CDS Appointment: Northern Minority Muslims Commend President Tinubu

A faith-based group under the aegis of Northern Minority Muslims (NMM), has thrown it’s weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for deeming it timely and auspicious to appoint Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa as the Chief of Defense Staff of Nigeria.

A communique signed by its national coordinator, Mallam Dahiru Musa Wamba, and made available to journalists at a press conference in Abuja, the group noted that their reaction was necessitated by a recent viral video where a so called Islamic cleric can be seen making provocatively malicious statements about the appointment of Gen C G Musa as the new Chief of Defense Staff.

The statement emphasized that military assignments should be purely on the basis of professionalism, and not political expediency, nor religious consideration.

“The security situation in the country has become worrisome, thereby deepening our fault lines, with existential threat by separatist groups, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, political assassinations and corruption across the country, and the need to begin to address these challenges require an urgent departure from the era of placing political patronage above meritocracy”, the statement noted.

They emphasized that, “as Muslims from the minority tribes in Nigeria, we find it not only scandalous, but unfortunately malicious and unsettling when a so called Muslim cleric views appointments from the prism of self adulation rather than the much needed professionalism”.

The group condemned the Islamic cleric for referring to Zangon Kataf as minority tribe that is unworthy of producing a soldier that can be trusted with the headship of the country’s security architecture, noting that it’s unfair to take a swipe on a tribe that has suffered many years of unprovoked killings, land grabbing, occupation by enemies and destruction of property.

They described Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa as a “thorough-bred professional who’s exploits as a combatant both within and outside Nigeria comes in full measure, as such, casting aspersions with a view to malign and cast a slur on his integrity will only embolden him to remain professional”.

“We’ve followed his military trajectory, and we’re fully aware that his immense contribution in tackling activities of bandits and insurgents, has brought relative peace in the northwest, northeast, and other regions of the country, and now is the auspicious time for him to consolidate as a square peg that perfectly fits the square hole”, they reiterated.

The statement urged security agencies to, without delay, arrest and investigate the cleric for his inciting comments that was made viral across social media platforms, “so that these kind of provocative and inciting comments that have the capacity to cast a slur on the hard earned integrity of patriotic Nigerians will be nipped in the bud”.

ANA Rallies Fulbe Community for National Development, Peace-building

The Fulbe community in Nigeria has agreed to strategically position itself to make its most effective contributions to national development and peacebuilding.

The decision was reached at a consultative meeting of Fulbe leaders from all over the country, which was held in Abuja on August 6.

The meeting was organized by the Arewa New Agenda (ANA), a non-governmental organization that promotes peace and development in northern Nigeria.

According to a statement issued after the meeting by the Convener of the Group, Sen. Ahmed Abubakar MoAllahyidi, the ANA Chairman, Muhammadu Sani said the Fulbe community is committed to playing a positive role in Nigeria’s development.

“We are a peace-loving people and we want to contribute to building a better future for our country,” Sani said. “We believe that we can do this by working together and by using our traditional values to promote peace and harmony.”

The meeting also agreed to develop a strategy for reorienting the Fulbe youth, especially men and women, on the importance of peace and development.

“We know that many of our young people have been influenced by negative trends,” Sani said. “We want to help them to understand the importance of peace and to become positive agents of change.”

The meeting also agreed to reach out to other interest groups in Nigeria to promote national forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing.

“We believe that Nigeria needs to heal from the wounds of the past. We are committed to working with others to build a more peaceful and prosperous future for our country”, Sani said.

The Fulbe community is the largest ethnic group in West Africa. In Nigeria, they are the fourth largest ethnic group, after the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo.

The Fulbe are traditionally nomadic herders, but many have settled in towns and cities in recent years.

The Fulbe are known for their strong sense of community and their commitment to peace. They have played a significant role in the development of West Africa, and they are committed to playing a positive role in Nigeria’s future.

Comrade Musa Mohammed Urges Kaduna PDP Guber Candidate To Withdraw Petition Against Uba Sani.

A Chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC), in Kaduna Comrade Musa Mohammed, has appealed to the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Hon. Muhammad Isa Ashiru Kudan to withdraw his petition against the winner, Senator Uba Sani.

Comrade Mohammed stated this in a press statement issued to newsmen on Sunday, in Kaduna, saying, “Isa Ashiru Kudan and his party PDP should allow the people of the state to breathe”.

“His petition against the victory of the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate ‘Sen. Uba Sani’ is a distraction to both the governor and the people of the state and should not be allowed to continue.

“Uba San’s mandate is divine from the Almighty Allah, and any distraction against it from any quarters will not be tolerated by the people who over the years have been longing for democracy dividends from their leaders.

