

The groups viewed 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 tireless work and unwavering commitment of President Tinubu's security team, specifically  the resolute efforts of key figures such as NSA, Defence Ministers are quite commendable and essential in our collective fight against such security 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 statements added.

"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".

ENDS

AYAGL, CSOs alleges oil thieves behind calls for Kyari’s sack

 

By Editor

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL), in collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), has alleged that recent calls for the removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, are being orchestrated by individuals involved in oil theft.

In a statement by the Speaker of AYAGL, Ambassador Abdul DanBature, he claimed that those pushing for Kyari’s sack are disgruntled elements who have lost the opportunity to continue their illegal activities within the oil sector under Kyari’s leadership.

According to the Speaker, "the call for Kyari's removal is a calculated attempt by those who have been involved in oil theft and other nefarious activities to get back at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

"These individuals are frustrated by the transparency and accountability that Kyari has brought to the Nigerian oil and gas sector, and they see his removal as their only chance to resume their illegal operations."

DanBature further stated that under Kyari’s leadership, Nigeria’s oil production has seen a significant increase from 900,000 barrels per day in late 2022 to 1.53 million barrels per day by July 2024, including condensates. He noted that Kyari’s tenure has been marked by efforts to curb oil theft and other criminal activities in the sector.

"When Kyari took over as head of NNPC in July 2019, the corporation was grappling with low production, widespread pipeline vandalism, and large-scale oil theft. Despite these challenges, Kyari has implemented reforms that have not only increased production but also brought greater transparency to the sector," he said.

The AYAGL Speaker also highlighted Kyari's introduction of the Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence (TAPE) initiative, which he said has restored public confidence in the NNPC. 

"Kyari’s achievements, including the publication of audited financial statements and the ongoing rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries, are clear indicators of his commitment to transforming the sector," DanBature added.

He urged Nigerians to disregard the calls for Kyari’s removal, emphasizing that these efforts are aimed at destabilizing the progress made in the oil sector. "As a group committed to good leadership, we stand firmly behind Mele Kyari and will continue to support his efforts to bring positive change to the Nigerian oil industry," DanBature concluded.

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.