The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Alia: Benue not dumping ground for criminals

    Alia: Benue not dumping ground for criminals

    Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia yesterday said the state is not a dumping ground for criminals.

    He urged the abductors of his Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism to release him.

    Alia said this while addressing his supporters at the IBB Square in Makurdi to celebrate his victory at the state Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Saturday.

    He said those who kidnapped the commissioner had few hours to release him unhurt.

    The governor said lines must be drawn between the good and bad in the society, saying that home-grown terrorists and bandits have no place in the state.

    He commended the family of the abducted commissioner for their patience, and assured that security agencies would leave no stone unturned to ensure that he was released unhurt.

    On his achievements in the first 100 days in office, Alia said he had already started construction of 16 township roads within the state capital.

    Read Also: Tribunals affirm Otu, Yahaya, Alia as Cross River, Gombe, Benue governors

    He said other major towns would soon receive similar attention.

    Reacting to his victory at the tribunal, he said that the decision of the tribunal was a reminder that one cannot toy with the mandate of the majority.

    He said God had used him to bring back smiles on the faces of residents of the state.

    According to him, a lot of things had gone wrong in the state but his government would do everything possible to rebuild and make it better for all.

    He said palliatives would soon be distributed to the 23 local government areas in the state, as the trucks of grains had arrived.

    On his plans for youths, the governor said the ICT training programme, which was slated to commence soon, would afford them the opportunity to acquire professional skills.

    He said his administration would ensure the return of IDPs back to their ancestral homes.

    Alia said  that banditry and terrorism would not be allowed to have a place in the state under his watch.

  • Youths to PDP candidate: you can’t Nasarawa governor

    Youths to PDP candidate: you can’t Nasarawa governor

    A group, Nasarawa Youths’ Assembly, yesterday said the over 1,000 women prayer rally convened by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state could not make the party govern the state.

    Ahead of the state Governorship Election Petition Tribunal judgement, some PDP women were reported to have held a prayer rally for the victory of the PDP’s governorship candidate, David Ombugadu.

    But the youth described the rally as a mere exercise that would not save the party from losing during the judgment of the tribunal.

    The youth stated this in a statement by their Chairman, Mr John Abimiku, adding that the opposition party and its governorship candidate have become more apprehensive due to the turn of events at the proceedings of the Tribunal.

    Read ALso: BREAKING: Tribunal affirms Gov Otu’s election in Cross River, dismisses PDP’s petition

    Abimiku said: “The opposition’s witnesses during the sitting of the tribunal have rather exposed the widespread manipulation of election’s result in many polling units across the state by the PDP.”The petitioners have failed to prove their allegations of reduction of votes, cancellation of votes of the election of Ashige Electoral Ward and exclusion of votes in Aruaza Electoral Ward in Lafia and Doma Local Government Areas, where the petitioners alleged over voting in four polling units.”The youths said PDP has resorted to the humiliation of unsuspecting Nasarawa mothers since the declaration of Governor Abdullahi Sule as winner of the March 18 governorship election.He said: “The Nasarawa State Youths Assembly has reviewed the political activities in the state since the declaration of governorship election in which Governor Abduilahi Sule won and noticed with concern that the opposition PDP had directed the unsuspecting women to come out nude and protested in the streets of Nasarawa State.

     ”The main opposition party has equally launched  provocative verbal and media attacks on tribunal judges who it accused of being open to inducement to sway the outcome in favour of Governor Sule.

    “It has also mounted the same attacks on the personality of Governor Sule who has kept his cool despite all affront by the opposition party leaders.

    “We want to use this medium to warn the party and its leadership to desist from plugging the state into crisis because of its parochial interests.”

    Abimiku added that the inability of the petitioners to prove their case and testimonies, alluded to the fact that the PDP had shortchanged Sule and the APC during the March 18 governorship election, hence the ruling APC might have nailed the petitioners at the tribunal.

  • IPPIS: SSANU UniAbuja chairman, members disagree on bribery allegations

    IPPIS: SSANU UniAbuja chairman, members disagree on bribery allegations

    The Chairman Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), University of Abuja Branch, Nurudeen Taiye, has refuted bribery allegations levelled against him by some members of the union.

    Some members of SSANU, the National Association of Academic Technicians (NAAT), and the Non-Academic Staff Union ( NASU) had pointed fingers at Taye and some members of colluding with some officials of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) to manipulate staff payroll.

    In a petition to the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating gross mismanagement of the IPPIS and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), the university workers alleged unauthorised diversion of staff allowances by the SSANU chairman.

     According to the petition, staff hazard and responsibility allowances had been diverted to bribe IPPIS officials in exchange for the release of outstanding arrears owed to staff by the Federal Government.

