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Tag: Aliyu

  • Don’t run away from Niger, Aliyu tells non-indigenes

    Don’t run away from Niger, Aliyu tells non-indigenes

    Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu yesterday called for a halt in the exodus of non-indigenes from the state.

    The governor apparently feared that non-indigenes would run away from the state in the aftermath of next month’s general elections.

    He assured of tight security for lives and property of Nigerians in the state before, during and after the polls.

    Aliyu spoke in Minna, the state capital, at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Livingstone Parish, during its 25th anniversary thanksgiving.

    He said: “I appeal to you (non-indigenes) not to run away from Minna and other parts of the state because of the coming elections.”

    Aliyu said the February general elections must be peaceful.

    The governor urged politicians to accept the results, whichever way they go, adding that the protection of life and property was paramount to his administration.

    He advised the people not to kill one another for the political interest of anybody.

    He said: “Anyone killing self for partisan politics is like committing suicide, which both religions abhor.”

    Aliyu called for religious tolerance among the people.

    The governor said as a good Muslim would believe in Jesus Christ, adding  that Muslims and Christians prayed to the same God.

    He said: “Hallelluyah in Christianity is the same as Ya Allahu (Oh You God) in Islam. We must respect and protect each one of us.

    “I am appealing to you that the election period, for the first time, is becoming more intense than all the times that we have had elections in this country. We must, therefore, be very careful.

    “We must not allow the young ones to drag us into problems that we may not be able to get out from. We must not allow our desires and whips and caprices to cause problems. You must not kill yourself for anybody.”

  • Aliyu admits running govt of deceit, says APC

    Aliyu admits running govt of deceit, says APC

    The Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday said Governor Babangida Aliyu has confirmed running a government of deceit in the last eight years.

    Aliyu, last Monday said “politics is about lying”.

    But the government said the governor’s statement was taken out of context.

    In a statement in Minna, the state capital, by its Publicity Secretary Jonathan Vatsa, APC said the governor’s statement confirmed APC’s position that Aliyu had been running a government of deceit.

    By his utterance, Vatsa said, the governor had made public the true manifesto of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the residents.

    APC said: “The utterance of Governor Aliyu is an indication that all the years of his administration had been a ruse and about lying.”

    The governor’s statement, the party noted, “has sent a signal to the people of the state that his government, his party and himself cannot be trusted to serve the interest of the people, because he has publicly chastised one of his former commissioners for not lying to win the party’s last primary election”.

    APC added: “Nigerlites are tired of lies and window-dressing. This is the time for change; the wind of change is blowing through Niger State. No amount of vote-buying and manipulations can stop this wind from sweeping away the evil spirit that has turned our Government House into evil forest, where our fate is tied to the hands of few individuals operating like cabal and always desire to be worshipped.”

    The government accused the APC of taking the governor’s statement out of context.

    A statement yesterday in Minna by his Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije, said APC’s reaction was a mere expression of its twisted understanding of the governor’s statement to perpetuate hate and bitterness in Niger politics.

    The statement said: “It is indeed very sad and sadistically hostile to allow politics eclipse what is left of rational reasoning on the issue of the Niger State governor’s free and very candid opinion of the trend where politicians are seen as liars.”

  • Aliyu: Armed Forces need political will to fight insurgency

    Aliyu: Armed Forces need political will to fight insurgency

    The Chairman of the Northern States’ Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has said the Armed Forces need the political will of the nation’s leadership to overcome the security challenges facing the country.

    The governor, who spoke yesterday in Minna, the state capital, at the launch of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Emblem Appeal Week, urged the nation’s political leadership for the “political will that will enable them (Armed Forces) do the job they are employed to do properly”.

    The NSGF chairman said the Armed Forces should be provided with modern equipment and training in modern warfare crisis management to tackle insurgency.

    He said: “We must demand from the political leadership the political will that will ensure they do the job they are employed to do properly. Security agencies should not be manned by those who failed in other places.

    “As political leaders, we should give leadership and direction. We must equip the Armed Forces properly and give them the required training. We cannot for any reason relax. The Armed Forces are supposed to be combat-ready at any time.”

