The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Plateau speaker assures Mutfwang of legislative support

    Plateau speaker assures Mutfwang of legislative support

    The Speaker, Plateau House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, has assured Governor Caleb Mutfwang of legislative backing to enable him to succeed.

    Dewan gave the assurance at the week at the reception in honour of Mutfwang after his victory at the Supreme Court.

    The speaker said that with the legal battle over, it was time for governance and the legislative arm to do everything they needed to positively contribute their quota for the good of the state.

    He described Mutfwang’s victory as a victory for the Plateau people.

    “This is a victory for the state, and indeed, I want to use this medium to assure us all that the time of politics is over.

    “It’s time for governance, and I want to assure you that on our part in the legislative arm, and as the speaker, we will leave no stone unturned to ensure you succeed.

    “We will give the executive governor all the legislative backing he desires to move the state ahead.

    “I am from the YPP, but the interest of Plateau is greater than any individual interest.

    “I stand to unify Plateau, and I want to assure you all that today marks the beginning of a brand new Plateau,” he stated.

    Dewan, who said that the legislature would work for the common good of all Plateau citizens, also assured the people that he had confidence in the governor’s ability to govern the state because of his antecedents .

    “We have worked closely with the governor, and I know he is a listening governor.

    “I know he is a man with the fear of God. I know he is someone who will not discriminate against any ethnicity or religion,” he said.

    Stakeholders urge govt to develop clear-cut policies to tackle poverty

    Bauchi State stakeholders have urged Governor Bala Mohammed to develop clear-cut economic policies to alleviate the poverty and inequality faced by the teeming youths in the state.

    Alhaji Garba Noma gave the advise on behalf of the Stakeholders at a rally organised for the governor, aftermath of his victory at Supreme Court on Saturday in Bauchi.

    He noted that there was an army of youths roaming the streets without jobs and trade in the towns and villages of the state.

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    “Therefore, well-defined economic policies and viable skills acquisition centres would rescue the children and the current poverty situation in the country.

    He said such policies would encourage investments in agriculture, empowerment and employment of the youth and address insecurity,

    He added that they would also prioritise basic needs such as healthcare and promote socio-economic development at the grassroots since the people would take charge of their affairs.

    He advised the governor to exercise power with restraint and accord human dignity to accommodate all categories of people.

     Mohammed assured the people of more to ensure that citizens lived a happy life through meaningful projects and empowerment in the state.

    “I know people are hungry and angry, but the situation is different in Bauchi because of the little we are doing to improve the condition of our people,” he said.

    According to him, “we are going to partner with the Federal Government to bring good governance to the people of Bauchi State.”

    Mohammed said he had confidence and respect for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for being a true federalist and advocate of the rule of law.

    “President Tinubu is a beacon of the rule of law worthy of emulation by all,” the governor said.

  • Court strikes out suit against mining firm from for want of merit

    Court strikes out suit against mining firm from for want of merit

    The High Court sitting at Yola, Adamawa State, presided over by Justice Kyanson Lawanson, has delivered a judgment in favour of a Jos-based mining company, Elipse Industries Limited, over a suit involving it and Ajia Global Fleet Concept Limited.

    The plaintiff, Ajiya Global Fleet Concept now the Judgment Debtor, had dragged Elipse Industries Limited now the Judgment Creditor before the court for trespass, and declaration of title in respect of the disputed lands/the defendant’s mining site situate at Gidan Zuma, Sugu District, in Ganye Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

    In its statement of claim, Ajiya Global Fleet Concept averred that it acquired the lands from the original owners for valuable consideration via a sale agreement executed on February 8, 2022, and therefore sought for declaration of title and restraining order against the Defendant/Judgment Creditor, its servants, agents, privies, or any other person by whatever name from further trespassing into the plaintiff’s land.

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    Conversely, to the claim of the plaintiff, the defendant, Elipse Industries, posited before the Court that in 2019, it was granted consent by the land owners with which it acquired a Mineral Title from the Federal Government to mine copper and manganese at Gidan Zuma, Sugu District, in Ganye Local Government Area.

