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  • APC youth group urges Tinubu, Akpabio to back Sani Musa for national chairman

    APC youth group urges Tinubu, Akpabio to back Sani Musa for national chairman

    A prominent political advocacy group, the APC Youth Solidarity Network for Progressive Change, has called on President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to urgently persuade Senator Mohammed Sani Musa to contest for the position of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    In a statement signed by its National President, Gideon Oche, the group said the APC must not leave its leadership to chance as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

    Describing Senator Musa as a “bridge between generations” and a “strategic institutional thinker,” the group said his leadership would be critical in rebuilding and repositioning the APC for long-term electoral success.

    “The continued dominance of our party in Nigerian politics hinges not just on policy but on the strength, vision, and foresight of its internal leadership,” the statement read.

    According to Oche, Senator Musa possesses the right blend of youthfulness and experience, idealism and wisdom, making him a uniquely qualified candidate to lead the party at this crucial time.

    “We are making this patriotic call with the deepest sense of urgency. Senator Sani Musa is not just a ranking senator; he is a party man with deep institutional memory, strong political values, and a clear understanding of how to navigate the future,” he said.

    The group urged President Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio to take a leading role in guiding the party toward a credible internal succession process that will promote unity and inspire confidence heading into the 2027 elections.

    “2027 is not as far away as it seems. The next National Chairman of the APC will either lead this party into a new era of strategic coherence or preside over its decline. We believe Senator Mohammed Sani Musa is the kind of figure who can inspire cohesion, renew confidence in the party, and restore credibility to the APC’s national secretariat,” the statement reads.

    Oche further noted that Senator Musa’s track record in the Senate, particularly as chairman of key committees on finance, electoral reform, and technology, has shown his capacity to lead with foresight and pragmatism. 

    He described the senator as a “seasoned politician and leader” whose background in public service and governance places him in a unique position to refocus the APC from within.

    “In a time when political parties around the world are being tested for their relevance, the APC must not wait to be forced into crisis. It must take proactive steps to install a leadership that can inspire trust both within and beyond its membership. Senator Musa represents that quiet strength, that intelligent discipline, that deliberate vision the APC needs at this time,” the group said.

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    The statement warned against allowing political patronage or elite compromise to dictate the future of the party, saying the selection of the next National Chairman must be one rooted in merit, historical understanding, and national projection.

    “We cannot approach 2027 with business as usual. We need a party leader who understands the stakes—who is respected in both the North and South, who is accessible to young people and the political establishment alike. Senator Musa is that person,” Oche insisted.

    The group concluded by reiterating its call on President Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio to “kindly but firmly” encourage Senator Sani Musa to offer himself for national service through the position of National Chairman, saying history will judge their roles in shaping the party’s future.

    “Posterity beckons. Senator Musa must now be called upon to serve—not out of ambition, but out of duty,” the statement added.

  • North Central APC group backs Sani Musa for national chairman, seeks Tinubu’s support

    North Central APC group backs Sani Musa for national chairman, seeks Tinubu’s support

    The North Central APC Accord, a political pressure group within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has formally endorsed Senator Mohammed Sani Musa as the next national chairman of the party, following the resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje.

    In a statement jointly signed by its President, Rev. Matthias Ikani, and Secretary General, Ambassador Moses Audu, the group described Senator Musa as “the most credible and unifying option” for a party at a crossroads, and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the APC to cede the position to the North Central zone in the interest of fairness, stability, and renewed internal cohesion.

    “We make this call not on the basis of mere sentiment, but from a long-standing conviction that Senator Sani Musa represents the future of progressive leadership in our party. He is calm, visionary, tested and trusted. In a time when our party needs internal healing and national balance, Senator Musa is the bridge between legacy and future,” the statement reads.

    The group argued that since the party’s inception in 2013, the North Central has remained one of the most loyal and consistent support bases for the APC, delivering crucial victories in national elections, yet repeatedly overlooked in the zoning of strategic positions, including the chairmanship.

