Fontline Youth Groups in Nigeria have sta9ged a combined peaceful protest in Abuja on Tuesday, against what they tagged as political colouration to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s allegations against former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello.
They called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to stop all political victimization of Yahaya Bello and also condemn it.

The coalition, including the Yoruba Youth Council, Northern Youth Assembly of Nigeria, North Central Youth Council, All Progressives Congress Youth Ambassadors and APC National Students Forum, called on the National Assembly and Attorney General of the Federation to call the EFCC to order and ensure due process is followed in the matter.

According to them, many Nigerians were not aware of the legal bottlenecks involved in the matter at the beginning, which clearly show that the former Governor was protected by the law and that the Commission acted in a hurry.

The youths, numbering over 1,000, stormed the National Assembly Gate, carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “Respect the rule of law”, and “NYLC condemns media trial”, among others.

National President, Yoruba Youth Council, Prince Ayodele Gbologe, said, “If the EFCC has a case against the former Governor, let them follow the normal procedure, not just following any backdoor to just arrest anybody or think of intimidating any Nigerian. There is rule of law. They should follow the rule of law.
“The Chairman of the EFCC calls himself a lawyer, the court has given an order, let them follow it. If they have any case against him, let them prosecute him. Not to be using EFCC to maltreat any Nigerian.

“Today, it is the case of Yahaya Bello; tomorrow, it can be me and it can be any other person. So we have to fight for the future of Nigeria. An organisation that has not been able to sanitize themselves. An organisation that has not been able to wash their dirty clothes. What happened to the former EFCC bosses? What we are saying is that they should follow due process in prosecuting anybody.”

Rt. Hon Mahmoud Mohammed, who signed a statement on behalf of the Coalition of  Youth Groups, said, “The Northern Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN) condemns in strongest terms the continued harassment of His Excellency, Alh Yahaya Adoza Bello, the immediate past youthful and useful Governor of Kogi State. We are calling on the EFCC to respect the rule of law and not to make it a personal thing.

“The Commission should stop the ongoing media trial because it’s derailing the mandate of the Organization and thereby making it a laughing stock before the international community.

“NYAN understands that since the Ebira People retained the Governorship Seat of Kogi State, the Opposition Party (SDP) has been sponsoring all kinds of attacks, using any means they can, against the immediate past Governor as the individual who hindered them from returning to Power in Kogi State.

“Hence, we call on EFCC to be careful, not to allow itself to be used, as the Commission has its name to protect. Alh Yahaya Adoza Bello has performed well as Govenor of Kogi State and his footprints are all over the State.”

***Calls for urgent action to complete Kano-Maiduguri Road

The Senator representing Kano South Senatorial District Sulaiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila has expressed sympathy with the families of 11 persons who lost their lives in an auto crash along Kano-Maiduguri federal Highway on Friday.
11 people lost their lives while 16 others were injured, with one person rescued unhurt in the auto crash at Gaya junction along the Kano – Maiduguri road.
The accident involved two vehicles – a Toyota Hummer bus with registration number KTG 190 XB and a Hijet mini pick-up with registration number KTG 501 YG.
In a statement he personally signed, Senator Sumaila expressed grief over the death of 11 persons, regretting that Kano-Maiduguri road has remained a death trap to many road users.
He said, the over 550 kilometre dualization project was awarded by the Federal Government at the end of the second tenure of the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is yet to be completed 17 years after.

Senator Sumaila explained that the importance of the road to the Nigerian economy cannot be over emphasized as it serves as an international link between Nigeria and the Chad republic, Cameroon, Niger republic and the Central Africa, which is supposed to serve as a boost for businesses among the affected countries.

According to him, also the road also connects Kano with Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno states, where it is playing a greater role in the economic activities of the states.

Senator Sumaila, however, lamented that despite its important, the road has claimed several lives due to non-completion of the project.

He said for almost 17 years since the award of the project, a portion of the road particularly from Wudil to Gaya has not been completed.

He said it is regrettable that although over 50 kilometers of this portion of the road have been completed, however, a distance of less than 30 kilometers of the portion has not been completed, thereby, causing accidents for its users.

Sumaila, regretted that the non-completion of the project has compelled traders from within Nigeria and the neighbouring countries to divert their businesses to other states other than Kano.

“Apart from cases of accident, armed robbery has been a constant occurrence on the road for several years. I have personally complained to the relevant authorities, yet, the problem persisted,” he said.

“It is very sad that the Federal ministry of works and housing and the contractor handling the project have failed to complete this project despite allocation of huge amount of money in the budget. I will continue to pursue for the completion of this road.”

Senator Sumaila lamented that “This is the reason why we are fighting for fairness in the budgetary allocations to the six geopolitical zones, but some people for their selfish interests are kicking against our moves.

“With enough budgetary allocations to the geopolitical zones, this kind of projects would have been finished in time. It is our duty as members of the National Assembly to channel the plights and yearnings of our constituents to the executive arm of government for the right thing to be done to improve their wellbeings.

“And one of the surest way to achieve this is to ensure fairness and equality in budgetary allocations. This is the only way projects that have direct bearing to the lives of the common man will be executed. Kano-Maiduguri, is one of the roads that is playing significant role in the wellbeing of many Nigerians, therefore, the federal government should not joke with it.

The senator, therefore, appealed to the Federal ministry of works and housing and the contractor handling the project to ensure completion of the road in order to save the lives of the people.

The Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI) has expressed deep concern over the recent increase in electricity tariffs that is threatening the survival of its members
A statement by issued on Friday by the National President of NASSI, Chief Dr. Solomon Vongfa Daniel indicated that the hike poses a significant threat to the survival and growth of small-scale industries across the nation.
“The recent increase in electricity tariffs is a major blow to small-scale businesses in Nigeria. Many of our members are already struggling with rising input costs and a challenging economic climate. This additional burden threatens to push many of them out of business altogether.”

According to him increased electricity costs will directly eat into already tight profit margins, jeopardizing the financial sustainability of small businesses.
In a bid to manage costs, some businesses may be forced to reduce production, leading to job losses and decreased output.
“The additional financial strain will hinder the ability of small businesses to invest in expansion or modernization, hindering overall economic growth.

NASSI urged the government to consider providing targeted subsidies or tax breaks to support small businesses during this difficult time.
“We encourage the government to invest in renewable energy sources and promote energy efficiency measures to create a more sustainable and affordable electricity supply.
The association calles for open dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders to explore solutions that address the concerns of small businesses and ensure a stable and affordable electricity supply for all Nigerians.

“NASSI remains committed to supporting its members and advocating for policies that promote a thriving environment for small-scale industries.
“We urge the government to take urgent action to address this critical issue and ensure the continued success of this vital sector of the Nigerian economy.”