News
HOR: Hon Jafar Representing Beyond The Embers Of Ethnics Politics In Adamawa
…he is APC Party Man who is set to labor for Mubi Constituency
By Habu Maiha
After many years of a hope-dashed situation and a seemingly hopeless representation the people of Mubi North, Mubi South, and Maiha federal constituency have experienced. A Man with a rudy face of hope, and love for his people have surfaced in 2019 with massive development.
The gross complaints of bad representation a tap of expected rising hope were extended to Hon Jafar Magaji to contest the Adamawa state Federal Constituency.
For the first time in the history of Mubi North, Mubi South, and Maiha, a Man who knows what is people-oriented representation has broken the embers of tribal and religious politics. A politics that leaders from past regimes have used to marginalize, and exclude many others because of a lack of poor sense of good leadership.
Magaji is now a renowned grassroots politician and a mobilizer whose high repute over the years has grown up his political feathers emancipating the Youth and women of many of the Adamawa communities in the All Progressives Congress, APC.
His three years and a half representing the Adamawa federal constituency are a true testimony of a good leader that loves, all is doing is breaking the magic of politics of primordial sentiments. Without shadows of doubt, the Gude, the Falis, the Nzanyis, the Hausas, Fulanis, and many other tribes can give an honest verdict that the jinx of sectional and tribal politics has expired.
Jafar is now the emancipator of the masses, a bridge builder whose voice in the national assembly is all the time loudly heard projecting and canvassing the Interest of his people at the hallow chambers of the House of Representatives (HoR).
Before the 2019 election in his constituency, there was a huge and open vacuum created, and this left his people in dire need of better representation, Jafar was called upon to be the people’s life of hope and find solutions to the constituency’s myriads’ problems. Since then and now the story is changed, he is now a life changer of hope. The three local government areas are now having a touch of good representation, he brought unprecedented development in the area of infrastructure and created development bills and motions for his people. One of Jafar’s Cardinal areas of focus is human capital development. Many of his constituents in all the political wards are empowered by Jafar’s humanitarian gesture. He did all that for his people because he want to fight poverty to its, and gave them a restoration hope that the effects of Boko Haram activities should not cage them down.
The people who have beckoned on this talented and gifted Politician whose leadership strides are noticeably anywhere he goes have a passion for rendering selfless services and living a life of sacrifice for the growth of other people and his community.
Jafar once again answered the call in APC, a party he described as for the growth and development not only of the Adamawa state but for the whole of Nigeria. He is no doubt an APC Man, willing and battle ready for the 2023 election to Labour well for the total emancipation of his people in Adamawa North who are still yearning, and longing for his second term.
The Young lawmaker has broken down the barriers of vain glory politicians who use tribes and religion to stand in defense of their feeble political strength in the zone because they have nothing to offer.
The campaign of calumny on the bases of tribes or religion is no longer a fashion for weaker-link politicians to use against this future assured for the Youth, the old, and women who are the reason why he is in the national assembly. He has grown beyond the challenge of politics of tribe and religion, the Young Man is now a visionary leader with a national focus to serve Nigerians in 2023 and beyond.
No wonder there is massive support is getting from many parts of the Constituency, it’s no doubt the time has come for a supersonic change again, he is yet again bringing new things to the political table of his constituents. Observing the train of his political moves is a fact on the ground that Mubi North, Mubi South, and Maiha he will maintain the baton of leadership in the All progressives congress (APC) because no candidate from any party that is as popular as he is, his general acceptability is more than anybody wishing to represent the area.
The 2023 election will be a shock to even students of politics as party politics will no longer count. It’s a politics of political personalities, not political party identities. With these indices and factors as 2023 elections characteristics, Magaji in APC without an iota of doubt will take the lead in changing the narratives of again in his Constituency.
For the people of Mubi North, Mubi South, and Maiha, your consolidated votes for this man will guarantee your political strong will and liberation.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, on Monday, sentenced the husband of late gospel singer, Osinachi, Peter Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.
Nwachukwu was found guilty of culpable homicide resulting in the death of the deceased ( his wife) on April 8, 2022.
The judge held that the prosecution had proven the burden of proof placed on it by the law and subsequently found the defendant guilty.
Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022 by the Office of Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), on behalf of the Federal Government, on a 23-count charge .
The charge was on culpable homicide punishable with death, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, criminal intimidation of children, spousal battery, among others.
In the course of trial, the prosecution called 17 witnesses, including two children of the late Osinachi, who testified as fourth prosecution and fifth prosecution witnesses, PW4 and PW5 respectively.
The prosecution also tendered 25 documents as exhibits before the court.
The defendant testified for the defence and further called four other witnesses and tendered four exhibits in his defence.
Shortly before sentencing, the defendant, counsel , Reginald Nwali, in his allocutus pleaded with the court to be lenient in its judgment.
Similarly, the prosecution counsel, Mrs Aderonke Imala, urged the court to give force to the law as stipulated.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme subsequently sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on Count 1, while he was sentenced to two years imprisonment each on Counts 2, 3, 8,9, 12, 13, and 18.
The court sentenced the defendant to six months imprisonment on Count 10, three years imprisonment in Count 11, while he was fined the sum of N500,000 and N200,000 respectively on Counts 6 and 7 respectively. (NAN)
A group of lawyers under the banner of the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law staged a massive protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Monday, demanding a judicial inquiry into the tenure of Mele Kolo Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
The protesters, led by Barrister Benjamin Theophilus, submitted a petition alleging widespread corruption, tax evasion, abuse of office, and misappropriation of public funds during Kyari’s leadership.
The petition highlighted several contentious issues, including inflated costs of refinery rehabilitation contracts, fraudulent crude oil allocations, mismanagement of the AKK Gas Pipeline Project, fuel subsidy fraud, and questionable crude-backed loans.
