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Tag: Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello

  • Sani-Bello Swears in six New Permanent Secretaries

    Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello has inaugurated six new Permanent Secretaries calling on them to make positive difference in their various ministries.

    The swearing in which was performed by Justice Zainab Gaddafi on behalf of the Chief Judge was held at the Government House in Minna.

    The Governor called on the appointees to inculcate the spirit of accountability and responsible conduct in the conduct of their duties.

    ” You have been appointed today not by assent but by your eligibility to hold this post as permanent secretaries so the best you can do is to pray for God’s guidance and protection.

    Read Also: Ambode swears in six permanent secretaries

    “To whom much is given, much is expected so I hope you will serve your respective ministries as expected.”

    He then congratulated them and wished them well as they take up their new responsibilities.

    The six newly sworn in Permanent Secretaries include Engineer. Abubakar Sadiq Balarebe posted to the Ministry of Works, Hajiya, Jummai  Idris Muhammad to the Ministry of Education,  Barrister Adamu Panti to the Ministry of Justice.

    Others are Mallam Baba Wachiko posted to Economic Affairs, Office of the SSG,  Alhaji Isah Bala to the Ministry of Information and Strategy and Musa Rogo Ibrahim as Permanent Secretary Special Duties, Office of the SSG.

  • I’m Ready to Pay Any Amount Agreed Upon for Minimum Wage – Niger Gov

    Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello on Thursday said that he is ready to pay any amount agreed upon by the Federal government and the Nigeria Governors Forum on minimum wage.
    He expressed optimism that whatever amount agreed upon would be best for the government and the workers.
    Bello stated this when he played host to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Pension Union (NPC) in Minna. 
    Governor Sani-Bello assured the workforce in the state of his commitment to sustain the cordial industrial relationship.
    He assured the state workforce of his determination towards ensuring prompt and regular payment of workers’ salary, stressing that payment of salary will continue to be a front line charge payment.
    “For me, I have resolved that payment of salary will continue to be on a frontline charge. We have perfected our plan, even when we do not  get the monthly statutory allocation, workers’ salary will be paid as a when due,” Gov. Sani assured the labour leaders.
    Earlier, the NLC state chairman, Comrade Ndako and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Yunusa Tanimu  commended the Governor for the existing cordial labour relationship being entrenched by the administration.
    According to Ndako, while many states were grappling to pay their workforce, with some states having a backlog of 7 to 10 months outstanding, workers in Niger state are not only being paid regularly but promptly.

    Read also: ‘Government has no option than to pay N30,000 minimum wage’

     “It is on record that some states are indebted to their workers for several months, some are owning 7 months while some have yet to pay in the last ten months, but we are not owed a day, while our salary is promptly paid as at when due.
    “We are here today to thank you, Mr. Governor for a job well done to our constituency. I mean to workers in the state. We want to appreciate the prompt payment of salary by the government,” Comrade Ndako stated.
    The labour leaders also commended the governor for the recent approval of 25 percent salary increase to officers on Grade level (GL) and the restoration of payment of leave grant to civil servants in the state after many years of non-payment.

  • 2019: Association purchase nomination form for Sani-Bello

    Niger State Amalgamated Market Traders’ Association ( NSAMTA) has purchased 2019 governorship nomination and expression of intent forms for the re-election of the Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello.

    The Union disclosed that in conjunction with the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), they obtained the forms on behalf of the Governor Sani-Bello from the National Secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja for the sum of N22.5 million on Friday.

    Presenting the forms to the Governor by a large crowd of representatives of the traders and all the local government chairmen, a leader of the union, Alhaji Aminu Achida said Governor Sani-Bello’s ability to bring about economic and infrastructural development across the state informed the decision of the union to go ahead and obtain the forms to enable him seek for second term.

    He applauded the giant strides recorded by the administration in developing the state in the last three years.

    The market men and women led by their chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Dan’dare attributed the success recorded by the Governor on his conscious efforts at running an all inclusive government in the state which brought about conducive environment for business to thrive in the state.

    Read Also: 2019: APC gives conditions for consensus candidature

    The traders eulogized the governor’s efforts at ensuring prompt payment of civil servants salaries, which in turn boost their own business.

    The traders then assured the Governor of their support in the forth coming elections, stressing that the union would mobilise all its members in the state to ensure victory for the Governor at the polls come 2019.

    Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello while accepting the forms expressed gratitude to the association for the support and confidence bestowed upon him assuring them that his administration would continue to ensure economic and infrastructural development despite the economic challenges faced by the state.

  • Group buys nomination form for Niger governor

    Market men and women from across all the local government councils in Niger state on Friday besieged the national Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to purchase a N22.5 million nomination and expression of interest form for Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello.

