Author Archives: MOONLIGHT NEWS

PROTOCOL

Gentlemen of the Press, Ladies and gentlemen. It is time to reposition our party for greatness. May I welcome you all to this auspicious press briefing where we shall address critical issues surrounding our Party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.

We firmly believe that the APC is the only National Party in Nigeria which believes in competence, credibility and dedicated service. Since the inception of the Party, the APC has strived to survive after its successful victory against the then incumbent President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

For eight years, the governing party was bedeviled with leadership crises ranging from the unceremonious exit of H.E John Odigie Oyegun to the sacking of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s Working Committee, followed by various factional National Chairmen of our party. The appointment of Caretaker /CONVENTION Extra-ordinary PLANNING COMMITTEE and then the emergence of Sen. Abdullahi Adamu as National Chairman and his sudden resignation.

As critical stakeholders who believe in the Manifesto and ideology of the party, we understand that, this is the best time to get things right with a complete party man as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our national leader.

We advice Mr President to fix the ruling party in the right direction by supporting H. E. Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as Adamu’s replacement as National Chairman of the Party.

The Party desires an uncompromising personality who understands the workings of government, and can ensure implementation of the its Manifesto for the general development of Nigeria.

We are convinced that, with Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the National Chairman, the Party will regain it’s status as the All Progressives Congress where Nigerians shall see the true progress in the management and leadership skills of an ideal governing party.

The achievement of Ganduje as the Executive Governor of Kano State is well documented . He was able to transform Kano State and made it an infrastructural hub in Nigeria. Kano State under Ganduje was the only state in the North West of Nigeria deviod of terrorism and banditry, yet, it has the highest population in the Country with 44 local government areas.

We also appeal to the Progressive Governors Forum to continue to advocate for credible leadership of the party and give its unalloyed support for H. E Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the National Chairman of our great Party, APC.

Thank you very much.

Yusuf Mshelizza Gwamna
National Coordinator

The Forum Of APC Ward Chairmen endorsed Kano former governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as national chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC).
The forum made this known in a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
The convener of the forum of the APC ward Chairmen, who is also the APC Chairman, Garki Ward, Abuja, Hon. Mai Kasuwa Duwa said, APC is too sensitive to be left without its National Chairman especially at this crucial time when government is just being formed.

“It is no longer news that the immediate past National Chairman of our great Party, Sen Abdullahi Adamu has resigned his position from the party”.
“The  APC which won the 2023 presidential elections needs a highly competent hands to complement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the government is to implement the manifesto of the party. At no time should the party be at variance with the President if we must make head way as the ruling party and a seating government”. 
“The  APC is too sensitive to be left without its National Chairman especially at this crucial time when government is just being formed. We equally believe that, there is no vaccum in leadership hence we appreciate the effort of the various leaders who are up and doing to ensure there is a square pen in a square hole”. 
“Today , we, the grassroot Chairmen of the Party, unanimously endorsed His Excellency, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the immediate past Governor of Kano State as APC National Chairman”. 
“Ganduje  has distinguished himself over the years. From been a civil servant, he became a local government chairman and subsequently elected Governor of Kano State. A man of conscience, Abdullahi Ganduje is responsible for most infrastructural development of Kano State”. 
“As  a party man who contributed greatly to the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ganduje believes in the ideology of Mr President and remain the best party to step into the office as the  National Chairman our great party, APC”. 
“We  sincerely appreciate the Progressives Governor’s Forum for its effort in ensuring a repositioned APC through recommendations  and attestation of Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje as the next National Chairman. 
“It is indeed, an era of new beginning where the party must get it right or risk our continuous stay in power. We are grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leader of the APC worldwide and appeal to him to whole heartedly endorse Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje as National Chairman of our party for a better tomorrow”. 
“We  shall continue to support the party at the centre and project positive image of the federal government for a united Nigeria”. 

