POLITICS
MURIC wants return of Abuja-Kaduna Train Service
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has appealed to families of victims of train attack on the Abuja-Kaduna rail line to allow the train service to resume.
Prof. Ishaq Akintola, MURIC Director, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
“Bandits attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28, killing eight, injuring 26 and kidnapping about 300 passengers. The bandits have since been releasing their victims in batches and only 23 remain in captivity.
“Attempts by the Nigerian Railway Corporation to resume operation on the Abuja-Kaduna route was met with stiff resistance as families of abducted victims vowed to disrupt such resumption unless the victims were released.
“MURIC sympathises with families of the victims. We feel their pain. It has been traumatizing for every patriotic Nigerian and they have been praying for the victims. The kidnapped victims are in our thoughts every day.
“But no one should politicise the sad development. It is time to move on. While the Federal Government must continue to work towards the release of the 23 remaining victims, we must allow the railway authorities to resume work because thousands of Nigerians who need the services are being deprived this dividend of democracy on a daily basis. Resumption of work is therefore in the best interest of a greater majority of Nigerians,” Akintola said.
“We must base our actions on the enlightened thought of Jeremy Bentham (1907) who argued that the moral quality of an action must be judged by its consequences on human happiness. He therefore concluded that mankind must aim at the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
“We believe that it is time to apply this principle of governance and morality to the Abuja-Kaduna train attack imbroglio. It has been a very sad and unfortunate incident and we solidarise with the victims and their families. But life must continue particularly in view of the large number of citizens who are suffering the consequences.
“This is where the families of the victims need to do a rethink and allow the resumption of the train services. One major reason for this is that the disruption only serves the interest of the bandits and that of enemies of Nigeria. The decision to disrupt services was made in May 2022. Four months have passed since then and the trains have remained grounded.
“That is an integral part of Nigeria’s infrastructure. If anyone thinks he is depriving President Muhammadu Buhari of the joy of achievement in the area of railway transportation by disrupting train services, such a person is making a big mistake. It was Barrack Obama who said, ‘Hoping your president fails is the same as hoping your country fails, and it is not patriotism. Patriotism is supporting your Commander-in-Chief even if you don’t agree with him on everything.”
“Unfortunately it is another vital part of the anatomy of the North that is bleeding. Transportation facilitates ease of business and Northern economy loses crucial doses every single day that the train disruption continues. The families of the train victims should realise that only a section of the country is suffering as a result of their protestation. Train services continue to run on the Lagos-Ibadan and Itakpe-Warri routes.
“That is selective justice. But how much of this hurts FG? We must put on correct thinking caps and only rational, creative and progressive caps can make any meaning. We need caps that can enable us to think like true and patriotic Nigerians.
“People lose their dear ones every day. Kidnappers strike everywhere on a daily basis. The families of the victims of kidnapping and other attacks have never attempted to stop innocent Nigerians from enjoying the services of either a local or state government on account of such attacks. It is only in the case of this Abuja-Kaduna train attack that we find families of the victims turning on the government for a pound of flesh. We are therefore compelled to think there may be more to the train attack than meets the eyes.
“Unfortunately it is other innocent Nigerians who are feeling the impact of their demand. This is why we call on those threatening to disrupt the Abuja-Kaduna train services unless the victims of the attack are released to drop the demand.”
“It is no longer tenable. The threat has lasted too long without achieving the required result. Schools are still open and functioning in Chibok and in Borno in general despite the fact that majority of the Chibok girls are yet to be released.
“Another bitter truth is that those who refuse to allow Abuja-Kaduna trains to resume work are not punishing FG. They are punishing innocent Nigerians. Buhari does not ride this train. Neither does Amaechi. We need to be reasonable sometimes.
“We appeal to well-meaning Nigerians, groups and institutions to speak up on this issue. We must speak the truth to the families or whoever is behind the threat. The Arabs say ‘Silence on abomination is abomination (As-sukuutu ‘ala al-munkar munkar)’. Malcolm X was thinking along this line when he said, ‘I am for truth, no matter who says it. I am for justice, no matter who it is for or against’.
“Late Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto once said, ‘The greatest weapon is truth’. Isn’t it high time we use that weapon to find solution to the train impasse? Why are we not hearing any appeal targeted at the families of the train attack victims? Must thousands of innocent Nigerians continue to suffer like this.”
“The continued silence of stakeholders is not the best. It is true that we can speak truth to power. But it is not to power alone. We must be ready to speak truth to the other party too. That is why Samuel Butler (1835 – 1902) said, ‘Silence is not always tact, and it is tact that is golden, not silence.
“Permit us to reiterate that our appeal to families of the victims to allow train services to resume on the Abuja-Kaduna route should not be misinterpreted as asking us to forget the victims. FG must continue to seek ways of securing their release while Nigerians should continue praying for the safety of the remaining 23 victims.” (NAN)
By David Torough, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission has commenced an investigation into allegations of unauthorised access to its Continuous Voter Registration database following the publication of information relating to a candidate in a recent political party primary election in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the commission was treating the matter with utmost seriousness.
