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Northern scholars declare support for Tinubu’s renewed war against banditry
***warn saboteurs and collaborators against plans to distract Matawalle, armed forces
The Concerned Scholars for Peace and Development (CSPD) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to tackle banditry in the country.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Zaharadeen Mohammed Kabir, the group warned saboteurs and collaborators not to distract the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and the Armed Forces.
The group specifically disowned a Sokoto State-based Islamic cleric, Mallam Bello Asada, for accusing the Federal Government of sponsoring bandit leaders, describing the claim as false and politically motivated.
Kabir alleged that Asada is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and has ignored revelations of Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal’s payment of N1.378 billion to terrorists and bandits.
The Islamic scholars also called for Asada to be held accountable for his defamatory video, urging Matawalle and troops to remain focused on winning the war against banditry.
“The Concerned National Islamic Scholars for Peace and National Development condemn in the strongest terms the attempts by unscrupulous persons to trivialise the security challenge in the northwest of the country by politicising the issue and urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to allow his administration to be distracted in flushing out criminal elements from the country,” Kabir said.
“This condemnation became necessary in the wake of the misleading video published by a Sokoto State-based Islamic cleric, Mallam Bello Asada, who falsely accused the Federal Government of sponsoring bandit leaders. The video has, unfortunately, been promoted by counter-insurgency expert, Makama Zagazola.
“We have since reviewed the facts and found that Mallam Bello Asada is a card-carrying member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who has conveniently ignored the recent revelations that his paymaster, Zamfara State’s Governor Dauda Lawal paid the sum of One Billion, Three Hundred and Seventy-Eight Million Naira (N1,378, 000,000) to terrorists’ and bandits’ leaders.
“We wonder how Asada became amnesiac to how Governor Lawal paid two hundred million naira each to Kachalla Dogo Gide, Kachalla Bello Turji, and Ado Alero while one hundred and fifty million naira was paid each to Kachalla Halilu Sububu and Gwaska Dan Karami. A responsible Islamic scholar, who has no connection to the bandits would have demanded answers from Governor Dauda Lawal. Asada has no moral right to continue to hide under the cover of being an Islamic scholar.
“It is important to note the political context of these false accusations, especially given the high stakes involved in regional and national politics. The timing and source of the allegations suggest an attempt to distract the Federal Government’s counter-terrorism efforts.
“We reliably learnt that Asada was put up to publishing the video to distract public attention from the leaked document that proved that Governor Lawal paid money to subversive elements that are responsible for the insecurity, killings and kidnappings plaguing the northwest and other parts of Nigeria.
“Asada, who once made a video praying for the death of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for defeating his party’s, Atiku Abubakar at the 2023 General Election, was an automatic choice to produce the pro-terrorist propaganda material that has further undermined security in the region.
“This explains why this character, who had gone into oblivion, is suddenly out to distract the President and the Minister of State for Defence simply because the heat has turned on the bandits especially Turji Bello who has been reported to have been corralled by our Armed Forces and will soon be smoked out.
“We have thus concluded that while Asada’s allegations appear serious, his inability to provide concrete evidence to support his outlandish claims and accusations makes them defamatory.
“We urge the Federal Government to leverage extant legislation to hold Asada accountable for his defamatory video. For instance, several credible Northern groups have condemned similar accusations, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated.”
The group called on the Federal Government to be wary of individuals who come out to discredit, distract, and blackmail state actors when the state takes the war to the bandits.
“It’s obvious that some are Islamic clerics during the day and bandits at night,” Kabir said. He added, “The witch cried at night, and the child died in the morning. We don’t have to look for who, of course, killed the baby.”
Kabir called on the FG to investigate people like Asada, who seem to be in pain over the decisive actions of the government against the bandits.
“It’s obvious that Asada has more to tell the security agencies about the banditry because he is disturbed by the bounty placed on the bandits’ leader and fears he will soon be exposed.”
The CSPD urged the President not to succumb to distraction but to go all out for the bandits until they all surrender and give up their evil ways.
“More of these characters will come out in the next few weeks as the fight gets hotter to smoke out the bandits from the northwest. Mr. President must remain resolute and committed to the charge given to the Armed Forces.”
In a powerful demonstration of compassion and community service, the IBD Dende Foundation marked this year’s Eid al-Adha celebration with a two-day humanitarian outreach tagged “Ileya of Hope: Eid Beyond Sacrifice” at the Chief’s palace in Durumi, Abuja. Held from June 5th to 6th, 2025, the initiative aimed to share food, health, and love with those in need, in the true spirit of the season.
The event, powered by the IBD Dende Foundation under the leadership of its founder, Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, brought smiles to the faces of the beneficiaries. This year’s program, themed “Eid Beyond Sacrifice”, went beyond the rituals of the Sallah celebration by offering tangible support through a combination of humanitarian relief and free medical services.
Hundreds of beneficiaries were treated to a grand Sallah feast, where items were shared in a festive atmosphere filled with gratitude and joy. In addition to the feast, the foundation distributed special IBD-branded gift packs and food items to families, ensuring that no one was left out of the celebration. The outreach also included a comprehensive range of free medical services such as blood pressure and sugar level checks, minor treatments, first aid, malaria testing, medication, and health education sessions focused on hygiene and wellness.
Volunteers and health professionals from the Support and Help Outpatient Foundation SHOF, worked tirelessly throughout the two days, embodying the foundation’s mission of “Touching Lives, Spreading Hope.” A Representative from the IBD Dende Foundation, Dr. David Owah emphasized that the goal was not just to feed and treat people physically, but to uplift them emotionally and spiritually during a time that should be joyous for all.
