The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Our economy’ll boom if Muslims pay charity, says Muslim cleric

    Our economy’ll boom if Muslims pay charity, says Muslim cleric

    An Islamic scholar, Ustaz Muhammad Al-Badawiy, has identified the non-payment of compulsory charity (Zakat) by Muslims, as the reason for the poor state of the economy.

    He said if Muslims give out 2.5 per cent of their yearly earnings as charity, it would not only alleviate poverty in the land, but grow the economy.

    Speaking at the eighth Merit Awards of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Kaduna branch, Al-Badawiy, who is a lecturer at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), said the aim of giving out a percentage of one’s wealth to charity is not just to alleviate poverty but to eradicate it.

    “The prophet (S.A.W.) said when you keep giving failed promises, Allah will send to you bad leaders, when people refuse to give out a percentage of their annual earnings to charity they will never see value for their money and the economy will be damaged and when people see adultery as normal, people will die easily.

    “We are having a poor economy because Allah is angry with us. If we can change our attitude by giving our charity, keeping our promises and avoiding adultery we will not only flush out the anger of Allah, but we will help society because the aim of charity is not just to alleviate poverty but to eradicate it,” he added.

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    He called on Islamic preachers to use the pulpit in their mosques to preach the giving of charity to the poor.

    Chairman of Ansar-ud-Deen, Alhaji Saburi Adeyemi said the ceremony was organised by the society to recognise members and non-members who have contributed to the development of the society and propagation of Islam.

    The branch chairman noted that the society, which was established 100 years ago by a group of 42 young men for the propagation of Islam, is in need of support of wealthy Muslims to keep up its programmes, including education, reformation, propagation, and defence of Islam.

    Governor Uba Sani, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Agency, Dr. Yusuf Yakub Arrigasiyyu, pledged to support the society in the propagation of Islam in the state.

    Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Amao Ademola Abideen said: “Contributing to Ansar-Ud-Deen means contributing to a better education of the Muslim children, empowerment of the less privileged and other forms of Daawah.”

    Highlights of the event was presentation of excellence awards to outstanding Muslims. They inluded the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Yekini Ayoku; former General Officer Commanding (G.O.C.) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Kamaldeen Role (rtd); wife of the former Osun State CPS, Hajia Hadrat Onolola Omipidan and Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Dr. Yusuf Yakub Arrigasiyyu.

  • Kano APC slams NNPP over eight-man London protest

    Kano APC slams NNPP over eight-man London protest

    The National Coalition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Stakeholders has berated the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for staging an eight-man demonstration in London on Sunday over the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal judgement.

     The group described the demonstration as a show of shame and a plot to discredit the judiciary, and the Federal Government and drag the image of APC in the mud.

    The tribunal had sacked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the NNPP due to irregularities, where over 165,000 votes were imprinted and  stuffed into the ballot boxes without the official stamp nor signature of the presiding officers.

    Addressing reporters in Abuja yesterday, the National Secretary of the coalition, Isabella Odunayo, condemned the NNPP for distorting facts.

    The group noted that since the judgment the NNPP-led Kano State Government had been peddling lies against the judiciary, the Federal Government and the APC. It said: “The NNPP desperation took them to London where it sponsored a protest to blackmail the Federal Government and discredit the tribunal judgement, unknowingly to the organisers, Nigerians in diaspora had watched clips of the jubilation that trailed the APC victory at the tribunal, thereby Nigerians in London ignored the sponsored protest.

    “It is shameful that Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Kwankwasiyya Movement only got eight persons for a protest which targeted about 1000 people, a sign that Nigerians both home and in diaspora accepted the judgment in good faith.”

    The group warned: “The judiciary cannot be intimidated by its threat as security agencies in Nigeria are fully prepared to secure the country.

    Read Also: Kano guber: APC slams NNPP over 8-man London protest

    “The eight people led by Dr Aminu Bello who embarrassed themselves yesterday in London do not represent the interest of Nigerians.

