Connect with us

News

Tensions as Amaechi Joins OccupyNASS Protest On Second Day

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The #OccupyNASS protest demanding urgent amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act entered its second day on Tuesday, marked by a significant police blockade and the participation of high-profile political figures.

Protesters, who are advocating for provisions mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 general elections, were prevented from entering the National Assembly complex by a heavy security cordon. The standoff amplified criticisms of the police’s handling of peaceful assembly.

A substantial deployment of security personnel barricaded the entrance to the legislative complex, preventing demonstrators from submitting their demands directly. The move drew sharp condemnation from activists at the scene.

Advert

Prominent rights activist Aisha Yesufu directly challenged the police, stating, “Nigerian police, una no dey shame?” She accused them of targeting peaceful citizens while security challenges persist nationwide. “They send you to fight innocent citizens who want their voices heard, when there are terrorists to kill… When we pray against enemies of this country, we would have to include police that have made themselves a tool of oppression,” Yesufu declared.

Frustrated by the blockade, protesters chanted, “How many people police go kill o, how many people police go kill,” voicing concerns over what they described as excessive force and intimidation.

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, a recent defector from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), addressed the crowd. He linked his support for the protest to broader issues of governance and corruption.

“Is life easier now than when I was in the APC? Life is worse now,” Amaechi claimed, comparing the current administration to that of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He alleged severe corruption, citing an unspecified “16 billion dollar road project awarded without due process,” and firmly stated, “I left APC already and they will not win.”

The protest’s momentum has been building since Monday when former Labour Party presidential candidate and ADC chieftain, Peter Obi, joined the demonstrations. Obi endorsed the calls for electoral reforms, specifically urging lawmakers to enshrine real-time electronic transmission of results into law.

The ongoing #OccupyNASS action underscores increasing public pressure on the National Assembly to prioritize electoral transparency and accountability through comprehensive legislative amendments.

News

Yusuf Muhammad Kawu Emerges as APM Candidate for Nassarawa Constituency

Published

on

 

Ambassador Yusuf Muhammad Kawu has officially secured the ticket of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Nassarawa Federal Constituency in Kano State.

In a statement released to his supporters and the general public, Kawu expressed gratitude and optimism, describing his emergence as a reflection of his commitment to serve with dedication, integrity, and a clear vision for progress.

“This victory is a testament to my commitment to serve our people with dedication, integrity, and a clear vision for progress,” he said. He further appealed to constituents for their support and votes in the forthcoming election, pledging that their mandate would be his responsibility and their pride.

Advert

Kawu emphasized that his candidacy is driven by a desire to build a stronger and more prosperous Nassarawa Constituency, promising inclusive representation and development-focused leadership.

The Allied Peoples Movement, though relatively smaller compared to Nigeria’s dominant political parties, has been steadily gaining ground in various constituencies, positioning itself as an alternative platform for candidates seeking to challenge the status quo.

As campaigns intensify ahead of the general elections, Kawu’s emergence sets the stage for what could be a competitive race in Nassarawa Constituency.

 

Continue Reading

News

Veteran Broadcaster And Ex-MD ARTV, Radio Kano Adamu Getso Dies At 75

Published

on

 

Former Managing Director of Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV) and the Kano State Radio Corporation, Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso, is dead.

The veteran broadcaster reportedly passed away on Saturday at the age of 75 after a prolonged illness.

A native of Getso town in Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State, the late media administrator was widely respected for his significant contributions to broadcasting, public communication, and information dissemination in Kano State.

During his distinguished career, Getso served as Managing Director of Abubakar Rimi Television during the first tenure of former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso between 1999 and 2003. He later headed the Kano State Radio Corporation during Kwankwaso’s second tenure as governor.

Advert

The late broadcaster earned widespread recognition through his role in anchoring popular Hausa-language programmes, including Hukuma da Jama’a (Government and the People) and Aiki Sai Mai Shi, which focused on government policies, public affairs, and development programmes.

Colleagues and admirers described him as a dedicated professional who used the media as a platform for public enlightenment and civic engagement.

His contributions to the growth of public broadcasting in Kano and his commitment to promoting government-citizen communication earned him respect across the media industry and beyond.

Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso is survived by his wives, children, grandchildren, and other relatives.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.

Continue Reading

News

Kidnappers of Ex-army General Release Video, Demand Livestock, Members’ Release

Published

on

 

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The abductors of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, and his wife released a video on Saturday showing the couple in captivity.

The couple were abducted along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, near Zakin Baure village.

In the four-minute video circulated on social media, the wife of the retired general was seen conveying the abductors’ demands, Daily Trust reports.

Advert

The demands included the release of three of their members identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru, as well as the return of livestock allegedly seized from them.

According to her account, two of the detained individuals were arrested in Jikamshi while the third was arrested in Kano.

She also appealed to the Katsina State Government and leaders of five local government areas to facilitate compliance with the demands to secure their release.

The retired general, who spoke briefly in the video, called for efforts to ensure peace, adding that the abductors had expressed interest in dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

Daily Trust also reports that notorious bandit leader Kachallah Muhammad, who operates in parts of Katsina State, had reportedly established communication with the family of the retired general.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Katsina State Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement on the video.

Continue Reading

Trending