The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Desperate opposition figures in Kogi behind calls for Bello’s arrest – Activists

    Desperate opposition figures in Kogi behind calls for Bello’s arrest – Activists

    Hundreds of activists, on Saturday, stormed the streets of Lagos to protest alleged underground moves by some desperate opposition figures in Kogi State as well as other perceived political enemies to unleash terror on the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

    The activists, who addressed a press conference and staged a huge rally, condemned calls by a group called Zero Corruption Agenda in collaboration with another group, Kogites United Against Corruption, for the EFCC to ignore court orders guaranteeing Bello’s fundamental human rights and effect an arrest despite the ongoing court process.

    While raising the alarm that there were speculations going around that some desperate politicians were “even allegedly planning to use gunmen dressed in fake military uniforms to attack Yahaya Bello’s residences”, they called on the police and other relevant security agencies to be vigilant to prevent anarchy in the country. 

    According to them, many Nigerians already suspect that the alleged “endless attack on the former Governor, his family members and even innocent children by the EFCC in the most unprofessional way, despite revelations that showed he was actually protected by the law, have deep political undertones.

    Comrade Segun Abegunde, who briefed the press on behalf of the CSOs, under the joint umbrella of Citizens Action Against Lawlessness, insisted that the desperation by some opposition figures and Yahaya Bello’s political enemies to hide under the purported fight against corruption to call for the arrest of a man who has a court order for his fundamental human rights to be protected and who is already in court with the EFCC, “almost confirms this insinuation of an evil plan against him by some interested politicians, using the EFCC platform.”

    “This is not difficult to detect, having seen the composition of the so-called Kogites who made these curious calls, even in London. The videos exposed their ethnic leaning as they were speaking the language of the aggrieved politicians in Kogi State,” the activists said.

    They alleged that opposition political parties were using the EFCC to fight political battles in Kogi State and called on the ruling Party to be vigilant. 

    “The tribunal judgement on the last governorship election in Kogi State is coming up on Monday May 27th. The desperation by the opposition to have Yahaya Bello in custody has increased exponentially as that date approaches. There seems to be a determination to either keep him out of circulation while they try to steal APC’s mandate in the state or to completely eliminate him for whatever reasons only known to them. 

    “Also, considering the way and manner the EFCC chairman has taken the Yahaya Bello matter so personal, it is glaring that a Yahaya Bello in the custody of the EFCC is not going to be safe at all,” they stated.

    Abegunde said: “The courts are there to mediate between government and citizens and between two or more contending interests and the court’s intervention is sacrosanct until overturned by a superior Court. 

    “The rallies, both home and abroad, calling for jettisoning of the due process of law and for the EFCC to arrest Yahaya Bello, court orders or no court orders, sponsored by the opposition and his political enemies within, are not only reckless but dangerous to our polity and absolutely condemnable. 

    “Such calls have now given credence to the allegations that some powerful political forces are after Yahaya Bello, not because of corruption allegations, but that they are actually after his life. What have the military got to do with the EFCC that a group would be calling for military intervention to arrest a single citizen in a case where he is already a defendant?”

    Emphasising the urgent need for President Bola Tinubu to call the anti-graft body to order before it is too late, the CSOs pointed out that the so-called Kogites call for the commission to use military force to arrest the former governor, even when his date to appear in court had already been fixed, was not only reckless but dangerous to the nation’s polity.

    “There is even a speculation going around  now, which may be credible, that some desperate politicians are even allegedly planning to use gunmen dressed in fake military uniforms to attack Yahaya Bello’s residences. 

    “We call on the police and other relevant security agencies to be vigilant. We also call on President Bola Tinubu to immediately call EFCC to order. The Commission seems to have offered its platform for enemies of the former governor to execute their plans against him and the President must wade in, especially with the facts on ground that EFCC has displayed flagrant disregard for the rule of law, all the way, in handling this matter.

    “We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to, as a matter of urgency, call the EFCC to order with a view to staying off political interference. The Commission should concentrate strictly on its anti-corruption mandate by staying within the enabling laws that established it. The EFCC should not be identified with promoting anarchy, no matter what. 

