…..Pledges expanded civic actions and pro-development campaigns in 2026

Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN), a leading civil society organization committed to governance reforms and national development, has hosted the 5th Annual Godswill Akpabio Leadership and Youth Mentorship Lecture. The yearly event, held in honour of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, is designed to celebrate his leadership contributions while empowering youths and strengthening civic engagement across Nigeria.

In his opening remarks, Amb. Solomon Adodo, Convener of RUN, commended the productive relationship between the National Assembly and the Executive. He described the synergy as a major driver of grassroots development and national stability, noting that the collaboration has translated into reforms and people-focused initiatives that positively impact ordinary Nigerians. According to him, the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, working closely with the National Assembly under Senator Akpabio, has continued to demonstrate a clear commitment to improving the welfare of citizens. He said the creation and swift passage of legislation establishing regional development commissions highlight the shared resolve to bring governance closer to the people and address pressing socio-economic challenges. Adodo added that Senator Akpabio’s leadership, defined by courage, accessibility and impactful legacy projects, continues to inspire youths and governance advocates nationwide.

Delivering the keynote address, Barr. Cosmas Akighir, Chairman of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), described Senator Akpabio as a nationalist whose contributions to national unity and development remain commendable. He noted that the establishment of the NCDC received accelerated legislative support because of Akpabio’s genuine commitment to national growth and his alignment with President Tinubu’s vision for a more secure and prosperous Nigeria. Akighir urged Nigerians to focus on supporting the Federal Government and the National Assembly, stressing that divisive rhetoric and unnecessary distractions undermine the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

A striking feature of this year’s lecture was the massive turnout of civil society organisations, youth groups and community-based associations from across the country. Many attendees expressed strong support for RUN, the Federal Government and the leadership of the National Assembly, reaffirming their confidence in ongoing reforms. They pledged to intensify nationwide civic engagement, sensitisation and pro-development advocacy in 2026, with commitments to expand their programmes, strengthen partnerships and mobilise citizens for national progress.

As part of the annual tradition, the event also featured the empowerment of youths and unemployed Nigerians with vocational tools, equipment and machines worth millions of naira. This empowerment component, conducted each year during the celebration of Senator Akpabio’s birthday, aims to promote self-reliance and uplift vulnerable groups through practical support and skill-building opportunities.

The lecture attracted participants from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, including government officials, traditional and religious leaders, captains of industry, community influencers and development advocates. The 5th edition of the lecture further solidified RUN’s commitment to fostering unity, legislative-executive cooperation and broad-based national development, while reaffirming the growing recognition of Senator Akpabio’s leadership impact across Nigeria.

Five civil society activists and media operatives on have openly confessed to being part of a N500 million coordinated blackmail campaign against the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and tendered an unreserved public apology to him.

The activists, led by Comrade Aryan Abdul Kareem, made the shocking revelation at a press conference in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

Speaking on behalf of Comrade Olumu Lucky, Comrade Olukayode Williams, Comrade John Osumbor Mark, and Engineer Bashir Muhammad, Kareem disclosed that the entire operation was sponsored and supervised by the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal Dare through his Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris.

According to the group, Sulaiman Bala Idris personally convened several secret meetings where they were briefed, handed instructions, and provided with funds.

The campaign, they said, cost “above five hundred million naira” and involved recruiting social media influencers, bloggers, political commentators, conventional media houses, and prominent Zamfara politicians including Senator Kabiru Marafa and Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi.

“We were part of that machinery. We accepted money and roles to circulate damaging and false narratives against Dr. Bello Matawalle even though we knew they were lies. We chose financial inducement over conscience,” Kareem admitted.

The activists said their actions caused “serious emotional pain, reputational damage and distress” to the Minister, his family, and supporters, adding that after deep reflection, they decided to come clean.

“Today, we tender our unreserved apology to His Excellency, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and to every Nigerian who was misled by the falsehood we helped spread. We beg for his forgiveness and the forgiveness of the public. This apology is born out of genuine remorse,” the statement read.

The group further declared readiness to face any legal or moral consequences, stating that they possess “documentary evidence” of every transaction and meeting, including with Governor Lawal’s Spokesperson.

“We are ready to submit all the evidence and cooperate fully with the EFCC, DSS, police or any competent authority that wishes to investigate this matter,” they affirmed.

While urging other participants in the alleged plot to also confess, the activists said their decision was aimed at cleansing their conscience and helping to enthrone truth and accountability in Nigerian politics.

Nigeria’s security agencies have reportedly uncovered a plan by some opposition politicians to organise protests in Sokoto and other northern states against President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Fresh intelligence reports made available to journalists on Friday show that former Senator Kabiru Marafa is the main arrowhead of the plot.

The group is allegedly working to discredit NSA Nuhu Ribadu and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, by falsely linking them to bandit groups and using a Sokoto-based militia to trigger violent protests.

Sources say the Zamfara State Government, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, is strongly backing the plan and providing funding, determined to paint the federal security team as incompetent and force the removal of both Ribadu and Matawalle.

Security operatives detected the scheme this week, monitored several planning meetings in Gusau and Abuja, blocked funding channels, and quietly disrupted the operation.

No arrests have been made, but all the key figures are now under close surveillance.

The key figures are now being monitored by security agencies to track their key sources of funding.