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Re: MOHAMMED DAUDA UNMASKING THE FACE BEHIND FRIVOLOUS NIA PETITIONS: MY RIGHT OF REPLY

Re: MOHAMMED DAUDA
UNMASKING THE FACE BEHIND FRIVOLOUS NIA PETITIONS: MY RIGHT OF REPLY

Let me start by stating that I am a patriotic Nigerian, who, as a loyal and dedicated officer of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, has never done and will never do anything detrimental to National Security and Integrity of Nigeria. I must confess that, Nigeria: my dear country has done so much for me, for which I have also put in my best, in service throughout my career in the Public service. I have no grudge whatsoever against the NIA or the Government as institutions. I owe alot to my country.

In the last four years or there about, since I left the service of the NIA: albeit unceremoniously, I have been under tremendous pressure from friends and well-wishers, to counter the propaganda being orchestrated by media hirelings of the leadership of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), against me. But, knowing that, they were mere attempts to cover up the crass ineptitude, nepotism, impunity, tyranny and administrative rascality and impunity, that is taking place at the nation’s apex Intelligence agency, I often did not find it necessary to respond to some of the vile allegations.

Although it is an open secret that, the NIA has been suffering bad press, following my removal as the Ag. Director General and my subsequent purported dismissal from the NIA, I find it rather strange, that I am being painted as the culprit behind the negative media, to the extent that I have been branded a saboteur of National Security, for choosing to remain silent in the face of all the vilifications. An issue that the FCA, have cleared me thoroughly.

It is a universal truism, that, when lies are repeatedly told and allowed to fester for too long, without any form of exposure, challenge or contradiction, some gullible minds are bound to begin seeing and believing such lies, as being the truth. It is in the face of this fact, and the continuous recirculation of these falsehood, that I have chosen to reluctuntly respond to some of the fallacies being repeatedly circulated in the media, to the effect that, I have been the masked face behind petitions, or write-ups that pose security risks. Sometimes silence is not golden, especially when it is about protecting ones integrity and countering falsehood.

I take particular exception to one of such unprofessionally scripted piece, entitled: “MOHAMMED DAUDA: UNMASKING THE FACE BEHIND FRIVOLOUS NIA PETITIONS”, co-authored by one Ismaila Iliyasu and Ekenna Ellis Ezenekwe. Both characters in the said piece do appear to be hack writers. In the said write up, the authors claimed to have undertaken a painstakingly discreet investigation, and interviewed people who are knowledgeable and authoritative on the subject matter, even as they further claimed to have laid their hands on UNIMPEACHABLE documents.

As a professional; with a verifiable record of tremendous outing, and as a former boss at the NIA, I must confess that I was least impressed, with what I read, as being the accounts of what the writers claimed they discovered. As a matter of fact, that piece was the shabbiest piece of investigation I have ever seen: may be, next to the doctored findings of the so-called investigative panel that sat and recommended for my dismissal. If they are indeed NIA Staff and that is the kind of intelligence they give this country to use in policy planning and direction, then we are in serious problem.

It should be embarrassing to whoever wrote the script and gave them to adopt as their finding, that even records of events which are public knowledge, could not be accurately reflected, especially the claim that, I was appointed as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Chad by President Muhammadu Buhari. Apparently trying to garnish their seeming ignorance, they wrote, “a crucial post in view of our two countries’ close cooperation in the fight against insurgency, he gladly accepted the appointment, even though there were other, more worthy people that President Buhari could have appointed”.

As far as I know, being the appointee in question, and as far as the records show, I was appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to Chad by former Pres. Goodluck Jonathan in May, 2014. Pres. Buhari could not have appointed me in May 2014, one year before he became the President of Nigeria. At the time of my appointment, I was the D1, Regions at the NIA headquarters: effectively the third in rank, after the then DG, Amb. EO Oladeji and Amb. Ayo Oke. Each time the two were out of town, I had been the one in charge of all operations at the NIA headquarters. There was no other person above me. I will be correct to therefore say, that, nothing could have been further from the truth, in trying to say there were others more worthy of being appointed.

