The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Coalition greets Kogi Governor-elect Ododo

    Coalition greets Kogi Governor-elect Ododo

    The coalition of some opposition Political Parties in Kogi State, led by the State Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has congratulated the state’s governor-elect, Usman Ododo, and commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting free, fair, and credible elections.

    The NNPP State Chairman appealed to aggrieved parties to accept defeat and advises governor-elect Ododo to ensure an all-inclusive government.

    In the congratulatory and commendation message made available to the media in Lokoja on Wednesday, the state chairman of the NNPP, Alhaji Suleiman Abubakar, urged aggrieved Kogites to accept defeat for the spirit of sportsmanship and the overall interest of the state.

    Suleiman hailed the security agencies and INEC for their conduct during the November 11 governorship election.

    Read Also: Yobe PDP lawmaker defects to APC

    NNPP called on all political leaders in the state to collaborate with the governor-elect and prioritize the peace and stability of the state above all other considerations.

    He commends the people of Kogi for the relatively peaceful governorship election, devoid of violence in most places.

    The NNPP Chairman and other members of the Coalition, comprising nine Political Party Chairmen, also commend President Bola Tinubu for his statesmanlike stance of non-interference in the electoral process.

    Ododo was declared the winner of the November 11 governorship election in Kogi state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday night.

  • Group hails Gov Aliyu’s policies in Sokoto, blasts media attackers

    Group hails Gov Aliyu’s policies in Sokoto, blasts media attackers

    The Sokoto Progressives Forum (SPF) has commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his rapidly advancing, people-centric administration, unparalleled in the past eight years.

    In a media statement endorsed by the group’s chairman, Mohammed Sani Goronyo and the secretary-general, Bashir Isa, the SPF highlighted Governor Aliyu’s accomplishments in the first 100 days, surpassing what the previous PDP administration couldn’t achieve in eight years.

    They specifically pointed to the revitalization of portable drinking water supply, a long-awaited development for the innocent voters of Sokoto not seen in many years.

    Read Also: Money my love language, says Mr Eazi

    The SPF also took a swipe at “a group of desperate mischief-makers who are on the payroll of election losers, masquerading as Tinubu For Real, working in cahoots with fifth columnists hoping to distract the attention of Sokoto people.”

    Goronyo, in the statement, said their group is composed of “true citizens of Sokoto state and we are therefore on ground, monitoring the policies and programmes of Governor Ahmed Aliyu. We therefore challenge the so-called ‘Tinubu for Real’ group to prove to us if they ever visited Sokoto.”

    Turning to the claim by the Arc Isa Ibrahim group’s “spurious claims” on banditry in Sokoto the SPF said: “We challenge Governor Aliyu’s blind attackers to visit Sokoto first and find out the latest developments on the renewed effort of security agencies to secure the state. We are sure the group relied on old details, prior to the assumption of office by Governor Aliyu. “

    The SPF, however, called on security agents to arrest and investigate the Arc Isa Ibrahim group, for “that malicious, mischievous press release, designed to undermine the successes recorded by the Military, police Civil Defence and others, in dealing blows on Sokoto terrorists.”

    The group also hailed the governor for “speedily breaking the records by buying vehicles to ease transportation difficulties for the people of Sokoto State, especially in this era where transportation services are part of the pillars of a strong economy.

    “It is indeed heartwarming that for the first time in more than five years, Sokoto has a young Turk as governor who is spearheading a knowledge-driven economy, efficient and affordable transportation system and prompt payment of workers salaries, among other welfare issues.”

  • Groups strategise for FOI Act domestication in Adamawa

    Groups strategise for FOI Act domestication in Adamawa

    Groups keen on promoting the functionality of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in Adamawa State have stepped up efforts at achieving the aim.

    The Northeast Humanitarian and Innovation Hub (NEHIH) which is piloting the efforts, organized a townhall meeting on the Act in Yola to obtain a buy-in by interest groups deemed vital for the domestication in the state.

    The story of the Freedom of Information Act dates back to 1999 when it was first presented to President Olusegun Obasanjo shortly after he assumed power, but it took untill 2011 for President Goodluck Jonathan to sign it into law immediately after it was passed by the National Assembly; but so many years down the line, the Act remains substantially inactive.

    Read Also: First MohBad, now Oladips, Reno Omokri mourns

    The Yola townhall meeting on the FOI Act which attracted critical stakeholders in the advocacy of freedom of information shared views on how to domesticate the FOI Act in Adamawa.

    The engagement by the NEHIH was in collaboration with the Digital Rights and Information Partnership (DRIP) Cluster, aimed at achieving the objectives of the USAID Strengthening Civil Advocacy and Local Engagements (SCALE) project.

