Former Wazirin Katsina Prof. Sani Abubakar Lugga has cried out against rising terrorist attacks and economic challenges, saying the country is under security, social and economic emergency.

Lugga, who said this during a chat with reporters in his country home in Katsina also described the recent attack on President Muhammad Buhari’s advance team in his home state and the call by a governor of a state for his citizens to acquire weapons and defend themselves against terrorists as confirmation of the precarious security situation the country is facing currently.

He said: “Nigerians should stop deceiving themselves that the country is safe because President Buhari and ordinary citizens are no longer safe.”

During the media chat, Lugga decried the current situation the country was facing which, according to him, could be a divine curse that requires prayers, and a return to righteous deeds by all Nigerians, especially political and religious leaders, irrespective of religious, tribal, political and geographical differences.

Lugga further said Nigeria cannot enjoy relative peace, stability and development where unemployment, poverty, corruption, pen robbery and injustice had upset its socio-economic order.

He said: “Nigeria is certainly under security, social and economic emergency, whether this is declared by the government or not. For instance, the recent attacks by terrorists on the convoy of Mr President, including the call by the Minister of Defence on Nigerians to stop being cowards and to confront bandits and insurgents, give reasons for many concerns.

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“Also the call by a state governor for people to defend themselves with sticks and catapults against AK-47-wielding bandits  is a sign that all is not well.”

He called eligible voters to register and obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) in order to vote for credible leaders in next year’s general election.

Also, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) yesterday kicked off the mobilisation of citizens of the 19 Northern states on the need to register and collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards, PVC to enable them to participate in next year’s general election.

The mobilisation exercise, which began in Katsina yesterday, involved several other exercises, including a public lecture and procession to sensitise residents of the state to the need for registration and collection of their PVCs.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Coalition, Dr Nastura Sharif told reporters that the exercise was being carried out because of the need to encourage more residents of the Northern states to obtain their PVCs ahead of the general election.

He said: ”The exercise started in Katsina State following the observation that the state was lagging in the numbers of electorates who had collected their PVCs.

“We believe that with constant enlightenment, more and more people will come out to register and participate in the choice of good leaders.

“Let us use our PVC to elect leaders based on competence, good character and good personality, whether their political parties are big or small.”

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the attack by gunmen on Rev. Daniel Umaru of EYN Church, Njairi in the Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa.

The gunmen had, on Tuesday, shot the Pastor, killed two of his sons and kidnapped his 13-year-old daughter.

Buhari, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha condemned the attack when he visited the National Vice-President of EYN Church, Rev. Anthony Ndamsai yesterday, in Mubi.

He assured that the government would definitely take action to ensure those who committed the crime were caught to face the law.  He prayed for the quick recovery of Rev. Umaru who is currently receiving treatment.

Buhari also solicited more prayers from religious leaders for lasting peace in the country.

Ndamsai thanked SGF for the sympathy visit and for identifying with them.

He urged the Federal Government to redouble efforts in the area of security of lives and property of citizens.

According to him, if need be, Nigeria should seek the support of international communities to complement the effort of the government on security.

The SGF had earlier condoled Lamido of Adamawa, Muhammadu Mustapha and family members over the demise of Muahammad Barkindo, outgoing Secretary-General, Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

He also inspected some of the ongoing federal roads in Song, Gombi and Hong LGAs of Adamawa as well as the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Hong.

Children in Bauchi State have expressed worries over lack of recreation centres to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir and other festivities in the state.

The lack of adequate parks and recreation centres forced children to only visit houses and roam the streets to celebrate the occasion.

A cross-section of the children in their Sallah attires, who spoke with reporters yesterday in Bauchi, said they had nowhere to go and recreate because there were no parks and public recreation facilities.

Aliyu Abdul, 11, expressed concern that the lack of parks in Bauchi denied them from mingling with other children.

“When we are in Kaduna during Sallah celebrations, we will visit Gamji Parks and many other places. But in Bauchi, you visit only relatives,” he said.

Another boy, Ahmed Guda, 15, said: “We need somewhere to go and hang out to celebrate the Sallah because we have nowhere to go and we only end up getting into trouble for moving only on the streets.

“We need a place to flex with some friends and children, we are calling on the government to get us recreational centres like in other states for festivities,” he said.

Maimuna Gidado, a 16-year-old girl pointed out that Bauchi had an acute shortage of recreational facilities that made children home-centric during festivities.

She said Bauchi had no parks and open spaces for the leisure of children that would offer an opportunity and provide closeness with other children.

Mr Sylvester Abarshi, an expert in tourism, believed that in urban lifestyles, recreational facilities were not a matter of choice but rather, part and parcel of healthy living.

“Recreation has a positive impact on health and it lowers the risk of heart diseases by relieving people from stress.

“Recreational activities help in removing identity, class and cultural barriers among children to form a sensible and inclusive society and thereby contribute to reducing crimes.

Abarshi also lamented that there were few parks not adequately functioning, urging the government to establish parks and recreation centres for the children to relax, especially during festivities.

