Dismissal Of 3 RECs Excites Northern Group

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has expressed its support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and President Bola Tinubu over their recent decisive actions in dismissing three suspended Residents Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from Adamawa, Sokoto, and Abia states. 

This commendation underscores the vital role of maintaining electoral integrity and accountability within Nigeria’s democratic processes. 

According to NAN in its statement signed by the Chairman Salihu Suleiman said, the dismissal of the three RECs in March 2023 stemmed from serious allegations of unlawful assumption of roles and dereliction of duty during the recent general elections adding that these suspensions are emblematic of the commitment by INEC to upholding the integrity of electoral processes in Nigeria.

"INEC’s actions not only address immediate concerns of misconduct but also bolster public confidence in the electoral system's capacity to adjudicate fairly against corruption and negligence. This proactive approach is critical in setting a precedent that faces electoral malpractice head-on.

"Within the context of Nigerian politics, the urgency of maintaining electoral integrity has become increasingly pronounced. The country’s recent history has been plagued with instances of electoral fraud and malpractice, regularly undermining democratic institutions.

"The conviction of Professor Ignatius Uduk in Akwa Ibom State for electoral fraud further reflects the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions during the electoral process. Such legal actions signal to the public and potential offenders that ethical violations will have consequences. The relationship between accountability and integrity is crucial for enhancing the legitimacy of electoral results and the overall democratic environment in Nigeria.

"In light of these developments, the Northern Awareness Network urges all stakeholders involved in the electoral process, including security agencies and political parties, to imitate INEC’s example by implementing stringent internal disciplinary measures against those engaging in misconduct".

Suleiman said, upholding ethical standards across the board is paramount for fostering a political culture that values integrity and transparency adding that Political parties, in particular, are in a unique position to influence their members’ conduct. By establishing clear ethical guidelines and adhering to them, parties can not only avoid scandals but also improve their relationships with the electorate.

"It is also important to recognize the complexities surrounding the disciplinary procedures within INEC itself. The organization has faced criticism in the past for its handling of electoral malfeasance. The thoroughness of INEC’s investigation and execution of the dismissals indicates a commitment to procedural integrity, which is essential for maintaining public trust. 

"Adherence to due process ensures that actions taken are justified and transparent. This, in turn, reinforces the credibility of the electoral system, as decisions are based on established norms and legal frameworks rather than arbitrary judgment.

Moving forward, the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders can play a significant role in consolidating democracy in Nigeria. Ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections is a shared responsibility. 

This collaboration could manifest in various forms, such as joint training programs for election officials and security personnel, workshops aimed at raising awareness about electoral ethics, and fostering collaborations between civil society organizations and electoral bodies.

The Northern Awareness Network says it stands prepared to support initiatives aimed at promoting accountability and integrity in future electoral events, signaling a commitment to fostering a democratic culture that emphasizes the electoral rights of citizens.

"Additionally, global perspectives on electoral integrity provide useful insights for Nigeria. Countries that have successfully strengthened electoral processes often do so through comprehensive electoral reforms that involve a range of stakeholders. These countries exemplify the importance of continuous assessment of electoral practices and the necessity for adaptability in regulatory frameworks.

"Embracing lessons from such examples can guide Nigeria toward reforms that bolster the integrity of its electoral system. The actions taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission and President Bola Tinubu in dismissing the three suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners represent a pivotal moment for Nigeria's electoral landscape". 

The group further stressed that upholding electoral integrity and accountability is essential not only for the immediate future of Nigerian democracy but also for fostering public trust in its institutions. The Northern Awareness Network’s call for collaboration among all stakeholders underscores the necessity of a collective commitment to establishing a fair electoral process. 

By reinforcing ethical standards, ensuring accountability, and fostering stakeholder collaboration, Nigeria can make significant strides toward a more representative and resilient democracy, the group added.

AYCF, NAN says Amaechi’s remarks threatening to national security

By Editor

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Northern Awareness Network (NAN) have warned that recent statements by former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, could undermine national stability and incite unrest.

