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Tag: Kaduna

  • El-Rufai receives Certificate of Return

    El-Rufai receives Certificate of Return

    Kaduna State Governor-elect, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai Wednesday received Certificate of ‎Return from INEC, saying he has to work twice hard to make Kaduna recover the last eight years of stagnation and enable it meet up with it neighbours.

    He said, ‎he has no time to exult in his victory, as there is much to do to make Kaduna great again; therefore he has to swing into action immediately.

    El-Rufai in ‎his acceptance speech to Kaduna people after receiving the certificate amidst huge crowd at INEC headquarters reaffirmed his commitment to do his best to restore Kaduna to a state that works for its people.

    According to him, “We shall be doing so under serious constraints. Our state is heavily indebted at a time when oil prices are low. Our state has not seen significant development in the last eight years. We must work twice as hard with half the resources of the last eight years just to catch up with our neighbors. We must be disciplined, focused and prudent to do so.

    “In accepting my election as governor of Kaduna state, I pledge to do all that is humanly possible to move our dear state forward, beginning from today. As soon I am sworn into office and constitute a state executive council, we shall begin work to meet your expectations of positive change.” he said.

    While noting that he is aware of the people high expectation, which he described as justifiable, the Governor-elect solicited for patience, sacrifice and support to enable his government reform the state’s institutions to instill a culture of probity that insists on value for money, that ensures that government procurement occurs at the most cost effective level and encourages personal responsibility.

    “We will do whatever is humanly possible to fulfill the promises in our manifesto, the Kaduna Restoration Programme that we have published, circulated and discussed with diverse constituencies of the state. Our commitment to transparency will be manifest as we reform the public sector to be an efficient deliverer of services.

    “The APC takes seriously its responsibility to build a harmonious society in Kaduna State. We are committed to fostering a secure, peaceful environment that gives the confidence to all the residents of the state to make the most of their talents. We will uphold the rule of law and the equality of concern for all citizens. We intend to work with all communities in Kaduna state without fear or favor. We are all equal partners and stakeholders in this state. There will be no discrimination in Kaduna State on the basis of gender, ethnicity or religion. Appointments and nominations into the incoming cabinet and government will be primarily on the basis of integrity and determined strictly by competence, capacity and capability.

    “We shall be a listening government, and we shall be decisive in implementing our agreed agenda for change. We shall lose no time in reforming education and healthcare, local government, the public service and leading the processes that will create jobs and economic opportunities for our people.” he promised.

    While taking his time to express appreciation to the entire Kaduna State people for electing General Muhammadu Buhari as their President and him as Kaduna State Governor, El-Rufai particularly commended incumbent Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero who called to congratulate him even before the official declaration of the election result.

  • Three feared dead in Kaduna fracas

    •El-Rufai condemns incident

    Three persons were said to have died when a jubilation turned into a fracas at Angwan Dawa in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Lere Local Government, Mr. Ibrahim Abdulkarim, confirmed the incident to reporters yesterday.

    He said more than five people were receiving treatment in Saminaka General Hospital.

    A resident, Abubakar Sani, said supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took to the streets, celebrating the party’s victory in the governorship election and for winning two House of Assembly seats in the council.

    It was learnt that the jubilating youths went to Angwan Dawa, an area described as a Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) stronghold, beating drums and singing.

    “This did not go down well with youths in the area, as they attacked the group, resulting in a fight and the death of one of the jubilating youths.”

    The Nation gathered that the jubilating youths retreated and launched a reprisal, which resulted in the death of two people and burnt property.

    Police spokesman Zubairu Abubakar confirmed the incident, saying two people were injured and receiving treatment in a hospital.

    Abubakar said security agencies, comprising Army, Civil Defence and  Police had restored peace and suspects arrested.

    Kaduna State Governor-elect Nasir El-Rufai has condemned the incident.

    He said miscreants caused the violence, which led to the imposition of a curfew and the deployment of police and soldiers.

    A statement by his spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, said: “El-Rufai condemns the violence. He appeals to the residents of Saminaka to unite for peace and urges the violence to stop. He enjoins security agencies to stop the violence.”

    The governor-elect consoled the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

     

     

  • Water relief for 23 Kaduna communities

    Water relief for 23 Kaduna communities

    No fewer than 23 communities in Kaduna State will access clean water. This because the generation and treatment facilities of the precious liquid will soon come to life in the state.

    That much has been guaranteed by the state government.

    It will be a milestone in the state. For nearly two decades, water has been a huge challenge.  In 1999, a former governor of the state, Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi requested the Federal Government  to rehabilitate and expand the Zaria Water Supply Scheme.

