The Police Command in Kano State has placed its personnel on red alert ahead of Tuesday and Wednesday’s proposed protest by members of the organised labour unions in the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Hussaini Gumel, said in Kano that proactive security measures had already been adopted to ensure peaceful and orderly protest in all parts of the state.He said the deployment was in recognition of the right to peaceful protest, in line with extant laws, as a fundamental right of citizens.

Mr Gumel explained that an operational order for the personnel had been issued to area commanders, tactical commanders, and divisional police officers across the 44 local government areas of the state.

He said the command was working with other security agencies in the state to ensure crisis-free movements of those who wanted to protest.

“We have mobilised sufficient armed personnel to provide security at all flashpoints, including political party offices, banks, commercial areas, recreation centres and motor parks before, during and after the protest.

“I am giving 100 per cent assurance to all law-abiding residents of the state to go about freely with their legitimate daily activities without threat to lives and property,” the commissioner said.

He said armed security personnel would be in identified strategic locations in different parts of the state, to ensure surveillance duties and provide physical security during the protest.

The commissioner expressed optimism that security measures already put in place would promote peaceful coexistence amongst the residents during and after the protest.

He said that the command would not tolerate any form of violence during and after the protest as officers were on red alert to confront any form of security threats in and outside the metropolis.

He added, “We call upon those that want to protest to go about it in a civilised manner as our professional security personnel would carefully monitor the entire exercise.’’

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered adequate deployment of police operational and intelligence resources to ensure security and peaceful conduct of the NLC protests in the state.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliate organizations had proposed two days nationwide protests slated for Tuesday and Wednesday.

The commissioner gave the order in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, on Tuesday in Enugu.

The commissioner, however, cautioned the leadership of the NLC in the state against conducting the exercise in ways capable of breaching public peace.

The police boss noted that, while it is within the organizers’ statutory rights to express their grievances through protests, “they must also ensure that persons within their ranks do not disrupt the exercise or cause havoc.

“I warn miscreants to steer clear of the protests, as police will not hesitate to deal decisively with individuals found acting contrarily.

“I enjoin residents of Enugu State to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and report to the nearest police station, suspected criminals or anyone found acting in ways contrary to the peaceful conduct of the protest,” he said.

The Federal Government has opened an analytical laboratory of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research for the North East zone.

Inaugurated in Yola on Monday, the laboratory is planned to provide scientific conservation of food for export from the North East.

Speaking for Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Esuabana Asanye, said the ministry is targeting developing the nation’s economy through science and technology.

The minister said the new office in Yola would develop technologies that promote the ideals of entrepreneurship development.

She said the Federal Institute of Industrial Research would open up and boost farming and fishing as well as small and medium-scale enterprises.

Also speaking, the Director General of the Institute of Industrial Research, Dr Jummai Adamu, said the institute is providing a platform for people to excel through the impartation of innovative skills for job creation.

The Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta who also spoke on the occasion, stated the government’s commitment to enabling the environment for a technologically-driven society.

Farauta said the state government has invested hugely in scholarships to students in tertiary institutions for science and technology courses for the good of society.

The Arewa Youth Assembly, AYA, has called on politicians in the Federal Capital Territory to give the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the time he requires to do his job as the head of the FCT Administration.

The group spoke following a recent comment by Ireti Kingibe, the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, who accused the former Rivers State governor of displaying an “I don’t care attitude” towards the security of the Nigerian capital.

The group said that the current state of the nation does not require politically motivated statements, slander, witch-hunt, or image tarnishing but all hands being on deck to for the betterment of the residents of the FCT.

The group said that Wike has shown some signs of a committed servant in the areas of security and infrastructural development.

In a statement signed by Mohammed Salihu Danlami, its Speaker,

Arewa Youth Assembly, called on all politicians, irrespective of their political background, to work together in ensuring security of lives and properties of all residents.

The group recalled that Wike had recently made it clear that without security, no meaningful development can be achieved.

It caution politicians to desist from “using cheap tricks of playing politics with the precious lives of FCT residents and, causing nuisance.”