    Adamawa State USAID-SCALE Project Focal Person and NEHIH Program Manager, Vanessa Nyingifa-Williams said in her opening remark that the engagement was meant primarily to advocate the passage of the FOI Act in Adamawa State.

    She said freedom of information is vital to improve public accountability, transparency and sustainable service delivery in Nigeria.

    “The USAID SCALE project seeks to empower civil society organizations, local advocates, and communities to engage with local government structures, advocate for policy changes, and drive accountability in governance,” she added.

    Vanessa who said only two states in Nigeria: Imo and Ekiti have domesticated the bill, said she was hopeful that Adamawa State would be the third.

    She said that the process had long been initiated at the state House of Assembly and that the prospects were bright.

  • Niger govt partners FG on investment development

    Niger govt partners FG on investment development

    The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, is seeking to collaborate with the Federal Government to woo more investors to the State, especially in the area of Agriculture.

    The Governor stated this after a closed-door meeting with the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu at his office in Abuja.

    Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Governor Umaru Bago explained that his visit was to gain knowledge from the Minister.

    He said it was to acquire first-hand information about development partners which he said is at the disposal of the Ministry.

    Read Also; Ribadu: Security has improved under Tinubu

    Governor Umaru Bago maintained that the State is determined to maximise its Agricultural potentials, hence, the need to partner with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Planning in getting the right investment, particularly in Agriculture.

    He said during the meeting, he introduced the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mustapha Ndajiwo to the Minister for effective collaboration.

    The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu assured that the Ministry is willing to collaborate with Niger State as it is part of the Ministry’s mandate.

    He said the mandate is to coordinate the development plans of the Federal government and that of the States.

    He further stated that the collaboration would allow interaction with development partners and potential investors, explaining that it would enable the Ministry to market the sub-national as much as the federal government is marketed.

    While commending the zeal of Governor Umaru Bago to transform Niger State, Sen. Bagudu promised to work with the State Ministry for Budget and Planning Commission, to fast-track the development of projects initiated by the Governor to reposition Niger State.

  • ‘Govt should invest more in education’

    ‘Govt should invest more in education’

    Government at all levels have been advised to further invest in eduction to meet up international standard.

    An educationist, Adepoju Oluwatumininu gave the advice after launching a book titled: “where is the money”.

    She said, it is the best legacy to give children by parents and their guidance.

    Briefing reporters in Abuja, Oluwatumininu who is also an Engineer said: “I love to teach and educate people on personal development and financial literacy because I believe that it’s a much needed skill in the world we are today

    “The main thing I hope to achieve with the book is to change people’s mindset about money and help them to achieve their God-given goal and by that the society at large will become a better place. One of the things I wrote about in the book is money we believe a lot of things that are not true, and what we believe become our reality, so one of the major focus of the book is to help people start believing the right things.

    Read Also: Truncated education, lost livelihoods: NEDC renews efforts to rebuild insurgency-ravaged Northeast

    “The title of the book is “where is the money” everybody is literally running up and down looking for money, countries of the world, families, individuals are looking for this money from mornings till night, marriages and families are being torn apart, because people don’t have time for themselves anymore while looking for money. So my main focus is to help people direct their energy on the right thing and to make life easier. Another thing I spoke about in the book is common money mistakes, because we all have money but what we do with it is what will determine if we become wealthy or not.

    “So I think government can set up training institutes to help train youth and even adults, I see women doing a lot of things like this and even men. I know a medical doctor that with YouTube his making serious money, we know of a pastor that is earning millions on YouTube. The old traditional way of doing things has gone, the new way we need to educate ourselves. We need to bring down the cost of internet to make it more affordable to people so they can up skills themselves and with that I believe our world will be a better place.”

  • Foreign trip: Jigawa Assembly Suspend three council chairmen

    Foreign trip: Jigawa Assembly Suspend three council chairmen

    By: Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

    Jigawa State House of Assembly has suspended three local government council chairmen for alleged illegal foreign trip.

    The three council chairmen were said to have left the country without seeking permission from the state executive or legislative in accordance with the Jigawa State Local Government Law.

    The suspended chairmen are Mubarak Ahmed of Birniwa Local Government, Rufai Ahmed, Gumel Local Government and Umar Baffa of Birniwa Local Government who was said to have traveled to Rwanda.

    The House took the decision, after Chairman House Committee on Local Government Affairs Aminu Zakari Tsubut forwarded a motion for their suspension.

    He narrated that, prior to their travelling; the house gave an order for the local government council chairmen in the state to not travel anywhere due to the preparation of 2024 state appropriation bill and its presentation to the assembly by Governor Malam Umar Namadi.