    The arrangement was for the Federal Government to (i) rehabilitate the water works;(ii) construct a new 186MCM dam (iii) build a new 150 MLD water works; (iv) construct transmission mains and service reservoirs.

    •Parts of the water works
    •Parts of the water works

    The state government, on its part, was only to rehabilitate and expand the pipeline distribution network.

    The Federal Government awarded contracts for the construction of a dam and the rehabilitation of the water treatment plants of 50m litres daily and 10m litres daily (10MLD) which were operating below 30%.

    President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration awarded these contracts but the projects suffered budgetary constraints and were not completed on schedule.

    Eventually the late President Musa Yar’Adua introduced the Water Exit Policy and thus transferred the rehabilitation of the existing water treatment plants to Kaduna State when it was about 80% completed.

    Similarly, the construction of the 150 MD water treatment plant and the construction of the service reservoirs became the responsibility of the state government in addition to the pipeline distribution network rehabilitation and expansion

    Administration of the then Governor Namadi Sambo awarded the contract for the construction of 150 MLD water treatment plant at the total cost of N15.7 billion. The 150 mld water treatment plant was then billed to be completed in 2011. During the administration of the late Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, the contract was revised upward and it also suffered delays as a result of the killing and the kidnapping of foreign personnel of the contractor and the late Governor Patrick Yakowa made frantic efforts to refocus and continue implementing the project.

    Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero has equally promised to complete the contract. He said his administration would complete (i) the construction of a new 150 MLD water works; (ii) construct the transmission mains and service reservoirs and (iii) to rehabilitate and expands the pipeline distribution network and sanitation facilities.

    However, Issues arising from Zaria water works recently have become alarming as allegations and counter allegations keep emanating from all nooks and crannies. Recently, allegations from some quarters was that the project has been abandoned and officials of Kaduna State government were enriching themselves at the detriment of the helpless masses who have been waiting to drink portable water at the completion of the multi billion naira projects.

    The gigantic water project when completed is expected to provide water to the entire Zaria city and five other local governments, totalling 23 communities, if completed has the capacity to serve Zaria residents and other neighboring local government areas.

    The project is grouped into four construction stages which are 150 million water treatment plant; the construction of transmission mains and service reservoirs; rehabilitation and extension of distribution network.

    The Nation’s fact finding mission to Galma Dam in Kubau and Zaria water works revealed that works are ongoing at the sites of the multi-billion naira water project and it is set for completion by 2015.

    It is a fact that, the pursuit for substantive and veritable amenities by the electorates in any government is very paramount, most especially in developing countries since such efforts if hinged on the virtues of constructive criticism could reinforce the sensitivity of the Government in policy making.

    Recently, a group of Zaria residents alleged that, the water projects was since abandoned and without value to them, since they still depend completely on the commercial water vendors popularly called ‘’Mai ruwa’’ It was one project initiated by the State Government with the objective of providing sustainable water supply and sanitation to the people of Zaria. More so, it aims at ensuring that the state attains the targets for portable water and sanitation as enunciated in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) document.

    Meanwhile, in a swift reaction, the Commissioner for Water Resources Honourable Ado Dogo denied the allegation, saying, the projects will be completed this year.

    The allegation and denial informed our Correspondent’s fact finding mission to the project sites. At Galma Dam, a project of the Federal Government located in Kubau Local Government, the Dam’s Project Manager, Mr. Itzik Zeevi revealed that the Dam with a capacity of 186million cubic meters, a catchment capacity of 250million cubic meters, with an embankment of 2.7 KM, and with a height of 28meters is 98percent completed.

    He also disclosed that, the second and third phase of the projects, which are Irrigation and proposed Hydro power, expected to generate 2.7megawatts of electricity will soon commence.

    The Nation also observed that, a settlement has already sprang up as a result of the alma Dam, and is named after the Gilmor Construction Company. Abdullahi Sani also known as ‘’Mai kifi’’ a resident of the Gilmor community said ‘’I am a farmer and also a fisherman I came here to fish, am a registered fisherman in the Dam and we are about 200 of us, the business is seriously moving here, at least I have water to irrigate my maize and I also fish’’.

    Meanwhile, at Shika Dam, located in Zaria, Engineer Binta Aliyu Yakubu who took our Correspondent on a guided tour of the Low lift pump, extensively articulated the prospects so far and the Challenges. According to her, “the 150 Million Litre per Day (mld) Regional Water Supply being constructed by the state government at Kakeyi village, near the existing 50mld Water Works is meant to tackle the protracted water supply scarcity in Zaria.

