The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • My emergence end religious, tribal politics in Nasarawa, says Speaker

    My emergence end religious, tribal politics in Nasarawa, says Speaker

    Newly elected speaker, Nasarawa State House of assembly, Danladi Jatau said, he will work hard as the number three citizen of the state to close religious and tribal politics in the state which has undermine unity of the state.

    He also assured the people of the State of open door and all inclusive leadership devoid of any sentiment.

    Speaker Jatau gave the assurance while playing host to Jama’atul Nasri Islam (JNI) and Tijaniyya Movement, Nasarawa State Chapter in his office yesterday in Lafia.

    He advised religious leaders against inciting sermons capable of threatening the existing peace being enjoyed in the State.

    ” I want to appreciate you for the visit and to assure you of my readiness to operate an open door policy.

    ” I want to thank God for making me to be the leader of the House, I will work hard to close religious and tribal differences undermining unity, peace and progress of the State,the entire situation is worrisome ” he said.

    ” I came from a background without religious sentiment, in my immediate family, there are both Muslims and Christians and we operate as one united entity,” he added.

    The Speaker appreciated Governor Abdullahi Sule for his developmental strides in the state and called on all to give him the maximum support to succeed.

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    ” I want to appreciate His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule for being up and doing in developing the state.

    ” Let’s continue to support His Excellency to succeed ,” he said.

    Earlier, Caliphate Mallam Muhammad Buhari, the Leader of Tijaniyyah Movement, Nasarawa State said that the visit was to congratulate Rt. Hon Jatau on his emergence as Speaker of the state legislature.

    ” We are here to congratulate and rejoice with you on your emergence as Speaker of the House

    ” You have the experience and capacity to lead the House as God gives leadership to whom he wishes,” he said.

    He assured the speaker of their loyalty and support at all times, urging him to operate an open door policy.

  • Zonal APC chairmen urge Alia to improve relationship with party

    Zonal APC chairmen urge Alia to improve relationship with party

    The three All Progressive Congress APC; zonal Vice chairmen in Benue State have advised Governor Hyacinth Alia to improve his relationship with the party leadership.

    Addressing a press conference in Makurdi,  Benue state capital , Bishop Pinot Ogbaji,  who read the text of the press conference , on behalf on the APC zonal vice chairman representing the three zones declared that party members are angry with the Governor for sideling the platform and organs  which he used and won election.

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    The three zonal vice chairman went down memory and series of incident that snaballed into public crisis.

    Bishop Ogbai stated “

    You would recall that the shaky relationship between Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia and-his party the APC started in June this year, during the inauguration of the State Assembly where the governor had preference for a candidate for the position of Speaker but could not confer with the leadership of the party, rather he allowed the party to painstakingly sit, zone the position and anoint a candidate that was not his choice.

  • ‘Court judgment’ll not deter good governance policy in Zamfara’

    ‘Court judgment’ll not deter good governance policy in Zamfara’

    An Aide to Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Alhaji Yahaya Yari said the recent Appeal Court judgment will not discourage the governor from executing developmental projects.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the appeal court sitting in Abuja recently declared the March 18, Zamfara governorship election inconclusive.

    The court ordered re-run polls in the three local government areas of Birnin-Magaji, Bukkuyum and Maradun.

    Yari, a Special Adviser, said that the judgment would not affect the good governance policies initiated by Lawal.

    He said, “As we all know, the rescue mission policies of our administration came to change the condition of Zamfara to a better position.

    “We have nothing to worry about the judgement, because we are here with the mandate of the people and I believe that people of the state still have confidence in our administration.

    “Even tomorrow, people of Zamfara are ready to vote for Lawal again as governor , because they have seen the impact of good governance projects.

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    “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is ready for the rerun even if it is held tomorrow, therefore, nothing will discourage it.

    “You can see the ongoing projects initiated under urban renewal policy and a policy to revive the education sector of the state among others,” he said.

    Yari said he was confident that when rerun election was conducted, PDP would emerge victorious, adding, “I call on PDP supporters and the people of the state to remain calm and law abiding.

    “We appreciate the kind prayers, love, understanding and loyalty from the general public to the present administration in the state,” he added.

