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Tag: Bauchi State

  • Oshiomhole: I’m ashamed of Edo Assembly crisis

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, on Friday described as a shame the crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly.said a similar situation playing out in the Bauchi State House of Assembly is an open invitation to trouble.

    Minority members of the two assemblies earlier in the week sat and picked speaker and deputy speaker, cleverly leaving out the majority members.

    The situation is generating tension in the two states.

    Receiving briefing on the situation from the majority of the APC state legislators from Bauchi State in Abuja on Friday, Oshiomhole said the crises were unfortunate.

    His words: “Unfortunately, the situation in Bauchi is also similar to the one that is happening in Edo State.

    “I am ashamed to talk about it, but there is nothing to hide.

    “We have a similar situation in Edo where in our own case we have 24/24, all of them APC, but somebody wants a particular person as a Speaker, 19 out of 24 are opposed to this person.”

    He said that the refusal of Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State to inaugurate APC members-elect of the state House of Assembly was an invitation to trouble.

    He said that if the APC did not use state institutions against the inauguration of Mohammed as as  governor, “it is a shame (for the governor) to use federal institutions against the inauguration of  the state assembly.”

    Continuing, he said: “If the governor insists, then he is inviting trouble. If we have not misused federal might and institutions from preventing Bala Mohammed from being inaugurated, it is a shame to use federal institutions against the inauguration of state Assembly.”

    He assured the APC members-elect that the party would  follow the rule of law to get justice, pointing out that his leadership would  write a letter to the Inspector General of Police over the matter.

    Read Also: APC rejects Edo, Bauchi Assembly inaugurations

    On the situation in his own home state, Oshiomhole said: “We will do everything possible to see that that building, being a public property, being the House of Assembly, is opened to the members. Be assured that we are committed to that, and we commend you for your commitment to principles.

    “When you were telling me of invitation to meetings, intimidation and all that, I am fully aware of all those kind of things.

    “I am happy there are many Nigerians who have not  given up; that there are men or women of honour who can resist temptation, but you are an example.

    “We do have outstanding Nigerians at all levels, including Bauchi, who can resist not only monetary inducement and  temptation, but you even resist intimidation and stood for what you believe is right. We are  proud of you, we will stand by you and together we will ensure that the rule of law prevails in Bauchi State.

    Speaking to newsmen after a closed door meeting, former Speaker of Bauchi State House of Assembly and a member-elect Hon. Kawuwa Shehu,  denied any plan to impeach the Bauchi State governor.

  • 26-year-old fake drugs manufacturer nabbed in Bauchi

    A 26-year-old Victor Oguwa, a suspected fake drugs manufacturer, has been arrested by the police in Bauchi State.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Kamal Datti, disclosed this while addressing newsmen on the arrest of some suspects in Bauchi on Saturday.

    He said the police acted on a credible intelligence and raid a black sport at Gwallameji area on June 13, and arrested the suspected fake drug producer.

    According to him, the police recovered 71 bottles of locally produced codeine, 30 bottles of Tutolin, one carton of ORS used for codeine productions and one pot of codeine ready for refilling.

    Others include 100 empty scavenged bottles, 60 bottles top cover and 120 product name tags.

    “The case is under investigation after which the suspect will be charged to court,” Datti said.

    The police spokesman assured that the command would not relent in it efforts to rid the state of crimes and criminality.

    Read Also: 3 APC lawmakers eyeing Bauchi speakership

    However, the suspect (Oguwu) in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) denied manufacturing fake drugs, claiming: “I was set up to pay for those items not knowing what was inside and what is meant for.

    “I paid N140,000 that my friend from Onitsha asked me to pay and collect the goods before he comes from his journey.

    “Not knowing that police are coming to arrest me, in fact I don’t know anything about fake drugs manufacturing, it was unfortunate he involved me in to that. ”

    He however appealed to the police to temper justice with mercy.

