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2027: Akpabio, el-Rufai Romance Posters Mischievous, Frivolous, Says Aide
The office of the President of the Senate has said that posters suggesting a romance between Godswill Akpabio and former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai ahead of the 2027 general elections are mischievous and frivolous.
According to the SA media to Akpabio, Eseme Eyibo, they have been made aware of the circulation of posters in certain areas of Kaduna that falsely connect the President of the Senate with a purported political alliance with Mallam Nasir El-Rufai for the 2027 presidential elections.
“We want to categorically state that Senator Godswill Akpabio has no intention of running for president in 2027, nor does he have any plans for a joint presidential ticket with Mallam Nasir El-Rufai or any other individual, regardless of their position,” Eseme said in a statement.
He said the posters are the work of mischievous individuals and familiar fifth columnists who seek to tarnish the reputation of the President’s loyalists.
“Their actions are baseless and deceptive,” Eseme said, adding that Senator Akpabio is currently focused on collaborating with President Bola Tinubu and providing the necessary legislative support to reset Nigeria and restore the nation’s standing in the global community.
“Since June 13, 2023, as the Chairman of the National Assembly, Senate President Akpabio has been diligently fulfilling this responsibility and has never entertained the idea of running for president in 2027 or any other time.
“It is therefore disgraceful for anyone to associate Senate President Godswill Akpabio with a lackluster presidential ambition when we have a competent, trusted, and proven leader like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the helm, effectively steering the ship of purposeful leadership and proficient governance with his renewed Hope Agenda.
“We urge the public to dismiss these unfounded rumors aimed at diverting the attention of Nigerians from the Senate’s purposeful and positive interventions under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio. Furthermore, we implore the security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the perpetrators behind this malicious scheme,” Eseme added.
A coalition of civil society organisations in Zamfara Central has publicly called on philanthropist Yazeed Danfulani to contest for the senatorial seat in the National Assembly in the 2027 elections, citing his extensive humanitarian contributions and commitment to community development.
In a statement released on Sunday, the group’s spokesperson, Nuraddeen Garba Gusau, emphasised that the growing support for Danfulani transcends mere political sentiment.
“This is about Yazeed Danfulani’s proven dedication to the welfare of our people, demonstrated consistently without ever holding elected office,” Gusau said.
Danfulani, a prominent figure in Zamfara Central, has earned widespread admiration for his charitable initiatives.
He has funded the education of numerous children, offering opportunities to those who previously faced bleak prospects.
” His generosity also extends to providing financial and material aid to the less fortunate, helping families meet their basic needs.”
He said “Beyond individual support, Danfulani has bolstered small-scale entrepreneurs by distributing cars, tricycles, and financial capital, enabling many to achieve self-reliance.
“His efforts have significantly improved livelihoods across the region. Additionally, as a key supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, Danfulani has played a vital role in strengthening the party’s unity and presence in the state.
The coalition believes Danfulani’s track record as a private citizen is a testament to his potential as a legislator.
“His selfless contributions are merely a glimpse of what he could achieve with the authority to legislate and attract development at the national level,” Gusau added.
News
Kaduna: Group calls EFCC, National Assembly, Kaduna state government’s intervention on alleged diversion of public funds
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The Executive Director of a non-governmental organization, Eagle Brain Youth Transformative and Development Initiative (EBYTDI), Mr Daniel Ejembi, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Assembly and Kaduna state government to intervene on alleged hijacking of a federal constituency project intended for public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A statement issued by the Executive Director described the alleged diversion of the public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a.
According to him, “This diversion of public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a. We demand swift intervention by the Kaduna State Government, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Assembly to recover misused funds and prioritize education for all.”
The statement stated that investigation reveals that a federal project sponsored by Yakubu Umar Barde, former member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, was alleged to have been unlawfully diverted to Fatima Academy, a private school owned by Abdulhadi Abubakar.
Ejembi explained, “The project, initially earmarked for constructing a public school, was instead executed at Fatima Academy, which lacks registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).”
He added that the contractor, Amrah Farms Nigeria Limited (RC-1523474), with directors including Abdulyekin Bello Tahir and Bello Halimat Sadiq, executed the project in violation of its original mandate, lamenting that public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a faced severe deficits, including dilapidated classrooms, lack of sanitation facilities, and inadequate learning resources, exacerbating educational inequalities.
The Executive Director called for immediate probe into the alleged diversion of funds by relevant anti-corruption agencies and also called for urgent construction and renovation of classrooms, toilets, and perimeter fencing in the public schools.
He also appealed for the provision of desks, learning materials, and safe water systems for students and advised for legal action against unregistered institutions like Fatima Academy and accountability for involved parties.
Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Easter Monday morning.
Late Pope had been in and out of hospital in the last few weeks. He made a surprise appearance at the Easter Sunday service at Vatican on Sunday.
Details Later…