Category: Northern Report

Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF), Senator George Akume has said his support for the Plateau State All Progressives Congress (APC) family remains high as he will continue to work with stakeholders for its success.

The SGF stated this when he received yesterday a delegation of APC stakeholders from the state, led by leader of the party, former Governor Simon Bako Lalong in his office in Abuja.

Akume, while appreciating the delegation for the visit, said it was heartwarming to know that Lalong has continued to nurture and hold the APC family together even after leaving office.

He said having worked with the stakeholders over the years, particularly with Lalong with whom he shares close relationship, he has commitment to ensuring that the state party structure does not suffer any setback.

He commended Lalong for his commitment to the ideals of the APC, which enabled him to serve as the Director-General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council and lead the party to victory.

The leader of the delegation, Lalong said they were in the office of the SGF on behalf of the APC family in Plateau State to congratulate him on his appointment and assure him that he has the support of the people of the state.

Lalong said the stakeholders were very elated that the appointment of the SGF who played a key role in the establishment of the APC fulfils one of the desires of the Northcentral Zone to be considered for critical positions in the Tinubu administration which they played a great role to actualise.

According to Lalong, the APC family remains intact despite the setback in the last election. He said the party has a very strong case at the tribunal and is optimistic of reclaiming its mandate when the tribunal completes its assignment.

 He said though the APC has no intention of joining issues with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it has noted with disappointment the attempt to uproot the structures of the APC in the state through illegal dissolution of council chairmen when their tenure subsists till next year, among other infractions.

Lalong said the party will not allow that to happen but will continue to follow the rule of law and maintain peace in the face of provocations as the APC has the interests of the people of the state at heart.

 He urged the SGF to ignore the activities of some elements within the APC family who worked against the party but have converged to lobby for appointment.

Lalong also assured the SGF that the Plateau APC family is praying for him and will do everything possible to ensure that he succeeds in his assignment.

Others on the delegation were Chairman, APC in Plateau State, Hon. Rufus Bature; Plateau APC Gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda and his running mate Hon. Pam Bot-Mang; National Assembly members led by Senator Diket Plang, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi,  and Hon. James Lalu; former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda; Minority Leader House of Assembly, Hon. Joe Bukar; Plateau ALGON led by Hon. Alex Naantuam, former appointees, and members of the Plateau APC Elders Forum, among others.

Jabiru Tsauri, the Chief of Staff to Katsina Governor Dikko Umar Radda, has confirmed he survived an attack by criminals. 

He said his assailants, who were not dressed in uniforms, wore rag tag dresses and slippers. 

He said they were not Customs Service Officers as alleged. 

Tsauri, who spoke with a few selected journalists in Katsina on Sunday, said ‘Gorar Yammama’ village near Deyi in Malumfash Local Government area has become notorious for high profile attacks, which security agencies should pay attention to. 

According to him: ”It is the investigation by security agencies that will reveal the true identifies of the assailants, all I know is that they were not in uniforms but we wearing slippers”

”I and my driver encountered a trailer accident near the Gorar Yammama highway area, which caused significant traffic congestion.’

”Once the car was finally able to move away from the accident site, the assailants, armed with firearms, targeted our vehicle, firing shorts at the tires and body of the car in an attempt to harm us. 

Read Also: Naija Super 8: Sporting Lagos, Katsina United fined for not sharing jerseys to fans

“However thanks to the quick thinking and courageous actions of my driver, we managed to speed away to safety in a nearby town.”

On what may have prompted the attack, he maintained that only a thorough investigation by the security agencies will answer that. 

He denied the attack was politically motivated.

He further confirmed three of the assailants have been arrested, stating the Customs Service were refusing to release two of them in their custody to the Police for thorough investigation. 

Nigerians have almost run out of patience as they eagerly anticipate the big announcement. Who will make the list of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new Ministers? The riddle, however, will soon be solved in less than three weeks from now.

The Tinubu administration has started on a good note, offering a breath of fresh air. Mr. President has so far made good selections in the choice of his personal aides, and other top government functionaries. But his cabinet remains incomplete without members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Nigerians do want business as usual, again. They want visionary minds, with unquestionable and trustworthy, and loyal members of the incoming FEC. They want Ministers who will help Tinubu aggressively drive his RENEWED HOPE agenda. Such choices must be capable hands that would break the vicious cycles that threaten the nation’s socio-economic and political development.