By Comrade Musa Mohammed

Kaduna based public commentator and media consultant, Comrade Musa Mohammed has urged aggrieved All Progressives Congress Chieftains in Kaduna to avoid overheating the polity over issues of appointments .

According to him , the recent allegations of ‘recycling’ political appointees; lack of reward, and thought abandonment by Governor Uba Sani led administration is not only wrong ,but also too early .

In statement personally signed and made available to journalists , Comrade Musa Mohammed averred that those saying appointments are being delayed because of some party leaders, who are either signifying interest to be appointed themselves or vying for their cronies, it’s not true.

He explained ,” Kaduna is a very complex state, so you need to consult and carry everybody along. You cannot just sit down somewhere and make up a list so that you don’t have the kind of flares we are seeing now.

If those complaining know the kind of pressure people who are looking for positions in the government are piling on ordinary politicians, not to talk of the governor.”

While noting that the governor should expect such feelings and agitations,he said those complaining should know that not everyone will be given a political appointment. Adding that Uba Sani is taking his time to make sure only the right persons make it.

Mohammed who acknowledged that Governor Uba Sani is a very careful man, who wants to be sure of the kind of people to appoint, said he’s currently conducting a thorough check on the background of the people he would appoint as commissioners and other positions. That’s why he traveled out just to avoid pressure and distraction.

On hitting the ground running, Comrade Musa Mohammed revealed that Governor Uba Sani has since built and nurtured relationships with other arms of government; to effectively navigate the turbulent waters of governance.

“The new governor has a strong working relationship with civil servants, legislatures, the press, and the public relations experts.He has been doing that since, through meetings.

On appointments, governor Uba Sani immediately after taking oath of office, he started selecting individuals to staff his office, central management agencies, and executive council. Apart from individuals, he make a ‘team’ that will drive and coordinate the day-to-day running of the state.

He also observed that issues of Competence, character and commitment is the paramount in engaging people to work with’

The statement further reads: Governor Uba Sani follow the rules of the game, and look at the processes of his administration as important tools to accomplish his key objectives.

“He always communicate his goals to the team members to ensure his target; milestones, and results that will be very clear to all.

“As a newly elected governor, he made sure he kept his priorities firmly focused as someone who belongs to everybody and to nobody.

“The good people of Kaduna state should be patient with the governor who does not want to make avoidable mistakes.”

By Comrade Musa Mohammed

Kaduna based public commentator and media consultant, Comrade Musa Mohammed has urged aggrieved All Progressives Congress Chieftains in Kaduna to avoid overheating the polity over issues of appointments .

According to him , the recent allegations of ‘recycling’ political appointees; lack of reward, and thought abandonment by Governor Uba Sani led administration is not only wrong ,but also too early .

In statement personally signed and made available to journalists , Comrade Musa Mohammed averred that those saying appointments are being delayed because of some party leaders, who are either signifying interest to be appointed themselves or vying for their cronies, it’s not true.

He explained ,” Kaduna is a very complex state, so you need to consult and carry everybody along. You cannot just sit down somewhere and make up a list so that you don’t have the kind of flares we are seeing now.

If those complaining know the kind of pressure people who are looking for positions in the government are piling on ordinary politicians, not to talk of the governor.”

While noting that the governor should expect such feelings and agitations,he said those complaining should know that not everyone will be given a political appointment. Adding that Uba Sani is taking his time to make sure only the right persons make it.

Mohammed who acknowledged that Governor Uba Sani is a very careful man, who wants to be sure of the kind of people to appoint, said he’s currently conducting a thorough check on the background of the people he would appoint as commissioners and other positions. That’s why he traveled out just to avoid pressure and distraction.

On hitting the ground running, Comrade Musa Mohammed revealed that Governor Uba Sani has since built and nurtured relationships with other arms of government; to effectively navigate the turbulent waters of governance.

“The new governor has a strong working relationship with civil servants, legislatures, the press, and the public relations experts.He has been doing that since, through meetings.

