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Zamfara APC Congress: Valid, No Court Can Set It Aside -Shinkafi
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr Sani Abdulahi Shinkafi has stated that the ward congresses conducted by the party at weekend in Zamafara State remain valid and that no court can set it aside as it conformed to all constitutional provisions.
This is as he stated that the former Governor of Zamfara State Abdulazeez Yari and Senator Kabiru Marafa are trying to enact what they did in 2019 and sabotage the efforts of the APC to win the 2023 general elections.
Shinkafi called on the National leadership of the party to apply sanctions by expelling them from the party.
Reacting to the boycott of the said congresses by the former Governor of Zamfara State Abdulazeez Yari and his supporters and Senator Kabiru Marafa and his supporters Shinkafi stated that their protests amounts to a non-issue as they are not registered members of the party.
According to him “ Sen Kabiru Marafa and Abdul’aziz Yari, don’t have any genuine reason to go to court because they were not registered as members of APC during the last concluded APC revalidation/ registration exercise, because after the defection of the Governor Bello Mattawalle to APC they refused to validate their membership of the party. You cannot build something on nothing, you cannot build a house without a concrete foundation?
“When you have not been registered as a duly member of APC So, what locus standi do you have to challenge the exercise in court? Since they do not have membership cards as duly registered members of APC, they lack the locus to challenge any decision taken by the party. Party register are used for the conduct Congresses and Primary election. All the party registers must be duly certified by the National headquarter of APC Abuja, their names are not in the registers.
Therefore, with this development as far as I am concerned there is no faction in Zamfara APC and the Congresses conducted last Saturday remained valid no Court can it set-aside” he added.
Shinkafi noted that “what I want to say here is that sometimes politicians talk any how and when I look at them I laugh, it is very unfortunate for somebody who has been a Governor for eight years and a Senator to look down at the party leadership, trying to constitute themselves as bigger than the party, be as an Island. What I am saying is that the faction of Sen Kabiru Marafa and Abdul’aziz Yari, are the same.
To say it clearly, I have never believed Kabiru Marafa has a faction in APC because since February this year everybody knows he has reconciled with the Abdul’aziz Yari faction thereby his faction seized to exist and all his structures has been collapsed.
“After he reconciled with Abdul’aziz Yari, I don’t think he has any faction any more. So for Sen Kabiru Marafa to now to claim that he held a congress leaving Abdul’aziz Yari it means that the reconciliation is not sincere and that there was no reconciliation, means that they are being economical with the truth.
This is because if somebody can come to the public or go to print and electronic media and even some social media Network to pronounce his reconciliation with former Governor Abdul’aziz Yari and today when the National leadership of APC came to conduct ward Congresses, then he claims to have reconstituted himself again as a factional leader, then he is truly fooling himself, his followers and the followers of Abdul’aziz Yari.
“So, to me what Kabiru Marafa is doing now I regard it as childish, because if after the meeting they conveyed in Kaduna and resolved that Hon Lawali. M Liman the former state Chairman of the party and also former state caretaker chairman of the party had resolved to back out of the ward Congress claiming that there is a suit pending before the Federal High Court and that is why they did not partake in the Congress in obedience of order of Federal High Court Gusau Division that all parties are enjoined to maintain status quo pending the determination of the suit filed before it by and large I think they have no genuine reason in my opinion not partake in the election legally, in simple terms they have forfeited their rights.
He pointed out that “the question here is how manage that Abdul’aziz Yari and Kabiru Marafa fought again, and if it happened that they fought I think Sen Kabiru Marafa should come out and tell the public of the misunderstanding that led to their fight. If that has happened, then it is very unfortunate and they are just playing with Nigerians intelligence and the members of APC.
“Another question to answer by Sen Kabiru Marafa is that how manage he now conducted a Congress when he has no officials from the headquarters of the party to supervise or monitor or observe the conduct of the Congress as it was in the constitution? Among the constitutional duty of the Independent Electoral Commission INEC, it was clearly spelt out in the constitution of Nigeria 1999 as amended, that the INEC shall supervise, observe and monitor the operation of political party, and in Electoral act 2010 as amended it was clearly spelt out that all parties primaries in Section 85 of the Electoral act, all party primaries shall be monitored, supervised and observed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)through its department of election monitoring political supervising liaison which is headed by the Director in the INEC headquarter and in all offices of the state Electoral National Commission INEC. In that case if Sen Kabiru Marafa said he has conducted a Congress, how manage he failed to get INEC officials for them to give legitimacy to his congress if indeed it happened. And again, how did he go and fabricate the names of those he claimed to have conducted the congress which were also sent by the National headquarter of APC under the leadership of Acting National Chairman of our great party H.E Mai Mala Buni
Shinkafi said that “What politicians don’t understand is that each and every political party in Nigeria has an operational guidelines and internal regulations, political parties are guided by its constitution. Each and every content of that constitution is binding on each and every member of that political party as far as the member is a card carrying member of APC. So, I urge all members of All Progressives Congress APC, to read the constitution of the party.
