Jane Ado

….

The Arewa Defenders Forum has warned Obono-Obla, a former Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Prosecutions to steer clear of former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari and instead face his criminal charges of falsification, forgery of school results and misappropriation of public funds.

The Defenders Forum was reacting to Obono-Obla’s recent comments that Abdulaziz Yari, a front runner in the Senate Presidency race, should be disciplined before he scatters the All Progressives Congress (APC)

A statement by the Forum’s Chairman, Lawal Waziri Bako said Obono-Obla currently on bail on account of charges of forgery, certificate falsification and other corruption-related charges, ought to see himself as grossly incompetent to remark on other personalities or even on any national issue.

“For a person charged with dishonestly” forging a General Certificate of Education, Ordinary Level, May/June 1982 (GCE) Statement of Result with candidate No: 09403/247 showing an O’Level credit (6) score for Literature in English and using same “as genuine”, to study Law for the 1985/86 academic session in the University of Jos (UNIJOS), to now venture comments on respected personalities like Yari, is certainly the peak of shameless rascality,” the Defenders Forum said.

The Forum noted that the result falsification and forgery charges are part of 10 counts, charges against Obono-Obla which include corruption allegations instituted against him by the ICPC at the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 1, 2020.”We cannot forget how Obono-Obla, his former Senior Assistant, Special Duties (Protocol), Aliyu Ibrahim, and the Managing Director of ABR Global Petroleum Resources Ltd, Daniel Omughele Efe, charged as co-defendants and subsequently, granted bail by the court in the sum of N1 million, with one surety.

“Records available to the public also show how President Muhammadu Buhari suspended Mr Obono-Obla from his position as the chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel (SPIP) for the Recovery of Public Property, based on ICPC report accusing him of “falsification of records and financial impropriety” in August 2019.

“About a month later, on September 17, 2019, the President disbanded the SPIP, ordered the ICPC to conclude its investigations, send its final report to him, and prosecute Mr Obono-Obla, who was also the President’s special adviser and prosecutions.

“In the charges subsequently filed against him, the ICPC alleged, among others, that Mr Obono-Obla, his former Senior Assistant, Special Duties Ibrahim, Aliyu Ibrahim, and the Managing Director of ABR Global Petroleum Resources Ltd, Daniel Omughele Efe, conspired in 2018 and to use their offices to confer an unfair advantage on Mr Ibrahim by allegedly diverting N19,994,185 received from the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to furnish SPIP offices.

“ICPC said in another count that Obono-Obla, around July 2018 in Abuja, as SPIP Chairman “failed to attend/honour an invitation” by ICPC for an investigation, contrary to Section 28(1)(a) and (6) and punishable under section 28(10) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000,” the Forums Chairman, Bako recalled.

The Forum said Obono-Obla an inconsequential factor in the politics of his state who could not be trusted to become Senator in his state should ordinarily be hiding his face in shame and not making unfounded remarks against leaders who have clear record of being trusted and elected to various positions at various times.

Andrew Ijogi

A group under the auspices of Justice and Equity in Nigeria(JEN) has condemned Zamfara Governor, Mohammed Matawalle’s use of rumours of a study leave of CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele for what it described as “Matawalle’s cheap media propaganda”.

A statement issued in Kano by the group’s Coordinator Musa Ibrahim noted that while the incoming APC government led by Senator Bola Tinubu is working round the clock with other governors to boost the fortunes of Nigeria, “the Zamfara Governor is busy upgrading cheap rumour by issuing a Press Statement to further fuel falsehood”.

The statement also accused Governor Matawalle of trying to “divert attention from burning issue of unpaid salaries in his State and failure to secure governorship for the APC.”

The group challenged Matawalle to tell the world if there was Kidnapping in his State at the time CBN Governor “suffocated kidnappers of funds, through cashless policy”.

The Statement argued that the Zamfara governor was clearly out to promote two agenda: divert public attention from his inability to pay workers salary, failure to deliver the governorship seat for the APC and pursuits of White Elephant projects.

The group called on President-elect Bola Tinubu to “ignore the rantings and distractions of people like Matawalle, and continue concentrating on policies and programmes under the Renewed Hope mantra”.

Abdul Dogo

….

South East Unity Movement has implored the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to be neutral in the selection process of the principal officers of the National Assembly.

