The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Foundation deradicalises 30 women associated with Boko Haram in Borno

    Foundation deradicalises 30 women associated with Boko Haram in Borno

    An indigenous Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development, has deradicalised 30 women associated with Boko Haram in Borno.

    Its Executive Director, Hajiya Hamsatu Allamin, stated this yesterday in Maiduguri at the inaugural meeting of a Media Forum on Transitional Justice and Reconciliation in the state.

    Allamin said the deradicalisation of the women, who were also empowered and reintegrated into the society, was part of its new programme.

    She said the new programme was to facilitate transitional justice and reconciliation in the state.

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    “This media forum is based on requests from the media on the transitional justice being promoted in the state, following the mass surrender of Boko Haram,” the executive director said.

    She noted that the media had a critical role to play in creating awareness on transitional justice and responsibilities of various stakeholders in the process for maximum success.

    “The objective of this forum is to engage media professionals in vital conversations concerning the promotion of transitional justice and reconciliation efforts within Borno State and the broader Northeastern region of Nigeria.

    “We recognise the significant role that the mass media plays in shaping public discourse, framing issues, setting agendas and fostering a development-oriented approach to transitional justice and social cohesion.

    “During this forum, we aim to delve into the multifaceted aspects of transitional justice and reconciliation, exploring how the media can contribute to these essential processes,” Allamin said.

    Vice-Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Borno Chapter,  Mr Abdulkareem Haruna, lauded the foundation for partnering the media to promote reconciliation.

    Haruna said reporters in Borno remained committed to the return of peace and normalcy in the state.

    He added that they would support the government and any organisation committed to peace in the region and country.

  • Commission vows to rehabilitate refugees, IDPs,  others

    Commission vows to rehabilitate refugees, IDPs,  others

    The Federal Government has vowed to prioritise the welfare of refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), asylum seekers, and other persons of concern.

    The Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Mr. Aliyu Ahmed, made this known in Abuja yesterday when he assumed duty.

    Ahmed, until his appointment by President Bola Tinubu,  was  Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa  State (SSG); Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; and Commissioner for Education.

    Ahmed,  appreciating President Tinubu for his appointment, acknowledged the responsibilities ahead.

    On his appointment, he said: “I want to sincerely thank President Tinubu for finding me worthy of this position. I don’t think I have ever met him (President) but I was still appointed by him.  I promise not to let him down and  I will ensure that the mission and vision of this agency is achieved.”

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    He also said he would focus on five key areas aimed at achieving the Commission’s objectives.

    On his agenda, he said: “We hope to prioritise the orientation, protection, and rehabilitation of all persons of concern, and protect and project the image of the country.

    “We also hope to renew strategic partnerships and collaboration, formulate efficient policies that can be readily implemented, and improve the welfare of staff for effective service delivery.”

    On other plans, Ahmed said: “We want to offer assistance so that the vulnerable ones will feel a sense of belonging which would make them indigenous instead of being tagged refugees.

    “We also assure partners that we will double our efforts and make sure that whatever is meant for the people gets to them promptly. If we do this,  we will gain respect nationally and globally.”

  • Benue has enjoyed peace in the last four months, says Alia

    Benue has enjoyed peace in the last four months, says Alia

    Benue State Governor, Rev. (Fr.) Hyacinth Alia, has said with the presence and support of the Armed Forces in the state, it has enjoyed relative peace in the last four months, but more needs to be done to enjoy lasting peace.

    Alia stated this yesterday during the graduation of Course 9/2023 of the Air War College at the Nigerian Airforce Base, Makurdi, the state capital.

    According to the governor, the Armed Forces and their continuous engagement in significant events, would create confidence and hope for the people, enabling them to sleep with their eyes closed.

    He thanked the Federal Government and the Armed Forces for their support to the state, saying although it is a happy day for the graduates, it is more of a happy day for the state, adding that for his administration that  came in a few months ago, the success recorded by the graduates happened under his watch and as such he felt elated.

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    While congratulating the graduates for the milestone, the governor charged them to continue to be good ambassadors in their service, insisting that Benue remains the most hospitable state in the country

    Earlier, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, commended the Armed Forces for repositioning itself with a strong focus on human capital development,  aimed at curtailing the threats posed by insurgents and armed bandits in Benue and Nigeria at large.

