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• September 5, 2025
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Zamfara group slams Gov Lawal over banditry remark, calls for state of emergency

The Zamfara Good Governance Network, ZGGN, has berated Governor Dauda Lawal over a viral video where he claimed that banditry in the state would end within two months if he had control over security agencies. The group described the governor’s remarks as an insult to the Nigerian military and a betrayal of the people of
Zamfara group slams Gov Lawal over banditry remark, calls for state of emergency

The Zamfara Good Governance Network, ZGGN, has berated Governor Dauda Lawal over a viral video where he claimed that banditry in the state would end within two months if he had control over security agencies.

The group described the governor’s remarks as an insult to the Nigerian military and a betrayal of the people of Zamfara, accusing him of playing politics with lives after nearly three years in office.

The governor speaking in Hausa in the video that circulated widely this week said he had bought 150 vehicles for security agencies but could not direct their use, adding that orders could only come from Abuja.

He added that he had access to tracking devices that revealed the daily movements of bandits, insisting that if he had the authority to command the security forces, the menace would end in two months.

Reacting in Gusau on Friday, Murtala Abdullahi, president of the Zamfara Good Governance Network, described the statement as both reckless and shameful.

“This is a governor who campaigned on the promise of ending insecurity in Zamfara and rode on that sentiment to secure his mandate. Now, almost three years into his administration, he is telling the world that he can solve the problem in two months if only he had control of security agencies. This is not just laughable, it is an affront to the gallant men and women of our armed forces who continue to make sacrifices in Zamfara,” Abdullahi said.

The group accused Lawal of deliberately undermining federal efforts to tackle banditry in the state, pointing to his own admission that he knows the exact locations of criminal gangs but has not shared such intelligence with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), or the military high command.

“Governor Lawal has openly confessed to knowing where bandits are located and even claimed he can track their movements on his phone. Yet, rather than handing this information to the appropriate authorities, he is sitting on it, while innocent villagers are being massacred and abducted on a daily basis. That is nothing short of complicity,” Abdullahi declared.

He further accused the governor of hypocrisy, noting that while Lawal laments a lack of control over security agencies, he personally moves around the state with a heavily armed convoy, including personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other paramilitary outfits.

“Whereas he enjoys full protection with sophisticated equipment and military-grade vehicles, his comrades in arms are out there killing ordinary citizens. The governor has created for himself a cocoon of safety while failing to protect the very people he swore an oath to defend. His claim that he has no control is belied by the very visible security detail he commands daily within Zamfara,” Abdullahi said.

The ZGGN described the situation as a compromise too grave to ignore, warning that Zamfara could not continue to drift under a governor it accused of failing to provide leadership in the face of escalating violence.

“With this level of compromise, it is only wise that the President declares a state of emergency in Zamfara. This administration has failed woefully to deliver on its most basic duty, which is the protection of lives and property. The earlier the President acts, the better for the people of Zamfara who are being killed on a daily basis,” Abdullahi stated.

The group highlighted recent attacks that have left dozens dead and hundreds abducted in local government areas such as Bukkuyum and Kaura Namoda, arguing that the scale of bloodshed had reached intolerable levels.

“It is shameful that instead of providing solutions, the governor is busy issuing excuses. Just in August alone, more than 24 people were killed in Kaura Namoda, 16 injured, and 144 abducted. A week later, 100 villagers were taken from Bukkuyum, with two killed. What Zamfara needs is decisive leadership, not a governor who cries on camera while admitting he has the intelligence to end banditry but chooses not to act,” Abdullahi said.

The ZGGN called on civil society organisations, religious leaders, and community groups to raise their voices in demanding accountability from the governor, warning that silence in the face of repeated attacks would only embolden the criminals.

“Our people cannot continue to be sacrificial lambs on the altar of weak leadership. Governor Lawal must stop hiding behind excuses and start delivering results. If he cannot, then let the federal government step in to take control and rescue Zamfara from total collapse,” Abdullahi said.

Zamfara group slams Gov Lawal over banditry remark, calls for state of emergency

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• September 5, 2025
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They’re conditioning us to accept glitches in 2027 election – Aisha Yesufu raises alarm

Prominent activist, Aisha Yesufu, has raised concern over what she described as an attempt to prepare Nigerians to normalize “system glitches” ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a post on her X handle on Friday, Yesufu alleged that the increasing reports of technical disruptions in various systems across the country were not coincidental, but
They’re conditioning us to accept glitches in 2027 election – Aisha Yesufu raises alarm

Prominent activist, Aisha Yesufu, has raised concern over what she described as an attempt to prepare Nigerians to normalize “system glitches” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a post on her X handle on Friday, Yesufu alleged that the increasing reports of technical disruptions in various systems across the country were not coincidental, but part of a pattern to make the public accept similar failures during the next polls.

“All of a sudden there are system glitches everywhere! People are being conditioned ahead of time to accept the glitches that will come during election!” she wrote.

Yesufu had consistently criticized electoral malpractices and governance failures.

The comments come amid lingering debates about the conduct of the 2023 elections.

DAILY POST reported how the last presidential election was marred by complaints of technical hitches, particularly with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s, INEC, Results Viewing Portal, IReV.

In addition, the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, and the West African Examination Council, WAEC, had also witnessed technical glitches recently.

DAILY POST reports that some political observers say the failure of INEC’s technology in the last general election continues to erode public confidence.

Yesufu’s remarks have since drawn reactions from users on social media.

Melissa @∅xmelissa19 wrote: “Feels like a warning sign… are we being prepped to expect chaos at the polls?”

Another X user, Alao Adeyemi@alaoadeyemi66wtote: “Nigerians should forget anything about 2027 elections. If I have my way, i’ll have advised everyone to sit at home during the next rounds of national elections. Events from now till then will show us clearly that one individual who is bound be the winner whether we vote or not.”

While, OZ Okegbe @ozokegbe wrote: “Yeah, the “testing of mic” has been completed. A nation where education doesnt refine individuals from their crude bigoted ways of life. We ve been pushed to the extent that there is no wall remaining!!!”

They’re conditioning us to accept glitches in 2027 election – Aisha Yesufu raises alarm

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• September 5, 2025
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Pay your indigenous contractors, commence 2025 capital budget – CSOs to Edun, Ogunjimi

A coalition of civil society organisations has urged the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Accountant General of the Federation, Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, to honour their commitments to indigenous contractors by immediately commencing the release of funds under the 2025 capital budget. The group said Nigerians will hold
Pay your indigenous contractors, commence 2025 capital budget – CSOs to Edun, Ogunjimi

A coalition of civil society organisations has urged the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Accountant General of the Federation, Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, to honour their commitments to indigenous contractors by immediately commencing the release of funds under the 2025 capital budget.

The group said Nigerians will hold both the executive and legislature accountable should promises recently made by top officials be allowed to collapse into rhetoric.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, the Coalition for Equity in Public Contracts (CEPC), through its Convener, Dr. Salisu Garba, said it welcomed the resolution brokered by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, between the Finance Ministry and the Office of the Accountant General over delayed payments to contractors.

But the coalition stressed that words must now translate into action, warning that contractors and their employees can no longer endure endless waiting while government officials trade blame.

“For months, contractors have executed projects across the country in good faith, trusting that government will honour its bond under the Appropriation Act. Yet they have been left stranded, many of them struggling to repay loans taken to finance these projects. The Deputy Speaker’s intervention is commendable, but Nigerians are tired of promises. This is the moment for the Finance Minister and the Accountant General to prove they are serious by beginning immediate disbursements under the 2025 capital budget,” Dr. Garba said.

The group noted that indigenous contractors play a pivotal role in infrastructure delivery and job creation, and warned that persistent neglect would not only undermine confidence in government processes but also deepen economic hardship.

“Every kilometre of road left unpaid for, every school block or hospital wing abandoned due to delayed payment, translates into jobs lost and communities short-changed. Indigenous contractors are the backbone of local development, and frustrating them undermines the entire spirit of fiscal federalism. Government must remember that the capital budget is not a token gesture; it is the lifeblood of Nigeria’s development,” the statement read.

The coalition said while it recognised the fiscal pressures facing the country, there could be no justification for selectively applying budgetary provisions, especially when projects duly captured and executed under law are left in limbo.

“What we see today is a dangerous pattern where contractors with legal claims under the Appropriation Act are ignored while other off-budget expenditures are prioritised. This amounts to executive indiscipline. It is precisely why parliament intervened, and why Nigerians must now insist on visible compliance from the Finance Ministry and the Office of the Accountant General,” Garba stressed.

The group further reminded the National Assembly of its oversight responsibility, stating that Nigerians will not accept excuses if the agreements brokered by the Deputy Speaker collapse.

“This matter has now moved beyond contractors to the credibility of parliament itself. Nigerians will hold the National Assembly accountable should Edun and Ogunjimi renege on their word. Having stepped in to resolve the impasse, lawmakers must ensure compliance. Anything less will be interpreted as complicity,” Garba said.

The coalition also warned of the ripple effects on the broader economy if contractors are not paid promptly.

According to the group, banks are already tightening credit to indigenous firms, citing fears that government will delay or default on obligations, thereby worsening liquidity pressures in the economy.

“This is how a vicious cycle begins: government delays payments, contractors default on loans, banks cut lending, and the economy contracts further. Nigeria cannot afford this spiral. That is why we insist that the release of the 2025 capital budget must begin immediately,” the statement added.

