The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ganduje

  • Kano guber primaries: Ganduje secure 2.7M votes

    Kano state Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has emerged as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after securing 2,740,847 votes at just concluded party’s governorship primaries held in the state.

    The result was officially announced by the Chief Returning Officer for the election, Mr Pius Odudu at the state party secretariat, after collating all the results forwarded by the 44 local governments where a direct primaries was adopted for the sole candidate.

    Ganduje, who expressed satisfaction with the election result, commended the peaceful conduct of the election and party members for exhibiting total solidarity for his return.

    “Our dear electorate have faith in what we are doing in our effort to strengthen democracy and sustain the developmental projects, programmes and policies,”

    However,in all the 484 wards across the 44 local governments of the state, the conduct of the exercise was peaceful and orderly.

    Accepting the result through his Deputy, Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, Ganduje encouraged party members and other well meaning Nigerians to come out en mass and vote for President Buhari come 2019 election.

    “Our major concern, as being championed by our dear President Muhammadu Buhari, is to take Nigeria to the next levels of development. That is why we are replicating, at state levels, what President Buhari is championing,” he said.

    “We specifically chose to conduct direct primary election just to make the process more participatory, fairer, all-inclusive and to deliberately deepen our democratic practice. Where all will have sense of ownership for the betterment of our society.”

    He explained that the high number of APC card carrying members in the state was due to “massive awareness campaigns embarked by the  state government and the party prior to the primary elections period”.

    “What we promised to do during our 2015 electioneering campaigns, is what is precisely on ground. We promised to continue with the projects initiated by the past and previous administrations. To further consolidate the gains of the democratic rule, we also promised to initiate new projects and programmes. Promises that are being fulfilled,” he said.

    “Look at projects like Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital, Giginyu and Sheik Khalifa Isyaka Rabi’u Specialist Hospital, Zoo Road.Those were gigantic projects left behind. But we thought they must be completed. We have achieved that feat,”

  • Ambode, Ganduje, Abubakar, Bello, others to face direct primaries

    THE National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has approved direct primaries for Lagos, Edo, Kano and 14 other states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Kaduna and 18 other states are to conduct their primaries through indirect mode.

    With the development, the fate of four second term-seeking governors of the party will now be determined through direct primaries.

    Those affected are Governors Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos); Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano); Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi) and Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger).

    Others, who might be subjected to direct primaries, are the favoured candidates of Governors Rochas Okorocha, who is presenting his son-in-law, Uche; Abdulaziz Yari; Ibikunle Amosun; the Minister of Women Affairs Hajiya Aisha Alhassan and Mr. Nsima Ekere, who is the anointed choice of ex-Governor Godswill Akpabio.

    But with the adoption of indirect primaries, some governors and party leaders, desirous of second term ticket or imposing their successors, might take advantage of the party structure for easy ride.

    These are Simon Lalong  (Plateau); Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa); Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna); Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa); Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina); Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi); Umar Tanko Al Makura (Nasarawa); Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Kashim Shettima (Borno) and Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe) among others.

    The details of the outlook of the primaries are contained in a statement by the APC Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Yekini Nabena.

    The statement said: “The NWC of the APC has approved the mode of primaries for Saturday, September 29th, 2018 governorship primary elections scheduled to hold across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    “Resolution on mode of primaries to be adopted: Abia (Direct); Adamawa (Indirect);  Akwa Ibom (Direct);  Anambra (Direct); Bauchi (Direct); Bayelsa (Direct); Benue (Indirect); Borno (Indirect); Cross River (Direct); Delta (Indirect); Ebonyi (Indirect); Enugu (Indirect) Edo (Direct);  and Ekiti (Direct).

    Others are Gombe (Indirect); Imo (Direct); Jigawa (Indirect); Kaduna (Indirect); Kano (Direct); Katsina (Indirect); Kebbi (Indirect); Kogi (Indirect); Kwara (Indirect); Lagos (Direct); Nasarawa (Indirect); Niger (Direct); Ogun (Direct); Ondo (Direct); Osun (Direct); Oyo (indirect); Plateau (Indirect);  and Rivers (Indirect).

    Also affected are Sokoto (Indirect); Taraba (Direct); Yobe (indirect); Zamfara (Direct) and FCT (Direct).

