News
SPPG holds 2024 Conference in Abuja, October

SPPG holds 2024 Conference in Abuja, October
By: Michael Mike
As political, economic, and social crises continue to ravage Africa, the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG) is set to host its 2024 Africa Conference from 3rd to 4th October, 2024, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, with the aim to rethink governance and leadership in Africa.
The conference, which is expected to bring together value-orientated politicians, policymakers, and civil society leaders from across the continent, will also see participants connect, share insights, and develop actionable solutions to the governance challenges facing Africa today.
Former Minister of Education and founder of SPPG, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, while giving views about the conference, said the time has come for Africa to bring on board leaders who are courageous, can change the narrative, and will prioritise citizens’ welfare and interest above self-interest.
According to the World Food Programme (WFP), Africa faces a complex confluence of crises, including an alarming food and nutrition emergency and also regional insecurity, climate-related disasters, the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, and global economic disruptions that have combined to exacerbate governance challenges. Protests and unrest, driven by electoral disputes, governance failures, and rising living costs, have erupted in countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, and Tunisia, with a surge in coups in the Sahel since 2020.
The WFP added that since 2020, multiple coups d’état in the Sahel region and widespread civil unrest from Nigeria to Tunisia have demonstrated the urgent need for a reformed governance model that centres on African citizens. Civil society organisations and social movements across the continent are sounding the alarm, calling for more inclusive, citizen-focused leadership.
Despite these challenges, however, African civil society and social movements have consistently called for a transformation of the continent’s governance systems. They advocate for a future where the interests of African citizens are at the heart of decision-making, driven by effective and accountable leadership.
“Africa Conference 2024 presents a unique platform for leaders who are committed to disruption, not for disruption’s sake, but for the transformation and betterment of our nations.
“At a time when our continent faces multiple crises, we need leaders who possess both the values and the courage to reimagine governance, prioritise citizens’ interests and foster resilience,” Ezekwesili, a leading advocate for transparent governance, said.
The two-day event will feature expert panels, facilitated discussions, and breakout sessions designed to explore innovative solutions to Africa’s governance challenges. These sessions will focus on political leadership, institutions and policies, and citizen engagement. The event will also include a Citizens’ Solidarity Walk, symbolising participants’ commitment to building connections and reinforcing solidarity across Africa.
The conference, which has its theme titled “Good Governance in Africa: Leaders and Citizens Driving Systematic Change,” will have a Member of Parliament for Klottey Korie Constituency, Accra, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, as key note speaker.
Also to speak at the event among others are Adama Gaye, Co-convener, Fixpolitics & SPPG Senegal; Gift ‘Ostallos’ Siziba, Member of Parliament-elect, Pelandaba-Tshabalala Constituency, Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe; Lahiani Najla, Member of Tunisian Parliament; Ambassador Erastus Nwencha, member, Fixpolitics & SPPG, Kenya; Comrade Reagan Miviri, Executive Director, La Lucha, DR Congo; Ayobami Olunloyo, SPPG Alumnus; Dr Abiola Akiyode, Dean, SPPG Nigeria; Alero Ayida-Otobo, CEO, The SPPG; Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, Founder and Chair, Fixpolitics & The SPPG.
According to the organisers, through discussions and collaborative efforts, Africa Conference 2024 aims to develop strategies for systemic change that will influence governance in the short, medium, and long term with the objective to build a future where political leadership, institutions, and policies work effectively for the people and not against them.
SPPG holds 2024 Conference in Abuja, October
News
Troops repel terrorists’ reprisal attack after killing Notorious kingpin in Tsafe Zamfara, 2 soldiers killed

Troops repel terrorists’ reprisal attack after killing Notorious kingpin in Tsafe Zamfara, 2 soldiers killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have repelled an attack by terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara, losing two personnel in the encounter.
The attack was in response to the eliminated of a notorious bandit identified as Abu A. K and several of his gang members in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, in an earlier encounter by the troops.
Security sources confirmed that the incident occurred on Tuesday at about 3:10 p.m. along the Marabar Kyaware–Unguwar Chida axis.
He said the troops, who were on stop-and-search duty, came under ambush by a large number of armed terrorists but gallantly engaged them in a fierce gun battle, forcing the attackers to flee with possible gunshot wounds.
“Unfortunately, two military personnel lost their lives during the exchange of fire. Their remains have been evacuated to the hospital for autopsy,” the sources said.
Reinforcements were deployed to the scene in coordination with other security agencies while joint patrols were intensified to restore normalcy along the route.
The sources commended the bravery and professionalism of the troops and reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining joint security operations across the state to safeguard lives and property.
End
Military
Troops kill notorious bandit Abu A. K, several others in Tsafe operation

