Reforms : APC Support Groups Solidly Behind Tinubu to Fulfill Campaign Promises

…urges Tinubu to Recognize Members of Support Groups for Appointment

Confederation of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups have reiterated commitment to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the backing required to fullfil all campaign promises made during the election.

According to the support groups, so far President Tinubu has not only demonstrated good knowledge of governance,he has also shown the commitment to take drastic decisions through his reform agenda to take the country to a greater heights.

Briefing journalists on the State of the Nation ,the Director General of Confederation of the APC Support Groups and National Chairman of Tinubu Shettima Network, Engineer (Dr.) Kailani Muhammad urged Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu led APC government with hope that the future will be better and bright.

On the current hardship, Eng. Kailani who acknowledged that Nigerians are groaning under hardship, expressed optimism over the deliberate efforts made to provide succour and gave assurance that the pains are just for a short moment.

Speaking further,he said the Palliative measures taken to cushion the effects of the removal of subsidy are most welcomed, but advised it strictly should monitored to avoid abuse by unscrupulous government officials.

He also applauded Tinubu for inaugurating a Tax Review Committee , adding that the downturn review of tax and reduction of five percent on custom duties on some import items will surely have positive impact on the economy.

According to him, the issue of reviving the industries is one of the major factors that should be treated with urgency it deserves as a platform to create employment for teeming unemployed masses .

Kailani who noted that the issues of security is key to economic development, commended the President for appointing a man of good character such as Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the National Security Adviser,the suspension of CBN Governor.

Meanwhile, he urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recognize capable leaders from the various support groups in the Renewed Hope agenda for appointment into positions of authority.Noting that they have good understanding about the Renewed Hope agenda and could help in the proper implementation.

About the ordeal of the former Central Bank Governor, Kailani said , “The support groups called on Mr. President to shun the call by some lawyers for Emefiele to be released on grounds that he could run away.As far as we are concerned ,the Director General of DSS knows his job and should allowed to conclude his investigations.”

Stressing ,”The allegations of importation firearms is a grievous offence and such individual involved shouldn’t be released and must face the music. Those calling for his release are nothing but enemies of Nigeria who want anarchy and chaos to prevail.”

On the the 2023 election and the tribunal hearing , The Director General of the APC Support Groups explained: “We took pains to campaign to the electorate to vote for Tinubu and will not allow anyone to cancel it and order any rerun .We have taken our destinies in our hands and we are watching with hope that the court will do the right thing .

“The President scored the 25 percent required votes across 24 states out of 36 .FCT has never been an issue because it’s not a state .

“The argument of FCT as a factor to be won by Presidential candidate to validate his election does not hold water The argument surfaced in 1979 between late Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo on what constituted two-third majority of the 19 States then .The case was thrown out by the court as an insufficient grounds to void the election.

“We are therefore calling on the tribunal to throw out all the cases filed against APC and our current President.”

“The EU report and position on the elections shouldn’t distract the president from his dedication and commitment to reform and revive the Nigerian template.

“The unfounded and misplaced presentation by EU on the election should not distract Mr. President in his quest to reform and revive the Nigerian template.

“The EU should concentrate on global issues and should not be hell bent on installing its stooge for easy access to our richly endowed natural resources.

“We want to state here that Nigerians are for peace and don’t envisage some foreign imperialists to forment grounds that will lead us to war.As far as we are concerned,the only interest of external forces is to gain access to our resources ,in the event our centre can no longer hold.”

“We want to use this medium to call on our lawmakers to forget about bullet proof cars and work on security architecture to be able to move freely.”

Katsina Customs Vows to Punish Officers Involved in Shooting of Gov. Radda’s CoS

Katsina State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) may have owned up that its personnel shot at the Chief of Staff to Governor Dikko Radda, Alhaji Jabiru Tsauri.

The State Command’s Spokesperson SC Tahir Balarabe in a statement confirmed the incident when he said ,”Regrettably, the Command received with dismay the news of such an unfortunate incident and sympathize with the victim and the Katsina State Government. 

