The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has raised alarm over the dire socio-economic conditions in northern Nigeria, blaming the recent naira devaluation, rising inflation, removal of petroleum subsidies, and increased electricity tariffs for exacerbating the suffering of the region’s populace.

At a recent community engagement program in Katsina State, President of the CNG, Jamilu Charanchi, stated that “Nigeria is no longer working,” emphasizing the widespread hardship faced by citizens who can barely afford a meal.

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“We cannot afford to be silent anymore; the challenges we face are immense. Insecurity has become a pervasive threat in the north,” Charanchi remarked during the event themed “Imperative of Popular Participation in Tackling Socio-Economic Challenges Bedeviling Nigeria Through Community Solutions.”

He underscored the urgent need for community-led initiatives to tackle the region’s issues, particularly given the failure of political leaders to effectively address these problems.

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Despite the north’s rich cultural heritage and abundant resources, Charanchi highlighted that the region remains underdeveloped, plagued by drug abuse, youth unrest, poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy.

He pointed out that ongoing issues, such as rising banditry and insecurity, have persisted despite various interventions, including a roundtable discussion on insecurity held in January 2024.

Charanchi criticized the recent economic measures, stating that the devaluation of the naira and inflation have led to widespread job losses and deepened poverty.

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He attributed the violent protests that have erupted across the country to years of leadership decay and failure to leverage the region’s potential for development.

“Northern Nigeria has faced a collapse of social values and immorality that has contributed to a leadership crisis, resulting in high numbers of out-of-school children and rampant insecurity,” he noted.

To remedy these persistent challenges, the CNG advocates for a shift from government-led to community-based solutions that focus on comprehensive assessments and coordinated efforts to tackle the root causes of the region’s issues.

At the event, Katsina State Governor’s representative, Commissioner for Information Bala Zango, praised the administration of Governor Dikko Radda for its initiatives aimed at improving socio-economic conditions.

He highlighted scholarship programs for underprivileged students pursuing medical and AI studies abroad, as well as the establishment of a ministry for internal security and the deployment of over 1,500 Community Watch Corps to combat insecurity.

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Zango also noted significant investments in agriculture, stating that the Radda administration has allocated over N30 billion for agricultural development and employed 7,000 teachers while renovating schools and providing essential learning materials.

The House of Representatives has initiated steps to create the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages, following the first reading of a bill on Thursday.

The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and eight other lawmakers, aims to establish a university dedicated to the study and promotion of Nigerian languages and cultures.

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According to Section 11, Part I of the proposed bill, the university will “Encourage the advancement of learning and provide equal access to higher education in Nigerian languages and cultures, regardless of race, creed, gender, or political beliefs.”

The bill also outlines provisions for regular visitations, with Section 14(2) requiring the President of Nigeria, as the Visitor to the university, to conduct a formal review of its operations at least once every five years.

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The President will have the authority to appoint individuals to carry out these visitations as deemed necessary.

Section 14(3) mandates that the university fully cooperate and provide necessary assistance during these reviews.

The President will also hold the power to remove members of the university’s governing council, excluding the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor, according to the bill’s provisions.

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The university is expected to offer a range of academic programs, including diplomas, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees.

These programs will focus on the development of skills in Nigerian languages, aiming to produce graduates equipped to use and promote local languages for national development.

In addition to educational goals, the institution will act as a catalyst for research, innovation, and the conservation of Nigeria’s linguistic and cultural heritage.

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It will work alongside other national institutions involved in the development and promotion of Nigerian languages.

The bill emphasizes the need for sound foundational training in Nigerian languages, with a strong focus on teaching, research, outreach programs, and continuing education.

Section 1(2) highlights the university’s mission to produce high-caliber professionals in Nigerian languages, foster community engagement, and advance knowledge in this field.

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The bill also includes provisions for removing council members due to misconduct or inability to perform their duties, subject to the President’s approval, based on recommendations from the university council.

This bill will be considered for a second reading in the coming weeks.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has suspended several high-profile members, including the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the party’s 2019 governorship candidate, David Lyon, over allegations of anti-party activities and factionalism.

The suspensions were announced by the APC executives in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas, with the affected members accused of working against the party’s interests at the state level.

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In Ekeremor LGA, APC Chairman Mitin Eniekenemi confirmed the suspension of Senator Lokpobiri and the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Power, Engr. Karin Kumoko.

He stated that the decision was based on the findings of a disciplinary committee established in accordance with Article 21.3(1) of the APC Constitution.

Similarly, the APC executives in Southern Ijaw LGA also suspended David Lyon, along with the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barr. Peres Biewari, and six other party members for gross misconduct and anti-party activities.

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The allegations centered around their conduct during the 2020 Bayelsa State bye-election, where they were accused of undermining the party’s efforts.

The party leadership noted that investigations are still ongoing, and further revelations regarding other members involved in anti-party activities will be made public as inquiries are completed.

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Friday as the Integrity Faction announced the appointment of Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the party’s new Acting National Chairman.

Yayari, PDP New Acting Chairman

Earlier on Friday, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, suspended two key officials—National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba—on charges of anti-party activities.

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In a swift response, a rival faction within the NWC, represented by Ologunagba, issued a statement announcing the suspension of Damagum and National Secretary Sam Anyanwu for similar accusations.

Ologunagba, speaking on behalf of the Integrity Faction, declared that Mohammed’s appointment would take effect immediately, in accordance with the party’s constitution, amended in 2017.

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The statement reads: “Following the suspension of Ambassador Illiya Damagum as the Acting National Chairman of our great party, the PDP, the National Working Committee has approved the appointment of Alhaji Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as Acting National Chairman. This appointment takes immediate effect and is in line with the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).”

The Integrity Faction called on party members and stakeholders to remain united during this period as preparations are underway for the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24, 2024.