AYA called on residents to “remain calm, comply with security agents in carrying out their jobs, and report anything suspicious, as security is the responsibility of us all.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has accused Governor Siminialayi Fubara of foot-dragging on implementing two critical resolutions of the December 2023 agreement for ending the political crisis in the state.

Although the party admitted that Fubara had implemented six resolutions, it wondered why he left the two critical components of the pact: the re-presentation of the state’s 2024 budget before the House of Assembly and the conduct of local government elections.

The party’s Chairman, Tony Okocha, argued that by not fully honouring the agreement, the governor had unwittingly put the state on “a keg of gunpowder.”

Okocha accused Fubara of being teleguided by a “purported elders forum’’ to deviate from implementing all the resolutions in the agreement.

He said it was hard to believe that a “career civil servant” who became a governor after the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike “sat on the noses of politicians and threw him up” has “reneged on agreements reached in the bedroom.”

He criticised the governor’s leadership style, saying the APC might go to court to compel compliance with the agreement.The APC chairman said: “When the matter reached a crescendo and was almost turning into an emergency, several calls were put across to President Tinubu to wade in.

“The President subsequently invited all the stakeholders from both sides, and we had a very decent meeting devoid of intimidation, harassment, duress or undue advantage given to anyone.

“During the meeting, the President emphasised the importance of upholding democracy and opted for a diplomatic approach.

“Following the discussions, the President presented an eight-point proclamation document and handed it over to former Rivers Governor Peter Odili.

“At every point, Odili read each point from the document, Tinubu interjected and asked if we were okay, and everybody echoed ‘yes.’

“After all parties agreed to the resolution, Governor Fubara, his deputy (Ngozi Odu), former Governor Nyesom Wike, myself, PDP chiefs in Rivers, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and Martins Amaewhule, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, all signed the document.”

The APC chieftain said that after the agreement was signed, Fubara requested protection for his supporters against victimisation, which was granted.

“The governor has implemented six resolutions, including withdrawing all cases before the courts, freeing the legislature, paying allowances due to lawmakers, and recognising Amaewhule as speaker.

“But, he has refused to implement two crucial agreements – the re-presentation of the state budget before the 27 lawmakers and the conduct of local government elections,” he stated.

He recalled that the President informed Fubara that no other titles outside those recognised by the 1999 Constitution would be used for the leadership of local governments.

His words: “Specifically, the President kicked against caretaker committees or sole administrators for the local government councils.

“So, Governor Fubara cannot, in his wildest imagination, continue to do as he pleases. He cannot continue to run the state without a budget.

“We will not stand aside and watch him violate the legal and constitutional agreement. We will not allow Fubara to disrespect the office of the President.

“Drafting a chairman or a sole administrator to oversee a local government is an aberration; only elected executives are recognised by law.

“Although no time frame was given for implementing the resolution, the governor cannot run the state without a budget.”

President Bola Tinubu has said his administration will continue to put in place measures to bring succour to Nigerians.

At a tripartite meeting with governors and business people in Abuja on Sunday, Mr Tinubu said that options would be explored to resolve the nation’s socio-economic challenges.

The President met with governors Charles Soludo of Anambra State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu and the Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Segun Ajayi-Kadir.

At the meeting, Mr Tinubu said that the government was ready to rub minds with stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the current situation in the country.

Mr Tinubu said, “Let’s look at what we’re doing right and what we’re doing wrong to bring life back to the economy. Like I said, many times, the people of this country are only the people who we have to please.”

We are very much concerned from students to mothers and fathers, farmers, the traders and realising that everyone of us will have to fetch water from the same well. We are looking for additional efforts that might help the downtrodden Nigerians and we will provide that hope and reassurance that economic recovery is on its way. We are not saying that we have all the answers. But we will not be blamed for not trying. We assure Nigerians that we will do our best to get our marshal plans in place and fashion out the best economic future for this country.’’

Mr Soludo also said that the meeting allowed for cross fertilisation of ideas on the state of the economy and the way forward, adding that every Nigerian needs to contribute to its growth.”

