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The Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement (NSNCM) says improved collaboration among Nigeria’s defence and security agencies under the current leadership has not only boosted national safety but is also opening doors for trade, agriculture, and community development across the country.

In a statement signed by its National President, Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu Sarkin Yakin Kanya Babba, the coalition of nearly 600 northern associations said the tenure of the current security heads – including Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of State Bello Matawalle, National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the service chiefs: General Christopher Musa, Lt General Olufemi Oluyede, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla – has created a more stable environment for farmers, traders, and transporters.

According to the group, new strategies by the military and paramilitary agencies have reduced piracy along Nigeria’s waterways, secured major highways for the movement of goods, and restored confidence in markets and farming communities previously disrupted by violence.

“When the roads are safe, farmers can move their produce, traders can reach markets, and investments can flow. The stability we are beginning to see is directly tied to the commitment of the present defence team,” the NSNCM noted.

The organisation commended the reactivation of strategic defence institutions such as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), saying its work in producing arms and equipment locally also has a spillover effect on industrial growth, job creation, and technology transfer.

Beyond military achievements, NSNCM said the renewed civil-military relations – including intelligence sharing with communities and protection of whistleblowers – is building trust and encouraging grassroots participation in security.

It warned against attempts to derail these gains through politicisation of security leadership, stressing that stability is the foundation for economic progress.

“Security is not just about soldiers and guns; it is about protecting livelihoods, enabling commerce, and giving hope to our people. The current leadership has shown vision in this regard, and Nigerians must support rather than sabotage them,” the statement read.

Reaffirming its faith in Nigeria’s development path, the movement urged citizens to see national security as an enabler of growth and unity.
[9/14, 16:16] Awwal: NSNCM Backs Defence, Security Chiefs, Calls for Cohesion and Caution in National Security Discourse
Kaduna, Nigeria – The Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement (NSNCM) for Peace, Unity, Empowerment and Development Initiative, an umbrella body of 598 registered associations across the North and among Northerners resident in the South, has thrown its weight behind Nigeria’s current defence and security leadership, urging Nigerians to rally in support of their efforts.

In a statement signed by its National President, Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu Sarkin Yakin Kanya Babba, the movement described the appointments of Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the current service chiefs – General Christopher Musa (Chief of Defence Staff), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Army Staff), Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar (Chief of Air Staff), and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla (Chief of Naval Staff) – as “the best thing that has happened to the Nigerian Defence sector in recent times.”

The group said it was compelled to speak out “not out of prejudice but in the spirit of cohesion and caution” to strengthen public trust in the country’s security institutions.

According to the NSNCM, the defence and security chiefs have in the past two years adopted fresh strategies, “thinking out of the box” and employing global best practices that have led to major gains in the fight against insecurity.

The movement highlighted key achievements including:Improved synergy among security agencies and paramilitary outfits; Capacity building and better welfare for personnel,Stronger collaboration with neighbouring nations, Enhanced maritime security and curbing of piracy, Safer passageways for goods and people across the country, Upgraded arsenal and training for troops, Expanded special operations forces, and Boosted civil-military relations through whistleblower protection and intelligence sharing.

The group also commended the re-engagement of strategic defence institutions such as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), National Defence College, Armed Forces Command and Staff College (Jaji), and the Defence Space Administration, among others.

The NSNCM urged Nigerians to provide constructive criticism, intelligence sharing, and cooperation with security agencies rather than calling for the removal of service chiefs.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We must all work together to ensure our communities are safe,” the statement read. “If you see something, say something. What we need is cohesion, caution, and positive engagement, not destructive rhetoric.”

The group expressed concern over calls for the removal of current security heads, demanding investigations into the activities of individuals or groups behind such campaigns.

“Spectators and commentators on national security must contribute ideas that build, not destroy. We have an accommodating and listening leadership team in place, and it is only right that Nigerians rally behind them,” NSNCM said.

