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Category: Northern Reports

  • Demolition: APC will restore sanity to Kano, Ganduje tells business community

    Demolition: APC will restore sanity to Kano, Ganduje tells business community

    The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje yesterday assured the business community that sanity would return to Kano state politics when the party takes over the state.

    Speaking on the backdrop of the sufferings inflicted on the people in the state following the demolition of properties and business ventures by the Abba Yusuf-led New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

    Ganduje, who was the immediate governor of the state, expressed this optimism when he hosted youth leaders of various markets in Kano State in his office at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja.

    The chairman of the market leaders, Alhaji Umar Ladiyo, lamented the untold hardship the business community in the state now faced in the last four months following the destruction of properties, business centres and hostile NNPP-led government policies, adding that many business ventures have crashed and sent many businessmen and women into bankruptcy.

    Commiserating with the business community, Ganduje assured them that under the incoming APC government sanity and business will be restored.

    He said: “It is unfortunate for the other issue that you raised. The issue of senseless demolition was unfortunate.  That was very unfortunate. They destroyed the economy of Kano. They destroyed the business and trading in Kano.

    “Many people are now sceptical about going to Kano for business. Even banks don’t accept certificates of occupancy, because they are not sure whether the certificate will be revoked tomorrow. Or even when you build, it will be demolished.

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    “You can see the extent of demolition of businesses in Kano. It is very unfortunate. But I have to congratulate you for taking the right steps. People who lost their properties in Kano have taken the issue to court. And the court has already started giving verdicts for compensation. It is just a starting point for people who take them to court. The answer to Kano politics is for the return of APC and we are pursuing that.”

    Ladiyo said the business community in the state was happy at the September 20 judgement of the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal that sacked the NNPP-led administration following the establishment of irregularities in the conduct of the March governorship election.

    He said: “With the outgoing government in Kano, everybody knows what happened was a tragedy. The destruction of properties, businesses and many people that have been thrown into crises. Some even lost their lives.

     “The amount of money lost in Kano during the destruction was huge. The turnover that is being done is more than 2 billion naira every day. Sadly, we have lost all that now.”

    The market leader then reminded the APC governorship candidate in the state, Nasiru Gawuna of the promises he made to reallocate properties to the victims of the NNPP administration destruction.

    “We are happy, during the trial at the tribunal, the APC candidate promised that when the APC government comes, all properties destroyed will be reallocated and some people will be helped with some token to start up their businesses. So many people have been thrown into debt and some have even lost their lives.

  • Mutfwang assures citizens of fairness

    Mutfwang assures citizens of fairness

    Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness and justice for all residents, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.

    The governor stated this yesterday while receiving the findings of the Committee on Review of Employment at the New Government House, Jos.

    Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, Governor Mutfwang reiterated that Plateau State belongs to all its indigenes, emphasizing that discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation will not be tolerated.

    He noted that the committee had meticulously assessed employment processes across various Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure fairness, equity, and justice and found out lack of due process, irregularities, and the absence of involvement by the Civil Service Commission in some of the employment exercises conducted by the previous administration.

    Mutfwang expressed concern about youth unemployment in the state and vowed to address it in adherence to civil service rules.

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    He emphasized the need for due process in all government activities and stressed the importance of rectifying past irregularities.

    “We must adhere to due process in carrying out government activities. From the reports, many MDAs did not follow due process, and we will ensure the right thing is done,” he affirmed.

    Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Ishaya Agaldu, highlighted several issues identified during the committee’s assessment, including rushed employment processes, sharing of employment slots, improper allocation of slots to political parties, traditional leaders, and religious bodies, as well as irregular payments to staff without proper authorization.

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  • Barau gives N20k each to 870 students

    Barau gives N20k each to 870 students

    Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, yesterday, commenced the donation of N20,000 to each of the 870 students of the Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano (YUMSUK).

    The students were selected from Kano North Senatorial District, where the lawmaker represents.

    Speaking during the distribution of the money at the university’s premises, the Chief of Staff to the Deputy President of the Senate, Prof Muhammad Ibn Abdullahi, said the gesture was to support students from his constituency.

    He said the exercise started in August with 628 students of the Bayero University Kano (BUK).

    Read Also: Senate bars new members from top posts

    According to him, it would be extended to all students from Kano North Senatorial District in all tertiary institutions in the country.