We have all the potential and we have all that it takes to make Nigeria ride through these turbulent times and put the economy back on a sustainable growth path. I think there is unity of purpose, determination, the sense of patriotism and determination by all to make it happen and by the special grace of God, it’s now the execution, execution and execution,” he said.

The governor of Ogun State said that governors had resolved to join hands with the President to provide the necessary intervention to cushion the effect of the administration’s reforms.

Mr Abiodun assured Nigerians that the government at all tiers would not abandon them in this trying period, adding that better times were coming shortly.

He said, “In my state and in other states, we are bringing in rice, we’re bringing food items and we’re selling at rates that can be obtained before the downslide of the naira.”

Dangote, after the meeting, also disclosed that the committee deliberated on issues concerning the economy, food security, security and job creation.

He expressed the confidence that Nigeria and Nigerians have the potential to be great once again, adding that the nation was on the path of transformation.

Mr Rabiu, who is the Chairman of the BUA Group, said that the meeting dwelt on issues about the foreign exchange rate and how to bring it down.

He added, “We discussed how to bring the foreign exchange rate down because we all know that what is happening as regards the foreign exchange is artificial, it is manipulative and thank God the CBN is doing quite a lot.”

Mr Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, said that the various discussions and solutions would reshape the country, alleviate poverty, create employment and put food on the tables of Nigerians.

Also, Mr Ajayi-Kadir of MAN, said that the private sector was looking forward to the implementation of the decisions taken at the meeting.

He stated, “The issues surrounding foreign exchange, insecurity and general operating environment were discussed and we received the assurances of Mr President that soon we are going to start to see some major changes. I think in the advisory committee that has been formed, the private sector will play a significant role, and Nigerians, going forward should be hopeful that we are having solutions to the challenges that we have.’’

Sen. Ireti Kingibe (LP-FCT) has provided 2000 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board(JAMB), forms for distribution to indigent students in the territory.

Ms Ireti said this when she spoke with journalists on Saturday in Abuja.

“The free forms are meant for students who cannot afford them, irrespective of their tribes, religions, party affiliation and so on.

“I urge potential beneficiaries to study hard and ensure good conduct not just in the examination hall alone but also when admitted into the university,”she said.

Ms Ireti re-affirmed her readiness to provide more interventions in the education sector in the FCT.

She added that such interventions were part of her Impact Development Programmes(IDP), for her constituency, Abuja.

Former National President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Olumide Akpata, has emerged as the Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in Edo State.

Akpata won the LP primary election held in Benin City, the state capital, on Friday.

He was declared the winner of the primary after polling the highest number of votes.

Akpata scored 316 votes to defeat other aspirants in a landslide victory.

President Bola Tinubu has directed that policies impacting the welfare of Nigerians and the economy must be treated with urgency, diligence, and a strong sense of duty.

The president gave the directive at a meeting with the head of service, the body of permanent secretaries, and some directors-general of agencies on Thursday in Abuja.

He admonished senior civil servants to rededicate themselves to duty and work with dispatch on matters of citizens’ welfare towards improving the lives of Nigerians.

Mr Tinubu warned that ineffectiveness and unnecessary bureaucracy that delay interventions on the economy and programmes targeting vulnerable citizens would not be tolerated.

He directed that a monthly briefing by the head of service and submission of key performance indicator reports be made to his office for review.

Mr Tinubu added that quarterly interactive meetings between him and the permanent secretaries would be scheduled. He also mandated the head of service and the secretaries to consistently measure progress in actualising the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of his administration.

“Before the next meeting, I want to see progress in the civil service. I have been sending people to check the level of work that gets done. Service to the nation is extremely important. We are to change the narrative on Nigeria. You and I can change the perception about Africa, not just Nigeria.”

We might not get it 100 per cent right, but if we are focused, I think we can totally change and reshape the trajectory of our country in the right direction,’’ said the president.

Mr Tinubu urged public servants to always think and work with a generational understanding of their role in shaping national history.

He said he recognised that as the engine room of the government, their actions would affect more than 200 million people in the country and abroad.

“Let us make our children’s dreams come true. Why are we slowing that down? It is not just shameful. It is unacceptable. We made a pledge to bring our people out of poverty.”