    “The court processes should be allowed to run their course without disruption. That is when democracy and rule of law can be said to be functioning in our nation,” the activists stressed.

  • Onoh hails reinstatement of Sanusi as Kano Emir

    Onoh hails reinstatement of Sanusi as Kano Emir

    The former campaign spokesman of President Bola Tinubu in the South East Dr. Josef Onoh has described the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano as a well thought-out corrigendum by the people of the ancient Emirate.

    Onoh said that Emir Sanusi is a worthy Ambassador whose passion for the country has been unequalled by any of his contemporaries, precisely in his reach across all sections of Nigeria and even in diaspora.

    He noted that the reinstated Emir of Kano made sacrifices for the nation, promoted the country in the wider globe and a worthy ambassador of Nigeria who has contributed immensely to the growth of democracy in the country.

    Read Also: Onoh exhibited Tinubu’s seven wonders in seven days – Onoh

    Onoh said he reverend the people of Kano state who found the obnoxious order against Sanusi as a mistake and nuisance but reversed it for the posterity of the country.

    “I wish him many more successful and prosperous years on his renewed throne to continue his advancement of democracy in Nigeria. 

    “I also commended the people of Kano state for their maturity in the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi while maintaining peace in the Emirate for the good of the state and Nigeria,” Onoh said.

  • Non-transmission of results, bane of 2023 polls, says varsity Don

    Non-transmission of results, bane of 2023 polls, says varsity Don

    A professor of Political Science, Dung Pam Sha, has identified the non-transmission of election results as a major flaw in the 2023 general elections.

    He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address the issue in future elections.

    In response, INEC chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu argued that the primary challenge lies in the desperation of politicians.

    The INEC chairman though agreed that there is a need for improvement in the conduct of future elections, he lamented what he called desperation on the part of the political actors, saying that, “everybody wants to win and they want to win by any means including rigging.”

    They both spoke in Kaduna at a Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Process and Elections in Nigeria, organised by the International Press Center (IPC) with funding from the European Union under the EU-Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria.

    Professor Sha University of Jos said Nigerian youth have been attracted to participate in elections in the country especially by the not too young to run mantra but many of them were turned off by the non-transmission results of the general elections last year.

    Speaking on “The Role of Critical Stakeholders in Rebuilding Trust on Electoral Institutions, the Electoral Process and Elections in Nigeria”, the University Don said, trust has broken down at some level in Nigeria, as he cited trust of delivery; capacity to deliver, trust of engagement with citizens, trust of familiarity with framework, trust of integrity; transparency and accountability.

    “Nigeria has witnessed lots of problems with the electoral system. The roles played by stakeholders have created situations where trust has broken down. The action of the election management body by not handling the process well especially the transmission of results became a major issue.

    “The political parties lacking internal democracy Leeds to lots of political challenges; imposing candidates on their party, how some of them captured their political party machinery. The roles of politicians who manipulated the processes at various levels either during primaries or during the general elections, were vote buying, and rigging.

    Read Also: INEC should take over conduct of LG polls, says Onuigbo

    “Everyone has a problem what we need to do is to address these challenges. The Nigerian youths since 2015 have been active in the electoral process because of the campaign carried out for them to get into politics especially the not too young to run campaign that brought them to the political process. Some of them came into the process but lack of transmission of the 2023 general election results dampened their enthusiasm. Electronic voting was introduced but that aspect failed us. We need to sustain the interest of the youth and believe that in the next election, we would play by the rules and have a great election,” he said.

    In his own remarks, the INEC chairman, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Prof. Muhammad Kuna, said, “Each election comes with its own different challenges be it general elections or off-cycle elections. You have to ensure that there are security agencies to keep security. Security of personnel, security of materials, and security of elections are vital.

    “The real problem is, everybody wants to win and they want to win by any means including rigging, vote buying, ballot box snatching, and so on. It is not just the Commission that should provide political enlightenment but even political parties need to educate the voters.”