I wish to place it on record that, I had protested the earlier appointment of a female Ambassador, who was lower than me in rank to a neighboring French speaking country before me. I was only pacified with the explanation that, the lady, who had failed her Deputy Directorship exams, once, at the time, was appointed on the insistence of her lover, a former NSA, as a consolation prize, after he failed to get Presidential approval to appoint her as the DG, or even one of the two DDG’s. I also did not understand their concept of worthiness, but it could not have been worse than that of someone who left the NIA as a relatively junior officer, under controversial and shady circumstances, having failed promotion examinations three times consecutively. The same exams that I passed at the first sitting. How this “more worthy” guy rebound, dubiously, through the back door, as Head of the Agency, is still inexplicable. May be this abracadabra, or ‘government magic’ according to late Fela will be unraveled someday.

The two so-called investigators also claimed to have found out that I emptied the vaults of the NIA, by moving $44 million to another location, without due authorization and before proper audit of our accounts, immediately I was sacked. I recall that, in exhibiting their crass ignorance of the workings of the NIA and the circumstances surrounding that action, a particular analyst, apparently also a hireling of the NIA leadership, had even tried comparing the movement of that money, to a situation in the Central Bank of Nigeria, where the Governor moves money out of the CBN after his or her sack.

As I earlier explained in one of my responses to the National Assembly’s inquiries on the $44million, I wish to restate that I moved the money to the office of the National Security Adviser, for three reasons, for safe keep, after Gen Jaafaru, who was sent purposely to NIA, to safe guard the controversial money(which was not actually part of our budgetary allocation), was suddenly withdrawn back to ONSA, and also to create a witness out of it, being the supervisory Office of all Security Agencies, under the law. I knew that to be a big risk, but given the circumstances I found myself in, where highly placed individuals: including those who eventually determined my fate, showed unreserved interest in siphoning the money: by asking me to make available parts of it for their personal uses, I felt a compelling urge to save public funds, by taking it away from the reach of these people (even if temporarily), who were to take charge of the agency following my exit.

It also seems that, the authors of that so-called investigative findings, were not conversant with the story of how the matter got to the National Assembly, and possibly through the National Assembly into the public domain. Let me state, that, I did not go to the National Assembly on my own volition, neither did I write a petition as they claimed, rather, I was invited(subpoenaed), by a committee of the House on National Security and Intelligence via an invitation letter Ref. No. NASS/HR/8/CT.80/IV/325, of 18th of January, 2018.

Signed by a member of the Committee, Hon. Usman Danjuma Shiddi, the invitation, under the heading “NEED TO INVESTIGATE THE ALLEGED CARTING AWAY OF $44 MILLION FROM NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY (NIA), I was directed to unfailingly appear before the committee, with all relevant documents relating to the issue, on 29th January, 2018 at 1pm.

Let me state for the avoidance of doubt, that, there had been serious pressures mounted on me not to appear before the committee, by people I had mentioned in my earlier report, before another investigative agency, about the $44 million in question. I even received several threats, but I eventually honored the invitation and made my presentation on oath, before the committee, after which, i was asked to submit 17 copies of my presentation to the Committee. Whatever became of the report I made, was never known to me. It is therefore very unfair and most uncharitable to accuse me of leaking my presentation( which they called petition), to the media or to the public: whichever was the case.

Permit me to place it on record that, I did not write any petition to the National Assembly. I did not leak the contents of my presentation before the Committee to the press or the public, neither did I ever release documents or postings. As a matter of fact, I do not have access to any NIA documents, since my removal in 2018, and I could not have leaked what I did not have. I have been subjected to all sorts of media trials, ostensibly sponsored by the NIA leadership, through sponsored articles and reports: thereby subjecting me to further psychological tortures. The facts about what was happening in the NIA was deliberately shielded from the Government, making its decisions prejudiced against me, just as some public perception has been poisoned against me.

In seeming further display of their ignorance, or out of sheer mischief, the sponsored authors opined that, I acted for only one month as Ag. Director General of the NIA. I was there for 54 eventful days from 7th November, 2017 to the date I effectively handed over. But even if I had acted for only one day, no one said, I was removed for incompetence, corruption or ineptitude, or that the person that they were in a hurry to bring, as my replacement, was better or more qualified than me. The records of what I did in the agency and their impact on the Agency and its Staffers is a story for another day.

