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Polls: Be Neutral, Gen Enenche Urges INEC, Security Personnels
By Sunday Isuwa, Abuja
A former defence spokesman, Gen John Enenche has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other security personnel that will be involved in the conduct of the Saturday’s presidential election across the country to maintain neutrality.
According to Enenche, a lot of people have suffered adding that Saturday’s presidential election offers them an opportunity to elect a competent leader that will assuage the sufferings of the masses and move the country forward.
Speaking in an interview with LEADERSHIP, Enenche, who retired from the Nigerian Army as a two star general, said the electoral umpire and the Police who are the lead agencies when it comes to election conduct and security, should know that they have people depending on them to do the right thing.
Enenche, who expressed confidence in INEC and the security agencies, urged them to do the right thing and protect every candidate where necessary.
The former defence spokesman, Enenche, who also called on Nigerians to stay away from trouble and other acts that could affect the credibility of the election, added that despite the cash scarcity, Nigerians should ensure they vote for their freedom.
“My advice to the security agencies, particularly the lead agency, which is supposed to be the Nigerian Police, is to be firm. They should not be distracted. Why am I saying so? Sometimes human beings want to bend to pressure, for several reasons.
“From what we’ve gone through from the past eight years and even beyond 16 years, and 20 years, if you are a Policeman, you are a soldier, you are an immigration or the State Service personnel, you are just one person in the organisation and you have multiples that are relying on you. Your relations are suffering. That one alone should be a challenge.
“But I am urging the security personnel to go and stand their ground. Let the credible candidate that we’ve seen now emerge. We are not saying you should defend a particular candidate and leave out others. We are saying that just go and do your duty. Let the Policeman go and do his job and not be bought over or look the other way round.
“Whatever you are supposed to do, ensure you provide security. Let no voter be intimidated. That is my advice to the police.
“Then the order agencies that will support, particularly the State Services and the other intelligence services, let them put their eyes on the ground to ensure that nothing funny happens. For the military, they are supposed to be the back up. Ofcourse, I know that the military is always firm and fair. My advice to them is to remain committed to the constitution, remain committed to Nigerians and assure them that they are going to be fair to all. And in that way, this translates into providing the backup security to the Nigerian Police, and other security agencies. That’s my advice to them.
“Because I was there, I have a lot of dependents. So, I will not look at myself, but I look beyond myself, and once I look beyond myself, I should be able to do what I’m supposed to do. And what they are supposed to do is to ensure that they provide personal security, organisational security to INEC and all of them backing up the police,” Enenche said.
Enenche, who also advised Nigerians to ensure they vote competent people, added that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Mr Peter Obi has a track record Nigerians should consider.
“Peter Obi is a man with impeccable integrity, a man of strength. A man of physical fitness and mental alertness. Highly cognitive and focused which I couldn’t find amongst the other candidates.
“So, that was what informed my decision to endorse Peter Obi for Saturday’s presidential election and I believe that he will definitely make himself and Datti Baba Ahmed the example of good leadership in Nigeria.
“If the leadership is upright, the followership will follow. That is why I’m supporting Peter Obi. And I pray that comes the 25th, in the next couple of days, a few hours from now, that decision will be made by Nigerians. I’m hopeful and I want to encourage everybody to be prayerful about it and work towards ensuring that Peter Obi wins the election,” Enenche added.
Describes Movement as People Against Nigeria
The National Coalition for Asiwaju Mandate (NCAM) has strongly condemned the recent formation of a coalition by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition figures, describing the movement as “people against Nigeria.”
At a press conference on Thursday, the NCAM national president, Hon. Isaac Ikpa criticised the coalition as a gathering of “expired political relics” and “political has-beens” driven by selfish ambition rather than a genuine desire to serve the nation.
The group specifically accused Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai among others of having a history of failed leadership, corruption, and divisive politics.
According to Ikpa, the coalition’s true intention is to hijack power for personal enrichment rather than national progress.
The group urged Nigerians to reject the coalition’s “desperate attempt” to cling to power and instead support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The NCAM emphasised that President Tinubu has a proven track record of excellence, visionary leadership, and commitment to Nigeria’s progress, unlike the members of Atiku’s coalition.
“We want Nigerians to understand that this so-called coalition unveiled by Atiku Abubakar is nothing more than a gathering of politicans seeking relevance,” the statement added.
“Suppose one can even dignify it with such a term. In that case, it is nothing more than a laughable attempt by individuals who have repeatedly failed the Nigerian people to rehabilitate their tarnished reputations.
“These are individuals with no vision, credibility, and have no business dictating the future of Nigeria. Their records have proven their inability to deliver good governance to the people of Nigeria. This coalition is doomed to fail because it is built on hypocrisy, deceit, and personal ambition, rather than genuine concern for Nigeria’s progress.
