From Ibrahim Ammani

The leadership of the Labour Party said it watched in awe as a one time minister of finance and a former member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Nenadi Usman failed in her bid to transact with the Labour Party in alliance with her mentor and former governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasiru el-Rufai.

Before wednesday’s shameful but audacious display by Nenadi Usman, many attempts have been made by some desperate politicians to transact with the Labour Party with all ending in the same disastrous fate. We are also aware that one other group which has continued to claim proprietary right over the Labour Party, in a recent statement indicated interest to join in this transactional frenzy to obliterate this party seen as the third force. We really do not know why all these interests in the Labour Party. Are there no other political parties in Nigeria?

We have repeatedly said that the Labour Party is filled with several transactional politicians whose only purpose of joining the party was to scramble for the soul of the party. This explains the genesis of the crises we have witnessed in the party in the last two years. We have continued to warn that the Labour Party is not a merchandise that can be bought over the counter. It baffles us how some persons will continue to engage in a futile enterprise which end is already foretold.

For emphasis, Senator Usman joined the Labour Party in 2022 in support of our Presidential candidate as an unregistered member of the party and up till presently, her name is still not in the party’s register. She is not known in her Ward, Local Government and the State chapters of the party. It is only in Nigeria that some desperate politicians can wake up one morning and begin to claim one position, even if such position is not supported by any law.

Today, it is becoming manifest why she forced her way to assume an illegal and ill-conceived transitional chairman of the Labour Party and perhaps the unseen hands that have urged and funded her covert agenda. 

The leadership of the Labour Party has repeatedly said that it is not in any discussion with any individual or group on matters of alliance or merger for now. It is therefore preposterous for Nenadi Usman, who is not known to be either an executive or member of the Labour Party to have the audacity to want to auction our party to her former mentor. For how much, we may ask?

Nigerians must know that Nenadi Usman dragged the party to the court seeking that the entire executives of the party from the Ward, Local Government, State and the National level be sacked and she lost in both the lower and Appeal courts. She was barely two year old as a non card carrying member of the party as at that time. Today, even the six months illegal mandate given to her in Umuahia has since elapsed but she is still sitting on a non-existing office.

In her media release, she claimed that she was invited by her colleague in the SDP to witness el-Rufai’s defection. Imagine a supposed party leader saying “they” received el-Rufai into opposition fold. Was it a CNPP event? It’s so funny that a supposed party leader who was “appointed” to drive reforms in the Labour Party went to SDP with her sitting on the side of el-Rufai to do anti party and claim she was invited by the leadership of another political party.

Why didn’t they invite chairmen of the other opposition political parties? This is a shallow defense and most unfortunate from Senator Nenadi Usman. 

Finally, we want to state emphatically that we are not against any individual leaving or joining any political party of choice, provided such prerson, if elected into office on the ticket of a political party relinquishes the mandate. If therefore, Nenadi Usman wants to join any other political party, she is free to do so, but transacting with Labour Party is clearly criminal and it must be resisted. 

SIGN:

Obiora Ifoh

National Publicity Secretary 

Labour Party

12/03/2025

By Abubakar Sada

One of the key media Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State, Comrade Faruk A. Shehu has expressed dismay over the manner in which the party is being run in the state. He stressed that if care is not taken to unite major stakeholders, President Bola Tinubu might lose the 2027 elections in the state.

Comrade Shehu noted that the party’s leaders in the state have not carried along some of the major stakeholders who contributed massively to the success of President Tinubu and the state governor in the 2023 elections, particularly Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi Danbaba and Sen.Ibrahim Lamido who represented Sokoto South Senatorial district in the 8th and 9th Senate and Sen. Ibrahim Lamido representing Sokoto East Senatorial District in the Current Assembly respectively.

He emphasized Senator Danbaba’s crucial role in ensuring the APC’s victory in the state, utilizing his personal resources and experience to secure the party’s Success. However, despite his massive contributions, Senator Danbaba has been ignored or sidelined without any compensation at the state and federal levels. This is not withstanding his acknowledgment of the way his 2023 Senatorial Election was sabotaged in favour of his opponent.

