The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Southern Kaduna APC group backs Tinubu, Sani

    Southern Kaduna APC group backs Tinubu, Sani

    The Southern Kaduna All Progressives Congress (APC) Unity Forum has passed a vote of confidence on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani.

    The group also declared its support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Sani in appreciation of the administration’s commitment to the growth and development of Southern Kaduna.

    The forum, comprising long-standing and new APC members, reaffirmed its loyalty to President Tinubu and Sani, describing the party as united, focused and growing in influence across Southern Kaduna.

    Addressing reporters on Monday, the Chairman of the forum, Edward John Auta, said the APC remained united under the theme, “One people, one party, one agenda.”

    “We have come together to reaffirm our collective faith in the renewed direction of the APC under the focused and inclusive leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani,” Auta said.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    According to him, the party has undergone a remarkable transformation, shed earlier perceptions of exclusion and attract unprecedented federal and state presence in Southern Kaduna.

    “Major roads and social infrastructure are now receiving renewed attention, while federal presence in our zone has expanded significantly,” he said.

    Auta cited the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, and the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan, as concrete evidence of the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to the area.

    “These are landmark institutions that reflect long-awaited federal attention to Southern Kaduna,” he added.

    The forum also praised what it described as inclusive governance, noting that sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna now occupy strategic positions at state and federal levels.

    “Our people have been appointed into influential positions, including the Minister of Defence, the Head of Service of Kaduna State and the Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service.This clearly shows that Southern Kaduna is no longer excluded,” Auta said.

    He said these developments had made the APC attractive, leading to the defection of prominent politicians and political structures from opposition parties.

    “Distinguished leaders, including Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly and other political heavyweights, have joined the APC with their supporters and structures,” he said.

    According to him, the defections have significantly altered the political landscape of Southern Kaduna.

    “The APC has emerged as the party of choice in the zone, effectively ending the decades-long dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party,” he stated.

    Reacting to rumours of an impending implosion within the APC, Auta described such claims as baseless.

    “These rumours are unfounded and amount to deliberate mischief or a misunderstanding of Governor Uba Sani’s unifying leadership philosophy,” he said.

    He stressed that all APC members, both old and new, understood that personal ambition must remain secondary to collective interest and party stability.

    Auta also defended Senator Katung’s loyalty to the party, noting that the lawmaker enjoys a cordial relationship with President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani.

    “It is well known that Senator Katung holds the President and the Governor in the highest esteem and has consistently called for unity and collective effort within the party,” he said.

    The forum cautioned against attempts to overheat the polity with issues that could be resolved internally, urging APC members to remain disciplined and focused.

    The Unity Forum called on party stakeholders to work towards the re-election of President Tinubu, Sani and APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.

    “United in purpose and guided by a shared vision, we are confident that the APC will emerge victorious at all levels,” Auta added.

  • NAHCON chair ends pre-Hajj visit to Saudi Arabia

    NAHCON chair ends pre-Hajj visit to Saudi Arabia

    The Chairman/CEO, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has concluded his second pre-Hajj visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking a major step in preparations for the Hajj.

    The visit, which took place between January 4 and 19, focused on consolidating operational arrangements, strengthening coordination with Saudi authorities, and aligning Nigerian service providers and stakeholders with the timelines and standards of the Saudi authorities ahead of the Hajj.

    During the visit, the NAHCON delegation held high-level engagements with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, General Authority of Civil Aviation GACA, Saudi Ministry of Health, Masha’ir, feeding and accommodation service providers, airlines, and Nigerian stakeholders in the Kingdom. These engagements resulted in progress on airlift coordination, accommodation and feeding arrangements, Mashāir services, medical preparedness, and media coordination frameworks, NAHCON said.

    In a statement, the Technical Assistant (Media) to the Chairman, Ahmad Muazu, said key achievements of the visit include the signing and initiation of service agreements, uploads of contracts and flight schedule on the Nusuk Masar platform, inspection and identification of clinics and medical facilities in Makkah and Madinah, confirmation of unified medical screening requirements, alignment on digital health and operational platforms, and diplomatic engagement.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    He said the commission also concluded coordination meetings with state pilgrims’ welfare boards and licensed tour operators to reinforce compliance with agreed timelines, guidelines, service standards, and regulatory requirements ahead of the Hajj exercise.

    “With the conclusion of the visit, NAHCON will transition to the next phase of preparations, including finalisation of contracts, pilgrims’ data uploads, medical screening, and continued engagement with relevant authorities to ensure smooth and well-coordinated Hajj exercise,” he added.

