Yoruba Youths Urges EfCC To Beam Search Light Away From Yahaya Bello

The Yoruba Youth Council has advised the Economic and Finance Crimes Commission, EFCC, to leave the immediate former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello in peace in view of what it described as his outstanding performance in office.

The Kogi State Government had on Tuesday in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Femi Fanwo, cried out over an alleged attempt by the commission to tarnish Bello's image over his alleged diversion of state funds even before he assumed office.

In a statement on Wednesday by its National President, Comrade Eric Oluwole, the Council said that in view of the state government's declarations, the anti-graft body should beam its searchlight elsewhere and leave Bello alone in its alleged desperation to nail the ex-governor, which it said the agency inherited from the administration of its former Head Muhammad Bawa.

Oluwole recalled the strings of outstanding achievements recorded by Bello, especially the newly established University in Okun Kingdom, the Yoruba-speaking part of Kogi State, the first of it's type in the state.

He said: "The immediate former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello  recorded strings of landmark achievements during his tenure, especially the new University that he established in Okun Kingdom among many others.

"Yoruba youths always watch and identify closely with our people in Okun who have a lot of good testimonials about the former Governor.

"In view of the testimonies of our people and the generality of the people of Kogi State, as regards the achievements he has recorded in that state, we strongly believe that Yahaya Bello deserves commendation, but not humiliation, for his brilliant performance while in office as the Governor of Kogi State. He deserves good reward, not molestation, harassment or being haunted by any body.

"We also urge that the Media people should fairly report his achievements in office without any bias, while performing their constitutional duties as watchmen of the society.

"Based on our findings as enumerated above, Yoruba youths advise the EFCC to leave Yahaya Bello alone, because his good record of remarkable achievements in Kogi State has contributed immensely to hastening the socioeconomic development of that state."

Stop The Witch Hunt, Arewa Network Caution EFCC Over Yahaya Bello ...

The Northern Emancipation Network (NEN) has strongly condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for what it calls a witch hunt against the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello. 

In a statement released today, NEN Chairman, Suleiman Abbah, expressed concern over the ongoing intimidation and harassment of Governor Bello, stating that such actions are unacceptable.

The group pointed out that the original charge against Yahaya Bello alleges his involvement in a conspiracy to convert funds belonging to the Kogi State Government. However, the NEN highlights that this offense is said to have occurred in September 2015, before Bello even assumed office as Governor. 

The group argues that accusing him of a crime that occurred before he held the position is illogical and baseless.

Furthermore, the NEN emphasizes that Governor Bello had no financial dealings with the Kogi State Government prior to his appointment, raising doubts about the validity of these allegations. 

The group questions the credibility of the EFCC and its leadership, stating that these ridiculous and indefensible accusations tarnish the agency's reputation and undermine public trust.

The NEN also warns political actors to refrain from interfering in Kogi State affairs and to cease their campaign of calumny. It highlights that the state government has not reported any missing funds and has been recognized for its transparency and accountability both locally and internationally.

 The group urges the appropriate authorities to conduct their investigations without undue political influence.

In light of these concerns, the NEN calls on President Tinubu to intervene and safeguard the integrity of the EFCC. The agency should not be manipulated or coerced into engaging in a fight that should be left to politicians. 

The President must ensure that the EFCC operates independently and upholds the principles of justice and fairness.

The NEN concludes by urging the EFCC to refocus on its core mandate of combating corruption rather than engaging in baseless pursuits of individuals without substantial evidence. It states that it is time to put an end to this witch hunt and restore faith in the justice system.

Abuja Kidnap:Group Condemns Payment of Ransom by Fmr Minister, Pantami , Says action encourages Banditry

... Commends FG Efforts So far in Tackling  Insecurity Challenges

Group under aegis of Coalition  for Peace and National Unity Condemns has condemned payment of ransom to kidnappers by the immediate past Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mal. Isa Pantami . 

Recalled that On Wednesday ,January 5, gunmen invaded  residence of a family in Bwari area council ,the Zuma 1 area of Abuja, abducting a father and his six girls with one girls reportedly died in captivity. 

The former Minister had made announcement, seeking donation to pay the N60 million ransom via his x social media handle for their rescue. According to Pantami, a friend of his has offered to pay N50 million ransom to the kidnappers to secure the release of the five remaining sisters,who were abducted in Abuja.

