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Tag: Kafanchan

  • Sen. Laah secures Kaduna South PDP ticket

    Sen. Danjuma Laah on Wednesday picked the PDP ticket to seek re-election to represent his Kaduna South Senatorial constituency.

    Laah, the only PDP senator in the North-West geo-political zone, polled 592 votes to defeat his only challenger, Rep. Adams Jagaba, who got 353 votes in the election that had nine invalid votes.

    Announcing the result of the election in Kafanchan, the Returning Officer, Alhaji Balarabe Sani Garba, said that a total of 972 delegates were accredited for the election that started in the midnight.

    He thanked the delegates for being orderly throughout the exercise, and also lauded the patience of the aspirants.

    Read Also: Ondo: APC returns Boroffice, others as Senatorial candidates

    If elected in the general elections in February next year, Laah would be the first senator to be returned in the senatorial zone that had always presented a fresh face after every four years.

    The zone, which elected Group Capt. Haruna Aziz (rtd), in 1999, brought Mr Isaiah Balat in 2003, and replaced him with Caleb Zagi in 2007.

    Sen. Zagi was displaced by Sen. Nenadi Usman in 2011, who also gave way to Laah in 2015.

  • 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.

  • Kaduna Lawmaker opts out of 2019 race

    Mr Labari Tella, a member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, says he will not seek re-election in 2019. Tella, who represents Jema’a constituency in the assembly, said in an interview with the News men on Thursday in Kafanchan that he would not defect to any political party.

    The News men report that Tella has represented the constituency since 2007 under the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP ).According to him, he is stepping aside to give room for others to contest.

    Read Also: Southern Kaduna elders back Ortom on ranching

    “For the sake of fairness, I want to allow others to vie for the same position and serve in the same capacity I have done all these years.

    “I must also clear the rumour making rounds about my defection, that is not true as I still remain a devoted member of the PDP,’’ Tella said.

    The lawmaker stressed that he would continue to work tirelessly for the growth of the party.

    NAN

  • Kafanchan residents urge INEC to increase awareness campaign

    Kafanchan residents urge INEC to increase awareness campaign

    As registration of prospective voters by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) progresses in Southern Kaduna, some stakeholders in Kafanchan have suggested that more awareness campaigns should be done for larger turn out.

    The  correspondent, who visited INEC offices in some local government areas, reported that while the turnout was low in some centres, it was relatively high in others.

    Mr Jerry Yakubu, a resident of Kafanchan in Jema’a Local Government area, who lost his voter card and was at the INEC office in Kafanchan for a new one, lamented about the poor turn out for the exercise.

    Yakubu called for adequate sensitisation of the people about the importance of the exercise in order not to disenfranchise some eligible voters.

    “With the importance attached to obtaining voter cards, much is desired in terms of publicity to record impressive turnout,’’ he said.

    Mr Joseph Akpan, a resident of Kaura in Kaura Local Government area, advised residents to bear with the slow registration process.

    Akpan spoke about the importance of voter cards, describing it was a tool to contribute to good governance.

    Mrs Amina Nasiru of Samaru in Zangon Kataf Local Government area, attributed the low turn out to the economic downturn in the country.

    Nasiru said that people were more concerned with meeting personal and family demands.

    “The government needs to do more, especially at the grassroots on the need for people to exercise their franchise, ‘’ she said.

    An Ad hoc staff of INEC in Kafanchan, who preferred anonymity, told Reporter that with additional manpower, more sensitisation would be done.

    The official said that INEC was well aware of its responsibility and was collaborating with relevant agencies like the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to achieve its objectives.

    NAN

  • Court stops El-Rufai from sacking 4,766 traditional rulers

    Court stops El-Rufai from sacking 4,766 traditional rulers

    A Kaduna State High Court, sitting ‎in Kafanchan has granted an interim injunction restraining Governor Nasir El-Rufai and the state from sacking over 4,766 District and Village Heads across the state.

