The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Kano okays N1.5b for fees, mass wedding

    Kano okays N1.5b for fees, mass wedding

    Kano State Executive Council has approved  N700  millon school fees for 7,000 indigenes studying at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) and N854 million for Auren Zaurawa Mass Wedding Initiative.

    Governor Abba Yusuf spoke yesterday via his verified X page, formerly Twitter.

    The governor said the N700 million for Kano students at BUK was approved during the  council meeting due to the country’s economic crisis.

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    “As part of efforts to cushion effects of our economic reality; Kano State Executive Council  approved release of N700 million to settle fees for 7000 students of Bayero University Kano (BUK),” the governor said.

    It released funds for the first phase of Auren Zaurawa Mass Wedding Initiative and the constitution of a special committee to settle pension arrears for retirees from Kano State Civil Service.

    The state also approved rehabilitation of pedestrian bridges at Bayero University Kano Old Campus, Aminu Kano College of Legal and Islamic Studies, and Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education.

  • ‘Why Benue govt accounts remain frozen’

    ‘Why Benue govt accounts remain frozen’

    Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has said he has not found statements on 57 government accounts domicilled in commercial banks.

    The Nation learnt some people have open cheques on most of the frozen bank accounts running into billions.

    He spoke with media houses in Government House, Makurdi,

    Alia told reporters he sealed Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, and bank accounts because fraud was being carried out on them.

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    “If I tell you what is happening on the bank accounts you would want them to be sealed forever.

    It was gathered some ministries and agencies were finazding it difficult to operate because their accounts were sealed.

    Investigation showed in the governor’s handover notes, there were no traces of statements on the 57 government-owned accounts.

    A member of the Transition Committee, who pleaded anonymity, said: “We took over from PDP administration and found out Benue State has 57 bank accounts domicilled in commercial banks, but we are also curious that none of them has bank statements.

    It was also learnt some people have open cheques on the frozen accounts, and the administration took some measures to stop fraudulent withdrawals until due diligence is carried out.

    The Nation gathered some staff of the Accountant General’s Office may be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission for questioning to unravel circumstances surrounding why there were no bank statements on the 57 accounts.

    Chief Press Secretary to the governor,  Kulas Tersoo, said the matter is a sensitive one and requires consultations with his principal

    Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are complaining that three months after, funds were yet to be allocated for critical government business.

    On May 29, Alia froze all government bank accounts. 

  • APC chieftain urges ministers to shun corruption

    APC chieftain urges ministers to shun corruption

    The Southsouth Zonal Organising Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Blessing Agbomhere, has congratulated the Women’s leader of the party, Dr. Alile Idele.

    Agbomhere urged her to bring her experience in philanthropy to galvanise women to work for realisation of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    He described the Edo State born leader as a dogged chieftain of APC who has worked to boost fortunes of the party in Southsouth and Nigeria.

    In a statement in Abuja yesterday, Agbomhere said the APC women’s leader is known for her humane which she has been carrying out through her  Sister-To-Sister International Inc.

    The organising secretary applauded the leader and the senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, for the choice of Idele, and thanked Tinubu for making it  a reality.

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    Agbomhere congratulated ministers, urging them to avoid corruption and disloyalty.

    He urged Southsouth ministers; Festus Keyamo, Betta Edu, John Enoh, Nyesom Wike, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Heineken Lokpobri, and Abubakar Momoh to see their appointments as a call to service to their fatherland and not opportunity for self enrichment.

    Being representatives of the South South region in President’s Tinubu’s cabinet, Agbomhere called on them to adopt strategies that will lead to the actualisation of the hopes and dreams of Nigerians who believe that President Tinubu is the right man to reinvigorate and restore the fortunes of this great nation.

    Agbomhere also urged the former governor of Kebbi state, Atiku Bagudu; former National Deputy Chairman (North) of the APC, Abubakar Kyari; immediate past spokesman of the Tinubu Administration, Dele Alake; former governor of Osun state, Adegboyega Oyetola and the other ministers from all around the country to eschew all forms of power play and concentrate fully on the task ahead, adding that President Tinubu would not take lightly any attempt to truncate the actualisation of his laid down road map to a more prosperous and secure nation.

