The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Natasha/Akpabio feud: External plot to tarnish Nigeria’s image – NASAC

    Natasha/Akpabio feud: External plot to tarnish Nigeria’s image – NASAC

    The National Association for Scrap Artisans and Craft (NASAC) has described the ongoing rift between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as part of a larger external conspiracy aimed at tarnishing Nigeria’s reputation.

    Speaking at a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Kaduna, NASAC’s National Chairman, Alhaji Yahaya Ibrahim, also known as “Sarkin Yakin IBB,” defended Akpabio, portraying him as a disciplined leader facing unjust attacks.

    Ibrahim dismissed the allegations against Akpabio, particularly claims of sexual harassment, labeling them as a deliberate attempt to damage his character. 

    He further argued that those backing Senator Natasha’s accusations were misguided, emphasizing that Akpabio is a principled man who would even advise women to dress modestly.

    “For someone I have known for decades to be accused of sexual harassment, if I remain silent, Allah will not forgive me. I know Akpabio well, and he knows me,” he added.

    The NASAC chairman claimed that certain groups were working to tarnish Nigeria’s image globally by weaponizing the allegations against Akpabio.

    “This issue is not just about Akpabio; it is an orchestrated attempt to damage the image of the country. They want to paint a picture that Nigerian women cannot succeed in politics unless they offer their bodies in exchange for positions,” he said. 

    According to him, Senator Natasha’s allegations send a damaging message to women in leadership.

    “She is trying to prove that she is the first woman to challenge such an issue, but in doing so, she is disgracing herself and other Nigerian women. Are we saying that female ministers in this country attained their positions through such means?”

    He further accused Natasha of attempting to destroy Akpabio’s reputation and create disaffection between him and his wife, as well as President Bola Tinubu.

    “If we allow this narrative to stand, then tomorrow, any Nigerian leader can be discredited, including the President. This is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly,” he warned.

    Alhaji Ibrahim also questioned Natasha’s recent public display of affection with her husband within the Senate Chamber, arguing that it was inappropriate.

    “We all saw how she entered the National Assembly last week with her husband adjusting her clothes. They kissed right inside the chamber in front of her colleagues and the media. What was she trying to prove? Was it an attempt to frustrate Akpabio or to embarrass the nation?” he asked.

    He maintained that Akpabio had always supported women and recalled a past incident where he facilitated the allocation of land for a mosque in Akwa Ibom during his tenure as governor.

    Read Also: Foundation urges FG to prioritise girl child education, empowerment

    “Years ago, when some senior northern leaders met with then-Governor Akpabio to request land for a mosque, he promised to allocate it the next day. True to his word, he fulfilled the promise, and today, there is a mosque built by A.A. Rano in Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom State. This is a man who loves Nigeria and its people,” he recounted.

    Ibrahim ridiculed the claims that Akpabio harassed Natasha, stating: “Some are saying Akpabio is a ‘sexy man,’ but every man is sexy. However, in this case, I can swear with anything that Akpabio would never do such a thing.”

    He expressed concern about the broader implications of the allegations.

    “We are advocating for a female president in Nigeria. If that happens, will she also be kissing people in the chamber? This is a divisive agenda being pushed by external forces to destabilize Nigeria,” he alleged.

    When asked about calls from various organizations demanding a proper investigation into the matter, Alhaji Ibrahim said he supported such a move but criticized Natasha’s approach.

    “Akpabio is not against an investigation, but it should not be done with rudeness. Why did Natasha come boldly to the Senate with her husband? The Senate President was calm and received her complaint formally. But why did she kiss her husband in the chamber? Even as a Muslim, she should know better. Would the Christian community accept such an act?” he queried.

    He concluded by calling on Nigerians to resist any attempt to use the issue to divide the country.

