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Gov. Zulum Hails FG’s ‘Spectacular’ Hajj 2024 Organization

Gov. Zulum Hails FG’s ‘Spectacular’ Hajj 2024 Organization

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has lavished praise on the Federal Government and NAHCON for a seamless and well-planned Hajj 2024 operation. Despite daunting foreign exchange challenges and economic headwinds, the pilgrimage stood out from previous ones due to meticulous planning and execution, he said.

Governor Zulum’s commendation highlights the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring a hitch-free pilgrimage for Nigerian Muslims. The successful execution of Hajj 2024 is a testament to effective collaboration between the government and NAHCON, Zulum explained.

The governor’s praise is seen as a significant endorsement of NAHCON’s new leadership, chaired by Jalal Arabi. The commission’s impressive management of the pilgrimage has earned widespread accolades from stakeholders, including pilgrims and state officials.

Analysts say the 2024 Hajj was a resounding success, breaking new ground amidst numerous challenges. The Federal Government’s dedication to ensuring a smooth pilgrimage has boosted the confidence of Nigerian Muslims in the government’s ability to deliver on its promises.

As the country navigates economic and security challenges, the successful execution of Hajj 2024 serves as a beacon of hope for future successes.

Stakeholders explained that Governor Zulum’s commendation reinforces the importance of collaboration and effective planning in achieving great outcomes.

NDUME’s 20 years in Senate has not helped Borno, North- North-East Group

NDUME’s 20 years in Senate has not helped Borno, North- North-East Group

The Coalition of North-East Elders Forum (CNEF) said the Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District and the Chief Whip of the 10th Senate, Senator Ali Ndume’s twenty years in the National Assembly has neither helped Borno State nor the northern region that has been bedevilled with incessant attacks by insurgents and bandits.

The group, which took a swipe at the lawmaker, over his recent outburst about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ‘s administration, asked why a lawmaker who has not been able to use his position as ranking officer in the Senate to tackle the security challenges in his state and region have the moral right to question the leadership prowess of the President.

Senator Ndume did attack the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying it’s run by kakistocrats—those deemed the least qualified and most unscrupulous citizens—and kleptocrats, who are merely in power to steal.

But in a reaction to the outburst,the group in a Press Statement signed by the Coordinator, Alhaji Ali Ibrahim Sheriff , said it is overtly shocking that Senator Ali Ndume who has been in various committees in the Senate over the past two decades and from a State worst in terms of insecurity could be so insensitive and trivial to personalize issues of governance.

The statement further reads: “During the days of President Buhari, why did he choose to be silent in the midst of heightened problems of insecurity; pervasive hunger, looting of public funds and bad Governance?

“He must account for total sum of money recieved for Constituency projects and intervention funds allocated for members of his Constituency over the twenty years period in the National Assembly.

” If leadership is as easy as that ,we make bold to ask, all these years, how many Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has he trained; educated and empowered with funds allocated to him?

“Ndume is nothing but a liability and economic burden to the good people of Borno State and entire country.”

The group which called on northerners to shun what it termed , “Ndume divisive vituperations” ,vowed to mobilise citizens of his Constituency in Borno State to stop his re-election bid in 2027.

‘New NPA Boss is Tinubu’s Masterstroke’ Northern Group Declares

The Arewa Economic Advancement Promoters has described the appointment of the new Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, as a “masterstroke from President Bola Tinubu”.

In a media statement in Kaduna at the weekend, Chairman of the group, Adamu Ahmed, said Dantsoho’s appointment was a resounding triumph of merit over mediocrity”.

Adamu commended the President for the choice of Abubakar, saying, “the NPA now has a highly qualified and experienced maritime professional, as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)”.

The group explained that the appointment of Dr. Dantsoho, as the new helmsman of NPA, has sent a clear signal that the Tinubu administration is committed to excellence and determined to drive the nation’s maritime sector to unprecedented heights.

“With a Doctorate degree in Maritime Technology from Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, and a Master’s degree in International Transport from Cardiff University of Wales, United Kingdom, Dr. Dantsoho is a consummate professional with a wealth of experience spanning over two decades in the maritime industry”, the statement explained.

Before his appointment, Dantsoho had served in various roles in the Nigerian Ports Authority, including Assistant General Manager, Technical Assistant to the Managing Director, Port Manager, Onne Port, and Principal Manager, Tariff & Billing.