    “The NWC has banned the Adamawa State Working Committee from participating either as delegates or superintendents over the governorship primaries holding in the state. This is due to the fact that the Adamawa State Working Committee was prejudiced in favour of a governorship aspirant.”

    Speaking with our correspondent last night, Nabena said: “We did not impose the choice of primaries on any state. The State Executive Committee of APC in each state wrote to the NWC on preferred model and we looked at their reasons and we adopted what they wanted.

    “The NWC looked at the reports from each state and acted accordingly. There was no imposition.”

  • Osun 2018: Ganduje, Alaafin clamour for continuity

    Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullah Umar Ganduje, and a foremost Yoruba traditional ruler, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, have called on the good people of Osun to support continuity of good governance by electing the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 22, gubernatorial election, Mr Gboyega Oyetola.

    The duo commended what they described as monumental, the achievements recorded by the Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in almost eight years, saying his government has done very well in all aspects of the economy.

    They admonished the people of Osun not to allow themselves to be induced by unscrupulous politicians who didn’t have the wherewithal to build on Aregbesola’s good legacies.

    The two prominent Nigerians made the statement on Monday during a courtesy visit to Aregbesola at Government House, Osogbo.

    Ganduje said the Aregbesola administration has placed Osun on the path of development in all sectors of governance as reflected in the infrastructural facilities put in place across the nooks and crannies of the state.

    The Kano Governor, who doubles as the Chairman National Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress for Osun 2018 Governorship Election, noted that it is imperative for the people of Osun to support the continuity agenda, which he described as the only way to socioeconomic advancement, progress and prosperity.

    Ganduje, who said his visit to Osun was to ensure free, fair, credible, acceptable and transparent governorship election, noted that it is high time Osun residents supported Aregbesola by voting for APC.

    According to him, continuity is the bedrock of socioeconomic development in any society, hence the need for all to support the good works, which Aregbesola’s administration had brought to Osun by voting the APC candidate in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

    “As a matter of fact, the only way to pay Aregbesola back for the good works that his administration has done is to vote for continuity so that we can sustain Osun on the path of development.

    “We have seen the infrastructural facilities that his administration has put in place; the good roads, schools among others. These are legacies that must be sustained and prevented from being destroyed

    “If we truly love Aregbesola and we believe in his good works, then no one must hesitate to vote for continuity as this gesture will place Osun on enviable height.

    “As we strife to ensure free, fair, credible and transparent governorship election, it is also important to let our people know that there is need for them to support the continuity agenda of this administration”, Ganduje said.

    Also, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi said Aregbesola has built a state worthy of emulation by any serious government in Nigeria.

    Oba Adeyemi canvassed for continuity of the good works of Aregbesola’s administration as the state couldn’t afford to swing backward again.

    He applauded the governor for the good works his administration has done in the past eight years, appealing to Osun people to vote for APC in the interest of genuine development and transformation.

    Alaafin said APC governments in Nigeria have proved their competence in all strata of the economy as no opposition party had faulted the good works of very many of them, particularly in the southwestern Nigeria.

    He described APC government as the best government so far in the history of the state, saying it is time for the people of Osun to elect continuity.

    He charged traditional rulers to be wary of power-hungry politicians, who have nothing tangible to offer, warning them to place development above their personal interest.

    In his words, ” It is only an enemy of progress that will not appreciate the performance of Aregbesola’s administration in spite of the challenges posed by the nation’s economy which had adversely affected the states of the federation.

    “I am happy that Aregbesola has been practising what he preaches, he has not disappointed us, he has not disappointed his people and he has not disappointed Nigerians.

    Read Also: 2019: APC chieftain, Dahiru defects to Sokoto PDP

    “I am happy to identify with Aregbesola not only because he is a governor, but because he has done very well in all aspects of life; he has improved on the economy of Osun and he has raised the bar of governance, despite the present economic reality.

    “I commend him, I commend his government for what he has been able to achieve so far, particularly on his administrative sagacity and prudence in the face of daunting challenges.

    In his remarks, the Governor of Osun Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola expressed profound gratitude to Ganduje and Alaafin, saying he will utilize the remaining days to the expiration of his administration to build more on his giant strides.

    He expressed confidence in the ability of his party, the All Progressives Congress, at winning the gubernatorial election, saying “we have God and the good people of Osun behind us”.

