By Ibrahim Ammani

The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Barr Julius Abure, has warned its 2023 presidential election candidate, Peter Obi, to stop blackmailing the party’s officials.

Abure said the attention of the party’s leadership was called to an interview on Monday granted by Obi wherein he alleged that the APC-led federal government has infiltrated the leadership of the Labour Party and, by so doing, fomented a crisis in the party.

A statement issued by the Labour Party’s national secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, said that Obi could not produce any tangible evidence when asked to produce evidence.

“He said that the national chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, referred to the Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, as a dwarf.

“As a member of our party, we sincerely do not wish to join issues with Mr. Obi, but for his penchant to constantly misinform Nigerians on the real reasons for the crisis in the party, knowing that virtually most other parties are in one form of crisis or the other. We sincerely hope he will introspect and move away from these ill-conceived narratives.

“It is therefore pertinent to put on record that the problem with the Labour Party was not created by the ruling party (APC). Rather, the problem in the Labour Party was created and sustained by Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, who is presently serving a suspension for anti-party activities. We dare Obi to produce any tangible or intangible evidence which suggests remotely or otherwise that the Abure leadership of the Labour Party is in bed with the APC-led government,” the party said.

The statement said nobody is infallible, adding, “it behoves anyone who makes mistakes to be bold enough to own it.

“When good leaders fail, they should own up to their responsibilities. Obi was unable to provide leadership for the party. He should own up to his mistakes. Therefore, it is shameful for Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti to continue accusing the government of infiltrating the Labour Party and demarketing it.

“This same government was in existence in 2022 when the party made six aspirants, including Prof. Pat Utomi, to step down for Peter Obi as the party’s candidate. The government existed when the party crisscrossed all the country’s nooks and crannies, including the insecurity-prone areas, campaigning for Peter Obi in 2022 and 2023.

“The government existed when the national chairman, Julius Abure, travelled across Europe and the United States to galvanise support for Peter Obi. The government also existed when the party leadership mobilised its members across the state, leading to over six million votes won during

By Ibrahim Ammani

The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Barr Julius Abure, has warned its 2023 presidential election candidate, Peter Obi, to stop blackmailing the party’s officials.

Abure said the attention of the party’s leadership was called to an interview on Monday granted by Obi wherein he alleged that the APC-led federal government has infiltrated the leadership of the Labour Party and, by so doing, fomented a crisis in the party.

A statement issued by the Labour Party’s national secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, said that Obi could not produce any tangible evidence when asked to produce evidence.

“He said that the national chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, referred to the Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, as a dwarf.

“As a member of our party, we sincerely do not wish to join issues with Mr. Obi, but for his penchant to constantly misinform Nigerians on the real reasons for the crisis in the party, knowing that virtually most other parties are in one form of crisis or the other. We sincerely hope he will introspect and move away from these ill-conceived narratives.

“It is therefore pertinent to put on record that the problem with the Labour Party was not created by the ruling party (APC). Rather, the problem in the Labour Party was created and sustained by Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, who is presently serving a suspension for anti-party activities. We dare Obi to produce any tangible or intangible evidence which suggests remotely or otherwise that the Abure leadership of the Labour Party is in bed with the APC-led government,” the party said.

The statement said nobody is infallible, adding, “it behoves anyone who makes mistakes to be bold enough to own it.

“When good leaders fail, they should own up to their responsibilities. Obi was unable to provide leadership for the party. He should own up to his mistakes. Therefore, it is shameful for Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti to continue accusing the government of infiltrating the Labour Party and demarketing it.

“This same government was in existence in 2022 when the party made six aspirants, including Prof. Pat Utomi, to step down for Peter Obi as the party’s candidate. The government existed when the party crisscrossed all the country’s nooks and crannies, including the insecurity-prone areas, campaigning for Peter Obi in 2022 and 2023.

“The government existed when the national chairman, Julius Abure, travelled across Europe and the United States to galvanise support for Peter Obi. The government also existed when the party leadership mobilised its members across the state, leading to over six million votes won during

From Ibrahim Ammani

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has called on Muslim faithfuls to use the spiritual significance of the Sallah celebration to reflect on the virtues of obedience, sacrifice, unity, submission and unwavering faith, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.

In his message at the Okene Central Eid Ground, Governor Ododo urged Muslim faithfuls to remain exemplary ambassadors of peace, compassion and unity.

He emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among diverse religious and ethnic groups, noting that progress can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

He called on all Muslims to uphold the tenets of integrity, generosity, and a spirit of service, particularly during this festive period.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and the welfare of all residents of Kogi State, regardless of religious background.

He urged the people of the State and the Nigerians to keep praying for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose Renewed Hope Agenda is laying a foundation for a more prosperous Nigeria.

He noted that his administration is deepening security architecture, expanding infrastructural development, supporting farmers, traders and strengthening education and healthcare systems in the state.

