Chairman Northern Speakers Condoles Zamfara, Yobe, Kaduna Over Attacks

•Describes attack on Greenfield university as attack on education

From Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani

The Chairman  Northern Speakers Forum, Rt. Honourable Yusuf Zailani commiserates  with the government and people of Zamfara, Yobe and Kaduna states over recent attacks that led to deaths of law abiding citizens in their respective states.

He expressed this in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Saturday April 24, 2020.

"News of recent attacks in three states in the North is worrisome and tragic. I am personally touched by the unfortunate incidents, and I am commiserating with the government and people of Zamfara, Yobe as well as Kaduna State over the painful attacks," he said.

The Chairman Northern Speakers, who is also the Speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly said that he is further saddened as death toll from the killings in Zamfara State is said to be rising as reports from communities indicated that at least 90 corpses have so far been buried while many persons remain unaccounted for after the latest round of mayhem.

He also condemned the attack by armed members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect on Friday on  Geidam Local Government Area (LGA) of Yobe State with several gun trucks.

Similarly, Zailani described the invasion of a private institution in Kaduna, Greenfield University as an attack on education.

He prayed for the repose of souls of three students killed by the bandits, while praying to God to grant the family fortitude to bear the loss, while praying for the release of those abducted.

It would be recalled that a deadly attack by bandits took place in Zamfara on Thursday.

Places affected are Magami Market in Gusau Local Government, Dansadau Market in Maru Local Government, Wanke Market in Gusau Local Government and Dauran Market in Zurmi Local Government.

NATURE HALTS MAYHEM IN ENUGU- by Edache Qlaypole Ochola.

In a brazen show of confidence and territorial dominance, meat sellers, petty traders, and iron workers in union with street urchins, mostly of Hausa and Fulani origin, coordinated themselves and went berserk on alleged officials of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Agency (ECTDA), for attempting to forcefully evict them and demolish their shanties at the New Artisan livestock market of Enugu metropolis, late Thursday afternoon. The situation was characterized by the wanton destruction of properties, vandalization of some vehicles of the officials and the policemen who accompanied them to ensure enforcement. While some had their windshields smashed and the interiors of the vehicles vandalized, others were beaten and overpowered by the mob. The “artisans” could be seen wielding dangerous weapons, like machetes, knives and various kinds of clubs; including unconfirmed reports of an AK47 assault rifle sighted in the 

possession of one of them. Clouds of smoke could be seen all the way from Upper Chime Lane of New Haven, Enugu. A few passersby were molested and for a while, the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway was blocked by the raucous artisans.

The grouse, according to the occupants, was that, Government had deliberately targeted them because the New Artisan Livestock market was mostly populated by the Hausa Fulani. They accused the government unjustly wanting to take away their legitimate place of business activities. They also claimed that Government officials did not appropriately notify them about an impending demolition exercise. There were also allegations of extortion in the past, against the officials of the ECTDA, to extend the exercise. For that and other crimes, the artisans say they would not allow the demolition exercise to take place, and so they took the laws into their hands, having seen that the Police was in league with the officials of the ECTDA. 

In a twist of events, on the FACEBOOK account of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Agency, the official statement was a flat denial of any such directive or involvement in any such exercise, nor forceful engagement by their officials. This led some persons thinking that some doomsday plotters were trying to leverage on the existing security challenges in Nigeria to instigate a breakdown of law and order in Enugu Metropolis. All attempts, including Phone calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages, to reach the Police Public Relations officer for Enugu state, ASP Daniel Ndukwe Ekea, yielded no positive results as at the time of filing this report; neither was such attempts reciprocated to ascertain the role and involvement of the Police in the matter.  

