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Kaduna Group Hails Arrest of Elrufai’s Ex Commissioner

Kaduna Group Hails Arrest of Elrufai’s Ex Commissioner

…Says Looted funds must be recovered

Kaduna Good Governance and Monitoring Forum has commended the security operatives in the State for the recent arrest of Malam Jafaru Ibrahim Sani, a commissioner who served under the administration of former Governor of Kaduna State, Mal. Nasir El-Rufai.

According to the group, there is nothing wrong with the arrest and subsequent arraignment of a public office holder on allegations of corruption and money laundering.

The Kaduna Good Governance and Monitoring Forum in a statement signed by Comrade Mustapha Ibn Mohammed, urged the State government to intensify efforts to ensure that all those linked to the funds Looted under the previous administration must be arrested and prosecuted without delay.

Though the charges have not been made public, information gathered by group after preliminary investigation revealed that Jafaru Sani is now facing money laundering charges .

The statement reads: “Recalled the Kaduna House of Assembly Committee probed alleged corruption and financial irregularities during the tenure of ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai and did submit its report, revealed that a total ₦423 billion was allegedly siphoned under his administration leaving the state with huge liabilities.

“We also recalled that some commissioners and aides of Elrufai that were invited and interrogated such as Former Finance Commissioner, Bashir Saidu, was arrested and arraigned for embezzling state funds.

“But instead of Elrufai to allow the law to take it course,he took to his Facebook page on Thursday to accuse the government of day of setting up the arrested, even when evidences have been provided in court.

“As concerned citizens and residents of the State,we are happy and have hope that our looted funds would be recovered and use for development. We are also elated that the two other arms of government are doing their job.However, the judiciary should under no circumstance, succumb to any propaganda within this period of prosecution of anyone found wanting.

“There is no where any country can develop without instruments of checks and balances ,the Kaduna State House Assembly has done great job and now the judiciary is working in line with our desire to recover funds stacked in the hands of corruption politicians.

“Let the people of Kaduna Join hands together with Governor Uba Sani led administration to recover our looted funds”.

Kaduna Shippers Association Commends Uba Sani for Flag of Abandoned Kabala Coastain -Aliyu Makama Link Road

Kaduna Shippers Association Commends Uba Sani for Flag of Abandoned Kabala Coastain -Aliyu Makama Link Road

The President, Kaduna State Shippers Association and Executive member of NACCIMA, Chief Augustine Achilike has commended Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani for his resolve to flag off the completion of the abandoned Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama Link Dual Carriage Road.

According to Chairman of the Association in charge of importers and exporters, the flag – off no doubt marked a significant milestone that will boost effective transportation of good and services in the State .

The Chairman, who made the commendation in a statement personally signed said, the new the Kabala Coastain -Aliyu Makama Road and Bridge will not only alleviate the suffering of residents, who face daily traffic jams on River Kaduna Bridge,but also ease transportation of goods and services because it linked Kaduna south to Kaduna north.

The statement further reads :”We concur with the Governor when he said the road “… Is more than a mere infrastructure project; it is a lifeline for our people, a channel for commerce, and a pathway to opportunity with hope that importers and Exporters will sigh of relief over challenges of road congestion and make up for delay in supply time .”

While noting that the completion of the road will ease the pressure exerted on the road by heavy trucks and lorries on the Kaduna Bridge, he said the greatest advantage of new road is the enhancement of traveling from the northeastern and northwestern parts of the country to the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.

“We are happy to identify with Governor Uba Sani’s administration for his unwavering commitment to infrastructure development since he assumed office

“We in the business sector appreciate the Governor for revisiting the abandoned project. As business men ,we like to identify with this kind of laudable projects because it promote growth and development.

“Shippers Association has commended Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani for the bold move to flag off the completion of the abandoned Kabala Coastain to Aliyu Makama link dual carriage road .” he stated

Achilike however, urged the contractors to! adeliver on schedule considering the fact that the project is a very vital and of benefit to all the Kaduna residents and environs .

Day after Shehu Sani declared support for Uba Sani,Elrufai left APC for SDP

Day after Shehu Sani declared support for Uba Sani,Elrufai left APC for SDP

Less than 24 hours after the former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District,Senator Shehu openly declared support for Governor Uba’s reelection bid, the former Kaduna Governor, Mal. Nasir Elrufai out of alleged fears of the unknown,officially dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party(SDP).