He added that his administration is also focused on industrialization, rural development and job creation in ensuring that no community is left behind in the state.

Governor Ododo was accompanied by the former Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ali Bello, Kogi State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello and other top government Officials.

From Ibrahim Ammani

In a move to broaden public access to government information, the Office of the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor of Kogi State has released the maiden edition of Lugard House Monthly, a newsletter aimed at showcasing the policies and programmes of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

The initiative, led by the Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah, is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency and keep the public informed on developments under the current administration.

The newsletter follows the successful unveiling of the Kogi Annual Media Report in April 2025, which received widespread commendation.

The first edition of the publication highlights key activities and achievements of the Ododo-led administration throughout May 2025.

From infrastructural development to welfare programmes, the newsletter seeks to offer citizens a clear and accessible record of government actions and their impact on Kogites.

According to Hon. Isah, Lugard House Monthly serves not only as a communication tool but also as a portable directory of the governor’s engagements and accomplishments.

He described it as another milestone in media innovations rolled out by his office to promote the government’s vision.

The newsletter is intended to be a monthly publication, providing a consistent source of verified information and serving as a reference point for stakeholders, media houses, and researchers interested in tracking the state’s governance trajectory.

The Special Adviser expressed confidence that the initiative will further amplify the achievements of Governor Ododo’s administration, which he said has been widely praised for its commitment to improving the wellbeing of Kogi residents in various sectors.

From Ibrahim Ammani

As the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebration approaches, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, General Overseer of the Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Southern Kaduna, Northwestern Nigeria, has launched a joint campaign with several imams to visit livestock markets across the region.

This marks the tenth consecutive year that a coalition of over 100 imams from across Northern Nigeria has partnered in the final week leading up to Sallah to appeal to livestock sellers to reduce the prices of rams and other animals, making them more affordable for Muslim families preparing for the festivities.

Due to the closure of the Niger Republic border and ongoing economic challenges, the cost of rams and other livestock has risen sharply across the country.

Speaking during a recent media briefing after visiting street livestock markets in Kaduna, Pastor Buru announced that more than 100 Muslim scholars—including imams, alarammas (Qur’anic teachers), and members of the Council of Muslim Preachers—have been mobilized for this effort. Their mission is to engage with livestock sellers and encourage them to lower prices to ease the financial burden on Muslim households during the festive season.

As in previous years, Pastor Buru and his team are touring various markets in Kaduna and other northern states, offering seasonal greetings to traders and appealing for price moderation.

He emphasized that this interfaith initiative, now in its second decade, is aimed at supporting low-income Muslim families during Eid-el-Kabir while also fostering peace and unity between Christians and Muslims.

Pastor Buru noted that persistent inflation has made livestock increasingly unaffordable. This year, the group plans to visit multiple roadside markets selling sheep, goats, and cattle in anticipation of the festival.

He added that beyond price concerns, the campaign also strengthens interfaith harmony and cooperation in the region.

The 2025 Eid-el-Kabir comes amid widespread economic hardship, high living costs, rising insecurity, and continued devaluation of the Naira. Pastor Buru observed that demand for sheep is especially high during this period, with traders often experiencing increased profits.

He extended early Sallah greetings to Muslims around the world and expressed hope that livestock prices would be more reasonable this year.

Pastor Buru also commended Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani for her long-standing charitable work, including supporting poor Christian widows and orphans during Christmas and Easter through donations of grains and food items.

Similarly, Imam Husaini Ilyasu, the Morchid of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and Chief Imam of Udawa Central Mosque, echoed the call for lower prices.

He also urged food vendors to reduce costs to allow more Muslims to celebrate with dignity and joy.

Imam Ilyasu expressed strong support for Pastor Buru’s interfaith initiative, highlighting the need for ongoing prayers and fasting for divine intervention in the face of national and global crises.

He praised the pastor for mobilizing both Christian and Muslim leaders to promote fairness and compassion in local markets.

In response to the appeals, Mallam Musa Usman, a scholar and ram seller at Zango Tudun Market in Tudun Wada, Kaduna, acknowledged that the rising cost of living has affected all sectors, including livestock trading.

He cited high costs of animal feed, transportation from remote areas, and the removal of fuel subsidies as key factors driving price increases.

He also noted that insecurity—caused by banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism—has severely impacted livestock farming in rural areas.

Mallam Usman appealed to the Niger Republic to reopen its borders to facilitate livestock imports during the festive season.

He also called on the Nigerian government to strengthen domestic agricultural production to reduce dependence on imports from other African countries.

“Nigeria can feed the entire nation with local meat. There is a need to support local poultry and livestock farmers with sufficient animal feed to boost production and reduce overdependence on foreign livestock,” he said.

He concluded by emphasizing that the depreciation of the Naira has further contributed to the hike in livestock prices nationwide.

