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Zamfara Witnessed Transformation Under Matawalle’s Leadership – ZYCC

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The Zamfara North Youth Concern Citizens (ZYCC) has commended the former Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, for what it described as transformative leadership during his tenure from 2019 to 2023.

In a statement signed by its Zonal Coordinator, Suleiman Yusuf Kaura, ZYCC noted that Dr. Matawalle assumed office during a period of severe socioeconomic challenges but succeeded in bringing renewed hope and progress to the state through impactful urbanization and rural development initiatives.

“Dr. Matawalle’s administration ushered in significant improvements in infrastructure and community development, which have set the state on a path of growth and prosperity,” the statement said.

Among his notable achievements, the group highlighted the urban renewal efforts in the state capital, Gusau. Key road rehabilitation projects included the Canteen Daji Area, Kwanar Inno Doya, and major routes connecting landmarks such as the Government House Road and the Emir’s Palace Mosque. These projects, ZYCC stated, modernized the city, improving accessibility and enhancing its livability.

He said “In rural areas, the former governor launched the Rural Grazing Areas (RUGA) initiative, which was praised for addressing herder-farmer conflicts and fostering economic development.

” The pilot project in Maradun, nearing completion, integrates schools, veterinary clinics, irrigation systems, and other facilities aimed at uplifting rural communities.

“Through visionary leadership, Dr. Matawalle has left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire,” Kaura added, emphasizing that the projects initiated during his tenure would have a lasting impact on the people of Zamfara State.

The ZYCC’s statement underscores the enduring influence of Dr. Matawalle’s governance, which has been credited with laying a solid foundation for sustainable development across Zamfara State.

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Rising Tensions in Kano as Police Summon Sanusi for Interrogation

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Kano is currently experiencing heightened tensions following a formal request from the Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, for Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano, to appear at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

Speculation surrounds this invitation, with many believing it may be linked to an attack on the Emir’s entourage during recent Sallah celebrations. The state police have detained Usman Sagiru in connection with the alleged murder of vigilante member Surajo Rabiu, which occurred during the assault on Emir Sanusi II’s entourage.

Additionally, another vigilante, Aminu Suleman, was injured in the incident and subsequently taken to Murtala Muhammed Specialists Hospital in Kano for treatment. According to SP Abdullahi Haruna, the state police command spokesman, the violence erupted while local guards were escorting the Emir’s entourage from the Kofar Mata Eid prayer ground after the observance of the two rakat eid-el-fitr prayers.

The invitation letter, dated April 2, 2025, and referenced with number CR:3000/FID/FHQ/ABJ/VOL59/697, was issued by Commissioner of Police Olajide Rufus Ibitoye on behalf of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the FID in Abuja. The letter states: “I have the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, through the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), to invite you for an investigative meeting regarding an incident that occurred during the Sallah celebrations within your domain.”

The official summons has ignited apprehension throughout Kano City and surrounding areas, with some locals interpreting it as a potential attempt by the federal government to impose a state of emergency in the region. A resident from the Dorayi quarters, who requested anonymity, remarked, “We perceive this invitation as an affront to our traditional institution and an effort to intimidate our Emir by the police, who failed to ensure our safety on Sallah day.”

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He urged President Bola Tinubu and the federal government to prevent the police from instigating unrest in Kano State. Another anonymous resident expressed worries that the invitation could escalate tensions and possibly lead to a state of emergency. “What transpired on Sallah day was not a Durbar but rather a customary procession of the Emir from his palace to the Mosque, where it is normal for him to ride a horse, rather than walk,” he stated.

He cautioned against disrupting the peace in Kano, asserting, “Summoning Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II over trivial matters constitutes a violation of his fundamental human rights, and it will be met with resistance from the community.”

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Ken Nnamani Denies Pleading With Abbo On Judge’s Behalf

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Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.

In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.

Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.

The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.

Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.

“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.

“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.

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“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”

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P-CNGi, LNG Arete sign pact for $27.3m gas plant project

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The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) and LNG Arete Ltd. on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on $27.3 million gas plant project to boost CNG infrastructure investment, expansion and availability.

The Programme Director/Chief Executive Officer, P-CNGi, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, said the partnership aimed at constructing a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant with a processing capacity of seven million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD).

The P-CNGi (investing six million dollars) is co-investing alongside the LNG Arete (investing $12 million) and the Midstream Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, under the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Oluwagbemi said the project, which would employ over 100 Nigerians, would accelerate CNG infrastructure development in the north, securing a 25 per cent equity stake in LNG Arete’s seven MSCFD mini LNG facility located in Ajaokuta, Kogi state.

According to him, the project which will become operational in the next 12 to 16 months, will establish a critical supply hub for CNG across Northern Nigeria, and beyond.

He said it would ensure stable cost-competitive CNG supply for industry and residential users in the north which was underserved.

Oluwagbemi said due to increasing demands to access gas for transportation and industrialisation, the President was determined to bring affordable transportation programmes by leveraging abundant gas resources and boost steady supply to the end users.

“Gas is cheaper, it is safer, and more reliable.

“Of course, the previous administration and this administration have been committed to moving gas from the region where it is primarily produced today, which is the southern part of the country, to the rest of the country.

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“That is why the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and its partners have been investing in the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline.

“From the producing fields, the project will focus on a liquefaction plant and implant storage at Ajaokuta, and eventual pipeline trucks which will be able to move gas over further distances across the north of Nigeria,’’ he assured.

He said the LNG which would be transformed to CNG could be utilised by our power plants, as well as our vehicles and other industries, boosting industrialisation.

The P-CNGi boss said many industries across the north, ranging from textile, agriculture, processing to manufacturing, would benefit hugely from the project.

“The logistics, of course, of moving goods and food items from the north down to the south, especially, processed and manufactured products, will also be cheaper because of this project.

“And even more importantly, is that even when the north gets piped by natural gas in a few years’ time, this plant is still going to be very critical to enable LNG trucks that run more efficiently on LNG, even better than CNG.

“Those LNG trucks will begin to move Nigerian products from Nigeria to Ghana, and to Senegal, ensuring Nigerian products are very competitive and creating jobs,’’ he said.

Also speaking, Hajara Pitan, Project Director, LNG Arete, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the management of P-CNGi and other enablers that ensured the reality of the agreement.

“A major reason for the lack of development of the gas sector has been the fact that infrastructure and gas is expensive, but with the mini LNG technology, we’re able to participate as Nigerians in this sector in a major way.

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“Our aim is clear in LNG Arete to support the Federal Government in deepening gas utilisation across Nigeria, and especially in the underserved regions of northern Nigeria.

“LNG is liquefied natural gas, and so what that means is that we take gas from where it originates, we liquefy it by reducing the quantity and allow it to move around more easily,’’ she said. (NAN)

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