Tudun-biri Attack: Campaign of Calumny  Against CDS, other Service Chiefs’ll Only  stir up Tension , says Northern Group

Group under umbrella of Northern Coalition of Socio-Political Group (CSPG),has asked Nigerians to disregard the campaign of calumny against the Chief of Defense State and other service chiefs.

Recalled that a tragic accidental bomb  incident  occurred on Sunday at Tudun-Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during a Maulud celebration which left over 120 persons dead. 

Speaking at a press conference about issues surrounding the bomb incident , the Deputy Chairman of the group , explained: “From the information gathered, the Nigerian Army was on a routine mission against terrorists, but inadvertently affected members of the community leaving several citizens dead and many others injured . 

“For us, It is too early and out of place for anyone to give the incident an ethnic or religious colouration when investigations  about the circumstances surrounding the bombing are still ongoing. 

“it is natural for such incident to attract condemnation , little wonder, the pan-Northern political and cultural association, the Arewa Consultative Forum, and the Jama’tu Nasril Islam have added their  voices with calls for those found culpable to  be punished.

“The religious and political leaders demanding for the sack  the Chief of Defense Staff; the Chief of Army Staff, other service chiefs and the GOC are unnecessarily steering up tension. We want peace and tranquility to despite the ugly incident. 

“As mark of concern, we have seen both the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja , visited deceased victims’ families and injured ones in hospitals in Kaduna .

“The group and few other people who have embarked on campaign of calumny should please stop pointing accusations at the chief of Defence, we therefore calling the good people of Kaduna and Nigeria in general to avoid bringing up the issue of religious, ethnicity and sentiment. It is worthy on note to say ,the chief of Defence staff is not for the Southern Kaduna or Kaduna Christian or Muslim rather for the whole nation. 

“We are therefore calling on our brothers from AREWA GROUP to avoid  bringing the issue of religion and ethnicity in what happened (bombing at Tudun-Biri)

“Meanwhile,We are joining  United Nations, ACF ,JNI and other  organizations to demanded  full, thorough, honest, and open investigation of the incident, to establish what exactly happened,while we urged the military to review its rules of engagement to avoid the recurrence of an airstrike on a community in Kaduna State that killed several civilians.

“The devastating impact on lives and emotional effects are better imagined, therefore,we are urging the government and international communities to assist members of the community, especially victims’ families to cushion the effect of the bomb attack.”

Rescue Movement For New Nigeria condemns the accidental bombing of Kaduna village by Nigerian Army killing over 150 innocent residents

The Rescue Movement For New Nigeria aka Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative, a duly registered NGO in Nigeria, condemns in strong terms, the accidental bombing of Tudun Biri in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State by the Nigerian Army on Sunday, leading to the death of over 150 innocent law abiding villagers.

This was disclosed by the National Director of Media and Publicity, Rev Emmanuel Olorunmagba, in a statement made available to press men in Kaduna State, after leading some of the members of the group on a sympathy visit to the affected community.

Describing the situation as “quite unfortunate”, Rev Emmanuel calls on the authority concerned to “as a matter of urgency ensure thorough investigation into the direct and remote causes of the bombing “in error” and ensure adequate punitive measures on personnel that is culpable either through negligence or whatsoever.

“This is neither the first nor the second time that the Armed Forces of the country will carry out airstrike on a group of innocent Nigerians resulting in mass murder only to blame such “on error. The pertinent question to put to the government as well as the Service Chiefs is that are our uniformed men not trained effectively before they given dangerous weapons that they are now turning the weapons against law abiding innocent citizens going about their normal legal business?”

“This time it is innocent villagers celebrating Maulud, an Islamic event that were brutally murdered yet we have not heard of such massive onslaught against the bandits terrorising Nigerians.

Lamenting that with the rate things are happening in Nigeria, “it’s gradually getting to the point where an average Nigerian is no longer safe even when you see military aircraft flying over your village.

“We the entire members of Rescue Movement For New Nigeria aka Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative stand with you the good people of Tudun Biri of Igabi LGA at this trying time and we bring our condolence message from the leadership and the entire members of the group and precisely the National Leader in person of Comrade Faduri Oluwadare Joseph aka Fadojoe, a former presidential aspirant under Labour Party, who would have liked to be present in person to commiserate with you, great people of Tundu Biri and the chief if not that he is in far away United States of America (USA). But we hereby convey his condolence message though in absentia”, he concluded.