Mallam Usman commended Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru for his efforts in promoting interreligious tolerance, peace, and unity among Nigerians, regardless of ethnic, religious, or cultural differences.

…challenges Nenadi to speak about her plea bargain with EFCC

By Ibrahim Ammani

The leadership crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) took another dimension on Wednesday with the suspension of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, over alleged anti-party activities.

The party also announced the suspension of five of its elected lawmakers in the National Assembly for the same reason given above.

The suspended lawmakers include: Senator Ireti Kingibe; Senator Darlington Nwokocha; Hon. Victor Afam Ogene; Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.

The National Secretary of the Julius Abure led faction, Umar Farouk Ibrahim announced their suspension in a statement on Wednesday.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party had on May 2 set up a five-man Disciplinary Committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi; Ibrahim, the National Secretary, and three others to investigate Governor Otti and any other party members over allegations of anti-party activities.

“The Disciplinary Committee has concluded its assignment and has submitted its report to the party leadership. The National Executive of the party met today, May 7th, 2025, and after exhaustive deliberation in line with powers donated to it by the Party Constitution, has ratified the recommendation as submitted by the Disciplinary Committee.

“Consequent upon that, the following members of the party have been suspended from the party and all its activities, indefinitely and with immediate effect.

“Dr. Alex Otti; Senator Ireti Kingibe; Senator Darlington Nwokocha; Hon. Victor Afam Ogene; Hon. Amobi Ogah; Hon. Seyi Sowunmi

“By this suspension, these former members of the party will no longer act for and on behalf of the party. All concerned institutions, including the Nigeria Governors Forum, the National Assembly, INEC, and security agencies, among others, are to take note,” the statement said.

The party said the name of the caretaker committee chairman set up by the former presidential candidate of the party Peter Obi led faction, Nenadi Usman was omitted from the list of the suspended members because she is not a member of the party.

The statement added: “It will surprise Nigerians and party faithful that the name of one Nenadi Usman was conspicuously omitted from the list of the suspended members of the party. First, we have said repeatedly that the said Nenadi Usman was and is not a member of the Labour Party, being not a card-carrying member of the Party. We are aware that she is a member of the Obidient Support group that worked and is still working for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. We will therefore not honour her with any sanction, being not a member of the party.

“Again, we are aware that Ms Usman recently in a well-televised occasion, in cohort with a former Kaduna state governor, joined another political party where she pledged loyalty to the party. We are confused about where Usman Nenadi’s loyalty lies.

“The party leadership is also surprised that Nenadi Usman is talking about corruption when indeed she is the headmistress of corruption. Nigerians are already aware of all the EFCC cases against her, and we expect Ms Usman to come out and explain to Nigerians the story behind her Plea Bargain with EFCC and all the properties she allegedly forfeited. She should also tell Nigerians how she acquired her radio station in Kaduna, all her properties all over Nigeria and abroad, her companies in Cameroon, including her plantations. Nenadi Usman lacks the moral capacity to commence any probe or even talk about corruption.

“In any event, the party’s financial records are straight, and it will interest the members of the public to know that the party’s audited accounts have been published. INEC, being the regulatory body, sent their external auditors to audit the party’s account, and they gave a clean report and also commended the party for its financial transparency. It is on record that among the comity of Political Parties in Nigeria, the Labour Party’s financial records were adjudged to be among the best.

“Finally, the party has since taken a position on the issue of coalition, and we want to reiterate that the party is not interested in any overtures by any group or persons to go into any coalition or merger. Like we have earlier stated, the protagonists of the coalition, those driving the agenda, lack the capacity, the character, and competence to midwife such a political arrangement. These are people who have failed to manage one political party; how can they manage an amalgam of political parties and their varied interests? The Labour Party intends to prosecute the 2027 general election as a stand-alone party, and no further discussion will be entertained on this matter.”

By Ahmed Ilallah

The Chairman of the Auyo Local Government Council in Jigawa State, Honourable Bilyaminu Umar Kafur, today launched 100 hectares of rice farming in ten political wards of the local government area.

The programme was designed to engage 200 young farmers for this year’s rice dry season farming.

The programme is in line with the agricultural transformation agenda of the administration of Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi and to accelerate the target of the Jigawa State Government of producing 50% of the Nigerian rice.

The Chairman disclosed that Auyo Local Government is the largest rice producing Local Government in Nigeria. The Hadejia Irrigation Project of HJRVDA is in Auyo.

The Head of the Agric Department of the local government and also the Chairman of NULGE Jigawa State explained that Auyo Local government is a farming area, and it’s not possible to have 100 hectares at one location.

However, the Local Government has been able to get 10 hectares in each of the ten political wards of the local government.

The HOD explained that 20 young farmers are to be engaged in each ward, and 200 young farmers are to be engaged for this year’s dry season farming.

