Category: Daily Trust

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has said when President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, Nigeria was almost drowning.

Speaking at the APC Governors’ Forum stakeholders meeting on Friday, Uzodimma said Tinubu took bold decisions and introduced policies that have made Nigeria rich again.

He said Tinubu discovered the cancer that held the country down and took bold decisions as a bold leader.

‘Since 2023, the Asiwaju government came into office, and he met a Nigeria that was almost drowning, and what was required was a bold leader who would be able to make decisions,’ he said. ‘And he discovered the cancer that held Nigeria hostage, and he took that bold decision of removing the fuel subsidy, of unifying the exchange rate, of rolling out so many reforms, and the fiscal policies that made Nigeria, which was almost broke, gradually now becoming rich again.’

Nigeria’s economic situation have been viewed from different lens.

While governors have been receiving huge federal allocations under Tinubu, the ordinary Nigerians have been lamenting about hardship as a result of inflation which has reduced purchasing power.

Absolving himself from the economic constraint, Tinubu once told Nigerians to hold their governors and local government chairmen responsible.

According to the President, ‘We are running a constitutional democracy. I will appeal to you to summon the governors. I am doing my very best to enhance the revenue base of the country. They must equally be sympathetic, and they must urgently consider the needs of the local people.

‘People reside in the local communities. That is where they work, farm, and live. If the local governments are not effective in delivering services; as leaders, we must not hang on to the numbers. We have 774 local government areas, but are they truly effective? Do they solve problems for Nigerians? Do they coordinate development programming with the state and federal governments?

‘Who is being held accountable for the performance of the 774 local governments? Maybe we should look at recalibrating. What was good four years ago may not be good today. When we want the votes, we go to the locals; when we get the votes, we move to and focus on Abuja.’

Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Kabi has been re-elected as the President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the FCT for another four-year tenure.

His re-election took place during the union’s 8th Quadrennial delegates conference held in Abuja.

Among other re-elected executives are Comrade David Jezhi Iyah as State Deputy President, Comrade Hannatu Abdullahi, Chairperson of the Women Committee, Bala Mohammed Tukura, State Treasurer, Gideon Musa, State Trustee, Esuwa Asher, Auditor, and seven others.

In his speech at the end of the election, the re-elected FCT NULGE President, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Kabi, appreciated the delegates for finding him and other executives worthy of re-election to pilot the affairs of the union for another fresh four years.

He said the union’s paramount interest would continue to be that of the members, saying the union will continue to remain focused despite some unnecessary distractions.

‘And to the teeming staff of the FCT unified service, we are grateful for keeping us on our toes to do better. We have never and will never take you or your individual/collective advice for granted; we filter them and make use of the best option and approach in the collective interest of all of us as public servants,’ he said.

The federal government said yesterday that it had not completed the process for the clemency recently announced for Maryam Sanda and 81 others.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had granted a presidential pardon and clemency to 175 persons following the endorsement of the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM) by the National Council of State which met Thursday last week.

The committee, according to a statement by a presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, had reviewed 294 cases, recommending clemency for 82 inmates, pardon for 2, reduction of prison terms for 65, commutation of 7 death sentences to life imprisonment and posthumous pardon for 15 ex-convicts, including the Ogoni Nine.

In a statement yesterday, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, emphasised that the exercise had not been concluded.

This is just as some lawyers have alleged that the announcement of the clemency review was an attempt to hoodwink Nigerians.

There had been public outcry over the list of beneficiaries of the presidential pardon/clemency, with many Nigerians questioning the rationale behind the decision.

Fagbemi also clarified that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise had been released from custody.

He stated: ‘The process remains at the final administrative stage, which includes a standard review to ensure that all names and recommendations fully comply with established legal and procedural requirements before any instrument of release is issued.

‘It is important to note that the last stage of the exercise, after approval by the Council of State, is the issuance of the instrument for the implementation of the decision concerning each beneficiary. This stage affords an opportunity for a final look at the list for remedial purposes, if any, before the instrument is forwarded to the Controller-General of Corrections for necessary action.

