Kaduna CSOs, Citizens Pull Out of Today’s Nationwide Protest

No fewer than 45 Kaduna based Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and hundreds of Citizens across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state today announced decision to pull out of the proposed August 1 protest against the Federal Government.

According to the CSOs and citizens , the decision to withdraw is out fear that it could be hijacked by hoodlums and used for selfish reasons, beyond economic hardship issues.

The Civil Society Organizations and the citizens under the umbrella of Movement for Greater Kaduna (MGK) in a Statement signed by the Coordinator ,Hon. Bawa Ismail Muhammad however acknowledged the frustrations stirred up by the current economic situation, but expressed fears that protests can lead to more harm than good.

In the statement ,the group stressed, “Kaduna is a volatile state and because of past experiences ,we decided to hold a meeting of an enlarged house,where we discussed implications of the protest and possibilities of selfish politicians using it to destabilize the polity .

Stating further , it averred that ,”From information gathered, the national protest is a fifth column script aimed at taking undue advantage of the poor masses to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration .

“While we feel the same pains and understand the excruciating effects of some policies of the Tinubu led government , acknowledged that fact that he has with the past days deployed urgent interventions to cushion the effects, this don’t see reasons to embark on the protest.”

However, the group which commended various opinion leaders, trade unions, youth groups, civil and religious and traditional leaders that have so far dissociated themselves from the planned protest, noted that with collective efforts and will the Nigerians can compel the federal government to embrace people friendly policies.

KADUNA STATE COUNCIL OF NUJ HONORS BURATAI WITH ICON OF PEACE AND SECURITY AWARD

The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has conferred the prestigious “Icon of Peace and Security in Nigeria” award upon His Excellency Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd) CFR, former Chief of Army Staff. This significant recognition was presented during the NUJ Kaduna Press Week, which carried the theme: “The Role of Media in Holding Government Accountable for Good Governance: Emerging Challenges and Prospects.”

The award ceremony, held at a well-attended event, was graced by Hon Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister of Environment, who presented the honor to Buratai, who was represented by Rear Admiral Abdul Biu Adamu (Rtd.), OFR, Shattiman Biu. This accolade underscores Buratai’s exemplary contributions to national security and peace during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, where his strategic leadership played a pivotal role in combating insurgency and ensuring the safety of citizens across Nigeria.

The event also recognized the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, for his unwavering commitment to national security, further emphasizing the importance of leadership in fostering peace within the country.

Samuel Aruwan, the Lead Discussant, facilitated a thought-provoking discussion on the media’s role in promoting accountability and good governance, while Titus Audu Amba, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), contributed valuable insights into the intersection of education and media in shaping public discourse.

The occasion was graced by His Excellency, Sen Uba Sani, who served as the Special Guest of Honor, highlighting the significance of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable peace and security in Nigeria.

The Kaduna State Council of NUJ deserves commendation for its commitment to recognizing and honoring individuals like Lt Gen Buratai, who have dedicated their lives to the service of the nation. This award not only celebrates Buratai’s illustrious career but also serves as an inspiration for current and future leaders in the quest for peace and security in Nigeria.

As the nation continues to navigate the complexities of governance and security challenges, the recognition of Buratai’s contributions by the NUJ Kaduna stands as a testament to the vital role of the media in holding leaders accountable and fostering a culture of peace and security across the nation.

Kidnap of Sarkin Gobir: Civil Society Calls for Probe into Minister’s Alleged Terror Ties

The recent abduction of Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa district, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, and his son by bandits along Sokoto to Sabon Birni Local Government Area, with a staggering N1 billion ransom demand, has sparked widespread concern about the escalating insecurity in the region.

This incident, coupled with allegations of kidnapping by notorious kingpin Bello Turji, linking Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, to terror kingpin Bashari in Maradun, Zamfara State, has compelled the Chairman of National Security & Stability Forum( NS&SF), a civil society organization, to demand an immediate investigation into the Minister’s alleged terror ties.

“The brazen abduction of traditional leaders and the alleged involvement of high-ranking officials with terror elements have exposed the vulnerabilities in our national security,” said Adamu Isa Mohammed, Chairman of the National Security & Stability Forum.

“We cannot afford to have our security compromised by those in positions of power” he added.

The Forum expressed concern that the frequency of recent attacks in the Zamfara-Sokoto axis and the Minister’s alleged links to Bashari pose a significant threat to national security, demanding a thorough probe into the matter.

“We urge security agencies to take immediate action and investigate these allegations,” Mohammed added. “The Minister’s position is sensitive, and any ties to terror elements compromise our national security.”

The Forum emphasized that the investigation is crucial to ensuring the integrity of the country’s security apparatus and preventing further kidnappings and terrorist activities.

“We will not stand idly by while our national security is jeopardized,” Mohammed said. “We demand transparency and accountability from our leaders.”

The National Security & Stability Forum vowed to continue pressing for answers until the Minister’s alleged ties to terror kingpins are thoroughly investigated and resolved.

