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Tag: Ibrahim Gaidam

  • ‘Yobe LG officials’ wives, children names on salary vouchers’

    ‘Yobe LG officials’ wives, children names on salary vouchers’

    Yobe State governor Ibrahim Gaidam has threatened to expose those behind ghost workers in the state.

    The governor who spoke at the swearing in ceremony of members of the Judicial Service Commission in the state on Thursday lamented the level at which the local government was been short-changed by top government officials and senior citizens of the state.

    Governor Gaidam said that he has the names top level government officials who have put their wives and children illegally on the local government payment vouchers and are collecting the salaries and called on them to remove those fake names with immediate effect.

    “I am aware of some top government officials in the state that are involved in this kind of mess. Some of them have put the names of their wives and children on payment voucher. My advice for them is to remove those names before it’s too late or else will expose them by publicly announcing their names,” Gaidam threatened.

    The governor also hinted on the possibility of handing over the culprits to law enforcement agencies for prosecution should they continue in their business, while admitting that the damage started a long time ago.

    ” The damages has been done over a long period of time. It has been over a period of 10 to 15 years. The situation has been that bad since we came in in 1991. But we say we must start somewhere to correct the damages but if we are able to get those people who committed the offence, we are definitely going to hand them over to the police or the appropriate security operatives.

    “The warning is that when some of them are prosecuted and sent to prison, others will learn from them. I think that is the kind of warning they want now. They should learn from the experience of what will happen to this people now,” he said.

    The governor was also optimistic that much money would be saved at the end of the exercise with a projection of over N2billion annually.

     

  • Boko Haram: Yobe inaugurates resettlement committee

    The Yobe State Government has set up a nine- man committee to look into the resettlement of thousands of people displaced from their communities by Boko Haram.

    The state’s Deputy Governor, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, who is the chairman of the committee, represented Governor Ibrahim Gaidam at the inauguration ceremony held at the Government House, Damaturu, on Monday.

    The committee is expected to ascertain numbers of internally displaced persons in both camps as well as host communities, assess the level of destruction caused in homes and means of livelihood, destruction to social infrastructures such as schools, health facilities, water and electricity and advise government on rehabilitation of the affected areas.

    Governor Gaidam also said the committee will collaborate with other development partners, government bodies and agencies, stakeholders and organisations for the return of the IDPs among others.

    The committee, he said will monitor, coordinate and supervise activities aimed at the resettlement and rehabilitation of the IDPs in the state.

     

     

  • Blasts: Yobe governor orders free treatment of victims

    Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, has directed the free treatment of all victims of Wednesday’s suicide blasts in Damaturu.

    The governor in a statement issued by his spokesman, Abdullahi Bego, also sent his condolences to the victims’ families.

    The statement reads:  “His Excellency Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has expressed his deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of victims of the suicide bombing attacks in Damaturu today in which 17 people lost their lives and 11 others injured.

    “While praying for the repose of the souls of those killed, the Governor has ordered immediate and free medical care for those who sustained injuries in the attack.”

    Gaidam also condemned the attack, describing it as “cowardly and barbaric.”

     

     

  • Yobe: Tribunal ends sitting without Gaidam ADC’s testimony

    The Yobe State governorship election petition tribunal has concluded sitting in the petition challenging the validity of the poll which produced Ibrahim Gaidam as governor.

    The tribunal drew the curtains on the session on Friday without the testimony of the Aide-de-Camp to Governor Gaidam, Zakari Deba, who was accused of paying N15 million into bank accounts owned by the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Abu Zarma.

    As was the case with Zarma, Deba, whose lawyer, Titus Ashaolu (SAN), had told the tribunal that his client was ready and willing to  testify at the tribunal, failed to attend proceedings.

    Deba and Zarma are named as the 4th and 5th respondents in the petition filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last governorship election, Adamu Waziri and his party.

    Other respondents are Gaidam, his party – the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Waziri and the PDP alleged among others, that Gaidam, in a bid to compromise the REC, caused Deba to pay N15million into Zarma’s two accounts with Zenith and Diamond banks respectively.

    Ashaolu had, on Thursday, told the tribunal that his client was on his way to Abuja and urged that proceedings be shifted to Friday when it became obvious that Zarma will not testify and Deba’s lawyer was asked to call his witness.

