The Nation Newspaper

Tag: governor

  • Plateau governor fixes roads

    Plateau governor fixes roads

    Roads are nothing to cheer in Jos, the Plateau State capital. Now, the rains have worsened them, submerging the potholes and leaving motorists huffing and cursing. Pedestrians do not fare better; often, they get splashed with dirty water by helpless drivers doing their best to avoid the ditches and potholes.

    Ajara Usman, a resident, said, “One can no longer walk freely along the road; motorists will spray you with mud-water and spoil your whole day. Most of the potholes are deep, and when there is rain, water will cover up the holes and these motorists will…splash you water; it has happened to me several times.”

    Governor Simon Lalong has started fixing them, something he promised to do as soon as he took office.

    Two months after, Governor Lalong has decided to proffer a short-term solution to the road problem by flagging off the rehabilitation of road network around the city.

    Apart from flagging off the rehabilitation of the road network,  Lalong also impressed the people of the state by mobilising the construction company Pw Company Nigeria Limited to complete the contract awarded by the immediate past government led by Jonah David Jang.

    That uncompleted road which runs  through the heart of the city, has been a nightmare for residents since last year when Jang began the construction.

    “But realising the impact of the uncompleted project of the socio-economic sector of the state and considering the hardship faced by motorists and pedestrians, Governor Lalong decided to make the road project topmost priority apart from settling seven months salary arrears of the state civil servants,” said Samuel Nanle, Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Lalong.

    With the rehabilitation of the bad roads and the resumption of construction on the uncompleted road, residents of Jos, particularly commercial taxi drivers, are hailing the governor for alleviating their plight.

    One of them, Ahmodu Bala said, “My relief is because, recently I began to hate my driving profession because of the nature of roads in Jos; the roads are terribly bad, by the time you get home after the day’s work, you feel so devastated and it makes you get discouraged continuing the work the next day. But I have been a taxi driver all my life and I don’t want to quit. That is why I say this governor is a saviour for repairing these roads.“

    Another  motorist, Abel Aboki said, “All thanks to the governor, at least I will not be doing alignment every week because of bad road anymore. He is a people-oriented leader; I hail him.”

    Most residents of the state said they are praying for the governor to continue in the same good spirit he has started.

    A resident Abraham Malu said, “The governor had made the workers happy by offsetting their salary arrears, he has also turn to also solve the road problems to make the entire citizens happy, this to me is the best way to start a government and I think the way he is going, he will be a listening leader”

  • Governor denies dumping ex-Speaker

    Governor denies dumping ex-Speaker

    EKITI State Governor Ayo Fayose has denied dumping former Assembly factional Speaker Dele Olugbemi after he allegedly “used him for his selfish ends”.

    Fayose, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, maintained that the allegation that he had dumped Olugbemi was not true.

    He added that the former factional Speaker’s appointment as House of Assembly Commission member was an appreciation of his service to the state.

    He said: “It is not true that Governor Fayose dumped him. The governor appointed him a commissioner member of Ekiti State House of Assembly Commission. He earns same salary and entitlements as other commissioners. What else does he want?

    “Tunji Odeyemi, who is the commission’s chairman, was the Speaker during the time of Segun Oni and once acting governor of the state. Is Olugbemi asking that he should be placed above Odeyemi?

    “I don’t know of any other way the governor can treat him. Mind you, if you have assisted anybody in life, it is God who used you, much as God can decide to use somebody else if you declined. In everything, we should give glory to God.”

    Adelusi urged the people to continue to support the government, saying the governor was determined to leave the state better than he met it.

  • Why Murtala removed me as governor, by Aduwo

    Why Murtala removed me as governor, by Aduwo

    Former military governor of the defunct Western State Vice Admiral Akintunde Aduwo has reflected on his military career, saying that he was removed from office by former Head of State Gen. Murtala Muhammed because he refused to announce the take-over of the University of Ife by the Federal Government.

    He recalled that he could not carry out the order, following objections by stakeholders in the region who objected to the transfer of the regional asset to the Federal Government.

    Aduwo, who later retired as the Chief of Naval Staff, said that he did not regret his action, adding that can walk freely today in the five states of Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, and Ekiti because he did not worked against their interest.

