Former Chief Security Officer to late military Head of State General Sani Abacha, Major (Dr.) Hamza Al Mustapha Thursday, emerged as the Flag Bearer of the Action Aliance (AA) ahead of the forthcoming 2023 Presidential Election.
Two out of the four aspirants, Dr. Felix Osakwe and Dr. Tunde Anifowose stepped down for Dr. Al-Mustapha who went on to defeat Mr. Samson Abiodun Odupitan in the party primaries held at the Old Parade Ground, Garki, Abuja.
In the Election, Dr. Al-Mustapha polled a total of 506 votes while Mr. Odupitan had 215 votes, making AlMustapha the Flag Bearer of the party.
In his Speech, Mr. Samson Odupitan expressed his displeasure on how the primaries was conducted, stating that he was not best pleased, but accepts the result. He went ahead to Congratulate Dr. Hamza Al-Mustapha on his deserved Victory and promised to support him as he Hopes to become the President come 2023.
Al-Mustapha was presented the Flag of the Party by the National Chairman, as Winner of the Primaries and he went on to give his acceptance speech.
“Today in my life means so much, this is the most Transparent Election against what we have seen so far from other Political Parties. This time around we must get our PVC ready, we must draw a demarcation between yesterday’s waste, chart a new course and have a Leadership that cares for the people”. He said
“If Nigeria is to move forward, AA is the Hope and creating a country where we have Unity that is real. I therefore urge Nigerians to support Acton Alliance in the forthcoming Election.” He Concluded
The Primaries was well attended by the National Working Committee led by the National Chairman, Barr. (Chief) Felix Udeze, INEC representative, zonal leaders of the party, delegates from various states and other Special Invitees.
Bandits kill 32, raze houses in Kaduna fresh attacks
The Kaduna State Government (KDSG), on Thursday, confirmed bandits raided villages and killed 32 in Kajuru Local Government Area (LGA) in the state.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, disclosed this in a statement in Kaduna.
Aruwan also debunked reports of aerial attack by terrorists.
According to him, the state government received initial reports from security agencies, that bandits attacked the villages of Dogon Noma, Ungwan Sarki and Ungwan Maikori in Kajuru LGA on Sunday.
According to the reports, the bandits stormed the area in large numbers on motorcycles, and proceeded to raze several houses, as they attacked and killed locals.
“Since the attack on Sunday, security agencies and traditional leaders in the locations had been updating the government on the development.
“As of the time of this report, 32 persons have been confirmed dead following the attack, “he said
He stated that while the government mourned the gruesome killing and burning of houses in the attacked locations, a report was published suggesting that the victims of the attack were killed by terrorists using a helicopter.
“The Kaduna State Government wishes to make a clarification based on reports received since Sunday.
“The bandits attacked the first two locations and killed 31 citizens. They then headed into Ungwan Maikori, where they killed one person and burnt some houses.
“An Air Force helicopter under Operation Whirl Punch dispatched to the area, had earlier scanned the first two locations and sighted burnt houses and properties on fire.
He said the helicopter intercepted the bandits at the last location Ungwan Maikori and engaged them as they retreated, before the arrival of ground troops to the general area.
He said it was the arrival of the air asset which deterred the bandits from further attacks on the citizens in the village, after the bandits had already killed one local and burnt several houses.
“The story that a helicopter provided air support to the bandits against the locals, is, therefore, an untrue account.
“The Government of Kaduna State, having gone through all the facts, finds it regrettable that a section of media would circulate an unverified report, insensitive to its implications on national security, law and order, ” he said.
Aruwan said eyewitnesses to the peddled report of a helicopter aiding bandits in the killing of innocent citizens were invited to present their accounts to the government backed by incontrovertible facts.
He said the military, police and other agencies working in the general area deserved commendation and motivation, rather than demoralizing allegations.
“In the last 72 hours, security forces have conducted vigorous operations in the same general area, and are on the trail of a wounded notable terrorist.
“Similarly, several kidnapped victims, including an expatriate kidnapped at a mining site, were rescued after a fierce engagement with bandits, “Aruwan said.
He said Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i, on receiving reports of the attack, expressed deep sadness and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls.
He also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