  • Alleged bribery: EFCC to present report at Yobe tribunal

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will on Wednesday present before the Yobe State governorship election tribunal status report of its investigation into the allegation of bribery against the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Abu Zarma.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Adamu Waziri had in their petition to the tribunal, accused the REC of receiving N15million from the state governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, few days to the election held on April 11.

    The petitioners alleged that the governor’s Aide-de-Camp, Zakari Deba assisted Gaidam to pay N8million into Zama’s account with Diamond Bank and N7million into his Zenith Bank account on April 8.

    Last Thursday, the petitioners’ lawyer, Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN), led two officials of Zenith and Diamond banks in evidence, during which they tendered bank documents, which they claimed, reflected the transaction.

    An official of Diamond Bank (Damaturu Branch), Bamaji Kukawa told the court that bank statement showed that N8million was paid into Zarma’s account on April 8 by Deba.

    The Head of Operation, Damaturu Branch of Zenith Bank, Umar Alkali, said Deba deposited N7million into Zarma’s account with the bank on April 8.

    The petitioners said they had petitioned the EFCC about the said payment and urged it to investigate the transaction.

  • Gaidam sworn in amidst tight security

    Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam and his Deputy, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, were on Friday inaugurated for a second term in office tight security.

    The state’s Chief Judge, Justice Garba Musa Nabaruma, administered the oath of office on the deputy governor at exactly 11:02am, while Gaidam took his turn at about 11:08am.

    In his inaugural speech, Gaidam thanked the people of the state for voting for the All Progressive Congress in the last elections.

    He called on the people of the state to give him more support and pray for his success in his new mandate.

    “Let me take this opportunity to once again register my special thanks and appreciation to the good people of Yobe State for the support and cooperation given to our administration since its inception. I appeal to them not to relent in giving us more support in this dispensation. This way, with more commitment and resolute determination, we can, as patriots transform our beloved state to a model one among sister states in Nigeria,” the governor stated.

    He said his administration will deploy resources at its disposal to fight insurgency and rebuild all the destroyed communities so that the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) can go back to their homes and continue their normal lives.

    Unveiling his administration’s agenda, Gaidam pledged the construction of new airport in Damaturu, roads and drainage networks across the 17 council areas, provision of potable drinking water, agricultural transformation, poverty alleviation, improved quality of education and jobs’ creation.

  • Gaidam to settle Potiskum bomb victims’ bills

    Gaidam to settle Potiskum bomb victims’ bills

    Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has promised that the state government will foot the medical bills of those affected by Sunday’s twin bomb blasts detonated by two female suicide bombers at a GSM market in Potiskum.

    The blasts killed seven people and injured 48 others.

    The governor spoke yesterday when he visited the scene of the blasts.

    He said: “We will provide every support that the injured need to ensure they recover fully. We will pay all the bills, even if it means sending those who have been referred to other hospitals outside the country.”

    Gaidam was at the Potiskum General Hospital on his return from Abuja.

    The governor condoled with the families of the victims and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

    He described the attacks on innocent people as “barbaric and wicked”.

    Gaidam advised the people to continue their prayers, which he said would reduce the effect of insurgency.

    The governor prayed Almighty Allah to expose those behind the attacks.

    He promised that his administration would also foot the bills of the 11 victims, who had been referred to the Federal Medical Centres at Nguru and Birnin Kudu.

    Gaidam directed the acting Principal Medical Officer (PMO) at the Potiskum General Hospital, Dr Musa Sarki, to liaise with the Commissioner of Health and submit a memorandum on the establishment of an Emergency Response Centre at the hospital.

     

  • Heart-broken governor challenges Jonathan

    Heart-broken governor challenges Jonathan

    Worried by the killing of 35 pupils by a suicide bomber, a distraught Governor Ibrahim Gaidam asked President Goodluck Jonathan to explain to the people why insurgents were having a field day, despite the imposition of a state of emergency.

    He said the Federal Government must take action instead of indulging in the condemnation of such attacks.

    The governor expressed his mind in a statement by his Special Adviser on Press Affairs and Information, Abdullahi Bego,  said: “This morning, our state woke up to a very sad and heart-breaking news of a bomb attack on our young students at Government Comprehensive School, Potiskum in which no fewer than 35 students were killed and many more injured.

    ”The thoughts of His Excellency Governor Ibrahim Gaidam and his prayers are with the parents, teachers and families of the innocent victims of this callous and reprehensible attack.

