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Tag: Hafiz Abubakar

  • Kano Assembly confirms Gawuna as deputy governor

    Kano state House of Assembly on Tuesday screened and confirmed Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna as Deputy Governor of Kano state.

    Gawuna is to replace the former Deputy Governor, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar who resigned his position last August and joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Gawuna’s appearance at the Assembly followed a letter from Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje requesting for Gawuna’s confirmation as his Deputy.

    Gawuna, a two term Council chairman and one time president of Youths Sports Federation of Nigeria was chosen from five contestants.

    At the plenary, Leader of the Assembly, Bappa Babba Danagundi requested the Assembly for Gawuna’s screening and confirmation.

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

    The Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum who presented Gawuna before the floor of the Assembly, urged him to present his biography for the public to know his background and political career.

    Gawuna in his brief speech appreciated Governor Ganduje for finding him worthy out of millions of competent people in the state and the trust bestowed on him to serve Kano and humanity as Deputy Governor.

    After answering a series of questions posed to him by members of the Assembly, Speaker Rurum confirmed Gawuna as the Deputy Governor of Kano state amidst cheers by thousands of Gawuna’s supporters who thronged the Assembly complex for the screening.

  • ‘Your defection not a Surprise’

    Kano State Government on Tuesday described the defection of the immediate-past Deputy Governor of the state, Prof.  Hafiz Abubakar, from the All Progressive Congress (APC) to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as long overdue.

    A Statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Youths and Culture, Malam Muhammad Garba, noted that, “we are aware of the event at Mambayya House on Tuesday when the former Deputy Governor finally revealed to the world his political betrayals in about three years in office as the Deputy Governor of Kano state and the Commissioner for Education.

    “To discernable minds, there is no doubt that the contentments of the 9-page text of Press Conference, painstakingly read out by Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, is not only laughable, but filled with ambiguity and confusion.”

    The statement further noted that, “for Prof. Hafiz to dissociate himself from his chairmanship of the 2015 Kano Gubernatorial Transition Committee, the findings and pronouncements he made, is a clear indication that he no longer has a mind of his own.

    Read Also: Much ado about defection

    “Going by his acclaimed political pedigree, one would have expected that Prof. Hafiz resigned his position long ago for what he described as, “political persecution and humiliation.”

    Kano State Government stressed further that, “It is kind enough of Prof. Hafiz to confirm that he was paid his entitlements even when he chose to abandon his service to the good people of Kano state and humanity.”

    According to the statement, “There is no gains saying the fact that Prof. Hafiz hurriedly left office in anticipation of a constitutional sledgehammer from Kano State House of Assembly, over his strong antagonism to policies of the State Government that have direct impact on the standard of living of the good people of Kano.”

    The Statement added that, “Finally, we wish Prof. Hafiz well in the voyage of his godfather, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, as we welcome his final exit from our great party,  the All Progressive Congress (APC), as a good omen.”

  • ‘My loyalty to Kwankwaso, responsible for my persecution’

    The former deputy governor of Kano state, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar on Tuesday in Kano dismissed claims by the state government, that he was paid over N120 million as his entitlements at one point in time.

    Abubakar, who was visibly angered by the claims, while speaking to reporters in reaction to the purported claims, said that “ my persecution by the Ganduje’s led administration was as a result of my unflinching loyalty to my political God-father, senator Rabi’u Musa Kwamkwaso which was perceived as divided loyalty by the Governor and his group’’

    According to him, all the recent claims by the spokesman of the government, Mallam Muhammad Garba are all tissue of lies and falsehood, fabricated to dent his integrity and that of his immediate family. Stressing that, it is unfortunate how or why his family should be dragged into the state’s polity.

    He however, challenged the state government to produce any document that would back their claims that, he, received the said amount and others as been claimed, pointing out that, it is on record that, those said amounts legitimately allocated for his office and official trips, were often not released to him as he often had to lodge in hotels with his entourage from his personal pocket, while on officials assignments.

    Read Also: Kwankwaso has lost political relevance – Ganduje

    “At the beginning some of the approvals were backed by cash while some just barely funded. But as time goes on both the ministry of education which was under my office and the office of the deputy governor began to suffer the worst of cash stiffing and starvation.

    The gimmick employed was to give approvals to almost all our request but withhold cash release. This creates the impression that all is well and that my ministry is fully funded by show casing approvals with no cash backing.