Iliyasu et al also wrote that my appointment was not backed by any formal correspondence in the form of a letter from the Presidency. That is a fact. But just like all my predecessors, appointments of DGs have been seamless, for almost 36 years of the existence of the Agency, at that time. The most senior person automatically steps in. A letter of confirmation usually follow later. It is therefore not an anathema, that I was directed to assume leadership via electronic or verbal message, like others before me. I recalled the same situation with Amb. Uche Okeke, who later served for eight years as DG, I was one of those who conveyed a similar verbal message to him, while he was the Ambassador in Romania, to come down and take charge, following the retirement of his predecessor, Amb. Preware. In the almost 40 years of the existence of the NIA, it was the first time that ” the goal post was shifted in the middle of a game”. Just to accommodate an imposter, whose only qualifications is being the President’s Brother.
No one brings a disgraced failure, through the back door to head the NIA. It is the first time that someone who was never a Director or an Ambassador, was brought out of forced retirement to lord it over bona fide Directors and Staff of the NIA. May be it is the same game plan that they were preparing for the FORMER RECHARGE CARD seller.

They accused me of shunning the disciplinary committee set up by the present DG to probe me. As an intelligence officer, who has vast contacts within and without the NIA, I was aware that the said disciplinary committee now legally declared illegal, by all the Courts, had a preconceived mission, which was to recommend for my dismissal and to rubbish my career. Looking at the assemblage of the distressed hatchet men coopted to be on the committee (including a convicted self confessed criminal, who stole and refunded more than N500m from Falcon Eye Project, at the ONSA), coupled with the fact that it negated laid down rules as contained in the NIA establishment Act(CAPS 278), 1986, I decided not to glorify their findings by giving it a semblance of legitimacy and fairness, by attending.

The coinage, Special Management Staff Disciplinary Committee(SMSDC), was not only strange to our procedures at the NIA, but a negation of the law, just as the assemblage of its members completely fell out of the provisions of the National Securities Act (CAPS 278), 1986: which governs such matters. The Act does not give any retired Directors any role in pure administrative schedules at the NIA, to wit recruitment, vetting or discipline, neither does the NSC Act, obliges the agency to continue footing bills for medical checkups, children’s’ school fees, family burials and many others, of officers long after their disengagement, as is presently being done, in addition to hundreds of thousands of Dollars, being shared to Traditional Rulers and family and friends all over the Country, all in the futile efforts of the DG to legitimize, what is illegitimate and Lauder his badly soiled corruption ridden image.

I will draw my conclusions on this matter by referring to the judgment of the Hon. Judge of the National Industrial Court, while ruling on my suit challenging my purported dismissal; to the effect that implied that an organization, including the NIA cannot create its own laws to try anyone, when the Establishment Act had already made adequate provisions for that requirement. That was the crux of the judgment which, confirmed the Committee as a mere “kangaroo court” and ordered my immediate re-instatement as a Director at the NIA, an order that was unanimously upheld by the Hon. Justices of the Federal Court of Appeal
On the issues raised by the release issued by the NIA(DG/CG/1/VOL.5) of 22nd June, 2023. As usual. I am always the “punching bag’. They are already accusing me of manipulating the FCA judgment, that I was not present in the Court, when it was issued, nor was I even in the country. I am even yet to see the CTC of the judgement, as they also admitted, how can I then manipulate the judgement, its outcome or what the press said or wrote. If the press, that carried the information, made any misrepresentations of the court ruling or published what they understood as the ruling, what then is my fault there?
I guess the best thing they could have done, is to state their positions, after thoroughly studying the CTC
I can’t be responsible for what the press wrote as their understanding of the judgement. Additionally, it is also absolutely untrue that there is an outstanding or remaining issue that is not adjudicated, as far as the Federal Court of Appeal is concerned. Unfortunately for them, it is the last Court that will deal with this matter. They will not have the opportunity to manipulate and delay another case for another four years. The remaining unadjucated case is just a figment of their own imagination, not in any law court in Nigeria. I guess they will tell our lawyers, which Court the lingering unknown unadjucated is, when we write to them to demand for the implementation of CourtOrder.