    Aliyu also urged Nigerians to accord the necessary respect to members of the Armed forces for deciding to lay down their lives for others to live.

    The governor expressed appreciation on the role the Armed Forces had been playing for the continued unity and peace in the country.

    The State Chairman of the Nigeria Legion, Ex-Warrant Officer Musa Abubabkar Kutigi said the body was footing the educational bills of three children of members in tertiary institutions.

    He said it was also planning to institute an empowerment scheme for widows of its members.

    Over N2.1 million was realised at the appeal fund launch, with the state government donating N500,000.

  • Aliyu’s toxic sermon

    • How a governor should not talk

    When he assumed office as Governor of Niger State in 2007 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Muazu Babangida Aliyu chose to be addressed as the Chief Servant of the state. The loquacious governor projected the image on every occasion of a public officer motivated by an elevated perception of politics as an opportunity to offer selfless and dedicated service to the people. The idea of the occupant of the elevated office of governor perceiving himself as a ‘chief servant’ suggested that he would be an embodiment of the highest and noblest ideals of altruistic leadership.

    It has however turned out that nothing could be further from the truth. Governor Aliyu, whose second term in office ends in May has been engaged in a most cruel game of deception with the unfortunate people of Niger Sate. The governor’s irresponsible remarks while inaugurating the PDP gubernatorial campaign committee this week reveal that he has been a closet Machiavellian, after all who believes that his perverse ends justify any means however immoral and despicable.

    In Aliyu’s shocking words on the occasion, “If you cannot lie, get out of politics. Anything you are involved in has its own rule. You are in politics to win, win first and let other things follow. Don’t be the one crying louder lest you will be the one they will take to court. If you are talking of honesty or morals, go and become an Imam or pastor. Politics cannot be the way it used to be. The challenges are more now, the variables have changed … Our society is not as grateful as it used to be, the values and morals have gone down. If you want to win, use the modern morality”.

    That a man who, by his own admission is so completely deficient in moral integrity occupies high public office is symptomatic of what is grossly wrong with Nigeria. It explains the abysmal level of corruption and impunity that have severely undermined the country’s security, stability and development. Alhaji Aliyu’s noxious sermon illustrates to what depths of depravity Nigeria has sunk under his party, the PDP’s watch in the last 16 years. We shudder to imagine what negative impact the governor’s views will have on impressionable young minds that innocently see a state governor as a role model.

    Given his low estimation of the role of positive values in politics, Aliyu could not certainly have taken the oath of office he swore to uphold as governor with any seriousness. For, the oath presupposes a fidelity to moral values that he has shamelessly disavowed. He openly advocates lying and deception as political virtues. Such a man cannot be trusted with public funds. His temerity indicates an utter lack of respect for the people of Niger State and Nigeria as a whole. Even more dangerously, a close interrogation of his utterances to the campaign committee suggests that he is not averse to election rigging as a means of acquiring political power.

    Aliyu was one of the governors and other top officers of the PDP who left the party in protest against the perceived anti-democratic inclinations of the Jonathan presidency. It is not surprising that he abandoned the struggle against impunity in the party and ran back to his vomit. That is his strange brand of political morality. The same man has canvassed support for the PDP governorship candidate, Umar Mohammed Nasko, as his successor as governor in next month’s election. We hope they are not birds of the same feather with disdain for moral values. Politics is forvalues, not for carpet baggers. men like Aliyu should be shunned in the coming election cycle.

  • Aliyu appoints Kolo as aide

    The out-going Vice Chancellor of the Niger State-owned Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Prof Ibrahim Adamu Kolo, has been appointed Special Adviser on Education to Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu .

    His appointment came before the expiration of his tenure as the Vice Chancellor of the university.

    The letter of appointment, signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Saidu Ndako Kpaki, was dated December 16, 2014, and would take effect from January 15, 2015.

    According to the letter, Kolo’s appointment was “based on the track records of performance and achievements as a Provost of the State College of Education, Minna and his term as Vice Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai”.

