The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abdulgafar Alabelewe

  • Top govt functionaries rally support for Katsina development

    Top govt functionaries rally support for Katsina development

    Top government functionaries and civil servants of Katsina State have gathered in Kaduna to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the development of the state.

    Governor Aminu Bello Masari who declared the meeting tagged, ‘Strategic Retreat for top Government Functionaries’ open tasked the participants to critically assess his government’s performance in the key priority sectors.

    According to the Governor, the retreat must review the journey so far and look into the next two years of the administration.

    “The retreat is expected to present to the government a comprehensive roadmap for the implementation of the various aspects of the Restoration Agenda, taking into cognizance the short, medium and long-term development plan for Katsina State to consolidate on the achievements so far recorded and tackle the challenges encountered in the formulation and implementation stages.

    “Therefore, this mid-term pause is expected to assess critically our performance in the key priority sectors of the Restoration Agenda and also discuss developing areas, such as Resource Development and others”, he said.

    The Governor noted that his administration projected receivable revenue of N80.2bn from Federal Allocation and Internally Generated Revenue for 2016, but only N50.5bn was received.

    He, however, stressed the need for the government to improve the poor performance in the area of revenue generation ahead of the 2017 fiscal year through training of accounting officers to be prepared to accept changes in dealing with public finance and accounting.

    “In addition also, the operators must undergo training through workshops, on the job training and so on to improve on their performances. Critical to this is a clear understanding of the 5-year Development Plan which is the torch lamp meant to show the road in our march to restoration.

  • Southern Kaduna: Set back for peace as hoodlums attack Emir

    • 3 killed in Tuesday night attack

    There was set back for the efforts to restore peace in the southern part of Kaduna State within the week as three persons were reported killed in a fresh violence, while the Emir of Jema’a, Alhaji  Muhammad Isa Muhammad’s convoy was attacked by hoodlums.

    Meanwhile, the Muslim community from Kafanchan has come out to condemn the alleged denial of the Emir’s attack by the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), demanding the investigation into the Emir’s convoy attack.

    Saturday Nation recalled that three people were reported killed and several others injured at Samaru-Kataf, in Zango Kataf Local Government Area Kaduna State on Tuesday.

    Violence had erupted at about 8:00pm on Tuesday night at Samarun Kataf, few hours after the state security council had relaxed curfew on the area to 11 hours.

    An eyewitness account had it that the attack occurred around 9:30 p.m. at a beer parlour close to Samarun Kataf market.

    According to the eyewitness who identified himself as Musa Israel, “We heard several gunshots from the direction of a beer parlour close to the market, we at first ran away from the area, but we later realised that three people were killed and their corpses were taken to General Hospital. Many other people were injured while running for their dear lives,” Israel said.

    The Kaduna Police Command PRO, Aliyu Usman, confirmed the incident but could not confirm the casualty.

    Meanwhile, the government had restored a 24-hour curfew on the local government shortly after the violence.

    A statement by the state government said, “The restoration of the curfew follows renewed security threats in Samaru-Kataf where the market was attacked by hoodlums. Security forces have taken steps to restore calm and vigorously enforce the curfew.”

    On the attack on Emir of Jema’a, Saturday Nation gathered that the attackers destroyed three vehicles including the pilot car while the Emir was returning to Kafanchan from the weekly security council meeting at the Government House in Kaduna.

    The Ciroma of Jema’a Emirate, Alhaji Kabiru Tanko, who escaped by the whiskers told newsmen in Kafanchan that, they were attacked around 8:00pm at Samaru Kataf after attending a meeting with the governor.

    According to the Chief, “when we reach Samaru Kataf, some armed youths surrounded us with all kind of weapons and started attacking our convoy. We immediately turned back to Kachia for our safety”, he said.

    The Ciroma commended Governor El-Rufai’s administration and the federal government for deploying security personnel in Southern Kaduna.

