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Former Political Adviser to Kashim Shettima reacts to outrage by Nigerians over N1.4 Billion Vehicles support to Niger Republic

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Former Political Adviser to Kashim Shettima reacts to outrage by Nigerians over N1.4 Billion Vehicles support to Niger Republic

Former Political Adviser to Kashim Shettima reacts to outrage by Nigerians over N1.4 Billion Vehicles support to Niger Republic

By: James Bwala

Alhaji Yusuf Adamu, a former Special Adviser on Political matter to Borno state governor, Senator Kashim Shettima has reacted to outrage by Nigerians over the purchase of security vehicle to Niger republic stating that Nigeria and Niger has a long border lines that stretches to many states and the issue of insecurity due to lack of operational vehicles has overwhelmed the Niger Republic which seek help from Nigeria to curb the situation.

“I don’t think there is something wrong with the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari in lending a hand of support. It is not only the Buhari government that started lending hands to our neigbours. The Obasanjo administration has lend hand to other African countries which approach Nigeria in their hours of needs. Also the Jonathan administration had lend a hand to Chad republic in its hours of needs. Why some Nigerians are seeing this as strange is because of their imaginative nature of any government that they feel otherwise with but this has happened before and it is nothing strenge.” Alhaji Yusuf Adamu said.

According to Yusuf Adamu, the insecurity situation in Niger whether some Nigerians agree with the move by the Federal government or not affects Nigeria, as such the need for all to come together and put sentiments aside in ensuring positive support for government to fight to insecurity situation to the last.

“We must understand that this is not about President Muhammadu Buhari but also about millions of Nigerians who cannot run away from their ancestral home and had to face constant abuse by terrorists seeking to establish their presence along the border between Nigeria and Niger Republic.” Adamu said.

The outrage by Nigerians over the reported N1,145,000,000 used to purchase vehicles for the government of Niger Republic has continued to received reactions by citizens who sees the move differently.

Recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari approved release of the fund on February 22, this year. Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, justifying the decision, said while Nigerians have the right to ask questions, President Buhari, who approved the purchase, also has the right to make his own assessment on situations and act on them accordingly.

Fielding questions after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Minister noted that she understood the concerns of Nigerians about the matter since it became public, but said Nigeria has a policy of assisting her neighbours, a development, which goes a long way to strengthening capacity to deal with insecurity.

The leaked document from the Budget Office showed the release of N1.145 billion to the office of the Accountant General of the Federal. The funds were to be made to Kaura Motors Nigeria Limited, supplier of the 10 Toyota Land Cruisers V8 vehicles to the Nigerien Government via its Fidelity Bank Account.

Reports have it that the Presidency of the Republic of Niger had requested logistic support from the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria vide a letter with Ref. 000104/PRN/DIRCAB, dated January 20, 2022.

The Finance Minister also noted that it is the President’s prerogative to take such decisions after a careful assessment of the situation.

“Let me just say that overtime, Nigeria has had to support its neighbours, especially, immediate neighbours, to enhance their capacity to secure their countries as it relates to us. This is not the first time that Nigeria had assisted Niger Republic, Cameroon or Chad.

“The President makes an assessment as to what is required based on the request of their Presidents. Such requests are approved and interventions are provided.”

Former Political Adviser to Kashim Shettima reacts to outrage by Nigerians over N1.4 Billion Vehicles support to Niger Republic

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Senator Lawan condoles APC Northeast Youth Forum chairman over the demise of his father

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Senator Lawan condoles APC Northeast Youth Forum chairman over the demise of his father

By: Yahaya Wakili

President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan PhD, GCON, Sardaunan Bade, Yobe North Senatorial District, has paid a condolence visit to the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Northeast Youth Forum, Haruna Adamu Sardaunan, over the passing of his beloved father, Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama, at Potiskum.

During the visit, President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan, prayed for the repose of his soul.

Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, PhD, GCON, urged his son, Haruna, to draw strength from his father’s memory and continue along the path of dedicated services to our people.

Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama, until his demise, was the chairman of the Yobe State Hunters Association.

Senator Lawan extended his deepest condolences to Haruna and his family and prayed that Allah (SWT) grants them the fortitude to bear this great loss.

“May the soul of Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama rest in Aljannatul Firdaus Amin, Sardaunan prays.

Senator Lawan condoles APC Northeast Youth Forum chairman over the demise of his father

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Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud

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Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria has called for the prosecution of those that were involved in electoral fraud in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Edo State

A statement on Thursday by the NGO Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said:
“it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable. The government must be unequivocally reminded that its foremost duty is to serve the interests of the citizens, not to facilitate or condone actions that silence their voices.”

Mamedu said: “For over 15 years, ActionAid Nigeria has been consistent in her work around electoral processes in Nigeria including observing elections in the 36 states and FCT, although not physically present to observe the just concluded Edo State governorship election, we stand firmly in solidarity with our fellow Civil Society organisations and partners who have reported significant irregularities throughout the electoral process. This election has been marred by serious allegations of manipulation and rigging, as thoroughly documented by multiple civil society groups within the state. Disturbing accounts of disruptions at collation centers, including intimidation of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and attempts to manipulate results contrary to established electoral provisions, have raised profound concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

“We recognise that INEC has acknowledged reports of result tampering and has pledged to investigate any proven violations but their track record in conducting free, fair, and transparent elections has been severely undermined by persistent accusations of inefficiency, manipulation, and undue political influence. While the investigation is a step in the right direction, it is important that these investigations translate into swift and effective action.

“Also, beyond the investigation, it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable.”

He added that: “The time has also come to critically reassess INEC’s role in our electoral system. When an institution entrusted with safeguarding democracy continuously falters, we must explore alternatives. Nigerians deserve an electoral body that is genuinely independent, transparent, and accountable. There is a need to reform INEC as a commission in order to make it more efficient, effective and accountable in carrying out its mandate as an electoral umpire.”

Mamedu said: “A comprehensive electoral reform in Nigeria is urgently needed. First, there must be a complete overhaul of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create a more transparent, accountable, and independent body, free from political influence and led by individuals of proven integrity.”

He called for more roles for civil society organisations and international observers in Nigeria’s electoral process, stating that: “Civil society organisations and international observers should play a more significant role in observing elections, ensuring that their recommendations are taken seriously, with mechanisms in place for swift action against misconduct.”

He added that: “The adoption of more robust electoral technologies, such as biometric voting systems and real-time result transmission, is crucial to minimizing fraud.

“Security personnel must also be deployed impartially to prevent violence and intimidation, ensuring that party agents, the media, and observers have full access to maintain electoral integrity. It is essential to incorporate technologies like the BVAs and IREV into the Electoral Act.

“The judiciary must uphold its role as the guardian of democracy, prioritising electoral cases with swift, evidence-based verdicts. Any officials found complicit in electoral fraud must be held accountable, necessitating comprehensive reforms in the judicial sector to ensure just outcomes.”

Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud

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Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa

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Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa

By: Michael Mike

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has extended his warm congratulations to Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa on his election as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. In a congratulatory message, Ize-Iyamu praised Idahosa’s victory as a reflection of his dedication to public service, noting that the people of Ugboko in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Idahosa’s maternal hometown, are particularly proud of his achievement.
Ize-Iyamu highlighted that Idahosa’s success represents not only his hard work but also his deep connection with the aspirations of the people of Edo State. He expressed confidence in Idahosa’s ability, alongside Governor-elect Sen. Monday Okpebholo, to drive significant progress in the state, given his wealth of experience and passion for development.
He further prayed for wisdom, strength, and courage for the newly elected leaders as they take on the challenges ahead, emphasizing the hope that Edo State would experience peace, unity, and prosperity under their leadership. Ize-Iyamu also expressed optimism about the positive impact the duo would have on the advancement of Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
Ize-Iyamu wished Idahosa success in his tenure as Deputy Governor and looked forward to the transformative leadership he would bring to Edo State.

Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa

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