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Change Process Must Not Confuse Us – APC Chieftain

Published

10 years ago

June 6, 2016

Jok Alamba was a Former Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau state and a key Leader in the All Progressives Congress (APC). In this interview, he expressed confidence in the Governor Simon Lalong / President Muhammadu Buhari administrations as they clock one year in office. Raymond GUKAS sent excerpts:

What are your assessments as regards to the removal of fuel subsidy by President Muhammadu Buhari?
Knowing the position of the President, I believed he did it with a good intention for this country, I have no doubt that after a wide consultation with the necessary stakeholders, he came out with a vision which I believed is for the best interest of this country, in view of the situation this country has found itself, a situation where only a few are benefitting greatly from the share of subsidy and they are also using the subsidy as a conduit pipe for their personal aggrandisement and benefit, it has not augur well for this nation at all. Every Kobo that is been generated by the Federal Government, every kobo has been generated as a source of revenue for this nation must to be put into proper use, if this country is to survive and to progress. It is as result of missing kobo here and there, that this country has found itself in this very strangulated position. Therefore, I seriously buy the idea of the increase in the fuel price, especially as it is being backup by palliative measures, and also with the belief that the words of Mr. President are very sincere, that over 2000 jobs are likely to be created from the increase in the fuel pump price.
Critics of this increase in fuel price are the same people who are advocating for the establishment of local industries and local refinery, but I asked, how do we effectively come up with local refineries and managed them without the necessary capital? If a money is being misused and stolen as a result of fuel subsidy. We need to truly get ourselves organise as a nation, especially by a way of shying away from the hydra headed monster that has strangulated us, that is corruption.
If today as a nation we get well organised by paying 145 naira per litre, I think we are better off than been completely unorganised and paying 85 or 86 naira per litre. It is only when we are organised as a nation that we are truly been able to uplift the natition to the attraction of the rest of the world.
Nigerians witnessed a change of Government from the PDP to the APC. What is your assessment of this administration as it clocks one year in office?
I have studied, observed and assessed the administration of President Buhari and discovered that he has a very good intention for the development of this country. Looking at his tract records, he has consistently behaved in such a manner at any point in time that he found himself as a leader; as somebody who wishes this country well by doing his best, putting his best without necessary behaving like those who appears to be highly opportunistic any time they found themselves in the highest office. Mr. President has always restrained himself from corruption and I knew him very well from his reaction and remarks and actions that he has a very goodwill for this Nation. For the very first year he spends in office, you found out that, the process of pursuing corruption in this country is serious, he has been able to inject a lot of change in a mind-set of all facets of governance, he has shown the world that he is serious, he is very serious in pursuing the laid down manifesto of APC. If it is true that we believe that corruption has been one of the monster that has held us back for years, then we know by the action of this administration; the results that we are seeing so far and yet to see in this country. This administration has done well in that direction of fighting corruption.
In what area do you think Mr. President should put more efforts?
Mr. President has a programme for youth empowerment and a plan for elaborate construction of roads, I think he should put more efforts in that direction. In the area of peace, we have seen the efforts Mr. President has put and the progress he has achieved most especially in the Northeast, that is a sign that yes! this administration within one year has really put up his best that he came up with good results for ensuring that peace is realised, which is a necessary tool for the development of this nation.
With the rising in price of foodstuff. What is your take on that?
Well even with the increase in fuel price, we believe that it is because of the dwindling economy worldwide; inflation has been a threat not only to Nigerian, but most of the countries in the world. So the best way of pursuing the inflation as of now is to come out with a necessary programme like the palliative measures that has been provided by the Mr. President.I belief sincerely that if more money is injected into the economy by way of caution and systematic planning, honestly speaking we will realise the situation where the common man does not suffer too much because of this inflation.
