Chairman of TMG, Mr Auwal Rafsanjani, gave the commendation at a news conference on Monday on Abuja.

Rafsanjani particularly praised the commission for the way and manner it counted the signatures collected from Kogi Central Senatorial District being represented by Akpoti-Uduaghan in the senate.

“TMG is satisfied with the conduct of INEC, its dedication and commitment to a transparent process which upholds constitutionalism and due process.

“This is a clear demonstration of the functionality of democracy, when democratic institutions uphold the rule of law rather than becoming tools for the alignment of political interests of a few people in power,” he said.

Rafsanjani urged the senate to recognise the huge gender imbalance in the upper legislative chamber and continue to present itself as an institution that encourages more women participation in politics

According to him, recalling a lawmaker is predicated on misrepresentation, under-performance and misconduct, not a tool for politicians to wield at will.

He called on INEC to verify and authenticate the Voter Identification Number (VIN) used to carry out Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall process through BVAS.

Rafsanjani claimed that personal data of citizens of Kogi Central senatorial district were harvested and used without their consent, saying this was against the provisions of Data Protection Act

He, therefore, called on National Data Protection Commission to carry out necessary investigation on this to assure Nigerians that their personal data would be protected as envisaged by the law.

“Where investigations reveal a fraudulent process, the petitioners must be brought to justice to serve as deterrent to those who will be willing to be induced and used by politicians for this kind of charade in the future,” he said. (NAN)

Fintiri announced this through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Humwashi Wonosikou in Yola on Monday.

He said the appointment was based on Ribadu’s hard work, experience, and commitment to religious matters in the state.

He listed other members of the delegation to include: Alhaji Muhammad Jidjiwa, Alhaji A T Shehu, Alhaji Ibrahim Abba, Alhaji Abubakar Murtala and Alhaji Mohammed Dabo as the Secretary.

Fintiri charged the committee to be dedicated to their assignment, to ensure a hitch-free 2025 Hajj operation.

The governor also tasked the delegation to collaborate with all relevant agencies to facilitate a successful operation. (NAN)

The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement on Monday said the claims by retired Brig. -Gen. Ismaila Abdullahi, had contradicted the efforts of the military.

Gusau said the narratives clearly downplayed the efforts made by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma by embarking on Search and Rescue Operation to secure the release of Gen. Tsiga in addition to other non-kinetic efforts.

He said the senior officer had in a message, thanked other senior officers and civilians for their contribution to the rescue of the former Director General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

According to the Defence spokesman, it may seem unproductive to engage with those who constantly criticise the military, especially those that have benefited from the same military.

He said it was essential to clarify the relentless efforts undertaken by the troops that facilitated General Tsiga’s release.

“It is important to note that the unfortunate abduction of the former DG of NYSC occurred in the wee hours of 6 February 2025, in Tsiga, Kafur District of Bakori Local Government Area in Katsina State.

“Immediately, troops of 17 Brigade were alerted, they responded to the situation around 0300 hours the same day and in a commendable show of professionalism, swiftly went on pursuit in conjunction with the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma.

“These combined efforts led to troops combing the assailants/bandits hideouts within Jeka, Areda, and Zango, all in Kankara Local Government Area, in search of the former DG.

“The operation extended to Ruwan Lafiya, Mununu, Matallawa and Bakkai in Faskari Local Government Area.

“Although no direct contact was made with the abductors, the troops successfully pressured the criminals, who abandoned rustled animals and some captives in their hasty retreat.

“The troops nevertheless sustained the pursuit of the terrorists with unwavering determination, despite facing difficulties due to challenging terrain,” he said.

Gusau added that troops had on Feb. 8, intensified their manhunt for the abductors and conducted dawn attacks at Yankuzo and Gidan Dankaka in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara where terrorist kingpin Ado Aliero hibernates.

He added that subsequent air operations at Dunya Hill, a suspected bandit stronghold where General Tsiga was held, disrupted the terrorists, leading to the escape of several captives.

According to him, the former DG was unable to escape due to health concerns.

“One of the captives, Barau Garba, a teacher at Government Secondary School in Tsiga and who was with General Tsiga was rescued by troops and he shared his experience via the attached video.

“Barau has since been reunited with his family in Tsiga town.
“In another instance, troops assaulted Pauwa Hills and Matallawa area of Kankara Local Government Area in search of Brig.-Gen. Tsiga.

“However, they were only able to rescue 84 kidnapped victims from the area without locating him.

“In the process, several terrorists/bandits were neutralised while three personnel sustained gunshot wounds,” he added.

The defence Spokesman said that troops had since Tsiga’s abduction, remained relentless in their pursuit, conducting both air and ground operations, which he added, had kept pressure on the abductors.

According to him, it is only fair to recognise the significant sacrifices made by these troops who have worked day and night, often at great risk to their own lives in their search for the senior officer.

“The disparaging online is therefore nothing but presumably an act of mischief which is calculated to undermine the dedicated efforts of the military to eradicate terrorists/bandits and other criminal elements from the North West region.

“It is noteworthy to add that the military operations comprising both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies facilitated the rescue of General Tsiga as his life is invaluable and anything that needed to be done to ensure he was safe was adopted in ensuring a successful Search and Rescue effort.

“Troops will continue to support all efforts in ensuring peace and security across the country.

“The general public is therefore encouraged to continue supporting troops by providing credible intelligence to assist in this regard,” he said. (NAN)