NRM EXPOSES POLITICAL JOBBERS

The attention of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) has been drawn to a publication by one Iliyasu Adamu, masquerading as leading the northern caucus of the party pledging support for Edozie Njoku’s fake leadership. 

Ordinarily we would not have dignified the said Iliyasu Adamu who obviously is a political jobber that must have been sponsored by the embattled Edozie Njoku, who is desperately seeking relevance to the illegality perpetrated in convenience with Isaac Udeh, the former National Chairman of National Rescue Movement; but to avoid the situation where unsuspecting and ignorant members of the party will be misled by this political propaganda, we have decided to clarify issue as follows:

1. That the Iliyasu Adamu has ceased to be a member of our great party, having been expelled from the party since 2022, when a validly constituted National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, chaired by Mr. Isaac Udeh who was then the National Chairman of the party. Funny enough it is the same Udeh that has turned the same Adamu to a mere tool of propaganda.

2. It is instructive that there is nothing called Northern Caucus in NRM, as we have a united National Executive Committee and respective State Executive Committee of the party. Hence, the so-called Northern Caucus of NRM only exists in the imagination of the political jobbers.

3. The entire National Executive of our great party, National Rescue Movement as well as the respective State Executive Committee are firmly working for the progress of the party and had expressed disgust at the conspiracy and illegality perpetrated by Edozie Njoku and Isaac Udeh in a futile attempt to illegally highjack the party leadership through backdoor. We are all against the illegality and will continue to stand against it, as nobody can put anything on nothing and expect it to stand; as if Nigeria is totally a Banana Republic. 

4. Out of those claiming to be part the so-called members of the Northern Caucus of NRM, only one person’s name was mentioned in the publication. Of course, just like the Udeh and Njoku gathered none members of the party in a jamboree and tagged it an “Emergency Convention”, they have in their characteristics gathered none members of the party again and called them Northern Caucus, a coinage that is strange when it comes to the structure of the party, NRM.

In the light of the above, we urge members of the public to disregard the said publication, which is merely a paid propaganda, taking advantage of the poverty mentality of the actors involved who are mere political jobbers as they are always known.

Once, again we wish to categorically and fundamentally assert that all the members of the National Management Committee (NMC), National Executive Committee (NEC) as well as members of State Executives are united towards building a greater NRM and against the illegality of the duo of Njoku and Udeh.

Obidike Okolo Esq, MCIArb, AICMC

Acting National Secretary

ISIAKA, NRM NATIONAL LEGAL ADVISER EXPOSES NJOKU/UDEH DECEPTION THAT INEC ATTENDED THEIR ILLEGAL EMERGENCY CONVENTION

Barr Musa Isiaka, the National Legal Adviser of National Rescue Movement (NRM) has exposed the misleading falsehood circulated on some media units that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials monitored the gathering of none NRM members, tagged NRM Emergency Convention, despite writing two letters to declare such “convention” as illegal.

In a statement directed to members of the party, NRM, but also made available to the media by Musa Isiaka, Esq, titled,
“EMERGENCY CONVENTION OF NRM: INEC NEVER ATTENDED THE UNLAWFUL, ILLEGAL AND UNAUTHORIZED GATHERING OF 17/1/2025 AND THERE WAS NO COMPELLING COURT ORDER”, to expose the propaganda, he asserts that:
“Contrary to the falsehood being peddled by miscreants and mischief makers suggesting that INEC attended the unauthorized gathering and presumed birthday Party of 17th January 2025, our investigation have revealed as follows;

“1. INEC never attended the said unlawful, illegal and unauthorized gathering of 17/1/2025, later termed ‘Emergency Convention’ of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) as INEC is too busy to attend to frivolous, baseless and directionless gatherings.

“2. Again, contrary to the satanic speculations, there was no court order compelling INEC to monitor the said gathering of 17/1/2025.”

Therefore he clarifies that, “the Order being paraded by the mischief makers was just an order for leave to apply for writ of mandamus, and for INEC to produce Certified True Copy of a letter of 9th January, 2025, where the Commission counselled and educated Udeh and Njoku on doing what is right and shun illegalities or ‘short cut’. Hence, no action or decision was taken, leaving noting to be stayed.

“Hence, INEC did not participate in the said gathering of 17/1/2025 conducted by Isaac Udeh, Edozie Njoku, and there was no compelling order.

“The purported Emergency Convention remain a farce and a figment of imagination in the mind of Edozie Njoku, who was recently sacked by the Supreme Court in his attempt to hijack APGA”.

He thus mockingly expressed sympathy with Mr. Edozie Njoku who he said must still be suffering from psychological trauma of the post Supreme Court defeat that knocked him off the position of the factional chairman of APGA, the party he sharply divided just as he is trying to do to NRM. However, he added that “we need to also remind ourselves that NRM is not a dumping ground nor a consolation centre, but a party built on fine principles of integrity and decency on a mission to rescue Nigeria.

