The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Lalong signs Plateau N106.8b 2022 budget

    Lalong signs Plateau N106.8b 2022 budget

    Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has signed 2022 approved appropriation bill of N106,807, 267, 642.12 passed by the Plateau State House of Assembly.

    While signing the appropriation bill at the Government House Rayfield Jos, the Governor commended the Speaker, Yakubu Sanda and other members for their doggedness and determination that saw the thorough consideration of the budget which was laid on the floor of the House on October 20, 2021.

    Lalong assured the state that the government will faithfully implement the budget tagged “Budget of Economic Recovery and Consolidation of Inclusive Infrastructural Growth 2.”

    Lalong, who assured that the government will focus on completing ongoing projects and initiating new ones, said there shall be an emphasis on prudence and transparency in the utilisation of resources.

    Giving a breakdown of the budget, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning  Sylvester Wallangko said the 2022 Appropriation Bill of N106, 807,267, 642.12 comprises N70,819,275,644.62 representing 66.31 per cent as Recurrent expenditure, and N35,987,991,997.50, representing 33.69 per cent as Capital Expenditure.

    Also, Lalong has said the Christmas season is one that continues to maintain its relevance to, not only Christians but also people of other faiths.

    Lalong spoke during the 2021 Carol of Nine Lessons organised by the Government House Chapel, Jos to mark the Christmas celebration.

    Accompanied by his wife Regina, Lalong urged Nigerians not to despair because, during his mission on earth, Jesus Christ passed through many tribulations, even as he also warned his followers to expect similar challenges in their journey of faith. The most important legacy Christ left for the world, according to him, is the assurance of victory over the devil and eternal salvation.

    Lalong said Plateau State has so much to thank God for because it recorded a lot of victories despite the challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and the breach of peace witnessed in some local government areas. God, he said, gave the government the grace to contain the situation and restore peace within a short time.

    The Speaker of the House of Assembly Yakubu Sanda said the season of Christmas provides another opportunity for people to forgive and share their wealth with one another.

    Chairman PFN Plateau State Rev. Steve Dangana prayed for the Governor, President and other leaders.

  • ‘Journalists, activists are not enemies’

    ‘Journalists, activists are not enemies’

    Africans Rising, an organisation that focuses on promoting peace and justice, has said African leaders need to do more to discourage attacks against journalists and activists.

    The organisation noted that such attacks will not deter journalists and activists from performing their duties.

    Co-coordinator of the movement, Muhammed Lamin stated this during the Africans Rising award ceremony held on Monday in Abuja.

    According to him, the organisation has, through its campaigns, ensured the release of “over 80,000 journalists and activists” from prisons across Africa.

    Co-chair of the movement, Wangui Goro, said the award was to recognise the efforts of young African activists who have contributed to promoting justice and good governance.

    She said: “The AU has Vision 2063, which spells out Africa politically that we want. So, we are just pushing that agenda alongside the constitutions of our countries.”

    Those who were honoured included Wilson Atumeyi, a Nigerian who won the activist of the year category, while Joice Zou, a poet from Angola, got the artistic activist of the year award.

  • Ministry rewards 27 civil servants

    Ministry rewards 27 civil servants

    The Federal Ministry of Water Resources has honoured 27 serving and retired members of staff at its inaugural rewards and recognition system (R&RS) awards ceremony.

    The ceremony, which was held on Monday at Fraser Suites in Abuja, saw awards handed out in seven categories, which included Minister’s Unique Act Award, Permanent Secretary Exemplary Conduct Award, Heroic Award and Long Service Merit Award.

    Others are Recognition of Long-Service and Retired Civil Servants, Ethics and Professionalism Award and Mentorship Award.

    Minister of Water Resources Alhaji Suleiman Adamu explained that the R&RS programme is a deliberate effort at motivating and incentivising civil servants to put in their best. He noted that employees have other intrinsic needs other than those that are monetary.