    “Later the cash blocked started migrating to the Deputy Governor’s office extending even into my legitimate rights as deputy governor. My DTA and that of my convoy for official trip began to suffer systematic blockade in the same manner approvals are given with no cash backing’’

    ‘’The allowances would accumulate before government selectively decide which to pay and which not to pay. In between, I had to source for funds elsewhere for myself and staff for most of my official tris then wait for months before reimbursement. As such, the state government is owing me over N 100 million.

    That, in view of the recent events which led to his sudden resignation, the former deputy governor, has officially announced his defection from the Ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), into the People Democratic Party (PDP)

     

  • Petition: Police re-enforces kano deputy governor’s security

    The Kano State Police command said on Monday said that security has been beefed up around the deputy Governor, Hafiz Abubakar.

    This followed, an alarm, he raised that his life was under threat in a petition to the Zone l AUG and state Director of DSS.

    Spokesman of the Police in Kano, Magaji Musa Majia, disclosed that all necessary measures had been taken to protect the deputy governor’s life.

    He said: “As number two citizen, the deputy governor deserves protection from us.

    “So, we have deployed more security personnel to his residence and convoy and we have placed another team of undercover security operatives around him for effective surveillance.”

    Also, Police Public Relations Officer of Kano Zone One Headquarters, DSP Muhammad Sambo Sokoto, said the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police had received the petition.

    The Deputy Governor, a loyalist of former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, have been at crossroad with Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

    In 2014, Kwankwaso tipped Abubakar, an academic and a Professor in Nutrition at Bayero University Kano, to run with incumbent Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.

    In a petition dated 30th July, 2018 and addressed to Kano State police commissioner and copied to the Assistant Inspector General in charge of Zone I, and the state director of the DSS, Abubakar sought deployment of more security personnel around him.

    He said the state government had released funds to mobilise youths from the 44 local government areas of the state to protest against his stay in office and that he should resign or face impeachment.

  • Kano deputy Gov. petitions Police over alleged threat to life

    Barely 24 hours after the dramatic impeachment of the Kano State Speaker, Hon Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, the State’s Deputy Governor, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, last night alleged threat to his life, as well as plans to impeach him.

    Also, the Deputy Chairman of Gabasawa Local Government, Hassan Wiazi Gabasawa, last night confirmed that he has dumped the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Apart from that, he said he has resigned as the Deputy Chairman of the Local Government, adding that the action was to enable him to fully pitch his tent, with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who recently dumped the APC for the (PDP).

    To this end, Professor Hafiz Abubakar has petitioned the Police and the State Security Service (SSS), over what he described as threat to his life, as well as plans to impeach him.

    In the petition, addressed to the Kano State Police Commissioner, Rabiu Yusuf, copied to the Assistant Inspector-General in Charge of Zone One and the State Director of SSS, the Deputy Governor, prayed for the deployment of a lot more Security operatives around him.

    Among others, he accused the State Government of disbursing funds to mobilize youths from the 44 Local Government Areas of the State to protest against his continued stay in office, without either resigning or face impeachment.

    A loyalist to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Deputy Governor has for quite some time being at loggerheads, with the State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for pitching his tent, with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the political impasse in the State.

    Read Also: Kano Speaker impeached

    In another development, a one-time Kano State Governor and the former Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, said he and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have resolved their differences, so as to collaborate, toward actualizing victory for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State.

    Besides confirming the resolution of his age-long dispute, with Kwankwaso, he also confirmed his widely reported closed door meeting, with Kwankwaso, assuring his preparedness to partner, with the latter, who recently decamped from the ruling party to the PDP.

    He urged party members in the State to always exercise patience, as well as cooperate, with the party leaders, so as to actualize his ambition of winning the 2019 General election.

    Similarly, the PDP in Kano has dismissed reports, insinuating that the Presidency and the leadership of the APC are lobbying the former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau to the ruling party, so as to weaken the influence of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the 2019 General elections.

    In his reaction to the development, the spokesman of the PDP in Kano, Alhaji Musa Dan Birini, described the report, as not only misleading but mischievous.

    According to him, Malam Shekarau has his both feet in the PDP, stressing that he has no intention of joining any political party.