    He tasked the government to fully investigate the Southern Kaduna crises holistically, adding that the people behind the crises should be punished without fear or favour.

    He also called on both Muslims and Christians in the state to embrace peace, as all religions teach peace, in order to move the state forward.

    Meanwhile, the Jema’a Emirate yesterday addressed a world press conference calling on the ‎security agencies to investigate the attack on the convoy of the Emir of Jema’a, Alhaji Muhammad Isah Muhammad.

    The emirate also berated the Southern Kaduna people’s Union (SOKAPU) executives for denying that there was an attack on the Emir on the Hausa service of BBC.

    Deputy Chief Imam of the Emirate, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir Kassim also faulted SOKAPU ‎for not making a call to the emir or pay a visit to him over the attack.

    Similarly, the umbrella body of the Fulani community, Miyyeti Allah Cattle Breakers Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has threatened to sue the Vanguard Newspapers and it’s Kaduna State Correspondent over report alleged to be concocted and malicious.

    MACBAN at a joint press conference addressed yesterday by the National Headquarters, Kaduna State Chapter and Zone 3 Chapter, said the decision to seek legal action against the newspaper and it’s Kaduna State correspondent was sequel upon what it termed malicious and provocative article circulated by some media in which it was claimed that MACBAN will retaliate on attacks on its members in Southern Kaduna.

    Ibrahim Abdullahi (Assistant Nationa‎l Secretary General), Haruna Usman Tugga (State Chairman), Musa Mohammed Gambo (State. Secretary) and Abdullamid Musa (Zonal Chairman, Zone 3) who jointly addressed the press said, at no time did MACBAN issued such ‘irresponsible’ article to any media outlet.

    “MACBAN as a peace loving Association which has contributed immensely to the peace and reconciliation efforts not only in Southern Kaduna but also throughout the nation in general, will never decent so low as to advocate for the crisis by way of supporting reprisal attacks on innocent people under any pretext.

    “It is on record that MACBAN has contributed immensely not only in reaching out to all the victims of the 2011 post-election violence and all other subsequent crisis in Southern Kaduna both within and outside the country.

    “MACBAN wish to strongly and in an unequivocal terms, condemned this article and its authors and also called on the general public to disregard such irresponsible article.

    “We want to strongly warn those behind this provocative article in the interest of peace to desist from using our good name to create mischief in the society. We do hereby call on the security agencies to investigate this faceless undesirable element that are behind this write-up in order to bring them to book.

    “MACBAN would continue to reach out to all critical stakeholders and other individuals and groups with the view to working together to insure total reconciliation between these communities that have been co-existed peacefully together for many decades.

    “We wish to condemn a Concocted story by Kaduna State Correspondent of Vanguard Newspapers in 2016 during Godogodo attacks that our Chairman said Fulani have claimed responsibility for the attacks.

    “Our Chairman did not talk with him and we challenged him to provide evidence or retract that fake statements attributed to our Chairman and apologize our great Association or may face a legal action.

    “We call on our members nationwide and in particular those affected by the crisis in Southern Kaduna to disregard this article and always remain peaceful law abiding. We call on everyone to support the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government and all the security agencies in their efforts to return peace and normalcy to the area,” they said.

  • Three feared dead in fresh Southern Kaduna violence

    • as hoodlums attacked Emir’s convoy

    Three people have been reported killed and several others injured in a fresh unrest at Samaru-Kataf, in Zango Kataf Local Government Area Kaduna State.

    This was also as the Emir of Jema’a (Kafanchan), Alhaji Muhammad Isa Muhammad II was attacked by hoodlums same Tuesday night at Samaru-Kataf, destroying three cars in his convoy.

    The Nation gathered that violence erupted at about 8:00pm on Tuesday night at Samarun Kataf, few hours after the state security council hSouthern Kadunaad relaxed curfew on the area to 11 hours.

    An eyewitness account had it that the attack occurred around 9:30 p.m. at a beer parlour close to Samarun Kataf market.