    The retired naval chief spoke on his career, the civil war and the plight of the military establishment, which he lamented, has not been insulated from partisan politics, during the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) live programme tagged: Reflections.

    Aduwo, who spent barely 30 days in office as governor, said that his appointment was dramatic as his name was not spelled correctly by the Head of State, who announced his posting to the State House, Ibadan.

    He said during the briefing by Gen. Muhammed, he was called Tunde Oduwa, instead of Akintunde Aduwo. He recalled that, after the briefing, he raised up his hand and asked for clarification before the Commander-In-Chief pointed confirmed that he has been appointed governor.

    Aduwo, who succeeded Brig-Gen. Oluwole Rotimi, said the Head of State directed him to issue a statement transferring the university (now Obafemi Awolowo Univerisity (OAU) to the Federal Government, adding that he it was difficult for him to carry out the directive.

    He recalled: “I was appointed as military governor when Gen. Muhammadu Buhari was appointed as the military governor of the Northeast. My colleague, Adekunle Lawa was also appointed as the military governor of Lagos State. When I was appointed as the military governor, the Head of State directed me to issue a statement on the third day of my resumption that the University of Ife has been transferred to the Federal Government. On the third day, I couldn’t do it. I did not know much about the university, except that it was owned by the Western State, which comprised of Oyo, Ondo, and Ogun states.

    “I had to consult many people in the region, including Chief Bola Ige, who warned me against the decision. I was removed 30 days after my appointment. But, I thank God that I can move freely in any part of the region today.”

    Aduwo recalled that, although he had options to work at the ministries of education and agriculture, and the Western State Broadcasting Service (WSBC), he opted for the naval training at Apapa Port as one of the pioneer naval cadets.

    He lamented the needless civil war, where he played a vital role on the federal side, saying that it was avoidable.

    Aduwo also lamented the politicisation of the military saying that it is counter-productive.

     

  • I’ve lost a confidant, says Oyo deputy governor

    Oyo State Deputy Governor Moses Alake Adeyemo has said the death of the Borno State Deputy Governor, Zannah Mustapha, has robbed him of a confidant and a brother.

    Adeyemo, in his condolence message to the government and people of Borno State, expressed sadness at the passage of Zannah. He described the incident “as a tragic loss.”

    The deputy governor urged the bereaved family to seek solace that the deceased lived a good life and died in the service of his people.

    His words: “He was a personal friend, a complete gentleman and a devoted servant-leader. The deputy governor would be missed by all.”

  • Oshiomhole: deputy governor’s death shocking

    Oshiomhole: deputy governor’s death shocking

    •Jigawa governor sad 

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has described as shocking, the death of the Borno State Deputy Governor Zannah Umar Mustapha.

    He said the deceased was a vibrant man, who gave his all in service to his state and the nation.

    In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, Oshiomhole said: “The death of Alhaji Zanna Mustapha, the deputy governor of Borno State, came to us as a shock, as he was a vibrant man, who was committed to rendering selfless service to his state and the nation.

    “I met His Excellency on a number of occasions and he exhibited deep knowledge of the problems facing the people of his state. He was an ally of the governor, and together, they took positive steps to ensure the development of the state despite the challenges.

    “The late deputy governor made contributions at several forums where he represented the governor and the state. He gave the impression of a man who had a deep passion for his state and a great insight on how to move it forward.

    “Alhaji Mustapha was a very dutiful functionary, who enjoyed the full confidence of the governor. His humility and commitment to the reversal of the fortunes of the state were endearing.

    “I offer my personal commiseration as well as the condolence of the people and Government of Edo State over the sad loss.

    “Our supplication is for Almighty Allah to, in His infinite mercy, receive his soul with His love and forgiveness and bless him with Aljannah Firdausi.”

    Jigawa State Governor Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar has expressed shock on the death of Borno State Deputy Governor Zanna Mustapha.

    This was contained in a statement in Dutse by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Malam Muhammed Bello Zaki.

    The statement said the loss would not only affect Borno, but the entire country.

    It expressed condolence to the late deputy governor’s family and relatives and prayed that Almighty Allah would grant him Aljannah Firdausi.

  • Governor denies fresh killings in Nasarawa

    Governor denies fresh killings in Nasarawa

    The Governor of Nasarawa State, Tanko Al-Makura  on Friday denied report of fresh killings in the state.

