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10th NASS: Allow democracy to take charge, Group writes Tinubu
10th NASS: Allow democracy to take charge, Group writes Tinubu
A Northern Nigerian group, Democratic Watch Initiative has written a letter to the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu demanding his immediate intervention in the process of selecting leadership of the 10th National Assembly, saying that he should allow democracy to take charge in the process.
KANO FOCUS reports that the group in a letter addressed to the president-elect and signed by its National Coordinator, Dr. Sunusi Umar, said they write the letter to forestall the drift toward greater regional distrust in Nigeria, breach of constitutional democracy, due process of leadership succession through elections and rancor in the 10th Assembly.
They alerted the president-elect to the consequences of falling for the trap of a brewing cabal out to reverse the populist tendencies of his government by whatever means and tactics, saying that his administration should disregard the cabal as they are there to destroy his chances of working perfectly for the country.
The full text of the letter reads below:
His Excellency,
President-elect,
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Sir,
FALL-OUT OF AREWA HOUSE, KADUNA COLLOQUIUM
We humbly write you with a heart full of praises to the Almighty God for seeing us through a hectic journey to the dawn of a new era promised by your emergence as Nigeria’s next President.
Compelled by the emerging trends in the polity arising from the intervention of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress regarding the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, we convened a one-day colloquium of critical stakeholders at the Arewa House, Kaduna.
After deeply analyzing the situation and assessing cost of the potential complications and unforeseen consequences of the intended intervention of the NWC, the colloquium decided to take the bold but necessary step to address this letter to you in decent patriotism and love of our country, fellow citizens and sustainable democracy.
The letter, Your Excellency, aims to forestall the drift toward greater regional distrust in Nigeria, breach of constitutional democracy, due process of leadership succession through elections and rancor in the 10th Assembly.
This representation is also to alert you to the consequences of falling for the trap of a brewing cabal out to reverse the populist tendencies of your government by whatever means and tactics.
Firstly, we wish to invite your attention, as a renowned committed democrat, to the necessity for inclusive participation, respect for statutory autonomy of such organs of government as the legislature as the only basis for sustainable constitutional democracy.
Constitutional democracy as the antithesis of arbitrary rule, allows all citizens, rather than favored individuals or groups, have the right and opportunity to participate.
This informs our conviction that only a leadership of the National Assembly independently and willingly produced by the members themselves, for themselves, can douse the rising regional tensions and foster strong understanding and cooperation among the elected members.
We are of the view therefore, that the current attempt to impose leaders on people of undoubtful maturity, and proven experience, elected to represent their various constituencies in the incoming 10th National Assembly, amounts to an encroachment on the sanctity of the legislature, subversion of popular will and a negation of the democratic principle of separation of powers between executive, the legislature and the Judiciary.
We find it curious that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, itself a product of democratic election and which subjected its presidential ticket contest to elections, should now be the same party attempting to manipulate the system to one of selection and imposition.
Having come this far Sir, we feel duty-bound to call your attention to be vigilant as to the political opportunists that are bound to swarm around you with the intent of forming another cabal who are behind this scheme aiming to pitch you against your traditional political friends and sections of the country.
Everyone must be aware by now that those pursuing this undemocratic, unconstitutional and unrealistic agenda are not your friends; they are people who did not vote for you nor in anyway supported your emergence as APC candidate nor your eventual victory at the February polls.
What they are doing about the National Assembly leadership is to test the ground for a wider political agenda that aims to diminish your personal populist tendencies and those anticipated in your government.
Your Excellency may recall the incredible promises he made to the North during electioneering at the Arewa House talk show organized by the Northern leaders and elders. No one expects however that you will give to the North what it does not deserve, what we are demanding is a free environment for the exercise of franchise as the only solution to the pervasive communal distrust that is more accentuated in the North.
We believe a free election of leaders of the National Assembly by its own members would put to end the already brewing concerns of marginalization and fear of domination of other geopolitical zones in the North by others.
We submit therefore that if North despite the immense contribution it made towards the victory of the APC at the Presidential election at the expense of fellow candidates from the region does not deserve to be rewarded with the position it rightly demands in the National Assembly, there should be no justification to deny the the right to stand election to the same post.
We finally call Your Excellency to reclaim the people’s confidence in your untainted democratic credentials and commitment to entrenching sustainable democracy, restoring the glory of governance, reclaiming the sanctity of constitutionalism and respect for rule of law by maintaining the balanced and matured neutrality you are famous for.
We are confident that Your Excellency is endowed with ample experience and diplomatic wherewithal to cope with whatever National Assembly leadership may emerge through due democratic process.
Finally Sir, while we repose an enduring faith in your ability and will to change the situation in the country for the better, we pray the Almighty God to increase you in wisdom to be able to accomplish your good intentions for the country.
We pray God to bestow you improved health, protect and guide you as you embark on the task of transforming a country and repositioning the people’s life around security, the economy and social safety.
Yours Faithfully,
Sunusi Umar PhD
National Coordinator
As part of sweeping preparations for the successful conduct of the 2025/1446 Hajj exercise, the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has inaugurated a 300-member support team structured into seven critical committees to serve Kano pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at a high-level stakeholders’ orientation program in Kano, the Director General of the Board, Alhaji Lamin Rabi’u Danbappa, said the teams were carefully selected to deliver essential services that ensure safety, discipline, health, and effective communication for pilgrims.