In separate statements, the two groups backed Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, for condemning Amaechi’s remarks, which they described as reckless and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

The AYCF, in a statement signed by its President General, Yerima Shettima, said Amaechi’s comments suggesting that power would not be relinquished without a fight were not only irresponsible but also dangerous in a country striving for political stability. It urged authorities to take necessary steps to prevent such rhetoric from escalating into a national crisis.

The NAN, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Salihu Sulaiman, dismissed claims by Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze that Matawalle was intimidating Amaechi. It argued that freedom of speech must not be used to incite violence or threaten national security.

The group maintained that Matawalle’s intervention was necessary to prevent political tensions from escalating into a security crisis, adding that political stability remains a key pillar of national security.

“Nigeria’s unity must not be sacrificed on the altar of political ambition. The law must be applied to anyone attempting to instigate chaos,” NAN stated.

The groups reaffirmed their commitment to peace and urged political actors to promote stability rather than make statements that could endanger national security.

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The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) vehemently condemns the recent volte-face by Northern Governors regarding the national tax reform bills.  After generating needless controversy and misleading the public, these governors have inexplicably capitulated to the reforms.  

The AYCF, from the outset, has maintained that these reforms, despite potential short-term challenges, are essential for Nigeria's overall development. We view the governors' actions as a betrayal of the trust placed in them, a demonstration of their incompetence in managing their states' affairs, and ultimately, a disservice to the Northern people. This press statement outlines our deep concerns and calls for accountability.

The Northern Governors initially presented a united front against the proposed tax reforms, citing concerns about their potential negative impact on the already struggling Northern economy. This stance, while arguably understandable given the region's socio-economic challenges, was fundamentally flawed. 

According to the President General of the AYCF Yerima Shettima in a statement , the arguments lacked substance and failed to acknowledge the vital role of robust taxation in funding essential public services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Instead of engaging constructively with the government to address specific concerns and negotiate amendments, they chose to employ divisive rhetoric, fueling public unrest and hindering national progress. 

 This approach reveals a lack of foresight and strategic planning, highlighting their failure to effectively represent the interests of their constituents. The sudden and unexplained shift in their position, without any apparent concessions or amendments achieved, casts serious doubt on their integrity and raises questions about the motives behind their initial opposition.

"We recognize that effective taxation is the cornerstone of a functioning and prosperous nation.  While we acknowledge the need for sensitive implementation to minimize hardship, particularly amongst vulnerable populations, we firmly believe that the benefits of these reforms significantly outweigh any potential drawbacks.  Increased tax revenue will allow the government to invest heavily in critical sectors, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the overall quality of life for all Nigerians, including those in the North. 

Shettima said, the Governors’ initial opposition, therefore, not only hampered national progress but also demonstrated a disregard for the long-term welfare of the very people they are elected to serve.  Their actions appear driven by short-sighted political considerations rather than a genuine commitment to the development of the North.

"The Northern Governors' opposition to the tax reforms cannot be divorced from their wider failures in managing their respective states.  Many Northern states grapple with persistent poverty, underdevelopment, and a lack of basic amenities.

"This chronic underperformance stems from several factors, including poor governance, corruption, and a lack of effective resource allocation.  Instead of focusing on these critical issues and finding innovative ways to improve the lives of their citizens, the governors chose to deflect attention by focusing on the tax reform debate. This suggests a deliberate attempt to shift blame for their own failures onto the federal government. 

The AYCF contends that their initial opposition was a distraction tactic, an attempt to mask their incompetence and avoid accountability for their shortcomings. The hasty reversal of their position further strengthens this argument.

"The Northern Governors' actions constitute a clear betrayal of the trust placed in them by the Northern people.  By initially opposing the tax reforms and then conceding, they have demonstrated a fundamental lack of respect for the electorate.  They engaged in misleading rhetoric, playing on public anxieties to garner support for their position, only to abandon it without explanation. 