    Speaking with State House Correspondents after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, he said that the present peace in Nasarawa has been unprecedented.

    He said “People, I mean citizens of Nasarawa State are jubilating and are happy that the peace that has been attained through community-based mechanism that everybody was participating has yielded results.

    “We are enjoying unfettered peaceful co-existence in the state. So it will be surprising for anybody to speculate and raise an alarm where there is none.

    According to him, the rate of crime in the state has drastically reduced to a point of no criminality.

    He said: “We don’t have anything like that, even the rate of crime in the state has really subsided because the security operatives and the residents are working in synergy to ensure that miscreants and bad eggs amongst us find another environment.

    “So I think that is speculative and that is casting aspersions that is negative and it is very unkind for anybody to insinuate that there is anything like that in Nasarawa State,.

    “I’m telling you with every sense of responsibility that the citizens of Nasarawa State are enjoying better than ever before a peaceful environment where they are working in synergy with security operatives.” He stated.

    He also said that his government was doing everything possible to address the flooding in Mararaba and other parts of the state.

    If not for the rains, he said that a major road in Kabayi area of the state would have been completed towards reducing the hardship of residents.

    He said: “Flood issues have been national issue and you know as much as I do what the causes of floods are and a lot of it have to do with lack of proper conduct by residents. Where residents use gutters and water ways as dumping grounds for waste and other things, so when rains come, such problems become more profound than there were before.”

    “However, I want to limit myself to the issue of Mararaba, particularly where floor this year appears to have gone a little more than what happened in the previous year, with particular reference to certain areas, I’m talking about Kabayi, the people in Kabayi are really complaining about flood and water has caused so much disruption in their activities.

    “I took upon myself to ward contract to ensure that people living along that axis benefit from good roads. I therefore awarded contract worth over N800 million to have a road that will contact them with the main arteries so that it will reduce the problem of traffic.

    “But unfortunately while the work was hobby on, the rains arrived and there is nothing we could do, it’s force majeur we can’t stop the rains from coming, because we have projects, so the people have to be a little bit patient until the rains subside.” He added

  • Senate summons CBN governor over state of economy

    Senate summons CBN governor over state of economy

    The Senate yesterday invited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, to provide an update on the state of the economy.

    The Upper Chamber said  it needed the CBN chief to explain the implications of the free fall of the naira.

    The legislators noted that the CBN governor  should be invited to “brief the Senate on this matter to be enlightened  as to what the situation really is.”

    This followed a motion by Senator Nazif Suleiman (Bauchi North) titled The State of the Economy: Naira depreciation and its implications.

    The Senate also urged the Federal Government to step up efforts in diversifying the  economy from oil-depent on taxation, agriculture, manufacturing, international tourism and solid minerals prospecting.

    Suleiman in his lead debate noted with concern the parlous state of the Nigerian economy as it affects the growing rate of the depreciation of the naira.

    The lawmaker expressed worries that the naira has depreciated in the last few months at a much faster rate than it had appreciated over the last two years.

    The cause of the depreciation, he said, is the consequence of the negative cash flow as a result of the downward trend oil price, which is further worsened by speculations in the foreign exchange market.

    He lamented that the foreign exchange needs of the various sectors of the economy are now not being made available.

    Suleiman said the banking industry may be currently defaulting in the global economy which may be sending wrong signal and creating bad image about the Nigerian economy.

    He noted that the resultant speculation is leading to  huge capital flight with its attendant inflationary consequence which is affecting the common man on the street.

    Suleiman further noted that illicit fund flows and money laundering going through the country’s financial system contributes in weakening the value of the naira. This he said has led to recent decision of the CBN to increase it vigilance to ensure that Nigerian banks are not used as conduit for illicit funds flow and money laundering in foreign currencies.

    He said the procedure for processing demand and supply of foreign exchange by the CBN should be reviewed and various options considered to stem the precipitous depreciation of the naira as well as discourage speculators.

    Senator Joseph Gbolahan Dada (Ogun West) in his contribution said there was no doubt that the country is at a cross roads.

    He said the country must define its economic policies and be firm to punish fraud no matter who is involved.