‘This verification process is part of the standard protocol and reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence.

‘The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice appreciates the public’s vigilance and constructive feedback, which continue to strengthen institutional integrity. Public engagement is always welcome, as it demonstrates that Nigerians care deeply about justice and good governance.

‘There is no delay in the process; it is simply following the law to the letter to ensure that only those duly qualified benefit from the President’s mercy. As soon as all legal and procedural checks are concluded, the public will be duly informed. The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness.’

The beneficiaries

Among the 82 persons granted clemency are Maryam Sanda, aged 37, sentenced to death in 2020 for culpable homicide and had spent six years, eight months at Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre; Aluagwu Lawrence, aged 47, sentenced for Indian hemp (selling) in 2015; Ben Friday, aged 60, sentenced to 3 years or N1.3 million fine for marijuana in 2023; Oroke Micheal Chibueze, aged 21, sentenced to 5 years (cannabis sativa) in 2023; Kelvin Christopher Smith, aged 42, sentenced to 4 years for importing cocaine in 2023; Azubuike Jeremiah Emeka, aged 31, sentenced in 2021 to 5 years or N3 million fine for importing cocaine.

Also on the clemency list are Akinrinnade Akinwande Adebiyi, aged 47, sentenced in 2023 to 3 years for dealing in Tramadol; Ahmed Adeyemo, aged 38, sentenced to 15 years for cannabis possession. Adeniyi Jimoh, aged 31years, sentenced to 15 years for drugs in 2015 and served nine years at Kirikiri; Seun Omirinde, aged 39, sentenced to 15 years for drugs in 2015, served nine years at Kirikiri; Adesanya Olufemi Paul, aged 61, sentenced to 14 years for theft and served eight years; Ife Yusuf, aged 37, sentenced for human trafficking in 2019, served six years at Kirikiri.

The beneficiaries of the presidential clemency also include Daniel Bodunwa, aged 43, sentenced in 2018 to 10 years for fraudulent intent to forge a land receipt, served six years in jail; Fidelis Michael, aged 40, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa; Suru Akande, aged 52, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa; Safiyanu Umar, aged 56, sentenced to 5 years without the option of a fine for possessing 5kg of Cannabis sativa, 2023; Dahiru Abdullahi, aged 46, sentenced in 2016 to 21 years for possession of 3 pistols and had spent 10 years in jail; Hamza Abubakar, aged 37, sentenced to 5 years for Indian hemp (selling), 2022; Rabiu Alhassan Dawaki, aged 52, sentenced in 2020 to 7 years for criminal breach of trust; Mujibu Muhammad, aged 30, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years, no option for a fine for cannabis; Emmanuel Eze, aged 49, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for heroine.

Those granted pardon include Farouk M. Lawan, aged 62, sentenced to five years in 2021 for corrupt practices; Nweke Francis Chibueze, aged 44, serving a life sentence at Kirikiri for drug related offence; Dr Nwogu Peters, aged 67; serving a 17-year jail term for fraud.

Those granted posthumous pardon included Sir Herbert Macaulay, banned from public office for misappropriation of funds and sentenced in 1913 by the British colonialists; Major-General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, age 46, sentenced in 1986 for treason over an alleged coup plot and the Ogoni nine.

Lawyers fault clemency review

Lawyers, who spoke to Daily Trust yesterday, faulted the announcement of the clemency review, describing it as an attempt to hoodwink Nigerians.

Gabriel Egbule said in the history of granting of pardon, this is the first time the process is being subjected to a review after the announcement.

‘What the Attorney General of the Federation said is an afterthought.

‘It is unfortunate that in Nigeria nothing happens; if it were in saner climes, somebody would have lost his or her job. This is shambolic and condemnable,’ he stated.

For Jibrin Jibrin Esq, the review is strange because the committee ought to have recommended to the president and the Council of State after verifying the details of all convicted persons before the president would act and approve the same.