“Eid is not just about sacrifice, it is about sharing. Our aim is to bring hope to these communities who have lost so much, and to remind them that they are not forgotten,” David Owah stated.
A beneficiary, expressed deep appreciation for the gesture, visibly moved by the support, said, “This is more than just food and medicine. It shows that someone cares. It gives us hope.”
The presence and leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun continue to inspire similar acts of kindness across Nigeria, as his foundation remains committed to reaching out to the needy, especially during times of national festivity.
The “Ileya of Hope” outreach stands as a shining example of how faith-based philanthropy can play a critical role in fostering inclusion, dignity, and well-being in underserved communities. Meanwhile, as the nation celebrates Eid, the IBD Dende Foundation’s intervention serves as a reminder that true sacrifice lies in giving wholeheartedly to those who can offer nothing in return.
• Two Years of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda Mark a Turning Point for the Niger Delta
• 5,000 Beneficiaries Empowered as Stakeholder Confidence Returns under Otuaro’s Leadership
As Nigeria celebrates the second anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) stands out as a flagship success, reinvigorated under the purposeful leadership of Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro.
Appointed as Administrator in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Dr. Otuaro has brought focus, vision, and integrity to a programme once plagued by uncertainty.
Previously seen as directionless and losing stakeholder trust, the Amnesty Programme has now returned to its core mandate of Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR). Since taking office, Dr. Otuaro has led a transformation marked by transparency, youth empowerment, and inclusive engagement with ex-agitators and local communities.
Among his key achievements is the sponsorship of over 5,000 students across universities and skills acquisition centres. Hundreds more are undergoing specialized training in the blue economy, including marine logistics, aquaculture, and coastal enterprise, aligning the programme with global economic trends and regional potential.
In addition to educational and vocational empowerment, Dr. Otuaro has championed peacebuilding and reconciliation, reaching out to traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society actors to rebuild trust and dialogue in volatile areas of the Niger Delta.
One of the most praised reforms has been the reintroduction of strict transparency and accountability frameworks, ensuring that funds are appropriately audited and disbursed to genuine beneficiaries. This renewed credibility has repositioned the Amnesty Programme as a model of public sector performance under the Tinubu administration.
Stakeholders across the Niger Delta say the changes reflect the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda. “Dr. Otuaro is restoring not just the programme, but our hope in government,” said a community elder in Delta State. “For the first time in a long while, we are witnessing real results.”
The transformation of the PAP is now widely recognized as one of the clearest indicators of President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance, regional equity, and peacebuilding.
Observers believe that with sustained support, the programme could serve as a blueprint for national integration efforts across other restive regions.
In recognition of these achievements, the Niger Delta Transparency Watch Group, which has been monitoring public sector reforms in the region, commended both the Presidency and the Amnesty Office.
“We are proud to celebrate the results of effective leadership. What we see today is a Renewed Hope in action-driven by commitment, community engagement, and accountability,” the group stated.
As Nigeria looks ahead, the success of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under Dr. Otuaro is a powerful reminder that when leadership is anchored in integrity and service, national transformation becomes inevitable.
- Says Seed Tracker boosts traceability, adopted in three African countries
- Bt cowpea, global alliances key to Nigeria’s seed market expansion- DG
The National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) has reaffirmed its commitment to driving innovation in Nigeria’s seed industry through the use of digital technology.
Speaking during a refresher training session for seed companies, licensed seed inspectors, and lead outgrowers, Director General of NASC, Fatuhu Muhammad, highlighted the strategic role of the Seed Tracker platform in strengthening the inspection and certification of crop seeds nationwide.
According to Muhammad, the platform has already gained regional traction, having been exported to Tanzania, Uganda, and Sierra Leone. He revealed that many more countries have expressed interest in adopting the technology, which has become a benchmark for seed system transparency in Africa.
“Over 52 seed companies have input data on the Seed Tracker on crops such as cassava, cowpea, yam, potato, rice, and maize,” he noted. “The platform, developed to enhance transparency and traceability in seed certification, is modernising Nigeria’s agriculture.”
As part of its strategy to improve efficiency and reduce operational bottlenecks, NASC plans to expand the use of private inspectors, reducing the workload on its officers while ensuring wider coverage and quality assurance.
Muhammad also announced ongoing strategic partnerships with international bodies, including the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), the OECD Seed Schemes, and others. These collaborations, he said, are aimed at unlocking access to global seed markets.
He emphasized Nigeria’s potential to dominate Africa’s seed market, citing the case of cowpea, a major dietary protein source. Despite its importance, the cowpea seed system has been hindered by poor storability and pest infestation. However, recent adoption of Bt cowpea, a genetically modified variety with pest resistance, is already yielding positive results.
Muhammad commended the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in the United States for supporting Nigeria’s biotechnology ecosystem through the ENCIBBS project, which has bolstered the country’s capacity in biotech research and development.
Participants at the training expressed satisfaction with the knowledge gained. Hassan Yohanna Lassa, Managing Director of Boom Seeds Nigeria Ltd, praised the Seed Tracker as a transformative tool in combating seed adulteration and improving production quality across Nigeria.
“It helps track the source and purity of seeds, promoting transparency throughout the seed value chain. We are now committed to ensuring our farmers and products are fully integrated into the platform,” he stated.
Another participant, Chukwuemeka Umeh, described the training as a major step toward modernising Nigeria’s agricultural system. “We now have the skills to detect early symptoms of seed-borne diseases and implement control measures, thanks to the digital tools and capacity-building provided,” he said.
With such initiatives, NASC is positioning Nigeria to not only achieve food security but also to become a leading hub in Africa’s evolving seed industry.
