The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Return N250m ‘mobilisation’ to Kano, group tells anti-Ganduje protesters

    Return N250m ‘mobilisation’ to Kano, group tells anti-Ganduje protesters

    A group, the Concerned North Central APC Stakeholders, has distanced itself from a protest calling for the resignation of Umar Ganduje as the party’s national chairman. 

    The stakeholders, in a joint statement by Secretary General Malam Shehu Ibrahim and President Comrade Aodona Patrick, advised the group to return the N250m bribe allegedly received from the State Government. 

    The group said those behind the protests are its expelled members who have found a new enterprise in blackmailing reputable Nigerians for money. 

    According to the statement, the Kano State Government offered them millions to protest and defame the APC national chairman. 

    The stakeholders noted their main mission is for Ganduje to be removed from office on the order of President Bola Tinubu. 

    Like the previous attempts, the APC stalwarts said they failed and should do the needful by returning the funds to the State Government. 

    “We wish to categorically make it clear that those protesters calling for the resignation of Alhaji Ganduje as APC chairman are not our members,” the statement said. 

    Read Also: Court restrains APC ward leaders from suspending Ganduje

    “They are disgraced members who were expelled over criminal activities. We are not surprised that they have taken this satanic craft to the next level.

    “These days, they blackmail reputable Nigerians for money and were recently contracted by the Kano State government to rubbish Ganduje. 

    “However, their mission failed even before it began. Nigerians are fully aware of their sponsors but the surprise for many is that as much as N250m was earmarked for this futile agenda. 

    “Our findings reveal that these persons were short-changed by desperate forces in Kano Government House who took advantage of their vulnerability. When this was brought to our attention, we asked them to return the funds. Unfortunately, out of greed they have used part of it.”

    The group warned these elements to stop impersonating them, adding that a criminal complaint has been filed officially. 

    The stakeholders thanked President Tinubu for not falling for the gimmicks of the Kano State Government and standing by Ganduje. 

  • Tinubu best thing to happen to northern Nigeria – Arewa Group

    Tinubu best thing to happen to northern Nigeria – Arewa Group

    The Arewa Development Initiative (ADI) has assured President Bola Tinubu of support of the North in future elections. 

    In a statement by its national coordinator, Hon. Muritala Garba, the group described President Tinubu as the best thing to happen to the North. 

    Garba said the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is already being felt in the region, influencing the well-being and prosperity of citizens.

    The group noted that the Infrastructure Fund is bolstering key areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, humanitarian, security and other sectors.

    Garba noted that this current administration has shown the will to end insecurity and improve the economy with visible reforms and policies so far. 

    “President Tinubu has taken a bold step towards unifying the official and parallel markets’ exchange rates with the Central Bank collapsing the multiple official foreign exchange rates, thus promoting a more resilient and investor-friendly environment,” he said. 

    “Tinubu has made the fight against insecurity a top priority of his administration with comprehensive strategies already being implemented to address the root causes of these issues and ensure a safer, more secure Nigeria. 

    “Meanwhile, Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund is addressing the long-neglected infrastructural deficit in the north. The fund will handle critical national projects to promote growth, enhance local value-addition, create employment opportunities, and stimulate technological innovation and exports.

    “Already, approval has been given for the upgrade of health facilities across the north and the construction of houses to alleviate the suffering of citizens. 

    Read Also: Tinubu directs federal agencies to support Rivers in tanker fire incident

    “In a bid to ensure food sufficiency and tackle the increase in food prices in the country, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food security. He didn’t end there. 

    “The FG flagged off the cultivation of dry-season staple crops in Hadejia, Jigawa State. This project falls under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agropocket (NAGS-AP) through the support of $134m loan facility from the African Development Bank (AfDB).

    “We have also witnessed a revamped social investment and other humanitarian interventions. The Executive Orders to reduce the tax burden on several key economic sectors are yielding dividends. 

    “Besides, the President has given the zone a sense of belonging in his administration. Let’s start from the top, the VP, Speaker of the House of Reps, Deputy Senate President and SGF are all from the north.”

    The Arewa Development Initiative described detractors from the region as enemies of the nation who do not represent the other. 

    The group warned against the deliberate propagation of false narratives and the use of obscure groups to undermine the president’s achievements.

    It said: “In the face of the unfolding, we call on President Tinubu and his team to remain vigilant and resolute in their commitment to the nation’s progress.

    “We urge the President to be wary of the propaganda campaigns being orchestrated against his administration and to stay focused on delivering on his promises to the Nigerian people.