  • Yobe lawmaker launches 2025 Ramadan food intervention 

    Yobe lawmaker launches 2025 Ramadan food intervention 

    In a remarkable show of generosity and commitment to his people, Hon. Engr. Muhammed Buba Jajere, Member of the House of Representatives for Fika/Fune Federal Constituency of Yobe State, officially launched the 2025 Ramadan Food Intervention Programme.

    The programme, launched on March 9, aims at supporting families with essential food supplies during the sacred month of Ramadan, brought joy and relief to thousands of beneficiaries across the constituency. 

    The distribution event was a colorful gathering filled with gratitude, prayers, and appreciation from the people of Fika and Fune.

    During the launch, Hon. Jajere emphasized the importance of community support and solidarity, especially during Ramadan, a period of reflection, charity, and spiritual growth. 

    Read Also: REA signs MoU with 10 firms for generation of 948MW

    He reaffirmed his dedication to uplifting the lives of his constituents, ensuring that no family goes hungry during this blessed month.

    The food relief packages distributed included essential staples such as rice, millet, spaghetti, macaroni, sugar, cooking oil, and other food items. 

    Beneficiaries, including widows, the elderly, orphans, and low-income families, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the thoughtful initiative.

    “This intervention is a blessing. It eases our burden during Ramadan, and we sincerely thank Hon. Jajere for always standing by his people,” said Hajiya Fatima, a resident of Fune.

    Another beneficiary, Alhaji Musa Garba, added: “This act of kindness reflects true leadership. May Allah bless him and grant him more strength to continue his good work.”

    Local leaders and religious scholars also praised Hon. Jajere’s efforts, describing the intervention as a lifeline for many families who struggle with rising food costs. 

    They highlighted that such programs strengthen the bond between leaders and their people, fostering unity and shared prosperity.

    As the distribution continued across different parts of the constituency, it was reaffirmed that this initiative is part of a broader commitment by Hon. Jajere to enhance the welfare of his people.

  • KWSRRA tasks residents, ties exam registrations, scholarship, safety protection to SSID number

    KWSRRA tasks residents, ties exam registrations, scholarship, safety protection to SSID number

    Kwara State Government has directed all residents of to register with the State registration agency, saying its duties to secure lives and properties and plan for economic development are closely tied to accurate data on every resident. 

    In a statement at the weekend, Kwara State Residents Registration Agency (KWSRRA) said it has the directive of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to register every resident in the state and issue them with unique State Security Identification (SSID) numbers/card. 

    “We are carrying out this directive across 96 registration centres in the state. We plan to have more centres as the process continues,” according to the Ag General Manager of KWSRRA Tajudeen Jimoh. 

    “We are also working with the Ministries of Education and Human Capital Development, Tertiary Education, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kwara State Social Investment Programmes, among others to mobilise citizens for the exercise. 

    “It is to the extent that parents, guardians, and students will be required to provide their unique SSID numbers in the process of registering for any exams, scholarships, grants, or social safety benefits. Students admitted to state-owned tertiary schools will also be required to register as residents of the state, going forward.

    Read Also: Umunjoku Scholarship  Foundation applies to CAC for registration

    “People who want to access government services will also need their unique SSID numbers. For example, if a child wants to register for common entrance, JSS, SSCE, and others, their SSID numbers and that of their parents or guardians will be a requirement.”

    The state had recently

    captured all government workers and pensioners in the pool, underscoring the progress of the efforts to build a credible database of residents of Kwara State. 

    The government said the effort is important for security and economic planning, asking residents to support it for general wellbeing and data-driven planning.

  • Kebbi, MSM Group launch cement plant for 45,000 jobs

    Kebbi, MSM Group launch cement plant for 45,000 jobs

    The Kebbi State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with MSM Group of Companies to establish a state-of-the-art cement plant, a move expected to generate 45,000 jobs and accelerate economic growth in the state.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony on Friday in Abuja, Governor Nasir Idris described the project as a major breakthrough for economic development and a lifeline for thousands of unemployed youth and women in the state.