    According to the eye witness who identified himself as Musa Israel, “We heard several gunshots from the direction of a beer parlour close to the market, we at first ran away from the area, but we later realised that three people were killed and their corpses were taken to General Hospital.

    “Many other people were injured while running for their dear lives”, Israel said.

    The Kaduna Police Command PRO, Aliyu Usman, confirmed the incident but could not confirm the casualty.

    Meanwhile, the government had restored a 24-hour curfew on the local government shortly after the violence.

    A statement by the state government said, “The restoration of the curfew follows renewed security threats in Samaru-Kataf where the market was attacked by hoodlums. Security forces have taken steps to restore calm and vigorously enforce the curfew”.

    On the attack on Emir of Jema’a, The Nation gathered that the attackers destroyed three vehicles including the pilot car while the Emir was returning to Kafanchan from the weekly security council meeting at the Government House in Kaduna.

    The Ciroma of Jema’a Emirate, Alhaji Kabiru Tanko, who escaped by the whiskers told newsmen in Kafanchan that, they were attacked around 8:00pm at Samaru Kataf after attending a meeting with the governor.

    According to the Chief, “when we reach Samaru Kataf, some armed youths surrounded us with all kind of weapons and started attacking our convoy. We immediately turned back to Kachia for our safety”, he said.

    The Ciroma commended Governor El-Rufai’s administration and the federal government for deploying security personnel in Southern Kaduna.

    He tasked the government to fully investigate the Southern Kaduna crises holistically, adding that the people behind the crises should be punished without fear or favour.

    He also called on both Muslims and Christians in the state to embrace peace, as all religions teach peace, in order to move the state forward.

  • Killings: ‘Govt left us at killer herdsmen’s mercy’

    Killings: ‘Govt left us at killer herdsmen’s mercy’

    • Southern Kaduna cries out

    Following the incessant attacks on predominant Christians communities of Southern part of Kaduna State by suspected Fulani herdsmen, leading to killings of scores in the last few months, the affected people have cried out that.

    Blaming both the federal and state government of abandonment and being left at the mercy of killers herdsmen, they, vowed that they may be forced to resolve to self-defence if urgent measures are not put in place to stop the killings.

    Southern Kaduna people under the auspices of Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), in a statement by its National President, Barrister Solomon Musa in Kaduna on Monday lamented that the government was treating them as if Southern Kaduna does not deserve its attention, sympathy or intervention.

    According to SOKAPU, “Godogodo communities once again came under very fierce, terrifying, brutal, savage and barbarous attack by Fulani herdsmen without provocation of any nature from Saturday 15th October, 2016 to Sunday afternoon. This is despite the frantic calls for help from the beleaguered villagers to those constitutionally saddled with the task of safeguarding their citizens.

    “The barbarians wreaked maximum havoc and destruction by killing an uncountable number of our people. So far, the locals have been able to identify not less than 40 corpses aside from the several other corpses burnt beyond recognition. Virtually all houses have been burnt in Godogodo. Property worth hundreds of millions destroyed while crops have been grazed by cattle and the rest destroyed by the invaders. Yet, governments at the Federal and State levels appear quiet and noncommittal. We have been abandoned, deserted and neglected.

    “SOKAPU is also curious that the attacks on villages in Godogodo started since May 2016 but has been left to linger despite the Government’s explanation that it spends N200 million monthly on security in the state.

    “From the previous attacks on Sanga Local Government to the current attacks on Godogodo towns which haven’t shown any sign of diminishing, lend credence to the fact that cattle rustling receives more attention from the monthly N200 million supposedly spends on security in Kaduna State than on marauding armed herdsmen in Southern Kaduna.

    ‘It will appear that we have been abandoned, deserted and neglected. We do not deserve the intervention or sympathy of the Federal or State Governments. Security personnel are posted to the main highways only; from April to date, it does not appear to be any form of intelligence gathering, any form of surveillance, any form of proactive measures to forestall future occurrences; any form of intervention by government.

