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Tag: Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

  • Allegations, counter allegations over polls

    The outcomes of the supplementary polls are still generating reactions in different states, report Kolade Adeyemi, Kano; Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi; and Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto.

    Kano govt: no death, violence in supplementary poll

     

    The Kano State government has said there was no death and violence during last Saturday’s supplementary election.

    Addressing reporters in his office yesterday, Commissioner of Information, Youth and Culture Malam Muhammad Garba challenged anyone with proofs of death and violence to produce them.

    Garba, who expressed disgust at what he described as concoction of lies and falsehood on the social media by enemies of the state, said gory pictures of Jos crises and violence in parts of Ghana were presented as scenes from the Kano supplementary election.

    He said: “The increasing negative side of the social media is gradually outweighing its usefulness. As many of you are aware, the supplementary election was very peaceful, despite two incidents at polling units in Dallas and Nassarawa local government areas, which were immediately resolved by security agents.”

    Garba accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Kwankwassiyya Movement of spreading falsehood in their bid to discredit the rerun election which he described as peaceful and credible.

    According to him, “the PDP claimed two people were killed in Nassarawa, we went to Nassarawa and asked questions, and there was no trace of such incident.”

    Garba also noted that contrary to rumours that there was protest in Kano after the announcement of the results, “what we witnessed in Kano was jubilations as thousands of people trooped to Government House to identify with Governor Ganduje over his well-deserved victory.

    “Even the so called members of the Conference of Political Parties are all members of the Kwankwasiyya PDP. The day they gathered, we all saw that they wore red caps and red cap as we know is the symbol of Kwankwassiyya PDP.”

    He added: “Kano is peaceful, shops are open, the markets are open. People are going about their business without molestation. We have asked our supporters to remain calm and peaceful. By God’s grace, this government will continue to ensure peace, no matter how hard they try to provoke our supporters and party members.”

     

    ‘Violence, intimidation, thuggery mar Kano rerun’

     

    Contrary to the claim of the Kano State government, a foreign observer from South Africa, the Pan African Women Projects, has said the supplementary election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kano was marred by violence, intimidation and partisanship on the part of the security operatives.

    The Publicity Secretary of the group, Madam Mphoentle Keitseng, at a news conference yesterday in Kano, said the rerun was conducted with cases of loss of lives and other malpractices. “It is evidence that INEC and security agencies were compromised,” the group said.

    “The observed regulated violence and sponsored thuggery in Nassarawa, Madobi, Dala, Kura, Rimin-Gado and Kibiya local government areas. Women were not found queuing in most polling units we visited. We also observed that the two major political parties APC and PDP tried to undo each other for swift electoral victory, hence the palpable eruption of spontaneous crisis with some loss of human lives.

    “There is a visible lacuna in the Electoral Act with regards to the role and responsibilities of the INEC. We call for immediate review of the Act to strengthen the functionalities of the INEC for effective, responsive and coordinating activities in any type of subsequent election”.

    The group, however, hailed the umpire for conducting the supplementary election across the nation despite numerous challenges.

    Read also: Ajimobi to Makinde: shun politics of bitterness

    My victory based on hardwork, says Ganduje

     

    Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje yesterday said his victory at the Kano supplementary election was as a result of hardwork by his team and not through violence.

    Ganduje, who contested under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), spoke when the chairmen of the 44 local government areas of the state visited him at the Government House, Kano.

    “It was not breach of peace that gave me the victory but hard work and prayers. We prayed and we worked hard. Peace is paramount,” he said.

    Ganduje urged supporters of the APC not to engage in any form of violence or intimidation of the opposition in the course of their jubilation, saying his government and party is not in conflict with the opposition.

    “We want peace and peace must be given a chance to thrive,” he said.

    “We will come up with new strategy in governance. All as an effort to consolidate this victory and continue with the good things we started. We will continue to do what our people voted us for. That is to further develop all structures of the society.

    “This victory shows that Kano people repose confidence in us since from day one. We will, therefore, not let them down,” Ganduje added.

    He also said he would work with other opposition groups that supported him before the elections.