According to the statement, a full investigation is ongoing to unravel the immediate and remote course of the incident. 

Balarabe gave assurance  that “anyone found wanting will be made to face the full wrath of the law.”

Tsauri was shot at on Thursday 13th July 2023 along Gorar Yammama highway, Katsina State and narrowly escaped death. 

Though he escaped unhurt, his car was hit at three different spots, including the right rear tyre and body of the car,where Tsauri was seated.

A local online newspaper Katsina Post had quoted the Chief of Staff, saying his attackers wore hoods to cover their faces, adding that the assailants were later identified to be plain cloth Customs personnel.

However ,the State Customs Command  frowned at any form of unprofessionalism on the part of its officers, adding, “Our officers are well-trained in handling firearms and are expected to act by the rules of engagement spelt out in our book of instructions. 

“We assure all well-meaning Nigerians especially the good people and the government of Katsina State to go about their legitimate activities as the service will only sustain its onslaught against economic saboteurs and their accomplices while collecting maximum revenue that will be utilized for national development.”

Meanwhile, a highly placed official in Government House, Katsina, who craves anonymity has accused the Command of trying the cover up the incident. 

The official at the rank of a Director, said despite the assurance by the Customs to investigate and hold those accountable to face the full might of the law, “the Customs Authorities in Katsina obstruct the ongoing investigation into the audacious assassination attempt on the Chief of Staff to the Katsina State Governor. 

“Despite the unwavering dedication of the police, the culprits responsible for this heinous act remain at large due to the Command Services adamantly refusing to cooperate.”

He further  said ,“It is truly disheartening to discover that among the perpetrators, two individuals are civilians who are currently being shielded from justice by the very Customs Authorities who should uphold the law. Consequently, the Command Services in the State persists in withholding the suspects linked to the attempted murder of the Chief of Staff.”

Sen. Abu Kyari’s emergence As APC Ag. National Chairman Will Spur Party Unity – Comrade Musa Mohammed

The Coordinator All Progressives Congress (APC) New-Media Forum, Comrade Musa Mohammed, has said the emergence of Senator Abu Kyari as Acting National Chairman would engender peace and unity in the party.

In an interview with newsmen in Kaduna, Comrade Mohammed expressed delight at the emergence of Senator Abu Kyari who he said has the knowledge and leadership experience to serve as a formidable rallying point and compass that would stabilise and continue driving the party to another success ahead.

“I congratulate the new leader of our great party”

“As you prepare to embark on your new assignments as the national party leader, I wish you all the best. It is my hope that you will continue to work towards the ongoing reformation and repositioning of our great party.”

He urged on all officials and members of the party to give the new acting national chairman all the necessary support he requires to succeed.

He enjoined officials of the party to work assiduously and in synergy with stakeholders in ensuring that the party becomes a more formidable political platform that would strive to meet the democratic desires and aspirations of the people.

He pledged his unflinching support for the new acting national chairman.

NASS ultimatum: APC stalwart lampoons SERAP over bullet-proof vehicles

A stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC), Dr. Jibril Tafida has described as “treacherous unfairness”, the 7-day ultimatum given to the National Assembly to halt the planned N110billion purchase of bullet-proof cars.

In a media statement he issued Sunday night, Dr. Tafida said SERAP’s threat, as a “hitherto exceptionally respected governance watchdog is most unfortunate and devastating to those desirous of the best obtainable security and comfort for the federal parliamentarians who are the de facto producers of democratic governance and prosperity”.

Dr. Tafida expressed dismay over the stand of SERAP that the parliamentarians don’t deserve such class of security devices and basic comforts, ” in a country that, over the last decade, showed instances of parliamentarians being kidnapped and ransom paid for their release, a situation that substantially unsettled the operators of the engine room of democratic governance for the discharge of their duties and responsibilities as required by the law”.

He then stated that Distinguished Senators and Right Honorables, “completely exposed to the enduring storms of insecurity would imply that the entire over 260 million Nigerians and, therefore, the entire country, are completely insecure”.

