Category: Northern Reports

The Emir of Jama’are, Alhaji Nuhu Wabi III, has turbaned the wife of the late Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari, Hajiya Hauwa Kulu as the first Gimbiya (princess) of Jama’are.

At the ceremony in his palace on Sunday, the Emir described her as a “true daughter of Jama’are who has done so well for the development of the entire emirate.”

The late Kyari hailed from Borno but his wife, Hauwa Nee (Gidado) hails from Jama’are Town in  Jama’are Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

”The traditional role of a Gimbiya is the daughter of the Emir and a liaison between the Emir and the women folk, who do not have direct access to the affairs of the traditional institutions.

”With this installation, the women of Jama’are now have a representative in the Emirate Council; their voices can now be heard more clearly.

“I am fulfilled that I now have a real daughter of the emirate in the Council,” he said.

Wabi described Hauwa as an amiable woman who is concerned about the well-being of her people as well as the development of the emirate.

“She is qualified to be recognised because she possesses all the three reasons that people are recognised for turbaning in an emirate.

The Zamfara State Government has suspended the Emir of Birnin ‘Yandoto of Tsafe Local Government Area of the state over allegations that he turbaned a repentant notorious bandit Adamu Aliero Yankuzo as Sarkin Fulani of his emirate.

Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle has directed the immediate suspension of the Emir.

Governor Matawalle has further approved the appointment of a committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the action of the Emir.

The committee comprises former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Yahaya Chado Gora as Chairman and Musa Garba as Secretary.

The governor directed the District Head of ‘Yandoto Alhaji Mahe Garba Marafa to take charge of the affairs of the emirate.

A group known as the Forum of Concerned Nigerians (FCN) has warned the Federal Government to ensure that nothing dangerous happens to the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, saying any attempt at silencing the governor will be resisted.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Makurdi, spokesman for the group Elder Peter Shande also called on the international community to act on the alarm raised by the Benue State Governor concerning his safety and the rising spate of violence in Nigeria.

The group pointed out that Governor Ortom has come under a heavy wave of sponsored blackmail and victimisation from the Federal Government and its agents, citing a series of instances where Ortom has been severely subjected to media attacks and other forms of threats, including attempts to eliminate him.

The group declared that “Governor Ortom is one Nigerian who has chosen to be the voice of the voiceless, so any attempt at silencing him will mean an attempt to silence over 200 million helpless Nigerians, and such an attempt will be stoutly resisted.”

In order to reduce the death rate associated with Lassa fever, especially with regard to patient management and the production of life-saving vaccines and medicines, the Federal Government, yesterday inaugurated the INTEGRATE Consortium.

The consortium, with the collaboration of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and other local and international partners, will work towards developing new therapeutics and vaccines for the treatment of Lassa fever-related ailments.

At the three-day National Case Management Training on Lassa Fever organised by the WHO and the FMOH, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Ekumankama Joseph, who represented the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire said: “Some states have become endemic while some record regular outbreaks. In the past five years, the country has witnessed a sharp rise in the number of confirmed cases of Lassa fever, including infections of health workers; hence reinforcing the need to build capacities to adequately manage cases when they arise.

“The recent COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that we cannot afford to undermine any effort put in addressing and reducing high-risk viral pathogens such as Lassa fever, as not only can they mutate and prove a new threat, but globalisation can quickly lead to the spread of the disease to non-endemic countries.”

The WHO Country Representative, Dr Walter Mulombo said: “We will continue to do everything possible to support your efforts, particularly in research, that will lead to the elimination of Lassa fever, not only in Nigeria but also across the world.”

In a chat with reporters, the Chief Medical Director, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Prof. Sylvanus Okogbenin, said: “The INTEGRATE Consortium is a global alliance against Lassa fever. We in Nigeria, with Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, have taken the lead and formed this consortium with both Nigerian partners and international partners. The Nigerian partners, for now, are the Federal Medical Centre Owo and the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. We are also hoping to soon include the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital and the Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.

“The Consortium is to work with the WHO and other international bodies for the development of new drugs and vaccines for Lassa fever. We strongly believe we can get a potent vaccine for Lassa fever and evidence is showing that if we do that, then we can almost completely remove Lassa fever as a disease entity.”

The Kano State Government has restricted the operation of tricycles popularly known as Adaidaita sahu from 10:00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m. to ensure security.

The Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, gave details of the directive in a statement yesterday in Kano.

Garba said the decision to ban tricycles from operating during the stipulated period was reached at the state security meeting and it would take effect from Thursday.

According to him, the measure is part of the efforts of the government to ensure the security of lives and property in the state.

He urged tricycle operators to comply with the directive as security agents would enforce the restriction without compromise.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has embarked on a house-to-house enlightenment campaign in Maiduguri to sensitise the residents to the dangers of chickenpox, cholera and COVID-19.

The campaign was inaugurated yesterday in Bulumkutu Ward of the metropolis by the WHO North East Emergency Manager, Dr Richard Lako.

Lako said the programme was part of proactive measures by a group known as “Community Health Champions.” to reach out to the residents in form of group discussions on preventive measures, in collaboration with the Borno State Government and community leaders.

