The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Wamakko donates transformer to Sokoto community

    By: Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

    The Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, has donated a 300 KVA transformer to the Badon Barade Community in Wamakko Local Government of Sokoto State.

    The donation came handy to the community in dire need of the transformer after its 200 KVA transformer was grounded for a long time.

    The new transformer, which had since been installed and energized, was handed over to the community by the Director of Administration to Wamakko, Alhaji Almustapha Abubakar Alkali, on behalf of the Senator,who represents Sokoto North Senatorial District.

    Wamakko, according to a release by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Bashir Rabe Mani, said the gesture was his widow’s mite to the community to alleviate their suffering caused by the prolonged dearth of electricity .

    Read Also: Wammako, Bindow, Aliero, Goje, 184 Reps shun R-APC

    He urged the residents to jealously guard the facility from vandals while they should use the electricity wisely and judiciously.

    Responding on behalf of the benefiting community, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Bello Jijji Bado, lauded Senator Wamakko for the gesture and pledged the judicious use of the transformer.

    The Chairman further noted that with the development, the socioeconomic activities of the residents would henceforth be greatly bolstered.

  • Hoodlums attack Kano NUJ chairman

    By Kolade ADEYEMI, Kano.

    The chairman of Kano state Correspondent Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ibrahim Shuaibu, on Thursday night escaped being lynched in Kano as hoodlums attacked him with dangerous weapons.

    Though he survived the attack, Shuaibu was dispossessed of all his valuables, including reasonable amount of money and handsets.

    It was gathered that the armed street urchins had lay siege on Shuaibu, who is also a Correspondent with ThisDay Newspapers, and disposed him of his valuables, after intimidating and assaulting him with knives and other dangerous weapons.

    The hoodlums, operating within the Kano City Centre, have become a nightmare to many residents of the commercial city in recent times.

    Read Also: Kidnapping: A very big industry

    The victim, who is in a stable condition was robbed of his handsets, money and other valuables, while​ on his way to the Health Centre at Rijiyar Zaki for treatment.

    A statement by Chapel’s Secretary, Comrade Ibrahim Garba, explained Shuaibu is alive but lost valuables, including his handsets, money and other personal effects.

    The statement added that​ Kano Correspondents Chapel urged Commissioner of Police to, as matter of urgency, checkmate the activities of hoodlums which have sent jitters into the minds and spines of residents.

    “The area Ibrahim Garba was attacked is a well known flash point, therefore the Police should take urgent action to arrest the perpetrators of this heinous act to book and retrieved back his phones and other valuables.”

  • FCTA relocates Wuye primary school to Wuse Zone 6

    By Agency Reporter

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has relocated the Local Education Authority Primary School, Wuye to Wuse, Zone 6.

    The Wuye school was under the supervision of the Universal Basic Education Board while Wuse is under the Local Education Authority.

    The Director of the Board, Dr Adamu Noma, made this known in a statement by Malam Kabiru Musa, Assistance Director of information, FCT, Education Secretariat, on Friday in Abuja.

    Noma said that the measure would ensure the 2019 and 2020 new academic session of the local education authority primary school was not disrupted due to the urgency to move from its present location.

    He explained that the school had been operating in a temporary structure of the Federal Government Boys College, Apo and the College decided to take ownership of its facilities.

    He said this action made it imperative for FCTA to quickly relocate the pupils without disrupting their ongoing academic session.

    Noma said the new site, which was a temporary site, already had existing eight blocks of classrooms with offices and toilet facilities.

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    According to him, the pupils have now been properly settled and classes have commenced.

    He stated that the daily process of movement had been smooth as there was adequate provision of school bus to and from the Wuye site to the new site for the pupils.

    He said that the board had been shown a permanent site within Wuye and as soon as the formal process was completed for handover, development of the site would start.

    Noma said the free school buses had been dedicated to the routes for the pupils by FCT Scholarship Board under the Education Secretariat.

    He, therefore, urged the parents and guardians to cooperate with the administration to ensure nothing hinders the pupils’ early resumption.

  • World Bank earmarks N500m for 50 Borno communities affected by Boko Haram

    By Agency Reporter

    The World Bank-assisted Community and Social Development Programme (CSDP) has earmarked N500 million for provision of support to 50 communities affected by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno.