    “The project is grouped into four construction stages, namely: a new 150 million litre per day water treatment plant; the construction of transmission mains and service reservoirs; rehabilitation and extension of distribution network; and network extension to six other local governments comprising of 23 communities, if completed has the capacity to serve Zaria residents and other neighbouring local government areas. Work is 88 per cent completed and by next year that is 2015 the work will be completed,” she added.

    Mr Yakubu, an engneer, further explained that, “the Dam is ready, the water treatment plant is almost ready but this one relies on another one this is phase one and then we have phase two, because when you finish the treatment unit you have to transport the water to the service reservoirs in the town and we have the transmission main that will convey water from this treatment plant to reservoirs for that, the Government secure a loan from Islamic Development Bank, the loan is ready we are even in the process of procuring consultants and awarding the contracts. The loan is 81 million US dollars, then the third phase is that of distribution line, the water will flow by gravity to the distribution mains and to the end users. The Government again has secured another loan from the African Development bank and that one is about 101million US dollars and that is the third lines for distribution lines and sanitation facilities, so we call it water supply expansion and sanitation project’’.

    She maintained that, the project was meant to provide sustainable water supply to effectively serve Sabon Gari, Kubau, Soba, Kudan, Makarfi and Giwa in addition to Zaria local government.

    Similarly, during the last visit of the Kaduna Governor, Ramalan Mukhtar Yero to the project site at Zaria, work was adjudged to have reached over 80 percent completion with an assurance that it would be completed on scheduled time. From what was gathered from the site engineers and government officials handling the multi-billion naira project during the visit. While on tour of the water project, Yero reiterated commitment to improved water supply noting that it is one of the main objectives of his administration.

    The governor strongly believes that no meaningful development could be achieved if the people do not have access to potable water supply. “We have gone far in our efforts to solve the water problem being experienced in Zaria and environs. He also noted that increasing the production capacity without addressing the distribution network, transmission mains and service reservoir will not yield the desired result.

    He explained that the government partnered with the African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank to consolidate the gains of the multi-billion Naira Zaria Regional Water Supply Project.

    In the the same vein, the Country Director of AfDB, Dr. Ousmane Dore who was on tour of the project with Governor Yero assured the governor of providing support and concluding the project on schedule. He assured of the commitment of AfDB to ensuring the project will rekindle the expectation of the over two million people from Zaria and 6 other local government areas to benefit from the water project when completed.

    Meanwhile, on the fears raised on how to transmit and distribute the water to be produced, the Governor said there was no cause for alarm as the dam and water treatment plant under rehabilitation has reached 95 per cent and 85 per cent completion respectively.

    At the end of the tour, Yero hinted that the first phase of the civil work for hydropower and irrigation component is completed and promised that the supply of turbine development of 400 hectares of land would be completed soon.

    Also speaking, the paramount ruler of the host community Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris expressed anticipated joy on the completion of the project, assuring the state and Federal Government of the support of his people. He observed that the people of Zaria who have suffered water shortage and sanitation would smile after the project is completed and put to functional use.

    According to him, it is a pointer to the commitment of government to the socio- economic condition of the people. “The government has shown clearly that it intends to solve the problem of water shortage and help the people to reciprocate by being law abiding,” the Emir stated.

    Though Zaria is ancient city with various higher institutions spread around the city, the residents and students had to grapple with the untold hardship of either buying water daily, dig wells, boreholes and occasionally fetch from rivers, which are most often times polluted, water scarcity was one common problem the residents face.

    The General Manager of Kaduna State Water Board, Engineer Kabiru Ahmed Rufai, who spoke to newsmen recently on the level of work at the dam site, said the 150 million litres per day water plant will soon be completed and ready for use.

    He said, Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero was ever determined to complete all ongoing projects initiated by previous administrations in the state, especially the Zaria Water Works, considering its desired impacts on the residents.

  • Sambo, Aremu, others congratulate El-Rufai

    Sambo, Aremu, others congratulate El-Rufai

    Vice President Namadi Sambo has on Monday afternoon called Kaduna State Governor – elect, Malam Nasir El-Rufai to congratulate him for emerging victorious in last Saturday’s governorship election.

    El-Rufai’s spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna Monday, adding that, Governor Yero has also written an official congratulatory message to Malam El-Rufai, even after he had called on telephone Sunday afternoon to concede victory to the APC candidate.

    In the same vein, Secretary-General of the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), Comrade Issa Aremu has congratulated El-Rufai over the victory at the Governorship poll.

    Sambo, according to Aruwan, wished El-Rufai a successful tenure in office and urged him to use his wealth of experience for the peace and development of Kaduna state and Nigeria at large.

    Sambo further appealed to the citizens of the state to give maximum support and cooperation to Malam El-Rufai.