    He further said the appointment was in tandem with the constitutional powers conferred on the governor, urging the new appointee to work hard to justify the confidence reposed in him by the governor.

  • Aliyu: INEC bungled PVC distribution

    Aliyu: INEC bungled PVC distribution

    The Chairman of Northern States’ Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu yesterday accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bungling the distribution of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) nationwide.

    His complaint is coming on the heels of the condemnation of the distribution by a former Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Mathias Echioda.

    The cleric had described the distribution as a “monumental failure and a deceit” designed to disenfranchise many of eligible voters in next year’s general elections.

    The PVC distribution, which ended last Monday in the state, was a failure in 11 of the 25 local government areas, where it took place.

    Aliyu told members of the House of Assembly, when he presented the 2015 fiscal estimate, that majority of eligible voters would not be able to vote during the elections.

    He said: “As I speak to you, myself, former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar have not collected our voter cards.”

    The governor explained that only 11 of the 25 local government areas got materials.

    He said the distribution was fraught with problems.

    According to him, not more than 12 eligible voters, out of 500, received their cards in most of the polling units where the distribution took place.

    Aliyu stressed that in most of the collection centres, it

  • Why council polls can’t hold, by Aliyu

    Why council polls can’t hold, by Aliyu

    Niger State Governor Mu’azu Aliyu yesterday said local government elections could not hold because of the 2015 general elections.

    The tenure of the 25 local government committees expired last Monday.

    Inaugurating caretaker council committees yesterday in Minna, the state capital, Aliyu said: “In view of the series of national elections, especially party primaries scheduled between now and next year, the government felt it was not expedient to hold council elections, hence the inauguration of caretaker committees.”

    He said local government elections would hold after the general elections next year.

    The governor urged the caretaker committees to complete projects, especially the 10-kilometre road project in local governments.

    Aliyu said the government would provide the caretaker committees the resources to perform their jobs.

  • NCPC boss gives kudos to Gov Aliyu

    NCPC boss gives kudos to Gov Aliyu

    THE Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr. John Kennedy Opara, has commended Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State on the inter- faith harmony existing between Muslims and Christians in the state.

    He made this commendation on July 9 when he and his Federal Commissioners paid a sensitization visit to  the Government House.

    His words: “Your administrative style of carrying along both the Muslims and Christians in the state is highly commendable”.

    He equally commended him for the payment of NECO and WAEC fees for final year students in all the public secondary schools in the state since 2008. He added that the non-discriminatory education policy of his administration for both indigenes and non- indigenes has shown his earnest drive to take the state to the next level.

    Mr. Opara further commended the governor for encouraging self-sponsorship of pilgrimage in the state by paying 50% of the package fee respectively to desirous intending pilgrims to Israel.He added that because of this opportunity offered by the government, more people from the state were able to travel on pilgrimage last year.

    The NCPC boss told his host that the commission was using pilgrimage as a tool for moral and spiritual transformation. He posited that if people were transformed they would affect their society positively and would help the country to move forward.

    He then urged the governor to help sponsor Christians who cannot afford to pay themselves to the Holy Land because, according to him, “pilgrimage should be for those who are spiritually rich, but materially poor”

    Mr. Opara told the governor that a concessionary exchange rate of $1 dollar to N150  has been approved by Mr. President for this year’s pilgrimage exercise.

    He further told him that the commission has been able to reduce the cost of pilgrimage from 2012-2014 by 9%. The NCPC boss intimated the governor that he had allocated 700 seats for Niger State for this year’s pilgrimage exercise.

    Responding, Governor Babangida Aliyu stated that he was satisfied with the level the Christian pilgrimage has attained in the state. In his words: “I like the work the Niger State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board is doing. This is commendable”.

  • 2015: Who succeeds Aliyu?

    2015: Who succeeds Aliyu?

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have returned to the drawing board in Niger State. Governorship aspirants on their platforms are also intensifying their consultations and mobilisation for the next poll. JIDE ORINTUNSIN writes on the succession battle in the Power State.

    The race is gathering momentum. The aspirants are scheming for power. Stakeholders are also preparing to separate the wheat from the chaff. Who succeeds Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu next year?

