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Tag: Kano

  • NSE urges NASS to pass National Transport Commission bill into law

    The Kano State Chapter of the Nigerian Society of Engineers ( NSE ), has called on the National Assembly to pass into law, the bill for the establishment of National Transport Commission.

    The state NSE Chairman, Engr. Rabiu Haruna made the call on Saturday at a workshop to mark the 2018 World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

    The workshop with the theme ‘Safety as Key in National Infrastructural Development’, was organised to discuss issues of National development.

    He said that the focused areas are desert encroachment, road accidents and Environmental Safety.

    He explained that the establishment of the Commission will ensure regular monitoring of the high ways to reduce the rate of road accidents across the major roads in the country.

    “The Commission if established, will ensure the strict compliance of the road traffic laws beyond the function of the Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ).

    “For over 10 years, the bill has not been passed into law by the National Assembly, I therefore called on them to revisit and pass it”, the NSE Chairman said.

    Haruna added that if it had been passed, the issue of road accident in Nigeria would have by now drastically reduced to the lowest level.

    The NSE Chairman also called on the Federal Government to revisit he issue for the establishment of the Commission through the necessary channels.

    According to him, the negligence of drivers, especially commercial vehicle drivers had contributed so much to the present bad condition of the major roads nationwide due to over loading.

    He appealed to road users, especially the tanker drivers and other articulated commercial vehicles to always obey the road traffic laws so as to reduce road traffic crashes.

    NAN

  • Buhari: Historical books, service to humanity

    President Muhammadu Buhari, has described authorship of historical books as an act of rendering service to humanity. President Buhari said this on Saturday in Katsina, during the public presentation and launching of biographies of Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar and his predecessors.

    The President, who was represented by the Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Masari, said that writing of historical books had the capacity to promote mutual understanding and unity.

    “The authorship of books on history is an act of rendering service to humanity. “The more we write books, the more we understand ourselves and the more we unite.

    “What is important is that those who disagree in the history should also write their books,” he said.

    He stressed the need for Nigerians to work hard to sustain the unity of the country.

    Also speaking at the occasion, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, charged all Nigerians to embark on projects that would help strengthen the unity of the country.

    He described the attendance of different personalities at the event, irrespective of their religions and tribes as a sign of national unity.

    The Sultan, however, said, “I urge the books’ authors to adjust a few fallacies in the books as few chapter distorted history.’’

    The chief launcher of the books, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, also harped on unity of Nigeria.

    “What is dividing us is lack of understanding of history. Whether you are from West, South, North, nobody has control over what God has for our lives.

    “Whom I am, where I am coming from and where am going, my destiny, it is in the hands of God.

    “Our problem in Nigeria is not about poor economy, but lack of understanding of difficulties Nigerians are going through,’’ he said.

    Tinubu charged Nigerian leaders to preach peace and unity irrespective of their religions, tribes and geopolitical zones, saying: “There should be no tribal war; we must share boundaries, coexist and share economic issues with ourselves.’’

    Read Also: Buhari commends Adenuga for creating jobs in Nigerians

    The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, who chaired the event, said that he attended the event because of the relationship between the people of his constituency and the Gwandu Emirate.

    He stressed that he would continue to support any cause that would promote peace and unity of Nigeria.

    Saraki commended late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, for initiating the writing of books to foster understanding and knowledge in the country.

    “The books will further brighten the future of Nigerian youths,’’ he said.

    The newsmen reports that the event was attended by dignitaries from the National Assembly, Emirs from the northern part of the country and state governors from neighbouring countries of Benin and Niger Republics.

    The newsmen also reports that over N100 million was realised from the launching of the books.

    NAN

  • Kano civil servants endorse Ganduje for second term

    Kano State Civil Servants yesterday endorsed the second coming of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, saying that he has performed creditably well in transforming the State into a mega city, within three years of his administration.

    In a press statement, issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Abba Anwar, said the State Head of Service, Muhammad Auwal Na’Iya, in company of all the Permanent Secretaries in the state, including all Heads of government departments and agencies, were at the Government House to deliver their message on behalf of the rank and file that they have endorsed Ganduje for second term.

    At the solidarity meeting, held at Africa House, Government House, Kano, Na’Iya, enumerated most of his achievements, to include promotion of workers, prompt payment of salaries, as well as training and re-training programmes, among others.

    within the state civil service that were possible with the coming of Ganduje into the corridors of power.

    “We are appreciative of your effort in abolishing the dichotomy between Degree and HND holders in the state civil service and at the same time, we are grateful for improving healthcare delivery system for the workers in the state,”.

    Also, the workers hailed Ganduje for the promotion, backlog from 2013-2018, adding that :”We are paid our salary promptly and have no cause to complain because he took care of our welfare.

    According to the Head of Service, over 5,000 workers have so far benefited from training and retraining programmes, in the area of acquiring ICT skills.

