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Federation calls for the profiling of Nigerian CSOs
With rising cases of targeted blackmail and character assassination of public officials and government appointees in Nigeria, Freelance Journalist Federation (FJF), a coalition of over 100 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has urged security agencies to beam their searchlight on organised syndicates and cabal masquerading as CSOs
FJF particularly called out Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr., the purported Convener of Country First Movement as the ring leader of the blackmailing syndicates complicated in the mudslinging attack against the Chief of Staff to President and the Minister of Interior.
In a petition to the Director General (DG) Department of State Security Service (DSS) dated 9th February 2024 and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Peter Adi Ibrahim, a copy of which was sited our reporter, the group described the activities of Prof. Chris Mustapha and his gang as an abuse of democratic privileges and an intentional plan to undermine the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President for self enrichment.
According to the petition, “democracy offers freedom of expression but there has to be decorum to ensure that the expression of one’s rights does not infringe on the fundamental rights of others. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been magnanimous enough to give free vent to all opinions and even dissenting voices. Most importantly, he has also shown an unprecedented political will and courage to fight corruption. While we find this very healthy for our democracy, it appears some persons have mischievously decided to exploit Mr. President’s staunch anti-corruption stance as a tool for witch-hunt and blackmail.
“In fact, there has been in recent times, an upsurge in the number of fake and unregistered CSOs (including Prof. Chris Mustapha’s Country First Movement), who have formed themselves into a syndicate whose speciality is to blackmail and tarnish the images of Heads of Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with the aim of extorting money from them with unfounded, unverified as well as unsubstantiated allegations and complaints.
With a determination to refute falsehood and misinformation with facts, FJF in their petition gave a detailed modis operandi of Country First Movement which is a cover for syndicated cabals and their highly malicious and criminal activities under the coordination of Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr.
Excerpts, “working under different pseudonyms such as CSOs Budget Implementation, Evaluation and Monitoring Committee, Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr has built a formidable underground network of professional blackmailers who will stop at nothing until their victims are made to part with huge sums of money in settlement. The game-plan is always to spin up unprintable allegations and then go to the media and spread them like wildfire, eliciting fear in their chosen targets and victims. The wannabe Professor is now called in as a mediator of a crisis situation he actually started.
“Of recent, Prof. Chris Mustapha and his gang had descended heavily on the venerable Chief of Staff to the President RT. Hon. Femi Gbajamiabila without any provocation. The entire country was shocked and if not for our careful investigation, even security agencies are yet to identify the source and direction of the salvo that was hauled at the Chief of Staff. The outcry from the public on the need to checkmate these charlatans especially that of CSOs like Save Nigeria Movement, the Chief of Staff and the Speaker of the House of Representatives deserves an urgent to end this smear campaign and extortion”.
The CSO also revealed that, aside his penchant for consistently blackmailing the Chief of Staff and other highly placed Nigerians because of his media visibility and reputation in the academia, Prof. Chris Mustapha has set up fictitious, unregistered kangaroo organisations and identities, made up of rogues in the name of CSOs to extort bribe money from Chief Executive Officers of MDAs through various blackmailing schemes, with more than 33 MDAs penciled down for his vicious attacks.
“Intelligence report available to us has shown that apart from the hide and seek games, Prof. Chris Mustapha has personally reached out to several Heads of government agencies with a view to convincing them to part with huge sums of taxpayers money as a cover up for crimes not committed with a promise to silence the media mob. The money thus far collected is nothing but bribe money.
“So far, over 33 MDAS and their Chief Executives have been targeted in the coordinated attack which has started with the Chief of staff to the president and the Minister of Interior. In the coming days, the syndicate intends to spread their tentacles to other agencies and the security agencies must act swiftly to save the country such distraction.
“We, therefore, call for his arrest in relation to the bribes has been collecting from MDAs under the pretext of mediation as well as his role in the planned plot to blackmail and malign a number of MDAs and public officials which he has already started with Chief of Staff to the President. Relevant security agencies must investigate and prosecute him accordingly otherwise the syndicate is going to distract Mr. President administration. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission must act with alacrity to prevent rogues from continuously extorting innocent Nigerians and distracting Mr. President’s administration in the name of anti-corruption watchdogs”, the statement added.
The Freelance Journalist Federation similarly called on security agencies especially the DSS to profile all CSOs in the country to know their leadership, mandates and objectives so as to minimize incidents of multiple blackmail and extortion, adding that, must of them work with quack journalists to spread their bile.
“It is sad to note that some faceless groups have been working with unprofessional journalists to fast track their extortionist schemes with the aim of bringing the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disrepute. We therefore urge security agencies to profile all civil society organisations in the country and issue security clearance to ensure strict compliance to laid down ethos.