What is your take on the availability of Fertilizer?
Every time you have inflation going up, you asked yourself why? Most of the reasons of price increase have to do with the scarcity of commodity. now if the Federal Government is really out to boost the economy by way of increasing productivity of farm produce and inputs including fertilizer, obviously speaking, you will find out that at the end of the day with the availability of this product, the price of fertilizer is bound to go down and consequently the farmers will be able to improve their productivity by way of easy access to such inputs like fertilizer. we must also understand that to encourage local productivity we must discourage importation of some of these inputs particularly. We have to be systematic, we can just go ahead and just push at once for this change, we must start somewhere. So it is as a result of careful concentration of local productivity of fertilizer and other inputs that this scarcity is now coming to bear.The Federal Government is more been encourage or encouraging itself not to open up to the importation of fertilizer, rather it is saying that let us look for a way to ensure that we produce fertilizer locally and in sufficient quantity to reach our farm.
All the pains we are experiencing right now are the pains we normally experience when we are rebuilding from a completely destroyed foundation. Unless a solid foundation is put in place, the building cannot definitely stand. Therefore, we must pass through some pains before we finally ripe the benefit. So, we must have to bear to some extent, but I believe all this will not be for too long.
What is your assessment of Governor Lalong, on managing of the bailout funds?
Considering the backlog of salaries arrears that was inherited by the Lalong administration, honestly speaking, considering the huge amounts involved, you would want to seriously appreciate the efforts of especially Mr. President for coming out with bail out to assist states that were already strangulated, the states almost heard no idea or way out as to cope with the payment of backlog of salaries first, talk less of coping with subsequent payment of salaries.The bailout was supposed to be in two fold; in two instalments, the first instalments has been released across board, the second instalment has not been given across board. The bailout has really assisted some state to come up-to-date in the payment of salaries, some of the state that has higher backlog of salaries couldnâ€™t really come out up-to-date in the payment of salaries, even with the first bailout. So they are waiting to see if they will get the second bailout so as to help them pay completely off the bailout and come up-to-date with the payment of the salaries.
Gov. Lalong led government in terms of salary payment that is one of the very first areas that we need to say kudus to Governor Lalong
What is your called to the Plateau people?
For my dear state Plateau we must not allow the pains, the hardship been experience as a results of the change process to confuse us and make us lose hope, we must see hope at the end of the tunnel, we must remain resilient and focus and supportive. to our governor and the administration of APC, not minding all form of criticism because of the fact that with time the sweet benefit of change will be experience in Plateau state and Nigeria as whole. Nigerians, we should be very tolerant to the experience we are passing through Mr. President mean well; we should rather encourage him, knowing that even if Angels came down as a leader of Nigeria today he will have to struggle against all the challenges. I wish the Plateau people and the Nigerians to be tolerant and support him so that at end of the day the change benefit will start flowing to the appreciation of every citizen of Nigeria and even our future youths and leaders who will now have a solid foundation for moving a better Nigerian forward.
We Are Building Bridges For Peaceful Coexistence – Jos North Council Sec.
Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau state is one metropolitan council that is known for violent notoriety. Enmeshed in so many skirmishes bothering on ethnic or religious confrontations, it still remain the only council area that has defied all arrangements for a local government election in close to a decade now. The present administration however, made a move to bridged the persistent misunderstanding between the Hausa Muslim and the natives by appointing Shehu Usman as Secretary of Jos North local government. In this interview with Raymond GUKAS, the new Secretary, bared his mind on the experienced of insecurity and the return of Peace in the council sixteen years after. Except;
What effort did your administration made towards the restoration of permanent peace in Jos North LGA after several years of political and economic crisis that rock the council?
I take you back a little,this is the total restoration of peace which is the hand work of Governor Simon Bako Lalong to ensure that all the tribes living in Plateau state enjoy what is called love and freedom of worship. The Lalong administration gave recognition to all the major tribes who are residents in