    NAN

  • Mohammed signs 2019 N197bn Bauchi budget

    The Governor of Bauchi state Senator Bala Muhammed on Friday signed the N197bn 2019 appropriation bill into law.

    The budget was assented to after a downward review from N198bn proposed and submitted to the House of Assembly by his predecessor, Mohammad Abubakar, on December 20, 2018.

    Mohammed said the review of the budget was to incorporate the projects that was in line with manifesto of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP).

    He had after his inauguration requested the legislators to make a review of the budget to suit his administration’s policies and programmes.

    Read Also: Gov Mohammed orders payment of workers’ salaries

    Speaking after signing the revised budget at the Council Chamber, Government House Bauchi, he expressed appreciation to members of the Assembly for the speedy review of the revised budget.

    He assured the lawmakers of synergy to take the state to “greatest height” with provision of good governance.

    Mohammed said further that his administration would be guided by the Constitution for better performance in line with International best practices.

    Earlier, while presenting the budget to the Governor for assent, Speaker of the House, Mr. Kawuwa Damina said Bala requested for review of the document, therefore the legislators were on their toes to ensure amendment.

    The speaker enjoined the governor to join hands with the Assembly for the speedy development of the state.

  • Bauchi: Mohammed, 17 lawmakers submit Assets Declaration Form

    The newly sworn in Governor of Bauchi State, Sen. Bala Mohammed, his deputy, Sen.Baba Tella, and 17 newly elected  law makers in the state have compiled with the provision of the law in the Code of Conduct Bureau to declare their assets, the  Nation can confirm.

    Though details of the assets were not made available to our Correspondent, but records obtained from the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, office in Bauchi State indicated that Bala Mohammed who was sworn in as the 16th governor of Bauchi state on Wednesday submitted his asset declaration form, CCB1, 28th of March 2019, a day before his inauguration likewise his deputy.

    A source at the CCB who spoke in confidence with the Nation said  the governor submitted his form through his elder brother, Alh. Adamu Duguri who is the Wakili of Bauchi and his new Chief of Staff, Alh.Abubakar Kari.

    The source revealed further that 17  newly elected  lawmakers have also submitted their assets declaration form. He said those that are yet to declare have a deadline of second week of July if not they won’t be allowed to take any oath of office.

    The date of submission and signatures of the   lawmakers was captioned in the CCB form.

    The lawmakers that have submitted their forms  include; Yusuf Mohammed Bako of Pali Constituency, Bala Abdullahi Dau of Duguri/Gwana Constituency, Jamilu Umaru Dahiri ,Bauchi Constituency,  Musa Mante Barraza, Dass Constituency, Yunusa Ahmed, Warji Constituency,  Tukur Ibrahim ,Toro/ Jama’a Constituency, Abubakar Suleiman ,Ningi Constituency, Ado Wakili ,Burra Constituency.

    Others are;   Baballe Abubakar Damnam of Dambam/ Daganda/Jalam Constituency, Gazali Abubakar Wunti, Ganjuwa East Constituency, Yusuf inuwa Dadiye, Ganjuwa West Constituency, Mukhtar A.Suleiman, Katagum Constituency, Wanzam Mohammed, Jama’re Constituency, Sale Hodi Jibir, Disina Constituency, Bello Mu’azu Shira , Shira Constituency, Tijani Mohammed Aliyu ,Azare / Madangalo Constituency

    The source revealed further that Aides, personal Assistant, Senior Special Assistant to be appointed by the Governor will make their assets declaration 90 days within the period of appointment.

    Meanwhile, the Nation also learnt that the Bala’s predecessor ,Abubakar Mohammed and his Deputy, Sule Audu Katagum made their assets declaration earlier before the inauguration of the new administration.

    The forms were submitted on the 24th of March to the Code of Conduct Bureau  and received by the Head of  Federal Commission Bureau ,  Saad Abdullahi Abubakar, who is the head of the assets declaration exercise in charge  of the North-East zone.

