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Tag: Aminu Masari

  • Masari presents N211.4bn appropriation for Katsina in 2018

    Masari presents N211.4bn appropriation for Katsina in 2018

    Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State on Monday presented the 2018 appropriation bill of N211.4 billion at the State House of Assembly.

    Masari, who presented the estimates in Katsina, said the budget was tagged “Budget of Actualization’’.

    He said that the appropriation bill had a capital expenditure of N160 billion, representing 75.7 per cent of the total budget, while recurrent expenditure was put at N51.4 billion, representing 24.3 per cent.

    Masari said that the projected Internally Generated Revenue ( IGR ) to finance the budget was N10.2 billion as well as N26.2 billion from other internal sources, while N131 billion was expected from the Federation Account.

    He said that the 2018 recurrent revenue increased by 30 per cent, compared to the figure in 2017, just as the recurrent expenditure in 2018 increased by 17.4 per cent over that of 2017, which was 13 per cent.

    The governor said that the personnel cost in the 2018 budget was N24.6 billion, overhead cost N12 billion, while consolidated revenue and other charges were N14.6 billion.

    He said under capital expenditure, the economic sector received N42.8 billion; social sector, N47.1 billion; regional development, N52.1 billion, while administration received N6.8 billion.

    Masari said that judiciary was allocated N691.2 million; the legislature N302.7 million; while contingency  had N2.6 billion and N7.3 billion was for debt servicing.

    Education sector received the lion share of N42.4 billion, representing 20 per cent of the budget.

    Responding, the Speaker, Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya, promised to ensure speedy passage of the budget for people of the state to continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

    Yahaya said that the house would scrutinise the budget with the aim of making necessary amendments.

    NAN

  • Katsina invests N200m in rice, cotton production

    Katsina invests N200m in rice, cotton production

    The Katsina State Government says it has invested N200 million in rice and cotton production under the Anchor Borrowers Programme in the state.

    Dr Abba Abdullahi, the Special Adviser to Gov. Aminu Masari on Agriculture, disclosed this in Katsina on Tuesday, at the opening of a town hall meeting on the programme.

    The town hall meeting was organised by the state government in conjunction with the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN ), the co-sponsor of anchor borrowers programme.

    “We have rice and cotton farmers that collected the CBN loan under the anchor borrowers programme to boost rice and cotton production and the programme needed supervision.

    “We used the funds to supervise and inspect all the rice and cotton farms in the 34 local government areas of the state.

    “The Katsina state government also purchased over 35 motorcycles for extension workers to visit rice and cotton farmers with the aim of offering pieces of advice to them,” he said.

    Abdullahi said that part of the fund was used for the repair of 15 vehicles for officers involved in supervising the extension workers.

    Earlier, Alhaji Shehu Musawa, the Managing Director, State Agricultural and Rural Development Project (KATARDA), said the stakeholders’ meeting was to review how the programme fared during the rainy season.

    “Anchor borrowers programme has achieved the desired goal in the state as it has boosted rice and cotton production.

    “We are expecting bumper harvest of cotton and rice in the state,” Abdullahi said.

    In his contribution, Keystone Bank’s representative, Malam Ahmed Musa, said that the bank would continue to support agricultural programmes in the state.

    NAN

  • Former Katsina speaker happy over Gov. Masari’s development

    Former Katsina speaker happy over Gov. Masari’s development

    Alhaji Aliyu Muduru, the immediate past Speaker of Katsina State House of Assembly, has commended Gov. Aminu Masari on his developmental projects in the state.

    Muduru, who spoke with newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, said he was particularly excited over projects sited in his constituency of Mani Local Government Area ( LGA ).

    According to Muduru, who is presently representing Mani LGA in the Katsina House of Assembly on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) said that Masari was measuring up to the expectations of Katsina people.

    “I invite the people of Mani living outside the state to visit home so that they too can appreciate and applaud the projects executed by Masari.

    “I salute the governor for siting the oil refinery in Mani; the approval has been granted and hectares of land were already made available for the project.

    “All stakeholders are working round the clock towards the successful execution of the project.

    “Masari deserves commendation for earmarking hundreds of millions of Naira for the execution of projects that have direct bearing on the life of the common man in Mani constituency,’’ he said.

    Muduru listed some of the projects as electrification and installation of transformers in 10 rural communities of Mani LGA; installation of about 1,000 water hand pumps and construction and renovation of 22 primary schools.

    Others are the construction of drainage and feeder roads in several communities of Mani local government.

    The former speaker said that the projects would address youth unemployment and restiveness as well as improve the revenue base of the state.

    NAN

  • Katsina invests over N7.5 bn on roads construction

    Katsina invests over N7.5 bn on roads construction

    The Katsina State Government on Thursday said that it has invested over N7.5 billion on the construction of 200 kilometers of roads across the state.

    Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina disclosed this in Daura during an inspection of completed road projects in Daura senatorial zone of the state.

    He said that the roads construction was ongoing in all the three senatorial zones of the state to assist rural dwellers to transport their farm produce to markets.