A group, under the aegis of Benue People of Conscience (B-POC), has advised the Federal Government to ensure the release of the N14.9 million Paris Club refunds it withdrew from Benue State in 2015.

The group further advised the Federal Government to desist from throwing spanners in the works of efforts of the Benue State Government to secure an N41.39 million loan to pay pensions as well as workers’ salaries in the state, even as it urged it to facilitate the release of the loan to the state.

In a statement made available to The Nation yesterday in Makurdi, B-POC pleaded with the Federal Government to support Benue State with the loan to offset salary arrears.

The statement by the Chairman and Secretary, John Orshio and Tersoo Iorbee, respectively, insisted that the withdrawal of the Paris Club was political because other states have accessed it.

The group said: “We have observed the unfolding political scenario in Benue State for a while now and have deemed it necessary that we lend our voice to some burning issues for the sake of posterity.

“Ordinarily, we wouldn’t have made any comments, but the situation when it seems the Federal Government is throwing spanners in the works of the political wheels of the administration of Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and, by extension, its people, has reached an unprecedented level.

“Benue People of Conscience believe that even if the Federal Government has a bone to pick with Governor Ortom, it shouldn’t have allowed such issues to affect the good people of Benue State that are currently facing numerous challenges, including attacks by armed herdsmen on the people, which has left about two million people displaced in camps across the state.

“The situation where, Government would block Benue state from accessing the N41.39 billion loan approved by Benue State House of Assembly, to pay salaries of workers and pensions is uncalled for.

“On the other hand, the N41 billion loan is not a fresh loan, but actually a revalidation of the N69 billion loan that was approved in 2015 and at that time, out of the total amount, only N28 billion was released.

“Other states also applied for the bailout, which the Federal Government resolved to give to states in 2015 to cushion the effect of the recession and enable them to pay outstanding salaries and pensions.

“Some states, including Kogi State, had received the balance of the bailout initially requested for; Benue is yet to access it, for political reasons. However, the Federal Government has blocked Benue from accessing the funds.”

The group further stated that “We understand that the Federal Government is yet to release the last tranche of the Paris Club refund of about N14.9 billion to the Governor Ortom administration.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we would like to inform the Federal Government that all monies of the state belong to the people and as such, it should not be seen to extend favours to its favourites and exclude those perceived to be its enemies.

“We call on the Federal Government to ensure that the N41.39 billion loan, as well as the last tranche of the Paris Club refunds of about N14.9 billion that was withdrawn by the Federal Government be released to the Benue State Government to pay pensions and salaries of workers.”

The group, which sounded a note of warning to politicians as well as some people in places of authority said, “We understand that for political reasons, some highly placed persons in the state have backed the actions of the Federal Government, for their own selfish gains, thus further impoverishing the people of the state.

“B-POC is aware that the pull-Ortom-down syndrome is being engaged to discredit him before the people of the state. It is also a plot to ensure that Governor Ortom does not emerge as Senator of Benue Northwest Senatorial District next year.

President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Mohammed Ibrahim has urged the Federal Government to meet the demands of the striking university unions.

The SSANU president said this in a Sallah message to its members on Sunday in Abuja.

Ibrahim also urged members of the union to be security-conscious in their daily movements and endeavours.

He urged members of the union to remain resolute, steadfast and committed following the decision of the federal government to stop their salaries.

SSANU commenced its strike in March this year to press home its demands.

Some of the demands are non-payment of arrears of minimum wage, failure to renegotiate the 2009 agreement, and discrepancies in the payment of salaries of its members through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, among others.

The statement reads: “I, therefore, urge you all to remain resolute, steadfast and committed as we continue to make this sacrifice for the greater good of all.

“I call on our comrades to keep hope alive as we call on the government to heed to our demands and increase its endeavours in making the country a better place.

“While we expect the leaders of our nation to make concerted efforts in living up to our expectations, we as individuals must take responsibility for our safety and be security conscious in our daily movements and endeavours.

“I am confident that our current struggle will not be futile as you have displayed a high spirit/level of commitment, doggedness, sacrifice and cooperation.

“I solicit your continuous support as we work collectively towards victory.

“I wish all comrades and Nigerians good health and divine protection in this auspicious occasion and beyond as you stay hopeful, safe and vigilant.”

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) yesterday reiterated its commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the territory.

The Director-General of the agency, Alhaji Abbas Idriss, gave the assurance at the 2022 Eid-el-Kabir celebration with the IDPs of the FCT.

The event was organised by the agency in partnership with Ufuk Dialogue, an NGO, at Gymnasium Package B, MKO Abiola National Stadium.

“I want to assure you on behalf of the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, that you rest assured for your security and also your livelihood,” he said.

Idriss said the event signified a new chapter in the agency’s emergency response mandate, adding that such a kind and thoughtful gesture meant a lot to the IDPs and stakeholders alike.

“We are, therefore, certain that this engagement will promote culture, coexistence, mutual dialogue understanding and will help to establish a common platform for information, data and opinion exchange.

