News
How Uba Sani’s magic wand restored peace in Kaduna
By Dr Kabir Ahmed
There is no doubt that the relative peace in Kaduna State was ushered in by Governor Uba Sani who has been working tirelessly in line with his promise during his electioneering campaign.
Recalling the ugly incidences of banditry attacks and criminality in the State, and in particular Southern Kaduna in the last ten years with heavy human casualties as well as wanton destruction of properties, one would wonder if peace can actually be actualized. However, last Thursday’s event that witnessed repentant bandits in their hundreds couldn’t be anything other than the governor’s resilience to getting the people of Kaduna back to their normal lves.
It is even more heart warming to see the first set of repentant bandits, which did not only mark a defining moment in collective sojourn toward peace, stability, and progress in Kaduna State, but signals the willingness of the yet-to-repent bandits to consider penitence and lay down their arms in the interest of peace. Now it has become obvious that the current administration of Senator Uba Sani is more than willing to rehabilitate repentant bandits to their normal lives.
For Governor Sani, his word is his bond, hence, when he said: “I am here to welcome the first set of repentant bandits from Kaduna state but also to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to building a safer, more prosperous state for all our people:, at a ceremony that was well attended by the well-meaning citizens of the State, including traditional rulers, religious clergies and socio-cultural group leaders, then this deserve cooperation, understanding and synergy of the people to sustain the trend.
Prior to the administration of Governor Uba Sani, it was a fact that nearly all the 23 Local Government Councils have witnessed prolonged banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality, Southern Kaduna the worst hit. These crises have always been there since 1999 with past governors not doing well enough to stem the tide. For the current administration to put paid to banditry in a manner one is witnessing shows a strategy masterstroke cum magic wand to tackle the menace that has long defied the men and the gods.
Unfortunately, the effect of banditry and kidnapping in the zone is multi-pronged, as for too long, communities have endured untold hardship, farmers unable to access their lands, families terrorized by kidnappings, and lives disrupted by violence. In Kaduna North, farmers-herders crisis was a huge challenge as all measures in the past for genuine reconciliation were unsuccessful. Equally, members of the Fulani community have similarly raised concerns about harassment, illegal checkpoints, limited access to market and health facilities.
In a genuine approach to sustain peace and stability across the State, the governor has also proscribed vigilante groups like the Yan Sakai over alleged extra judicial actions which are not in the best interest of the current administration. Another novel but workable approach embarked by Uba Sani’s administration was ‘The Peace Dialogue Group’, established by the Kaduna state government in collaboration with federal agencies, and security services, which has been working tirelessly to engage all stakeholders.
Kaduna government’s synergy with the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, the Nigerian Military, seizing the opportunity of having the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa from Southern Kaduna led to Uba’s success story in barely two years in office as executive governor of Kaduna State.
The appointment of General Musa who hails from Kaduna State by President Bola Tinubu in the heat of bandits’ attack manifested a high level of sensitivity and showed no political colouration, save for security purposes, was a well thought out that is yielding results too. This is worth commendable and this should be leveraged by the well meaning citizens of Kaduna and the contiguous states. To further sustain peace and tranquility, the politically exposed persons in the State must rise above political boundaries to cooperate with the State government, as the political dimension of the crises in the past cannot be isolated from the conundrum which Kaduna State found itself. The relative peace which is been witnessed now is an opportunity for all and sundry to put banditry and all forms of criminal activities to rest once and for all.
In his speech during the receiving of the first set of repentant bandits from Kaduna State, Uba revealed that his administration has engaged in several meetings and extensive discussions, built bridges of trust leading to several senior bandit leaders laying down their arms and embraced peace, along with their followers. These individuals are being enrolled in a rehabilitation program designed by the Kaduna State Government in partnership with the federal government.
This is in consonance with the international standards of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration, ensuring that these individuals can return to society as productive citizens and this lofty feat couldn’t have been achieved if the governor does not understand the cosmogony of criminality in the terrains of the State.
The receiving of repentant bandits by the Governor shouldn’t be taken as weakness or as aiding and abetting crime by the administration.