‘As you know, the federal government did not only inform Nigerians of the decision of President Bola Tinubu to grant the pardon and clemency, but it went public with their names. So, we are now having a case of medicine after death by saying that the process has not been concluded.

‘This is not tenable, not to be believed, and too embarrassing to the government,’ he said.

Jibrin also questioned the morality and propriety of pardoning convicts ‘whose past escapades pricked the conscience of the nation.’

For his part, EMD Umukoro said the procedure is for the president ‘to exercise the powers after consultation with the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy and the National Council of State, after which it is gazetted and forwarded to the correction service for implementation.

‘Once that has been done, the next thing is to gazette it and at that point, the matter comes to a close because the formalisation has been done. Previous governments have done this like former presidents Shehu Shagari, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.

‘So, there is no hard and fast rule about it. In the instant case, it is obvious that those in government from the president and those around him, including the AGF, once that list was released and it was greeted with widespread criticism, they had a rethink and that is what occasioned this new development.

‘I think on one hand, it is good that they are listening to the reactions and the voices of the citizens, but on the other hand, it shows that the process and the consultation and the exercise were not done objectively and dispassionately,’ he said.

However, Dayo Akinlaja (SAN) said nobody should complain about the decision of the government since it is an executive act that is within its whims and caprices.’

The Katsina Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confirmed the death of one of its officers, whose body was reportedly found on Wednesday at the Murjani Hotel in Katsina metropolis.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, B. Musa, confirmed the death but said the information was first communicated to the command by the deceased’s family.

‘All I know is that the officer died. We were informed by his family that he passed away. As for where or how he died, they did not tell us,’ Mr. Musa said.

When asked if the family disclosed the cause of death, he replied, ‘I don’t know. They didn’t tell us,’ he said while speaking to newsmen.

Mr. Musa also said he could not confirm reports that the officer’s body was deposited in a hospital. ‘I don’t know about that one,’ he added.

He, however, confirmed that the late officer had been buried. ‘I think it was today because we just received information that our officer died and has been buried according to Islamic rites. That’s what I know,’ he said.

He added that the command was still processing internal documentation related to the incident.

Ananse, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and with the support of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, has launched the Ananse Center for Design Lagos to empower young fashion creatives with the skills, tools, and market access to grow their small and micro businesses in the creative economy and create sustainable jobs.

The 1,200-square-meter facility Center, located at 10A Nike Art Gallery Road, Lekki Ikate, will help amplify Ananse’s wider goal to enable more than 5,000 emerging fashion and design-focused creatives and create access to 50,000 jobs, with seventy percent of participants being young women.

This initiative will address critical gaps in the fashion industry and serve as a hub for creativity, skills development, and entrepreneurship, further driving innovation and inclusion within Nigeria’s fashion industry. Participants of the training program will benefit from 22 courses across five modules: Business Skills, Business Development, E-commerce, Marketing, and Product Development, delivered both physically at the Center’s fashion hub and virtually through interactive live sessions.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ananse, Samuel Mensah, Samuel Mensah in a statement said, ‘The Ananse Center for Design Lagos is more than a space, it is a catalyst for change. By combining training, infrastructure and global market access, we are giving thousands of young creatives, especially women, the chance to turn their talent into sustainable livelihoods. This launch marks an important step in building a future where African design thrives locally and globally.’

The new Center will feature training rooms for mentorship and masterclasses, content studios to amplify brands, photography and Computer-Aided Design labs for product development, and specialized studios for leather, clothing, shoes, and bags.

A private showroom will provide space to showcase designs, while co-working spaces will foster collaboration and peer learning. Though anchored in Lagos, the center will welcome participants from across the continent and has made affordability and accessibility central to its model, ensuring that vulnerable groups, including displaced people, can participate and benefit.

‘Our partnership with Ananse and the unveiling of the Center for Design Lagos reflects the Mastercard Foundation’s strategic commitment to the creative sector as a catalyst for youth opportunity. By bringing together training, infrastructure, and access to markets, the Centre creates pathways for young people, especially young women, to thrive, build sustainable livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to inclusive economic growth,’ said Rosy Fynn, Country Director, Nigeria Program, Mastercard Foundation.

Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy said, ‘The launch of the Ananse Center for Design Lagos aligns with our commitment to advancing Nigeria’s creative economy. By investing in skills, facilities and global visibility for our designers, we are creating jobs, supporting women and youth, and ensuring Nigerian creativity is recognized on the world stage. Our collaboration with Ananse will help scale this model across the country and secure lasting impact for the sector.’

Nurse anesthetists in Nigeria have raised the alarm over what they described as a looming collapse in anesthesia services nationwide due to increasing neglect, poor working conditions, and the unrelenting effects of the ‘JAPA’ syndrome.

Anesthetists nurses are specialists who provide anesthesia and pain management to patients before, during and after operations and surgical procedures.

But many of them have migrated abroad so as to seek better opportunities.

Speaking at the 17th National Scientific Conference of the Nigeria Association of Nurse Anesthetists (NANA) in Kaduna, the association’s National Chairman, Ejigah Ogbaje, Friday, painted a bleak picture for the profession future if urgent reforms were not implemented.

‘The lack of anesthesia personnel still stares us in the face, made even worse by the JAPA syndrome,’ Ogbaje said. ‘Facilities are losing experienced hands daily, and the few left are stretched thin, with no replacements in sight.’

Nurse anesthetists, introduced into the healthcare system in the 1970s to fill a critical personnel gap, have since become the backbone of anesthesia delivery in many Nigerian hospitals.

According to Ogbaje, they run 24-hour call duties, contribute to disaster response, train other medical professionals, and carry out critical research.

He said despite their indispensable role, they face institutional neglect and rising discrimination.

‘Some hospitals have stopped employing nurse anesthetists altogether. Their job adverts don’t even list us anymore,’ he lamented. ‘Others tactically discourage nurses from specialising in anesthesia, pushing them into other fields.’

He added that when nurse anesthetists retire, they are often not replaced, leaving those remaining overwhelmed by long shifts, inadequate rest, and minimal support.

‘The call duty allowance is not in any way commensurate with the physical and mental toll of our work,’ he said.

More troubling, Ogbaje noted, is that some centres where nurse anesthetists pioneered anesthesia services have now restricted them from practising.

He appealed to hospital administrators and policymakers to urgently intervene by creating a more conducive work environment and offering better employment terms to nurse anesthetists.

His sentiments were echoed by Comrade Yakubu Ishaku, Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, who urged nurses to remain committed to professional development despite challenges.

‘I encourage all nurses to create time to advance academically,’ he said, while also calling on hospital managements to support staff education without bias.

Kaduna State Government, represented by Director of Nursing Services, Nancy Kukah, reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the state.

‘We are proud to host this important gathering,’ Kukah said. ‘The state government is ever ready to partner with professional associations like NANA to enhance health sector performance.’

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under the special enforcement initiative Operation Whirlwind, has intercepted two trucks carrying a total of 120,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) suspected to have been diverted from their documented destination.

According to the Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind for Zone B, Mr. Kola Olawole, the trucks, each loaded with 60,000 litres of PMS, were intercepted along the Sokoto-Illela Road on October 4.

The fuel was originally documented for delivery in Kano, but was diverted en route to Sokoto State.

Speaking to journalists on Friday in Sokoto, Olawole revealed that the drivers of the trucks, bearing registration numbers DKA 309 XA and GSW 321 XA, fled the scene when operatives attempted to apprehend them. Olawole said, ‘Our investigation indicates the PMS was being diverted for smuggling through the Illela border.

‘The offenses involve irregular routing and documentation anomalies, which are clear violations of existing laws.’

He stressed that fuel diversion is more than an economic crime, noting that it undermines national development, energy security, and the general welfare of citizens.

Olawole further stated that Operation Whirlwind has significantly contributed to stabilizing PMS supply across the country by curbing smuggling and related illicit activities

He added, ‘We remain resolute in our mission to detect, deter, and dismantle these criminal operations.’