    “Each of the students will receive N20,000 courtesy of Senator Barau and every student from Kano North who is studying in Nigeria will benefit from it. We started in August with the students of BUK and today we are in YUMSUK for the second phase,” he said.

    He urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the gesture and study hard for them to excel in their academic pursuits.

    A beneficiary, Ummussalam Haruna Yusuf, a level 300 student thanked Jibrin.

    “The biggest challenge we are facing now is transportation and the food to eat while at school. This gesture from our Senator will assist us in this regard,” She said.

  • Pupils educated on climate change

    Pupils educated on climate change

    Pupils of Junior Secondary School (JSS), Gwagwalada, Abuja, have called on citizens and the government to protect the environment against climate change.

    The students, who are climate change advocates, noted that there was a need for the Federal Government to enact a law to prohibit indiscriminate felling of trees.

    One of the pupils, Iduh Rejoice, who is a member of the Child Rights Advocacy Club, (CRAC) put together by Humanitarian organisation, Save the Children International (SCI) Nigeria, urged the government to enforce a law to stop improper disposal of refuse and other practise that negatively impact the environment including demolition of houses blocking water ways.

    During a visit to the school, the CRAC held a panel discussion about the impact of climate change on children’s nutrition and well-being on the topic “Climate Change Impact on Nutrition, Health and Well-being.”

    Another climate change advocate and pupil of JSS, Gwagwalada, Amen Magaji, said: “Why we are advocating for tree planting as part of major measures that would mitigate impact of climate change on our environment.

    “We in JSS Gwagwalada are set to plant trees here and also in our premises where we live. The essence of tree planting is to reduce the impact of storms and winds affecting roofs of our school buildings. Some of our classroom blocks were damaged as a result of storms and winds occasioned by climate change.”

    Also, a member of CRAC, JSS, Gwagwalada, Chukwuemeka Destiny, said: “We call on philanthropists, Government and individuals to take it upon themselves to ensure more trees are planted across the country and also schools should form alliances to plant trees.

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    “We in JSS Gwagwalada have been planting trees to reduce the impact of climate change in order to safeguard our school buildings from the impact of storms.”

    The Principal, JSS, Gwagwalada, Florence Okonkwo, commended Save the Children International (SCI) Nigeria for coming up with topical issues that affected children, women and the environment.

    She said: “I listened to the presentation of the students and you can see that they are adequately and properly informed. These are the leaders of tomorrow so it is going to influence the decisions they’re going to be taking about the environment.”

    The Advocacy and Campaign Officer, Save the Children International, Nigeria, Sharon Obijiofo said: “Climate change has been evident in the continent through the rise of temperature; more frequent extreme weather, variable rainfall, rise in sea level and flooding, drought and desertification, land degradation; affected freshwater resources and loss of biodiversity, among others.”

    The duration and intensities of rainfall have increased, producing large runoffs and flooding in many places in Nigeria.”

  • Ajaka, SDP can’t escape justice, says Kogi APC

    Ajaka, SDP can’t escape justice, says Kogi APC

    The Kogi State All Progressives Congress Campaign Council has reiterated its call on security agencies to bring the killers of a female APC supporter to book while also calling the attention of the public to what it described as the latest lies that had been concocted by the Social Democratic Party on the matter. 

    The Council said, after being exposed by the Police, and after the APC Campaign’s Conference on Monday, it was not out of place for the SDP candidate to defend himself with all manner of lies. 

    The Director, Media and Publicity/Spokesman of the Campaign, Kingsley Fanwo, however, said the SDP has chosen the wrong platform to do that, showing  the tactless, lackluster approach of the ill-prepared and desperate candidate.

    Fanwo said: “It is natural that killers get confused after killing because of the sacred nature of human life. We can understand Muritala Yakubu Ajaka’s confusion and delusion right now. But he must pay for his sins.”

    He said, after causing the death of an innocent woman with his alleged political brigandage, that he could still “heartlessly mock the dead with his lies is unfortunate.” 

    Fanwo stated: “We reported to the Police and other security agencies. And we have reported to the world and given a graphic narrative of how the SDP thugs killed a member of our party. 

    “Thankfully, the Police have released their preliminary reports and the SDP candidate should honour the invitation of security agencies to explain why his thugs killed the innocent Kotonkarfe woman and left the entire community mourning. 