On appointments, governor Uba Sani immediately after taking oath of office, he started selecting individuals to staff his office, central management agencies, and executive council. Apart from individuals, he make a ‘team’ that will drive and coordinate the day-to-day running of the state.

He also observed that issues of Competence, character and commitment is the paramount in engaging people to work with’

The statement further reads: Governor Uba Sani follow the rules of the game, and look at the processes of his administration as important tools to accomplish his key objectives.

“He always communicate his goals to the team members to ensure his target; milestones, and results that will be very clear to all.

“As a newly elected governor, he made sure he kept his priorities firmly focused as someone who belongs to everybody and to nobody.

“The good people of Kaduna state should be patient with the governor who does not want to make avoidable mistakes.”

A group, Coalition of Progressive APC Stakeholders, has called for support for the emergence of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the substantive Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), saying he is the catalyst to deliver a comprehensive and progressive leadership to the party and Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In the tumultuous world of Nigerian politics, the leadership of a political party can often make or break a government’s performance. One individual who has consistently stood out for his exceptional contributions to the national politics and integration landscape of the party and Nigeria at large is, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

A man whose intellect and leadership qualities were evident in every word he spoke.
Amidst the heated political atmosphere, where negative campaigning had become the norm, Umar Ganduje is a catalyst to stem the turbulent challenges facing our great party.
However, this is the man for the moment.

We therefore call on leadership of the party to look beyond personal interest and throw their weight behind Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for the chairmanship position of the party.
We also call on Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his full support saying, Ganduje is the best candidate for the chairmanship position of the party, (APC)

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The Confederation of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups today came out strongly to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform policies,as they will Nigeria greater.

According to the support groups, so far President Tinubu has not only demonstrated good knowledge of governance,he has also shown the commitment to take drastic decisions through his reform agenda to take the country to a greater heights.

Briefing journalists on the State of the Nation ,the Director General of Confederation of the APC Support Groups and National Chairman of Tinubu Shettima Network, Engineer (Dr.) Kailani Muhammad urged Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu led APC government with hope that the future will be better and bright.

On the current hardship, Eng. Kailani who acknowledged that Nigerians are groaning under hardship, expressed optimism over the deliberate efforts made to provide succour and gave assurance that the pains are just for a short moment.

Speaking further,he said the Palliative measures taken to cushion the effects of the removal of subsidy are most welcomed, but advised it strictly should monitored to avoid abuse by unscrupulous government officials.

He also applauded Tinubu for inaugurating a Tax Review Committee , adding that the downturn review of tax and reduction of five percent on custom duties on some import items will surely have positive impact on the economy.

According to him, the issue of reviving the industries is one of the major factors that should be treated with urgency it deserves as a platform to create employment for teeming unemployed masses .

Kailani who noted that the issues of security is key to economic development, commended the President for appointing a man of good character such as Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the National Security Adviser,the suspension of CBN Governor.

Meanwhile, he urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recognize capable leaders from the various support groups in the Renewed Hope agenda for appointment into positions of authority.Noting that they have good understanding about the Renewed Hope agenda and could help in the proper implementation.

About the ordeal of the former Central Bank Governor, Kailani said , “The support groups called on Mr. President to shun the call by some lawyers for Emefiele to be released on grounds that he could run away.As far as we are concerned ,the Director General of DSS knows his job and should allowed to conclude his investigations.”

Stressing ,”The allegations of importation firearms is a grievous offence and such individual involved shouldn’t be released and must face the music. Those calling for his release are nothing but enemies of Nigeria who want anarchy and chaos to prevail.”

On the the 2023 election and the tribunal hearing , The Director General of the APC Support Groups explained: “We took pains to campaign to the electorate to vote for Tinubu and will not allow anyone to cancel it and order any rerun .We have taken our destinies in our hands and we are watching with hope that the court will do the right thing .