    Chairman of the occasion and Director of the Center for Democratic Development, Research and Training, Dr. Abubakar Siddique Mohammed tasked the political class to clean up its act, correct past mistakes and avoid rigging, stating that the intervention of the military in governance in 1966 and 1983 was due to rigging during elections, though he noted that Nigeria has outgrown military rule.

    “Military in the past have taken over power in Nigeria when elections are rigged. When political leaders do not manage the political process very well the military intervenes by taking over power. Though it’s no longer fashionable in Nigeria the political leaders should not take that for granted considering the level of rigging, manipulation of results, and irregularities that took place in the 2023 general elections. The electoral laws have been going through modification as people observed challenges.

    “Many observations have been made during the last general elections, we should go back and look at those anomalies and correct them. INEC alone cannot manage an electoral process, you have the political parties, politicians, government, judiciary, and people who all have roles to play. If you have an electoral process where leaders are determined to rig elections, INEC cannot stop them. The judiciary has been broken, courts are politicized. Political parties should engage in internal party democracy.”

  • Most of Kaduna’s revenue sources have dried up, we need innovations – KADIRS chair 

    Most of Kaduna’s revenue sources have dried up, we need innovations – KADIRS chair 

    As the state government through Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) launched two innovative tax platforms, the Revenue Service Chairman, Jerry Adams has said that major sources of revenue for the state have dried up, hence the out-of-the-box innovations to identify revenue potentials and block leakages.

    Speaking during the launch of ‘Project CRAFT,’ and the PAYKADUNA PORTAL yesterday, the KADIRS Boss said, the initiatives were not just about technology, but the transformative approach to governance, which will allow the state to leverage advanced data analytics and automation and enhance its capacity to generate revenue, curb leakages, and improve service delivery to the citizens.

    According to him, “KADIRS in the last 8 years made a lot of huge recoveries in the range of about N20b from back duty Audits; N18b from non-tax revenues sources especially through the sale of government properties; huge exchange gains of about N42B from foreign loans/grants was recorded to revenue as revenue and finally, land allocation reforms through the creation of KADGIS.

    “However, these sources have dried up, as over 80% of government-owned properties have been privatized, back duty recoveries have shrunk and the federal government’s pronouncement of a parallel regime in FOREX has faced out exchange gains as revenue. 

    “Now faced with these challenges alongside the huge debt burden on the State, the importance of innovative and out-of-the-box ideas to identify revenue potentials, improve accountability, block leakages and expand the tax achieving both vertical and horizontal growth cannot be over-emphasized.

    “This is the mindset that has birthed our reason for today’s gathering. Today, we launch ‘Project CRAFT,’ and the PAYKADUNA PORTAL, initiatives that embody the Governor Uba Sani Administration’s commitment to pacesetting, innovation, accountability, and excellence in public service reform.

    Read Also: Reps urge security agencies to rescue victims kidnapped by bandits in Kaduna

    “This is a never-been-seen strategy for revenue administration and a huge investment to the state, we are proud to be leading this innovation in the state. Project CRAFT, which stands for Cross-systems for Revenue Administration and Fiscal Transparency, is an innovative project, marking the beginning of a new era in revenue generation and management for Kaduna State. This initiative is a key component of our broader vision to enhance the efficiency of the service and to ensure that every naira due to the state is duly collected and accounted for. The portal we unveil today is designed with both taxpayers and administrators in mind. The Portal creates a non-disruptive convergence of all stakeholders in a manner that improves the overall effectiveness of our revenue administration approach.

    “For our taxpayers, it promises a seamless and user-friendly experience, making it easier than ever to fulfill their tax obligations. For our administrators, it provides robust tools for managing tax records, tracking transactions, and ensuring compliance.

    “One of the core features of Project CRAFT is the establishment of a Central Data Repository (CDR) within the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service. This repository will serve as the backbone of our new system, ensuring that all taxpayer and tax transaction data are exclusively owned and securely managed by the state.

    “Through standard data convergence protocols, we will achieve a comprehensive and unified view of our revenue landscape, which is critical for informed decision-making and strategic planning. This initiative is not just about technology; it is about transforming our approach to governance. By leveraging advanced data analytics and automation, we are enhancing our capacity to generate revenue, curb leakages, and improve service delivery to our citizens,” he said.