    “I am delighted that Kebbi has been chosen for this major investment. The MSM Cement Plant will provide direct and indirect employment to 45,000 people, boosting our economy and transforming lives.”

    The Governor also assured MSM Group of the state’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for business growth, emphasizing the project’s long-term benefits for the state, federal government, and local communities.

    The chairman of MSM Group, Muazzam Mairawani, highlighted the strategic importance of the investment, noting that the MSM Kebbi Cement Plant will utilize cutting-edge technology to enhance production and efficiency.

    “Today, we are not just signing a document; we are laying the foundation for an industrial revolution in Kebbi. Our decision to invest here is driven by the state’s business-friendly policies and the leadership of Governor Idris.”

    He further stressed that the cement plant would strengthen Nigeria’s industrial sector, ensuring a steady supply of cement for local and international markets.

    The Minister of Finance, Olawale Edun, praised the initiative, stating that it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic vision of attracting private investment, fostering industrialization, and reducing poverty.

    “This cement plant is a clear example of how private sector investment can drive economic growth. With 20,000 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect jobs, this project is a game-changer for Kebbi and Nigeria as a whole.”

    Read Also: Kebbi, Jigawa reduce work hours

    Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, commended Kebbi State’s efforts to attract large-scale investments, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment.

    “President Tinubu’s reforms are opening doors for investments like this. Kebbi State is setting an example of how industrial projects can transform communities and drive economic progress.”

    Governor Idris also outlined other federal and state infrastructure projects aimed at complementing the cement plant’s operations, including the rehabilitation of key roads and the expansion of industrial zones.

    “Kebbi is ready for this transformation. We have secured federal approvals for major road constructions, and we are committed to ensuring that MSM Group operates in a safe and business-friendly environment.”

  • Abdulrazaq mourns Kwara’s ex-HOS Oluwole

    Abdulrazaq mourns Kwara’s ex-HOS Oluwole

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed deep sadness over the death of the former Head of Service Mrs Susan Modupe Oluwole.

    The former HOS died on Wednesday at 57, barely one year after her statutory retirement from the Kwara State Civil Service. 

    AbdulRazaq recalls that the former HOS was a credible and dependable authority in matters of public service, having attained her heights on the dint of hard work, grit, brilliance, character, and impeccable institutional memory. 

    Read Also: Alleged N80.2b fraud: Yahaya Bello not involved in operation of Kogi Govt House’s account – EFCC’s witness 

    The Governor expressed pride to have worked with Mrs Oluwole as a respected technocrat, describing her contributions and services to the state as truly exceptional and invaluable. 

    He commiserated with her family, particularly her husband and aged father, as well as the entire civil service hierarchy in the State. 

    He prayed to God to repose her soul and give the family and contemporaries the courage to bear this huge loss.

  • Organisation empowers 64,000 women, girls in Borno, Yobe

    Organisation empowers 64,000 women, girls in Borno, Yobe

    CARE Nigeria International has disclosed that it has empowered 64,000 women and girls in Borno and Yobe States through its Women Lead in Emergency (WLiE) Project.

    The project, according to the Women Lead in Emergency (WLiE)

     Coordinator of CARE International, Wandu Zira George, has also led to the reduction in Gender Based Violence (GBV) and early and forced marriage.

    CARE Nigeria, in partnership with the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), at a stakeholder meeting in Abuja to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day, also stated that it has resolved not less than 6,000 gender-based violence-related cases in the last two years.

    George also revealed that there has been a reduction in street hawking among young girls, which has further led to a reduction in exposure to GBV.

    She said: “This project has increased women and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health services, access to speak to and engage with community leaders for women’s voices to be heard.

    “The women identified gender-based violence, hawking, prostitution, illiteracy, and other issues as prevalent in their communities and with our assistance, we engaged in massive awareness and sensitization, as well as advocacy visits to most of the relevant stakeholders to address the challenges.

    “We engaged 600 women across the Jere community in Borno State and Potiskum in Yobe State, and they extended it to the broader community, and currently, they have reached up to 64,000 people.