    El-Rufai’s government had reverted to 77 districts and 1,429 village units that existed prior to 2001, automatically sacking the 313 district heads and 4,453 village heads appointed after year 2001 by administration of former Governor Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi.

    The High Court’s interim injunction also restrained Kaduna State House of Assembly, Kaduna Ministry of Local Government Affairs, Jaafaru Ibrahim Sani,  Adara traditional council, Gbagyi traditional council and Attorney General of Kaduna State, either by themselves or via their agents, servants and privies from acting on the directives contained in the letter of the 3rd defendants to the 5th and 6th defendants dated the 12th June, 2017 wherein the 1st, 3rd and 4th defendants/Respondents directed the 5th and 6th Defendants among others to take steps to fill the offices of District and Village Heads within their domains pending the hearing and determination of Motion on Notice.

    Similarly, an order of interim injunction was also granted restraining the Defendants/Respondents from doing anything which has the consequences of being prejudicial to the plaintiffs continued occupation of their offices pending the hearing ‎and determination of the Motion on Notice.

    Mr. Stephen A. Gimba, Mr Gajere Dantawaye, Mr Ishaku ‎Yari, Alhaji Gambo Yaro who are the plaintiffs in the suit No. KDH/KAF/107/2017 had prayed for an order of Interim Injunction restraining the Defendants/Respondents either by themselves or via their agents, servants and privies from acting on the directives contained in the letter of the 3rd defendants to the 5th and 6th defendants dated the 12th June, 2017 wherein the 1st, 3rd and 4th defendants/Respondents directed the 5th and 6th Defendants among others to take steps to fill the offices of District and Village Heads within their domains pending the hearing and determination of Motion on Notice.

    The plaintiffs also prayed for an order of interim injunction restraining the Defendants/Respondents from doing anything which has the consequences of being prejudicial to the plantiffs continued occupation of their offices pending the hearing ‎and determination of the Motion on Notice and such further and/or other orders as the court may deem fit to make in the ccircumstance.

    However, the Presiding Judge, Justice S.S Daka, noted that, the restraining order which was signed by him and also signed by the Assistant Chief Registrar Esther B. Yayit dated the 20th day ‎of June, 2017 was based on the presentation of Abdullahi Bello Esq counsel to the Applicants and having perused the 9 paragraphs affidavit in support and 5 exhibits marked MK A.

    The matter has however been adjourned till 29th June, 2017 for hearing of the Motion on Notice.

     

     

  • Killers in Southern Kaduna will face God’s wrath – Emir

    Killers in Southern Kaduna will face God’s wrath – Emir

    Emir of Jema’a, Alhaji Muhammadu Isa Muhammadu has said that, those responsible for killings in southern parts of Kaduna will face God’s wrath.
    The Emir stated this at his palace in Kafanchan on Saturday when he received Kafanchan Peace Forum, a voluntary group working for genuine reconciliation among people of the troubled areas of Southern Kaduna.
    The Emir who received the forum, which consists of Muslim and Christians from different tribes of Southern Kaduna with excitement, said he hopes to a Kafanchan and the entire zone return to their old glory of peaceful communities.
    According to the Emir, “Kafanchan used to be a very peaceful and hospitable town where people from different walks of life enjoyed to work and live. All of a sudden, we don’t know what happened that people start killing one another. We don’t know the people doing this but we condemn it
    “All those killing will face God’s judgment and wrath, because no religion preaches killing of fellow human being. So, we must hold ourselves together irrespective of our ethno-religious background and work together for peace.
    “We must realise that, it is we people of faiths that are killing ourselves. When you inquiry about people who have been killed, they are either Christians or Muslim. So, we must stop these killings and put an end to this indigene/settler dichotomy, because no one group can displace the other,” he said.
    He however expressed support for the forum, urging them to take the peace efforts very seriously.
    Earlier, another First Class Chief, the Agwan Bajju, Malam Nuhu Bature while receiving the forum in his palace in Zangon Kataf, said patience and forgiveness are the solutions to the cycle of crises in the zone.
    He urged the group to sensitize the youths to desist from rumour mongering, saying, that was partly responsible for some of the crises. “What happened have happened, but we must forget the past and forgive ourselves for peace and development to reign”, he added.
    Meanwhile, leader of the forum, Alhaji Samaila Barau Maigoro said, Kafanchan Peace Forum was formed to compliment government efforts, especially in the area of reconciliation through reaching out to the youths.