    “We have other opposition parties that came and worked with us before this election. For the development of our state, we are planning to work with them.”

     

    Benue APC heads for tribunal, confident of victory

     

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has headed for the Election Petition Tribunal to challenge the results of the elections won by Governor Samuel Ortom and other candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    Members of the party reached this resolution during an emergency meeting at the Makurdi residence of their Leader, Senator George Akume.

    The APC said the elections were not transparent and did not reflect the will of the Benue electorate.

    The party said: “It is the party’s position that the victories of its governorship candidate, Emmanuel Jime and many other candidates of the party were brazenly upturned through massive rigging, ballot stuffing, vote buying, intimidation of voters and alteration of results, with abounding evidence.

    Benue APC once again congratulates President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election and hopes that his second term will be of immense benefits to the state; beginning with the speedy rehabilitation of Makurdi- Gboko road, Makurdi- Naka- Adoka road, Makurdi- Otukpo- Enugu- Road and the Makurdi- Lafia- Akwanga- Keffi- Abuja road, as well as appointment of Benue sons and daughters into key positions at the Federal level.

    “The party has overwhelmingly passed vote of confidence on Senator George Akume for effectively leading with huge success the APC Presidential Campaign Council in the whole of Northern Nigeria, providing quality leadership and holding the party together even in turbulent moments at the state level.

    The party equally commends its National Secretariat under the amiable leadership of the National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the National Leader of the party, Chief Ahmed Bola Tinubu and other leaders of the party who gave both financial and moral support to the Benue chapter of the party during the electoral period.

    “The party commiserates with those who lost their loved ones during the election and condemns all violent acts that were visited on the voters while they exercised their civic rights, pointing out that the attack on the Gboko Local Government Electoral Returning Officer, Prof. Mrs Dooshima Tuleun was most unfortunate, barbaric and inhuman.

    “Benue APC commends the efforts of Rev. Pastor Frederick Ikyaan, Dr. Stephen Hwande, Hon. Hingah Biem, Ambassador Dr Dickson Akoh, Bishop Sam Zuga, Dr. Stephen Akuma and many other great sons and daughters of Benue who either joined or formed alliances with us to rescue Benue from its current poor state of leadership which has become a textbook example of misgovernance.”

    The party urged its supporters to be steadfast, committed and not be distracted as their “stolen mandates would be in their firm grips within the count of 180 days”.

     

    Sokoto: Coalition of political parties reject results

     

    A coalition of 28 registered political parties in Sokoto State has rejected the outcome of the  governorship election.

    A statement by the coalition said: “The coalition hereby rejects the results and dissociates itself with whatever is related to it.”

    Addressing a news conference in Sokoto yesterday, the Leader of the Coalition and Chairman, Nigerian Elementary Democratic Party, Alhaji Musa Aliyu, said the conduct of the supplementary polls was evidently characterised by violence and contravened the nation’s electoral laws and the constitution.

    Aliyu said: “To say the fact, the exercise was undoubtedly characterised by votes buying, intimidation, non-use of the smart card reader device as well perfected duplication of voting in polling units where the polls were earlier conducted. Also certain polling units were left out  as elections were not conducted”, Aliyu pointed out while calling he attention of lovers and protectors of democracy, both home and abroad as well as International Observer Groups and defenders of democracy to what he described as ‘obnoxious’ development which has rendered  the exercise ineffective thus appealing for peace and calm by its supporters and other law abiding citizens of Sokoto State while awaiting the outcome of the litigation on the polls.”

     

    PDP governorship candidate congratulates Yobe  governor-elect

     

    The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Yobe State, Umar Iliya Damagum, has congratulated Mai Mala Buni of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for emerging the governor-elect.

    The PDP candidate, who spoke with reporters after his party’s review meeting of their performance in the last election, called on the governor-elect to be fair and just to every Yobe indigene irrespective of his or her party affiliation.

    Damagum said the time for politics was over and the business of governance should be put in the front burner instead of petty politics of victimisation.