    “For gender-based violence cases, we make referrals to the safe space where those who are responsible for the case management are, and so far, around 6,000 GBV cases have been addressed and managed through this project.”

    Read Also: Zulum grants two-year tax waiver to flood-affected traders in Borno 

    She also stated that the women also advocated for spaces in the leadership structures in some emirate councils, adding that some women were given a title in the community where they would also be part of decision-making structures.

    The Deputy Programme Manager, Humanitarian Team at the British High Commission, Bukola Obamo, spoke on the essence of the project.

    She said, “WLiE is a component under our humanitarian protection program, and its focus is on empowering women to be part of the decision-making process in the humanitarian response.

    “The program focuses on addressing things around gender-based violence, and the women have identified that GBV is an issue in their community. Apart from that, there are issues around economic empowerment as well. But like I said, it’s a humanitarian program, and the focus is how can we provide life-saving support to these women.

    “So, WLiE focuses on how the women can speak to people who are perpetrators of GBV in their communities and see how they can join forces collectively to address GBV and other concerns within their community.

  • SSANIP demands payment of salary arrears, minimum wage

    SSANIP demands payment of salary arrears, minimum wage

    Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has urged the Federal Government to fast-track the payment of arrears of 25%/35% salary review for Federal Polytechnics which was already overdue for January to December 2023.

    The union urged the government to quicken the process of defraying the arrears without further delay for industrial harmony.

    It also urged the Federal and State Governments to pay without further delay, the arrears of wage award from the month of March to July 2024 in tandem with the promise made by the government that such will be paid till the implementation of the New Minimum Wage.

    The union made the appeal at its 75th quarterly General Executive Council meeting at the Chief James Ibori Auditorium, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Delta State, last month.

    In a communique signed by its National President, Comrade Philip Ogunsipe and National Secretary, Comrade Nura Gaya, the union commended states that have implemented the 25%/35% salary review in their institutions and urged those who are yet to implement it to do so without further delay.

    “Council frowns at the unnecessary delay in payment of arrears of 25%/35% salary review for Federal Polytechnics which was already overdue for January to December 2023. Council therefore calls on the Federal Government to fast-track the process of defraying the arrears without further delay for industrial harmony.

    “Council expresses gratitude to the States which have implemented the 25%/35% salary review in their various Institutions and urged those who are yet to implement it to do so without further delay for industrial harmony,” SSANIP stated.

    The polytechnic workers also lamented the prolonged delay in the full implementation of the New Minimum Wage since it was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

    It said: “The unnecessary delay is causing a lot of financial constraint and economic hardship on Nigerian workers. It therefore appeals on the Federal Government to fast track the process so that workers will not be reduced to beggars as their current take cannot take them home.”

    The union also frowned at the conversion of some polytechnics in the country to universities.

    “Council is miffed by the unnecessary actions of some lawmakers, State Governments and the Federal Governments in converting existing Polytechnics in their constituencies and states to Universities. This may sound good to non-stakeholders but not to us. This is because no country fully matures into being developed without prioritising technological education. Inasmuch as the Union is not averse to siting and creation of new Universities, the Council is not pleased with conversion of existing ones thereby creating a vacuum in technological development of the country.

    “Council therefore calls on the relevant stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of technological advancement of the country by providing more funds to technological education as obtained in other advanced countries of the world,” SSANIP said.

    SSANIP also lauded Ministers of Labour and Employment and Education for their timely interventions on its proposed three-day warning industrial action.

    “While the proposed strike action was suspended with a strong belief that the right steps would be taken, the union would not guarantee Industrial harmony if the agitations of its teeming members are not being treated as has been promised,” SSANIP said.

    The union commended the federal government and the security architecture for the successes recorded in combating the spate of security challenges pervading the country.