    He said the War College will enhance critical thinking in the Airforce and will also provide proactiveness in the military decision making processes, calling on the officers to always respect their call to duty.

    He thanked the governor for finding time out of his busy schedules to attend the graduation ceremony, saying Alia has demonstrated his willingness to collaborate with the Armed Forces and as such, they will give him the needed support to ensure that the most desired peace is restored back in Benue.

  • Taraba Elections Tribunal upturns PDP Assembly seat, upholds two APC seats

    Taraba Elections Tribunal upturns PDP Assembly seat, upholds two APC seats

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Lau State Constituency, Emmanuel George, has created an upset in the Taraba Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Jalingo, upturning the victory of Nuhu Akila of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Also, the tribunal upheld the victory of Hon. Batulu Mohammed Kaltume of the APC  for Gashaka State Constituency and Hon Abel Peter Diah of the APC for  Mbamnga Constituency.

    The tribunal presided over by Justice Benson Ogbu had dismissed the case filed by Hon. Mohammed Gayam of the PDP for Gashaka Constituency and Emma Bongo of the PDP for Mbamnga Constituency for lacking in merit.

    In a late night ruling, the judge, therefore, ordered that the certificate of return be given to Emmanuel George.

    The petitions were on two grounds: non-qualification and non-compliance to the electoral act which were dismissed by the tribunal.

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    Counsel to Hon. Balutu and Hon. Diah Mohammed Bashir said the petition was dismissed for “lack of merit”.

    “The tribunal entered judgement for the respondent- that there was substantial non compliance as alleged by the petitioners. So the tribunal dismissed  the petition for lacking in merit because they were unable to prove their case,” Bashir stated.

    An elated George expressed his pleasure over the judgment.

    “Justice has prevailed. We have said it earlier that we have won the majority of the lawful votes that were cast.

    ” It was sorted and counted out at the full glare of the public and the tribunal has affirmed that I am the true winner of that election. They went ahead to say INEC should retrieve the certificate of return and also return me immediately,” he stated.

    Also, Hon Balutu Hammangaldo also expressed her pleasure over her victory and called on her opponent to come walk with her.

    “Glory to God. I want my opponent to come and work with us for the benefit of our people,” she stated.

    However, Counsel to Hon. Nuhu Akila of the PDP, Joseph Oguche, promised to appeal the case. “The judgment has not been supported by both the evidence of the court and by law. So, I know we would succeed in the appeal,” he stated.

  • Govt officials’ll be held accountable for performance, says Namadi

    Govt officials’ll be held accountable for performance, says Namadi

    Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has announced plans to fast-track activities of heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by defining performance indicators to which they would be held accountable.

    Namadi said this while declaring open a two-day retreat for members of the Executive Council and other top government officials in Kaduna yesterday.

    The event was organised, in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)-funded Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn (PERL) Accountable, Responsive and Capable Government (ARC).

    The theme of the event was “Accelerating socio-economic development for a greater Jigawa.”

    Namadi emphasised the invaluable partnership with development organisations such as FCDO, UNICEF, and Save the Children.

    Recognising the retreat’s agenda and critical role in achieving the state’s development goals, Namadi urged the participants to ensure the retreat’s objectives yield transformative outcomes were met.

    He expressed concern about key human development indices that continued to depict a grim picture despite the significant achievements.

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    He lamented that the challenges have persisted, as evident in the 2022 Multiple Indicator Cluster (MICS) Survey Report.

    Highlighting the need for a revised approach to implementing initiatives and interventions, Namadi stressed the importance of practical improvements in the socio-economic well-being of Jigawa citizens with measurable impacts on national surveys.

    The governor emphasised the significance of efficient resource utilisation, effective public expenditure, and financial management systems.

    He proposed the establishment of a robust monitoring and evaluation system to appraise performances across sectors and take remedial measures when necessary.

    Namadi, therefore, urged the participants to engage in the retreat, by recognising that issues discussed are pivotal for sector-level success and overall government performance.