Recall that this incidence was preceded by a motion sponsored by Assemblyman, Hon Okwu Chinedu, representing Aninri Constituency, at the Enugu state House of Assembly, in May, 2020. Sighted in the motion, Hon. Okwu is quoted as saying that “the new artisan market has become a hideout zone for highly dreaded criminals, drug dealers, breeding of hooligans, terrorists, housing criminals, a center for prostitution, human trafficking, cult activities and other vices. Every blessed night at the new Artisan market, has been verified to be a night of terror and devilish activities, like Sodom and Ghomorah, in the Bible. This calls for an urgent intervention by the State Government; for total cleansing and purification of the land, through demolition and evacuation of the premises.” Hon Okwu went further, “if nothing is done urgently, this horrible place shall breed hoodlums that will be worse than Boko Haram in a few months to come. Therefore, we must be committed to the safety of our people and the state at large.” He went on, “we must not allow evil to take charge of our environs. We must uphold the peaceful disposition of our dear Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and must be ready to defend our citizens through legislative means of ensuring a crime free zone.” The motion was speedily carried by the House, as all agreed that the situation was dire! 

As if in answer to prayers from the Peace lovers of Enugu, the Heavens opened up literally, with a heavy downpour of rains coupled with warning lightning and thunder. In the words of a nearby hawking woman returning from her day’s activity, “e good as rain fall! God no want make dem fight again. God no want make Nigeria fight war again!” Those words, in deed, gave me the realization that a fragile truce had been established between both parties, by the heavens above! 

EDACHE QLAYPOLE OCHOLA                                                                                                                                       Congress of African Journalists - Nigeria,                                                                                                                               Reporting from Enugu.

Edo 2020 :SWAN Carpets Ministry of youths &:Sports For Shoddy Organization

'Edo 2020: SWAN Carpets Ministry of youths &:Sports For Shoddy Organization

BY Mike Odeh James

Kaduna

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) while commending the Edo State Government for solid facilities in place at the Samuel Ogbumedia stadium, has however described the National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged Edo 2020 as the worst ever organized festival by the Federal Ministry of youths and sports development.

This formed part of the vommunique issued at the end of the SWAN National Convention, presided over by the President, Honour Sirawoo with the immediate past Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung in attendance as the Special Guest, during the 20th National Sports Festival tagged Edo 2020 in Benin City, Edo State on14th April, 2021.

The communiqué which was signed by Isaiah Benjamin, Tunde Liadi and Qazeem Oladapo as Chairman, Secretary and member of the communiqué Drafting Committee and endorsed by the Secretary General Jude Opara

"commended the Government of Edo State under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki for putting in place world class sporting infrastructure and calls for sustainable maintenance of the facilities.

"Decries poor officiating and alleged financial inducement of officials by some states and urges Sports Federations to ensure that it engages men of proven integrity as technical officials in future festivals; while it enlist States to prioritise sports funding rather than cutting corners.

"Notes the need for the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports to revisit the objectives of the National Sports Festival with a view to fast tracking national integration, talent discovery and sports development.

"Frowns at the participation of non-Nigerian Nationals and opening of the festival to established and foreign based athletes, thereby hindering the process of replacing aging talents, just as it sues for improve security at game venues in future.

"Notes that Sports Development is anchored on a tripod of Administration, Participation and Promotion; and therefore decries lack of tools to enhance effective media coverage during the 20th National Sports Festival, just as it knocks the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports under Mr. Sunday Dare for clear show of disrespect for the Sports Media.

"Agrees unequivocally that apart from the provision of world class infrastructure, Edo 2020 is the worst managed National Sports Festival ever organized in the history of Nigeria.

"Commends former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung and the Association’s President, Sir Honour Sirawoo for intervening in the welfare of sports journalists that covered the festival even with personal funds.

"Vows to boycott future festivals if Sports Writers, as STAKEHOLDERS, are not properly placed in the scheme of events".

Ngas Devt Association Thanks Atiku, Appeals For Support For Gotom's Senatorial Ambition

Ngas Devt Association Thanks Atiku, Appeals For Support For Gotom's Senatorial Ambition

The Ngas Development Association, Nasarawa State chapter has rolled out the drums in celebration of one of its own,  Amb. Gotom Golson Gotom (JP), while thanking former Vice President, Alhaii Atiku Abubakar for  identifying their son as a Director at the Atiku Care Foundation (ACF) and Atiku For Nigeria (AFN). 

At the colouful reception held in Lafia the Nasarawa State capital on Sunday, the group also called on His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar  to Support Amb Gotom for Senate come 2023.

Speaking at the event, the former Vice President who was represented by his SA on Youth and Support Groups, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas said that he was delighted to see that the  Ngas people are deeply united and have made the right choice in yearning for Ambassador Gotom's leadership in the Red Chambers.