    In his own message, Aremu said, “On behalf of the National Executive members of the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) we congratulate the new Governor elect of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai on his victory at the Kaduna State Governorship elections held on Saturday April 11, 2015.

    “We commend His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero for conceding defeat and accepting the outcome of the State governorship elections.

    “Given his antecedent in governing a cosmopolitan FCT, we have no doubt that the Governor-elect, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai will deepen the peace process in Kaduna traumatized through avoidable blood-letting in recent times. Peace process must go hand in hand with sustainable development which must start with urgent re-industrialization of kaduna state and mass employment of the army of the youths.

    “We will partner with the incoming administration to take necessary steps to revive the ailing industries in Kaduna State especially the textile industries with a view of creating jobs for the mass of unemployed youths in the state.

    “As a private sector union and affiliate of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and a critical stakeholder in the development of the state and the country in general, we wish to pledge our support, and cooperation in the great task of moving Kaduna State and indeed Nigeria to a greater height.”

    Meanwhile, celebration continued at the campaign office of the governor-elect with crowds of party members and supporters dancing and singing into the second day.

  • Shettima maintains lead in Borno

    Shettima maintains lead in Borno

    Borno state governor Kashim Shettima of the APC has maintain a steady lead in the 16 local government areas so far declared by INEC.

    The remaining 11 local government are still been awaited at the collation centre at the INEC state headquarter in Maiduguri.

    Results brought from 16 local governments to the INEC collation centre as at press time show Gov Kashim  Shettima leading the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Alh Gambo Lawan.

    The Results released so far are as follows:

    Mafa APC 10,734, PDP 059,Nganzal APC 3696 PDP 74, Kukawa APC 12,486 PDP 293, Dikwa APC 11,168 PDP 210, Kala Balge 10 474 PDP 068, Kaga APC 10414 PDP 105, Guzamala APC 8361 PDP 012, Magunmeri APC 10038, PDP 384, Bayo APC 17968  PDP 1985 and K/ Kuzar APC 18678 PDP 1620

    Other results are; Gubio APC 11487 PDP 107, Abadam APC 7070 PDP 061, Marte APC 6388 PDP 301, Mobbar APC 6979 PDP 218‎, Monguno APC 9840 PDP 031 and Askira/Uba APC 26,313 PDP 2023 respectively.

  • Elections: It’s APC all the way in Lagos, Kaduna, Oyo, Kano

    Elections: It’s APC all the way in Lagos, Kaduna, Oyo, Kano

    •Tambuwal, Amosun, Bindo, Sani Bello, Shettima, Masari, Ishaku, Ahmed also in early lead

    •Ortom ahead in Benue, wins in Government House, Makurdi

    The people spoke again yesterday loud and clear, casting  their lot  for  the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the  majority of the South West, North West, North Central and North East states in the governorship /state assembly elections.

    From the early results across the states, candidates of the party in the four geo-political zones appeared to be coasting to victory.

    The situation was however the opposite in much of the South South and the Southeast where candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were largely favoured, although reports from Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Delta suggested massive violations of the electoral process by the party.

    Violence raged for much of the day in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states such that electoral officers had to go into hiding.

    At least11 people, some of them APC supporters were killed in the violence.

    Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the APC governorship candidate in Lagos State took a commanding lead, brushing aside Mr. Jimi Agbaje of the PDP who failed in his polling unit.

    Early results include the followings: Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) was in early lead at the yesterday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states.

    According to unofficial polls result, APC was leading in over 15 of the 20 local governments. In five councils, the APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were appeared to be running neck to neck.

    The polls were relatively peaceful, although the exercise was generally marred by low turnout of voters.

    In Lagos State, the unofficial results are as follows:

    Ashogbon Polling Unit 049, Surulere:

    Governorship: APC 55, PDP 38,

    Amuwo –Odofin Unit 009:

    Governorship: APC 49, PDP 51.

    Lekki polling Unit 24:

    Governorship: APC 190, PDP, 112.

    Oworoshonki Unit 023:

    Governorship: APC 121, PDP,106.

    Agege Unit 071:

    Governorship: APC, 136, PDP,48.

    Mushin Unit 035

    Governorship: APC 102, PDP, 40.

    Alimosho Unit 053

    Governorship: APC 244, PDP 176,

    Unit 50: APC 180, PDP, 131.

    Unit 51, APC 183, PDP, 131,

    Unit 041, Ward D, APC 243, PDP, 105.

    Agbado Oke-Odo Unit 075, APC 137, PDP, 48.

    Ojota Unity Close, Unit 067, APC, 130, PDP,105.

