Zamfara West Senator, Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, has extended warm felicitations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on his 73rd birthday, describing him as a beacon of hope, progress, and democratic values in Nigeria.

In a goodwill message, Senator Yari reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Renewed Hope Agenda, commending Tinubu’s steadfast commitment to national development, peace, and stability. He prayed for the President’s continued strength and agility to navigate the nation towards prosperity.

“As you continue to steer the ship of leadership, be assured of my support, prayers, and commitment to the ideals your government represents,” Yari stated.

He also lauded Tinubu’s leadership legacy, urging Nigerians to rally behind the administration to achieve sustainable growth and democratic consolidation.

The message, signed by Yari—who holds the titles Marafan Sokoto and Shettiman Zamfara—reflects the growing support for the Tinubu-led government within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and beyond.

A political pressure group, Action Collective, (AC), has called for the immediate resignation of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen, to allow for an impartial investigation into allegations against the Senate President.

The group said their continued stay in office could compromise the integrity of any probe.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, the National Coordinator of the group, Dr. Onimisi Ibrahim, expressed concern over the handling of the sexual harassment case filed against Senator Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, particularly following the recent withdrawal of Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The judge, who was presiding over the case, reportedly stepped down due to immense pressure, a situation the group described as “deeply troubling and a threat to judicial independence.”

According Action Collective, the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee, which should play a crucial role in investigating the allegations, cannot be trusted under the leadership of Senator Imasuen, given his political ties to the Senate President.

“The only way to ensure a fair and transparent process is for both Akpabio and Imasuen to step aside and allow an independent inquiry to take place,” the group stated.

The pressure group further warned that the credibility of the National Assembly was at stake, emphasizing that Nigerians were watching closely.

“A legislature that cannot uphold ethical standards and protect victims of misconduct loses the moral right to perform oversight functions on the executive and judiciary,” the statement read.

It added that failure to act decisively on the matter could erode public trust in the Senate.

The group also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to shield the Senate President from scrutiny, describing the developments surrounding the case as a calculated attempt to silence Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

It called on civil society organizations and pro-democracy groups to demand accountability from the leadership of the Senate and ensure that justice is not obstructed.

The Kaduna Good Governance Forum (KGGF) is calling out former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his Commissioners for spreading falsehoods about Kaduna’s revenue generation.

El-Rufai claimed that the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) decreased from N7 billion to N2 billion monthly under Governor Uba Sani’s administration.

However, the KGGF in Statement signed by the Secretary, Comrade Tijanni Usman presented records showing that Kaduna State generated ₦62.41 billion in 2023, with the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) contributing 77.1% (₦48.13 billion). In 2024, the IGR increased by 12.5% to ₦70.22 billion, with KADIRS contributing 73.8% (₦51.87 billion) of the total revenue.

The forum attributed the improvement to Governor Uba Sani’s prioritization of robust revenue sector reforms, including the introduction of an electronic portal for revenue collection. This has helped surpass the best years under El-Rufai’s administration.

“The available records reveal that between January and February 2025 alone, ₦14.16 billion was collected proving that revenue mobilization under Uba Sani is not only stable, but growing.

“It’s worth noting that Governor Uba Sani’s administration has been recognized for its efforts in revenue generation.”it stated .

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Kaduna State was ranked as the leading revenue-generating state in Northern Nigeria in 2023, with an impressive N62.48 billion in IGR .

We make bold to say the allegations of secret N100 million withdrawals from the IGR account is nothing short of another falsehood peddled by a drowning man.

El-Rufai and his cohorts in bid to pull down Governor Uba Sani have resorted deliberate attempt to sponsor falsehood and paint a gloomy picture about the good efforts of his predecessor, who is working tirelessly to reverse all his bad deeds while in office .

By Sandra Ukeredi

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is facing intense criticism for its recent ‘Dollars for Crude’ policy, which has been condemned by the Centre for Energy Development and Economic Sustainability (CEDES) as a deliberate attempt to cripple local refineries and sustain Nigeria’s dependence on fuel imports ¹.

Dr. Umar Sani, Executive Director of CEDES, accused the NNPCL of prioritizing foreign exchange gains over the survival of local refiners. The Naira-for-Crude arrangement had ensured steady crude supply to Nigerian refineries, saved the government huge amounts in foreign exchange, and allowed for reinvestment in critical infrastructure ¹.

The controversy surrounding the policy has sparked concerns among petroleum marketers, who have started adjusting pump prices accordingly. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) warned that marketers might begin selling petrol in US dollars if Dangote Refinery insists on foreign currency transactions ¹.