  • Workers want gov’t to rebuild ruins in Southern Kaduna

    Workers want gov’t to rebuild ruins in Southern Kaduna

    Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai has congratulated the leadership and members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state on the commemoration of 2017 Workers’ Day.

    Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Railway Workers, North Central District, Kafanchan has urged the government to rebuild Southern Kaduna from the ruins of the crisis that bedeviled the area recently.

    Governor El-Rufai commended workers for their doggedness and dedication to the development and unity of Kaduna State.

    In a statement by his spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, El-Rufai congratulated with the leadership of the NLC and its affiliates in Kaduna State on the commemoration of 2017 Workers’ Day.

    According to him, “we will continue to support with our workforce towards development and peace of our state. The workers in all sectors are making a great contribution to the progress of our state.

    “The Government appreciates the support of the workers since 2015. The successful launch of the Kaduna State Public Service Revitalization and Renewal Project owes much to the support and cooperation of our work force.

    “The Kaduna State Government is determined to restore the public service as the facilitator of good governance. Every government relies on the public service for its governance agenda, and its success in realizing its programmes depends on the quality and commitment of the service.

    “The provision of public goods is one key way of appreciating the sacrifices of workers. Improving access to education and healthcare are priorities for this government. Already, we have increased enrolment in public primary schools from 1.1million to 2.1million. The state is about to launch a contributory health insurance scheme, and a bill to this effect is being considered by the state House of Assembly”, he said.

    However, the chairman of the railway workers union, Comrade Emmanuel Henry Moses who spoke during a seminar in Kafanchan on Monday as part of activities marking the 2017 Workers Day celebration.

    Comrade Moses regretted that the Union lost colleagues, family members including officials of the Union, describing the ugly trend as having far reaching effects on the safety of lives and property of workers.

    The chairman also urged authorities of the NRC, to review salaries of workers in view of the present economic realities, provide working materials, renovate dilapidated residential quarters, workshops and offices as well as make available a locomotive to run train services among others.

    The Unionist, however, noted with satisfaction over the cordial working relationship between the workers and Management of the North Central District and appealed for sustenance of the good spirit in the overall interest of the Corporation.

    In a message, Railway District Manager, (RDM) Kafanchan, Mr. Frank Ajoku who was represented by the Human Resource Officer of the District, Mrs. Talita Saws, commended the workers for their perseverance and resilience in rendering selfless service to humanity.

    Mr Ajoku also solicited the cooperation of the workers to take the Corporation to the next level of development and cautioned the workers to be truthful in their agitations when the need arises to consolidate on the already existing harmonious relationship.

  • We have restored peace in Southern Kaduna -Security chiefs

    Two weeks after their relocation to the area, security chiefs have said that, peace has been restored to the troubled areas of Southern Kaduna.

    Briefing newsmen shortly after the Kaduna State Security Council Meeting, Kaduna Police Commissioner, Mr. Agyole Abeh, Garrison Commander, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Samaila Isha and Nigerian Air Force Base Commander, Air Commodore Idi Amin, said they have restored peace in Kafanchan and environs.

    This was also as General Isah disclosed that, as part of efforts to sustain the peace, the Nigerian Army is going to embark on a major exercise called ‘Exercise Harbin Kunama II’ in the area.

    According to the police Commissioner, “Prior to our relocation to the place, you are already aware that the commanders were directed to move to Kafanchan to ensure that peace returns to the area. And today, we are happy to tell you that we have been able to restore peace to Kafanchan and environs.

