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Tag: Kaduna state

  • Ex-ECOWAS financial Controller joins Kaduna guber race

    Former financial Controller of Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), Dr. Muhammad Sani Bello formally declared his intention to contest the 2019 governorship election in Kaduna State under the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    The governorship Aspirant who made former declaration at the state party office promised to rescue the state from what he called vagaries of pervasive mal- administration and restore public trust and confidence in government.

    Dr. Bello, one time Commissioner for Science and Technology in the state also promised that, if given the mandate, he will be the people’s servant, leading a people oriented administration transparently run on the rule of law and fully accountable to the public.

    His mission to govern the state he said, “Restore peaceful coexistence and provide adequate safety and effective security of lives and property.

    “Prioritize economic growth and development for all; where everyone has equal access to jobs, regardless of sex, gender, religion, age or physical conditions.

    “Pursue increased community cohesion and civic identity through societal re -orientation programmes and representative participation in social, political and cultural spheres.”

    He explained that the vision of his government in the state is to make it secure, more prosperous with a robust economy built on agriculture, mining and industry through good governance underpinned by justice and fairness to all.

    The mission of his government, he said, “To develop agriculture and agro – allied industries through provision of the necessary enabling environment, infrastructure and facilities to make Kaduna State one of the five most productive states in the federation.”

    He alleged that, the advent of governor El-Rufai’s administration has witnessed a gross alienation of the seven million citizens of the state.

    “To date, tales of woe whether from hundreds of communities destroyed and displaced by rabid insecurity and demolitions or from tens of thousands of sacked workers and their families the hallmarks of the Nasiru administration. This was because we accidentally voted in a governor who was never a part of the people and could never be expected to really understand where they are or where they wish to be.

    “Kaduna State has not had it so bad on these two fronts since its creation in 1976. The number of lives and property lost to insecurity in the past three years surpasses the total for the rest of its existence.

    “What is worse is that the government’s disregard for the rule of law as well as justice and fairness remains a continuous source of fresh conflicts among our diverse and heterogeneous communities.

    “Economically, Kaduna State has moved from an agricultural and industrial hub to land of abandoned farms and graveyard for factories. Neither farmers nor herders in most parts are able to carry on the business of helping to feed our nation.

    “Accountability and transparency in public administration and finance are no longer core values as the few contracts and appointments by the state government are now reserved for a tight circle of family, friends and cronies. The result is a plethora of unfinished projects, increased debts and intensification of mass poverty and unemployment.

    “The All Progressive Congress, APC, government in Kaduna State has completely disc located the entire fabric of our society. The revered traditional institution that prides itself as source of enhancing harmonious coexistence, preserving our heritage and traditions has been decapitated.

    “The civil service, which is the engine room of implementation of government policies and a symbol of continuity has been systematically destroyed.

    “Such severe shortcomings could have been avoided or be overcome if the governor as the chief executive was not so all – knowing and had kept arrogance at bay,” the aspirant observed.

    Responding, the state chairman of PDP, Felix Hassan Hyet said Kaduna State was looking for a governor that would build not destroy as well as a governor that will create job opportunities not the one that will send thousands to the streets of the state jobless.

  • ‘Why educational system should be revisited

    It is imperative that an institution of a higher learning understands its onus of delivering qualitative education to its students. However, when certain issues truncate the effectiveness of academic activities, it becomes of problem for discourse.

    To this effect, an interview with Dr. Gabriel Ottah, the Head of Department, Mass Communication, Kogi State University, discusses the issue of Revisiting the Educational System in the country.

    Israel Arogbonlo, Aro Olubusola and Achor Ojonimi report.

     

    Why do we need to revisit the educational system of Nigeria?