  • Military Pensions Board visits Murtala Mohammed’s Orderly

    Military Pensions Board visits Murtala Mohammed’s Orderly

    The Orderly to the late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, Master Warrant Officer Michael Etuwe, was honoured at his Nasarawa State home by a delegation led by the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board (MPB), Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem.

     According to a statement by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Squadron Leader Aliyu Mohammed, the delegation included members of the Ministerial Committee on Veterans’ Welfare and representatives of various veterans’ associations.

    He said the visit was undertaken in the spirit of the commitment of the Board, as well as in commemoration of the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

    Air Vice Marshal Abdulraheem said the visit served as a “symbolic recognition” of distinguished military service.

    He said: “It also serves as a tribute to veterans whose dedication and sacrifices contributed significantly to the defence and stability of the nation.”

    Etuwe served with the late Muhammed during a defining era in Nigeria’s history. He was on duty as an orderly to Muhammed and was in the official vehicle on February 13, 1976, when the Head of State was assassinated in Lagos.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    According to AVM Abdukareem, Master Warrant Officer Etuwe service placed him among the living witnesses to one of the most significant and defining moments in Nigeria’s national history.

    He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to the welfare, dignity, and continued engagement of military veterans, stressing that their sacrifices remain an enduring pillar of Nigeria’s peace and national development.

     Etuwe welcomed the visit, describing it as a “rare and meaningful honour.”

    He thanked the chairman of the Military Pensions Board and members of the veterans’ community for the recognition and show of solidarity.

  • Nasarawa gets Fed Govt’s Renewed Hope rice palliatives

    Nasarawa gets Fed Govt’s Renewed Hope rice palliatives

    The Nasarawa State Coordinator of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Dr Labaran Magaji, has confirmed receipt of 1,200 bags of rice palliatives.

    Magaji, also Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government, made this known to reporters yesterday in Lafia.

    He said the palliatives were a token of appreciation to ‘Renewed Hope’ supporters and ambassadors across the state.

    According to him, the items would be distributed across communities and wards in the spirit of unity and inclusiveness.

    “The rice palliatives are not about the number of bags, but the spirit behind the gesture.

    “We thank Mr President for remembering Nasarawa State and appreciating the commitment of Renewed Hope ambassadors,” he said.

    Magaji urged residents to sustain support for the APC-led government of President Tinubu and Gov. Abdullahi Sule.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    He called for continued backing beyond 2027, saying the President meant well for Nigeria and Nasarawa State in particular.

    Magaji highlighted projects including the Lafia flyover, Akwanga underpass, Keffi flyover, Mararaba flyovers, and the State Secretariat.

    “We have seen the dividends of democracy under this administration,” he said.

    He cited the award of the Nasarawa-Toto-Abaji Road as further evidence of federal commitment to the state.

    Magaji said the state’s achievements were driven by President Tinubu’s economic reforms and Governor Sule’s prudent resource management.

    “We are fortunate to have a God-fearing governor who leads by example and manages resources wisely,” he said.

  • Kaduna communities laud troops’ onslaught on bandits

    Kaduna communities laud troops’ onslaught on bandits

    Residents of Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have commended the military and the state government following a sustained security offensive that reportedly led to the killing of over 70 bandits and destruction of several criminal hideouts in the area.

    Community leaders said the operation, carried out in recent days, targeted long-established bandit enclaves hidden within forested areas of Kauru, which had served as launch pads for attacks, kidnappings and killings across the local government.

    Among the notorious camps dislodged were Rafin Gora Camp, Agwala Camp, Ruwan Sanyi and Randa, which residents described as major strongholds used by armed groups to terrorise surrounding communities for years.

    The operation was led by the Commandant of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade, Samaru Kataf, Navy Captain I.T. Akaazua.

    During the offensive, several abducted victims were rescued alive. Those freed were identified as Barnabas Zakaria and Hosea Barnabas, both from Doka in Kajuru Local Government Area, as well as Haruna Ummar, Timothy Musa, Hasat Ummar and Balkisu Ummar, all from Kauru Local Government Area.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    Community leaders, including Alhaji Tukur Kadage, Chairman of the Joint Security Committee of Dokan Karji and Kwassam communities; Mr Barnabas Musa of Chawai Chiefdom; and Aminu Khalid, Youth Leader of Dokan Karji community, praised the military for what they described as a decisive intervention that has significantly weakened bandit networks in the area.