    While launching the projects, Governor Uba Sani who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe said, Project CRAFT and the PAYKADUNA Portal reflect his administration’s dedication to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. He said.

    “In an era where technology drives progress, our administration is committed to leveraging cutting-edge solutions to improve governance and service delivery. Project CRAFT embodies this commitment. It is a comprehensive action plan designed to integrate technological advancements, governance frameworks, stakeholder engagement strategies, and advisory services to create a robust and transparent revenue administration system.

    “The PAYKADUNA Portal stands at the heart of our technological advancements. It is more than just a tool; it is a cornerstone of our Aggregate Revenue Administration and Automation Strategy. The portal offers a seamless and user-friendly experience for both taxpayers and administrators, ensuring that all transactions are efficient and transparent,” he said.

    The governor however directed all heads of revenue-generating agencies to embrace the innovative tools, saying, “It is imperative that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the State, promptly integrate to the platform and provide all needed support to Kaduna Internal Revenue Service to ensure seamless and efficient revenue collection process.”

  • Kwara Gov inspects 42.5km new Ilorin-Offa road

    Kwara Gov inspects 42.5km new Ilorin-Offa road

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday inspected the 42.5-kilometre Eiyenkorin-Afon-Ojoku-Offa-Odo Otin road project, which is now under construction.

    The road, which is certain to unleash vast socioeconomic growth along that corridor, is one of the four major roads that the Governor facilitated under the FG’s tax credit scheme and are being constructed by the BUA Group. The three others are: Lafiagi-Shonga-Bacita (74.3km); Bode Saadu-Kaiama-Kosubosu(128km); and Okuta-Gwanara-Bukuro (37km). 

    These massive road projects complement several other intra-state road networks and the urban renewal initiative of Governor AbdulRazaq within the state. 

    Accompanied by the Commissioner for Works and Transport Engr. AbdulQuawiy Olododo, Special Adviser on Special Duties Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jiddah, and BUA Site Engineer Samson Adebiyi, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed immense joy on the project and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for greenlighting the construction works even unannounced.

    “We keep hearing about the renewed hope agenda and what it means. This is a summary of renewed hope. Many people, including Kwarans, are not aware that something as massive as this is ongoing already. We thank the President for this,” the Governor told reporters after the inspection.

    “This is the new Ilorin-Offa road. It is going to open up the entire economy of the area. And this is not the only road project in Kwara that the Federal government has invested in. 

    “Two months ago, I visited Bode Sa’adu-Kaiama-Kosubosu road, which is also a federal government road. Then, there is the 83km Lafiagi-Shonga-Bacita road. We are truly lucky in Kwara; we are happy that these investments are being placed in the state.

    Read Also: Kwara opens new health insurance office

    “A couple of months ago, I visited the President in his office to discuss some issues, and also to congratulate him on the decision to embark on the Calabar-Lagos Coastal Highway, and the President showed me a document on his table on the Badagry-Sokoto Highway. That is foresight. I was truly excited and went straight to the section that concerns Kwara. I also saw the Kishi-Kaiama-Wawa road, which has also been approved.”

    The Governor also inspected the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station that is under construction around Post Office, in Ilorin, saying the project should be ready soon.

    He said the project underlines the efforts of the President to refocus the economy on sustainable energy and lesser dependence on petrol.

    AbdulRazaq said these massive infrastructural initiatives have placed Nigeria and Kwara State in a better position. 

    He said the President is focused on attaining a trillion-dollar economy that he said can be partly achieved through the development of basic infrastructure.

    “So you can see that over the next two, three, four years, the infrastructure development in Kwara will attain another level. Why am I particular about infrastructure? The President talked about a trillion-dollar economy by the time we finished this administration,” the Governor said.

    “Hopefully, insha Allaah, we are talking about the end of the second term. To achieve a trillion-dollar economy, you have to have the basic infrastructure to do that. 