Comrade Shehu further stated that Senator Danbaba’s experience makes him deserving of a ministerial slot, but was not granted. Additionally, none of his supporters were appointed as commissioners, special advisers, or local government chairmen, despite his massive contribution in about 45% of the votes the party received in the 2023 elections.

Comrade Shehu cautioned the party leaders not to allow Senator Danbaba to leave the APC, as this would lead to the party’s defeat in the 2027 elections due to his massive grassroot support base,especially in the Sokoto South Senatorial District of the state. He called on the National Chairman of the party, His Excellency Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to take immediate action to address the issue and give Senator Danbaba the recognition he deserves.

According to Comrade Shehu, if urgent steps are not taken to address the crisis, Senator Danbaba’s supporters would stage a peaceful protest to demand a change in how the party is being run in the state.

The sixth edition of the Governor Uba Sani “Peace and Unity” Football Tournament, organized by Honourable Barrister Ibrahim Bello Rigachikun, Special Assistant to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, has concluded with an exciting finale.

The final match, held at Malam Jalo Primary School in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna, saw Amana FC Rigachikun emerge victorious over Maraban Jos Academy to lift the coveted trophy.

In an interview with journalists at the conclusion of the tournament, Honourable Barrister Ibrahim Bello Rigachikun, the sponsor of the event, explained that the tournament was aimed at promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among the people of surrounding communities. He also emphasized that the competition aligns with Governor Uba Sani’s vision of fostering unity, progress, and peace throughout Kaduna State.

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) vehemently condemns the recent volte-face by Northern Governors regarding the national tax reform bills. After generating needless controversy and misleading the public, these governors have inexplicably capitulated to the reforms.

The AYCF, from the outset, has maintained that these reforms, despite potential short-term challenges, are essential for Nigeria’s overall development. We view the governors’ actions as a betrayal of the trust placed in them, a demonstration of their incompetence in managing their states’ affairs, and ultimately, a disservice to the Northern people.

This press statement outlines our deep concerns and calls for accountability.The Northern Governors initially presented a united front against the proposed tax reforms, citing concerns about their potential negative impact on the already struggling Northern economy.

In a statement issued by it’s national President Yerima Shettima added that “This stance, while arguably understandable given the region’s socio-economic challenges, was fundamentally flawed. Their arguments lacked substance and failed to acknowledge the vital role of robust taxation in funding essential public services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Instead of engaging constructively with the government to address specific concerns and negotiate amendments, they chose to employ divisive rhetoric, fueling public unrest and hindering national progress.

This approach reveals a lack of foresight and strategic planning, highlighting their failure to effectively represent the interests of their constituents. The sudden and unexplained shift in their position, without any apparent concessions or amendments achieved, casts serious doubt on their integrity and raises questions about the motives behind their initial opposition.We recognize that effective taxation is the cornerstone of a functioning and prosperous nation.

While we acknowledge the need for sensitive implementation to minimize hardship, particularly amongst vulnerable populations, we firmly believe that the benefits of these reforms significantly outweigh any potential drawbacks. Increased tax revenue will allow the government to invest heavily in critical sectors, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the overall quality of life for all Nigerians, including those in the North.

The Governors’ initial opposition, therefore, not only hampered national progress but also demonstrated a disregard for the long-term welfare of the very people they are elected to serve. Their actions appear driven by short-sighted political considerations rather than a genuine commitment to the development of the North.

The Northern Governors’ opposition to the tax reforms cannot be divorced from their wider failures in managing their respective states. Many Northern states grapple with persistent poverty, underdevelopment, and a lack of basic amenities.

This chronic underperformance stems from several factors, including poor governance, corruption, and a lack of effective resource allocation. Instead of focusing on these critical issues and finding innovative ways to improve the lives of their citizens, the governors chose to deflect attention by focusing on the tax reform debate.

This suggests a deliberate attempt to shift blame for their own failures onto the federal government.