    Yari urged the people of t

  • Court freezes 24 Kano Govt accounts over N30bn Compensation Dispute

    Court freezes 24 Kano Govt accounts over N30bn Compensation Dispute

    In a recent development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a garnishee order, freezing a total of 24 bank accounts belonging to the Kano State Government.

    This order was granted in response to a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Masalachi Eid Shop Owners and Traders Association.

    The association sought compensation for the demolition of their shops, which they deemed illegal and unjust.

    Justice I. E. Ekwo, presiding over the case, delivered the ruling on November 28, 2023, affirming the attachment of funds totaling N30 billion.

    According to the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling signed by the Registrar, Chioma Chijioke, the action is aimed at satisfying the judgment in favour of the shop owners, following the alleged illegal demolition carried out by the state in June 2023.

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    In the court order, Justice Ekwo specified, “A garnishee order Nisi is hereby made attaching the funds (present and future) of Kano State Government, Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority, KNUPDA, and Attorney General of Kano State… to the tune of N30 billion in satisfaction of the judgment.”

    Moreover, the court has mandated the garnishees to appear before it and provide cause, if any, against the order Nisi being made absolute. The Judge also stipulated that the judgment creditors should serve the defendants and Garnishees at least 14 days prior to the next hearing, scheduled for 18th January, 2024.

    This ruling comes subsequent to an earlier judgment by the Federal High Court in Kano, where the shop owners were awarded N30 billion as compensation for the demolition of their shops.

    The frozen accounts span across 24 banks.

  • Fed Govt pledges to combat NCDs, HIV

    Fed Govt pledges to combat NCDs, HIV

    The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has vowed that it will address the dual challenges of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and HIV in the country.

    Director of Public Health in the ministry, Dr Anyaike Chukwuma, affirmed this commitment yesterday in Abuja during the first annual APIN Public Health Initiative Symposium, themed “Integrating Non-Communicable Diseases and HIV to ensure long and quality lives for Persons living with HIV (PLHIV).

    Chukwuma outlined a four-point agenda, emphasizing a holistic approach to governance, capacity development, health system strengthening, and financial measures.

    He stressed the importance of collective engagement and expert contributions to ensure a healthier and higher-quality life for PLHIV in the country.

    Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salma Anas-Kolo, acknowledged APIN’s pivotal role in HIV care over 23 years.

    Anas-Kolo highlighted the need for global integration and societal collaboration in HIV-related initiatives, emphasising the burden of non-communicable diseases and their additional costs associated with HIV infection.

    Addressing the symposium, Acting Team Lead for NCD at World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa’s Regional Office, Dr. Barango Prebo, emphasised the significance of hypertension as an NCD risk factor in Africa.

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    Prebo expressed concern about the high prevalence of the disease affecting one in three adults, with 80 per cent unaware or not receiving treatment, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and healthcare services.

    Additionally, he pointed out distinctive challenges in Africa, such as the highest burden of cervical cancer among NCDs.

    Addressing Nigeria’s challenging position with NCDs surpassing the global average, Prebo noted that premature NCD rates are at over 70 per cent.

    Prebo emphasised that its broader impact on the population goes beyond the poor due to limited access to treatment and healthcare services.

    He underscored the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure in the region.

    He highlighted the challenge of aligning medication distribution, especially for HIV and adjuncts like Atenol, across different time frames, stressing the importance of systematic monitoring.

  • Wike to kick-off rehabilitation of roads in Asokoro

    Wike to kick-off rehabilitation of roads in Asokoro

    As part of his commitment to the maintenance and optimization of public infrastructure as well as ensuring the seamless functioning of essential services in the city,  the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Nyesom Wike will today flag off the rehabilitation of road projects in the  Asokoro District of the Abuja.

    The Asokoro District, known for its significance and strategic importance in the city, will witness comprehensive road rehabilitation aimed at improving accessibility, traffic flow, and overall urban aesthetics.

    According to a statement issued yesterday by the Director Press, office of the FCT minister, Anthony Ogunleye, the initiative is a testament to the minister’s dedication to ensuring that public infrastructure is not only developed but also meticulously maintained to meet the evolving needs of the city.