The group noted that President Tinubu’s reliance on merit in making this appointment “has also been widely commended by stakeholders in the maritime sector, who see it as a bold statement of intent to transform the sector and unlock its vast potential.”

The group then added: “With Dr. Dantsoho at the helm, the NPA is poised to enter a new era of excellence, marked by efficiency, productivity, and innovation. The appointment has inspired confidence in the sector, and expectations are high that the nation’s ports will soon become a model of efficiency and competitiveness.”

Dantsoho is expected to apply his vast experience to a string of reform policies to drive NPA to an enviable international status.

‘New NPA Boss is Tinubu’s Masterstroke’ Northern Group Declares

In a media statement in Kaduna at the weekend, Chairman of the group, Adamu Ahmed, said Dantsoho’s appointment was a resounding triumph of merit over mediocrity”.

Dantsoho is expected to apply his vast experience to a string of reform policies to drive NPA to an enviable international status.

MILESTONE OF MERCY: HOW GOVERNOR UBA SANI SHATTERED RECORDS WITH 289,375 IDPS EMPOWERMENT

( Analysis)

MILESTONE OF MERCY: HOW GOVERNOR UBA SANI SHATTERED RECORDS WITH 289,375 IDPS EMPOWERMENT

In a heartwarming display of compassion and commitment, the Kaduna State Government has embarked on a monumental gesture of distributing palliatives to 289,375 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across 551 communities in 12 local governments. This noble initiative of the governor, spearheaded by the Executive Secretary of KADSEMA, Dr. Usman Mazadu, is a beacon of hope for those ravaged by the scourge of banditry.

This is the biggest empowerment project for IDPs, since the governor was a Senator representing Kaduna Central at the National Assembly.

The sheer scale of the distribution is a testament to the government’s dedication to alleviating the suffering of its citizens. The palliatives will help bridge the gap between despair and resilience, enabling the IDPs to rebuild their lives with dignity. This initiative sends a powerful message that the government is invested in the well-being of its citizens, particularly those in the most vulnerable situations.

The significance of this gesture cannot be overstated. For the IDPs, it’s a lifeline that revives hope and rekindles the possibility of a better tomorrow. The palliatives will provide much-needed support, enabling them to rebuild their lives and communities. Moreover, this initiative demonstrates the government’s proactive approach to addressing the root causes of insecurity. By providing succour to those affected, the administration is creating an environment conducive to peace and stability.

This gesture will go down in history as a testament to the power of empathy and the unwavering resolve to create a better future for all. It’s a shining example of compassionate governance, and a bold statement that the administration is committed to the welfare of its citizens, even in the face of adversity. As the IDPs receive this much-needed support, they are reminded that they are not forgotten, and their lives matter.

The impact of this initiative will be felt far and wide, and will have a lasting impact on the lives of the IDPs. It’s a milestone achievement that will be remembered for years to come, and a testament to the government’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens. The Kaduna State Government’s palliative distribution is a beacon of hope in a time of need, and a shining example of what can be achieved with compassion, empathy, and determination.

Local Government Financial Autonomy: The Right Step in the Right Direction-Fadojoe

Local Government Financial Autonomy: The Right Step in the Right Direction
-Fadojoe

The leader of Rescue Movement for New Nigeria aka Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative and a Presidential Aspirant under Labour Party, Comrade Faduri Oluwadare Joseph popularly called Fadojoe, has hailed both the Judiciary and the Executive on the declaration on the affirmation of local governments’ financial autonomy and the declaration caretaker committees as illegal.

Describing it as “the right step in the right direction”, Fadojoe asserts that “it is long overdue” adding that it will not only make the local government independence, but it will also help “in bringing noticable and far reaching development to the people as the local government is the tier of the government closest to the people and that can directly best impact the masses.

“We give this to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led government. As I have said whenever this administration makes positive impact we will not hesitate to give kudos. Our prayers and agitation is towards a better Nigeria and we will not only commend, but will fully support any initiative, policy or reform that will help make Nigeria great again and a pride among the Comity of Nations

“It’s an undisputable fact, that since the first republic, local governments have been rendered almost crippled and a mere manipulative political tools in the hand of some state governors seize their federal allocations and only release funds to them piecemeal to barely keep them going,’ he concluded.