    “While explaining the blood on his hands, he can as well give evidence of his recent claims to the Police and other law enforcement agencies. 

    Read Also: Demolition: APC will restore sanity to Kano, Ganduje tells business community

    “It is natural that killers get confused after killing because of the sacred nature of human life. We can understand Muritala Yakubu Ajaka’s confusion and delusion right now. But he must pay for his sins. 

    “His macabre dance on the grave of an innocent woman won’t save him. He has murdered sleep and has a date with the rule of law. We won’t glorify him with any serious response. 

    “Kogites now know him better and they know who is arming thugs and giving them uniforms.

    “After killing a soul with his political brigandage, that he could still heartlessly mock the dead with his lies is unfortunate. Our member won’t die in vain.”

  • Polytechnic workers demand living wage

    Polytechnic workers demand living wage

    The  Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics has demanded a living wage in line with an earlier agreement it reached with the Federal Government.

    The Union made the demand during its sixth quadrennial National Delegate Conference in Abuja.

    In a communique at the end of the conference, its National President, Adebanjo Ogunsipe and Acting National Secretary, Emmanuel Enyiegor, lamented the hardship of its members as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy.

    According to the union, the attendant consequences on the well-being of the worker had continued to be tough.

    “In the same vein, it demanded for a wage award for all workers in the country, as a temporary measure to cushion the negative effects of recent government policies ameliorate the harsh economic realities in the country,” the communique said.

    The union resolved to identify with every decision reached by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in their decision to go on an indefinite industrial action to press home its demands.

    It noted that there was a strong need for labour unions “to unite and collaborate now, more than ever, to save the soul of Nigeria for the good of the majority of Nigerians and the recovery of the labour space in the polity”.

    The union also said there was a need to challenge the Federal Government to re-address the objectives of polytechnic education as a driver for technological development of the country.

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    “In the same vein, it charges workers in the polytechnic sub-sector to delve into innovative research and make inventions in technologies that make life more convenient and bearable for the average Nigerian,” the communique said.

    It charged the relevant authorities to make sincere attempt to understudy the alternatives proposed by labour unions, such as the conversion of petrol-powered vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) -powered ones, the resuscitation of our refineries, the adoption of modular refineries amongst other suggested interventionist options.

    “Council was of the opinion that this would give an assurance of government sincerity of purpose and a confirmation of its genuine resolve to holistically address the situation,” the communique added.

  • Our economy’ll boom if Muslims pay charity, says Muslim cleric

    Our economy’ll boom if Muslims pay charity, says Muslim cleric

    An Islamic scholar, Ustaz Muhammad Al-Badawiy, has identified the non-payment of compulsory charity (Zakat) by Muslims, as the reason for the poor state of the economy.

    He said if Muslims give out 2.5 per cent of their yearly earnings as charity, it would not only alleviate poverty in the land, but grow the economy.

    Speaking at the eighth Merit Awards of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Kaduna branch, Al-Badawiy, who is a lecturer at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), said the aim of giving out a percentage of one’s wealth to charity is not just to alleviate poverty but to eradicate it.

    “The prophet (S.A.W.) said when you keep giving failed promises, Allah will send to you bad leaders, when people refuse to give out a percentage of their annual earnings to charity they will never see value for their money and the economy will be damaged and when people see adultery as normal, people will die easily.

    “We are having a poor economy because Allah is angry with us. If we can change our attitude by giving our charity, keeping our promises and avoiding adultery we will not only flush out the anger of Allah, but we will help society because the aim of charity is not just to alleviate poverty but to eradicate it,” he added.

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    He called on Islamic preachers to use the pulpit in their mosques to preach the giving of charity to the poor.

    Chairman of Ansar-ud-Deen, Alhaji Saburi Adeyemi said the ceremony was organised by the society to recognise members and non-members who have contributed to the development of the society and propagation of Islam.

    The branch chairman noted that the society, which was established 100 years ago by a group of 42 young men for the propagation of Islam, is in need of support of wealthy Muslims to keep up its programmes, including education, reformation, propagation, and defence of Islam.

    Governor Uba Sani, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Agency, Dr. Yusuf Yakub Arrigasiyyu, pledged to support the society in the propagation of Islam in the state.

    Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Amao Ademola Abideen said: “Contributing to Ansar-Ud-Deen means contributing to a better education of the Muslim children, empowerment of the less privileged and other forms of Daawah.”

    Highlights of the event was presentation of excellence awards to outstanding Muslims. They inluded the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Yekini Ayoku; former General Officer Commanding (G.O.C.) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Kamaldeen Role (rtd); wife of the former Osun State CPS, Hajia Hadrat Onolola Omipidan and Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Dr. Yusuf Yakub Arrigasiyyu.

  • Kano APC slams NNPP over eight-man London protest

    Kano APC slams NNPP over eight-man London protest

    The National Coalition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Stakeholders has berated the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for staging an eight-man demonstration in London on Sunday over the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal judgement.

     The group described the demonstration as a show of shame and a plot to discredit the judiciary, and the Federal Government and drag the image of APC in the mud.

    The tribunal had sacked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the NNPP due to irregularities, where over 165,000 votes were imprinted and  stuffed into the ballot boxes without the official stamp nor signature of the presiding officers.

    Addressing reporters in Abuja yesterday, the National Secretary of the coalition, Isabella Odunayo, condemned the NNPP for distorting facts.

    The group noted that since the judgment the NNPP-led Kano State Government had been peddling lies against the judiciary, the Federal Government and the APC. It said: “The NNPP desperation took them to London where it sponsored a protest to blackmail the Federal Government and discredit the tribunal judgement, unknowingly to the organisers, Nigerians in diaspora had watched clips of the jubilation that trailed the APC victory at the tribunal, thereby Nigerians in London ignored the sponsored protest.

    “It is shameful that Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Kwankwasiyya Movement only got eight persons for a protest which targeted about 1000 people, a sign that Nigerians both home and in diaspora accepted the judgment in good faith.”

    The group warned: “The judiciary cannot be intimidated by its threat as security agencies in Nigeria are fully prepared to secure the country.

    Read Also: Kano guber: APC slams NNPP over 8-man London protest

    “The eight people led by Dr Aminu Bello who embarrassed themselves yesterday in London do not represent the interest of Nigerians.

    “It is barbaric and indeed archaic for the NNPP to toll the part of blackmail calling for justice in faraway London when justice has already been served with the judgment of the tribunal.

    “It is unpalatable to speak ill of the judiciary because your stealing antics were uncovered. Abba Kabir Yusuf has no shame which is why he is still sponsoring the Campaign against the judiciary.

    “We call on the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Service to commence an investigation of the out-going Kano State Governor Yusuf and the leadership of the NNPP ahead of their prosecution.

    “It is by such actions that some desperate politicians may desist from rigging and instilling violence during elections.”

  • Accelerate programmes on poverty alleviation, governors told

    Accelerate programmes on poverty alleviation, governors told

    The Former Governors Forum has urged Nigerians to continue to embrace fundamental principles of unity in diversity.

    The group said this in a statement to mark Nigeria’s 63rd Independence celebration.

    In the statement, its Chairman and former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu and Executive Secretary, Prof. Tunde Esan, urged the government to establish programmes that would alleviate poverty and enhance opportunities for Nigerians.

    The statement reads: “Former Governors Forum warmly felicitate and celebrate with all Nigerians on the occasion of the celebration of independence day. The historical journey of Nigeria and its citizens in the last 60 three years exemplifies fortitude, and defined opportunities as a nation. Tested through national trials and strengthened by a determined and enterprising populace , the history of our nation cannot easily be dismissed as bothering on mere adversities.

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    “Therefore, the national celebration of independence day which cuts across all tribes in Nigeria, reminds us of our oneness and togetherness, and the potentialities of a nation strategically placed as a beacon of hope for the black race.

    “It’s equally an opportunity for Nigerians to continue to appreciate true virtues of peace and harmony, as the nation’s journey in the last few months appropriates the fundamentals of heterogeneity with varied opinions, positions and appropriations in national discourse.”

    “As the day of the independence celebration is etched in our national memory, we use the opportunity to call on all Nigerians to continue to embrace fundamental principles of unity in diversity, and also for the government at all levels to accelerate programs that will alleviate poverty and enhance opportunities for Nigerians.”