The seized tankers were formally handed over to Mr. Ali Ajimi, the Sokoto/Kebbi State Coordinator for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Receiving the vehicles, Ajimi commended the Customs operatives for their swift action and pledged continued collaboration in combating smuggling and other economic crimes.

Ajimi said, ‘This partnership is critical in protecting national resources and ensuring Nigerians have consistent access to essential commodities.’

he Command’s Public Relations officer , DSC Abubakar Rabiu Muti, said even in the face of violent confrontation that eventually led to the damage of their patrol vehicle, the officers exercised restraint.

‘On October 16, 2025, at approximately 9:22 am, our personnel were attacked by hoodlums while attempting to arrest suspects engaged in illegal mining activities. Despite being attacked, our personnel exercised restraint and pulled out of the area without escalating the situation.

‘We wish to clarify that there was no loss of life or injury to civilians during this incident. Our personnel acted professionally, and the damage reported was limited to our vehicles.

‘The NSCDC Niger State Command urges the public to disregard the false information being spread and appreciates the support and understanding of the general public in this matter. We remain committed to protecting the nation’s critical assets and infrastructure,’ Muti said.

_: The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has opened up on the recent delay in the payment of Ration Cash Allowances (RCA) to soldiers deployed in various military operations across the country.

At a press briefing on Thursday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Magnus Kangye, attributed the situation to technical and financial system glitches rather than any deliberate act by field commanders or the military high command.

He said the delay was not due to negligence or withholding of funds by any officer but rather a result of temporary transaction issues within the financial system.

Kangye emphasized that the welfare of troops remains a top priority for the Armed Forces of Nigeria and assured that every soldier entitled to the allowance would receive payment once the technical hitches were resolved.

‘No field commander will be given money to pay allowances or feed his troops and then refuse to do so. That would be against the morale and operational efficiency of our forces,’ he said.

He acknowledged that, in some cases, payments could be delayed for a short period due to system-related challenges, but he stressed that such instances were not unusual.

‘Yes, there may be a delay of a day or two in some instances because of transaction or system issues. Nothing is perfect, but the important thing is that the allowances will definitely be paid,’ he added.

Maj.-Gen. Kangye compared the delay to everyday banking experiences where electronic transfers do not immediately reflect on recipients’ accounts due to network or technical errors.

‘Just like when you send money to your family and it takes a while to reflect, the same thing can happen within the financial system. It doesn’t mean the funds are missing or being withheld,’ he explained.

He urged soldiers and the public to avoid misinterpreting such situations as deliberate attempts to deny personnel their entitlements, noting that the military hierarchy remains committed to improving the welfare and morale of troops in the field.

Kangye added that troops of Operation Delta Safe have foiled crude oil theft worth N98.8 million and apprehended 13 suspects in the last two weeks.

He said the troops uncovered and destroyed 11 illegal refining sites, seven dugout pits, nine boats, 14 storage tanks and seven refining ovens during recent raids across Delta and Rivers States.

Recovered items, according to him, include 992,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,505 litres of sodium hydroxide, 660 litres of condensate and 5,000 litres of PMS valued at about ?98.8 million.

Kangye said that 13 suspects were apprehended, while weapons, ammunition, vehicles and boats were seized during the operations.

Kangye reaffirmed the military’s resolve to sustain pressure on oil thieves, economic saboteurs and secessionist elements.

He said the troops had remained vigilant and determined to restore lasting peace across all regions

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has approved the release of ?7.9 billion for payment of outstanding gratuity owed to state and local government retirees in the state.

Governor Buni, had four days ago, conveyed the approval of N5.8 billion to the state commissioner for Finance Alhaji Mohammed Abatcha Mni, for payment of gratuity to retired State public officers.

A statement yesterday signed by Mamman Mohammed, the Director General, Press and Media Affairs to the governor, said Buni approved and directed the state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Jajere, for payment of ?2.1 billion of outstanding gratuities owed to retired local government workers covering the period from January 2020 to May 2025.