    The South South Zonal Organising Secretary while stating that the economy and security are two critical sectors that Nigerians are looking forward to improve, said the solid minerals sector – which has been continually neglected by previous administrations since 1999 – is capable of playing a significant role in boosting Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings if the right policies are put in place to maximize the benefits of the potentials in the sector.

    He therefore called on Alake to use his background in media strategy to bring together a team of capable individuals who can properly advise him on steps to take in transforming the sector.

    Agbomhere described as apt, the mandate of President Tinubu to the ministers to work for the country and not for their individual states or regions.

    He added that the immediate task of the ministers was to restore public faith in governance which was the only way that Nigerians can key into the renewed hope agenda of the government and make it work.

  • ‘Defence minister round peg in round hole’

    ‘Defence minister round peg in round hole’

    A group under Northwest Progressives Forum (NPF) has thrown its weight behind the choice of former Jigawa State Governor, Mohammed Badaru, as minister of Defence, saying he is a round peg in a round hole.

    It noted President Bola Tinubu has  made an informed choice of picking the former governor.

    Addressing a news conference in Kaduna, Director of Strategic Communications, Adamu Isa, said Tinubu deserves commendation, given the new antecedents.

    “As the then governor of Jigawa State, he received Security Report every morning as the first item on his official menu. This was moreso because as the chief security officer of Jigawa State, he cannot be said to be a novice in modern governance and related issues of safety and security. Jigawa State today, is one of the most peaceful states”, the group argued.

    Reacting to the assertion the minister may find the job difficult not being a soldier, it said: “ Those peddling the narrative are merely out to distract attention because a minister’s role is coordination  of core professionals under his supervision.

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    “Another former governor from Northwest, Rabiu Kwankwaso, held same portfolio and performed well. This was so because being a minister is no rocket science”

    The group expressed excitement over what it describes as news reports that “the new Minister of Defence has immediately swung into action as he is already assembling a team of experts to assist him in the discharge of this important assignment.”

    Isa explained that the effort by Badaru to assemble a team of experts was a proof that the man knows his focus and “ the correct team composition for effective and efficient delivery of his duties.

    “Badaru is not new to the critical details of National Defence Policy, the guiding norm of the entire Defence Ministry”.

    The group commended President Bola Tinubu for “considering a competent, patriotic person with proven track record of delivering on his assignments for decades.”

    “Having done our independent checks and consultation with experts in modern military art and warfare, we are convinced that the appointment of Mohammed Badaru as Minister of Defence is a game-changer, in the spirit of Renewed Hope.”

    The group also pledged to continue praying for the new Minister to succeed in the new national assignment.

  • Tribunal: PDP’s case against Sule distortion of facts, lies

    Tribunal: PDP’s case against Sule distortion of facts, lies

    Seven witnesses called by Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, at the election petition tribunal sitting in Lafia yesterday described the content of the  petition against Sule’s re-election as a distortion of facts and lies.

    They said PDP and its candidate, David Umbugadu, deflected original scores of APC and increased that of PDP in most polling units.

    The witnesses described the PDP petition as a distortion of facts and inconsistencies.

    They made their submission yesterday for Sule, represented by his lawyers, Chief Wale Olanikpekun and Dr Mubarak Adekilekun.

    Isham Dan’azimi (RW2), resident of Wuse confirmed that as an agent of APC, the governorship election in all polling units was conducted peacefully, and the Presiding officer used BVAS machine.

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    He added in Wuse TV Centre Polling Unit 010, BVAS machine was used and results uploaded to INEC iRev by the Presiding officer, but complained the scores of APC was reduced in Wuse TV Centre Polling Unit while that of PDP was increased.

    Isham confirmed it is the same score for parties that are transferred to the ward level, APC scored 353, PDP 37 at Wuse TV Centre Polling Unit, but at the Collation of Registration Area of Wuse Ward, APC got 193 instead of 353 at the polling unit level while that of PDP was increased to 197 instead of 37.

    Abdullahi Hashimu Danlami (RW3) a resident of Sabon Garin Awe, Awe LGA said from the report he received from his party agents, INEC conducted governorship election peacefully in Makungiji Electoral Ward, and on the day of the election, he cast his votes before going to the Ward Collation Centre, adding that BVAS machine was used by INEC Presiding Officers.