    The governor revealed that works had been completed on the Fago, Sandamu, Baure, Zango and Babban Mutum road projects, adding that the 75 kilometres roads were done at the cost of N2.9 billion.

    “The immediate past administration in Katsina state paid 30 per cent of the N2.9bn for the project while the current APC government paid for 70 per cent of the total amount.

    “The government also awarded the 35Km Dandume—Kadisau—Daudawa—Sheme Road Project which has been completed at the cost of N1.5 billion.

    “The government awarded the 3.3 km Nagogo Road dualisation project and the 90km Tsanni—Tsauri road project at the cost of N3 billion and both have been completed.

    “Other road projects by this administration are the N1.5 billion 24kms Mararaba – Sayaya—Sayaya—Mazoji—Tasha roads, Eka—Kadandani—Kuraye—Yargamji road and the construction of Dutsin-ma—Tsaskiya—Babban Duhu—Kukar Samu road.

    “Also the construction of Gora—Makaurachi—Gamzago-Mallamawa Road and construction of Sukuntumi to Babban-Kogo road in Katsina Senatorial Zone.” he said

    The governor said that the massive investment on roads was in fulfillment of campaign promises to the people to improve their living condition.

    Earlier, a representative of the contractor handling the projects, Mr John Brown commended the governor for prompt releases of funds for the completion of the projects.

    Brown said that the governor had kept his promise of providing the necessary assistance in getting the job done.

    NAN

  • We almost impeached Obasanjo – Masari

    We almost impeached Obasanjo – Masari

    Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, said on Thursday that the House of Representatives came close to impeaching former President Olusegun Obasanjo long before the ex- President’s botched third term bid was made public.

    Addressing members of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 10 (EIMC 10) at the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja, Masari who was Speaker of the lower house during the period strongly emphasized the need for both the executive and legislative arms to establish cordial working relations toward achieving development and democratic growth.

    Giving a historical analysis of how poor relations between the two arms had proven to be a sure recipe for political volatility in several countries, he noted that the removal of Alhaji Balarabe Musa by Kaduna State legislators on June 23, 1981 set an unwholesome precedent, adding that acrimonious relationships at the state and federal levels are unhelpful to the nation.

    In his paper titled: “Executive-Legislature Relations and the Challenges of Democratic Consolidation and Development in Katsina State,” Masari said he had no hand in the recent removal of the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly and expressed concern about the spate of hostility between both arms since 1999.

    “In the present Republic, there have been spates of threats of impeachment, and absence of cordiality between the executive and the legislature; even at the federal level, we could recall the acrimonious relationship that defined Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration and the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003.

    “The highlight of this hostility and militant disposition of the House was the attempted impeachment of Obasanjo.

    “Of course, the move was jettisoned following intervention of some well-meaning Nigerians.

    But the experience was unique and instructive of the nature and impact of executive-legislature relations on the overall governance of the country and the development of democracy.”

    Pointing out that Katsina State is now a model because it evolved a relationship of respect, trust and cooperation between the executive and the legislature for the common good of the people, he said such relationship would always remain crucial to democracy and development.

    In his five-point recommendation for building and sustaining of good executive-legislature relationship in all states and at the federal level, Masari urged the two arms to fully understand the constitutional limits of their powers, understand that the legislature has a duty to ensure accountability while legislators must also “resist the temptation to appoint themselves as judge and jury over all issues.”

    He said: “Much of the success achieved in establishing strong, but cordial relations between the executive and the legislature depends on the personality and disposition of the chief executive and the legislature’s leadership. It also depends on the degree to which chief executives are committed to non-interference in the internal politics of the legislature.

    “Quite often, we have seen how legislative assemblies in this country arrogate to themselves imaginary powers with which they intimidate and blackmail the executive into doing their biddings; aside from being unethical, this is also illegal and an abuse of privileges.”

     

     

  • Northern governors, emirs set up committee on restructuring

    Northern governors, emirs set up committee on restructuring

    The 19 Northern states on Friday took their first major step in preparation for possible restructuring of the country.

    The state governors and chairmen of councils of traditional rulers from the states set up a high-powered committee to collate the views and comments of the people of the North West, North Central and North East ahead of any conference on the restructuring.

    The committee is headed by Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State who, until May 29, 2015, was Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    Other members of the committee are the governors of Nasarawa, Gombe, Benue, Bauchi and Kaduna States as well as the Emirs of Kano, Zazzau and Gumel as well as the Etsu Nupe and Gbong Gwomg Jos.

    The Deputy Governor of Plateau State will serve as secretary of the committee.

    The establishment of the panel is one of the highlights of the communiqué issued by the governors and traditional rulers at a meeting in Kaduna.

    It was signed by the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima but read to journalists by Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State.

    The governors said the committee had become necessary because the agitation for restructuring has assumed different meanings to different people.

    The committee is expected to come up with acceptable, tenable and sustainable position for the Northern region in consonance with provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

    The agitation for restructuring of the country has been on the rise lately with some Nigerians accusing the North of being afraid of such an exercise.

    The communique also condemned the recent bloody attacks in Taraba, Plateau, Kaduna and other places.