Retired Judicial Officers Ask Supreme Court to Affirms Abba’s Victory

… Says Judiciary remains last hope of common

Ahead the supreme court hearing and verdict of the controversial Kano Governorship election case, Group of retired judicial personnel under aegis of Transparent Justice Initiative has urged Supreme Court to affirm what it termed ‘popular victory’ of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf (Abba Gida Gida).

According to the group, the judiciary remains the last hope of common man and it should reflect so in its verdicts , especially on election matters.

“Worried by the Appeal Court verdicts and subsequent erroneous impressions in the public domain, as a group of retired personnel,we want to reassure Nigerians that the Supreme Court as the final arbiter and the last resort for dispute resolution will ensure justice prevailed.”

Recalled that the appeal court sitting in Abuja upheld the ruling of the tribunal that sacked Governor Yusuf and declared Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the March 18 election.

In a press statement signed by the Coordinator of Transparent Justice Initiative, Mr. Stanley Kingsley and made available to journalists today in Kaduna,the group which expressed confidence in the supreme court said, “Over the years it has demonstrated ability to protects rule of law; ensure supremacy of law and safeguards rights of individuals.”

” And we have no doubts in our minds that the Supreme Court will critical study the tribunal and appeal Court judgement in order to ensure that voices and rights of the people which are of utmost importance and are guaranteed as stipulated in our constitution electoral act .

While noting that it will amount to a case of “Miscarriage of Justice” for the court to remove a popularly elected candidate. We saw how on March 18, 2023, people came out en masse and voted for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf with a total of 1,019,602 votes and a margin of 128,897 votes between him and second place, APC candidate.

The panel upheld the verdict of the tribunal led by Justice Oluyemi Akintan Osadebay that sacked Yusuf on September 20, 2023. The lower court had declared 165,663 votes of Yusuf, who contested under the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), invalid on the grounds that they were not signed or stamped by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

” We have carefully read the judgement and discovered that this is the first time in the history that a tribunal would annul an election over non-signing of the back of ballot papers and this must be avoided in future.

The group which ask the court to shun pressure from the judiciary however said, “We believe and have full confidence that the Supreme Court will do the needful and ensure the mandate of the Kano people who voted.

It therefore urged Nigerians not lost confidence in the judiciary as it remains a dependable institution that strengthens democracy .

Kogi Poll Free, Fair, and Credible -UPPP

The United Progressive Political Parties ( UPPP) has lauded the conduct of the Off-cycle governorship polls held in Kogi state describing as credible and fair.

According to the UPPP Chairman,Mallam Bala Abdulghafar Dirisu the elections was free, fair, and credible and all thanks to the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Mallam Diriisu also praised the INEC Chairman Mahmoud Yakubu for ensuring that the polls were flawless and that the integrity of the Commission was restored. 

“The UPPP  also notes that the voters in Kogi State had rejected the tradition of relying on handouts, tribal cum religious sentiments and instead chose a competent successor to continue with his Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s leadership that would provide a more secure future for their children.

“We are pleased to associate with the outcome of the election, which was patently transparent and credible. The election results were a clear reflection of the will of the people, and we are confident that they will serve as a model for future elections,” said the Chairman of UPPP.

Mallam Bala Dirisu noted that despite the concerns of some, the election was conducted in a fair and impartial manner, with all parties given a fair chance to participate, saying the result of the election could only have been rejected by people who would have decided to destroy the state if they were not winners.

“We would like to commend all of the voters who participated in the election, as well as the security personnel, volunteers and election officials who worked tirelessly to ensure that the process ran smoothly.

 “In Kogi polls, the political elites and voters have closed ranks in a display of unity, with the exception of those whose personal ambitions are tied to the continuation of decay and destruction of a state and its people.

 “The people of Kogi have swung a surprise by rejecting the tradition of violence during elections. Instead, the poor, young, and Kogi women have chosen to support the continuation of the Yahaya Bello leadership that promises to make them more secure and provide their children with a productive future.

“The election saw the victory of popular will over desperate attempts to subvert it, and the people of Kogi are jubilant as the credible conduct of the elections by Mahmoud Yakubu and INEC ensured that the states did not go up in flames over disputed elections. 

Furthermore, the Chairman of UPPP called on the Gubernatorial candidates of Social Democratic Party,( SDP) and Peoples Democratic Party to in the interest of the people of Kogi State to sheath their swords and join hands with the winner of the November 11 election, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo in order to futher the Kogi Agenda.

“I will like to commend Senator Dino Melaye and Comrade Murtala Ajaka for fighting for the cause they believed in . Indeed with their inputs, the election wouldn’t be successful and it is to their credit too that the election did not witness any violence.