"It might appeared a good and humanitarian gesture. For us as group ,it will no doubt further encourage kidnapping business in the country "it emphasised . 

Reacting to issue of payment of ransom by the Minister,  Coalition for Peace and National Unity in a press statement made available to journalists in Kaduna 

said,"We have repeated advised and kicked against payment of ransom to criminals under any guise, because it is counter-productive to fight against banditry."

While recalling that Nigeria security agencies have also discouraged payment of ransom to kidnappers, the group reminded that, "The Nigerian Senate had in 2022 passed a bill imposing jail terms of at least 15 years for paying a ransom to free someone who has been kidnapped, and made the crime of abduction punishable by death in cases where victims die.

The group in the statement signed by the Secretary General ,Dr. Abdullahi Musa  Ringim queried Pantami's silence on heightened insecurity challenges under Buhari administration asked,"Where was Pantami's Voice, when under Former President Buhari, when half of Katsina State was under attack by bandits , 80 percent of Zamfara State was occupied by terrorists , Kaduna killings were done almost on daily basis in southern Kaduna with Bandits unleashing terror on innocent citizens in Niger state and  at birnin-Gwari Local Government area of Kaduna State .

"We also ask what happened to  his passion to rescue kidnapped victims, When 279 female students of GGSS , Jangebe were kidnapped  during a raid by armed bandits on 26 February 2021; when 11 students of FGC ,Yauri were kidnapped,  when bandits invaded the school on 17th June 2021, Several students of  Bethel Baptist School Kaduna , Greenfield University ,Kaduna , Students of Federal College of Forestry  Mechanisation, Kaduna were kidnapped? 

As measures to deter other persons from hurried payment of ransom to bandits, the coalition called on security agencies to invite Pantami for investigation for violating the law . 

According to the group, hundreds of Nigerians are in kidnappers dens owing because the immediate past government allowed kidnapping to become a thriving enterprise.

However, the group which urged security agencies to adopt proactive measures to fight against all forms of criminalities across the country, especially  banditry  and Insurgency, posited ,"Even though there still insecurity challenges, there are  relative and significant improvements on security issues, especially in northern Nigeria . 

"At this juncture, and from our comparative analysis as well as records obtained by our research unit,we are left with no option than to commend Federal government for efforts taken so far to tackle prolonged security challenges in country with the last eight months of Tinubu's administration. "It stated . 

Meanwhile,it advised the president to reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eliminating poverty, terrorism and all forms of criminality nationwide and intensify efforts to implement tangible measures that will alleviate the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates.

NSCF Praises Matawalle's Global Partnership Drive To Combat Insecurity

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The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) commends the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, for his efforts in forging global partnerships to combat insecurity in Nigeria.

 In a statement issued by NSCF's spokesperson, Comrade Danjuma Paul, the group recognized that since assuming office as minister of state for defence, Matawalle has demonstrated a unique approach to tackling the country's security challenges.

One noteworthy achievement highlighted by the NSCF is Matawalle's recent working visit to the United States of America. During this visit, the minister held meetings with members of the United States Congress at the Capitol on December 13th. 

The purpose of the tour was to explore innovative technologies that would enhance the Nigerian military's efficiency in addressing contemporary security threats.

The discussions concluded with an emphasis on the collaboration between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and NEANY of the US. This partnership aims to establish assembly lines for the production of advanced military equipment, contributing to the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in Nigeria.

The NSCF believes that this collaboration will enable Nigeria to learn from NEANY's expertise in military hardware production.

The NSCF also applauded Matawalle's attendance at the conference of Ministers of Defence from Africa, Europe, and Arab nations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The conference, which took place from February 2nd, 2024, in Riyadh, saw defence ministers discussing strategies and issues related to securing their respective regions. Matawalle's participation further demonstrates his commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision of modernizing Nigeria's armed forces to effectively address evolving security threats.

In addition, the NSCF commended Matawalle for his swift action in ordering an investigation into allegations of wrongdoing by a serving Chief of Naval Staff accused of engaging in corrupt practices. 

This commitment to ensuring accountability within the military is commendable and indicative of Matawalle's dedication to upholding integrity and transparency.

The NSCF believes that Matawalle's global partnerships and proactive approach to security challenges will significantly contribute to the overall improvement of Nigeria's security landscape. 

The group calls on all stakeholders to support these initiatives and collaborate towards a safer and more secured Nigeria.