    They promised to take decisive measures to put an end to frequent herdsmen and farmers clashes in the region, but warned against hate speeches in the country.

     

  • We will not compromise prudence, accountability – Masari

    We will not compromise prudence, accountability – Masari

    Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina says the present administration in the state has restored the culture of public accountability, prudence, transparency, confidence and discipline in its civil service for rapid socio-economic development.

    Governor Aminu Masari made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Daura on Thursday.

    He assured the people of the state that his government would also not compromise due process “in both our public and private affairs”.

    Masari further assured the people that their welfare and dignity would be enhanced by judicious spending of the little resources at the disposal of the state on meaningful projects.

    According to him, education, water supply, road construction, health care delivery and security of lives and property will receive due attention for their benefit.

    He said he would continue to resist the temptation of serving selfish interest groups under whatever guise, adding that “we were voted into power to serve the people not our individual families”.

    The governor said that in the last two years, his administration had constructed and renovated hundreds of schools, hospitals and roads among other projects across the state.

  • Masari approves reconstitution of 12 boards in Katsina

    Masari approves reconstitution of 12 boards in Katsina

    Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State has approved the reconstitution of boards of 12 parastatals agencies, the appointment of their chairmen and members.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Mustapha Inuwa, made this known to newsmen on Thursday in Katsina.

    Inuwa said that the appointments were based on merits in recognition of the selfless services the appointees had rendered to the state.

    The secretary to the state government said that the appointments were with immediate effect.

    The reconstituted boards include: Water Board with Bello Mohammed as Chairman, Rural Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has Salisu Ado as Chairman, while Dr Labaran Doro, was appointed as Chairman, Hospital Services Management Board.

    Others were Tanimu Garba, Chairman, College of Health Sciences; Idris Bahi, Chairman, Primary Healthcare Services Management Board and Hajiya Rabi’a Mohammed was appointed as the Chairperson, College of Nursing and Midwifery.

    Also, Mr Mudassiru Mati, would head the   Science and Technical Education Board; Ado Ladan, Agency for Mass Education, while Sirajo Mashi, would be in charge of Islamic Education Bureau.

    Inuwa said that Alhaji Junaidu Mamuda would head the Housing Authority while Lawal Garba was appointed as the Chairman of Transport Authority.

  • APC Chieftain cautions party loyalists against unguarded utterances

    APC Chieftain cautions party loyalists against unguarded utterances

    Alhaji Maigoro Hukuma, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina state, has cautioned party loyalists to refrain from unguarded utterances and be steadfast in promoting the ideals of the party.

    Hukuma made the call on Tuesday in Malumfashi in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    He said that the APC-led administration at the national level had made achievements in enhancing national security, fighting corruption and employment generation.

    He said that agricultural support schemes, infrastructural developments, health and educational policies embarked by administration were geared at facilitating national growth.

    He added that rehabilitation of roads and railways being carried out by the government would enhance economic activities in the country.

    Hukuma urged the people to consider the slow phase of execution of some of these projects as government commitment to ensure transparent and quality services.

    Commenting on the APC-led administration in Katsina State, Hukuma said the quantity of fertilizer provided to farmers, tractors and others farm inputs supplied to farmers would help to boost agriculture.

    He said that the numbers of primary schools being rehabilitated by the government, coupled with the rehabilitation of three general hospitals in the state was an indication of the commitment of the government to improve the wellbeing of the people.

    He appealed to Gov. Aminu Masari to reconstruct the 54 kilometres Mamumfashi-Dankaniba road abandoned by previous administration.

    He said that the road linked more than 20 communities in Katsina and Kano states.

  • Katsina to convene stakeholders’ summit on way forward for LGCs – Masari

    Katsina to convene stakeholders’ summit on way forward for LGCs – Masari

    Katsina State Government has concluded arrangements to convene stakeholders summit to discuss way forward for local government councils in the state.

    Gov. Aminu Masari made the announcement on Monday in Katsina when the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir, paid him the traditional ‘Sallah Homage’ known as ‘’Hawan-bariki.’’

    He said that the summit is billed for July this year.

    He added that during the summit, the government would provide financial details of funds accruing to local government councils to enable the stakeholders find out way forward to enable those in the helm of affairs  in the local councils meet their obligations to the people.

    The governor said that during the summit, the stakeholders would fix a date for the conduct of councils’ elections.

    Masari, who decried the decrease in the allocation from the federation account to local councils, noted that ‘’only few local councils could afford to pay salaries from their monthly allocation.’’

    He said that the 34 local government councils in the state receive N3.9 billion as their monthly allocation.

    “On monthly basis, the state government assist the councils with funds to enable them pay workers’ salaries alone,’’ he said.

    Masari announced that after the conduct of local government elections, the government would stop deducting grants for the emirate councils from the allocation of local councils to “enable them meet up their financial obligations.’’

    He said that the emirate councils would receive their grants from the state government.

    In his remarks, the Emir, urged people to continue to live in peace with one another and desist from using social media to post negative threats.

    He also urged the state government to revive Teacher Training Colleges to enhance primary education.