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ACF warns against premature 2027 campaigns, urges focus on governance

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The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has issued a stern warning to political actors across the country against engaging in premature campaigns for the 2027 general elections at the expense of governance.

It described such actions as insensitive amidst the deepening insecurity, economic hardship, and growing discontent among Nigerians.

The ACF Chairman, Chief Mamman Mike Osuman, stated this at the 715th National Executive Committee, NEC meeting of the forum at its national secretariat in Kaduna.

The ACF chairman described the recent resurgence of violent attacks in parts of the North and other parts of the country as disturbing and unacceptable, saying, “Only recently, we were rudely astounded by the sad news of the resurgence of terror attacks and loss of lives and property in Bokkos, Plateau State; the gruesome assassination of Northerners in Uromi, Edo State; and renewed Boko Haram assaults in Borno State.”

He noted with concern that while federal authorities continue to assure of normalcy in the North-East, the return of insurgents to communities has shattered public confidence.

“These insecurities have interfered with the peaceful co-existence of our people. Farms are abandoned, schools closed, and petty trade halted, crippling livelihoods,” Osuman lamented.

ACF also expressed sympathy for victims of the recent devastating flood in Maiduguri and its environs, urging federal and state authorities to scale up emergency response and rebuild critical infrastructure.

On the political climate, Osuman decried the growing tempo of political campaigns and media rhetoric ahead of the 2027 elections, describing it as a distraction from the urgent task of governance.

“While the desire to serve is commendable, the safety, welfare, and prosperity of Nigerians should take precedence. The momentum around 2027 should take a back seat for now,” he said, stressing the need for responsible leadership that addresses terrorism, mass killings, hunger, and disease.

He called on members of the forum and leaders across the board to be courageous and selfless in speaking truth to power, likening their role to that of global moral icons such as Martin Luther King Jr., Indira Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela.

Highlighting internal developments within the forum, the chairman commended revitalisation efforts in various state chapters, particularly applauding the Gombe State chapter for its coordination and engagement during recent visits.

He also announced the creation of six additional standing committees on agriculture, livestock, education, politics, code of conduct and ethics, and the 25th Anniversary Planning Committee, bringing the number of ACF standing committees to fifteen.

“Our influence as a socio-cultural force must not be seen as symbolic. We must match our ideals with action and tangible impact,” he said, just as he tasked committee members to deliver on their mandates and ensure the forum “leaves lasting footprints on governance, policy, and peacebuilding in the region.”

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Fuel price hike: Gov Makinde announces N10,000 transport support for workers

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The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance as a palliative for the state workforce to cushion the effects of the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, Kayode Martins, in a statement released on Monday, March 23, disclosed that the governor has granted the request of the union on the issue of transportation allowance.

The statement read

“Following the intervention and formal request made by the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) earlier this morning, the state government has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance for all workers in the state.

The newly approved allowance is set to take effect from April 2026, providing much-needed relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs amid current economic challenges.

This development comes as a direct response to sustained advocacy by the state NLC, aimed at cushioning the impact of increased living expenses on the workforce.

Further details on implementation are expected to be communicated by the relevant government authorities in due course.”

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Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation bags 72years imprisonment for diverting N868.46 million security funds

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, March 23, convicted and sentenced Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), to a 72-year jail term without an option of fine.

DailyTrust reports that in the judgment delivered, Justice Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond reasonable doubt.

According to the judge, the defendant is hereby convicted as charged.

Justice Omotosho convicted Nwabuoku in all the nine counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making 72 years.

The judge, however, ordered that the counts shall run concurrently.

Justice Omotosho, who described Nwabuoku’s act of diverting funds meant for security and defence while he served as Director of Finance and Account in the Ministry of Defence as “appalling,” commended the EFCC for being detailed in its prosecution.

The judge observed that the evidence of the 9th prosecution witness that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded part of the siphoned money of over N200 million during investigation was not controverted by the defence.

Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. He became acting Accountant General of the Federation in May 2022.

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11 more arrested over Ozoro “r@ping festival”

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The police in Delta state have arrested eleven more suspects over the sexu@l ass@ults recorded during what was described as a “r@ping festival” in Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro last Thursday, March 19.

In a statement released on Saturday, March 21, the spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.

Edafe said operatives of CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence, leading to the arrest of eleven additional suspects identified as Samson Atukpodo, Steven ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others. Edafe mentioned that these latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen (15)

“The Command reiterates that preliminary findings indicate that the unfortunate incident was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the situation to engage in acts of sexu@l v!olence, which are in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations. The Command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.”the statement in part reads

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