    Musa commended the ongoing military onslaught in Kauru and Kumana Chiefdoms, appealing for the operation to be sustained and extended to parts of Chawai Chiefdom, particularly the Rahman Chawai and Badurum axis, where communities, he said, continue to face serious security threats.

    The leaders recalled that Kauru Local Government Area, in Southern Kaduna, has endured persistent insecurity since 2010, beginning with an attack on Kizachi community in Chawai Chiefdom in which eight persons were killed.

    They said the violence initially remained limited to Chawai Chiefdom but later spread to Kumana Chiefdom and parts of the Kauru Emirate by 2015, resulting in killings, kidnappings and displacement.

    According to them, armed groups over the years established camps within dense forests surrounding Kauru, using the difficult terrain to launch repeated raids, abduct residents for ransom and rustle livestock, forcing many families to abandon their homes and farmlands.

    They added that the prolonged violence left thousands displaced and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, including food, shelter and medical care.

    The community leaders linked the recent security gains to the peace and security strategy of Governor Uba Sani, which they said combines sustained military operations with intelligence-driven policing, community engagement and reconciliation.

    According to them, the governor’s approach, which promotes collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities, has improved intelligence gathering and reduced the operating space of criminals across the state.

    They noted that residents have begun to feel the positive impact of the permanent military barracks established in the area by a former Chief of Defence Staff, saying the presence of the brigade has enhanced rapid response and sustained pressure on bandit groups.

    “The coordination we are seeing is encouraging.The government’s approach has made communities more willing to share intelligence with security agencies,” one of the leaders said.

    The communities appealed to the Federal and Kaduna state governments to sustain the military pressure while scaling up humanitarian support to enable displaced residents to return home and resume farming and other economic activities.

    “We have pledged, as communities, to continue cooperating with security agencies by exposing criminal hideouts and providing timely intelligence to ensure lasting peace and stability in the area,” the leaders said.

  • Langtang North APC youths adopt Mutfwang, Bali for election

    Langtang North APC youths adopt Mutfwang, Bali for election

    Youths of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Langtang North Local Government of Plateau State have adopted Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Senator Napoleon Bali as their candidates for the 2027 general elections.

    The youths said they campaign for the election of both candidates.

     The endorsement was made during the stakeholders’ meeting on Sunday in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, which brought together party mobilisers, youth leaders, from across the local government.

    In a statement, the youths, which under the umbrella of the Langtang North APC Door-to-Door Mobilisation Group, said: “We have endorsed the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for the governorship race, as well as Distinguished Senator AVM Napoleon Binkap Bali (rtd), for Plateau South Senatorial seat.”

    Leaders of the group expressed confidence in Mutfwang’s leadership, describing it as people-oriented, inclusive, and development-driven.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    According to the group, the governor has demonstrated commitment to good governance through policies and interventions aimed at improving the welfare of the citizens.

    They noted that his administration has recorded visible progress in infrastructure renewal, community engagement, conflict management, and administrative reforms, despite prevailing economic and political challenges.

    Members also said Mutfwang’s acceptability across party lines had positioned him as a unifying figure in Plateau politics and added that his anticipated defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC would represent the path to electoral victory for the ruling party at both the nation and state, strengthening party cohesion and broadening its support base ahead of the next general elections.

    The group also passed a vote of confidence on Bali, endorsing him as their preferred candidate for the Plateau South Senatorial District.

    The group recalled Bali’s brief but impactful tenure in the National Assembly, which they described as marked by accessibility, humility, and strong advocacy for the interests of Plateau South. According to the forum, his representation reflected genuine concern for grassroots development and inclusive governance.

    They lamented that his tenure was cut short by judicial intervention, a situation they said left a vacuum in the district. The group maintained that the people of Plateau South had continued to miss his quality representation and effective leadership.

    Consequently, they called for political support across communities to ensure his return to the Senate in 2027, describing his reinstatement as a moral obligation and a democratic necessity.

    The motion for the endorsement was moved by Mr Rimbam Venkur of Keller Ward and seconded by Mrs. Maryamu Pangtim of Pajat Ward, after which the decision was subjected to a voice vote. The resolution was adopted, with members affirming their support through a collective voice response.

    The forum emphasised that the endorsement was based on performance, credibility, leadership capacity, and public acceptance, rather than personal interests or political sentiment.