“The President scored the 25 percent required votes across 24 states out of 36 .FCT has never been an issue because it’s not a state .

“The argument of FCT as a factor to be won by Presidential candidate to validate his election does not hold water The argument surfaced in 1979 between late Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo on what constituted two-third majority of the 19 States then .The case was thrown out by the court as an insufficient grounds to void the election.

“We are therefore calling on the tribunal to throw out all the cases filed against APC and our current President.”

“The EU report and position on the elections shouldn’t distract the president from his dedication and commitment to reform and revive the Nigerian template.

“The unfounded and misplaced presentation by EU on the election should not distract Mr. President in his quest to reform and revive the Nigerian template.

“The EU should concentrate on global issues and should not be hell bent on installing its stooge for easy access to our richly endowed natural resources.

“We want to state here that Nigerians are for peace and don’t envisage some foreign imperialists to forment grounds that will lead us to war.As far as we are concerned,the only interest of external forces is to gain access to our resources ,in the event our centre can no longer hold.”

“We want to use this medium to call on our lawmakers to forget about bullet proof cars and work on security architecture to be able to move freely.”

By Comrade Musa Mohammed

Over the years, his story has attracted journalists and political prospectors.

An icon of Kaduna politcal history.

Senator Uba Sani’s inauguration speech was impressive overall.

There was a patriotic focus on transforming kaduna state into a united state.

There was the pious reference to faith in “Allah the Almighty”.

The new administration, under the able leadership of Senator Uba Sani has started with very hopeful signs and I don’t think the governor has goofed in any way.

As a former lawmaker, the environment is not strange to him.

And I think that his antecedents account for the calmness and focus he has exhibited in the last one month and days as the governor of Kaduna State.

Few days after he assumed office as the Executive Governor, I saw in him a leader who is ready to carry everybody along.

I can say that Governor, Sen. Uba Sani has started well. For example, the move by the governor to engaged with the Ambassador of Kuwait to Nigeria, Abdelaziz Albisher, in a bid to form a strong partnership between the State and the Middle Eastern nation. also met with the Ambassador of the State of Qatar, Dr. Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri to reenergize the economy of the State and mobilize additional resources to address its developmental, is a giant step.

I’m sure he was motivated by the need to transform the state from a civil servant status to an industrialised state.

This is leadership at its best so far. The challenges are enormous and to make headway, he needs to assemble his team and a lot of planning will be required for him to deliver the urgently needed dividend of democracy to the people of the state.

Uba Sani is doing well. There are high hopes and expectations and the people are yearning for better welfare and the right environment to carry out their legal activities across the state. I already know that he is focused on delivering on the primary purpose of government, which is to ensure the security and welfare of the people. That’s why my advice to him is to continue on the right track which he is on and the people of the state will support his administration overwhelmingly.

The governor will surprise the people of Kaduna state.
The Almighty Allah will make his enemies to prostrate before him. I know the allocations coming to kaduna is minimal, but Almighty God will support SENATOR UBA SANI’s administration to deliver good governance for the people.

…Demands N1b Damages

By Our Correspondent

The Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone, Senator Lawal Adamu Usman has written Leadership Newspapers, demanding immediate retraction of what he termed libelous and defamatory fake news recently published.

The lawmaker also filed for damages in the sum of N1,000,000,000 (One Billion Naira Only) against the Newspapers for publishing the fake news, which he said was targeted to tarnish his image and reputation.

A copy of the letter of demand to the Leadership Newspapers by Senator Lawal Adamu Usman through his solicitors Messrs E. N. Ogbu & Associates as obtained by our correspondent reads in part: “we are Solicitors and Advocates of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, whose services have been retained by SENATOR LAWAL ADAMU USMAN to be further referred to as our “Client” having been strictly briefed to the effect that our Client’s attention has been drawn to a malicious newspaper publication caused by you on LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPERS dailies of 12th July, 2023 and captioned: “KADUNA SENATOR USED MY RESULT FOR VARSITY ADMISSION, WITNESS TELLS TRIBUNAL.”

