# Tags

ZAMFARA GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL FACES CRITICISM FOR DISTRIBUTING N50M TO FORMER GOVERNORS AND DEPUTY GOVERNORS

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has come under fire for distributing a total of N50 million to former governors and deputy governors of the state in the spirit of Ramadan. According to sources, former Governor Ahmed Rufai Sani Bakura received N15 million, while former Governor Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi was also given N15 million. Additionally, former deputy governors, Muktar Ahmed Anka and Ibrahim Wakala Muhammad, each received N10 million. The Secretary to the Government of Zamfara State, Abubakar Nakwada, confirmed the distribution, which has sparked widespread criticism from residents. Many have expressed surprise that former Governor Bakura, who played a key role in introducing Sharia law in Zamfara and Nigeria, would accept such a sum during a time of hardship. “It’s shocking that former Governor Bakura, who introduced Sharia in Zamfara and Nigeria, would accept money when the people of the state are suffering from extreme poverty and hunger,” one resident said. Others have criticized Governor Lawal for what they see as a misuse of public funds in pursuit of his own political ambitions. “Those claiming to be in other political parties are undermining their integrity by accepting such payments. They have shown they cannot be trusted,” another resident remarked. Some residents have also claimed that the distribution is against Sharia law and that the beneficiaries should be subjected to the law accordingly. The State Commissioner for Budget, Abdulmalik Gajam, who is also a son-in-law to former Governor Bakura, confirmed the transactions in an informal gathering. Governor Lawal’s administration has been working on various projects, including road construction and urban renewal programs. However, the distribution of N50 million to former governors and deputy governors has raised questions about the prioritization of public funds.

NAF AIR STRIKES KILL SCORES OF BANDITS IN ZAMFARA STATE

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched a successful air strike against bandits in Zamfara State, killing scores of them. The operation, which was part of Operation Fansa Yanma, targeted the hideouts of notorious bandit leader Yusuf Yellow in Tsafe Local Government Area. According to reports, a counter-insurgency publication, the air strikes were carefully coordinated based on credible intelligence. A senior security source confirmed that the mission was “executed with precision to degrade their operational capabilities.” The source added that the operation was highly successful, but it remained unclear if Yusuf Yellow was among those killed. “Security forces are currently conducting surveillance to assess the full impact of the operation,” the publication said. This operation is part of the Nigerian military’s intensified air and ground offensives under Operation Fansa Yanma, aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region. The NAF has been actively involved in counter-insurgency operations in the region, and this latest success is a significant boost to their efforts.