“As a member of APC an ident supporterwod Senator Uba Sani, it beats my imaginations and others that Isa Ashiru has choosen to be an agent of distraction by not letting the people breathe via his needless petition before the election petitions tribunal.”

“I will like to call the attention of Hon. Isa Ashiru Kudan and his co-travelers to withdraw this distractive petition against Uba Sani, because it is a critical period for any newly elected leader with cases before tribunal to establish their agenda and make significant strides towards fulfilling their promises to the people”.

“We want the newly governor to concentrate on realizing his ambitious agenda on:- Security, Agriculture, Education, Health, Investment, Transparency, and Inclusiveness with justice and fairness”.

“Isa Ashiru should consider the greater good of our state and its citizens”.

“As the good citizen of Kaduna state, hopping Sen. Uba Sani a successful tenure in office, and by the grace of Almighty Allah, he will leave a longlasting legacy for generations unborn”. Comrade Mohammed added.

Northern group calls for calm, peace in Imo

By Amos Tauna, Kaduna 

The Northern Consensus Movement (NCM), has called for peace and calmness between Northern youths and Eastern youths and bring lasting solutions to the barbaric, inhuman, unhealthy and dangerous unwholesome activities from unpatriotic South Easterners.

The group also called for justice for those that suffered any kind of financial and human losses.

 In a statement issued by the National Coordinator of the group, Dr Abdullahi Awwal Aliyu lamented the unfortunate development in Avu Community of Imo State going round in the social media that was addressed by Alhaji Auwal Baba Saidu Sulaiman, the Sarkin Hausawa, Imo State.

The statement further explained that the traditional ruler and Sarkin Hausawa of Northern Communities in Imo State, has dismissed the alleged attack on the Northerners dwelling in the Avu Community, describing it as rumour and misleading. 

He added that the reports are misleading, unfounded, divisive and aimed at disrupting national peace and unity, adding that the Northern Community has never been attacked by the State government or its agents.

The National Leadership of the Northern Consensus Movement (NCM), felt disturbed about this unfolding development, especially as narrated by the Sarkin Hausawa of Northern Community in Imo State.

In another development through press release, Eze Micheal Okere, Duruihekaibeya VIII of Avu Kingdom of Imo State, disassociated themselves from the barbaric act that took place at the Hausa Community Market in Avu on Friday, 28th July, 2023 and condemned it in its totality.

 He said that they have good and cordial relationship with the Hausa Community, and will not think of the evil act  that was perpetrated on the Avu market traders and shared in their grief, urging them to remain calm while they seek solutions to remedy the damage.

Though the Sarkin Hausawa denied what happened to the Hausa Community in Avu Market, the statement  explained that information reaching them confirmed the conflict affected loss of properties worth millions of Naira. 

It stated that it is disheartening that some unscrupulous elements have constituted themselves into maiming and killing of innocent Northern lives.

It said  that the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, at a news conference on Sunday denied the allegations that the three Markets had been set ablaze. Instead CP Barde said that an inferno had gutted the Avu Market.

According to the statement, the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma expressed concern about the unfortunate crisis in Avu Market, while promising to pay compensation to the affected victims. 

The Northern Consensus Movement (NCM) called for an independent Seven man committee to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the unfortunate crises and make recommendation that would wbe forwarded to the appropriate authority for quick action.

Abubakar Jarma congratulates El-Rufai, Ganduje over appointments

Hon. Abubakar Mahmoud Jarma, the frontline House of Representatives aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna North, has congratulated Malam Nasiru El-Rufai and Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, over their appointments as Minister to the Government of the Federation, and the All Progressive Congress (APC) National chairman respectively.

Jarma, who described the minister and the Nation party chairman appointments as well deserved, said the duo were no doubt round pegs in round holes.

The APC chieftain expressed optimism that the former kaduna and kano state governor’s and antecedents as seasoned administrators and leaders, would come to play in the discharge of their duties.

”Your hard work and dedication to duties have paid off.

”I am confident in your abilities to discharge any mandate and overcome any challenges because your patriotism to the Nigerian project is unparalleled,” Jarma said.

APC National Integrity Movement Congratulates Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, Minister Designate.

The APC National Integrity Movement has felicitates with Dr. Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, on her appointment as Minister which the forum described as a well deserved.

In a message in a press statement issued Thursday, by the leader of the movement, Hon. Sadiq Abubakar Sa’adu Fakai, said that that the administrative and political wisdom of the new Minister was enough to position her for higher responsibility.

The statement further stated, “In the last two years, Imaan Suleiman has transformed the refugees commission and laid a solid foundation that nipped in the bud child abuse and trafficking within a short stint in NAPTIP.

She was already armed with administrative capabilities having worked with cabinet members of the previous administration’s and contributed greatly to
the development of the country.

The forum described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as very frugal in his selection, saying the discovery of the new Minister, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim will repositioned the economy of the country.