    “This is a matter of equity and justice. Our region has played its part in building and sustaining this party from the days of the CPC-ACN merger. Yet, the North Central has never produced a substantive national chairman. Now that a vacancy has emerged, it is both timely and just that we are given the opportunity to lead — and Senator Musa is best positioned to take up that mantle,” the group added. 

    Senator Musa, who represents Niger East in the Senate and currently chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, is widely seen as an experienced hand in both legislative and party affairs.

    “He has no baggage, no history of factionalism, and no record of backroom deals that damage public trust. We have watched Senator Musa closely — in his constituency, on the floor of the Senate, and within the party. He exudes discipline, strategic thinking, and humility. These are the qualities our party needs at the center right now,” the statement added. 

    The North Central APC Accord warned that imposing a chairman from outside the zone, or one lacking grassroots acceptance, could further fracture the party and diminish public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    “Our democracy is maturing, and the APC must reflect that maturity. Leadership cannot be reduced to reward systems or political survival tactics. It must reflect balance, inclusion, and merit. Senator Musa represents a safe pair of hands, someone who will not alienate key blocs, and who understands the national character of our party.”

    Read Also: Group backs Sani Musa for national chairman, seeks Tinubu’s support

    The group also appealed to President Tinubu to lead by example and support the move toward inclusion, fairness and internal democracy — values he once championed in his years as national leader of the party.

    “The President has a historic opportunity here to reinforce the unity of the party by supporting a process that is inclusive and consultative. We know the kind of legacy Mr. President wants to leave behind. Supporting Senator Musa as national chairman is a firm step in that direction.”

    Calling on other stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones, the North Central APC Accord said the time has come to “restore integrity, loyalty and inclusiveness to the leadership of the party”, warning against a return to divisive politicking and elite capture.

    “We are not asking for a handout. We are demanding what is right — for the North Central, and for the APC. We do not want a party driven by the whims of a few; we want a party led by visionaries who will secure its future,” the statement said.

    Several youth and women groups across the country have also announced their endorsements in recent days, calling him “a servant leader with the right temperament”.

  • Group backs Sani Musa for national chairman, seeks Tinubu’s support

    Group backs Sani Musa for national chairman, seeks Tinubu’s support

    The North Central APC accord, a political pressure group within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has thrown its weight behind Senator Mohammed Sani Musa as the next national chairman of the party, following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

    In a statement jointly signed by its President, Rev. Matthias Ikani, and Secretary General, Ambassador Moses Audu, the group described Senator Musa as “the most credible and unifying option” to lead the APC at a critical time, and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and party leaders to zone the position to the north central region.

    “We make this call not on the basis of mere sentiment, but from a long-standing conviction that Senator Sani Musa represents the future of progressive leadership in our party. He is calm, visionary, tested and trusted. In a time when our party needs internal healing and national balance, Senator Musa is the bridge between legacy and future,” the statement read.

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    The group lamented that despite the North Central’s unwavering support since the APC’s formation in 2013, the zone has been repeatedly overlooked for top leadership positions, including the national chairmanship.

    “This is a matter of equity and justice,” the statement added. “Our region has played its part in building and sustaining this party from the days of the CPC-ACN merger. Yet, the North Central has never produced a substantive national chairman. Now that a vacancy has emerged, it is both timely and just that we are given the opportunity to lead — and Senator Musa is best positioned to take up that mantle.”

    Senator Musa, who currently represents Niger East Senatorial District and chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, was praised as a disciplined and forward-thinking lawmaker with a clean record, untainted by factional politics or controversies.

    “He has no baggage, no history of factionalism, and no record of backroom deals that damage public trust,” the group noted. “We have watched Senator Musa closely in his constituency, on the floor of the Senate, and within the party. He exudes discipline, strategic thinking, and humility. These are the qualities our party needs at the center right now.”

    Warning against imposition of candidates from other zones or individuals lacking grassroots acceptance, the North Central APC Accord cautioned that such a move could deepen internal divisions and weaken the party’s standing ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    “Our democracy is maturing, and the APC must reflect that maturity. Leadership cannot be reduced to reward systems or political survival tactics. It must reflect balance, inclusion, and merit. Senator Musa represents a safe pair of hands, someone who will not alienate key blocs and who understands the national character of our party.”