    “We urge our leader to work towards ensuring a stable and prosperous future for Nigeria. The administration must anticipate and counteract these moves to safeguard the progress and development of the nation.

    “On our part, the President is assured of the support of the North should he present himself in the near future for a second term in office.”

  • Kalu visits Emirs, solicits traditional rulers’ inputs in constitutional amendments

    Kalu visits Emirs, solicits traditional rulers’ inputs in constitutional amendments

    Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has promised to engage with the traditional rulers in the ongoing constitutional amendment process for contributions. 

    Kalu, who is the Chairman, Constitution Review Committee in the House, said that the traditional institutions has an invaluable input in meeting the aspirations of the people under the law, saying it will in turn strengthen the Constitution of the country.  

    The Deputy Speaker made the promise in Kano during his separate visits to the Emir of Kano, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Aminu Ado Bayero and the Emir of Bichi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Nasir Ado on Saturday in Kano State to felicitate the revered monarchs on the recent occasion of the marriage ceremonies of their respective children. 

    Speaking at the palace of the Emir of Kano which was his first port of call, Kalu who was accompanied by some of his colleagues from the parliament and members of the Peace In South East Project ( PISE-P), said that the wisdom of the traditional rulers cannot be ignored in shaping the country.

    He said that a role under the law which does not come “from the federal government, not from the state or local government but from the Constitution” will help the traditional rulers to be able to do their jobs “without biases”.

    Congratulating the Emir on the holy matrimony of his children, Kalu also appreciated him for coming to Bende, Abia State last December during his grand civic reception and the unveiling of PISE-P, a development which mainly necessitated the presence of PISE-P members at the place.

    A statement from Kalu’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu stated the Deputy Speaker also expressed gratitude to the Emir for his effort towards the sustenance of peace in the country, appealing to him to continue to support the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    He said: “We came to give our best wishes to the new family that just started yesterday. They will live long and give you children, grand and great grand children. They will not be lesser than you. They will be greater than you because that’s the wish of every parent, that his children will grow and become greater, more powerful than themselves. That’s how you measure your success. That’s my prayer. I apologize that I didn’t make it not because that I didn’t want to but a national duty called. 

    Read Also: NASS committee to engage Tinubu on constitutional amendment issues, says Kalu

    “You play a fundamental role in this this nation and peace in the land. You have a role to play in making sure that that we imbibe this agenda. Thank you for the support you are giving to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is very obvious that you are partnering with the federal government to ensure there is peace and prosperity in this country. Keep doing what you are doing. It’s yielding fruits”.

    Ado Bayero expressed gratitude to the Deputy Speaker for the visit, describing him as the worthy son of Nigeria. 

    The Emir noted that Kalu’s visit will further strengthen the bonds of national unity and cohesion mostly yearned for by Nigerians. 

    He also appreciated the Deputy Speaker for carrying the traditional rulers along in the constitution review process, assuring him that the institution made up of individuals with invaluable experience will make their contributions.

    The Emir also offered prayers for political leaderships at all levels and the continued peace and progress of Nigeria.

    At the palace of the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero in Kano, the Deputy Speaker also felicited the Emir, congratulating him on the marriage of their children.

    Describing him as a valued friend and brother, Kalu recalled the Emir’s role in the launch of PISE-P, appreciating him for flying in from abroad at the time to attend his civic reception in December, 2023.

    The Emir thanked the Deputy Speaker for his visit to the palace and the support for the growth of the traditional institution in Nigeria, recognizing the efforts of the parliament in keeping Nigeria together.

  • Dangote’s N15bn food intervention scheme impactful, say Govs, monarchs 

    Dangote’s N15bn food intervention scheme impactful, say Govs, monarchs 

    Northern Governors and monarchs have said the N15billion Aliko Dangote Food Intervention scheme is monumental in scope and impactful.

    Nasarawa and Benue Governors joined their peers to commend the effort of President of Dangote Groups Aliko Dangote. 

    Speaking weekend at the commencement of the distribution of the food intervention programme in Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia at the weekend lauded Dangote, for what he described as multifaceted philanthropic efforts benefiting the poor and vulnerable populace of the state.

    The Governor, who was represented at the event by a Senior Special Assistant, Comrade Abah Isaiah, thanked the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) for supporting the state with twenty thousand bags of 10kg rice.

    He said a committee was set up to ensure that the rice palliative reaches the poor, vulnerable and all the Local Government Areas in the state, adding that non-governmental as well as faith-based organizations are part of the distribution team in the state.