    Read Also: Over 200 Jigawa women farmers benefit from outgrower programme

    Tsubut described the action of the chairmen as an insubordination, nonchalant attitude to the primary responsibility which ought to be investigated and punish according to the law.

    Members representing Malam Madori and Guri constituencies Usman Abdullahi Tura and Hamza Guri seconded the motion moved by Tsubut.

    The House than unanimously approved for the suspension of the three local government chairmen and directed their vice to take over.

    The house constituted a committee led by the Majority Leader Lawan Muhammad Dansure to investigate the matter.

  • Fed Govt launches Diaspora Housing Mortgage Scheme

    Fed Govt launches Diaspora Housing Mortgage Scheme

    The Federal Government has launched the Diaspora Housing Mortgage Scheme.

    The scheme is designed to enable Nigerians living overseas participate in the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme so they can access up to N50 million to own their homes in Nigeria.

    Participants can access the loan via the NHF loan, Rent-to-Own or the Individual Construction loan window.

    The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa said the terms are affordable and best market rates which includes a single-digit interest rate of 9 per cent, and a payback period of up to 10 years.

    Dangiwa said this yesterday in Abuja, at the ongoing 6th Edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Commission.

    He also said under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the present administration is particular about boosting local manufacturing of building materials and Nigeria’s shortfall in the supply of quality housing stock presents a good opportunity for investors.

    He said: “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are also particular about boosting local manufacturing of building materials. Nigeria’s shortfall in the supply of quality housing stock presents a good opportunity for investors. To drive this, we aim to create an enabling environment for private sector players to produce building materials locally to lower cost, create jobs, grow the local economy, and ultimately ensure inclusive growth.

    To do this we are planning to establish six manufacturing hubs – one in each of the six geo-political zones in the country.

    Read Also:How FG can solve housing deficit, by real estate firm

    “The hubs will be provided with relevant facilities, including access roads, electricity, fit for purpose housing and relevant linkages for manufacturers to site their firms and operate. We are also proposing relevant incentives that will make it more profitable and rewarding for the private sector to manufacture building materials locally.

    “The Diaspora Housing Mortgage Scheme is designed to enable Nigerians living overseas participate in the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme so they can access up to N50million to own their homes in Nigeria. Participants can access the loan via a National Housing Fund (NHF) loan, Rent-to-Own or the Individual Construction loan window. The terms are affordable and best market rates. This includes a single-digit interest rate of 9 per cent, and a payback period of up to 10 years.

    “So, today, I want to say that I am excited to be the Minister of Housing and Urban Development to launch the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme, which I initiated as the MD/CE of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria on this auspicious occasion. Indeed, I consider it a positive twist of fate and I want to use this opportunity to urge Nigerians in the diaspora to seize the opportunity the Scheme affords them to actualize their dreams of owning affordable homes in Nigeria.

    “I believe it is important to communicate and assure the Diaspora that Nigeria is open for business in the housing and urban development space. That His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has a bold vision for the sector and is committed to backing it up with the necessary political will to break down all barriers that discourage investment in the sector.

    “A notable part of our housing sector reforms that is of particular interest to the Diaspora interested in investing in the housing and real estate sector is land reforms. What we envision is a streamlined land administration that cuts through the bureaucratic bottlenecks and systemic inefficiencies to ensure cost effective and efficient access to land for both individuals and investors in our country.”

  • Kogi traditional rulers commend INEC, others, congratulate Ododo

    Kogi traditional rulers commend INEC, others, congratulate Ododo

    Traditional rulers in Kogi State have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders for the peaceful and credible conduct of the governorship election last Saturday.

    They congratulated Governor-elect, Usman Ododo and affirmed the traditional institutions’ commitment to continued collaboration with the Kogi State Government to enhance the unity and development achieved under the current administration.

    The monarchs spoke when they paid a congratulatory visit to Governor Yahaya Bello at his GRA residence, in Okene, on Tuesday.

    The Atta Igala and President of the Kogi State Traditional Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Ogwuche-Akpa, said the visit was to celebrate with the Governor, his administration and Ododo for the peaceful and successful governorship polls. 

    Represented by Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, the monarch recalled their peace accord meeting with relevant stakeholders before the election, where they were advised to be cautious of information on social media, and where they were assured that the government and security agencies had implemented mechanisms for a peaceful election.

    On the election in Okunland, Oba Solomon stressed that the people were united in acknowledging and rewarding the governor for the positive impact of his administration. 

    He expressed confidence that if they had to do this again, the people of Okunland would not only deliver the entire Okunland but would also widen the margin of lead.