Surely, there are prominent politicians and technocrats who are eminently qualified for the positions. But becoming a Federal Council member should not be an all-comers’ affair, at least. It should be an exclusive preserve of persons who have paid their dues, with regards to the development of their communities, States and the country. President Tinubu cannot afford to flunk this golden opportunity of recruiting the best of Nigerians as his new Ministers.

Though originally an indigene of Kano State, but as someone who spent years in Sokoto State with my parents and also schooled there up to tertiary level at the famous Usmanu Danfodiyo University, I am concerned about who represents ‘Seat of the Caliphate’ in the FEC. While Sokoto is endowed with personalities that have been tested and trusted, Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar stands out as the most distinguished and quintessential.

I should mention that the APC leader in the State, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, has promoted some political bigwigs including Senator Ibrahim Gobir brought into the Senate contest in 2011 by the then Governor Wamakko and later fielded for the second and third time. In the 9th Senate, Wamako was approached to become the Senate Leader but he declined and nominated Gobir.

One other instance is Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, the only known personal friend of Wamakko from childhood till date. He has benefited from the APC stalwart despite contesting against him in 2007 when Bafarawa fielded Dingyadi instead of Wamakko who was supposed to be the natural successor being his deputy for two terms.

If Wamakko is to display what he has been preaching, which is elevating the next generation, it is time to consider the young ones such as Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, who has stayed consistently with him from 2007 till date despite all odds. Between 2007 and 2023, the House of Representatives member representing Gada/Goronyo Federal Constituency has put smiles on the faces of his constituents with quality lawmaking and representation.

The four-time National Assembly (NASS) member, aside from being a compassionate and focused public servant, has a track record of delivery of several public and national assignments. In the 9th House of Representatives, he was the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), a responsibility he meritoriously discharged with passion. Adar was the first northerner to Chair the Committee.

Adar, a cosmopolitan personality with a chain of contacts across Nigeria, is known for his ability to connect with the young and old, as well as his humility. The grassroot politician has never changed his mobile contacts, apparently to allow the good people of his constituency and everyone who has an acquaintance with to easily reach him in times of distress. He is also a father figure to many in Sokoto, especially the youths.

Through his many empowerment schemes, the lives of thousands of women and youths have been touched positively. Many graduates from Sokoto can be found In almost all the Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies courtesy of Adar’s efforts as a bridge builder. In terms of the infrastructural development of Gada/Goronyo Federal Constituency, Adar’s impact is glaring. The ongoing Gada-Kaffe road construction is an example.

Adar sponsored groundbreaking Motions, Bills, and Reports including The Collapse of the Goronyo Dam in Sokoto; Need to investigate the Withdrawal of N1.17 Billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the Account of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority; Need to Provide Security and Relief Materials to Victims of Attack at Kololi, Gadonmata, and Kamitau Village in Goronyo/Gada Federal Constituency; Need to Address the Worsening Security Situation in Sokoto; Need to Provide Relief Materials to Victims of Flood in Gada and Goronyo LGAs of Sokoto, etc.

It is equally important to highlight his expertise in Nigeria’s maritime, transport, agriculture, and oil and gas sectors. The APC chieftain has served in the State and Federal public service. He chaired some strategic committees in the National Assembly including the Committee on Land Transport, Electoral Matters, Petroleum Resources (Upstream), and was a member of the House ad hoc Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

Read Also. Sokoto govt clears three-year scholarship arrears

His contribution to the passage of the PIB and subsequent assent by former President Muhammadu Buhari is unquantifiable. What Nigeria now has the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is one of the achievements of Adar. Therefore, his membership of the FEC will help revive the dormant exploration project in the Sokoto Basin to help generate additional revenue for the Federal Government and make Sokoto join the list of oil-producing States.

Furthermore, it is certain that Adar will not fail to persuade Mr. President and the FEC to award a railway project that will, for the first time, link Sokoto to the national rail transport system. The tracks are to be laid from Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

As the permutations and horse-trading for who becomes the next Minister from Sokoto State intensifies, the President must not allow primordial sentiments to cloud his decision. He should prioritize competence, pedigree and excellent track record of performance in previous leadership positions. In the case of Sokoto, he could settle for Adar, a Founding Member of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) and a member of APC Presidential Campaign Council, 2023.