    Amuwo Odofin, Lagos: PU056 (A-L) House of Assembly: APC-31, PDP-38, APGA-1 Gov: APC-32, PDP-38

    Amuwo Odofin, Lagos: PU056 (M-Z) House of Assembly: APC-30, PDP-53, APGA-2 Gov: APC-27, PDP-56, void-2

    Amuwo Odofin, Lagos: PU023 House of Assembly: APC-53, PDP-57

    Gov: APC-48, PDP-57

    Amuwo Odofin, Lagos: PU056 (A-L) House of Assembly: APC-31, PDP-38, APGA-1 Gov: APC-32, PDP-38

    Amuwo Odofin, Lagos: PU056 (M-Z) House of Assembly: APC-30, PDP-53, APGA-2 Gov: APC-27, PDP-56, void-2

    Amuwo Odofin, Lagos: PU023 House of Assembly: APC-53, PDP-57 Gov: APC-48, PDP-57

    Amuwo Odofin, Lagos: PU018

    Gov: APC-47, PDP-117

    Amuwo Odofin, Lagos: PU074 House of Assembly: APC-40, PDP-81,

    Gov: APC-49, PDP-80

    Ikeja Polling Unit 047:

    Gov:  APC 230, PDP 60

    Assembly: APC 233, PDP 60

    Ward G3, Unit 002, Surulere

    Governorship: 270, PDP 132

    Ashogbon Polling Unit 049, Surulere

    Governorship, APC 55, PDP 38,

    Amuwo –Odofin, Unit 009,

    Governorship: APC 49, PDP 51.

    Ikeja Unit 12, Ward 8

    Gov: APC 76, PDP 93

    Assembly: APC 89, PDP 81

    Polling Unit 017, Opebi, Lagos

    Governorship: APC – 51, PDP – 50

    Assembly: APC – 55, PDP – 44, APGA – 1

    Polling Unit 019 Idiaraba, Mushin

    Governorship:  APC 81: PDP 4, APGA 1

    Ward 09 PU34, Bourdillon

    Gov: APC 99, PDP 24

    Assembly: APC 91, PDP31

    Oworoshonki Unit 02

    Gov:  APC 121, PDP,106.

    Agege Unit 071, APC, 136, PDP,48.

    Mushin Unit 035, APC 102, PDP, 40.

    Alimosho Units, 053, APC 244, PDP 176,

    Unit 50,APC 180, PDP, 131.

    Unit 51, APC 183, PDP, 131,

    Unit 041, ward D, APC 243, PDP, 105.

    Agbado Oke-Odo Unit 075, APC 137, PDP, 48.

    Ojota, Unity Close, Unit 067, APC, 130, PDP,105.

    Orile-Agege Units, 28,

    Gov: APC 99, PDP, 89.

    House of Assembly, APC 101, PDP, 65.

    Unit 29: Governorship: APC 121, PDP, 71,

    House of Assembly: APC 105, PDP, 71.

    Kosofe Unit 044

    Governorship: APC, 136, PDP, 56.

    Polling Unit 042,Ketu

    Governorship: APC, 110, PDP, 51.

    Polling Unit 043

    Governorship, APC 92, PDP. 59.

    Bolodeoku, Ogba Polling Unit 051

    Governorship: APC 116, PDP 78

    Bogije, Ibeju-Lekki

    Governorship: APC, 531, PDP, 317.

    House of Assembly, APC 562, PDP, 279.

    Shangisha, Magodo, Polling Unit 008

    Gvernorship, APC 160, PDP, 93.

    Unit 001, Bogije Ward F. Ibeju-Lekki

    Governorship APC -531;  PDP – 317

    Assembly – APC – 562 , PDP – 279.

    Apapa Polling Unit  009

    Gov: APC 216, PDP 80

    Apapa LG, Apapa 11 Unit 002

    Gov: APC 131, PDP 62

    Lagos Island Polling Unit 009

    Gov: APC 213, PDP 57

    Polling Unit 012, Opebi

    Governorship: PDP 50, APC 126

    Oshodi Polling Unit 24

    Gov: PDP 131, APC 106

    Kosofe Unit 16:

    Gov: APC 213, PDP 45

     

    Ikorodu Unit 24:

    Gov: PDP 51, APC 135

    Polling Unit 049, Ikeja.

