A group known as APC Supporters Forum in Kaduna has asked the party governorship candidate, Sen. Uba Sani, to pick Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Barrister James Kanyip as Deputy Governorship Candidate.

Citing his experience in governance, the group in a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Director-General, Yazid Wada, argued that the choice of Kanyip will help Senator Sani, if elected, seamlessly consolidate on Gov. El-Rufai’s government’s achievements.

“It is true that Kaduna State, from the inception of the APC administration, has run a merit-driven government. The multi ethnic composition of appointees cut across not just the state alone, but extends to other states all in a bid to get the right hands on deck. This is the secret recipe to the success of the Malam Nasir el-Rufa’i’s Administration.

“With the ending of this government in less than a year, the emergence of Uba Sañi as the gubernatorial candidate of the APC promises to receive the baton and continue in pursuit of more successes for the state. To succeed, this government must build on the culture of picking the right team to deliver results. The first test of resolve in pursuit of excellence will be in the choice of his deputy….

“Going through options that have been fronted for the position of the deputy governor, there is no better candidate that fits that bill like Barrister James Atung Kanyip, current Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor in the Deputy Governors office,” the group said.

A Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has won the governorship primary election rerun conducted by the All Progressives Congress, APC, in 12 Local Government Areas and 3 council wards in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.

Announcing the results on Thursday, 9th June, 2022 at the APC State secretariat in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, chairman of the rerun committee, Mr Joel Omajali, said a total number of 366,546 voters were registered, 292,930 accredited, a total of 270,353 votes were validly cast while Fr Alia polled 195,314 votes to come out victorious.

According to Omajali, Prof. Terhemba Shija scored 1,859, Terlumun Ikya scored 2,746, Bernard Yisa 338, Mathias Byuan1,4152, Sam Ode 21698, Godwin Ityoachimin 860, Barnabas Gemade 3,831, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa 3,517, Herman Iorwase Hembe 720, Terwase Orbunde 1,393, Steven lawani 23,925 and Ayom Mlanga, 0000.

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The rerun was conducted in Ogbadibo, Ushongo, Konshisha, Oju, Apa, Kwande, Agatu, Ohimini, Ado, Obi, Okpokwu and Apa Local Government Areas.

Secretary of the Committee, Emma Maji, described the rerun election as free, fair and credible.

Shortly after the declaration of results, State Deputy Chairman of the party, Hon. Stephen Tsav, on behalf of the State Chairman, Comrade Austin Agada, presided over a congress that affirmed the outcome of the rerun gubernatorial primary election.

The Benue APC had conducted its governorship primary election on the 27th of May, 2022 with Alia as the winner. But some aspirants including Chief Barnabas Gemade, Chief Mike Aõndoakaa, Dr Mathias Byuan, Chief Stephen Lawani and Prof. Terhemba Shija wrote a petition to the National Working Committee of the party, calling for cancellation of the election, pointing out various electoral malpractices. Consequently, the NWC ordered for a rerun in 12 local governments which was accordingly held on the 8th and 9th June, 2022 and Alia maintained his landslide victory.

Staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Friday afternoon regretted coming to work, as protesting FCT indigenes invaded the FCTA Secretariat premises in large numbers and grounded all activities.

The youths occupied the Minister’s office and vowed not to leave until he swears in the chairmen elect of the six area councils in line with Thursday’s FCT High Court order

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Kubwa District under Justice Mohammed Ibrahim, had set aside the judgment given in favour of tenure elongation for the immediate past chairmen and their councillors, ordering immediate swearing-in of the newly elected chairmen and their councillors.

It can be recalled that on May 18, 2022, residents of FCT received a judgment from the FCT High Court in Kubwa suspending the swearing-in of the elected chairmen and the councillors, which generated confusion in the territory, prompting the legal team of the FCTA to seek redress of the judgment in court.

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Justice Ibrahim Mohammed while delivering a fresh judgment on Thursday clarified that everybody is in a learning process and that persons are bound to make mistakes and also bound to make corrections.

He said it was very clear that some mistakes were made and a judgment was entered, which brought a lot of issues concerning the elongation of the tenure of the outgoing chairmen in the six area councils.

All gates leading to the secretariat were shut; so were various offices, with the angry youths taking control of the entry and exit points, including that of the FCT Ministers.

Confused looking members of staff who were trapped in their various offices were asked by the protesters to forget about returning home to their family members.

The FCT Ministers were not around during the protest.

