Category: Northern Report

The management of Bingham University, Karu Nasarawa State has promised to cooperate with the Police in their investigation of the death of a cab-hailing company’s (Bolt) driver by three students of the university.

 The university said the students, who were paraded by the authorities of the Abuja Police Command on the alleged killing of one Obasi Okeke, a Bolt driver over a scuffle on fare of their trip to a destination in Abuja, were suspended in March, this year for being in possession of marijuana and other illicit substances.

In a statement, the Director, Public Affairs, Bingham University, Daburi Misal, said the university expressed shock that the students, who were expected to be undergoing rehabilitation for being in possession of illicit substances, were being paraded by the Police in Abuja over Okeke’s death.

Read Also: Ogun pays N10,000 civil servants, pensioners palliatives July

The statement reads: “The attention of the Management of Bingham University has been drawn to a news report making the rounds on social media on three suspended students of the university being paraded by the authorities of the Abuja Police Command on the alleged killing of one Obasi Okeke, a Bolt driver over a scuffle on transport fare of their trip to a destination in Abuja.

“The Management of the University hereby expresses its profound sadness over the development and states that the affected students were in March 2023 identified through the university’s zero tolerance policy on drugs and suspended from the university for being in possession of Marijuana and other illicit substances.

“As required by our regulations, the students should have been taken to a rehabilitation centre by their guardians and would be taken back to the University only after certification by the university’s psychiatrist. It was, therefore, shocking to see that students who were supposed to be in rehabilitation were being paraded by the Police in Abuja. While the university maintains zero tolerance for vices, the responsibility of bringing up children is a shared responsibility. The university will, however, continue to do its best to put them on the right path.

“The Management pledges its full cooperation with the Police in their investigation of the matter while expressing its deepest sympathy to the family of the deceased.

“The university hereby reiterates its commitment to producing young men and women who will continue to serve as agents of positive change and transformation of our nation as evident by the attestations received on our graduates from numerous employers both home and abroad.”

Proceedings at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital took a dramatic dimension yesterday when some witnesses called by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) testified against its governorship candidate.

The PDP had called Cletus Yakubu as PW9 and Useni Isa Onawo as witnesses to results in Sabon Gerri Electoral Ward of Doma Local Government Area of the state where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cancelled the results due to over voting.

The PDP Governorship candidate, David Umbumgadu, is challenging the decision of INEC to have cancelled the results, adding that the election was successfully conducted in the ward without any over voting and that he (Umbumgadu) won with 311 votes.

 At the resumed hearing yesterday, Yakubu and the ward collation agent, Useni Isa Onawo, during cross examination by Governor Abdullahi Sule’s lawyer, Adebayo Adelekun (SAN), draw the attention of the two PDP witnesses to a CTC document of the said results by INEC, which showed over voting duly signed and certified by INEC, the PDP witnesses agreed that there was over voting.

Read Also: Why we detained soldier preaching in Calabar – Army

 Adelekun (SAN) said in Sabon Gerri Electoral Ward, the total number of valid votes cast were 326, and number of rejected votes is one, which bring the total number to 327, which shows over voting by one vote, and the records showed on INEC result in the ward which led to the cancellation of the entire results.

The two PDP witnesses accepted before the tribunal that, indeed, there was over voting based on documents tendered in court which led to the cancellation.

Earlier, it was discovered by the APC lawyer, Dr Hassam Liman (SAN) that Yakubu, was also appearing for APC as a witness in a suit filed by APC’s House of Representatives candidate for Karu, Keffi and Kokona Federal Constituency Hon Kolo kotu against the winner of the election, Hon Jonathan Gaza of the SDP and INEC.

 Dr Liman (SAN) promised to provide the court records of proceedings of the National Assembly Elections Petition tribunal where Yakubu testified as APC collection agent in Garaku, Kokona Local Government.

 All the submissions were accepted in court as exhibits, and the chairman of the tribunal, Justice Ezekiel Oyeyemi Ajayi adjourned till today for continuation of presentation of witnesses by the PDP.

 The PDP Governorship candidate in the March 18 Governorship election, David Umbumgadu is challenging the re-election of  Sule.

• As it demolished structures

The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has warned that more illegal buildings in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will be demolished.