    According to the Defendant/Judgment Creditor, its license was approved after it submitted the requisite supporting documents and fulfilled all the requirements for exploration and acquired all legal rights, including an exploration license from the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (MCO).

    The Defendant/Judgment Creditor argued that the plaintiff/Judgment Debtor emerged from nowhere with a license in respect of the same mining site hence overlapped on the existing licence of the Defendant/Judgment Creditor and sequel to a complain to the Ministry of Mines and Steel, Cadastre Abuja, the purported licence of the Judgment Debtor was recalled, withdrawn and cancelled.

  • Kogi Assembly hailed on secondary education commission bill

    Kogi Assembly hailed on secondary education commission bill

    The Executive Secretary, National Senior Secondary Education Commission, Iyela Ajayi has hailed the Kogi State House of Assembly on the public hearing on the bill to establish Kogi State Senior Secondary Education Board, KASSEB.

    Ajayi noted that the commencement of this “democratic process is a clear demonstration of the state’s determination to domesticate the Senior Secondary Education Act, 2023.”

    This, he added, would regulate and provide the needed interventions for secondary education in the state.

    He said this in a statement signed by the Head, Press and Protocol, NSSSEC, Fatima Bappare on Sunday in Abuja.

    The Kogi State House of Assembly, last Thursday, commenced public hearing on the bill to establish Kogi State Senior Secondary Education Board, KASSEB.

    The NSSSEC Executive Secretary made fourteen observations a nd recommendations on the proposed bill, passage of which he said, would lead to the overall development of senior secondary schools in Kogi State.

    Commenting on the public hearing of the Bill, Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Aliyu Yusuf lauded the NSSEC executive secretary for being a good ambassador of the state.

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    The speaker stressed that Ajayi’s observations and recommendations had been noted by the lawmakers, and the assembly would do the needful to guard against conflict that may arise between the state Ministry of Education, Science and Technical Education Board, Teaching Service Commission and the proposed KSSSEB when the bill was finally passed into law. 

    Former Commissioner of Education in Kogi State, Wemi Jones noted that domestication of the NSSEC Act 2023 was a welcome development that would further develop the senior secondary school sub-sector in Kogi State.

    Jones said the state government continued to make efforts to reposition education to make the state a reference point in education in the North.

    Also present at the Public Hearing were representatives of Kogi State chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, ASUSS; and the National Association of Proprietors of Private schools, NAPPS.

    Other stakeholders at the occasion included the Association of Private School Owners, APSON; National Examinations Council NECO, and Kogi State chapter of Teaching Services Commission, TESCO.

  • Zamfara: Coalition praises Supreme Court for upholding democratic processes

    Zamfara: Coalition praises Supreme Court for upholding democratic processes

    The Coalition of Civil Society Network of Nigeria has praised the Supreme Court for upholding democratic processes by affirming the election of Dauda Lawal as governor.

    The group said the apex court has restored the people’s mandate in Zamfara State by its judgement.

    The court upheld the election of Lawal as governor on Friday.

    Speaking at a press conference, a member of the group, Muhammad Sadiq said the judgement has reinforced the trust placed on the judiciary.

    The group commended the “justices for their dedication to the constitutional process and their tireless efforts in safeguarding the integrity of our democratic system.”

    He said: “As a dedicated civil society organisation committed to upholding democratic values and fostering civic engagement, we joyfully acknowledge the recent decision of the Supreme Court affirming the legitimacy of the Governor Dauda Lawal election.

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    “We celebrate the affirmation by the highest court because it reinforces the trust citizens placed in the judiciary to adjudicate electoral matters transparently and impartially.

    “The ruling, a resounding validation of the electoral process, has sparked immense happiness and relief among the good people of Zamfara state. This verdict not only upholds the democratic will of the citizens but also reinforces the faith in the judicial system as a pillar of justice and fairness.