    He expressed optimism on the retreat’s outcomes and its contribution to making Jigawa a greater and better state.

    Secretary to the Jigawa State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim, outlined the retreat’s objectives, which included familiarising participants with the policy and governance environment and implementing the governor’s commitments outlined during his inaugural speech on May 29.

    Also, the representative of the FCDO, Abubakar Tijjani, restated the organisation’s commitment to advancing the state’s 12-point agenda and pledged continued partnership with the Jigawa State Government.

  • Adamawa govt releases over N30m for flyover, highway

    Adamawa govt releases over N30m for flyover, highway

    The Adamawa State Government has approved the release of over N30 billion for the construction of a flyover and a super highway in Jimeta to facilitate easy traffic flow in the metropolis.

     The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mrs. Nedo Kufulto, made this known to reporters in Yola yesterday.

    She explained that out of the amount,  N21 billion would be spent on the construction of the super highway, saying that it would cover about 20.8 kilometres.

    ”The highway will be constructed from Welcome to Yola in Numan Road to the Army barracks junction in the metropolis,” she said.

    According to her, N9 billion is for the construction of a flyover bridge at the Mubi roundabout also in the metropolis.

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    ”If completed, the projects will reduce traffic congestion as well as improve socio-economic activities in the state,” she added.

    Kofulto said the contract had been awarded to Messrs Triacta Nigeria Limited and that the  projects were expected to be completed in 18 months.

    In a related development, the commissioner announced that the state government has earmarked N291 million for the construction of a 7,800 metric tons warehouse.

    She said the warehouse would be sited inside the Government House, Yola, to ensure safety of its contents and guard it against burglary activities of hoodlums.

    She said the administration of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri remained committed to developing the critical infrastructure in the state.

  • Youths disgust over contradictory judgment by election tribunal in Plateau

    Youths disgust over contradictory judgment by election tribunal in Plateau

    Youth leaders, under the aegis of the Forum of the Former Youth Leaders (Veterans) in Plateau State, have expressed disgust over what they described as contradictory judgments emanating from the two panels sitting on the National and State Assembly elections petitions in the state.

    The youth questioned why two panels, one led by Justice William Rotimi and the other led by Justice M. B. Tukur, should be conflicting in their judgments when they’re the same courts of cognate jurisdiction.

    Speaking  in Jos,the veteran youth leaders regretted that while the Justice William Panel recognised that the the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had solid structures, the Tukur-led Panel said the PDP had no structures, the stand upon which it upheld the petitions filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the various elections in the state.

    At the briefing, an executive of the group,  Takubu Ibrahim Itse, said: “We the veterans and well-meaning Plateau people wish to express our worries and concerns on the unprofessional and contradictory judgments delivered by Justice M. B. Tukur in opposition to preceding judgment of the presidential tribunal of corresponding in respect of Plateau state Senatorial and House of Representatives elections against the weight of evidence and the rule of law.

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    “In line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the fabricated and extensively speculated question of structure, upon which the aggrieved petitioners anchored their optimism in their suit against the PDP, was unfalteringly thrown out and effortlessly quashed by the earlier judgment pronounced by Justice William Rotimi and his two other justices at s tribunal of same jurisdiction.

    “Having affirmed the validity of PDP’s structure as evidenced by the plethora of earlier judgments that the PDP had complied with the judgments of Justice Gang and Kuda and; in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022 as well as Chapter 8 of the PDP constitution, the tribunal in the case between Sen. Simon Mwadkon Vs others; Hon Musa A. Agah Vs others, the professional judgement of the tribunal is resounding and commendable.

    “In a similar professional ruling in the case of Isaac Kwalu Vs others, the tribunal maintained a similar stance, which laid to rest the question of whether or not PDP has structure. The tribunal in these cases unequivocally ruled that nomination and sponsorship of candidates for elections was the singular duty of the party and that the procedure of contesting such nomination was limited to only members of that party, which must be through a Federal High Court.”