    Other members of the distribution committee, he said, include: Foundation for Justice, Development and Peace; First Step Action for Children Initiative; Benue State Emergency Management Agency (NEMA); National Orientation Agency (NOA), Benue Directorate and Islamic Charity.

    The Governor said the food intervention would support Benue State, even as many of its citizens are living in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, just as he said most of them have not been able to return to their farms.

    He commended Dangote for creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs through the Dangote Cement Plant in Gboko, saying job creation and economic activities are precursors to peace and stability.

    While urging host communities to support the company, he added: “We would do everything possible to make sure that Dangote succeeds in Benue. I also want to urge you to support this company,” he said.

    “As you can see there is a cordial relationship between the Dangote Cement Plc and the host communities. You can see how Dangote staff and host communities have been relating with each other,” he added.

    Read Also: BoI launches food intervention programme

    He urged the company not to relent but to step up its charity work, adding that there are several other business opportunities in the State.

    According to him, the state was ready to provide the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

    In the same vein, speaking at the flag-off of the distribution of the food items in Lafia, Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule, said the intervention would ‘undoubtedly’ ease economic hardship being faced by many Nigerians.

    Representative of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, and Deputy General Manager Social Performance and Community Relations, Dr. Ivase Eugene, said the company was sharing one million bags of 10kg rice in all the Local Government Areas of the country.

    He said the Foundation had earmarked N15billion for the intervention scheme that was Flagg-off in Kano and Lagos during the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan.

    General Manager, Human Asset Management (HAM) of the Dangote Cement Plant Gboko, Mr. Jonathan Kunde, commended the communities for being very peaceful and supportive over the years.

    He assured that there are many other interventional schemes lined up for the communities.

    Representative of the host communities, Zaki Atoo Mande, a Monarch, pledged    the support of the communities towards the continuous realization of a hitch-free mining and production activities.

    Deputy Governor of Nasarawa, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, had announced the donation, noting that each LGAs of the State were allocated 2,000 bags apart from Karu and Lafia who were allocated 2,500 bags each.

    The Deputy Governor commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote, describing him as the Father of Charity in Nigeria.

    Emir of Tunga in Nasarawa State, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim Shaibu, said: “The Aliko Dangote Foundation is not only a gift to Nasarawa State, but to all Nigerians.”

    The Emir said the ADF’s National Food Intervention Programme is supporting the government to cushion the impact of economic hardship being experienced in the country.

    The Foundation had recently donated a total of 30,000 bags of 10kg rice to Nasarawa State.

    A Monarch and the District Head of Tunga Ibrahim Galadima described Alhaji Aliko Dangote as God’s gift, praying God to continue to support him.

    In the same vein, Adamawa State has received its share of One Million 10Kg Rice being distributed by Aliko Dangote Foundation Nationwide.

    Thirty-Five thousand beneficiaries, mostly vulnerable and disadvantaged persons have benefited from the support meant to curb hunger due to the current economic situation in the country.

    Chief Operating Officer of the Dangote Sugar Refinery Numan, Adamawa State, Abdullahi Bello Dan Musa said the distribution took place successfully across the zones and the exercise is almost completed, while the distribution of the commodity was ongoing in Taraba State.

    He disclosed that the Foundation partnered community leaders in Adamawa to ensure that the commodity gets to the intended beneficiaries.

    It would be recalled that the Foundation had distributed thousands of bags of rice to beneficiaries and vulnerable Nigerians in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with at least 48 charity organizations and orphanages involved in the process.

    The company’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, said the food initiative represents a continuation of the Foundation’s commitment to supporting the government and the Nigerian populace in alleviating economic hardship within the country.

  • Zulum approves employment of 15 persons with disabilities

    Zulum approves employment of 15 persons with disabilities

    Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, has approved the automatic employment of 15 persons living with disability, who have undergone formal educational system and obtained degree certificates, NCE, diploma and vocational training certificates.

    The governor gave the approval in Maiduguri on Saturday at the Government House when he met with members of the Association of People Living with Disability.

    “I am delighted to note that despite your disability, you people are not lazy; you decided to pursue your education, and for this, I want to commend you.

    “I directed the Commissioner of Education to process your application for employment for my approval immediately. Therefore, I want to bring to your kind notice that you should be on the payroll of Borno Government effective 1st May, 2024,” he said.