    Educational standard or system in Nigeria whether it is improving or declining is a two-way thing. Well, we have a good system but two things are solely responsible for the crash in the system. These are mismanagement and incompetency that have crept into the system. We have plans in budget but executing these is a major problem, owning to the political system and other sectors that have been mismanaged overtime. For instance, the West African Examination Commission (WAEC) result that was recently released gave us a decline in the general performance compared to last year when we had 52 percent as against this year’s 49 percent or so. Hence, we have a decline in this sense and it is better for stakeholders in the education sector to consider revisiting the system. Though we have a good plan, it is not properly executed. Put succinctly, the teachers have their roles to play, the parents who take care of their ward, also have their part to play, Governments who have to provide an enabling environment for the students’ education, also have their part to play. For instance, in some higher institutions lecturers who do not merit the position are assigned. This may lead to poor delivery in class, non-attendance of classes, intolerance of students questions and intimidating students in and outside the class. We also have issues of extortion of students by lecturers among others. Then, on the side of the government, there should be more commitment towards paying workers especially teachers in due time. Despite governments’ efforts, it has not been able to pay salaries as at when due in some states like Benue, Kogi, Bayelsa and Edo. Non-payment of salaries put lecturers and teachers under severe pressure and it affects their performance. The sad reality is that students are the direct beneficiaries of the problem. They graduate without being adequately prepared for the challenges ahead in the labour market. The cumulative outcome is the problems we witness in society. Our prayer is that government should succeed so it would pay us in due time.

    Having identified the problem for revisiting the educational system, what do you think is the way forward?

    Well, governments at all levels should give education the needed priority and attention by declaring a state of emergency on education. Though it is hard thing to achieve, the government should adopt the strategy of Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el–Rufai by removing all the unqualified people in the educational sector and bring on board those capable of doing excellent job. It is a good way to start. They should go all the way to Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and tertiary institutions and replace teachers who are not qualified, because you cannot give what you do not have. Also, they should ensure an enabling environment to make our educational standard better otherwise there is a looming danger.

    Being the Head of Department might not have been a planned phase for you but what has been your experience so far?

    I became the Head of Department 11th month ago. I came after the Seven months old strike and before then, we had also been on a three months strike. As a matter of fact, I assumed office under pressure and had a lot of challenges to address. Even when the strike was called off, the matter was yet to end because the strike left some of us with the option to come back to the university while some people did not come back. Those who did not come (over 130 lecturers) were relieved of their lecturing for refusing to come back while some of us who had different opinion and came back. It was not easy. For instance, we have a situation where some departments had only four or five lecturers left until the State government employed new members of staff. Though our own department was not badly affected by the sack, we already had our own challenge before the massive sack. For example, our former Head of Department, Rev Dr. Chika Asogwa left not on account of the strike, but it was a minus. Within the same period, Prof Ezekiel Asemah and Success Ojih left respectively. Those trio left in addition to the fourth person, Ben Onoja who left on the account of strike. Later, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), sanctioned the university and that delayed us in a way. I must say those were part of the challenges that led to the delay in forwarding results that we had in the department. God is helping us and we have been making serious move to see that the results are released. By the grace of God, we have overcome all these and waiting to put final touches to the backlog of results still left. The Vice Chancellor was very quick to respond to our situation and now, we are on top of the situation. You should know that issues about results are treated with utmost managerial secrecy and commitment. So, you don’t expect me to tell you more than this. They are sacrosanct, purely secret and treated with care. To be sincere with you, I am not answerable to any student but to the management that put me in office. That’s all about the challenges and we are working so hard to rectify the problem. On the experience as a head of Department, I must confess it has not been easy, but I am delighted in all.

    You actually talked about your challenges so far, has there been any happy moment as the Head of Department?

    Well, I will not even say I have a sad moment not to talk about having a happy moment. Anyway, I have been doing my job and must not satisfy everybody. I am glad I have been able to achieve something tangible since I resumed office as the Head of Department. So, I have no sad moments.

    From the just concluded African Communication Festival organized by the department in relation to the course MAC 109, would you briefly describe your experience about the event?

