By Salisu Sani-Idris

An Abuja-based Islamic cleric, Imam Yahya Al-Yolawi has advised Muslims, especially the youths against promoting tribal and religious sentiments in the ongoing political campaigns for the 2023 general elections.

Al-Yolawi gave the advice while delivering his Jumma’at sermon titled,”Islamic Brotherhood and Unity of the Muslim community”, on Friday in Abuja.

He said: ”Muslims are identified as brothers just like a whole piece of building, when a part is broken, it disfigures or destroys or affects the rest part.”

The cleric stated that Islam considered all Muslims to be brothers and sisters as one Ummah, as a community based on faith and persuasion of common objectives and worship of Allah, the Most High.

” This brotherhood doesn’t allow the differences of region, nation, race, locality, language, and or political party to disrupt and disintegrate it.

” I will like to seize this opportunity to appeal to the generality of Muslims and non Muslims youths of this great nation to be calm and law abiding.

” I also call on all Nigerians to shun violence by all means, as well as reprisal attacks and taking law into their own hands.

”It is unIslamic and can lead only to more harm and troubles to our people.

” Lets find a way or legal means of showing or displaying our grievances but not through violence and protest,” Al-Yolawi said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Ephraims Sheyin

Ahead of the Presidential election holding Feb. 25, Mr Joseph Edgar, public affairs analyst and columnist, is organising an online town hall debate for four political parties.

The debate scheduled to hold at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29, is expected to feature ordinary Nigerians that will tell a global audience why they should vote for particular candidates.

Edgar, Chairman, Duke of Shomolu Productions, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that attendance would be “free and open to all passionate Nigerians wishing to change the narrative”.

He said that the debate is organised in partnership with The Cable News which would livestream the activity through Thealvinreport.com.

According to him, the APC, PDP, LP and PRP will feature in the debate.

Key issues expected to dominate discussions include the economy, security, health and education.

“We want ordinary Nigerians to debate their political fate and future.

“You don’t have to be a card carrying member of any political party to discuss its proposals and plans for Nigeria.

“We want more people to participate in the political process.

“We shall livestream the town hall meeting globally via our partners. We already have more than a thousand members of the audience ready with their posers and questions.”

He explained that the online town hall debate would give ordinary Nigerians the opportunity to share their passion for the top four parties.

“These ordinary Nigerians have extraordinary passion about their political parties. We want them to tell us why.

“The debate will certainly be a fireball of strong positions with each political party represented by a strong voice.”

Among the voices, he disclosed, is Osa Unweni, “a mercurially brilliant entrepreneur who is a strong believer in the PDP’s flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar.

“He is a graduate of Philosophy from the University of Lagos and holds a MSc in Global Management from the University of Salford, UK.

“He is an alumnus of both IESE Business School and Columbia Business School

“He believes Atiku has the magic wand to make Nigeria better. We want him to explain why he is so optimistic.

“We also have Tope Kolade Fasua, one of the most brilliant economic essayists on the African continent who is providing the economic theoretical framework for APC.

“Fasua, 51, is a businessman, economist, writer and Presidential candidate of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) in 2019.

“He is the founder and CEO of Global Analytics Consulting Limited, an international consulting firm in Abuja.

“We want him to tell the audience what APC can do in the next four years which they could not do in the last eight years.

“There is also Theo John Phillips, a hard-as-nail super successful business man who has toured the country on his bike and is vouching for LP.

“He is a blogger, writer, public speaker, philanthropist and a motorcycle riding enthusiast.

“He believes that the LP candidate, Peter Obi, can rescue Nigeria. We want him to explain this on stage.

“There is also Sule Mohammed who is the National Organising Secretary of the PRP.

“He has been a party man since 1978 during his NYSC days with the Ilorin office of the NTA.

“He is a journalist, a teacher and has been in the public sector for a while. He believes that Kola Abiola has something to offer. We should listen to him.

“He will be supported on stage by Mr Bisi Olaogun who is contesting for a seat in the Ogun House of Assembly on the PRP platform”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

By Angela Atabo

West Africa Democrcay Solidarity Netwrok (WADEMOS),a non-partisan independent civil society-led transition transnational network, says Nigeria must get the 2023 General Election right for Africa.

The Coordinator of WADEMOS, Mr Kop’ep Dabugat, said this during a chat with journalists on Wednesday as part of the network’s activities in Nigeria, ahead of the 2023 General Election.