Information gathered revealed that the return of Shehu Sani and other prominent politicians in the State such as Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi; Senator Danjuma Laah , Former Governor Ramalan Yero and others to APC recently unsettled the Elrufai.

Shehu Sani had said his major political interest in 2027 is to see Governor Uba Sani reelected as Kaduna State governor.

Unwilling to face the heat, Elrufai in a Facebook Post today formerly resigned from APC.

He declared: “Today, 10th March 2025, I have submitted a letter resigning my membership of the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately. Prior to this step, I had concluded consultations with my mentors, colleagues and loyalists across the country about the future. I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities.

“Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God.

“I therefore call on all our supporters and other persons concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP in the journey towards making Nigeria flourish as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race.”

Meanwhile,in a reaction via telephone call , Shehu Sani said leaving APC for SDP wouldn’t make any difference for someone with no political relevance again. But one thing is sure , President Bola Ahmed Tinubu And Governor Uba Sani will be voted again.

Planned Protest: Nigerians in Diaspora Divided Over Akpabio, Natasha

Planned Protest: Nigerians in Diaspora Divided Over Akpabio, Natasha

Nigerians in Diaspora Forum (MDF) appeared divided about the planned protest against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the recent face-off with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

According to information gathered in the communique issued after a meeting held in London on Friday, some members insisted the protests scheduled for Monday 10,2025 in London and New York must be done and others disagreed.

The communique signed by Dr. Timothy Gabriel and made available via electronic mail to some journalists, revealed that some members of the Forum, backing Senator Natasha are of the view that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio is using his office to silence and malign an innocent woman,thus he should resign immediately.

The members, who are angry about the suspension of Senator Natasha , described the action of the Akpabio led Senate as an assault on democracy and a deliberate attempt to silence women in leadership.

They insisted on the planned protests and vowed to mobilise members thinking along same line in United States of America and United Kingdom to come out for the protests and tell the world about the injustice meted out on Natasha.

However ,those supporting Akpabio described the planned protests against Akpabio as nothing, but mischief-makers who are exploiting the process to embark on the protests to cast aspersions on the Senate President’s image.

The communique captured that they appeal to the Nigerians in Diaspora to avoid any action that cast aspersions on the image of our country and leadership of the Senate over an issue that been resolved with the floor of the Senate.

We are not in support of any protest after the Senate has taken action to suspend Senator Natasha.And therefore urge members of the Forum to avoid being used for sponsored protests aimed at personal political mischief.

The Senate had taken a decision to suspend after referring the matter to the Ethics Committee for fair hearing and transparency and the ends the stirred up tension.

Suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan ,Miscarriage of Justice -Fadojoe

Suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan ,Miscarriage of Justice

–Fadojoe

The leader of the Rescue Movement for New Nigeria, Mr. Faduri Joseph popularly known as Fadojoe has described the suspension of the Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate as a miscarriage of justice.

Fadojoe in a statement today, Friday, said that the decision to suspend the Senator for six months has ignited intense debate and raised concerns about the fairness of the decision.

The suspension, handed down by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions, includes a ban from legislative activities, a written apology, and the locking of her office, among other penalties.

According to the statement, at the heart of the controversy is Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegation of sexual harassment against Senate President, Mr. Godswill Akpabio. Despite her petition, the Senate dismissed her claims, citing a technicality that a senator cannot submit a petition signed by themselves.

“This decision has sparked outrage, with many questioning the Senate’s handling of the matter.” The statement said.

Critics argue that the suspension is a miscarriage of justice, highlighting concerns about due process and the lack of investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations.

“The swift decision to suspend her has also raised questions about the Senate’s commitment to fairness and accountability.

The suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan has also raised concerns about women’s representation in Nigerian politics. Many argue that the decision sends a chilling message to women who dare to speak out against harassment and abuse.