"This manipulation undermines the democratic process and erodes public confidence in leadership. The AYCF calls upon the Northern Governors to provide a clear and transparent explanation for their change of heart.  The people deserve to know the reasons behind this abrupt shift and whether any concessions were made that would compromise the effectiveness of the tax reforms".

The AYCF reiterated its unwavering support for the national tax reform bills. We believe that these reforms are crucial for Nigeria's economic growth and development, and we condemn the Northern Governors' inconsistent and ultimately deceitful actions. Their failure to effectively manage their states and their manipulation of public opinion highlight a systemic problem of governance within the region. 

"We call for greater accountability from these governors and urge them to focus on their primary responsibilities: improving the lives of the people they represent through good governance and effective resource management. The hasty surrender to the tax reform bills without meaningful engagement or a transparent explanation constitutes a disservice to the North and a betrayal of the public's trust.  

The AYCF will continue to advocate for policies that promote sustainable development and economic progress for all Nigerians, and will remain vigilant in holding our leaders accountable for their actions, he stated

Idris vows to fire underperforming commissioners, aides

 

His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has vowed to fire Commissioners and Special Advisers who perform below the expectations of the government and their people.

 

He made the disclosure while assenting to the 2025 Budget Bill at Government House, Birnin Kebbi on Friday.

 

It could be recalled that the governor had on December 21,  presented the proposed 2025 budget to the State House of Assembly for deliberation and subsequent passage.

 

The governor warned the members of his cabinet that he would do a broadcast by the end of two years of his administration.

 

He said: "Every commissioner and special adviser must be with his people and only those who perform well and carry their people along would remain.

 

"Therefore, I urge you to adjust, tighten your belts, go close to your people, listen to their plights and assist them where necessary."

 

Speaking on the budget,  Idris said that history was made again, saying,'' last year, we were here for a similar exercise.

 

''I must commend the lawmakers for a job well done, this is a clear sign that you have Kebbi people in your hearts.

 

"I am the happiest person today, being the leader because we brought a budget that will add value to the lives of Kebbi people."

 

Idris appreciated the lawmakers for their wisdom to have kept every other thing aside and concentrated on the budget.

 

The governor assured that his administration would do everything possible to improve the lives of Kebbi people.

 

"We will make sure that we translate this budget into reality by touching lives in the grassroots so that people in the rural areas feel the impact of the government," Idris assured.

 

The governor said the present administration had transformed the state capital to make it look like any other state capital, promising that such reformation would be extended to other parts of the state.

 

He expressed delight that his administration had touched the lives of Yauri and Ngaski people.

 

He added that the state government has also commenced projects in Argungu Emirate, assuring: "By God's grace, we will make sure that we inaugurate the Zuru road project soon.

 

"We will make sure we finish the road in good time so that people of Zuru Emirate will start plying the road."

 

Idris thanked the Speaker for the cordial working relationship existing between the executive and legislative arms and urged that such relationship be sustained.

 

He confirmed that all the achievements recorded in state wouldn't have been possible without the support and subsequent approval of the house.

 

Idris said, ''It was done out of passion and love the lawmakers have for their people.''

 

Presenting the bill to the governor, the acting Speaker, Alhaji Sama'ila Muhammadu-Bagudo, said: "Today, Friday, Dec. 27, the House has passed the Bill and put it forward for your assent."

 

The acting speaker lauded the efforts of his colleagues for working round the clock to ensure the passage of the budget.

 

He recalled that the lawmakers had set aside all other engagements and concentrated on the budget with a view to passing it before the year runs out.

 

This, according to him, is with a view to ensuring that the budget takes off by January 2025 without delay. 

X-mas: Governor's Aide lauds Gov. Idris for donating foodstuff to Christian community

By Editor

The Special Adviser to Kebbi State Governor on Christian Affairs, Rev. Dr Samuel Audu Dabai (JP), has applauded His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, for supporting Christian community in the state to celebrate this year's Christmas and New Year festivities.