     The petition was signed by Mallam Balarabe Hashim, a member of SSANU at the University of Abuja on behalf of over 1000 affected staff and addressed to Yusuf Gagdi, Chairman of the House’s Ad-hoc Committee on IPPIS.

    The workers distanced themselves from any involvement or authorisation in bribing IPPIS officials for withheld allowances.

    They emphasised that it was not the SSANU chairman’s responsibility to facilitate the release of the allowances, adding that no such approval was ever granted even though the Chairman presented the matter on the floor of congress in April.

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    The petition, which provided evidence, including deductions of up to N30,000 intended for senior staff hazard allowances and N25,000 for senior staff responsibility allowances and N15,000 for junior staff, showed that the funds were transferred to the SSANU and Crescent Cooperative accounts without proper authorisation, raising moral and legal concerns on the need for an unconditional refunds of these unauthorised deductions to the affected staff.

    Part of the petition reads: “At no point did Congress approve such deductions towards bribing IPPIS officials. Even though the issue was raised, there was no such agreement reached. Since the issues started, the Chairman of SSANU has refused to give detailed explanations to members of Congress on how their allowances landed in cooperative accounts even as the chairman of SSANU and Crescent Cooperatives keep insisting the deductions were done with the approval of the SSANU Executives.

    “We did not authorise any such deductions and we have not been given any details on the IPPIS officials who were bribed. At this moment, all we want is a refund of the illegal and unauthorised deductions.

    “Even though there has been no word from the Chairman of SSANU who seems to be spearheading this racket for his personal gains, it is estimated that over ?30,000,000 has so far been deducted from staff salaries between May and June alone. What is surprising is that, the SSANU chairman and his collaborators who effected the deductions without due process and are not willing to account for their actions.

     “The Union members are passionately appealing to the House Ad-hoc Committee Investigating Gross Mismanagement of IPPIS , ICPC and EFCC to step in and cause the refund of their monies since there seems to exist a grand conspiracy between the management of the two cooperatives involved in this scam and the mastermind, the SSANU chairman Mr. Nurudeen Yusuf Taiye, even in the face of hardship being faced by Nigerians over the removal of fuel subsidy especially in the area of transportation and the purchase of necessities.”

     But, when contacted via telephone, SSANU, chairman, University of Abuja, Taiye denied the allegations.

     “There is no iota of truth in this matter. Union don’t pay allowances nor do we have power to divert funds not at our disposal. Did we also divert funds for other universities that are being implemented?

    “This petition has been sent and investigated by the DSS, ICPC, EFCC, not satisfied, they are taking to the press,” he added.

  • Yola Catholic Diocese inaugurates tuition-free school for IDPs

    Yola Catholic Diocese inaugurates tuition-free school for IDPs

    The Catholic Diocese of Yola has inaugurated a tuition-free primary school for children of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

    The school is located at Salama Housing Estate, a community established by the same diocese in Girei Local Government Area.

    Catholic Bishop of Yola, Stephen Dami Mamza, who inaugurated the Mission Primary School, explained that the project was funded by a non-governmental organisation,  Mission Take Heart.

    He said the school commenced academic activities with 150 pioneer pupils.

    Bishop Mamza, who is also the Adamawa State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), expressed gratitude to the Mission Take Heart for supporting the diocese.

    Read Also: Tribunal victory is for all, says Sanwo-Olu

    Mamza emphasised that tuition is free at theschool, and urged parents to take advantage of the opportunity by keeping their children there.

    “The future of these children is bright despite the displacement by the Boko Haram insurgents,” he said, adding, “Keep hope alive and work towards eradicating illiteracy.”

    Also, the Divisional Inspector of Education, Girei Local Government,Abdullahi Ahidjo said the Catholic Diocese of Yola has contributed immensely in boosting education in the council area.

    He added that the establishment of Salama Housing Estate by the diocese and Mission School had been exemplary interventions.

    In addition to free tuition, the Catholic Diocese of Yola distributed a piece of school uniform, a pair of sandals, as well as 12 exercise books to each of the 150 pupils.

  • Shettima mourns Khadi Imam

    Shettima mourns Khadi Imam

    • Joins dignitaries in Maiduguri for Imam’s funeral

    Vice President Kashim Shettima, Monday evening, joined other Muslim faithful in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, for the burial rites of the Khadi Kaka Shehu Imam.

    The late Khadi Imam was the father of Alhaji Mohammed Imam, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in Borno State.

    In a statement, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said Khadi Imam passed away in the early hours yesterday.

    The Jana’iza (funeral prayers), which drew crowd, took place at the residence of the centenarian in the Old GRA, Maiduguri, before the deceased was interred at the Gwange Cemetery  in the state capital. 

