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SPECIAL REPORT: Facts About Maina’s Battle With The Senate

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By Inuwa BWALA, Abuja

Nigerians may be good at forgetting issues so quickly, but certainly not the 2012 drama in the Nigerian senator over its committee report on alleged N195 billion fraud allegedly committed by the defunct Presidential Task Team on pension Reforms, headed by one Abdulrasheed Maina, a Deputy Director in the federal Civil Service. In it, the nation watched on national television how Senator David Mark, the then Senate President charged at President Goodluck Jonathan to choose between working with Maina or the Senate. Senator Kabiru Gaya, the then chairman of the committee that investigated the alleged fraud and indicted Maina, was also on the Television, BBC, Voice of America, and several National dailies, where he alleged that arising from their pension probe, his committee discovered that Maina had stolen N195BN from the pensions of various MDAs. Embattled Maina, on his part had escaped assassination attempt, shortly after he was declared a persona non grata by the senate, and ordered to be arrested by the Police, when the vehicle he was riding in was ambushed. Within 36 hours, Nigeria’s civil service, hitherto seen to be slow in acting, had concluded the processes of his dismissal from the civil service, even as a deputy director. Things happened so fast that many Nigerians could not ask questions on their propriety or otherwise.  Pronto, Maina approached the Federal High Court Abuja in suit Number FHC/ABJ/CS/65/13, dated 27th April, 2013, presided over by Justice A. Bello, where he got a judgment nullifying all processes that took place during the pendency of the suit (Including the dismissal process and ordered his reinstatement to the service. To date, (Three Years after), the order of the Federal High Court has not been respected and is yet to be obeyed by the institutions concerned. When Maina tried to travel in 2014, he was prevented from doing so, by officers vide a directive from the then CG, Immigration. It was then Maina realized that his name had been on the No-Fly-List. He again headed to the Federal High Court in Suit No. CV/1776/14 dated 23rd Oct, 2014, under Justice O.A. ADENIYI, and got another judgment against the Immigration and Nigeria Police with N2,000,000:00 damages. After series of tussles with other agencies of Government, Maina’s name was again placed on Interpol List, ostensibly, by a Staffer of the EFCC using a Magistrate Court. Since then, he has gone under, patiently waiting for the day he will be vindicated. Maina was to further face several other challenges from other government institutions, as he  was haunted, harassed, taunted, listed on the Nigerian Immigration No-Fly-list, dismissed from service, Listed on Police Interpol list, suffered both physical and psychological trauma. He was tagged a thief, a corrupt civil servant, and called all sorts of names, all as a result of the Senate pronouncement. Nigerians did not appear impressed with what he had to say, as they were then, not even ready to listen to Maina’s side of the story. In a dramatic turn of events however, on the 12th April, 2016 the Co-Chairman of the Establishment and Pension Probe Committee of the 7th Assembly, Senator Kabiru Gaya, in an interview he granted The Sun newspaper, seem to have recanted his earlier position on the alleged missing N195 Billion, when he said the money they alleged to have been stolen by Abdulrasheed Maina in various MDAs, in 2012, is in fact, intact in the Federal Government’s Single Treasury  Account (TSA) at the CBN in 2016. Even upon the Realization, that they goofed, neither the senate nor its committee deem it fit to apologize to the Nation, Mallam Abdulrasheed Maina in particular, having been singled for persecution, ostensibly for being too rigid and one who could not be compromised, thus crushed to pave way for the looting which he fought against to continue unabated. What many Nigerians have failed to ask senator Gaya includes: How is it that such a huge amount of money said to have been stolen in 2012 is suddenly intact in 2016 and the money is now in the Buhari government’s TSA (at the CBN)? What sort of statesman is he having made an innocent man’s career, integrity and character destroyed. With the feat recorded by Maina before his disgrace, what will Nigerian pensioners regard him, taking into cognizance the fact that Nigerian Pensioners Cried out for so long, but all in vain. What is yet unclear is perhaps the real identities of those after Maina. As for the Government and Nigerians at large , so also the
International Community there is the increasing need to look further beyond these acts and ask questions. Our investigations revealed that Various Pensioners Associations wrote to the Authorities over their predicament since Maina left. In one of such letters to President Muhammadu Buhari and Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, the pensioners expressed their feelings thus: “it is with grim pain, that we write Your Excellences over our plight. It is so sad that we are being owed 46 months Pension arrears, is the enemies of pensioners that organized and dispersed the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT) headed by Mallam Abdulrasheed Maina. “Under the PRTT, our Pensions were stable and getting to our accounts latest 27th of every month, paid directly from the Banks into our accounts. Since the dissolution of the PRTT, we have not been paid our Pension Arrears till date”, they further wrote. “PRTT had a reliable database of Nigeria’s pensioners. Did they not give the Senate probe Committee a copy of the same database to the full glare of Nigerians on national television? We were angry, shocked and peeved when the PTAD claimed they were doing another verification of pensioners, which we gathered gulped billions of Naira. The PRTT had developed a system called E-PMS (E Pension Management System), in which they created E-Smart Cards, which did away with this incessant verification that kills pensioners due to the harsh weather we are subjected to”. Please, we demand you kindly take a critical look at the nation’s pension sector devoid of sentiments and advice from hangers on. You will appreciate that ONLY the PRTT worked in our interests. All the lies that had been woven to kill the PRTT were to create another cabal of pension thieves who substituted the former ones.