Faisal Abdullahi writes from Kofar Famfo in Dukawuya, Kano

House of Representatives has urged Federal Capital Territory Administration to restore street lights and replace stolen manholes in Abuja.

The House said the FCTA should ensure maintenance of Abuja.

The Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), when constituted, was mandated to ensure implementation.

This followed adoption of a motion “Call on Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to Restore Street Lights in Abuja Metropolis sponsored by Okpolupm Etteh’’

The House noted the darkness on major roads and streets in Abuja at night as a result of inadequate lighting.

It further noted that this creates avenue for some criminal-minded elements to perpetrate crime, touting and intimidating of innocent law abiding Nigerians and also makes the city unsafe for residents and visitors.

The House said most of the street lights installed on many highways and streets in the FCT are moribund and not functional.

The House said on major roads like Herbert Macaulay Way, Muhammadu Buhari Way, Jabi area, Aminu Kano Crescent, Ahmadu Bello Way and Independence Avenue; which houses the Three Arms Zone, National Assembly, Supreme Court and the Presidential Villa; the Federal Secretariat to Louis Edet House, (Police Headquarters), the street lights are comatose;

It said despite the prevailing darkness in most areas of the Federal Capital Territory at night, there is minimal and inadequate presence of stationary policemen or police patrol vans along some dangerous stretches of roads and under the bridges.

The House was concerned that the Federal Capital Territory, the nation’s capital, ought to have been maintained with modern facilities and should have alternative sources of power like standby generators at strategic

positions on the main roads, as a backup power supply in cases of power outage.

It was further concerned that most states of the Federation that do not have the huge yearly budgetary allocation like the FCT, maintain constant power supply in their various state capitals, therefore, the administrative headquarters of Nigeria should be more attractive to visitors and investors at night.

The House worried that despite the budgets that have been committed to providing the facilities and ensuring their maintenance, the once brilliantly lit city is creeping into darkness as many of the street lights have collapsed.

In what is seen as a bold move towards replacing petrol with gas, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has performed the groundbreaking for a $2 million LNG and L-CNG facility in Shabu, Lafia,  the state capital.

The governor hoped Greenville, owned by private investors, will bring alternative and cheaper energy, especially at a time petrol price is soaring higher following removal of fuel subsidy.

He said the project will lead to the conversion of petrol engines to gas, especially for heavy-duty trucks, as well as smaller vehicles.

The governor listed countries as Brazil, which are exploiting clean energy to drive their economies.

He spoke on what his administration put on ground to evolve a synergy between Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), which is bringing  private investors to the state.

Managing Director of Greenville LNG, Ritu Sahajwalla, represented by his Director of Administration, Joseph Oyadoyin, said the project will further crystaliise Sule’s industralisation drive.

“Our project will bring benefits to the host community, starting with creation of employment.  We understand the importance of job creation and economic empowerment, and we have tried to contribute to the further crystallisation of investments in this area,” he said.

Sahajwalla said the recent derrugulation of the petroleum industry has emphasized the urgent need for alternative and cleaner energy sources, with the timing for his company’s LNG and L-CNG apt as it provides a solution to the high petrol prices that is burdening the common man, ensuring stability and affordability of gas.

“You can convert your small generator. You can use the LNG to power it. Then your vehicle that is using petrol based on the capacity, through conversion kit, you can use LNG to power the vehicle,” he added.

Sahajwalla disclosed that the company will establish another facility in Karu Local Government Area after the completion of the first project in Lafia.

Earlier, in a welcome address, Managing Director/CEO, Nasarawa Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), Ibrahim Abdullahi, said the two million US dollars investment by Greenville LNG is the first of its kind in the North Central region of the country and has 23 metric tonnes capacity of LNG and 1,500 SCM of L-CNG.

Abdullahi added that the project will usher in the introduction of LNG and LCNG usage for heavy-duty trucks as well as smaller vehicles such as automobiles and Keke NAPEP in the region as fuel prices has skyrocketed since the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May.

The NASIDA MD described the groundbreaking as a testimony of Engineer Sule’s vision to industrialize Nasarawa State.