    Read Also: Fubara orders implementation of N85,000 minimum wage in Rivers LGAs

    It enjoined the government to sustain the tempo so as to give all Nigerians, irrespective of their place of abode a sense of belonging devoid of intimidation and harassment.

    SSANIP also backed the proposed ban of tankers carrying 60,000 liters of hydrocarbons from loading at the depots nationwide.

    According to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority Executive Director, Distribution System, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, Ogbugo Ukoha, this is to curtail the incessant loss of lives and properties exacerbated by the recurring accidents and explosions due to overloading of petroleum products.

    “The Council, while supporting this noble gesture called on relevant stakeholders to adhere strictly to this directive for the safety of lives and properties,” SSANIP added.

  • NiMet DG Anosike tours northwest zonal office facilities

    NiMet DG Anosike tours northwest zonal office facilities

    In continuation of his nationwide tour of facilities of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), to ascertain firsthand the state of equipment and facilities and interact with agency staff, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Prof. Charles Anosike, on Tuesday, 4th March 2025, began a tour of the Northwest zonal headquarters. 

    On arrival at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Zonal Headquarters of the agency, Prof. Anosike and his team were met by the Meteorological Manager, Adewara Hassan, Mr Banky Jonathan, the State Meteorological Inspector (SMI), and other members of staff. 

    Prof. Anosike afterward undertook a tour of NiMet’s critical assets needed to keep maintaining aviation safety, including the METEO station located at the airport’s tarmac area, the pilot briefing rooms at both the domestic and international wings of the airport and other facilities. 

    During an interactive session with the staff, Prof. Anosike gave them assurances of the continued support of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. SAN, and His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    “I am impressed with what we have seen during our tour. The Northwest zonal office of NiMet is well organized, even though many of our instruments as observed are not working due to lack of transparency in documentation, vandalization and in some cases sabotage. I thank our scientists, observers, forecasters, engineers, and all the staff working in the region for their dedication and commitment despite noted challenges”.

    Continuing, Professor Anosike charged the staff to ensure that equipment and other facilities under their care are optimally protected and maintained. 

    “Meteorology is the foundation of aviation safety protocols. Aviation can never be safe if meteorology services are not being done optimally. Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, has a special status as a flight information region. 

    “We have to ensure that the investments government is making in replacing obsolete and damaged equipment are protected. We have to hold our contractors more accountable and ensure that the equipment they are supplying and installing meets the standards and specifications and that the contractors carry out the contracted training of our staff on the use of such equipment. The era of installing equipment without training and then the contractor disappearing is over. We need our staff in the regions to enforce this”. 

    Read Also: NiMet, WOFAN plan to reduce climate change impact on farmers

    Concluding, Prof. Anosike assured the staff that management is working hard to improve staff welfare and that certain approvals in that regard have already been secured from the federal government. 

    Prof. Anosike’s entourage included Engr. Abdulkareem Hamid Olayinka, Director of Engineering and Technical Services, Prof. Vincent Weli, Director of Weather Forecasting Services and Cyprian Okpalaku, the Special Adviser to the DG/CEO of NiMet on Information Communications Technology (ICT), and Dr. Haruna Zakari, Technical Assistant to the DG/CEO of NiMet.

    Photo Story: Prof. Charles Anosike (Middle), Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), surrounded by some officials of the agency during the inspection of facilities of the agency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Zonal Headquarters Kano of the agency in Kano on Wednesday, 5th March 2025.

  • Housewife strangles co-wife, burns body to destroy evidence in Bauchi

    Housewife strangles co-wife, burns body to destroy evidence in Bauchi

    The Bauchi State Police Command is investigating the murder of 20-year-old Hajara Isa, who was allegedly killed by her co-wife in their home on February 28.

    The incident came to light on March 3, when Sale Isa of Anguwan Sarakuna, Bauchi, reported the death to the police.

    While the motive remains unclear, family members suspect that Hajara’s co-wife, Fatima Mohammed (28), may be responsible.