    “It is barbaric and indeed archaic for the NNPP to toll the part of blackmail calling for justice in faraway London when justice has already been served with the judgment of the tribunal.

    “It is unpalatable to speak ill of the judiciary because your stealing antics were uncovered. Abba Kabir Yusuf has no shame which is why he is still sponsoring the Campaign against the judiciary.

    “We call on the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Service to commence an investigation of the out-going Kano State Governor Yusuf and the leadership of the NNPP ahead of their prosecution.

    “It is by such actions that some desperate politicians may desist from rigging and instilling violence during elections.”

  • Accelerate programmes on poverty alleviation, governors told

    Accelerate programmes on poverty alleviation, governors told

    The Former Governors Forum has urged Nigerians to continue to embrace fundamental principles of unity in diversity.

    The group said this in a statement to mark Nigeria’s 63rd Independence celebration.

    In the statement, its Chairman and former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu and Executive Secretary, Prof. Tunde Esan, urged the government to establish programmes that would alleviate poverty and enhance opportunities for Nigerians.

    The statement reads: “Former Governors Forum warmly felicitate and celebrate with all Nigerians on the occasion of the celebration of independence day. The historical journey of Nigeria and its citizens in the last 60 three years exemplifies fortitude, and defined opportunities as a nation. Tested through national trials and strengthened by a determined and enterprising populace , the history of our nation cannot easily be dismissed as bothering on mere adversities.

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    “Therefore, the national celebration of independence day which cuts across all tribes in Nigeria, reminds us of our oneness and togetherness, and the potentialities of a nation strategically placed as a beacon of hope for the black race.

    “It’s equally an opportunity for Nigerians to continue to appreciate true virtues of peace and harmony, as the nation’s journey in the last few months appropriates the fundamentals of heterogeneity with varied opinions, positions and appropriations in national discourse.”

    “As the day of the independence celebration is etched in our national memory, we use the opportunity to call on all Nigerians to continue to embrace fundamental principles of unity in diversity, and also for the government at all levels to accelerate programs that will alleviate poverty and enhance opportunities for Nigerians.”

  • Alia sends team to resolve Benue’s communities’ crisis

    Alia sends team to resolve Benue’s communities’ crisis

    Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has sent a peace delegation to Bonta and Okpute communities of Konshisha and Oju local government areas (LGA) of the state to deescalate a renewed crisis in the areas.

     The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that last Saturday, youths from both communities took to the streets to protest the recent incidents in the area.

    According to the youth leader in Bonta, Mr Titus Akaakegh, a Bonta woman was in her farm working when youths from Okpute allegedly chased her away claiming she trespassed into their land.

    It was also alleged that after Okpute youths rebuilt market stalls at a market destroyed during a recent crisis in the areas, Bonta youths went to the market and destroyed the stalls. The act was said to have made the Okpute youth angry, resulting to the demonstrations which almost degenerated into a fight.

    It was said the governor, on hearing of the incident quickly sent a peace delegation to theaffected  communities to ensure that the crisis did not escalate.

    The delegation led by the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management,  Aondowase Kunde, also have other government officials from the two communities, including member of the state House of Assembly representing Konshisha State constituency, Cephas Dyako,member representing Oju 2 State Constituency and Deputy Majority leader, Hon Cyril Ikong, member representing Oju 1 State Constituency and Deputy Minority leader, Hon. Blessed Onah, Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof Moses Ogbaji, Special Adviser to the state Governor on Security, Hon. Joseph Har, among others.

    While members of the delegation took time to address the people of the two communities on the need to support government efforts towards maintaining peaceful coexistence in their area, Kunde said the governor had sent them to appeal to the people to sheathe their swords and give peace a chance.

    “We are here for peace.This is a time we should be rejoicing. We have suffered so much in Benue in the past and God has sent his son, Alia, to put smiles on our faces. So we should not be engaging in another violence.

    “As the commissioner of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, it is my intention to bring relief to the people and not to come and settle crisis.

