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Sanusi, it’s time to apologise to Ortom

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By Sunday Ogli

FOR the dethroned Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, an economist of repute and former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, the honourable thing to do is to apologise to the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom for falsely accusing him of masterminding the military air strike that killed about 40 pastoralists at Akwanaja, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State in January,2023.

Recall that in January last year, Sanusi and 51 others, petitioned former President Muhamnadu Buhari, where they accused Chief Ortom of carrying out genocide against some pastoralists. 

Sanusi and his co-travelers had tried to link the Benue State Livestock Guards with the Akwanaja killings, claiming that the pastoralists were bombed on their way from Benue to Nasarawa after they had retrieved their cattle.

However, recent developments have proved that the dethroned Emir acted in error.  This is because the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, during a recent visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, admitted that the airstrike attack on Rukubi community in Doma Local Government Area, which killed over 40 innocent civilians in early 2023 was in error.

Speaking during the visit,  the Air Marshal said the airstrike was accidental and appealed to the Nasarawa State Government to forgive the Force for the development.

The Chief of Air Staff said NAF acted on intelligence report to the effect that some terrorists were sighted on motorcycles in a location around the Rukubi community but the operation turned out to be a disaster.

“It is not news that the general area (Rukubi) at that time had been well known for its insecurity occasioned by kidnapping and terrorism. Within the period you would recall that six primary school pupils were also kidnapped in the Doma LGA.

“This, necessitated the surveillance by the Nigerian Air Force within the period of time. Unfortunately, the airstrike killed some civilians at the location.

“The unfortunate incident of January 2023 was in no way deliberate as no military the world over, will intentionally kill those it is mandated to protect.

“Therefore our visit to you (Governor Sule) is to solicit your kind intervention in interfacing with the representatives of the victims of the accidental air strike at Rukubi,” he explained.

Before then, the Defence Headquarters had reacted on the incident through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami. 

Gen Danmadami has stated: “What I can tell you is that we are very professional in the conduct of our operations. They are also intelligence-driven. Also, our code of conduct and standard of operation are in tandem with international best practices.”

In spite of the reaction by Defence Headquarters, taking responsibility for the air strike, the dethroned Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, in an interview with BBC Hausa, bluntly accused Chief Ortom of masterminding the bomb attack.

He stated: “The air strike that took place in Nasarawa was masterminded from Makurdi. We must hold him (Ortom) responsible since we know his position against Fulani. 

“It’s only an investigation that will avail him of the allegations. Why won’t there be an investigation to reveal who masterminded the bombardment? And who gives orders to the Air force to always launch these airstrikes?” 

He went further by calling on Benue people especially his Fulani kinsmen to work against the Senate bid of  ex Governor Ortom. He made a video which went viral campaigning vigorously against Ortom.

Unconfirmed reports said Sanusi and his cohorts pooled resources together and sponsored the 2023 election against Ortom to ensure that he was defeated during the National Assembly election.

Expectedly, Chief Ortom, not one to go down without a fight fought back at Sanusi and his co-travelers.

At a press conference in Makurdi, the former governor who said he was aware that resources were being pooled together to be used to campaign against him said that some personalities led by Sanusi had made some allegations against him in an attempt to profile him.for elimination. 

He wondered why an.educated and exposed personality like the dethroned Emir would resort to telling lies about an elected personality like him just to suit his purpose. 

He added that neither him nor the Benue State Government had the capacity to deploy a drone or any military equipment in any part of the country.

Infact, the Tiv Traditional Council, Idoma Traditional Council, Mdzough U Tiv and other Social cultural rights groups in the state condemned the killings while commending former governor Samuel Ortom, for his patriotism towards a United Nigeria. 

Worried by the development, the three sociocultural organisations in Benue State in a statement signed by the leaders, Chief CP, Iorbee Ihagh rtd, President General, Mdzough U Tiv (MUT) and Chairman of the three Sociocultural groups; AVM Tony Adokwu rtd, President General, Ochetoha K’Idoma and Dr Comrade Ben Okpa, President, Omi Ny’Igede, on 4th February, 2923, had stated thus: “Sanusi, the deposed Emir of Kano twisted the facts in the matter when he alleged that the attack on the terrorists was carried out by the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom and/or by extension, the Benue State Livestock Guards and the State Volunteer Guards.

“Even though, the military has claimed responsibility for the air strike that killed the terrorists, Sanusi and his cohorts are hell-bent on making the allegations on the Governor stick, this amounts to giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it.

“More disturbing is that Sanusi and his comrades in crime are doing everything possible to make the whole world believe that the persons that were killed during the military operation were harmless nomads, whereas they were terrorists who were targeted and killed during one of their meetings, when they met with the aim of launching further attacks on innocent people in Benue communities, bordering Nasarawa State.

“We have also identified the desperate attempt by Sanusi and his band of supporters to give the attack on the terrorists an ethnic coloration, thereby setting Benue State up against the armed herdsmen for invasion.

“Otherwise, how would someone like Sanusi place the cost of one cow at N1 million, if it is not in a desperate attempt to cause disaffection, pick a fight and get a reason to attack Benue communities.”

In same vein, the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union SOKAPU, in a statement on 3rd February 2023, slammed the dethroned Emir of Kano, following his comment on Ortom over the bombing in Nasarawa State

According to SOKAPU, it was preposterous and unfortunate for the former Emir of Kano and top Fulani elites to try to rope Ortom into the incident. The group described as curious and very surprising that Sanusi who had portrayed himself as a nationalist of some kind, “has reduced himself to a narrow champion of his tribesmen” in his desperate move to profile Ortom as evil before his Fulani kinsmen.

The group warned that nothing must happen to Ortom whom it described as “a great son of the Middle Belt”.

Although the Akpanaja incident seems to have been forgotten, because families of the victims whom Sanusi and others succeeded in convincing that Ortom was the mastermind of the airstrike might still be nursing the wounds of the tragic manner their relatives were killed.

Which is why Sanusi should apologise to Ortom and tell the world that he goofed last year when he accused him (Ortom) of masterminding military airstrike at pastoralists.

Ogli, writes from Makurdi.

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RUN Set to Mobilize Millions of Youth for Tinubu/Akpabio Ahead of 2027

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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

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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

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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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