YARI AND HIS COVENANT WITH THE POOR

By Okanga Agila Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari Abubakar’s life has been shaped by a profound sense of purpose, driven by his strong faith and upbringing. As a devout Muslim, he was deeply influenced by the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Prophet (PBH), as well as the exemplary life of his late father, Alhaji Abubakar Yari. Yari’s father was his greatest inspiration, and his teachings have had a lasting impact on his life. Even as an adult, Yari continues to draw strength and guidance from his father’s legacy, often visiting his gravesite at Talata Mafara Central Cemetery to pray and reflect. This strong spiritual foundation has instilled in Yari a sense of responsibility and duty towards others, particularly those in need. As a result, Yari has dedicated himself to serving the poor and vulnerable, driven by a deep sense of compassion and justice. His commitment to his faith and his community has earned him a reputation as a leader who genuinely cares about the welfare of others. With his strong convictions and sense of purpose, Yari is indeed a man on a mission, driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world around him. Senator Yari’s approach to governance is rooted in his Muslim faith, which emphasises the importance of giving to the poor and using one’s position to benefit society. As Governor of Zamfara State from 2011 to 2019, Yari demonstrated his commitment to this principle through various people-oriented projects and interventions. Born on January 28, 1968, Yari’s leadership style is characterized as confident, imaginative, and strategic. During his tenure as governor, he implemented initiatives that transformed the state’s infrastructure, promoting social and physical development. He invested heavily in education and agriculture, recognizing their critical role in poverty reduction and wealth creation. Yari also prioritised healthcare development, ensuring that his people had access to quality medical services. His commitment to good governance and his people’s welfare was evident in his efforts to reduce poverty and empower youth and women. Yari promoted entrepreneurship development and job creation, providing opportunities for his people to improve their lives. Through his visionary leadership, he created a peaceful and secure environment in Zamfara State, where his people could thrive. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to his constituents in Zamfara State. As a member of the 10th Senate and a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yari has consistently shown commitment, sacrifice, and political sagacity, inspiring his party to move forward with dignity and humility. A strong advocate for youth empowerment, Yari has distributed over 76 trucks of fertilisers, agrochemicals, and tools to his constituents, demonstrating his foresight and dedication to shaping a brighter future for the young and energetic people of Zamfara. His efforts to promote dialogue and foster peace across the state and Northern Nigeria have been remarkable, as evident in his hosting of a gathering of Islamic scholars, Quran reciters, and community leaders from all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara. This gathering, led by Malam Abdul’Malik Yahuza, provided an opportunity for collective prayers for peace, blessings, and prosperity in Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole. Yari’s initiatives have not only earned him recognition but have also inspired him to continue striving for justice, peace, and unity, ensuring that no one is left behind in the vision of building a stronger Zamfara and Nigeria. Through his innovative initiatives, he has provided vital physical infrastructure, including transportation, to developing communities, unlocking access to markets, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. One notable example of his commitment to his people is the construction of a bridge in Bardoki, Gummi Local Government Area, which had previously isolated the community. This bridge has not only enhanced access to essential goods and services but has also fostered economic progress and prosperity. Yari’s Ramadan feeding initiative is another testament to his compassion and dedication. This flagship program has provided sustenance to 250,000 constituents, inspiring hope and confidence across the globe. Moreover, the initiative has also distributed essential commodities to 250,000 households in Zamfara State, impacting a staggering 1,250,000 people and advancing the elimination of hunger. In the National Assembly, Yari has demonstrated transparency, accountability, and attention to detail, collaborating with institutions to ensure the effective utilisation of resources for the betterment of all Nigerians. His partnership with Visions Savers Eye Care Center has also led to a comprehensive Eye Care Initiative, providing free treatments to over 1,000 individuals in Zamfara West. The initiative is designed to enhance the eye health of vulnerable groups and provide their constituents with comprehensive treatment options, including surgeries, medications, and glasses, to restore and preserve their vision. A team player and effective collaborator, Senator Yari, in effective synergy with the Executive Arm, has fostered a Police Force that is vigilant and responsive to the multifaceted security concerns faced by the country today. This has been made possible through an enhanced allocation of funds, thereby ensuring that police officers are provided with many of the necessary resources and tools to effectively safeguard the nation with greater agility and professionalism. Conversant with the importance of water as the sustainer of families and its use for the cultivation of fields, and provision of electrical power to communities, the Chairman of, the Senate Committee on Water Resources, has used his congruence and influence to ensure the provision of safe drinking water for all Nigerians, embracing the utilization of innovative solutions towards its efficient use in agriculture, energy, transportation, and eliminating the challenges of inaccessibility and spatial distribution of water, thereby utilizing his oversight and legislative functions in assisting to close this gap. Indeed, Senator Yari is using his office today to give back to his constituents. Beyond his constituency, he has also carved a niche for himself as a dependable politician any day. He is well respected by both Senators and members of the House of Representatives for his kind gestures during festive seasons. So far, he has religiously kept his covenant with

MILITARY OFFENSIVE AGAINST NOTORIOUS BANDIT LEADER BELLO TURJI INTENSIFIES IN ZAMFARA STATE

The Nigerian military has escalated its offensive against notorious bandit leader Bello Turji in Zamfara State, dismantling his key hideouts in Fakai, a stronghold in Shinkafi Local Government Area. According to security expert Zagazola Makama, recent coordinated military strikes have resulted in the destruction of multiple bandit camps in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area. “The military burned a school reportedly used by Turji to store foodstuffs and weapons to prevent it from serving as a supply base for Turji’s network,” Makama said. Intelligence sources confirmed that Turji’s group has suffered significant losses, including the killing of his son and many of his fighters. “We killed his son and many of his fighters during the operation. I also listened to Turji’s panicked voice calling for reinforcements from seven other bandit leaders. None of them showed up, and one of his spies narrowly escaped from us today,” the sources said. A considerable number of Turji’s associates, including high-profile lieutenants and possibly family members, were neutralized during the targeted strikes. The operation, described as strategic and carefully planned, is primarily led by special forces with support from the General Officer Commanding (GOC). The special forces are supplemented by personnel from the Navy’s Special Boat Service (SBS) provided by the Theatre Command. “This operation is one of the most decisive efforts in recent times. Our forces are committed to ending the impunity of notorious bandits. This is a sustained campaign to dismantle these networks completely,” Makama said. Recent military successes have been attributed to proactive intelligence sharing and early warning systems, which facilitated the evacuation of civilians from high-risk areas, thereby reducing collateral damage. The Nigerian Air Force executed a series of precise airstrikes, dismantling crucial hideouts and significantly undermining Turji’s operational capabilities. Elite troops from Operation Hadarin Daji and the special forces unit of Operation Fansan Yamma have strategically positioned themselves along key escape routes. Credible intelligence indicates that Turji was last sighted at Zangon Gebe, where he remains surrounded by his heavily armed fighters.