According to the petition, NNPCL under Kyari spent over $4 billion on rehabilitating the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, far exceeding an initial private-sector proposal of $1 billion for all three facilities.
“Kyari is alleged to have collaborated with consultants and contractors to conceal the actual cost of contracts and evade taxes,” the petition stated, noting that the refineries remain inefficient despite the expenditure.
The lawyers also accused Kyari of overseeing the diversion of crude oil allocations under the pretext of “pipeline security” at a rate of 80,000 barrels per day, with no transparent accountability mechanisms.
The $5 billion AKK Gas Pipeline Project was similarly flagged for irregularities in contract awards and execution, with little progress despite significant funding.
Further allegations include fuel subsidy fraud, with NNPCL reportedly increasing petroleum imports in 2020 during a global decline in fuel consumption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The petition also criticised crude-backed loans totalling $21.565 billion since 2019, which it claimed disadvantaged Nigeria by ceding trading profits to international traders.
The protesters called for a judicial commission to investigate Kyari’s tenure, probe payments to refinery contractors, and examine past audit failures.
They also urged the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to investigate suspected tax evasion and fraudulent declarations, while advocating for the recovery of any misappropriated public funds.
The Federal Ministry of Finance has yet to respond to the petition, and NNPCL officials were unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
With preparation towards 2020-2030 Agenda popularly known as decade of action at hand, the concept of transmitting SDGs program through short film challenges cannot be overemphasized.
Therefore, the determination of Sustainable Development Goals SDGs under the leadership of Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and the United Nations UN to move beyond infrastructural, socio-economic and political awareness as well as empowerment by deploying the global program to achieving its stated objectives.
The inculcation of short films and other related art work towards achieving the 17 SDGs goals, starting from first to second and now the third edition of film challenges launched was aimed at achieving SDGs goals.
Since cinematography and film related activities attracts more in the area of viewing and concentration, the collaboration between SDGs, UN and other independent bodies towards achieving the desired results is not out of place.
From 73 countries and entries in 2023 to 2,250 and 119 countries in 2024, was a remarkable improvement to synergise with notable film makers to move forward the impact of SDGs on the society.
The initiatives and innovation sponsored by the leadership under SSAP -SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire will not only lead to realizing the full mission and vision of the 2020-2030 Agenda , but achieving the global standards.
Aside film challenge and inculcation of film related activities into achieving the global program, the SDGs in Nigeria also in collaboration with the UN and other bodies will also be rolling out other activities like training,capacity building, empowerment among many other encouraging activities, that will mitigate and drive towards achieving the global standards for the decade of action Agenda.
While lending her voice and supports towards the new initiatives and programs, SSAP -SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope- Adefulire opined
“on her part, Orelope-Adefulire said “The SDG Film Challenge is an initiative designed to mobilise filmmakers in this decade of action to accelerate the achievement of the SDG.”
“She invited creators to produce impactful short films that highlight development challenges and offer solutions and direct action on critical issues such as poverty, illiteracy, gender equality, climate change, and social justice.”
“She added: “It is also an opportunity to provide information and to generate hope through our many narratives.”
“We challenge them to educate, to provoke conversations and direct action towards achieving more that reduces the violence faced and threatens our planet. The success of this initiative over the past two editions is a testament to the power of partnership and creativity.”
“She also stressed that “This year we are introducing a new strategy including training and capacity-building programmes for all the hosting and training sessions with filmmakers who will be stationed in this regard for their future training.”
“With today’s launch, the online quarter is officially open for filmmakers to submit short films, multiple films, addressing selected issues.”
“She revealed that three finalists will be shortlisted, from the entries with winners receiving prizes, global excursions, and additional opportunities.”
In his contributions,
“The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall, has described Nigeria as a storytelling powerhouse, urging filmmakers to channel their creative force toward amplifying awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
“The film challenge, which is a collaboration with the United Nations, aimed at mobilising filmmakers to use films to mobilise the nation towards achieving the SDGs.”
“The UN has set 2030 to achieve the SDGs, which has 17 goals aimed at improving standards of living across the globe.”
“Speaking at the launch, Fall said: “Nigeria is a storytelling powerhouse. Our Nollywood industry, which is among the largest film industries in the world, reaches millions across Africa and beyond. By channelling this creative force toward the SDGs, we are doing more than amplifying awareness.”
“We are empowering young Nigerians to take ownership of the development narrative: to spotlight issues like gender inequality, climate change, and poverty, and to present solutions through the lens of sustainability.”
“The UN in Nigeria stands firmly behind this mission. This year’s challenge — led by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Information Centre, and Fresh NEWS builds on the remarkable momentum of past editions.”
“From 73 entries in 2023 to an astonishing 2,250 entries from 119 countries last year, the message is clear: young people are not waiting on the sidelines. They are ready to create, lead, and transform their world.”
“Globally, the UN Secretary-General has underscored the vital role of youth and digital innovation in driving the 2030 Agenda forward. The SDGs Film Challenge embodies this vision. It aligns with Chapter IV of the Pact for the Future, recognizing youth and future generations as key architects of sustainable development.
“To all filmmakers, producers, and actors across Nigeria: this is your moment. Let your cameras roll.
“Let your stories stir our collective conscience. Whether your lens captures the struggle of a girl fighting for her education or the resilience of communities battling environmental degradation — your voice matters.”
“Let’s make 2025 a year where stories drive change, where creativity fuels progress, and where Nigeria leads the charge in storytelling for sustainable development.
The maiden event launched by Nigeria’s SDGs was a cornerstone towards the achievements of other stated objectives under The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire on Wednesday in Abuja, with the launch of the 3rd Edition of the SDGs film Challenge.
Participants are expected to also benefit from the exchange of programme and mentoring initiatives.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.