He went on to say that foreign investors would be convincingly scared if the status quo is upheld, adding that “they would say, only a mad investor would hazard wasting his money in a country where even top echelon of governance can be kidnapped and or killed, as hawk feast on chicks”.

The APC stalwart said it was “most devastating to note that SERAP could not spew a bile, or chose not to do so for whatever reasons, over the hundreds of billions of Naira drained on the entire education sector with a pathetically incommensurate development to show”.

He lamented that SERAP rather “chose to make infantile suggestions on a project so vital to the prosperity of the country’s democracy as the security and comfort of the lawmakers.

“The ultimatum, therefore, only exposes SERAP’s treacherous unfairness against Nigeria’s federal parliament and, indeed, Nigerian democracy, as if it is doing a hatchet job. SERAP is goofing”, he added.

Late Bantex: NGO Embarks on Free Medical Outreach in Kaura LG 

Concerned about the rate of sickness bedeviling the people and prevailing economic hardships that made  it hard for them to afford medication at health facilities, an NGO ‘Second Chance Humanitarian Aid Foundation’ has embarked on free medical outreach in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

The two-day free medical outreach carried out at Bantex Center in Manchok  in memory of the late Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Barnabas Yusuf Bala Bantex, paid more attention on the treatment of hepatitis, the disease that claimed the life of the late Bantex two years ago, among other ailments.

Speaking shortly before the commencement of the exercise, the Executive Director of the NGO and the wife of the late Deputy Governor, Mrs Ladi Barnabas Bala Bantex said beside commemorating the demise of her husband, the medical exercise was also to extend a helping hand, especially to the less privileged who suffer from different ailments.

Mrs Bantex said humanitarian assistance is a legacy left behind by her late husband and that the family has taken it upon itself to sustain the good spirit for the good of all.

She encouraged especially those with hepatitis cases to endeavour to maintain the stipulated diet as advised by medical experts to minimize the impact of the disease on them. 

Mrs Bantex said the medical outreach targeted 250 people but the turnout was beyond the figure as people trooped in with different illnesses.

It was against this backdrop that she said the NGO will continue to sustain the outreach annually and urged other NGOs individuals and organisation that are capable to reach out to the needy regularly. 

While commending all those that have contributed to the success of the program, she stated that her NGO is ready to work in collaboration with any organization that will contribute to the provision of succor to the needy.

Earlier, one of the medical doctors, Dr. Yakubu gave general health tips that will help patients live a healthy life.

He said the outreach will dwell more on hepatitis B, and C in view of the danger they pose, eye challenges and also cases of malaria because of the season.

A cross section of patients who benefitted from the medical exercise expressed gratitude to the NGO for what they described as uncommon gesture.

NRM Guber Candidate In Imo Dr Lawrence Cole Okwara Gains More Traction

The political terrain in Imo State has opened up as a major challenger to Governor Hope Uzodinma and the All Progressive Congress ( APC ) has emerged in the run up to the November 11 Gubernatorial polls in the state .

The growing popularity of Lawrence Cole Okwara in Imo state by electorates is causing major concern to all the political players in
the upcoming election especially Governor Hope Uzodinma

The candidate of National Rescue Movement,( NRM) Okwara has been one of the younger generation in the political landscape of the state and the country with an impressive and intimidating career as a sports administrator, agent and a soccer coach. Dr.Okwara has invested over 30 years into sports administration home and abroad.

His impact in the lives of young Imolites is unmeasurable. He is one of the most successful sports managers in Africa who sponsored and mentors lots of the super Eagles players and employed and helped establish many Nigerians in South Africa were he had lived for over 30 years.

Similarly, he has invested much years and capital in politics at national level and state levels .Before becoming the Gubernatorial Candidate of Imo state under the NRM, he was the Diaspora Chairman of the NRM, a post he used to maximise the profile and financial status of the party .