    “Our organisation commends the Supreme Court for demonstrating unwavering independence in its decision-making process. The justices’ commitment to impartiality and adherence to the rule of law fortify the foundations of our democratic society.”

  • Bala Mohammed’s Supreme Court victory solidifies judiciary as common man’s last hope, says group

    Bala Mohammed’s Supreme Court victory solidifies judiciary as common man’s last hope, says group

    The victory of the Governor of Bauchi State, Sen. Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir at the Supreme Court has been described as a victory for democracy and a further confirmation of the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

    The Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed Vanguard (BAM-V) affirmed that the Supreme Court’s judgment validates the State’s voters who re-elected Mohammed for a second term in the March 18, 2023 general elections, acknowledging the positive impact of the good governance he engendered.

    However, the group, in a statement on Sunday by its Director-General, Comrade Mohammed Abubakar Jibo, cautioned that, following the resolution of all election disputes by the Supreme Court, it is imperative for everyone to unite in backing the governor to advance and strengthen the unprecedented developmental initiatives he has been undertaking since assuming office in 2019.

    The statement reads: “To us as a group and individuals, we strongly believe that what the Supreme Court verdict represents is the sanctity of the power of the electorates to freely elect their leaders at all levels of government. 

    “The Bauchi people spoke through the ballots on March 18, 2023, though the opposition refused to listen to the people’s voice.

    “The people overwhelmingly elected Governor Mohammed for a second term in office as a reward for his hard work in office during his first term and the Supreme Court has said yes clearly and loudly too to their voice.

    “It gladdens us as a group routing for democracy and good governance that the will of the people of Bauchi State has been validated by the Apex Court in Nigeria. Indeed this has further confirmed the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

    “Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Bala Mohammed has worked hard to change the narratives of Bauchi State development with the level of unprecedented progress recorded so far which has made the state a pride for all. 

    “We, therefore, call on the Governor to continue to bring more dividends of democracy to the people and Bauchi State, knowing that to whom much is given more is expected from him. BAM-V has implicit confidence in him to do more for the people.

    “We the Executive members of BAM-V at the National headquarters join peace-loving people across Nigeria to appeal to the opposition and all people of Bauchi State to avoid fomenting trouble in any parts of the state.

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    “It is a fact that Bauchi State is one of the safest States in Nigeria today and this must be encouraged to continue by all. There can never be any meaningful development in a state of chaos. 

    “In view of this, let us all join hands with the administration of Governor Mohammed to maintain peace for development and progress”.

  • Court dismisses suit against Jos-based mining company

    Court dismisses suit against Jos-based mining company

    The High Court in Yola, Adamawa State, under the jurisdiction of Hon. Justice Kyanson Samuel Lawanson, has ruled in favour of Elipse Industries Limited, a mining company based in Jos.

     The case involved a dispute with Ajia Global Fleet Concept Limited over a mining site in Gidan Zuma, Sugu District, Ganye Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

    Initially, Ajia Global Fleet Concept, now the Judgment Debtor, filed a suit against Elipse Industries for trespass and a declaration of title to the disputed lands.

    The plaintiff claimed to have acquired the lands through a sale agreement in February 2022 and sought a restraining order against Elipse Industries.

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    In response, Elipse Industries argued that it had obtained consent from the landowners in 2019, acquiring a Mineral Title from the Federal Government to mine copper and manganese.

    The company asserted that it followed all legal procedures, securing an exploration license from the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office. Elipse Industries contended that Ajia Global Fleet Concept’s license for the same mining site overlapped theirs, leading to the recall, withdrawal and cancellation of the plaintiff’s purported license by the Ministry of Mines and Steel, Cadastre Abuja.

    The Judgment Creditor further claimed that the Sales Agreement presented by the Judgment Debtor was fraudulently obtained.

    The landowners, when testifying in court, denied selling their lands to anyone, discrediting the purported Sales Agreements as fraudulent.