    He also disclosed that his party would not challenge the APC victory at the tribunal.

    “Even though, there are so many things that have bedevilled the elections but winner has been announced.  We have no option but to accept the will of God, and move forward to do what is important for me and my supporters,” he said.

    Damagum, who though expressed reservation with the electoral body, however, noted that such issues would not stop him from congratulating the winner, and urged the governor-elect to use their mandate for the good of those who elected them.

    “I congratulated our governor-elect, Mai Mala Buni with his deputy, Idi Barde Gubana.  I call on him to look at Yobe as his entire constituency. Knowing that God has given him this opportunity that every other person living in Yobe is his responsibility. He should be just and fair to everyone and should mix petty politics with governance. The time for politics is over. It is now the time to build Yobe.  I wish him all the best.

    “I cannot go into what I am uncertain about. I can’t go to the tribunal. All I know is that I had a good running battle but with what is happening in the country and the judiciary itself, I don’t think I would go into an uncertain venture. I accept the will of God and the wishes of Yobe people.”

     

    Atiku congratulates

    Bala Mohammed

     

    The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday congratulated Bala Mohammed on his declaration as the governor-elect of Bauchi State.

    “Your victory is a deeply satisfying one. In you, the good people of Bauchi state have rightly reposed their confidence for four years of good governance,” he said.

    Atiku expressed confidence that the state would do well under Mohammed considering his achievements as the minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

    Atiku said: “PDP is now poised to bring progress to Bauchi through him and thereby extend the frontiers of democracy, peace, progress and prosperity. Bala Mohammed’s efforts to provide potable water in the FCT remain unmatched today, and the former Vice President believes that such will be replicated in Bauchi state.

    “By virtue of Bala Mohammed’s election, the Pearl of Tourism in Nigeria, is now poised to be the bastion of good governance in Nigeria and for this, he is grateful to almighty Allah for what he has done for him and the good people of Bauchi State.”

     

    25 elected Kebbi lawmakers get certificates of return

     

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to the 25 newly-elected House of Assembly members in the concluded general elections in Kebbi State.

    The certificates were presented by the state Resident Electoral Commission (REC), Alhaji Muhammad Mahamud, in Birinin Kebbi yesterday.

    Mahamud urged elected lawmakers to provide dividends of democracy to the electorate in the state.

    The members Alhaji Isa Rukubalo representing Yauri constituency and Alhaji Samaila Bui representing Arewa constituency, who spoke on behalf of the others, promised to provide dividend of democracy for their constituencies.

    Rukubalo noted that the victory would provide opportunity to consolidate on the social economic development of Kebbi State.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) won all the 25 constituencies in the state.

     

    Tribunal orders

    inspection of election materials in Nasarawa

     

    The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lafia has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) and  Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) to inspect electoral materials used in the March 9 election.

    Musa Nagogo, Governorship Candidate of the  PDM, is challenging the victory of Abdullahi Sule of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the omission of his name and party logo in the election.

    Also, David Ombugadu, of the PDP is challenging the March 9 governorship election in the state.

    They also prayed the court for an order compelling INEC to allow them to inspect the register and other vital documents used in the conduct of the election unhindered.

    Ruling in the ‘Motion Ex-parte,’ filed by the two candidates , Abba Mohammed, Chairman of the Tribunal, ordered INEC to avail them access to all the materials used in the election.

     

    Election Tribunal receives 12 petitions in Nasarawa

     

    The National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lafia has received 12 petitions from different candidates in Nasarawa State.

    Mr Bello Mukhtar, Secretary of the tribunal, made the disclosure to newsmen in Lafia yesterday.

    He said the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) filed five petitions, All Progressives Congress (APC) filed two petitions and the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) filed three petitions.

    He said the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) each filed one petition.

    Mukhtar stated that the tribunal was still expecting petition from the re-run elections that were conducted on March 23.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that PDP is challenging the three senatorial seats, Lafia/Obi and Awe/Doma/Keana Federal Constituencies, while APC was challenging Akwanga/Nassarawa-Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituencies.