"I am here to represent His Excellency, former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (Wazirin Adamawa), who will by God's grace be NIgeria's President in 2023.

"I am also the Director General of the Atiku Care Foundation, where Ambassador Gotom is a Director.

"We are pleased about the colouful reception of one of ours, who is more or equally one of yours," he said.

Ambassador Abbas said that it is a wake up call that the Ngas people are clamouring for Ambassador Gotom to represent them as the Senatorial aspirant for Plateau Central in 2023  under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He assured that he will convey their request seeking support for his successful Senatorial bid, adding that the former Vice President would have been physically present, but was presently out of the country.

Earlier, Dunka Felix Kassam who spoke on behalf of the Ngas people in Nasarawa State, said that his people are proud of Ambassador Gotom.

"Ambassador Gotom is a true son of the soil of Ngas people who has touched several lives.

"We are proud of him and his noble gestures and anxiously desire to have him represent our people in the Senate, representing Plateau of Plateau Central.

"We thank His Excellency, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for identifying with him and also appeal that he supports his Senatorial ambition in 2023, which is one of the reasons we organised this reception in his honour," he said.

In his brief remarks, Ambassador Gotom said that he was overwhelmed by the show of love and solidarity.

He assured them that he  welcomes their solidarity and is willing to serve them in with the best of his ability.

As Presidential Panel Visits FCE Potiskum, Staff, Stakeholders cry for justice

Mike Odeh James

Following the reports by some Nigerian dailies exposing the rot inherent in Federal College of Education, Potiskum , Yobe State, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Education has set up a high powered panel to ascertain the facts and degree to  corruption had permeated the institution.

The Presidential Visitation Panel was set up by the Government and it has already been inaugurated in Abuja yesterday the 13 April 2021.

Empowered to investigate all allegations of corruption and to make appropriate disciplinary recommendation, the Panel would visit Potiskum on 20 April to commenxe work .

However, there are fears in some quarters that those are the corridors of power in the institution could hamper the smooth and honest arbitration of the committee.

According to Musa Sajo, there is another council committee apart from the Presidential Committee, 

"The Governing  Council for Polytechnics is a work over for them, since provost is automatically a member and he is the one to pay their sitting allowance, he can easily influence their activities '.

" In the case of the Presidential committee,the Minister on behalf of the President is the one funding the panel.".

However, Usman Bako Abdul wondered ' why it took the Federal Government long time to react by setting up a panels and councils when it is obvious that the rot in the polytechnic has been festering for a very long time".

Abdul added "there were several allegations of corruption against the Provost of the school for over 3 years and still, nothing was done till now".

" It is therefore fair for us to say that vigilance by all parties is what should be the order of the day.

A staff of the FCE Potiskum, Mr Adamu Sajoh however expressed his happiness that the Federal Government has decided to institute the probe .He expressed his readiness to testify against those who are perpetuating corruption in the College.

The College of Education Potiskum had been rocked with allegation of financial scandals and misappropriation of funds and the one man at the centre of the scandal is the Provost of the College, Mal Madu Mohammed.

Apart from illegally transferring N53 million from the Institution's current account to its business account which he allegedly embezzled, sources also claimed that he had on assuming the post of provost unilaterally upped his salary by 500, 00 .

He was also said to have sat on TETFUND scholarship funds meant for staff, denying many of the staff opportunity to go for further studies while allowing his cronies access to the same fund  without them actually  going for further studies.

Another infraction of the provost that caused a lot of anger is that, Mal Madu would delibrately delay paynent for individual beneficiaries even after such individuals hsve been granted approval by TETFUND board's of trustees.

According Usman Ibrahim, 

"The provost  will not compile the names on time and he will not adhere to the stipulated  directives"

Ibrahim further explains ,

"  instead he will keep files of the beneficiaries for more than one month and in that event UK will deny a beneficiary Visa because time for your programme has elapsed."

It is with such embarrassing records that prompted staff and stakeholders of FCE Potiskum to cry to the press.

Mr.Ibrahim also added that as the probe panel visits the school in the next few days, it is their  hope that justice is done 

2023: We Have Not Endorsed Wike, Others - NYLF

A frontline political group in Nigeria, Northern  Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF) has denied endorsing Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike or any other candidate ahead of the 2023 general elections, saying only three candidates were recommended and Woke is not part.of them.