After about three hours, the Permanent Secretary, Adesola Olusade, came out of his office and assured the protesters that the FCTA will abide by the new court ruling.

He disclosed that the chairmen shall accordingly be inaugurated on Tuesday June 14, 2022 by 10 in the morning.

“We want to reiterate that as a law-abiding organisation, the FCTA will equally obey this new judgement just as it had complied with the earlier judgement. The Chairmen shall accordingly be inaugurated at 10:00hrs prompt on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Further details will be provided in due course.

“Residents are once again reminded that the FCT is a creation of law and all actions of the FCT Administration are guided by the rule of law and this case will not be an exception.”

The Higher Education Observatory for Africa (HEOFA) has praised the efforts of the National Universities Commission (NUC) in the ongoing reforms in the Nigerian university system which was aimed at producing quality graduates that will be globally competitive.

The organisation said the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed has led a process that has produced a new curriculum for the Nigerian university system that will be a model for other African countries.

In a statement by a board member of HEOFA, Dr Fred Awaah, the organisation said: “Nigeria’s efforts at developing a new core curriculum minimum academic standards (CCMAS), is a giant step in the march to producing 21st Century graduates who will respond effectively to the developmental needs of Nigeria and be agents for achieving Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The unique features of the 17 disciplines of the CCMAS are indicative that graduates of Nigerian universities who will benefit from the new curriculum will be impressively entrepreneurial, steep in knowledge and skills to make them labour-market-ready and imbued with character for exemplary leadership in the public and private sectors of the economy.

“NUC is proving itself to be a leader in Africa in blazing the reform trail and setting in motion several mechanisms for improving good governance, quality and relevance.”

It noted that the mission of HOEFA is to objectively showcase activities in higher education in the African continent, saying its objectives include undertaking situation analyses of developments in higher education in Africa with particular reference to access, quality, relevance, equity, effectiveness and funding; to report on the performance of African countries on the attainment of regional and global development agenda; to publish reports of situation analysis at national and regional levels; to publish case studies of exemplary practices in higher education in Africa, and to undertake regional comparisons of the delivery of higher education across the world.

Chairman of the Governing Board of HEOFA, Prof. Emeritus Peter Okebukola noted that “the curriculum review exercise is one of over 70 legacy projects of Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, all radiating like spokes in a wheel, from the Blueprint for the Rapid Revitalisation of University Education in Nigeria (2019-2023) which is the trigger for the ongoing Rasheed Revolution in the Nigerian university system.

“The Rasheed Revolution has been receiving global endorsement and support. For instance, the French Development Agency (AFD) and the World Bank are offering miscellaneous support for the implementation of the ten strategic goals of the blueprint.

“The American Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the CHEA International Quality Group are impressed with the reports of progress being made in implementing the blueprint.

“We have started seeing evidence that the reforms are working. Last week, Tristan Horlick, the Regional Manager – Africa for THE (Times Higher Education) wrote to me saying “Firstly, I would like to extend my congratulations to yourself and the Nigerian universities who have participated in the Impact Rankings this year! We have had some really impressive results from these universities with Covenant University and Afe Babalola University placing within the top 400 universities worldwide.

“The competition was fierce this year with almost 300 new institutions ranked, so this is a huge achievement for Nigeria.

“I am delighted about the commitment of Malam Adamu Adamu, the Minister of Education to having a more stable academic calendar, better resourcing of the system and better motivation for staff. Clearly, all the forces are getting aligned to assure a glorious future for the Nigerian university system.”

The Save the Children International (SCI) in Jigawa State has embarked on massive public enlightenment on the prevention and control of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) after the outbreak of the disease which killed over 59 people, mostly children, in the state.

Report from the state indicated that the non-governmental organisation selected six local government areas in the state where the situation was worse and where a higher rate of cases and deaths were recorded.

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A statement by the Communication Officer of Save the Children International, Mr Ibrahim Haruna which was made available to reporters said: “Save the Children International is providing support to Jigawa State Government in response to Cerebrospinal Meningitis outbreak in the state.”

The statement further stated that “SCI is supporting the training of health workers and provision of drugs and medical consumables across the 17 health facilities in the state.”

The communication officer said: “To raise awareness, improve preventive and care-seeking practice and strengthen the capacity of community structures on early preparedness and response to mitigate future outbreaks, the SCI, in collaboration with state and council stakeholders, is engaging with communities across the six most affected council areas in the state.”