    “From April to date, neither NEMA nor SEMA has seen it fit to rehabilitate, resettle or to bring any kind of relief materials to the victims of the attacks in the area. No relief materials, no IDP camps; no protection for our villages. What have we done to deserve this? Is it because of who we are? Why have we been abandoned, deserted and neglected? Will this have happened if it is elsewhere? Are we part of Kaduna State? Are we part of Nigeria? If we are not, we then deserve our state and our nation. We can stand on our own.

    “More nauseating is the added fact that in villages like Ninte, Akwa, Ungwan Anjo, and Antang  – where the people had been sacked from their villages, the armed herdsmen have permanently taken over the villages and boldly grazing their herds on the farms of the villagers. With thousands of people that have been displaced, the current attacks can only add to that number if the State Government does not muster up the will to urgently address the ongoing genocide in our zone.

    “If we have not been abandoned, then the government should tell us whether they are ready, willing and capable of defending us; or not ready, not willing or not capable of defending us. They should tell us so that we will know the measures to take”, it read.

    However, SOKAPU demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all the terrorists, establishment of permanent security formations in the area and  intensify its intelligence gathering mechanism include aerial surveillance of those attack-prone villages as a proactive measure.

  • Kaduna declares Shi’ite movement unlawful society

    Kaduna declares Shi’ite movement unlawful society

    The Kaduna State Government has issued an order declaring the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) an unlawful society.
    A statement signed by the Special Assistant to Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, said the action is taken in the exercise of the government’s duty to preserve peace and security in the state, and to ensure that all persons and organisations are guided by lawful conduct and with due allegiance to the Nigerian state and its Constitution.
    The Kaduna state executive council approved the making of this order following deliberations at its meeting on Thursday, 06 October 2016.
    According to the statement, “the Order, which has been signed by the Governor, draws on powers vested by the Constitution and the laws of Kaduna State. Section 45 (1) of the Constitution categorically vests in the Governor the powers to take such measures and actions as are necessary for the promotion and protection of public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or the rights and freedom of all persons in Kaduna State.
    “Section 97A of the Penal Code (Cap 110, Laws of Kaduna State, 1991) empowers the Governor to declare as an unlawful society any organisation whose activities are dangerous to the security and good governance of the state.
    “The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Zaria Clashes of 12-14 December 2015 found that the IMN is not a registered organisation, that it has a paramilitary wing and that its members do not recognise or respect the laws of the country and the duly constituted authorities that have the responsibility to secure and administer the country.
    “The Declaration Order noted that since the regrettable events in Zaria which resulted in the loss of 347 lives, the IMN “has overtly continued with unlawful processions, obstruction of public highways, unauthorized occupation of public facilities including schools without regard to the rights of other citizens and the public peace and order of the State.
    “The Order noted that ‘these acts if allowed to go unchecked, will constitute dangers to the peace, tranquility, harmonious coexistence and good governance of Kaduna State’.
    “The Declaration Order, which comes into effect on Friday, 7 October 2016, provides for the prosecution of persons that may be in breach of its provisions under the laws of Kaduna State:
    “Whoever manages, or is a member of the said Society under any appellation or mutation with the propensity of causing the breakdown of law and order, or operates in a manner dangerous to the good governance of the State shall, from commencement of this order, be prosecuted in accordance with the Laws of Kaduna State.
    “Sections 97A and 97B of the Penal Code prescribe a penalty of imprisonment for seven years or a fine or both for any person convicted for belonging to an unlawful society.
    “The Kaduna State Government reaffirms its vigorous commitment to upholding the right of citizens to practice the religion of their choice. These are rights fully protected by Sections 38 and 40 of the Constitution.
    “Such rights to freedom of thought and worship must, however, be exercised in ways that do not infringe on the rights of others, and should not subject other people to distress and inconvenience,” the statement read.
  • MEND, Avengers armed robbers – N/Delta council

    MEND, Avengers armed robbers – N/Delta council

    Supreme Niger Delta Youth Council WorldWide (SNDYCW) has disowned the Niger Delta Avengers and Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), describing their activities as pure armed robbery.

