By;  ISAAC ODEH, Kaduna 

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has reiterated its unwavering trust in the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following recent comments made by presidential candidate Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

In a statement issued by Yerima Shettima, President General of the AYCF, the forum reiterated its longstanding belief that INEC is a reputable institution that consistently upholds the principles of fairness, impartiality, and transparency in conducting elections. Peter Obi’s acknowledgment that the judiciary, rather than INEC, poses the greatest challenge to Nigeria’s democracy, further strengthens our conviction in the integrity of INEC.

“The AYCF has long maintained that INEC is a credible, impartial, and unbiased institution that consistently conducts credible elections. Peter Obi’s remarks have vindicated our stance and affirmed that INEC is not the primary obstacle to democratic electoral practices in Nigeria.

“We emphasize the importance of strong institutions like INEC in ensuring the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. He further highlighted the detrimental impact of the judiciary assuming the role of the sole arbiter in election matters.

“The AYCF firmly believes that strong and independent institutions such as INEC are essential in preserving the democratic fabric of our nation. The Forum recognizes the critical role that INEC plays in upholding the will of the people through free, fair, and credible elections. 

“We commend INEC for its dedication to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and safeguarding the democratic rights of Nigerian citizens.

“It is our steadfast belief that any attempts to undermine the credibility of INEC or question its impartiality are detrimental to the progress of our democratic system. 

“The AYCF stands firm in its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria’s electoral system. We will continue to advocate for the independence and effectiveness of INEC in carrying out its constitutional mandate”.

Furthermore, the AYCF condemned any undue interference or overreach by the judiciary in electoral affairs. 

“We believe that the judiciary’s role in electoral matters should be limited to adjudicating legal disputes and upholding the rule of law, rather than assuming the primary responsibility for determining electoral outcomes. Such interference undermines the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process and threatens the foundations of democracy in Nigeria,” the statement said.

The AYCF called on all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the media, to support and uphold the independence of INEC in conducting free, fair, and credible elections, while also urging all Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively participate in the electoral process to safeguard the democratic principles upon which our nation is founded.

*Commends Govs Adeleke, Abiodun supports for  union 

By; BAYO AKAMO,  Ibadan 

South West states leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Friday, lauded Gov Seyi Makinde for giving approval to hosting of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Union in Ibadan next month (June).

The NUJ leaders gave the commendation at a stakeholders parley to deliberate on issues affecting the union and the South West at large, held in Ibadan.

According to the leaders, Gov Makinde’s gesture for giving approval to host the NUJ National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Ibadan is worthy of commendations describing it as demonstration of Gov. Makinde’s love for the media.

South West NUJ leaders then urged other state governors in the South West to emulate wonderful disposition of Governor Makinde to the media profession, well-being of journalists and the NUJ in general.

” The Southwest NUJ commends the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for the approval to host the NUJ NEC meeting in Ibadan which is the gathering of leadership of all journalists across the country” it said; .

South West NUJ leaders added, ” The Union appreciated Southwest Governors, particularly the Governors of Oyo, Osun and Ogun, who have always provided support for their State Councils and its members, urging others to emulate such gesture.”

“The leadership of the NUJ Zone B specifically appreciated the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for appointing a journalist, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya as the first NUJ member to be the Head of Service of the state. The Union appealed to other State Governors to magnanimously elevate qualified journalists/Information officers to the position of Permanent Secretary, Head of Service and other key public offices”.

On the condition of roads across the South West, the union leaders tasked the concerned governments to rise up and do the needful towards the reconstruction and rehabilitation of some deplorable roads in the Southwest region especially the Ibadan – Ile -Ife -Ilesa-  expressway, Akure-Ado Ekiti road, Ibadan-Odeda-Abeokuta road among others.

“The Zone calls for an urgent actions from the Federal Government to reconstruct and rehabilitate some deplorable roads in the Southwest region especially Ilesa-Ibadan expressway, Akure-Ado Ekiti road, Ibadan-Odeda-Abeokuta road among others.

Earlier, the Southwest NUJ Leaders hailed the Oyo State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola for the continuous upliftment and development of Oyo NUJ.

By;  ARCHIBONG ESUENE,  Makurdi

 Benue State Police Command has banned motorists and vehicle owners from covering  number plates  with immediate effect.

The Police Command explained that the practice of covering number plates has become increasingly prevalent in the state and this poses significant  security treat to the state as criminals can take advantage of this practice to perpetuate  crime and get away with it. 

Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP. Hassan Steve Yabanet has  ordered all Area Commanders, Tactical  Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to impound such vehicles  for investigation and prosecution.

SP Anene Sewuese Catherine, Police Public Relations Officer, Benue State Command in a  statement in Makurdi, said that  motorists  are  advised  to ensure that their vehicles registration number plates remain clearly visible.

The command’s image manager further said that it is reasonable to have a vehicle number plate at all times while driving within the state on security grounds.

To  avoid any inconveniences that may be caused by the enforcement process, SP Sewuese appealed to vehicle owners and motorists to effect necessary corrections if affected.

 “Together, we can contribute to the promotion of public safety and the maintenance of law and order in Benue State.”

By; FUNMI ADERINTO, Kaduna 

Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani has said that  incremental changes and putting smiles on  the faces of the poor, vulnerable and weak in the society is his priority.

He was speaking  at the 86th Chief Gani Fawehinmi Posthumous Birthday Celebration and Mallam Balarabe Musa Immortalization,  was held at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall, Murtala Square, on Sunday in Kaduna. 

He said: “It is a great reunion as I play host to comrades and colleagues in the human rights and pro-democracy struggles”. 

