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Zamfara Assembly reinstates suspended member, Basko after formal apology

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Zamfara State House of Assembly, at its plenary session on Wenesday, officially reinstated the suspended member representing Talata Mafara North Constituency, Hon. Shamsudeen Hassan Basko, following the submission and acceptance of his written letter of apology to the House.

This was contained in a statement issued by the chief press secretary of the House Speaker, Comrade Bello Madaro and made available to newsmen in Gusau, the State capital.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, while reading the contents of the apology letter during plenary, sought the collective consent of the members present, who unanimously resolved in favour of lifting the suspension placed on Hon. Basko.

The Speaker emphasized that the House remains open to receiving similar expressions of contrition from the remaining seven suspended members, to facilitate their reinstatement and foster unity in the legislative arm.

Several members contributed to the debate on the floor in support of the reinstatement, including Hon. Nura Dahiru Sabon Birni Birnin Magaji, Hon. Kabiru Mikailu Dangulbi (Maru South), and Hon. Rilwanu Marafa Nagambo Anka.

They collectively welcomed Hon. Basko’s return to the House and encouraged the other suspended colleagues to emulate the gesture in the interest of legislative harmony and the socio-political development of their respective constituencies and the state at large.

In his brief remark, Hon. Shamsudeen Basko expressed gratitude to the House for the opportunity to return and pledged his commitment to the legislative ethics and discipline of the Assembly.

He further assured the Honourable members of his resolve to distance himself from any group or influence that seeks to undermine the integrity and authority of the House.

Recall that on 26th February 2024, the House, through a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Bello Mazawaje, PDP Tsafe East, suspended eight members for acts deemed to be in violation of the Standing Orders of the Assembly (Order 10, Rule 9).

The motion cited actions, including forceful entry into the offices of the Clerk and the Sergeant-at-Arms, unlawful sitting, obstruction of legislative processes, and conduct unbecoming of Honourable Members, as grounds for the disciplinary measure.

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He was my mentor – El-Rufai reveals how Buhari made him Kaduna gov

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A key member of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, coalition, Nasir El-Rufai, has disclosed how the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari was instrumental in his emergence as former governor of Kaduna State.

Describing Buhari as his mentor, El-Rufai disclosed that the late ex-President encouraged him to contest for governorship in 2014 and stood by him through his victory.

He disclosed this while mourning Buhari’s death in a clinic in London.

Posting on X, El-Rufai said Buhari stood up for Nigeria during war and peace.

He recalled how Buhari directed him to lead the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, Renewal Committee after the 2011 elections.

He wrote: “I mourn the departure of President Muhammadu Buhari. He was a leader who stood up for our country in war and peace.

“I had the privilege of working with him in the CPC. President Buhari was my political mentor. He nudged me to contest for the governorship of Kaduna State, encouraged me by attending the flag-off of my campaign in November 2014, and stood by me to victory.

“I am profoundly grateful for his support during my tenure as governor and for the remarkable access he afforded me, even during rare moments of disagreement on policy matters.”

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Nigeria’s political class destroying our country – Senator Seriake Dickson warns

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Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has accused Nigeria’s political elite of systematically destroying the nation’s democracy and institutions.

Dickson made the accusation in a speech at a one-day workshop organized by the Nigeria Civil Society’s Alliance for Democratic Change (NCSADC) in Abuja.

Dickson, who served as a two-term governor of Bayelsa State warned his fellow politicians of “unknowingly committing class suicide.”

According to him, their actions have not only weakened the nation’s democratic institutions but has also pushed the country further into crisis.

“The Nigerian political class has killed this country, and you guys [civil society] should not let it happen. “They are killing Nigeria; they are making this country look small.”

The Bayelsa born lamented the widespread practice of politicians moving from one party to another.

He said that politicians have formed the habit of manipulating institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to rig elections and silence opposition.

He expressed frustration with the subversion of institutions like the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, accusing politicians of manipulating them to rig elections and silence opposition.

“Our own democracy is the wishes and caprices of the president or a governor. They don’t even care how the world looks at Nigeria,”

Dickson slammed the judiciary, describing it as “helpless” and often reduced to reading “body language.”

He stated that court rulings have become predictable tools in the hands of those who control power.

Dickson further accused the ruling political elite of abusing federal institutions for electoral gain, using security operatives, soldiers, and the police to intimidate, harass, or even kill civilians during elections.

“They want to control INEC, they want results written for them. They use DSS, police, and the army, not to protect the people but to kill and suppress them during elections. That is the hallmark of a failed country.”

The lawmaker highlighted the growing disconnect between elected officials and the people.

He said many Nigerian politicians no longer relate to their constituents, nor do they feel accountable to them.

“They don’t even take calls from their people. Their homes are too big, too beautiful. Their people can’t even access them,” he lamented. “They know they don’t need the people to win elections. The system allows them to impose themselves.”

He charged civil society groups with the responsibility of holding the political class accountable, urging them to rise and defend democracy from total collapse.

“If a political class does not believe in free and fair elections, in the rule of law, in an impartial judiciary, then they are not just destroying the country, they are destroying themselves. That’s class suicide.”

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ADC moves to take over Imo, begins membership drive

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Imo State has bowed to take over Imo State in the 2027 elections.

The party in order to achieve it’s target has set up mechanism to admit individuals from other political parties who share its values and vision

The chairman of ADC in Imo State, Prof.James Okoroma stated this in a statement made available to newsmen, in Owerri on Tuesday.

Prof. Okoroma highlighted that the party is committed to good governance and promises to run an all-inclusive administration.

He said: “ADC welcomes individuals who share its values of progress, development, discipline, integrity, and honesty. ADC marks a new beginning, ending politics driven by corruption and deceit.”

He extended hand of fellowship to politicians to join the ADC, while assuring a level playing groud.

The 2023 governorship candidate of the party called citizenry to support and enrol with the party, assuring good governance as a reward for loyalty and consistency.

He explained that ADC’s consolidated agenda is tailored towards attracting like-minded persons and build strong and viable visibility across the geo political zones.

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