The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abubakar Bello

  • Tribunal judgment: No grudge against anyone, says Bello

    Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State on Wednesday says he holds no grudge against any individual or political party that filed petitions against his re-election.

    Bello, who spoke to newsmen in Minna shortly after the election petitions tribunal upheld his re-election, also promised to run an inclusive government.

    The governor added that he would continue to be fair to all parts of the state in the distribution of amenities for the benefit of residents.

    The News agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Umar Nasko, the PDP candidate in the March governorship election in the state and his party, had dragged the APC candidate, Bello and his deputy Ahmed Ketso, before the tribunal.

    The petitioners alleged that the duo presented forged academic and declaration of age certificates to the Independent National Electoral Commission, to contest the election.

    But the tribunal dismissed the petition for lack of merit and evidence.

    Read Also: Buhari gave me N30.8 billion to pay salary arrears- Gov Bello

    Bello in his reaction described the tribunal judgment as “a very fair judgment” and called on people to join hands with him to move the state forward.

    “Like I said after I was declared winner in March, that we should all come together because we are all Nigerlites as I am more concerned about the welfare of our people.

    “The judgment has been passed and I hope we can come together as one because I have no grudges against anyone as I am more concerned about the development of our state,” he said.

    The governor, however, commended the people for giving him their mandate, pledging that everyone irrespective of religion and political affiliations would enjoy the dividends of democracy.

    NAN

  • Gov. Bello assures Muslim pilgrims of adequate care

    Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State on Monday assured Muslim pilgrims of adequate care while in Saudi Arabia to partake in the 2019 Hajj exercise.

    Bello gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen before his departure from Minna International Airport alongside 527 last batch of pilgrims from the state to the holy land to perform the 2019 Hajj exercise.

    Bello explained that his decision to board the same flight with the pilgrims was to allow him interact with them, to ascertain their challenges and identify possible ways of improving this year’s Hajj exercise.

    “Since I became governor in 2015, I have never traveled with the pilgrims. I want to know how they feel , and how they are treated. I have received reports in the past years from different Hajj committees, but I decided to see things for myself.

    “This is to allow us identity areas that need improvement, to enable us address them before subsequent trips, “ he said.

    Bello promised to pray fervently while in the holy land on the increasing wave of insecurity as well as peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

    Read Also: Gov. Bello calls for law review to tackle crimes

    Earlier, Alhaji Inuwa Musa, the state’s Amirul Hajj, disclosed that the state Pilgrims Welfare Board (NSPWB) had improved the allowances for the Area Pilgrims Welfare Officers (APWOs), to enhance their efficiency.

    He charged the APWOs and pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state by obeying the Saudi Laws and concentrate on the Hajj rites and obligations.

    In his remarks, Alhaji Umaru Lapai, Acting Executive Secretary of NSPWB, said a total of 3273 pilgrims, including officials from the state would participate in this year’s Hajj exercise.

    He revealed that the state government had made adequate arrangement to provide the pilgrims with three square meals and functional clinic in one of the pilgrims’accommodations in Mecca.

    Lapai, however, attributed the flight delays experienced to the absence of written flight schedules and urged the Federal Government to address such issues subsequently.

    NAN

  • Gov. Bello calls for law review to tackle crimes

    Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State has advocated for the review of the laws dealing with drug abuse, possession of fire arms, rape, banditry and kidnapping.

    Bello said this during the swearing-in of Mr Aliyu Mayaki, as the Chief Judge of the state, in Minna on Sunday.

    A press statement by Bello’s Chief Secretary, Mrs Mary Berje, said the governor called for reform of the judiciary to enable it discharge its duties diligently.

    Bello said a situation where criminals who were arrested and charged to court obtain bail within 48 hours was not good for our contemporary society.

    He, however, suggested stiffer penalties for crimes associated with drug possession and addiction, rape, banditry and kidnapping among others.

    He enjoined the judiciary and the legislative arms of government to work towards facilitating immediate amendment of such laws as well as proffer lasting solution to the increasing wave of insecurity confronting the country.

    He urged the judicial arm of government to engage the legislatures on its budget estimates to bring about efficiency in the administration of justice.

    “I also realized that for this programme to be effective, there is the need to implement full autonomy for the judiciary.

    Read Also: Audu: Bello does not deserve second term

    “I hope we can implement this autonomy and I hope our income will increase so that we are able to give you a reasonable amount every month to renovate your courts,” he said.

    The governor added that the three arms of government complements each other, adding that they should partner in building a virile society.

