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FG to arraign arrested bomb manufacturers as US partners on IED Centre

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The United States (US) is working closely with the Federal Government to establish a counter Improvised Explosive Device (IED) centre in Nigeria.

The centre which will be similar to one set up by Britain in Maiduguri, Borno State, is to help Nigeria contain indiscriminate production of IEDs and boost anti-terrorism war in the country.

Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka made this known during a symposium on Countering Improvised IEDs in Abuja yesterday.

The symposium was organised by the centre, a unit in the Office of National Security Adviser(ONSA) in collaboration with the US and British governments.

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Maj.-Gen. Laka stated the Federal Government’s collaboration with foreign partners was yielding positive results.

He said: ”What is the new thing that they(US) are going to do now?

‘’Like the British Government has established a counter IED centre in the Northeast, particularly in Maiduguri, we are working closely with the US Government on that also.

“They(Britain and U.S) have been training our troops for the past four years; and this has greatly impacted the proficiency of our troops in identifying IEDs, preventing such incidents and also reacting after such an incident.

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‘’Samples are taken from the IED site to our laboratory at the centre to find out those materials that are used so that we will be able to know where our focus will be on restricting such materials getting into the wrong hands,” HE told reporters.

The NCTC boss revealed that some suspected manufacturers of IEDs were already being detained preparatory to their arraignment. He also said that ONSA has taken steps to regulate the use of materials like urea fertiliser in the Northeast, which terrorists use to manufacture explosives

Experts identify IEDs as a major threat to troops, civilians and infrastructure in the fight against terrorism in the country.

The NCTC Coordinator said: “ Insurgents can get things like urea fertiliser from the markets to manufacture IEDs and so on. But we won’t relent on our part. We will keep educating the populace.

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“And on punishments for those who are manufacturing these IEDs, we have identified a few and they are presently awaiting to go through the judicial process.

‘’We won’t just punish them on our own. Nigeria is a signatory to international human rights laws and best practices, and so on. So we will follow the rule of law. They are innocent until proven guilty. So we have to go through the judicial process.”

Maj.-Gen. Laka assured Nigerians that the NCTC would remain proactive in its approach to tackling the menace of IEDs in the country.

“We are developing a biometric database at the Office of the National Security Adviser. We are working closely with all the security and intelligence agencies. This biometric database is going to be used to identify those who are experts in manufacturing IEDs.

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‘’We are working closely with the US and British governments on that and other security and intelligence agencies,’’ he said.

The NCTC boss stated that the symposium was both timely and critical as it provided a platform for experts and stakeholders to deliberate on innovative strategies to counter-terrorism.

He said: “Our collective goal is to enhance national capabilities in preventing, detecting, and responding to Improvised Explosive Devices incidents.

“The provision of external expertise in this field would also complement Nigeria’s experience and proficiency in assessing whether a National Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Strategy would be beneficial for implementation in Nigeria. We must examine the existing gaps, address the vulnerabilities in our operational environments, and improve coordination among key agencies.”

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US Ambassador to Nigeria Richard M. Mills, Jr. said Washington would continue to assist Nigeria to defeat the challenging threat of IEDs.

Mills was represented by the US Defence Attaché to Nigeria. Col. Thomas Brooks

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APM 2027 Race Takes Dramatic Turn as Waziri Gains Edge Over Makinde

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By Gloria Ikibah

Fresh political manoeuvring has emerged within the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) following the endorsement of Bauchi-born development economist and politician, makindeDr Ibrahim Waziri, as a preferred presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 general election.

The development has added a new layer of intrigue to the party’s presidential calculations, particularly amid growing speculation that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, may seek the party’s ticket for the next presidential contest.

At a stakeholders’ meeting attended by party leaders, supporters and political associates from more than 30 states, Waziri secured the backing of participants who adopted him as their preferred candidate for the 2027 race.

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The endorsement is understood to have received significant support from influential party figures across the 19 Northern states, strengthening Waziri’s position within the emerging contest for the party’s presidential nomination.

The move is expected to reshape internal discussions within the APM, with supporters of the Bauchi politician arguing that his profile, experience and national network place him in a strong position to lead the party into the next election cycle.

Isa Mohammed a party member backing Waziri maintained that he enjoys considerable political goodwill across different regions of the country and possesses the capacity to build a broad-based national coalition ahead of 2027.

“Makinde’s support is restricted to Oyo and Osun states only where he was pronounced as presidential candidate

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“We are confident that Dr Ibrahim is receiving the support of politicians that matter in Nigeria who are all positioned to take over power in 2027,” Mohammed said.