“The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission has been drawn to allegations currently circulating on social media and in some sections of the media regarding the alleged unauthorised access to the Commission’s Continuous Voter Registration database and the subsequent publication of information on a candidate in the recent primaries of a political party in the Federal Capital Territory.
“The Commission takes this allegation seriously and has immediately commenced a thorough investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident,” the statement read.
INEC explained that as part of the ongoing nationwide CVR exercise, authorised registration officers were granted controlled access to specific components of the registration system to enable them to carry out voter registration, transfer requests and updates to voter records.
According to the commission, such access is strictly limited to official duties and is withdrawn once the exercise concludes.
Haruna disclosed that preliminary findings from the commission’s audit trail had helped identify the user account through which the information was accessed.
“The audit trail from the preliminary investigation has enabled the Commission to identify the user account through which the information was accessed. Accordingly, relevant personnel have been questioned, and all units connected with the incident are cooperating fully with the investigation,” it said.
The commission added that it was examining all technical, administrative and operational aspects of the matter to determine responsibility and establish whether any internal access-control procedures were violated.
INEC, however, said its preliminary findings showed there was no external breach of its systems.
“Preliminary findings from the Commission’s audit trail so far indicate that there was no external breach of the CVR database, no hacking incident, and no unauthorised external access to the Commission’s ICT infrastructure.
“Rather, the information in question was accessed through valid user credentials assigned to personnel participating in the ongoing CVR exercise but released without authority,” the statement added.
The commission stressed that the incident involved the retrieval of a specific voter record and did not suggest any compromise of the wider voter registration system or the personal information of more than 90 million registered voters.
“The incident under investigation relates to the retrieval of a specific voter record and does not indicate any compromise of the Commission’s broader voter registration infrastructure or the personal data of over 90 million registered voters,” the statement said.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting voter information and maintaining the integrity of its electoral systems.
“The Commission wishes to state categorically that it takes the security, confidentiality and integrity of voter data with the utmost seriousness and remains committed to transparency, institutional integrity, and the protection of voters’ personal information,” it said.
The commission also revealed that the Department of State Services had independently commenced an investigation into the matter.
“Furthermore, the Department of State Services, on its own accord, has commenced an independent investigation into the matter. The Commission will continue to cooperate fully with all relevant security agencies and will not hesitate to refer any person found culpable for appropriate legal action,” the statement added.
INEC urged members of the public and the media to avoid speculation while investigations continue, assuring that its findings and any actions taken would be made public in due course.
Actor, Emeka Ike, had said he is prepared to take action against Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over the alleged exposure of his personal data from the portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Ike, a native of Imo State, contested the House of Representatives seat for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the Federal Capital Territory under the Nigerian Democratic Congress and lost.
Olayinka recently came under criticism after sharing what appeared to be Ike’s voter information via an INEC administrative webpage.
On his X handle on Saturday, Olayinka wrote that Ike was formerly a registered voter in Imo State before transferring his registration to the FCT.
Olayinka attached two images to the post, which many users said contained details obtained from INEC’s administrative login portal.
Some of the personal information in the screenshots included Ike’s application number, registration centre, Voter Identification Number, profile picture, name, and date of application.
Reacting during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Ike described Olayinka’s action as shocking and the height of political rascality.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
Every community benefits from individuals who are willing to shoulder responsibility, listen attentively, and work consistently towards shared progress.
Nasarawa State Gitata/Karu Constituency, one of the notable figures who has risen through years of dedicated involvement is Dr.
Abraham Habu Ekpo. Known for his calm disposition, thoughtful leadership style, and genuine interest in grassroots welfare, he represents a generation of leaders shaped by service, experience, and a desire for meaningful development.As communities evolve, expectations rise.
People want leaders who understand local challenges and who can represent them with insight and clarity. Dr. Ekpo’s background, community relationships, and development-focused outlook have positioned him as a leader whose story is worth telling not as a figure of political persuasion, but as an individual whose values and aspirations offer insight into the direction many communities hope to take.Dr. Ekpo’s journey began within the rich cultural heritage of the constituency he is to represent. Growing up in an environment defined by unity, resilience, and strong moral values, he cultivated a deep respect for community ties. His early years exposed him to both the strengths and the struggles of everyday families an experience that shaped his understanding of leadership not as authority, but as responsibility.
He has always placed a strong emphasis on education, mentorship, and steady development. These core values continue to influence his decisions and guide the way he relates with people across villages, wards, and communities in Gitata and Karu. Those who know him personally often describe him as approachable, disciplined, and consistent in his character.
Public service, for Dr. Ekpo, has never been about prestige. Instead, it has been driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the growth and wellbeing of his constituency. Over the years, he has participated in community engagement programmes, contributed to local initiatives, and supported youth-focused activities aimed at empowering the next generation.
His involvement has helped him gain a practical understanding of the challenges facing the constituency from infrastructure gaps to education shortcomings, security, limited healthcare access, and the need for greater economic opportunities. Because of this experience, his approach to public service remains grounded, realistic, and centred on long-term progress rather than short-term promises.