    The veterans, therefore, said they were scandalised by the subsequent contradictory judgment delivered by Justice M. B. Tukur on September 11, the victories of Hon. Peter Gyendeng, Hon. Musa Bagos and Hon. Beni Lar of Barkin Ladi/Riyom, Jos South/Jos East and Langtang North/Langtang South federal constituencies as well as the election of Napoleon Bali of Plateau South Senatorial districts were unjustly overturned on the same grounds as the first judgments.

    “We assert that for Justice Tukur to singly contradict his learned colleagues who had earlier upheld the elections of Mwadkon, Agah and Isaac Kwalu on the same grounds tantamount to sowing a seed of  discord and chaos in the state,” the group said.

    The veteran youth leaders added: “While we respect the sanctity of the judiciary, we are perturbed about this recent debacle that is setting the state in a needless strife. This development is awfully troubling to us.”

    They, therefore, assert that Plateau people with one loud voice chose PDP and their choice must be respected; that the learned Justice (M. B. Tukur) erred in law to have unjustifiably interloped into an area external to the core interest and powers of his court (tribunal); hence his justice should be revisited.

    They said: “That the legal technicalities and intelligence should not be used to nullify the victory of Plateau duly elected leaders

    “That the election of PDP members who have been duly returned and sworn in which are still pending in the tribunal should be upheld.

    “That the tribunal National Judicial Council and organs of the law,as well as the anti-graft agencies should investigate the matter for any external or pecuniary motivations that may probably inform the decision of the said justices.”

    It also urged that the tribunal justices and lawyers be made to attend retreats to further sharpen, strengthen and improve their understanding of the law before the commencement of any tribunal case.

  • ASUP halts strike in Nuhu Bamalli Poly

    ASUP halts strike in Nuhu Bamalli Poly

    • Sani directs intervention

    Academic Staff Union of the Polytechnics (ASUP) in Kaduna State-owned Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria has shelved its decision to embark on strike due to what it called vulnerability of the institution to security threats.

    The earlier decision to close the polytechnic, came after Governor Uba Sani directed for the immediate implementation of interventions to end the impasse between the Academic Union and the Kaduna State Government.

    The development was coming after a series of intense deliberations with stakeholders comprising the Kaduna State Government, representatives from the polytechnic and ASUP.

    Executives of the union were invited to a meeting by the Kaduna State Government, following the release of a communique by ASUP on September 15, warning of an impending strike and subsequent closure of the institution of learning.

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    During the meeting several issues faced by the institution were discussed revolving around the provision of security to the main campus ,payment of accrued allowances to security personnel, improved salary structure,lack of adequate funding for academic activities among others.

    Representatives from the Kaduna State Government assured of Sani’s commitment to fulfilling the first pillar of SUSTAIN agenda which is security and safeguarding the lives and properties of all residents.

    ASUP in a communique issued on September 18, signed by Comrade Abubakar Sadiq Yusuf, its General Secretary, stated: “The soldiers guarding the school have been paid their allowances till December 2023, thanks to the proactiveness of the Rector and the Commissioner on Education.

    “In respect to the commitment shown by the Kaduna State Government,the Kaduna State Commissioner of Education, the Union hereby suspends its intended call for school closure, members are hereby directed to report to their workstations tomorrow.”

    The ASUP GS further expressed his gratitude to Sani for the prompt steps taken in preventing the institution’s closure.

  • Kogi wins fiscal transparency, accountability award again

    Kogi wins fiscal transparency, accountability award again

    Kogi State has again won the fiscal transparency and accountability award in a survey conducted across the States in North Central.

    The 2022 first position award was presented to the State on Tuesday in Lokoja during the launch of the 2022 North Central State Budget Transparency Survey Report carried out by the Social Economic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC).

    The National Coordinator, State and National Budget Transparency Survey for the agency, Mr. Tijani Abdulkareem, who presented the report and the award, said the objective of the budget Transparency and Accountability Program was to promote focus and attention of Nigerian States towards the improvement of their budget performance in providing good governance to the people.

    “Good governance starts from budgeting. This report and award are aimed at strengthening fiscal transparency to help build trust in government, facilitate accountability in public resource management and ensure sustainability in the participating states,” he said.