    “The intrinsic need for recognition, encouragement and reward of outstanding performance forms the other pillar on which the rewards policy stands. We need to appreciate those that have helped us. A motivated workforce is an efficient workforce,” the minister said.

    Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, explained that recipients of the awards were selected by a 146-member panel that included directorate level staff of Departments of Human Resources Management, Reform, Coordination, and Improvement, representatives of the Technical Departments, Anti-Corruption Unit, SERVICOM, Joint Union Negotiation Council of the Ministry and corporate sponsors.

    She noted that the diversity in the selection process was to ensure its credibility.

  • Benue distributes 4,500 bags of rice to IDPs

    Benue distributes 4,500 bags of rice to IDPs

    The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has distributed assorted food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps across the state.

    According to the Executive Secretary of State Emergency Agency, Emmanuel Shior, there are 17,000 IDPs in various camps in Benue State.

    In a chat with reporters during the distribution exercise in Makurdi, Shior said the distribution of the food items to the IDPs was on the directive of Governor Samuel Ortom so that those in camps can enjoy the Christmas festivity.

    He said the food items included 4,500 bags of rice, 3,000 cartons of indomie, salt and bags of garri, among others.

    He also said security will be beefed up in all the IDP camps across the state to forestall any attacks by hoodlums, even as he called on the Federal Government to provide security for the IDPs to enable them to go back to their ancestral homes.

  • NEMA, FRSC begin operation eagle eye in Kano

    NEMA, FRSC begin operation eagle eye in Kano

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), yesterday, in Kano launched Operation Eagle Eye to minimise road traffic crashes through public enlightenment.

    The Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Habib-Ahmed said the move was aimed at sensitising motorists and commuters to the dangers of speeding and reckless driving.

    Habib-Ahmed, who was represented by Malam Sanusi Ado of Kano Territorial Office of NEMA, said the exercise was targeted at rallying all stakeholders to support the primary roles of FRSC of minimising road crashes and loss of lives during and after the Yuletide.

    The Sector Commander of FRSC in Kano State, Mr Zubairu Mato, urged motorists to avoid dangerous driving, overtaking, overloading as well as using of the phone while driving.

    According to him, sensitisation became necessary in order to educate drivers, passengers as well as the general public on safety procedures, especially during this festive period.

  • APC won’t bequeath banditry in 2023, says Masari

    APC won’t bequeath banditry in 2023, says Masari

    Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari said yesterday that the current All Progressives Congress (APC) government which assumed office in 2015 will not bequeath the incoming political leadership in 2023 current state of insecurity and banditry.

    Masari, who gave the assurance at Government House Katsina while signing the 2022 appropriate budget, assured that governments at federal and state levels must defeat banditry and other forms of insecurity.

    He said: “Domestic banditry is operated by people known to us, nothing divided us now except that they are bandits and we collectively are people with knowledge and technology we must defeat them.

    Read Also; Let’s take battle to bandits, Masari tells Northwest governors

    “We must not hand over the current insecurity situation and banditry to the next generation of political leadership in 2023.”

    The Governor further commended the state House of Assembly for promptly passing the budget which was presented on November 17.

    He described the quick passage of the budget and subsequent signing into law as significant to government and policymakers as the 2022 budget is expected to run a whole cycle of the year, and will primarily focus on completing all projects embarked upon by his administration

    The Speaker of the Assembly Tasiu Maigari observed that the budget was reduced to N323, 296,290, after holding public hearings and inviting heads of MDAs and making modest adjustments from the earlier presentation of N340, 951,912.

  • Sule swears in new commissioners

    Sule swears in new commissioners

    Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has sworn in new commissioners who he advised to ensure probity and accountability.

    Performing the inauguration yesterday at the City Hall in Lafia, the state capital, Governor Sule urged them to rise up to the challenges ahead as his administration enters the last lap of the first tenure.

    “You must discharge your duties bearing in mind our principles of accountability, probity, loyalty and prudent management of public resources.