The Movements leader asked some pertinent questions:

“The question to the Nigerian Senate is how does a man who has been accused now be the judge and presided over his own case? How did the Senate come to a conclusion within a few days without any form of committee reports? No investigation gets to a point of suspension and apology without basis for such? When would Nigerians start rejecting and protesting against bad policies and bad governance like the one just been done by the Nigerian senate? When did women become inferior in crying out fowl when something happened to them?”

“All these questions are what I asked myself and want all Nigerians to ponder upon before if we are going to continue to allow our politicians to do whatever they like and run our nation like a jungle.”

He stated further that in a democratic nation, when such allegations are levied against anyone, such a person must rescue themselves from such investigations, step aside and let others conduct the investigations and when reports are out then any disciplinary actions taken base on reports and recommendations.

“We cannot be practicing democracy and we are operating a jungle justice: one-sided judgment. We are quick to judge and jump to conclusions in our nation without due process. We are so quick to cast blame on innocents.

“Senate treatment of Senator Natasha is a disgrace to Nigeria as a nation and a shame on our politics and governance as no nation would take us seriously if that’s how we treat human beings, especially women in our nation”.

He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to look into the case of Senator Natasha and prevail on Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from passing quick and baseless judgment on their colleague, without due process.

Fadojoe said that Nigerian lawmakers should not always jump to conclusions for political expediency, but following an adage that says, “Don’t be quick to judge”.

“Nigeria is the greatest nation in Africa, and we must show the lead in the way we treat human beings male and females alike. We must show the world that democracy can work in Africa with the way we showcase ourselves to the world and every little and big thing we do daily is a litmus test in our nation history to a stronger democracy in the future.” He concluded.

Fadojoe called for a more transparent and accountable investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations.

Muslim Clerics Warn Rivers Lawmakers Against Move to Impeach Fubara

Muslim Clerics Caution Against Impeachment of Gov. Fubara

…Says Action Will Have Adverse Effects on Economy

In playing the role of an arbiter, Sheikh Usman Mohammed Musa and Sheikh Abbas Ibrahim have cautioned the Rivers State House of Assembly members against the widely rumoured move to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Recalled that recently at the plenary on Wednesday, the second after the Supreme Court restored the 27 Pro-Wike Lawmakers, in a letter profiled the constitutional infractions they claimed Fubara has committed.

But the Imams have expressed fears with a note of caution that any attempt to impeach Governor Fubara will not only breach the existing peace enjoyed by the good people of State ,but also have consequential effects on the growing economy of the state and country at Large.

In a seven paragraphs statement jointly signed by Sheikh Usman Mohammed Bawa and Sheikh Abbas Ibrahim on behalf of Concerned Muslim Imams (CMI),the Imams asked the lawmakers to avoid crisis that could lead to anarchy and wanton destruction of lives and property of our Muslim brothers and others citizens in the State.

According to the Imams,it appears the pro-Wike lawmakers have revived their earlier attempt to impeach Governor Fubara, whom they accused of violating the Constitution by appointing persons to serve as commissioners without their approval

But in the interest of peace , the clerics who called for peace and harmony between the executive arm and some members of the House of Assembly, said the need for robust relationship between the two arms of government is of paramount importance for growth and development.

The statement reads :” We are worried because we have lots of our Muslim brothers in Rivers State and it is our desire that they are protected and secured ,thus our resolve to appeal to Amawhule led House of Assembly to create an atmosphere of peace .”

On the economic implications of the impeachment, the Imams said ,”If the impeachment threat against Fubara is allowed to pull through, we fear the youths may carry out the threat to shut down all the flow stations in the Niger Delta. At this juncture,we are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene to safe our refineries

“By and large, it will equally heightened insecurity capable of scaring investors off the state. No investor is willing to put his investments where there is political instability. “

While wondering the motive behind the impeachment of a hardworking Governor such as Fubara, they queried ,” The rational behind the attempt by some members of the State House of Assembly to impeach a governor without any known reason and recourse to the Constitution by which they came into the House and which they swore to uphold.

“We therefore urged all political actors to sheath their swords and embrace dialogue. The state can only thrive and prosper in a peaceful and conducive atmosphere.

“We expect the political leaders amid the storm to be conscious of the fact that their actions have only succeeded in creating unnecessary tension and fear in the minds of residents and citizens.