    PDM is challenging Nasarawa South and Northern Senatorial seats, Akwanga/Nasarawa-Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituencies.

    ZLP and APGA are challenging Awe/Doma/Keana Federal Constituencies and Nasarawa West Senatorial seats respectively.

     

  • 42 parties in Kano reject results of March 23 supplementary election

    Forty-two political parties in Kano under the aegis of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) in the state have rejected the results of the re-run governorship election of March 23.

    They alleged that the process was characterised by gross irregularities.

    The state CUPP chairman, Mohammed Abdullahi-Rahi, made the position of the group known while addressing a news conference in Kano on Tuesday.

    He alleged that the supplementary election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was marred by violence, over voting, intimidation and voter disenfranchisement.

    READ ALSO: Kano rerun: Prosecute electoral offenders, observers tell INEC

    According to him, thuggery and voter-intimidation were reported in almost all the polling units where the re-run election was conducted, with reports of loss of lives, open vote-buying and other electoral malpractices.

    ”It was clear that the level of violence recorded during the March 9 election that led to cancellation of results of some polling units is by far less than what was recorded during the March 23 election, yet the electoral body turned a blind eye on the happenings by accepting and announcing the results.

    ”We are at this juncture, debunking the illegitimate declaration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as governor-elect in the just concluded March 23 re-run elections in Kano due to gross irregularities and electoral fraud committed before, during and after the elections.”

  • Ganduje: PDP’ll be shocked

    Kano State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said his PDP challenger and his supporters would receive the shocker of their lives in the scheduled election.

    The Commissioner for Information, Youth & Culture, Malam Muhammad Garba, said the incumbent remained unruffled by the development.

    ”Ganduje is unperturbed by the wishful thinking and slapdash deportment of the PDP candidate considering what happened in the inconclusive election widely characterized by alleged vote buying and voter intimidation by the party,” Garba, who doubles as the Chairman, Publicity of the 2019 Election Committee for the APC, said in a statement.

    He said the ruling party and its candidate remain upbeat and sure of victory as Kano remained an APC state.

    Garba said: “Ganduje remain committed to the conduct of free and fair election, all loopholes that gave them chance of rigging, vote buying and intimidation of voters have been blocked.

    “APC as a party has also re-strategised and very confident of victory because the local government areas where the rerun will take place remain the APC stronghold  and the electorate in these areas have made up their mind to vote massively for the Governor they trust.”

    The statement said the APC has nothing to do with a campaign of calumny but on issues that pertain to the development of the state which it noted, endeared Ganduje to the minds of the people.

    “The modest achievements recorded so far by the Ganduje administration have touched the lives of the people in all sectors of development and also remain determined to continue if returned,” the statement said.

     

  • Breaking: 43 Political Parties back Ganduje in a Kano

    Over forty three political parties on Thursday in Kano state openly declared their support for the All Progressive Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in the Match 9 governorship election in the state.

    The Governorship Candidates of the forty three political parties who threw their weight behind governor Ganduje through their Spokesman and gubernatorial Candidate of United People’s Congress (UPC) Ambassador Ibrahim Gaya at a break -fast held at the African House Government House Directed their members to vote en mass for the APC Candidate during the Saturday polls.

    Gaya said ”we have dropped our contest and unanimously decided to endorsed the Candidature of Governor Ganduje in order for him to accomplish his mission of staging  a comeback and consolidate on socio economic development of the state.

    Speaking at the Occasion the state APC Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas said the breakfast organised by the governor to honour the gubernatorial Candidates of various political parties at a very critical moment like this signifies maturity and magnanimity of the governor.

    He said this is a very significant development because such things have never happened in the past “I have personally not witnessed a situation where a gubernatorial Candidate will invite fellow colleagues to come dine and wine together in a conducive atmosphere.

    He said Ganduje is an advocate of politics without bitterness and that is why he always embraces peace as his cardinal principles in life.

    In remarks Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje explained that the reason why he invited the gubernatorial Candidates to the Government House is to create mutual understanding between the political parties in the state so as to demonstrate love and unity  of purpose among ourselves as Candidates of divergent political leanings.