    For the two parties, the die is cast. The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not leaving anything to chance. Aliyu’s priority is to hand over to another PDP governor. But, the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) is not sleeping on guard. The party is growing in leaps and bounds. Therefore, pundits have predicted a tough battle in the acclaimed “Power State.”

    The next governor will be the fifth chief executive. Historically, hectic partisan battles have always heralded the ascension of the governor. In 1979, Alhaji Awwal Ibrahim emerged as the first civilian governor. He is now the Emir of Suleja. In the Third Republic, the late Dr. Musa Inuwa assumed the reins. His emergence was a surprise to many observers. Inuwa, a medical doctor from Kamberi ethnic group, joined the race few days to the primaries. Yet, he won the ticket.

    In 1999, Abdulkadir Kure, an engineer and retired civil servant, emerged on the scene. He was an unknown political figure. But, he was highly favoured by powerful and influential leaders of thought. He bowed out in 2007. Also, Aliyu never contested the PDP primaries. But, he became the PDP candidate and won the governorship poll.

    According to analysts, if history is anything to go by, the race is unpredictable. There are notable politicians eyeing the seat. Many factors will shape the contest. The governor has a stake. Sources said that he is trying to raise a worthy successor, who will be acceptable to his party and other stakeholders. Also, there are some political leaders who may rub shoulders with the governor because they are also interested in sponsoring candidates. But the political dynamics of the state and the level of political consciousness among the people may have consigned the theory of the “last minute emergence of candidate” or a “dark horse” into the political dustbin of history.

    In recent times, an unwritten zoning arrangement, which was introduced by the ruling party, has been exhumed. If it is implemented, the next PDP candidate will come from Niger North Senatorial District or Zone C. This explains why the zone has the highest number of aspirants. For now, only three contenders are from other zones. At the last count, no fewer than 13 aspirants from the two dominant parties itching to succeed Aliyu.

    The PDP has been in control of the state since 1999. Therefore, it has the highest number of aspirants. 10 aspirants are jostling for the slot. However, more aspirants may still indicate interest, ahead of the primaries.

    For now, the APC has three aspirants. But, sources said that one of the aspirants may have opted out. The aspirants is contesting the bye-election for the Niger East Senatorial seat, which became vacant, following the death of Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta last month.

    The PDP primaries may be rancorous. This is because none of the aspirants is willing to step down. Many of them have also ruled out the consensus option. The aspirants include the deputy governor, Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto, Alhaji Mu’azu Bawa Rijau, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Alhaji Sheidu Abubakar, the Chairman of Wushishi Local Government, former Minister of Trade Mustapha Bello and Ibrahim Matane, a former Head of Service. Others are Alhaji Garba Mohammed Dukku, a federal servant,  former military governor of Benue State Col. Aminu Kontagora, retired Deputy-Inspector General of Police Senator Nuhu Aliyu, a medical practitioner, Dr Mustapha,and Alhaji Darangi.

    Aliyu has never hidden his preference. Sources said that he is grooming a member of his cabinet for the role. But, he has held the card close to his chest. Eyes are on Musa Ibeto and Mu’azu Bawa Rijau. To observers, the race may just be narrowed down to the two politicians, if the governor is the only politician who will anoint the candidate.

    Apart from Ibeto and Rijau, who are the top contenders in the ruling party, the posters of Garba Dukku also adorn the streets. There is rivalry among these contenders as they try out do one another at any function. The rivalry is also worrisome to the governor. When Aliyu visited Gulu, Lapai Local Government Area for the commissioning of the Gulu General Hospital, he cautioned them, saying that politics should not be a do or die affair. Tension had risen at the ceremony when the supporters of the two politicians fought.

    To many people, Ibeto has a towering credential. He has served as the deputy governor for seven and half years. He is also perceived as a faithful and loyal deputy. He is also a former member of the House of Representatives and a former Director of Protocol to former Governor Kure.  He is believed to have the financial muscle. But, he has some hurdles to cross. Those who opposed his selection as Aliyu’s running mate are not backing his bid. The deputy governor has also been accused of not reaching out to those who matter in the state chapter of the PDP.