This was contained in a statement signed by the NYLF President, Comrade Elliot Afiyo, made available to our correspondent, which frowned at media reports, claiming the group endorsed Wike, others.

"We then wondered from where the BBC and VOA  got their own report that included Governor Nyesom Wike among the recommended persons and was subsequently endorsed by the NEC of the NYLF.

"The attention of the Northern Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF) has been drawn  to so many publications in print and electronic media both in National and  International Media Organizations claiming that the NYLF has endorsed Senator Bala Mohammed, Chief Raymond Dokpesi or Senator Bola Tinubu

as our preferred Candidates for 2023 presidential elections during our NEC meeting in Sokoto on the 10th of April, 2021.

"Despite the fact that our Political Committee Chairman, Dr. Sadiq Abubakar  has held a Press Conference in Kano to clarify the position of the NYLF, yet, some media organizations went ahead to broadcasting and printing the  erroneous Report," it said.

The group explained that the he NEC meeting in Sokoto was  purposely convened to receive the political committee’s Report and fix a date  for the Delegates Conference during which the Delegates comprising all the  Chairmen and Secretaries of the 42 affiliated Youth Organizations and all the  Zonal Officers will vote. 

"The candidate to be endorsed must get 2/3 of the  total votes.

"During our NEC meeting in Gombe on the 14th of February, 2021, the NEC  shortlisted thirteen (13) Politicians and directed the political committee to  carry out thorough research or checking on them and put forward their  recommendations to the NEC.

"From the Report presented to us only Senator Bala Mohammed, Chief  Raymond A. Dokpesi and Senator Bola Tinunbu were recommended for  consideration by the NEC," it added.

They reiterated and stated clearly without any fear of  contradiction, that the NYLF has not and would not endorse  anybody until the 20th of May, 2021 which by the grace of God, will  be done in public view and in a transparent manner.

"Until then, the public should discard and disregard any information on the  endorsement of Candidates by the NYLF for 2023 Presidential Elections. 

"We are not unaware of the scheming by some groups. But we have resolved and unequivocal too, to avoid the mistake of past," the statement emphasized.

Killing Of Northerners In South: Northern Groups Demands Justice Rights To Carry Arms

While demanding that the killers of eight Northerners in the South East be fished out and prosecuted, the Northern Consensus Movement (NCM) has demanded that NIgerians should be granted rights of carrying arms.

They expressed this at a press conference in Kaduna on Thursday, which text was read by the NCM President, Comrade Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu.

"We demand that the killers of Alhaji Rabiu, Abdulkadir Muktar, Aminu Amadu, Rabiu Issyaka, Darna kilya, Rabiu Hanai, Saminu Ma'azu, and Bello Ali Gwadabawa all from Sokoto State who were murdered in the South East be fished out and made to face the wrath of the law.

"We demand that a national Legislation criminalizing the payment of ransom to Kidnappers, bandits and terrorists be promulgated while government should live up to her responsibility of protecting lives and property of the Nigerian people. 

"If government shirks from this primary responsibility, then it should grant Nigerians the right to carry arms for their own self defense," the group said. 

Reading from the text titled, "Our Tears Have Dried" the group said that they were compelled to do the briefing because they have run out of patience.

"It is with deep rooted pain from severe multiple stabs in the heart that we of the Northern Consensus Movement wish to make the following statements. 

"It does not give us joy to do this but as stakeholders in the Nigerian project and spurred by the prevailing circumstances, we have chosen to speak our minds even as our tears get dried on our faces," they said.

The group recalled that recently in collaboration with 75 other notable groups, they demanded for the compensation of the victims of the #EndSARS and casualties of the ethnic crisis whose lives and means of livelihood were completely destroyed at Sasha in Oyo State, a demand they still strongly ask to be met without delay.

Atiku Welcomes NYMAP 2023, Says Youth Will Drive Campaign, Governance

In his reaction to the formation of a group, Nigerian Youth Movement For Atiku’s Presidency (NYMAP2023), former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has expressd delight, while assuring that youth will be the main drivers of his next campaign, as well as play crucial roles if he emerged President in 2023. 