Governor Buni further directed that, henceforth, the payment of gratuities should be integrated into the state’s monthly financial schedule, indicating that all cleared payments will be made monthly, alongside the regular pension payments, to avoid accumulation of backlog of retirement benefits.

‘This demonstrates Governor Buni’s compassionate leadership and his administration’s deep appreciation for the years of service rendered by the retirees’ the finance commissioner said.

The clearance of the substantial backlog and institutionalization of the prompt monthly payment system, has provided the much-needed financial relief and restoration of dignity in labour to all retirees.

‘The Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Head of Service are working in collaboration to ensure a seamless and transparent disbursement of these funds to all affected retirees immediately’ Abatcha added.

According to the commissioner of Local government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Jajere, ‘this approval reflects the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and its resolve to ensure that retirees who have served the state faithfully receive their entitlements promptly’.

The two commissioners described the initiative as a bold financial step towards a broader economic and social agenda to ensure fiscal responsibility and priority to the welfare of Yobe State citizens, particularly those who have contributed immensely to its growth and development.

They assured prompt compliance with a high degree of transparency to achieve the government’s objective of paying the retirees their entitlements as directed by the governor.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called for the regulation of social media in Nigeria following abuse.

He expressed deep concern over the growing misuse of social media, particularly among scholars, warning that its unregulated use poses a serious threat to peace, unity, and mutual respect in Nigeria.

Speaking through the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, during the Northern Ulamah summit on insecurity and socioeconomic challenges organised by the Congregation of Northern Ulamas held in Kaduna, the Sultan commended Islamic scholars for gathering to deliberate on issues affecting the Muslim Ummah and national security, but frowned at the abuse of social media by some individuals.

‘Anyone can wake up, pick up their phone, and insult anyone, be it a respected individual, a leader, your neighbour, or even a family member. There are no laws, no consequences, and no one to challenge this behaviour,’ the Sultan said.

‘In other countries, social media is regulated. If someone posts something that causes division or incites unrest, they can be traced and punished. This is how it should be done in our country,’ he added.

The summit, attended by top Islamic clerics, political leaders, and stakeholders from across northern Nigeria, focused on tackling insecurity, promoting religious harmony, and strengthening the role of scholars in national development.

Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, President of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, said the gathering was aimed at fostering unity and developing actionable solutions to the region’s challenges.

‘We must rise above our differences. We are all from Allah. This summit is about unity, not division. The Qur’an and Sunnah guide us to work together to ensure peace, justice, and good relationships,’ he said.

Dr. Umar also warned against the growing threat of misinformation spread through social media, stressing that irresponsible communication fuels division and conflict.

He urged the public to use digital platforms responsibly to help the government and communities better understand and address the root causes of insecurity.

Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, also underscored the need for constructive dialogue and responsible engagement online.

‘Part of the problem is social media, where you find many clashes. But one should not exceed boundaries by accusing or defaming others,’ he said.

Gumi cautioned against total censorship of social media but called for the enforcement of existing laws.

‘There are already laws against defamation and false accusations. What we want is for these laws to evolve to match the speed and universality of social media,’ he added.

Among the respected clerics present were Sheikh Ibrahim Khalid, Sheikh Abubakar Jahid, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, Sheikh Kabiru Gombe, Sheikh Khalid Aliyu (JNI), Dr. Bashir Dahiru Bauchi, Malam Nafiu Baba Ahmed, and Sheikh Maihula.

Former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, urged northern communities to stop blaming the government for the security crisis, emphasising that many perpetrators of violence are from within.

Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa pledged legislative collaboration in implementing the summit’s resolutions.

‘We in the National Assembly are committed to engaging with the outcomes of this summit to enhance peace and governance,’ he said.

Senator Kawu Samaila of Kano also addressed recent international accusations of religious persecution in Nigeria.

‘Claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria are false. Even Christian lawmakers in the Senate have dismissed those allegations, affirming that Muslims and Christians live peacefully in this country,’ he said.

He further urged Islamic scholars to be cautious in their preaching, advising them to verify information before making public statements about political leaders.