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has imposed a curfew on parts of two local government areas.

The state government said in a statement that the curfew was a result of a recurrence of a communal conflict in communities in the affected council areas of Lamurde and Guyuk.

The statement reads: “As a result of renewed clashes in parts of two local government areas of Lamurde and Guyuk in the Southern Adamawa, the state governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has imposed a curfew on the towns of Lafiya and Boshikiri as well as the surrounding villages of Mumseri, Mere, Kupte and Zakawon with immediate effect.”

The government’s statement signed by the Press Secretary to Governor Fintiri, Humwashi Wonosikou and obtained by our correspondent yesterday said: “Governor Fintiri, who is disturbed by the recurring communal clashes, warned that criminals are challenging the government’s resolve and that the government is going to pursue them to the farthest end possible.

“We have exhausted all the means to arrest the situation in that area. It now requires a whole new approach because we have been left with no option.”

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The statement said the breach of peace in the affected areas a couple of days ago was regrettable.

“Having reviewed the unfolding scenario, the government is concerned about the persisting tensions and reported attempts by some persons to take the laws into their hands by attacking individuals and private facilities as well as public property,” the statement said.

It quoted Governor Fintiri as saying that “in order to avoid further deterioration of the ugly situation and to protect lives and property of citizens, I have directed the imposition of curfew from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. from Wednesday, June 8, 2022. The curfew shall remain in place subject to further review.”

Fintiri called for calm as he sympathised with the families of those affected by the crisis.

Also, a total of 107 newly promoted officers of the Adamawa State Police Command have been decorated with their new ranks.

The officers include the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Suleiman Nguroje, who was promoted from a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) to Superintendent of Police (SP).

Nguroje was decorated along with the 106 other elevated officers during a ceremony at the Police Officers Mess in Yola with a call on them to see their elevation as a call to higher service.

The Kano State Government said it will establish disaster management centre to fast-track implementation of an integrated system to prevent and mitigate disasters in the state.

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje said this at a one-day workshop organised by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), in collaboration with other stakeholders, in Kano yesterday.

Represented by Alhaji Usman Alhaji, Secretary to the State Government, Ganduje said his administration had engaged disaster management consultants to facilitate the smooth take-off of the centre, to enhance prevention and coordinated response to emergencies.

“The centre, which is the first of its kind in the Northwest when established, is expected to train stakeholders and the general public on reducing risk and the prevention of flooding, desertification and building collapse,” he said.

Dr Sale Jili, Executive Secretary of SEMA, said the conference was to examine recurring disasters and suggest measures to manage trepidation among households and communities.

He said community leaders have a role to play in mobilising the inhabitants towards confronting the challenges ahead.

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Jili attributed the perennial flooding in the state to human-induced activities such as dumping of waste in drains; the erection of structures on waterways, among others.

The SEMA boss urged stakeholders in the environment sector to prioritise the construction of water channels, streams; drains and promote afforestation campaigns.

He commended the governor for the establishment of local emergency management committees across the 44 local government areas of the state.

The Director-General of NEMA, Mr Mustapha Habib-Ahmad, expressed concern over the increase in the cost of managing disasters in the country.

Habib-Ahmad, represented by Dr Nuradeen Abdullahi, Kano Territorial Coordinator of the Agency, reiterated the commitment of the Agency to play an active role in the formulation of policies and programmes toward strengthening disaster risk management in the country.

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Kano State Ministry of Special Duties, Hajiya Mu’azzatu Isah, said the exercise was designed to promote better coordination in disaster management through information dissemination.

“Events of natural disasters are on the rise. They do not only disrupt lives but jeopardise the entire society and the economy of the country,” she said.

The Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc has appealed to the management of the Benue State Board of Internal Revenue Service to unseal their premises to enable the company to keep rendering services to members of the public.

In a statement by its Head, Corporate Communications, Dr Friday Adakole Elijah yesterday, the company appealed for the unsealing of its premises in the Makurdi and Gboko areas of the state.

Not knowing where to operate, the management of the electricity outfits disrupted services to forestall what the company described as an avoidable accident.

The statement read inter alia: “You may have observed that there is currently no power supply in the Makurdi and Gboko areas of Benue State. This is as a result of the sealing of our operational offices in the stated areas today. The sealing had affected our command and control centre and other critical operational offices.

“The command and control centre manages the switching operations, distribution activities and load allocation, to serve our esteemed customers safely as well as avoid grid system collapse. The offices where work tools and spare parts are warehoused were equally sealed up, making it difficult to carry out some activities aimed at maintaining the power supply.