Nationwide Protest: Coalition For Social Political Group Agrees To Denounce Planned Protest

Coalition for Social Political Groups in collaboration with, AREWA media practitioners, organised a  conference on Nationwide planned protest by  aggrieved Nigerians against the government of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu over socio-economic hardship in the country.

The press conference took place at Arewa House kaduna on Wednesday.

The coordinator of the joint press conference Comrade Musa Mohammed said the youths from the 7 north-west states which includes Kaduna,Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto,and Zamfara states remain steadfast and committed to fostering entrepreneurship, advocating for youth development, and promoting peace and progress in Nigeria.

The groups expressed their dissent towards the national agitation for protests. Instead, they are urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the removal of fuel subsidy, which has led to an economic downturn in the country.

“It’s high time to the government to implemented  robust measures aimed at developing the knowledge and skills of the youth. It is essential for the government to prioritize youth development and empowerment as a matter of urgency, both at the national and sub-national levels.

They further urged the Federal Government to address the prevailing issues of banditry and insurgency effectively. By ensuring security and stability in the country.

The conference pointed out that the Federal Government’s palliative measures have not been realistic or effective in alleviating the economic challenges faced by the citizens. However, he made it clear that they do not support the protest at this time, citing concerns about the timing and the potential for the protest to be exploited by unruly elements, resulting in harm to innocent citizens.

They call on president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately implement policies such as massive employment opportunities and support for small-scale businesses, which will contribute to the improvement of our economy,” he added.

The group appealed to the Northern youth to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu some time to work on the policies he has already initiated, aimed at alleviating their suffering.

Abuja land revocation: Abacha’s family appeals against Federal High Court judgment

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

Former First Lady, Hajiya Maryam Sani Abacha and her son, Mohammed Sani Abacha, have dragged the President, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and two others before the Court of Appeal in Abuja, seeking recovery of an alleged unlawfully revocation of property of former Head of State, Late General Sani Abacha.

The property located in the Maitama District of Abuja was said to have been revoked by the Federal Government and sold to a private company, Salamed Ventures Limited, without the knowledge of the Abacha family.

This was made available to newsmen in Kaduna by Abacha family lawyer, Mr. Reuben Atabo (SAN).

However, Abacha family is praying the Court of Appeal to void and set aside the judgment of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which on July 19, 2024, dismissed their suit on the property.

Listed as 1st to 4th respondents in the appeal are the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (MFCT), Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Salamed Ventures Limited.

Mrs Abacha and her son, on behalf of the family, are also praying the Appellate Court to invoke Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act to take over their legal battle as a court of first instance and do justice to the matter.

In their notice of appeal against the judgment of the High Court, the Abacha family held that Justice Lifu erred in law and miscarried justice in his findings and conclusions in their case on the property.

The notice of appeal filed by Reuben Atabo, SAN, on their behalf was predicated on 11 grounds and two major reliefs.

Among others, they claimed that Justice Lifu erred in law when he held that their claim at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in suit No: FCT/HC/CV/317/2006 and that of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No: CA/A/197/2010 were dismissed whereas they were struck out for lack of jurisdiction.

The appellants said that the judge erred in law when he relied on Section 39 of the Land Use Act to hold that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction under Land Use Act to recover land contrary to the decision of the Court of Appeal which held that the proper court to handle such case is the Federal High Court.

Other grounds are that Justice Lifu erred in law when he held that they have no locus standi to file the suit on behalf of the Estate of late General Sani Abacha and decided the case without calling on parties to address the court, contrary to the principles of fair hearing as enshrined in Section 36 of the 1999.

According to them, Mohammed Sani Abacha, the 1st Appellant, disclosed his status as the eldest surviving son of late General Sani Abacha while the 2nd Appellant, Maryam Sani Abacha, also disclosed her capacity in the suit as the Widow of Late General Sani Abacha.

They claimed that they are sufficiently clothed with the capacity to institute the action either with or without letters of Administration to the property of the late Army General.

Also, the Abacha family said that the judge erred in law when he held that their case was statute barred at the expense of the exceptions to the applicability of Public Officers Protection Act.

According to them, the originating summons leading to this instant appeal was filed at the Federal High Court on May 25, 2015 after the Court of Appeal decision of May 18, 2015 adding that the judge failed to disclose in his judgment where their cause of action lapsed.

They also faulted the Judge for erring in law when he recognised Salamed Ventures limited as 4th respondent who derived title to their property in dispute during the pendency of their case between the FCT Minister and the Federal Capital Development Administration.

According to them, a party to a proceeding cannot transfer title to a 3rd party during the pendency of an action adding that the 1st – 3rd Respondents purportedly sold the property in dispute to the 4th Respondent during the proceedings of their suit which commenced on March 1, 2006.

The notice of appeal reads, “The Certificate of Occupancy upon which the 4th Respondent claims title was issued to it by the 1st – 3rd Respondents on the 25th day of May, 2011 during the pendency of Appellants’ appeal to the Court of Appeal with appeal No: CA/A/197/2010.