The NYMAP 2023 team, comprising  young men and women indicated interest of ensuring an Atiku Presidency in 2023, and have contacted his SA Youth and Support Groups, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas, who himself I'd a youth.

 Their aims and objectives include;  getting Nigeria working again through credible leadership of his Excellency Alh.Atiku Abubakar [Wazirin Adamawa].

 

"To enlighten the Nigerian youth on the mission and vision of his excellency Alh.Atiku Abubakar [Wazirin Adamawa] towards making Nigeria a better place for for u and I

 

"To prepare the Nigerian youth  to face the success of 2023 presidential election and other positions under the platform of our great party  ‘’P.D.P POWER’’. 

 

"To bring the Nigerian youth close to democracy regardless of religious,tribal and regional discriminations thereby ensuring unity and progress within the nations wide.'

 

Other objectives of NYMAP 2023 include  inculcating the spirit of leadership in the hearts of Nigerian youth through Atiku's promise of 40% of youth inclusion in his administration.

The youth told Ambassador Abbas  that they are optimistic that if voted, Atiku will.revitalize NIgeria's economy.

 

"To revitalize the Nigerian economy and living standards by boosting the business and agriculture through His entrepreneurial experience as a largest single employer across the nation."

Igbos Have Done More Than Enough To Be Elected As President - Onowu Of Abagana

The  President, World Igbo Assembly and the Diaspora Envoy of the Global Movement for Igbo President 2023 (GLOMIP 2023),  Chief Nwachukwu Anakwenze, has said that the quest for Igbo Presidency is a necessity going by the many years of  marginalization suffered by the  Igbo nation. Chief Anakwenze who is also the Traditional Prime Minister of Abagana (Onowu Abagana) in Anambra State, pointed out that the Igbos believe in true democracy and leadership but needed the reassurances of Nigerians that they are truly part of the project called Nigeria .

The renowned America-trained  Physician, who has over 3000 thousand (3,000) Medical Doctors in their medical network made this known to journalists during an exclusive interview in Abuja, on the 1st April, 2021.

Chief Anakwenze while fielding questions from journalists noted that Nigeria by nature is supposed to be the headquarters of the blacks race all over  the world going by the human and material resources that  God has bequeathed the country,.stressing further on the need for Nigeria to be more united inspite of its multi-lingual nature, Chief Anakwenze said:

"Divisibility through the instrumentality of tribe or religion is not worth it, rather we should come together and find the reasons why God has assembled us in this way and build a microcosm of unity to have a better Nigeria that we all desire", he quoted.

The US-based business mogul who also holds the revered and coveted post of Traditional Prime Minister of Abagana in Anambra State , South East Nigeria, also pledged  that he would, as part of his responsibility, as the Traditional Prime Minister continue to contribute to the uplifting of the less privileged or the down trodden out of obscurity, as his educational empowerment programs sponsors 60 persons to the universities each year."That would be in addition to the free medical treatment given to the needy in the society yearly", he added. Chief Anakwenze further reiterated that in order to help solve the unemployment in the country, he embarked on building several  firms and companies in Nigeria, specifically for the aim of absolving unemployed graduates .

Today, the highly respected traditional title holder cum philanthropist per excellence also talked about his several business investments in Nigeria which are operated by young Nigerians as managers and solely dedicated to helping graduates gain meaningful source of livelihoods. The US based business mogul had this to say about his efforts in checkmating unemployment in the country,

" When I discovered that students would  graduate, yet no employment opportunities for them, i decided to build companies that would generate employment opportunities and trigger economic cum infrastructural development.

"My water factory is one of the best in the country and it has employed many Nigerians thereby reducing the rate of unemployment and pressure on the Nigerian government for employment", he further disclosed. On the political front and the quest for the President to come from  the Igbo ethnic group, especially the South East, the Traditional Prime Minister of Abagana in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State opined that.the Igbos  had all it takes , politically, academically, economically and otherwise to produce the President which would take the country to a greater height.