He further expressed confidence that Waziri would eventually secure official recognition as the party’s presidential candidate.

“He is certain that his name will be officially recognised as the authentic APM presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election by the INEC,” he added.

A veteran politician from Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, said “Waziri is not new to Nigeria’s political landscape. He was active during the Third Republic and participated in the historic 1993 Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential primaries in Jos, which produced the late Chief MKO Abiola as the party’s candidate”.

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Supporters describe him as a grassroots politician with decades of political experience, having also sought elective offices including governor and senator at different periods of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Beyond politics, Waziri is known in business and technology circles as one of the pioneers of indigenous computer and telecommunications enterprises in Nigeria. He studied Political Economy, Accounting, Software and Data Processing in the United States and holds a doctorate degree in Political Economy.

His profile received further prominence recently following his installation as Sarkin Sullubawan Bauchi by the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu.

In adopting Waziri, the stakeholders cited what they described as his extensive experience in governance, economic management and nation-building.

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According to them, the challenges confronting Nigeria require leadership with a clear focus on security, poverty reduction, national unity and institutional reforms.

They said Waziri’s proposed agenda prioritises “National Security, Poverty Alleviation, National Unity and Democratic Accountability,” areas they believe are critical to the country’s future stability and development.

The endorsement is likely to deepen internal discussions within the APM as party stakeholders continue consultations and political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election.

Attempts to reach key figures across different camps within the party, including individuals believed to be associated with Governor Seyi Makinde’s reported presidential aspirations, did not yield any response before press time.

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Although political parties are yet to commence their formal presidential nomination processes, the latest development highlights the growing contest for influence, relevance and strategic positioning among potential contenders.

The move also reflects the increasing pace of political consultations and alliance-building taking place across party lines as preparations gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

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Gombe Rep Yaya Bauchi Tongo dies

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Yaya Bauchi Tongo, a member of House of Representatives representing Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State is dead.

Rep Tongo died in Abuja on Friday following a brief illness, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Akintude Rotimi said in a statement quoting the Gombe State Caucus of the House of Representatives.

While paying tribute to the late lawmaker, Rotimi said his death marked the end of a distinguished life devoted to public service and the advancement of his constituents, Gombe State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Rep. Tongo was a dedicated public servant, seasoned grassroots politician, and committed legislator whose life was marked by unwavering service to his people and the nation,” Rotimi said.

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The deceased lawmaker served as Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Area, Special Adviser to the Government of Gombe State, and Member of the Gombe State House of Assembly before his election into House of Representatives.

He was Chairman of the Nigeria–United Arab Emirates Parliamentary Friendship Group in the House of Representatives.

“A respected voice within the Parliament and a passionate advocate for the welfare and development of his constituents, Hon. Tongo brought wisdom, experience, and a deep understanding of governance to legislative deliberations. His contributions to nation-building and democratic development will remain an enduring part of his legacy.

“On behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, the leadership, and the entire membership of the House, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, and the Government and people of Gombe State on this painful loss.

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“As we mourn the passing of our dear colleague, we pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus. We also pray that Allah (SWT) grants his family, loved ones, constituents, and colleagues the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Rotimi said.

He added that further details regarding parliamentary tributes and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.

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My father’s detention shows Nigeria’s democracy far from complete – El-Rufai’s son

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A member of the House of Representatives from Kaduna North and Chairman, Committee on Banking Regulations, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, has disclosed that his father, Nasir El-Rufai’s continued detention shows that Nigeria’s democratic journey is far from complete.

Bello noted that democracy can only thrive in Nigeria when the country’s leadership is accountable.

El-Rufai has been in custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, since he was arrested at the Abuja airport earlier in the year.

The commission had arraigned him for corruption while he was governor of Kaduna State.

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However, posting on X, Bello wrote: “Today, we celebrate the enduring strength of our democracy and the collective voice of the Nigerian people. Democracy thrives when leadership is accountable, citizens are empowered, and every voice is heard.

“As we commemorate this important day, we must also acknowledge that while our democracy continues to endure, the abuse of citizens’ rights remains a troubling reality.

“The true test of any democracy is not simply the conduct of elections, but its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

“The continued unlawful detention of my father, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, alongside the experiences of many other Nigerians who have faced similar violations, serves as a reminder that our democratic journey is far from complete.

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“On this Democracy Day, let us recommit ourselves to building a nation where justice prevails, institutions are strengthened, and the rights of every citizen are respected and protected.”

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