    The kick-off ceremony will take place at the AYA roundabout in Asokoro by 12 noon.

    Ogunleye said: “The following are the streets in Asokoro that are to be rehabilitated : Abdoul Diouf Street, Akenzua Street, Gado Nasko Close, Gnassingbe Eyadema Street, Haile Selassie Street, Julius Nyerere Crescent, Justice Roseline Ukeje Close, Kwame Nkrumah Crescent, Kyari Mohammed Crescent, River Yambo Street, Maitama Sule Street, Nelson Mandela Street, Patrice Lumumba Street, Samora Machel Street, Siaka Steven Street, Udo Udoma Street, Ukpabi Asika Street, Williams Tolbert Close, Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Aya Ramp, Aya Roundabout, Usman Fodio Crescent, Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Muhammadu Ribadu Street, J. F. Kennedy Street, Ali Akilu Crescent, Ibrahim Taiwo Street and Justice G. Sowemimo Street/Jose Marti Crescent.

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    “Other locations outside Asokoro include: Burundi Street,  Cabinda Street,  Damba Close,  Ndande Crescent,  Suez Crescent,  Lumsar Street,  Addis Ababa Street,  Manzini Street,  Benghazi Street,  Manapulane +Casamance Street,  Bamenda Street,  Lukulu Street,  Kamina Street,  Tamale Street,  Matadi Street,  Algeria Street,  ASBA / Dantata Street, Off Ring Road-2,  Queen Elizebeth Street and  Gashua Close, Area-8, Garki.

    “The FCTA wishes to inform the public that the affected roads will be partially closed to traffic and road users will be diverted to other adjoining routes to allow for smooth conduct of the rehabilitation works.

    “The general public is to further note that the FCT Department of Road Transport Services, the police and the Federal Road Safety Corps have been duly informed of this exercise and would be on ground to ensure seamless traffic control and management during the period of planned rehabilitation works.”

  • Be committed, purposeful, Sokoto gov tells cabinet members

    Be committed, purposeful, Sokoto gov tells cabinet members

    Sokoto State Governor Dr Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has urged members of his cabinet to be committed, purposeful and sincere with vision for ensuring a transformed Sokoto state.

    He also urged them to be free and contribute to the success of the administration.

    Sokoto said this yesterday at the commencement of the 3rd weekly State Executive Council Meeting in Sokoto.

    “I can’t do it alone, we should collectively work towards reaching the dream land and destination for the success of the state,” he said.

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    While noting that his administration was on course to fulfill campaign promises to the people, the governor stressed that the state was fast undergoing robust transformation in so many respects.

    “We particularly promised to have a new Sokoto state and today we are seeing the transformation. The Exco is a platform for discussing relevant issues, proffer solutions with direct bearing on the lives of Sokoto people. Thank God for making us discuss and take decisions in the best interest of Sokoto people”

  • Hepatitis: Gowon centre to vaccinate 2000 patients in Gombe

    Hepatitis: Gowon centre to vaccinate 2000 patients in Gombe

    The Yakubu Gowon Centre yesterday commenced sensitisation and vaccination of 2000 hepatitis patients in Gombe as part of campaign and advocacy against the killer disease.

    The campaign against viral hepatitis by Yakubu Gowon Centre which started in 2019 was coming to Gombe State for the first time in 2023 after it covered the five other North East states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe and Taraba.

    The Project Coordinator, Mr. Adeyeye Ajayi, said the centre will advocate and sensitize the people for them to come out to be screened and vaccinated against the disease.

    “We are going to carry out the program in the three senatorial districts of Gombe State. The General Hospital at Biliri and the Correctional Center there have been selected as our base of operation for Gombe South. The General Hospital at Kumo has been selected for Gombe Central while in Gombe, we are going to use the State Specialist Hospital and the Correctional Center for Gombe North Senatorial District,” he said.

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    He said the campaign which will take three months will cover the three doses of vaccination for first, second and third doses.

    “For the first phase of activity, we are going to be here for four days. Both the screening and vaccination will be carried out simultaneously. The vaccination has a thirty day gap, after the first vaccination, the patient will have to come back after thirty days for the second vaccination and the second one will also be after thirty days,” he said.