Troops kill notorious bandit Abu A. K, several others in Tsafe operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s Operation FANSAN YANMA in a joint operation with other security forces, have eliminated a notorious bandit identified as Abu A. K and several of his gang members in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the deceased bandit, who was linked to the infamous warlord Ado Aleiro, was intercepted after sneaking into Tsafe town to attend the weekly Friday cattle market, his first visit to the town in about five years.
According to the sources, Abu A. K had been among the most wanted bandits terrorising the Tsafe axis and surrounding forests, notorious for killings, kidnappings, and cattle rustling. He was reportedly trailed and captured after arriving in the town through one of his female contacts, identified as Halima, who resides in the Gabbacin Tsafe area.
“Following credible intelligence, troops moved swiftly and apprehended him. He was later neutralised during an exchange of fire as he attempted to escape custody,” the source said.
In a related development, troops on joint patrol operations on Monday morning successfully ambushed and neutralised several other bandits in Tsafe forests, recovering a Boxer-type rifle and other arms.
The operation, which took place around 9 a.m., was described by security officials as a major success in the ongoing offensive against bandit groups operating in the area. The troops also launched another offensive deep into the North of Tsafe forests, killing an undisclosed number of bandits.
According to sources, the remains of Abu A. K were taken to Magazu, one of the forward operating bases under Tsafe LGA, where further identification was carried out.
Security officials also confirmed that the slain bandit was responsible for the killing of three construction workers attached to Setraco Construction Company two weeks ago at a site where the firm was excavating sand in Tsafe area.
Troops kill notorious bandit Abu A. K, several others in Tsafe operation
News
Kanu lists Wike, Buratai, Danjuma, Umahi, others as witnesses as defence begins amid failed protest

Kanu lists Wike, Buratai, Danjuma, Umahi, others as witnesses as defence begins amid failed protest
By: Zagazola Makama
Hours after a poorly attended nationwide protest demanding his release, detained leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, made a dramatic turn on Tuesday, declaring readiness to open his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The protest, which was led in parts of Abuja by the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, Omoyele Sowore, recorded low turnout across the country as residents largely shunned the call for mass action.
In many cities, including Enugu, Owerri, Onitsha, Port Harcourt, Aba, and Umuahia, residents said they chose to stay away from the demonstration because the matter was already before the court and feared it could be hijacked by miscreants to unleash violence.
In Abuja, where Sowore led a small group of demonstrators to the Federal High Court complex, police dispersed the gathering and arrested 13 persons, including Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Emmanuel Kanu.
However, the detained IPOB leader filed a motion of preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to continue with his trial. He filed the objection the same day a team of medical experts enpanelled by the court to determine his health status, turned in a report that he was medically fit to stand trial.
In a fresh motion he personally filed on Tuesday, October 21, Kanu assured the court that he was prepared to begin his defence “pursuant to the order of this honourable court made on the 16th day of October 2015, directing the defendant to commence his defence on the 24th day of October 2025.”
Kanu informed the court, presided by Justice James Omotosho, of his plan to call a total of 23 witnesses divided into two categories. The first category, he said, would be those he called “ordinary but material witnesses”.
He further informed the court that his second category of witnesses would be “vital and compellable” and shall be “summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.”
In the notice Kanu personally signed, suggesting that he may have fired his team of lawyers led by Kanu Agabi, SAN, the IPOB leader told the court that, in view of the number of witnesses he intends to call, the court should consider granting a 90-day timeframe to enable him conclude his defence.
He told the court that he would “testify on his own behalf, providing a sworn account of the facts, denying the allegations, and explaining the political context of his statements and actions.”
Among those Kanu listed as “compellable witnesses” are a former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), a former Chief of Army Staff, Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd), as well as Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Hope Uzodinma, Governors of Lagos and Imo States respectively.
He further listed current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Nyesom Nwike, his Works’ counterpart, Dave Umahi, and the immediate past governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu. He also listed the immediate past Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, the immediate past Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, his then-collegue at the State Security Service, SSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, and several withnesses whose identities he didn’t reveal.
Kanu, in the notice, promised to “provide the sworn statements of all voluntary witnesses to this honourable court, and to notify the prosecution within a reasonable time.”
He assured that “no precious time of the honourable court would be delayed,” stressing, “and it would interest the honourable court that and the general public that justice is not only done but manifestly seen to have been done.”
Kanu’s motion offering to open his defence came on the same day a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the remand of his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor and 12 others who were among those protesting against Kanu’s continued trial.
The police charged the 13 persons with various offences, including criminal conspiracy, disobedience of a lawful order, inciting disturbance, and disturbance of public peace, contravening sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code Law.
The 13 defendants named in two separate first information reports (FIRs) are Ejimakor, Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel, Joshua Emmanuel, Wilson Anyalewechi, Okere Kingdom Nnamdi, Clinton Chimeneze, Gabriel Joshua, Isiaka Husseini, Onyekachi Ferdinand, Amadi Prince, Edison Ojisom, Godwill Obioma, and Chima Onuchukwu.
The magistrate, who stood down the case, later ordered that the defendants be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until October 24 for arraignment.
As the court resumes on Thursday, observers say Kanu’s decision to represent himself and summon high-profile witnesses marks a new phase in a case that has tested Nigeria’s judicial system, national security, and political tolerance.
Meanwhile, security has been intensified in and around the Federal High Court complex, as authorities brace for possible crowd movements when the trial resumes.
Kanu lists Wike, Buratai, Danjuma, Umahi, others as witnesses as defence begins amid failed protest
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