  • ‘Ganduje to pick Gawuna as deputy governor’

    There are strong indications that Kano State Governor Abduullahi Ganduje may appoint the Commissioner of Agriculture, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, as his deputy.

    The Nation gathered that Ganduje decided to pick Gawuna after consultations with stakeholders and approval by party stalwarts.

    Former Deputy Governor Prof. Hafiz Abubakar resigned his post after accusing Ganduje of sidelining him in running the state. He has since joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and is jostling for the governorship ticket.

    A government source said Gawuna, a former chairman of Nassarawa Local Government Area might be named the deputy after his name is forwarded to the House Assembly today.

    The source added that Ganduje decided to settle for Gawuna because both are related and Gawuna has a strong mass appeal.

  • 2019: 35 coalition secures nomination form for Ganduje

    No fewer than 35 associations purchased nomination form from the state headquarters of All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday for the re-election of the governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state in the forthcoming 2019 general election.

    The associations under the aegis of One-2-tell-10 association, purchased the form at the rate of N22.5m, at the party secretariat, believing that Ganduje is a good product of true democracy.

    The presentation of the form was held at Coronation Hall, Government, Kano on Monday, where delegates across all the 44 local governments were present at the event.

    The leader of the groups Jazuli Abdulkarim Dayyabu said “Ganduje is prudent in the resource management and believes in good governance at all levels. He is a leader that deserves all our support at all times.”

    “We deem it fit to network with other associations and purchase this form for His Excellency our amiable governor Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to re-contest for the next year’s gubernatorial election.”

    “All those that are seen as detractors to President Buhari and Ganduje are nonentity in the political practice of the nation, insisting that, “When we realised the nature of the good work he has been doing to better our lots, we promised to do our best for his re-election.”

    Dayyabu assured that they would not stop on the purchase of the form alone, they vowed to continue with their networking and cooperation up to the election period, when results would finally be announced.

    In his speech also, governor Ganduje commended the groups and assured them that he accepts to re-contest again come 2019.

    Ganduje reminded that, “The fact that groups purchased form for our dear President Muhammadu Buhari and here we are other groups purchased form for me, it shows the similarity between our styles of leadership.”

    “We all know that President Buhari is up and doing in the fight against corruption and in the prudent management of our resources. I am extremely happy for this gesture. It also shows your appreciation of what we are doing for the state,” he appreciated.

    While assuring all that, the direct procedures in the primary elections to come was a clear way of improving democratic process in the state, he urged the groups to stand firm in making sure that, “…they finish the good effort they started up to election period and beyond.”

    Speaking also, the state APC chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, revealed that amongst the associations that put heads to purchase the form were Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), association of tricycle operators, Councillors association, and many more Buhari organisations.

    Abbas said “We are all in the support Buhari and Ganduje re-election bid come 2019. We all believe in their efforts in developing our nation and the state. Today’s event shows clearly how people are supportive and satisfied with our administration in the state.”

    Kano State House of Assembly Speaker, Kabiru Alasan Rurum also suggested that, voter cards should be displayed henceforth in any political gathering aimed at canvassing support for governor Ganduje.

    “Henceforth we should make it a matter of priority that when we are organising similar events, all participants should be coming to meetings or any other gatherings with their voter registration cards, to show to whoever cares to listen and watch, that, we are determined to get the 5 million votes we vowed to give Buhari and Ganduje.”

  • Islamic New Year: Kano declares Tuesday public holiday

    The Kano State Government has declared Tuesday Sept. 11 as public holiday to mark the new Islamic year 1440‎ after Hijra (AH).

    This was contained in a statement signed by the state commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba on Monday in Kano.

    The statement quoted Governor Abdullahi Ganduje as congratulating Muslims faithful for witnessing the New Year, which commences in the month of Muharram, the first month in the lunar Islamic calendar.

    It also urged Muslims to reflect on their deeds and activities during the past year and also to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace and prosperity of the country.

    Read Also: 2,003 Kaduna pilgrims return home – Official

    The statement reassured the people of the state government’s determination to work hard towards improving their living standards.

    It also called on Nigerians to join hands with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to build a peaceful and harmonious country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tuesday would be the first day of Muharram.

  • Ganduje signs Executive Order of Open Government Partnership

    The Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has signed an Executive Order of Open Government Partnership (OGP) as part of effort toward the fight against corruption, improve transparency and accountability in governance.