    Gov: APC 54, PDP 38, AD 1, APGA 1

    Mushin Ward G, Polling Unit 020

    House of assembly: APC 67, PDP 41

    Gov: APC 70, PDP 41

    Agege Polling Unit  058:

    Gov: LP 1, NNPP 1, APC 75, PDP 53

    Lagos Island Polling Unit 017

    Gov: APC 149, PDP 45, PPN 1

    Polling Unit 011 Savage

    Assembly: APC 101, PDP 75

    Gov: APC 97, PDP 85

    Arinola/Ori-Okuta Polling Unit 039, Ikorodu

    Governorship: APC 122, PDP 47

    Apapa Polling Unit 018:

    Gov:  APC 170, PDP 3

    IBA LCDA Polling Unit 032

    Assembly: APC 71, PDP 59

    Gov: APC 70, PDP 61

    Alimoso Polling Unit  24-03-11-002

    Gov:  APC 215, PDP 76.

    For Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State it is history in the making after appearing to break the jinx of a second term in the state.

    As at last night, he was ahead of his opponents –Accord Party’s Rasheed Ladoja, Labour Party’s Alao-Akala -in most parts of the state.

    Seeing the handing writing on the wall the PDP candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin went on air to concede defeat.

    He promised to congratulate the winner once INEC confirms the result.

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State was also on course sweeping most of the votes in Ogun West and Central. The PDP performed better in Ogun East especially in Remo and Ijebu North.

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal who flew the APC flag in Sokoto was in early lead as were Mallam Nasir el’Rufai (Kaduna),Dr.Umar Ganguje (Kano),Alhaji Aminu Masari (Katsina), Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara),Governor  Kashim Shettima (Borno), Alhaji , Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger),Mr. Samuel Ortom  (Benue) and Senator Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa)

    The voting pattern is a reflection  of the outcome of the March 28 Presidential Election which was won by the party’s candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari

    Although the two leading candidates in Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and Governor Ramalan Yero won in their polling units, the APC candidate (el-Rufai) was clearly ahead in the results of most of the Polling Units declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).

    While el-Rufai polled 360 votes against PDP’s Yero 42 votes at his polling unit 024, Ungwar Sarki, Yero also won at his Kaura polling unit in Zaria city with 304 votes against El-Rufai’s 192 votes.

    Other results were Kawo Polling unit 031( el-Rufai  554 ,PDP 09) ; Tudun Wada  031(APC 255, PDP 01);  Kabala Kapuwa, APC 673 votes, PDP 09); Tudun Nupawa, (APC 286, PDP 03); Madawaki PU 022(APC 546, PDP 17 votes); Makarfi road,  Kawo PU 029(APC 495 votes,  PDP 21).

    Others are Kachia town PU 009 (APC 274, PDP 161); Kofar Sarki Badiko PU 009,  (APC 188,  PDP 17); Ungwan Rimi PU 025( APC 207,  PDP 47);  Gabasawa PU 023,  (APC 270, PDP 31); Ungwan Sarkin PU 024(APC 360,  PDP 42).

    Babban Dodo, Zaria 05 PU( APC 209, PDD 26); Zaria City A/juma PU020 (APC 291, PDP 53); Zaria A/juma pu016 (APC 397,PDP 48).

    It was the same song for the APC in all the local governments in Kano where Deputy Governor Umar Ganduje defeated the PDP candidate, Yusuf Takai in the results of the  polling units so far declared.

    Some of the results are as follows:  Sumaila Gala ward 006 (APC 197, PDP 3)

    Dala Kofar ward 024 APC 61, PDP 13); Dala Dogon Nama ward (APC 386, PDP 185)

    005 Booth (APC 222, PDP 54); Nassarawa Tudun Murtala (APC 155, PDP 39)

    Warawa  LG Kadawa 004 (APC 177, PDP 79); 005booth (APC 161, PDP 57).

    The APC candidate in Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello was ahead of  PDP’s Umar Gado Nasko  in most polling units in  Chanchaga, Bida, Shiroro, Magama, Kontagora, Borgu, Rijau, Rafi and Suleja Local Government Areas.

    The APC candidate was equally coasting home to victory in Lapai, Tafa, Edati, Lavun and Mokwa local government areas of the state.

    In Taraba State, a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Arc. Darius Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was leading in nine Local Government Areas last night.

    Ishaku sprang a surprise by forging ahead of APC candidate, Sen. Aishat Alhassan, in her opponents stronghold in Jalingo.

    Ishaku was leading in Wukari,Taken, Dunga, Ussa, Karim-Lamido ,Yorro, Zing, Kuremi and Jalingo.

    A governorship candidate in Adamawa State last night gave an  insight into the contest in Adamawa State.

    He admitted that it was apparent that APC candidate, Sen. Jibrilla Bindow was leading.

    He said: “Alhamdulilahi, we participated in the elections and remained consistent without abandoning our mandate half way.

    “From initial results, it is clear APC will form the next government in Adamawa State.”

    It was a comfortable lead for Governor Kashim Shettima in Borno State against PDP’s Gambo Lawan.