The letter further stated; “According to our Client, the malicious contents of the said newspaper publication portrayed him as one,who made illegal and fraudulent use of a certificate belonging to one HALIMA IBRAHIM NDANUSA to gain admission into a university and further went on in the reportage to add that the said HALIMA IBRAHIM NDANUSA made the saidy piece of malicious information known in an appearance at the Election Petitions Tribunal while seeking for justice and prosecution of the offenders for using her results fraudulently as captured in Paragraphs 1, 2, and 10 of the online publication made available to us by our Client.”
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“The said HALIMA IBRAHIM NDANUSA was neither subpoenaed nor present at the tribunal as confirmed by our correspondent.”

The Senator’s solicitors also stated that “our Client is of the firm contention that the veracity or otherwise of the entire reportage captioned herein are proceedings of a Tribunal,which are available to the general public as it relates to what transpired before the Tribunal in actual fact. Again, as unfair as the reportage could be, our Client was never called upon to hear his own version of what actually transpired.

“However, the procedure to obtain this facts were thrown to the wind with respect to the reportage in itself as same, according to our Client were a calculated effort to wickedly dent an image and status earnedy over the years by dint of hard work.”

“Our Client has suffered emotional and psychological trauma over the “fake news” printed to dent his hard earned reputation in the eyes of the public over an information that is not only false but inexistent.

“And to make matters worst ,same unscrupulous information were carried by THISDAY NEWSPAPERS, a widely circulated media house in Nigeria and abroad without authenticating same in the first place. An action our Client considers severely damaging as no amount of money may remedyg the humiliation and damage caused to his reputation as a result of the said reckless publication.

“The Nigerian Government has times without numbers strictly warned the generality of the public against spreading what is now known to be “fake news.”

“TAKE NOTICE that if after 7 (seven) days of your receipt of this letter you fail, omit, refuse,g and/or neglect to strictly act as follows:

(i) Formally retract the said libelous piece of information, which our Client considers defamatory of his person in your newspaper publication (online inclusive) and 2 (two) other National Dailies (online inclusive),

(ii) Formally apologize to our Client in writing with respect to the malicious piece of information carried by you on LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPERS which our Client considers defamatory of his person, and:

(iii) Pay unto our Client or unto us on behalf of our Client the sum of N1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira Only) as damages for the said defamatory piece of information/fake news made by you on the platform of LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPERS against our Client; We shall have no further recourse to you and equally not hesitate to commence legal actions with a view to pressing home our Client’s demands.

Be warned! The letter reads.

…Demands N1b Damages

By Our Correspondent

The Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone, Senator Lawal Adamu Usman has written Leadership Newspapers, demanding immediate retraction of what he termed libelous and defamatory fake news recently published.

The lawmaker also filed for damages in the sum of N1,000,000,000 (One Billion Naira Only) against the Newspapers for publishing the fake news, which he said was targeted to tarnish his image and reputation.

A copy of the letter of demand to the Leadership Newspapers by Senator Lawal Adamu Usman through his solicitors Messrs E. N. Ogbu & Associates as obtained by our correspondent reads in part: “we are Solicitors and Advocates of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, whose services have been retained by SENATOR LAWAL ADAMU USMAN to be further referred to as our “Client” having been strictly briefed to the effect that our Client’s attention has been drawn to a malicious newspaper publication caused by you on LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPERS dailies of 12th July, 2023 and captioned: “KADUNA SENATOR USED MY RESULT FOR VARSITY ADMISSION, WITNESS TELLS TRIBUNAL.”