Reaffirming its faith in Nigeria’s future, the movement concluded: “We have a great nation to build and protect, to the admiration of other nations. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

A lady from Effa village in Okpokwu Local government area of Ugbokolo Benue State, Joy Ebute, has appealed to government at all levels in the country to protect people of same sex relationship giving herself as a victim and example of what she described as community persecution, violence, discrimination and threat to life due to her sexual orientation.

Ebute, who is 23 years of age recounts her early struggles in life which according to her began as a teenager after realizing she was attracted to women, a reality that placed her at odds with Nigeria’s conservative society and strict anti-Lesbian laws, that criminalises same-sex relationships with possibly up to 14 years imprisonment.

According to her, the first major threat to her life came on January 10th, 2008 when she was gang-raped by men who accused her of being a lesbian.

Ebute recalled that harrowing moment when one of the rapists said “I will teach you a lesson today and after I am done, you’ll realize being with a man is more satisfying than with a woman”.

This sexual assault, she said, left her traumatized and resulted in being pregnant.

Her predicament worsened further, when she left Ugbokolo for Abuja. According to her, she was later attacked on account of her sexual identity at a birthday party in Gwarimpa, Abuja by a mob that accused her of ‘corrupting’ other girls. “I was beaten severely and sustained an ear infection from the assault. Instead of protecting me, the police arrested me and threatened prosecution unless I paid a bribe,” she recounted.

She recalled after the beating, one of the police officers identified simply as officer Yemi at the SARS office (where she was taken) requested from her the sum of N200,000 or be taken to court and risk being in jail for 14 years. She quoted him as saying “Look girl, go and bring N200,000 before we leave you, if not, na 14 years you dey go do for prison be that”.

Fearing for her life, Ebute fled to Lagos thereafter hoping for respite, yet she continued to face different levels of hostility, isolation and threats by not only people in the neighborhood but by law enforcement agents as well.

“I lived in constant fear. I had to disguise my identity and even got into relationships with men just to avoid suspicion she said.

“living in constant fear and harassment in Lagos was hell, I barely escaped with my life. Reporting to the police was not an option because the police and authorities arrest and harass same sex people instead of protecting them.

“I have been through immense trauma resulting from rape, physical violence and constant threats. I want to live in a place where I can heal and be myself without fear,” she said.

Rights groups and international organizations have repeatedly condemned Nigeria’s same sex posture, warning that they expose vulnerable individuals to violence and discrimination.

Source : Daily Newstimes Nigeria
http://www.dailynewstimng.com

The Human Rights Alliance of Nigeria (HRAN) has called on former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to honour the invitation extended to him by the Kaduna State Police Command in the interest of upholding the rule of law.

The Command had reportedly summoned El-Rufai alongside six top members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over alleged conspiracy, incitement, mischief, and disturbance of public peace in the state.

The Rights group however said instead of honouring the invitation, El-Rufai chose to submit a petition against the state’s Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, accusing him of “unprofessional conduct, abuse of office, and serial violations.”

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Abraham Tar, HRAN expressed dismay over what it described as El-Rufai’s disregard for constituted authority, stressing that such conduct was unbecoming of a former governor and respected public figure.

“We are saddened that instead of honouring the invitation, he decided to petition the Police Service Commission,an act that undermines the principles of accountability and respect for the law,” the group said.

The group recalled that several former governors in Nigeria, including Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Attahiru Bafarawa of Sokoto State, and Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, had previously honoured police invitations without hesitation.

“Since others before him have submitted themselves to investigation when invited, there is no reason why El-Rufai should act differently,” HRAN added.

The rights group further urged political leaders across the country to set positive examples for citizens by demonstrating respect for democratic institutions and processes.

A widely a tauted candidate’s name for the position of Vice-Chancellor at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) was missing on the list of members of the university’s congregation.

Prof. Godwin Akper who was the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor incharge of Technology Innovation and Research of the university was conspicuously missing amongst the names of other members of the congregation this Monday.

