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Governor Sani Restores Monarch Deposed By el-Rufai, Emphasizes Importance Of Traditional Institution
By Henry Gabriel
In a significant move, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state has reinstated Chief Jonathan Zamuna as the paramount ruler of Piriga in the Lere local government area. This decision comes after Chief Jonathan Zamuna was dethroned by the previous governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufa’i, a few days before the end of his second term.
During a meeting with the State Council of Chiefs, Governor Sani expressed his belief that the traditional institution plays a crucial role in maintaining stability not only in Kaduna state but also in the entire country. He emphasized the need for collaboration between governments and royal fathers in promoting good governance and ensuring the security of communities.
Governor Sani’s administration is committed to involving citizens in decision-making processes, and he recognizes traditional rulers as critical stakeholders and influencers in this regard. He stressed the importance of respecting and working closely with traditional rulers, acknowledging their close connection to the people and their invaluable contributions to the state.
The governor reaffirmed his democratic nature and respect for the rule of law. He acknowledged the positive impact of traditional values on the state’s development and expressed his intention to maintain a respectful and healthy relationship with the traditional institution. Governor Sani assured all traditional rulers in the state that they are held in high esteem and their opinions and input are valued.
Addressing the challenges of banditry and insecurity, Governor Sani assured the traditional rulers that his administration is dedicated to improving the security situation in the state. Plans are already underway to increase military presence in various areas affected by insecurity. The governor also highlighted the collaborative framework with security agencies and the importance of intelligence gathering and strategic coordination in addressing security-related matters.
Governor Sani also announced the intention of the Kaduna State Government to fully comply with the court’s judgment restoring Chief Jonathan Zamuna to his stool as the Chief of Piriga. This demonstrates the governor’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
In conclusion, Governor Sani commended the traditional rulers for their leadership and emphasized their role as agents of positive moral values. He called upon them to continue building resilient and progressive local communities, as they are instrumental in shaping a better society.
Governor Sani assured the traditional rulers that the government’s relationship with them will remain cordial, and any matters concerning the traditional institution will be handled with respect and dignity, following the rule of law. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, unity, and democracy in moving the state forward.
The reinstatement of Chief Jonathan Zamuna by Governor Uba Sani marks an important step in recognizing the significance of the traditional institution in Kaduna state. The traditional rulers, often referred to as royal fathers, play a vital role in maintaining stability and fostering collaboration between the government and local communities.
Governor Sani’s decision to reinstate Chief Jonathan Zamuna was driven by his belief that traditional rulers are critical stakeholders and influencers in the decision-making processes of the state. He acknowledged their closeness to the people and their ability to contribute to good governance and the security of their communities.
The governor emphasized the importance of involving citizens in decision-making, which aligns with his administration’s governance agenda of nurturing citizens’ engagement. Traditional rulers are seen as key partners in achieving this objective due to their deep connections with the people and their ability to advocate for their needs and concerns.
Governor Sani, known for his democratic principles and respect for the rule of law, recognizes the historical and cultural significance of traditional values in shaping the state. He has maintained a respectful and healthy relationship with the traditional institution even during his days as an activist.
In addressing the challenges of banditry and insecurity, Governor Sani assured the traditional rulers that his administration is committed to improving the security situation in the state. Efforts are being made to increase military presence in areas affected by insecurity, with specific focus on regions such as Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Kajuru, Kachia, Kagarko, and Chikun.
The governor also highlighted the collaborative framework between the government and security agencies, emphasizing the importance of intelligence gathering and strategic coordination in addressing security-related matters. He expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers for their assistance in these efforts and emphasized the government’s reliance on their cooperation.
Furthermore, Governor Sani announced the government’s intention to fully comply with a court judgment restoring Chief Jonathan Zamuna to his stool as the Chief of Piriga. This demonstrates the governor’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the decisions of the judiciary.
Governor Sani commended the traditional rulers for their leadership and their role as agents of positive moral values. He called upon them to continue positioning local communities as building blocks for a resilient and progressive nation. The governor assured the traditional rulers of a continued cordial relationship, with matters concerning the traditional institution being handled with respect and dignity, following the rule of law. Collaboration, unity, and democracy are the guiding principles in the government’s approach to governance and development in the state.
The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of orchestrating claims of anti-party activities against him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Wale, described Jaji’s accusations as “baseless” and an attempt to distract from his own political manoeuvres.
“Jaji has long positioned himself as a loyal APC member and a unifying force within the party, but his actions suggest otherwise. His political moves appear more self-serving than focused on party unity,” Wale said.
The APC Vanguard emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparent and accountable leaders rather than those who, it said, manipulate public trust for personal gain. The group also questioned Jaji’s credibility, citing what it described as a pattern of inconsistency in his political engagements.