You should not increase their vulnerability. Help Nigerians to get out of these problems, do not compound the tough situation with unacceptable delays,’’ the president explained.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the National Population Commission, NPC, to release details of expenses on the aborted 2023 Population Census to an Abuja based lawyer, Opatola Victor, within seven days.

Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo issued the order in Abuja on Thursday while delivering judgment in a suit instituted against the Commission.

The judge declared that the refusal by the NPC to release the information or records of spendings on the aborted census as requested by the lawyer on March 30, 2023, was wrongful, illegal and unconstitutional.

Justice Ekwo, who invoked Section 4 of the Freedom of Information Act, (FOI) in the judgment, held that the refusal of the Commission to provide the plaintiff with information on the companies that provided due diligence report on the technology to be deployed for the ill-fated census was a gross violation of the right of the plaintiff as enshrined in Section 4 of the FOI Act.

The court, however, refused to grant N500,000 in favour of the plaintiff as he requested in the suit.

In the judgment, the judge granted an order of mandamus compelling the NPC, its servants, agents privies and officials to furnish the lawyer with comprehensive and detailed information concerning the Quality Test Assurance Report on the devices and technology to be deployed for the postponed 2023 population census.

Justice Ekwo rejected the claim by the defendant that bureaucracy and the absence of the Commission’s executive chairman at the time were responsible for the refusal to make the requested records available to the plaintiff, adding that the claim was untenable.

The judge also dismissed the claim by the NPC that some of the requested information were classified, which prompted the refusal to make the records available to the plaintiff, adding that from the definition of classified information, there was nothing secret on the issue of population census.

Justice Ekwo also said that the position of the Commission that the record sought by the plaintiff was already in the public domain was not tenable because the request of the plaintiff was on record at the disposal of the NPC and not the one in the public domain.

The Abuja lawyer had, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/ 503/2023, prayed the court for an order that the refusal of the Commission to make the record of spendings on the aborted population census among others, available to him was a breach of his rights under Section 4 of the FOI Act 2012.

He prayed the court for an order of mandamus compelling the population commission to make the requested records of the aborted 2023 population census available to him in line with the provisions of the FOI Act.

Although the plaintiff requested for a compensation of N500,000 for the breach of his rights by NPC under the FOI Act, Justice Ekwo turned down the request on the grounds that the Commission was not convicted for any offense.

The Senate has confirmed 17 persons for appointment as commissioners of the National Population Commission (NPC) out of 19 nominated by President Bola Tinubu.

Their confirmation followed the adoption of the Committee on National Identity Card and Population screening report at the Committee of the Whole on Wednesday.

The report was presented by the chairman of the committee, Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi).

Mr Ningi, while presenting the report, said out of the 19 people nominated, 17 appeared for the screening.

He said the nominees representing Ogun and Ondo did not appear following the recent political developments in their states.

Mr Ningi said the committee diligently screened the remaining 17 and found them to possess the minimal qualifications suitable for the appointment.

The Senate thereafter confirmed the nominees.Those confirmed are Emmanuel Eke (Abia), Clifford Zirra (Adamawa), Chidi Ezeoke (Anambra), Isa Buratal (Borno), Alex Ukam (Cross River), Blessyn Brume-Maguha (Delta) and Jeremiah Ogbonna Nwankwegu (Ebonyi).

Others are Tony Alyejina (Edo), Ejike Ezeh (Enugu), Abubakar Damburam (Gombe) Prof. Uba Nnabue (Imo), Sa’adatu Garba (Kaduna), Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa (Kano), Yori Afolabi (Kogi), Mary Afan(Plateau), Saany Sale (Taraba) and Ogiri Henry (Rivers)

Abia State House of Assembly has passed a resolution calling on the State’s ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs to withdraw the staff of office and certificate of recognition issued Samuel Nwosu and issue a certificate of recognition to Eze Ikedichi Uzoeji, as Ugwumba the II of Nneji autonomous community.

Announcing the decision as recommended by its committee on local government and chieftaincy affairs, the Speaker, Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa further said the House called for the reversal of the actions of the former Permanent Secretary of the ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs, Mrs J.C Nwanju.