    Bello said his administration would continue to support the judiciary in the areas of capacity building, renovation of courts, and ensure welfare of judges.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that Mayaki, until his appointment was the acting Chief Judge of the state following the retirement of Mr Ahmed Bima.

    NAN

  • Court remands herdsman for allegedly killing farmer

    An Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court in Osun on Tuesday remanded a 45-year-old herdsman, Abubakar Bello, in Ilesa Prison, over alleged murder of a farmer, Zachariah Oyebamiji.

    Magistrate Mary Awodele, ordered that the defendant be kept behind bars in Ilesa, pending legal advice from the Office of the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

    Awodele adjourned the case until May 20, for mention.

    Bello is facing a two-count charge of murder.

    READ ALSO: Ekiti residents protest killing of farmer by suspected herdsman

    The Prosecutor, Insp Elisha Olusegun, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on March 13, at 12.30 p.m., at Ila-Orangun, Osun.

    Olusegun  said that the accused conspired with others at large and killed Oyebamiji, on his farm.

    He said that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 324 and 319(1) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 vol. 11, Laws of Osun, 2002.

    The plea of the defendant was not taken by the court.

  • NLC, TUC, pensioners endorse Bello for second term

    The Organised Unions and Pensioners in Niger state have endorsed Governor Abubakar Bello for second term.

    They said they were backing the reelection of Bello because he has been a labor- friendly governor.

    Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Idris Ndako made this endorsement at the Labour House in Minna during an interactive session between the Governor, Organised Labour and pensioners in the state.

    The Labour Leader said that the support was borne out of the  pro-labour policies, programmes and cordial industrial relationship with the administration of since 2015.

    He said: “The National President of the Congress has directed states councils to ensure that all governors who are labour- friendly and are seeking reelection should be supported.

    Read Also: ACF, NLC urge Atiku to concede defeat

    “We are here today to inform you of our total support for your aspiration and election comes Saturday. The entire organised labour is solidly behind you.”

    Comrade Ndako noted that the policies and programmes of Governor Sani-Bello since 2015 have been labour friendly.

    Bello assured the state workforce of his administration’s plans to provide better system workers to ensure effective and efficient service delivery despite financial challenges faced by the state.

    He said he will continue to ensure prompt payment of salaries, pension and other benefits as at when due while assuring local government workers and teachers in the state of increment in salaries.

    The governor stated his commitment to taking the state to the next level while directing a work -free day for the state civil servants on Friday to enable them prepare ahead of the Governorship and House Assembly elections.

  • Niger lawmaker empowers 1,100 women

    Alhaji Umar Bago, (APC) House of Representatives member, representing Chanchaga Federal constituency, has empowered 1,100 women.

    Bago was re-elected as member representing Chanchaga Federal Consistituency for the third term during the February 23 presidential and National Assembly elections.

    The items distributed included grinding machines, sewing machines and refrigerators.

    Bago explained that the gesture was a way of giving back to the women who turned out in large numbers to vote for candidates of the All Progressive Congress (APC) during the presidential and NASS elections.

    “This is a way of paying back to our women for their massive support and for re-electing us. It is also part of the continuation of our empowerment scheme and to encourage women to come out again to vote APC,” he said.

    The lawmaker disclosed that about 110 motorcycles would also be distributed to the youths in the area to make them self-reliant.

    He gave assurance that he would continue to empower women in every three months.

    Read Also: Niger accuses hotel of N98m fraud

    In his remarks, Gov Abubakar Bello, urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the empowerment kits to better their lots and that of their families.

    He commended the lawmaker for the initiative, adding that the empowerment programme will help reduce unemployment among women and youths.

    He also appealed to women and youths to come out in their large and vote for candidates of APC during the governorship and state house of assembly elections.

    Hajiya Azumi Mohammed, one of the beneficiaries who spoke to NAN, commended the lawmaker and promised judicious usage of the items. (NAN)

  • Bello, Nasko shun Niger governorship debate

    Niger State Governor Abubakar Bello and his People’s Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart Alhaji Umar Nasko on Tuesday shunned a debate organised by the Niger state Coalition of  Business and Professional Association (NICOBPA).

    Neither of them attended or sent a representative. They also didn’t send apologies for their absence.

    Bello, who was in attendance at the 2019 Army Day Celebration held at the 123 Parade Ground, was expected to attend the debate after the event.

    But he shunned the debate, which held at Idrisu Legbo Kutigi Conference Centre directly opposite the Niger state Government House.

    But the governorship candidates of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Dr. Ibrahim Mani; Honorable Isah Kawu of the All Democratic Party (ADP); Dr. Joshua Bawa of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Alhaji Yahaya Daudu of  the People Redemption Party (PRP) attended the debate.