    The President General of the Council, Prince Michael Newgent Eaton who stated this when the council under the guidance of former Senate president, Mr. Joseph Wayas met with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna on Thursday, stated categorically that, members of the MEND group and the Avengers should be arrested and prosecuted.

    Ekamon remarked that they were in Kaduna to meet with leaders and elders of the region who have served the country well and want to see that the country remains as one indivisible entity.

    “Our group are not militants. We are here to see how we can build one Nigeria. We want to condemn the activities of the Avengers and MEND. They are criminals. But better put armed robbers who are stealing the wealth of our land.

    “We know them. We know that some of the Avengers have served in the previous government and they are even serving in this present government.

    “If we are given the mandate, we will go and confront them in their houses.  So, we don’t want the President (Buhari) to be deceived by their antics. There is nothing in the real sense like avengers. They are playing pranks.

    The President stated further that, the problem in the region was not the problem of the Federal government but rather their leaders who have been sabotaging the region because of their greed.

    He contended further: “What is it that the federal government has not done for the region. We have OMPADEC, NDDC, 13 percent derivation, Ministry for Niger Delta, security votes. We don’t know what our governors are doing with the security votes.”

    He remarked that it was based on this premise that they are organizing a summit in Edo State between the 27th and 29th of October to discuss the problem in the region,saying,’we are here to extend our hands of friendship to the people in this region (North). To seek their blessing and support. That’s why we are here with the former Senate president (Joseph Wayas)  who has never been invited by any anti corrupt agency. We also have the blessing of former Head of state, General Gowon.

    Responding, the chairman of the ACF, Ibrahim Coomasie observed that the two regions had sustained a long period of friendship.

    Represented by one of the elders in the region, Musa Liman, the ACF chairman said the forum believes in the doctrine of one Nigeria where equal justice and equity prevails.

  • Kaduna lawmaker kidnapped, N70m ransom demanded

    Unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a sitting member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon Ibrahim Samaila representing Tudun Wada Constituency.
    Meanwhile, the kidnappers have contacted the immediate family of the legislator, demanding N70 million ransom.
    Kaduna Police Command Spokesman, ASP Aliyu Usman confirmed the incident, saying that, the technical and anti-kidnapping squad of the command were already on the trail of the kidnappers.
    Hon Samaila who is the Chairman House Committee on Education was allegedly kidnapped on Tuesday around Abakpa community in Kaduna North Local Government area of the state.
    According to eye witness account, “the kidnappers came in a Sienna Car and within few seconds their other gang joined them and whisked the lawmaker away.”
    The eye witness added that, “the kidnappers armed with sophisticated weapons, shot a pure water distributing van which was passing-by, thinking that, he wanted to block them.”
    Hon. Samaila a member of All Progressive Congress (APC) was elected  lawmaker during the 2015 general elections and presently he is the House Committee Chairman on Education.
    Samaila’s abductors, was said to have contacted his immediate family to demand for ransom and threatened  them not to involve police in the matter.
    A family source said, the abductors made the lawmaker to speak with his wife.
  • El-Rufai dismisses three Directors, others over scandals

    El-Rufai dismisses three Directors, others over scandals

    Kaduna State Government has dismissed three Directors of Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Agency (KASUPDA) and two others from the state Geographic Information Service (KADGIS) for abusing the revised Millennium City layout.

    Letters of dismissal signed by Mrs. Grace Yusuf Bature on behalf of the General Manager KASUPDA, Saratu M.Haruna, have been delivered to Charles Akau Ibrahim, its Director of Urban Planning and Research, Adamu Aliyu Nuhu, Director of Development Control, and Philemon Mairabo, Director Urban Planning and Research.

