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Tag: Isa Gusau

  • Tinubu mourns, as Zulum’s spokesman Isa Gusau dies in India

    Tinubu mourns, as Zulum’s spokesman Isa Gusau dies in India

    President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of the Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy to the Governor of Borno State, Mallam Isa Gusau, who died on Thursday.

    In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu condoled with Gusau’s family, as well as his boss, the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum.

    “It is with deep grief that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of Isa Gusau, Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy to Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State.

    “President Tinubu condoles with the Gusau family, the professional colleagues of the late Gusau, and the government and people of Borno State over this agonising loss.”

    Governor Zulum, through a press statement signed by the Hon Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, had conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the entire Borno State government of Gusau, who succumbed to a prolonged illness on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at a hospital in India.

    The late Isa Gusau, who served as the Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy since June 2019, was hailed as a dedicated public servant and an invaluable member of the team.

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns Zulum’s spokesman, Isa Gusau

    Members of the Borno State Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), echoed deep shock and grief in a joint press statement signed by its Chairman Ndahi Inusa and the Secretary Ismail Alfa.

    They described the late journalist as a pillar of the Chapel, highlighting his exceptional professionalism and commitment to journalistic excellence during his lifetime.

    Zulum, personally reaching out to the family, extends condolences to friends, associates, and the media industry.

    Isa Gusau’s tenure as the Special Adviser under both Governor Zulum and Senator Kashim Shettima was marked by tireless dedication and a passion for effective communication.

    The Governor praised Gusau for his exceptional communication skills, for playing a pivotal role in fostering understanding and cooperation between the government and the people. Zulum prayed for the repose of Gusau’s soul, urging Allah to grant strength to his grieving family.

    In a touching farewell, the Borno Correspondents’ Chapel bid adieu to the late Mallam Isa Gusau, lauding him as a veteran journalist and media stalwart, whose void would be deeply felt.

  • Tinubu mourns Zulum’s spokesman, Isa Gusau

    Tinubu mourns Zulum’s spokesman, Isa Gusau

    President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of the Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy to the Governor of Borno State, Mallam Isa Gusau, who died on Thursday.

    In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu condoled with Gusau’s family, as well as his boss, the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum.

    The statement read: “It is with deep grief that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of Isa Gusau, Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy to Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State.

    “President Tinubu condoles with the Gusau family, the professional colleagues of the late Gusau, and the government and people of Borno State over this agonizing loss.

    Read Also: Borno not owing salaries – Isa Gusau

    “The late Gusau was a diligent professional who was uncompromising on his virtuous principles. 

    “He was a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, UK; the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations; the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) UK; the International Public Relations Association, UK, and the African Public Relations Association.

    “The late Gusau was also an exceptional gentleman, patriotic, and dedicated to the service of the people.

    “The President prays for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for all those who mourn this painful loss.”

  • ‘Akpabio’ll reclaim APC’s stolen mandate in A/Ibom Saturday’

    Senator Goodwill Apkabio will on Saturday reclaim the stolen mandate of the APC in the February 23 March in Akwa Ibom state. National president of movement for national accommodation and consensus for Continuity MONACCO, Alhaji Salisu Isa Gusau has revealed.

    Gusau said political alignments and realignments and conspiracy between the APC opposition PDP has systematically rigged out Akpabio to deny him victory in the last election because they are not comfortable with his relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Apkabio according to Gusau is an unstoppable lion that is always ready to win the battle on Saturday ” Godswill Akpabio has played an important role to make the incumbent governor of Akwa Ibom Udom Emmanuel of PDP elected as Governor, in turn he’ll as well with the mighty support of the people of Akwa Ibom make Nsima Ekere of the APC become the next governor of the state in Saturday’s elections.”

    Read Also; Senate: ‘How we dislodged Saraki, Ajimobi, Akpabio, Alasoadura, Sani’

    According to him senator Akpabio’s victory is a victory for the people of Akwa Ibom stressing that Akpabio has been a pillar and lifeline of the APC particularly in the Niger Delta region adding that Akwa Ibom has always been with the federal government and cannot afford to continue with the opposition PDP explaining that it is important for the people of Akwa Ibom to support the party in order to bring the much needed infrastructural development and dividends of democracy in the state.

    Gusau who is the founder and national president of MONACCO explained that the aim of the association is bridge any gap between the north and other regions of the country and the association has branches across the 36 states.

  • Gov. Shettima justifies establishment of North-East Development Commission

    Gov. Shettima justifies establishment of North-East Development Commission

    Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno on Sunday said the establishment of North-East Development Commission ( NEDC ) was a direct response to the large scale devastation caused to the North-East by Boko Haram insurgents.

    The governor said this in a statement signed by Malam Isa Gusau, his Special Assistant on Communications and Media Strategy in Maiduguri.

    According to the governor, the effect of Boko Haram insurgency is such that no geo-political zone wishes to experience.

    Shetiima said, “Having a commission like the NEDC is a direct response to large scale devastation which no geo-political zone should wish to experience.’’

    He said Borno would have to experience 50 years of backwardness due to destruction caused by the Boko Haram.

    “A comprehensive assessment report by the World Bank put the damage at over $9 billion U.S dollars.”

    “NEDC will set out for the recovery of this backwardness so that the state recovers earlier than it would have taken us to recover.

    “It is not something any section of the country should wish to experience.”

    Shettima noted that the development had also demonstrated Federal Government’s commitment to ensure rapid social and economic rebuilding of the region.

    The governor commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the NEDC Bill into law.

    He said that the people of the North-East would remain grateful to Buhari over his concern and commitment to their plight.

    Shettima said the people were highly appreciative of “President Muhammadu Buhari’s open love for them’’ and the role of the 8th National Assembly in the passage of the bill.

    ‎“I must confess that if Buhari was not elected in 2015, only God knows what would have become of Borno and the rest of the North-East.

    “Buhari has made determined efforts to reverse all the many years of neglect the North-East suffered from 1979 to 2015. ‘’Buhari is the greatest inspiration for us.

    “The President’s passion for the North-East is clearly understandable, because this is a region that lost thousands of its precious sons and daughters, suffered destruction of public and private infrastructure worth $9 billion U.S dollars”.

    The governor also commended the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Doagara for their leadership role in the passage of the bill.

    Shettima said that the people of the region were also satisfied and grateful to members of the National Assembly for good representation of the region.

    “For us, they have achieved 50 per cent of what our people elected them to do at the national assembly by the passage and Presidential assent to the bill establishing the NEDC.’’

    President Buhari signed the bill: The North East Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2017 in to law recently.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) Sen. Ita Enang said this in a statement in Abuja on Oct.26.

    The Commission is charged with the mandate to receive and manage funds allocated by the Federal Government and international donor agencies for the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency.

    It will also tackle the menace of poverty and environmental challenges in the area.

    NAN

  • Borno not owing salaries – Isa Gusau

    Borno not owing salaries – Isa Gusau

    Reports that Borno State is among states owing workers’ salaries after collecting the Paris Fund Refunds from the Federal Government is false, according to the Spokesman of Borno State Governor, Isa Gusau who is also Gov. Shettima’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy.

    Mr. Gusau who was reacting to inquiries from our correspondent on the salary issues in a text message said, “In Borno state, the Government has never owed the salaries of workers, I don’t know where that report came from”.

    Also collaborating the position of Mr. Gusau, Borno State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Titus Abbana told our correspondent that the state is up to date with her salary commitment to workers in the state, adding that, “even the last salary was paid before the sallah celebration to enable muslims civil servant in the state to make purchases instead of borrowing to paid later.

    Comrade Abbana also informed that the government of Borno State has even paid the salaries of revenue generation parastals like Borno State Board of Internal Revenue, International Hotel, Borno State Hotel who have been unable to generate revenue and pay their as a result of the Boko Haram crisis.

    Comrade Abbana who commended Borno State Government for the feat however express concern over the slow pace of the biometric exercise which according to him has caused too much sufferings especially for the pensioners in the state.

    He therefore called on government to speed up the process by employing more hands and competent people that will carry out the exercise in good time. He added that the completion of the exercise will be beneficial for both government and the workers as no one would be short-changed.

    The Borno NLC Leaders also called on the state government to settle the outstanding gratuity of workers that have retired from the state civil service to enable them quickly pick up their lives.

  • Shettima pleads with Borno people over vehicular restriction

    Shettima pleads with Borno people over vehicular restriction

    Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno on Friday apologised to residents in the state for the vehicular restriction on Eid day in Maiduguri metropolis.

    Shettima gave the apology in Maiduguri through a statement issued by Malam Isa Gusau, his Special Adviser on Communications and Strategy.

    The governor also called for renewed prayers to end insurgency, facilitate rebuilding and safe re-settlement of people displaced by Boko Haram insurgents.

    “I understand and share the pains of the restriction of vehicular movement on Borno citizens, particularly the elderly, children and women who have to trek to the Eid grounds from their distant homes.

    “Vehicular restriction is imposed as part of security measures to prevent any breach that could cause harm on the citizenry.”

    He said that festivities were meant for celebrations and was painful when State Security Council imposed ban which subjected citizens to some forms of difficulties.

    “Vehicular restrictions are normally imposed as last option after members of the State Security Council exhausted consideration of all other alternatives available to them,” Shettima explained.

    The governor, currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2017 Hajj, expressed deep concern over the troubles the elderly citizens, women and children encountered in trekking long distances to worship.

    Shettima said that he appreciated the efforts of the military, police, members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), vigilance groups and hunters to put an end insurgency in the state.

    He said that the security operatives under President Muhammadu Buhari  had remained gallant and dedicated in their determination to improve on the security situation in the state.

    The governor expressed optimism that subsequent festivities would not require measures that would subject citizens to difficulties.