    Read Also: Lagos shuts churches, bars, hotels over noise pollution

    The Governor directed the Commissioner of Education, Lawan Abba-Wakilbe to review the activities of all the blind schools in Borno  in order to train more people with disabilities.

    Zulum also ordered the Ministry of Education to work out modalities for introducing the teaching of special education courses at the College of Education in Bama.

    “I am happy that they have obtained their qualifications in different specialisations. Let’s strengthen the College of Education in Bama to start delivering courses on special education,” Zulum said.

    Earlier, Alhaji Muhammed Mustapha, Borno Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Association of the Blind, expressed gratitude to Zulum for approving employment for his members.

    He thanked him for prioritising efforts toward uplifting the living standards of such persons in the society.

  • 19 children feared killed by measles complications in Adamawa

    19 children feared killed by measles complications in Adamawa

    Complication from measles is suspected to have killed at least 19 children in Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa.

    Commissioner for Health, Mr Felix Tangwami told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Mubi on Saturday that more than 200 children in the local government area were already infected.

    He said the outbreak was reported in Yola on Saturday, leading to a quick mobilisation of medics and drugs to affected communities.

    Read Also: Lagos shuts churches, bars, hotels over noise pollution

    He assured that children with severe infections would be referred to hospitals.

    The commissioner said the medical team would move from Mubi to Gombi Local Government Area where another outbreak had been reported.

    Tangwami blamed the refusal of parents to immunise their children for the outbreak.

  • LG Poll: Gombe gov congratulates newly elected chairmen, councillors

    LG Poll: Gombe gov congratulates newly elected chairmen, councillors

    Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has congratulated the newly elected chairmen of the 11 local government councils, their deputies and the 114 councillors, with a call on them to see their election as a call to service at a very critical time.

    The governor, in a statement following the official announcement of yesterday’s local government councils election results by the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission (GOSIEC), equally congratulated the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on its resounding victory at the poll.

    He expressed satisfaction with the hitch-free nature of the poll as well as the peaceful conduct of voters during and after the exercise.

    The governor also commended the electoral body (GOSIEC) and security operatives for the efforts put in place in ensuring the smooth conduct of the election which facilitated a fair and transparent electoral process.

    Read Also: Lagos shuts churches, bars, hotels over noise pollution

    Governor Inuwa Yahaya said, “I am particularly impressed with the orderly manner with which voters, observers, security and GOSIEC officials as well as the people of the state conducted themselves throughout the process.”

    He added that, “While I felicitate with you, I want to urge you all to see the mandates freely given to you by the electorate as a call to serve, and do your best to justify the confidence reposed in you.”

    Governor Inuwa Yahaya who described the local government as a critical tier, urged the newly elected LGA helmsmen to live above board and provide viable leadership that will impact positively on the lives of people at the grassroots in line with the vision and ideals of the APC and the present administration in the state.

    He charged them to remain focused, accountable, and work in the interest of the people.

    It will be recalled that the Gombe State Electoral Commission has declared the APC as winner of all the 11 Chairmanship and 114 Councillorship seats in accordance with the law. 

    Those elected as chairmen are: Akko LGA: Mohammed Danladi Adamu; Balanga: Ibrahim Jatau Salisu; Billiri: Mrs. Egla Idris; Dukku: Adamu Mohammed Waziri; Funakaye: Shuaibu Abdulrahman Adamu; Gombe: Sani Ahmad Haruna; Kaltungo: Iliya Suleiman Jatau; Kwami: Ahmed Wali Doho; Nafada: Babangida Adamu Jigawa; Shongom: Fatima Binta Bello; Yamaltu Deba: Abubakar Hassan Difa.

     Abuja North

  • Alia to demolish kidnappers’ houses

    Alia to demolish kidnappers’ houses

    Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue has disclosed that all property housing kidnappers and yahoo boys in the state would be demolished.

    Addressing the media after returning from an 11-day working visit to the United States, Governor Alia also stated that he would soon meet with all hotel owners in the state over the issue.

    “Intelligence reports available to me revealed that some hotels and property in the state were shielding kidnappers and yahoo boys.

    “If any hotel or property was confirmed to be housing or shielding criminals, it would be demolished immediately.

    Read Also: Lagos shuts churches, bars, hotels over noise pollution

    “I want to make it clear that Benue is no home for cultists and that all people residing in the state must learn to play by the rules or leave.

    According to Governor Alia, “The government would establish a call centre where people can call 24/7 to report on general security issues.

    “Security of lives and property was the topmost priority of this administration and nobody would be spared if found breaching the state’s security.”