“They however expressed concern that if the tension continues, it could plunge the state into an avoidable crisis with dire economic and social consequences.”

While urging Muslims in the state to support Governor Fubara during the critical period of the threat to impeach him, the Imams called on the warring parties to set aside their grudges and iron out their differences .

Women Coalition Backs Natasha,To Hold One million Man March To Demand Akpabio’s Resignation

Women Coalition Backs Natasha,To Hold One million Man March To Demand Akpabio’s Resignation

Women Rights and Justice Forum (WRJF),a coalition of women’s associations working to protect the interest of women has concluded arrangements to storm the Federal Capital Territory on Monday , March 10 to hold one million people march in protest against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio over alleged harassment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan .

According to women Rights group, part of reasons, it resolved to embark on the protest is call for resignation of the Senator President .

The group with members across the 36 states of Nigeria said it has already commenced mobilisation of women to come out in support of Natasha and will remain on the roads until President Bola Ahmed and the National Assembly remove Senator Akpabio from the highly exalted position of Senate President .

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uguaghan had accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment.She also alleged that Akpabio blocked her motions from being heard on the floor of the Senate because she rejected his advances.

In a Statement signed by the Coordinator of Women Rights and Justice Forum, Hajiya Hauwa Suleiman Usman , the women ,who condemned the act of sexual harassment of women in public offices disclosed that ,”The Million People March will be the first of a series of protests to call for the resignation of the Senator Akpabio, who allegedly harassed a woman”.

The statement reads :” The decision to embark on the one million man March is equally to make strong statement that women will no longer tolerate such oppressions and harassments against women in politics.

“We have waited and watched with keen interest to see if the Senate President will tow the honourable lane and apologize to Natasha after she was compelled to speak out on Arise Television, but we later discovered that some of the lawmakers and members of the public have taken side against her .

“As women, we have decided to unite to stop these overt attempts to shut women down and make them second class citizens in their own country.

“To serve as deterrent to other men, we resolved to not only talk, but take decisive action to ensure that Senator Akpabio suffer for his actions to harass and undermine a woman for rejecting sexual advances.

“Senator Akpabio must resign or we remain on the roads till he does so. “

KTSG Partners French Govt, Ocean Energy To Deploy Mini Hydro Technology in Danja Dam

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KATSINA

PRESS RELEASE

KTSG Partners French Govt, Ocean Energy To Deploy Mini Hydro Technology in Danja Dam

…Promises to Address Farmers Post-harvet losses

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, led the State Government delegation on a visit to Mini Hydroelectric Power Station in Heudreville-Sur -Eure, France.

The Governor, alongside his Special Adviser on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed explored the institution’s sustainable energy solutions for Katsina State.

During the strategic visit, Katsina State Government established a partnership with the French Government and Oceans Energy to implement similar mini hydro technology at the Danja Dam.

“The mini hydro station visited in France currently powers over 400 homes within its community, serving as a model for the planned implementation in Katsina,” the Governor said.

Governor Radda also stated that the partnership aims to enhance irrigation activities and agricultural productivity while introducing cold storage solutions to reduce post-harvest losses faced by local farmers.

“Excess energy from the plant will be distributed to surrounding communities, extending the benefits of renewable energy to more residents,” he added.

Similarly, the Governor has announced plans to replicate similar projects at the Ajiwa and Zobe Dams as part of the administration’s commitment to sustainable development across the state.

“This initiative is in line with our dedication to integrating innovative energy solutions with agricultural advancements to create a more resilient and self-sufficient Katsina State,” stated the Governor

He further envisions “a future where the people of Katsina enjoy the full dividends of democracy, sustainable progress, and exceptional leadership.”

This approach, spearheaded by Governor Radda positions Katsina State as an emerging leader in green energy solutions as well as providing a long-term economic growth and improved quality of life for its citizens.

Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State

3rd March, 2025

Group Condemns Natasha’s Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Akpabio

Group Condemns Natasha’s Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Akpabio

…Vows to Join Akpabio’s wife in Legal battle

Group under aegis of Northern Democratic Alliance (NDA) has condemned what it termed , Unfounded sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan.

The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti who protested the relocation of her seat accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of persistent harassment, victimization, and blocking her legislative efforts because she rejected his alleged inappropriate advances.