Dabugat said that WADEMOS was meeting with major stakeholders in the electoral process to push for the conduct of free, fair and credible election in Nigeria .

“The measure is necessary because Nigeria’s election is a very unique one in West Africa, given the number of voter turnout, which is even more than the population of several countries.

“So the implication is that, once anything goes wrong in Nigeria, it affects the whole West Africa, as it is said when Nigeria sneezes, the whole West Africa catches cold.

“Therefore it is important that we ensure that these elections move smoothly so as to have a free, fair and election so that people will not get unnecessarily agitatedand violence doesn’t interrupt.

“This is Because if violence erupts, we have a serious problem in our hands for the whole of Africa, in fact, the whole of West Africa cannot contain it so it is important that the election stakeholders get their acts right,” he said.

Dabugat called on politicians to make peace the centrepiece of their political campaign and ensure that they gave their supporters the right education.

He urged Nigerians to vote and allow others to vote, campaign and allow others to compaign in the interest of democracy.

Mr Kojo Asante, Ghana Centre for Democratic Development, said the security situation in Nigeria has necessited that citizens needed to be involved to tackle it and not to be left to security agencies alone.
Asante said that any attempt to leave security to the security agencies would not resolve the matters that Nigerians were dealing with.

According to him, there are areas that of course the army and the police will secure because it is a territorial issue, but issues like political violence and conflict ,the people have roles to play to curb it.

“That has to mean that there has to be a lot of conversation and education among citizens as to understanding what is at stake.

” So I think citizens have a huge responsibility; and those individuals who influence citizens, whether it’s on social media or in communities have an even greater responsibility to be able to help support.

“This is not to put all the responsibility on citizen but just to say that we cannot also on one hand, say we are limited to the army or to the police, that I don’t think would work,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other members of the group called on the media to play its watchdog role and also educate the populace on the technology adopted by the electoral body for the election.

They also urged the journalists to not to promote hatespeech but help in curbing misinformation and disinformation around electoral news as well as comments by politicians and citizens with interest.

They charged journalists to imbibe the habit of fact checking information as well as engage in investigation to avoid taking reports hook ,line and sinker that might eventually cause harm .

Ms Bernadette French, Regional Coordinator,National Elections Watch ,Sierra Leon ,said WADEMOS was established in response to signs of democratic backsliding and a reversion to autocracy in Western Africa.

French said WADEMOS is a network consisting of 30 CSOs located in 15 counteies and the objective of WADEMOS is to promote democracy, good governance and inclusive development.

She added that the objective of the network is to also build solidarity , mobilise and facilitate collective action among African diverse pro democracy civil society, organisation and other civic actors.

This ,she said was to produce and disseminate data and analysis to support evidence within pro democracy advocacy and activismin the region.

“We exist to also promote region wide awareness of and track country compliance with ECOWAS protocols for instance, and democracy and good governance among others .

“We are here today, ahead of the Feb. 25th elections in Nigeria to support our brother and sister colleagues in the civil society space and to understand the political economic context around which the elections will be conducted.

” So in the next few days, we will engage different actors in the electoral space, to ensure that elections in Nigeria will be transparent and credible and that the outcome will be accepted and embraced by all,” she said. (NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

By Anita Osagiede and Emmanuel Oloniruha

The European Union says no fewer than 2,404 traditional rulers and community leaders in three North East states were trained on disputes resolution between 2017 and 2023.

The leaders were trained through the European Union’s Managing Conflict in Nigeria (MCN) programme.

The MCN National Programme Manager, Prof. Muhammed Tabiu, made this known in Abuja on Tuesday, at a workshop titled “Impact dissemination and lessons learning event for traditional justice intervention in the North East”.

Tabiu said that no fewer than 44,411 dispute were resolved by traditional rulers and community leaders in emirates, using knowledge acquired from the training.

He said that the MCN programme sought to enhance the capacity of government, security, community and civil society institutions and actors to address factors that contributed to the outbreak, intensity, impact and prolongation of violent conflicts.

According to him, the programme is piloted in four emirates in each of the North East states where it is implemented.

“As part of its intervention on strengthening community level conflict management mechanism, the programme has worked with the traditional institutions and actors targeting 12 key emirates across the region,” he said.

The programme manager said the Emirates were Adamawa, Mubi, Ganye, Bachama traditional council; Borno, Biu, Dikwa, Gwoza emirate in Borno. Ika, Damaturu, Bade and Pataskum emirate in Yobe.