The Speaker added that the former Permanent Secretary should be called to order for her actions.

The House also resolved to communicate to Governor Alex Otti about the alleged act of insubordination by some appointees of government, who ignore or decline invitations by the House and its Committees, urging him to call them to order as the House would no longer condone such behaviours.

This followed a motion of Urgent Public Importance on the matter and the need to ensure the implementation of resolutions reached by the House as raised by Mr Lewis Obianyi, the member representing Ukwa East constituency and as supported by other members who spoke on the matter.

The House at plenary passed a resolution making it mandatory for public buildings to have fire extinguishers and for the state government to establish fire stations across the 17 LGAs in the State.

Meanwhile, a former Director in charge of Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Mr Nwaigwe Innocent has petitioned the State House of Assembly, begging it to intervene by lifting a suspension without pay, allegedly placed on him by the office of the Head of Service.

In the petition, Nwaigwe innocent alleged that he was suspended without pay, on the grounds of indulging in insubordination.

The Chairman of Abia State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the recovery of government properties and funds, Justice Florence Doruoha-Igwe Rtd has ordered that the property located at No. 43 Finbars road in Umuahia which was sealed off by the order of the Panel, be unsealed from 19th to 20th February 2024.

The Chairman said this during the Panel ‘s sitting in Umuahia, saying that the unsealing of the building was to enable the 2nd respondent (Abia PDP) to have access to the facility and produce before the panel, the lease agreement between the party and Mr Michael Okey Nzeakor.

Justice Duruoha-Igwe Rtd before adjourning the matter to 21/2/2024 for indefinite hearing on the matter, adviced Abia PDP to use the two days period to get all the necessary documents required by the Panel, adding that no further excuses would be entertained.

On the alleged involvement of the immediate past Abia State Commissioner for lands and Housing, Chidi Onwuchuruba on the said matter, Justice Duruoha-Igwe (Rtd) observed that the 3rd respondent (Chidi Onwuchuruba) is a stranger on the transactions between Abia PDP and Mr Michael Okey Nzeakor and therefore ordered that his name be struck out.

It would be recalled that the Panel had on 7/2/2024 temporarily ordered the sealing of the Abia State PDP secretariat located at No 43 Finbars Road Umuahia.

Meanwhile the Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof Monica Ironkwe and the Permanent Secretary Government House, Mr Benson Ojekere also appeared before the panel.

Speaking before the Panel, Ironkwe, represented by the Director of Agriculture in the ministry, Mr Obilor Promise, disclosed that the Ministry under her watch had recovered all farm plantations and other Agriculture sub-stations allegedly leased out to individuals by the past administration in the State, as well as revoked their acclaimed contracts with the Ministry.

Armed assailants assumed to be kidnappers have killed Sylvanus Namang, the ruling APC’s spokesman in Plateau.

Officials said the incident occurred on Saturday night at a leisure spot in Pankshin Local Government Area.

Plateau police spokesman Alfred Alabo said Mr Namang was shot when about seven people suspected to be kidnappers stormed the leisure spot owned by Sunny Okonkwo.

Mr Alabo said officers swung into action upon receiving information about the attack.

Plateau police commissioner Hassan Steve Yabanet directed the Area Commander and DPO of Pankshin to rescue the victims and arrest the suspects, who are still believed to be at large.

“The suspects ran away with serious gunshot injuries; the victim was rescued and rushed to the General Hospital, Pankshin, for treatment of both bullet and machete injuries,” Mr Alabo said.

Unfortunately, Mr Namang, who was rescued and rushed to the General Hospital in Pankshin, was confirmed dead by a doctor.

“After much struggling for his life, the victim was later confirmed dead by the medical doctor,” Mr Alabo revealed.

A former Governor and APC chieftain, Simon Lalong, has reacted to the gruesome killing of his party man.

In a statement signed by his special adviser, Makut Simon Macha, Mr Lalong expressed shock over the killing and called on security agencies to investigate the incident, saying “he was devastated by the news of the barbaric killing” of Mr Namang, who was an accomplished journalist, politician, and community leader.

