From Abel Zwanke, Lafia

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Hon. Aliyu Bello, has described Nigerian politicians as “gullible people” who often weaponise citizens for selfish interests, lamenting that those in politics are frequently branded as “jobless” by members of the public.

Bello spoke in Lafia during an interactive session with journalists on Monday, where he addressed issues ranging from the amended electoral timetable and direct primaries to zoning, defections and the performance of both the state and federal governments.

“Because when we are doing this politics, people call us jobless. They believe that if you are in politics, you don’t have a job,” he said, adding that citizens sometimes encourage unhealthy political behaviour.

“We are too gullible and the politicians use us and weaponize us to just confuse us. The moment you leave office and begin to abuse the government, people start supporting you,” he stated.

On the recent amendment to the Electoral Act adjusting the election timetable, Bello said he believes in due process and the rule of law.

“It is an Act of Parliament. Once it has been enacted into law, we have no option but to follow it. As politicians, we are always prepared for elections,” he said, noting that campaigns often begin shortly after a new administration takes office.

Commenting on the party’s congresses in the state, the APC chairman described the exercise as largely successful despite minor complaints. “In normal circumstances, it goes by consensus. If you achieve 85 percent success, you are good to go. We addressed the few complaints that came up,” he said.

On direct primaries, Bello acknowledged that while the process could be cumbersome, it remains more democratic than delegate-based systems. “Anything that is democratic, no matter how cumbersome, we have to go by it because democracy is about the people.

A situation where 2,000 delegates determine the fate of over two million people is not ideal,” he said, disclosing that over 250,000 members registered during the party’s recent e-registration in the state.

Bello also backed Governor Abdullahi Sule’s position on zoning, describing it as a stabilising factor in the state’s political arrangement. “Without zoning, some zones would never have produced a governor. It may not be written, but it is a silent and positive negotiation that we should be our brother’s keeper,” he said, adding that zoning does not prevent anyone from contesting.

On the defection of a prominent governorship aspirant to the APC, Bello confirmed the development, describing it as a gain for the party. “He has come already. He is a registered member in his ward. For us, it is a plus,” he said, while maintaining that opposition politics would still exist in the state.

Assessing the performance of the Nasarawa State Government, Bello cited infrastructure projects, healthcare improvements and civil service reforms as notable achievements.

“When you have a government that constructs multiple flyovers within two years and revitalises the civil service without borrowing, you must acknowledge the effort,” he said.

At the federal level, he defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a necessary economic reform.

“Economists had predicted that the economy would collapse without subsidy removal. Though it was difficult at first, allocations to states have increased significantly,” he said, noting that states now receive higher monthly revenues.

Bello dismissed allegations of discriminatory appointments at the federal level, arguing that similar patterns occurred under previous administrations and urging fairness in political assessments.

He concluded by calling on Nigerians to support governments at all levels rather than undermining them for political gain.

“We must support what is supportable. If you want to criticize, defend your position, but don’t weaponize the people,” he said.

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area in Kogi State, Hon. John Urah Ikani, has suspended traditional rulers, youth leaders and other community heads in Acharu, Egume District, following a recent chieftaincy crisis in the area.

According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Chairman on Media, Atogijo and made available to journalists in Lokoja on Tuesday, the decision was announced after an emergency security meeting held at the council’s conference hall in Dekina

The statement said that the suspension followed reported violence in the community, including the destruction of houses and the killing of a resident, identified as Imaye, on his farm.

All affected office holders in the Acharu community have been directed to step aside pending the restoration of peace.

The council chairman also mandated the Onu Egume/Okura District Head, HRH Chief Simon Ochimana, to assume interim leadership of the Acharu community until normalcy returns.

The local government said the measure is aimed at preventing further breakdown of law and order and stabilising the area.

Authorities have not released further details on the circumstances surrounding the crisis, but residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

From Abel Zwanke, Lafia

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Hon. Aliyu Bello, has described Nigerian politicians as “gullible people” who often weaponise citizens for selfish interests, lamenting that those in politics are frequently branded as “jobless” by members of the public.

Bello spoke in Lafia during an interactive session with journalists on Monday, where he addressed issues ranging from the amended electoral timetable and direct primaries to zoning, defections and the performance of both the state and federal governments.

“Because when we are doing this politics, people call us jobless. They believe that if you are in politics, you don’t have a job,” he said, adding that citizens sometimes encourage unhealthy political behaviour.

“We are too gullible and the politicians use us and weaponize us to just confuse us. The moment you leave office and begin to abuse the government, people start supporting you,” he stated.

On the recent amendment to the Electoral Act adjusting the election timetable, Bello said he believes in due process and the rule of law.

“It is an Act of Parliament. Once it has been enacted into law, we have no option but to follow it. As politicians, we are always prepared for elections,” he said, noting that campaigns often begin shortly after a new administration takes office.

Commenting on the party’s congresses in the state, the APC chairman described the exercise as largely successful despite minor complaints. “In normal circumstances, it goes by consensus. If you achieve 85 percent success, you are good to go. We addressed the few complaints that came up,” he said.

On direct primaries, Bello acknowledged that while the process could be cumbersome, it remains more democratic than delegate-based systems. “Anything that is democratic, no matter how cumbersome, we have to go by it because democracy is about the people.

A situation where 2,000 delegates determine the fate of over two million people is not ideal,” he said, disclosing that over 250,000 members registered during the party’s recent e-registration in the state.

Bello also backed Governor Abdullahi Sule’s position on zoning, describing it as a stabilising factor in the state’s political arrangement. “Without zoning, some zones would never have produced a governor. It may not be written, but it is a silent and positive negotiation that we should be our brother’s keeper,” he said, adding that zoning does not prevent anyone from contesting.

On the defection of a prominent governorship aspirant to the APC, Bello confirmed the development, describing it as a gain for the party. “He has come already. He is a registered member in his ward. For us, it is a plus,” he said, while maintaining that opposition politics would still exist in the state.

Assessing the performance of the Nasarawa State Government, Bello cited infrastructure projects, healthcare improvements and civil service reforms as notable achievements.

“When you have a government that constructs multiple flyovers within two years and revitalises the civil service without borrowing, you must acknowledge the effort,” he said.

At the federal level, he defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a necessary economic reform.

“Economists had predicted that the economy would collapse without subsidy removal. Though it was difficult at first, allocations to states have increased significantly,” he said, noting that states now receive higher monthly revenues.

Bello dismissed allegations of discriminatory appointments at the federal level, arguing that similar patterns occurred under previous administrations and urging fairness in political assessments.

He concluded by calling on Nigerians to support governments at all levels rather than undermining them for political gain.

“We must support what is supportable. If you want to criticize, defend your position, but don’t weaponize the people,” he said.