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Dr. Nafiu Sankara Emerges as Kano Central Senatorial Candidate Ahead of the Next Elections

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Dr. Nafiu Danladi Sankara has emerged as a leading political figure and consensus candidate for the Kano Central Senatorial District under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 elections. His emergence reflects a growing call for purposeful leadership, youth inclusion, and a renewed political vision for Kano and Nigeria at large.

Dr. Sankara is widely known for his contributions to community development, youth empowerment, and public engagement. A politician, philanthropist, and public affairs advocate, he has consistently supported initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for young people and strengthening grassroots participation in governance.

His political journey is not new. In the 2019 general elections, Dr. Sankara contested as an aspirant for the House of Representatives under the PDP to represent the Tarauni Federal Constituency in Kano State. His participation in the democratic process demonstrated his long-standing commitment to public service and political representation.

With a vision centered on Youth Empowerment, Innovation, Good Governance, and National Unity, Dr. Sankara is seen by supporters as part of a new generation of leaders focused on inclusive development and responsive representation. His message emphasizes the importance of accountability, opportunity creation, and citizen-centered leadership.

Supporters and party stakeholders believe his experience in community engagement and grassroots mobilization will contribute positively to legislative representation, ensuring that the concerns of ordinary citizens receive adequate attention. His growing acceptance across different groups is seen as a sign of confidence in his leadership and political aspirations.

As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, many observers view Dr. Nafiu Sankara’s political journey as part of a broader conversation about leadership renewal, youth participation, and the future direction of governance in Kano State and Nigeria.

“The Youth. The Vision. The Change. The Future is Ours.”

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Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu Declared Winner of Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba

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Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria-China Friendship Group, has been declared the winner of the APC primary elections for the Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba State. His victory reflects the overwhelming support of voters across the constituency, who have entrusted him once again with the responsibility of representing their interests at the National Assembly.

Since his election into the House of Representatives, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu has distinguished himself as a legislator of vision and purpose. His leadership of the Nigeria-China Friendship Group has been instrumental in strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in areas of trade, infrastructure, and technology. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to balance international diplomacy with grassroots development, ensuring that his constituency benefits from both global partnerships and local initiatives.

Hon. Yakubu is widely respected for his integrity, accessibility, and people-centered approach to governance. Voters describe him as approachable and transparent, qualities that have earned him trust and loyalty. His interventions in education, road construction, and youth empowerment have provided vital opportunities for rural communities in Taraba, connecting them to broader national development. His consistency in legislative duties and his reliability as a representative have further cemented his standing as a dependable voice in the House of Representatives.

His victory at the primaries is not just a political achievement but a reaffirmation of his commitment to service. Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu’s re-election bid promises continuity in championing international cooperation, local development, and legislative accountability. As Taraba looks forward to stronger representation in the National Assembly, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu stands out as a leader who combines vision, diplomacy, and grassroots connection to deliver meaningful progress for Bali/Gassol and Nigeria at large.