Incidentally,as a former footballer, coach and administrator, the graduate of Boston College, the IMO born politician have discovered many talents in football, Volleyball and basket ball ensuring they got sponsorships to various schools overseas while plying their professions

As the November 11 polls in Imo inches closer, youths, women, farmers, business men and women have also inched their political preferences to the Governorship candidate of the NRM.
Okwara’s masterplan made available to by his chief strategist, Pastor Shedrach Oka, involves bringing technological development to Imo by ensuring digital training for youths and creating employment opportunities in that sector.

Oka revealed further that curbing graduate unemployment which have been a source of concern to successive governments in the state is a focal point that would be adequately tackled by an Okwara led government in Imo.
Using consortium of South Korean, Singaporean and Chinese companies, Oka added that graduates would be trained in agrobased field and given startup packs .

According to Oka, youths, women and the aged are well encased in Okwara’s masterplan for Imo nonetheless, care is being taken not to give out much to the advantage of other parties.

Tired of the endless circle of poverty, violence and government insensitivity, Imolites seem to have their eyes fixed on Dr.Okwara as credible alternative for good governance and democratic leadership

Mazi Anthony Odirra, a political commentator and native of Ahiara explained
“The people of Imo have lost hope in both the APC and PDP, as such they are willing to give Okwara a good chance to turn IMO state to

“Come November, I don’t see APC or PDP, I see Okwara and the NRM .

Bridget Udenta, an unemployed graduate of Imo State University was more succint, I will cast my vote for NRM because, there is nothing that the others parties have to offer to us the youths.

Alleged Certificate Forgery: Kaduna Senator Orders Leadership Newspapers to Retract Fake News , Apologise

…Demands N1b Damages

By Our Correspondent

The  Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone, Senator Lawal Adamu Usman has written Leadership Newspapers, demanding  immediate retraction of what he termed  libelous and defamatory fake news recently  published. 

The lawmaker also  filed for damages in the sum of N1,000,000,000 (One Billion Naira Only) against the  Newspapers for publishing the fake news, which he said was targeted to tarnish his image and reputation.

A copy of the letter of demand to the Leadership Newspapers by Senator Lawal Adamu Usman through his solicitors Messrs E. N. Ogbu & Associates as obtained by our correspondent reads in part: “we are Solicitors and Advocates of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, whose services have been retained by SENATOR LAWAL ADAMU USMAN to be further referred to as our “Client” having been strictly briefed to the effect that our Client’s attention has been drawn to a malicious newspaper publication caused by you on LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPERS dailies of 12th July, 2023 and captioned: “KADUNA SENATOR USED MY RESULT FOR VARSITY ADMISSION, WITNESS TELLS TRIBUNAL.”

The letter further stated; “According to our Client, the malicious contents of the said newspaper publication portrayed him as one,who made illegal and fraudulent use of a certificate belonging to one HALIMA IBRAHIM NDANUSA to gain admission into a university and further went on in the reportage to add that the said HALIMA IBRAHIM NDANUSA made the said piece of malicious information known in an appearance at the Election Petitions Tribunal while seeking for justice and prosecution of the offenders for using her results fraudulently as captured in Paragraphs 1, 2, and 10 of the online publication made available to us by our Client.” 

“The said HALIMA IBRAHIM NDANUSA was neither subpoenaed nor  present at the tribunal as confirmed by our correspondent.”

The Senator’s solicitors also stated that “our Client is of the firm contention that the veracity or otherwise of the entire reportage captioned herein are proceedings of a Tribunal,which are available to the general public as it relates to what transpired before the Tribunal in actual fact. Again, as unfair as the reportage could be, our Client was never called upon to hear his own version of what actually transpired.

“However, the procedure to obtain this facts were thrown to the wind with respect to the reportage in itself as same, according to our Client were a calculated effort to wickedly dent an image and status earned over the years by dint of hard work.”

“Our Client has suffered emotional and psychological trauma over the “fake news” printed to dent his hard earned reputation in the eyes of the public over an information that is not only false but inexistent. 