I wish to take this opportunity to boldly state, for the avoidance of doubts that, I have never written or cause to be written, any petition, or press statement: and I will never do so: on any matter that may tend to compromise national Security. I left the NIA as it’s Acting DG almost six years ago, and since then, I did not have any access to any document or correspondences of the NIA. In any case I have no reason, at all, to fight my Country Nigeria or it’s people, just because I disagreed with what I see as a gross injustice, by the former administration. Governments come and go, but the Country remains.

The circumstances that trailed my appointment, and the stormy relationship I had with some very powerful people in Government, over my refusal to avail public funds for their personal uses and my eventual removal and replacement with the Secretary of the Committee that sought to squander the funds, gave me the impression, that, my remaining as the DG of NIA was a threat to some selfish quests. I was so easily removed for no reason at all, because I had no godfather, working in a Government which is averse to being incorruptible, as I wanted to be. But I leave judgment for posterity.

I know as a matter of fact that all the falsehood being bandied about me shall definitely crash, in the fullness of time. In the meantime, my candid advice to the management of the NIA and indeed the sponsors of the callous campaign of calumny against my person, to employ professionalism in handling all matters, and not rely on the mischievous opinions of hirelings, in the desperate attempt to change the flowing narrative about the saga, arising from my purported dismissal.

I will respond to other matters subsequently; now that I have decided to finally open up, if only to correct the erroneous impressions being created about the matter. Truth has only one color but falsehood has to be garnished in so many forms in addressing issues bordering on injustices and attendant deficiencies in the NIA, as it is.

I remain a patriotic, loyal and dedicated Nigerian, always willing to salvage my country from the corruption that is eating deep into our national fabric.

God Bless you.
Amb. Mohammed Dauda

Group Exposes Sponsored Anti-Kyari Media Propaganda

Group Exposes Sponsored Anti-Kyari Media Propaganda

A group under the auspices of Tansparent Leadership Advocacy (TLA) has advised President Bola Tinubu not to be distracted by what the group described as “well-funded disinformation against the current NNPC management led by Malam Mele Kyari”.

A media statement signed by the group’s Chairman Dr. Musa Adam revealed that a politically-motivated media campaign has been launched by “interests operating from the shadows, since the inglorious exit of CBN’s governor Godwin Emefiele from the management of the apex bank”.

Adam, in the statement, noted that the new media plot against NNPC and Mele Kyari was “first hatched when news of successful oil discovery and its official presidential commissioning started in Kolmani River Field( Bauchi-Gombe axis) on November 22 followed closely by drilling in Obi/Keana of Nasarawa State on the 21st of March 2023.”

The statement also pointed out that “some unpatriotic elements, operating from the shadows have been unsettled by the transparent culture introduced into the new-look NNPC by the Kyari management, as well as policing of the oil pipelines to check theft”.

The group then stated this: “Kyari introduced the Roadmap to Global Excellence, anchored on TAPE Agenda, which means Transparency, Accountability, Performance and Excellence and it has remained the guiding rubric of his era. Every month, the NNPC publishes all its transactions in the conventional and new media platforms – something that has never happened in the economic history of this nation.”.

The TLA, in the statement also described the NNPC GCEO as a man of strict principles, an exceptionally devout Muslim in his private life, who has committed to using his personal earnings in the service of the weak and the poor in the society.

The group urged President Bola Tinubu to “ignore the rantings of unpatriotic elements working hand-in-hand with fifth columnists in the oil and gas industry to spread falsehood massively in the media and create bad blood between the President and NNPC GCEO, at a critical juncture in Nigeria’s economic history”.

NCPC BOSS REV PAM CONGRATULATES NEW SGF

NCPC BOSS REV PAM CONGRATULATES NEW SGF

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam has paid a congratulatory visit to the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation, HE, Senator George Akume in his office in Abuja on 22nd June, 2023 following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 7th June, 2023 as the 21st Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
While congratulating him on his new appointment, the Executive Secretary said he was in his office to congratulate him on his well deserved appointment as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
According to the NCPC boss, ” I am convinced that you have what it takes to pilot the affairs of the policy direction of the Federal Government of Nigeria, especially in the realization of Mr President,s mantra of Renewed Hope.
In the words of Rev Pam, ” over the years , you have been able to navigate smoothly through the waters of leadership at different levels of responsibilities in your political career in the service of your father land “
He added, ” you held sway as two term Governor of Benue state, as Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic and until recently, the Hon . Minister of Special Duties and Inter – Governmental Affairs.
Indeed, your pedigree speaks volume of your capacity and rich wealth of experience.
The NCPC boss further averred that the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission is under the direct supervision of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF, thus he pledged his loyalty and cooperation .
He prayed that the Good Lord will grant the SGF good health of mind and body , wisdom and knowledge to advance the cause of governance in Nigeria through effective Monitoring and implementation of federal government policies.
Signed
Celestine Toruka
Deputy Director and Head Media and Public Relations
22nd June, 2023.