    Alhaji Chiroma Usman, the CSDP programme manager disclosed this at a two-day training of community and group management committees for the projects on Friday in Maiduguri.

    Usman said that the projects would cover the provision of water, health, education, environment, shelter and livelihood support for 50 communities across eight local government areas in the state.

    He said that the workshop would create awareness on its activities and mobilize participants to facilitate successful implementation of the projects in the selected LGAs.

    Read Also: Kwara to access N1b World Bank fund

    Chiroma said each of the 50 communities and management development committees would receive N10 million for different interventions based on their needs.

    “So far, the CSDP had executed about 115 projects focused at improving access of the poor to natural and social infrastructure services in seven LGAs in Borno in 2018,“ he said

  • My tribunal victory for Kano people, democracy-Ganduje

    KOLADE ADEYEMI, Kano

    Kano Governor, Dr. Abudullahi Ganduje, has dedicated his victory at the Tribunal to the people of Kano, humanity, democracy and progressives.

    Ganduje, who addressed a mammoth crowd at Government House roundabout after over four hours of meandering the streets through Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), said education remains the cornerstone of his administration.

    The governor added his victory was a clear indication that his detractors who were bent on truncating true democracy in Kano have been shamed.

    He assured his government will be an all-inclusive devoid of ethnic, religious or tribal sentiments.

    He reiterated his resolve to ensure that every child in Kano gets quality and free education, while thanking Kano people for their support.

    According to him: “We made it very clear that basic education is free and compulsory for all children in Kano state. We made it clear that the Almajiris system of education will be integrated into the mainstream education system.

    Read Also: Almajiri Education: Ganduje recruits 600 teachers, spends N200m

    “We also made a resolution that all out of school children will go back to the class room. This is a task that must be done. We must ensure free education for our children and also provide skill acquisition programmes for our teeming youths.

    “We are also very much concerned over the welfare of the physically challenged. We will take care of them. We will send them to school. We will create job opportunities for them. We will empower them; and ensure that their children, too, go to school.”

    Ganduje, who was visibly elated, further stated: “Our administration loves everybody irrespective of political affiliation. We love you all. We are peaceful and all we pray is for the development​ of Kano state. Remain peaceful and law-abiding. I am indeed grateful for your support.

    “We thank you for your prayers. We have won election with sweet victory. The victory is not for me alone, it is a victory to the entire people of Kano state. It is a victory for humanity, it is a victory for democracy and progressive.”

  • We are willing, ready to deliver credible election in Kogi – INEC

    By Agency Reporter

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, says the commission is willing and ready to deliver credible, acceptable, free, fair and conclusive election in Kogi State on Nov. 16.

    The INEC chairman, who disclosed this at a Stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday in Lokoja, said it was exactly 36 days to the Nov. 16, Governorship election in Kogi and Bayelsa States and the commission was ready.

    Yakubu noted that all non-sensitive materials for the election had already been organised and batched Local Governments by Local Government, political parties and polling units.

    The INEC chairman said the commission concluded the collection process for uncollected PVCs on Sept. 30.

    He said: “We have quarantined all the cards brought back to the office here in Lokoja and delivered them to the Central Bank of Nigeria.’’

    Yakubu noted that the Kogi and Bayelsa elections were major elections with high stakes for Nigeria as there would be interests with all eyes on the two states.

    He, therefore, expressed concern over possible actions and utterances of politicians during campaigns.

    “Actions and utterances of political actors and their supporters likely to lead to violence during electioneering, during voting on election day and during collation of results, is a big source of concern to the commission.

    “Campaigns have commenced. You have a responsibility as citizens of Nigeria and of Kogi State to keep your state away from this toga of trepidation, concerns, tensions and violence during elections.

    “INEC is not a political party. We are not interested in any candidate but only interested in the processes that will lead to a credible outing.

    Read Also: Kogi 2019: INEC chair, Gov candidates, others meet

    “You are aware as we all are, that there is this unfortunate image of the state as a violence-prone state when it comes to elections”, he said.

    Yakubu called for peace and urged the stakeholders to join hands together with INEC and security agencies to change the narrative, image and position of the state as a place of trepidations during elections.