He further said that the stakeholders capacity were strengthened around alternative disputes resolution mechanisms, Nigerian civil law, human rights and interface between formal and non-formal security as well as safety institutions in it bid to create interface in the delivery of justice.

“A total of 1,920 participants cutting across districts heads, village heads, ward heads as well as 160 wives and women involved in the community safety concerns,” he said.

Tabiu said that the programme was to support each emirate to establish a record keeping centre for documenting identified and engaged issues.

“To use data obtained from different levels to plan response, decision making and other specific purpose such as addressing sexual and gender based violence.

“As at July 2022, these emirates have resolved about 44,411 different cases ranging from disputes between farmers and herders to business disputes, family and domestic concerns as well as theft,” he said.

On the impact, Tabiu said the traditional rulers had handled 46,821 cases of which 90 per cent from the four Emirates were successfully resolved.

He noted that the programme had facilitated the development and adoption of a code of conduct for traditional leaders.

“It also supported the establishment of four record keeping centres in four emirate councils (Borno, Biu, Dikwa and Gwoza) and supported to organise quarterly meetings to enhance peace and security.

“It equally enhanced coordination with formal security and justice institutions.

“The programme has also help in successful replication of interventions in some locations in the North East,” he said.

Tabiu said that research by the MCN also revealed modest increase in public perception of effective functioning of Traditional Justice System (TJS) from 40 per cent in 2017 to 45 per cent in 2022, and that 336,047 people have benefited from its services.

He expressed delight on the success of the programme including, a testimony by a beneficiary from Fika Emirate that it was able to address a dispute that had lingered for over 60 years.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the traditional rulers in their remark commended EU for the programme, noting that it should be strengthen rather than bring to a close it.

They also urged Federal and state Governments to key into the programme.

In his remarks, the Emir of Fika and Chairman, Yobe State Council Of Emirs, Alhaji Muhammad Idrissa, commended the EU for the programme.

Idrissa said that though the traditional rulers and community leaders were at the helm of administrative system before independence and colonial era, the programme was beneficial to the traditional justice system.

“It is a global belief that for any developmental programme to be sustainable, especially in the areas of peace building and effective conflict management, the traditional institutions are critical for the desired successes,” he said.

Also, Emir of Biu in Borno, Mustapha Umar Mustapha lI, represented by Ibrahim Shehu Birma, Birma of Biu, urged the EU to sustain the programme because of its impacts on the emirate system.

The MCN programme is an initiative of European Union, implemented by the British Council in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

The programme is aimed at improving security and stability to prevent population displacement and forced and irregular migration.(NAN)(www nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Isaac Aregbesola

By Muhammad Nasir

Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, APC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, has unveiled an 8-point agenda, just as the party had commenced its campaigns for the forthcoming elections.

Speaking at a mega-rally in Wamakko, Wamakko Local Government, Aliyu, said the agenda was part of his blueprint, which would cater for the dire needs of the people of the state.

He stated that security, economy, education, health, water supply, agriculture, job creation and human capital development as well as local governments autonomy were his cardinal objectives.

“The security challenges facing the state will be given adequate attention to ensure that the menace is not only minimised but eradicated.

“We have made adequate arrangements toward reviving the state’s economy in order to enhance our business activities,” he said.

On education, the APC candidate said that all the final year secondary schools students would be allowed to write WAEC, NECO and NABTEB examinations as it obtained hitherto.

Also speaking, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, the D-G campaign council, urged the party supporters to sustain its legacy of peaceful coexistence.

Dingyadi, who is also the Minister of Police Affairs, called on the people of the state to support the party and vote for all APC candidates from President to the State House of Assembly.

Sadiq Isa-Achida, the state APC Chairman, thanked the supporters for their dedication and commitment to the party, while calling on them to do more.

Also commenting, a former state PDP Treasurer, Alhaji Murtala Dan’iya, who spoke on behalf of Alhaji Umarun Kwabo, assured of their resolve to support APC in the state to succeed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto North), the APC leader in the state presented flags to all the candidates contesting various elective positions on the platform of the party. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Lizzy Okoji

The United States of America government has threatened to  impose visa restrictions on individuals found in acting of undermining the Nigerian 2023 general elections

U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken made the announcement in a statement released by the U.S. Mission in Abuja on Wednesday.

Blinken said that the action was in line with its commitment to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. 