“By Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, judicial powers are vested in our Courts and it is the duty of Courts to determine dispute between individuals and government or government agencies. Where a party to a proceeding transfers title to property in a dispute, such attitude is an affront on the authority of our Courts and same will not be condoned

“The trial Judge of the lower court erred in Law when he held that the revocation of the Appellants title to plot 3119 Maitama, Abuja, was valid even when the purported revocation was not carried out in accordance with Section 28 of the Land

“The learned trial Judge erred in Law when he held that the Appellants action is not for the recovery of land and payment of compensation contrary to the endorsement on the Appellants claim before the Court.

“The Appellants action questioned the validity of the 1st – 3rd Respondents action to revoke the title to plot 3119 Maitama, Abuja under a non-existent law and without payment of compensation.

“The learned trial Judge of the lower court erred in Law when he awarded cost of N500,000.00 in favour of the 4th Respondent who is neither a proper party nor necessary party before the Court.

“Section 28 of the Land Use Act LFN 2004 stipulates conditions under which a property of a citizen of Nigeria can be revoked among which is for outriding public interest.

“The 4th respondent is a Private Limited Liability Company incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 and was incorporated for the purpose of making profit; and therefore not for overriding public interest.

“The revocation of the Appellants title to plot 3119 Maitama, Abuja and the subsequent sale to the 4th respondent during the pendency of proceedings in Court is in violation of the extant law.

“The Appellants have no claim against the 4th respondent from the Originating Summons.

The 4th Respondent decided to join the action of the Appellants even when the Appellants have no claim against her.

“The Appellants pray the Court of Appeal to allow the appeal, set aside the judgment of the Lower court delivered on the 19th day of July, 2024 by Justice Peter Lifu.”

Justice Lifu had on May 19, dismissed the suit instituted against the Federal Government by the Abacha family challenging the propriety of revocation of the property of the former military ruler.

In the judgment, Justice Lifu predicated the dismissal on various grounds among which are that the suit had become statute barred at the time it was filed in 2015 and that those who initiated the case have no locus standi (legal power) to do so.

The judge held that the cause of action arose on February 3, 2006 when the Certificate of Occupancy was revoked while the case was filed in May 2015, years after the revocation and far more than three months it ought to have been filed.

He also held that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi to file the case due to their failure to present as exhibits, their letters of administration to the Abacha Estate as required by law and as proof of their claim as the Administrators.

The Abacha family had asked the Judge to nullify and set aside the revocation of the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of the property of the late General Abacha.

The grouse of the family was that the Certificate of Occupancy marked FCT/ABUKN 2478 covering Plot 3119 issued on June 25, 1993, was illegally and unlawfully revoked by the defendants on January 16, 2006 in breach of section 44 of the 1999 Constitution and section 28 of the Land Use Act.

However, no date has been fixed for hearing of the appeal.

END.

Nationwide Protest: Kaduna Non-Indegenes Withdraw, Say It’s Ploy to Loot their Shops, Market

Ahead of the planned nationwide protest against soaring cost of living and economic hardship in the country, Kaduna State Non Indegenes Forum(KSNIF) has raised alarm over possibility of hoodlums hiding under the protest to loot their shops;market and business premises across the State.

The non indegenes, especially the Igbo traders announced the decision not join the protest,because of past experiences,which have shown that once there is any protest action or crisis situation in Kaduna, the target is always their market stalls and business areas with extensive looting of food items; electronics and valuables .

The Kaduna Non-Indegenes Forum in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman ,Chief Emeke Emmanuel Okafor and Secretary,Mr Adewale Peter Adelanwa urged the citizens to shun the directive to embark on the planned protest, considering that fact the Police Command in State did recently banned all forms of unlawful protests. Stressing, ” It is our hope that citizens in the State will remain law abiding in this regard.”

The Statement further reads: We are therefore calling on the security agencies to tighten security within offices and business premises to avoid looting and breakdown of law and order should the citizens decide to embark on the protest.

“Kaduna is volatile State and has tasted its bit of bitter crises with the Igbos most hit and suffering huge loss of lives and property over the years. This time, we can’t afford to lose anyone and valuables to avoidable situations.

“It is our desire that considering the past crisis experiences and hundred percent chances of hoodlums hijacking the peaceful process, we strongly advise against any form of protest in Kaduna for now .

“We want to categorically state that we are part of people facing the economic hardship, but we cannot afford to lose our hard earned investments and properties at this critical period,when Nigerians currently are battling one of the country’s worst inflation and economic crisis sparked by the government’s twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of forex windows.

“There was a report where the United Nations (UN) department of safety and security warned that the planned protests in Nigeria may be hijacked by groups with ulterior motives,hence our decision to appeal to citizens against joining the protest action.

“There is no how the “10 days of rage,” starting from August I to 10 will address the country’s soaring cost of living and economic hardship,instead it will cause more hardship.”

While reiterating concerns about the possibility of violence, citing past instances where similar protests in the State had degenerated into escalated crisis, he called on state government to deploy security operatives to red zones or identified flash points should the protest take place .