    The group also appealed directly to President Tinubu to uphold the principles of equity, internal democracy, and inclusion that he once championed, by backing a credible North Central candidate to lead the APC into its next phase.

    “The President has a historic opportunity here to reinforce the unity of the party by supporting a process that is inclusive and consultative. We know the kind of legacy Mr. President wants to leave behind. Supporting Senator Musa as national chairman is a firm step in that direction.”

    Calling on other stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones, the North Central APC Accord said the time has come to “restore integrity, loyalty and inclusiveness to the leadership of the party”, warning against a return to divisive politicking and elite capture.

    “We are not asking for a handout. We are demanding what is right — for the North Central, and for the APC. We do not want a party driven by the whims of a few; we want a party led by visionaries who will secure its future,” the statement said.

    Several youth and women groups across the country have also announced their endorsements in recent days, calling him “a servant leader with the right temperament”.

  • Senate moves to formalise casual jobs in informal sector

    Senate moves to formalise casual jobs in informal sector

    The Senate on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill to regulate and formalise employment in the informal sector through private agency involvement.

    The Bill sponsored by Senator Mohammed Sani Musa seeks to regulate and formalise the employment of domestic workers, apprentices, interns and other informal sector employees in Nigeria.

    It also seeks to empower the National Directorate of Employment to issue license and monitor privately owned Employment Agencies whose responsibility will be to enrol employees in their data bank, safeguard and enhance their social security and oversee their recruitment by employers who engage in legitimate occupation on such terms and conditions as may be agreed by the parties.

    Musa in his lead debate noted that the informal sector is usually regarded as the residual labour market where labour is highly heterogeneous and sources of income are not largely wage dependent, working time is discretionary and some jobs are not paid for at all.

    He said: “Operations in the sector are usually in small scale; production technique is labour intensive and ownership is usually private. In most cases, the workers in this sector are family members, apprentices and few paid employees.

    “The informal sector of Nigerian economy show evidence of violation of employees’ right and non-implementation of labour regulations, although the informal sector provides a safety net for skilled, semi-skilled or unskilled labour who could not find job in the formal sector of the labour market.

    “However, informal sector in Nigeria has practices that are not in conformity with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) best practices as ratified in its conventions” which Nigeria is a signatory to.

    “One of such areas of concern relates to decent work deficit. Decent work is work with fair and equal treatment, decent remuneration, and fair conditions of employment, safety and social protection, opportunities for training and development, and collective bargaining.

    “The primary goal of this bill is to regulate this sector to promote strategic objectives: the promotion of rights at work, employment, social protection, and social dialogue,” he said.

    Musa lamented that employees in the informal sector are often seen as having no right and are not treated fairly by their employers, which is another thing the bill seeks to correct.

    He said: “This bill empower the National Directorate of Employment to issue license and monitor the activities of Employment Agencies throughout the country.”

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    However, Adams Oshiomhole, while contributing to the debate, noted that public and private sector agencies use third parties to recruit their low level staff.

    “We cannot create multiple centres of fraud under the guise of private sector participation. It’s already happening—security staff earn as little as N40,000 while appearing to work for the government. This bill could make that kind of abuse even worse,” Oshiomhole said.

    In his remarks, chairman of the Committee on Labour and Productivity, Diket Plang, reminded the Senate that a similar bill had previously been introduced to regulate domestic help employment.

    He informed his colleagues that the bill has undergone public hearing and awaiting third reading.

    “This job is already the statutory responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Labour,” Plang, who chairs the Senate Committee on Labour, said. “We can consolidate the two bills.”

    The Senate subsequently passed the Bill for second reading and referred it to the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour, and Productivity for further consideration.

  • Tinubu hails Senator Sani Musa at 60

    Tinubu hails Senator Sani Musa at 60

    …praises his role in fiscal reforms, legislative excellence

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm wishes to Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, representing Niger East Senatorial District, as the lawmaker marks his 60th birthday.

    In a message released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Senator Musa as a “reliable ally” and commended his unwavering commitment to legislative excellence and national fiscal reforms.