To tackle the complex nature of banditry and gangsters, it require kinetic and non-kinetic approach and one could comfortably say, the non-kinetic approach was yielding massive results as bandits responded to the clarion call of the State Governor and came out in their hundreds repenting.
It would be in policy direction of Kaduna State government for the repentant bandits not to return to forests and this requires the cooperation of security agents across boards, politicians, well-meaning individuals, traditional rulers, religious and community leaders as the repentant bandits should not suffer stigma or discrimination of any form, even as the State government expressed its readiness to rehabilitate and reintegrate them into the society for them to live their normal lives.
To the Peace Dialogue Group, the repentance of bandits and reintegrating them into the society is not an end, but a means to an end as dialogue must continue to bring out the remaining bandits in forests to a roundtable discussion, particularly making an appeal to the recalcitrant and hardline bandits’ kingpins. The Peace Dialogue Group working in conjunction with the State Government and other critical stakeholders must ensure the full implementation of the “Kaduna Model,” a comprehensive framework for sustainable peace and security. This model will include disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration, alongside investments in rural development and conflict resolution.
The end result would be the harmonious co-habitation of various ethnic groups. Moreso, the State Government should ensure strategic communication and inclusive governance, consciously deal with tensions and further bring the herders and farmers together and let them know their common enemy, anyone who is fanning embers of violence in the community.
The Government must deliberately foster greater harmony among the citizenry in the State by dealing with ideological, sentimental and superiority issues through public enlightenment and sensitization. This is more than necessary as there is the tendency to recall the historical grievances and perceived injustices that have fuelled tensions in the past.
It’s no gainsaying to state that the well celebrated bandits repentance on Thursday in Kaduna was as a result of a non-kinetic, win-win and collaborative effort of all stakeholders and it is hopeful that other bandits infested States in the North West and East and other parts of the country should copy the model in the interest of security, peace and tranquility.
Dr Kabir Ahmed writes from Kaduna
By Francesca Hangeior
The move to transform YabaTech in Lagos State to a University of Technology and Vocational Studies has got a boost as a Bill to this effect has scaled second reading in the Senate.
After being read the second time yesterday, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, APC, Kano North, who presided at Tuesday’s plenary session, thereafter referred it to the Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND for further legislative action and report back in four weeks.
It is titled, a Bill for an Act to provide for the Establishment of the Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies Yaba, Lagos State and to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration and for other related matters, 2025 (SB. 738).
In his lead debate on the general principles of the bill, the Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Centra,l said that the Bill essentially seeks to transform and upgrade the YabaTech to Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos State, which has already been done via a presidential fiat.
Bamidele said, “This Bill seeks to establish Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies Yaba, Lagos State. The Bill was read the first time in this Hallowed Chamber on Tuesday, 11th March, 2025.
“The Bill essentially seeks to transform and upgrade the YabaTech to Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos State, which has already been done via a presidential fiat.
“Nigeria’s steady march towards education for all in the shortest possible time has taken a giant leap with the introduction of this Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of this University.
“I am personally excited by the prospect of transforming this Polytechnic to a University of Technology and Vocational Studies as it will motivate both students and academic staff, just as it will upgrade its facilities and enhance its capability to achieve its objectives.
Similarly, The New University will encourage the advancement of learning and hold out to all persons without distinction of race, creed, sex or political conviction the opportunity of acquiring a higher and liberal education. It will also do the following: Provide courses of instruction and other facilities for the pursuit of learning in all its branches, and to make those facilities available on proper terms to such persons as are equipped to benefit from them; Encourage and promote scholarship and conduct research in all fields of learning with emphasis on technical education”
According to the Senate leader, the new school will m”Relate its activities to the social, cultural and economic needs of the people of Nigeria; and Undertake any other activities appropriate for a university of the highest standards.
“If Nigeria, as planned, should aim to become one of the world’s twenty leading economies of the world in this 215t century, we must be ready to adjust and position our educational institutions so that its products are geared towards technological challenges inherent in such projections. Our educational authorities are moving to revamp our institutions for these objectives.
Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, when enacted by the National Assembly will have power to establish such campuses, colleges, faculties, institutes, schools, extra-mural departments and other teaching and research units within the University as may from time to time seem necessary or desirable subject to the approval of the National Universities Commission.
“To ensure continuity in the administration of the university, all property held by or on behalf of the Yaba Polytechnic shall be vested in the University and be held by it for the purposes of the University. Notably, all staff of the Polytechnic are hereby transferred to the University and previous service in the Polytechnic shall count as service for the purposes of any pension payable by the University.
” The institution is prepared to undertake the educational and other modifications that are a natural corollary of transforming to a university. The institution is also prepared to remains true to its core mandate of producing well-trained manpower capable of driving the technological, management and business goals of the nation.
“In this regard, it will seek to emulate the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) which has built upon a tradition of distinction to become one of the world’s foremost educational institutions.
By Francesca Hangeior
A human rights lawyer and counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has faulted the Amnesty International report on Okigwe killings, describing it as “hasty and full of inconsistencies”, just as he called for a thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigation.
Recall that some yet-to-be-identified armed men reportedly ambushed and killed some travellers along the Okigwe Road in Imo State, some days ago.
The alleged killings have triggered mixed reactions, with a call for a thorough investigation to unravel the perpetrators.
But in a statement released on Tuesday, Ejiofor said the quick attribution of the killings to IPOB, without exhaustive verification, raises serious concerns about the integrity and neutrality of the Amnesty International report.
According to him, this approach does not align with the expected standards of a globally respected human rights organisation.
He said while he condemned the killing of the innocent travellers by yet-to-be-identified “heartless” perpetrators, he called on Nigerian security agencies to promptly and meticulously investigate the heinous crimes and ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted according to the law.
The statement read, “In light of the recent hasty statement issued by Amnesty International (Nigeria) on the Okigwe killings, it is imperative to underscore the need for a thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigation.
“The quick attribution of the killings to IPOB, without exhaustive verification, raises serious concerns about the integrity and neutrality of the report.
“It must be unequivocally stated that no individual or authority, regardless of their constitutional powers, is permitted to take another’s life outside the due process enshrined in Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The sanctity of human life must remain inviolable.
“I call on Nigeria’s security agencies to promptly and meticulously investigate these heinous crimes and ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted according to the law.
“The security agencies should stop paying lip service as they often do, and actually conduct a thorough investigation into these dastardly and wanton killings.”
The human rights lawyer said upon a careful review of Amnesty International Nigeria’s statement, several inconsistencies and troubling lapses were observed, such as “questionable sources of casualty figures, premature attribution of blame, potential conflict of interest and ongoing threats in the region”.
“Amnesty International Nigeria reported specific casualty figures without disclosing any independent verification sources.
“This departs from their well-established protocol, which emphasises independent investigations often taking days or weeks before conclusions are drawn.
“While the police acknowledged the attack, they refrained from confirming exact casualty numbers or the real identity of the attackers. Amnesty’s conclusive link to IPOB, therefore, appears speculative and unsubstantiated.
“Concerns have also been raised about the neutrality of the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, who use to hold a political appointment as Special Assistant to the Governor of Yobe State. This dual role casts a shadow over the objectivity of the organisation’s reporting.
“It is a well-known fact that remnants of armed elements loyal to Simon Ekpa continue to destabilise communities across the South-East. While this remains a security concern demanding urgent state intervention, it should not justify rushed attributions of blame without due diligence,” he added.
According to him, national and international stakeholders must demand a credible, unbiased, and fact-driven investigation into the Okigwe killings.
He insisted that the loss of innocent lives must not be politicised or sensationalised, adding that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, both to honour the victims and to safeguard the rule of law in our democracy.
“Only the truth, firmly established through rigorous investigation, can pave the path to justice and lasting peace,” he said.
By Francesca Hangeior
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, slated June 27 to deliver judgement on the suit the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, filed to quash the six-month suspension that was slammed on her by the Senate.