    “I wish to assure that before the election, I will come with the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

    “If coming to Kogi every week between now and Nov. 16 will lead to peace, credible election in Kogi state, I will come to Kogi every week till the end of the election, ‘’ he said.

    Yakubu said the stakeholders’ meeting was to convey the commission’s readiness for the election and in the same spirit, share some concerns that we have, going into the election.

    “We believe that with your support, we can deliver peaceful fair free credible acceptable and conclusive election in Kogi State. We can’t do it alone.

    “We can only succeed when the people of Kogi State are determined that the process should be free, fair, credible and conclusive,’’ Yakubu said.

    In his remarks, Malam Mohammed Haruna, INEC National Commissioner in charge of Kogi State, said it behoved on the stakeholders as political leaders in the state to ensure conduct of credible, free and fair election in the state.

  • 40 escape death as bus catches fire in Anambra

    Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

    About forty passengers on Thursday escaped being burnt when a luxurious bus conveying them reportedly went up in flames along the Enugu-Onitsha express way in Anambra State.

    The bus belonging to one of the transport companies in the South East was said to be on its way to Lagos from Enugu when the incident occurred.

    The Nation gathered that the fire was ignited from an overheated tyre, which got bursted after the driver stopped to examine the bus.

    An eyewitness, who identified himself as Obadiah, said the tyre of the ill-fated bus bursted when the driver stopped to check which of the tyres was faulty.

    He said, “It was while he was checking the tyre that it bursted, emitting flames, which suddenly engulfed the bus.

    Read Also: Fire razes building in Kano

    “All passengers on board were able to leave the bus with their belongings before the fire broke out.”

    He however said efforts by officials of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other spirited individuals to put out the fire was futile as the whole bus was razed.

    The Nation further learnt that the incident caused a temporary commotion along the highway as private and commercial vehicles scampered to safety.

  • Jemibewon, Bayo Ojo, Mamman,others back Bello for second term

    By: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

    A former Minister of Police Affairs, Gen.David Jemibewon, a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo(SAN) and 14 leaders of Kogi West Elders Forum (KWEF) have endorsed Governor Yahaya Bello for second term in office.

    They said their decision followed talks between the governor and the forum.

    They also said they opted to back Bello based on his pledges to protect lives and property; pay workers’ salaries and to complete all ongoing projects in Kogi West District.

    Those who have endorsed Bello are Gen.David M. Jemibewon (Rtd); HRH Gen. Abdullahi B Mamman Rtd; HRH Alh Idris A. Yusuf Tawari; Vice Admiral Ajayi Joseph (Rtd); Gen. J.O.S Oshanupin( Rtd); Chief Engr. Funso Ako; and Dr. Oluwayomi David Atte.

    Others are Col. Olusegun Oloruntoba (Rtd); Dr. Tunde Arosanyin; Chief James O. Awoniyi; Chief Bayo Ojo SAN CON; Chief Benjamin Taiwo; Chief Funmi Bodunde; Dan D. Kunle; Alh Isiaq Ajibola and Deinde Abolarin.

    The communique of the elders reads: “Consequent upon the sensitization of the views of critical stakeholders in the District and subsequent meeting with the Governor of the State, His Excellency Alh Yahaya Bello, at the Kogi state liaison office on Sunday, October 7, 2019 in Abuja, the Kogi West Elders Forum (KWEF), a body of non-partisan community leaders which comprises accomplished individuals in their various fields, has reviewed the current political, social and economic developments in Kogi West Senatorial District of the State and hereby issues this communiqué.
    “The group drew inference from decisions taken at its preliminary meetings which largely pointed to the fact that the government of Kogi State and the people of Kogi West Senatorial District needed more collaborative effort and a marshal plan to advance the interest of the district with whoever is elected as the next governor of the State on November, 16, 2019.

    “Consequent upon the above and arising from the deliberation between the governor and the Forum, we hereby adopt the following resolutions:

    “That the Forum will, going forward, engage in regular interactions with the government in order to achieve the aspiration of the people of Western Senatorial District.

    “The Forum welcomes the promise and commitment of the governor to protect the lives and properties of its citizens and combat any form of insecurity either on farmlands or in the communities caused by the activities of criminals and desperate politicians.

    ” To follow up on this commitment, the group resolved to engage with the government by setting up a security committee among its members who are retired ex-service personnel.

