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Prof Abdullahi, Baba-Ahmed not fit to speak for northern elders – BMO
The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO), has said that Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and Professor Ango Abdullahi, who had often addressed the media on behalf of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), are not fit for such representation.
“They masquerade as a Forum of Northern Elders but have no business pretending to speak for northern interests, nor are they fit for such representation,” BMO said in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
The statement was signed by Mr Niyi Akinsiju, BMO Chairman, and the Secretary, Cassidy Maduekwe.
“The two men are spent politicians; they have neither the character nor mandate to lead anybody. They are simply craving for attention by playing politics with very serious issues,” the statement said.
It alleged that NEF, as presently constituted, is an extension of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“What we have there is a group of politicians who are craving attention after losing out in the 2019 election.
“These two men, who parade themselves as NEF, are members of the PDP who have been exiled from the political space, courtesy the votes of Nigerians.
“They have been shown a red card. They do not have the interests of the north at heart. What we see them pursuing with their ramblings in the media is selfish interest.
“Any elder in the north, who truly knows the north and means well for the region, rather than make accusations against the President, will begin engagements with the various communities where insecurity is prevalent.
“Times without number, Nigerians have been alerted that most of the security threats that communities are facing are as a result of either the cooperation of the community members, and their leaders, with the bandits and terrorist groups.
“Other communities get hit due to the lack of cooperation from the community and its leaders with our security agencies.
“Any serious northern elder and politician would call out those community leaders who are in bed with bandits and are failing to cooperate with our security agencies.
“Security, especially on this issue, is a community matter, not a TV ranting affair. If the so-called Northern Elders Forum were genuine, they would have acted accordingly.”
The group said that security agencies were making significant gains in their engagements against criminals, adding that the armed forces had undertaken successful onslaughts against bandits nationwide.
“The security agents achieved aggressive clearance operations across the North-East aimed at conclusively ending terrorism in the region.
“These active operations led to the elimination of Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State West Africa Province top commanders, spies, gun runners, logistic bases, armouries, while many captives of the terrorists have regained their freedom.”
BMO commended members of the Civilian Joint Task Force for their “bravery which has left the high command of the terrorists in disarray”.
“What we are seeing now is the last kick of a dying horse,” the group declared.
The group, while reassuring Nigerians that the President is committed to all ongoing operations against the country’s common enemies, highlighted that one of the most wanted ISWAP commanders, Amir Imar, had just been neutralised by the country’s gallant troops.
“These operations are still on course with current indicators showing tremendous successes across the various theatre of operations. The renewed zeal and determination by troops to take their firepower to the enemy’s camp has continued to bear fruit.
“Troops of Operation Whirl Punch under Operation Accord, a joint operation involving the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, have constantly subdued and dominated the bandits and cattle rustlers along the North West axis.
“A military operation against the bandits in that zone is ongoing, courtesy of an order from President Buhari. Structures harbouring weapons and ammunition have been demobilised, alongside the bandits.
“Their logistics couriers are being arrested and are now helping the security agencies with actionable intelligence in tracking and bringing their collaborators to book. Over 400 bandits have since been neutralised since the commencement of the operation in Katsina.
“If anyone tells you that this administration has not made significant strides in tackling the insecurity challenges in the North, that person has kept the truth hidden in his bushels,” the statement said.
BMO advised that all actions and utterances must be tailored towards supporting the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
Indications emerged that the personal Assistant to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF Senator George Akume, Hon. Andrew Torhile Uchi, is currently in the facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over allegations bordering on corruption, bribery and money laundering amounting to a whooping N10 billion.
A highly placed source at the Commission yesterday, confirmed to our correspondent that the embattled Uchi was invited by the operatives of the Commission on Monday, upon a petition received by the anti-graft agency over Alleged properties he acquired in Abuja, Jos, Makurdi, Gboko and Wannune in Tarka, local government Area of Benue State amounting to over N6 billion.
According to the source, further investigations so far, has revealed that between December 2023 to date the anti-graft agency has been able to trace a whooping N1.6 billion that was allegedly used in buying purch cars through four new generations banks to nine car dealers in Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos, Jos and Makurdi respectively.
The source further added that two Bureau de change operatives are currently been investigated by the Commission, over their alleged involvement in the scam, owing that most of the funds credited to embattled Torhile Andrew Uchi, emanated from their coys.
He said that the Commission is currently working towards getting a court nod to widen the scope of their investigations to the properties in Abuja, Jos and other part of the country to ascertain the source of the income and how the properties were allegedly purchased.
As of the time of filing in this report Mr. Uchi, is still in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, telling the dreaded operatives of the Commission how he allegedly got the funds which is largely believed to be proceeds from bribes.
Efforts to reach the spokesman of the Commission, Mr Dele Oyewale, proved abortive as his phone lines was said to be switched off.
The Nigerian Senate has formally responded to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), refuting allegations that her suspension was linked to claims of sexual harassment.
According to Vanguard, Senator Natasha had petitioned the global body, seeking intervention over what she described as an injustice against her.
However, in a letter signed by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate insisted that her six-month suspension was due to “gross misconduct and unruly behavior”, not allegations of sexual harassment or assault.
The letter, read by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, stated:
“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
It further emphasized that “Senator Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”
Additionally, the Senate called for a thorough investigation into the allegations she raised against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, maintaining that all due procedures were followed before her suspension.
Senator Natasha, however, vowed to continue her fight against “injustice”. Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has denied the accusations, asserting that he has never assaulted any woman.
The dispute between the two lawmakers intensified on February 20, 2025, after Natasha’s seat was changed during plenary. Their tensions date back to July 2024, when Akpabio rebuked her for alleged misconduct, telling her the Senate was “not a nightclub where anybody can talk anyhow.” He later apologized for the remark.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reinstated the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, exactly 37 days after his suspension.
A letter addressed to Osagie by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, Esq., and marked SGA. 15/NOL.XV111/215, conveyed the governor’s directive. The letter, dated March 12, 2025, and released at 8:15 p.m., stated that an investigative panel had exonerated Osagie of alleged financial infractions.
The letter read: “Having considered the report of the Investigative Panel set up by Government to investigate allegations of financial infractions reported against you, which has exonerated you from the said allegations, I write to convey the directive of the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, that you resume duties as the State Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice with effect from 12th March, 2025.”
Reacting to his reinstatement, Osagie expressed appreciation for the governor’s leadership, describing the decision as a testament to Okpebholo’s sincerity and vision for Edo State.
“I appreciate his sincerity of purpose and vision for the state. This is a clear indication that His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, means well for the state. I use this medium to reiterate my commitment and loyalty to him and his administration,” Osagie said.
He further pledged to support the governor in advancing Edo State, emphasizing his dedication to ensuring progress and recovery in the state’s governance.
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