They wished the new Minister a successful tenure as she prepared to serve her father land to the best of her ability and exposure.

APC National Integrated Movement (ANIM), Congratulates Ganduje, On Emergence As APC National Chairman.

The APC National Integrated Movement (ANIM), has congratulated the immediate past Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on his emergence as the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

This was contained in a press statement signed by Hon. Sadiq Abubakar Sa’adu Fakai,
National Leader, APC National Integrity Movement.

Ganduje adopted as National Chairman of the APC, at the National Executive Committee meeting of the ruling party in Abuja on Thursday.

Ganduje, who was governor until May 29, 2023, after serving two terms, succeeded Senator Abdullahi Adamu, a former Governor of Nasarawa State.

Hon. Fakai in the statement, said the forum believed Ganduje has all it takes to take APC to higher level, noting that the former Kano State governor is a consummate politician who comes on board with a lot of experience.

He said Ganduje’s emergence as the APC National Chairman is a testament of his years of dedication and commitment to the party.

ANIM, commended the leadership of the APC for reaching the decision on the new national chairman, noting that the party has set a great example of internal democracy for other political parties in the country

APC Chieftain Give Reasons for Supporting Ex Gov. Ganduje for Nat’l Chair Position

The Confederation of All Progressives Congress Support Groups have backed the former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje  to emerge as the new National Chairman of APC.

According  to the Director-General of the support  groups , Dr Kailani Muhammed , the party needs a driving force and grassroots politician such as  Ganduje to steer affairs of the party . 

The DG who stated this when he led a delegation to pay him a courtesy visit at  Abuja assured former Governor of absolute support all members of the APC groups to move the party to a greater height. 

The Party scheduled to hold its National Caucus and National Executive Committee meeting on Aug. 2 and 3 respectively.

It was observed that banners of former Kano Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, have flooded the national secretariat of the ruling party.

Ganduje’s banners have replaced billboards carrying the image of former National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

Muhammed said the APC support groups under his watch would give Ganduje full support before and after he was officially approved by the party’s NEC on Thursday Aug. 3, 2023.

“We are here to show solidarity and give you full support because we believe that you will take our great party to the promise land,” director-general said.

Responding, Ganduje, who thanked the group for his endorsement, said if the party’s NEC approved his chairmanship on Thursday, he would ensure that the party recorded victory in the upcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and others.

He also pledged to widen the consultation with the APC support groups to support the party in area of mobilisation for election victory.

… Say Strike action will damage economy,cause more hardship to citizens

Less than  24 hours to tomorrow’s planned nationwide strike and mass protest  by Nigeria Labour Congress, 16 Northern  based Civil  Society Groups under aegis of Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Organisations have pulled out on grounds that the indefinite strike action will damage the fragile economy and  cause more hardship to the ordinary citizens. 

The NLC had given the federal government a seven-day ultimatum with threats of a nationwide strike scheduled to commence on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 and directed all its affiliates and Civil  Society Groups across 36 states of the federation  to  mobilisation workers and Nigerians  for a long-lasting strike  should the government fail to meet its demands.

Earlier , NLC in a statement signed by its National President, Joe Ajaero, accused the Tinubu-led Federal Government of failing to meet up with the demands it presented to it following the removal of the subsidy on petrol 

“But after critical  study of the  disadvantages and overall consequences on the masses , we decided to pull out immediately and asked the labour unions and federal government to rather embrace dialogue.” The CSOs stated . 

The decision to pull out  contained in a statement jointly signed by Chairman  and Secretary of the Arewa Coalition, Comrade Ibraheem Suleman Dogo and Comrade Friday  Luka Dalung was basically because, the planned strike action is not the best way to resolve problems emerging from current harsh economic conditions caused by the removal of fuel subsidy 

Adding that the strike would also cripple the country as movement would be severely curtailed with markets, schools and healthcare facilities  forced to shut down.

The statement  further reads : “We can’t afford to go back to the days,when the federal government use monies meant for development of  public infrastructure; education, health care and jobs for payment of subsidy to rich marketers. 

“We can’t also continue to  feed smugglers and act as ‘Father Christmas’ to neighbouring countries.

“It for these reasons we recommend for dialogue and more robust discussion on the matters arising from fuel subsidy removal . 

“It would be recalled that President Tinubu, while addressing Nigerians on June 12 Democracy Day commemoration, said he came to the decision in order to free the country’s resources from the stranglehold of unpatriotic elements.

“We expect the labour unions and relevant stakeholders to look beyond the harsh Policies now and consider the future of a sustainable economy that will bring about overall development across all sphere of life . 

“However, between now and tomorrow , Wednesday, August 2 ,we urge the Federal Government to invite representatives of the organised labour in an effort to stop the nationwide strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress.”