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Northern Youths Write Tinubu On Kano, Zamfara, Plateau Guber Seats

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1 year ago

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By Sunday Isuwa, Abuja

The Northern Youth Assembly has written President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be wary of what is happening concerning the gubernatorial seats in Kano, Zamfara and Plateau states.

The youths alleged that there are clandestine means by some members of his party to snatch the guber seats from the opposition against the wishes of the people of the state.

A statement issued and jointly signed by the President, Dr. Ali Idris, Secretary General Dr. Garba Abdulhafiz and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adikwu Omale Joshua respectively, said even though the move is in favour of the president, warned that there might be serious consequences.

The letter dated 4th December 2023 and addressed to the president with a copy obtained by journalists in Abuja, the Northern Youth Assembly (NYA), which is a Northern Nigerian Youth platform with branches operating in the Nineteen Northern States and FCT, said it deemed it necessary to send the letter after keenly observed the unfolding political wrangling in Kano, Zamfara and Plateau States elections petition cases, which if not tackled with care and spirit of fairness, could degenerate into jeopardizing the peace and the stability in Northern Nigeria Region.

“The plot to remove the current governors of those three states is allegedly orchestrated by your party’s national chairman and his cronies, without minding the consequences that would befall the concerned states, economically, politically and security wise.

“Your Excellency, this ugly development is strongly alleged to be a strategic plan in your favor geared towards 2027 election, considering the cumulative votes from those three states that belong to opposition parties,” the youth said in the letter adding that Nigeria is already boiling following the sudden removal of fuel subsidy, a unilateral decision you took, and subsequently resulted into unprecedented economic hardship to Nigerians, with more than 80% of the citizens, who could not afford three square meals a day.

“Sir, the Nigeria military and other security agencies are already overwhelmed with ever growing security challenges in the six geo political zones of the country. Therefore, creating another politically motivated conflict is not only dangerous to the continuous survival of the Nigerian democracy, but also suicidal to the success of your administration.

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“Therefore, you should not allow the few politically desperate, greedy, evil minded and myopic to destroy your integrity and personality in Northern Nigeria, the country and amongst the international community, especially as someone who has always prided himself as a true democrat.

“Your Excellency, let us also remind you that, before you came into power, there were already 130 million Nigerians living in a multidimensional poverty, this terrifying revelation should be seen and considered as a national emergency, considering the enormous dangers the development entails, which is practically a national security risk. Therefore, igniting any potentially driven political conflict in any part of the country especially in the North, is an open invitation to kill the Nigerian democracy, as well as an African democracy.

“Your Excellency, out of the total votes cast, in the 2023 Presidential elections, with a little over 23 millions, you only got 8 million out of it, which means over 13 million votes were cast in favor of other presidential candidates. What this means is, those 13 million Nigerian voters that cast their votes, were not in agreement with your political campaign manifesto or that of your party, but have all silently let go of their ambition to establish a government of their dream, and their silence does not signify an allegiance with your party, political ideology, or the style of the APC administration in Nigeria, having ruled for 8 consecutive years

“Your Excellency, some practical and proven statistics has revealed that, since your assumption into office nothing has practically worked towards alleviating the sufferings of the Nigerian citizens, but rather an increase in difficulty, which could be justified by the growing rate of inflation of all essential commodities and services in Nigeria, and an average civil servant can not buy a bag of rice with all his salary.

“Your Excellency, another additional 20 million Nigerians have so far gotten into the trap of a multidimensional poverty, since your assumption into office, and our expectations suggest that, your attention and concentration should rather be on these kind of challenges, rather than using the instrument of Federal Government to suppress and kill the aspirations of the Nigerian citizens, and deny them the right to choose their leaders, as democratically and constitutionally guaranteed

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“Sir, let us remind you that, more ungoverned spaces are increasing day by day in some parts of the country, and imposition of levy by bandits against the Nigerian citizens is on the rise as well, and there is no much hope for Nigerians on the specific time, the security and development challenges would be contained.