    “Over N500 Million free-interest loan was disbursed by this administration to civil servants, so as to boost their our morale in curtailing some major problems. We really don’t have much to say but to support your Your Excellency,”.

    After enumerating his achievements, Na’Iya disclosed that: “I am saying this on behalf of all the civil servants in the state, that, we are in total support of your ambition, come 2019 election. We are supporting you and we shall continue to support you Sir. You did so many things to us, which warrant for our total support and appreciation.”

    Responding, Governor Ganduje assured workers that he would continue to ensure the progress and development of the state civil service.

    “I want to assure you that, you are partners in progress. Hence, we must continue to do things that would boost your morale to work harder and strengthen your capacity through training and retraining,” Ganduje assured.

    He acknowledged that civil service was the backbone of any government, adding that there is the need to render the necessary support that would assist you in putting in your best towards the development of the state.

  • Man in court for intimidating wife

    A 35-year-old man, Hamza Nuhu, was on Tuesday arraigned at a Kano Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly beating up and intimidating his wife, Fatima Hassan.

    Nuhu, who resides at Bachirawa Quarters Kano, is facing a two-count charge of criminal force and intimidation.

    The accused, however, denied the allegations leveled against him.

    The Chief Magistrate, Muhammad Jibril, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 and two reliable sureties.

    Jibril ordered that one of the sureties must be the Ward Head of Bachirawa Quarters Kano, while the second surety must be a blood relation and adjourned the case until May 24 for hearing.

    Read Also: Unemployed man in court over N102,000 fraud

    Earlier, the Prosecuting Counsel, Insp. Pogu Lale, had informed the court that Fatima Hassan, of the same address, lodged a letter of complaint at Metro Area Police Command Kano, endorsed by a Magistrate Court on March 30.

    He said that about one month ago, the accused who is the husband to the complainant beat her up without any reason and threatened to deal with her by all means till he sees her end.

    The prosecutor said that the offences contravened sections 265 and 397 of the penal code respectively.

    NAN

  • INEC to redistribute 1.4m unclaimed PVCs in Lagos

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State on Friday said that it was making plans to redistribute the unclaimed 1.4 million Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the state.

    Mr Sam Olumekun, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, disclosed this in a telephone interview with our reporter in Lagos.

    “We are actually working out a new strategy,” the INEC boss told NAN, as he explained the commission’s plan to redistribute the permanent voter cards.

    Olumekun, who expressed concerned over the number of uncollected PVCs in Lagos state, urged the owners to go to INEC offices in their local government areas for collection.

    NAN reports that Lagos state has the highest number of unclaimed PVCs in the country.

    INEC had said that it was still in possession of 7,920,129 permanent voter cards yet to be collected from its offices across the nation.

    A breakdown of the uncollected PVCs as at March revealed that Lagos had the highest number of 1,401,390 followed by Oyo with 647,586 and Edo which had 449,001 while Kano had 195,941.

    The figure also showed Bauchi State as having the least number of uncollected PVCs, 15,542, followed by Bayelsa and Plateau which had 28,533 and 25,300 cards respectively.

    NAN

  • Kano: 5,000 people to benefit from free medical outreach

    No fewer than 5,000 people are expected to benefit from the second edition of a free medical outreach for Ebira community resident in Kano.
    The programme is organised by the leadership of Ebira People’s Association, a socio-cultural body of Ebira Tao speaking group.
    A statement by Mr Mahmud Ozigi, the Chairman, Kano chapter of the association, said the programme would be declared open by the Ohinoyi of Ebira community in Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Abdulmalik, on April 21.
    “The open medical camp which is scheduled to hold at Ebira House, kilometre 10, Naibawa, Zaria Road, Kano, will attract no fewer than 5,000 people,” he said.

    Read Also: Kano: Egyptian investors to partner on meat processing project

    Ozigi explained that the targeted beneficiaries of the humanitarian gesture include adults and children from both genders of Ebira Tao extraction.
    According to him, not less than 10 medical doctors, 10 pharmacists and 15 nurses are billed to conduct the programme.
    He added that the outreach would focus on screening and medical treatment of common diseases or ailments.
    The chairman said that there would also be five minutes pep talk on non-pharmacological or lifestyle treatment of hypertension at the event.

    NAN

  • Kano: Can Kwankwaso beat Ganduje-backed Buhari?

    Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, examines the battle for the political soul of Kano State and how it would play out if former governor of the state and current senator, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is pitched against President Muhammadu Buhari

    THE importance of Kano State in the 2019 presidential battle is no longer in doubt. This is primarily because of the large population and the fact that it came handy in 2015 as the swing vote that ensured President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory.

    So, as the northern aspirants file out for 2019 Presidential Election, the issue of who would mop up Kano votes is considered very critical. Shortly before Buhari’s recent declaration to seek re-election on the platform of All Progressives Congress, Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, reemphasised this fact when he boasted of his capacity to “mobilise and return five million votes for Buhari in 2019.”

