News
Group urges Senate to disregard petitions against Matawalle, Bagudu
By Abubakar Yunusa
A non-governmental organization, Democracy Watch Initiative, DWI, has called on the Senate to disregard petitions against the former Governor of Zamfara state, Bello Matawalle and former Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu.The DWI was reacting to a report titled: “Journalist Accuses Bagudu, Matawalle of Corruption, Petitions Senate Over Ministerial Nomination”
The group in a statement by its Director, Public Relations, Tukur Habu, emphasized that any allegations against them remain false until proven guilty in a court of law.The statement read: “First, we find it funny and ridiculous, that one, who claims to be a lawyer should at the same time be ignorant of the elementary principle of criminal justice system, that only a duly constituted court of competent jurisdiction can pronounce a person guilty.“
They fail to know that the only disqualification for a person from holding public office is conviction, and not accusation, no matter how weighty the accusation.
“Matawalle should remain focused and calm as usual, now that he is being called to a national assignment that requires greater concentration and decorum.
“We also reassure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of our confidence in the right choices he made of men who will competently and confidently assist him in the task of seeing the nation through and out of its current limitations around security and the economy”.
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…