    “This is what these infrastructure projects are meant to achieve because it simply means opening up the country for investments and more production. We have to produce to export and to survive. We are talking about a manufacturing economy, not just in Kwara but across Nigeria.

    “If you ask me, what has the President done for us? This, among others, is an example of what we have benefited from the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We will strive to get more. But this is evidence of development.”

  • Reinstatement of Emir Sanusi could set Kano on fire-APC youths

    Reinstatement of Emir Sanusi could set Kano on fire-APC youths

    A youth group, APC Youth Crusaders For Peace and Development, which raised the alarm some months ago that Kano Governor, Abba Yusuf and his godfather, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, were plotting to destabilise the administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the recent signing of a controversial bill abolishing the five emirates of the state by the Governor has validated their concerns.

    In a statement, the National Coordinator, Hon. Cyril Adamu, recalled the earlier warning about a sinister plot by Governor Yusuf and other powerful figures to undermine Kano and Nigeria. 

    He emphasised the abolishment of the five emirates of Kano state was part of this alleged plot.

    He insisted that the Governor’s action was intended to stoke unrest in the state and the country as a whole, to destabilise President Tinubu’s administration.

    The statement reads: “APC Youth Crusaders For Peace and Development has been vindicated by the recent action of the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, signing into law a controversial bill to abolish the five emirates of the state. The AYCPD had revealed a sinister plot by Governor Yusuf and some powerful forces to destroy Kano and Nigeria, simply because Rabiu Kwankwaso didn’t win the last presidential election.

    “Governor Yusuf being a Northerner and fully aware of the value the subjects of the emirates placed on the royal stools, decided to abolish the emirates just to spark unrest in the state in a bid to destabilise the administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “The manner in which the controversial Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 was signed into law by the governor the same day it was passed by the state house of assembly, raised suspicions that it is a calculated move to destroy the traditional institutions in the state, and by extension, the peace and stability of the state and the country at large.

    “Ever since Kano State was divided into five emirates — Kano, Rano, Gaya, Karaye, and Bichi — in 2019, the state has experienced increased peace and development. This is largely due to the multiple emirs leading peace talks and advocating for development. However, Governor Yusuf seems to be disregarding these positive developments due to some political vendetta. In a show of political arrogance, the governor rudely ordered the royal fathers to ‘vacate their palaces within 48 hours’.

    Read Also: Kogi governorship dispute: Tribunal fixes Monday in Ajaka’s petiton against Ododo

    “The Governor plans to revert Kano to a single emirate and reinstate the deposed Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II. This could lead to a breakdown of law and order and a generational conflict between the ruling houses of Kano. Political unrest is already brewing in the state following the controversial bill’s signing into law.

    “We are deeply concerned about this development and its potential to undermine the democratic process, threaten the safety and security of the citizens, and destabilize the entire region and country at large. This dangerous plot is a desperate attempt to discredit Tinubu’s administration in the North and pave the way for an easier run for Kwankwaso in 2027.

    “Governor Abba Yusuf and his political godfather, Rabiu Kwankwaso, must cease using politics to disrupt the peace and stability of Kano State. Since taking office, Governor Yusuf has neglected his primary responsibility of providing good governance to the people of Kano state, choosing instead to pursue a personal vendetta against his godfather’s political enemies. This must come to an end. The people of Kano deserve better. Governor Yusuf’s feud with imagined enemies is plunging the state into chaos and anarchy.

    “We urge Northern elders and thought leaders to step in and intervene by reining in Governor Yusuf before the growing unrest in the state escalates into a full-blown crisis. Kano holds a significant position in the region and the country’s economic and political spheres. Therefore, it is our responsibility to safeguard the state from the destructive consequences of the actions of desperate leaders such as Governor Yusuf and his godfather, Rabiu Kwankwaso.”

  • Onjeh congratulates reinstated Kano Emir Sanusi

    Onjeh congratulates reinstated Kano Emir Sanusi

    Former Chairman, Governing Board of the Projects Development Institute (PRODA), Enugu, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has felicitated with His Royal Highness Sanusi Lamido Sanusi CFR, on his reinstatement today as the Emir of Kano Emirate Council by Governor Abba Yusuf.