    Ganduje further noted that the idea this time around is curtail unnecessary political bickering that permeates the system and introduce a new innovations that will eliminate do or die politics in our democracy.

     

     

     

  • Maternal health: Kano wins $8.1m, emerges 2018 MNCHW North-West champion

    Kano State has earned $8.1 million emerging the overall winner of the 2018 North-West Matenal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) programme.

    The feat followed the commitment of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s administration in Saving one Milion lives Programme on the platform of offering low cost intervention to Pregnant Women and Children under the age of five years in the State.

    Dr. Ganduje disclosed this during the Flag-off of the MNCH 2019, held at Getso in Gwarzo Local Government Area.

    Dr. Ganduje who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna stated that, “during the last round of the exercise, over two million Children were supplemented with Vitamin A, while 1,180,760 Children were dewormed and thousands of women were given LLIN, Iron- Folate supplements and malaria prevention drugs respectively.

    ”Kano State Government which has been consistent in the implementation of all health programmes aimed at improving the lives of our people, has provided all necessary support to ensure this campaign is a success.

    ”This administration has placed the highest priority on saving the lives of especially Women and Children through the provision of essential health services both at Primary and Secondary care levels, and did not relent in taking holistic insight in to the fundamental needs of our healthcare sector and came up with comprehensive action plan.”

    He assured that Kano State Government would strive and work harder in delivering more democratic dividends in housing, transportation, fly-over bridges, improving road network, agriculture, commerce and many other interventions that would improve standard of living and ensure development in the state.

    He emphasized the importance of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week to the lives of Women and Children, maintaining that, “this week exercise would provide Vitamin A supplement for Children, Deworming of Children, immunization, Screening of Children Nutritional Status and Birth registration exercise among others.”

    Read Also: NDLEA nabs 250 drug suspects in Kano

    On his part, the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, represented by the District Head of Tudun Wada, Dr. Bashir Ibrahim Muhammad Dankadai, expressed satisfaction on the effort made by Kano State Government and other development partners in promoting the lives of Women and Children in the State despite economic challenges.

    Also speaking, the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Kabiru Ibrahim Getso said the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week is a week- long event during which low cost interventions are offered to prevent women and Children under age of 5 with the aim of increasing coverage levels of some important preventive and curative health indicators that allow mothers and Children to thrive and develop.

    According to him, Kano State Government in collaboration with other developed partners had spent over N1 million in procuring the needed supplements to ensure the successful conduct of the MNCHW Programme across the 44 local government areas in the State.

    On the effort being made by the State to improve the health sector, Dr. Getso explained “The Present administration of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has renovated and equipped over 300 Hospitals with new working materials to ensure that people benefit more from its health revitalization agenda.

    ”Apart from this, Kano State Government has procured medicines worth billion of naira and distributed to the hospitals across the State, provided free maternal care and free Child treatment in the State,” he added.

    Former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Engr. Tijjani Mohammed Gwarzo, the representatives of CDC Dr. Halladu Sulaiman and that of UNICEF Dr. Muhammad were among the dignitaries that spoke at the occasion

     

     

  • Ganduje urges APC supporters to consolidate party’s gains

    Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has urged members and supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to use the time between now and when the rescheduled general elections will be conducted to consolidate on the gains of the party.

    A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Youth and Culture, Malam Muhammad Garba, advised party members to work for its interest, ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    The governor, according to the statement, assured the people that the APC administration would continue to work hard to fulfil its campaign promises to Nigerians.

    Read also: Social Media accounts bearing my names are fake, says IBB

    He urged members to support the party’s leadership and be good ambassadors of the ideals the party represents.

    Ganduje also appealed to APC members to be law-abiding, to be orderly and to resist the temptations to resort to violence before, during and after the general elections.

    The statement urged security agencies to brace up to stop any attempt to cause a breach of peace in the state.

  • Ganduje urges APC supporters to consolidate party gains

    Kano state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has urged members and supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to avail themselves of the opportunity provided between now and the rescheduled election date to consolidate on the gains of the party.