    “You must be dedicated, patriotic and rise up to the challenges ahead. This is the only way that we can leave a legacy that will stand the test of time,” he said.

    Those sworn in were Yakubu Kwanta- Environment, Yusuf Aliyu Turaki – Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Aisha Rufai Ibrahim- Women Affairs, Salihu Ena-Doma -Trade, Industry and Commerce.

    Others included Umar Mukailu Gurku, Science and Technology,

    Nuhu Oshafu- Agriculture and Water Resources, Idris Mohammed Idris-Works and Housing, Mohammed Sarki Tanimu- Land and Urban Development, Abimiku Hanatu Bala-Special Duties, Fati Jimeta Sabo- Education, Mohammed Yakubu Lawal – Information and Culture, Daniel Agye-Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Ahmed Baba Yahaya-Health and Lucky Isaac Wamba-Youth and Sports Development while Abdulkarim Kana is the Attorney-General Commissioner for Justice.

    Read Also: Uzodimma swears in 17 commissioners

    Also yesterday, the Nasarawa State House of Assembly jerked up the 2022 Appropriation Bill from the initial N109.8 billion presented for consideration and approval by Governor Abdullahi Sule to N114.3 billion.

    Speaker of the House, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi announced the passage of the budget after Mr Daniel Ogazi, the Deputy Majority Leader, moved a motion to that effect at plenary yesterday in Lafia.

    The Speaker explained that the increase of the 2022 appropriation bill was as a result of an upward review of some sectorial allocations due to their importance and for the overall development of the state.

    Abdullahi praised members for their commitment and hard work in ensuring speedy passage of the budget.

    “A Bill for a law to authorise the issuance of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State (Appropriation Bill) of the sum of N114,287,447,524.06 only for the services of Nasarawa State Government for the period of 12 months, commencing from January 1, 2022, ending December 31, 2022, is read for the third time and passed,” the Speaker said.

    The sum of N73, 868,482,458.05 was approved for recurrent expenditure, while N40, 418,965,066.01 was earmarked as capital expenditure.

    The Speaker, however, said the consultants on revenue engaged by MDAs that do not add value to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) should be laid off.

    “There should be better understanding among all MDAs on the mode and better way of achieving government’s policies and programmes,” he said.

    The Speaker directed the Clerk of the House to produce a clean copy of the bill for the Governor’s assent.

    Mr Daniel Ogazi (APC- Kokona East), the Deputy Majority Leader, moved a motion for the passage of the bill into law.

    Mr Abel Bala (PDP-Nassarawa Eggon West), the Minority Leader, seconded the motion.

    The House unanimously passed the budget into law.

  • Why Buhari deserves rousing welcome to Borno, by Zulum

    Why Buhari deserves rousing welcome to Borno, by Zulum

    Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has urged residents of Maiduguri to give President Muhammadu Buhari a rousing welcome during his visit to the state today.

     Zulum made the call when he inspected the Custom Flyover project in Maiduguri on Tuesday.

     He said President Buhari had initiated viable programmes which impacted positively on the lives of the people of the state.

     The President, he said, accorded priority to the restoration of peace and security as well as livelihood support to the people of the state.

    Read Also; We discovered names of babies in Borno payroll, says Zulum

     The Governor said the President had provided necessary support to facilitate the restoration of electricity supply in the state.

     “The President deserves commendation for approving millions of dollars for the procurement of weapons and equipment for the military and other security services to enable them to execute the counter-insurgency campaign,” he said.

     According to him, the state government is working to ensure speedy completion of the Maiduguri Gas Power Plant in March 2022, to ensure a steady power supply to Maiduguri metropolis.

     The President is billed to inaugurate some projects executed by Zulum’s administration during his official visit to the state.

     The projects include the Custom Flyover, 20km Custom–Muna dual carriageway and the Centre for Distance Learning, University of Maiduguri.