Natasha, who made the claim while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, detailed what she described as a troubling pattern of professional sabotage and personal intimidation — a fallout, she claimed, of her refusal to engage in an improper relationship with Akpabio.

However,in a reaction to Senator Natasha Apoti”s claim of sexual harassment, the Northern Democratic Alliance condemned the attacks on the Senate President.Saying her face-off with Senator Akpabio is unwarranted, unprovoked and shouldn’t have come from a family friend of the Senate President.

The statement reads: “We have known the Senate President since he was Governor of Akwa Ibom to his days as minister and now Senate President, and can authoritatively tell you that he’s a man who lots of respect for women .

“So , when we heard about Senator Natasha accusations, especially that of sexual harassment,it didn’t add up for us .

“The good people of Akwa Ibom,the wife of the Senate President and members of the National Assembly can also attest to fact that he’s only a cheerful personality,but a seasoned administrator who understands the implications of such act of irresponsibility while holding public office.

“It against this background that we have come to condemn Senator Natasha unsubstantiated claim of sexual harassment and victimization.”

” After careful study of the whole saga ,we have decided to join Senator Akpabio’s wife in court in legal battle against Senator , Natasha who has no evidence to prove her claim.”

FOOD SECURITY: KTSG Procures 400 Tractors, 722 Extension Workers Get Motorcycles, Knapsack Sprayers – Deputy Governor

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KATSINA

PRESS RELEASE

FOOD SECURITY: KTSG Procures 400 Tractors, 722 Extension Workers Get Motorcycles, Knapsack Sprayers – Deputy Governor

The Katsina State Government has recounted its investments in agriculture and livestock development, describing the effort as part of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s commitment to promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability in the management of public funds.

During the 4th edition of the monthly press briefing focusing on Agriculture and Livestock Development for the month of February, Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe outlined the administration’s achievements in these critical sectors.

“Recognizing the crucial role of agriculture in food security, employment generation, and poverty alleviation, as well as the significance of water resources in promoting agricultural productivity and improving livelihoods, this administration has prioritized these sectors,” stated Deputy Governor Jobe.

The Deputy Governor revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has “incurred huge expenditure amounting to N36,040,981,760.00 for the procurement of 20,000 metric tons of fertilizer for 2024 farming season, 722 motorcycles and knapsack sprayers for use of 722 extension workers deployed to serve in 361 wards across the State to ensure effective monitoring.”

He further explained, “the sum of N21,765,381,078.00 was also expended for the procurement of 400 tractors with full accessories, 2,000 hand planters and 10 combine harvesters. This is with a view to providing our farmers with required agricultural implements to boost food production in the State.”

In addition to these investments, Deputy Governor Jobe noted, “the sum of N790,558,800.00 has been expended for the upgrade of 7 Zonal produce stores in Funtua, Daura, Katsina, Mani, Kankia, Kafinsoli, Malumfashi and the resuscitation of Songhai Farm Centre at Makera in Dutsin-Ma Local Government as well as the Cotton Value Chain for all year round farming to provide employment and economic viability of our people.”

The Ministry has also distributed newly introduced liquid fertilizer to enhance better yield and ensured the completion of Katsina Sustainable Platform for Agriculture (KASPA) Project at the Headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Regarding the State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KTARDA), the Deputy Governor stated that “Government has spent the sum of N273,604,600.00 to carry out numerous activities for the development of agriculture.” These include the purchase and distribution of 40 motorcycles for monitoring activities and the distribution of agrochemicals for pest control to farmers.

“In order to utilize the services of the earlier mentioned 722 extension workers, 54,150 moringa seedlings were distributed to farmers across the State, while a total of 150 women were trained and empowered on backyard gardening and formulation of nutritive food supplement,” he added.

“KTARDA has conducted farmer data exercise across the State to ascertain the number of farming populace and related data as far the crop value chain, farm size and location. This activity serves as a guide to determine accuracy in data management and facilitate easy access to farming population for appropriate assistance,” the text of press briefing read in part.

Malam Faruk noted that the agency has also participated in National and State Agricultural Shows to showcase the massive agricultural potential of Katsina State.

Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State

2nd March, 2025