“And to make matters worst ,same unscrupulous information were carried by THISDAY NEWSPAPERS, a widely circulated media house in Nigeria and abroad without authenticating same in the first place. An action our Client considers severely damaging as no amount of money may remedy the humiliation and damage caused to his reputation as a result of the said reckless publication. 

“The Nigerian Government has times without numbers strictly warned the generality of the public against spreading what is now known to be “fake news.”

“TAKE NOTICE that if after 7 (seven) days of your receipt of this letter you fail, omit, refuse, and/or neglect to strictly act as follows:

(i) Formally retract the said libelous piece of information, which our Client considers defamatory of his person in your newspaper publication (online inclusive) and 2 (two) other National Dailies (online inclusive),

(ii) Formally apologize to our Client in writing with respect to the malicious piece of information carried by you on LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPERS which our Client considers defamatory of his person, and:

(iii) Pay unto our Client or unto us on behalf of our Client the sum of N1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira Only) as damages for the said defamatory piece of information/fake news made by you on the platform of LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPERS against our Client; We shall have no further recourse to you and equally not hesitate to commence legal actions with a view to pressing home our Client’s demands. 

Be warned! The letter reads.

PLOT TO DENT NFIU CEO TUKUR UNCOVERED

…As a staff indulges in name-dropping of the First Lady

A plot to sponsor false, damaging news stories online against the Director/CEO of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Mr. Modibbo Tukur has been uncovered.

Sources close to the financiers of the damaging propaganda disclosed that the plotters have already given cash backing of the contract to the editors and managers of a “fringe online newspaper known as Quest Times for onward distribution to other willing online newspapers”.

The source also explained why the office of the NFIU helmsman has become the target of the plotters and their alliance with Quest Times: ” The head of NFIU, which is the prime agency in Nigeria responsible for combating money laundering and terrorism financing is a very strategic position and has international impact on the country’s global image and ranking, being a member of the prestigious Egmont Group of FIUs.”
Another source revealed that the The Quest Times.com has of late “managed to line-up false and damaging news series containing cooked up allegations and accusations against Mr. Modibbo Tukur as the incumbent Director/CEO of NFIU who has less than 6 months remaining of his tenure.”

The source further explained this: “The reason for these allegations is not hidden from discerning minds as it is to pave way for the sacking of the Director/CEO.
We were reliably informed that Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of Redeem Christian Church of God is pushing for the appointment of one Mrs. Biola Shotande (a member of his church) and a staff of NFIU to take over from the incumbent, contrary to public service protocols, as she is not the most senior staff of the agency.”

Explaining further, the source pointed out that “Pastor Adeboye is said to be soliciting for the assistance of the First Lady Mrs. Remi Tinubu (who is also a pastor of the church) in his venture.

“Mrs Biola Shotande is rumoured to have reached out to some former staff of the NFIU in a bid to get them back to the Unit to assist her run the agency upon her appointment hoping the current NFIU boss would be sacked. Whilst some declined her offer, others agreed, pending when she takes over.”

An anonymous source that corroborated the insider dealings said: “Strangely, amongst those former staff she reached out to were two of the staff dismissed by the Unit allegedly for unethical practices, and whose dismissal was affirmed by the Court of Appeal.”

Already, a cross-section of industry players are disturbed by the rumoured pendency of the dismissal of Mr. Modibbo Tukur and appointment of Mrs. Biola Shotande, since it portends grave danger for Nigeria’s financial system, as the international community of AML/CFT will frown at such action, especially now that Nigeria is under the FATF ‘Grey List’. There are also fears that in the event of unwarranted dismissal of the NFIU boss, the Egmont Group will suspend Nigeria’s memebership because security of tenure of Heads of FIUs is held very serious by the body.

Reports have it that Mrs. Biola Shotande has been parading herself as the de-facto Director/CEO of NFIU, boasting that the first lady has assured her of the appointment and her name submitted to DSS for screening.

For now, industry players are restless, considering that no serious infraction has been established against the incumbent.