    He added: “It is evident from the 2022 SNBTS on the public availability of budget document and transparency that there are positive changes. Most of the North Central states now publish their budget documents in 2022 compared to 2020.

    “Nevertheless, in terms of state by state performance, none of the states provided extensive budget information to the public in 2022. Only Kogi State can be said to be significantly transparent and provide adequate amount of budget information to the public, as they score more than 60 per cent.”

    Tijani explained that the reports were collated across the six states of the North Central zone between 2021 and 2022, adding that the states were judged based on parameters such as Public participation, availability of budget, oversight functions of the state legislators and level of transparency of the procurement process.

    He noted: “The survey was set up as a model to improve budget transparency amongst North Central states towards a better fiscal outcome.

    “As in previous surveys, the SNBTS 2022 survey report employed a questionnaire approach like the International Budget Partnership, and Open Budget Survey questionnaires, which evaluate the availability of budget information (Transparency); Civic engagement opportunities in the budget process and methods; the strength of the legislature as well as the level of transparency of the North Central states’ procurement process.”

    The report, however, said the states’ legislators failed in their oversight functions.

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    “On Civic participation in the budget process, the 2022 survey reveals clear evidence of a poor level of engagement or interaction between the Legislature and the public in terms of the depth of scope of the public hearings,” the report said.

    “Consequently, on the issues of Audit, the 2022 survey reveals that not much effort was made by the states’ Auditors General to involve the public in the Audit phases of the budget process,” it added.

    The state commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning, Asiru Idris, said the award underscored the premium the state governor, Yahaya Bello, placed on providing good governance.

    Asiru said, “The success of the state in the areas of fiscal transparency and accountability can be linked to self-discipline, as well as the institution of a transparent and accountable governance system by Governor Yahaya Bello from the inception of his administration.

    “Kogi State is blessed with a Governor who provides leadership from all fronts, a professional to the core that has surrounded himself only with persons that have the capacity to deliver.

    “The governor believes that governance is about the people and whatever you do must be open and transparent to the people.

    “The philosophy of the Governor of the state is making every single kobo available work for the entity of the State, hence he has instituted self-discipline, as well as a transparent and accountable governance system from day one of his administration.”

    According to the report, this is the second time in a row that Kogi State will top the chart in fiscal transparency and accountability in the North Central, having won the award in 2021.

  • Kogi 2023: Bello inaugurates Campaign Council, urges members to focus on issues, achievements

    Kogi 2023: Bello inaugurates Campaign Council, urges members to focus on issues, achievements

    Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello has charged members of the All Progressives Congress(APC) governorship campaign council to base their campaign on issues and performance of the current administration.

    The Director General of the campaign council and Minister of and Steel Development, Prince Shaibu Abubakar Audu, charged Igala people to shun ethnic agenda that would not bring about development in the state.

    Speaking during the inauguration of the Kogi APC governorship campaign council on Tuesday at the Government House in Lokoja, Governor Bello called on the campaign council not to preach ethnicity or religion but base their campaign on what the government had achieved in the last eight years and the ability of the governorship candidate, Usman Ododo, to build effectively on the current administration’s successes.

    He urged members and supporters of the party not to join issues with others who do not have anything to offer in terms of adding value to the state and its inhabitants.

    “Forget about liars, whose stock in trade is thuggery with nothing to offer. Go out there and preach what we have on ground in terms of infrastructure, not about ethnicity. Kogi State belongs to all of us. I have always said that Kogi State has the potential to be great if only we stop playing politics of ethnicity.

    “I want all of you to go and work for the success of the party and you will be adequately rewarded.”

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    Director General of the campaign council said his late father and former governor of the state had never believed in ethnic agenda, but had vision for the growth and development of the state.

    He noted that in the last eight years, Governor Yahaya Bello had demonstrated his father’s vision for the state through appointments, distribution and execution of projects across the three senatorial districts of the state without any iota of bias or sentiment.

    “My father had a pan Kogi vision and was never a leader that focused on Kogi East.

    “Any agenda that focuses on a particular senatorial district instead of Kogi State would not bring about justice, equity and development. We know that Igala people are agitating for return of power to the East but it must be discussed and resolved because power can never be taken with force.”