“Allowing our equipment on supply, unmanned shall constitute a great risk with potential accidents to the general public.

“It was on this basis that the management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc decided to interrupt power in the interest of the public to prevent avoidable accidents and equipment failures until the situation is resolved.

“The management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc is, therefore, pleading with the management of Benue Inland Revenue Services to unseal all the premises sealed as we continue to discuss the way forward on the resolution of the indebtedness of each other, in the overall interest of the people of Benue State and our company.”

The company said it has commenced the creation of temporary command and control centres to enable restoration of service where possible for now.

While thanking the customers for their understanding and cooperation, Jos Electricity Distribution Plc also pleads with them to bear with it as the company was working towards the restoration of services to all the nook and cranny of the state.

However, the management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc has refuted the allegation of debt abdication levelled against it by the Chairman of the Benue State Board of Internal Revenue Service as being the reason for sealing the company’s premises in the state.

A statement by the Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Friday Adakole Elijah said it was untrue that the company owed the Revenue Service the humongous amount of money being claimed by the Chairman, Mrs Mimi Adzape-Orubibi.

The statement said the electricity company was not in debt as far as remittance of P.A.Y.E was concerned stressing that, “there is incontrovertible evidence to show that Jos Electricity Distribution Plc has been remitting their PAYE to the Board Account Number-Union Bank 0025168481.”

“This could be gleaned from several correspondence and meetings to this effect.”

Former member of the House of Representatives Mr Ahmed Wadada has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is contained in a letter signed by Wadada and addressed to the APC Ward Chairman in Tudun Kofa of Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

A copy of the letter was made available to reporters in Keffi on Wednesday.

Wadada, in the letter dated June 1, 2022, said his decision was due to the controversy that trailed the recently-conducted Nasarawa West Senatorial District primary election which he withdrew from, in spite of being a frontrunner.

He said the controversy had to do with alleged alterations to the party’s original delegates list for the election, which action he described as illegal and undemocratic.

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Wadada’s letter stated: “I, Ahmed Wadada Aliyu with registration number NW/KEF/06/01001, write to inform you of my decision to resign as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The decision is borne out of the shameful display of illegality, impunity and undemocratic decisions of the party at the just-concluded Nasarawa West Senatorial District primary election after due consultations with my political associates and constituents.

“While assuring you of my utmost respect, please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”

The APC conducted the primary election for the remaining two aspirants, Shehu Tukur and Labaran Magaji, on Saturday, June 4, which Tukur won by 179 votes to Magaji’s 114 votes in spite of Wadada’s protest over the alleged alterations to the delegates’ list.

Magaji also rejected the outcome of the election and petitioned the Chairman of the APC Primary Election Appeal Committee, alleging widespread irregularities during the exercise.

Magaji, in his petition dated June 6, sought the cancellation of the votes from Keffi and Nasarawa local government areas where he alleged alterations to the original delegates’ list were carried out to favour Tukur.

Kaduna Police Command yesterday decorated some of the promoted 304 officers, including the Spokesman of the Command, Mohammed Jalige who was promoted from ASP to DSP.

Other officers who were decorated included two Chief Superintendent of Police (CSPs) to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Eight Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASPs) to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), 21 Inspectors to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASPs), among others.

The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Yekini Ayoku said the decorated officers from the Command are those recommended by the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Alkali Baba Usman and approved by the Police Service Commission based on recognition, commitment and their hard work.

The CP advised officers to be more dedicated and committed in the discharge of their duties.

“Kaduna Police Command is very lucky; we have a total 304 officers who are beneficiaries of this promotion. Promotion in the Police Force is based on recognition of hard work. If you have a clean record and you are hardworking you will be considered for promotion meritoriously. That is what the IG has considered and recommended accordingly 304 officers from this command under the Police Service Commission and they approve and promoted the police officers.

“For those that have benefited, I hope you will consider it as motivation, galvanise your greater performance, your commitment to duty, dedication to work will extend to high commitment and higher dedication.

“We will expect that you will contribute more to the effort that we are making to reduce the challenges that we are facing in Kaduna State. So, we expect more hard work from you in reciprocation for what the IG has done for you.

“As you are wearing new ranks, it has added more responsibilities to your soldier. I hope you will not betray the confidence and trust the IG has reposed in you for promoting you to your next ranks,” CP said.