    Read Also: I’ll return as governor, says Yahaya Bello

    “Whereas the government pledged to continue to pay salaries of workers, going forward, the Forum will monitor this to ensure that the government continues to pay the salaries of its workers including the local governments’ staff.

    “Whereas the government promised the completion of all ongoing projects in the Senatorial District, the Forum will set up a Project Monitoring Committee (PMC) that would regularly monitor the implementation of projects in the Senatorial District.

    “Conclusively and distinctly too , having gauged the political direction and reviewed the present power equation in Kogi State and without prejudice to any parochial interest, it is the considered opinion of the Forum to support the re-election of the governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello in the larger interest of the people of West Senatorial District.”

  • Boko Haram: CSOs score Nigerian troops high after tour of liberated communities

    By Agency Reporter

    Following a thorough tour of liberated communities in the North-East, the Coalition for Human Rights and Rights Monitoring Group has praised the Nigerian Army for restoring peace to the region.
    The group, consisting of 10 civil society organisations revealed in a press conference on Monday  that it undertook a 10-day assessment to gather first-hand information on the state of affairs in the region.
    In a statement signed by President Gabriel Agidi, the Coalition reckoned that the country has made tremendous progress in the fight against terrorism.
    As part of it its numerous observations, the civil rights group hailed the introduction of the Super Camp Strategy, describing it as “a massive success”.
    The group further acknowledged that the gallant troops are in high spirits at various locations, welcomed by cheering locals.
    The group, however, noted that a lot still needs to be done urgently to ensure that life returns to these liberated areas.
    Read full statement below:
    As you all may be aware, a total of 10 civil society organisations undertook a 10-day assessment tour of liberated communities in North-East Nigeria under the auspices of the Coalition for Human Rights and Rights Monitoring Group to gather first-hand information on the state of affairs in the region as well as to understand the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian troops in the theatre of operations.
    I must quickly add that the assessment tour was at the behest of the Coalition for Human Rights and Rights Monitoring Group, which became imperative in the light of the avalanche of information making headlines as regards the takeover of some Nigerian territories by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group.
    Ladies and Gentlemen, the 10-day assessment tour can be best described as eventful and as well as an eye-opener on critical issues ongoing in North-East Nigeria in the sense that we were confronted with facts that either by commission or omission have not been reported in the various news platforms in the country.
    For example, it was such a heart-breaking realization that there is a high population of people still living in IDP camps scattered all over North-East Nigeria due to lack of shelter, and these camps are also lacking in food and essential drugs.
    There was also a near-complete breakdown of basic infrastructures in these communities, and it somewhat made access such a herculean task for our team. Nonetheless, we were able to navigate our way through the steep terrain in furtherance of our objective.
    I must also add that a lot still has to be done urgently to ensure that life returns to these liberated communities in the shortest of times as if this is not done, there is a tendency for the locals to constitute themselves into a security threat just out of frustration.
    This, in our considered opinion could account for how and why some of the International NGOs in operation in these communities could easily lure the locals with monetary incentives to state what it’s not on camera and video just in return for a plate of porridge.
    We were also confronted with the realization that one of the strategies deployed by the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group is to pose as IDPs and infiltrate these camps to gather information and also recruit fighters with a promise of a better life outside the camps.
    As difficult and sad as this might sound, there is a high tendency that some of the International NGOs in operation in North-East Nigeria, also serve as recruitment agents for the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group. This is one area we strongly feel the relevant authorities must act fast if its desirous of bringing to an end the Boko Haram/ISWAP crisis in North-East Nigeria.
    It was also observed that the Nigerian troops in battle remained committed and focused on bringing to an end the war in the region, we gathered this much upon interaction with military commanders, lieutenants, and soldiers. As a fact, they all exhibited an infectious loyalty to the country.
    This in our considered opinion buttresses the point that in a matter of time, the Boko Haram/ISWAP menace would be a thing of the past, but only if this momentum is maintained vis-à-vis increased and improved welfare packages for those in the battlefield.
    We believe that this aspect is very crucial, given the fact that the relevant authorities would not want a situation where soldiers are offered monetary incentives in return for strategic information on military operations.
    Nonetheless, we encountered troops in high spirits at various locations as we transverse the nook and crannies of liberated communities in North-East, Nigeria. To our amazement, we were welcomed with songs and comical military displays. There was no sign of fatigue. The atmosphere was joyous, and the morale high. Whatever it is that the military authorities are doing to keep the confidence of the troops high must be continued and improved upon.
    We must not also shy away from stating that fact there were also some challenges as evident on periodic ambushes, which according to information gathered, is a result of locals and some unscrupulous NGOs selling out sensitive information to Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist.
    This is despite the existence of the Super Camp Strategy as introduced recently, which in our opinion, is a massive success as it has to a large extent, restricted and limited the Boko Haram/ISWAP offensive. We commend this initiative and encourage the military authorities to do all within its powers to strengthen and consolidate on the continued implementation of the Super Camp Strategy.
    At this juncture, we must add that the Coalition for Human Rights and Rights Monitoring Group, in the course of our tour indeed scheduled a meeting with top commanders that the theatre command in our bid to proffer suggestions on ways the military authorities could address the frosty relations it has with some international NGOs. However, this was not possible due to the sensitivity of their operations, as well as a busy schedule at the time of our visit.
    We are, therefore, duty-bound to impress it that the efforts of the Nigerian military in operation in North-East Nigeria is nothing but tremendous. They have stayed awake day and night to ensure that Nigeria is free from the clutches of a ragtag group of individuals whose motive for embracing violence is not only senseless but also despicable.
    With what we saw on the ground as regards the efforts of the military, we are more than convinced that North-East Nigeria would in no distant time experience peace and sustainable development.
    On behalf of the members of the 10 Civil Society Organisations under the umbrella of Coalition for Human Rights and Rights Monitoring Group that participated in the tour of the liberated communities, we extend our sincere apologies to the Nigerian troops over the despicable activities of some international NGOs and, as well as some local NGOs in operation in the North East.
    On this note, we say it’s not Uhuru yet as there is still much work to be done by the relevant authorities towards bringing to an end the menace posed by Boko Haram/ISWAP in Nigeria.
    Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Obaseki plotting to dump APC- Airhiavbere