  • ‘Southern Presidency will right wrongs’

    ‘Southern Presidency will right wrongs’

    Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance has supported the call for a Southerner to replace President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023. The group called on politicians to obey what it called “gentleman agreement” which had been reached in that regard.

    According to it, allowing the South to produce the President in 2023 will right many wrongs and “end every anomaly in leadership.”

    The CSOs, under the hashtag #TheNextPresident, also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Electoral Amendment Bill into law in line with his promise to deliver fair and credible elections.

    Convener of CCSGG, Jacob Okpanachi and Secretary, Dahiru Al-Mustapha, made the suggestions during a chat with reporters in Abuja at the weekend.

    Okpanachi said: “There was a gentleman’s agreement that had been reached for the South to produce the President in 2023.

    “We appeal to Nigerians to understand the need for power rotation to Southern Nigeria in line with the spirit of nationalism and a call for unity, as exemplified in our leadership pattern in the previous processes of our democratic journey so far.

    “There is insecurity, socio-economic and political instability witnessed currently in Nigeria; it is imperative that we create a fulcrum for ending every anomaly in leadership by inter-alia engaging in the leadership recruitment process but first a template for success must be laid which includes this campaign. The effect of what will happen in 2023 should be done now.

    “#thenextpresident as a project has seen the need for power rotation to South, a mirror effect from her most recent consultations, thus we hereby reiterate that it is sacrosanct for our political parties, opinion molders, youth and students based groups and all stakeholders to get involved in this power shift campaign.”

    While commending the President for increasing the salaries of police officers, Okpanachi said his assent to the Eectoral Bill would put Nigeria in the positive map of world politics.

    He said: “We commend the President on the increment in the salaries of the Nigerian police force which we believe is fundamental to good performance, in the same vein we also urge him to sign the long expected electoral Act (Amendment) Bill into law in line with his promise to deliver to Nigerians a good election, as we believe it will open doors to electoral reforms in Nigeria. as desired by the entire masses.

    #thenextpresident as a project have seen the need for power rotation to South, a mirror effect from her most recent consultations.

    “This, we hereby reiterate that it is sacrosanct for our political parties, opinion molders, youth and students based groups and all stakeholders to get involved in this power shift campaign.”

  • IDPs to government: Secure our villages

    IDPs to government: Secure our villages

    Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Chikun, Kajuru and Birnin Gwari local governments areas of Kaduna State have cried out to governments at all levels to help them with relief materials and also secure their communities so that they can return to their ancestral homes. The IDPs who are taking refuge at different IDP camps across the state were sacked from their homes by bandits.

    The displaced people from villages that include Malmo, Garu, Gbagyi Rumana and Badna in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area, and Ungwan Boka, Araha 1 and 2 in Kajuru Local Government Area, have been displaced for about two years . While those from Birnin-Gwari and parts of Chikun Local Government Area are still at the Ungwan Zwahu IDP Camp in Goningora, those from Kajuru Local Government Area have started going back to their villages.

    Speaking when officials of Resilient Aid and Dialogue Initiative (RADI) a non-governmental organisation (NGO) took food and clothes to them, the IDPs said, though they ran away from their communities when attacks started from 2019, they would happily go back if the abandoned communities can be fully secured.

    The IDPs said they want to go back to their farms, instead of waiting like beggars for people to bring food to them.

    Speaking at the IDP camps, co-founders of RADI, Mr Reuben Buhari and Alheri Magaji, who led other volunteers to share out relief materials to 100 IDPs at the Goningora Camp and 110 at the Rimau Centre, told reporters that the plight of the IDPs requires urgent help from the government and other individuals.

    “This is the harmattan season with all its attendant discomfort and these people you see are in dire need. Thought they would go back to their villages that were destroyed by the bandits if they can be assured of security, their pressing needs now are food, clothing and proper shelter. What we in RADI have been doing for two years with these vulnerable people, is trying to meet their urgent needs,” Buhari said.