    Hon. Justice Kyanson Samuel Lawanson, after a thorough examination of the pleadings, rejected the Sales Agreement due to fraud and summarily dismissed the plaintiff’s case for lack of merit.

  • Lalong congratulates Mutfwang over Supreme Court victory; advocates unity for greater Plateau

    Lalong congratulates Mutfwang over Supreme Court victory; advocates unity for greater Plateau

    Former Governor of Plateau State and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Simon Lalong, has congratulated Governor Caleb Mutfwang on his victory at the Supreme Court, saying the final decision of the apex court provides the opportunity for him and all politicians to work for a united, prosperous and inclusive Plateau.

    Lalong said the long legal hurdles leading to the decision of the Supreme Court is part of the democratic process that should be cherished irrespective of the outcome, as it has afforded all players the opportunity to ventilate and seek redress through the courts as provided under the law.

    He said the verdict of the Supreme Court means an end to litigation and time for governance, which the Governor should now utilise to concentrate and deliver to the people of Plateau State.

    The Judiciary, according to him, has done its duty according to the constitution and democratic practice which is binding on all parties that submitted themselves to it.

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    The former Minister of Labour and Employment urged Governor Mutfwang to embrace all sections of the State in delivering good governance and dividends of democracy to the people.

    Similarly, Senator Lalong commended the candidate of the APC, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda for his doggedness, maturity and resilience in the political journey that saw him going all the way to the highest court in the land.

    He said the performance of the APC candidate and the exemplary conduct of members of the party who fought doggedly within the confines of democratic tenets, shows their capacity to continue to put the interest of the people above personal ambitions.

    Lalong, in a statement by his Media Aide, Makut Macham, urged the APC family not to be deterred but remain focused on building the party for continued service to the people.

    Meanwhile, Senator Lalong has appreciated President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their support to the APC family in Plateau State and the nation at large as well as commitment to the growth of democracy in the Nigeria.

  • Radda mourns seven dead Katsina accident victims

    Radda mourns seven dead Katsina accident victims

    Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has declared days of mourning and sincere condolences to the families of the seven dead victims of a fatal accident involving passengers on a Katsina State Trañsport Authority, KTSTA, eighteen-seater  bus travelling from Katsina to Abuja.

    Investigation by The Nation revealed that the ill-fated KTSTA bus was en route Abuja from its office in Kankara local government area of Katsina State, when it met with the tragedy due to ongoing repairs on the Kaduna/Abuja highway.

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    Further findings revealed that the construction work required diversion of traffic, with contractors placing heavy machinery in close proximity to the area, inadvertently contributing to the unfortunate incident.

    The seven lives lost at the scene of the accident include two children and the bus driver.

    Governor Radda, while expressing deep sympathy and condolences to the bereaved, promised to stand in solidarity with the families and urged  the people of Katsina State to pray and support the families.

  • Group hails Bala Muhammed’s victory at Supreme Court

    Group hails Bala Muhammed’s victory at Supreme Court

    The victory of Bauchi state governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, at the Supreme Court has been described as a victory for democracy and a reaffirmation of the judiciary as the ultimate recourse for the common man.

    The Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed Vanguard (BAM-V) emphasised that the Supreme Court’s decision upheld the voters’ choice in re-electing Mohammed for a second term, and recognized the positive impact of his good governance.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, January 14, by its director-general, Comrade Mohammed Abubakar Jibo, the group urged unity after the resolution of all election disputes by the Supreme Court.

    It also called for collective support for the governor to propel and strengthen the unprecedented developmental initiatives he has been implementing since assuming office in 2019.

    The statement read: “To us as a group and individuals, we strongly believe that what the Supreme Court verdict represents is the sanctity of the power of the electorates to freely elect their leaders at all levels of government.

    Read Also: God will grant Tinubu good health, long life to turn Nigeria around – Sunday Igboho

    “The Bauchi people spoke through the ballots on March 18, 2023, though the opposition refused to listen to the people’s voice.