One of Dr. Ekpo’s defining qualities is his preference for dialogue over confrontation. He believes strongly that communities grow when people work together, share ideas, and build consensus. This collaborative approach has enabled him to maintain positive relationships with traditional authorities, youth groups, community elders, and local organisations.
His Leadership Style is Characterised By:
Active listening.
Transparency in communication.
Inclusive decision-making.
Respect for diverse perspectives.
A calm and diplomatic attitude towards conflict resolution.
These traits have earned him public acceptance and recognition as a stabilising figure someone capable of bringing people together even during challenging times.
While Dr. Ekpo’s leadership profile is shaped by personal qualities, it is equally driven by a forward-looking development vision for the constituency to serves. His outlook emphasises practical, community-centred priorities that address the needs of residents.
- Enhancing Local Infrastructure
Dr. Ekpo places strong emphasis on improving infrastructure as a foundation for economic growth. Accessible water remain essential to improving daily life and supporting local commerce. His interest lies in ensuring that infrastructure projects are sustainable, properly maintained, and beneficial to the widest number of Gitata and Karu communities.
- Strengthening Educational Opportunities
Education remains one of the cornerstones of Dr. Ekpo’s development thinking. He envisions a constituency where schools are well-equipped, teachers receive adequate support, and young people are encouraged to pursue academic and vocational pathways. Through engagement with both public and private partners, he believes more can be done to uplift educational outcomes across Gitata/Karu.
- Improving Healthcare Access
Healthcare challenges continue to affect many rural and semi-urban communities. Dr. Ekpo’s vision includes supporting efforts to strengthen community health centres, expand outreach services, and promote health awareness programmes. His focus is on ensuring that families have dependable access to medical care without facing unnecessary obstacles.
- Expanding Youth Empowerment Initiatives
Recognising the potential of young people, he is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance skills, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities. His approach emphasises practical training, digital literacy, and strategic partnerships that wil open new doors for youth across diverse fields.
- Encouraging Peacebuilding and Enhancing Security
Dr. Ekpo’s commitment to unity is reflected in his consistent outreach to various cultural, religious, and social groups. By promoting dialogue and mutual respect to strengthen social harmony across the constituency.
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has endorsed its National Chairman, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, as the party’s consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The endorsement was announced at a meeting of party stakeholders at the weekend, in Abuja , who unanimously expressed confidence in Nwanyanwu’s leadership capacity and vision for Nigeria.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Nwanyanwu thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to provide purposeful leadership if elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I must thank you for believing in me and for the confidence you have in my ability. I assure you that I will make good use of this mandate,” he said.
The ZLP presidential candidate outlined key priorities that would form the foundation of his administration, including national unity, security, anti-corruption reforms, energy development, industrialization, and youth empowerment.
Nwanyanwu identified national unity as the foremost challenge confronting Nigeria, arguing that ethnic and religious divisions have weakened the country’s cohesion over the years.
According to him, his administration would prioritize inclusive governance, restore citizens’ confidence in the nation, and implement policies aimed at strengthening patriotism and national integration.
“Our diversity ought to be a source of strength, but it has been poorly managed. My government will treat national unity as an emergency and take urgent steps to restore trust among Nigerians,” he stated.
The ZLP candidate described the current security situation as alarming and pledged to adopt a more decisive approach to tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
He promised to strengthen security agencies through improved funding, modern technology, and enhanced welfare packages for personnel.
Nwanyanwu also advocated the establishment of state and community policing structures, arguing that Nigeria’s centralized policing system is inadequate for a country of its size and population.
“If elected, I will equip and direct all security agencies to decisively confront insurgents and criminals. Those arrested will be prosecuted swiftly, while their collaborators and sponsors will also face the full weight of the law,” he said.
On corruption, Nwanyanwu promised a zero-tolerance policy, noting that corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria’s development.
He pledged to strengthen anti-corruption institutions, improve transparency in public finance management, and establish preventive mechanisms to curb the diversion of public resources.
“My administration will review existing anti-corruption laws to make agencies more proactive and effective. We will ensure accountability across all sectors of government,” he declared.
Chief Nwanyanwu criticized the country’s poor electricity supply despite its abundant natural resources and promised comprehensive reforms in the energy sector.
He advocated greater private-sector participation, investment in renewable energy, modernization of the national grid, and the exploration of Nigeria’s vast coal deposits as part of a broader strategy to improve power generation.
“Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful development without adequate electricity. My government will explore all available energy options to ensure stable and affordable power supply for citizens and businesses,” he said.
The ZLP flagbearer also unveiled plans to promote industrialization by improving the ease of doing business, supporting local manufacturing, and attracting foreign direct investment.
He pledged to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs and small businesses through easier access to finance, improved infrastructure, and business-friendly policies.
Nwanyanwu stressed that empowering young entrepreneurs would be central to reducing unemployment and stimulating economic growth.
“Our young people possess enormous talent and creativity. Government must provide the environment and support needed for them to create opportunities rather than wait endlessly for jobs,” he said.
Chief Nwanyanwu concluded by expressing confidence that Nigeria can overcome its
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