    A statement signed by the commissioner for Information, Youth and Culture, Malam Muhammad Garba also tasked members to work for the interest of the party to maintain its majority status ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    Read Also: Kano poll: Why Ganduje will win

    The governor, according to the statement, assured that the APC government would continue to work hard to deliver on its campaign promises to Nigerians and called on all members to support the leadership and be good ambassadors of the ideals of the party.

    It appealed to members to be law abiding, be orderly and to resist all temptations to violence before or during the election.

    The statement also called on security agencies to brace up to stop any attempt whatsoever to cause a breach of peace in the state.

  • Kano poll: Why Ganduje will win

    In this piece, Kande Ibrahim highlights the factors that will make Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje win a second term on March 2.

    If you have been anywhere near Kano state in recent weeks, you would have noticed that the commonest refrain in the streets of Kano resonates with the name- Ganduje. All that is required is for an excited indigene to shout Kanooo. And the thunderous refrain will be- Ganduje. Why has Ganduje become such a cult hero in Kano state? The answer to this question lies in the manner of man that Ganduje is and the transformative governance that he has brought to bear in the state.

    Ordinarily, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the governor of Kano state, is supposed to be fighting the political battle of his life. Having run a good race in his first tenure, Ganduje is bidding for a second term in office. Well-meaning people of the state and beyond believe that he deserves to serve again considering his stellar performance in his first tenure. But some political opponents of his in the state have stacked up some obstacles for him. Prominent among them is the former governor of the state, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The former governor, for some reason, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the hope that the political structure in the state will collapse under him. But Ganduje, who served as deputy governor under Kwankwaso held back. He did not jump unto Kwankwaso’s defection bandwagon. Instead, he held his own and has been putting everything in place to ensure that he becomes the man to watch in Kano.

    So far, the odds have worked in favour of Ganduje. Kwankwaso, the man who is supposed to give him troubled sleep, has been floundering. In deciding who will fly the flag of the PDP in the state, Kwankwaso made a tactical mistake when he anointed his in-law for the top job. Fortunately, the misstep by Kwankwaso is turning out to be an advantage for Ganduje. The Ganduje political machine has effectively sunk that of his opponents considering the speed and ravages with which it is cruising around the state. In trying to have a strong foothold on the state, Ganduje is winning virtually everybody that matters in the state to his side. Two out of the three senators in the state, with the exception of Kwankwaso are with him. And it is expected that Ganduje’s loyalists will take over the three senatorial seats by the time the February 16 elections hold. In fact, one of the biggest catches that Ganduje made is in the person of Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, the former governor of the state. Shekarau, an avowed political foe of Kwankwaso, has joined forces with Ganduje to effectively neutralise Kwankwaso in the state. Even some top politicians who made the mistake of moving with Kwankwaso have started returning to Ganduje. Prominent among them is Ganduje’s former deputy who left his master in the hope that Kwankwaso was going to offer him the governorship ticket. Now, the chips are down and the good people of Kano are making their choice. Ganduje, from all indications, stands tall among the motley crowd of candidates jostling for the governorship slot.

    You will  truly appreciate the governor’s level of acceptability by the people of Kano state if you operate within and around Kano state. The governor has become a huge phenomenon. His popularity is soaring by the day because the people have a lot to be happy about when they reflect on the government of the day led by Ganduje.

    The man is humane, humble and unassuming. There are no airs around him. That is why Government House Kano can best be described as the people’s house. Under the present dispensation, there is no artificial brick wall that separates the leadership from the followers. All mix freely in the same environment. And this has brought everybody home. No one feels any sense of alienation.

    Human relations apart, Ganduje is the Mr. Projects of our time. His pursuit of landmark projects has changed the face of Kano. He is reputed to be the first governor to construct the longest flyover stretching about two kilometres along Murtala Muhammed Way, Sabon Gari. The flyover is considered to be a major solution to the traffic congestion in Sabon Gari which is the commercial hub of the state. It will also facilitate the movement of people and goods in and out of the state. With increased commercial activities which the flyover has brought about, the living conditions of the ordinary man in Kano is likely to improve.