The group also cautioned politicians against uttering insidious remarks capable of causing ethic division and violence.Its Chairman, Godwish Kuruma Obi, in a statement, yesterday, noted that the South East would not fold its arms and watch, those he called ‘greedy politicians’ stock unnecessary regional tensions that would potentially affect our investments all across the country.

“The South-East Unity Movement is deeply worried by the direction the country is being pushed by power hungry regionalist politicians over the issue of selection of leaders and officers of the 10th National Assembly.

“We find it unfortunate that people who are supposed to be distinguished gentlemen and women trusted with mandates by their constituencies would find it difficult to form leadership for themselves and by themselves without unnecessary interference by vested interests.

“The South-East, in spite of the strident cries of marginalisation in the way the nation is structured and operated is however more committed to sustainable peace than all the other sections of the country.

“This implies that the South-East would not fold its arms and watch greedy politicians stock unnecessary regional tensions that would potentially affect our investments all across the country.“We therefore urge politicians to tread with caution and play by the rules with fairness to all sections of the country devoid of dangerous preconditions and sinister motives.

“We call on political party structures particularly the party in power to allow the three organs of government to exercise their constitutionally demarcated roles unhindered.“The National Working Committee of the APC is therefore cautioned against continuous meddling with the leadership affairs with the constitutionally and democratically independent and autonomous legislative arm of government.

“We also caution the President-elect not to be dragged into counterproductive, self-serving conflicts over the NASS leadership. He should take the path of honour by maintaining neutrality and insisting on democratic processes,” he said.

….

South East Unity Movement has implored the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to be neutral in the selection process of the principal officers of the National Assembly.

The group also cautioned politicians against uttering insidious remarks capable of causing ethic division and violence.Its Chairman, Godwish Kuruma Obi, in a statement, yesterday, noted that the South East would not fold its arms and watch, those he called ‘greedy politicians’ stock unnecessary regional tensions that would potentially affect our investments all across the country.

“The South-East Unity Movement is deeply worried by the direction the country is being pushed by power hungry regionalist politicians over the issue of selection of leaders and officers of the 10th National Assembly.

“We find it unfortunate that people who are supposed to be distinguished gentlemen and women trusted with mandates by their constituencies would find it difficult to form leadership for themselves and by themselves without unnecessary interference by vested interests.

“The South-East, in spite of the strident cries of marginalisation in the way the nation is structured and operated is however more committed to sustainable peace than all the other sections of the country.

“This implies that the South-East would not fold its arms and watch greedy politicians stock unnecessary regional tensions that would potentially affect our investments all across the country.“We therefore urge politicians to tread with caution and play by the rules with fairness to all sections of the country devoid of dangerous preconditions and sinister motives.

“We call on political party structures particularly the party in power to allow the three organs of government to exercise their constitutionally demarcated roles unhindered.“The National Working Committee of the APC is therefore cautioned against continuous meddling with the leadership affairs with the constitutionally and democratically independent and autonomous legislative arm of government.

“We also caution the President-elect not to be dragged into counterproductive, self-serving conflicts over the NASS leadership. He should take the path of honour by maintaining neutrality and insisting on democratic processes,” he said.

The much anticipated prestigious National Daily Awards will hold on Friday May 12, 2023, at the Grand BallRoom of Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, with former President, Olusegun Obasanjo as Special Guest of Honour and keynote Speaker, under the chairmanship of Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi.

The National Daily Awards is a celebration of excellence in various sectors of the Nigerian economy and life. 

“We will be honoring outstanding achievers in public and private sectors, as well as presenting Lifetime Achievement Awards to exceptional individuals in business, politics, sports and entertainment”, reads a statement signed by Sylvester Ebhodaghe, Editor-in-Chief of National Daily Newspapers. 

The statement further said that the IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, will receive the National Daily’s Man of the Year Award at the event, alongside other eminent professional individuals and organisations.

The statement reads: “Other award recipients include Prince Nduka Obaigbena CON of ARISE News/THISDAY Newspaper, to be conferred with African Media Entrepreneur Icon of the Decade Award; Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, Governor of The Year; Governor Olusola Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Innovation and Infrastructure Governor of the Year; Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, Lifetime Achievement. 