    Dr. Zaradin Bapayo Adams from the state Ministry of Health, said the state is well prepared and ready to receive any intervention coming to the state.

    He said currently, the state has no data for hepatitis and that is why the intervention from Yakubu Gowon Centre is coming at the right time.

    Adams said the mortality rate for hepatitis in the state is quite high because of lack of awareness and support in treating the disease.

    “It’s like HIV but we many support on that providing medication and others for it but for hepatitis, we don’t have; may be that is why the mortality rate is high. That’s why we are welcoming all the interventions that will bring positive impact on hepatitis,” he said.

  • NAHCON sets up committee to review catering, accommodation guidelines

    NAHCON sets up committee to review catering, accommodation guidelines

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has inaugurated a committee to review the guidelines on accommodation and catering services for the purpose of engendering better service delivery for next year’s Hajj.

    Acting Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON Malam Jalal Arabi, said the review would make pilgrims get better services from service providers.

    He said: “What we are doing is to improve on the way we are doing things. Like it happens in some other parts of the world, we need to be dynamic. As it is the global practice, we have to improve in our ways, to be in conformity with the international best practices.”

    He urged the committee to approach the assignment with open mind and a keen sense of responsibility as their report would have great influence on the commission’s accommodation and catering services in Saudi Arabia.

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    “As experienced staff, I have no doubt that you will carry out the assignment with utmost good faith. You also have the leeway to expand beyond the scope of reference. Whatever recommendation/suggestion you proffer will enrich our knowledge as well as the betterment of the commission,” he said.

    Responding on behalf of the committee members, Dr Aliyu Tanko, thanked the chairman for the opportunity accorded them to serve.

    Tanko stated that though the task seems daunting but expressed the hope and confidence in the members to carry out the assignment in the best possible ways, stressing the inter relationship between the assignment and the outcome of the 2024 Hajj.

  • Railway will boost economic growth in Plateau, says Mutfwang

    Railway will boost economic growth in Plateau, says Mutfwang

    Plateau state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has promised Plateau citizens that arrangements have been concluded toward the speedy completion of the ongoing railway project in the state.

    The governor said the project would cushion the effects of the high cost of transport and drive development and economic growth in the state.

    Mutfwang said this while inspecting the ongoing Railway Project at the Jos Terminus station to ascertain the level of completion.

    Represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, he said that the project became necessary to address the high cost of transport and current economic hardship in the state.

    He said: “The railway system plays a significant role in the development and overall growth of any economy. It is often regarded as the wheels of economic activity because of the crucial role it plays in providing the bulwark upon which production and distribution stand.

    “It opens up regions, hinterlands, and rural areas by facilitating agricultural development as well as the growth of cottage and large-scale industries. It also attracts residential, commercial, educational, and recreational settlements and developments around its corridor, which is why my administration swung into action to revive this important sector that has been left to rot.

    “The importance of the rail line is further accentuated by its safety and security factors, especially as we are faced with insecurity in our state and offers lower unit costs in terms of transport fares, and it is in good stead to serve as the hub of a transport system in our dear state.”

    Mutfwang urged the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to ensure the speedy completion of the project and ensure that it is upgraded to standard.

    The national president of the Nigerian Union of Railway Workers, Innocent Ajiji, who spoke on behalf of the corporation revealed that the locomotive trains would begin operations before the end of December.

    Ajiji, who applauded the state government for reviving the railway system after years of neglect, said that two locomotive engines and 6 coaches were on the ground to begin operations.

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    He said each coach could carry over a hundred passengers and they would be renovated to meet up with standards.

    He added that though the trains were not new models, they still had a lifespan of more than 50 years from now and are being used in different parts of the country and other parts of the world.

    Ajiji said the rail line which would run from the Kuru Terminal to the Terminus Station would boost the agricultural and economic status of the state and reduce the prices of food as farmers would have a cheaper and faster means of transport.

    Commissioner for Transport, Davou Jatau applauded Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the laudable effort, he said the project should gladden and make every Plateau citizen proud.

    He said the idea of governance is to bring development and uplift the lives of the people.

    He said the governor is showing uncommon leadership, focus, determination, and willpower to deliver, and has remained undeterred and unwavering even in the face of very limited resources available to him.