Politics
Exercise restraint understanding to foster unity in Zamfara —NEF Urges Dauda, Matawalle
By Abubakar Yunus
The Northern Elders Forum has called on the governor of Zamfara State Dauda Lawal and the Minister of state for Defence,Bello Mattawale to exercise restraint and maturity, and foster a spirit of unity and collaboration against the daunting insecurity in the state.
Forum said Alhaji Dangote and Abdussamad are both eminent business leaders and respected elders of the North who should be in the forefront of setting exemplary conducts for the benefit of the entire region.
NEF calls on the leaders involved in the conflicts to exercise restraint in the interest of the region.
The convener of the Forum,Professor Ango Abdullahi in a statement also called on all leaders and stakeholders in the North to intervene by facilitating a reconciliation meeting among all the parties.
According to him ,” It is essential specifically, for the two leaders of Zamfara, Lawal and Matawalle to exercise restraint and maturity, and foster a spirit of unity and collaboration against the daunting insecurity in the state.
“The challenges faced by Zamfara require a collective effort, and it is only through working together that we can overcome them.
“Engaging in unnecessary conflicts and grandstanding only diverts attention from the real issues at hand and hinders progress in the search for collective and coordinated action.
“The people of the state are already burdened with numerous challenges, including insecurity, poverty, and a struggling economy
” As leaders, it is our duty to alleviate these burdens and provide a better future for our citizens. However, by engaging in conflicts among ourselves, we are wasting valuable time and resources that could be better utilized in addressing these pressing issues.”
Abdullahi said by fostering greater understanding and avoiding unnecessary conflicts, leaders can create a stable environment conducive to peace-building, progress, and development which will contribute to the overall stability and prosperity of the Northern region.
“As concerned elders of the North, and in recognition of the reality that the misunderstanding by these critical segments of the Northern leadership is undeniably not in the best tradition of the Northern culture and values, the NEF has resolved to engage the parties on all sides individually and collectively for final resolution of the various misunderstandings.
“Meanwhile, we urge the conflicting parties to reconsider their ongoing conflicts and refocus on the common goal of securing and improving the lives of the people of the North by restraining themselves and their proxies or against from going further with the media crossfire.
“NEF deems it imperative for leaders to prioritize unity and collaboration over personal conflicts. The challenges faced by the North require a united front, and it is only through collective action that we can overcome them,he said .
The lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, announced that she would not back out on her plan to return to her constituency for the Sallah break.
The senator also urged her supporters to disregard speculations making the round that she has cancelled her scheduled visit.
She disclosed this in a statement issued by her media team in the early hours of Tuesday.
The statement read, “We are pleased to confirm that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central Senatorial District will proceed as planned.
“Despite rumours circulating online, there has been no official announcement from our office regarding the cancellation of this visit.”
While stating that she has a statutory function in her capacity as the lawmaker representing her constituents, the senator encouraged her supporters to troop out en masse to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her.
“As the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains committed to engaging with her community and fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation.
“Her dedication to the people of Kogi Central is unwavering, and she looks forward to celebrating Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.
“We would like to assure the public that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a successful and joyous event. We invite all members of the community to join us in marking this special occasion,” the statement added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s homecoming notification comes a few hours after the Kogi State Government banned rallies and public gatherings in the state over security reports.
The government also stopped fishing and other activities, lamenting that they resulted in the loss of two lives in Kasemiya, Katubo and Umozu Ette, all in Kogi Local Government Area in Kogi West.
In a statement issued on Monday, the state Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the move was to prevent any form of security breach that might destabilise the state.
Fanwo added that intelligence reports indicated that some persons were planning to “stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations” in Kogi Central.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara speaking when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups in Port Harcourt.
Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.
Fubara made this statement when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt during an Eid-El-Fitr Sallah visit.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process, saying: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”
He acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed but emphasised that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.
“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that in the end, we will emerge stronger,” he added.
He reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisions a society where no one is oppressed.
“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he stated.
He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim community during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties are resolved.
He also assured the leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis subsides.
Urging patience and perseverance, Governor Fubara drew an analogy from religious history, saying, “If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”
He also cautioned against falling prey to those who want engineer violence by fanning provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements who sought to destabilize the state.
“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constitutional authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,” he concluded.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the Muslim community, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, declared their solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigates the state’s current political challenges.
Alhaji Uhor stated that the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stand with Governor Fubara due to his inclusive approach to governance and his recognition of the Islamic faith.
He noted that unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100% Christian state, Governor Fubara, upon assuming office, acknowledged the state as Christian majority while allowing room for inclusiveness.
Encouraging the governor to remain steadfast, Uhor reminded him of the Islamic belief that Allah rewards patience.
He said the present challenges align with the teachings of Islam, where the Creator tests His people through wealth, power, and authority.
He further called on President Bola Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore Governor Fubara’s full authority, emphasizing that the governor has been performing effectively despite the crisis.
During the visit, prayers were offered for suspended Governor Fubara, his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole.
Dele Momodu, the publisher of Ovation Magazine, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu “not to kill democracy in Nigeria”.
Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Monday, Momodu said he and other individuals “who fought for democracy” during the military era were “very embarrassed” that Tinubu suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers state, and the state house of assembly.
Momodu, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said Nigeria is currently “descending into dictatorship” under Tinubu.
He accused Tinubu of attempting to intimidate governors and opposition leaders to get their support for his re-election bid in 2027.
“I think it is very unfortunate. I know President Tinubu very well. Though I’ve not been in the same party with him and all that, we were together in exile, and he fought gallantly for this democracy,” he said
“A lot of us, his co-comrades at that time, are actually very embarrassed that we have a pro-democracy leader in government, and yet, what we are witnessing is worse than dictatorship.
“I have said it openly so many times in many open letters: you can fail in the economy, no problem; people will forgive you and say you’re not a professor of economics. You can fail in other areas, but don’t fail in democracy.
“You must deepen our democracy, which President Goodluck Jonathan succeeded in doing, which Baba Obasanjo succeeded in doing, despite allegations and accusations of a third term attempt, still managed to hand over power to President Yar’Adua.
“It is less than two years into this government, and we are witnessing crisis upon crisis, just because some people want a second term.
I’m pleading with President Bola Tinubu, ‘please don’t kill democracy in Nigeria’. Everybody who loves him will tell him this. I’ve not asked him for anything, but we love him for his contributions to democracy in the past, which is now going down the drain.
“What I see now is an attempt to force all governors in Nigeria to follow him by fire and force. It is wrong.”
On March 18, Tinubu declared emergency rule in Rivers following the political crisis in the state.
He also suspended Fubara as governor of the state; Ngozi Odu, the deputy governor; and all members of the Rivers assembly for an initial period of six months.
The president had appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.