“Leo Stan Eke, Development Icon of the Decade (ICT); Alhaji Aliko Dangote, African Business Personality of the Decade; Umaru Dambatta, Public Sector Personality of the Decade; Prof. Mike Ozekhome SAN, Hero of Human Rights Defence; Sen Ifeanyi Ubah, Lawmaker of the Year (Senate); Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro of Delta State, Outstanding Peace Builder of the Year; NYSC, Most Strategic Government Establishment of the Decade; LSSTF, Most Strategic Government Support Initiative of the Year (State); Allen Onyema, Hero’s Award; including 10 Outstanding NYSC Members, among others that have distinguished themselves in their trade in both the public and private sectors in Nigeria. The award would remain one of the memorable events of the year”.

The great Confluence State of Kogi is on the March again, seeking a worthy and an inclusive Governor as the Alhaji Yahaya Bello era winds down in a few months. This time the challenge before the people of Kogi State is the call for a broad-based Kogi where Christians are given a sense of belonging as well as Muslims and people of other religious bent.

Our Dear State is a Multi-ethnic, Multi-lingual and a Multi-religious one. It is the melting-pot of all that defines the Nigerian State. It is the first political capital of Nigeria, and by Jove should set the pace for genuine inclusiveness in governance.

We have witnessed a plethora of debate ranging from how many Igala people have governed Kogi to how many Ebira people or Okun people have governed Kogi. Sadly this debate has left unaddressed the major issues of Faith and Religion.

Yes the Okun people have a valid call for a shot at the Governorship, but even more compelling and challenging is the fact that no Christian has ever been elected Governor of Kogi State.

Kogi as a Multi-religious State must now live true to what it says on paper. It is time for Kogi to give to her Christians a true sense of belonging, and it is time for Kogi stakeholders and the political class to give to the Christian population a hand of fellowship.

Our call is not only about religious inclusiveness, it is about sustaining the present trajectory of Youths in governance, and above all about competency, capacity and commitment to the common good.

To the great people of Kogi we present an effective and efficient Igala son, an erudite Lawyer, and very importantly one who has the competency, the capacity, the compassion and the requisite commitment necessary to turn Kogi State around for good.

Barrister Okeme Adejo is the choice of the broadest class of the Kogi demography, the Youths, he connects with Muslims, Christians and Traditionalists being the scion of one of the most effective Women Leader in the history of Kogi State. Okeme combines a great strength of character with a deep sense of humility and respect for Elders.

Okeme holds the Labour Party Governorship Ticket, he is a foremost Obidient and a Leader in every sense of the word. Barrister Adejo Okeme is not only an Igala, he is an illustrious son of Kogi committed to building a Kogi State where all ethnicities have a true sense of brotherhood and belonging. He is a devout Christian with huge commitment to building a great Kogi where the freedom of worship is sustained and members of various faiths given the opportunity to reach their fullest potentials.

Okeme is the question-mark on the conscience of a State that must do right. He is the olive-branch ready to truly unite a State replete with people of variegated tendencies. He comes with an uncommon cord of brotherhood and love, and he will create a great Kogi where inclusiveness is of primacy. To all well-meaning and progressive minded Kogites we present Barrister Okeme Adejo.

We shall in due course present to our Dear people of Kogi State the laudable agenda and Manifesto of Barrister Okeme.

We hereby call on the high and the mighty, the low and the struggling, the women and our mothers, the Young and the old to join hands with us as we accelerate the call for the next Governor of Kogi to be a Christian of Igala descent, and above all one with great competency, character, capacity, compassion and commitment to the common good.

To Kogi State and a nation in dire need of Justice, Inclusiveness and oneness, we present Barrister Okeme Adejo.

Abubakar Haruna
Concerned Citizens For Justice And Inclusion In Kogi.

*Says 80% of corrupt politicians will be beneficiaries of Asiwaju’s presidency

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Timi Frank, has faulted Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s claim that he will make corruption unattractive, especially in the Judiciary.

Frank, who described such statement as a lie, noted that the former Lagos state governor do not possess the capacity and ability to fight corruption in the Judiciary.

Tinubu, while speaking in Port Harcourt, during the inauguration of a Magistrate Courts Complex built by the Governor Nyesom Wike administration, reportedly promised to make corruption unattractive.

Responding in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, Timi Frank said Tinubu’s track record on corruption fights is abysmal.

According to Frank, It is an insult to the sensibility of majority of Nigerians, that Tinubu who has been linked to several corrupt practices, including the famous bullion van episode, will suddenly become the anti corruption czar.

He said: “A man who’s unable to answer questions on the activities of the Alpha Beta company and several other properties linked to him, obviously do not posses the prerequisites to fight corruption.