    Rijau is a household name in Niger State. His father is a power broker.  An economist, the former Chairman of the Board of internal Revenue has performed well as the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Development. He is very popular in the party. Besides, he is relying on the backing of his father’s political associates across the three districts.

    Bello, a one-time Minister of Trade and 2003 governorship candidate of Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), is not a push over. A technocrat of high repute, Bello knows his onions. He is courageous. After his failed attempt 11 years ago, he has refused to desert the battle field. His financial muscle and political clout are assets. But, he has many people opposing him at home. A source said that his people have resolved to back an APC candidate during the election.

    Another aspirant to watch is Dukku. He is seen as the “Abuja joker”. He is well connected. He has godfathers among top PDP big wigs. Dukku has campaign structures in the 25 local governments. This feat has not been matched by any aspirant.

    Senator Aliyu’s ambition may not go beyond the party primaries. He lacks political structure and patronage required for the contest. His political popularity has declined, following his defeat by a relatively known lawyer and opposition candidate, Senator Ibrahim Musa, at the 2011 senatorial election.

    Other aspirants- Abubakar, Kontagora and Darangi-are not slowing down. Also, Ahmed Matane, the former Commissioner for Agriculture, is waxing stronger. He is close to Aliyu. Many people believe that Matane is Aliyu’s undisclosed candidate. The Mashegu-born politician has a member of the kitchen cabinet since 2007. But, he lacks the financial strength.

    In Niger State, the PDP cannot pretend as if there is no threat to its dominance. The APC is enlarging its coast. This is giving PDP leaders nuch concern. Unlike their PDP counterparts, APC contenders are maintaining a low profile. The two aspirants that are visible are Abubakar Sani Bello and Mohammed Sule. Sources said that the odds may favour the former because he is from the preferred zone. Umaru’s decision to opt out of the governorship race to participate in the senatorial by-election may be to Bello’s advantage.

    Bello, fondly called Abu Lolo by admirers, is the son of the former military governor of old Kano, Colonel Sani Bello. He is former Commissioner for Trade and Investment. He has the backing of retired Generals. He is also the toast of the youths who are agitating for generational shift. He has campaign structures in all the wards.

    Mohammed Sule, a green horn, is also trying his luck. The fate that befell Dr. Mustapha may also be his lot at the primaries. The duo are from Niger South District, which is favoured by zoning. But, Sule is perceived as the candidate of the future.

    The succession race is open. Either of the parties can produce the next governor. But, it will not be a walk over for any party.

  • His death is a personal loss, says Aliyu

    His death is a personal loss, says Aliyu

    Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu has said the death of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character, Dahiru Awaisu Kuta, is a big loss to the state.

    Kuta died yesterday at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). He was 64.

    In condolence message through his Chief Press Secretary Israel Ebije, the governor noted that Kuta’s death had increased the number of prominent Nigerians who died within a month.

    He said: “Let me express with deep sense of loss the death of Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta. For me, it’s a personal loss. The late senator was a brother and a friend. For Niger State and Nigeria, he would be missed in the area of positive contributions on issues at the National Assembly.”

    Born on April 16, 1949, the late senator was a seasoned politician and administrator who served his state and country for over 30 years.

    A family member, who spoke in confidence with our reporter, said the two-term lawmaker died in Lagos on his way to London for medical treatment.

    Kuta started his political carrier in 1983 when he was elected into the Niger State House of Assembly. He was also elected into the House of Representatives in 1993.

    At the take-off of the current democratic dispensation, the lawmaker was appointed Deputy Director of Administration at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters in 1998.

    In 1999, the Abdulkadir Kure administration in Niger State appointed him as the Secretary to State Government (SSG).

    The late senator was elected from Niger East to the Senate in 2007 and was re-elected in 2011.

    He started his civil service career in the defunct North–Western State and had his service transferred to Niger State in 1976. Two years later, the late Kuta was appointed Secretary of the State Sports Council for three years before joining politics.