    Acting on the report, Commissioner of Police Auwal Musa Muhammad deployed detectives from the C Division Police Headquarters to investigate the matter.

    In a  statement, the Command’s spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police Ahmed Wakili confirmed that their findings led to Mohammed’s arrest.

    Read Also: Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan and politics of allegations

    During interrogation, he said the suspect allegedly confessed to committing the crime.

    She reportedly poured boiling water on the victim and set her body on fire using a melted Bagco sack to destroy evidence.

    The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

    According to the statement, detectives have been assigned to probe it, which may include exhuming the body and carrying out forensic examinations.

    Meanwhile, Muhammad has assured the public that justice will be served.

  • Pro-Natasha protest: APC forum backs Akpabio

    Pro-Natasha protest: APC forum backs Akpabio

    The North-Central All Progressives Congress (NC APC) Forum has dismissed the sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it a political ploy by opposition parties to destabilise the government. 

    During the plenary on Wednesday, Akpabio denied the allegations, saying he has never harassed any woman.

    The forum warned against what it described as an attempt to incite unrest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    It called on protesters supporting Akpoti-Uduaghan to end their demonstrations immediately or face a counter-protest in support of Akpabio. 

    Following the “Akpabio Must Go” protests at the National Assembly and parts of the FCT, the NC APC Forum, in a statement by its Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, a member of the APC presidential campaign council in the 2023 election, issued a 24-hour ultimatum for protesters to leave the streets. 

    The Forum described the allegations against Akpabio as an attempt to blackmail him and discredit the APC government, insisting that no evidence supports the claims.

    The group also questioned the timing of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations, noting that she remained silent until she was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges for breaching Senate rules. 

    “Does it mean that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan would have kept silent on the purported sexual harassment if Senate President Godswill Akpabio had not referred her for investigation?” the Forum asked. 

    Commending Akpabio’s leadership of the Senate and urging Nigerians to dismiss the Kogi senator’s accusations, the Forum highlighted his role in fostering executive-legislative harmony, enabling President Tinubu’s transformative reforms.

    The Forum said: “What is playing out in the Senate at the moment is a script by the opposition to destabilize the National Assembly and, by extension, the administration of President Bola Tinubu by derailing the fruitful working relationship between the executive and the legislature.

    “We urge all members of our party and well-meaning Nigerians to rise up against this sinister plot, which should not be allowed to succeed.

    “The North-Central APC Forum is also calling on the Senate, and the National Assembly as a whole, not to be distracted by the antics of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her co-travellers whose motive is to destabilize the system for their selfish political interests”.

    The Forum alleged that the controversy was part of a broader scheme to destabilize the government, stating, “What is playing out in the Senate at the moment is a script by the opposition to derail the productive relationship between the executive and the legislature and, by extension, the administration of President Bola Tinubu.” 

    The group called on party members and Nigerians to oppose what it described as a sinister plot that must not be allowed to succeed.

    The Forum also called on the Senate to remain focused on governance and not to be distracted by the “Antics of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her allies, whose motive is to create instability for their selfish political interests.” 

    Read Also: Akpabio denies sexual harassment allegations by Natasha

    Although Akpoti-Uduaghan represents Kogi Central in the North-Central region, the Forum distanced itself from her actions, noting, “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is from our zone, but as stakeholders of the North-Central, we disown her actions, which we believe are not in the best interest of our region or the country as a whole.”

    The Forum cautioned the protesters against disrupting public peace, stating that security agencies have been notified and will take necessary action if the protesters fail to comply.

    “We are putting the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies on high alert over this plot to cause anarchy and unrest in the FCT. 

    “We are giving the protesters and their sponsors 24 hours to vacate the streets. As stakeholders of the North-Central, which includes the FCT, we cannot stand by and watch as hoodlums and anarchists attempt to disrupt the peace and stability that has been maintained since President Bola Tinubu took office. 

    “If they fail to vacate the streets, we will mobilize our people to counter them,” the Forum warned.