Looted Funds: Kaduna Fmr. Councilors Vow to Embark on Mass Protest for Full Recovery

Looted Funds: Kaduna Fmr. Councilors Vow to Embark on Mass Protest for Full Recovery

…Tells EFCC,ICPC to Arrest, Prosecute Elrufai immediately

The former Councilors across the 23 local government areas of State converged on Poly Gate Hotel, Kaduna vowed to embark on mass protests to demand for full recovery of alleged looted fund by former Kaduna Governor and his cabinet members.

The Councilors ,who made the demands via the National Forum of Ex-councillors of Nigeria insisted Elrufai and his former commissioners must also be arrested and prosecuted.

The Forum of Councilors disclosed their planned actions against the former Governor through their National Chairman, Hon. Ambassador Awal Kasim who addressed a Press Conference in Kaduna on Thursday, July 11, 2024.

The mass action according to Hon. Ambassador Awal Kasim include: open protests at all known houses of Mallam Nasir El-rufai and his commissioners in Kaduna and Abuja and file judicial litigations compelling the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to immediately swing into to ensure the arrest Mallam Nasir El-rufai and his indicted commissioners for squandering the hard earned resources of the state.

While stating that the Forum will mobilize its members across the Nineteen Northern States to join in the mass actions against Mallam El-rufai and his co-horts asserting that Kaduna as the capital of Northern Nigeria cannot be allowed to be raped to death by unpatriotic elements who after raping the state still shamelessly ran to the courts to seek honour by way of judicial protection.

He wondered why El-rufai has quickly forgotten how he turned the judiciary in the state to a good for nothing institution while he held sway for eight years as Kaduna State Governor in addition to the wanton hardship he unleashed on the people of the state by demolishing their houses, churches, mosques, schools and markets.

Hon.Kasim further disclosed that the mass action in Kaduna against the former governor and his indicted cabinet members will be attended by mobilized members from nineteen northern states while the mass action against the immediate past governor in Abuja will be attended by members drawn from the thirty – six states of the federation.

He however appealed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission to place the former governor, his family and the indicted Commissioners as well as their families on Interpol’s watch list in Lybia, Morocco, Egypt, Sudan and United Arab Emirates so as to forestall the repeat of the Yahaya Bello Episode in Kaduna State.

Kasim called on all lovers of Democratic dividends in the State to rally round the executive governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Uba Sani and the speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Liman to checkmate all the antics of the former governor of Kaduna State and his indicted commissioners.

BREAKING: SHEHU SANI MOCKS ELRUFAI OVER N432 BILLION SCANDAL

BREAKING: SHEHU SANI MOCKS ELRUFAI OVER N432 BILLION SCANDAL

Senator Shehu Sani has accused the past administration in Kaduna State of looting the state’s treasury, leaving behind a huge debt burden for the children and grandchildren of the state.

In a scathing attack, Sani alleged that the former officials embezzled billions of naira meant for projects, including a light rail scheme that never existed. He also said that they tied the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to fraudulent bank loans, suffocating the state’s economy.

The senator likened the situation to a woman being raped, with the rapist seeking honour.

He vowed that the state would recover every penny looted by the former officials, whom he described as “rodents” and their leader as “larcenous”.

Sani’s comments are the latest in Elrufa’s struggle to extricate himself from a damning indictment of a allegedly embezzled N432billion under his watch as governor between 2015 and 2003. It would also be recalled that some of his former Commissioners had addressed press conferences two times, within three weeks in a bid to defend him.

Alleged 423 Fraud: Elrufai and His Commissioners are Shameless – Kaduna Group

Alleged 423 Fraud: Elrufai and His Commissioners are Shameless – Kaduna Group

Coalition of Kaduna based political groups under aegis of Good Governance and Accountability Forum(GGAF) have described former Governor of Kaduna State ,Mal. Nasir Elrufai and His former Commissioners as Shameful individuals for accusing the State Assembly of fabricating figures of the recent probe .

Apparently angry at the recent criticism of the State Assembly’s probe, the group averred that Elrufai must be arrested and compelled to give account of the funds siphoned and misappropriated during his days as Kaduna Governor.

In a press statement signed by the Coordinator of the Forum,Comrade Muhammad Jibrin , ” El-Rufai’s administration embezzled over N423 billion, but Some former Commissioners who served under him, claimed the Assembly’s report was tainted with bias, riddled with inaccuracies with intensions to inflict reputational damage on the former Governor and his government.