“We, the National Coalition for Asiwaju Mandate (NCAM), stand firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda. We call on all Nigerians to reject this desperate attempt by expired politicians to cling to power.
“We must not allow these individuals to derail the progress that Nigeria has made under the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We must not give room for failed politicians to drag Nigeria backward into the abyss of corruption and bad governance. The future of our nation is at stake, and we must stand firm in our commitment to protect good governance, transformative leadership, and the progress of Nigeria.”
… Raises concern over polygamy negative impact
… Says some men has over 50 children, can’t take care of them
By Abubakar Yunusa
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has advised men facing financial difficulties to limit themselves to one wife in order to better provide for and nurture responsible families.
He expressed concern over the negative impact of polygamy, noting that many family leaders are failing to fulfil their obligations.
During his address at the conclusion of the 30th annual Ramadan lecture of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), the Emir emphasised that while Islam permits men to marry more than one woman, this right does not necessarily mean that every man is financially capable of supporting multiple families.
He shared an example from his palace, where 192 families reside, with some men having more than 50 children. “How can someone adequately care for such a large number of dependents?” he questioned.
The Emir also called for changes in the Islamiyya education system to better incorporate teachings on the rights of girls. He believes this shift could lead to more progressive communities.
Furthermore, he criticised the judiciary for exacerbating societal issues, pointing to the case of a young woman sentenced to two years in prison over a small debt of N6,000. “When I visited the prison, I had only N200,000, yet I was able to secure the release of eight people,” he recounted.
The Emir noted that the palace frequently relies on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods to address challenges in areas such as marriage, inheritance, and land disputes, which he described as major sources of family strife.
In her remarks, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, called on the Ulama to encourage men to take greater responsibility in their homes.
She emphasised that many responsibilities have shifted to women, and it’s time for men to step up.
Meanwhile, Hajiya Nafisa Isah, the Amirah of FOMWAN Kaduna State, announced that the organisation is working on establishing a fully operational skills acquisition centre to empower both women and youth.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Residents of Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency have pledged their unwavering support for their representative, Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock, beyond 2027, citing his credible performance and commitment to the development of the constituency.
Speaking at a gathering of ward executives, stakeholders, community leaders, and youth groups at Mal. Agwai Gidan Mana Town Hall in Kachia on Tuesday, constituents praised Hon. Zock’s legislative achievements, infrastructure projects, and empowerment initiatives, which they say have significantly improved their lives.
Earlier, Hon. Zock hosted all ward executives of his constituency at the same venue, where a ₦30 million Ramadan and Lent palliative was distributed.
The APC Chairman, Kagarko LGA, Hon. Christopher Mailafia and ALGON CHairmen of both Kagarko and Kachia LGAs respectively, highlighted the lawmaker’s contributions to infrastructure, including improved road networks, better healthcare facilities, and educational support for students.
Similarly, Chairman APC Zone 3, Hon. Shehu Tafa, commended his efforts in job creation and youth empowerment, emphasizing that his programs have provided meaningful opportunities for young people.
“We have seen unprecedented development under Hon. Zock’s leadership, and we believe he deserves to continue beyond 2027 to complete the good work he has started,” said [Insert Name], a resident of Kachia.
Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock, who is currently serving his second term in the House of Representatives, has yet to make an official statement regarding his political future. However, his growing support base suggests that many constituents are eager to see him extend his tenure beyond 2027. Political observers note that if he decides to contest again, he is likely to enjoy strong grassroots backing due to his developmental strides.
In his remarks, Hon. Zock reiterated his commitment to ensuring that party executives and constituents benefit from the ruling party.
“I understand your role in the party’s success, and I also understand that you are often under-rewarded,” he stated.
As part of his support for party executives, he announced a monthly stipend initiative, providing ₦10,000 for each ward executive and ₦20,000 for each local government executive. He further revealed that a committee has been inaugurated to oversee account openings and data collection to ensure a smooth commencement of the program next month.
Additionally, Hon. Zock assured constituents of continued support in agriculture, promising fertilizer distribution and other resources to enhance farming activities.
He acknowledged that the progress seen in the constituency was made possible through the support of key political figures, including Hon. Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Kaduna State Governor Sen. Uba Sani, and President Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Therefore, I urge you all to give your maximum support to the APC at all levels to ensure more meaningful development and dividends of democracy,” he emphasized.
As a gesture of appreciation for party loyalty, Hon. Zock announced car gifts worth ₦7 million each for his former ward councillor and the local government party secretaries of Kachia and Kagarko LGAs. This follows last year’s distribution of car gifts to the two local government chairmen and other party stakeholders.
End..