The coalition urged President Bola Tinubu to reinforce his administration’s pledge of fiscal discipline by ensuring that Edun and Ogunjimi act swiftly. It argued that reforming the economy requires not only policy pronouncements but also respect for lawful obligations to citizens.

“The President has spoken repeatedly about reforms and fiscal discipline. This is the litmus test. A government that cannot honour its contracts cannot expect to win trust either from citizens or investors. That is why we are watching closely, and we will hold both the Finance Ministry and the National Assembly to their word,” Garba said.

As the 2025 fiscal year gathers momentum, contractors, civil society, and ordinary Nigerians are now waiting for evidence that government promises will be matched by decisive action. For them, the credibility of both the executive and legislature is on the line.

Pay your indigenous contractors, commence 2025 capital budget – CSOs to Edun, Ogunjimi

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• September 5, 2025
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Come to Obudu, stop wasting national resources on foreign trips – Radio callers tell Tinubu

Callers on two private radio stations in Calabar have urged President Bola Tinubu to cut down on frequent foreign trips, accusing him of wasting scarce national resources. President Tinubu spent some two weeks in Japan and Brazil with a very large entourage two weeks ago. A month before, he was in France and the UK
Come to Obudu, stop wasting national resources on foreign trips – Radio callers tell Tinubu

Callers on two private radio stations in Calabar have urged President Bola Tinubu to cut down on frequent foreign trips, accusing him of wasting scarce national resources.

President Tinubu spent some two weeks in Japan and Brazil with a very large entourage two weeks ago.

A month before, he was in France and the UK on medical grounds. Today, he flew out to Europe for another two-week holiday.

During early morning phone-in programmes on Sparkling FM and FAD FM, many participants faulted the president’s constant travels abroad, urging him instead to patronise tourist destinations within Nigeria.

One asked: Why can’t the president visit his own village or other states?

“Incessant foreign travels drain the nation’s resources,” one caller said, echoing the sentiments of several others.

Effiom Otu, a caller from Akamkpa, argued that the president has spent more time overseas than in Nigerian states.

“The president hardly visits states or spends a night here. Yet he prefers Europe and other countries for holidays.

We have Obudu Mountain Resort, which he even directed Governor Bassey Otu to refurbish for his use. Let him come to Obudu. It is called our own Camp David, fit for him,” he said.

Similarly, David Imoh from Akpabuyo LGA invited Tinubu to experience nature’s gifts in Obudu, stressing that such a gesture would promote Nigeria’s image.

“If the president holidays here, it will encourage foreign leaders and dignitaries to appreciate what God has given us. But instead, he wastes resources on weekly foreign trips. Can a U.S. president afford to spend two weeks on holiday in another country?” he asked.

Imoh further noted that the money expended on the president’s travels could rehabilitate long-abandoned federal roads in Cross River and Akwa Ibom, including the dilapidated Calabar-Uyo highway.

Chief Akpan Ime from Calabar South also criticised the timing of the president’s trips, saying the economic hardships facing families were worsening as schools prepare to reopen.

“Youths are unemployed, and parents are struggling to raise money for fees and books as schools resume next week. These foreign trips are an insult to our suffering,” he lamented.

Come to Obudu, stop wasting national resources on foreign trips – Radio callers tell Tinubu

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• September 5, 2025
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‘Dangerous assault on civic freedom’ – Atiku condemns police invitation to El-Rufai

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned recent developments in Kaduna, Katsina, and other parts of the country, describing them as a dangerous assault on civic freedoms under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. DAILY POST reports that the statement comes a day after the Kaduna State Police Command invited el-Rufai and seven ADC leaders
‘Dangerous assault on civic freedom’ – Atiku condemns police invitation to El-Rufai

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned recent developments in Kaduna, Katsina, and other parts of the country, describing them as a dangerous assault on civic freedoms under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

DAILY POST reports that the statement comes a day after the Kaduna State Police Command invited el-Rufai and seven ADC leaders for questioning over alleged conspiracy, incitement, and other offences.

Atiku, in a statement on Friday, faulted the police invitation to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, and leaders of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in the state over alleged criminal conspiracy and public disturbance.

He also cited the attack on former Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, and the violent disruption of a meeting of the Katsina Elders Forum on security reforms as evidence of what he called a growing trend towards authoritarianism.

“These incidents are not isolated. They signify a coordinated assault on dissenting voices, civic freedoms, and the essence of pluralistic democracy,” Atiku said.

The former Vice President warned that criminalizing opposition and undermining peaceful civic engagement could push Nigeria dangerously close to authoritarian rule.

He urged Nigerians to recognize the urgency of the situation, stressing that the defence of democracy must be a collective responsibility.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, not just the ruling party or any single individual. We must not allow the principles of liberty, justice, and the rule of law to be undermined by partisan desperation,” he said.

‘Dangerous assault on civic freedom’ – Atiku condemns police invitation to El-Rufai