    Abba Anwar, the Chief Press Secretary to Ganduje stated this in statement he signed and made available to newsmen in Kano on Tuesday.

    He quoted the governor as saying that the signing of OGP was also part of the government renewed effort to improve citizens’ participation and access to public information.

    “Kano State has joined the Open Government Partnership to deepen institutional reforms, fight corruption, and grant citizens’ right of access to public records and information and to enable citizens to effectively participate in governance.

    “On the premise of answering the call of President Muhammadu Buhari, that Nigeria must fight corruption to standstill, Ganduje becomes very committed in the OGP project.

    “He believes that states also should copy from Buhari’s abhorrence to corrupt practices, “Ganduje said.

    The governor said with strong anti-corruption institutions in the state, the Executive Order would help in strengthening optimal performance within the enclave of global best practices fiscal discipline and transparency.

    “Kano state shall fully implement the Open Government Partnership (OGP) principles in its reform agenda. Every Ministry Department or Agency (MDA).

    “Every public institution in Kano state shall establish an office and appoint suitably trained officials as Open Government and Access to Information Officers to ensure effective implementation of this Order.”

    He said the state government would inaugurate State Steering Committee and Action Plan, within the next few days to ensure effective implementation of the order.

  • Sallah: Ganduje frees 170 inmates

    Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje yesterday granted amnesty to 170 inmates at Goron Dutse Prison.

    He said the gesture was in the spirit of Eid-El Kabir and to implement the Federal Government’s directive to decongest prisons.

    According to him, since the inception of his administration in 2015, about 2,000 inmates have been granted freedom.

    He advised the ex-inmates to change their attitude to life and pray for peace and stability in Nigeria.

    Each inmate also got N5,000 fare to their destination.

    The Comptroller of Prisons, Abdullahi Magaji thanked Ganduje for the gesture, and advised the freed inmates to stay off crime to avoid returning to prison.

  • Sallah : Ganduje frees 170 inmates

    The Kano State Governor Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on Tuesday granted amnesty to 170 prison inmates in the state.

    Ganduje , who effect the release of the inmates from Goron Dutse Prison, said the gesture was in the spirit of Eid-El Kabir.

    He said that the release of the inmated was to complement Federal Government’s directive in decongesting the nation’s prisons.

    Ganduje, maintained that the gesture was in conformity with President Muhammadu Buhari directive to all Governors to as a matter of urgency decongest prisons across the country.

    According to him, since the inception of his administration in 2015, about 2000 inmates have been granted freedom.

    Read Also: 157 inmates set to write WASSCE, as two pursue PhD

    He advised the ex-inmates to change their attitudes to life and pray for peace and stability in Nigeria.

    Ganduje,also gave each of the freed inmates N5,000 as transport fare to their respective destination.

    Earlier, the Comptroller of Prisons in Kano, Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji, thanked the governor for freeing about 2,000 inmates since his coming into office.

    Magaji advised the freed inmates to indulge and stay away from crimes to avoid going back to prison.

    Some of the freed inmates who spoke ,hailed the State Government for the gesture and promised to shun crimes.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Ganduje caution politicians against incitement

    Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has urged Muslims to imbibe the values of sacrifice, love and keep fostering unity as they join their counterparts globally to celebrate this years Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

    Ganduje also cautioned religious and political leaders against hate campaigns, incitement or fanning embers of disunity in this period of heightened political activity in the country.

    In his Sallah message signed by the commissioner for Information, Youth and Culture, Malam Muhammad Garba, Governor Ganduje said the period of the celebration was a clarion call for Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of the season such as selfless service to God and humanity, sacrifice and sincere commitment to righteous conducts in their private and public life.

    Read Also: Eid-el Kabir: Gaidam urges unity between Muslims and other religions

    He explained that the significance of the season should be beyond the festivities, adding that the real essence was not in the meat or the blood of the animal but to encourage piety, self-discipline and sacrifice.

    The governor called on all Nigerians to exhibit these values for the good of the country, emphasizing the need for constructive criticisms for improved governance, which he said, must be separated from incitements in order to move forward.

    While congratulating the Muslims for the opportunity by Allah to enable us witness yet another celebration, Ganduje urged the faithful to use the period to pray for peace and unity in the country and for safe return of pilgrims from the Holy Land.