    According to him “after the election, INEC Presiding Officers uploaded the results to iReV but his party has issue with Kekura Primary School Polling Unit of Makungiji Electoral Ward where the scores of APC was reduced while that of PDP was increased, affirming that the exercise was the best ever conducted in the state”

    He said APC scored 238 in Kekura Primary School Polling Unit while PDP got 15 while in the result of Makungiji Electoral Ward, APC score was entered as 159 instead of 238 and that of PDP increased to 94 instead of 15 which was its score at the Polling Unit Level, and he complained bitterly about the irregularities.

    Abdullahi Tela Usman (RW4) a resident of Akiri, Awe Local Government Area, told the tribunal that on the day of the governorship election, he cast his votes before he moved to the Ward Collation Centre and visited some Polling Units in Akiri Ward, adding that BVAS machine was used by INEC Presiding Officers for accreditation as well as uploaded the results to iReV.

    Abdullahi Usman said his party has problem with the results of Ungwan Torbuto Polling Unit of Akiri Ward where the score of APC was calculated wrongly and that of PDP was increased, saying APC scored 213 while PDP got 59 but it’s recorded 161 for APC while PDP was increased to 111.

    The 5th witness, Ahmad Abubakar Sarki (RW5) a resident of Keffi, said on the day of the election, he cast his vote before he proceeded to the Ward Collation Centre, and visited Tudun Kofa Polling Unit, confirming that INEC Presiding Officers used BVAS machines to authenticate voters before they cast their votes.

    He affirmed that the results of the election was uploaded to iReV by INEC Presiding Officers but his party has complaint about Ungwan Nupawa Polling Unit result and Ungwan Yarbawa where the results of APC for the two polling units were reduced while that of PDP was increased.

    Ahmad Sarki confirmed that he visited Ungwan Nupawa and Ungwan Yarbawa Polling Units, APC 152 scored 200 while PDP got 17, APC and PDP scored 7 but it was recorded for APC in Ward Collation Result of Tudun Kofa Registration Area as 184 instead of 200 and 136 instead of 152, just as PDP was increased to 20 instead of 7.

    Kasim Tanko Kasim (RW6) a resident of Keffi said on the day of the governorship election, he cast his vote at his Polling Unit before he proceeded to the Ward Collation Centre and visited some Polling Units within his Ward.

    He confirmed that in his Polling Unit and all the Polling Units he visited , INEC Presiding Officers used BVAS machines to authenticate voters before they cast their votes affirming that after the election, INEC Presiding Officers uploaded the results to iReV. 

    He complained of the results of Ungwan Kwara and Kofar Gidan Late  Mai Angwan Polling Units where the result of APC was reduced while that of PDP was increased, adding that APC scored 360 in Ungwan Kwara but it was recorded 2 while PDP got 14 but it was increased to 384 instead of 14.

    The 7th witnesses, Abdullahi AlKasim (RW7) a  resident of Gangaren Yara in Keffi, said he cast his vote at his Polling Unit of Alhaji Mukhtar Ahuwa before he proceeded to the Ward Collation Centre and affirmed that INEC Presiding Officer used BVAS machine and uploaded the results on iReV.

    He confirmed that election was conducted peacefully in his Polling Unit but complained that the scores of APC were reduced while those of the PDP were increased, stating particularly that APC scored 160 and PDP got 19 in Kofar Alhaji Mukhtar Ahuwa Polling Unit of Yara Electoral Ward but the score of APC was reduced to 65 and that of PDP was increased to 114.

    The Petitioners counsel, Jibrin Samuel Okutekpa SAN who objected to the admissibility of the 7 witnesses was unsuccessful as the tribunal chairman, Justice Ezekiel Ajayi accepted the testimony of the 7 witnesses and adjourned till 25th August 2023 for continuation of Governor Sule witnesses.

  • Nasarawa NURTW disclaims illegal delegates’ conference

    Nasarawa NURTW disclaims illegal delegates’ conference

    Members of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) have urged the public, especially those in labour, to disregard a purported delegates’ conference in Nasarawa State.

    It described it as illegal and an insult on the police authorities.

    The Police had arrested union President, Tajudeen Baruwa, for allegedly importing thugs into Federal Capital Territory, sealing off the secretariat to prevent breakdown of law and order.