    “Very soon, I will be returning with palliatives for the people, so I urge you all to stay in peace. No matter the level of provocation, you should choose peace. As work resume on Tuesday, His Excellency has promised he will find time to come for lasting peace,” he added.

    Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof Moses Ogbaji discouraged the youth of both communities from carrying arms against one another, urging them to embrace dialogue and peace.

    Ogbaji, who called on the youth to engage themselves meaningfully, said the government has subsidised fertiliser for Benue farmers and provided input, urging them to take advantage of the opportunity and do meaningful things.

    “Governor Alia sent us to greet you, that he has not forgotten you and promises to return to say thank you.

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    “He is not interested in who started the trouble but interested in maintaining peace. So I appeal to you to allow peace reign. Guns and machetes are no longer solving problems but dialogue.So, if you need more fertilizers for your agricultural activities, come to me, government will supply to you,” Ogbaji said.

    While reminding the Bonta people of Konshisha that they are the elder brothers, he appealed to them to carry their younger brothers, the Igede people, along.

    Member representing Oju 1 State Constituency, Hon. Blessed Onah, told the people: “War has no customer just as there is no alternative to peace. We want peace and peace we will get.”

    He urged the people to eschew violence and choose peace at all times saying, “What the mouth cannot give us by way of dialogue, we shouldn’t get it with another instrument.”

    On his part, the Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters, Joseph Har,  addressed the communities on the good intentions of the Alia-led government, He said the road connecting the area would soon be constructed to ease movement of humans, goods and services.

    Har, who noted that the government of Rev Fr Alia is a government of peace, said: “Iormem (Alia’s middle name) means ‘Let the people rest. So, let people rest.’ My happiness would be full when one day I will escort the governor to flag off the construction of this road for your own good.”

    While insisting that asking for peace is not a sign of weakness but that of strength, Har said the government has the capacity to deal with any trouble maker but has decided that making a deliberate effort to ensure that peace reigns in the land is the best.

    He appealed to the people to support the government and give peace a chance for the progress and development of their areas and state in general.

    Responding on behalf of the Bonta people, Elder Ahula Akpile, thanked the delegation for their prompt response to the issue and pledged support and loyalty to the state government.

    He warned the youth to eschew violence and allow the state government wade into the matter and bring lasting solutions.

    Also, the community leader of Okpute, Elder Joseph Agbaga, appreciated the administration for promoting peace in the area.

    Agbaga said they would ensure that youths conduct themselves well peace, saying: “We know that this government will be different and we pray God to give him the grace to bring an end to this crisis.”

  • Independence Day: Protesters storm High Commission over Kano tribunal ruling

    Independence Day: Protesters storm High Commission over Kano tribunal ruling

    As Nigeria marked its 63rd Independence Day celebration, citizens in the diaspora stormed the High Commission in London, United Kingdom, to demand justice in the Kano governorship election trial..

    The protesters, on Sunday, waved placards to drive home their insistence for an impartial and apolitical justice system that will be fair to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) government in Kano.

    The messages on the placards include: “The Independence of a country depends on the Independence of its judiciary”; “Kano must not be robbed, Tinubu should allow justice to prevail in Kano”; “Kano people’s mandate must be allowed, no more unjust rulings”; “Abba’s mandate must not be stolen”.

    “Tribunals must be just, Kano case must not be an exception”; “Keep politics out of our courts”; “Tribunal neutrality is non-negotiable. Kano people deserve justice, not politics”; “Defend democracy, demand fair tribunals. Kano people deserve justice.”

    The convener, Dr. Aminu Bello, told journalists that they were at the embassy to protest the judgment delivered by the tribunal as it raised serious questions.

    Bello said the 2023 general polls were a pivotal moment in the country’s history but that the recent verdict left many Nigerians disheartened and concerned about the integrity of the electoral process.

    Protester

    “We want to emphasize a crucial point: it is only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that has the legal authority to cancel votes, not tribunal judges. The judiciary’s role is to interpret the law and ensure justice is served, not to alter the will of the people expressed at the ballot box.