    There is also the three newly completed underpasses along Katsina Road. Katsina road in Kano is a very busy road through which people, goods and services from neighbouring countires like Niger Republic, Benin Republic and even Libya pass through. The influx of people on this major artery has been a major source of discomfort to road users and businesses in Kano. But the three underpasses have provided the much-needed relief. Vehicular and human traffic, noise pollution and other irritations are gone for good. This, as should be expected, will impact positively on the growth of businesses in the state.

    There is also the ongoing construction of Underpass and flyover at Dangi Roundabout, along Zaria road, Kano.  Under Ganduje as well, a massive project called Kano Economic City located in Dangworo area of Kano is being embarked upon. The project promises to be the largest economic hub in northern Nigeria. It is also going to be an Export Processing Zone. All of this put together make Kano a sprawling megacity. Significantly, the Ganduje flyovers and underpasses are not commonplace. They are modeled after what obtains in Dubai and some other advanced cities in the western world.

    Apart from the massive road construction efforts, the  Ganduje administration has major landmark projects in the area of youth empowerment. One is the Reformatory centre in Kiru local government area of the state. The other is the Skills Acquisition centre in Kano city. The reformatory project is the first of its kind in the country. Here, drug addicts are resettled and rehabilitated. It is a programme which discourages the youth from doing drugs. At the centre, government has provided facilities for de-intoxicating the addicts, both men and women, and expose them to various trades such as carpentry and joinery, auto mechanics, Technical Drawing, automotive engineering, plumbing, welding, electrical and electronics, etc.

    The ultra-modern Integrated Vocational Skills Acquisition centre is for graduates of secondary and tertiary institutions who lack the requisite skills to be gainfully employed. The centre is therefore like a finishing school of sorts. It parades about 20 trades such as computer engineering,  plumbing and pipe works, electrical installation, metal machine works, renewable energy, welding and fabrication, catering and Hospitality, among others.

    These are signature projects which mark the Ganduje administration out.  No doubt, the people feel good about the man who has given them so much. They yearn for him. This makes Ganduje the candidate to beat in the March 2, governorship election in the state.

    • Ibrahim writes from Abuja.

     

  • I am ready to welcome Kwankwaso into APC after elections, says Ganduje

    Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on Saturday in Kano, declared that he would be glad to receive the former Governor of the state and political rival, Senator Rab’u Musa Kwankwaso  back to the All Progressive Congress (APC)  after the general elections.

    Ganduje who stated this while receiving Alhaji Ibrahim Na-Kaduna, chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from Yalwa Ward in Dala Local Government where Ali Sani Madakin Gini, PDP’s Kano Central Senatorial candidate hails from, said he would be ready to receive Kwankwaso any time he made up his mind to rejoin APC.

    According to him, “in APC we take all as human beings. We treat them with all manner of dignity and respect. That is why we are doing our best to woo new entrants into our fold. Even him (Kwankwaso) we wanted him to come and rejoin our party.

    “When he was planning to come back, he came with a condition that, we must support his candidate for the presidency. We told him pointblank that as far as we are concerned there is no vacancy in the Villa. We made him understand vividly clear that, we could not support any other candidature apart from that of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

    Ganduje further stated that, “Kwankwaso was only busy doing what he thought were ways to get to President Muhammadu Buhari to tell him that he wanted to stage a comeback. But when he saw the handwriting on the wall clearly, he retreated. This is so because we told our President not to take any serious action and not to even entertain him, until after the general elections.

    “If we accept him before elections, he could beat his chest at the end of it and boast that he made the victory possible. We now said let him rejoin when election is over. That is after the victory come calling.”

    Read Also: Ganduje makes U-turn, releases stadium for Atiku’s campaign

    Ganduje explained that, “this effort of rescuing Kwankwasiyya followers, which is tagged ‘Operation Tsamar Nama’ is designed to, specifically, help those followers understand the true picture of the predicament they are in. So we are welcoming you for this giant step you have just taken.”