    Speaking on the situation, National Vice President, Tajudeen Agbede, appealed to members to disregard any rumour concerning any delegates’ conference.

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    “There was no delegates’ conference anywhere. It is all rumour. The tenure of our administration will expire on August 28, and after that a new leadership will emerge.

    “If they tell you they held any delegates’ conference, ask them to provide proof. There must be press coverage, newspaper and television coverage. There must be pictures and video coverage. They have to show evidence.

    “NURTW is a national organisation and when it holds its delegates’ conference, the world must know.

    “The standard practice is to invite NTA, Channels and other prominent national TV stations as well as national newspapers to cover the event live.”

    He appealed to members to remain calm and continue to support his ambition to rescue the union from maladministration of the last four years.

  • Kwara Gov hands 1,000 life jackets to Patigi, restates commitment to safe water travel

    Kwara Gov hands 1,000 life jackets to Patigi, restates commitment to safe water travel

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday handed at least 1,000 life jackets to residents of Patigi to prevent drowning and death in the event of a boat mishap during water travel.

    AbdulRazaq handed the life jackets to the Etsu Patigi Alhaji Umar Bologi II shortly after a meeting with some first class monarchs who had come to brief him on some issues of security and general well-being of the people. 

    The Governor said a similar gesture will be extended to Edu local government and other riverine areas to promote safe water travel in the state.

    “This is only a phase of donation of lifejacket to people of Patigi Local Government. We will also move to Edu Local Government to make sure we have adequate life-saving equipment for our people along the banks of River Niger and within the riverine communities in the state. It is a continuous process and health and safety issue concern being addressed,” he said.

    The brief ceremony was attended by the state Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Jide Asonibare; Vice Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs and Etsu Patigi Alhaji Umar Bologi II;

    Olofa of Offa Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye; Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Ismaila Yahaya Alebiosu; Emir of Kaiama Alhaji Muazu Shehu Omar; and Olomu of Omu Aran Oba AbdulRaheem Oladele Adeoti.

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    Etsu Bologi II thanked AbdulRazaq for taking “wonderful steps” to protect his subjects, adding that this will go a long way to avert recurrence of boat mishap in the area.

    “On behalf of myself and entire people of Patigi Emirate Council, we want to sincerely thank His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for this wonderful donation of lifejacket to our people at riverine areas who are mostly farmers and fishermen,” he said.

    “Thank you very much, Your Excellency, and we pray Almighty Allah to guide and protect you and continue to uplift your government and see you succeed.”

    The Government had recently sent a team to the Lagos Office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) as part of its ongoing efforts to boost water travel and safety. 

  • NANS, laud Sani over reduction of tuition fees

    NANS, laud Sani over reduction of tuition fees

    The Apex students union body , the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has lauded the  Kaduna State Governor , Senator Uba Sani for slashing the tuition fees for the state-owned tertiary institutions.

    The previous administration under Governor Nasir Ahmed Nasir El-Rufai  increased the tuition fees  amidst protests by students.

    Addressing a news  conference at the main Campus of Kaduna State University (KASU) on Tuesday, the Kaduna Axis Chairman of NANS, Comrade Faith Progress Istifanus said, the milestone decision of Governor Sani, has left an indelible mark in the heart of the teeming students and has also rekindled their hope that they have a Governor who pays attention and attends to the plight of the citizens without hesitation.

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    Comrade Istifanus: “At the height of 2023 electioneering period,  Senator Uba Sani as the then gubernatorial flag bearer of his party pledged to review the school fees of all Kaduna state tertiary institutions by the if elected as the Governor. This promise was made over his bid to make education accessible and affordable for the less privileged and the downtrodden.

    “To  match his word with action and to prove to the naysayers that he is committed to the welfare and wellbeing of the Kaduna state citizens, Senator Uba Sani on the 21st August unanimously announced the review of school fees across the tertiary institutions of the state, this decision has clearly describe the personality of his Excellency as a man of integrity and an individual with distinguished character of keeping to promise.

  • Perform or resign, Natives warn ministers

    Perform or resign, Natives warn ministers

    Perform or resign, the Natives warn newFrom Jide Orintunsin – Abuja – 23/08/2023 Tribal leaders and pro-democracy group under the platform of the Natives  yesterday asked the new ministers to  perform on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or resign .