However the forum in statement said at this critical period and with the tension stirred up due to the wanton looting of state treasury,it is laughable that Elrufai and his former aides couldn’t provide evidence to counter the allegations of the wanton fraud and misappropriation of funds.

The statement further reads : ” Though the Commissioners who spoke at a press conference in Abuja described the Kaduna State House of Assembly report as tainted by bias, riddled with inaccuracies and intended to inflict reputational damage on the former Governor and his government, but we ask them to counter the allegations with facts and figures.

“It is unfortunate that under Elrufai’s eye ,coordinated looting of the State funds through phoney contracts and looting were done and these aides who know the truth have come out twice now to defend an open truth.

“We can authoritatively say from our findings that the Kaduna State House of Assembly, in line with its constitutional mandate has done a thorough job to unravel the humongous debts incurred by the immediate past administration without commensurate projects.

“On a sad note , it is unfortunate to a historical state such as Kaduna is battling a huge debt burden due to the financial mismanagement by Elrufai’s government.

“The overt corrupt acts by aides and cronies from outside the State cannot be overlooked,thus we asking the anti-graft agencies to swing into action and do the needful with a view to serve as deterrent to public office holders.”It stated.

“We want to announce that the forum has concluded arrangements to formally submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) ; Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on the allegations of misappropriation of funds by ex-governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The Paradox of Power: A Cautionary Tale of Leadership and Legacy

The Paradox of Power: A Cautionary Tale of Leadership and Legacy
By
Martins Chiedozie Ugwu
johnmartinsworldonline@gmail.com

One of humanity’s most profound struggles is relinquishing power and understanding its limits. This conundrum has toppled empires, ruined legacies, and humbled even the most formidable leaders. The allure of power, combined with wealth and influence, can be intoxicating, leading to a toxic blend that often spells downfall.

African leaders, particularly in Nigeria, have developed a culture of clinging to power even after leaving office, exemplified by former governors who refuse to surrender power. Like one of the former governors of Rivers State, His rapid rise to power, fueled by circumstance and patronage, created a sense of invincibility. However, his inability to recognize the ephemeral nature of power and cultivate genuine influence has marked him as insensitive leaders who fail to understand the dynamics of power.

Their attempts to exert control after leaving office demonstrate a misunderstanding of true influence, built on humility, wisdom, and recognition of limits. Instead, they rely on authoritarian tendencies and intimidation, alienating them from the people and potential allies.

History teaches us that absolute power or influence without after leaving power is unsustainable. Those who seek to retain power after leaving office are often untaught, failing to recognize the reality of limited influence. In contrast, leaders who understand the value of humility and wisdom in exercising power are those who have earned it through hard work and dedication.

As former governors navigate the treacherous waters of power politics, they would do well to remember that there can be no absolute power after leaving office. Their refusal to acknowledge this reality will only hasten their downfall. The people of Nigeria, weary of authoritarianism and eager for genuine leadership, will not be swayed by their antics.

In the end, it is not power that defines a leader, but their legacy. Their refusal to accept the limits of their influence and failure to cultivate genuine power will relegate them to obscurity.

-Martins Chiedozie Ugwu
Director General, Rescue Movement For New Nigeria (www.rescue.org.ng) and the Secretary General of Africa Thinkers Union

Group Alleges Dangote Behind Sponsored Attacks on Mele Kyari

Group under umbrella of Nineteen-Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement for Peace Unity Empowerment and Development Initiative (NSNCM) has accused the Chairman, Dangote Group of Companies , Alhaji Aliko Dangote or sponsoring attacks on the Group Managing Director of NNPCL, Engineer Mele Kyari .

The which described the attacks unprovoked vendetta said , the call for his sack is not only baseless;biased, but also very retrogressive, citing proactive measures taken to block all their possible ways and means to continue the cannibalization of the Nigeria oil sector as only reason for the attacks.

“Apparently the handiwork of so-called 401 ethnic Nationalities Leaders sponsored by enemies of Nigerians Economic transformation and general development who also are suspected boys of Bunkers and their agents.” It added.

The National Chairman of the group,Comrade Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, who disclosed this during a Press conference held at Abuja said ,” It is clear that Mele Kyari is one of the best things that have ever happened to NNPC Ltd and therefore, it would be suicidal to nurse any negative attempt to unseat him at this crucial time that he is already transforming the corporation, unless if the nation is not truly after the economic transformation and revitalization of NNPC Ltd and Nigeria.