“To worsen the foundation of desperation, we gathered that one Oladimeji Ekengba administered the oath of office to Mr. Edozie Njoku as the purported National Legal Adviser of NRM (what a joke)

“Hence, we urge you all, dear Party Leaders, to remain firm and resolute in the discharge of your duties and never get distracted by the sinking ship of frustration”.

It is of note that on November 27, 2024 the Supreme Court upheld an appeal by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), recognising Sly Ezeokenwa as its National Chairman, thereby upholding the earlier judgement of the lower court restraining Edozie Njoku from parading himself as the national chairman of APGA

Also in the judgment, the court awarded N20 million as cost against Edozie Njoku for filing a frivolous suit at FCT High Court, Bwari over the matter.

And one month and few days after this Supreme Court judgment, the same Edozie Njoku had switched over the National Rescue Movement (NRM) and with the connivance of the former National Chairman of NRM, Isaac Udeh called for an Emergency Convention that the National Management Committee (NMC) and other officials of the party clearly dissociated the party from. And INEC in two separate letters directed to Isaac Udeh clearly asserted that such Emergency Convention is illegal as the normal procedure to call for any kind of National Convention according to the constitution was not followed.

However, the duo of Njoku and Udeh still continued with it and out of the 36 State Chairmen, 47 members of the National Executive as well as the 12 members of National Management Committee of the party, NRM; only the former National Chairman, Mr. Isaac Udeh was present, while others were completely new faces as declared by the party officials, who observed that “Njoku is desperately attempting to create a faction in NRM, which unfortunately for him, he couldn’t get any other leader of the party to his side, apart from the former National Chairman, Isaac Udeh.

ATTN EDITOR 

Bandit Leader, Turji On The Run, Abandon Captives

BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto 

Most wanted notorious bandit leader, terrorizing , Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and parts of Niger States, Bello Turji has reportedly abandoned his captives and some of his herds while on the run from pillar to post for his dear life, a security source has said.  

The source who preferred anonymity said, the intensified efforts of the Nigeria Security following strict directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa towards apprehending fugitive Turji dead or alive has raised untold apprehension in the camp of the wanted bandit. 

Collaborating the source, a lake Chad Basin Counter- Terrorism and Insurgency Expert,
Zagazola Makama, said the wanted bandit leader Turji might have freed the captives as a way of appeasing the Nigeria Army who are already closing in on him. 

According to Zagazola, the group loyal to Turji are also in disarray as everyone is running for their lives. 

The military has been dealing decisively with terrorists in tbe north western region of the country lately using both the air and ground components. 

Makama said Turji’s decision to “free the captives is linked to the intense pressure mounted by the Nigerian Armed Forces under Operation FASAN YAMA and Operation Forest Sanity.”

Recall that recently, the Nigeria Army heavily descended on the LAKURA sect in Sokoto and bandits in Katsina via airstrikes and ground offensives targeting their strategic locations . 

These locations that are hitherto considered fortified hideouts for Bello Turji in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara have now been taken over by the Nigeria Army thus forcing Turji to contemplate crossing over to neighbouring country. 

Commending the gallantry of Nigerians Army, Malam Nasiri Gatawa, from Isa local government area, Sokoto state, one of the most insecurity affected areas in the state, said, with such sustained commitments, issues of banditry, insurgency and terrorism will soon be over. 

Northern Professionals have backed the decision of Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi for re-award of the revoked section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway to a new company

According to the group,the decision to re-award the road contract for such important route linking northern States is laudable.

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works had revoked a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway contract handled by Julius Berger Construction Company over a price dispute and completion timeline.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of Northern Professionals,Dr . Isa Samaila Getso and Comrade Ibrahim Mohammad Geidam ,the group ,which expressed joy over the the re-award of contract,said the initial fears raised over possible delay and abandonment have finally been allayed.

The statement further reads, “We want to unequivocally thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking proactive action to complete the Abuja Kaduna road .

“We were highly bitter and unsettled when the filtered that the the contract handled by Julius Berger was revoked,but with the recent decision are happy that the road that has becomes death traps would now be completed.”

Northern Professionals Back Umahi….reawarding Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road in order

Northern Professionals have backed the decision of Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi for re-award of the revoked section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway to a new company

According to the group,the decision to re-award the road contract for such important route linking northern States is laudable.

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works had revoked a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway contract handled by Julius Berger Construction Company over a price dispute and completion timeline.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of Northern Professionals,Dr . Isa Samaila Getso and Comrade Ibrahim Mohammad Geidam ,the group ,which expressed joy over the the re-award of contract,said the initial fears raised over possible delay and abandonment have finally been allayed.

The statement further reads, “We want to unequivocally thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking proactive action to complete the Abuja Kaduna road .