Nigerians Can Now See Why We Supported Tinubu to Be President- Eng. Kailani

Nigerians Can Now See Why We Supported Tinubu to Be President- Eng. Kailani

…Says Performed Beyond Expectations , says DG APC Support Groups The Director General of All Progressives Congress (APC) support groups Engineer Kailani Muhammad said Nigerians will not regret voting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu into power as President .

The DG, who is also an APC Chieftain have assurance that the President Tinubu led administration will definitely make Nigerians with people friendly policies and proactive measures taken to reposition Nigeria .

According to the DG, before now many had doubted the ability of President to rescue Nigeria from shackles of insecurity, dwindling economy, poverty and other issues militating against progress and development of the country,but just within three weeks after being sworn-in, he has performed beyond expectations.

Briefing journalists on the state of the nation at his Kaduna Office , Engineer Kailani Muhammad said Nigerians can now see that the President is fully prepared to work, thus has hit the ground running upon assumption of office.

He however urged ,”At this point, Nigerians regardless of party , religion and tribe need to support Mr President to succeed in his avowed commitment to make Nigeria a toast of the world.”

While noting that within few weeks in office, the Tinubu led government is leaving no stone unturned to fight the protracted security problems, ease unabating hike in prices of food and other necessities of life,he gave assurance that the situation will improve within shortest time .

He however revealed that the signing of students loan ,which will take off in September is a pointer to that fact the government is sensitive to plight of poor and students to acquire standard education .

While stating that the signing of the bill on electricity will help to decentralise the days when power is generated , transmitter and distributed by government and few companies are over,he expressed optimism that era of epileptic power supply are over .

Adding, “The implications of the electricity act are that all dead companies will be resuscitated and more Nigerians would be employed .’

On the removal of all the service chiefs,the DG said it came at the right time, adding that ,It took the last administration longer time to make appointments.

“I recalled telling media men then during campaigns that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man of his words with credibility intelligence and resources and I have been proved right .he said .

He applauded the president for his decision to dissolved boards of the Ministry, Department and agencies , noting the Nigeria will be greater even in among the comity of nations.

If we give the support Nigeria will be a haves of development .

Shanono Indigenous people’s Forum (SIPF) Applauds Tinubu Over AVM Abubakar’s Appointment.

Shanono Indigenous people’s Forum (SIPF) Applauds Tinubu Over AVM Abubakar’s Appointment.

Appointing round pegs in round holes’

Shanono Indigenous people’s Forum (SIPF) Worldwide has applauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff.

This is contained in a statement on Tuesday, jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Garba Musa Bello.

The chairman of the forum Comrade Musa Said, It is without a doubt that President Bola Tinubu will forever be remembered for recognizing AVM Abubakar, a Kano indigene from Shanono, a man of resilience and doggedness, and can-do spirit, a man whose life story is a litany of service to humanity, worthy of this national assignment.

Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, born in 1970 at Shanono LGA in Kano State, and through dint of intellect, hard work, entrepreneur, and patriot, he rose to the position of Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command and has attended several courses nationally and internationally.

The Forum through it’s chairman commended President Bola Tinubu for the worthy appointment, expressed joy over AVM Abubakar’s appointment, describing it as the ‘right peg in the right hole’.

“I Comrade Garba Musa Bello, therefore wish to commends President Bola Tinubu for this worthy appointment.

“Shanono indigenes are elated by the elevation of AVM Abubakar to the highly coveted Chief of Air Staff seat. It is a position that caps all his excellent performance in the various offices he has held previously in the service to his fatherland”.