    The group reaffirmed its commitment to intensive grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 elections. According to the leadership, door-to-door mobilisation remains one of the most effective tools for voter sensitisation, party consolidation, and election victory.

    The group stressed that early political alignment would help eliminate internal divisions and provide a clear sense of direction for party members as the electoral season approaches.

    They expressed optimism that the combined leadership qualities of Mutfwang and Bali present a balanced political formula capable of delivering stability, development, and responsive governance to the people of Plateau State.

    The group called on APC stakeholders at all levels to embrace unity, internal democracy, and collective responsibility. They urged party members to place the interest of Plateau above personal ambition and to avoid politics of division. They further appealed to traditional leaders, women groups, and community-based organisations to support credible leadership that prioritises development, peace, and accountability.

  • Radda begins distribution of 1,100 motorcycles, drilling machines

    Radda begins distribution of 1,100 motorcycles, drilling machines

    Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, yesterday in Katsina, kicked off the distribution of 1,100 motorcycles to Community Development Officers (CDOs), Community Support Officers (CSOs),and Community Learning Officers (CLOs), and inaugurated six tube-well drilling machines and three wheel air compressors to strengthen grassroots service delivery and irrigation farming across the state.

    The governor said the intervention reflects his administration’s strategy of strengthening ward-level institutions, investing in productive infrastructure and placing communities at the centre of planning and development.

    He  further said the Community Development Programme (CDP) was established to deepen government presence at the grassroots, with CDOs, CSOs and CLOs mobilising communities, supervising projects, ensuring accountability and serving as the vital link between the government and people.

    Radda also stated that the motorcycles would enhance mobility, monitoring and access to rural and hard-to-reach areas. He said the motorcycles were being provided under a hire-purchase scheme, with the government paying 50 per cent of the cost while beneficiaries would repay the balance over five years, to promote ownership, responsibility and sustainability.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    He said: ‘’These motorcycles are tools for service, not gifts. Any sale or misuse will attract sanctions in line with the Civil Service Rules.”

    On agriculture, he recalled the earlier distribution of 4,000 solar irrigation pumps and 100 bags of fertiliser per ward, which boosted dry-season farming. He added that this year, irrigation wards also received gasoline pumps, knapsack sprayers, as well as free fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides.

    The governor said the new drilling machines and air compressors would expand access to groundwater, support dry-season irrigation, reduce dependence on rainfall and strengthen climate-resilient agriculture.

    He described the combined provision of irrigation equipment, farm input, drilling capacity and improved mobility for frontline officers as an integrated approach to community empowerment and results-driven governance.

    The governor commended the Ministry of Agriculture, the programme, the Katsina State Irrigation Development Authority and development partners, and urged beneficiaries to use the equipment responsibly and in strict accordance with CDP guidelines.

    Earlier, the Coordinator of the CDP, Dr. Kamaladdeen, thanked Radda for his support, describing the day as historic for the CDP and the 361 wards of the state.

    He said the distribution of the motorcycles would improve mobility, supervision and monitoring of projects, and strengthen service delivery at the grassroots.

    He stressed that the motorcycles are for official use only and must not be sold, warning that any misuse would attract sanctions under the Civil Service Rule

    The coordinator assured of their continued commitment to accountability, effective project delivery and strong partnership with MDAs, while appreciating the Governor for prioritising community-driven development and rural empowerment.

    Also, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Aliyu Lawal Zakari Sahrgalle, said the event marked another milestone in strengthening agriculture, rural development and grassroots service delivery.

    He noted that with the challenges of climate change and irregular rainfall, the new irrigation equipment would support year-round farming, increase yields, raise farmers’ income, create jobs and improve food security.

  • Jos North Council shuts private school over safety concerns, poor infrastructure

    Jos North Council shuts private school over safety concerns, poor infrastructure

    Jos North Local Government Chairman, John Christopher, has shut a private school, Abu Sinan High School, in Sabon Layi community

    The order was issued during an inspection led by council’s Vice Chairman, Sani Muhammad Garkuwa, who noted that the school’s structure did not meet approved building plan standards.

    In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman of Jos council, Mercy Kachollom Chuwang, said  cracks were observed in the beams and walls, posing a serious risk to pupils.

    He added that some of the structures in the school indicate compromised structural integrity that could trigger a sudden collapse, especially under the weight of use and during examinations.

    The statement added that it appeared that some substandard materials were used in construction of the school.