    The lawmaker said it is lamentable that “we produce nothing yet we ride the finest cars in the world. We must begin to create wealth.” The senator said the banking industry must monitor those engaged in forex round tripping with dollar in the country.

    Senator Olaka Nwogu (Rivers East) in his contribution said the economic crisis is an opportunity for the Senate to support President Muhammadu Buhari to solve the problem.

    He added that the beginning of the solution of the country’s economic downturn should start by stopping total dependence on oil.

    He noted that a situation where most states in the country wait for their share of the oil proceeds before they can pay salary should be a thing of the past.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki who summed contributions from senators described the motion as timely.

    He said the Senate must always be seen to defend the naira saying it is clear that the naira is being subjected to speculators.

    He said 15 years ago, nobody would ever have imagine that the country could stop massive importation of cement.

    He said some thing could still be done about the importation of rice.

    He said: “We as the Senate will give the government all the support to defend the naira. Government has to be firm and consistent and I think the government has taken the right step. It is not going to easy.”

  • Governor warns against ban on rice importation

    Jigawa State Governor Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar has cautioned against the ban on importation of rice and other essential commodities.

    He spoke yesterday in Dutse when receiving the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

    Abubakar warned the Federal Government on the effect of the ban on Nigerians, especially workers.

    He said the ban on rice required diligence and in-depth analysis of the possible repercussions, to avoid weakening the purchasing power of the people.

    According to him, the economy and the danger of relying on oil as a source of revenue necessitated the need for a review of the policies that hindered the take-off of the diversification of the economy.

    The governor, who identified agriculture as a solution to the economic woes facing the country, said: “Unless we prioritise agriculture, the future is bleak.”

    Abubakar noted that over- reliance on oil revenue was risky, “especially now that developed countries, such as the US, are investing in the discovery of renewable energy.”

    He went on: “The current reality is that the oil prices are shrinking and they will shrink further when looking at Iran’s possibility of pumping over one million barrels next month. So, the earlier we start looking for a solution, the better.”

    The NUJ Chairman, Comrade Usman Yau, said they visited the governor to thank him for the increase of five per cent in the annual leave and transportation grants of civil servants.

    He noted that the gesture showed that Abubakar was a man of integrity.

    Yau said besides the five per cent increment, the governor was the first to pay workers’ salary in June, even before the release of the Federal Government grant.

     

     

     

  • Niger schools aren’t fit for animals, says governor

    Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello yesterday decried the condition of public schools.

    He said they were sub-standard.

    The governor condemned the poor environmental condition of most public schools when he visited Maryam Babangida Girls Science Secondary School, Bosso, Minna.

    He said: “We’ve visited schools where animals would not like to live in the hostels and dogs wouldn’t eat the food being served pupils.”

    Bello said past administrations neglected public schools. He promised to embark on the rehabilitation of the schools.

    His words: “It’s unfair to blame pupils for failing external or final year examinations when they study in filthy environment and receive sub-standard teaching.

    “It is also not right to blame teachers for poor performance without providing them tools to aid teaching.”

    The governor assured pupils and teachers of his administration’s determination to provide better learning and teaching conditions.

    He warned teachers not to hide under the present deplorable condition to shirk their duties.

  • Governor queries HOS for lateness

    Governor queries HOS for lateness

    Jigawa State Governor Muhammad Badaru Abubakar yesterday queried the Acting Head of Service (HOS), Alhaji Na’Annabi Ahmad, for reporting late in office.

    A statement said the governor queried the acting HOS, who is also a permanent secretary (Administration) in the Office of the Head of Service, for not being on his desk by 9am.

    The governor gave the directive when he visited the secretariat a few minutes past 9am and ordered the closure of the gate.

    He decried the attitude of the acting HOS and many senior civil servants, who came late.

    The senior public servants  Abubakar found on their desk were the Permanent Secretary (Administration and General Services), Alhaji Inuwa Tahir; Perm Sec (Government House), Alhaji Muhammad Sambo Musa; Perm Sec (Local Government Service Commission), Alhaji Muhammad Bako Gangare and Perm Sec (Deputy Governor’s Office), Alhaji Abdu Umar Adamu.

    Five other permanent secretaries were said to be on official assignments outside Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.

    The governor directed that warning letters should be given to absentee-directors.

    He said his administration would not condone lateness, absenteeism and laxity.