“There is recent by Supreme Court Judgement H.E Rotimi Ameachi faction Vs Senator Magnus Abe Faction.
In that judgment delivered on the day 5th March, 2021 by her lordship Justice Amina Augie she clearly stated that a court shall not conduct and entertain the internal affairs of a political party. So, if today Mai Mala Buni the acting National chairman has sent a delegation to conduct ward Congress with reference to the recent Supreme court judgement, there is no court in Nigeria that can give order to stop the conduct of the Congresses and National Convention of a political party and in this scenario no court in Nigeria can invalidate the outcome of this Zamfara State ward Congresses.
“A High Court Birnin Kudu had ordered INEC to publish Hon Chukwuma Umeoji‘s name as the nominated candidate of APGA for the Anambra governorship elections but the judgement of the High Court was appealed to Court of Appeal Kano Division and the Supreme court finally delivered judgement that Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo is the authentic Governorship candidate nominated by the National leadership of APGA for 6th November 2021 , and ordered that the court lacks jurisdiction to invalidate the decision of political party as it is an internal affairs of the party.The decision of a party is supreme.
On the decision of Sen Kabiru Marafa to challenge the Acting National Chairman of APC Mai Mala Buni in Court, Shinkafi pointed out “with this development if Sen Kabiru Marafa said he will go to court to challenge the APC and the Acting National Chairman, he has proved to the members of the public that he is ignorant of the supreme court of Nigeria judgement. Challenging His excellency Mai Mala Buni in court over the conduct of Congresses by the Zamfara State APC by Sen Kabiru Marafa will make no meaningful impact as they are going to waste their time and resources as they are no longer members of the APC, they have no locus standi as he is not a registered member of the APC, he is a meddlesome interloper. And there was no violation of the party’s constitution.
“But in a situation where there is a violation of the Nigerian constitution or non compliance with the provisions of electoral act 2010 as amended, then members of that political party who feel aggrieved has the right to file a suit in court to challenge the illegality of what party did. For Sen Kabiru Marafa and Abdul’aziz Yari, they don’t have any genuine reason to go to court because they are not registered as members of APC, as they failed to register during the just concluded APC revalidation and registration exercise after the defection of the Governor Bello Mattawalle to APC they refused to validate their party membership.
He debunked media reports that reported parallel ward congresses in the state.
“As far as I am concerned, there is no APC faction in the state; the ward congresses was conducted and it is over. We have done it and it is concluded.
“Our ward congresses is genuine and constitutional. There was no parallel ward congress apart from the one organized by the recognized party structure in the state”.
Shinkafi further explained that there was no court order that stopped them from holding the congress.
He said Senator Kabiru Marafa faction does not exist because there was an agreed reconciliation.
“After nine months, Marafa has come to say there is faction which I believe is not in existence in the state”.
According to him, Marafa faction of the APC did not exist any more. “Who is his factional state chairman? Shinkafi asked.
He stressed that Yari and Marafa held joint reconciliatory meetings with most of the members of the defunct G8 in Kaduna and Abuja.
“How would Marafa’s faction play with the intelligence of their uneducated followers? he stated.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the reshuffle is part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve operational effectiveness across the country.
The statement added that the postings affected field commanders, school commandants and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters.
It noted that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the strategic redeployment of senior officers, saying the move was aimed at enhancing the Army’s capacity to address emerging security challenges.
Under the new appointments, Major General WM Dangana has been named the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola.
Similarly, Major General EI Okoro has been appointed GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, succeeding Major General EE Emeka.
The statement also announced the appointment of Major General JR Lar as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola will serve as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.
As part of efforts to strengthen operational leadership and combat readiness, Brigadier General IB Buhari was appointed Commander of Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu was named Commander of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.
In a move reflecting the Army’s growing emphasis on technology and emerging security threats, Major General SA Emmanuel was appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.
Major General O Adegbe was also appointed Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
In the area of military education and institutional development, Major General KE Chigbu was appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo became Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School.
Other appointments include Major General SO Adejimi as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport and Major General FS Etim as Chief of Training at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army (TRADOC).
Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been appointed Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The reshuffle further saw Major General KO Ukandu appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison was named Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.
The statement added, “The COAS charged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authority in maintaining peace and security across the nation.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its transformation drive and commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of effectively addressing contemporary and future security challenges in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives.”
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has come under criticism on social media after encouraging Nigerians to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli, saying they require little capital to start.
Tinubu spoke while addressing State House Correspondents after the Renewed Hope Initiative’s second-quarter meeting with wives of state governors, held at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday.
She stated this while highlighting the efforts of the Renewed Hope Initiative to support vulnerable Nigerians through grants and other interventions.
According to her, beneficiaries of the initiative were given grants, not loans, to enable them to start businesses.
“We’re trying to give hope, and to start Akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant.
“So we’ve encouraged Nigerians as best as we could. What is within our hands, I have given, and I keep giving,” she said.
The First Lady said the initiative had also supported interventions in healthcare, agriculture, education and social investment.
She said she donated N2bn to tackle tuberculosis, N1bn for breast cancer interventions and N500m to address malnutrition.
“I remember giving for TB. When I heard there were so many TB cases, I gave N2 billion. To breast cancer, I gave a billion. For food malnutrition, I gave half a billion.
“So those are the things we’ve been doing and making sure we can make sure that whatever this government is trying to do, it will see the light of day,” she stated.
Tinubu added that the initiative had also provided scholarships, ICT training and support for agriculture and social investment programmes.
She urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the country’s economic challenges.
“The narrative has really changed, has changed to challenge the average man, whereas the average man is supposed to have hope. So I like the idea that Mr President say this is the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We have to renew our hope, and that’s how we renew our hope, you know, and that’s what I have to tell Nigerians,” she said.
The remarks, however, triggered swift backlash on social media, with many Nigerians accusing the First Lady of trivialising the economic hardship facing ordinary citizens.
A user on X, @ADCVanguard_, said the video showed “exactly how disconnected Nigeria’s ruling class has become from the reality of ordinary citizens.”
Another user, @ireteeh, contrasted the initiative with private-sector efforts, saying, “The First Lady is empowering people with akara, corn, and kuli-kuli, while an ordinary citizen with limited resources is equipping people to build thriving careers in cybersecurity.”
A user identified as Nefertiti (@firstladyship) said, “Nigerians are in big trouble. There is fire on the mountain but the people are tired of running.”
See also Fire guts Anambra timber market
However, some social media users, especially on X, defended the First Lady, insisting there was nothing wrong with encouraging Nigerians towards such businesses.
A user, @Akikanju1568901, said akara is “one of the most lucrative businesses in Nigeria,” with a low startup cost and high profit margin, adding that “akara sellers sent many kids… to universities, built houses, bought cars.”
Another user, @PemiOladapo, said, “There’s dignity in labour… these are our local snacks! People should start it and scale it!”
A user, @TossynBankz_, however, argued that the criticism was not about the businesses themselves but about timing.
“Nobody is mocking akara, roasted corn, or kuli-kuli. Those are honest businesses. The problem is that Nigerians are asking for a better economy, more jobs, and lower prices. Telling people to start selling akara in this situation just feels like the government doesn’t understand what people are going through,” the user wrote.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Scores of buildings obstructing natural waterways in Onitsha and Ogidi are facing demolition as the Anambra State Government steps up efforts to permanently tackle flooding and erosion in the affected communities.
The affected areas are located in Onitsha North, Onitsha South and Idemili North Local Government Areas, where authorities say illegal developments have worsened recurring flood disasters.
The state government also warned land grabbers and property speculators to desist from activities that contribute to environmental degradation and undermine approved urban development plans.
The warning came during a joint inspection of flood- and erosion-prone communities in Ogidi and Onitsha by the Commissioners for Works and Infrastructure, Physical Planning and Urban Development, and Environment.
The inspection team visited several vulnerable locations, including Ogidi Market, Building Materials Market, Opi Stream, the Marine Area and Trans-Nkisi Layout, to assess the extent of damage and identify areas requiring urgent intervention.
Speaking during the inspection, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, said Phases Two and Three of the Ogidi Flood Control Project had been completed, while the design for Phase One was ready. He assured residents that the government was committed to providing a lasting solution to the perennial flooding in the area.
Ezeobi blamed much of the erosion damage on land grabbing, unregulated developments and alterations to approved master plans. He urged property owners to preserve designated drainage corridors and support ongoing government remediation efforts.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, disclosed that investigations revealed that some traders at the Building Materials Market in Ogidi had erected plazas and shops on designated drainage channels, obstructing the natural flow of stormwater and worsening flooding.