    He further noted that, “APC is an ideology-based political structure, with articulate policies that are meant for the development of the nation generally. We are at peace with all segments of the society.

    “We are at peace with the Emirate Council, with the business community, with Clerics, with youth, with women and with all categories of good citizens.

    “That is why we are empowering our people, because we believe that, when their life is improved, it will also translate into societal growth and development.”

    However, Na-Kaduna who was presented to Governor Ganduje by the member of Kano State House of Assembly, representing Dala local Government Area, Babangida Alasan Yakudima, lamented before the Governor how the leader of Kwankwasiyya group, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has been insensitive to the plight of his followers.

    According to him, “Kwankwaso is only interested in putting his followers to many troubles and political crises. When such things happen, before you know it, he takes to his heel. How can such a person be a leader?”

    He further revealed that, “at a point in time, the North Central Senatorial candidate in PDP, Madakin Gini, had wanted to run away from the Kwankwasiyya group. Plans were on top gear, but all of a sudden, we just heard that he made a U-Turn, that he is still with Kwankwaso.”

  • 2019: Ooni urges Yorubas in Kano to support Ganduje

    Satisfied by the developmental projects, programmes and policies put in place in Kano and the protection of the Yorubas by the administration of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Alayeluwa, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has urged all Yorubas in the state to support Ganduje’s re-election bid.

    He made the statement at the Fundraising of N500m for the establishment of Yoruba Community House, that was held at Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano,said he would make sure that Yorubas continue to live in peace with all in Kano.

    Ooni commended Ganduje for accommodating Yoruba community in the state, adding that, “We are thanking His Excellency for showing his love and compassion to us. I am assuring you that our people will give you their unflinching support during election. No doubt about this.”

    “My people are telling me that they need four more years for you. And I know you will do more when you get another chance,” he stated.

    While calling for a standing ovation from Yorubas that were at the event, he requested that, they should pray harder for his (Ganduje’s) Four Plus Four slogan, that he needs four more years.

    He said they were all glad to be associated with governor Ganduje in his effort for securing the future of the women folk, through his empowerment schemes.

    Read Also: Kano ready for Atiku, says PDP chair

    “Yoruba communities have been in Kano for many decades. And they are living with all people peacefully. I met an elderly man who said he has been in Kano for over forty years,” said Ooni.

    To make it clear for all Yorubas in the state, to understand his call for supporting Ganduje, Ooni said “Our dear governor Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje deserves another four more years. I am assuring you that votes from Yoruba communities in Kano, will be for you Your Excellency.”

    In his response, governor Ganduje said he was delighted to receive the Ooni at Government House, saying to the Ooni “This is your home Your Imperial Majesty. You know that Kano people believe in and promote national integration.”

    Ganduje said “The development of Kano has been facilitated by different nationalities here in Kano. We love them and we protect them.”

    He further reveals that, Kano develops because it is accommodating, ensuring that, “We believe everyone has his or her quota to share for the sustainable development of the state. We are aware that, it is convergence of cultures that brings into limelight sustainable growth and development.”

    Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, assured all that, whoever lives in Kano is from Kano, emphasising that, “Whoever lives peacefully, respects law and order and respects his dignity and others, we regard him as a Kano citizen. It is incumbent upon us to protect such person.”

    Emir Sanusi reminded that, “Yorubas have been in Kano since from the time of the establishment of Kurmi market, during the time of Emir Muhammadu Rumfa, over 500 years ago.”

    To show how Kano blends with other ethnic nationalities even at the level of the Emirate Council, Emir said “After the befitting construction of Palaces for our District Heads we ordered for such construction for the Sarkin Yarbawa, Eze of Igbo, Sarkin Edo and other similar ethnic nationalities.”

    “Not only that” he continued “We are making preparation to see that, we start paying salary to Sarkin Yarbawa, Eze Ndigbo, Sarki Edo and for other ethnic nationalities. Just as we pay our District Heads and other traditional title holders. It is not the money that matters, but rather it shows that they are also part and parcel of Kano community.”