    Their sack followed the state Executive Council’s deliberations of the report of a committee that investigated the role of some staff of the former Ministry of Land, Surveys and Country Planning and some traditional rulers in distorting the revised Millennium City layout.

    The letters reads: “Sequel to your suspension from the service via letter No.PER/SEC.351/VOL.1/006 dated 31st May 2016, I am directed to convey to you the State Council’s decision at its 17th meeting held on 9th May,2016 and to dismiss you from the service of the state government with immediate effect.

    “This is as per the report of the committee that investigated the role of some staff of Ministry of Land and Surveys and Country Planning, KASUPDA and Traditional Rulers in the Revised Millennium City Layout abuse TPO.833 which indicted you. You are further directed to hand over all government properties in your possession to the agency please.”

    Another letter signed by Ibrahim Hussaini, dated 19th May, 2016 said two staff of KADGIS, Mr. Jacob Makadas Kogi and Mr. Joshua A. Gambas were also suspended over abuse of Revised Millennium City Layout land.

     “Further to council decision on the report of the committee to investigate the roles played by you and traditional leaders in the abuse of the revised Millennium City Layout (TPO.833), I wish to inform you that your appointment has been suspended with immediate effect and subsequent dismissal from the public service by the State Civil Service Commission. You are to hand over all government properties under your custody to the surveyor general, please.”

    The dismissal followed the directives of Governor Malam Nasir El-rufai as decided by the state Council after its 17th meeting, which held on 9th May 2016,” the government saud in the letter.

  • Committee on Shiites, Army clash begins work

    Committee on Shiites, Army clash begins work

    A committee to draft the White Paper on the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by Kaduna State government to probe the  clashes between members of the Shi’ites Movement and the Nigerian Army has commenced work.

    The nine-man panel chaired by Adamu Mohammed Mansur,  the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Education,  is expected to submit a draft paper on the incident within the two weeks.

    It would be recalled that, the commission of inquiry which probed the December 12-14 incidents in Zaria, had on 15 July submitted its report to Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.

    Receiving the report, Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai said that the Kaduna State Government will study the report and make the issue a White Paper promptly to convey its decisions on the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry.

    A statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan said, other members of the White Paper Drafting Committee are: Hauwa U. Umar Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Bari’atu Yusuf Mohammed Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, Ibrahim Sambo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government and Ja’afaru Ibrahim Sani Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs and Special Services.

    They also include: Aisha Kumbo Mohammed Permanent Secretary, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ambisa Adze Jonah, Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Barrister M.I Aliyu, Ministry of Justice and Alexander K. Sule, Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

    The terms of reference guiding the committee is to study the recommendations of the Report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the clash between a Detachment of the Nigerian Army and Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria and produce a white paper on the report.

    It is also expected to make any other recommendation(s) that will assist government in addressing issues raised in the report.

    The committee is expected to conclude the task and submit a report to the government within two weeks from its first day of sitting.

  • Gunmen abduct ECWA pastor in Kaduna

    … Demand N2m ransom 

    Barely hours after kidnap of a Monarch in Ondo state, unknown gunmen were also said to have kidnapped a senior pastor with Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev. Yusuf Magaga of Kabene-surubu village in Kauru local government area of Kaduna State.

     The Nation gathered that the abductors have demanded N2 million ransom for their victim’s family.

    A source and resident of the Kabene-surubu village, Mr. Jacob Wakili who told our Correspondent that the sad event took place at about 2:00am Wednesday, also said the gunmen destroyed part of the church and left some persons injured.

    Wakili said the intervention of the local vigilantes saved the situation if not it would have been worst.

    According to him: “My village was attacked by fulani herdsmen, but thank God the people were able to mobilise for defence, but the criminals still destroyed part of ECWA church, took away the Pastor of the church and left few injured.”

    He further stated that the kidnappers are demanding for the sum of two million Naira as ransom to release the clergy.

    Effort to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Aliyu Usman to confirm the incidence proved abortive as calls made to his mobile phone were not going through.