    President Tinubu joined the senator’s family, friends, colleagues, and constituents in celebrating the milestone, wishing him “continued strength, sound health, and wisdom in serving the nation.”

    Highlighting Senator Musa’s leadership as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, the President acknowledged his pivotal role in shaping fiscal policy and promoting prudent economic management. 

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    “Senator Musa has been a steadfast advocate for prudent economic management,” Tinubu said.

    Since his election to the Senate in 2019, Senator Musa has earned recognition for his service to both his constituents and the nation. 

    The President praised his “exemplary service built on a legacy of integrity, patriotism, and hard work.”

    Expressing confidence in the senator’s ongoing contributions to Nigeria’s democratic growth, Tinubu said he believes Senator Musa will “continue to make invaluable contributions to the Senate and represent the voice of Nigerians in strengthening democratic values and institutions.”

  • Senator Musa mourns victims of tragic tanker explosion in Niger

    Senator Musa mourns victims of tragic tanker explosion in Niger

    Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, expressed deep sorrow on Sunday over the tragic loss of 80 lives in the petroleum tanker explosion that occurred in Dikko, Niger State, over the weekend. 

    In a statement issued in Abuja, Musa confirmed that the death toll had risen to 80, and he extended his condolences to the families of the victims while wishing a swift recovery to those who were injured. 

    He called for a united effort to ensure the safety of the nation’s highways, stressing the importance of taking collective action to prevent such tragedies in the future.

    Musa said: “It is with profound sadness that I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives in the devastating petroleum tanker accident in Dikko, Niger East Senatorial District, over the weekend.

    “As at the last count, more than 80 lives were lost, and many others are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.

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    “May Allah (SWT) grant the departed Aljannah Firdaus and give their families the strength to bear this immense loss. To those injured, I pray for their quick and complete recovery.

    “This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for heightened caution and adherence to safety standards on our highways. I strongly advise against reckless driving and urge drivers, operators, and all road users to strictly follow traffic and safety regulations to prevent unnecessary loss of lives and carnage.

    “Similarly, I appeal to citizens to avoid approaching accident scenes, particularly those involving flammable vehicles, for their safety.

    “I also want to thank all relevant agencies for their swift response, evacuation efforts, and the support provided to victims at the scene of the accident. Your dedication during such trying times is deeply appreciated.

    “Let us all reflect on this tragedy and work collectively to ensure our highways are safer for everyone. May Allah continue to protect us and guide us in all.”

  • EFCC arraigns 4 for alleged N19m fraud in Sokoto

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Friday, arraigned four persons before the Federal High Court in Sokoto, for alleged advance fee fraud to the tune of N19 million.

    The accused persons are: Jabir Ladan, Sani Musa, Kabir Musa and Aliyu Muhammad, while Hassan Sadiq, an accomplice, is still at large.

    The accused persons, all residents of Sokoto metropolis. are facing a nine-count charge, which contravened section 8 subsection ‘A’ of Advance Fee Fraud and other frauds related offences Act.

    According to the charge sheet, the accused, between July to Sept. 2018, on different occasions, defrauded one Abdulrazak Muratala of the said amount.

    The Prosecution Counsel, Mr Muhammad Gambo, said they collected the amounts on the pretext of facilitating the release of Muratala’s goods seized by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

    However, when the charges were read, the accused persons pleaded not guilty, and the prosecution applied for adjournment to commence trial and present witnesses.

    The defence counsel, Mr Yahaya Gwazawa did not object to the adjournment, but applied for bail of the accused persons.

    The trial judge, Justice Saleh Idrissa, ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case to March 18, for hearing of the bail application.

  • Masari chides beneficiaries of govt loans for defaults in repayments

    Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina state on Saturday chided beneficiaries of state government loans who often defaults in re-payments, even as he charged future guarantees of applicants to live up to expectations on the terms of loan agreements

    The governor who was speaking during the launch of 84 newly acquired vehicles which were given out as loans to selected members of the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), said loans by government to the people was aimed at empowering them, and that more than 168 people, including their wives and children, would be empowered through the vehicles

    He said “The state government had given out loans, which ran into several millions of Naira, to hundreds of beneficiaries through the Katsina State Economic and Employment Development (KASEED),but instead of repaying back the monies given them, some of the beneficiaries decided to hold onto the loan and convert same for personal use’’.