“We were highly bitter and unsettled when the filtered that the the contract handled by Julius Berger was revoked,but with the recent decision are happy that the road that has becomes death traps would now be completed.”

Atiku Haske Organization Condoles Victims ,Govt. of Niger State Tanker Explosion 

Atiku Haske Organization has mourned the victims of the weekend’s tanker Disaster that claimed several lives at Dikko Junction in Niger state.

According to latest information, the death toll has risen to 98, while 69 people have been injured.The explosion also left 20 shops completely burnt, causing significant losses to business owners in the area.

In a statement signed by Chairman of the Atiku Haske Organization, Aminu Sani Bello , the group condoled with the   Governor Muhammed Umaru Bago, the Government, and the  people of Niger State during this period of loss. 

The statement further reads: “We are  saddened by  the news of the fuel tanker explosion which occurred on Saturday, 18th January at the Dikko Junction, Niger state where several lives were lost and many sustained injuries and pray that Allah grant the families of victims the gratitude to bear the irreparable loss .

“This devastating incident highlights the need for greater vigilance and enforcement of safety regulations on our roads,” the statement read. “Such tragedies could be prevented if enforcement agencies took necessary precautionary measures.”

“While urging citizens and residents of the state  to avoid approaching accident sites, especially those involving fuel-laden vehicles, due to their highly explosive nature, it appealed government to take bills of the injured victims. 

“This event has left us devastated and in a mourning state as we lost several brothers, sisters and relatives.”

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KATSINA

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Radda Mourns Victims of Niger State Tanker Explosion

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has expressed profound grief over the devastating tanker explosion that occurred at Diko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, Niger State.

The tragic incident claimed over 80 precious lives and left numerous others with severe injuries.

Governor Radda, on behalf of the Government and the people of Katsina State, extend deepest condolences to Governor Muhammed Umaru Bago, the Government, and the resilient people of Niger State during this period of loss.

“Every life lost in this horrific incident represents a family torn apart and communities left in mourning,” the Governor stated.

Governor Radda further emphasized that this tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety measures and the need for joint vigilance to prevent such harsh incidents.

The Governor equally called for a strengthened emergency protocols and enhanced safety regulations for fuel tankers operating on Nigerian highways.

Governor Radda prays that Allah grant the departed souls Al-Jannatul Firdaus and gives their families the strength to bear the loss. May He also grant swift recovery to those injured in the accident.

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

20th January, 2025

Reforms: Northeast Group Condemns Bala Mohammed,Almustapha ,Backs Tinubu for 2027

Angered by the recent criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu policies by prominent northerners , the Northeast based Socio-Political Group under umbrella of Forum for Northeast Development has condemned Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed and Major Hamza Almustapha Former Chief Security Officer to late former Head of State , Gen Sani Abacha, Major Almustapha.

The Forum, which claimed Tinubu’s reform would be of great benefits to the north in the long run said, it has carefully studied the President after he was sworn in, and discovered he means well .

He however, stated that it has come out to back the new tax reform policies initiated by President Bola Ahmed Bola Tinubu, because the Northeast and entire northern region will benefit immensely.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Forum,Alhaji Baba Mala Biu and Comrade Lawan Mohammed, the Forum for Northeast Development explained :”First,we have no reason to complain because our son that the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima is from the northeast geopolitical zone and we believe he can’t betray us as a people as one of the trusted individuals that we rely upon politically.

“It is really unfortunate that some northerners such as :Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed and Former Chief Security Officer to late former Head State ,Major Hamza Almustapha have raised voices against a president that is working hard to restore the economy and indices of growth and development.

Whiles urging people of northeast and other parts of the north to remain hopeful and have confidence in Tinubu and Shettima led administration, it expressed optimism that the tax Reform policies and other economic reform policies are geared toward establishing a solid foundation for sustainable development in the region.

So, it is unwise and unacceptable for anyone from northeast region to join haters of the President to criticize reforms geared revamping our economy.

The forum however, condemned the duo of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed and Former Chief Security Officer to Late Head of State,Gen. Sani Abacha for their unnecessary criticisms and game of playing to gallery to gain cheap popularity.

Recalled that former Chief Security Officer and ex-presidential candidate of Action Alliance (AA), Major Hamza Al-Mustapha claimed President Bola Tinubu squandered has his goodwill with his shambolic performance since assuming office, highlighting the need for Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s potential, describing it as a ‘blessed but disorganised land.

Similarly ,Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, had criticised President Bola Tinubu, saying his economic reform policies are putting the North and Nigerians at large under strain.

But, we are putting the records straight that President Tinubu together with Senate Kashim Shettima are two set of focused and committed individuals who are passionate and have sound knowledge about good governance and selfless service to the humanity.

It against this back that we asked people from the Northeast to support President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to succeed and take us that desires level of development.