“The remarks made by Jaji not only lack substantiation but also raise concerns about his reliability and judgment,” the statement read. “Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about demonstrating qualities that inspire trust and confidence among the people.”
The group commended Minister Matawalle for his efforts in strengthening national security and promoting peace. It said his leadership had contributed significantly to fostering unity and improving community relations across the country.
“Minister Matawalle exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership. Under his stewardship, significant progress has been made in enhancing national security and community relations,” the statement said.
The APC Vanguard further criticised Jaji’s leadership approach, accusing him of lacking the foresight and responsibility required for credible governance.
“This pattern of inconsistency not only weakens the integrity of his decisions but also erodes the confidence of party members and stakeholders who seek dependable representation,” Wale added.
The group reaffirmed its support for Matawalle and urged APC members to remain focused on unity and national progress while rejecting divisive rhetoric that could undermine the party’s strength.
News
Two brothers Launch Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, Sponsor WAEC Registration For 50 vulnerable Students
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a significant effort to promote education, two brothers have launched the Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, sponsoring the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for 50 vulnerable students in Kamaru Ikulu Ward, Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Yusuf Ismail Ashafa, popularly known as Sardaunan Ikulu, urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and strive for academic excellence. He assured them that the foundation would continue to support outstanding students by facilitating their admission into higher institutions.
Ashafa also called on parents to play an active role in motivating their children to focus on education, emphasizing that their success would contribute to a brighter future for the community.
Meanwhile, Ashafa, who played a crucial role in the emergence of Engr. Bege Gaiya Joseph as the Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for Joseph and his brother, Reuben Richman Bissla, for sponsoring the students’ WAEC registration in his honor.
He pledged to build on these efforts, ensuring continued support for students’ education as a means of fostering societal development.
In his remarks, the co-sponsor, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, popularly known as Lordbeckson, disclosed that the initiative was aimed at improving the education of the most vulnerable students for the betterment of society.
“I am one of the beneficiaries of the goodwill of Sardaunan Ikulu. If he had wanted to become the Council Chairman, he would have been, but he decided to push me forward, and today I am the Council Chairman through his mentorship,” he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves fortunate and to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard to achieve excellent results.
“With the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, we must ensure that our students pursue science courses. We cannot afford to have a Federal University in our region and yet have our children unable to gain admission to study science-related fields,” he added.
The initiative has been widely commended as a timely intervention, helping underprivileged students overcome financial barriers to education.
Amid the recall process initiated against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Arewa Youths Progressives Assembly has told both the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the police that Nigerians are keenly watching their actions.
This came amid viral video of some politicians in the Kogi State mass-signing signatures purported to be that of the Senator’s constituents.
It was gathered that the Senator has already petitioned the police over the development.
However, addressing journalists on Tuesday, the National President of Arewa Youths Progressives Assembly, Shuaibu Usman, accused the INEC of always compromising the electoral process in Kogi State.
Usman, who recalled how results of the last governorship election in the state emerged even before the exercise commenced, urged the commission to redeem itself.
He said, “Kogi parades as a worst example when it comes to INEC conduct of election in Nigeria. We have not forgotten how many credible organisations, including Yiaga Africa, raised the alarm of the electoral heist that went on during the last guber election in that state.
“So, INEC has been notorious for providing a thriving ground for politicians in Kogi State to mess up the country’s electoral system.
“The same people are at it again, this time hiding under the guise of a recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. With their Kogi magic, they quickly manufactured over 250,000 signatures, whereas the entire voters during the main election stood at 120,000.
“One need not be a suitsayer to know that these are the same elements who are known to be chronic election riggers, with INEC as their enablers.
“However, we must caution the INEC that this should not be business as usual; this is beyond Kogi State, so Nigerians are watching.
“We were taken aback when the INEC after announcing that the petition did not meet its requirements, returned a day after to tell Nigerians that the same petitioners have met the requirements- what a quick fix!
“The INEC must not kowtow to the whims and caprices of desperate political elements in Kogi State, as this will be resisted by Nigerians.”
Similarly, the apex Igbo group also urged the police to ensure that all those in forging the signatures of Senator Natasha’s constituents were brought to book.
According to the group, the viral videos showed known faces in Kogi State, wondering why the police were yet to effect any arrest.
“By now, we had expected that some of the perpetrators should be cooling their heels in custody or having their days in court, but it is yet to happen.
“There should be no room for compromise, the culprits, no matter how highly placed, should be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
“We urge that the police should engage forensic experts to analyze those signatures before the INEC takes any further step in the said petition,” Usman further stated.