The NOUN congregation was constituted Monday to elect from amongst them who to represent their interest in the search team, a key committee in the process leading to the emergence of a new Vice-Chancellor.

The tenure of the current VC expires on February 11th, 2026.

Our reporter gathered that the exclusion of Prof. Akper’s name from the list of the university’s congregation may not be unconnected to his not meeting the requirement of having a first degree, which qualifies one for membership of the university congregation.

Findings by our reporter reveals that Prof. Akper holds a Diploma in Theology, Reformed Theological College of Nigeria, Mkar Benue State (now Theological Seminary Mkar) before proceeding for a Master of Arts at Westminster Theological Seminary, California, USA.

A member of the congregation who pleaded anonymity with our reporter said “with this development, the chances of Prof. Akper in succeeding the incumbent VC is becoming slim by the minutes. This is because the VC is not only the Chairman of the university congregation, but also is responsible for bestowing first degrees to graduands during convocation. How then will someone without a first degree bestow what he doesn’t have” he concluded.

The Honourable Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Sule Shu’aibu (SAN), alongside his management team, received the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Muhammad Nuhu Bello, on a courtesy visit to the ministry.

Commandant Bello reaffirmed the NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to strengthening security cooperation in Kaduna State. He highlighted the Corps’ active role in the ongoing Joint Task Force operations aimed at curbing urban crimes. According to him, the NSCDC continues to play a critical part in intelligence gathering and information sharing with the Department of State Services (DSS), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Nigeria Police Force. These collaborative efforts, he stressed, are vital in addressing pressing security threats, including phone snatching, kidnapping, cattle rustling, banditry, and illegal mining—a menace he warned could escalate into larger conflicts if unchecked.

The Commandant also appealed for logistical support, particularly the provision of an operational vehicle, to enhance the Corps’ mobility and field effectiveness in tackling criminal activities across the state.

In his response, Dr. Shu’aibu commended the NSCDC for its steadfast partnership and reiterated the Kaduna State Government’s readiness to deepen collaboration. He emphasized the need for all arrests made by security agencies to be promptly reported to the ministry for proper follow-up, prosecution, and conviction in court. This, he noted, would not only strengthen the rule of law but also serve as a deterrent to criminal elements.

The Commissioner expressed appreciation for the visit and assured the NSCDC of the ministry’s continued support. He further underscored the importance of stronger inter-agency synergy in safeguarding lives and property, pledging that the government remains resolute in its commitment to securing every community in Kaduna State.

By Comrade Musa Mohammed Moonlight

The Social Media’sTake on Deepfakes’

My attention has been drawn to fake news and skewed artificial intelligence (AI) generated media, whereby the honourable speaker kaduna state House of Assembly Hon. Yusuf Liman and a Kaduna Notorious Thug Habu Dan-Damisa who was killed by security operatives in Kaduna few days ago merged together narrative driven, spearheaded by few ghosts self-serving private individuals.

These agent provocateurs for their fake rumour-mill and candidly advised them to engage themselves in lucrative and progressive endeavours to earn a decent living, instead of going about posting fake news on social media without iota of facts or empirical evidence whatsoever.

Based on this, i myself as a professional media practitioner with vast knowledge and experience, conducted a painstaking independent investigation and hereby affirms that all the allegations levelled against the speaker Yusuf Liman are clandestine, pedestrian and malicious, all orchestrated by a shadow group of disgruntled people who are self-serving and envious of the superlative performances of the speaker as a legislator.

Also, some new media experts confirmed that it’s orchestrated blackmail by mischief makers cleverly laced with blatant lies and without an atom of truth whatsoever.

Therefore, i advised that these malicious publications on social media in reference, should be regarded as null and void and of no consequence whatsoever, and should be disregarded, disparaged and discountenanced by all well-meaning citizens.