The AYCF contends that their initial opposition was a distraction tactic, an attempt to mask their incompetence and avoid accountability for their shortcomings.

The hasty reversal of their position further strengthens this argument.The Northern Governors’ actions constitute a clear betrayal of the trust placed in them by the Northern people. By initially opposing the tax reforms and then conceding, they have demonstrated a fundamental lack of respect for the electorate.

They engaged in misleading rhetoric, playing on public anxieties to garner support for their position, only to abandon it without explanation. This manipulation undermines the democratic process and erodes public confidence in leadership.

The AYCF calls upon the Northern Governors to provide a clear and transparent explanation for their change of heart. The people deserve to know the reasons behind this abrupt shift and whether any concessions were made that would compromise the effectiveness of the tax reforms.

The AYCF reiterates its unwavering support for the national tax reform bills. We believe that these reforms are crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and development, and we condemn the Northern Governors’ inconsistent and ultimately deceitful actions.

Their failure to effectively manage their states and their manipulation of public opinion highlight a systemic problem of governance within the region. We call for greater accountability from these governors and urge them to focus on their primary responsibilities: improving the lives of the people they represent through good governance and effective resource management.

The hasty surrender to the tax reform bills without meaningful engagement or a transparent explanation constitutes a disservice to the North and a betrayal of the public’s trust.

The AYCF will continue to advocate for policies that promote sustainable development and economic progress for all Nigerians, and will remain vigilant in holding our leaders accountable for their actions.

By Ibrahim Ammani

The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Kaduna State Chapter, extends warm felicitations to the good people of Kaduna State on the occasion of the 2025 New Year. Despite the APC’s massive failure in governance at all levels, this season calls for celebration and renewed expectations.

Across the 23 LGAs of the state, citizens overwhelmingly agree that the security challenges, deplorable rural infrastructure, dilapidated hospitals, and lack of access to quality education persist. The APC’s governance has been marred by incompetence, and the people have suffered greatly.

Furthermore, Governor Uba Sani’s near-constant absence from the state has hindered governance, delayed important decisions, and wasted public resources. In 2025, the people of Kaduna State deserve better.

To put it bluntly, Governor Uba Sani has demonstrated contempt for the people of Kaduna State, as evident in his actions regarding the aborted local government council elections and the new minimum wage. Even Malam Nasir El-rufa’i, known for his arbitrariness, did not fail to organize credible local government elections or pay the minimum wage approved by then president, Muhammadu Buhari

Since the creation of our dear state, life has never been more meaningless and hopeless than it has been under the current APC administration. The government’s promise of a good life for the people has become mere political rhetoric, aimed at giving the people false hope.

Thankfully, citizens across Kaduna State are pleased with the giant strides made by elected representatives under the platform of PDP, particularly in 2024. Our representatives have initiated programmes supporting the poor and vulnerable, the students, women, and youths.

The PDP demands that Governor Uba Sani and APC officials turn a new leaf in the coming year . We urge citizens to demand accountability from their representatives and to always visit the website of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation for information on federal allocations to the state and its 23 LGAs.

The PDP, under my leadership, is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure democracy thrives in Kaduna State and the people have the final say. We will continue to defend democracy and promote good governance, God willing.

I wish every citizen a prosperous new year filled with laughter and joy.

Thank you, and God bless

Signed:
Chief Edward Percy Masha, PDP Chairman, Kaduna State.

By Ibrahim Ammani

A former member of the House of Representatives from Kaduna State, Hon. Usman Shehu Bawa ABG, has felicitated the people of Kaduna State on the occasion of the New Year celebration, urging them to keep hope alive and never despair.

He said in his New Year message, that “as we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome a new year, I join fellow Nigerians in wishing you a peaceful and prosperous 2025.”

” I commend your resilience in the face of adversity, particularly the security challenges, economic hardships and social struggles that have affected our state and country.”

He said throughout these difficult times, “I have shared in the pain of families who have lost loved ones to violence or kidnapping, the struggles of those facing hunger, poor infrastructure, limited access to education and healthcare, and the despair of those unemployed or underemployed.”