    He also commended the residents for their tolerance, understanding, courage and support to government’s efforts to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

    The governor called on the people to support government and security agencies in the counter-insurgency campaign to usher in a new era of enduring peace, social and economic prosperity.

    He urged the people to sustain their empathy and support to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    He advised them to remain steadfast in prayers for the success of the ongoing rehabilitation of communities and restoration of means of livelihood to communities ravaged by Boko Haram insurgents.

    Shettima also called on displaced persons to support and be hospitable to humanitarian workers providing services at IDPs camps and liberated communities.

    “Humanitarian workers are in Borno to help those in need of food, medical attention, shelter and livelihoods in order to share the responsibilities of the Federal and state governments in Nigeria.

    “The activities of the humanitarian aid workers are funded by donors who parted with scarce resources after concerted advocacies by humanitarian stakeholders including the United Nations (UN), Nigerian Government, foreign donor countries and the state government.

    “While recognising and understanding the trauma faced by displaced persons and challenges of meeting their basic needs, the recent misbehaviour towards humanitarian workers in one of the IDP camps in the state was uncalled for’’.

    The governor warned that such unruly behaviour would not be allowed to repeat itself, noting that interventions of government and humanitarian agencies should be regarded as deserved privileges which should be reciprocated with cooperation and mutual respect by displaced persons.

    Shettima reiterated his administration commitments to the reconstruction and rehabilitation programme to fast track safe re-settlement of displaced persons and provide means of livelihood to enable them to engage in productive activities.

  • Why Shettima stayed away from APC convention

    Why Shettima stayed away from APC convention

    The Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, yesterday said he stayed away from the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a mark of respect for the more than 200 school girls abducted two months ago in Chibok, in the state.

    According to a statement by the governor’s special adviser on communication, Mallam Isa Gusau, in a statement in Maiduguri said, “Shettima stayed away from the Eagle Square, venue of APC national convention as a mark of respect for victims of series of Boko Haram attacks in Borno State that include families of those killed across the state.”

    He added: “The action is also to honour parents who have remained in despair following the abduction of about 200 school girls at Government Secondary School, Chibok.

    “While the convention was a legitimate democratic process that mustn’t be stopped in order to defy insurgents whose desire is to suspend and replace liberal and constitutional democracy ?with violent doctrines that has no religious backing, he opted to stay away from convention so as not offend the sensibilities of victims of the serial attacks in Borno State.”

    Gusau added, “The governor sent in his deputy, Zannah Umar Mustapha to represent him at the convention and he fully shares the aspirations and vision of the APC which is to transform Nigeria.

    “Leaders and members of the APC have Borno at heart and sincerely share the grief of Borno people which was why the governors of the party visited the state and made humanitarian donation of N200m in 2013 in addition to other forms of solidarity regularly extended to Borno.”

    The governor prayed for the safe return of the abducted schoolgirls and an end to the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria as well as other terror activities across the world.

     

     

  • Linking military to Boko Haram unfair, says Shettima

    Linking military to Boko Haram unfair, says Shettima

    Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima has described the allegation that the Armed Forces were supporting Boko Haram as unfair.

    He described the comment made by a soldier as most ‘unhealthy and unhelpful’ in counter insurgency operations.

    In a statement by his spokesman, Isa Gusau, in Maiduguri, the governor said: “Of all theories being alleged in connection with Boko Haram, the most dangerous as far as I’m concerned is to raise such grievous suspicion around our security forces.

    “When citizens have such suspicion and believe in it, I’m afraid, Boko Haram will light fireworks to celebrate a grand victory of setting citizens against security agencies.

    “Since last week, I have listened and read these media reports with the hope that the issue will not get out of hand but it appears the matter is growing and I find it very disturbing.

    “I do not want to bother about the credibility or otherwise of the soldier in question.

    “I’m sure the security forces take this allegation seriously and they are investigating it as they should.

    “I am not holding brief for the Armed Forces but as a governor, whose area is unfortunately the worst hit, I would rather encourage confidence building between citizens and the Armed Forces so that intelligence sharing can rise continually and we don’t lose focus in counter insurgency.

    “Unless it becomes unquestionably evident, we must work as individuals, groups and institutions to promote public trust in our Armed Forces so as to encourage cordiality between citizens and security agencies.

    “We must recognise that at the moment, the security agencies are all we’ve got, we should preserve their integrity by at least giving them the benefit of doubt.

    “Insurgents will do everything to cause confusion, to manipulate us so that we don’t trust each other as citizens and as establishments, let’s not fall into their trap, lose focus and become their mass victims.

    “The military has in the past arrested, made public and court-marshaled soldiers found to be collaborating with insurgents.

    “Such patriotic efforts by the military establishments should be intensified by all security agencies.

    “I must acknowledge and appreciate the important roles played by the media in the fight against insurgency.

    “The media should kindly and very importantly, too, help in fighting any suspicion that can grow between citizens and the Armed Forces.”