The SA, who spoke on phone with Journalists on Friday, expressed appreciation over the gesture, describing it as the first of its kind in the state.

"I want to assure the governor that Christian community across the 21 Local Government Areas were supplied with the food items including the widows," he said.

JP Audu Dabai explained further that a committee was set up comprising elders to ensure transparency and accountability in the sharing formula.

"This is the first time that Christian communities are enjoying this kind of benefit, this gesture has gone far, many people have benefited from it. 

"The distribution committee has done a very good job, food has reached every corner, of the state and everybody is happy," he said. 

Kebbi doles out 50 motorcycles to Govt. House workers

The Kebbi State Government has distributed motorcycles free to no fewer than 50 domestic staff in Government House to promote punctuality.

Alhaji Zayyanu Umar-Aliero, the State Commissioner for Special Duties, disclosed this while interacting with Journalists shortly after issuing keys to a set of five beneficiaries in Government House, Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

He said: "We have distributed motorcycles to some of our staff working here in government house, this is with a view to making them punctual in their duty places.

"We have distributed five today and another set of five is coming next week. So far, we have distributed over 50 motorcycles in batches to government house domestic staff.

"When you are working with a staff you need to encourage him to do more in what he is doing and we encourage them to be punctual in their duty posts."

According to him, the gesture is part of Gov. Nasir Idris' benevolence directed towards giving all manner of people a sense of belonging.

"As far as work is concerned, the governor does not segregate, whether big or small and regardless of where you come from, he touches all categories of workers, he does everything necessary that makes everybody happy," he said. 

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Reconsider Appointment of Yazid Danfulani as Executive Secretary of SMDF/PAGMI Group Tells Tinubu

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) is calling on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the appointment of Yazid Danfulani as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI). 

According to.Nan in a statement signed by it's Chairman Salihu Suleiman, "While we respect the President's decision-making process, we believe that Yazid's integrity and philanthropy make him the ideal candidate for this important role.

Yazid Shehu Danfulani is a leader who embodies the qualities of change and progress. His unwavering dedication to improving the lives of the people and his commitment to transparency and accountability have set him apart as a valuable asset to any organization. In contrast, the reinstatement of Fatima Umaru Shinkafi feels like a betrayal of the people's trust. Fatima had nearly a decade to make a difference in her previous role, yet she failed to leave a lasting impact.

Yazid Shehu Danfulani's leadership style is characterized by his proactive approach to addressing the needs of the people. He has shown a deep understanding of the challenges facing the community and has worked tirelessly to implement solutions that bring about positive change. His ability to listen to the concerns of the people and take decisive action has earned him the respect and admiration of those he serves.

Furthermore, Yazid Shehu Danfulani's commitment to transparency and accountability sets him apart as a leader who is truly dedicated to serving the best interests of the people. He has consistently demonstrated a willingness to be open and honest in his dealings, ensuring that the community is kept informed and involved in the decision-making process. 

This level of transparency fosters trust and confidence in his leadership, making him a reliable and trustworthy figure in the eyes of the people.

On the other hand, the reinstatement of Fatima Umaru Shinkafi raises questions about the integrity and effectiveness of her leadership. Despite having nearly a decade to make a difference in her previous role, Fatima failed to leave a lasting impact on the community. Her lack of tangible results and failure to address the pressing issues facing the people suggest a lack of commitment and dedication to the welfare of those she serves.

It is time for a new direction in the leadership of the SMDF/PAGMI, and Yazid Shehu Danfulani is the right person to lead the way. His vision for progress and his unwavering commitment to integrity make him the ideal candidate for this position. We believe that Yazid's leadership will bring about positive change and create a lasting legacy for the organization.

We urge President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the appointment of Yazid Danfulani as the Executive Secretary of the SMDF/PAGMI. It is time for a fresh perspective and a new approach to leadership in this important organization. Yazid's integrity and philanthropy are unmatched, and we believe that he is the best person to lead the SMDF/PAGMI into a successful future.