    Thank you very much. Talking about the African Communication Festival (AFCOMF 2018) that was held last week, I would say it was delightful and the students did exactly what I wanted. My belief is that tomorrow they grow into maturity by imbibing the African culture, which they did through African Communication Festival, cutting across African dance, African open market, we saw the town crier in action before the small group African Communication pattern, that is, in form of storytelling done by the old man. These are African perspectives in communication different from the mass media we have today that the audience is scattered all over. So, we Africans should be proud of what God has given us even as we use the modern day technology. Then, talking about my experience on what have made me to like African communication perspective, maybe I should say I grew up in the village and I am a living witness of the African culture before I came into the university setting. I saw that link which is already missing especially considering our young generation who are no longer interested in the African way. For instance, there are some ladies in this 21st century who do not know how to wear a native attire and that is the more reason they would employ someone to dress for them on their wedding day, where they must put on the native attire without imbibing the African culture. As a lecturer, I have been so passionate advocating a difference in the aspect of African culture. Recently other varsities began to copy from us some of the African Communication Systems we celebrated. Schools such as the Federal University Oye, Ekiti State (FUOYE) did theirs this year. It was the former Head of this Department, Rev Dr. Chika Asogwa who took it there; and gradually other varsities in Nigeria would begin to follow this landmark. So, when you talk about my experience, it is my thought that I used to inculcate the ‘Africaness’ in the young generation. Today, students should be more interested in promoting the African culture. I believe have not got to the top. With God, I would get there. It would be credited to me and the Department of Mass Communication of Kogi State University as the starters of the practical extension of the course African Communication Systems in a festival. To this effect, I have written a textbook (the 2nd Edition) to champion this course.

     

  • Qualitative education could check violence and insecurity – NDIC boss

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Umaru Ibrahim has advocated quality education as panacea to check the spate of violence and insecurity challenges currently being experienced in the country.

    The NDIC boss made the remark at the 15th Graduation Ceremony of Zaria Academy, Shika, Kaduna State where a science laboratory built and equipped by the Corporation was formally commissioned as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative.

    While lamenting the upsurge in violent crimes and other challenges of insecurity especially among youths in the country, Ibrahim expressed the belief that the situation could be attributed to poor and weak educational system.

    He therefore called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to guarantee qualitative education for millions of the nation’s youths to prepare them for gainful employment opportunities and better living conditions.

    Ibrahim urged Nigerians to view the provision of quality education as the responsibility of all, describing complete reliance on government alone for delivery of quality education as unrealistic.

    Read Also: NDIC builds capacity for Uganda DPFU

    He called on the private sector to compliment government efforts, stating that the resources available to government could not provide the type of education required to produce graduates that were not only employable, but also adaptable to the rapidly changing global economy.

    The NDIC boss further said that the Corporation’s acceptance of the request from the Zaria Academy for the construction and equipping of its Science Laboratories which were razed by fire about two years ago was hinged on the pitiable and squalid education situation in the Northern states of the country.

    He expressed delight that the Corporation’s modest intervention largely contributed to the successes of the last two sets of graduates from the academy.

    While noting the low standard of education in the North and the low rate of Senior Secondary School enrolment, Ibrahim called on governors in the region to improve the educational standards of their states and also offer scholarships to bright indigent students.

     

  • Gunmen kill ex-Katsina Commissioner

    Unknown armed bandits along Kaduna- Abuja highway on Sunday night shot and killed a former commissioner for education in Katsina state, Prof Halimatu Sa’adiyya Idris.

    A press release which was obtained from the Public Relations Officer of the state Ministry of Education, Salisu Lawal Kerau, which confirmed the development on Monday, said she and other road users were attacked near Bussa village, between Jere and Kateri communities.

    Prof Idris, 60, was made commissioner in November, 2015, during the early months of Governor Aminu Bello Masari’s tenure.

    During her time in office, she received the Kwame Nkrumah exemplary leadership award of excellence in recognition for her outstanding contribution to the development of education in the state and country.

    She was however fired on December 27, 2017 purportedly over her statement which she called for state teachers to undergo an aptitude test.

    It was learnt she had wanted to sanitise the education system by ensuring that only qualified teachers, with requisite English and related skills, taught in public schools. Her statement at the time had raised much dust with many calling for her ousting.

