News
Taraba Group Condemns Smear Campaign Against College Provost
By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
THE TARABA Concerned Youths Group (TCYG) on Thursday says campaign of calumny sponsored against the provost of Taraba state college of nursing and midwifery, Mrs Esther Gana will fail regarding her stay in office.
In a statement release by the group leaders Mr. Emmanuel Tikari and Godwin Zamani says it’s categorically noted that the state government has re-engaged Mrs Esther Gana through a contract to continue serving as the provost pending the appointment of a substantive Provost.
The statement which reads “ we are dismayed as to why Gana’s issue should be heightened by some sponsored groups as if she’s forcely and illegally discharging her duties. Is it not laughable to wrongly said she continued to stay in office as if she’s mightier than the government authority”.
“The governor has the right to grant her contract. So what’s the borne of contention? Why raising issues where there’s none? Is Dr Agbu Kefas the first Taraba state governor to grant extension of service to retired civil servants? Why this devilish campaign by some desperate power-seekers against a woman who has done a lot to transform the nursing institution in the state?”
“To rate Gana on account of stewardship, This is a provost that anchored the successful indexing of all backlogs of student Nurses and Midwives who overstayed in the school apart from other transformations that upturned the academic value of the institution for effective service delivery,” the statement reads.
The group also highlighted that the Commissioner for Information Barr. Zainab Jalingo stated that Gana is on contract, His Excellency has approved a contractual agreement for her to continue stay in office. Stating that the governor has extended her tenure, and she is on contract with all relevant documents at the office of the Secretary to the State Government.
The group further stressed that those sponsoring media campaigns against her continued stay in office should also consider her performance. The college has witnessed significant progress under her leadership, and the governor may want her to consolidate on these gains
“We, therefore, challenge those peddling those negative publications against Gana alongside their sponsors to cite any portion of the civil service law that violates contractual agreement or extension of service been granted to a workaholic civil servants either by the Governor or President”.
The group concluded that they wish to call on the attention of the general public to be mindful of the recently sponsored media campaign of calumny against the personality of Gana who has contributed significantly to the development of the state also some CSOs who have long lost their voices in the state suddenly started speaking up because of their paymasters.
National
Insecurity: APC Forum Accuses Governor Dauda Of Failing to Protect Citizens Amid Party’s Abductions
The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the recent abduction of five party chieftains by armed bandits, accusing Governor Dauda Lawal of failing in his responsibility to protect citizens.
The kidnapped individuals, all from Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, were reportedly taken on Saturday while travelling to the Marafa area of the state.
The abductees include Yahaya Sani Dogon Kade, chairman of Dan Isah ward, Bello Dealer, chairman of Sakajiki ward, and three others whose names have not yet been released.
In a statement on Monday, its spokesperson Muhammed Ismaila Kaura criticised the governor’s handling of security in the state.
“As the chief security officer of the state, Governor Dauda Lawal bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the safety of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation,” Kaura said.
“Unfortunately, he has failed to live up to this duty. This is not the time for excuses, blame games, or empty rhetoric. It is a time for decisive action.”
The party called for immediate and effective measures to secure the release of its members and to tackle the growing wave of banditry in the state.
“The people of Zamfara are tired of living in fear. We are tired of leaders who offer nothing but excuses while our brothers and sisters are being kidnapped, killed, and displaced. The time for action is now,” Kaura added.
The APC also urged security agencies to intensify efforts in tracking down the perpetrators and ensuring justice for the victims.
“This reprehensible act is not only an assault on the affected individuals and their families but also a direct attack on the peace and stability of our dear state,” the statement continued.
The forum reaffirmed its solidarity with the families of the abducted persons and vowed to continue pressing for their safe return.
“To the criminals behind this heinous act, let it be clear: Zamfara State belongs to its people, not to bandits. Your reign of terror must come to an end. And to the Governor, we say: act now, or history will remember you as a leader who failed his people in their time of greatest need.”
There has been no official response from the state government regarding the abductions. However, insecurity has remained a pressing issue in Zamfara, with frequent attacks by armed groups targeting both civilians and public officials under Governor Dauda lawal
In a dramatic turn of events, Mojisola Meranda has stepped down as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, ending her short-lived leadership tenure.
The lawmaker, who represents Apapa Constituency I, made the announcement on Monday, coinciding with her re-election as Deputy Speaker by fellow legislators.
Her leadership was marked by a tense political climate, but lawmakers commended her for maintaining stability and fostering peace within the Assembly. Additionally, her decision to step down was seen as an act of discipline and adherence to the principles of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Meranda’s resignation came after a reported closed-door meeting with influential APC leaders in Lagos, aimed at resolving the prolonged leadership crisis that had disrupted Assembly proceedings.
The crisis intensified on 13th January 2025, when lawmakers ousted Mudashiru Obasa, the representative of Agege Constituency I, from his position as Speaker.
Obasa was removed from office by more than two-thirds of the 40-member Assembly, with allegations of misconduct and administrative irregularities levelled against him. In the wake of his removal, Meranda was elected as Speaker, making history as the first female to lead the legislative body in the South-West region.
Despite being removed, Obasa refused to accept his dismissal, insisting that due process had not been followed. He challenged the legitimacy of the impeachment, citing the use of security forces during the process and arguing that he had been unfairly removed in his absence while travelling outside Nigeria.
The controversy deepened when 36 lawmakers, aligned with Meranda, stood firm in their decision, affirming that Obasa’s removal was final and that she remained the rightful Speaker. The standoff created heightened tensions within the Assembly, leading to an indefinite adjournment of legislative sessions on 17th February 2025.
The crisis escalated further when security personnel clashed with Assembly staff over control of the complex. Emotions ran high as lawmakers loyal to Meranda expressed their frustration over attempts to reinstate Obasa. In response, they passed a strong vote of confidence in her leadership, reinforcing their stance against his return.
However, Obasa re-emerged at the Assembly Complex on 27th February 2025, escorted by a heavy security detail. His return marked his first physical presence in the chambers since his impeachment, sending shockwaves through the political landscape. His insistence that he was still the Speaker reignited opposition from his colleagues, who maintained their support for Meranda and rejected his claims to the leadership position.
With Meranda stepping down and Obasa continuing to challenge his impeachment, the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly remains in limbo.
Political analysts suggest that further negotiations within the APC may determine the final outcome of the power struggle.
Whether the lawmakers will rally behind a single leader or remain divided along political lines remains to be seen.
Mudashiru Obasa has been returned as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Obasa was reinstated following the resignation of Mojisola Meranda, who stepped down from the role with immediate effect.
Details later…