    Read Also: 43 suspected criminals arrested in Bauchi

    The Principal Private Secretary of the Former Governor, Alh.Sadisu Usman   submitted the form on his behalf.

    Others that have submitted their assets declaration form, CCB1, after their tenure expired in the past administration include 20 Commissioners, 42 Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistant s and Personal Assistants, 35 Board Chairman/ Members and 14 former lawmakers at the Bauchi State House of Assembly.

    The Commissioners are; Haruna Deke Mohammed,Hon  Ministry of Justice,  Babaginda Nasiru Giade , Commissioner of S.E.M.E.D., Ibrahim Ayuba Suleiman, Ministry of Water Resources, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, Ministry of housing, Ado Sarkin Asks Zigau, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Dr Zuwaira Hassan Ibrahim, Ministry of Health, Hon.Shehu Abubakar, Ministry of Works and Transport, Mohammed Sani Bashir,Ministry of Power and Technology.

    Others are; Umar Ibrahim Sade Commissioner Ministry of Information, Mohammed Aminu Ministry of Industry,  Trade and Investment,  Abubakar D.Ibrahim, Ministry of Youth and Sport , Alh.Samson Rifkatu Danna, Ministry of Environment, Rukayya Ibrahim Kewa, Ministry of Women Affairs, Danwanka Haruna Abdullahi, Ministry of Education, Yakubu Kirfi , Ministry of Agriculture, Musa Kaila Baima ,Ministry of Solid Minerals, Magaji Abubakar Dambam, Ministry of Budget and Planning, Nasiruddeen Mohammed, Ministry of Local Government, Garba Sarki Akuyam, Ministry of Finance.

    The Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Alh.Sadisu Abdulmumini Usman, the Chief of Staff, and   Deputy Chief of Staff have also declared their assets in accordance with the constitution.

    Section 185 subsection (1) to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that ” The person elected to the office of the Governor of a state shall not begin to perform the function of that office until he has declared his assets and liabilities as prescribed in this Constitution , and has subsequently taken and subscribed the oath of a Allegiance and Oath of office prescribed in the seventh schedule to this Constitution.

    Section 187 (2) reveals further that ”  The Provide of this chapter relating to the qualification for election tenure of office disqualifications, declaration of assets and liabilities and oaths of Governor shall apply in relation to the office  of Deputy Governor as it references to Governor were references to Deputy Governor.

  • Bala Mohammed reverses Abubakar’s last minute appointments

    The newly sworn in governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed has declared all last minute appointments carried out by his predecessor, Mohammed Abubakar null and void.

    Bala Mohammed who was sworn in on Wednesday by the acting Chief Judge of the state, Hajiya Rabi Umar, gave the directive while delivering his inaugural speech.

    The governor, while citing reasons for the reverse, said due processes were not followed in the appointments

    Bala Mohammed had earlier before his inauguration vowed to sue his predecessor for last minute recruitment of civil servants, reinstatement of district heads and awards of contracts.

    The governor said: “It is said that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Nothing defines this as the various actions of policy somersault, reversals and impulse capitalisation of government.

    Read Also: APC challenges Bala Mohammed’s victory at tribunal

    “Some of the issues are too sordid to enumerate. I want to state categorically that all appointments, promotions, transfers and secondments, including those that are meant to create friction and division along traditional institutions, from the day I was declared by INEC as the winner of the gubernatorial elections to my swearing- in today, are hereby declared null and void”

    Bala also directed all allegedly dubious approvals given on land allocations, sale of government vehicles and houses as well as alleged spurious contracts awarded in the dying minutes of the last administration to be cancelled.

    “In cases where the instrumentality of Kangaroo legislation was used as a mask , we shall use the instrumentality of credible legislations to consign the absurdity to the scrap heaps of history,” he stressed.

    In compliance with his directive, he ordered most senior officials of departments and agencies (MDA) to ensure strict compliance.

    He also said his  administration will establish a high powered  committee  to recover all assets and properties of government that were illegally disposed by the past administration.