    ”It is false, as it is a rumour created by someone. We are going to probe and find out, who concocted the report because Sarduana of Kano is still, with the PDP, alongside all his supporters in Kano. So, we are not happy, with the fake news been circulated in Kano. We will reject it. At this juncture, I am call calling on members of the public to always confirm their source of information, so as not rely on mischievous news.”

    Reacting to the envisaged looming crisis between Shekarau and Senator Kwankwaso, over who owns the control of the PDP structure in Kano State, the Spokesman said, Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali remains the leader of the party.

    He allegedly described the APC-led Government as an empty Government and to democracy, emphasizing that the party lacks the capacity to win the 2019 General elections, considering the current challenges of lack of employment opportunities and insecurity.

    ”Our PDP leader is Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali, as everybody knows that he is a well known leader. The decision of who would be the leader between Shekarau and Kwankwaso is still pending but what is more important is that we want the movement to continue, as they are both leaders to us. Our priority for now is to take over Government in 2019 from the undemocratic party that has failed to add value to human life in the country. We will ensure that democracy stands as it was in 1999.”

    Meanwhile, the just impeached Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon Yusuf Abdullahi Ata has accepted his impeachment in good fate, saying it was premeditated by God Almighty.

    According to Ata, the allegations against him were far from the truth, describing them as malicious, purposely fabricated, so as to tarnish his image.

    ”I have been doing everything humanly possible to give a sense of belonging to the entire members of the House, including the Kwankwasiyya group members, including the only PDP lawmaker in the House. He challenged all those, who accused him of embezzlement to explain to the general public how the offence was committed.

    However, he said he is convinced that the unfolding development at the House was divinely predetermined by the Supreme Creator and therefore accepting the outcome in good fate, and wished the new leadership well in their endeavour to take the House to another level.

  • Kano: Egyptian investors to partner on meat processing project

    The Kano State Government says it is discussing with a delegation of investors from Egypt on a meat processing project in the state.

    A statement by the government on Tuesday said the Acting Governor, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar made the disclosure when the investors visited him at the Government House, Kano.

    Abubakar lauded the investors for choosing Kano out of the 36 states of the federation to invest, adding that the proposal was in line with the state government focus.

    “Your coming at this hour is very significant and fruitful. Meat processing is one of the greatest investments which have the capability to create more jobs for the teeming youths,” he said.

    The deputy governor added that the administration would offer all necessary support to the investors to maximize the gains in livestock value chain.

    Read Also: Kano Hisbah arrests 10 prostitutes, seize alcoholic beverages

    Earlier, the leader of the delegation, who was the former Egyptian Minister of Investment, Mr Assem Ragab said they were in the state to explore the viability of establishing a meat processing firm to enhance the state’s economy.

    The newsmen reports that the delegation’s visit was facilitated by Arewa Research and Development Project led by Dr Usman Bugaje.

    The project is pioneered by a group of academics drawn from universities and independent research organizations across the northern part of the country.

    NAN

  • Ganduje distributes N41million relief materials to flood victims

     

    Kano State Government has distributed relief materials worth over N41 million to the victims of last year”s flood disaster in Gwarzo Local Government.

    Over 400 victims benefited from the items that include roofing sheets, cement, rice, millet, cooking oil,  mat and blanket among others.

    Launching the distribution, the state Governor Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said the materials were not compensation to the victims, but an assistance to bring succour to the affected people.

    Represented by his deputy Prof Hafiz Abubakar, the governor urged the beneficiaries to utilise the items for the purpose it was meant for.

    He also called on them to as a matter of urgency undertake clearing of the drainages in their areas as a preventive measure for the reoccurrence of the calamity, as the raining season is fast approaching.

    According to him, government has already commenced construction of drainages in the affected areas as part of measures to prevent future occurrence.

    Earlier the commissioners of Health Dr Kabiru Ibrahim Getso and that of Rural and Community development,  Dr Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso sympthized with the victims and hailed Governor Abdullah Umar Ganduje for donating relief materials to the affected victims.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil advised the victims to consider the flood that ravaged the Community as a trial from Allah.

     

  • Ganduje distributes N41 million relief materials to flood victims

    Kano State Government on Thursday distributed relief materials worth over N41 million to the victims of last year”s flood desaster in Gwarzo Local Government.

    Over 400 victims benefited from the items that include roofing sheets, cement, rice, millet, cooking oil, mat and blanket among others.