“As we enter the new year, I urge you never to give in to despair, but trust that God will raise a new generation of leaders who will bring positive change to our communities, transform lives and usher in a brighter future for Kaduna State, and our nation Nigeria.”

“Let us keep hope alive and work together towards a better tomorrow.Wishing you a prosperous and fulfilling New Year,” ABG added.

By Ahmed Ilallah

Jigawa State Commissioner for the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Garba, expresses his condolences to His Excellency Malam Umar Namadi, the Jigawa State Executive Governor, over the deaths of his beloved mother, Hajiya Maryam Namadi, and his son, Abdulwahab Umar Namadi.

The passing of these individuals within a span of less than 30 hours is a tragic loss, not only for the Governor’s family but for the entire state. Their departure comes at a time when we needed them most. Rt. Hon. Ahmed Garba described the deceased as significant assets to the state.

This profound tragedy is difficult to bear, but His Excellency is strong enough to accept the will of Allah.

He prayed for Allah to grant them forgiveness and to make Jannatul Firdausi their final resting place.

The National Secretary of the Labour Party, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim said the Party is petrified over the stampede to death of about 65 Nigerians in the last few days in Oyo, Anambra states and the FCT. 

Alhaj Ibrahim said the stampedes have become one too many and this magnitude lost of lives at a time when Nigeria is not facing any natural disaster was a pointer to the fact that hunger could be the worst epidemic a people can face. 

As reported, about 40 children, died during a stampede at a carnival in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, 20 residents of Okija community in Anambra State lost their lives in a similar stampede. On the same day, more than 10 people died following a stampede in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

All these unfortunate incidents occurred in Catholic churches in the FCT while distributing food items to vulnerable persons. The Okija, Anambra state incident happened during a palliative distribution by a notable philanthropist. So also, the Ibadan, Oyo state was at an event funded by a popular royalty. The bottomline is that there is hunger in the land. 

According to the World Bank, in 2023, the poverty rate in Nigeria was estimated to be 38.9%, with 87 million Nigerians living below the poverty line. But presently, the poverty rate in Nigeria is estimated to be 40.7%. This makes Nigeria the second-largest poor population in the world after India. 

It is only poverty that makes some Nigerians go scooping fuel from accident scenes resulting to inferno which brought about hundreds of casualties. These happened on several occasions in the last one year.

Similarly, the National Bureau of Statistics survey revealed that more than 2 million people have been kidnapped in Nigeria in the last one year and Nigerians paid a cumulative $1.42 billion to kidnappers within the same period.

One major reason some people resort to crime is hunger. Nigerians in millions have been subjected to hunger arising from other reasons such as rising inflation and poor economic management. The economic reforms of the Tinubu administration have caused untold hardship to Nigerians. Hunger is turning into an epidemic and not many people can survive this situation. 

The Labour Party prior to the 2023 general elections warned that unless we change our consumption policies to a productive policy, the economy will be in serious jeopardy. Here we are at a cross road today. 

We are therefore calling on the government to scale down most of its agenda in 2024 and redirect it’s policies towards food production. Over 70 percent of Nigeria land resources are laying in waste. Aquatic economy is prostrate and the ministries in charge of these sectors should be made to function. 

Finally, protection of lives and property is the cardinal purpose of the government. But as we can see, life of Nigerians no longer matter that much. While a large number of Nigerians have been wasted by the butcher knife of kidnappers, many simply get killed while trying to survive at all cost. Nothing tangible seems to be done by the government to ameliorate the hunger crisis and check poverty level in Nigeria. 

The government must simply sit up and put their acts together; the statistics is not good, and enough of taking the people for granted. 

SIGN; 
Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim National Secretary 
Labour Party

By Ahmad Hassan

Comrade Yerima Shettima, the national president, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, has urged President Bola Tinubu-led government to be more sensitive to the plight of Nigerians and introduce favorable policies.

In an interview with Sun, Shettima said some of the policies of the present administration do not give hope to the common Nigerians.