    Coming under the auspices of the Niger state Market Men and Women Association, the Group said they decided to buy the nomination form for the Governor because of their conviction that his tenure has brought lot of blessings to the people of the state.

    Read Also:AfDB approves $15m equity investment in Nigeria, others

    Spokesman of the traders, Alhaji Ahmed Salihu told newsmen that traders in the state camp together to contribute money to purchase the firm, stressing that they were heading back to Minna to present it to the governor as a surprise gift.

    He said “In the history of Niger state, this is the first time that Market Association decided to buy the nomination and expression of interest forms for the present governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sadiq Sani Bello.

    “We are doing this because the governor has achieved a lot not only for market people but to the entire Niger people. Talking about the market people, for the first time the governor fixed all the roads in the market.

    “He provided three 500 KVA transformer to the market. He did this because he wants to discourage the use of small power generating sets in the market in order to avoid fire disaster.

    “So because of his achievements, the market people decided to come together to do this for him. We are here on his behalf without even his knowledge. After here we are going back to the state present it to the governor as a big surprise.

    “If the market association has a chance, it would have first purchased the form for President Muhammadu Buhari for what he has done.”

    Salihu disclosed that improvement in market activities in the State has helped improve the internally generated revenue in the state, saying under the governor’s administration, the state IGR has improved just as commercial activities have risen”

    Also on Friday, 12 members of the Sokoto state House of Assembly who refused to join former Speaker of the house of representatives, Aminu Tambuwal to defect to the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were also at the secretariat to buy a nomination form for one of them, Faruok Malami Yabo.

    Leader of the delegation, Sani Alhaji Yakubu told newsmen that they are ready to take over the government from the current PDP government led by Aminu Tambuwal.

    While insisting that the APC will take over power from the PDP in the State during 2019 general elections, Yakubu said “As you can see, we have all contributed a total sum of 22 million, 500 thousand to obtain form for Honourable Yabo

    “We decided to contribute our hard-earned salaries to the gentleman because we found it very imperative,” he said.

  • Babangida is a testimony of good leadership – Sani-Bello

    Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello has said that former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida has remained a testimony to the power of good leadership and purposeful living.

    Paying tribute tothe nation’s former leader, Bello noted that the former Military leader has continued to demonstrate great statesmanship and patriotism as he has remained resolute on the path of promoting national unity, integration and development.

    In a congratulatory message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the Governor Sani-Bello described General Babangida as a great source and flowing river of inspiration as well as a role model who excellent years of active public life were guided by good virtues, vision and courageous showmanship.

    Read Also: Babangida to blame for the sorry state of infrastructures in Niger – Gov. Sani Bello

    “We salute your resilience and commitment to the service of nation in particular and humanity in general. We will continue to tap from your wealth of experience”.

    He said the history of Nigeria can never be complete without acknowledging General Babangida’s numerous contributions to the nation’s sociopolitical and economic development.

    Governor Sani-Bello then prayed Allah to grant him excellent health, strength and many more years ahead.

  • Sani Bello presents N128b budget estimate for 2018

    Sani Bello presents N128b budget estimate for 2018

    Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has presented a budget estimate of N128, 010,602,977 billion for the 2018 fiscal year.

    Making the presentation to the State House of Assembly, the Governor tagged the 2018 budget as ‘The Peoples’ Budget’ stating that it will encourage community participation, inclusiveness and responsiveness to the yearning and aspirations of the people.

    The 2018 budget is N19 billion or 16.62 per cent higher than the 2017 budget.

    The 2018 budget has a statutory allocation  at N57,610,992,019, Value Added Tax (VAT) N9,890,656,457, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) N11,650,465,457, Capital receipts N35,854,489,391, Paris Club Refund N10 billion and Return from Pensions N3 billion.

    The proposed budget comprises a recurrent expenditure of N52,151,626,082, which is 40.74 per cent of the total budget  with Personnel Cost at N91,016,961,635; Consolidated Funds charges of N9,743,464,447; Overhead Cost of N11,391,200.

    While the capital expenditure stands at N75, 858,976,895 or 59.26 percent of the total budget size with the economic sector receiving the largest share.

    Breakdown of the capital expenditure include administration, N9,944,734,640; economic N44,132,945,270; social N20,471,296,985; Law and justice N1,310,000,000.

    Describing the uniqueness of the budget, the Governor said it is demand-driven as it anchors on the expressed needs of the people.

    In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Alhaji Ahmed Marafa assured of the early passage of the budget.

  • Okowa, Markafi, Darius Visit IBB

    Okowa, Markafi, Darius Visit IBB

    The National Caretaker Committee Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ahmed Markarfi and the Chairman of the PDP National Elective Convention Committee, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa Wednesday visited former military President,  General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida at his Uphill residence in Minna.

    The duo came along with Taraba state Governor, Darius Ishaku, Senator Obi and Senator Abdul Ningi.

