By Our Political Reporter

A former Councillor of Bolari East Ward in Gombe Local Government Area, Hon. Abusafiyan Muhammad, has expressed deep gratitude to Almighty Allah, the government, and the people of his constituency following the completion of his service in office.

In a heartfelt message, Hon. Abusafiyan first gave thanks to Allah (SWT) for granting him life, good health, and the opportunity to serve his people for two years as Councillor representing Bolari East.

He also extended his appreciation to the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for the trust and opportunity given to him to serve as a member of the Bolari East executive council between 2022 and 2023. He further acknowledged the Governor’s continued confidence in him, which led to his election as Councillor again in 2024.

The former councillor did not fail to recognize the unwavering support of the people of Bolari East, particularly community leaders and residents, whom he described as instrumental to his success in office. He commended their unity, cooperation, and encouragement throughout his tenure.

Hon. Abusafiyan, however, used the opportunity to humbly seek forgiveness from his constituents, especially in areas where he may have fallen short in meeting their expectations. He appealed for understanding and prayers, noting that leadership comes with challenges and limitations.

“I ask for your forgiveness in any area I did not meet your expectations. Please pardon me for the sake of Allah,” he said.

His message reflects a rare tone of humility and accountability in grassroots leadership, as he concludes his tenure with appreciation, reflection, and a call for continued unity among the people of Bolari East.

Observers say such gestures strengthen the bond between leaders and the communities they serve, setting a positive example for public office holders across the state.

By Our Political Reporter

Nigeria’s opposition political parties have issued a strongly worded communiqué, the “Ibadan Declaration,” at the end of a high-stakes National Summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where they vowed to resist what they described as attempts to turn Nigeria into a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The summit, which brought together leaders of several opposition parties, expressed deep concern over what they called “existential threats” to Nigeria’s democracy under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging growing democratic backsliding and political exclusion.

In the communiqué, the opposition accused the APC of orchestrating moves to entrench political dominance, including alleged efforts to impose President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate for 2027. The parties, however, declared their determination to field candidates in all elective positions, including the presidency.

A key resolution of the summit was the intention to pursue a unified opposition presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. According to the declaration, such a candidate would be collectively agreed upon and supported by all participating parties as part of a broader strategy to “rescue the nation and its struggling citizens.”

The opposition also took direct aim at the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly its Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, whom they accused of exhibiting bias in favour of the ruling party. They demanded his immediate removal from overseeing the 2027 elections, warning that continued confidence erosion in the electoral umpire could trigger nationwide unrest.

“The continuous stay of the INEC Chairman in office is vexatious and capable of triggering widespread crisis,” the communiqué stated.

The summit further called on the National Assembly to urgently review the Electoral Act 2026, insisting that certain provisions undermine electoral integrity and contradict constitutional guarantees.

In another key resolution, the opposition demanded the immediate release of all detained or harassed politicians facing bailable offences, arguing that such actions violate democratic rights and political inclusivity.

They also rejected recent INEC guidelines governing election timelines, describing them as deliberately structured to constrain opposition activities. The parties demanded an extension of the deadline for party primaries to the end of July 2026.

Despite their strong criticisms, the opposition summit commended Nigerians for their resilience and willingness to support democratic change, pledging to work with citizens to “free the country from state capture.”

The declaration concluded with appreciation to the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the people of Oyo State for hosting the summit described as “epochal” by participants.

Signed by chairmen of the participating opposition parties, the Ibadan Declaration is expected to intensify political tension as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for what may become one of the most competitive electoral cycles in recent history.

By Our Correspondent

In a powerful demonstration of grassroots development and youth empowerment, the Attajiri Development Foundation has disbursed over ₦30 million to 60 beneficiaries across Balanga and Biliri Local Government Areas of Gombe State, providing each recipient with ₦500,000 to boost their businesses and livelihoods.

The intervention, which targeted youths and women, has been widely applauded as a bold step toward promoting entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and sustainable economic growth within local communities. Beneficiaries were carefully selected based on their commitment to enterprise and readiness to expand their ventures, reflecting a strategic approach to ensuring long-term impact.

Reacting to the initiative, the Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone E, Muazu Hina, commended the effort and described it as both “remarkable and instructive.” He noted that the empowerment came from Hon. Alfred John Attajiri, an individual not currently occupying any public office, making the gesture even more significant.

Muazu Hina challenged politicians holding public office to rise to their responsibilities and deliver meaningful dividends of democracy to the people they represent. According to him, Attajiri’s intervention serves as a wake-up call to elected leaders who have access to public resources but have yet to make comparable impact in their constituencies.

“This act of generosity and commitment to grassroots development clearly reflects true leadership, compassion, and a vision for community growth,” Hina stated, adding that such initiatives are critical at a time when many young Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship and limited opportunities.

The student body further called on politicians, philanthropists, and business leaders across the country to emulate Attajiri’s example by investing more in youth and student empowerment, emphasizing that national development is closely tied to the wellbeing and productivity of young people.

In a statement, Hon. Alfred John Attajiri reaffirmed his commitment to initiatives that uplift lives and foster shared prosperity. He stressed that empowering youth and women remains central to building resilient communities and driving inclusive development.

“This is not just about financial support; it is about creating opportunities, restoring dignity, and encouraging productivity among our people,” he said.

The foundation noted that the empowerment programme is part of a broader, ongoing effort to deliver tangible change at the grassroots level, with more interventions planned in the future.

As reactions continue to pour in, many observers see the initiative as a model for people-oriented leadership—one that prioritizes impact, accountability, and sustainable development over rhetoric.