This could lead to higher fuel prices, petrol scarcity, worsening inflation, and further hardship for Nigerians. CEDES warned that the NNPCL’s latest move could have severe consequences for the Nigerian economy and called on the federal government to immediately reverse the policy and uphold the Naira-for-Crude system to support local refining and economic stability ¹.

The decision to stop the naira-based crude supply might lead to volatility in the foreign exchange (FX) market, thereby eroding recent gains, according to market analysts. This could further exacerbate the economic challenges facing Nigeria ¹.

In October 2024, the federal executive council (FEC) approved the allocation of 450,000 barrels of crude intended for domestic consumption to be sold in naira to Nigerian refineries, with the Dangote refinery serving as a pilot project. However, the national oil firm has been accused of consistently failing to meet the allocation ¹.

The Dangote refinery has expressed concerns over the NNPC’s inability to supply adequate crude oil. Edwin Devakumar, the vice-president of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), described the NNPC’s supply as “peanuts” ¹.

The controversy surrounding the ‘Dollars for Crude’ policy has highlighted the need for a sustainable and stable energy policy in Nigeria. The federal government must carefully consider the implications of this policy and take decisive action to support local refineries and economic stability.

The NNPCL’s move has also raised concerns about the potential impact on the Nigerian economy, particularly in terms of inflation and foreign exchange volatility. As the situation unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the government responds to the crisis.

In the meantime, petroleum marketers are bracing themselves for the potential consequences of the policy change. The IPMAN has warned that the move could lead to a shortage of petroleum products, which would have a devastating impact on the economy.

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the NNPCL’s ‘Dollars for Crude’ policy has sparked a fierce backlash, and the government must act quickly to address the concerns of stakeholders and mitigate the potential damage to the economy.

By Nnamdi Agu

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a prominent Igbo sociocultural organization, has condemned recent allegations against Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The organization described the allegations as malicious and unfounded, urging all stakeholders to support Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, emphasized that INEC’s credibility and neutrality have improved significantly, making it essential for all stakeholders to support the commission. He noted that the allegations are a deliberate fabrication designed to incite chaos and destabilize the electoral landscape.

Isiguzoro also expressed concern over reports of clandestine plans by unprincipled politicians to exploit the ongoing political crisis between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. He stated that such maneuvers are designed to orchestrate chaos and manipulate the public narrative surrounding Professor Yakubu and his pivotal role at INEC.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for improvements in INEC’s independence, credibility, and transparency. The organization believes that Professor Yakubu’s initiatives to reshape INEC for efficient electoral reform should not be undermined by orchestrated, faceless groups.

Isiguzoro emphasized the importance of supporting Professor Yakubu and his dedicated team at INEC. He called upon all Nigerians, regardless of partisan affiliation, to rise in defense of the country’s institutions, denounce falsehoods, and ensure that INEC’s integrity remains sacrosanct.

In a related development, Ohanaeze Ndigbo had previously cautioned INEC against losing the confidence of Nigerian voters, urging the commission to ensure credible elections ¹.

By Suleiman Abbah
In a poignant gesture of solidarity, the president of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Yerima Shetima, recently extended his condolences to Yusuf Zelani, the former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, following the death of his stepmother, Hajiya Fatima. This visit, while rooted in personal loss, serves as a significant reminder of the interconnectedness of community, leadership, and the collective responsibility to support one another during times of grief. It also highlights the ongoing dialogue about governance and societal progress in Northern Nigeria.
Shetima’s visit underscores the importance of community support in times of mourning. By reaching out to Zelani, he not only expresses empathy but also reinforces the bonds that tie leaders and their constituents together. In a region often beset by challenges, such gestures are vital in fostering unity and resilience. Zelani’s acknowledgment of his stepmother’s passing as “an act of God” reflects a broader cultural understanding of life, death, and the inevitability of fate, reminding us that while loss is personal, it is also a shared experience that can bring communities closer.
Furthermore, Shetima used the occasion to commend the government for its recent efforts in improving the nation’s economy. His assertion that “we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel” is both a hopeful and realistic perspective on the current state of affairs in Nigeria. The acknowledgment of the government’s strides in enhancing security and food supply is crucial, especially in a region that has faced significant socio-economic challenges. By recognizing these efforts, Shetima encourages a spirit of patience and support for the government, suggesting that collective perseverance is necessary for achieving long-term stability and growth.
The call for patience and continued support for the government is particularly relevant in today’s political climate. As Shetima notes, the initial complaints and frustrations experienced by the populace are understandable, but they must be balanced with an acknowledgment of the positive changes taking place. This duality of criticism and commendation is essential for a healthy democratic process, wherein leaders are held accountable while also being encouraged to continue their development efforts.
Shetima’s remarks about the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum’s commitment to holding leaders accountable resonate deeply within the context of Northern Nigeria’s challenges. By commending President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for their development initiatives, Shetima emphasizes the importance of leadership that is responsive to the needs of its people. The challenges facing Northern Nigeria are multifaceted, and it is imperative that leaders not only address these issues but also engage with the youth, who represent the future of the region.
Zelani’s expression of gratitude for Shetima’s visit reinforces the notion that leadership is not solely about governance but also about community engagement and personal connections. His reflection on being part of the larger AYCF, even when not physically present at meetings, speaks to the shared responsibility that all members of society have in supporting one another. This sentiment is vital for fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, which is essential for overcoming the socio-political obstacles facing Northern Nigeria.
The condolence visit by Yerima Shetima to Yusuf Zelani encapsulates the essence of community solidarity in the face of personal loss. It serves as a reminder that leadership is not just about political power but also about empathy, accountability, and the collective journey towards progress. As Nigeria navigates its path towards improvement, it is crucial for leaders and citizens alike to remain patient, supportive, and engaged in the ongoing dialogue about development and governance. Through such collaborative efforts, there is hope for a brighter future for Northern Nigeria, one where unity and resilience prevail.

*Fixes Tuesday March 25 to address contemptuous act

A pressure group, Action Collective has asked Nigerians to disregard speculation making the rounds regarding a non-existing order vacating the earlier order against the Senate in the ongoing case involving Senator Natasha Uduaghan.

The group said a Federal High Court in Abuja Abuja had rather clarified that it never vacated its earlier order restraining the Senate from subjecting Senator Natasha Uduaghan to investigation over the alleged sexual harassment against the Senate President Goodwill Akpabio.

The group said the court did not consider the Plaintiff’s application for mandatory injunction invoking its disciplinary jurisdiction but prioritised the motion of the Senate which was only filed on Monday the 17th day of March, 2025.

A Kogi based group while debunking the rumour through a statement Thursday in Abuja, said that order was subsisting.

A section of the media had erroneously reported that the restraining order against the Senate Committee on Ethics had been vacated.

The group said while the Senate, in spite of the restraining order, went ahead to sit and tried Natasha leading to the pronouncement of her six months suspension.

“They equally filed an application which was vehemently opposed by the Plaintiff’s counsel, Michael Numa SAN, who emphasized the contemptuous actions of the Senate in defying the Court’s orders.

“Numa argued that the Senate was not entitled to any further orders from the same Court it had disrespected.

“After standing down the matter for a few hours the Judge returned to deliver a ruling, offering clarification on the scope of Order 4. And contrary to the interpretation sought by the 2nd Defendant (Senate) that the order (restraining order)was meant to halt the entire legislative function of the Senate, the Court noted that from the material before it that the National Assembly has been carrying out its legislative functions without an hindrance.

“The Court went further to clarify that owing to the varying interpretations of the order, it will set aside the consequential aspects of Order 4 which was simply meant to give effect to the predicate orders.”

The group declared that contrary to false reports circulating,”the Court did not set aside Orders 1, 2, or 3, which included orders restraining the Senate’s Ethics Committee from continuing with its investigation into the Plaintiff’s alleged conduct while the Motion for a Interlocutory injunction remained pending.

“Additionally, the Court did not reverse its directive for the Defendants to show cause within 72 hours or overturn the order to maintain the status quo ante bellum.

“The Court’s decision only involved the clarification of Order 4, due to the differing interpretations of it by the Defendants.

“The matter was subsequently adjourned to March 25, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications including the substantive dispute.

“We use this medium to assure the general public that justice shall prevail even as we ask the general public to disregard the misinformation in circulation,” the Kogi group clarified.

Mike Odeh James

Ahead of the 2027 elections, hundreds of members of market associations and numerous women groups in Kaduna state at the weekend, occupied Kaduna metropolis in a peaceful demonstration where they reiterated their loyalty and support to the administration of Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The protesters who alleged that they had bitter experiences during the El-Rufa’i administration, said they would remain where Governor Uba Sani stood and advised the citizens of Kaduna not to be deceived by doing the contrary.

They recounted their ordeals during the 8 years of the previous administration, alleging that hundreds of market shops belonging to individuals were either seized, demolished or confiscated, a situation that triggered ill health in many traders and business owners leading to paralysis and multiple deaths of their colleagues.

“We’ve been in the market for over 40 years and have never experienced the kind of set backs we suffered under the previous Governor.”

“A lot of lives were lost, a lot of finances were ruined by reason of his kind of policies. We are here to speak with one voice and say that anything that would kind of revive such kind of philosophy in Kaduna market, we don’t want it,” Daniel Audu Maigari, a stakeholder of the Kaduna Market associations, has said.

He explained that “this incumbent Governor began by healing the wounds, the wounds that were really severed by the former Governor. Governor Uba Sani has been doing so, so very well and that’s why we’ve been with our leader, Alhaji Abdurrahman Mohammed, who like Governor Sani, has been charting the right course, ensuring programmes and plans that will heal these wounds.”

He said there was never a time they are having the impact of leadership in Kaduna market, like they are having now.

“Now we’ve lots of incentives, lots of policies that are driving us to progress. We are now standing with one voice to denounce anything that would reverse this,” he said.

Alhaji Daiyabu Ismail Mai Gwanjo, Chairman Stakeholders of the Kaduna State Market Traders associations, said on behalf of their leader, Alhaji Abdurrahman Mohammed, his EXCO and all trader leaders in the 23 Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, they have gathered to unilaterally declare an unalloyed support to Governor Uba Sani who had taken care of them and protected their interests.

According to him, “we have to say so, haven had the harrowing experience in the hands of the past administration. The scar still remains and many are yet to recover.”

“But when Almighty Allah sent Governor Uba Sani to us, he declared he would not do anything bad to traders because the world thrives on businesses. All the most cherished countries like China, Canada, UAE, India, are very proud of and supportive to their traders and other business persons.”

“Unfortunately, we found ourselves during the previous administration that neither showed empathy nor sympathy to traders. An approximate number of 36 markets were demolished at that time. None of these markets was completely rebuilt, till date, and we are suspicious of the collaboration between the previous administration and the market developers.”

“We are therefore calling on Governor Uba Sani, our Governor of sympathy and understanding, to look at this issue with a view to resolving it. We are with Uba Sani a hundred percent,” he added.

Hajiya Hadiza Abdulaziz, a woman leader of the market association, said they have gathered in multitudes to reiterate their support to the APC and Governor Uba Sani who has tremendously supported the market men and women in Kaduna State.

“Most of the market women had no shops because the shops were collected. But now we give God the glory everybody has gotten their shops back and nobody will collect it again,” she said.

She expressed happiness that those making the market women not achieve had left the party and government.

“We’ve been crying, a lot of market women don’t have capital, they have been deceiving us. But now, I believe Governor Uba Sani is going to assist us,” she added.

The protesters later took to the streets, displaying placards with various inscriptions denouncing the previous arrangements, and chanting slogans in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Uba Sani, and the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The protesters marched through the streets, showcasing their solidarity with the current administration.

Their message was clear: they stand with Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The demonstration was peaceful, with no incidents reported.

The market associations and women groups have made their stance clear, pledging their support to the APC and the current administration.

Their voices were heard loud and clear, echoing through the streets of Kaduna.

Musa Radda

…

It has been reliably gathered that Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has distributed a total of 50 million naira to former governors and deputy governors of the state in the spirit of Ramadan

The Secretary to Government of Zamfara State (SSG) Abubakar Nakwada was quoted to have disclosed this in an informal discussion said, former Governor Ahmed Rufai Sani Bakura received N15 million, while former Governor Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi was also given N15 million. Additionally, former deputy governors, Muktar Ahmed Anka and Ibrahim Wakala Muhammad, each received N10 million.

However, sources suggest that the payments were made with the aim of garnering political support, particularly from opposition figures.

Although the distribution has sparked criticism from residents, especially considering the widespread poverty and hunger in Zamfara State.

Many are particularly surprised that former Governor Bakura, who played a key role in the introduction of Sharia law in Zamfara and Nigeria, would accept such a sum in a time of hardship.

Some of the resident recalled that former Governor Bakura amputated a man convicted of stealing and now he is receiving money he never worked for which is equal to stealing and should be subjected to same treatment.

Some residents, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, criticized the Governor for what they saw as a misuse of public funds in the pursuit of his own political ambitions.

“Those claiming to be in other political parties are undermining their integrity by accepting such payments. They have shown they cannot be trusted,” one resident remarked.

Another resident expressed disbelief over Bakura’s involvement, saying, “It’s shocking that former Governor Bakura, who introduced Sharia in Zamfara and Nigeria, would accept money when the people of the state are suffering from extreme poverty and hunger.”

Some of the residents claimed that this is against Sharia law and the beneficiaries should be subjected to the law accordingly.

The SSG Nakwada disbursed the money to the former Governors and deputy Governors in conjunction with the State Commissioner for Budget, Abdulmalik Gajam, who is also a son inlaw to former Governor Bakura.

The Commissioner of Budget it was further gathered confirmed the transactions in yet another informal gathering.

ENDS