 Yesterday, it pulled down illegal structures erected on Plot 661 B01 Gudu District in Apo, Abuja, for allegedly deviating from its approval, thereby contravening Abuja Land Use Act.

FCDA, which warns against the violation of the city’s master plan, adds that some persons build on road corridors and request that they be diverted for construction. It was gathered that the developer had approval from the department, but did not follow it strictly on the approved plan for the car park. The enforcement team led by Chinedu Okoro, the Officer in charge of the District, said prior to the removal, the team had visited and served the notices, but the developer failed to comply.

 He therefore warned other developers to always adhere to the approval granted them by the department. 

Read Also:Abuja: FCDA to demolish police station, others on waterways

He reiterated: “The Department of Development Control is resolute in ensuring the Master Plan of the Federal Capital Territory is preserved by all developers in the FCT.”

  He added that the department has resolved that any developer that did not build according to approval, the department will remove the structure and the developer will bear the cost of the removal.

But the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr.  Olusade Adesola, who spoke yesterday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the 17th Africa International Housing show, with the theme, “Beyond Rhetoric To Homes: Making Housing Happen”,  said: “The demand for housing is constantly on the rise in the federal capital territory partly due to the influx of newly elected officials democratically elected every four years. We understand the critical role that affordable housing plays in creating a driving urban environment master plan architectural road map that guides urban development.

“This master plan outlines a vision for a sustainable and well planned city. We remain dedicated to implementing the master plan meticulously and adhere to its principles to ensure a vibrant environment. When we move in to demolish, people make a lot of noise. They talk about the houses and investments made by the people.

“But nobody cares to find out if the investment aligns with the master plan. We have had persons build on a road corridor and when we wanted to build the road, they requested that the road be diverted.’’

President, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Matthew Ibitoye said:  “One of the recent challenges facing the construction industry lately is the menace of building collapse, Nigeria had got unenviable statistics of its occurrence in the past few years. Beyond the provision of legal documents that depict the size and shape of parcels where housing will be provided, the ubiquity of Surveying makes us partners at every stage of management of such facilities providing evidence-based decision-making geospatial data.

“Permit me to also say that the menace of flooding leading to loss of lives and properties is another factor stakeholders need to consider when siting locations of properties and housing estates, members of our institution are ready to provide floodplain maps which depict where not to site construction for mass housing to avert losses that occurs every rainy season.”

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has submitted a list of 23 Commissioner-nominees to the state House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

 The Speaker, Abubakar Suleiman, made this known at the plenary yesterday. He said the governor requested the House to screen the nominees for appointments.

The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Saleh Hodi Jibir, listed the nominees as Asada Bello and Ibrahim Gambo both from Alkaleri Local Government; Mahmoud Babamaji Abubakar and Danlami Ahmed Kawule from Bauchi Local Government; Tsammani Lydia Haruna from Bogoro Local Government; Ahmed Sarki Jalam from Dambam Local Government; Yakubu IbrahiHamza from Darazo Local Government; Usman Santuraki from Dass Local Government; Abdul Hassan from Ganjuwa Local Government; Muhammad Salees from Gamawa Local Government, and Dr. Yakubu Adamu from Giade Local Government.

Read Also: Fed Govt accepts Naja’atu Bala Mohammed’s resignation from PSC

Others are Usman Abdulkadir Moddibo from Jama’are Local Government; Hajara Jibrin Gidado Itas-Gadau Local Government; Hon. Farouk Mustapha from Katagum Local Government; Hajara Yakubu Wanka from Kirfi Local Government; Aminu Hammayo from Misau Local Government; Hassan El-Yakub (SAN) from Ningi Local Government; Muhammad Hamisu from Shira Local Government; Simon Madugu and Abubakar Abdulhamid Bununu both from Tafawa Balewa Local Government; and Jamila Muhammad Dahir.

 The rest are  Dr. Adamu Umar Sambo both from Toro Local Government; Abdulrazak Nuhu Zaki from Warji Local Government, and Amina Muhammad Katagum from Zaki Local Government.

Consequently, the House resolved to screen the nominees on August 2, 3 and 4.

The World Bank has initiated a programme from a $700 million intervention fund, aimed at halting land degradation in the 19 Northern states, to enhance food security and mitigate frequent farmers/herders clash.

