National
Kaduna Group Backs Governor Uba Sani, Criticizes El-Rufai’s Remarks
The Kaduna Advocate of Good Governance has reaffirmed its strong support for Governor Uba Sani while criticizing former Governor Nasir El-Rufai over his recent social media comments.
The group dismissed claims that Governor Sani’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration was sycophantic, arguing instead that it was a strategic move for Kaduna State’s benefit.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna on Sunday, the group’s Coordinator, Aliyu Ibrahim, called on anti-corruption agencies to investigate the financial management of Kaduna State under El-Rufai’s administration.
He emphasized that such a probe would promote transparency and accountability in governance.
“If El-Rufai claims to be a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) but feels uncomfortable with Governor Uba Sani’s alignment with the Tinubu administration, perhaps he should clarify his political position instead of questioning the governor’s leadership,” Ibrahim stated.
The group praised Governor Sani for securing a N150 billion federal reimbursement for Kaduna State, describing it as a major achievement that underscores his leadership and negotiation skills.
“Governor Uba Sani deserves to be celebrated, not criticized. This reimbursement is a major victory for Kaduna State and reflects his commitment to the welfare of the people,” Ibrahim added.
The statement comes in response to remarks made by El-Rufai on social media platform X, where he appeared to challenge Governor Sani’s political stance.
The group expressed concern over what it described as an attempt by El-Rufai to exert undue influence over his successor.
“When a former governor who has completed his tenure tries to maintain a grip on his successor’s administration, it raises serious concerns about democratic principles,” Ibrahim noted.
United States President Donald Trump has ordered the dismantling of government-funded news agency Voice of America (VOA), accusing it of promoting biased media reports.
“Voice of America has been out of step with America for years. It serves as the Voice for Radical America and has pushed divisive propaganda for years now,” FOx News quoted a senior White House official as saying.
Last Friday, Trump signed an executive order to dismantle seven government offices, including the United States Agency for Global Media, the parent company of VOA and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
“The non-statutory components and functions of the following governmental entities shall be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law, and such entities shall reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law,” the executive order reads.
The US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and its senior advisor, Kari Lake, said the agency is “not salvageable.”
“From top-to-bottom, this agency is a giant rot and burden to the American taxpayer–a national security risk for this nation–and irretrievably broken. While there are bright spots within the agency with personnel who are talented and dedicated public servants, this is the exception rather than the rule,” the statement read.
VOA employees reportedly received notification of the changes via email from Crystal Thomas, USAGM’s human resources director.
Freelance workers and international contractors were also said to have been informed of a funding halt. At the same time, federal grants for Radio Free Asia and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty were terminated.
VOA’s director, Mike Abramowitz, said he and nearly all 1,300 staff members were placed on paid leave following the order.
The executive order also targets other agencies, including the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; the U.S. Agency for Global Media; the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution; the Institute of Museum and Library Services; the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness; the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund; and the Minority Business Development Agency.
The Senator who represented Kaduna Central (2015-2019), Shehu Sani, has challenged the ex-Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, to publicly provide evidence that Governor Uba Sani misappropriated funds from Local Government Councils.
In an interview over the weekend, Shehu Sani, a civil rights activist, responded to the allegations of fund diversion made against his successor. Speaking with DAILY POST on Monday in Abuja, Sani refuted the claims, asserting that they were unfounded.
He stated that El-Rufai’s allegations were “fabricated to tarnish the reputation of the Governor, especially with the ongoing investigation involving N420 billion looming over him like the sword of Damocles.”
Sani urged the former Governor to publicly disclose proof of any property purchases in South Africa, Seychelles, and London allegedly made by Uba Sani if he wishes to be taken seriously.
He remarked that the people of Kaduna would not soon forget how Nasir El-Rufai mismanaged the State during his eight years in office, emphasising that he should cease spreading falsehoods.
“As residents of Kaduna, we have all witnessed how El-Rufai misappropriated State resources, and now that investigations have implicated him, he should confront the issue rather than disseminate misinformation,” Sani asserted.
“El-Rufai should have the courage to present evidence linking Governor Uba Sani to the purchase of properties abroad; only then will we take him seriously.
“However, he must also be prepared to account for the whereabouts of N420 billion, as that sum is significant enough to transform Kaduna State,” Sani concluded.
Sani’s comments come in response to El-Rufai’s accusations that Governor Uba Sani has redirected Local Government funds for the purpose of acquiring properties in South Africa, Seychelles, and London.
… Bishop Kukah is pro-chancellor
… Tinubu appoints varsity’s principal officers
Prof Williams Barnabas Qurix has emerged as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State.
President Bola Tinubu made the appointment on Monday, appointing Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.
In a statement issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, he said he appointed the university’s principal officers, including Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas as Vice Chancellor, Sanusi Gambo Adamu as Registrar, Ibrahim Dalhat as bursar, and Prof Daniel Abubakar as university Librarian, because of their track records.
President Tinubu also approved the appointment of Mr Thomas Etuh, representing the North Central, Chief Fabian Nwaora (South East), Prof Femi Taiwo (South West) and Zarah Bukar (North East) as members of the university’s Governing Council.
All the appointees were carefully selected based on their distinguished careers, leadership experience, and dedication to advancing education in Nigeria.
President Tinubu implored them to use their collective expertise to position the university as a hub for academic excellence and research, aligning with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
President Tinubu urged the newly appointed officers to provide visionary leadership and lay a solid foundation for the university’s growth as it prepares to admit its first cohort of students in September 2025.
The Federal University of Applied Sciences was formerly known as Nok University. It was renamed after the federal government took over its assets.