“Therefore, the energy of the APC as a party, and as a Government should be invested to tackle such the overwhelming development deficit, rather than conspiracy to snatch the mandate of the citizens, which practically would prove very dangerous to our democracy and co – existence, as one united people

“Today, many young Nigerians have become so prone to the influence of bandits and insurgents as potential recruits into the criminal camps of the these notorious and ungodly people. Consequently the dream of the APC as a party to transform this country into a one party system, is a day, as APC Government has not done anything tangible to convince Nigerians, and to deserve this kind of honour

“The evil conspiracy to snatch the mandate of the Nigerian citizens in the opposition states in Northern Nigeria, is not a worthy venture, considering the volume of the burden of leadership on your shoulders towards Nigerians, and it is our belief that, you would certainly like your name to be written in gold, not with a black pen, and be recorded in the Nigerian book of black history

“Therefore, as a seasoned politician and a leader, your focus should be to convince your political opponents of your ability to serve the country well, that might likely and gradually turn them into your political friends, but not through coercion or use of undue power and influence. To achieve this type of task as a president, you need more friends than enemies, you need more understanding than condemnation and criticism. You should be loved by your country men and women, rather than being hated because of your action or inaction, as well as the actions of your allies,” the letter said adding that the recent attacks against the Nigerian judiciary, though as one of the most supposedly respected institution in the country, and increasing condemnation against the institution from all corners of the country, damaging the integrity of the judiciary and the Judges, is enough to prove the level of the boiling anger of the Nigerian citizens, against the Judiciary as well as the entire democratic system.

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“We beseech you to call the attention of your party members now, to let those opposition states be, the number of protests we have been witnessing in many parts of the country, is an indication of bad signals of a looming danger should your party members continue insisting on snatching the mandate of the Nigerian citizens. Kano, Zamfara and Plateau States must not be an APC states before you win your next election.

“Your victory in the 2027 elections depends on what you offer to Nigerians, but not forceful manipulation of the Nigerian citizen’s rights. We therefore implore you to rise up to this occasion to put an end to these uprisings which we believe, have been caused by the desperate action of your party members, and you should not let them invite more hatred against your person and your Government.

“We are worried and afraid that these situations could degenerate into a crisis in the North going back history lane, and every patriotic Nigerian will agree with us that this is not what we need at the moment, and not even ever.

“We finally urge you to ensure that justice prevails and that any attempt to further manipulate the judicial system for political gains is thoroughly investigated, frowned at and dealt with, to prove your democratic integrity

“Your excellency, your unalloyed love for Northern people should be the watchword and sacrosanct, as it elucidates your promise to uphold the virtue and dignity of one Nigeria project. Upholding the principles of democracy is crucial for the stability, and continuity of democratic governance not only in Nigeria, but in Africa as a whole.

“We trust that you will consider this matter with utmost urgency and seriousness, and take appropriate steps to safeguard the democratic values that our nation holds very dear,” the group added.

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Politics

APC united, supportive of Tinubu’s government – Uzodinma

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4 hours ago

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February 26, 2025

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Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is united, stronger, focused and supportive of President Bola Tinubu led administration.

Uzodinma said this while briefing newsmen at the end of the party’s caucus meeting presided over by President Tinubu, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on Tuesday.

The governor debunked claims that the party operated as a one-man show, adding that the APC’s diverse representation across six geopolitical zones, including governors from various states at the meeting, underscored its inclusive nature.

He said the party’s structure, as outlined in its constitution, included multiple leadership positions and a hierarchical framework that ensured broad participation in decision-making processes.

“Our party is united, stronger, focused, and supportive of the government. We need to celebrate our own.

“The government is heavily supported by the APC, and from time to time, we must show that we are behind the government,” he said.

On internal party democracy, Uzodinma stated that APC was a very large political party with executives at all levels.

“We have our internal mechanism for selection. Why are we winning all these elections? It’s because we have demonstrated high capacity and respect for democracy,” he stated.

The governor said due to good leadership provided by Tinubu, the county was better off in terms of revenue generation which translated to more infrastructure, social change, and other economic dynamics.

According to him, APC is the party to beat and the envy of other political parties, not only in Nigeria but in Africa.

He said the party had inaugurated the Progressive Institute, its intellectual arm, to conduct research, training for manpower development and to build the intellectual capacity of members.

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He said President Tinubu’s efforts in managing insecurity were also commended at the meeting.

“The President has done very well in terms of managing the insecurity in the country, as testified today by one of our members in Zamfara State, where there is relative peace.