    In a statement, Onjeh argued although royal fathers are expected to eschew partisanship in their stewardship and approach to issues generally,  whenever the occasion demands, they must rise up and speak on behalf of the people they represent.

    Onjeh further stated that any attempt to gag or straitjacket any traditional leader will be totally undemocratic because as citizens, they also enjoy fundamental rights as guaranteed by relevant sections of the Constitution.

    The senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Benue South in the 2023 general elections, stated that in recent times, our traditional leaders, including the emirs and chiefs, are mostly very educated people, with some of them being notable professionals with impressive track records in their respective fields of endeavour before coming to serve their people in the traditional council.

    He added that some traditional leaders have also served their societies for very long, therefore they are experienced enough to contribute to the development of the society.

    “How can we expect someone of His Royal Highness Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s education, training, experience and exposure, a consummate economist and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, not to lend his voice to topical issues like the economy of Nigeria? In fact, he owes the country the patriotic responsibility of speaking up whenever things are going awry, or when anything threatens the peace, unity and development of the nation,” stated Onjeh.

    While urging other emirs and traditional rulers to always feel free to contribute their decent quotas to topical national issues rather than dwelling exclusively on local issues within their traditional councils, Onjeh noted that the world is now a global village, hence the scope of work of members of the traditional institutions should transcend settling communal disputes, to anything that will contribute to the safety, welfare and wellbeing of their wards and communities at large.

    Read Also: Tinubu administration prioritises youth development – Akume

    According to Onjeh, the control which the various state governments have over traditional rulers is for supervisory purposes, and not for vindictiveness.

    “Indeed, the control of state governments over their tradition institutions is also to provide checks and balances, so that erring traditional rulers can be called to order or be disciplined accordingly. So when traditional rulers have done something wrong, it will be clear to the members of the society that they have done something wrong and deserve to be reprimanded. Such control must not include when a traditional ruler is expressing his honest opinion on what Nigeria ought to be, or what his society needs to be like,” stated Onjeh.

    Onjeh, who is a former fiery student activist and one-time President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), further stated that the case of Emir Sanusi’s sack and subsequent reinstatement is clear proof that no matter how long justice is suppressed, it will certainly prevail in the end.

    He added that it is a good lesson to all authorities who make arbitrary laws that they intend to wield as the big stick against dissenting voices.

    “What has just happened in the case of Emir Sanusi is very good for our democracy, because it has further established that any anti-people law enacted by a previous parliament, can be upturned by a succeeding one,” he stated.

  • NGF chairmanship: AbdulRazaq’s scorecard in one year dwarfs Saraki’s reign

    NGF chairmanship: AbdulRazaq’s scorecard in one year dwarfs Saraki’s reign

    Ibraheem Abdullateef 

    I will waste no time on the preamble. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki’s reign as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) bore little fruit for Kwara. If anything, it only qualifies as an over-glorified tenure which was whitewashed by an expensive public relations machinery to mask its shortcomings. This will be clearer when you compare what successive chairmen of the forum facilitated to their states in terms of infrastructure, investments, and appointments from the centre. However, Saraki’s failure would be more understood when placed side by side the success of his fellow Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who has only spent one year in office.

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has facilitated 294km of roads. Kwara got approval for the rehabilitation of four major roads under the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme. The roads include Kosubosu–Kaiama–Bode Saadu (130km); Bacita-Shonga-Lafiagi (83km); Eiyenkorin–Afon–Offa–Odo Otin (49km); and Okuta–Bokuro (32km), which connects the state to the Benin Republic. Following years of persistent lobbying, he bore his weight on these demands and got them. And we could have lost it when tensions mounted on the legal status of the tax credit scheme. But he used his goodwill with the President and his team to secure those gains. How else does a man work for his state? Let Sarakites bring anything that compare to that huge infrastructural gain during his tenure. 

    Work has since commenced on some of them. A major breakthrough, this will open Nigeria to other West African countries, and crystallise the state’s social and economic development. 