On the occasion also, the Chairman distributes scholarships to hundreds of students of the local government; the beneficiaries of the scholarship are postgraduate, undergraduate and health sciences students.

He also empowers categories of people in the local government with seed capital for micro businesses.

By Ibrahim Ammani

The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation is pleased to announce a significant two-day interactive session scheduled for 20th and 21st May 2025 in Kaduna, Nigeria. This landmark event builds on the Foundation’s successful engagement on 17th October 2022, where frontline presidential candidates, including then-candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, presented their manifestos and made commitments towards the development of Northern Nigeria. With President Tinubu now two years into his administration, this follow-up session aims to evaluate the progress made on those electoral promises, deepen government-citizen engagement, and promote a clearer understanding of the administration’s policies and programmes.

The event will provide a robust platform for constructive dialogue between representatives of the Federal Government and citizens. It is designed to bridge the gap between policy implementation and public perception, dispel misinformation, and address misconceptions about the administration’s initiatives. By facilitating open and honest discourse, the Foundation seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process, ensuring that governance remains responsive, inclusive, and accountable to the people.

The two-day programme will feature high-level presentations and interactive sessions with key Federal Government representatives, who will provide detailed briefings on progress in critical sectors, including:

• National Security to assess efforts to enhance safety and stability across the nation.
• Agriculture and Food Security, to evaluate initiatives to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food sufficiency.
• Infrastructure and Social Services, to review advancements in physical infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other essential services.
• Governance and Economy, to examine policies aimed at fostering economic growth, transparency, and effective governance.

This engagement will not only highlight achievements but also provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss challenges, propose solutions, and align expectations for the continued development of Northern Nigeria and the nation at large. The Foundation believes that such interactions are vital for sustaining trust between the government and its citizens, fostering unity, and promoting informed public discourse.

The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the legacy of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, by promoting good governance, socio-economic development, and unity in Northern Nigeria and beyond. This event underscores our dedication to creating platforms that empower citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and hold leaders accountable.

We invite key stakeholders to join us in Kaduna on 20th and 21st May 2025 for this pivotal engagement. Together, we can build a more transparent, accountable, and prosperous Nigeria.

Signed
Engr. Abubakar Gambo Umar Director-General

By Ahmed Ilallah

For every society to benefit from the dividend of democracy, it must have good political leadership and representation in all important chambers.

Jigawa Northeast comprises eight Local Government areas, Hadejia, Auyo, Malam-Madori, Kiri-Kasamma, Auyo, Kafin-Hausa, Birniwa and Guri.

For a long time, the region has been in quest of a political leadership that will steer for good democracy benefits.

The region is looking for leadership that will help in addressing the youths’ unemployment, education, healthcare services and bringing infrastructural development to the region.

The coming of Senator Ahmad Malam-Madori as a Senator representing the zone has exposed more opportunities that could progress the region.

In less than two years, the Senator had secured the formal work to over four hundred youths from the zone. Some of them are recruited to police service, customs and other federal institutions.

The Senator supported categories of people through entrepreneur training and seed capital to start businesses.

In supporting sports activities in the area, the Senator renovated the Hadejia township stadium and is now building new ones in Guri, Malam-Madori and Kafin-Hausa.

He is facilitating two important bills for establishing a tertiary institution and a federal health institution in the zone.

This is just a little of what we are witnessing from his representation.

alhajilallah@gmail.com

By Ibrahim Ammani

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) wishes to express its grave concern regarding the deteriorating security situation in Zamfara State. In light of the renewed and escalating insecurity that has left countless lives at risk, we hereby call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state.

Despite earlier successes recorded by federal troops in combating banditry, the situation in Zamfara has worsened significantly. Armed groups have become increasingly emboldened, launching brazen attacks on innocent civilians, displacing families, and creating an atmosphere of fear and hopelessness.

In a statement signed by it’s national president Alhaji Yerima Shettima, issued to journalists in Kaduna added that..

“The people of Zamfara are in desperate need of immediate intervention to restore peace and security to their communities”

“We must also highlight the role of the state government under Governor Dauda Lawal Dare in this escalating crisis”.

“The Governor’s inaction, indifference, and total lack of concern for the plight of the citizens have directly contributed to the worsening security situation. Instead of taking decisive action to confront the bandits, the governor has demonstrated a total lack of preparedness and capacity to challenge these criminal elements”.

“Furthermore, allegations of the excessive pillage of public funds have raised serious questions about the governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people”.

“The AYCF firmly believes that a state of emergency is necessary to mobilize federal resources and restore law and order in Zamfara State”.

“We urge President Tinubu to take this critical step to protect the lives and properties of the citizens and to hold the state government accountable for its failures”.

“We stand with the people of Zamfara in their quest for safety, security, and justice. It is time for decisive action to end the suffering and restore hope to this beleaguered region”.