According to him, “there is nothing bad in dropping a policy that does not give hope to the people”.

“They should come up with policies that will allow Nigerians to breathe”.

Shettima further said, “that an economic policy has worked somewhere successfully does not mean it must work here in Nigeria. So, the government must be very sensitive concerning the policy models they import into our situation.

“This country is hugely blessed and there is no reason for Nigerians to be in this mess if the government decides to be more sensitive to the plight of the people. Yes, there is hunger, there is insecurity and Nigerians want to see gradual progress taking place.

“Yes, the time may still be too short for an objective assessment of this government, yet something better than what Nigerians are experiencing is possible.

“So, the onus is still on the government to raise the leadership bar that will inspire hope on the people”.

He, however, blamed the current economic woes on the immediate past government led by Mohammed Buhari, saying it will take years to correct their errors.

“The reality as I have said is that the government cannot reverse the damage of the Buhari regime as easily as most Nigerians think.

“They cannot even reverse all the mess in four years, but Nigerians should begin to see conscious relief, improvement and the government coming up with policies that give hope”, he added.

By Ibrahim Ammani

We, the Concerned Northern Media Practitioners (CONMEP), condemn the recent attempt by Minister of State Defence and former Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Muhammed Mutawalen Maradun, to gag the media. This move, orchestrated through a proxy and a court in Bichi, Kano State, undermines the constitutional role of the media as enshrined in Section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution.

Nigeria’s democratic journey has been shaped by the media’s tireless efforts to promote good governance, transparency and accountability. Journalists and media practitioners have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the chairman Abdull-Azeez Ahmed Kadir and the secretary Andrew Ibrahim Mshelia, the group said the role of the media in restoring democracy cannot be overemphasized, just as some journalists and media practitioners lost their lives in the struggle.

Minister Mutawalle’s actions raise serious concerns. By targeting Shuaibu Mungadi of Vision Media Services and Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan of Liberty Radio and Television, among others, Mutawalle seeks to stifle critical reporting. Ironically, these same issues have been widely covered by national dailies, radios, and televisions. There must a hidden motive of targeting these two, especiallyin Northern Nigeria.

We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call Minister Mutawalle to order, safeguard democracy from those undermining the media’s constitutional role.

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice must ensure judges are not exploited for selfish purposes, protecting the judiciary’s integrity.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation must safeguard the media from intimidation, harassment, and international ridicule.

Today’s target may be Vision and Liberty, but tomorrow it could be any media outlet. We must stand united against attempts to silence the press. Democracy demands nothing less.

We feel strongly that if Mutawale as Defence Minister, State, had his way, the military would be shutting down media houses for doing their job, like we saw in recent past with Media Trust that the military invaded their premises, confiscated prints, equipment and hindered their operations.

Ironically, the issues Mutawale is seeking the court to stop Shuaibu Mungadi of Vision Media Services and Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan of Liberty Radio and Television among others from reporting, have been reported by many national dailies, radios and televisions. Why single out the two and their media outfits.

Similarly, some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) interest group – APC Akida Forum – have protested at the headquarters of the State Security Services (SSS), demanding an investigation of Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, over same issues of alleged links with bandits. 

In a statement, the group’s chairperson, Musa Mahmud, called on the SSS to investigate, to save millions of Nigerians and safeguard the integrity of President Bola Tinubu and security agencies.

This followed earlier call by the Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, who urged same Matawalle to resign from his ministerial position to clear his name. Governor Lawal accused the former governor and his predecesor of keeping terrorists at the Government House, Gusau, alleging that ransom was paid to terrorists through the government under Mutawalle

Governor Lawal said he “reported the minister” to the National Security Adviser and President Tinubu and presented some facts to them. 

No gainsaying that the notorious and wanted bandit leader, Bello Turji in several videos also made allusion to complicity of Mutawalle in the insecurity ravaging, the North West, especially Zamfara State. So, is the minister justifying all the above allegations by attempts to gag the media using the judiciary?  

The media will resist any attempt to gag them.