    By Osagie Otabor, Bénin

    A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Major General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd) has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of plotting to abandon the party.

    General Airhiavbere said Obaseki wants to seek second term bid in another party after realising that it would be difficult to get a second term ticket in the APC

    Speaking in Benin City, Airhiavbere stated that the crisis in Edo APC in Edo began after the presidential election.

    Aihriavbere opined that the incompetence of Obaseki led to falling out with the leader of the party Adams Oshiomhole.

    He said: “Since after the last presidential election, there has not been governance in Edo state and if we allow him, the opposition will take over.

    “It has been all over the place that he has been trying to cross carpet, trying to look for soft landing but his main assets which are the APC leaders; he has left them in disarray.

    “The presidential election in February, gave an account of APC political instability in the state; during that election we lost in Edo South, we lost in Edo Central, only Edo North produced the percentage that was required for the president to scale through Edo State and that was the beginning of the problems of the APC coming to the public.

    “We the leaders of APC cannot afford to fold our arms and watch things go bad. When you know the strength of your enemy, you must go back to the drawing table and make sure that the enemy does not overrun you and that is exactly what the leaders of APC in Edo State are doing. Don’t forget that Edo State is the only APC state in the South South and we cannot afford to lose it to the opposition.”

    But Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie described Airhiavbere’s allegation of defection as a lie from the pit of hell.

    Read Also: Emerhor predicts landslide victory for apc, Godwin Obaseki

    He said: “Governor Obaseki is firmly rooted in the party in the state. He has recorded 100 per cent in his political career. He is performing. He is the leader of the party, he controls the party so who will he leave the party for?

    “That allegation is a complete lie from the pit of hell. Governor Godwin Obaseki has a very robust relationship with the presidency and his party at the centre.

    “His party is the ruling party in the state and at the centre so where is he leaving to and why should he leave? The good records of Obaseki cannot be compared to that Airhiavbere.

    “Obaseki contested for election once and he won. Airhiavbere has been contesting and has always lost even when he was a candidate of another party in 2012 Comrade Adams Oshiomhole defeated him in the entire 18 local government areas of the state. He should be asked where he gets money to always contest elections.”