The attack came as the state was reeling from the Christmas Eve massacre that left scores of villagers dead in an overnight assault by killer herdsmen waging a war for resource control in the central region of Nigeria.

Dada Olusegun, a media aide to President Bola Tinubu, has blamed Nigerian media outlets for exposing a photo of the president sleeping during the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU).

Mr Olusegun, in a post on X, said Mr Tinubu, who was captured sleeping at the event in Addis Ababa, gave the “most inspiring” speech.

For Mr Olusegun, “Mr President had such a great outing and gave one of, if not the most inspiring speech at the AU summit.”

Mr Tinubu “spoke about the proposed African Central Bank expected to kick off by 2028. Spoke about the importance of unity and a new approach to governance across the continent,” he stated.

The presidential aide, who did not admit whether or not the president slept at the event, criticised the media for exposing the photo.

Mr Olusegun said outlets chose to push a photo that shields young Nigerians from the issues the president spoke about at the AU session.

“Guess what the media back home decided to push?” Mr Olusegun asked, adding that “the ones I pity the most in all of these are their young audiences who miss out on important developments because those they listen to continue to shield them from what they need to know at the expense of what will trend.”

A photo of Mr Tinubu sleeping during the ordinary session on Saturday while his aide-de-camp, Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, took notes closely behind him emerged on the internet, eliciting reactions from Nigerians.

Prior to the presidential election in 2023, Mr Tinubu was also captured sleeping during public events on different occasions, generating concerns about his health status and capability to rule the nation.

Commissioner for Housing Moruf Akinderu-Fatai said the Lagos government had provided over 3,000 housing units in the last four to five years, with efforts underway to reach 7,000.

Mr Akinderu-Fatai disclosed this at a media parley on his ministry’s scorecard on Thursday in Lagos. He said building more units would help address the housing deficit.

He said the housing deficit was a major challenge, particularly for low-income earners.

To this effect, he said the government was working on policy changes to attract investment and build more housing units.

He noted that population growth was putting additional pressure on available houses, hence the need to meet the growing demand for affordable housing.

According to him, the attraction of people from other areas to Lagos has further increased the demand for housing.

The commissioner said that the state government was seriously working to amend two laws that would build investors’ confidence and make them bring their money.

He said, “The state government is seriously working on two laws – rent control laws and the mortgage laws. The rent laws are aimed at imposing limitations on rent increases, so amending them will make them more flexible and attractive to those looking to invest in rental properties.

“Also, the government is working on improving mortgage laws and attracting private sector investment in affordable housing. So, modifying construction standards or permitting processes can streamline the development process and reduce investment costs.’’

Mr Akinderu-Fatai noted that inflation and foreign exchange exposure had also made building affordable houses for these groups more challenging.

The commissioner advised the private sector to cooperate with the state to address the housing needs of low-income earners through corporate social responsibility initiatives.

He said that the government was open to flexible forms of involvement and would welcome even limited contributions to make a collective impact.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has said Nigeria will soon overcome its challenges, going by recent developments.

Mr Ganduje said this when he received the Concerned North Central APC Stakeholders and Elders Forum in Abuja.

“There is no doubt that there is an opposition, but we believe with your cooperation, we will not continue to listen to undesirable elements who are not focused. Who are not real party men, who want to see us that we are in disarray, we have no place for that, we are people, politicians who are committed.

“We know we are forging ahead, these assaults on Mr President, these assaults on Nigerians, we believe we will soon be out of these problems. We have to thank the President for his renewed Hope Agenda; efforts, commitment and we assure him that we are 100 per cent for him.’’

Earlier, a former President of the Senate, Amebh Ebute, who led the delegation, said that the visit was to express appreciation to Mr Ganduje for his leadership style.

He said the visit was also to encourage him to continue to do more for the APC as its national chairman.

He said, “Indeed, we have counted among us, grassroots and eminent leaders of communities and associations that are passionately APC in their political leanings and identities. We are from communities in Benue, Plateau, Kogi, Niger, Nasarawa, Federal Capital Territory and Kwara.’’

Mr Ebute said the forum was not unaware of some moves by some individuals in the North-Central calling for the shifting of the APC national chairmanship to the zone.