    ”The governor is heartbroken and words cannot adequately convey the extent of his remorse and sadness.

    ”The governor has noted that this is the fifth time in a little over one year when our schools in Yobe State were brutally attacked and students killed. There was Government Secondary School, Damaturu; Government Secondary School, Mamudo; College of Agriculture, Gujba; Federal Government College, Buni-Yadi; and now Government Comprehensive School, Potiskum.

    ”Governor Gaidam deeply regrets that all of these dastardly attacks took place under a climate of Emergency Rule declared in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states by President Goodluck Jonathan.

    ”In theory, the Emergency Rule Declaration was a signal that more vigorous steps would be taken to protect the lives and property of people in the affected states and deploy the full might of the federal government to restore peace and security.

    “Unfortunately, this has not been fully the case. Instead of forcing insurgents and criminals to flee; the insurgents are forcing innocent people to flee and making life miserable for everyone.

    ”Governor Gaidam believes that President Goodluck Jonathan has a very urgent responsibility to explain to the people of Yobe State and people all across the affected states why murderous and callous insurgent and criminal attacks are still on the rise despite the State of Emergency.”

    Gaidam demanded immediate action by the government to stem the tide of bombings in the state.

    The statement added: “The governor also believes that it is not just enough for the federal government to condemn the almost daily rounds of violence. He believes urgent action must be taken right now to restore a fast waning public confidence by doing whatever it takes to stop the escalating violence.”

    The governor ordered immediate closure of all public schools until the security situation in the state is reviewed.

    The statement said: “Governor Gaidam has also ordered for the immediate closure of all public schools around the Potiskum area until a full review of the situation is undertaken.

    ”The governor has called on people throughout Yobe State to exercise restraint and continue to pray for the intervention of Almighty Allah (SWT).

    ”He assured members of the general public that despite the State of Emergency in place, he will continue to do everything within his powers to get the federal government to do more and also to continue to offer his administration’s support to all people affected.”

    The governor directed hospital authorities in Potiskum to provide immediate medical support to victims of the attack free of charge. The Yobe State Government will also foot the medical bills of some of the victims who have been referred to the Federal Medical Centres in Nguru and Azare.

    ”The governor has also directed the Commissioner of Health to undertake regular review of the conditions of victims and suggest what additional measures might be needed to help them recover.”

  • Gaidam bans sales, consumption of bush meat

    Gaidam bans sales, consumption of bush meat

    Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam banned yesterday the sales and consumption of bush meat.

    The governor said the move would curtail the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and its spread.

    He said: “Closely related to the heath issues, a committee will also be formed to sensitise our citizens on one of the matters of the moment, by which I mean the spread of Ebola virus in the country. In the interim, hunting, sale and consumption of all forms of meat of wild animals, popularly known as ‘bush meat’, are hereby banned in the state.”

    Gaidam spoke at the launch of this year’s tree planning campaign at the 300 Housing Estate Park in Damaturu, the state capital.

    The governor noted that though the decision was painful, it was for the interest of the people.

    He said though there was no reported case of Ebola in the state, his administration had to take precautionary measures by banning the hunt for wild animals and consumption of “bush meat”.

  • Gaidam urges residents, leaders to fight terrorism

    Gaidam urges residents, leaders to fight terrorism

    Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has called on traditional, religious leaders  and residents to “fully cooperate” with the military and other security agencies to fight  Boko Haram.

    Governor Gaidam, in his Sallah message from Saudi Arabia  to the people, said “terrorism and other activities of the Boko Haram sect cannot be overcome without the people  and their leaders cooperating with the  security agencies”.

    He rejoiced with the people on the Sallah celebration, saying:  “The Ramadan fasting has been a truly edifying experience, which has taught us a lot.

    ‘’It has instilled in us discipline  and  removed the false sense of pride by reminding us of our basic human imperfections.

    “I greet our people and compatriots nationwide.”

    The governor admonished the people to learn from the season and gain the attendant rewards.

    ‘’I wish to reassure our citizens that our administration will continue to focus on making life meaningful to the people”, Gaidam said.

    On insecurity, Gaidam said: “Let me remind all citizens that the quest for meaningful development and societal progress can only be achieved if we live in peace.

    “I wish to call on our people to cooperate with security operatives and to give them information on the movement of suspicious individuals and groups”, the statement said.