News
Natasha: Arewa Revival Project rejects ultimatum to Akpabio
The Arewa Revival Project (ARP) has rejected the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, over the controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Hon. Muttaka Ahmed Ibrahim, the Project Coordinator ARP at a media briefing on Tuesday in Abuja said they believe the approach taken by the AYAGL is troubling and an affront to the nation’s democratic processes.
“Such ultimatums disregard established rules and incite unnecessary tension. We urge all concerned citizens to adopt more responsible and peaceful avenues for resolving grievances,” Ibrahim said.
AYAGL’s Speaker, Abdul Danbature, had accused Akpabio of waging a ‘political war’ against the north, citing the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan as evidence of bias against northern lawmakers. Danbature threatened mass protests and the occupation of the National Assembly if their demands were not met.
However, the ARP noted the importance of constructive dialogue and legal channels in addressing political issues.
He said, “Threats of protests and disruptive actions will not resolve political issues but can escalate tensions and weaken democratic structures.”
He also called for a transparent investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, free from political interference.
“Violence is never an acceptable political strategy and should never be tolerated by any responsible leader or institution. We urge all Northern-based NGOs and CSOs to remain impartial and focused on their mission of serving the people.
“The allegations raised by Senator Natasha must be thoroughly investigated through a transparent and impartial process. However, such an investigation must be free of political interference, and all parties involved must allow the truth to come to light without succumbing to undue pressure or sensationalism.
“This will ensure justice and accountability in a manner that upholds the dignity of all those involved, while protecting the sanctity of our democratic institutions. The Arewa Revival Project calls on all politicians, past and present, to understand that true leadership is about service to the people, not the pursuit of personal interests or political vendettas.
“Political leaders must put the nation above their ambitions and engage in actions that support the greater good of the people they represent. Leaders who fail to contribute meaningfully to national progress should step aside and allow those who are committed to serving the nation to do so without unnecessary distractions,” Ibrahim stated.
The Troops of Sub-Sector 4, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, ambushed bandits and neutralised three of them off the Kaduna-Abuja highway.
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt-Col. Musa Yahaya, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna.
Yahaya said, “In a well-coordinated operation on Tuesday, troops of Sub-Sector 4, Operation FANSAN YAMMA successfully neutralised three Violent Extremists and Insurgents (VEIs) in an ambush at an area near Ngwagi Hill, Gwagwada Community, off the Kaduna – Abuja highway in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.”
The spokesman said that the success of the operation was based on acting on credible intelligence that the VEI was sighted near Ngwagi Hill.
He said that troops were immediately deployed on long-range fighting patrol to the likely road-crossing point of the insurgents.
According to him, the troops got to the location at about 5.30 p.m. on the same date. They successfully launched the ambush, which effectively neutralised three armed members of the criminal group.
“During the operation, troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including two AK-47 rifles, eight AK-47 rifle magazines, 374 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 special ammunition and 88 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 NATO ammunition.
Other items recovered were one Infinix mobile phone, medical supplies, clothing, and dry rations, ” Yahaya said.
He said the operation’s success was a testament to the troops’ high fighting morale and combat efficiency.
“This achievement is also due to the effective collaboration between the military and intelligence agencies, which provided credible intelligence that informed the operation.
He said the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, commended the troops for their resilience and successful conduct of the operation.
He charged the troops not to relent on their oars until all criminal elements operating in the Division and the Sector’s area of operational responsibility were neutralised.
NAN
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has flagged off the commencement of the Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama Link Dual Carriage Road, a project abandoned by the previous administration after completing only 30 per cent.
The Governor, who performed the ceremony near the Kabala Costain link bridge on Wednesday, said that his administration has already mobilized the contractor to ensure that the remaining 70% of the project is completed in record time.
“This road is a vital artery that will connect the vibrant communities of Kaduna South to Kaduna North Local Government Areas.
“It is more than an infrastructure, but a lifeline, channel for commerce and a pathway to opportunity,” the governor said.
He added that the road would also serve as an alternative route for long-distance travellers, enhancing easy movement from the northeastern and northwestern parts of the country to the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.
Sani recalled his campaign promise to construct 50 kilometres of road in all 23 local governments.
“In the past 20 months, our administration has initiated over 78 road projects across Kaduna State, covering a total of approximately 775 kilometres.
“These projects are not just numbers; they represent the dreams and aspirations of our people. We are steadily fulfilling our promises to the good people of Kaduna State. We are simultaneously transforming rural and urban poor communities that have often been overlooked,” he added.
The Governor praised the state’s people for maintaining peace, emphasizing the nexus between peace and development.
“I want to commend the people of Kaduna State for the prevailing peace in the state. We have not experienced any ethno-religious crisis in the last 22 months. This is a testament to the resilience and determination of our people,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of Kaduna State Roads Agency, Dr Abdullahi Ahmed, disclosed that outstanding debts related to the completed portion of the project totalled N2.2 billion.
“I am pleased to announce that Governor Uba Sani has already approved and mobilised the contractor with more than 50 per cent of the funds to complete this great project,” he said.
Ahmed explained that the project was initially abandoned due to significant geological challenges, including poor soil conditions and waste deposits.
“However, Governor Sani has ensured that the contractors are adequately mobilized to overcome these challenges,” he added.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
In their dedication to ensuring zero dose, the African Health Budget Network (AHBN) has appealed to mother’s and caregivers in Sokoto State to always prioritize child immunization always.
Making the appeal in a signed press release as part of their commitment to the ongoing International Women Day’s celebration, AHBN) State Focal Person,
Umar Garba Kadi, said vaccines are safe and protect children from preventable diseases.
Garba Kadi who also appreciated Sokoto State government for it’s support to ensuring meeting a zero dose, however, appealed for more commitment and support to make immunization more appealing and accessible especially for parents and caregivers at the rural areas.
Continuing, Kadi said,
“The observance of the International Women Day, is draw attention to the importance of women and the critical roles they play generally. And in line with that, we want to also use the avenue to send a reminder of the importance of prioritizing our children’s health.
“We therefore, urge all mothers and caregivers to ensure their children receive all recommended vaccines,” Garba Kadi advised.
Talking on the mission of African Health Budget Network, the Sokoto State Focal Person, Garba Kadi re-affirmed that it is dedicated to advocating for health budget transparency and sustainability and ensuring all children receive life saving vaccinations.