    Before her death, she had worked as principal of GGSS, Malumfashi, 1987-1989, GGSS, Sandamu, 1990-1991, and was lecturer at the College of Advanced Studies, Zaria, from 1893-1987.

    She was also Education Officer, ministry of education, Katsina, from 1989-1990,. Dean, faculty of science, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua university, Katsina, in 2015.

    Both statements said burial rites held on Monday afternoon in Unguwar Sarki, Kaduna state.

    In a condolence message, Senator Abu Ibrahim (APC, Katsina South), expressed sadness over the demise of the late professor.

    Ibrahim called on her family members and people of Faskari council area where she hailed from, to take heart.

    He prayed God to grant her eternal rest and the family members, the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • ‘Insecurity biggest threat in the North’

    The Emir of Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State, Malam Zubair Jibril Mai Gwari II has said that the biggest threat to the North is insecurity.

    According to him insecurity especially in the form of Boko Haram, armed banditry and ethnic clashes in the northeast, northcentral and northwest constitutes the biggest threat to Nigeria and its neighbors.

    He said that Nigeria needs to develop a strong mechanism of tolerance because the unfortunate religious crises and ethnic clashes in some parts of the North could be avoided through tolerance.

    Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja, at the Blueprint Impact Series/Awards themed Tolerance, Unity and Security: Building a Legacy for National Development.

    Mallam Jibril added that Nigeria can only be said to be developed when the teeming youths can engage in various businesses, transforming their talent and skills to produced goods for survival.

    His words, “Nigeria must evolve a strong mechanism of tolerance because our national development is indeed based on that. The unfortunate religious crises and ethnic clashes in some parts of Taraba, Benue and Plateau States could have well been intercepted and avoided if we have evolved tolerance mechanism among us.

    “Nigeria can be said to be developed only when our teeming youth can engage in various businesses, transforming their talents and skills to produce goods that we need for survival. Nigeria can boost of development only when it uses the God-given opportunity not only to be agrarian but principally a nation that produces and processes agricultural goods for both internal and external use. When that is achieved, we can then feel secure from Food Insecurity.

    “Insecurity especially in the form of Boko Haram insurgency in Northeast, Ethnic clashes in North Central, armed banditry in North West, constitutes the biggest threat being faced by this country and its neighbors. For instance, in Kaduna state, several local government areas are severely affected by bandits.  Our story in Birnin Gwari of Kaduna state is that of agony and sympathy. The armed bandits have made hell out of the people’s lives in my area. They have completely ravaged the areas by armed robbery, armed banditry, cattle rustling and abductions.

    Read Also: Presidency releases timeline steps against insecurity

    “Our agricultural and socio-economic sectors have been crippled. Still in Kaduna state, areas like that of Sabon Birni in Igabi, Chikun and some places in Southern Kaduna are still battling with armed robbers and armed bandits. The story is same with Zamfara state where people are being killed on daily basis by the same armed bandits and agriculture is seriously crippled.

    “In Katsina and Niger states, the people are still experiencing threats and killings by the criminals who sometimes open fire sporadically on a complete village. Just last week Tuesday, in Rabah local government area of Sokoto state, more than 40 people including the village head of Tabanni were massacred by the armed bandits after rustling their cattle and scorching the entire village. These and several other crimes committed on innocent people in North West are indicators that insecurity has eaten deep into the fabrics of Nigerians.”

  • Senators Sani, Hunkuyi’s APC-Akida faction dump APC in Kaduna

    The Akida faction of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, and Kaduna Restoration group on Friday announced their exit from the party over what they called political marginalization and abuse by handlers in the state.

    Members of the two groups include Senator representing Kaduna Central in the senate, Shehu Sani, his counterpart representing Kaduna North, Suleiman Hunkuyi, Chairman, Liberty Radio and Television, Dr Ramalan Tijjani, Barrister Jafaaru Abbas, Maitamaki Tom-Meyashi among others.