    The PDP candidate lost his polling unit in Mobbar Local Government Area of northern Borno State to APC.

    While Governor Shettima secured 118 votes, Lawan got 9 votes at Kareto Dispensary PU of Kareto Ward.

    Shettima however delivered his polling unit to the APC when he polled 196 votes at Shettimari Polling Unit in Lawan Bukar, Lamisula Ward, where the Governor voted near his late father’s house in Maiduguri. His main challenger, Gambo Lawan of the PDP got zero.

    Governor Abdulfatahi Ahmed had a calm day as he floored  the PDP candidate, Sen. Simeon Sule Ajibola in Kwara Central Senatorial District, especially Ilorin Emirate with huge voting population.

    Some of the results are Ajikobi Ward Polling Unit 006( APC: 291, PDP:56);

    Unit 005( APC: 297, PDP:24); Alanamu Ward PU 24(  APC:194, PDP: 60).

    The governor was also ahead in most polling units in Kwara North and most parts of Kwara South including his Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

    A major upset was recorded in Benue State where the APC candidate, Samuel Ortom defeated the PDP rival, Termhen Tazoor at the Polling Unit in Government House, Makurdi by garnering 145 votes to PDP’s 119.

    Ortom was also in the lead in most results from Makurdi, Guma, Otukpo, Kwande, Ushongo, Gboko, Buruku, Konshisha, Oju and Tarka Local Government Areas.

    For ex-Speaker Aminu Masari, it was an easy ride over  PDP’s candidate, Engr. Nashuni in most Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

    Like electoral Tsunami, Governor Ibrahim lost to APC in his Ward in his hometown in Dutsinma.

    But the results of the governorship poll might be delayed because INEC has postponed the  conduct of gubernatorial and State House of Assembly elections in Danmusa LGA.

    INEC vehicles were attacked by suspected thugs and election materials hijacked.

    As at press time, PDP was yet to win in any polling unit in Sokoto State in all the results so far declared making it a likely landslide for Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.

    Desperate to cast her vote for APC candidate, a 50-year old woman, YarbabaYusuf Babangida died at Kofar Gidan Salisu Maska Polling Unit in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    The APC and PDP were running a close race .

    Some of the results from the Polling Units indicated that the APC governorship candidate, Rochas Okorocha was leading in Njaba, Nkwerre, Onuimo, Okigwe, Owerri North, Owerri Municipal, Owerri West,  Ideato South and Ideato North Local Government Areas while the PDP governorship candidate, Emeka Ihedioha, was ahead  in Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ezinihitte, Oguta, Ohaji-Egbema.

    The early results showed that both candidates won  in their party’s strongholds.

    PDP’s Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was leading in Enugu state.

    More results are being awaited.

     

  • El-Rufai blames low turn-out on ‘PDP’s threat in Kaduna

    ….as Yero tells supporters to accept polls outcome

    Gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has blamed the low turn-out of voters in yesterday’s election on alleged threat by the PDP to cause chaos in the state.

    This was as incumbent Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero enjoined his supporters and entire people of Kaduna State to accept whatever is the outcome of the election. Yero made the call after his accreditation in Zaria.

    In areas like Gonin Gora, Barnawa and Narayi in Southern metropolis of the state, electorates were seen relaxing and seemingly not bothered to go out for the accreditation.

    On the other divide of the state, Kaduna North and places like Sabon Gari, Tudun Wada, massive turn-out of voters were witnessed.

    Speaking to newsmen after casting his vote at polling unit, 024 Angwan Sarki, in Kaduna, El-Rufai blamed the low turn-out on the threat by the PDP-led government to unleash terror on the electorates. El-Rufai said the electorate were afraid to show up at their polling units as a result of the threat.

    The opposition candidate who arrived the polling unit at about 9:55am and was promptly accredited told our reporter that “Accreditation commenced on time compared to that of the Presidential elections.”

    He expressed satisfaction with the use of card readers which he described as effective and called on the electorates to come out en mass to exercise their civic responsibility.

    He said “He have been assured by the police and army that there will be enough security on ground to forestall any violence.”

  • Accreditation begins on time in Kebbi, Kaduna

    Accreditation begins on time in Kebbi, Kaduna

    Accreditation of voters commenced on time in parts of Kebbi and Kaduna states following early arrival of election officials.

    The officials were mostly at their polling units by 7:30 am and accreditation started by 8 am.

    In Kebbi the turnout of voters was far lower than what was witnessed during the presidential polls on March 28.

    In Kaduna however voters turnout was generally impressive.

    NAN reports that accreditation started as early as 8am in most polling units of Argungu Local Government in Kebbi.