He added, “While we acknowledge the efforts of these advocates of returning the chairman’s office to North- Central, we however, believe that the more compelling reason for anybody to advance the manner of person that will occupy the office of the national chairman of our party.

“It should be about consideration for track record of performance as shown in winning political contests against the opposition. Equally important, is how the rank and file members of the party are directly benefiting from the activities of the party across the country.’’

He said that Mr Ganduje was not just a performing national chairman, but a chairman that had done well in the shortest possible time.

He noted, “Ganduje has positively impacted individual members of the APC while the party had recorded impressive electoral strides bereft of rancour under his leadership. By these considerations, we hereby declare our unalloyed support for you to continue to manage the affairs of our great party.’’

He expressed happiness that the party’s membership register had been digitised in alignment with global best practices.

“This is a first in the political history of our great country. This translates to mean that while the opposition was busy doing nothing, you put your hand to the plough and got busy working and thinking for the party,” Mr Ebute said.

He added that Ganduje was blazing a new trail in ideological politics in the country’s political annals.

He added that with the progressive institute that Ganduje was structuring, APC members could boastfully tell opposition parties that they were not the same.

“Thanks to you.Your Excellency, our party is not only ideological driven, it has a school where we impart knowledge and leadership grooming for our members. You have done well and for that reason you have our undiluted support,” Mr Ebute said.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has inaugurated a steering committee to coordinate and fast track implementation of the Pulaku Initiative.

The Pulako Initiative is in fulfillment of President Bola Tinubu’s promise to improve the lives of Nigerians.

At the inauguration on Tuesday in Abuja, Mr Shettima said the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa would chair the committee with governors of the participating states serving as members.

Other members include the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; representatives of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement.

Also in the committee are the BUA Group, Dangote Group and the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency.

Mr Shettima said the project must be seen as an emergency to tackle a challenge that threatened the fabric of Nigeria.

“It serves as a testament to the fulfilment of the promises made by President Bola Tinubu. The aim is to create an environment where the prosperity of our people is not a distant dream but a tangible and achievable reality. This comprehensive approach reflects our dedication to fostering sustainable development and improving the lives of all citizens.

“This initiative will address a challenge that has persisted across various generations and demands our collective resolve, our optimum sense of justice and our unconditional compassion. This is not merely a response, it is a call to action. We are here because each of our programmes or policies will falter unless we get to the root of the dysfunctions we have inherited,” he said.

According to Mr Shettima, the Pulaku Initiative is a national commitment to confront threats that fuelled distrust and conflicts within the communities and across boundaries of the federation.

“This non-kinetic solution is not designed to compensate for any particular group or region. Therefore, we must cast aside any notion of divisive regionalism and see the Pulaku initiative for what it truly is – a practical response to a shared challenge.”

Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, said the programme was expected to take off in two weeks, adding that it focused on construction of houses, schools and hospitals.

He said, “The meeting went very well. We are here representing our states, we are serving governors. It is an inaugural meeting for the Pulako Initiative by the Federal Government, and indeed the essence of this entire programme is a non-kinetic approach to the problem that is caused by insecurity in the country.

“You are aware that a lot of people have been having issues of settlement because of the problem of insecurity, so the Pulako initiative is a very welcomed development.

We are really happy about it because it will really help in addressing the problem of people that (who have) abandoned their houses. Most of them are homeless as we speak because of the insecurity crisis and, of course, this initiative will really help in supporting the vulnerable and the Internally Displaced Persons.’’

Also, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State described the programme as a good initiative that would positively impact the people.

“This is a resettlement scheme for the Pulako and this is another non-kinetic approach to the issue. I think it is important you use the kinetic and non-kinetic approach so that we can address the issue that is affecting our people,” Mr Radda said.

For his part, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State said the initiative was a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to peace and prosperity in the country.

“If we move into full investment in agriculture, as this programme is intended to do, that is going to curtail a number of things,” he said.

The Pulaku initiative will focus on seven states that have been disproportionately affected by farmers-herders conflicts.

They are Sokoto, Kebbi, Benue, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kaduna states.