He added that “WHO would continue to support the state’s Ministry of Health to boost awareness on the prevention of epidemic-prone diseases.

The Youth Leader of Bulumkutu Ward, Malam Bala Garba praised the world body for the campaign, which he said was warmly accepted by households in the area.

Garba said the residents would collaborate with the WHO for maximum results.

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent his condolences to the government and people of Gombe State as well as Gombe Emirate on the passing of Ajiyan Gombe and Senior District Head of Kwami Local Government Area, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi.

According to a statement yesterday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the President joined them in mourning one of the longest-serving traditional title holders in the Gombe Emirate, who spent over 53 years as District Head of Kwami.

He recalled fond memories of the Ajiyan Gombe, an elder brother of Ambassador Ibrahim Yerima Abdullahi, a former Minister of Works and Education during his administration as Head of State.

“He will be remembered as a leader who taught his people contentment, integrity and respect for humanity. For this and many other virtues, he will be missed,” the President said.

The President has also commiserated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) family in Borno State on the death of a chieftain of the party, Umar Kareto.

The President paid tribute to the many contributions and sacrifices of the late Kareto to the progress, peace and stability of Borno State as well as the APC.

He prayed to Almighty God to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and grant the grieving families the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 10, AIG Bello Dalijan has directed Commissioners of Police in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara to enforce the ban on the use of Spy number plates.

This is contained in a statement by the zone’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Adamu Abbas in Sokoto yesterday.

He said those using the number plates must return them to the various police commands.

The AIG enjoined the commands to enforce the directives in a professional manner and avoid using force, so as not to embarrass the Force.

He also warned those using the Spy numbers to return them to avoid embarrassment.

Dalijan urged operational commanders and their supervisors to live up to expectations in the enforcement of the order.

He also said a task force comprising all security agents would be deployed to ensure compliance.

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have endorsed Mr Kaka Shehu as the party’s candidate for the Borno Central Senatorial election.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum stated this at the end of the stakeholders’ meeting in Maiduguri, yesterday.

He said the stakeholders nominated Shehu to replace Senator Kashim Shettima, who was picked as running mate to the party’s presidential flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

The governor described the choice of Shehu as something destined by God, adding that “Shehu is a real party man and deserved the support of its members.”

Also, the APC Chairman in the state, Alhaji Ali Dalori praised the development, adding that the delegates followed due process in affirming Shehu as the party’s candidate.

Shehu is the incumbent Commissioner for Justice in the state.

Borno Central District comprises Maiduguri Metropolitan Council; Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Kala-Balge, Gamboru-Ngala, Konduga and Dikwa local government areas of the state.

By Linus Oota, Lafia and Kolade Adeyemi, Jos

As next year’s general elections draw near, a pro-Tinubu support group known as Northcentral for Tinubu 2023″ has been inaugurated in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

The inauguration held recently at Blue Spring Hotels Nasarawa State Liaison Office was attended by many who believe in Tinubu’s ability to fix Nigeria’s problems.

The convener of the group, Mala Makpa, who is a former member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, said Tinubu’s leadership credentials are clearly unmatched and they stand him out as the best possible option for Nigeria’s needs.

“First, the transformation of Lagos State from just another sub-national into one of Africa’s largest and functional economies is credited to his efforts and strides while he held sway as governor.

“He assembled some of the best brains in Lagos who have since moved to the national platform, immensely contributing to the development of Nigeria.

“Asiwaju has built leaders after him, and subsequent governors of Lagos State have continued to build on the clear legacies and foundation of infrastructural and human capital development laid down by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“If given the opportunity by Nigerian voters to serve as their president, the country would experience great transformational leadership and acumen at a larger national dimension.

“We from the Northcentral have resolved to work diligently in ensuring that the zone delivers massively its votes for the victory of Asiwaju Tinubu as the next president of of Nigeria,” Makpa said.

The group agreed to make immediate past Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and the Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello patrons of the movement.

The group is also satisfied with the selection of the former Governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima as the running mate to Tinubu, adding that Tinubu’s presidency will rather unite the country than divide it.

The group is also planning a 100,000-man walk for peaceful elections in the capital of the six states of the Northcentral.

Also, a Plateau State governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) David Victor Dimka and former Comptroller of Customs has expressed optimism that the APC presidential candidate Asiwaju Tinubu will win next year’s presidential polls.

Dimka, in a chat with reporters in Jos, said Tinubu is a political colossus that believes in the unity, progress and continuity of Nigeria as a solid country.

He noted that Tinubu, going by his political tract records, is someone who has distinguished himself and has what it takes to bring the best to this country looking at his developmental strides that has touched all facets of life across the country.

“Tinubu is a goal-getter, a dogged fighter and a politician that is stable even under pressure.”

“In terms of the political playground, he has what it takes to change the narrative because of his political experience, exposure and connection which he has all over the world.

On the choice of a Muslim running mate by Tinubu, Dimka said he believes that “if you have a leader, look at the leader and his pedigree and not the person of his running mate because deputies are not elected but nominated. ”