He further said, “We don’t want to believe someone somewhere is nursing an Anti-North agenda which we strongly believe is not President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, having known how much the North rally around him with the massive vote and looking towards 2027 for his re-election,considering the President, Economic, Security and Infrastructural developmental drive a word is enough for a wize.

“The transformational and developmental drive of the oil sector by Mal. Mele Kyari, through robust revenue generation, redirection and scientific upliftment of the Nigeria oil sector, is making this enemies of Nigeria Economic boom to have sleepless night.”

Speaking on how deliberate efforts were made to strengthened Nigeria’s energy security and improved the profitability and efficiency of its oil and gas sector, the Chairman of group of Amalgamation of 596 registered affiliated grassroots Northern Association from Nineteen Northern States and associations of Northerners Resident in the Seventeen Southern States and FCT, further stated: “President Buhari appointed Mele Kyari as the Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC in July 2019, succeeding Maikanti Baru upon his retirement. Since assuming the role, Kyari has implemented numerous reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and transparency of the corporation.

“One of Kyari’s major initiatives is the TAPE agenda, which focuses on transparency, accountability, performance, and excellence.

This agenda seeks to eradicate corruption, bribery, and racketeering within NNPC, transforming it into a reputable oil giant.

“Kyari has also set ambitious goals for the corporation, including raising crude oil production to 3 million barrels per day and increasing reserves to 40 billion barrels by 2023. His efforts have already led to significant achievements, such as resolving a longstanding dispute in the Akuku Toru community of Rivers State, which restored 35,000 barrels of oil production per day.

“Under his leadership, the NNPC successfully reached the Final Investment Decision (FID) on Train 7 of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) in November 2019, a project expected to generate over $20 billion in revenue and create over 50,000 jobs. Additionally, Kyari oversaw the commencement of the Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project, with funding secured from a Chinese bank.

“Kyari has also driven the digitization of NNPC’s operations, reducing human-related operational risks. For instance, the corporation launched software that enables marketers to view inventories across 22 depots in real-time, improving decision-making and efficiency.

“In terms of recruitment, Kyari organized a transparent and fair exercise, leading to the employment of 1,050 candidates out of 600,000 applicants. This marked the first publicly advertised recruitment exercise by NNPC since 2012.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kyari mobilized stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to raise N21 billion for the Petroleum Industry Intervention Fund, supporting medical interventions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

“The creation of the National Assembly has significantly empowered NNPC Limited to ensure Nigeria’s energy security, a critical aspect of national security. This responsibility is particularly crucial during the year-end festivities and beyond, with the NNPC Limited making robust plans to avoid any shortages in petroleum product supplies.

“The enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 by the National Assembly has transformed the NNPC into a commercially-oriented National Oil Company governed by the Company & Allied Matters Act (CAMA). This legislative effort has turned NNPC from a loss-making entity, with a loss of N803 billion in 2018, to a profitable organization, declaring a net profit of N674 billion in 2021.

“The leadership of Mele Kyari played a pivotal role in this turnaround, reducing losses dramatically in 2019 and achieving profitability by 2020. The company is now aiming for a profit increase of N2 trillion in its 2022 Audited Financial Statements.

“NNPC Limited’s acquisition of OVH Energy in 2022 and its existing assets have positioned it as a major player in the African energy market. This move has significantly boosted the profitability of its subsidiary, NNPC Retail, to N18.4 billion in the first quarter of this year.

“Addressing challenges like crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, NNPC has adopted advanced surveillance methods similar to those used by Saudi Aramco. The Central Coordination, Data Integration, and Activation Control Room enable real-time monitoring of the Niger Delta’s pipeline networks, enhancing security and increasing crude oil production. This system has already recovered over 22 million litres of stolen crude through improved surveillance and intelligence.

“Citing the above transformational and developmental drive of the oil sector by Mal. Mele Kyari, through robust revenue generation, redirection and scientific upliftment of the Nigeria oil sector, is making this enemies of Nigeria Economic boom to have sleepless night.

“Therefore, we are requesting, that the transformational government of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu to get this people arrested for undermining National Economic development and trying to create bad blood and disharmony between the North, other Nationality and the Government.”