    “We are directing the school authorities to cease operations and send the students home.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    “This action is to ensure that schools remain safe and conducive for learning and to prevent any building collapse that could lead to loss of lives..

    “A  glaring name discrepancy also raised credibility concerns: the signboard reads ‘Victory High Science School’,” while the pupils’ uniforms bear the name “Abu Sinan High School.”

    In addition, the premises lack proper cross‑ventilation, adequate doors and windows, and toilet facilities, rendering the environment substandard.

    He further admonished school owners in Jos North to adhere strictly to building specifications, warning that more inspections would be carried out and any substandard school closed to safeguard pupils’ lives.

  • Bwari community decries lack of potable drinking water

    Bwari community decries lack of potable drinking water

    Residents of Dokuma community in Kawu Ward in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have decried lack of potable drinking water in the community.

     Some of the villagers, who spoke when our correspondent visited the community last weekend, said pipe-borne water supply had been their major challenge over the years.

     They said they depend on stream water, which they said comes from under the rock, adding that cows sometimes come around to drink from it.

     Mrs Abigail Markus, a housewife, said she wakes up around 4:am to fetch water from the stream, saying residents queue up to fetch the water.

     “Because the water is coming out gradually under the rock, which women have to queue up and wait for some times when the water has gathered, they now use calabash to fetch one after the other, “ he said.

     Another resident of the community, David Ayuba, said the community has written severally to the authorities of the council on the need to provide a borehole, which he said has not yielded any positive result.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

     He said the community has no functional hand pump or overhead tank borehole, saying the only source of water in the community is only the stream.

     “In fact, one can’t count the number of times we have written to the authorities of Bwari Area Council to provide a borehole for this community but up till today, nothing has been done, “he said.

     He said the community usually has a sigh of relief during the rainy season, saying the residents face water problems whenever dry sets in.

     “It is during the rainy season our people always have a sigh of relief and the moment the dry season sets in, our people have to go far to the stream to fetch water, “he said.

     Ayuba, therefore, appealed to the authorities of the council to come to the aid of people of the community to provide a borehole in order to ameliorate the suffering of residents over water problems in the community.

     An official in the Works Department of Bwari Area Council who preferred anonymity told our correspondent that a council had captured in its budget to sink boreholes in some communities of the councilM including Dokuma.

     “Actually, Dokuma community is among the villages that were captured to be provided with boreholes in this year’s budget, God willing, “ he said.

  • Plateau council APC okays Tinubu, Mutfwang for second term

    Plateau council APC okays Tinubu, Mutfwang for second term

    Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Pankshin Local Government have endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for re-election.

    The endorsement was made at a special stakeholders’ meeting of the party at the Pankshin Youth Centre.

    The motion for the endorsement was moved by the former Speaker, state House of Assembly, Emmanuel Go’ar and seconded by the Chief Medical Director of the state Specialist Hospital, Prof. Christopher Yilgwan, who described the decision as courageous and strategic.

    Prominent stakeholders at the meeting included a member representing Pankshin South at the House of Assembly, Denty Laven, Chief Maichibu Vwarji, Chief Emmanuel Magni, Salome Wanglek, Samuel Go’ar, Audu Kak’mena, Hart Bonkat, former State PDP women leader, Chief Pedro, Pefun, Hin Dan-Philip Hirkop, and Nanle Gujor.

    The stakeholders vowed to mobilise votes forTinubu and Mutfwang.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    They also endorsed the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda to continue in office.

    Senator Diket Plang expressed delight that the APC had resolved to work together as one family to deliver  Tinubu and Mutfwang for a second term.

    Plang, who is also the leader of the APC in the Central Zone, said the decision to support President and governor’s re-election was rooted in facts, vision, and the tangible benefits already accruing to the state and the local governments from alignment with the centre.

    The Senator commended Mutfwang for his maturity, saying his inclusive leadership style would help the party achieve its objectives.

    Also, the Chairman of Pankshin Local Government, Felix Gonung, described the endorsement as a step in the right direction.

    The chairman urged party members to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and humility, and to rise above bitterness and divisive tendencies in the interest of peace, development, and progress of the local government and the state.

    Gonung urged party members to participate in the party’s electronic registration to revalidate their membership cards.

     Laven praised the decision of the stakeholders to endorse President and governor Mutfwang for a second term, adding that he would mobilise votes for the party in the next general election.

    The Chairman, APC,  Pankshin Local Government Area, Yakubu Damulak, urged party members to remain united to enable them to canvass votes for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.