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I’ve done my best, Zamfara in God’s hands — Governor Lawal
I’ve done my best, Zamfara in God’s hands — Governor Lawal
The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, on Friday, said though his administration was doing its best to rid the state of banditry, the fate of the people ultimately lies in God’s hand.
Lawal said security forces had covered grounds in the past few days, especially with the killing of several terrorist leaders in his domain.
“We are doing the best that we can to make sure we secure the lives and properties of our people. We are doing the best that we can, but it’s in the hands of God.,” the Governor told State House Correspondents after closed-door talks with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
His comments came hours after armed bandits killed a police officer and kidnapped an expatriate and scores of travellers, including some workers of a construction firm in Zamfara on Thursday morning.
The incident occurred when the armed bandits blocked the ever-busy Tsafe-Funtua road for several hours, shooting at moving vehicles.
Zamfara State in northwest Nigeria has been facing severe security challenges, mainly due to the activities of bandits, who engage in mass abductions, killings, cattle rustling and attacks on villages.
In 2023 and 2024, the situation escalated, with several communities in rural areas being overrun by bandit groups, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes.
The crisis has been compounded by the displacement of local populations and the inability of security forces to consistently secure the affected areas, experts say.
In response, the federal government recently launched several military operations, including air and ground offensives, to target bandit hideouts, but these efforts have yielded mixed results. Despite some successes, the bandits continue to regroup and launch counterattacks.
In his chat with journalists, Governor Lawal said, “The reality is that the insecurity in Zamfara State has existed for the past 12 years, and as a responsible government, we are tackling it head-on.
“We are doing the best that we can to ensure the lives and properties of our people. It’s an ongoing process and will continue until we end this banditry issue in Zamfara and, invariably, Nigeria as a nation.”
The Governor, who declined to list specific measures by his administration, argued that “the security situation is not something I can discuss on camera. But all I can say is, we are doing our best to make sure we handle the situation.”
He noted that the efforts have yielded some results, including killing some major bandit leaders.
Asked how soon Zamfara residents should expect calm restored to the state, Lawal replied, “I’m praying that even by tomorrow, they (Zamfara residents) can go to sleep. We’re doing the best that we can, but it’s in the hands of God.”
He also told journalists that all governors are determined to keep the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party, in one piece despite the ongoing turmoil.
Culled: Punch
By Ven Binebai
Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro is a shining exemplar of dedication and passion, his fate intricately woven with the noble mission of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). His energy is inextricably linked to the job, fueled by an unyielding love for the Niger Delta and its people. As the Administrator of the PAP, he has been instrumental in ushering in an era of peace and stability, effectively eradicating youth restiveness and militancy from the creeks of the Niger Delta.
His reputation as a leader is built on a foundation of trust, empathy, and inclusivity, touching the lives of all who inhabit the Niger Delta’s diverse geography. The direct beneficiaries of the programme have been blessed with a guardian angel, who has consistently put a smile on their faces and hope in their hearts. His methodology of service delivery is a masterclass in innovation and effectiveness, a beacon of excellence that illuminates the path to a brighter future.
As a noble son of Ijawland, Chief Dr. Otuaro’s dream is green, untainted by the darkness of corruption. His commitment to the PAP’s success is unwavering, and his efforts have been a blessing to the Niger Delta. Let the economic pirates who seek to besmirch his reputation with ill-gotten resources and cruel blackmail be silenced, and let his vision for a prosperous Niger Delta flourish, unencumbered by the machinations of envy and malice.
Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro’s leadership of the PAP is a testament to the power of visionary leadership and unwavering dedication. His legacy will forever be etched in the annals of Niger Delta’s history, a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, energy, and love are harnessed for the greater good.
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“Tantita’s Contract Not Ethnic But Merit-Based” – IYC Schools UPU, Warns Against Undermining National Economy And Security
By Divine Perezide
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, has strongly condemned the recent call by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revoke the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) in Urhobo territory. Describing the UPU’s stance as immature and divisive, the IYC expressed disappointment in what it considers a betrayal of regional unity and cooperation. The council emphasized that the contract was awarded on merit and competence, not an ethnic gift to Ijaws. They further reminded the public that the bidding process was open and inclusive. According to the IYC, Tantita’s performance has significantly improved oil production and curbed the exersabation of the environmental degradation associated with illegal bunkering. The group cautioned against attempts to undermine these achievements through ethnic sentiments. It urged the President to ignore such calls and instead expand Tantita’s operational scope to consolidate the already sprouting results.