    Barely a week ago, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the construction of Kaiama — Tesse road, less than two months after AbdulRazaq led Kwara federal lawmakers on a working visit to the Minister of Works and Transport Engr. David Umahi. It would be the fifth approval for major federal roads barely his one year in office. If we are talking about scorecards, it goes without saying these are huge achievements on infrastructural development, which is a sine qua non to bringing sustainable development to the state.

    What did Saraki get?

    AbdulRazaq has stabilised the political temperature between the Governors and the Presidency. There is so much peace in the system, courtesy of his mature handling of issues. AbdulRazaq’s hands-on diplomatic relationships with the Presidency were instrumental to managing the ensuing national crisis after the fuel subsidy removal and related issues. Backed by his colleagues and good heads at Aso Rock, he successfully maintained mutual respect and peace between the two institutions.

    By contrast, Saraki’s tenure was infamous for in-fighting among caucuses or hostility with the executive, as seen with his documented disrespect for the former vice president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at the villa. Instead of prioritising state and national development, he was constantly scheming to contest the Presidency and seize power for himself. The leopard took this into his tenure as senate president. It always had its consequences for the fortunes of the state. 

    Did he not almost get removed as NGF chair? 

    Kwara’s political space has changed following the annihilation of the Saraki dynasty in 2019. It is no longer in the breast pocket of anyone. This was one of the reasons for the revolution in the first instance — a political system where opportunities are not decided by the whims and caprices of a lord of the Manor.

    With that said, I wonder why anyone would think that the emergence of any Kwaran for any position at the federal level could be without the knowledge and tacit support of the Governor. Those people could use a lesson from the past. I think what to cheer for in our democracy is the absence of dog-eats-dog politics that ultimately denies the state of progress. Think Benjamin Yissa and Professor Oba AbdulRaheem.

    Whether Sarakites like it or not, Kwara has two SUBSTANTIVE Ministers. We started getting two ministers after the collapse of the dynasty. If Kwara hadn’t got two, there would be attacks on the Governor. This is the progress we are talking about. We now also have two Director Generals of federal agencies. They are all members of APC. These will always come to count. The Governor is not an egotist like them. They know themselves.

    Notwithstanding our genuine interests in having more, being one of the best states that delivered for the APC, eight (8) Kwarans were appointed into federal boards for tertiary institutions. Yes, we want a lot more and deserve more, but we got more than some other states. 

    These appointments followed the previous appointment of Dr Ghali Alaya as a non-executive director of the NNPC board, and a couple of others. 

    On top of that, the Governor has recently got a Kwaran Abdullateef Shittu to become the NGF Ag. Director General. 

    The easing out of the DG without a fight with the cabals is a major masterstroke on his part. This is all within one year.

    I also find the reference to the many slots that went to Adamawa and Osun States in the recently constituted governing councils of federal academic institutions as a demonstration of poor understanding of political dynamics. These, for crying out loud, are states governed by the opposition. It’s only logical that party loyalists there are open to some more board appointments at the centre, which is controlled by APC. This is to give them some strengths that states with huge representations like Kwara command in multiple folds, especially in elected offices such as at the Senate and House of Representatives and state Parliaments.

    Also, these two states have one Minister each, whereas Kwara has two very important Ministers. There is no basis for comparison.

    Now, let’s take a brief look at investment. In February, Kwara got Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre (HADC) enlisted among the health facilities slated for upgrade by the federal government across the six geopolitical zones. Despite being a project initiated by the previous administration, AbdulRazaq rose above partisanship to get it captured, thereby saving it from extinction, in the interest of the people and state. 

    In a similar vein, Kwara has also secured approval for its highly-rated Ilorin Smart City Project initiated by the Governor in line with Ilorin City Master Plan to house 1,000 Federal Renewed Hope housing units. These strategic investments will make lasting impacts on the growth and development of Kwara State for generations to come. The question is, what did Saraki get Kwara as NGF chairman in one year?

    Abdullateef is Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Communications

  • Kogi State Security Trust Fund pays working visit to LSSTF

    Kogi State Security Trust Fund pays working visit to LSSTF

    …we shall make maximal use of all we learnt in Lagos – KSSTF Chief

    The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun, has said that the state remains the safest state in Nigeria because of the activities of the agency.