Fmr. Deputy Speaker Gives Out Daughter in Marriage

Fmr. Deputy Speaker Gives Out Daughter in Marriage

The former Deputy Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly (KDHA),Rt. Hon. Nuhu Goroh Shaddalafiya on Sunday gave his second daughter, Julie Nuhu Goroh in marriage to Usman Okhai Kadiri.

The wedding reception, which took place at Peachvine Marquee Event Center,Wuye District Abuja was well attended by highly placed dignitaries across all works of life.

The former lawmaker, who represented Kagarko Constituency in the 9th Kaduna Assembly expressed joy over the success of the wedding .

In a chat with group of journalists shortly after the wedding reception ,Rt. Hon. Nuhu Goroh Shaddalafiya said, ” I am most honoured especially,because ,AVM Napoleon Binkap Bali (Rtd) who is father of the day, my daughter (Julie) was his little bride. And by the grace of God today he’s a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,who rose to the rank of Air Vice Marshall in the Nigerian Air Force before he retired.

According to him, the caliber of dignitaries that attended the occasion from Members of Reps; State House of Assembly, some Generals in the army , some retired police officers, members of the church of different categories and several, too numerous to mention was a clear evidence of complete show of solidarity and love .

Speaking about his daughter ,the bride, the former Deputy Speaker revealed, “My daughter is a likeable person; who attracts people to the family. But today, She is happily married and I am grateful to God that her wedding took place peacefully.

“Secondly, I want thank God because, when their mother died; I almost lost hope , but to God be the glory , I got a wife, who nursed them and today gave them out in Marriage . I want to thank my wife for a very good job in bringing them up.”

Fielding questions on how the 9th Kaduna State House of Assembly fared while his tenure lasted as a member,he explained: “The 9th Assembly was more or less an Assembly full of mixture and some kind of leadership style different from what we used to know about legislature. That was why the assembly and the executive had it rough .

“But the like minds of the people coming in now, from the Speaker to the Deputy Speaker and all members in the Assembly are people with experience that will bring working synergy between the Assembly and the Executive arm of governments .And I have no doubt, that all of them will work in a progressive direction to see that the people of Kaduna State benefit from the government of the day .

“I don’t see the 10th Assembly in the State going into any form of rancour. In the past, the House was viewed as divided, but I believe that will not happen this time .

“Senator Uba Sani was a legislature. He knows what it is at the National level. The day we went to see him with the New Speaker, he said ‘Gone are the days that your issues will not be listened to because I am a legislature, I know plight and I know how it works and will do my best to ensure we run the State.’

Shaddalafiya ,who expressed regrets over his inability to represent his Constituency well Said ,”The pain is not being able to represent my people for two years . In fact, three years . I went to court for one year and had a re-run and I came back and I was suspended after three months in office and never came back until after 22 months . In all, I didn’t do up to one and a half year in the Assembly, so my people were surchanged .

“There is no law in Nigeria that allows the Senate President or the Speaker of House Reps or Speaker of State Assemblies to suspend any member.

“The only people that can suspend a lawmaker are members of Constituency .This has been taken to Supreme court, Omo-Agege’s case and Aminu Case is another one and they were fully paid .

“I am not bothered about any monetary gains. I am concerned about making the state move forward and giving the best to my Constituency .

“In my service outside the Assembly , I will study the terrain If I have the opportunity to serve again in any capacity as executive, whether at state or federal level, then I will begin to chart a new course . But one thing is certain, the experience I gathered in the Assembly would be brought to bear to guide me .”

Proactive Leadership: Islamic Group Commends Tinubu , Defends Shettima Over Christian Senate President Comment

Proactive Leadership: Islamic Group Commends Tinubu , Defends Shettima Over Christian Senate President Comment

Northern based Islamic group under aegis of Imams for Peace and Unity (IPU) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for dissolving service chiefs and proactive steps taken to savour the economy and tackle the lingering security challenges that hitherto have bedevilled the country for over two decades .

According to the group , all action taken so far from the removal of petroleum subsidy; to signing of significant Bills that touch on lives of the ordinary citizenry into law to opening of the boarders and balanced appointments are good for sustainable development .

“As a group of concerned Nigerians, without mincing words, we state unequivocally that we are impressed and satisfied with the proactive steps taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led government to reposition the hitherto dwindling economy and the country at large.”he stated.