    “The people overwhelmingly elected Governor Mohammed for a second term in office as a reward for his hard work in office during his first term and the Supreme Court has said yes clearly and loudly too to their voice.

    “It gladdens us as a group routing for democracy and good governance that the will of the people of Bauchi State has been validated by the Apex Court in Nigeria. Indeed this has further confirmed the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

    “Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Bala Mohammed has worked hard to change the narratives of Bauchi State development with the level of unprecedented progress recorded so far which has made the state a pride for all.

    The statement further read: “We, therefore, call on the Governor to continue to bring more dividends of democracy to the people and Bauchi State, knowing that to whom much is given more is expected from him. BAM-V has implicit confidence in him to do more for the people.

    “We the Executive members of BAM-V at the National headquarters join peace-loving people across Nigeria to appeal to the opposition and all people of Bauchi State to avoid fomenting trouble in any parts of the state.

    “It is a fact that Bauchi State is one of the safest States in Nigeria today and this must be encouraged to continue by all. There can never be any meaningful development in a state of chaos.

    “In view of this, let us all join hands with the administration of Governor Mohammed to maintain peace for development and progress.”

  • NHFSS boss hails Mutfwang over Supreme Court victory, urges Gov to work with hunters to fight bandits, others

    NHFSS boss hails Mutfwang over Supreme Court victory, urges Gov to work with hunters to fight bandits, others

    The Deputy Commander General of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) in charge of Technical Services, Dr. John Metchie, has congratulated Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang, on his confirmation as winner of the March 2023 governorship election by the Supreme Court.

    Metchie also urged the Governor to embrace officers and men of NHFSS, equip and empower them to help combat the menace of bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other criminals in the state.

    A five-man member panel of the apex court led by Justice Emmanuel Agim on Friday reversed the decision of the appellate court which sacked Mutfwang.

    Reacting to Friday’s verdict that resolved the matter in favour of Mutfwang, Dr. Metchie, a UN Ambassador and African Director of the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), in a statement on Saturday, declared that the Supreme Court ruling was a refreshing development, adding that it restored the confidence of Plateau people in the judiciary and gave them back their power to elect who governs them.

    Metchie, who was born and raised in Plateau state, described Mutfwang as a brother and neighbour, saying he could vouch for him as a serious, committed and dedicated leader who is poised to bring massive development to the state and prosper the people of Plateau.

    According to Metchie, who is also the Prime Minister of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), Plateau residents have a lot to benefit from Governor Mutfwang in the remaining three and half years of his administration and beyond.

    Metchie said- “I received with joy, the news of the well-deserved victory of my brother and neighbour, Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Supreme Court which affirmed him as the authentic winner of the March 2023 governorship election in Plateau State. The ruling by the nation’s apex court also confirmed Mutfwang as the real choice of the people of the state with regards to who governs them.

    “The Supreme Court ruling is a refreshing development as it has restored the confidence of Plateau people in the judiciary and gave them back their power to elect who governs them.

    “As someone who was born and raised in Plateau state, who has lived with Caleb as neighbour for years, I can testify to the fact that the Governor is not only a gentleman, he is also a serious, committed and dedicated administrator and great human manager, who is poised to bring massive development to the state and prosper the people of Plateau.

    “There is no doubt that the judicial contest over the governorship election outcome, has caused some governance distractions, I am sure that the people of Plateau state have a lot to gain from the Governor in the remaining three and half years of his administration and going forward.

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    “To achieve all his good plans for the people of Plateau, especially security of lives and property, I urge the Governor to quickly embrace the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) by empowering them with human and material resources to work with the Police, the Army and other security agencies, so that bandits, kidnappers, terrorists and other criminals are flushed out of the forests, farms and other related places that serve as haven for crime and criminalities.

    “The Governor needs to deploy NHFSS officers and men to all the local communities in the state, especially the hotbeds of incessant attacks and killing so that peace would be restored all over Plateau to pave way for rapid development.”