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Tinubu Mega Group Mobilises 1,500, Endorses Tinubu’s Second Term Bid

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The nation’s capital, Abuja, witnessed a massive political gathering on Tuesday as thousands of supporters under the umbrella of the Tinubu Mega Group (TMG) staged what organisers described as a “National Unity Rally” in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his re election bid ahead of the 2027 presidential election.The rally, which attracted participants from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, brought together over 1,500 groups comprising professionals, civil society organisations, youth associations, religious leaders, artisans, traders, women groups, and grassroots mobilisers.At the rally, the coalition formally presented what it described as the endorsement of “20 million Nigerians” for another four years of President Tinubu’s administration, insisting that ongoing economic and structural reforms must be sustained beyond 2027.Addressing the gathering, the National Spokesperson of the Tinubu Mega Group, Tijani Ali Danjuma, said the rally represented the collective voice of Nigerians who believe in continuity, stability, and national progress.According to him, despite prevailing economic difficulties and global challenges, the Tinubu administration has demonstrated courage and direction in tackling inherited national problems.He highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, renewed investments in local refining, economic stabilisation efforts, improved support for state governments, social intervention programmes, and reforms targeted at strengthening local governance and attracting investments.“The student loan programme has opened new opportunities for young Nigerians. Efforts are ongoing to strengthen the naira, improve food production, and reposition the economy for long term growth,” he stated.Danjuma added that the massive turnout at the rally was proof that support for the President cuts across regions, sectors, and religious affiliations.“To those spreading false narratives and attempting to create division, our answer is simple, the people have spoken. Nigerians are choosing continuity over confusion and progress over propaganda,” he declared.Also speaking at the rally on behalf of Nigerian professionals, Dr. Tabuko Kennedy said professionals across critical sectors of the economy were backing the administration because reforms require consistency and continuity to succeed.Representing doctors, lawyers, engineers, academics, entrepreneurs, creatives, artisans, and technocrats, Kennedy argued that abandoning ongoing reforms midway could negatively affect national development.He maintained that President Tinubu had shown commitment toward rebuilding the economy, strengthening infrastructure, improving revenue generation, supporting local industries, and creating opportunities for Nigerian youths.“As professionals, we understand that difficult reforms are never easy at the beginning, but we also know that abandoning reforms halfway can damage national progress,” he said.Kennedy further declared that “there is NO VACANCY in Aso Rock in 2027,” a statement that drew loud cheers from supporters at the venue.The Christian community was represented by Bishop Kola Oyedepo, who described the current phase of Nigeria’s development as a period requiring patience, sacrifice, wisdom, and collective responsibility.The cleric noted that leadership often demands difficult decisions and urged Nigerians not to allow bitterness, division, or destructive politics to derail ongoing efforts aimed at repositioning the country.According to him, reforms initiated under President Tinubu, including economic restructuring, infrastructure development, educational support through student loans, and efforts to improve local refining capacity, were necessary foundations for a stronger Nigeria.“Every wise builder must first lay a solid foundation. Nigeria today is in the process of rebuilding and restructuring its foundation for a stronger future,” the bishop stated.He urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country and its leaders while reiterating support for continuity in governance.“There is NO VACANCY in Aso Rock in 2027,” he added.Similarly, Islamic cleric Sheik Abubakar Mustapha called for patience, peace, unity, and support for national development efforts.The Imam acknowledged the economic and social challenges facing the country, but stressed that meaningful reforms require time, perseverance, and courageous leadership.He commended the administration’s focus on infrastructure, education support initiatives, governance reforms, and local refining projects aimed at strengthening national productivity.“We must not allow division, hatred, or politics of bitterness to weaken our country. Instead, we must support unity, peaceful coexistence, and responsible leadership,” he said.Mustapha also aligned with the position of the organisers, insisting that Nigerians who desire stability and sustained development understand that “there is NO VACANCY in Aso Rock in 2027.”Observers described the rally as one of the largest political mobilisation efforts witnessed in Abuja in recent months, with participants carrying banners, placards, and campaign materials bearing inscriptions such as “20 Million Nigerians Support Tinubu,” “Continuity for National Development,” and “One Voice, One Vision, One Nigeria.”The rally ended peacefully with prayers for national unity, economic recovery, and sustained democratic governance in Nigeria.

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