    Speaking at the end of a study visit by the Kogi State Security Trust Fund (KSSTF), Balogun said the track records of the Fund in the last 17 years have made the Fund a go-to place for other states trying to come up with how to bolster their security infrastructure and architecture.

    He applauded the KSSTF’s Executive Chairman and the management staff for the visit, which he said would undoubtedly be an eye-opener on how Lagos has been coping with the challenges besetting security operatives operating in the state.

    According to him, during the visit, the LSSTF put together onsite training sessions on modalities for operating an effective Trust Fund and arranged visitations to one of the beneficiaries of the Fund, the LNSC (Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps), and a tour of a world-class, indigenous security equipment manufacturing company EPAIL (Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited).

    He said after 17 years of operation, LSSTF is still significantly effective, and as a result of Lagos is not only the safest city in Nigeria, but other states are trying to emulate the Fund

    “Because of the Fund’s track record of success, other Trust Funds are trying to emulate it.”

    Balogun expressed the hope that the visit by the Kogi State Security Trust Fund is beneficial and insightful, towards making KSSTF successful.

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    During the training, he emphasized that the Fund’s strongest feature remains its commitment to it’s core value which is PART, (an acronym for Prudence, Accountability, Resourcefulness, and Trust). It also places major emphasis on maintenance, which is why its assets remain functional for upwards 12 years.

    While comparing the law establishing the KSSTF with that of LSSTF, Balogun highlighted a few sections of the Law which in his opinion may work contrary to the objectives of the KSSTF and other sections that LSSTF may benefit from KSSTF.

    It was noted that the LSSTF deliberately maintains a lean workforce to ensure that the majority of resources raised are directed towards providing support to security agencies.

    The success of the Fund can be attributed to the high calibre of individuals appointed by Mr. Governor as members of the Board of Trustees.

    These individuals are not only influential but accomplished in their various endeavours and view their role as an opportunity to give back to the State. They leverage on their positions and industry connections to reach out to colleagues and partners for contributions to sustain the activities of LSSTF.

    There was a farewell ceremony to conclude the working visit by the KSSTF delegation, which included the presentation of a plaque to the Executive Chairman and his team members and certificates.

    In his response, the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Security Trust Fund thanked the Executive Secretary/CEO for the warm reception and hospitality.

    He noted that the training session was very informative and an eye-opener to key areas of improvement for the KSSTF.

    He was very thankful for the opportunity to visit a Nigerian indigenous security manufacturing company and the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency (LNSA).

    He noted that he will return to Kogi State with what they have been able to learn and seek ways to implement some of these ideas in the short, medium, and long term.

  • Uba Sani, Abike Dabiri-Erewa others for Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment summit

    Uba Sani, Abike Dabiri-Erewa others for Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment summit

    Kaduna State governor, Uba Sanni, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Chairman, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the President’s Senior Special Adviser on job creation and MSMEs, Temitola Emitola Adekunle Johnson, among others will be gracing this year’s Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (NDDIS) in Highbrow Kensington High Street, London on May 24.

    The event which will be declared open by the Acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Cyprian Heen, will bring together hundreds of Diaspora business leaders, African, British, Commonwealth and other international investors and funders.

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    The founder of NDDIS, Prince Bimbo Roberts Folayan, in a statement  announced a breakthrough in their discussions with philanthropic funders who will provide 100% funding on a forgivable loan/grant basis.

    According to him, “I’ am particularly excited about this year’s summit because for the first time, we will be directly involved in screening home bound projects and will also help push projects that meet SDG goals to get grants.”

    He noted that it’s the first time “we have been given this opportunity since we started attracting projects to Nigeria and Africa,” adding that the government is looking at various innovative ways of tackling the current unemployment situation in the country and that a high-powered panel will be set up at this year’s summit to address how the Diaspora can invest and create jobs in Nigeria and how the country can tackle unemployment and encourage entrepreneurship and MSMEs in the country.