Further reacting  to a question whether the 2023 Presidency should  be based on merit or mediocrity?, the high chief  said the Igbos have done more in all the fields of endeavor in Nigeria and outside the country, perhaps  more than others of her contemporaries. It is therefore only natural that the Presidency comes to the Igbos in 2023, in the spirit of justice, fairness and Equity; that was the factor that prompted the creation of the Global Movement for Igbo President 2023 (GLOMIP 2023), of which he serves as the Chief Envoy.

"How can you be talking about merit and not including the South East?  In academics, we are at the top, the health sector, and otherwise, we are at the top. It would shock you to know that the COVID-19 vaccine that has been officially approved and used by countries of the world is by a Nigerian and an Igbo person".

" We need a country of equality, meritocracy, not mediocrity. Nigeria has all it takes to make a great nation. Chief Anakwenze further highlighted the positive roles played by the Igbo nation towards engendering a better country for all. "Our history has clearly shown that Ndi-Igbo has yearned for true democracy. We do not believe in religious-based politics or any of the likes. We want a Nigeria where the majority rights will be balanced with the minority rights", he added

Aggrieved parents of 39 kidnapped students reply Elrufai

 

By Abdulmumin Giwa

Parents of the kidnapped student of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Kaduna have declared that they will use any means available to secure the freedom of their children following a threat by the Kaduna state Governor, Nasiru Elrufai to prosecute anyone found negotiating with the kidnappers to secure the release of the students who have been in abduction for over three weeks. 

It would be recalled that on Sunday 4th April, 2021, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan announced that the state government had not appointed any negotiator for the release of the 39 kidnapped students and that anyone caught negotiating with the kidnappers on behalf of the state will be prosecuted.

The aggrieved parents have in a statement issued on Monday and signed on their behalf by Sam Kambai (Chairman) and Sanni Friday (Secretary), declared that they will not neglect their children, reiterating their stance to free them at all cost.

"We wish to reiterate that we will do everything within our power, everything humanly possible, with the help of God, to ensure that our children do not perish" the parents declared.

They also lamented how the state government has neglected them and refused to listen to them despite efforts while they described the recent announcement by the state government to prosecute any negotiator as callous.

"For the record, the Governor of Kaduna State has never addressed the parents of these students from the first day of the incident until now. They have shown no concern about the trauma the parents have been enduring.

"Let us be clear, it is first and foremost due to the failure of government to live up to its primary responsibility of securing life and property that we have this ugly development in our hands. For government to not do everything to secure the release of the students 25 days after their abduction, and for government to keep the parents in the dark as to what it is doing, if any at all, smacks of gross insensitivity. 

"We observe with disappointment that in the Easter message by the Governor, there was no mention whatsoever of the students or any assurance of what government is doing to ensure their release. For us it was a confirmation of our fear that the government has abandoned our children.

 We can never abandon our children and we will do whatever we can to see that we get them back. 

"Furthermore, we read in the media the statement credited to the Commissioner of Internal Security, Mr Samuel Aruwan,  to the end that anyone who negotiates the release of the students will be prosecuted. For us the statement is unfortunate and another demonstration of callousness on the part of the government. We have been beaten, and we are now forced not to cry. We are the parents of these children and if their lives mean nothing to the government, they mean everything to us" the neglected parents declared.

It would be recalled that one of the parents of the kidnapped students, Malam Ibrahim Shamaki died ten days ago of complications that resulted from the trauma caused by the abduction of his daughter.

Atiku Care Foundation Promotes Onjewu Dickson To National Director Media, Publicity

A humanitarian initiative of His Excellency Alhaii Atiku Abubakar GCON, Atiku Care Foundation has promoted. New NIgerian Newspapers Online Editor, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson to National Director of Media and Publicity.

This was conveyed to him via a letter signed by the Director General, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas, dated April 4, 2021.

"The Atiku Care Foundation is delighted to promote you, Jacob Onjewu Dickson, as the National

Director of Media and Publicity of the foundation.

"The promotion is in recognition of your track record in the foundation image projection, community

engagement, leadership, interpersonal skills, and most importantly the success you recorded in media, communication and journalism corridors," it said.

The letter further said that the  Foundation has evolved over the years and has become a centerpiece that promotion excellence, professionalism, teamwork, cooperation and interplay of creative ideas, which ensure that our goals,

mission and vision are pursued vigorously to achieve results.