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Gov AbdulRazaq Lauded Over Conferment Of Sadauna Of Ilorin Title

Published

6 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been hailed for the conferment of the prestigious Sadauna of Ilorin Emirate title on him by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.

Giving the commendation on Tuesday in a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, Alhaji Yakubu Garba Gobir, who is the Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of the Ilorin Emirate, described the recognition and honour on Governor AbdulRazaq as well deserved, timely and apt, giving his huge contributions to the growth and development of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.

Gobir specifically commended the Emir of Ilorin for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna, noting that it is a solemn call for greater responsibility, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people.

He added: “The title of Sardauna occupies a position of profound significance in the history, heritage and traditions of the Ilorin Emirate. I commend His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Emir of Ilorin, for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna.

“The title embodies courage, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people. Your elevation is therefore not merely a mark of honour; it is also a solemn call to greater responsibility and continued service.

“As a fellow title-holder in the Ilorin Emirate, I am particularly delighted to welcome you into this distinguished circle of traditional leadership. I am confident that you will bring to the office the same qualities of leadership, dignity and unwavering commitment to public service that have distinguished your tenure and career.

“At a time when our Emirate and our State require men and women of character, wisdom and courage to advance the interests of our people, I am certain that you will make a meaningful contribution to the enduring unity, progress and development of the Ilorin Emirate.”

Gobir offered prayers for a successful, impactful and enduring tenure for the new Sadauna, adding:
“May Almighty Allah grant you wisdom, sound health and strength, and may He make your tenure as Sardauna of Ilorin a source of lasting honour to you, your family and the entire Ilorin Emirate.”

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FG Commissions KWASU ICT Centre To Enhance Graduates Employability

Published

6 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin.

The wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative-backed ICT Experience Centre at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

It would be recalled that KWASU is one of the six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of this intervention, with one institution representing each of the Nigerian six geopolitical zones.

Represented at the commissioning on Tuesday by the wife of the Vice-President, Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the project is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to advancing education, digital inclusion and enhancing graduate employability.

“The TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre we are commissioning today represents opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and the future of young people in Kwara State and beyond.

She said: “This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places emphasis on youth empowerment, education, innovation, and economic transformation. Mr President is committed to creating opportunities that will equip Nigerian youths with knowledge and skills required to thrive in a modern and competitive world.”

Senator Tinubu said the facility was designed as a modern technology centre equipped with ICT laboratory, interactive digital display, conference facility, and exhibition spaces, adding that it would be an environment for learning, creativity, research, and technology advancement.

According to her, the ICT centres had been commissioned at the Ekiti State University on May 28, University of Cross Rivers State on September 4, Anambra State Polytechnic on September 10, adding that the Centres at Kaduna State University and Taraba State Universities would be commissioned soon.

“The next phase of this intervention will cover 15 institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara states which construction is currently ongoing. This expansion demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youths, irrespective of their locations, have access to digital learning opportunities,” she said.

She encouraged the students to take ownership of the facility, maximise the opportunity it provides, and use technology positively to enhance their lives, community, and the nation.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Architect Sonny Echono, said the centres are being established across selected Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with the Kwara State University, Malete proudly hosting the facility in the North-Central Zone.

“Through practical training and digital skills acquisition, TETFund seeks to enhance graduate employability, foster innovation and position Nigeria to participate more effectively in the global
technology-driven economy,” he added.

Echono also said that the ICT Experience Centre is designed to equip students and lecturers with critical digital skills in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Robotics and Software Development.

He added: “The Centre being commissioned today is one of the foremost ICT Experience Centres being delivered across the country, and the third to be commissioned this year. The Centre is equipped with modern digital devices, Computer systems and relevant software to facilitate training, practical learning and skills development. The facility is appropriately furnished and
fully air-conditioned, with supporting power and municipal infrastructure.”

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Shaykh- Luqman Jimoh, said the new facility represents vision, belief, and an investment in the Nigerian youth to better shape the future of our
nation.

The Vice Chancellor described the ICT Experience Centre as an investment in human capital, in innovation, in entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, it is an investment in the future of Nigeria.

“This Centre will provide opportunities for our students to develop practical digital skills and engage with contemporary technologies. Importantly, it is our hub for interdisciplinary engagement.

“This ICT Experience Centre is therefore a timely, critical, and strategic infrastructure that will definitely enhance research, teaching, learning, entrepreneurship, and community service. This intervention is at the core of what this university seeks from partners and donors: synergies that add value and impact on today and the future,” he started.

KWASU Vice Chancellor also assured that the ICT Experience Centre would be put to maximum use for the benefit of students, researchers, and the University
community, adding that the “KWASU community would engage with the facilities in this Centre, we will use it. We will explore, experiment, learn, and innovate in i

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2027: Violent ;Kaduna as ADC, APC Supporters Trade Accusations….APC Calls For Police Investigation into the Vandalisation, attacks on its Office

Published

6 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Agboola

Tension is mounting in Kaduna State ahead of the 2027 general elections, following renewed exchanges between supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and groups backing the administration of Governor Uba Sani.
The latest development came on Tuesday when ADC governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru, addressed supporters in Kaduna and, according to an account of his remarks, declared that the party was prepared to respond to attacks against its members.
Ashiru was also quoted as saying that it was Governor Uba Sani, rather than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was responsible for the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

However, available public records show that El-Rufai’s detention followed proceedings before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with the commission stating that his continued custody was based on a court-issued remand order.

The controversy over El-Rufai’s detention has nevertheless become a major political issue in Kaduna and beyond. The ADC has repeatedly criticised the handling of the former governor’s case and alleged political persecution, while other political actors have made different claims about the circumstances surrounding his detention.
Rising political temperature

Ashiru’s emergence as the ADC governorship candidate has added another dimension to the political contest in Kaduna. He defeated other aspirants at the party’s governorship primary in May 2026 and is now preparing for another governorship contest after previously representing the PDP in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
The political atmosphere has been further complicated by disagreements within the ADC and accusations from different groups over the party’s leadership and candidates.

A Southern Kaduna political group, for instance, recently questioned Ashiru’s candidacy and the choice of his running mate, allegations rejected by an ADC official.
The situation has also produced incidents involving ADC supporters and security personnel. In one recent incident, police dispersed an ADC solidarity walk in Kaduna, while the party subsequently accused opponents of attacking its members and warned that political violence could escalate ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former governor remains an important factor in the emerging political contest. El-Rufai was taken into custody in February 2026 after responding to an invitation from the ICPC. His family subsequently demanded his release, while the anti-graft agency maintained that his detention was authorised by a court.
Since then, the issue has increasingly featured in political statements by the ADC and its supporters, with the party accusing the Federal Government of political persecution and calling for the former governor’s release.
The development has created a new political fault line involving the ADC, the APC-led Kaduna State Government and supporters of the former governor.

While allegations have been exchanged over who is responsible for political violence in Kaduna, the competing narratives should not be confused with established findings. The ADC itself has recently rejected the suggestion that it has a monopoly on political violence and accused unnamed opponents of introducing thuggery into the 2027 political process.

With the 2027 election campaign yet to fully commence, the increasingly combative language from ISA Ashiru and his supporters has raised concerns about the possibility of further confrontation.
The immediate challenge before the political parties, security agencies and community leaders is therefore to ensure that political disagreements do not degenerate into violence, particularly in a state with Kaduna’s history of politically and communally sensitive conflicts.
As at the time of filling tid report the All progressive congress, APC , Kaduna state in a statement has condemned the attacks on its office and called for police investigation
Certainly. I’ll retain the substance of the report while correcting grammar, tightening the structure, and presenting it as a clean newspaper hard-news story.
Writing
APC Condemns Violent Attacks on Members, Party Offices in Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned alleged violent attacks on its members and the vandalisation of party offices and properties in the state.
The party also called on the police and other security agencies to investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
In a statement, the Kaduna State APC Publicity Secretary, Sani Dan-Azare, alleged that some of the party’s members and supporters had been attacked, while some party and support-group offices were vandalised.
He also alleged that vehicles belonging to some party members were damaged during the incidents.
The APC described the attacks as unacceptable and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The party called on its members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that they should not resort to retaliation or take the law into their own hands.
The APC said it remained committed to peaceful political engagement and urged all political actors in Kaduna State to conduct their activities within the bounds of the law.
It further appealed to security agencies to strengthen security around party offices and other sensitive locations to prevent further incidents.