“Now, people are going about their businesses. Farmers have gone back to their farms in the southeast,” Uzodinma said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting brought together key party leaders, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima and the President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio.

Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC National Chairman, Gov. Umar Bago of Niger, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko, Gov. Nasiru Idris of Kebbi, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, among others, also attended the meeting. (NAN)

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Alleged disorderly conduct: Senate refers Natasha to Ethics Committee

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5 hours ago

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February 26, 2025

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The Senate on Tuesday referred Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi) to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions over alleged disorderly conduct during a recent plenary session.

The committee, chaired by Sen. Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo), was mandated to turn in its findings in two weeks.

The upper chamber’s resolution was sequel to a voice vote after the lawmakers had revisited the controversy surrounding the recent altercation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the senate leadership over seat allocation.

Coming under Order 1(b) and 10, the senate’s Spokesperson, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu, condemned what he described as Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “extreme intransigence” during the senate session on Feb. 20.

“From that Thursday, the media was awash with this issue and I had to work on mending the perception of the 10th senate.

“The senate is not a platform for content creation but a place for lawmaking and oversight functions,” he said.

Adaramodu urged the senate leadership to enforce discipline, warning that ‘where there is sin, there must be penalty’.

“This chamber is not a place for theatrics or social media content creation. We are here to legislate, advocate for our constituents and provide oversight over MDAs, not to engage in media dramatisation,” he said.

Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim (APC-Ondo) also supported the motion, emphasising the importance of maintaining order and decorum in the senate.

Ibrahim urged all senators to respect the institution’s guiding rules, comparing the Standing Orders to the Bible and Quran for lawmakers.

Also, the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion for the disciplinary review, affirming the senate’s commitment to its rules and internal order.

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According to him, there is no one who does not have an opinion on this issue, but we are unified by our rules.

“Under our watch, we will not allow this institution to be discredited beyond what we inherited. Our integrity is non-negotiable,” he said.

Bamidele dismissed claims that the dispute was rooted in gender bias or discrimination, citing examples of senior senators who had accepted seat changes without protest.

Contributing, the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro, described the incident as “an avoidable drama” and apologised on behalf of Akpoti-Uduaghan.

He urged the senate to focus on its legislative responsibilities, while allowing the ethics committee to handle the matter.

Responding, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, directed the committee on ethics and privileges to review the entire incident and report back to the chamber in two weeks.

According to Akpabio, the senate rules allow members to sit anywhere, but that contributions must be made from their designated seats.

He said that lack of familiarity with the senate procedures might have contributed to the altercation.

“The first day she (Akpoti-Uduaghan) was sworn in, she stood up to contribute and I was worried if she had even read the rule book.

“There is nothing wrong with being vibrant but everything is wrong with disobeying procedures,” he said.

Citing Order 66(2) and Section 55 of Senate rules, he underscored the need for senators to conduct themselves with decorum, including prohibitions on chewing gum, drinking water or being disruptive during sittings.

“The rules empower the senate president to suspend a senator for infractions for, at least, 14 days. It’s not me who made the rules; it’s in the rule book,” Akpabio said. (NAN)

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We Are Marginalized Over Muslim-Muslim Ticket – Shari’ah Council

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6 hours ago

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February 26, 2025

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The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has expressed their concerns in Nigeria, saying despite the Muslim-Muslim ticket at the Presidency since the 2023 presidential election that brought in President Bola Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima, Muslims have been politically marginalised.

The Council noted that despite the general belief that the ticket would favour the Muslim community more, the reverse is the case, as millions of Muslims are politically marginalised under the current administration.

In his remarks on Monday at the Pre-Ramadan Lecture, SCSN President Sheikh Abdurrasheed Hadiyyatullah reminded the federal government that the country’s socioeconomic hardship was becoming unbearable and urged a solution be proffered without further delay.

“We have seen Nigerians vote for people of the same Islamic faith into the Presidency without turning the country into an unceasing battlefield, but we have not seen justice and equity done to all communities, irrespective of their faith. Millions of Muslims are politically marginalised in many

parts of the country despite their numbers and the constitutional demands for justice, and we see a nation growing in indifference over Muslim grievances. As we speak, we are witnessing an alarming and crude attempt to muscle South West Muslims out of their rights to organise legitimate mechanisms that will assist them in improving how they live with fellow Christians as members of families and communities.