In a statement signed by Sheikh Abubakar Musa Mohammed

Chairman ,Imams for Peace and Unity, the group said, it is convinced that from the body language of the Mr.President as a passionate and committed leader, he will deliver dividends of democracy to the common man in the streets.

While stating that the President has very good plans for progress and development of Nigeria, it noted ,” All the actions taken so far from the removal of petroleum subsidy; to signing of significant Bills that touch on lives of the ordinary citizenry into law to opening of the boarders and balanced appointments , Tinubu is fully prepared for the highly coveted number seat .

The statement further reads :” It is against this background that as religious leaders under the umbrella of Imams for Peace and Unity, held a meeting and resolved to commend the President for identifying the problems and fighting the battle of restoration from those agents of destruction that looted the nation common wealth.”

The group, which issued the statement after the one-day meeting of the Executive Members across 19 Northern states in Kaduna , said it was left with no option than to take a stand to lend support to the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for the focused leadership provided since assumption of office as the Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces.

On the issue about the Vice President Kashim Shettima saying , “under the current dispensation, the worst incompetent Southern Christian is better than the most puritanical Northern Muslim for the Presidency of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

If you read in-between ,you will discover those shouting fowl are out to call the dog Abad to hang it .He has not done anything wrong by the above statement.

“Shettima’s statement in our view was stated out concern for Justice , Equity and fairness .

“It apparently clear that he was misquoted out of context ,hence our resolve as a Northern based Islamic group to defend Vice President, Kashim Shettima,a good Muslim and commend his efforts to ensure that a Christian Senate President emerged in the interest of justice and fairness in line with tenets of Islam.

“From information gathered , Senators

Shettima has contributed to Islam more than any other Governor in Nigeria since 1999 in terms of the kind of situation he found himself during the heat of Boko Haram war. The criticisms against are baseless .

“The bitter Truth is that most of those critizing him today , couldn’t even stay in Borno during the battle with Boko Haram insurgents, when he was a constant target of terrorists.”

10th NASS :Senator Bali Wants Constituency Members to Monitor, Evaluate his Performance

10th Senate:Senator Bali Wants Constituency Members to Monitor, evaluate his Performance

. . . To Collaborate With Governor On Insecurity

By Abdulwaheed Olayinka Adubi, Kaduna

A lawmaker representing Plateau South at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, Senator (AVM) Napoleon Binkap Bali (Rtd) has challenged his constituents to monitor and evaluate his performance, and vote him out if he failed to represent them accordingly.

The lawmaker who promised to collaborate with the Governor of Plateau state,Mr. Caleb Mutfwang, especially on the issue of insecurity bedevilling the state, explained that government must be more proactive in the fight against insecurity.

He made this disclosure while addressing press men in Abuja at the weekend, where the lawmaker also expressed his displeasure over the poverty rate in the country.

The retired general cum politician, opined that the legislative arm of government and the executive must collaborate to ensure that the poverty rate in the country is reduced and also fine a lasting solution to the insecurity bedevilling the country.

” The poverty rate in this country as we speak now can not be left alone for the executive arm of government to handle. Realizing this, immediately after my emergence I came up with a scheme, aiming at erradicating poverty, and within this period over 300 women have benefitted from the scheme.

” Already, I have an agreement with a bank to guarantee loans for petty traders. This is to get people out of poverty. And also, at the National Assembly level, our primary responsibility is to make a laws that will improve on the livelihood of the people that we are representing, and I believe, we are up to the task.

On the issue of insecurity, he further said: ” I can assure you that I will collaborate with the Governor of Plateau state to ensure that the state is safe for all and sundry. And to also ensure that these non state actors are chased out of the forest.

” We need more troops on ground, these criminal elements are not spirits,so, we need to take the fight to the bandits inside the forest

While speaking on his victory, the lawmaker added that: “my victory means more work for me. For me to have defeated an incumbent Governor, it means that no matter who you are, you must not take the people for granted. I defeated the Governor not because,I am special, but, it is just that the people are not satisfied with him, so, I will not abused that, and I am promising to represent them very well.”

Comrade Bala Abdulghafar Joins The Race For Lugard House In Kogi,Promises To Turn Around The State

Comrade Bala Abdulghafar Joins The Race For Lugard House In Kogi,Promises To Turn Around The State

As the Gubernatorial elections for Kogi approaches, one of Kogi’s youngest entrepreneurs and political icon Comrade Bala Abdulghafar Dirisu has joined the race for Lugard House in Kogi .