Justice Binta Nyako okayed the matter for judgement, after all the parties adopted their final briefs of argument.
Cited as defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, are Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, the Senate President, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, as well as and the Chairman of Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Nedamwen Imasuen.
The embattled lawmaker, through her team of lawyers led by Mr. Jubril Okutekpa, SAN, urged the court to invalidate her suspension which she said was done in disobedience to a valid court order.
However, the defendants challenged the jurisdiction of the court to meddle in what they termed as an internal affair of the Senate.
More so, the defendants accused the plaintiff of breaching an order the court made on April 4, which gagged the parties from making public utterances on the matter pending before it.
The Senate President, Akpabio, through his lawyer, Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, specifically drew the attention of the court to what he described as “a satirical apology” the plaintiff tendered to him on her Facebook page.
Akpabio insisted that the said apology made mockery of the order of the court.
Meanwhile, before she adjourned the matter for judgement, Justice Nyako said she would first consider the issue of contempt that was raised by the parties before deciding all the preliminary objections.
The trial judge stressed that Natasha’s suit raised “recondite issues of law” that would require judicial interpretation.
It will be recalled that Justice Nyako took over the matter following the recusal of the previous judge, Obiora Egwuatu, who had in a ruling on March 25, returned the case-file after the Senate President accused him of bias.
Justice Egwuatu had on March 4, issued an interim order that stopped the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions from going ahead with the disciplinary proceeding that was initiated against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over an allegation that she flouted rules of the legislative house.
He held that the disciplinary process should be placed on hold, pending the determination of the suit that was brought before him by the embattled female lawmaker.
More so, Justice Egwuatu gave defendants in the matter, 72 hours to show cause why it should not issue an order of interlocutory injunction to stop them from probing the plaintiff for alleged misconduct, without affording her the privileges stipulated in the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
The interim orders followed an ex-parte application and an affidavit of urgency that was brought before the court by the lawmaker.
However, despite the orders of the court, the Senate Committee held its sitting and suspended the plaintiff for six months.
In a subsequent ruling, Justice Egwuatu amended the interim order he issued in favour of the plaintiff by vacating the aspect that barred the Senate from undertaking any activity within the pendency of the suit.
Not long after the orders were made, the Senate President filed a motion to query the powers of the court to interfere in the affairs of the Senate.
The Kogi state federal lawmaker approached the court after she was summoned to appear before the disciplinary committee following a faceoff she had with the Senate President during plenary on February 20.
While protesting alleged arbitrary change of her seating arrangement, the lawmaker repeatedly raised a point of order to be allowed to speak, even though she had been overruled by the Senate President.
Irked by her conduct, the Senate President referred her case to the Ethics Committee.
In a television interview she granted on February 28, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that her troubles in the Senate began after she rejected unwanted advances from the Senate President, Akpabio.
In an ex-parte application she brought before the court, the lawmaker applied for an order to declare any action the Committee would take within the pendency of her suit, as, “null, void, and of no effect.”
Specifically, the court, in the interim orders it made on Tuesday, held: “It is hereby ordered as follows: An order of this Honourbale Court is made granting leave to the Plaintiff/Applicant to serve the 2nd – 4th Defendants/Respondents with the Originating Summons and all other accompanying processes in this Suit by substituted means, to wit: by serving same through the 1st Defendant (Clerk of the National Assembly) or pasting same on the premises of the National Assembly and publishing same in two national dailies.
“An Order of Interim Injuction of this Honourable Court is made restraining the 2nd Defendant/Defendant’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, headed by the 4th Defendant, from proceeding with the purported investigation against the Plaintiff/Applicant for alleged misconduct, sequel to the events that occurred at the plenary of the 2nd Defendant on the 20th day of February 2025, pursuant to the referral by the 2nd Defendant on the 25th of February 2025, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.
As well as, “An order of this Honourable Court is made directing the 1st – 4th Defendants to show cause within 72 hours upon the service of this order on them, why an order of interlocutory injunction should not be granted against them, restraining them from proceeding with the purported investigation against the Plaintiff for alleged misconduct without affording her privileges as stipulated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.”
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