The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Aminu Waziri Tambuwal

  • 2019: Sokoto youths endorse Tambuwal, Atiku’s bid

    As campaigns begin for the 2019 general elections, momentum has set in Sokoto state with a Coalition of youth of Resident  Communities‎ unanimous endorsement of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s re-election bid.
    Similarly, the youths endorsed the presidential bid of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar‎ with a plan to organise a 5000 man mega rally march round the state for Tambuwal and Atiku.
    The youths described Atiku as a political icon that can sail the country out of the shackles of bad governance by ensuring Nigeria works again.
    Addressing a press conference on Friday in Sokoto, the Leader of the youths, comprising 108 executives from across the 23 LGs, Comrade Luka Jacob‎ said the unilateral endorsement was in view of Tambuwal’s ability and fast standing residence to fulfil the basic and fundamental promises made to electorates and has strengthened and risen the hope of youth wing of  resident communities in the state.
    “Tambuwal has done that for Southern and Western youths in the spirit of friendship and love by empowering members of our organization.

    Read Also: Tambuwal warns PDP supporters against idle talks

    “We have benefited ‎from his educational grants and logistics, health intervention as well assistance to accident victims and disease control to all and sundry across the state”, he mentioned.
    Accordingly, he noted with passion how the governor ensured the inclusion of resident communities in his cabinet to strengthen the bond of unity and brother hood.
    ‎” We are strongly and solidly behind and promise to give him our votes.
    ” Therefore, we shall hold a mega rally to comprise of southern and non indigene youths resident in Sokoto state.
    However, Jacob appealed and solicited the support of security agencies to be friendly and ‎civil to them during the mega rally” I also urge our members to be law abiding and continue to uphold the spirit of peace unity known with Sokoto state as its core value”, he said.

  • No move to impeach my former deputy – Tambuwal

    Governor‎ Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Thursday said that there was no move to impeach his immediate past deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto just as he described the choice of Mannir Dan Iya who replaces him as God’s destiny.

    “Dan Iya is a very resilient person and became rewarded by God’s will.”

    Tambuwal who was speaking for the first time on the resignation of his former deputy told a delegation of prominent indigenes of Kware local government on a thank you visit to him for choosing their son as his deputy.

    “There was never a move to impeach him. All what was peddled were mere rumour and may have ‎been from members of his party in the state assembly.”

    The delegation which consisted of over 15 persons was led by a former Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning Alhaji Kabiru Tafida‎.

    Read Also: Tambuwal, Makarfi pledge support for Atiku

    The governor who also confirmed the good working relationship that existed between him and Aliyu added “We had been together not until last August when I decamped to PDP and Aliyu remained in the APC before he voluntarily resigned his position.”

    According to Tambuwal” It is a thing of pride and joy to appreciate the choice of Dan Iya.

    “He has people oriented heart and character which endeared his choice to the people of the state.

    “He is a symbol of true parental upbringing with respect and loyalty to all.”

    Tambuwal further solicited for the support and cooperation of Sokoto people for his government to do more.

    “I seek your support for the development of the state”, he said.

    Earlier, Alhaji Tafida expressed their appreciations on the choice of Dan Iya and assured the governor of their continued support to his administration to make Sokoto state great again.

     

  • 2019: Tambuwal inaugurates re-election campaign committee

    Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Tuesday inaugurated state wide campaign committee for his re-election on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) ‎with Engineer Bello Suleiman as chairman of the main committee.

    He said the party was fast strengthening its popularity ahead of forming government at both state and federal levels.

    ‎Tambuwal while inaugurating the committee at the conference hall of the newly commissioned International Conference Centre, Sokoto said the party would through the various sub-committees would engage in campaigns to every nook and cranny to persuade and attract people’s support for the party ahead of 2019 polls.

    According to Tambuwal” PDP remain a platform for people with focus, resilience and accommodating.

    “Our party is an all-inclusive platform for both young, old, youth and women.”

    The governor however, seized the space to dispel rumour going round he was on a 40 day leave.

    “I have not embarked on any leave. I am in Sokoto with you. I am not going anywhere‎.

    “I want all and sundry to know that my life and survival are in the hands and control of God”, he stated.

    Also speaking, former Governor Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa noted that the massive support being enjoyed by PDP in the state was a reflection and result of Tambuwal’s untiring efforts.

    Read Also: Tambuwal promises to mobilise support for Atiku

    Bafarawa who contested the ‎party’s presidential ticket alongside Tambuwal said the party would continue to move from strength to strength adding” we have no other dependable platform and overwhelming support of large followership than in PDP.

    “I urge every one of us in the state to be committed to our 2019 dreams and rally support  for Tambuwal and his running mate as well our presidential candidate, Atiku‎ Abubakar for victory.”

    Earlier, Alhaji Ibrahim Milgoma, state PDP chairman observed with joy the large crowd of followers describing it as a good omen for the party’s candidates at all levels.

    “We are resilient towards our dream of emerging victorious”, he pointed out.

    Meanwhile, those in attendance include Deputy Governor Mannir Dan Iya, former deputy Governor, Mukhtari Shagari, Alhaji Ummaru Kwabo A.A, the state SSG, party leaders, members of the state executive council‎ among numerous others.

     

     

  • Education board trains 1,126 female students

    In its bid to fulfill its visionary drive on state emergency in education, the Sokoto State Arabic and Islamic Education Board on Monday said it has trained no fewer than 1,126 female students from across the 23LGs,  according to its Executive Secretary, Alhaji Baba Altine.

    Altine explained that the students were drawn from Islamiyya and Community Junior Arabic Girls Secondary Schools under the board.

    The Executive Secretary made the disclosure at the graduation of the students where he also said that, the pilot training programme was in line with the state of Emergency on education declared by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

    Accordingly, Altine explained that, the training was organized in collaboration with a private firm, Garge Multi Purpose Enterprises, adding that, it would soon be replicated to cover all schools under the board, across the state .

    He further said that, the students underwent a three-month intensive training in various skills including the production of detergents, toiletries, beverages, sewing and knitting, among others .

    ” This is a new innovation by the board to make the students self reliant, productive , as well as curb poverty and unemployment.

    Read Also: Education Reform: Edo State Poly holds first convocation

    ” This a deliberate policy targeting only females students and which has culminated in the introduction of skills acquisition in our schools curriculum .

    ” The gesture is also aimed at further boosting the economy of the state and Nigeria ,in general .”

    According to him, the policy had greatly bolstered schools ‘ enrolment,  retention and completion across the state .

    He however, promised to sustain the scheme while lauding the state government for its sustained moral and financial support to the  board, saying , ” this is the secret of the successes of our  activities .”

  • Why PDP delegates should vote Tambuwal — Campaign Spokesman

    The Spokesman of the Tambuwal Presidential Campaign Organization, Dr Okey Ikechukwu, has said that Nigeria’s best chance of a president that can unite Nigeria, restore a sense of community and give the nation 21st Century leadership is governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, a presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He made this remark during an interactive session with journalists.

    He said Tambuwal has better credentials than other aspirants in the PDP as well as President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

    “First, he has learnt the ropes over the years, at the highest levels of national leadership and also as a professional. Second, he is very well known as a master of consensus and political bridge builder, which makes him the type of person we need now. Third, he has no issues with the law. Fourth, he is the only candidate in this contest who takes pains to be in mentioning specific, practical and implementable policy ideas, actions and proposals with which he intends to tackle our national problems once elected.

    Asked to explain Tambuwal’s views on restructuring, he said Tambuwal looks at restructuring from the angle of realistic devolution of powers, debugging the essentially unitary provisions of the constitution and ensuring that the federating units do not feel diminished in their interface with the central government.

    “Restructuring does not, and cannot, mean balkanizing and re-dividing the lands and rivers of Nigeria. Tambuwal has explained that we should do away with the pillars of inequity in our existing constitution and debug them for a better union. This will include moving things like power supply, railways and so many other things from the Exclusive Legislative List to the concurrent lists. It will include allowing the Federation units to choose who should represent them in institutions like the Federal Character commission, Boundary Commission, etc. Tambuwal believes that such institutions should be populated by persons chosen by their respective states and screened by their respective State Houses of Assembly, before they are sent to Abuja.

    The communication expert said that Nigeria has never been this polarized at any other time in its history.

    “We need a leader who has the ability, understanding and willingness  to unify Nigeria at the level of values and bring back the peace and genuine community life that has been destroyed,” he said.

    Ikechukwu said that Tambuwal has the credentials for 21st leadership and the network of loyalty around him will come into full play in the coming days and months.

  • I will split Accountant General, AGF offices, says Tambuwal

    Governor of Sokoto state and 2019 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has vowed to split the  offices of  the Accountant- General and Attorney- General  of the federation, when elected president.

    He said that this will lead to transparency, professionalism, fiscal discipline and loyalty to the nation in the conduct of government business

    Tambuwal said this in Markudi, Benue state, while on a courtesy visit to Governor Samuel Ortom on Sunday.

    He also promised that his government will facilitate a robust process that would lead to the restructuring of key areas of the Nigerian State and its political economy.

    The governor, who made this disclosure in a statement by his campaign spokesman, Dr. Okey Ikechukwu, said, “for there to be transparency, fiscal discipline and professionalism, the office of the accountant general of the federation must  be separated from that of the accountant general of the federal government. This, we have to do, as one of the first key exercise of my government, if I receive the mandate to be president of this great nation. A serious Nation desirous of making progress should have an accountant general for the federation different from the accountant general of the federal government.

    “The accountant general of the federation should be a pure professional, whose loyalty must be to the federation, not the federal government alone. In the same manner the Attorney General mustn’t necessarily be the minister of justice. And mustn’t be a card-carrying member of any political party. The idea, for instance, of making a card carrying member of a political party an attorney general of the federation already compromises that office. Attorney general ought not to be an agent of the government in power; rather the office should at all times serve the interest of the nation and the totality of the citizenry.

    To achieve a restructuring of these two critical offices of the federation, the former Speaker, House of Representatives, promised that his administration, “shall initiate an amendment of the requirement of the constitution that says that every minister  appointed by the federal government must be a card carrying member of a party in order to correct this .This is to ensure that the attorney general to be appointed is a core professional that will work for the entire nation and deliver to the best of his ability, without prejudice,” he said.

    Tambuwal also proposed the restructuring of the power sector, by empowering states through effective legislation that can assist to creatively generate their own electricity power. “When I talk of restructuring, it doesn’t necessarily mean physical restructuring our land mass, but fiscal restructuring and the making of fundamental changes in other areas, aimed at devolving more powers to the states and make them more effective in actualizing the aspirations of the citizenry.

    “For instance, there is no reason why states should not facilitate power investments within their territories. To enable them do this, we shall move power generation, transmission and distribution from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent legislative lists.”

    Tambuwal argued that “the energy needs of Benue, and many other states, will also be tapped into and harnessed. If, for instance, a state can generate power by harnessing its mineral deposits of hydro, coal and sunlight. They may, thereby, generate say 25 megawatts from each of the above; totaling 75 megawatts in all. This approach will ensure that the people’s energy needs are comprehensively addressed.

    He accused the federal government of paying lip service to the issue of minimum wage, pointing out that when government proposes an increase in the national minimum wage it should also send a corresponding bill to the National Assembly for a review of the federal allocation that would ensure that the states can bear the cost of the increased wage bill. ”

    The presidential aspirant assured that when he eventually wins the ticket of the PDP and wins the presidential election, come February 2019, “Nigerians will have a leader that will make them proud in the comity of nations, a leader that has the credential of togetherness, visionary leadership, bridge-building and a leader that will not take decisions shrouded in ethnic and religious biases.

    “From my experience and exposure and broad world view, and having visited and interacted with people in all the 360 federal constituencies, as Speaker, I have full understanding of the complexity of Nigeria’s unique diversity. And I know that our strength is in this our diversity. That is why we need a leader with the ability, understanding and willingness to unify this great nation and bring her to the path of peace and progress. Nigeria has never been this polarized along ethnic and religious lines and the time to end this polarization is now. This country belongs to all of us and everyone has the right to live and prosper in any part of the country without fear. We must say no to clannishness and reclaim our collective dignity once again,” Tambuwal said.

     

  • Nigeria deserves a digital president – Tambuwal

    Governor of Sokoto state and presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has said “Nigeria deserves a digital president, not an analogue leader.”

    Speaking in Jalingo -the Taraba State capital, during a campaign visit to seek support, Tambuwal said the world has become a global village that is fast moving and Nigeria cannot be left behind. “And to meet up, Nigeria needs a true digital leader to showcase the country to the world,” he said.

    The aspirant promised, that if he wins, he will engage the youth in science and technology so as to compete anywhere. “Anywhere you go, you will find Nigerians doing better. The president of Nigeria must not be an economist to improve the economy of the country, but to have the knowledge to appoint the right people.

    “With my knowledge, I know the right people to assemble; I will leverage on the network of knowledge of brothers and sisters to solve Nigeria’s problems. Nigeria needs a president with people that can advise him properly to get quality output.”

    He described his visit to Taraba as homecoming and fulfilling, adding that he has a very long standing relationship with Governor Darius Ishaku, his deputy Haruna Manu and the people of Taraba.

    Read Also: Nigerians in Diaspora seek Buhari’s intervention on voting right

    Tambuwal, a lawyer and former Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, commended his Taraba counterpart (Ishaku) for his infrastructural development and peace efforts in the state, given the scale of herdsmen violence. “Taraba is dear to all of us; it is so highly endowed with diverse people and mineral resources. We must transform it.”

    Deputy Governor, Haruna Manu, who stood for Governor Darius Ishaku, told Tambuwal that “Taraba has been a PDP State since 1999 and still waxing strong.”

    “Taraba will deliver 90 percent votes to you (Tambuwal) at the election, if you get the ticket. If you are looking for a true Nigerian, go for Tambuwal. He is detribalised; he gives a sense of belonging to everyone. Any member who served at the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2015 can attest to that. He has no religious or tribal sentiments.

    “With leaders like Tambuwal, the Nigerian Project shall be realised. If he becomes president he will assemble the best crops of people. The agricultural sector that is to take over oil has not been developed. Insecurity is on the rise and Nigeria needs a leader that can fix these problems,” Manu said.

  • 2019: Tambuwal’s successor, Dan Iya emerges by consensus

    The wide range speculation within the Sokoto state PDP ranks over who succeeds Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal was on Monday evening laid to rest with the opposition party’s adoption of Alhaji Mannir Dan Iya, the immediate past Commissioner for Local Government as a consensus candidate for the state governorship election in 2019.

    The decision was arrived at during a stakeholders meeting of the party in Sokoto presided over by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

    However, the trio of former Governor Atthiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, former deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Mukhtari Shagari and Ambassador Abdallah Wali who contested the seat on the platform of the party in 2015 were conspicuously absent.

    Though, reasons for their absence was not immediately known, but Tambuwal said they had extended their apologies and support for any decision taken at the meeting.

    While announcing the decision, the Governor said “we had a very crucial meeting and in line with the democratic principle of consensus, majority of the participants have agreed and consented of Mannir Dan’iya as the sole candidate of the party in the forthcoming Governorship election in the state.

    Read Also: Sokoto PDP is united, focused -Tambuwal

    “We will all work together as a united family to ensure the victory of PDP in the state and at the central,” he said

    Accordingly, Tambuwal said all the 18 state lawmakers that defected with him and the national lawmakers would be given automatic tickets as promised by the national headquarters of the party.

    He further appealed to the members of the party to respect the agreement and take it in good faith.

    Shortly after, Dan’Iya who spoke to reporters thanked the leaders of the party in the state for finding him worthy for the ticket.

    “I am short of words to describe my feeling. I thanked God and all members of PDP in the state,” he said

    The former Commissioner further remarked that he was said very prepared for the task and assured the other aspirants that he would carry them along if eventually elected.

  • Tambuwal: I won’t quit PDP if I fail to get presidential ticket

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who is a presidential aspirant in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said he hoped to emerge the party’s standard-bearer in the coming election.

    He said he would not quit the party if he failed to get the presidential ticket. Tambuwal, who was responding to questions from reporters in Sokoto at the weekend, said he remained the most credible and favoured aspirant.

    “I am confident that the PDP presidential ticket will favour me, God willing,” he said.

    House of Representatives former Speaker Tambuwal, who picked his nomination form a few days ago, is contesting the presidential ticket with 11 others, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, among others.

    PDP has zoned its presidential candidature to the North.

    The Sokoto State governor said going by his antecedent, PDP delegates would find him a suitable candidate.

    He said he joined the presidential race to serve the country, adding: “I have all it takes to be the president of this country.

    “My vision is to create a well-secure, buoyant and stable polity.”

    Tambuwal said his experience as a governor would strengthen his capacity to advance the cause of educational development for the benefit of youths.

    “My level of experience in Sokoto, which is one of the educationally disadvantaged states, will assist in charting a way forward for the sector’s prosperity and youth development”, he added.

    The aspirant, who noted that the world was knowledge driven, said: “Developing human capital will be key in driving the economy, with emphasis on youths and women, who deserve attention.

    “As a governor, I have since my assumption been making provision of the state budgetary allocation to the education sector in addition to the promulgation of enabling laws to facilitate the development of education.”

     

     

     

  • PDP to stop APC’s return to power, says aspirant

    Top Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) presidential aspirant and Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has said the All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) ambition to retain power will not see the light of the day.

    He said PDP would take over leadership next year.

    Tambuwal said his aspiration was in line with a mission and desire to save the country from misfortune and challenges it was experiencing under the APC government.

    He said: “Nigerians are anxious to witness a reversal. They are in need of a secure and economically-developed country, as well as a stable polity.”

    The governor, who addressed reporters at the weekend in Sokoto, predicted APC’s defeat at the polls, stressing that he had everything to emerge the PDP presidential standard-bearer ahead of the 2019 elections.

    The party has fixed its presidential primary election for October 5 and 6.