Dirisu who is running on the platform of National Rescue Movement has as his running mate Comrade Ernest Enemona Onoja 43, from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi East .

Speaking to journalists in Lokoja during his declaration of his intention to contest for the governor’s seat, Mallam Dirisu explained that he and his running mate, Comrade Onoja are on a mission to rescue Kogi state from unemployment, poverty, misgovernance and from the scourge of banditry .

“Currently, Kogi state is in a bad shape. Only the NRM can solve the problems of insecurity, kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, unemployment and lopsided distribution of our Commonwealth .

“Comrade Onoja and I would ensure that we these malaises with creating enabling environment in Kogi that would stimulate employment opportunities, generation of business opportunities as well .

“We shall also stimulate the growth of agrobase industries by investing heavily on agriculture as well as investing in sports .

“We shall build infrastructures such as roads, hospitals, clinics, markets and malls to stimulate the growth of Kogi economy

“We are presently mobilizing the grassroots level not just members, but all citizens to vote massively for our party flag bearers .

“We in the NRM share the conviction of many people of Kogi and we are sure of winning our election convincingly and can fix the state.

He further added that youths and women as well as the aged in the state would also be our main targets are policies are in place to ensure that these category of persons are empowered, equipped with the knowhow in order to start up their businesses .

Dirisu charged youths in the state t avail themselves and seize the abundant opportunities available in information technology, agriculture and transportation by supporting him, the NRM so that these dreams can be realised

According to political pundits in Kogi State, the duo of Dirisu and Onoja entrance into the Governorship race have changed the political landscape of the state as NRM candidate is relative young,without any controversy bordering on ethnic,religious linings
Furthermore, Dirisu as a business mogul is seen as the candidate with the magic wand that turn around the economy of the state and create the much needed employment opportunities

Marriage: Nok University President, Chief Tony Hassan Urges Children to Stick to Teachings, Training of Parents

Children have been advised to always stick to the training and teaching of their parents to enable them succeed and have a brighter future.

Speaking at the wedding reception of daughter of former Kaduna Deputy Speaker , Rt. Hon. Nuhu Goroh Shadalafiya in Abuja, the Chairman of occasion, Chief Anthony Hassan, who is the Dokaje Jaba, urged children across Nigeria to always listen to their parents to avoid encountering problems in their marriages.

Chief Tony Hassan, who described the family of the bride as a highly disciplined one, encouraged the newly married couple ,Mr. Usman Okhai Kadiri and Julie Nuhu Goro to emulate good deeds of their parents and ensure mutual trust to make a beautiful home.

In an interview with Journalists after the reception, the Chief Anthony Hassan who also a Kaduna based politician and elder Statesman , expressed optimism that with the experience of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria will be great again.

According to him, Tinubu will no doubt leave no stone unturned as he has started on a good footing.

Noting that the recent appointments of his Special Advisers clearly show that president Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu knows what is right for the country because, appointments so far were based on professionalism and experience that will enabled the discharged of responsibility effectively.

Commenting on the newly sworn-in of Governor of Kaduna State, Sen.Uba Sani, the Dokaje Jaba said from the Governor’s body language, it’s a clear indication that he would work for the state.

Adding,” Based on discussion with the Governor, there are assurances that he will give priority attention to tackling insecurity that had bedeviled the state for years.

“If you are leading a society, you need to carry everyone along for them to give you positive input towards your success”.

On Southern Kaduna system of politics, Chief Anthony Hassan explained that after the 2018 Local Governments Election, he quit politics, but when he discovered the way and manner some elected representatives behave , especially the act of not carrying the electorates along , it baffled him, hence his return to politics .

“I have just advised a newly sworn-in elected member to always adopt of grassroots intelligence gathering if he want to do the right thing and succeed.Adding that I have the knowledge and experience at Federal level enough to advise them on who to contact or where to go to get what they want for people in their constituencies.”

He however called on politicians to stop listening and accepting those who go to them to gossip for the sake of their pockets.Doing so , will always make it difficult for the person to come back the second time as such gossips will not allow such elected officials to carry the people in the constituency along.