    Addressing a joint press conference in Kaduna on Friday, Chairman, APC-Akida, Tom-Maiyashi who was supported by Legal Adviser, Kaduna Restoration group, Barrister Jafaaru Abass, the groups said their decision to exit the ruling party came after due consultations thereby has no regret.

    Though they declined revealing the party they will be moving to, but there are strong indications that, they may form another political party using either of the groups’ names which have already gained some recognition in the state.

    “We are not going to look for any name or borrow any name. We will do our analysis and take decisions and we are going to inform the public. But one thing is certain, we are not orphans.” Maiyashi said.

    Reading the press text Maiyashi said, “this joint press conference is the culmination of extensive reviews and consultations over the state of the All Progressives,Congress (APC), in Kaduna State as well as in the Nation.

    “As you will appreciate, groups such as our that had been in the frontline of the efforts to keep our party along the lines of survive, accountability and integrity will be diligent in ensuring that whatever steps we take are consistent with our high sense of responsibility.

    Read Also: Buhari sympathises with Kaduna gas victims

    “We are satisfied that the positions we have arrived at are in the best interests of our members and the ongoing efforts to create options and strategies that will rid our nation of undeserved and avoidable challenges.

    “Members of our two groups have decided to leave the APC because it is incapable of accommodating and responding to well-meaning dissent, criticism and demands for inclusiveness and internal democracy. It has not lived up to the expectations of the millions of people who laboured to put in power, as well as Nigerian who expected that it will usher in genuine change. We are hereby advising all our teeming members to formalize their withdrawal from the APC.

    “We are engaged in serious discussions with parties which share our value and principles toward political collaboration that best suits our interests. In due course, we will make public the outcome of these discussions.

    “We want to commend the resilience and commitment of our members in the face of institutionalized exclusion, marginalization and abuse. We urge them all to keep faith”, he maintained.

  • World Cup: Fans desert viewing centers in Kafanchan

    Football fans in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, have deserted viewing centres following Nigeria’s ouster from World Cup in Russia.

    Checks on Thursday in Kafanchan revealed that most of the viewing centres within the metropolis witnessed poor turnout, while the operators lamented low patronage.

    Mr Amos Sidi, who operates a viewing centre around Roundabout junction, said the premises had experienced a dramatic low patronage since after the defeat of the Super Eagles on Tuesday.

    “A lot of people had lost enthusiasm after Nigeria lost and crashed out of the competition and as such, patronage has also drastically reduced.

    “Before now, we used to make an average of N2, 000 to N3,000 daily, but now, one can hardly boast of N1, 000 a day,’’ he said.

    Also, Malam Mohammed Saleh, who operates a viewing centre on Bauchi Road, told NAN that football fans in the area had deserted the centre.

    Saleh said the fans felt that there was no need spending their money watching other Countries play, while Nigeria was already back home.

    Read Also: Russia 2018: Fans want Super Eagles to rise above defeat

    “I have heard some of my customers tell me they would rather stay at home and listen to news commentary, or follow updates on their android phones.

    “Only a few football enthusiasts and sports betting addicts still patronise the premises and even plead to watch for free,” he said.

    NAN reports that other viewing centres, including those around Yakowa Market road, Garaje and Katsit areas witnessed low patronage with their operators sharing similar experiences.

    Meanwhile, football analysts in Kafanchan have lamented the exit of the Super Eagles from the ongoing World Cup in Russia, describing the development as a clear case of marginalisation.

    Mr Solomon Ambukson of Jos Street told NAN that the Super Eagles deserved more than they got at the competition and described their last match against Argentina as “cheating”.

    “The officials should have called the referee to order which they failed suggesting a clear picture of conspiracy,” he said.

    Ms Asabe Musa of Lowcost area said if the situation as witnessed in the Super Eagles’ last match persisted, African teams might be left with no choice, but stop attending subsequent tournaments.

  • El-Rufai inaugurates 16 Nigerian youths for Kashim Ibrahim Fellows

    Sixteen young Nigerians have emerged as the first set of Kaduna State’s Kashim Ibrahim Fellows (KIF).