    Some of the polling units visited in Argungu include Alwasa, Asarara, Gotomo, Race course, Sarki Sani Model Primary School, Garkan Danmaliki and Kitarawa 4.

    The situation was similar in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, where election officials were out as early as 7:30am and accreditation commenced on time.

    Some of the areas visited included Garkan Maialelu,Joda one and two, Nasarawa one and two, Gulumbe, Badariya polling units among others.

    In all the places visited security personnel were present and the streets were empty of vehicular movement.

    In Kaduna metropolis, Kafanchan, Zaria and Birnin Gwari the accreditation of voters also commenced on time with large turnout of voters.

    At Kafanchan A and B, Garaje, Maigizo and Mabushi polling units where the process started peacefully, voters turnout was impressive.

    In Kaduna, voters in long queues were being accredited in most polling units including Unguwan Liman, Burji, LEA Katsina Road, Ori Akpata, Shaba, Alimi, Alkali Road in Ungwan Sarki and Jemaa Road in Ungwan Rimi.

    In Zaria accreditation also started on time with large turnout of voters in Gyallesu, Kwarbai, Kofar Kona, Tudun Wada and other polling units in the area.

  • April 11 poll: 9 Guber candidates step down for El-Rufai

    April 11 poll: 9 Guber candidates step down for El-Rufai

    Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, nine governorship candidates in Kaduna State have stepped down their ambition for the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

    The candidates who converged at Kwara State Government Lodge in Kaduna to address newsmen on the development said the decision was reached after a wide consultation with their teeming and magnanimous supporters and NEC members.

    According to them, “We the following gubernatorial candidates in the 2015 election schedule to take place on 11th April, 2015 after due consultation with our teeming and magnanimous supporters/ NEC members of our great parties we have unanimously and unequivocally resolved this day 9th April, 2015 to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) Gubernatorial candidate in the 2015 general election, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

    “Having duly, adequately and articulatively study the manifesto’s of the APC and seeing that it aim, objectives and principles are in complete compliance to our aspiration and desire to run for the gubernatorial election in our dear state such as security of life and property, economic empowerment, women and youth empowerment.

    “We therefore call on our teeming and enthusiastic supporters to come out en mass come Saturday 11th, April 2015 and vote for Malam Nasir El-Rufai of the APC.

    “We pray for a successful free, fair and credible and violence free election,” they stated.

    The governorship candidates who stepped down include, Isa Adaamu Abdullahi, National Conscience Party (NCP), Alhaji Mohammed Sani Ahmed, Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN), Arch. Kabir Ahmed Jibril, Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Alhaji Lawal Yusuf, United Party of Nigeria (UPN) and Bala Mohammed Yunusa, African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Others include Dr. Sani Abdulkadir, NNPP, Alhaji Mohammed Ribadu, APA, Garba Moh’d Suleiman, ACPN and Nayaya Mohammed Lawal, PDC.

     

  • Guber poll: El-Rufai exposes alleged PDP’s plan to rig

    Guber poll: El-Rufai exposes alleged PDP’s plan to rig

    Kaduna State Governorship Candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Malam Nasir El-Rufai has exposed alleged plot by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rig Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

    According to El-Rufai, PDP is presently working to undermine Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) and Card Reader device so as to ensure massive rigging in the state.

    The candidate, who featured in a Freedom Radio Kaduna breakfast programme ‘Barka da Warhaka’, also said the PDP is recruiting and arming thugs to disrupt the election.

    He further said that, the PDP led government has imported armed thugs in perpetrating rigging of the election, aside sinister dealings with some unprincipled INEC personnel to aid their sinister motive.

    He said, “We got credible intelligence and alerted the police, military, DSS and INEC. They have been running from pillar to pillar in the name of thwarting effectiveness of Card Readers. They adopted using of armed thugs to intimidate voters and carry out ballot snatching and stuffing of boxes for declaration. They planned to withhold result sheets and other plots.

    “They met with some security personnel and sealed deals and we submitted all the details with empirical evidences to the authorities. And so, we are watching closely and will not give them a chance.”

    He also said that no one will perpetrate crisis in the state and go free, saying, “It is not war or fight, it is supposed to be a contest and so, no one will escape prosecution if he incite crisis in our state. The coming government of General Buhari and will follow all cases to the later.

    “We have reports of how some serving commissioners and a senior staff of the governor are arming thugs, and like I said we have documented all these and submitted.

    “They cannot intimidate citizens of our state, the people of Kaduna state have right to decide their future and no amount of money will work, no force, no manipulation of religion. Let them learn from presidential election. Did Sambo and his gang not bring millions? Did it work? Did Yero not commit state and local government resources? Did it work?” El-Rufai asked.