    The pro-democracy group said it was embarking on the slogan “All Eyes on Ministries and MDAs” to ensure that all the newly inaugurated ministers delivered on their mandates for the good of the country.

    Addressing  reporters  in Abuja, the Supreme Leader of the group,  Smart Edwards, vowed to focus on all the ministries and parastatals to ensure “it is not business as usual.”

    The group praised the President for his choice, noting that Tinubu has demonstrated good leadership and shown to be a large-hearted father, hence the need for the appointees to reciprocate by excellent performance or be booted out.

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    “Thank you, Mr. President, you have given us a combination of courage, open-mindedness, experience, inclusion and performers. With the Cooperation of a people-centred National Assembly, the Stage is set.”

    Congratulating the appointees, the group urged the ministers to be constantly aware of the Renewed Hope Covenant with the People, challenging them to reciprocate by excellent performance or be booted out.

    According to Edwards: “We are total and firm believers in the Renewed Hope administration, so will give you the citizen’s support, we will be at your doors, will keep you on your toes, meet you in the field, monitor and evaluate your progress and will not be afraid to spot you out or call for you to be booted out. This time around Nigerians must win.”

    Counselling the ministers to be alive to their responsibilities, the group reminded the appointees that, “you are 45 of the best among us, do not be a disgrace to us, globally, collectively and individually, we won’t tolerate failure. The entire country expects much from you, also the President and may your reign be prosperous.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has played his part, he has both the mandatory role of supervising and being responsible for successes and failures.

     “We call on you to be Patriots, do not discriminate, unite the country and deliver dividends, make our Nation attractive again, and restore our dignity and human pride.

    “Banish poverty, energize the country, give hope to young people, women and the disabled, open up the reservoir of knowledge, potentials and skills inherent in the nation, we want to see great infrastructures, durable roads, active railways, amazing air and land transport, utilize the sun, the ocean, our brains, create policies that make businesses profitable and inspire Nigerians at home and everywhere.

    “You have Singapore, Rwanda, and China before you as examples, this is a different journey, the President wants delivery, and Nigerians want results. Remove all debris, and clogs in the wheels, and uproot all blockades, imbalances and impediments in your pathways.

    “There must be power, the Natural Resources Gas, Solid Minerals, Water, Fertile Land and Human talents are before you, explore them creatively and elevate them.

    “Our youths must find jobs, the country must be safe, the environment must know the nation’s administrators are navigating decisively, communicate your policies effectively, modernize, digitize and discipline. Intensify your impacts on the health systems, administer to your best capabilities and do not be afraid to promote inclusion that can altogether promote Prosperity.”

    Pledging their support to the ministers, Edwards stated, “We will monitor and support you, we shall build a stronger Nigeria together, the journey to success and renewed hope demands the of all of us.

    “Please turn around our educational Sector, explore our Sports capabilities, and encourage our digitalization and innovations to the Moon. Restore the FCT, Fund entrepreneurship, and discover women.

    “Asiwaju, our President has empowered you to create a paradigm shift, by this you are commanded to think out of the box and equip yourself with the best team.

    “Produce legacies via knowledge and research, recreate and redesign your MDAs for greater output. Be deliberate and if you can’t Resign.”

  • Adamawa govt inaugurates committee on palliative

    The Adamawa Government  yesterday inaugurated palliative distribution committee with Auwal Tukur, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), as Chairman.

    Inaugurating the committee in Yola, Governor  Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by his Deputy, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, urged the committee to work for residents in the state, irrespective of where they come from

    According to him, Adamawa Government constituted the committee because the state was the project and people must look at Adamawa as their project, not minding where they came from.

    Fintiri also charged the committee to adhere to its terms of reference.

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    “Work out necessary modalities for the transportation of palliatives, both food and non-food items, from the source to the distribution points, monitor and liaise with relevant stakeholders or community agents and ensure equitable distribution of the palliatives to the intended beneficiaries across the 21 LG areas.

    “Ensure it is hitch-free, non-violent and devoid of bias and co-opt any other person or group considered useful in ensuring the success of the exercise,” he charged the community.

    Farauta thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in the committee.

    He assured that the committee would work hard to ensure a hitch-free distribution across the state to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal