Category: Northern Report

Nasarawa State Election Petition Tribunal yesterday admitted another document as evidence to show that the declaration of Abdullahi Sule of the All Progressive Congress (APC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was in substantial compliance with the law and INEC guidelines.

At the resume hearing yesterday in Lafia, counsel to the petitioner, Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, SAN told the tribunal that the matter was slated for continuation of hearing.

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A deputy director, software and training at INEC head office Abuja Mr Ama Ibom Agwu, who appeared as PW20 representing the director of ICT INEC headquarters, Abuja, told the tribunal that they produce certificate of compliance, forms EC8A, iREV copy report, forms EC8A for LGEA primary school Kurikyo, Bakin Rijiya polling units in Lafia local government area.

The PDP Governorship candidate in the 2023 general election in Nasarawa state, David Umbugadu is challenging the declaration of Governor Sule at the tribunal.

The petitioners, PDP and Umbugadu had in an application requested INEC to tender documents in the disputed polling units and wards.

However, the respondents counsels Ishaka Dikko SAN for INEC, Adebayo Adelodu SAN for Governor Sule and Dr Rotimi Ogunwoso SAN for APC said they will respond properly in their final written addresses.

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Ezekiel Ajayi in his ruling admitted all the evidence from INEC to support Governor Sule declaration and mark them as exhibits. He subsequently adjourned till August 17 (today) for continuation of the hearing of the matter.

Our correspondent gathered that the prayers of all the respondent counsels are for the petition to be dismissed, and their reasons are what they will advance in their final written addresses.

The Niger state government and the authorities of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) yesterday agreed to restore stability into areas affected by the activities of bandits and kidnappers in the state.

This was part of the outcome of the meeting between the governor of Niger state, Alhaji Umar Bago and the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi.

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Dr Audi who was on a working visit to Minna, Niger state capital, promised to further enhance the working relationship of the NSCDC and other security agencies in order to rid Niger State of all the criminal elements.

He expressed shock about the activities of bandits and kidnappers who have been terrorising the state lately.

In a statement by the NSCDC Director of the Public Relation Babawale  Afolabi, the Commandant-General assured that the Corps would strengthen their working synergy with sister agencies in the state with a view to rid the state of criminals.

“We came around to see for ourselves, a kind of on-the-spot assessment, of the security situation in Niger State and to familiarize ourselves with you. We hope to work on our synergy with other security agencies in the state and create a better security atmosphere for people of Niger State,” Audi said.

Governor Bago lamented the nefarious activities of the bandits, cattle rustlers, illegal miners among other criminalities in the state, adding that the farmers are the worst hit as many have abandoned  the farm lands due to fear of being attacked.

“Niger State is being referred to as the food basket of the country largely due to our largest land mass in the country (about 76.36km2) which is also suitable for agriculture and being made use by the government and large percentage of the people. But the growing security concern means that our people are constantly at the mercy of bandits and other criminal elements,” the governor lamented.

The governor who also decried nefarious activities of the illegal miners in the state promised to continue to work on how to better equip the security agencies in the state by donating more vehicles and housing units.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has described the former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida as a patriot and nationalist as he turns 82.

This is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Bologi Ibrahim yesterday in Minna.

Bago described Babangida as a true patriot and nationalist, who has made a tremendous impact in shaping the nation’s history and sacrifices to ensure the survival and unity of Nigeria.

He said that the doggedness and resolve of the Octogenarian in nation-building were crucial to the stability, national and international unity as well as development of the country.

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According to him, the policies and programmes of the elder statesman during his regime as the Military President of the country are still standing strong.

“His expertise in governance, diplomacy and public service has remained a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for generations to come.

 “Congratulations to a living legend. Your decades of sacrifices, selfless acts of bravery and courage have made you a reference point for development in Nigeria.

 “No doubt your exemplary leadership qualities are worthy of emulation because you have contributed to nation-building,” he said.

The governor prayed to God for more sound and good health to the former military president.

 “May Allah grant him good health and strength to continue to provide wise counsel and advice for the growth and development of the State in particular and the Nation at large”, he said.

• Proposes N44.7b Supplementary Budget.

The Jigawa State government received N28 billion special grants from the Federal Government to ease the hardship that occurred as a result of fuel subsidy removal. Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning Babangida Umar Gantsa has said. He made this known at news conference  the outcome of the state executive council meeting presided over by Governor Malam Umar Namadi. He said: “Following the fuel subsidy removal, the state has received N28 billion, N7 billion as first trench from Federal Government and N21 billion special grants for Infrastructures to each of the 36 states and Abuja.

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“As a result of this development, the executive council today (yesterday) approved the sum of N44.7 billion proposed supplementary budget for financing some critical infrastructures and social services in the third and fourth quarter of this year.”

The commissioner added that some of the sector to be finance from the supplementary budget included Ministry of Works and Transport N13.8 billion ministry of Health – N2 billion, Education – N3 billion, Finance – N2.4 billion and N2 billion for Jigawa Road Maintenance Agency (JIRMA).

Gantsa added that the supplementary budget will be sent to the state house of assembly for legislative work and approval.

A senator representing Plateau Central Senatorial District, Diket Planghas encouraged Nigerians to continue to tolerate the economic hardship occasioned by the removal of petrol subsidy.

Plang made the remarks in an interview with journalists during his empowerment programme.

Plang, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Employment, said: “I want to assure my people that President Tinubu meant well for Nigerians. The tough time is here, but this tough time leads to better days.

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“The removal of fuel subsidy has brought hardship to Nigerians, but in no long time the situation will change for better, because a number of palliative measures have been implemented by the federal government. Very soon, there will be more funds coming to the local government from the federal account.”

On his economic empowerment initiative to his constituents, Senator Plang said: “I know how life is always tough for farmers in the rainy season, and you know in my Senatorial zone, farming is the mainstay of livelihood.

“And this time around my people are, at the same time suffering the negative impacts of insecurity.

So this empowerment is a desire to register my feelings to my people in these unfortunate situations…

“For a start, I am here to disburse as little as N48 million, to 3000 beneficiaries, apart from other relief materials. I know these people that give me a mandate deserve more, but I was to assure them that this is just the beginning.”

The Qatari Government has inaugurated the construction of 500,000 mass housing units for vulnerable and less-privileged persons in Kaduna State.

Qatar’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri performed the official inauguration of the project yesterday in Kaduna.

Al-Hajiri lauded Governor Uba Sani for his support towards the success of the Qatar Sanabil Project in the state.

He said the Qatari Charity had also pledged various interventions and empowerment programmes for the less-privileged and underserved across the state.

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“These include scholarships for orphans and children of the poor, distribution of sewing machines, welding machines, irrigation pumping machines, salon kits, and drilling of hundreds of boreholes across the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State,” the envoy said.

Speaking at the event which was held at the Millennium City Kaduna, the governor lauded the Embassy of Qatar in Nigeria and the Qatari-owned Sanabil Project for keying into what he described as “business-friendly environment inherent in Kaduna State.”

Sani commended the Qatari Government for choosing Kaduna to be the location of its Mega Economic City and the mass housing project for the vulnerable and underserved citizens.

“The Economic City will provide world class infrastructure and make Kaduna a reference point in modern and affordable accommodation with adequate security and a conducive atmosphere for business activities.

“The Economic City will facilitate international trade, while serving as a platform for local entrepreneurs and traders.

“It will also harness product value chain opportunities and improve economic growth,” he said.

According to the governor, the project will make provisions for houses, clinics, shops, poultry farms, farmlands for the rainy season and irrigation farming.

He said that choosing Kaduna State as the location for such a mega project was an indication of trust in his administration’s drive for investments.

“Our vision is to make Kaduna the Leading Economic Hub in the North. We want to create a business cluster that will drive competition in the Northern Region,” Sani said.

He explained that Kaduna State is rich in natural and human resources and a gateway to many parts of the country.

He lauded the immediate past government for working assiduously to upgrade the infrastructure in the state.

“We are determined to build on that legacy to fast track the economic development of the state.

“The Kaduna State Government will continue to provide Qatar Charity and other interested genuine investors the support they need to complete all projects,” Sani added.

The Qatar Sanabil Project is a multi-million dollar project that will positively impact the lives of over 500,000 poor, underserved and vulnerable citizens of Kaduna State, according to the promoters of the project.

A social-political group, Southern Kaduna Political Forum (SKPF), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider a person from zone for ministerial and other positions.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the National Coordinator of the forum, Josiah Luka Waje, said the call has become imperative in the interest of equity, fairness, and justice.

Waje said the previous minister appointed during the immediate past administration was from the Northern senatorial zone; hence it is the turn of Southern Kaduna.

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He said Kaduna deserves two ministerial positions giving the historical background of the state.

“In view of these poignant factors, Southern Kaduna is, therefore, the next priority zone for consideration of ministerial appointment in the present dispensation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu even if it is only one slot that will be conceded to Kaduna state,” he said.

The National coordinator noted that Southern Kaduna zone was lagging behind in the areas of social amenities and infrastructural development.

Waje said aside from the ministerial appointment, the forum also craved juicy appointments at the state and federal levels to complement their efforts in further developing their areas.

“We strongly believe that no one can love and care for us better than Dr Abdulmalik Durungwa, a protagonist and major campaigner of Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 President campaign. He is a former governorship aspirant who is a strong believer in a united Nigeria. He is a hard working administrator per excellence, and reliable Political partner of both Muslim and Christian.

“We believe that if President Tinubu considers Durungwa as a minister, he will give the people of Southern Kaduna a sense of belonging. It will in no small measure bridge the gaps of the high unemployment rate of our Women and Youth, lack of social amenities, and infrastructural deficit plaguing the zone.”

Waje, however, hailed Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for bringing investment to the state and ensuring unity among the people within the past three months.