“The success of humanitarian interventions and support usually comes down to the commitment brought to them by volunteers and the emergency support agencies.”

The D-G, who commended Ufuk dialogue for the benevolence, however, said there was so much yet to be done.

The President of UFUK Dialogue, Mr Emrah Ilgen, said the organisation was doing a lot to bring Nigerians from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds together.

We have to work together to bring peace. We don’t need conflict; we need peace in this country because Nigeria is a very important country,” he said.

Also, a leader of Abuja IDPs, Malam Abubakar Mustapha, commended Ufuk Dialogue and the agency for celebrating Eid-el-Kabir in a bigger way for the community.

According to him, such a gesture is coming for the first time.

Mustapha, however, solicited employment opportunities, empowerment and medical assistance for IDPs in the country’s capital.

“Many of us are ready and willing to embrace farming but we don’t have access to farmland that we can cultivate. We also have some of our members who are battling one illness or the other.

“We appeal to the Federal Capital Territory Administration and all government institutions in Abuja to come to our aide.”

The running mate to Mr Isah Ashiru the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate of Kaduna State, Dr John Ayuba has described Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) as crucial to inclusive governance in the state.

Ayuba, a former Commissioner for Finance in the state, said this in Kaduna during a chat with Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum.

He called on the people to come out en masse to register for their cards as very critical to deciding elective positions in next year’s general elections.

He said the candidature of Ashiru provided the opportunity for inclusive governance that would ensure equal opportunity for every resident of the state, irrespective of religion and ethnicity.

He said the Southern Kaduna people got stuck with Ashiru because of his strong connection with the people of the area and his touch with rural communities.

He said the PDP under Ashiru if given the opportunity, would operate open governance that would be inclusive and gender-sensitive.

“Ashiru was part of the success stories of Sen. Ahmed Makarfi era from 1999 to 2007, who worked hard to close the divide between Northern and Southern parts of the state.

“We will work to improve our voting strength in the Southern part of the state and push for the support of the PDP to deliver good and inclusive governance to the people.

“We are confident that he will build bridges to connect the people of the state together and work as a united front for socio-economic development of the state,” he said.

He said 65 per cent of the voters were youths, even as he urged the journalists to galvanise the people to support the party because of its principle of fairness and inclusive governance.

Mr Ango Bally of Invicta FM who spoke on behalf of the forum, an interest group, said the objective of the meeting was to familiarise myself with the deputy governorship candidate.

Bally congratulated Ayuba, from Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of the state, on being picked as the running mate to Ashiru and urged him to represent the Southern Kaduna people well if elected to office.

He said while the people were yearning for change, the party must demonstrate seriousness to take over the political power and provide quality representation.

Mr Luka Binniyat of Epoch Times said the people would be willing to support the PDP, but it was yet to convince the people that it was ready to wrestle power from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Binniyat said the party needed to come out strongly and demonstrate the capacity to take power and deliver good governance.

He advised the PDP as the strong opposition to the APC to up their game otherwise they might lose next year’s general election.

Mr Bomba Dauda, Publisher of Gurara Accord pointed out that the Southern Kaduna people gave over 500,000 votes to the PDP in the 2019 general elections, while the Northern zone polled only 263,3440 votes for the party.

Dauda said to win next year’s general election, the governorship candidate needed to mobilise votes from his constituency to match what the Southern Kaduna people were doing for the party.

Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya has expressed sadness over the death of Ajiyan Gombe and Senior District Head of Kwami, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi.

This is contained in a condolence message by Ismail Misili, Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe yesterday.

Inuwa described the passage of the traditional leader as a huge loss to the state and the nation.

The deceased died in the early hours of yesterday at the age of 94, after a protracted illness.

He was one of the kingmakers in the Gombe Emirate that witnessed the emergence of the late Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar in 1984.

The governor said the deceased was an iconic figure, reputable educationist and highly respected leader.

According to him, the late traditional leader left a huge vacuum and indelible footprints, adding that the government will surely miss his fatherly guidance and counsel.

He urged the family members to sustain his legacies of honour, dignity and selfless service.

Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has freed 90 inmates from correctional centres across the state.  With the latest release, a total of 3,898 inmates have been freed by Ganduje within the past seven years, The Nation learnt.

 Ganduje, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Abba Anwar, said the decision is in compliance with President Muhammadu Buhari’s call for the decongestion of correctional centres.

The exercise (release of inmates) is conducted through the State Prerogative of Mercy Committee during the celebration of Sallah festivities, the governor said.

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The statement reads: “The 90 inmates who were released today (Saturday) are among the 3,898 released during the governor’s visit to Gorondutse Correctional Centre on Sallah Day today (Saturday).

“This exercise is in compliance with President Muhammadu Buhari’s urge for decongestion of our correctional centres.”

Governor Ganduje assured them that he would continue with the good work up to 2023 when his administration would end.

“We will continue with this good initiative. And at the same time I assure you that the process will continue even after I leave office, if my Deputy, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, who is the governorship candidate of our great party, APC, wins the ballots in 2023,” he said.