“As a group, we remain unfazed by the antics of charlatans who are bent on dustabilising our nation. We commend the efforts of our security agencies as they have done so much already in bringing an end to the numerous threats facing us as nation. It is our believe that they will immediately swing into action and fish out Prof. Chris Mustapha and his cohorts in no distant time”, the statement concluded.
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RUN Set to Mobilize Millions of Youth for Tinubu/Akpabio Ahead of 2027
Following the conclusion of party primaries, Rising Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) as a civil society group championing the cause of all youths and middle age citizens has congratulated His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his landslide victory in the presidential primaries recently held.
RUN also congratulated Senator Godswill Akpabio for emerging unopposed and the wild jubilation that greeted his victory as the Senator representing his constituency, the good people of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.
In a press release signed by Amb. Solomon Adodo and made available to journalists, a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent, the group described the win of the duo as beam of hope for Nigeria beyond 2027.
According to him, “the win of Asiwaju and Akpabio signals a beam of hope for Nigeria that beyond 2027, we shall be consolidating on the gains of synergetic partnership between the legislature and the executive as a precursor for rapid development.
“The support extended to Mr. President by the Senate President has yielded significant strides in fasttracking development across all parameters that affect national productivity”
The group therefore called on all Nigerians to come out in their numbers to support the president while outlining series programs with potentials to foster national unity across regional and religious lines.
“As a group representing the interests of Nigeria youths, we are determined to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President towards improving the skill set of Nigeria youths towards increased productivity and an end to unemployment”, the release stated.
The group expressed confidence in the possibility of a new Nigeria of our dreams with the victories of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Godswill Akpabio who will definitely be handed a second term as the Senate President “to continue synergizing with Mr. President for a better Nigeria”.
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HON. JA’AFARU YAKUBU HONOURED WITH DOUBLE TRADITIONAL TITLES OF CHIROMAN GASSOL AND MARAFAN BAKUNDI BALI
The Member representing Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ja’afaru Chiroma Yakubu (ADC), has been conferred with two prestigious traditional titles — Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali — in recognition of his exemplary leadership, commitment to public service, and immense contributions to community development.
The traditional honours were officially bestowed on the federal lawmaker by the revered traditional ruler of Bakundi Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Gidado Misa, the 10th Lamdo of Bakundi, during a colourful coronation ceremony attended by members of the royal family, community leaders, political associates, supporters, and well-wishers.
The conferment of the dual traditional titles has continued to attract widespread commendation from stakeholders across Taraba State and beyond, with many describing the recognition as a reflection of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s growing influence, grassroots connection, and unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of his people.
In a congratulatory message issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Comrade Bashir Umar Dali, the lawmaker was described as a courageous, humble, and visionary leader whose commitment to humanity and community advancement has remained outstanding.
According to the statement, the titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are symbolic recognitions of the lawmaker’s selfless service, people-oriented representation, and tireless efforts towards promoting unity, peace, and sustainable development across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency.
The statement further noted that Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu has consistently distinguished himself through impactful representation, empowerment initiatives, and developmental interventions aimed at improving the lives of the people.
“Your commitment and selfless contributions to the growth and progress of the people continue to inspire many across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency and beyond,” the statement read.
Comrade Bashir Umar Dali also prayed for greater wisdom, strength, honour, and divine guidance for the federal lawmaker as he continues to shoulder greater traditional and leadership responsibilities in service to the people.
Observers have described the conferment of the two traditional titles as a major endorsement of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s leadership credentials and his increasing relevance in the socio-political and traditional landscape of Taraba State.
The titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are regarded as highly respected honours within the traditional institution, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional character, loyalty, service, and commitment to the development and unity of their communities.
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EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE
The Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across Nigeria, particularly the people of Gombe State, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to continue promoting peace, unity, love, and national development.
In a goodwill message released to journalists on the occasion of the Islamic festival, Engr. Bello described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred celebration that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and gratitude to Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
He called on Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, support one another, and continue praying for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructural advancement, and efforts aimed at strengthening unity and progress across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate determination in laying foundations for long-term growth and national transformation through bold policies and strategic governance initiatives.
The NDPHC Executive Director equally praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his loyalty, dedication, and support toward the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He noted that the Vice President has continued to play a vital role in promoting stability, inclusion, and effective coordination within government.
Engr. Bello further applauded the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what he described as purposeful leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He said the governor’s developmental policies and inclusive style of governance have continued to attract admiration and confidence from the people of Gombe State and beyond.
“Eid-el-Kabir remains a season of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. It is also a period that reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. As we celebrate, we must continue to pray for our leaders and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation,” he stated.
Engr. Bello urged Muslim faithful to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society during the Sallah festivities, stressing that charity and generosity are central teachings of Islam.
He also commended the people of Gombe State for sustaining the culture of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The engineering professional and public administrator expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness greater development, unity, and economic advancement under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings upon the President, Vice President, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and all leaders across the country.
Engr. Bello finally wished Muslim faithful in Gombe State and across Nigeria a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
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