 “Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian elections.  

“Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be found ineligible for visas to the United States under a policy to restrict visas of those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria. 

“Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions.  Additional persons who undermine the democratic process in Nigeria—including in the lead-up to, during, and following Nigeria’s 2023 elections—may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy.

“The visa restrictions announced today are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria. 

“The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law,” he stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this is not the first time the U.S has placed such visa restrictions to deter people from disrupting the elections. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

=====

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Bridget Ikyado

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue has reached out to aggrieved members to resolve all contending issues before the forthcoming general elections.

The Benue APC Chairman, Comrade Austin Agada, said that the move was to ensure total victory of the party in the upcoming elections.

Agada said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that recent developments in the party were being addressed to make the APC more stronger and united.

According to him, the party leaders have been talking with all stakeholders to come up with a more united front to take over power in the state.

“The leaders of the party have been talking on the sideline, it is in process; we have called all the aspirants, sent people to talk to them and many have forged ahead working for the victory of the party.

“Yes, we have others who have remained adamant and have gone to court. We still have the wise ones who want to ensure APC wins and the state is better.

“There are some who are still bitter, but we are talking to them and we believe that at the end of the day, the party will have the understanding of all of them, we will have one house as we go into the general elections,

“We are also law abiding citizens, as party members, all court judgments will be adhered to,” the state APC chairman said.

According to him, the dismal performance of the present government in Benue has already given the APC 50 per cent advantage of winning the forthcoming elections in the state.

Agada said that the party has set clear priorities if elected, which will directly impact positively on citizens.

“Our priorities are agriculture, education, security, health, youth and women empowerment.

“There are no industries in the state for commerce and agriculture to thrive; we will revive all of them to move Benue forward.

“By God’s special grace, I believe that our candidate and the people of Benue are in one accord for the good of the state,” Agada added.

He expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made so far by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the elections.

Agada said that the APC has been talking to people to collect their voter cards from INEC in order to participate in the elections.

“We have been talking to the youth about shunning electoral violence too, we have been engaging with the police to ensure free, fair, credible and violence-free elections in the state,” he added. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By George Odok
The Cross River Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Sen. Bassey Otu, for the 2023 polls.

Mr Daniel Obo, Chairman of NYCN in the state, said this on Wednesday in Calabar during a town hall engagement with youth leaders in Southern Senatorial District of the state.

He said that the council endorsed the governorship candidate of the APC and adopted the party because of its youth friendly disposition.

“We are not going back in our support for the governorship candidate of Cross River and we will win because we have 70 per cent of the votes.

“We have come here to reaffirm our commitment as an institution. We will stand for the party that recognises young people.

“We, the youth council in Cross River will support the APC and will mobilise our youths to stand with the party, and God willing, we will win,” he said.

Obo said that governorship position in the state rotates round the three senatorial zones of the state for equity, fairness and justice.

“The position of governor rotates around the three senatorial districts. It is the turn of Cross River South to produce the next governor.

“About 80 per cent of the youths are with us; and as you know, politics is a game of interest.

“We have one of us as a deputy governorship candidate in APC; we will try our best to see that his ambition sees the light of the day,” he said.

Obo said that the governorship candidate shared with the council his plans for youth development in the state and his antecedents as a lawmaker in the National Assembly.

“It is no longer time to hijack materials or send youths to fight against themselves, but the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System will speak for itself.”

The chairman, therefore, encouraged the youths to get their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the polls. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidi Opara/Ismail Abdulaziz

By Naomi Sharang

A bill seeking the establishment of Project Development Agency (PDA) has scaled second reading in the Senate.

This followed the presentation of the lead debate on the general principles of the bill by the sponsor Sen. Frank Ibezim (APC-Imo) during plenary on Wednesday.

The bill which was read for the first time on Wednesday, Jan. 18, is entitled “A Bill for an Act to establish the Project Development Agency”.

Leading the debate, Ibezim, said that the bill sought to give legal backing to the already existing agency with over 40 years of existence.

“The lack of legal backing has been a major setback of having viable industrial research and growing economy in Nigeria.”

He also said that the bill when enacted into law would have the mandate to among others, conduct research in engineering, machinery and equipment development.

Supporting the bill, Sen. Suleiman Abdu-Kwari (APC-Kaduna) said that the bill was apt adding that all the postulations in the bill were very timely.

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, thereafter referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Science and Technology for further legislative action to report back in four weeks.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza