The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Attahiru Bafarawa

  • 2019: Tambuwal campaigns in Sabon Birni amidst low turnout

    The campaign train of the People’s Democratic Party guber candidate in Sokoto state and incumbent Governor Amiu Waziri Tambuwal at the weekend took turn in Sabon Birni town east of the state amidst low turnout of supporters at the rally.

    The venue of the rally was undoubtedly half empty as the event was proceeded by an opening prayer.

    Sabon Birni the headquarters of Sabon Birni local government is by political stand a stronghold of the opposition All Progressives Congress(APC) and home front of serving APC Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir did not betray their support for the lawmaker for refusal to turnout for PDP.

    Tambuwal had earlier visited Isa town, headquarters of Isa local government where he got appreciable large turnout of supporters just as he reiterated his unrelenting efforts and commitment to repositioning the state education sector.

    Isa town also within the the eastern axis of the state, is the home council of Sokoto state PDP leader, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa.

    The governor while further reeling out what he had in stock for the people of the state said if re-elected, he would focus on the issue of upgrading, rehabilitation and construction of schools across the state.

    Similarly, the governor disclosed that more robust approach to boosting agriculture would be implemented in order to boost food production and security as well ensure value addition to farmers.

    According to Tambuwal, education remains the most viable ingredient of development which must be given adequate attention to facilitate the state’s desire for knowledge driven economy.

    Besides, the governor said schools in the state would be comprehensively equipped with basic facilities that would make teaching and learning conducive for teachers, students and pupils.

    Read Also: Tambuwal: APC afraid of losing 2019 polls

    “This will also encourage enrolment and discourage number of Out of School children to a significant proportion.”

    Tambuwal also assured people of the state of his resolve to turn around the economic fortunes of the state through various empowerment and loans schemes that would open windows for the least business man and woman.

    Accordingly, the incumbent governor raised the hope of youths, disabled and other social classes of individuals and groups that better things were ahead for them in the next dispensation of his government if returned for the second time.

    Speaking, former governor Attahiru Bafarawa who was excited by the large number of supporters that turned out to receive the PDP train, said Sokoto state had no alternative to its ruling party, stressing that Tambuwal was the best choice for them.

    “I urge you to use your PVC to vote Tambuwal who is ready and willing to continue with developmental projects aimed at benefitting the state.”

    Similarly, in Sabon Birnin Gobir, Bafarawa solicited support for all PDP candidates in the state, calling on the people of Isa and Sabon Birni to strengthen the existing unity both as brothers and political allies on the platform of PDP.

    While assuring people of Sabon Birnin Gobir of good governance and dividends of democracy if given a fresh mandate, Governor Tambuwal said he would ensure adequate water supply and more functional health facilities across the 23 councils.

    “I will construct modern water supply sub-station that will adequately serve every local government populace”, he said.

  • APC afraid of losing polls, says Tambuwal

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being afraid to lose the forthcoming general elections.

    Speaking on Saturday at the launch of the PDP campaign at the Southern Senatorial District in Bodinga town, Tambuwal alleged APC was bent on collaborating with institutions to win the 2019 polls.

    According to him: “If former President Goodluck Jonathan could accept defeat in 2015, President Buhari should also emulate his predecessor.”

    The governor, who also expressed concerns over what he described an emerging situation on federal government’s attempt to arraign the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen for false asset declaration.

    The former Speaker of the House of Representatives said: ” I hope it is not true. If so, he should be given fair hearing without any political undertone.”

    While urging residents of Sokoto state to vote for the PDP, Tambuwal acknowledged the show of love for him by supporters.

    READ ALSO: 2019: Tambuwal pledges continuation of projects in Sokoto

    He reassured that if given a second term, he would reposition the education sector with priority to ensuring enrolment of the out- of- school children in school.

    “All our children will be returned to school based on the UNICEF reports on OOSC with adequate support, facilities and quality teachers,” he stressed.

    The governor also assured his re-election will fasttrack responsive support for farmers and boost fertilizers and input supplies better than the FG intervention scheme.

    Former Minister for Water Resources, Barr. Mukhtari Shagari said Tambuwal remains the candidate to beat in Sokoto.

    He described APC as a dangerous tablet that cannot cure ailment but one that causes liver and HIV ailments.

    Former governor Attahiru Bafarawa said the essence of the party’s movement in support of Tambuwal was to salvage the state and its people from the reigns of failure and underdevelopment of the APC.

    According to him: “PDP is set to actualise a rebirth of a new Sokoto state and Nigeria with full opportunities for all.

    “My decision to join the campaign train is to ensure the reelection of Tambuwal and to develop education, youth and women empowerment and health, which we agreed to pursue through a result oriented blue print to move the state forward and encourage an all- inclusive government in the state.”

  • Travel ban: I have been acquitted, says Bafarawa

    Former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa yesterday said he cannot be on the travel ban list because he has been discharged and acquitted by a Sokoto State High Court on the case  in which he was involved.

    Bafarawa, in a telephone chat with our correspondent, said:

    “In respect of the case listed against me in the Executive Order 6, I have been discharged and acquitted since July 31st 2018 by a court. I stood trial for almost 10 years> I was not found wanting by the court.

    “I also need to put on record that my accounts have not been frozen by any of the anti-graft agencies.  None of my properties has been confiscated till date. I have tried to live above board in public service and in my private life.”

  • Bafarawa backs call for restructuring

    ……Says reasonable northerners will support it

     

    Former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, on Monday joined those calling for the restructuring of the country.

    The ex-governor said no reasonable person from the north would oppose the call to restructure the country.

    He stated this after a meeting with elders of the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum, in Abuja.

    Bafarawa, who is a People’s  Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, in a statement signed by the Director Media and Publicity, Bafarawa Campaign Organization, Mal Yusuf Abubakar, on Monday, in Abuja, stated that nigerians would enjoy the full dividends of democracy through restructuring.

    He said: “No reasonable northerner will oppose restructuring for national unity. The only way to develop and move the nation forward is through the restructuring, political unity and respect among Nigerians for the success of the polity.”

    Read Also: I will support any PDP presidential aspirant – Bafarawa

    Bafarawa said if elected president, he will be a detribalized leader without bias.

    “I will never in my life tolerate nepotism or impunity under my leadership, as a governor of Sokoto state for eight years, I did not allow my family to interfere or participates in any of the government running so as not to be coerced to issues that are not in my oath to office,” Bafarawa said.

    Those present at the meeting include: Chief Edwin Clark; Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; President-General of Ohanaeze, Chief John Nwodo; and Middle Belt Forum President, Dr Bitrus Pogu.

  • Bafarawa pays homage to Afenifere leaders

    …vows to transform Nigeria

     

     

    A Presidential aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general elections, Attahiru Bafarawa Monday visited the leaders of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere in Akure, Ondo state capital.

    The former Sokoto State Governor vowed to overhaul the ailing Nigeria’s economy, if voted into power.

    Read Also:Bafarawa: I left N13bn in Sokoto State Government’s treasury

    According to him, Nigeria economic policies would be diversified in such a way that alternative sources of driving the economy shall be explored.

    The former governor said the Nigeria’s economy had been traumatised, stressing that it was only PDP that could correct the mistakes made by the ruling APC’s administration.

    He said, “When we come in power we are going to take our time to do the damage control, all our ideas is to correct where mistake had been done, we are not going to winch out anybody.

    “We shall de-emphasize over dependence on oil and look towards, agriculture, tourism, mining and manufacturing as potential drivers of our economy”.

    On restructuring, Bafarawa promised to implement the 2014 national conference report saying “when we are talking on restructuring we are talking about development”.

    “We are going to laisse with the National Assembly and the judiciary to work on the outcome of past national conference and discourse, with a view to restructuring our nation to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the citizenry.

    “We shall strength the principles of separation of power and ensuring strict adherence to the rule of law,” he said.

    The former Sokoto state governor also promised to create enabling environment for efficient and sustained security within the shortest time if voted into power.

    Bafarawa however called on Nigerians to join in his vision towards rescuing Nigeria and placing her on a robust path of development.

  • I will support any PDP presidential aspirant – Bafarawa

    Attahiru Bafarawa, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant has pledged to support any presidential aspirant in the party that wins the party primary election for the 2019 general elections.

    This is, however, in the event he is not able to get the ticket of the party to contest the election.

    Bafarawa, a former Governor of Sokoto state made the pledge on Tuesday in Abakaliki during a courtesy visit to Gov. David Umahi as part of his visit to party faithful over his presidential ambition.

    He said:“I am a democrat and therefore ready to support any aspirant who emerges as the party’s flag-bearer in order to move the country forward.

    “We all, however, need to be screened before the final decision on the party’s candidate is taken.

    “The other aspirants who visited Ebonyi before me must have promised to solve the economic, security and infrastructural challenges of Nigeria.

    “But I am presenting two books on my eight years stewardship as governor and what I will do as president,” he said.

    He urged Umahi and the party faithful in Ebonyi to support him, noting that his votes from the South-east states and the entire northern part of the country would enable him win the presidential election.

    “I didn’t come into politics to make money but to serve and I remain the best choice for the south-east zone, due to my favourable disposition to its people.

    “I assisted several Igbo businessmen to become billionaires and ensured for instance, that no individual from that tribe was affected by the Sharia riots during my tenure as a governor.

    Gov. Umahi, in response, extolled the virtues of Bafarawa, describing him as a man of humility, commitment to the develop the country.

    “One of the reasons why you achieved much in life was because you are a businessman.

    “Thank God for His vindication when the court declared you not guilty in a corruption charge,” he said.

    He noted that about 14 presidential aspirants had emerged under the PDP, describing the situation as heart warming.

    “All of you are eminently qualified for the position but some of you who spent eight years as governors would have the requisite experience to govern.

    “The south-east states, governed by PDP, would take a common stand on whom to support as the person would be ready to make certain concessions to accommodate the zone equitably.

    Sen. Ben-Collins Ndu, the Deputy Director- General of the Bafarawa Campaign Organisation, urged party faithful in the state to support his principal due to his favourable disposition to the people. (NAN)

  • 2019: Turaki, Bafarawa pick PDP presidential forms

    A former Special Duties Minister, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and a former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa on Wednesday picked the presidential nomination forms of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    The two aspirants expressed the hope that the PDP will defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in the 2019 presidential elections.

    Ruling out the prospects of stepping down for one of the 12 PDP aspirants in the race as consensus candidate, the aspirants however said any of the aspirants could willingly withdraw from the race.

    Turaki said, “If we say that we are going for consensus, what are we going to do with it? We agree we are all brothers. We see it as a game. Therefore, if anybody is interested in withdrawing from the race, it’s a welcome idea.

    “But talking of consensus, you are going to fall like the All Progressives Congress (APC) where we are going to have a one-man show. We don’t want to go for one-man show. We want to practise democracy so that people will choose their own better candidate.

    “For example, if APC is playing democracy, they will allow at least three to four aspirants to aspire for the position. But because the party is a limited liability company, while PDP is a public limited company, it is welcome by everybody”.

    Turaki’s nomination documents were picked on his behalf by the Director of Media of his campaign organisation, Mr. Sola Atere.

    On his part, Bafarawa, who came to pick his nomination papers in person, said he was encouraged by the number of aspirants in the race, stressing that it was an indication of acceptability of the PDP among Nigerians.

    Read Also: Nigerian leaders should emulate Ayade, says Turaki

    “That is why people are aspiring, more are interested in joining the party unlike other parties where they run a one-man show. So, it’s very encouraging to all of us who are aspiring for this seat.

    “We are brothers, we are family. Our ambition is to get rid of APC. Therefore forget about the number of aspirants of the PDP. At the end of the day, we are all democrats, we must accept (the outcome of the primary, win or lose.

    “Therefore, anybody who wins, I believe collectively we are going to work together and see that we save this country from this mess”, Bafarawa said.

  • 2019 polls: Bafarawa pledges to remain in PDP

    ….says former gov using NASS as hideout from harassment

    Former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, on Thursday said he will remain in the Peoples Democratic Party even if he fails to emerge the flag bearer of the party in 2019 general elections.

    Bafarawa is seeking to become Nigeria’s President under the PDP’s platform.

    He said good governance and party supremacy must be respected at all times.

    The former Sokoto state governor spoke with reporters in Abuja.

    Bafarawa said he welcomes the entrant of new aspirants for the PDP’s presidential ticket.

    He said: “I will remain in theceven if I don’t get the ticket. Anywhere we are playing politics, the party is supreme than anybody. The governor, the president is the agents of the party. Therefore the party is supreme is to supervise what the governor or the president is doing.

    “The cardinal principle of any good government or party is the manifesto. Only the manifesto mentions what the party is going to do for the people.”

    Read Also: Breaking: EFCC: Court discharges Bafarawa, two others

    He kicked against former governors who are serving as senators in the National Assembly.

    According to him, some of the former governors have made the national assembly a hiding place to escape harassment from their previous deed in office.

    Bafarawa said: “I have been saying that the only way we can move the national assembly to be neat, to be well respected, is unless that governors are not going to join as senator. You cannot be a governor for eight years and then you occupy the whole constituency of a state and then for goodness sake what are you going to do in the senate?

    “Those who are joining (the senate) after serving as governor for eight years, it looks like it is just a hideout place where they don’t want any harassment from whatever they have done.

    “You can be a senator and then go for governorship but you can’t be a governor and come back to be a senator. Unless we change the system rejecting the governors joining to contest for senate then democracy will never be in good shape in this country.”

  • N15bn fraud: Bafarawa to know fate July 4

    A Sokoto State High Court on Tuesday reserved July 4, for judgment in the alleged N15 billion corruption charges against former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa.

    Bafarawa is facing a 33-count charge bordering on corruption, illegal sale of government shares, misappropriation, criminal breach of trust, receiving stolen properties and unauthorised payments allegedly committed between between 2003 and 2007.

    The case was filed before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) since 2009 N15bn fraud: Bafarawa to know fate July 4″>.

    The Judge, Justice Bello Abbas, who is also the Chief Judge of the state, fixed the date after counsel to the two parties adopted their written addresses and closed their cases.

    Bafarawa is standing trial alongside Beedash Nigeria Ltd, Nasdalbap Nigeria Ltd, Nasiru Bafarawa and Salihu Maibuhu-Gummi.

    PDP will not fail followers -Bafarawa

    At resumed hearing on Tuesday, the lead defence counsel, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), argued that the complainant had not provided any evidence in respect of 11 of the charges while the ingredients of proof on the 22 other charges were not sufficient to warrant conviction.

    He contended that the law requires that evidence in criminal offences must be clear and reasonable doubt.

    Fagbemi prayed the court to regard Bafarawa as “an honest complainant turned accused’’ in view of the fact that he first reported the fraud case to EFCC in 2006.

    According to him, Bafarawa took the right step as whistle blower before circumstances turned against him to become the accused.

    He urged the court to discharge and acquit the accused on the ground that the prosecution had not proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

    In his submission, EFCC lead counsel, Chief Jacob Ochidi, prayed the court to consider the evidences provided in the course of the trial and convict Bafarawa accordingly.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the court had earlier discharged and acquitted Munti Trade Golobal Concept and Bashir Mamman-Nasarawa, who were among those joined in the original suit.

  • Herdsmen killings: There may be no elections in 2019 – Bafarawa

    Herdsmen killings: There may be no elections in 2019 – Bafarawa

    A former governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, on Friday expressed fears that the 2019 elections may be stalled unless the Federal Government quickly finds an enduring solution to the persistent killings in Benue State.

    The ex-governor stated this during a condolence visit to Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on the recent mayhem in the state.

    He said there can be no election in a state of uncertainty and unrest.

    He said: ”Why would there be elections in 2019 where there is no peace?

    “The most important thing you can bring to society is peace. When you bring peace to them, then you have brought life and you can talk of election.”

    He said Benue has produced Nigerians who have played active roles in uniting, adding there can be no north without Benue State.

    Bafarawa added: ” Chief  Audu Ogbeh and Senator  Barnabas  Gemade, at different times, became national  chairman  of the People Democratic Party (PDP),because they are from the north and the slot was meant for the northern part of Nigeria.

    “I’m not here for political purposes but to console my brother. However, I must put the record straight.”

    The former governor described the killings in Benue State as politically motivated and therefore should be resolved politically.

    He attributed the Benue killings to foreign Fulani, saying: ”The Nigerian Fulani who settled and live among Tiv people speak Tiv fluently.

    “But these immigrants don’t speak Tiv language and don’t know who is who.

     

    “Therefore, the problem is solvable. What government needs to do is to block these people from coming into the country.

    ” The local Fulani l know carry sticks and crack jokes with everyone, they don’t carry guns.”

    He asked President Muhammadu Buhari to involve all stakeholders irrespective of their political affiliations to come together and solve the problem.