    The Governor further warned that government’s money which was being given as loans should not be deemed as free money, and that failure to payback was depriving others from benefiting.

    He said the vehicle loan was interest free, and should be paid back in three and half years, with the repaid monies rolled over so that others can benefit.

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    Masari further charged the beneficiaries to avoid overloading, but to “carry passengers in accordance with the law of the country.”He assured that similar assistance would be extended to commercial motorcycle owners as way to reduce their dependence on others for handouts thereby enhancing the poverty reduction programmes of the state government 

    In his response, the Chairman of NURTW in the state, Sani Musa commended the state government for the gesture, even as he assured that the loans would be promptly paid back. He however warned beneficiaries against defaulting as those found to be wanting would have their vehicles seized and given to another applicant on the waiting list

  • Association urges politicians to play politics with decorum

    The Nigeria Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS) has advised politicians to play politics with decorum to ensure sustenance of democracy and safety of lives and property of Nigerians.

    The National President of the association, Prof. Sani Musa and the Secretary, Dr Abubakar Hassan gave the advice in a communiqué they signed in Abuja on Wednesday.

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    The communiqué came at the end of the association National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

    The association said that tensions and challenges caused by politicians were threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria as a nation.

    According to the group, politicians must ensure that the unity among different ethnic tribes and faiths in the country are sustained before, during and after election.

    The association also enjoined government at all levels to make the welfare of Nigerians a priority in order to ameliorate the hardship experienced by the citizens.

    “State Governments that are not paying salaries should as a matter of urgency, pay all the entitlements of workers in order to address the challenges of poverty.

    “Also, efforts of the Federal Government in fighting corruption should be intensified to cut across all sectors.”

  • Ngige restates FG’s commitment to combating unemployment

    Ngige restates FG’s commitment to combating unemployment

    Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment, has restated the Federal Government’s commitment to combating unemployment through supporting viable economic ventures.

    Ngige gave the  assurance at the end of a three-day retreat organised for workers of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Sokoto.

    A  statement issued on Friday by the directorate’s  Head of  Public Relations Department, Malam Sani Musa,  said the retreat was tagged: “Repositioning the NDE for Operational Excellence through Effective Leadership and Team Building.’’

    “Combating the unemployment challenge through creation of jobs and poverty reduction constitute very daunting tasks, which in turn, have always tasked the dexterity of governments the world over.

    “It becomes even more challenging in time of economic recession due to dwindling funds and the capital-intensive nature of employment creation,’’ Ngige said.

    According to the minister, the present administration included his ministry as key to its efforts to improve the wellbeing of its citizens.

    He said that the Federal Government would  increase access to productive employment as a  catalyst to the nation’s growth.

    Ngige, who was represented by a Director in the ministry, Mr Eyewumi Neburagho, described the theme of the retreat as critical, relevant and able to broaden participants’ minds for achievement of government’s programmes.

    The minister commended NDE’s present leadership, saying that they made distinguished contributions in the recently concluded International Labour Conference.

    He urged Nigerians to avail themselves of the reintroduced employment programmes.

    Ngige pledged more support for the NDE and other related agencies to ensure maximum success in providing active entrepreneurship skills, good business conditions and training of Nigerians.

    He urged workers to complement government’s intentions through dedication and promoting transparent dealings.

    In his remarks, the NDE Director-General, Dr Nasiru Argungu, said he was impressed by workers’  participation and commitment, assuring them of more training avenues.

    Argungu said that training was a very vital incentive and motivational factor for employees in both the public and private sector.

    He described training as an effective tool for sharpening the skills of the workforce for efficient performance at work.

    “The NDE management realises that it is imperative to train and re-train its personnel to acquire the appropriate skills, knowledge and attitude.

    “This will enhance productivity and efficiency to meet the special needs of directorate operations,’’ the NDE director-general said.