Those posting the Deepfake (Ai) picture merged the honourable speaker and the notorious killer, are vindictive, callous, wicked and repugnant and their intent is to distract and pull down the political structure of the speaker.

At this juncture, after a thorough investigation in all ramifications, i hereby calls on the good citizens of Kaduna state to disregard the fake news, and political jobbers and blackmailers to be mindful of their unprofessional language and stop forthwith this charade

Let me tell the public something that happened here in Nigeria, it started like any regular Tuesday.
Miriam had just posted a selfie to celebrate her small win, landing an internship at a design firm in Lagos.

Nothing dramatic, just her, smiling, in a red Ankara top, with her natural hair out, with a caption “Grateful for small beginnings”

By Friday, she got a call from her cousin in Ghana. “Is this really you?” he asked, his voice shaking, a link followed immediately

She clicked and froze.
A video had gone viral, and her face was in it. But it wasn’t her voice, it wasn’t her body, it wasn’t her yet, it looked real.

Someone had taken her public photo and used AI tools to create a fake video that looked like she was saying or doing things she never did.

It was a digital setup, designed to shame, embarrass, or control her. And by the time she reported it, the damage had already begun.

Thousands of people had seen and shared it. Some believed it. Others didn’t care; it was just another trending post to them.

Miriam stopped posting, stopped talking to people and even stopped going out.

This is what’s happening now, quietly and quickly, to women, to young people, to anyone who shares their face online.

AI is no longer just playful filters or fun voiceovers. It has become a tool for deception to some individuals. With just one photo, sometimes even a profile picture, someone can use AI to create a fake video or voice recording that looks and sounds real.

It’s not just about privacy; it affects your emotions, your mind, and how you relate to the world.

Some victims lose their jobs, some lose relationships, while some carry shame for something they never actually did.

And in many African countries, we don’t yet have strong laws or systems to help. Many people don’t even understand how these fake videos and pictures are made. So when it happens, the victim often gets blamed or doubted.

But here’s what we can do:
Be careful with what we post, even a single image.
Speak up when someone is being wrongly targeted.
Demand stronger digital protection laws.
Educate those around us, especially younger ones.
AI is not going away, but it must come with responsibility and protection.
Because Miriam didn’t send that video.
This is bigger than one person. It’s about all of us.

By Inuwa Waya

Aristotle defined politics as the political science that involves the study and the organisation of the City-State to foster virtue and enable citizens to live a good and complete life which he considered to be the highest human good.

Plato’s notion of politics is deeply intertwined with ethics and the idea of the good.

The philosopher believed that the purpose of the state is to cultivate justice and virtue in its citizens, leading to a unified and harmonious whole.

A more modern definition added another angle to the term. Harold D. Lasswell, for instance, defined politics as the struggle of who gets what, when, and how, and concluded that it involves the study of the influence and the influential.

In his Modern Politics and Government, Professor Allen R. Ball was of the view that politics is concerned with conflict, compromise, decision-making,power, and authority.

In David Easton’s “The Political System,” the focus was on the authoritative allocation of values in society.

From the above definitions, it’s very clear that politics is concerned with establishing a just and egalitarian society that brings happiness and prosperity to the people.

How come we are told that politics is a dirty game? Whose interest are they referring to if they say in politics, there is only a permanent interest? How do we define influence and the influential? Why in spite of all the established systems, there has never been an ideal state in the World? The answers to the above lie in understanding the character of the politician and to determine whether his selfishness can be separated from his political outlook. Who than is a politician?

According to the major dictionaries, a politician is a person who is actively involved in government as appointed or an elected representative. The Cambridge dictionary added that a politician is someone who, in part, is skilled at using other people to get power or advantage.

The same addition was made by the Oxford English Dictionary when it defined a politician as a person who acts in a manipulative and often devious way to gain advancement within an organisation.