National Coordinator, Agro-climatic Resilience in Semi-arid Landscape (ACReSAL), Abdulhameed Umar stated this this at the two-day workshop for 19 northern state coordinators of ACReSAL yesterday at Rayfield, Jos, the Plateau State capital.

Umar said: “The northern parts of Nigeria are faced with continuous environmental degradation like desert encroachment, erosion, mining etc leading to migration of farmers and herders from the region.

According to him, “The ACReSAL Project is a six-year strategic project prioritising actions within four components: Dryland Management, Community Climate Resilience, Institutional Strengthening and Project Management, and Contingent Emergency Response.

“It will improve the capacity of the country to adapt to a changing climate, largely through enhancing multi-sectoral convergence (across environment, agriculture and water) and technology modernisation, including improved use of data, analytics, and connectivity.”

Read Also: World Bank, FG applaud implementation level of APPEALS Project in C’River

“There are 11 Frontline states of northern Nigeria where desert encroachment is so severe, the landscape in these states are steadily degrading. Coupled with degradation resulting from mining activities in Plateau, Nasarawa, Zamfara etc.

“This intervention from World Bank is a deliberate intention to seek ways to halt this degradation and restore the land for improved farming and agricultural activities in the affected states so as to improve conditions of living of the people

“The strategy is to devise resilience methods to these climatic conditions that are promoting this environmental degradation to be able to sustain the mainstay of the economy of northern Nigeria using methods that are peculiar to the affected communities.

“We have over 250 participants in this capacity building session for managers and implementers of ACReSAL project across northern Nigeria on issues of landscape restoration for agricultural purposes”

Earlier, the state coordinator of ACReSAL, Garuba Gowon, said the project is meant to draw technical support to communities to be more resilient to the unfavourable climatic condition in their various states.

“At the end of the project, the region is expected to achieve environmental security and food security, he said.

Twelve opposition parties in the November 11, 2023, Imo State governorship election have decried the payment of N54 million as advertising and signage fees for their candidates’ campaign billboards by the government.

Action Democratic Party (ADP) governorship flag bearer, Dr. Kachi Nwoga who stated this yesterday at a briefing in Abuja, described the slamming of the fees as “obscene, atrocious and sinful.”

The state government, through Imo Signage and Advertisement Agency (IMSAA) in a letter dated June 7, 2023, and signed by its General Manager, Hon. Chibuzor Umunnakwe, notified the political parties participating in the forthcoming governorship election, to apply for a permit before erecting any campaign billboards.

Read Also: ADP’s presidential candidate vows to tackle poverty, security

The agency also indicated in the letter that the rates came into effect on April 1, for political advertising, out-of-home display of campaign materials and ancillary items for gubernatorial campaigns in the state.

The letter, titled, ‘Schedule of rates and terms for political advertising and ancillary signage displays in Imo State for gubernatorial campaigns’, said the political parties who intend to erect billboards or engage in any  campaign must apply to the agency.

The ADP governorship candidate accused the state government of being antagonistic to them.

Nwoga further accused state officials of confiscating branded campaign vehicles of opposition political parties for not having a gubernatorial advert permit.

Complaining, the governorship hopeful said: “The opposition is not allowed to breathe. I cannot go and put up a billboard today because by that time they are telling me to pay N54 million to put up a billboard. It means I cannot put up a billboard.

“I don’t know any state anywhere, even if you need to convert it to dollars, nobody can charge this kind of money. It’s obscene, it’s atrocious, it’s sinful. That’s what they’re asking the opposition to pay.

“And I intend  to ask since the entire state  up and down is filled with the billboard of one particular person, I want to know how much the state has made from that one person, if this is how much you have to pay for billboards.”

Meanwhile, a copy of the letter made available to reporters reads in parts: “Political candidates intent on deploying outdoor/public displays must obtain, fill and submit the IMSAA application for outdoor political campaign advertisement form.

“A list of proposed billboard sites, including the ones for rental should be indicated in the form or as a separate attached document. If the sites are going to be built by the candidate or supporting parties, these would be treated as temporary structures.

“On approval of the form content, candidates will make the appropriate fee payments as indicated below. IMSAA finds all processes satisfactory, candidates will get a compliance confirmation  letter from the agency.”