“It is however ironic that Tinubu, whose political career is peppered with allegations of corruption, would try to position himself as a champion of anti-corruption, only aimed at fooling the gullible.

“Of utmost importance is the caliber of persons currently hobnobbing around the president elect for one favor or another. These individuals who are busy outwitting one another, all in a bid to grab juicy government portfolios with statutory immunity, may all have a case or more to answer with the anti graft agencies. These characters who are currently vying for leadership positions in all arms of government, including the Executive, Legislature, and the Judiciary will most likely be cleared for public service, thereby joepadizing the fight against corruption ab initio.

The Bayelsa born political activist believed that the incoming administration, if confirmed by the judiciary, will habour many politicians of questionable characters giving them a safe haven to operate.

“A closer look at these individuals reveals that they are made of high net worth personalities who may have previously been convicted of crimes, or currently facing investigations or prosecution by the EFCC and other sister anti graft agencies.

“The jostle for the position of the Senate President by one of the leading contenders is a clear testimony to the fact. It is therefore pertinent to ascertain whether Tinubu’s potential administration will be comprised by these glaring associations.

“Consequently, the statement credited to the former Lagos state governor in Port Harcourt is laughable, given that the facts prove otherwise as clearly evident by the current realities.

“It’s worthy to note that Tinubu, whose ruling party campaigned on an anti-corruption mantra will suddenly drive an anti-corruption fight when even the incumbent President, who has no known history of corruption is unable to tackle the menace, rather the corruption index has risen exponentially under this administration.”

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, furthermore added that it will be difficult to take Tinubu’s words on fighting corruption seriously.

He said: “Evidence of corruption linked to his interests continues to surface, as even the recently concluded general elections were grossly compromised. Tinubu should note that he’s yet to be sworn in and should focus his attention on the pending cases challenging the legitimacy of his victory at the polls rather than making any such promises on an illegality pending before the tribunal.

“Lastly as a nation seeking a change, we must demand accountability from our leaders, regardless of their party affiliation. We cannot afford to remain silent whilst corruption continues to plague our democracy. Those who seek to lead us, must henceforth show by their actions that they are committed to a corrupt-free Nigeria.”

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Friday, urged the Justices of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) to be guided by integrity, truth and fear of God in the discharge of their crucial national assignment.

Frank in a statement in Abuja reminded the five Justices of the court to be mindful of the great expectation of Nigerians who see them as the last hope in redressing discontent that emanated from obvious manipulation and rigging of the February 25, 2023, Presidential election.

He urged them to painstakingly sift the petitions before them, examine arguments for and against made by petitioners and defendants and unbiased reach a decision based on facts and unassailable truth.

He warned them against resort to legal technicalities in taking their final decisions, saying such an action is capable of completely eroding the confidence reposed in the judiciary by the oppressed and marginalized petitioners whose electoral mandates have been brazenly stolen.

Frank said: “As the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal begins its hearing and determination of suits brought before it, it is noteworthy that the enthusiasm and expectation of Nigerians is at an all-time high, which signifies a renewed hope in the judiciary as an unbiased arbiter.

“The five Justices who have been selected for this arduous task are aware of the magnitude of the assignment before them, and therefore, must ensure that they uphold the high sense of integrity expected of them as Justices of the Court of Appeal.

“The overall consideration and subsequent decision of the tribunal must be seen to reflect the basis for judicial decisions, which are the products of two fixed elements: the facts and the rule of law.

“Therefore all the features of a good judgment are expected to be demonstrated by the Justices in an accurate, succinct, factual and vivid manner.

“The Justices must be reminded that the fate of the nation is currently in their hands, and the least responsibility expected by Nigerians is their unalloyed loyalty to the people and their oaths of allegiance to the Nigerian Constitution.

“They must resist any form of pressure from whomsoever whether within or without. The Justices must display utmost uprightness as Nigeria will be in the spotlight of international stakeholders and citizens eager to follow the proceedings.”

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, insisted that expectations of Nigerians who feel disenfranchised should be the main cause of worry for the Justices.

According to him, “the total disregard by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in adhering to its set procedures and denying same is a shame to say the least, notwithstanding the earlier position of its National Chairman affirming to follow the electoral guidelines.

“It is rather appalling that several months after the conduct of the Presidential elections, we’re still confronted with unuploaded results on the IREV Portal. Therefore utmost importance to details rather than technicality must be the bedrock in determining the conduct of the 2023 General elections.