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    “We believe justice must be blind and that the rule of law must prevail in all circumstances. The recent judgment has raised questions about whether justice has truly been served in this instance. We call on all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation, to rise and fight for justice,” he charged.

    The convener reminded the public that democracy thrives on the diversity of political voices and the competition of ideas, noting that Nigeria should never be reduced to a one-party system.

    “The strength of democracy lies in a vibrant multi-party system where all citizens have a chance to express their choices. The mandate given to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf must be upheld and respected; stakeholders must ensure justice is served.

    “We urge Nigerians to engage in peaceful, lawful, and constructive ways to demand transparency and accountability. Civil society organizations, political parties, and the international community should monitor the situation. The votes must not be stolen.

    “We also ask relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial review of the Kano election tribunal judgment to ascertain its fairness and punish any judge who is found to have compromised,” Bello urged.

  • Kwara Exco okays N239bn 2023 revised budget

    Kwara Exco okays N239bn 2023 revised budget

    Kwara State Executive Council has approved for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to present to the Assembly a draft revised 2023 budget of N239,084,199,757.00, with capital expenditure taking some 50.2% of the chunk while recurrent tanked to 49.8%.

    The revised budget is 27% larger (N50,238,596,196.00) than the approved 2023 budget earlier approved by the House. 

    The approval followed a submission from the Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Lafia Aliyu Kora Sabi who said that a service-wide and bottom-up process for the revised budget started since June 2023 — followed by thorough deliberations and reviews of submissions from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Government (MDAs) by the Central Budget Committee (CBC).

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    “The pertinent factor governing the selection of projects for execution in the remaining part of the year is the emphasis placed on capital projects that are critical to stimulate the economic activities in the state for inclusive growth and development,” Sabi told the council, adding that special considerations have been made to boost economic activities and improve the living standard of the people.

    The cabinet, among other government processes, also approved for Star Sewing Machine Limited, an International firm, to manage the State’s Garment Factory following a long-drawn bidding process involving open tendering in line with relevant laws. 

    Held on Friday evening, the council meeting was chaired by the Governor, Mal. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq attended by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, Secretary to the State Government,  Alhaji AbdulKadir Mahe; and all the Commissioners.

  • Ex-Kaduna gov Yero dumps PDP

    Ex-Kaduna gov Yero dumps PDP

    Yhe former Governor of Kaduna State under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, has resigned his membership of the party.

    Yero was Deputy Governor to Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa in 2011, but became the substantive governor of the State, following the death of Yakowa in a helicopter crash on December 15, 2012.

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    The resignation letter dated 30th September 2023 was personally signed by Yero and addressed to the ward chairman of the party in Kaura ward, Kaura, Zaria Local Government Area of the state.His resignation came 48 hours after the petition of the PDP candidate, Isa Mohammed Ashiru, in the March 18 governorship election was dismissed by the tribunal.

  • Kogi indigenes demand arrest of APC supporter’s killers

    Kogi indigenes demand arrest of APC supporter’s killers

    Scores of Kogi indigenes have called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Yahaya Bello to immediately put machineries in motion to curtail the excesses of thugs allegedly loyal to one of the governorship candidates.

    They accused the thugs of killing a supporter of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Kotonkarfe and other cases of violence recorded lately in the State.

    The over 5,000 indigenes,  under the auspices of Kogi for Kogites Movement, whose members are drawn from all the 21 Local Government Areas, said from non-partisan information gathered from eyewitnesses at the scene of the event, it was reliably gathered that thugs allegedly loyal to the candidate attacked APC supporters o  a peaceful rally in Kotonkarfe on Friday.

    In a statement by the Coordinator, Kogi for Kogites, Ahmed Ojonugwa, the indigenes said the stock in trade of the party was “to commit gruesome crimes and turn around to play the victim”.

    Parts of the statement read:

    “We call on the Governor Yahaya Bello, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that these strange politicians, who have, right from the beginning of the campaign, shown that they have nothing to offer Kogites other than hate campaign and violence, are seriously cautioned. Perpetrators of this gruesome act must also be immediately fished out and brought to book.