Broadly speaking, a politician is a person who is involved in politics, usually as a member of a political party or holding a position of power within a government. His primary job is to represent the interests of his constituents or the general public in the legislative or executive branches of government.

It is curious to note the two angles adopted by the dictionaries in defining who is a politician. In explaining or defining a word, dictionaries consider a number of factors, the most important of which are historical development, usage in real life, and the context in which the word is used.

In simple words, the dictionaries defined a politician they way the people understood him in real life. It is very clear from his role that a politician is very important, if not the most important member of the society. Why than did the people adopt a negative perception him ? There could be many reasons, but one that stood out is his conscious behaviour.

Over time, when seeking an elective office, a politician makes promises to the people. During electioneering campaigns, he talks and liens to the people like a cockatoo. He promised to bring happiness and prosperity. He makes undertakings such that people feel loved and cared for.

Immediately after he is voted into office, his character begins to change. He displayed acts of sleaze by engaging in corrupt practices such as taking and offering of bribes, misuse and abuse of public funds, and pursuit of parochial interests against public good.

In order to guarantee personal gain, a politician takes decisions shrouded in secrecy and devoid of transparency and accountability. Abuse of power and apparent show of arrogance defiance of the constitution become part of his attributes..

He breaks the law with impunity, oppresses his opponents, favours his supporters, and applies the law selectively. Politicking at the expense of policy- making and campaign of calumny and blackmail to smear political opponents are always in his agenda.

In order to avoid scrutiny and accountability, the politician emasculates the state institutions. To cover his track of lies and deceit, he relies heavily on propaganda of all types.

False, useless, and adulterated information are disseminated to the people. The politician is at best when intimidating and cajoling the people. These are the characters of a politician, whether in Europe, America, or Africa. The African politician, however, had additional notoriety.

His birthdays, family weddings, and other forms of anniversaries are characterised by fun and pageantry as a show of wealth and affluence of the upper class in the social strata. Perquisites of office and other deserved and undeserved largesse make him look down on the people, including those who helped him climb the ladder.

Their services are now no longer needed until another round of election. His attention and assistance go to new friends and praise singers.

The people’s basic needs are no longer his priority. Rather than appealing to reason and consciousness, the African politician capitalises on tribe and religion as a means of perpetuating himself in power.

Poverty alleviation, human and capital development, and eradication of illiteracy are campaign gimmicks as far as the African politician is concerned. The African politician is keen to travel to Europe and America to enjoy infrastructural facilities but show little or no interest to have these infrastructures built in his country.

The African politician holds dear all the tenets of democracy before election and turned to a dictator after assuming office.

In general, it was these acts of treachery and deceit , broken promises, manipulation and the pursuit of self- interest rather than public service, that led people to become disenchanted with the politician, disillusioned with politics and refer it as a dirty game whose end is interest and nothing more. Be that as it may,

It is imperative at this juncture to make two important observations. While politics may appear to be dirty due to the character of the politician, it is still important and necessary because it is the only means through which every society governs itself.

It is, therefore, absolutely necessary for the people to embark on reforms that will change the behaviour of the politician as the main operator of the political sphere. Every politician must be held accountable for manipulating the public for votes, breaking promises, intimidating political opponents; abuse of power, and the pursuit of personal aggrandisement.

This is a sine qua non for establishing a durable, stable, and enduring democratic environment throughout the African continent. The future of the young generation lies in establishing a solid foundation for socio-economic transformation in every country in Africa.

The Kaduna Central Women Forum (KACEWOF) has taken a swipe at former Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, describing him as a “failure, liar, and bench warmer” in the National Assembly.

The criticism comes in the wake of a petition reportedly filed by Senator Lawal Adamu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The petition accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of unlawfully arresting and detaining the PDP candidate in the August 16 by-election, allegedly at the behest of Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani.

In a statement issued Tuesday , the group faulted Lawan for questioning the integrity of a process it described as “free, fair, and credible.” It insisted that despite holding top positions in the Senate, Lawan’s tenure brought little or no tangible benefit to Nigerians.