“Nigeria is a gas producing country distracted by oil production. Today, with the groundbreaking of this facility, you are ushering in the development of a major facility that will help in promoting clean energy and add up to Nigeria’s quest for a just energy transition,” he said.

Integirty Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI) has partnered National Agency for Great Green Wall (NAGGW) to conserve and protect natural resources towards achieving development and eradicating poverty.

Executive director of IADI,  Christopher Ofomhi, during a roundtable on Sustainable Ecosystem Management and Development in Abuja, stressed the role natural resources and endowments play in economic growth of nations.

He said governments are comcerned about the adverse effects of ozone layer perforation on climate change.

Ofomhi noted  the rountable is an avenue for NAGGW to interact with CSOs and project their objectives and achievements with a view to fostering future partnership.

He said this will stir increased awareness of the efforts and programmes, and galvanise people to cooperate with the leadership and staff of the agency.

“For us at Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative, we believe a nation’s development is built on the inclusive engagement of stakeholders in the development process.

‘’So the round table is a veritable tool to put Nigeria on its  path to inclusive development,” he added.

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has said the state was bankrupt when he took over power.

Lawal, who spoke yesterday at an interactive session with Zamfara professionals in Abuja, said the state was in a bad state when he assumed office.

“I believe in the history of our state, this is the first time where professionals and people of Zamfara State are interacting.

“I am delighted to hear some of the comments made. It is indeed incredible.

“The Zamfara State we inherited is in a bad state. At the time we took over, Zamfara was bankrupt, with nothing left.

“It is a state where we inherited so many bad things,” he said while responding to questions and comments from professionals from the state,” he said.

The governor gave assurance things were going to change for better.

Lawal, who said he inherited three-month salary backlog with no single money to take care of the civil servants, said when he took over, West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) exam was over and the children were unable to sit for it.

“Fortunately for us, NECO (National Examinations Council) is about to start and if we did not do anything, the children may not write the exam,” he said.

He said though the state was owing WAEC about N1.6 billion and NECO about N1.4 billion which had made pupils unable to sit for the exams in the past, his government paid off NECO’s debt.

“This is verifiable. Outside security, education is key because without it, we’ll go no where,” he said.

He said his government had commenced reconstruction of primary schools and building the capacity of the teachers to boost their productivity.

He said when he came in, Zamfara had 28 ministries which had now been reduced to 16 ministries

The governor, who lamented over the condition of the hospitals in the state, said he was committed to change all the narratives.

He, therefore, solicited for the professionals’ support in order to build the state in the interest of the people.

Lawal said as part of the efforts to tackling the security challenge in the state, he met with the chief of defence staff, the chief of army staff and the national security adviser on different occasions yesterday.

He said he also met with officials of the European Union and the World Bank on issues of insecurity, education, health and infrastructural development, and that they were ever ready to provide support.

“I appeal to you to be our ambassador, that in everything you do, Zamfara comes first.

“We can’t do it alone. We need the support of all to change the fortune of Zamfara State.

“I want to appeal to all to keep praying for peace and prosperity for our dear state

“I am open for discussion, I am open for advice and collectively, we shall build a better Zamfara,” he said.

Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, congratulated the governor on his election victory.

According to him, we on this side are ready to assist our state in whatever capacity we have found ourselves.

Shinkafi, who said cooperation is in two ways, said: “when we call on you, try and listen to us.”

He gave assurance that the federal civil servants from the state would remain apolitical.

The Grand Khadi of FCT, Alhaji Ibrahim Rufai-Imam, urged the people of Zamfara to be lovers of one another irrespective of local government of origin.

Let us unite and see how we can move the state forward.

“We need to continue praying for the state to come out of the present predicament,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the professionals offered advice on issues of insecurity, youth empowerment, education, agriculture, among others.(NAN)

Taraba State has begun negotiations with a consortium of six banks to secure a facility worth N150 billion for projects.

Governor Agbu Kefas spoke while presiding over negotiation with representatives of the banks in Abuja.

Kefas said the banks have a crucial role in supporting his government by providing loans and bonds, as the administration strives to fulfill its promises to the people.

He said the loan would be captured in the supplementary budget to  be sent to the House of Assembly for approval.

The governor assured the banks of the state’s commitment to honour its obligations and called on their representatives to be flexible and provide favourable lending terms and repayment schedules.