    The group arrived the Minna International Airport at about 1pm and headed straight to the Uphill residence of the former military President.

    Newsmen were not allowed into the indoor meeting that lasted more than an hour.

    However, The Nation gathered that the purpose of the visit may be related to the PDP National Convention coming up on Saturday.

    Read Also: Makarfi: Atiku’s defection won’t stop me

    A Source in Babangida’s house said that the Chairman of the Convention and Delta State Governor was said to have assured the elder statesman that all aspirants would be given a level playing field stating that the convention would be hitch-free.

    After the visit to Babangida, the team visited the Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello at the Government House in Minna.

    Attempts to speak to the Governors at the Government House also proved abortive as they said that they were on a private visit to see a fellow colleague.

  • Niger Gov Dissolves Cabinet

    Niger Gov Dissolves Cabinet

    Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello on Wednesday dissolved the State Executive Council and has directed all permanent sectaries to take charge until new appointments are made.
    The Governor announced the dissolution after the Weekly Executive Council Meeting in Minna, through a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace.
    No reason have been given for the dissolution of the cabinet but sources has disclosed that it may be out of the dissatisfaction over the poor performance of some Commissioners.
    Governor Sani Bello however retained the three newly appointed Commissioners in the Ministries of Tourism and Culture; Mineral Resources and  Livestock and  Fishery .
    The statement further said that the weekly executive council meetings have been suspended until a new cabinet is put in place.
    The Governor then thanked the former members of his cabinet for their contributions, support and commitment to the actualization of his restoration agenda and wish them success in their future endeavor.

  • Boy whose genital was cut off by his stepmother is dead

    Baby Buhari Dauda, Boy whose genital was cut off by his stepmother is dead

    He  died in Wada village in Shiroro local Government area of Niger state after a brief malaria illness.

    The Director General of the Childs Right Agency, Barrister Mariam Kolo who confirmed this to The Nation Wednesday said that Baby Buhari had a slight malaria which made his temperature to rise adding that he died even after been administered with his prescribed drug.

    Kolo said that Baby Buhari had been slated to undergo a genital transplant in the United Kingdom before he died.

    She said that the sickness was not a relapse on his health as he was doing extremely well after series of corrective surgeries carried out on him.

    She expressed sadness over the death of the baby who is now over a year old adding that the it is being destined by God.

    The DG said that moves are being made to ensure that advice is given speedily about the case and how the case of the step mother who is currently being remanded in the Old Minna Prison would be determined.

    She said that the state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello and his wife are devastated by the death of the Baby as they thought they would have contributed in making the life of the boy meaningful.

    It would be recalled that on the 18th of June, 2016, then, two months old Buhari Dauda genitals were cut off by his 17 year old stepmother, Bara’atu Rabiu, who gave no cogent reason for the act.

    The state government moved in to savage the situation by working towards ensuring the baby grows up into adulthood with a functional manhood, moves which was truncated with his demise.

     

  • Bello meets ex-governor Aliyu, ministers, others

    Bello meets ex-governor Aliyu, ministers, others

    Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, met with former Governor of the state, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, and ministers from the state on Tuesday.

    The meeting, which took place behind closed doors in the Government House in Minna, lasted over two hours.

    Present at the meeting were the Minister of State for Solid Minerals, Hon. Abubakar Bawa Bwari, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Kuye, ex- Minister of Agriculture, Sheik Abdullah, former Ministers of Sports, Barr. Hassan Gimba and Engr. Sani Ndanusa, former Minister of Internal Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Achituwo, Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Hajiya Zaynab Kuchi and former Minister of State for Agriculture Hajiya Asmau Asabe Ahmed.

    Others were former military officers including Gen. Garba Duba, Gen. Idris Garba, Col. Aminu Isa Kontagora, Col. Fidelis Marka and former military governor of Katsina State, Col. John Yahaya Madaki.

    Former deputy governor of the state, Dr. Shem Nuhu Zagbayi, and ex- governor Aliyu’s deputy, Hon. Ahmed Ibeto, completed the list.

    Journalists, who got wind of the meeting, were earlier barred from entering the Government House by security men who claimed they were “acting on instruction from above.”

    It, however, took the intervention of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Jide Orintunsin, before the security men granted some journalists access to the Government House premises.

    Addressing journalists on the outcome of the meeting, Madaki said the meeting was at the instance of Governor Bello.

    According to him, the meeting was designed to intimate them on the state government’s programmes and policies.

    “The meeting had a four- point agenda which deliberated on the ‘state of the state’, the internally generated revenue, infrastructural decay and security.

    “A five- man advisory committee was constituted to offer innovative advice and dynamic perspectives as well as wise counsels on how to improve the economy, infrastructures and security of the state,” the former military governor stated.