Umunnakwe said the application form fee is pegged at N100,000; while  the “gubernatorial Campaign Permit fee is N54,000,000.”

He added that on approval of the campaign,  the site inspection fee attracts  N50,000, adding that this fee was for billboards built by the candidate but does not affect those rented, while the approval fee is pegged at N150,000.

 However, in another notice sent to opposition political parties, the agency said the permit was not transferable, while it expires 30 days after the election.

• Tribunal reserves ruling on motion

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the March 8 governorship poll for Kaduna State, Isah Mohammed Ashiru yesterday brought five more subpoenaed witnesses to prove its case against Governor Uba Sani of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

 However, the tribunal had reserved the ruling on the motion brought before it by the PDP and Ashiru, seeking to subpoena 13 voters, five of whom appeared before the court yesterday, as willing witnesses.

 This decision of the tribunal chaired by Justice Victor Oviawie, followed counter motion and affidavits by counsels representing the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respondents, who urged the tribunal to dismiss the application.

 Speaking to the application filed before the tribunal on July 19, Counsel to Ashiru and PDP, Samuel Atung (SAN), asked for an order “granting the petitioners/applicants leave to file and move this application outside of the Pre-hearing Session in this Petition”.

Read Also: Mass defection looms in Kaduna PDP as Ashiru’s spokesman joins APC

 Atung also asked for “an order of the tribunal granting the petitioners/applicants leave to file and use the Witness Statements on Oath of the following subpoenaed witnesses; Minkailu Lantana, Abubakar Aliyu, Habila Bulus, Felix Audu, Haruna Abubakar, Yusuf Harisu, Isihaku Adamu, Abbas Nuhu, Idris Suleiman, Shuaibu Musa, Isah Sani, Hauwa Hussaini and Ilaya Shamsu”.

 They equally sought four additional orders, including deeming the Witness Statement on Oath of one Gwazah Bonett, their principal witness (PW1) as properly filed and served.

 Meanwhile, Counsel to Sani, Chief Duro Adeyele, a Silk, however, asked that the application be thrown out in its entirety, saying that the PDP and its candidate were merely attempting to force the Tribunal back to the pre-hearing stage, when proceedings should be rounding off.

The defence Counsel in his counter-affidavit, argued that “there is no exceptional circumstance to warrant the hearing and determination of this (petitioners’) application outside the Pre-hearing Session”.

According to him, “all the witnesses proposed to be called by the petitioners in their motion are people that are ordinarily available and accessible to them, before they filed their petition.

“The petitioners’ application is an invidious attempt to side-step the clear provisions of the Law, which mandates the petitioners to frontload the Witness Statements on Oath of their witnesses along with their petition.

“All those listed in the petitioners’ motion as their proposed witnesses have been described as voters. The Witness Statements on Oath of these proposed witnesses have been signed by them and attached to the motion to show clearly that these witnesses are not such that they can be subpoenaed as they are ordinarily available to the petitioners and willing to attend the tribunal to testify,” he said.

The tribunal, however, reserved the ruling till a later date and allowed the petitioner to bring the subpoenaed witnesses to testify pending the ruling of the motion.

Meanwhile, one of the witnesses, Habila Bulus, admitted that there was a discrepancy between a paragraph in his English and Hausa languages’ deposition before the tribunal, raising questions about the consistency and accuracy of the witness’s testimony.

Another witness, Lantana Mikailu, shared her experience of staying at her polling unit in Barnawa, Kaduna after casting her vote. However, she admitted that she was unaware of the election guidelines during her extended stay, raising concerns about the validity of her observations.

Earlier, when the court resumed from a short break, Counsel to the second respondent, Sanusi Musa (SAN), expressed his frustration with the petitioners by accusing them of intentionally delaying the proceedings by not calling their witnesses.

The tribunal Chairman, Justice Oviawie, reprimanded the petitioners and ordered them to bring their witnesses to the next sitting.

Speaking to reporters after the session, Musa reiterated his belief that it is the petitioners who were prolonging the matter by failing to bring their witnesses, adding  that, “you remember I told the court we are more eager for this petition to finish, you can see that it is the petitioners that are prolonging the matter not bringing their witnesses. Even now we could have stayed until 5:00pm to take their witnesses but unfortunately they didn’t come with them”.