He warned that all structures encroaching on waterways would be removed to enable the government reclaim and restore critical drainage networks in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of building clean, orderly and sustainable communities.
Ojukwu also expressed concern over the growing threat of gully erosion in Trans-Nkisi GRA, Onitsha, describing environmental degradation as a major challenge requiring urgent intervention and strict compliance with planning regulations.
The Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Clem Aguiyi, identified illegal construction, indiscriminate waste disposal and the destruction of vegetation that naturally controls erosion as major factors worsening flooding and erosion across the state.
He called on residents to take collective responsibility by planting erosion-control trees, protecting drainage infrastructure and supporting government initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable environmental management.
The International Human Right Protection Service (IHRPS), Anambra State Chapter, has raised concern over the plight of Nigerians allegedly stranded in South Africa amid renewed xenophobic attacks, urging the Federal Government to urgently evacuate affected citizens and provide each returnee with a N5 million resettlement package.
The group claimed that since the first evacuation flight, no further arrangements have been made to bring more Nigerians home, leaving many stranded despite continued attacks and growing fears for their safety.
It also appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, to intensify efforts to protect Nigerian citizens in South Africa and facilitate their safe return.
The organisation, in a statement signed by its Anambra State Chairman, Hon. Dr. Amb. Prince Ekwunife, and Director of Special Duties, Mr. Ikenna-Daniel Okonkwo, said many Nigerians had lost their livelihoods, sold their properties, and were living in fear following recurring xenophobic attacks. It urged the Federal Government to provide a N5 million starter package for each returnee to help them rebuild their lives.
Recent criticisms of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) over the oil spill in Bille Kingdom have generated considerable public debate. While concerns about environmental degradation and the welfare of affected communities are valid and deserve attention, it is important that public discourse on the matter is guided by facts, a clear understanding of institutional responsibilities, and the realities of environmental remediation in the Niger Delta.
Bille Kingdom, like many communities in the Niger Delta, has faced the devastating consequences of oil spills over the years. These incidents have impacted livelihoods, fishing activities, farmlands, and the overall ecosystem upon which residents depend. Understandably, community members and stakeholders expect swift interventions from government agencies and development institutions.
However, attributing sole responsibility for responding to oil spills to the NDDC overlooks the specific mandates assigned to various agencies within Nigeria’s environmental and petroleum sectors.
The NDDC was established primarily as an interventionist agency tasked with facilitating sustainable development in the Niger Delta through infrastructure projects, social programmes, economic empowerment initiatives, and regional development planning. While environmental sustainability forms part of its developmental agenda, the direct containment, investigation, and cleanup of oil spills are responsibilities that largely fall under regulatory agencies and oil operators, in accordance with existing laws and environmental regulations.
This distinction is crucial. Oil spill response typically involves technical assessments, environmental impact studies, joint investigation visits, remediation procedures, and regulatory approvals. These processes are often coordinated by specialised environmental agencies in collaboration with oil companies operating in the affected areas. The NDDC’s involvement is generally complementary, focusing on long-term development interventions, community support programmes, and, where applicable, environmental restoration initiatives.
Furthermore, it is important to recognise that the NDDC has invested significant resources over the years in projects aimed at improving the quality of life in the Niger Delta communities. Across the region, the Commission has undertaken road construction, educational support programmes, healthcare initiatives, skills acquisition schemes, and various environmental projects designed to address the developmental deficits that have historically plagued oil-producing communities.
Critics are right to demand accountability and effective action whenever environmental disasters occur. Public institutions must remain responsive to citizens’ concerns, and affected communities deserve transparency in efforts to address ecological damage. Nevertheless, constructive criticism should be based on an accurate understanding of each institution’s statutory role.
Holding the NDDC responsible for functions outside its primary mandate risks diverting attention from those entities legally obligated to prevent, manage, and remediate oil spills.
Rather than assigning blame without a full appreciation of institutional responsibilities, stakeholders should encourage greater collaboration among oil companies, environmental regulators, state and federal authorities, community leaders, and development agencies, including the NDDC. Such collaboration offers the most practical pathway toward lasting environmental restoration and sustainable development in Bille Kingdom and the wider Niger Delta.
The people of Bille Kingdom deserve solutions, not confusion over mandates. As discussions continue, it is essential that all parties focus on facts, accountability, and coordinated action that delivers meaningful relief and long-term environmental recovery for affected communities.
Martins Ogolo
Public Affairs Analyst
martins.ogolo@yahoo.com
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