    The successful candidates are: Eyinnaya Danjuma Chukwueke, Aminu Rabi Usman, Fatima Kesington, Muhammad Maccido Usman, Dorcas Kadangs, Jatau Jemimah Magaji, Abdulhakeem Muhammad Miko, Ali Anas Sani, Abimbola K. Adetunji, Aliyu Suleiman Iya, Ibrahim Tasiu, Michael Medubi, Leonell Echa, Musa Muhammad Kona, Abubakar Saleh Joji and Rebecca Maulome Padonu.

    Speaking at the event held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Kaduna Government House on Wednesday, Governor Nasir El-Rufai said he was impressed by the quality of many of the candidates.

    According to him, “Their submissions reinforced our conviction that youthful talent abounds, and that we can productively engage these smart young people for the benefit of our country. Each of the 31 persons that made the last stage of the selection process was superbly qualified.”

    Read Also: Still on El Rufai and Kaduna teachers

    Malam Nasir El-Rufai confirmed that the Kashim Ibrahim Fellows programme is an initiative of the Kaduna State Government to help develop and nurture leadership ability across Nigeria, with a specific focus on the promising leaders of the future.

    “The one-year programme aims to create a network of high potential young Nigerians who are expected to rise to top leadership positions in the public sector and other spheres of activity over the next decade.”

    The governor affirmed that the leaders of the country owe the youths platforms for leadership capacity development. “There is no doubt in my mind that leaders in Nigeria must device and sustain deliberate pathways to build youth capacity for leadership in the public service. Most Nigerians are younger than 35, and we owe them a duty to make the necessary investments to enable them to acquire the skills, the steel and the exposure for effective public service.

    “The world of today is changing fast, with new challenges and opportunities arising. It is time that we become quite deliberate in building leadership capacity, recruiting the most talented and promoting a meritocratic culture. If we prepare this young people with sufficient rigour, they will be better at helping our people to productively navigate a competitive world.”

    “The Governing Board has designed a commendable leadership development programme aimed at producing the next generation of inclusive, patriotic and results-oriented managers of human and material resources in the public sector. I therefore call on the first set of fellows to seize the moment, and apply themselves with the energy and wit required to make a success of this opportunity.

    “I wish to thank all the members of the Governing Board, and I will for this purpose mention their names: Hakeem Belo-Osagie, Dele Olojede, Hadiza Bala-Usman, Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, Bilya Bala, Barbara Barungi, Japheth Omojuwa, Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, Jimi Lawal, Iboroma Akpana, Kadaria Ahmed and Segun Adeniyi.” He said.

    The 16 fellows emerged from the over 1,300 applications that were submitted online to the Kashim Ibrahim Fellows Programme portal by the deadline of 20th March 2018.

    The Steering Committee selected 271 of the entries for the next stage during which their CVs, essays and letters of recommendation were assessed. The top 66 were then invited to submit video entries of their responses to three questions. The 31 most impressive entries were then forwarded to the Governing Board which met on 23rd May 2018 to settle on the final 16.

    In February 2018, the Kaduna State Government introduced the Kashim Ibrahim Fellows Programme as a leadership training platform for young people through a one-year immersion at the heart of government. During this one year, the fellows will also be engaged in reflection, lectures and seminars on leadership.

    Seven of the 16 fellows are female. Kaduna State residents constitute half of the fellows, while the others are from other parts of Nigeria.

  • Be fair to all, El-Rufai warns LG chairmen

    Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state has admonished the newly elected chairmen not to discriminate against those who did not vote for them in the recent local government election.

    El-Rufai who gave this warning during the swearing-in of the local government councils chairmen on Tuesday, reminded them that “from whatever party you have emerged, you are today assuming a sacred mandate to do right by all our people, in accordance with the laws of the land and the oaths you have freely sworn.‘’

    The governor reminded the new council chairmen that ‘’you are, from today, custodians of a sacred trust. You must, therefore, be fair, just and reasonable in all your dealings, decisions and interactions.’’

