The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has expressed strong opposition to the planned nationwide protests, dubbed “Reform INEC and Sack Yakubu,” which are set to begin in Abuja.

In a statement issued by its President-General, Yerima Shettima, the AYCF condemned the protests, describing them as a deliberate attempt by some individuals to destabilize the country and undermine its democratic processes.

“It is regrettable that certain groups are exploiting a section of the youth for their own personal interests under the pretense of advocating for reform,” the statement said.

The group emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the electoral system, stressing that any unwarranted attacks on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, without credible evidence, are harmful to the nation’s democratic values.

The AYCF appealed to Nigerian youths to disregard the protest calls, warning that such actions could lead to chaos and disrupt national stability.

“Protests that jeopardize our nation’s peace only hinder the progress we’ve made. Instead, we should focus on constructive dialogue to address grievances,” the statement urged.

The forum also called on the government and relevant authorities to counter misinformation and protect the country from groups attempting to exploit the youth for personal gain.

“We must prioritize peace, unity, and progress to ensure the nation’s growth,” the AYCF emphasized.

In conclusion, the group urged all stakeholders to work together to improve the electoral process through dialogue and cooperation, rather than through protests fueled by dissatisfaction.

“Let’s unite to build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

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President Bola Tinubu has officially submitted an updated list of nominees for the Governing Boards of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) and the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to the Senate for confirmation.

This announcement was made on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

For the South East Development Commission, Tinubu has nominated Hon. Emeka Atuma as Chairman and Hon. Mark C. Okoye as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer. Other members of the board include Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Hon. Okey Ezenwa, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, and Hon. Donatus Eyinnah Nwankpa, among others. Additionally, Edward David Onoja, Orure Kufre Inima, and Chie Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma have also been appointed to the board. Prince Obinna Obiekweihe is nominated as Executive Director (Projects), Senator Anthony O. Agbo as Executive Director (Finance and Administration), and Dr. Daniel Ikechukwu Ugwuja as Executive Director (Corporate Services).

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Regarding the North West Development Commission, Tinubu has revised the earlier list and appointed Alhaji Lawal Samai’la Abdullahi as Chairman, replacing Ambassador Haruna Ginsau.

The new NWDC board members include Ja’afar Abubakar Sadeeq and Yahaya Aminu Abdulhadi, while Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji will continue in his role as Managing Director and CEO.

This revised list comes after the Senate amended the NWDC’s establishment act to ensure representation from all six geopolitical zones.

As a result, the new board includes Chukwu Chijioke, Ahmed Mohammed, Engr. Ahmed Rufai Timasaniyu, Macdonalds Michael Uyi, Yemi Ola, and Hon. Babatunde Dada.

In the statement, Tinubu emphasized the importance of these commissions in fostering regional development and expressed confidence in the ability of the appointees to deliver on their mandates effectively for the benefit of the people in their respective regions.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, announced plans to revamp the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) during a visit to the station on Friday.

The governor stated that his administration intends to modernize the state-owned media outlet to enable it to compete effectively on the global stage.

He was accompanied by senior government officials during an inspection of both the EBS facilities and various road projects in the state, including those on Upper Mission Extension, Aduwawa Junction, Obadan Junction on the Benin-Auchi Expressway, and Upper Ekenwan Road.

At the EBS station, Governor Okpebholo emphasized the need for professionalism from the station’s management and staff, urging them to offer constructive criticism of his administration whenever necessary.

He stressed that the station should serve the people of Edo State by holding the government accountable.

In an unscheduled visit, the governor was taken on a tour of the EBS facilities by the Managing Director, Suleiman Aledeh, and other senior staff.

The governor noted the challenges faced by the station, including poor electricity supply, inadequate infrastructure, and road conditions. He expressed his commitment to addressing these issues, stating, “The challenges here must be addressed. This station belongs to the people of Edo State, and it should be treated with the same importance as any other state asset.”

Governor Okpebholo assured the EBS management that alternatives for a stable power supply would be explored, including the possibility of switching to solar energy or acquiring new generators.

He also promised to look into repairing the station’s roads and either rebuilding or renovating its studio facilities.

On the issue of energy, the governor said, “I will reach out to the MD of OSSIMO Power Plant, and if we don’t get the needed support, we will explore reliable alternatives to ensure the station operates 24/7.”

In response, Suleiman Aledeh, the EBS MD, acknowledged the difficulties faced by the station, expressing confidence that the governor’s intervention would help solve these challenges.

He stated, “The mandate is clear—transform this station into a media powerhouse that competes globally, not just a government mouthpiece.”

In addition to his focus on EBS, Governor Okpebholo also provided updates on various road projects across Edo State.

He reaffirmed his commitment to overseeing the completion of key infrastructure projects before the onset of the rainy season.

The governor expressed optimism that the Benin-Auchi Expressway would be ready for use by Christmas, praising the contractors for their efforts in maintaining quality and pace.

“The work on the Obadan Junction is progressing well, and I am confident that we will meet our goal within the next two weeks,” he concluded, emphasizing that his administration remains committed to practical governance for the benefit of Edo people.