This was made in a statement issued by the trio of Comrade Nicholas T. Igarama, Zonal Chairman, Barr. Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo, Zonal Secretary, and Comrade Tare Magbei
Information Officer, earliest today in Warri, which reads:
“Council is not only taken back by this display of grave immaturity by a critical organization such as the UPU. We are concerned that the body may have lost touch with its formation values, which include building strength in unity and good neighborliness.
“For the purpose of alarming the gullible general public with the right information, it is expedient to clarify that the contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited TSSNL, by the Federal Government was not on ethnic basis, but solely on the ground of competence.
“In fact, the contract was only awarded after an open bidding and rigorous screening processes that supposedly qualified Urhobos were not denied from taking part.
“The company has overtime lived out competence in delivering the terms of its contract with the Government, which is evident in the steady rise of the country’s oil production volume as it approaches the 2 million bpd mark.
“To refresh our memories, this same job was handled by Capt. Hosa Okunbo of Edo State for more than 8 years, covering Urhobo territories without a word from the UPU perhaps because the company didn’t stop illegal bunkering activities in their areas, that drastically reduced oil production volume of the country, making it difficult for other companies to operate.
“It is within the rights of the UPU to seek perceived benefits due Urhobo nation from all arms of government. However, doing such at the altar of whipping ethnic sentiments is a misstep, too overt to ignore knowing fully well the number of Urhobo contractors working freely without issues or blackmail in Ijaw territories.
“This blunderous misstep if left uncorrected could snowball into a sustained blackmail against an Ijaw-owned firm and a further whip up of the already existing tension in Warri and environs
“The IYC Western Zone by this means, charges the UPU to refrain from its attempt to undermine the groundbreaking achievements of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited as a frontline army in the fight against illegal oil bunkering, oil theft and protection of oil facilities within its coverage areas.
“We extend our calls to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ignore the calls from the UPU and all quarters to rescind Tantita’s engagement based on the competence and impeccable results the company has consistently produced, as this calls are born out of ethnic sentiments due to the management of TSSNL living up to its expectations.
“In fact, we call on the president to expand the scope of the running contract as Tantita’s commitment to boosting the nation’s oil production volumes is obviously unwavering.
“The council also extends its call to Rt.Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori – Executive Governor of Delta State to as a matter of urgency, intervene and douse the brewing tension in Warri and environs, particularly the coordinated attacks on well meaning Ijaws by it’s Urhobo brothers and Itsekiri’s alike.
“Conclusively, we charge Tantita to remain resolute in its course to sustain the fight against oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and its all-around impactful Corporate Social Responsibilities approach.”
Signed:
Comrade Nicholas Igarama, Chairman IYC Western Zone
Barr. Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo Secretary, IYC Western Zone
Comrade Tare Magbei
Information Officer, IYC Western Zone
By Divine Perezide
Abuja, Nigeria – July 2, 2025
A major political realignment is underway in Nigeria as leading opposition figures have formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The unveiling ceremony, which took place at the prestigious Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, drew a crowd of influential politicians and political observers. Amongst those in attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor and Minister for Transport, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
Also present was the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, along with other notable figures from across Nigeria’s political spectrum.
The event marked the formal endorsement of the ADC by a coalition of opposition leaders who are seeking to consolidate forces in a bid to mount serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 polls.
Sources close to the coalition disclosed that discussions are already underway to restructure the leadership of the ADC to reflect the interests and participation of the newly joined political heavyweights. The move is aimed creating a united front capable of galvanising nationwide support and offering a credible alternative to the current administration.
Speaking at the gathering, coalition members emphasized the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from what they describe as deepening economic hardship, rising insecurity, and declining public trust in governance.
“The time has come for patriotic Nigerians to rise above party lines and work together to restore hope and accountability in our nation,” one of the leaders said.
The formation of this alliance signals the beginning of what could be a heated political season, with the opposition setting the tone early for what promises to be a fiercely contested Presidential race in 2027.
Moredetails regarding the coalition’s leadership structure, policy agenda, and campaign roadmap are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.