  • 43 suspected criminals arrested in Bauchi

    The newly posted Commissioner of Police to Bauchi state, CP Habu A. Sani  already hit the ground running with the recent arrest of 43 criminals suspects in the state capital.

    Parading the suspected criminals  on Saturday at the State Police Command  Headquarters, Yandoka road , Bauchi, the CP said the suspects were arrested in connection with different offences such as Sara Suka, (A notorious gang group ), Babeli (another cult group notorious for extra judicial killings in the state)

    The exhibits recovered from the suspects include; 1 locally made pistol with 6 rounds 0.7mm caliber of live ammunition, 15 cutlasses, 32 cutlasses, 1 motorcycle, 40 wraps of dry leave suspected to be Indian hemp and bottles of codeine syrup with 903 pieces of counterfeit 100 U.S dollar note.

    CP Habu Sani said 8 out of the 43 suspects were already convicted after  they were charged to court. He said further that the remaining 35 who are in the police custody are currently undergoing investigation.

    The arrest he noted was in line with the Inspector Generic of police(IGP) Mohammad Abubakar Adamu,’s agenda of community based Policing and the ongoing special operation code named “Operation Puff Adder”

    Also announcing the launch of the Community Policing at the Nupawa quarters in the State Capital, CP Halilu restated his commitment to see that the policing strategy in the state under his leadership is intelligence-led and community policing driven guided by intelligence at strategic ,operational and tactical levels.

    The Nation gathered that the new strategy will be in collaboration with critical stakeholders in communities and volunteer security outfits.

    The critical stakeholders are Traditional rulers/ District heads and Religious leaders in the state.

    Read Also: Court restrains Bauchi, SUBEB from awarding N4.5b contract

    The security outfit include; The Bauchi State Peace and Security Committee ( Yan Kwamiti), Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Danga Security, amongst others.

    In his words ” The strategy would equally be proactive , preventive in orientation and conducted  within the context of public ownership, partnership, participation, problem solving and community support with a mainstream society

    “It is in line with Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar Adamu agenda of community based Policing and the ongoing special operation code named “Operation Puff Adder”

    “It is in view of the above  that, we reviewed , analysed and re-strategised our policing approach in the state with a strategy that is Police- Community Policing Partnership to augment our manpower challenges and checkmate crimes in the state such ad Sara-Suka, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping and other crimes squarely.

    “Consequently, the Area of Responsibility (AOR) of all police divisions in the state have now been crime mapped in to sectors and proportionate number of security men from police and volunteer outfits have been mobilized to patrol the areas with particular attention to locations identified as hot spots for getting information on early warning signals, prevention of crime and timely response to incidents/ distress calls.

    The CP mentioned the five police divisions within the Bauchi Metropolis that have been sectorised into forty-two divisions as; ‘A’ Divison ( Township) with 11 sectors, ‘B’ (GRA) – 10 sectors , ‘C’ Division ( Tafawa Balewa Housing Estate)- 8 sectors, ‘D’ Division ( Dutsen Tanshi) – 6 sectors and ‘E’ Division ( Yelwa) –  with 7 sectors.

    “About 1500 police and volunteers have been deployed 42 sectors to maintain peace, this is apart from the Divisional routine patrols in their respective jurisdiction and Special Tactical Teams that are engaged in the Operation Puff Adder to sustain the fight against crime across the state “he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, a district head of Nupawa Community , Alh. Nuru Adamu Jumba lauded the initiative of the CP saying the the community would gladly cooperate with the police to eradicate crimes in the state.

    He called for more in terms of relationship with the police saying the synergy between the police and communities will pave way for peace in flash point areas in the state.

  • Senate approves N14.6bn contract refund to Bauchi State

    The Senate Thursday approved promissory notes and bond issuance worth N14.6 billion to Bauchi State.

    The fund was approved for the state as reimbursement for projects executed on behalf of the Federal Government by the state.

    The approval followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Promissory Note Programme.

