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Ex-Zamfara Gov, Yari Blames ‘Very Powerful Forces’ for His Travails
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The man who until a few months ago was the leader of Nigeria’s 36 state governors now says ‘powerful forces’ are out to destroy him.
Abdulaziz Yari is not only a member of Nigeria’s ruling party, APC, but was until May, the chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).
As NGF chairman, part of Mr Yari’s role was to liaise directly with President Muhammadu Buhari on issues of controversy between states and the federal government. He was thus, arguably, Nigeria’s most powerful governor.
As Zamfara governor, Mr Yari challenged other powerful forces within his party to handpick his successor and other candidates of the party in the general elections in the state.
He thought he had succeeded when INEC declared his favoured candidates the winners of the governorship and legislative elections in Zamfara.
However, the Supreme Court thwarted his efforts and ruled that opposition candidates, separate from those of APC, be declared winners of the elections in Zamfara.
Three months after the Supreme Court judgment, Mr Yari now accuses ‘powerful forces’ of victimising him.
Mr Yari made the claim in a motion ‘ex-parte’ filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja demanding an end to the invasion of his residence by the EFCC.
As governor, Mr Yari enjoyed constitutional immunity from prosecution. Although governors can be investigated while in office, some anti-corruption activists have argued that there is a limit to which such investigations can go based on the immunity from arrest and prosecution granted by Section 308 of the Nigerian constitution.
Nigeria’s main anti-graft agency, EFCC, therefore, waited till Mr Yari left office, before carrying out a raid on his residence as part of a corruption investigation.
Mr Yari, whose residence was raided on August 5 by the EFCC, has now told the court that the raid was conducted without valid court orders. He wants the court to stop the EFCC’s ongoing investigation into allegations of fraud against him.
According to the motion filed by Mr Yari’s lawyer, Mahmud Magaji, and published by the News Agency of Nigeria, Mr Yari is accusing the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the EFCC of being tools for “vendetta and revenge” against him.
A 17-paragraph affidavit, deposed to by one Affis Matanmi, was attached to Mr Yari’s motion filed in court.
In the affidavit, the ex-governor alleged that “some aggrieved individuals who are very powerful” were using the AGF and the EFCC against him.
“These individuals thus decided to carry out a vendetta and revenge against the applicant including instigating the respondents against the applicant upon their spurious conclusion without evidence that he was guilty of corrupt practices as former governor of Zamfara and was in breach of the Code of Conduct Act.
He linked his travails to the Zamfara APC crisis and the Supreme Court ruling.
Premium Times
Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic extra-time winner as England overcame an unfortunate Norway to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Bellingham slid home the winning goal in the first half of extra time after a second Norway goal was ruled out by the VAR for an Erling Haaland foul.
Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead, but Bellingham equalised with a brilliant finish — although England were fortunate the goal stood after the ball struck the Spidercam during the build-up.
England rode their luck at times but will now face either Switzerland or old rivals Argentina as they seek to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
New York Times
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.
President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.
The President said the security operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised, describing the outcome as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.
He also sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal
The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
President Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from the ordeal.
The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after about 56 days in captivity.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.
He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.
“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.