    According to him, the council chairmen must not ‘’favour those with whom you share the same ethnicity or religion as that will offend your oath of office. May God give us all the grace to do justice to all according to law.

    The governor recalled that since 2015, his administration has spent considerable time and effort to reform the local government system so that it can deliver public service at the grassroots.

    Read Also: El-Rufai commends IGP

    Malam El-Rufai also recalled that the government has had to rescue  insolvent local governments, before his administration embarked on series of reforms to enhance the quality of personnel serving at area councils.

    “We have taken careful steps to reform the local government system for performance and service delivery. This government has addressed the capacity deficit by directing the recruitment of professionals, including lawyers, engineers and architects for the local government service,’’ he said.

    The governor also drew the attention of the chairmen to the new presidential system of local government administration that is now in place, which was achieved with ‘’ the kind support of the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

    El-Rufai pointed out that ‘’while executive powers shall vest in the chairmen, the elected councillors shall constitute the legislative arm. Specific roles are assigned to the vice-chairmen, and supervisory councillors. I urge the new chairmen to study this law carefully.’’

    According to the governor, the Ministry of Local Government Affairs has organised a retreat to fully acquaint the new council chairmen with the new system of local government, urging them to fully participate for the greater good of the state.

     

  • 2019: Kaduna PDP endorses Makarfi for presidency

    Stakeholders of Kaduna State chapter of the major opposition political party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have endorsed two-term Governor and two-term Senator from the state, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi for the 2019 presidential race.

    Speaking on Monday at a brief stakeholders’ meeting with Makarfi, the State chairman of PDP, Dr. Hassan Hyet said there would be a change in the country come 2019 because PDP will reclaim power.

    Hyet said, “On that day we will not be the one to escort others to the seat of power, but others will be the one to escort Makarfi to Aso Rock as the elected President by the special grace of God”.

    He urged every party member to gear up towards achieving Makarfi’s presidential aspiration because he (Makarfi) over the years had stood his ground to ensure the unity of the party.

    “Today PDP is a household name in Nigeria because of the sacrifice the former governor made to ensure that the party remains as one united family”.

    He noted that despite court injunctions and political intimidations the party is still waxing stronger till date.

    He got the nod from the party’s stakeholders to accompany the presidential aspirant on consultation tours across the country as their formal endorsement of Makarfi.

    Responding, Senator Makarfi who is the immediate past national caretaker committee chairman of PDP said after consulting the party at national level about his political ambition, he decided to come home to Kaduna to intimate his supporters at the state level.

    Read Also: Why I want to be Nigeria’s President -Makarfi

    He however assured that if elected as president, he would stop killings and kidnappings across the country.

    He stressed that the entire Nigerians will be better off at his presidency because of his wealth of experience in governance.

    He said, “I have consulted the party and I thought it wise to come and meet my own base and the stakeholders to affirm to them, just as they read on the pages of Newspapers, even though, a formal declaration has not taken place where programmes and how they would be implemented would be read out.

    “But like I had earlier said, if nominated by the party and elected by Nigerians, my priorities would be the issue of insecurity and stopping the killings in the country. Addressing national unity and promotion of what binds us together, addressing the issue of unemployment and creation, as well as redistribution of wealth.

    “When you say you have raised our GDP by seven per cent, yes, is it possible, but who benefited from the increase? That is the question.

    “So, when you create wealth, it is only meaningful when it is legitimately and evenly distributed and you distribute wealth by creating employment. Good paying job, not temporary jobs that people are paid peanuts and you begin to wonder whether the money being paid is transport money or a living wage.

    “We must cut the cost of governance and redistribute that savings, so that, we create the middle class. Middle class in any society creates more wealth than the upper class; they create employment.

    “They will say PDP has done nothing, but we have record of performance everywhere. We have record of performance at legislative level and we have record of performance of managing diversity among party men and women.

    “This is home coming, so I am here so that you and I can take on the task beyond the shores of Kaduna State”. He said.