  • Alia sends team to resolve Benue’s communities’ crisis

    Alia sends team to resolve Benue’s communities’ crisis

    Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has sent a peace delegation to Bonta and Okpute communities of Konshisha and Oju local government areas (LGA) of the state to deescalate a renewed crisis in the areas.

     The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that last Saturday, youths from both communities took to the streets to protest the recent incidents in the area.

    According to the youth leader in Bonta, Mr Titus Akaakegh, a Bonta woman was in her farm working when youths from Okpute allegedly chased her away claiming she trespassed into their land.

    It was also alleged that after Okpute youths rebuilt market stalls at a market destroyed during a recent crisis in the areas, Bonta youths went to the market and destroyed the stalls. The act was said to have made the Okpute youth angry, resulting to the demonstrations which almost degenerated into a fight.

    It was said the governor, on hearing of the incident quickly sent a peace delegation to theaffected  communities to ensure that the crisis did not escalate.

    The delegation led by the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management,  Aondowase Kunde, also have other government officials from the two communities, including member of the state House of Assembly representing Konshisha State constituency, Cephas Dyako,member representing Oju 2 State Constituency and Deputy Majority leader, Hon Cyril Ikong, member representing Oju 1 State Constituency and Deputy Minority leader, Hon. Blessed Onah, Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof Moses Ogbaji, Special Adviser to the state Governor on Security, Hon. Joseph Har, among others.

    While members of the delegation took time to address the people of the two communities on the need to support government efforts towards maintaining peaceful coexistence in their area, Kunde said the governor had sent them to appeal to the people to sheathe their swords and give peace a chance.

    “We are here for peace.This is a time we should be rejoicing. We have suffered so much in Benue in the past and God has sent his son, Alia, to put smiles on our faces. So we should not be engaging in another violence.

    “As the commissioner of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, it is my intention to bring relief to the people and not to come and settle crisis.

    “Very soon, I will be returning with palliatives for the people, so I urge you all to stay in peace. No matter the level of provocation, you should choose peace. As work resume on Tuesday, His Excellency has promised he will find time to come for lasting peace,” he added.

    Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof Moses Ogbaji discouraged the youth of both communities from carrying arms against one another, urging them to embrace dialogue and peace.

    Ogbaji, who called on the youth to engage themselves meaningfully, said the government has subsidised fertiliser for Benue farmers and provided input, urging them to take advantage of the opportunity and do meaningful things.

    “Governor Alia sent us to greet you, that he has not forgotten you and promises to return to say thank you.

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    “He is not interested in who started the trouble but interested in maintaining peace. So I appeal to you to allow peace reign. Guns and machetes are no longer solving problems but dialogue.So, if you need more fertilizers for your agricultural activities, come to me, government will supply to you,” Ogbaji said.

    While reminding the Bonta people of Konshisha that they are the elder brothers, he appealed to them to carry their younger brothers, the Igede people, along.

    Member representing Oju 1 State Constituency, Hon. Blessed Onah, told the people: “War has no customer just as there is no alternative to peace. We want peace and peace we will get.”

    He urged the people to eschew violence and choose peace at all times saying, “What the mouth cannot give us by way of dialogue, we shouldn’t get it with another instrument.”

    On his part, the Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters, Joseph Har,  addressed the communities on the good intentions of the Alia-led government, He said the road connecting the area would soon be constructed to ease movement of humans, goods and services.

    Har, who noted that the government of Rev Fr Alia is a government of peace, said: “Iormem (Alia’s middle name) means ‘Let the people rest. So, let people rest.’ My happiness would be full when one day I will escort the governor to flag off the construction of this road for your own good.”

    While insisting that asking for peace is not a sign of weakness but that of strength, Har said the government has the capacity to deal with any trouble maker but has decided that making a deliberate effort to ensure that peace reigns in the land is the best.

    He appealed to the people to support the government and give peace a chance for the progress and development of their areas and state in general.

    Responding on behalf of the Bonta people, Elder Ahula Akpile, thanked the delegation for their prompt response to the issue and pledged support and loyalty to the state government.

    He warned the youth to eschew violence and allow the state government wade into the matter and bring lasting solutions.

    Also, the community leader of Okpute, Elder Joseph Agbaga, appreciated the administration for promoting peace in the area.

    Agbaga said they would ensure that youths conduct themselves well peace, saying: “We know that this government will be different and we pray God to give him the grace to bring an end to this crisis.”