“A fair assessment of the journey so far will recognise that we succeeded in achieving some of our goals and have failed to achieve others. We have demonstrated the power of faith in our search for good leaders, although we are yet to see this reflected as much as we had hoped in the form of

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improved levels of integrity at all levels; a fairer economic system which rewards hard work and protects the poor from increasing pauperisation; and a safer environment where the life and property of the citizen are protected as is demanded by Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) and our Constitution”.

He said the SCSN stands in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in the South West and advises those who think they can divide the Nigerian Muslim Umma to find other mischief to engage themselves.

“The Umma looks up to us for guidance and assurances that their faith will not be sacrificed on the altar of political opportunism and greed. Many Muslims are being encouraged to think they have been betrayed to vote for this administration. Our task is to assure them that our intentions and goals were honest and that we were products of deep faith and fear of the punishment of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala.

“We must demonstrate beyond all doubt that no understanding exists between us or any administration that injustice, indifference and insensitivity to avoidable hardship will be tolerated.

We must live above board, elevating Islam’s intrinsic value to the point that it distinguishes between good and bad leaders, between an informed citizenry and a gullible population, between a clergy that serves and fears only Allah and one that serves the leaders of the day.

“We must remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice for the Muslim and the non-Muslim because this is our fundamental responsibility and the only basis for peace in our country. Remember and respect its most profound values as we prepare for the Holy Month of Ramadan.

“The unity of the Umma should not be sacrificed, and, as we are aware, the disunity of the Umma is most threatened when the Ulama become agents of division and friction between Muslims. As Muslims, we are facing cynical attempts to distance us from each other to weaken us further.

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“We have survived many of these attempts, but more will be made. We can create a solid and united Nigerian Muslim community, but we must resist threats from partisan politics, corruption and the weaknesses of our political processes. We should remain alert and admit genuine mistakes, and correct them. Insisting that the Muslim community in Nigeria has a right and a duty to organise itself and compete for its interests, however, is not, and cannot be a mistake.

“We shall closely watch all political processes and stand for what we believe is in the best interests of all Nigerian Muslims. To be effective in doing this, every Muslim who has or wishes to take responsibility or obligation to influence the decisions of Muslims must be pre-eminently knowledgeable, honest and courageous enough to put these values at the disposal of the Ummah”. He said.

The Shari’ah Council frowned at the socioeconomic situation in the country, saying, “Nigerians are experiencing severe economic hardship, exacerbated by some government policies. The removal of fuel subsidies has led to soaring costs of living, with food, transportation, and essential goods becoming increasingly

unaffordable.

“The depreciation of the Naira, high inflation, and stagnant wages have further eroded purchasing power. The Council has consistently advised the administration to adopt policies to address the hardship. However, it is alarming that, within a short period, the government has introduced multiple new taxes and tariffs, including increased telecommunications tariffs (50%), FOB charges (4% of imports), NPA tariffs (15%), ATM charges (100%), and additional proposed electricity tariff hikes. The Council remains steadfast in advocating for easing the draconian policies to protect the interests of the poor.

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The Council said, “For over two decades, the Council has played a pivotal role in addressing insecurity and ethno-religious crises in Nigeria. It has engaged major national security stakeholders, the security and intelligence community, and other strategic actors in the last year. These engagements contributed to the formulation and

implementation of a one-year non-kinetic strategy to address insecurity, especially banditry.

However, despite some progress, the Council is deeply concerned by recent developments, especially revelations that government-owned weapons have fallen into criminal hands and the Auditor-General’s report to the Senate on the disappearance of 3,907 rifles from the police armoury, with no consequences. These developments require urgent and decisive action by the government. ”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru, Speaking to newsmen on the sideline of the pre-Ramadan lecture, said the country is progressing in addressing insecurity, stressing that the government is committed to providing security at all levels.

The SCSN President added, “The Supreme Council for Shari’ah has been a longstanding partner in the progress and development of our nation. For over two decades, the Council has

actively contributed to Nigeria’s political and socio-economic development, with the unity of the Ummah as the cornerstone of our efforts.

As a religious body, one of its core objectives is the realisation of a prosperous Ummah and an economically, socially, educationally, and politically viable country. Despite our nation’s formidable challenges, we remain steadfast in contributing to its success. ”

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