"Therefore, the foundation hopes that you will bring your wealth of experience and expertise in

executing your functions to the best of your ability.

"Please accept the assurance of my best wishes in your new position!" It added.

Before his promotion, Onjewu Dickson served as the spokesman to the Director General.

He initially served as Director Media and Publicity of Atiku Care Foundation Kaduna State, before he was promoted to serve same role at the North West zone, from where the Director General moved him to serve as his spokesman.

A graduate of Mass Communication, he has gatheted 16 years of experience in journalism, earning several awards within the period.

Afaka39: When two cowards clash, who would free the victims?

By Abdulmumin Giwa 

It appears up till now that there has not been much progress  concerning the release of the 39 students of Federal College of Forestry Mechanization in Kaduna kidnapped by gunmen over three weeks ago. 

Initially the parents, students and staff of the Collage were refused audience by the state governor, Nasiru Elrufai but were later given audience in a close door meeting he had with them. This followed persistent pressure and condemnation by the public.

Unfortunately, the meeting was not as fruitful as expected because the governor only met with them to reiterate his stance of refusing to negotiate for the release of the students. They emerged from the meeting without any hope. 

With the lack of will displayed by the Kaduna state government, the parents decided to be linked with the kidnappers to negotiate for the release of their children to which the kidnappers reportedly refused to accept. The kidnappers insist that  they will only negotiate with the government on their own terms which if violated they will kill the students.

Yes, it is true that the kidnappers can kill the students because they don't value human lives. They have records of attacking villages and killing the people and burning the village down, thereby turning the villagers into refugees, without asking for any ransom. This has happened severally across the northeast and the northwest lately. 

So, if they can be as ruthless as that, what more of when they place ransom for the lives of their victims? Definitely it can never be seen as a joke. 

Although one of Elrufai's wives was reported by the media to have stated that her husband told her that even if she was the one kidnapped he would never pay ransom to free her, the public generally believe it is not true. If one of the students of the Afaka39 is to be the son or daughter of the governor, they would never have spent 48 hours in the den of kidnappers. But these innocent student are now over 21 days with their kidnappers in the bush under harsh conditions including torture, intimidation, lack of proper healthcare and hygiene or even food to eat. While the governor is busy promoting his personal whims at the expense of their lives. 

What is clear about this scenario is that the kidnappers are clear with their demands that they are fighting with Elrufai for his comments against their interests. The students are only victims. But due to cowardice, the governor is hiding behind the kidnapped students to promote his own personal whims at the expense of their lives. He was supposed to have been bold enough to face the kidnappers head on and tell them to release the students and fight him. He should have told them that they are only cowards for kidnapping students or anyone else just to fight him instead of facing him head on. 

But alas, the two cowards are both hiding behind the innocent students to achieve their personal whims and caprices not minding if the students become a collateral damage. 

Who then will now save the lives of the innocent Afaka39 students?

Easter: Speaker Zailani felicitates with Christians

Easter: Speaker Zailani felicitates with Christians

From Mike Odeh James

The Chairman Northern Speakers Forum, Speaker Kaduna State House of Assembly RT Hon Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani  Chiroman Dan Darman Zazzau has felicitated with Christians on the celebration of Easter, urging them to emulate Jesus Christ by making sacrifices that will advance the course of development.

 Zailani, in an Easter message signed by his Chief of Staff Haruna Jafaru Sambo said Jesus exemplified the virtues of love, selflessness and tolerance during his earthly ministry, and urged Christians to use the season as a period to reflect on their individual and collective roles towards promoting love, peace and sacrifice which are necessary for development.

While congratulating Christians for the successful completion of the Lenten season, a period of 40 days of fasting and prayer which culminated in the Easter celebration, the Speaker  said the Easter period offers Christians  another opportunity for sober reflection, while celebrating with one another the joy of the season.

He advised the Christians to celebrate with moderation, noting that the period is not for eating and drinking alone but to reflect on the past and hope for a better future for themselves and the nation in general.

Our society”, he added, “requires more expression of love and peaceful lifestyle in order to improve the quality of life of the people.”

While wishing all Christians  a happy Easter celebration, the Chairman Northern Speakers Forum also charged them to always ponder on how to contribute to the development of the Nation. “Let us show more love and let us sacrifice,” he added.