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    “Has anyone seen the Accord Governorship Candidate, Admiral Jibrin Usman (retd), being involved in this kind of senseless propaganda where human lives are traded? He is a well respected Igala man who has also pointed out the lies of the party in public fora.

    “We call on the supporters of the APC not to take laws into their hands in the interest of patriotic indigenes. But if things go on this way, true sons and daughters of Kogi State would have no choice but to drag the candidate to the highest courts of the land for this evil attempt to drag Kogi State back to the dark days.

    “We also call on law enforcement agencies to immediately arrest all his collaborators as well as question the security agents attached to the candidate on why they watched thugs unleash mayhem on peaceful and defenceless people. This is unacceptable.”

  • Minister laments poor sanitation, rolls out strategic plan

    Minister laments poor sanitation, rolls out strategic plan

    Joshua Oboh Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Engr. Joseph Utsev has expressed concerns over the prevalence of poor water, sanitation and hygiene with its devastating effect in the country.

    During a three-Day retreat by the ministry for top management staff, Utsev pointed out that approximately 48 million Nigerians still practice Open Defecation (OD) which has placed Nigeria as the second largest country practicing OD behind India.

    He added that about 122,000 Nigerians, including 85,000 children under the age of five, die each year of diarrhea and other poor sanitation related ailments.

    According to him: “The federal government in November, 2018 declared a state of emergency on water, sanitation and hygiene. And launched the WASH action plan. This was followed by the approval of the Federal Executive Council in May 2019 to institutionalize a national road map for ending OD in Nigeria by 2025.

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    “The campaign was backed up with the signing of the executive order 9 in November, 2019 aimed to unite all stakeholders in combating the menace of OD which has placed Nigeria as the second largest country practicing OD behind India.

    “According to the 2021 Water Sanitation Hygiene National Outcome on Routine Marping Survey, approximately 48 million Nigerians, equivalent to 23% of the population, still practice OD. It is no gainsaying to state that the economic, social and health impact of OD on national development is enormous.”

    While he admitted that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources plays a significant role, Utsev maintained that collaboration across different stakeholders including government agencies, non-government organizations, community-based organizations and private sectors is essential to achieve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in the country.

  • Dosh Entertainment Empire: why we are committed to nurturing talents

    Dosh Entertainment Empire: why we are committed to nurturing talents

    Dosh Entertainment Empire’s commitment to nurturing talent goes beyond the initial discovery and promotion stages.

     The label is dedicated to ensuring the long-term success and well-being of their artists.

     Their approach includes comprehensive support systems that encompass professional and personal growth. This holistic strategy, which incorporates mentorship, artistic development, and emotional support, is geared towards not only fostering the flourishing of their talents but also ensuring their longevity in the fiercely competitive entertainment industry.

    Mentorship plays a pivotal role in Dosh Entertainment Empire’s support system. Established artists and industry experts within the label offer guidance and expertise to emerging talents. This mentorship not only helps artists refine their craft but also equips them with valuable insights into the nuances of the entertainment industry, paving the way for sustained success.

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    Artistic development is another cornerstone of the label’s commitment to its talents. Dosh Entertainment Empire invests in the continuous growth and improvement of their artists. Whether it’s honing their musical skills, refining their stage presence, or exploring new genres, the label provides resources and opportunities for artists to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the industry.

    Moreover, the label recognizes the importance of emotional support in an industry known for its pressures and challenges. Dosh Entertainment Empire fosters a supportive and nurturing environment where artists can thrive without the burden of excessive stress. This approach not only ensures the well-being of their talents but also allows them to focus on their creative endeavors.

    In an industry where longevity and consistent growth are rare, Dosh Entertainment Empire’s commitment to the holistic development and well-being of their artists sets them apart. By providing ongoing support, mentorship, and artistic development, the label is not just shaping careers but also nurturing a community of artists poised for long and successful journeys in the entertainment world.