    “We are going to sustain this effort and we are appealing to members of the community too to assist us in achieving this objective. However, in recent time we have been confronted with other problems regarding the crisis in Southern Kaduna. Like I earlier said in the previous briefing that some people are actually fueling this crises.

    “In recent time, we have made arrest of people who write letters that are intended to incite people against one another, to say that, it has been written that an attack will be carried out in communities. And we investigated some of these letters and we made arrest of persons, which in due we will parade before you, so that you will see that some of these inciting speeches and letters are actually not even done by the perpetrators of the acts. We have come to know that and we assure that, we are going to continue to bring about law and order in that part of the state, with the efforts of the communities.

    “As long as they want peace to reign, they must contribute their quota to try as much as possible to speak to the youths who are the principal actors in this violence. Because the only way to peace is for the people themselves to be prepared to embrace peace, accommodate themselves and live together”, he said.

    In his own remarks, Commander 1 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Samaila Isah disclosed that, as part of the efforts in sustaining the peace in Southern Kaduna, the Nigerian Army is going to embark on a major exercise called ‘Exercise Harbin Kunama’ in the area.

  • Christmas: More troops, operatives deployed to Kafanchan, others

    Ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations, more troops have been deployed to troubled areas of Kaduna State.

    The 24-hour curfew imposed in the three Local Government Areas of Jema’a, Kaura and Zangon Kataf has however been relaxed to 12 hours.

    Spokesman to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Mr. Samuel Aruwan in a statement said the development was after credible intelligence at the disposal of security agencies suggests a possible threat to peace and urgent need to nip it in the bud and the earlier imposition of 24-hour curfew in three local government areas of Jema’a, Kaura and Zangon Kataf.

    According to Aruwan, “In order to strengthen security in Southern Kaduna and the state at large, more troops and operatives comprising the Nigerian Army,DSS,and other intelligence personnel/investigators have been deployed to ensure thesecurity of citizenry and maintenance of law and order. The Nigerian Police has also deployed various units of Mobile Police, Counter TerrorismUnits (CTU) as well as many units of both conventional and undercover police to adequately provide security to the people.

    “You may recall that the Governor had met Mr. President regarding the security situation in the areas and the intelligence reports at the disposal of security agencies.”

    “Similarly, the 24-hour curfew imposed in three local government areas (Jema’a, Kaura and Zangon Kataf) will be relaxed to 12 hours from 6am to 6am with effect from 25th and 26th of December, 2016. However, the 24-hour curfew in the LGAs will continue on the 27th December 2016.

    “Citizens throughout the state can contact security agencies via the following emergency numbers: 0703-967-5856,  0807-539-1105.

    “You may contact the Area Commanders through the following numbers also:
    Kaduna Central Senatorial District: 0803-385-0043 or 0803-433-1872

    ” Kaduna North Senatorial District: Zaria:  0803-317-4270 and 0806-128-6619. Kaduna South Senatorial District: Kafanchan: 0813-262-0315 and 0803-632-9263“, he said.

  • 24-hour curfew imposed on Kafanchan

    24-hour curfew imposed on Kafanchan

    A 24-HOUR curfew has been imposed on Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government of Kaduna State, following protests by youths in the town.
    They were protesting “unending killings in Southern Kaduna and the inability of the government and security agents to put the situation under control”.
    The youth accused the government of insensitivity to the terror that claimed scores of lives and properties.
    Their spokesperson, Nathan Chaweson, regretted the high level of impunity exhibited by the attackers, even with the presence of security operatives at flashpoints.
    Chaweson lamented government’s failure to guarantee the people’s security, adding no single arrest had been recorded.
    “We are pushed to the wall to question the innocence of the government in what has been happening,” Chaweson said.
    He demanded the government rises up to its responsibility of protecting life and property.
    Interim Chairman of Jema’a Bege Katuka, who confirmed the curfew, said the decision was taken to forestall the breakdown of law and order.
    “As a responsible government, it was incumbent on the council to take proactive measures to guarantee the safety of life and property,” Katuka said.
    He urged the people to be calm and remain indoors until the situation improved.