“The Presidential Tribunal must adhere to strict compliance with the timeframe for the tribunal’s sitting as stipulated in the revised Electoral Act, as so much time has already been expended unnecessarily.

“The call for a speedy judgement before the May 29th 2023 handover date is sacrosanct and must be respected. We want to remind the Honourable Justices to do their own part in delivering a just judgement, while we look up to the Supreme Court for its final ruling.

“We do not expect anything less, otherwise the Nigerian people will hold the Justices liable for any eventuality.

“Furthermore, we urge all friends and stakeholders of the Nigeria project to also lend a voice in ensuring that the judiciary upholds the dignity and integrity expected of them.

“We are hopeful that there is a more sense of reasoning, rather than technicality that will aid in the final determination of the various Appeals.

“Let the Justices also remember as stated in the book of Psalms that they can stand boldly on the truth and have confidence that no matter how big the mountains or the giants are, with God they are surmountable!

“He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings shall you trust: His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” – Psalm 91:4

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum(AYCF) has advised that outgoing Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi should be supported to emerge as Senate President in the spirit of national stability cohesion under incoming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group, in a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Yerima Shettima Wednesday evening, insisted that “in this national healing moment, the Southeast should be given the opportunity to take a shot at the Senate Presidency, this time around”.

“Our true position is that the Southeast needs to have a stronger sense of belonging, in the Nigerian project, by being actively involved in democratic governance. We want the mistakes of past government to serve as a lesson in democratic governance for the incoming administration.

“It is on record that Umahi is the most-perforing governor in the history of the Southeast. He has the reputation of being a gentleman per excellence. He has demonstrated these sterling qualities throughout his sojourn as a governor. This makes his candidature for the Senate quite suitable. We have no doubt in his ability to give the 10th Senate a good sense of direction. It is time to show full recognition to the leadership qualities of integrity and accountability, and these are some of the strongest attributes of governor Umahi”, the statement noted.

AYCF urged all the relevant stakeholders in the current dispensation, to rally round the Southeast for Senate Presidency, “in the spirit of forgiveness, national unity, cohesion and ending the culture of rubber stamp legislature”.

The AYCF further advised that the incoming administration should see their electoral victory as a golden opportunity to turn around Nigeria’s fortunes by allowing for the emergence of responsible leadership at all levels “and especially that of the Senate”.

AYCF, in the statement, also called on the President elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “strive to put a legacy in place of a very suitable leadership, especially for the Senate”.

The group warned that “a very good sense of justice in the emergence of National Assembly leaders is to ensure that a nationalist, accountable Nigerian leads the Senate”.

The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF), the Premier umbrella platform of all youth organisations in the North and FCT-Abuja, which has structures in the 19 Northern states, some Southern States and the diaspora has made a strong case for Honourable Aliyu Mukhtar Betara, ‘The Golden Boy’ to be voted as the Speaker of the 10th National Assembly.

This was contained in a statement signed by AYF President, Ahmed Mohammed Zagi, made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday April 4, 2023, explaining why Honourable Betara who is representing Biu/Bayo/Shani Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Appropriation was endorsed.

“The role in which Hon. Betara played in the 9th Assembly is that of a proficient and efficient administrator who was fair, just,
logical and sincere in the appropriation of resources for the improvement of the living
standard of Nigerians and the development of critical sectors of the economy.

“Despite obvious challenges, Hon. Betera was able to pass through the hard concrete wall with his
name printed in crystal gold,” AYF said.

The group said that they have been closely following with keen interest
the unfolding developments in the country, especially as relates to the buildup to the election of the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, especially the Green Chamber.

They explained further that the pivotal role that Honourable Betara played has earned him deep love, trust, respect and confidence from his colleagues in the Green Chamber.

“No doubt, and from our conclusion, that is why his ambition to become the next Speaker of the House of Representatives is receiving overwhelming support and endorsement from both returning and new members of the
parliament across political party bifurcation.

“As a person, Hon. Betara iswell known to be a humble, intelligent, and smart persona with the wisdom of the ancients,” the statement said.

According to them, “He is friendly, generous, easy going and accessible and always ensures fairness, transparency and logic in the discharge of his official
responsibility as Appropriation Committee Chairman.In short, most members of the 9th
Assembly have openly confessed on several occasions that Hon. Betara is the reason behind their success and sterling performance in their various constituencies as regards appropriation of fund (envelope) for the execution of projects in the various Committees
they represent.