    Kawu said his party would embark in politics without bitterness, highlighting his major priorities will be on education and empowerment of Women, youths and the civil servants.

    Mani said his administration would focus on empowerment of youths, saying he would encourage youths to begin snake- farming, which he believed is profitable because lot of industries are looking for snake farms to get venom for their anti-venom drugs.

    Read Also: Why we dumped Atiku, PDP – Bello

    Bawa said he would make the state a tourist destination, focus on teachers’ empowerment and create an enabling environment for investors to invest in.

    Daudu said he will improve on the education of the people and improve on health especially in the rural areas.

    The Chairman NICOBPA, Alhaji Mohammed Lawal, said the debate was to give the people a feel of what the governorship candidates have and interact with the public.

    He stated a lot of the people do not know most of the candidates except those of the APC and PDP, adding the forum will give the people the opportunity to know who their candidates are.

  • I have no problem with 30,000 minimum wage – Gov. Bello

    Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State has pledged to support the N30,000 minimum wage demand by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).

    He said that his administration has always given priority to the welfare of workers in the state since 2015.

    He said this during a meeting with officials and members of the state Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday in Minna.

    The NLC delegation was at the government house to register their protest against the delay in the transmission of the National Minimum Wage to the National Assembly.

    Bello expressed his administration’s readiness to comply with the demand of NLC as soon it was implemented by the Federal government.

    According to him, there is need to look into workers welfare in order to improve their standard of living and service delivery.

    “I am 100 per cent in support of the need to look at whatever is happening on how to improve the life and standard of living of our people.

    “I have no problem with the implementation of the payment of N30,000 minimum wage to our workers, as I believe this matter will soon be put to rest.

    “The welfare of our workers is something we have to look into properly,” he said.

    Bello said that as part of efforts to improve workers welfare, government had released N30 billion for the payment of pension and death gratuity.

    He noted that President Muhammadu Buhari was concerned about the welfare of civil servants in the country and had made provision for the N30,000 minimum wage in the 2019 budget.

    Earlier, Mr Idris Ndako, the NLC Chairman in Niger, called for the urgent implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage.

    He described civil servants as partners in progress and machineries that drive the country’s economy.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Benson Upah, who represented NLC President Ayuba Wabba, led the protest to the government house.

    NAN

  • APC primaries: Bello of Niger calls for calm

    Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger has called for calm among residents of the state during and after the ongoing All Progressive Congress primaries in the state.

    Bello made the appealed on Thursday when he addressed youths from two political parties who blocked the road around Maje and some parts of Suleja.

    The youth were protesting the alleged kidnapping of Suleja Council Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Maje by unknown gunmen.

    The News Agency of Nigeria report that the governor, who met with the aggrieved youths to address them at the Emir palace in Suleja, appealed to them to be calm.

    Bello said that the government would not condone any act of lawlessness capable of disrupting the peace of the state and called on all political actors to caution their supporters.

    Read Also: Bello gets Adamawa SDP governorship ticket

    “The situation we are seeing today is not part of the ways of our people; the state has been known to be a peaceful state. We will not tolerate any individual or group of persons who want to cause confusion in the state.

    “So far, we have had peaceful primary elections in the state without issues. I called on all political aspirants to caution and guard their supporters to play politics in accordance with the rules,” he said.

    He directed the security agencies to ensure that normalcy was returned in the area and advised residents to go about their daily businesses without fear.

    News Agency of Nigeria report that the alleged kidnapped council chairman also met with the governor to address the youth.

  • Party primaries: Bello directs stakeholders to return to wards

    Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger has directed stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to return to their wards and local government areas to participate for the party’s primaries.

    A statement on Friday by Malam Jibrin Ndace, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, said that the governor enjoined all stakeholders to ensure that the exercise was conducted peacefully and in line with INEC guidelines.

    Bello called on all security agencies to maintain peace and ensure a hitch-free primaries at all levels.

    He reiterated his stand on direct primaries, adding that the system would carry all party members along and give everyone a sense of belonging.

    Read Also: ‘Bello has no challenger in Niger’

    “We are comfortable with the direct primaries because it is what our people and party want and we must be just and fair to all in accordance with the party ideals.

    “I therefore urge all stakeholders to exercise their rights in peaceful, rancor-free and in atmosphere of mutual respect for one another,” he said.

    The governor also pleaded with all aspirants to accept the outcome of the primaries in good faith and support those who emerge winners to work for the overall success of the party.

    Bello commended members of the party for their loyalty and support and urged them to work for the progress and success of the party before, during and after the primaries.