Each of the seven committees has been assigned a specialized role, led by experienced professionals:
• Orientation Committee led by Sheikh Tijjani Sani Mai Hula, will oversee the training, sensitization, and spiritual guidance of intending pilgrims.
• Tribunal Committee, chaired by Barrister Ibrahim Haruna Khalil, is tasked with handling internal disputes and disciplinary matters.
• Hisbah Committee under the leadership of Dr. Mujahiddeen Aminuddeen, will promote Islamic ethics and moral conduct among pilgrims.
• Medical Committee, headed by Dr. Ibrahim Musa, will manage healthcare delivery and emergency response.
• Environmental Committee, led by Sanusi Kabir, will ensure cleanliness and hygienic conditions in pilgrims’ accommodations.
• Media Committee, coordinated by Ibrahim Adam, will provide coverage, updates, and documentation of Hajj activities.
• Social Media Committee, led by Is-haq Abdullahi, will handle real-time digital communication and public engagement.
“These seven committees form the backbone of our 2025 Hajj operations,” said Alhaji Danbappa. “With the full support of His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, we are confident this team will deliver world-class services to our pilgrims in line with global best practices.”
He added that Governor Yusuf has provided all necessary logistics, resources, and morale support to ensure the teams operate effectively and uphold Kano’s long-standing reputation for well-organized Hajj missions.
The stakeholders’ event drew participants from religious institutions, travel agencies, health sectors, and civil society, all committed to a smooth and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for Kano indigenes.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially launched its 2025 Hajj operations with the deployment of its Advance Team to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The team, made up of key operational personnel and senior members of the National Medical Team, departed from Abuja on Monday after a symbolic farewell ceremony at the Hajj House.
During the send-off, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Alhaji Babagana Bukar, formally presented the team to the NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman. He praised their exceptional contribution to last year’s Hajj success and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver yet again. Bukar also appealed to the commission’s leadership to maintain strong institutional support to ensure another seamless exercise.
In his charge to the team, Professor Usman urged them to treat the mission with utmost seriousness and spiritual reverence.
“You are not going there to sleep; you are going there to serve the Guests of Allah,” he emphasized. “Support each other, work in unity, and serve with sincerity. Your success is our collective success.”
He assured them of the Commission’s full backing and reminded them to carry out their duties with the fear of Allah.
Echoing the Chairman’s sentiments, Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar Yagawal, described the Advance Team as the heartbeat of the Hajj operation. He stressed the need for dedication, integrity, and impartiality in their work, calling on them to approach the task with clear purpose and patience.
On behalf of NAHCON’s executive management, Dr. Mustapha Sani, Secretary to the Commission, confirmed that the team’s welfare packages had been fully approved, assuring them of continued support throughout the Hajj season.
“You are laying the foundation for this year’s operation,” Dr. Sani noted. “Your success is the Commission’s success.”
Speaking on behalf of the Advance Team, Director of Inspectorate and Compliance and Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Alidu Shutti, thanked the leadership for their confidence and pledged unwavering professionalism.
“We are trained, experienced, and fully ready. We will not disappoint you,” he said, appealing for sustained support from the top.
The Advance Team is tasked with crucial responsibilities including securing accommodation for pilgrims, setting up airport reception logistics, and coordinating with Saudi Hajj officials—efforts that form the backbone of Nigeria’s Hajj operations.
Their departure signals a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey to the 2025 Hajj and the beginning of a meticulously coordinated national pilgrimage to one of the world’s largest spiritual gatherings.
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By Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Lamin Rabiu Danbappa, has informed intending pilgrims from the state that they should prepare to spend between 35 to 40 days in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
He made the statement during the closing session of the Hajj orientation exercise (bita) held for Kano State intending pilgrims.
Alhaji Danbappa emphasized that the extended duration is part of the organized Hajj itinerary and logistical arrangement by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), stressing that pilgrims must exhibit patience and discipline throughout the holy journey.
“We are urging our pilgrims to mentally and spiritually prepare for a stay of up to 40 days in Makkah. It is not unusual, and it is part of the spiritual obligation,” he said.
The Director General also decried the conduct of some pilgrims who, after completing the core rites of Hajj, begin to pressure the board to arrange their return to Nigeria earlier than scheduled.
“There are individuals who begin to disturb the peace of the board, coming up with excuses just to shorten their stay,” he noted.
“But they must understand that return flights operate on a ‘first to go, first to return’ basis. No one will be allowed to jump the queue.”
Alhaji Danbappa urged the pilgrims to avoid unnecessary complaints and instead focus on their spiritual obligations, warning that any attempt to create unrest or disrupt the return process would not be tolerated.
The Pilgrims Welfare Board has so far concluded arrangements for the first batch of Kano pilgrims to depart for Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks, with airlifts expected to follow a strict schedule based on departure order.
The DG also commended the Kano State Government for its continued support in ensuring a smooth Hajj operation, and called on pilgrims to serve as good ambassadors of the state and the country while in the holy land.
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