    Oba Solomon appealed to Governor Bello to continue in his efforts at strengthening the bond among the people of Kogi State, advocating for a united identity as Kogites rather than being identified based on ethnic divisions. 

    He commended the achievements of the current administration in fostering peace and unity over the past seven and a half years.

    Governor Bello, accompanied by Governor-elect Ododo, expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers for their prayers and the pivotal roles they played in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the November 11 election. 

    Read Also: Kogi guber poll credible – INEC

    He commended His Royal Majesty, Williams Keke, the Aguma of Bassa, and His Royal Highness Bukar-Khalid, the Ohiogba of Mozum, for their contributions to the peaceful election and the overwhelming victory for the APC in Bassa land. 

    The Governor emphasised the need for collaboration among senatorial districts for the overall interest of the state, emphasising that politics ends after elections, while development and good governance would continue. 

    He stressed the importance of every part of the state feeling the impact of governance, regardless of political affiliations.

    On Sunday, INEC declared Ododo winner of the November 11 governorship election, having polled the highest number of lawful votes of 446,237 to defeat other candidates.

  • Reps move to eradicate terrorism financing, money laundering

    Reps move to eradicate terrorism financing, money laundering

    The House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes has declared its commitment to root out the enablers of financial crimes and criminal activities in the country.

    The committee also asserted that the 10th National assembly would not tolerate corruption.

    Rep. Ginger Obinna, Chairman of the committee, made this pledge during the inaugural meeting of the panel in Abuja on Tuesday.

    He unveiled a series of strategies and policies aimed at safeguarding the nation’s financial system and upholding the rule of law.

    He expressed confidence in the lawmakers’ abilities to confront the inherent challenges posed by financial crimes in the country.

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    Addressing the committee members, he emphasised the importance of collective efforts to combat various menaces, including financial crimes and illicit financial flows.

    Others included: money laundering, terrorism financing, advance fee fraud (419), and cybercrimes, which continue to plague the nation.

    Obinna commended the committee members for their dedication to transparency, fairness, and accountability, setting high standards for their work.

    He expressed optimism that their joint efforts would have a profound impact on society by ensuring that those engaged in financial crimes and criminal activities are held accountable and brought to justice.

    He said, “the committee is gearing up for its activities and will have jurisdiction to oversee the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), monitoring agencies involved in the detection of financial crimes, including institutions established by law to handle financial crimes and their annual budget estimates.

    Obinna acknowledged the immense responsibilities of the committee but expressed confidence in its capabilities to confront financial crimes in the country.

    He emphasised the commitment to make positive changes in the nation’s economy, aligning with the administration’s agenda to fight corruption.

    The lawmaker pledged to maintain an open-door policy, ensuring that everyone is carried along during his tenure as the committee chairman.

    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Leave me out of your problems, Rep Gagdi tells Plateau PDP

    Leave me out of your problems, Rep Gagdi tells Plateau PDP

    The member representing Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke federal constituency of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state leave him and the judiciary out of their problems.

    The Media Office of the lawmaker, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said PDP members in Plateau state were confused for blaming their tribunal losses on their principal.

    According to the statement, their problems were self-inflicted.

    The statement described as unfortunate and unwarranted attempts by some PDP’s “emergency groups to vilify the lawmaker, who is the chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Navy, and whoever is opposed to the party, including the judiciary, for judgments not in their favour.

    Read Also; Ribadu: Security has improved under Tinubu

    “We note with dismay attempts to drag the name of our principal, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, into the political tsunami that has befallen their party in Plateau State.

    “Desperation can lead to an unending search for scapegoats. This is understandable but would not be condoned.

    “It is also a pity that their futile efforts at blackmail and mud raking is now hinged on a catchphrase which our principal has used since 2015, ‘we know whom they know, but they don’t know whom we know!’

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the catchphrase is an affirmation of our principal’s belief and trust in God as the giver of power to whom He pleases, no matter the earthly forces against such a person.

    This catchwords gave birth to his campaign slogan, “In God we Trust.”

    The Media Office warned that attempts to undermine the integrity of the judiciary when judgments were not in their favour is dangerous to the dispensation of justice.

    It urged the PDP in Plateau state to desist from casting aspersion on the person and Office of the President of the Court of Appeal as any effort to throw mud at her will be stoutly resisted by all well-meaning Nigerians.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the President of the Court of Appeal is not a member of the panel handling the appeals from Plateau State and there is nowhere it can be imagined that she lobbied their justices to give the sound verdicts that have been given on the appeals before them.

    “It will be interesting for the PDP and its social media hounds to tell Nigerians which justices they ‘bribed’ at the lower courts when the judgments were in their favour”