The event featured panel discussions on the theme, “Social Justice as a Foundation for Human Dignity, Peace and Development.” The sub-themes were, “Towards Restorative Justice System: Paradigm Shift from the Criminal Justice System in Kaduna State, ” “Improving Labour – Government Relations for the Economic Prosperity of the North,” and “The Northern Almajiri System: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.”

Governor Uba Sani paid special tribute to the two icons who devoted their lives to the struggle for social justice. 

Governor Sani said: “Chief Gani Fawehinmi, my mentor, used the instrumentality of the law to fight for social justice, while Alhaji Balarabe Musa deployed his mobilizational skills to rally the masses to take their destiny in their own hands.

“I urge our dear comrades and colleagues in the human rights and pro-democracy struggles to always assist us with advice on key developmental issues.

“If we make incremental changes and put smiles on the the faces of the poor, vulnerable and weak in the society, we can say with pride that we are sustaining the legacies of Chief Gani Fawehinmi and Alhaji Balarabe Musa”. 

“One of the key highlights of the occasion was the conferment on my humble self of the Fellowship of the National Institute for Labour Studies, Ilorin by the Director General, Comrade Isa Aremu. It was done in recognition of our administration’s pro-labour policies and my relentless pursuit of social justice”.

*Congratulates him on 58th birthday anniversary 

By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan 

The National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dr Dickson Akoh on Tuesday, described the Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia as an excellent prudent manager of scarce resources.

Dr Akoh who is an APC stalwart in Benue State in a congratulatory message he personally wrote to the governor on the occasion of his 58th birthday, stressed that the governor is taking Benue State out of the economic woes

He stressed that efforts by the governor in strengthening the security of lives and property have been yielding positive outcome and pleaded with the well meaning people of the state to continue to identify with the governor.

“The developmental strides of His Excellency which is anchored on his 7-points Agenda is cristal clear across all sectors and spheres of human endeavour in the state. The efforts being made to bridge the infrastructural gap in Benue through massive construction of township and rural roads is very commendable”, he said. 

Dr Akoh added, ” In recent timed, Makurdi metropolis is wearing a new look of a true urban city. Gov Alia has shown to be a prudent manager of scarce resources, driving from how judicious  His Excellency has been able to manage public funds since coming into office as governor. This has translated to prompt payment of workers salaries and pensions, gratuity, including arrears.

“The all encompassing transformation and reshaping of the health and educational sectors and the massive human capital development of  indigent Benue youth through opening up of industries is very laudable. The efforts in strengthening the security of lives and properties is equally yielding positive outcome”

Dr Akoh while tasking Gov Alia to remain steadfast in his service to humanity especially the people of Benue State, extended  heart-warm congratulations to the governor 

He also described the governor as an empathetic leader with good intentions for the development of Benue State, which according to him is evidence in his distinct leadership approaches since inception into office barely one year ago. 

The National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, then wished the governor a resounding happy birthday celebration and asked for divine strength wisdom for him as he continues to govern Benue State with a desire to take it to the promised land.

By; ISAAC ODEH, Kaduna

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Zamfara State Chapter, on Friday, suspended a member representing Birnin Magaji /Kaura Namoda in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, Aminu Sani Jaji indefinitely, over alleged anti-party activities in recent times.

The party’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Yusuf Idris who stated this during a press conference in Gusau, told newsmen that the decision became necessary following the lawmaker political misconducts which included anti-party activities that led to the failure of the party in the last general elections in the state.

The APC also upheld the Ward and local government party decision and resolution of the party before proceeding to the state party headquarters for subsequent affirmation by the local government executive.

According to Idris, the Zamfara State headquarters of the party has announced the receipt of a suspension letter issued by the executive members of Birnin Magaji ward after an exco meeting that concluded with the resolution to suspend a member house of representatives representing Birnin Magaji/Kaura Namoda, hon. Aminu Sani Jaji.

Amongst other misconducts charged against Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji which initially emanated from his Birnin Magaji ward as confirmed by the Executives of the local government, were his refusal to respect invitations for the APC activities at ward and local government levels, creating factions in the party aimed to weakening its strength and popularity.

According to Idris, the state headquarters of the APC has received a letter from Birnin Magaji local government headquarters of the APC which emanated from the ward level seeking observation and approval for the suspension of the hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, which compelled the party to write the national headquarters of the APC for further actions.

“The State Executive Committee of the APC, Zamfara state Chapter held an emergency meeting at the State Party Secretariat, Gusau on the 17th May 2024, where Hon. Jaji’s suspension matter was tabled to the members during which a report of an already constituted state fact-finding committee on Anti-Party activities established in the aftermath of the 2023 Zamfara State Governorship election was presented to the state’s committee for deliberations by members.

“It may interest you to know that, the findings of that committee as contained in its report dated 15th July 2023 equally fingered Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji and his direct involvement in anti-party activities and recommended for his immediate suspension from the party pending the review and deliberations by the State Disciplinary Committee and subsequent ratification by the State Executive Committee.

“The 7-Man State Disciplinary Committee also recommended his suspension from the party having failed to appear before the committee despite several invitations given to him, now the State Executive Committee has reviewed the earlier findings made by the State Disciplinary Committee and agreed with its recommendations and resolved to suspend him based on the findings”,

“‘Because of the foregoing, the Zamfara State APC Executive Committee resolved and approved the suspension of Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji from the party based on the recommendations of the State Disciplinary Committee which was earlier made, coupled with his recent suspension by APC Birnin Magaji Ward Executive Committee and affirmed by APC Birnin Magaji Local Government Executive Committee”, he added.