On the other hand, Samuel Atung, Counsel representing the PDP, provided a different perspective, explaining: “What transpired today is continuation of hearing of the petition. So far we are able to call 10 witnesses out of 25. We are comfortable where we are.”.

The sitting was however adjourned till today, for continuation of the hearing.

Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi yesterday announced the composition of eight principal officers of the assembly.

He said the decision was reached after consultation with some stakeholders.

“Honourable Members, the principal officers were reached after due consultation with the stakeholders in the state. They are Hon Mohammed Adamu Omadefu (APC- Keana), Majority Leader, Hon Danladi Jatau (APC- Kokona West), Deputy Majority Leader. Hon Larry Ven Bawa( APC- Akwanga North) is the Chief Whip of the House and Hon Suleiman Yakubu Azara (APC- Awe South), who is the Deputy Chief Whip of the House, ” he said.

The Speaker also announced the House minority positions. “Hon Iliya Luka Zhekaba (PDP- Obi 11) is the Minority Leader and Hon Musa Ibrahim Abubakar (NNPP- Doma South) as Deputy Minority Leader. Hon Solomon Akwashiki (SDP- Lafia Central) is the Minority Whip and Hon Musa Saidu Gude (SDP-Uke/ Karsh) is the Deputy Minority Whip,” the Speaker said.

 Abdullahi urged the principal officers to live above board while discharging their duties. The Speaker called on the people of the state to continue to support Governor Abdullahi Sule to succeed. He re-assured the governor of their support to succeed so as to take the state to the next level of development.

The Kano State Emirate Council is partnering with the Legacy of Traditions to promote cultural firms.

The Cultural Film Festival features over 20 cultural film screenings, with conversations with producers, directors, cultural ambassadors promoters, art and photography galleries of culture.

The initiative is aimed at building a cultural economy through festivals and cultural traditions so that the legacies of existing heritage go to the future, the organisers said.

The official opening of the cultural films festival took place at the Ado Bayero Mall, Kano. The closing ceremony will hold on July 30 and is expected to be attended by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The organisation said the choice of Kano is because of the state’s rich culture, particularly its durbar as well as its status as the centre of commerce for the north and West African countries.

The event in Kano is the first of its kind, focusing on cultural documentaries to enhance the cultural experience journey that will commence during the film screenings, which will remain on display until the end of 2023.

Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, expressed delight over the initiative, saying he, like Legacy of Traditions, is passionate about the promotion of their rich cultural heritage, particularly the famous Durbar.

“I commend the Legacy of Traditions, under the leadership of Princess Nere Emiko, the initiator of this unprecedented exhibition,” the emir said, acknowledging all the efforts she has made in partnership with Kano Emirate Council to raise the profile of the Durbar within and outside Kano.

The monarch said the concept will preserve other aspects of the Durbar as a means of developing a durbar industry that will enhance economic and financial benefits for the people and country.

Kano State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hajiya Ladidi Garko, described the event as “wonderful and spectacular,” noting that the Legacy of Traditions has challenged them to build on. 

She appreciated the fact that the initiator, who hails from Delta State, has come to appreciate and showcase their culture to them.

“This is an eye-opener. We are going to use this opportunity without allowing it to die. We will use the durbar to attract foreign investors to come and witness it so that we will go global,” the commissioner said, and announced that “in three months we will organise a food festival for people to come and see the different types of food we have in Kano.”

Read Also: Kano emirates: A bar kaza cikin gashinta

Director Legacy of Traditions, Nere Emiko, spoke on the importance of having a cultural film festival. 

 “A lot of time, unless you are there live, this gives you the opportunity to know it. It lasts forever, it goes further. And that expands the length and breadth our culture can go.

“Kano is probably the city of culture. It has preserved tradition, legacy and culture more than anywhere. Kano is the only city where you go and see the Emir riding on the street and you see culture on the street. 

“What we hope to achieve is honestly number one, we would like Kano to come back to take its place as a centre of tourism and culture.

“Secondly, we would like to foster more cultural diversity. A lot of people don’t know Kano’s rich history as a melting pot of different cultures. I think the more hold cultural events like this the more we promote unity and diversity, also boost our tourism and economy,” she said.