    The approval brought to 24, the number of states with outstanding claims for projects executed on behalf of the Federal Government and approved by the Senate.

    Chairman of the committee, Senator Francis Alimikhena, in his report, noted that although the Senate had initially excluded Bauchi and Kogi States, the committee, however approved refund for Bauchi, leaving out Kogi.

    The Edo North Senator did not give reason for excluding Kogi State from the refund approval.

    After the approval, Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, wondered why Kogi State was excluded when President Muhammadu Buhari sought the approval for the issuance of the notes to offset inherited local debts for both Kogi and Bauchi States.

    Read Also: Breaking: Senate confirms Emefiele for second term

    Lawan said, “We have one more state left. The Senate should pass and approve for Kogi. These are funds spent by these states. Kogi shouldn’t be left out.”

    He therefore appealed that the President’s request of refund for Kogi State should be considered and approved by next week.

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki however said that Lawan was in the right position to initiate the approval for Kogi State.

    Saraki said, “Senate Leader, I have noted your comment. I am only presiding. You are the only person to make it happen.”

  • Osinbajo promises more projects for Bauchi

    Vice President  Yemi Osinbajo has assured the people of Bauchi State that the Federal Government would soon embark on various developmental projects and programs in the state.

    Osibanjo made the promise during the official commissioning  of Burra Rural Electrification Project in Burra, Ningi Local Government  Area of the state on Saturday..

    He said that people oriented programmes would be given much priority during the second tenure of the Muhammadu Buhari  administration,  code named “next level tenure.”

    Osinbajo commended Gov. Muhammed Abubakar of the state for executing the project , which he said would help in diversifying the economy and improving the living conditions of residents.

    Read Also: Osinbajo, Ambode task media on professionalism

    He urged benefitting communities to protect all government property located in their areas for such facilities to last longer.

    Earlier, gov. Abubakar said that the contract for the project was awarded at the cost of N589.79 million.

    Abubakar said that 24 communities within the Burra district were connected to the national grid.

    Also speaking, the Emir  of Ningi, Alh Yunusa Danyaya, commended the federal and state governments for siting various projects in the area.

    Danyaya called for the creation of Burra Local Government Area out of the present Ningi Local Government Area of the state.

    He also called on the Federal Government to allocate more projects to the area, considering its high population.

    NAN

  • Bauchi Govt. imposes curfew after communal clash claim three lives

    No fewer than three persons  were  reported dead  in  a communal  clash between Gudum Sayawa and Gudum Hausawa Communities in Bauchi.

    The Nation gathered that the genesis of the clash was on  Thursday 10th of March, when youths in Gudum area of Baruch Local Government had misunderstanding  among themselves.

    The misunderstanding later degenerated into communal clash which led to reprise attacks between the  youths from Gudum Sayawa and Gudum Hausawa Communities on Friday.

    However, following the civil unrest, the Bauchi State Government has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew with immediate effect to prevent further escalation.

    In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mohammed Nadada Umar,  the curfew will take place  with immediate effect from 6:00pm to 6:00am until further notice in the affected  Communities.

    It reads; “It would be recalled that on Thursday the 9th May, 2019 at about 09:00 am some youth in Gudum Area of Bauchi Local Government had misunderstanding among themselves. This subsequently escalated into clashes between the youth from Gudum Sayawa and Gudum Hausawa Communities, which resulted into physical skirmishes.”

    Read Also: New Bauchi Police chief takes over

    “However, immediate intervention of the security agencies brought peace in the area. Unfortunately today, during Friday Prayers there was a reprisal and a counter reprisal which led to the death of three  persons.

    “Accordingly, in order to prevent further escalation of the situation, Government has decided to impose a dusk to dawn curfew with immediate effect from 6:00pm to 6:00am until further notice in the following Communities Gudum Fulani Gudum HausawaGudum Sayawa and Bigi,”

    “The people of the affected communities are therefore advised to strictly observe the restriction. Any person or group of people found to be violating this will be decisively dealt with”

    The Bauchi State Police Command while confirming the incident has said investigations are still ongoing as the command will do everything possible to ensure that all perpetrators of the crisis are brought to book.