The letter further stated; “According to our Client, the malicious contents of the said newspaper publication portrayed him as one,who made illegal and fraudulent use of a certificate belonging to one HALIMA IBRAHIM NDANUSA to gain admission into a university and further went on in the reportage to add that the said HALIMA IBRAHIM NDANUSA made the saidy piece of malicious information known in an appearance at the Election Petitions Tribunal while seeking for justice and prosecution of the offenders for using her results fraudulently as captured in Paragraphs 1, 2, and 10 of the online publication made available to us by our Client.”
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“The said HALIMA IBRAHIM NDANUSA was neither subpoenaed nor present at the tribunal as confirmed by our correspondent.”

The Senator’s solicitors also stated that “our Client is of the firm contention that the veracity or otherwise of the entire reportage captioned herein are proceedings of a Tribunal,which are available to the general public as it relates to what transpired before the Tribunal in actual fact. Again, as unfair as the reportage could be, our Client was never called upon to hear his own version of what actually transpired.

“However, the procedure to obtain this facts were thrown to the wind with respect to the reportage in itself as same, according to our Client were a calculated effort to wickedly dent an image and status earnedy over the years by dint of hard work.”

“Our Client has suffered emotional and psychological trauma over the “fake news” printed to dent his hard earned reputation in the eyes of the public over an information that is not only false but inexistent.

“And to make matters worst ,same unscrupulous information were carried by THISDAY NEWSPAPERS, a widely circulated media house in Nigeria and abroad without authenticating same in the first place. An action our Client considers severely damaging as no amount of money may remedyg the humiliation and damage caused to his reputation as a result of the said reckless publication.

“The Nigerian Government has times without numbers strictly warned the generality of the public against spreading what is now known to be “fake news.”

“TAKE NOTICE that if after 7 (seven) days of your receipt of this letter you fail, omit, refuse,g and/or neglect to strictly act as follows:

(i) Formally retract the said libelous piece of information, which our Client considers defamatory of his person in your newspaper publication (online inclusive) and 2 (two) other National Dailies (online inclusive),

(ii) Formally apologize to our Client in writing with respect to the malicious piece of information carried by you on LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPERS which our Client considers defamatory of his person, and:

(iii) Pay unto our Client or unto us on behalf of our Client the sum of N1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira Only) as damages for the said defamatory piece of information/fake news made by you on the platform of LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPERS against our Client; We shall have no further recourse to you and equally not hesitate to commence legal actions with a view to pressing home our Client’s demands.

Be warned! The letter reads.

By Comrade Musa Mohammed

The Executive Governor of Kaduna state and Former Nigerian lawmaker, senator Uba Sani stepped in the saddle as the sworn-in governor of the state on May 29th, 2023, fully prepared to chart a clear trajectory that is a true democrat and non-pecuniary in the discharge of his clear mandate.

 Senator Uba Sani is a political and true democrat. Since assumption in  office as the executive Governor of Kaduna state, he must necessarily be able to deconstruct the political and economic themes and interests of the citizenry.

 In a largely dissimilar fashion, he is acting covertly and has so far maintained a clean slate across media platforms such that he has yet to run into a storm.

Uba Sani has helped to ginger up kaduna’s politcal profile, which has unsurprisingly been on the rise. Through his wealth of experience and the gravitas that he infuses into his mandate delivery, he has assisted his predecessor Malam Nasiru El-Rufai to reposition kaduna state.

 The zeal demonstrated within his one month assumption of office is worthy of commendation.

The Governor has held several meetings with several different stakeholders in the state to secure first hand information on the current situation in the state so that he makes adequate strategic plans to address the myriad of challenges facing the state in the areas of security, education, agriculture, youth restiveness, women empowerment etc.

The meetings brought the government and various publics closer and information generated from the meetings serves as basis for government plans.

The meetings involves key components of government (legislature and the judiciary, the labour, traditional leadership, religious groups, community leaders etc.His development agenda is a clear testimony that his administration would be inclusive carrying all the people of the state along.
His efforts have resulted in reduction banditry, kidnappings and other crimes in the state.