Signed by the group’sCoordinator , Hajiya Binta Garba the statement accused Lawan of neglecting his legislative responsibilities, failing to sponsor people-oriented bills, and prioritizing personal interests over national progress.

The forum declared:
“Senator Lawan has consistently deceived the people with empty rhetoric. He has failed in his duties, lied to his constituents, and reduced himself to a bench warmer in the Senate. The time has come for Nigerians to demand accountability from leaders who have overstayed their relevance in our democracy.”

KACEWOF further urged Nigerians to hold leaders accountable, stressing that democratic progress can only thrive when performance, not longevity in office, determines the relevance of public officials.

A northern youth group under the umbrella of Arewa Youth for Progress and Development (AYPD) has taken a swipe at Abuja-based political activist, Deji Adeyanju, over his recent criticism of Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.

Adeyanju had in a Facebook post accused the governor of deceiving Nigerians at the onset of his administration with “fake propaganda,” describing him as “a complete disaster as governor” and alleging that he has “a love for tyranny and jailing critics.” He further suggested that Zulum might attempt to “repackage himself after 2027 and try to become another Nigerian messiah.”

Reacting in a statement signed by Abubakar made available to journalists in Maiduguri, the AYPD described Adeyanju’s comments as “reckless, baseless, and a direct insult to the people of Borno State.”

“To call a performing governor, widely respected across the North as a symbol of people-centered leadership, a disaster is nothing but the highest form of insult to our people. It is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” the group declared.

The group highlighted what it described as Zulum’s “unmatched achievements” in governance, citing his efforts in rebuilding communities ravaged by insurgency, expanding access to quality education, healthcare delivery, infrastructural development, and programs targeted at poverty alleviation.

According to AYPD, since assuming office in 2019, Zulum has supervised the construction of schools, hospitals, housing units, and roads across both urban and rural areas of Borno State, often leading from the front by personally monitoring projects and humanitarian interventions.

“Governor Zulum has never fooled anyone or paraded himself as a messiah. We know him as a leader who has deep passion for the emancipation of his people from poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment. His style of leadership is humility, service, and sacrifice,” the statement noted.

The youths warned Adeyanju against what they called “cheap political blackmail” and issued him a seven-day ultimatum to retract his comments and tender a public apology to Governor Zulum and the people of Borno State.

“Failure to do so will attract massive resistance from northern youths, as we cannot allow baseless attacks on leaders who are genuinely working for the progress of our people,” AYPD warned.

They urged Nigerians to “see through the antics of professional critics” and focus on encouraging leaders who are working under difficult circumstances, particularly in states like Borno that have faced years of insurgency.

The Ardo-Kola local government Youth Political Forum applauded the local government Chairman, Hon. Ismaila Zakari Dangote for his outstanding performance in the council area.

The political forum disclosed that they were impressed by the chairman’s performances and services to Ardo-Kola local government area, describing his efforts in the last two years he have been in the saddle as satisfactory.

The forum made the statement through it’s Secretary general Comrade Mohammed Ahmed, on Wednesday in an interview with newsmen.

The youth forum appreciated Hon. Ismaila zakari for giving his best to the local government, saying that his performance had shored up the level of progress and development at the third tier of government.

Under his Chairmanship Ardo-Kola Local Government has witnessed significant improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other critical sectors.

Hon. Isma’ila Zakari’s commitment to the development of the Local Government has not gone unnoticed, and the Unmovable Political Group is proud to laud his efforts.

“On behalf of the good people of Ardo-Kola and your councils, we stand to thank you for your services to the local government and Taraba state and for helping in delivering democracy dividends to our people.

“You have all done well, history will continue to be kind to you. You deserve to be honoured and celebrated because you have done so well”

The forum call for Hon. Zakari Dangote to contest for the second term in other to complete all ongoing projects he have started.