    Although many critics, especially Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have taken up the governor over the comments, it remains a confirmation of the interest and dependence on a repeat of the magic Kano votes played in the victory of the president in 2015. It would be recalled that the state gave Buhari the highest votes of 1,903,999 million votes in 2015. Although Peoples Democratic Party sympathizers cried out then, alleging that the figure was manipulated, it made the difference for Buhari as it ensured his victory.   Considering that Kano, whose registered voters for the 2015 general elections was only 4,943,862, and that today, it is said the state has about 10million registered voters, the strategic importance of Ganduje’s assurances to Buhari cannot be dismissed with a wave of the hand. The Nation investigation shows that both Buhari supporters and the opposition PDP are not taking the battle of Kano lightly. While PDP supporters are calling on the party leadership to monitor how Kano votes are counted, we learnt that Buhari’s relationship with Governor Ganduje is becoming even more robust as 2019 elections draw nearer.

    The leader of the Northwest caucus in the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, admitted that much when he said Buhari’s popularity in the traditional areas of the North remains intact.

    Cephas Adamu, Secretary-General of Numan Collective, a socio-political group based in Adamawa State, however confirmed that the challenge for BUhari would be if Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is contesting against him in Kano. He, like many other observers, is of the view that for Buhari to retain the Kano vote, he would need to handle the former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, with care to further boost his chances in the north. “The former Governor’s Kwankwasiyya Movement,” he said, “is widespread in the region and should not be ignored by the ruling party. He must realise and accept that especially among northern youths on the streets of Kano, Kaduna, Minna and Dutse, Kwankwaso is a cult figure. APC must try its best to keep him in the party.”

    As the scenario unfolds daily, and the political rivalry between former Governor Kwankwaso, the leader of the popular Kwankwasiyya Movement and his estranged political godson, Governor Ganduje deepens, observers are curious how Kano votes would be shared, especially if Kwankwaso eventually flies the presidential flag of a strong political party against Buhari and his party, the APC. Already, there is allegation that Kwankwaso may be the choice of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Third Force. If this allegation turns out to be true, and if powerful northern leaders like former Military President Ibrahim Babangida and former Minister of Defence, General T. Y. Danjuma, who openly criticized Buhari, lend him support, it would be interesting to see how far he can tackle a Ganduje-backed Buhari, especially because Kano is generally known as Buhari’s second home.

  • Man, 26, remanded in prison for allegedly having anal sex with 10-year-old boy

    A Kano Chief Magistrates’ Court on Friday remanded a 26-year-old man, Baffa Sani, in prison for allegedly having anal sex with a 10-year-old boy.

    Sani, who resides at Kurawa Quarters, Kano, is facing a charge of “unnatural” offence.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The Chief Magistrate, Muhammad Jibril, who gave the ruling, said the accused should remain behind bars until the next date of adjournment.

    The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Pogu Lale, had told the court that on March 20, the complainant, Awaisu Ibrahim of Tudun Wuzurci Quarters, Kano, reported the case at Mandawari Police Divisional Headquarters, Kano.

    Lale alleged that the accused had at 1.30 p.m. the accused lured the complainant’s 10-year-old brother, who was returning home from school, into an uncompleted building situated at Kurawa Quarters, Kano.

    “The accused forcefully had sex with the boy through the anus,” he said.

    The offence contravened Section 284 of the Penal Code.

    The case has been adjourned until April 30 for mention.

    NAN

     

  • Police rescue abducted Syrian teenager in Kano

    Kano State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of the abducted Syrian teenager, Muhammad Ahmed after his father, Ahmed Abu Areeda was shot dead in Kano on Tuesday

    Late Areeda, a Syrian businessman,  was shot by the gunmen for reportedly resisting the abduction of his son at the Red Cross office on Hospital road when he went to pick his car along with two of his sons at about 8pm. 


    The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Magaji Musa Majia, who confirmed the rescue of Muhammad to newsmen friday night, said the boy was rescued unhurt and without payment of ransom.


    Majiya said that the boy has been taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical checkup.

  • Gunmen kill Syrian businessman, abduct son in Kano

    Gunmen have killed a Syrian businessman, Ahmed Abu Areeda in Kano State, it was learnt yesterday. His son, Muhammad Ahmed, was kidnapped.

    Eyewitnesses said Areeda was killed on Tuesday when he went to the Red Cross office on Hospital road to pick his car. He went with two of his sons.

    “He closed his shop about 8 pm and went to pick his car at the Red Cross office compound. But unfortunately, the gunmen were waiting for him in a green Peugeot with tinted glass.

    “Some of them followed him into the compound, shot him and abducted one of his sons.”

    The second son was said to have ran to the shop to inform their neighbours.

    Police spokesman Magaji Musa Majia, who confirmed the incident, said: “It was a case of suspected kidnappers, who came to abduct a boy and in the process killed his father.”

    Majia said no arrest had been made, adding that the whereabouts of the abducted boy is still unknown.

    He added that investigation has begun.