    While praying for the peaceful repose of the late Islamic scholar, the Vice President described Khadi Imam as an institution who would be missed by not just Borno State and Northern Nigeria, but also the entire country.

    He  described the revered scholar as one whose legacy would outlive him, adding that he would be remembered as a philanthropist, role model and elder statesman who was an embodiment of peace and harmony till death.

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    “We’re mourning him and we’re also celebrating him as an institution. May Allah grant his soul eternal rest and reward him with Aljannatul Firdaus. May Allah also grant his family and the good people of Borno and Nigeria the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Vice President Shettima prayed.

    Other mourners who joined the vice president included the Shehu of BornoAlhaji, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi; Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni; Borno Deputy Governor, Hon Umar Usman Kadafur;  Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Sen Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North), and Sen. Kaka Shehu Lawan (Borno Central).

    Others are Hon Satomi Ahmed Saleh, member representing Jere Federal Constituency; Hon Abubakar Tijjani, Secretary to Borno State Government, Barr Mallam Fannami, Borno State Head of Service; elder statesmen; Honorable Commissioners, party stalwarts, among others.

  • Military enrols 110,000 retired soldiers in Health Insurance Scheme

    Military enrols 110,000 retired soldiers in Health Insurance Scheme

    No fewer than 110,000 retired officers of the Armed Forces have enrolled for the military free health insurance scheme.

    The enrolees, who are beneficiaries of the scheme cut across all states.

    The Managing Director of Military Health Management Limited (DHML), Rear Admiral Azeez Bello Afolayan (rtd), made this known during a one-day interactive meeting with military Veterans group at the DHML headquarters in Abuja.

    The Veteran Groups at the meeting were the Nigerian Legion, Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Association for Ex-Servive pension, Ex-Servicemen association, Ex-servicemen and Welfare Association Masaka, Foundation for retired Military personnel, Foundation for Care and support veterans, Coalition of Concern Veterans, Retire Navy and Air Force Keffi, Nasarawa State, among others.

    Rear Admiral Afolayan said the aim of the meeting was to enlighten veteran groups about what they stand to gain by registering with DHML, in the area of healthcare delivery.

    He said: “We are achieving this using our state offices that are spread across the country. Our staff in the office go into the remotest villages.

    Read Also: Tribunal victory is for all, says Sanwo-Olu

     Using the various veterans groups, they identify the veterans and educate them on why they should register with DHML and benefit from free good healthcare packages.

    “From the NHIS guidelines there are diseases that are not covered, but on our own part here at DHML we try not to send any Veteran away because his or her ailment is not covered by the health insurance.

    “We are trying to let the authorities know that there should be no exclusion list for both serving personnel and veterans,”he added.

    The MD explained that what qualifies a veteran to benefit from scheme is to formally register with DHML immediately after retiring from active military service.

    “On retirement they need to formally register with the DHML as the registration they did for health insurance while they were in active service does not cover their inclusion with the DHML,” Afolayan said.

  • Kefas:  I inherited ’empty coffers’

    Kefas:  I inherited ’empty coffers’

    Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas has  said  he inherited an empty coffer from the immediate past administration.

    Kefas made this known yesterday at a five-day professional development workshop for secretaries of ministries, departments and agencies of Taraba State in Jalingo, the state capital.

    “Despite the empty coffers we met on the ground since taking office on May 29, 2023, I have made sure that employee salaries are paid on time.

    “In addition to meeting our commitments to pay pensioners, we have also added those who had previously been off the payroll, allowing them to continue receiving their monthly pensions without interruption,” Kefas stated.

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    The governor, who was represented by the Head of Service, Susan Nathan, promised to embark on an exercise to ascertain the true size of the workforce in the state.

    “We will soon conduct a thorough biometric data capture to establish the true size of the workforce, its strengths and limitations, and where to improve through additional employment of our talented young men and women in a transparent manner. In the same vein, we will continue to prioritise employee promotion and welfare,” he added.

    According to him, the training was “a component of the ongoing strategic roadmap to not only reposition the bureaucracy but also to get the staff, especially the Secretaries, on board with the objectives and direction that this administration is moving towards to fully implement its development agenda without hindrance from any quarter”.

  • Group urges Gov. Sule to probe alleged sales of Nasarawa Lagos Liaison Office

    Group urges Gov. Sule to probe alleged sales of Nasarawa Lagos Liaison Office

    Nasarawa indigenes residing in Lagos State under the auspices of Nasarawa State Development Association have called on Governor Abdullahi Sule to launch a thorough and transparent investigation into the purported sales of the Nasarawa State Liaison Office in Lagos.

