Northern Elders Forum hits Kukah for seeking Buhari’s removal - Newstrends
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Northern Elders Forum hits Kukah for seeking Buhari’s removal

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THE Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has criticised Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah for suggesting that President Muhammadu Buhari be removed through an undemocratic process.

The Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese in his Christmas message accused the President of nepotism.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has also faulted Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, for accusing Bishop Kukah of plotting President Buhari’s removal.

The minister had asked religious leaders to “refrain from stoking the embers of hatred and disunity”.

Although the forum said though it could not agree less with Bishop Kukah that the Buhari administration lacks respect for inclusiveness, it is irresponsible to search for undemocratic solutions.

Its Director, Publicity and Advocacy, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said the country was paying a heavy price for mediocrity and ineffectiveness in key areas of decision-making under President Buhari.

He, however, said the forum would not encourage any other form of government than democracy.

He said, “The Northern Elders Forum will not encourage even contemplation of any other form of government other than one that emerges democratically.

“There are many grounds to question the competence and sensitivity of President Buhari’s administration.

“Even his most ardent supporters, if he has any, will wish he has shown greater respect for inclusion and accountability of those he chooses to trust with power.

“The nation is paying a heavy price for mediocrity and ineffectiveness in key areas of decision-making under President Buhari.

“There is, however, a judicial recourse for abuse of constitutional provisions for federal character in all matters of governance.

“Nigerians who feel there are sufficient grounds to challenge the administration should take advantage of that provision.

“The Forum believes that it is irresponsible to search for solutions to President Buhari’s poor governance outside the democratic process.”

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) also faulted Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, for accusing Bishop Kukah of plotting President Buhari’s removal.

The minister had asked religious leaders to “refrain from stoking the embers of hatred and disunity”.

HURIWA said the minister was economical with the truth and went on the voyage of discovery when he misinterpreted Kukah.

The group said Kukah did not in any way advocate any violent overthrow of a democratically constituted government.

National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, and National Media Affairs Director Miss Zainab Yusuf, said even some northerners including the erstwhile member of the Federal House of Representatives in the second Republic Alhaji Junaid Mohammed had condemned President Buhari’s appointments.

HURIWA said in a statement: “All around the country, it is increasingly difficult for Nigerians to move freely because of the reign of terrorists and armed kidnappers.

“So, is this Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, operating from the moon that he never read nor was told about the persistent violence and bloodshed that his paymaster has totally lost control and cannot provide any meaningful solution to?

“Can this Lai Mohammed drive himself unaccompanied by a security detail from Lagos to Ibadan or from Abuja to Ilorin in Kwara State without being kidnapped or attacked?”

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Peter Obi Launches ‘Village Boys Movement’ to Rival Tinubu’s City Boys Ahead of 2027

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Peter Obi Launches ‘Village Boys Movement’

Peter Obi Launches ‘Village Boys Movement’ to Rival Tinubu’s City Boys Ahead of 2027

Supporters of former Peter Obi have unveiled a new grassroots political initiative, the “Village Boys Movement”, in Abuja ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The movement is designed to mobilise rural and local communities and offer a value-driven alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s “City Boys” network, promoted by his son, Seyi Tinubu.

The movement was launched as a platform to engage grassroots supporters, promote ethical leadership, and advocate accountability in Nigerian politics. Its convener, Maazị Tochukwu Ezeoke, introduced himself as the “Village Headmaster” and described the group as a disciplined and principled organisation built on responsibility, honesty, and transparency.

Speaking at the Abuja launch, Ezeoke emphasised that the Village Boys Movement is not designed to target urban populations. Rather, the name is symbolic, reflecting the movement’s focus on values such as ethical leadership, productivity, and community-driven accountability. He said, “The issue is not geography but the source of wealth, the ethics of leadership, and the structure of accountability. We represent a Nigeria that works before it earns and earns before it spends.”

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Organisers highlighted that the initiative will primarily operate in rural communities, advocating civic engagement, political education, and grassroots mobilisation. The platform aims to strengthen Peter Obi’s outreach beyond urban centres, complementing existing youth networks while encouraging active participation in the democratic process.

Political analysts note that the launch of the Village Boys Movement signals a strategic effort by Obi’s supporters to counter the influence of Tinubu’s City Boys, which has historically rallied urban youth support. The initiative underscores the growing importance of grassroots campaigns in Nigeria’s 2027 elections and reflects an emphasis on values-based politics as a tool to attract voters nationwide.

The movement has pledged to expand operations across multiple states, engage community leaders, and empower citizens at the local level, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 polls.

Peter Obi Launches ‘Village Boys Movement’ to Rival Tinubu’s City Boys Ahead of 2027

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AMAC Polls Shock: Another PDP Candidate Withdraws from FCT Race, Backs APC

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Zadna Dantani

AMAC Polls Shock: Another PDP Candidate Withdraws from FCT Race, Backs APC

Less than 48 hours before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Zadna Dantani, has pulled out of the race and declared support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu.

Dantani’s withdrawal follows a similar move in Bwari Area Council, where the PDP candidate, Hon. Julius Adamu, stepped down in favour of APC’s Joshua Ishaku Musa, signalling a major shift in political alignment ahead of Saturday’s elections.

In a formal declaration, Dantani explained that his decision was influenced by high-level intervention from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as both “party leader and FCT leader.”

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“I want to sincerely appreciate everyone who supported us. This decision is not about personal interests. The Honourable Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, emphasized that this is a brotherhood election. I am aligning with APC in support of the good works of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Dantani said.

Dantani also confirmed that he had completed all legal formalities, including submitting a letter of withdrawal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stating that the move was entirely voluntary and made after consultations with family and stakeholders.

He called on his supporters across AMAC’s 12 wards to vote for APC’s Christopher Maikalangu, describing the alignment as a step toward unity and effective governance in the territory.

Political analysts note that these high-profile PDP withdrawals in both AMAC and Bwari have reshaped the FCT political landscape, increasing APC’s chances of sweeping the elections and stirring debates about PDP’s internal cohesion ahead of upcoming local and national contests.

AMAC Polls Shock: Another PDP Candidate Withdraws from FCT Race, Backs APC

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Updated: Rivers Senator Mpigi Barinada dies at 64

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Senator Mpigi Barinada

Updated: Rivers Senator Mpigi Barinada dies at 64

Lawmaker representing the South East Senatorial district of Rivers State, Senator Mpigi Barinada is dead.

He was aged 64.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, confirmed the sad development in a tribute post on his official X handle on Thursday.

He wrote, “Good night my dear friend. Rest in Peace, Senator Mpigi Barinada. Sen Mpigi represented Rivers South East in the Senate”.

The Rivers Senator was the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works.

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Senator representing Nasarawa South, Mohammed Onawo, also paid glowing tribute to the late Rivers senator and urged his colleagues to honour his memory.

He spoke during the session of the Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism on Thursday.

First elected in 2011 to the lower house, he was re-elected for a second term in December 2016.

In 2019, he was elected as the Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

 

Updated: Rivers Senator Mpigi Barinada dies at 64

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