“Already a veteran in both chambers of the NASS, Hon. Betara has been in the House since 2007,” the statement explained.

AYF recalls that Betara has held several strategic positions such as Chairman of the Sub committee on NDIC, Banking and Currency, Member of the House Committee on Interior and was later appointed Chairman of the Sub-committee on Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office between 2007 and 2011.

“He also served as Chairman of, the House Committee on the Army in the 7th Assembly (2011 to 2015) and Chairman of the House Committee on Defence from 2015 –2019 before his current position as Chairman of, the House Committee on Appropriations (2019-2023).

“Hon. Betara has built bridges and the cultivated seed of friendship over time in the National Assembly across party, religious and ethnic lines.

“He has gathered ample legislative experience over the years and equally established a reputation for methodological versatility in the House of Representatives, which has baked and prepared him for the onerous obligation of the Speakership Position that he is contesting for,” they argued.

According to the statement, Betara’s administrative acumen, competence, credibility, and legislative experience combined
with his acceptability by the majority of the returning and newly elected members of the House of Representatives stands him out among other contestants and positioned him as the man to win the Speakership Position of the 10th Assembly once the election is
held.

They averred that the incoming administration of Asiwaju/Shettima does not need to be reminded that the hope of Nigerians is extremely high and they are expecting nothing short of excellent performance from the government.

“The executive arm of government, on the other hand, cannot function effectively without the complement and support of robust and sound
legislation and oversights from the legislature.

“Therefore, the cadre or calibre of “who” becomes “who” in the Leadership of the 10th Assembly should neither be taken for
granted nor seem as business as usual where competence and credibility are often sacrificed on the alter of zoning, religious or ethnic equation.

“The executive, judiciary and legislative arms of government are partners in the business of governance standing on a tripod. If any leg of the tripod becomes faulty through the wrong recruitment of its leadership, there will certainly be an overbearing effect and consequence on the other legs of the tripod.

“Consequent to the above, which is a tip of the iceberg on the many reasons why Hon. Betera is the man fit for the job, the AYF hereby, endorses the ‘Golden Boy’ to lead the Green Chamber as Speaker in the 10th National Assembly,” they submitted.

They further argued that, “no leader among all of those aspiring has his selflessness, integrity, fear of God as a motivating principle and a
consciousness, resolute and uncompromising drive to face the battle and national challenges with all his might and prowess.

“This resolution of endorsement was made by all structures of AYF in Nigeria and the Diaspora.
We therefore call on all and sundry especially, old and new members of the Green Chamber to support the aspiration and candidature of Hon. Aliyu Mukhtar Betara as Speaker so that Nigeria “go better for the Nigerian Citizens “through qualitative and sound legislation,” they stressed.

They said their endorsement is hinged on their patriotic zeal for Nigeria.

“As an organisation that champions the course of good governance through qualitative representations we are compelled to voice out our resolutions on who to drum our support for and endorsement to serve as Speaker in the 10th National Assembly, which is expected to be officially inaugurated in June.

“Following our deep and wider consultations as well as sampling of vital opinions that cut across the length and breadth of the country, also among members of the Green Chamber on who does the cap fit for the Speakership position, we have come to the conclusion that one personality stands out among all that person is Hon. Aliyu Mukhtar Betara, ‘The Golden Boy’;

“The experienced legislator who is tailor-made for the job. Our reasons abound!

“From the constituency front, it is a well-known fact that Hon. Betara has exceeded expectations in his constituency in terms of infrastructural development (constituency projects execution), empowerment and effective representation.

“No surprise he was given
the mandate by his people for an unprecedented fifth term to represent the constituency.

“Top experts and students of business management or financial management can speak
correctly on the importance of having a prudent and proficient “administrator” or “manager” of human/resources in an organisation”.

*Exonerates military commanders of any wrong doing

*Begs military high command to forgive Atyap Devt. Association over false accusations

*Appeals to FG to deploy more troops to trouble area

*Passes vote of confidence on OPSH, Commander

A peace building group in Southern Kaduna has described allegation of complicity of the military in the renewed crisis in the area as not only false but also malicious and baseless.

The indigenous peace advocacy organisation insisted that contrary to the accusation by the leadership of Atyap Development Association,that the military had aided and abetted the renewed attacks in Southern Kaduna,the military has rather done excellently well in enthroning peace and harmony in the area.

The Kaduna based peace advocacy group operating under the aegis of Southern Kaduna Peace Practitioners Network,SOKIPEP,in a statement on the security situation in Southern Kaduna,countered the claim of the president of Atyap Development Association,
Samuel Achi,that the military and in particular, the Commander of the military formation in charge of peace enforcement in Southern Kaduna,Brigadier General Timothy Opurum,were involved in the crisis.

SOKIPEP in the statement,signed by its National Coordinator, Rev. Dauda Fadia and the Director of Community Outreach, Dr Samuel Lekwot,absolved the military and the Commander of any wrong doing, insisting that they have carried out their assigned mandate professionally.

To this end,it passed a vote of confidence on Operation Safe Haven ,OPSH and the Commander, noting that contrary to the allegation,the renewed violence in the area was caused by cow poisoning and the killing of a herder by some criminal elements in some southern kaduna villages.

The group which said it has high regard for the Atyap Development Association and its leadership,however said it felt constrained to say the truth even as it may hurt their brothers and the leadership of the association.

“We feel constrained to release this statement stating the true state of security in Southern Kaduna, so as to set the records straight in the overall interest of peace and posterity,”the statement said

Going further,the Southern Kaduna Peace Practitioners Network,said:”As a people who are predominantly Christians, the only thing that can set us free is the truth no matter whose interest is hurt or affected.”

“We wish to counter the blatant, malicious and day light fabricated lies by our brother, Samuel Achi, the President of Atyap Development Association against the military and in particular the Commander of the military formation in charge of peace enforcement in Southern Kaduna,Brigadier General Timothy Opurum.

“We are disappointed in our brother, Mr Achi that he left the true cause of the renewed conflict behind only to blame a man and his team who are doing everything possible to protect our people. The Commander and his team,no doubt, have put in all the available strength and capabilities in emplacing peace in our area without any single iota of bias.

“We naturally wouldn’t have delved into the matter since the military itself is capable of defending themselves. However, we are conscience bound to rise in their defence and also speak the truth in the interest of patriotism and God’s sake,” the group added.

While noting that it condemns “in the strongest terms the senseless and inhuman attacks that have been going on in our communities by suspected criminal herders and their accomplices”SOKIPEP said the attacks are “reprehensible and must be condemned by all men of goodwill. “

SOKIPEP statement read further:”While not trying to justify the killing of human beings for any reason or have alibi for the killers,we must look at the criminal activities of some of our farmers and youths who have over time, deliberately ignited these attacks by poisoning cattle belonging to herders without any form of provocation or farm trespass, which should be ordinarily reported to the security agencies.

“We have noted that sometimes, these people
even silently killed the cattle rearers when there is an encroachment.

“Southern Kaduna has been peaceful for more than nine months due to the combine efforts of the military task force,Operation Safe Haven and other security agencies and the entire stakeholders in the Southern Kaduna peace building community, until recently when there was the poisoning of over 70 cows and the killing of a herder at Ugwan Mai Juju.

“Poisoning of cows have become a daily trend in our local communities,even when there is a clear warning that our people shouldn’t take laws into their hands no matter the provocation. In spite of this we allow our youths carry out these criminal acts unchecked and when the security agencies come to arrest them, we hide and protect them. We must stop this forthwith.

“The attacks by suspected criminal herdsmen which led to the death of several people in some Southern Kaduna communities are highly condemnable and must stop henceforth. We the native associations must also be bold enough to tell our people in the local communities to avoid conduct that are likely to cause breach of peace no matter the provocation.

“Our leaders must be bold enough to rise up to the challenge of speaking truth to the youths to stop these criminal acts of cow poisoning and isolated killings of the herders while grazing. If there is any encroachment or infractions, they should quickly report to the security agencies.”

The group said,”Instead of vilifying the Commander of Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna for speaking the truth, we should strive to become genuine peace ambassadors.”

SOKIPEP said the OPSH Commander ,Brig. General Timothy Opurum “spoke the whole truth on the security situation in the area and from all available records, the Commander and his men have not done anything wrong “in any area in the protection of lives and properties in Southern Kaduna.”

“He has lost several officers and men while trying to protect our people during some of these senseless attacks. It is therefore, an act of mere wickedness for our brothers in the Atyap Community Development Association to leave the substance which is outright criminality to face an innocent man who is doing his work professionally,” it said.

To this end, SOKIPEP said,”We therefore, call on the international communities and all Nigerians to ignore the blantant and baseless allegations against the Commander and the military outfit, Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna.”