Kefas said projects earmarked for execution have been articulated in 2023 budget.

He added the loan would finance educational projects, agriculture, healthcare, energy, transportation, and others.

“The government is committed to transparency, and accountability throughout the the negotiation and transaction.

“We are proud to assure you of our stable political environment under.

“By supporting Taraba State, the banking institutions are contributing to social and economic development.

”And the initiative will create opportunities for youth, stimulate business growth and improve the quality of life of our people, Kefas added.  

The Federal Capital Territory Administration ( FCTA) has launched 2023 distribution of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) drugs, said to be part of measures towards eradicating the menace in the territory.

Officials of FCTA Public Health Department, representative of Malaria Consortium and other stakeholders, said Malaria parasite has remained endemic in many rural areas of FCT.

Director of Public Health, Dr. Saddiq Abdulrahman, spoke during FCT Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention 2023 Campaign Media Parley and AMAC Launch, said 2023 SMC drug distribution was designed to ensure comprehensive coverage of eligible children, especially in the communities.

The director, represented by Hajia Hauwa Ibrahim, head of Health Promotion, noted 2023 campaign have been well thought out to tackle identified shortcomings of last years.

According to him, “SMC commenced in the FCT in 2022, and a low coverage of 66 % of eligible children was recorded, against the WHO recommendation of at least 80%.

“This was largely due to the limited reach( denial of access of the SMC team to some quarters and places; like barracks, gated estates, markets, etc) and non-compliance of some parents”.

Also Speaking, Dr. Modupe Adeyinka,  Director of Primary Healthcare in  Abuja Municipal Area Council ( AMAC) who officially flagged off the Campaign , said the team have been well trained to reach even the hard to reach areas.

Adeyinka also urged all stakeholders to help mobilise support for the acceptance of the anti malaria drugs at rural communities.

She said: “we solicit the support of the media, community, religious leaders and other stakeholders  to support awareness creation about SMC in communities, churches and Mosque.

“we also call for social mobilization to increasing acceptance of the anti malaria drugs”.

Mary Caleb one of the Senior Health Education Officers, added that the Media was very critical in the fight against Malaria, following the important role it plays in information dissemination.

Caleb implored  media practitioners to partner with the Public Health Department and other stakeholders in eradicating the menace.

Independent National Electoral Commission yesterday tendered documents at the Nasarawa State governorship election tribunal in respect of PDP governorship candidate, David Umbugadu, who is challenging re-election of Governor Abdullahi Sule in the March 18  election.

INEC insisted Sule won the election having polled majority of votes against the PDP candidate, .

The tribunal, on July 10, subpoenaed INEC through an application by the petitioners to produce documents relating to the election.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, a director of ICT department of the commission, Salimon Abbas, who acted as PW5, tendered his ID card, letter of authority, Certificate of Compliance,  Certified True Copies (CTCs), voters register, final declaration results at polling units and wards levels of some disputed polling units and wards results.

All the documents as presented by INEC at the tribunal were in favour of Governor Abdullahi Sule as the authentic winner of the election conducted on march 18th 2023.

However, Mr Abbas did not tender the screenshots of the state Bi-Modal Verification Accreditation on the basis that they BIVAS needs to be reactivated because the management of the commission in Abuja had instructed the head of ICT in Nasarawa to pull out the serial number of the BIVAS and forward it to the vendor for reactivation and promise to make them available before the tribunal next week.

Another INEC sopheana, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim who appeared as PW6 works in the operations department of the commission tendered all documents relating to the conduct of the Governorship election in Azara council ward in Awe local government and it was all admitted as exhibit.

Lead council to PDP J S Okutakpa SAN led the team of lawyers to demand for the relevant documents from the INEC sopheana.

After tendering all relevant documents as expected which shows Governor Sule scoring majority of the votes in the disputed areas, the tribunal chairman Justice Ezekiel Oyeyemi Ajayi fix July 14th for the continuation of more documents.

INEC returning officer for the march 18th Governorship election, Prof Tanko Ishaya had declared that Abdullahi Sule of the APC garnered 347,209 to beat his closest contender, David Umbugadu of the PDP who got 283, 016 votes.

The PDP Governorship candidate, David Umbugadu is at the tribunal challenging the victory of Governor Abdullahi Sule