“In any election, there must be a winner and a loser, however, it is the Kogi Agenda that won and not any sectional or tribal agenda. It is in the Spirit and letter of the Kogi Agenda we of the UPPP are appealing to the two illustrious sons of the state to join hands with Governor Elect Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, so that we can move the state forward.

ENDS

Confederation of APC Support Groups Applaud Kyari’s Reappointment by Tinubu

… Express Confidence in Capacity to Make NNPCL Great 

Confederation of All Progressives Congress Support Groups has congratulated the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company, Engineer Mele Kyari over his well deserved reappointment.

According to the support groups , the  extension of Mele Kyari’s tenure shows clearly that, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is dedicated to his RENEWED HOPE AGENDA, where round pegs are kept in round holes and square pegs vice- visa for optimal results. 

While applauding the President for not being distracted by dissident voices to replicate the dogma of inept ideas orchestrated by  a few cabals to replace Mele Kyari with a stooge to serve their interests, the group appreciated the positive developments that are unfolding in the Oil and Gas sector, where synergy templates have made the difference and ensured for a significant paradigm shift for a generational sign post that have acquired the topmost in line with global energy practice.

Speaking at a press conference held at the headquarters of Confederation of All Progressives Congress today, the Director General, Engineer Kailani Muhammad  explained: “We are celebrating this feat, not just because Mele Kyari remains in the saddle, we are celebrating because, Mele Kyari has become a composite factor in the Oil and Gas sector in Nigeria. His commitment to the development of the sector, will ever remain a footprint for generations to come as he remains at the helm of affairs at NNPCL.

The DG who acknowledged Mele Kyari’s records of achievements, said his contributions to the petroleum industry and the Oil and Gas in particular, have positively impacted the Nigeria’s economic strides for development.

Speaking further on his achievements, Kailani stated : “We are talking about the poor success rate by many international giant oil companies in the past, to conduct various seismic exploration activities in search for oil in the northern part of the country without tangible results, where his TAPE agenda changed the narratives . 

“When Kyari came on board as the GMD of the NNPC, his efforts yielded positive achievements in the Upper Benue Trough and the Gongola Basin in North Eastern Nigeria, particularly the Kolmani River fields. Kolmani integrated oil field development project located in Alkaleri local government area of Bauchi State, where about over four billion of crude oil deposit is located.

“For the first time in over four decades, Kyari broke a 43 year- old jinx in the NNPC by up -dating and publishing the 2018 Audited Financial Statement for the year ended December 31, 2018. To consolidate on the landmark achievement, he quickly followed up with the publication of the company’s 2019 AFS, which showed a remarkable loss reduction to just N2.3 billion, with a declaration of a N287 billion Profit After Tax (PAT).

“He was a major factor in the resolution of the issues that delayed the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), by the National Assembly for almost two decades. 

“Since the unveiling of the Kolmani field development, Kyari has spearheaded more frontier exploration activities across Niger, Nasarawa, Sokoto, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe states in the northern part of the country. 

“Through Kyari, the NNPCL has a proven gas reserve base of 208.62 trillion cubic feet (TCF). He also plans to increase gas reserves to 220 TCF in less than 10 years and 250 TCF thereafter. Although the operational environment has posed a huge challenge, Kyari is determined to ensure the country realises these targets.

“In this lap of the journey of Mele Kyari at NNPCL, we implore the media, the Nigerian  Public and stakeholders in the petroleum industry and especially, the Oil and Gas sector and the NNPCL management, to avail Mele Kyari, the requisite cooperation and commitment to his noble ideals. 

“Kyari is also involved in the execution of the 474 million standard cubic feet of gas per day trans-regional pipeline system, to deliver Nigeria’s natural gas resources to 15 countries in the West and North Africa.

“Construction of the 5,660 kilometres long NMGP, which commenced from Nigeria, that would traverse Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Senegal, and Mauritania, to end at Tangiers, a Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar, with a spur connecting the existing Europe gas pipeline through Spain.

“Kyari initiated the construction of the 4,128 kilometres long Trans-Saharan gas pipeline championed by the NNPCL, with its Algerian and Nigerien counterparts as a strategic investment to transport about 30 billion cubic meters of gas per year to the European market. Rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries to start production by December, 2023. 

CSOs Commend  Tinubu For Reappointing Mele Kyari as NNPCL GCEO

Group under aegis of Coalition of Civil Society Organisations have commended President Bola Tinubu for reappointing  Engineer Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. 