    On his visit to the USA, the Governor said, “The visit of the 19 northern governors to the U.S. was at the behest of the American government, to find ways of tackling the security challenges bedeviling the region and to collaborate on how to improve on agriculture.”

    He described the visit as ‘quite fruitful and encouraging’, and advised the youths in the state to join agricultural cooperatives, adding that the government would support such societies operating in the state.

    Alia said his administration’s policy to support the youths through Agriculture was in tandem with his campaign promise of youth empowerment.

    Alia also disclosed that his administration was putting in place modalities to commence dry season farming.

    The Governor advised the youths never to allow anybody to use them for mischief purposes, adding that they should tell such persons to bring their children, who were mostly resident abroad, to perform their dirty jobs for them.

    “My administration commenced employment processes with more than 400 youths at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), to address unemployment.”

  • NGO alerts Adamawa to influx of herders, seeks police deployment

    NGO alerts Adamawa to influx of herders, seeks police deployment

    A pro-peace non-government organisation, Peace Architecture Dialogue (PAD) has alerted authorities to an influx of herds of cattle fleeing insecurity in Borno State into Shelleng in the southern fringes of Adamawa State.

    The organisation, which put the number of herds at about 15,000, expresses worry that the development has heightened tensions between farming communities and herders, “in an area known for recurrent skirmishes between both groups.”

    The PAD Chairman in Adamawa State, Vidon Jaule, said during a press briefing in the state capital, Yola, that there is a potential for conflict, and sued for the deployment of more security personnel in the local communities while urging proper enlightenment of farming and herder communities on collaborative conduct against crisis.

    Read Also: Lagos shuts churches, bars, hotels over noise pollution

    Stressing that criminality has been fueled by the lack of security presence in most local communities, he said, “Government as a matter of urgency, needs to prioritise the establishment of more police outposts in flash points of farmer-herder hostilities in the seven local government areas of Numan, Lamurde, Demsa, Guyuk, Mayo-Belwa, Girei and Shelleng as part of early warning response to potential conflict ahead of the farming season.”

    According to him, “There’s a well documented complaint among communities in those LGAs of the challenge of not having police presence at the right places.”

    He said his organisation believes in the need for state policing and strengthening of security apparatus at local level by adopting local policing measures that provide greater involvement of local vigilante groups and other non-state actors.

    He recalled that PAD which has been working for harmony between herders and farmers in Adamawa State since 2014, has assisted in handling 201 incidents in the seven LGAs, which could have resulted in conflict between farmers and herders.

  • Don’t stake your political goodwill on EFCC/Bello face-off, Ebira Youth coalition cautions Natasha

    Don’t stake your political goodwill on EFCC/Bello face-off, Ebira Youth coalition cautions Natasha

    Youths of Ebiraland under the aegis of Ebira Youth Coalition, have cautioned Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan( Kogi Central) to be wary of how she soaks herself in the ongoing face-off between the immediate past Governor Yahaya Bello and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The group in a statement in Lokoja by its Coordinator, Fache Onimisi Moses, said the name of the senator was sounding loudly in dangerous quarters suggesting that she is conniving with those who are persecuting Ebira nation over her recent political gains.

    The group said the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in his briefing , made allusion to Senator Natasha having a hand in the whole saga.

    “Other fictitious and faceless write-ups with Ebira names are coming from directions that suggest her complicity in the matter.

    “No Ebira man or woman worthy of his or her background would trade off his brother because of domestic disputes. So whatever political disputes that must have ensued between Yahaya Bello and Senator Natasha in the past are issues that have no relevance in the current persecution of Yahaya Bello by EFCC. So any attempt by Senator Natasha to collaborate with outsiders to humiliate our illustrious son will be resisted vehemently by well meaning AneEbira and that could mark the end of her political career in this state, at least, in Kogi Central. 

    Read Also: Yahaya Bello: Abuja American school refunds $760,910 to EFCC

    “Ebira people to the best of our knowledge have resolved their differences by voting to take her to the Senate and coming together enmasse to deliver Usman Ododo as Governor of Kogi state.

    “What Natasha needs to do now is to collaborate with the state government to bring the much needed development to our district and not to connive with enemies of our people in their vendetta against the immediate past governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

    “We also wish to inform the reading public not to be carried away by sponsored write-ups against the former governor carrying Ebira names. They are thrashes written by cowards from other ethnic groups with fake Ebira names to either give currency to their makeup stories or suggest that the former governor no longer enjoys the support of his people,” the Group stated.