    According to the group, the building which is situated at Plot 1234 Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos was allegedly sold by a former Governor. 

    In an open letter to Governor Sule, Chairman, Nasarawa State Development Association, Alhaji Musa Ikushigya, expressed shock at the barbaric and ruthless, manner in which members of the group were dehumanised by police operatives at the premises in the guise of evicting illegal occupants.

    “Your Excellency Sir, you may wish to know that Nasarawa State Development Association holds you in high esteem with a deep sense of respect and trust, considering your ethical principles of integrity, character, and honesty.

    “However, the recent development in the premises of the liaison office involving our members gives us shivers of concern and a reason for a reassessment of your integrity and our trust and confidence in you.”

    Alhaji Musa Ikushigya reminded Sule he assured the group he would not allow the sales of the edifice to stand while campaigning. 

    Read Also: Herdsmen attacks: Sad memories of lost loved ones as displaced villagers return home in Nasarawa

    “More disturbing is the fact that due process of public procurement procedure was not even followed in the alleged sale of the property, and no payment whatsoever can be traceable to that effect,” he added.

    Another chieftain of the group, Sunday Alidzi said Nasarawa indigenes in Lagos state would resist any move to sell the property.

    “This property holds significant importance to the Nasarawa State community in Lagos, serving as a symbol of our state’s presence and influence in the economic capital city. We repulse this gross misconduct and are ready to defend our collective assets with all our strength,” he added.

    Danladi Ojito, another top member of the Nasarawa State Development Association, Lagos State Chapter, called on Sule to take immediate action to ensure the protection of the property at the liaison office and the safeguarding of the indigenes therein to avert further harassment until the investigation is concluded.

  • Clerics preach against disaffection in Kano

    Clerics preach against disaffection in Kano

    Prominent Islamic scholars in the North have frowned at the outcome of Kano State governorship election tribunal and urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to thread softly.

    The clerics described the judgment as a subversion of the will of the people, which was freely given to Governor  Abba  Kabir.

    In a statement, Sheik Ahmed  Musa  advised  President Bola   Ahmed Tinubu  not to give in to the antics of some top ranking members of the  opposition.

    “We are calling on President  Tinubu not to yield to the antics of prominent members of the opposition who are trying to subvert the will of the people by snatching Kano which they clearly lost through the judiciary,” he said.

    Read Also: How NNPP, gov’s supporters drove us out of Kano – Tribunal Judges

    According to the clerics, the people of Kano State resoundingly voted for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) .

    It added that “The reasonable thing to do is for members of the APC to wait for another four years to prepare and test their popularity rather than fomenting trouble.”

    The clerics stated that having studied the judgment of the tribunal, they are convinced that an elaborate scheme has been put in motion to snatch the state from the NNPP.

    Sheik Ahmed  Guruntu lamented that the electorate who defied everything on election day to elect Abba were shortchanged by the pronouncement of the tribunal.

    Sheikh Atiku Abubakar Isah said  Governor  Kabir defeated  Nasir Gawuna and there  is no reason, no need to go to the tribunal.

    “We all know the importance of Kano to the socio-political and economic life of the North. This is so because the state remains the barometer upon which the average Northerner guage the prevailing tempo of the country.

    \”We call on our politicians to order and not to set the North and by extension the country on fire,”

  • Yobe Assembly Committee probes Nguru LG chairman

    Yobe Assembly Committee probes Nguru LG chairman

    The Yobe State House of Assembly’s Standing Committee on Petition, Human Rights, and Security recently embarked on a fact-finding mission in Nguru, in response to a petition filed by residents of Unguwar Ramin Birki in the Tsohon Nguru ward against the Local Government Chairman.

    The petition, endorsed by 41 concerned residents, accuses the chairman of violating their fundamental human rights. The chairman reportedly initiated a water drainage project that encroached upon their properties without fair compensation or consultation.

    Read Also: 1,000 Yobe flood victims get N100,000 each

    According to the petitioners, the project caused more harm than good due to its improper execution.

    Prompted by this petition, the House Committee visited Nguru town to assess the claims firsthand. On Monday, September 18, 2023, they met with residents at the Tsohon Nguru residential quarters of Nguru Local Government.

    Several affected individuals shared their experiences with the Committee, urging justice to prevail. The Chairman of the House Committee on Petition, Human Rights, and Security, Hon. Ya’u Usman Dachia, who also serves as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, was accompanied by Hon. Hassan Mohammed and Hon. Bulama Bukar during the visit.

    Hon. Dachia assured the residents that the Committee’s presence aimed to verify their claims, and they would report back to the House for further action, promising that justice would be served to all parties involved.