According to the CSOs, the appointment is not only well deserved and reward for hardwork,but also necessary to ensure that the ongoing reforms are carried out to the later. 

The Civil Society Organisations,which made the commendation in a press statement signed by the  Chairman and Secretary,Comrade Ephraim Jonathan  and Comrade Yusuf Ibrahim Kudan said,”By the reappointment of Kyari,President Tinubu has demonstrated a high sense of focus and commitment to uninterrupted and smooth operations of the National oil industry . 

While acknowledging Kyari’s reform programmes and the major panacea for enhanced transparency and efficiency in the operations of NNPCL, the group said the idea of setting up of a new trading subsidiary, establishment of a new crude oil marketing division, and the implementation of a new performance management system ,which enhances accountability in the Nigerian oil and gas sector was a magic wand . 

It recalled ,  “When Mele Kyari assumed duty as the Group Managing Director of the now-defunct Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on July 7, 2019, it was at a critical period not only in the life of the corporation but for the entire Nigerian oil and gas sector as well as the national economy.

“With his appointment in 2021 by Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari as chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Oil Company Limited (NNPCL), the successor company to the NNPC under the new dispensation ushered in by the petroleum industry act, which came into force in 2021, the TAPE became the standard for steering the new company forward in a global economy still reeling from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, which devastated the world in 2020 and 2021.

“It has become obvious that since he was appointed, the performance of the NNPCL has been impressive with  situations,  which appeared insurmountable, turned around.”

Speaking  further about on-going reforms  and  company’s growth from a loss-making one into a profit-making commercial entity, it single out the efforts at checkmating crude oil theft and illegal refineries as significant spike that help to boost  daily oil production. Adding  that Nigeria has regained its position as the largest crude oil producer in Africa, ahead of Algeria’s 1.021mb/d and Angola’s 1.088mb/d in November 2022.

“It gladdens the hearth to note that NNPCL posted its second consecutive year of ‘profit’ announcing N674.1 billion in the 2021 financial period and growing it from N287 billion in 2020. The figure represented an increase of N387 billion or 134.8% when compared to the previous N287 billion recorded in 2020.

“We have also noticed that the lingering fuel scarcity characterised by long queues at filling station is gradually becoming history. And with the  availability of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) as a  feat  Nigerians will remember Kyari led management for.”

“Worthy of note is the good news that  $2.8bn Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project  constructed by Oilserve Limited will be inaugurated December.The AKK pipeline is a 614km-long pipeline to transport natural gas from southern Nigeria to central Nigeria.

“The most impressive accomplishments of Kyari’s stewardship at NNPCL is the  commencement of commercial oil  to  exploration in the Northern part of Nigeria.The Kolmani Oil Field, estimated to have a reserve of about one billion barrels of crude oil, OPL 809 and 810, lie in the Gongola Basin of the Upper Benue Trough, straddling Bauchi and Gombe States. 

“The laudable  Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP),which is an  initiative of the federal government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Morocco, is a 5,600 kilometers gas pipeline project traversing 13 African countries namely: Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, Senegal and Mauritania to Morocco is indeed a great feat. “

KANO JUDGEMENT: A COUP TO DEMOCRACY THAT MUST NOT STAND

• Fadojoe

The National Leader of Rescue Movement For New Nigeria aka Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative, Comrade Faduri Oluwadare Joseph aka Fadojoe, has asserted that the movement is solidly behind Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf as the duly elected governor of Kano State, appealing to the Supreme Court to rescue Kano State as the judiciary is regarded as the last hope of the masses.

Citing the discrepancies between the verbal judgment of the Appeal Court and the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the same judgement, whereas the final verdict of the CTC of the judgment dismissed the judgement that sacked Abba Kabir Yusuf of NNPP, thus affirming the Abba is the duly elected governor of Kano State, contrary to the verbal judgment that the judges of the same Appeal Court read out

In a statement through his official YouTube channel, the activist said he was so sad as he was making the speech. Because the situation where the judiciary is suspected to have compromised is a coup d’etat to our democracy. “Of note is the recent development in Kano State over the gubernatorial election petition tribunal that have been viewed a coup. And I must commend the people of Kano State for standing by the governor they elected, even Engr Abba Yusuf as they are standing by their mandate. This is what every Nigerian ought to do to fight for the sustenance of our democracy. So that our so called “godfathers” will no longer be able to highjack power.