    Launching the distribution, the state Governor Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said the materials were not compensation to the victims, but an assistance to bring succour to the affected people.

    Represented by his deputy Prof Hafiz Abubakar, the governor urged the beneficiaries to utilise the items for the purpose it was meant for.

    He also called on them to as a matter of urgency undertake clearing of the drainages in their areas as a preventive measure for the reoccurrence of the calamity, as the raining season is fast approaching.

    According to him, government has already commenced construction of drainages in the affected areas as part of measures to prevent future occurrence.

    Earlier the commissioners of Health Dr Kabiru Ibrahim Getso and that of Rural and Community development,  Dr Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso sympthized with the victims and hailed Governor Abdullah Umar Ganduje for donating relief materials to the affected victims.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil advised the victims to consider the flood that ravaged the Community as a trial from Allah.

  • Ganduje urges Nigerians in Diaspora to invest in Nigeria

    Ganduje urges Nigerians in Diaspora to invest in Nigeria

    Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has called on the Nigerian Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture ( KACCIMA ) to woo Nigerians in the Diaspora to come and invest in the country.

    The appeal was made in a statement by Alhaji Abba Anwar, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor in Kano on Friday.

    He said Ganduje made the call when Coalition of Northern Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, paid him a courtesy visit in Kano.

    According to him, the state Deputy Governor, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, received the delegation on behalf of the governor at the Government House.

    “Nigerians in Diaspora can comfortably come and invest in the country for the economic growth and development of the country,” he said.

    Ganduje said it was high time for the chambers of commerce to serve as channels through which those in Diaspora could return home and invest.

    “There are huge funds lying there with Nigerians residing in those countries,” Ganduje said.

    He assured that Kano State Government would receive any serious investor ready for business, adding that “when you follow this way, I am sure there will be significant improvement in that area”.

    “As Kano and Lagos states make difference in the way of paving way for ease of doing business, the two states have already contributed immensely to the national index.”

    While commending them for the cordial relationship existing between the Coalition and the state government, the governor said it was the cardinal point of his administration since 2015 to develop the economy through partnership with the private sector.

    “We believe in public and private partnership, hence our decision to work with private investors to develop the state economy,” Ganduje said.

    In her remarks, the leader of the delegation, Hajiya Sa’adatu Iya, said Kano had been a strong pillar in the development of the association.

    She urged the government to revive the industries that had gone moribund for many decades, to boost economic growth and development in the state.

    She said the team was in Kano for the 31st Conference of the association to discuss issues related to the development of the body and chart a new course for its survival.

    NAN

  • Kano destroys illicit drugs worth N4.1bn

    Kano destroys illicit drugs worth N4.1bn

    The Kano State Government said on Monday that it had destroyed illicit drugs worth N4.1 billion confiscated in the state this year.

    Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje who revealed this at the Senate Roundtable on Drug Abuse Epidemic held in Kano, said this was part of the renewed fight against drug abuse in the state.

    The event was organised by the Senate as a way of finding lasting solution to the hard drug crisis in the country.

    Ganduje, who was represented by his deputy, Prof Hafiz Abubakar, said the drugs were confiscated in different parts of the state after being imported by unpatriotic medicine dealers.

    He disclosed that the state government had also confiscated another consignment of illicit drugs worth N1 billion which would soon be destroyed.

    Read also: Kano spends N81.2m on maternal health

    The governor said the menace of hard drugs in the state was beyond the capacity of the state government to contain.

    “The fight against drug abuse is an issue that requires active Federal Government’s intervention as it is beyond the capacity of the state government,” he said.

    He said as part of its efforts to tackle the problem, the state government had set up a task force to deal with it, pointing out that the committee was doing its best.

    “Even in 2012 during the administration of former Governor, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, a task force was set up for it and was given all the necessary support to work.

    “But as I said, the fight is far beyond the capacity of the state government. There is need for all stakeholders to join hands together to fight the menace,” he said.

    According to him, the state government had recently expanded the rehabilitation center for the victims of drug abuse in the state.

    He commended the Senate for initiating the roundtable and expressed hope that it would go a long way in addressing the problem.

    He also lauded the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, for choosing Kano as the venue for the event, in view of the relevance of the state to the issue at stake.

    Various stakeholders from across the country attended the roundtable.

    NAN