    The Police Public Relation Officer, PPRO, Kamal Abubakar said adequate security personnel were already deployed to those areas to protect lives and property.

  • ‘We are optimistic of Atiku, Mohammed’s victory at tribunal’

    Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Chris Uche, who doubles as the lead counsel for Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Alh. Atiku Abubakar at the presidential election tribunal, and Bauchi State governor-elect, Bala Mohammed at the governorship petition tribunal sitting in Bauchi state has expressed optimism of his clients’ victory in court.

    Atiku and his party are challenging the outcome of the election on the grounds of alleged massive rigging, malpractices substantial non-compliance with the electoral laws.

    In the petition, Atiku and PDP are praying that its candidate be declared winner of the February 23 presidential election.

    They are also asking the tribunal to nullify the poll and order for a fresh election that will be conducted in line with the provisions of the electoral laws.

    The legal luminary said all the respondents in Atiku’s cases have all filed their responses.

    He mentioned President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress,APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as the respondents.

    Uche added that all processes have been exchanged and very soon, there will be commencement of the pre- hearing session with the actual trial coming after that.

    He, however, queried the APC for not addressing some of the issues raised in the petition filed by Atiku.

    “It is very unfortunate that they have not addressed the issues we raised rather they are raising issues that we feel are mere distractions. Whether Atiku is a Nigerian citizen or not or whether one of the lawyers who signed the petition, whether he abbreviated his name or not”

    “But they are yet to address the issues we raised, mainly the information on the data of INEC, the physical result that INEC gave.  They have not reacted to that and all the anomalies we pointed out.

    “We are very comfortable and confident with the processes that are before the court of appeal. Very soon, hearing will be commence on that. We are optimistic of victory In both cases”

    “Having looked at all the fact in both cases,  our position are very strong, we are very confident of defending the mandate of  Atiku and Bala victory and we shall come out victorious ”

    Read Also: Buhari, Jonathan, Atiku and who?

    Meanwhile, Bala ‘s victory is been challenged by Governor Mohammad Abubakar and the APC over alleged rigging.

    Uche who spoke at the inauguration of the governor-elect’s legal team in Bauchi,   which he heads said Bala has a right to be represented and his mandate defended and protected.

    “As we all know Bala Mohammed won all the election but incidentally his opponent has challenged his victory. We are here as his legal team to defend the mandate given to him voluntarily by the people of Bauchi state.

    “Our legal team is a highly constituted one, and we have about 60 lawyers with 5 SANs which have been chosen to defend him”

    “We have seen a copy of the filed by his opponent, we have also taken a look at it and the area of the complaints and really those are not really complains”

    “Since we have just been filed and served a copy of the petition, we have 21 days to file and reply .We are already gathering our materials, the results from all the local government even though they are challenging result from only 3 out of the 20 Local government areas. We will soon file our response and will also take preliminary steps required before the pre-hearing session which will expect to take place in two weeks’ time” He said

    On his part, the governor-elect has said he would use every legitimate means at his disposal to defend his electoral mandate.

    Inaugurating his legal team, the Governor-elect said, “On behalf of myself, the deputy governor-elect, Baba Tela and the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, of Bauchi state, I inaugurate the legal team to fight for us at the tribunal.”

    “I won’t relent in defending the mandate that was freely given to me by the good people of Bauchi State. This is not the first obstacle we have had to cross, and by God’s grace, we will emerge victorious again in court. He said

    The Nation had earlier reported over the weekend that Chris Uche will lead the Bauchi governor-elect ‘s team with 10 senior lawyers which include 5 SANs and 60 indigenous lawyers from Bauchi to compliment the efforts of the Uche- led legal  team in defense of Bala ‘s victory at the tribunal.