The US based former presidential aspirant under Labour Party, Fadojoe, added that though he is no longer a member of NNPP where he started his political journey, “but I am glad that His Excellency Senator Musa Kwakwanso was able to deliver his state as the candidate of his party NNPP, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf won the governorship election.

“It is the right of any other candidate and political party to seek redress before the election petition tribunal if they feel the have facts and evidences that they won, but their victory was manipulated, and the tribunal is expected to do justice. Hence, we have the All Progressive Congress (APC) taking their case over the Kano State gubernatorial election to the election petition tribunal, challenging the result that brought in Abba Yusuf of NNPP.

“But it’s appalling, it’s disgracing and it’s inhumane that the justice system in Nigeria is beginning to have a face that many of us don’t want to see. Whereas we were thinking that the only hope of the common man should be the judiciary. But it’s so sad to begin to witness the situation where it’s as if our judiciary is beginning to bow to the political manipulative power.

Lamenting the obvious discrepancies between the judgement read out by the Appeal Court judges and the verdict contained in the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the same Appeal Court, “whereas the verbal judgment upheld the decision of the lower court sacking Abba Yusuf while the CTC of the same judgment contains two different pronouncements as seen in page 67 of the CTC of the judgement of the Appeal Court, with the last two paragraphs and 4th to the last paragraph knocking off APC and clearly dismissed the judgement of the election petition tribunal that sacked Abba Yusuf of NNPP and even awarded cost of N1 million in favour of Abba Yusuf of NNPP, meaning by this statement in the last two paragraphs of CTC of the Appeal Court, the election of Abba Yusuf of NNPP as the duly elected governor of Kano State is affirmed.

Below is the exact quotation from the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Appeal Court judgement from the 4th to the last paragraph

‘In the circumstances, I resolve all the issues in favour of the appellant (Abba Kabir Yusuf of NNPP) and against the 1st respondent (Nasiru Gawuna of APC).”

Again as if that is not enough the last two paragraphs of the judgement further asserted the above pronouncements as it reads:

‘The judgement of the tribunal (sacking Abba Kabir Yusuf of NNPP) in petition no: PT/KN/GOV/01/2023 between ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS (APC) vs INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC) & 2 others, delivered on the 20th day of September, 2023 is hereby set aside.’

Then the last paragraph corroborate this by awarding cost to Abba Kabir Yusuf of NNPP, as quoted below:

‘The sum of N1,000,000 (one million naira only) is hereby awarded as cost in favour of the appellant (Abba Kabir Yusuf of NNPP) and against the 1st respondent (Nasiru Gawuna of APC)’

“Therefore, the questions to the Appeal Court is that can mere typographical error be so consistent in two successive last paragraph as well as another paragraph just in the last four paragraph?

“In my view, and considering the number of people trooping out in Kano State to protest, the number and caliber of well meaning Nigerians lamenting over the decision of the lower court and the Appeal Court, it’s so obvious that Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf is the choice of the majority of Kano State people. And with my entire movement all across Nigeria we are standing solidly with the good people of Kano State.

“Hence, I join well meaning Nigerians to appeal to the Supreme Court to save our democracy, save us this total ignominy and do the right thing without caring whose ox is gored. We are watching and the entire world is watching as well” he concluded.

Gov Aliyu directs immediate renovation of ex-President Shagari’s burnt house

Sokoto State Governor, Dr Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has directed the total renovation of the first residence of former President Shehu Shagari that was gutted by fire last week.

This was contained in a Press Released signed by Abubakar Bawa, Press Secretary to Sokoto State Governor.

The Governor gave the directive shortly after visiting the burnt house to assess the extent of damage caused by the inferno.

He described the inferno as catastrophic and unfortunate, describing the burnt house as historic not only to Sokoto State but the country as a whole.

“To us, this house is of great historical importance being the first residence of the former Nigeria’s first democratically-elected President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari.

“Its like a historical
monument to the upcoming generation, therefore, we’ll renovate this house,” Aliyu added.

Governor Aliyu commiserated with the family of the late
President over the inferno and prayed Almighty Allah to prevent the recurrence of the disaster.

He thanked the Almighty Allah that no life was lost in the inferno, and appealed to the family to see it as an act of God.

It could be recalled that the former President’s residence was razed down by fire on the 18th of this month,leading to the loss of many properties.

The Governor was taken round the affected portion of the burnt house by some of the family members of the former President.

The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the APC leader in the State,Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga, his Deputy, Kabiru Kware, State APC Chairmam, Isa Saddiq Achida,Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, members of the State Executive Council, Special Advisers and Special Assistants, among others.