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Tag: Katsina State Governor

  • Buhari: I’ll leave legacy of free, fair elections

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said he would want to be remembered as a leader who kept his word that elections must be free, fair and credible.

    The President spoke in Daura when he hosted Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari.

    Masari visited the President to inform him of his victory in last Saturday’s governorship poll.

    The President praised Nigerians, who heeded to his pre-election appeals to cast their votes peacefully.

    According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, President Buhari described last Saturday’s Governorship and State Assembly elections as largely successful.

    He said: “I have maintained a position that elections must be free and fair and people have the right to make their choices and vote their consciences. I am happy they understood the message and did just that.

    ‘‘Power is a public trust that belongs to the people. Power is not by strength or wisdom but by Providence. Elected persons must be fair and just.

    “This is the legacy I want to leave behind. A leader must be fair and just. All leaders should strive to do that.”

    The governor, who was accompanied by officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party in the state, thanked the President and the party for the support which led to his decisive victory on March 9.

    He pledged to work for the good of the people of Katsina State, in line with the vision of the Next Level government at the centre.

  • Masari to Buhari: Your promised 3m votes intact despite postponed elections

    Katsina state Governor, Aminu Masari has said the postponed elections will not affect the promise made by Katsina people to deliver three million votes for re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari on Feb. 23.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Saturday shifted the conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections to Feb. 23.

    The governorship, house of assembly, FCT area council elections were also shifted from March 2 to March 9.

    However, Masari told State House correspondents in Katsina that the postponement would not change the position of Katsina people, stressing that the APC Thursday’s rally had clearly indicated that the people would deliver on their three million votes for Buhari/Osinbajo ticket.

    He said: “Katsina people are ready; you saw it if you were here on Thursday (rally) you would know Katsina people are ready and prepared for these elections.

    “The postponement will not change anything, it will not change the position of Katsina state.

    “We were ready two days ago. I believe those of you who were in Katsina since on Wednesday or Thursday you would have seen that we were more than ready as far as the elections is concerned.’’

    According to the governor, the postponement based on previous experience did not come as surprise to him.

    Masari, who expressed serious concern over the postponement of the elections almost at the last hours by INEC, said “I hope INEC does not develop a culture of shifting dates of elections’’.

    He maintained that it would be unfair for anybody or organization to shift the blame of the postponed elections on President Buhari, adding that INEC, an independent body should be held responsible for its action.

    He said: “But the fact on ground is that INEC gave assurance and the federal government has given INEC all the resources they required. So, the failure if there is any is their own.

    Read also: Buhari’s directive could lead to extra-judicial killings – Dogara

    “It has nothing to do or very little to do with the President except that being the President and the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces whatever happens under the sun in Nigeria he becomes responsible but not liable.

    “If you are looking for somebody who is liable, INEC is liable to convince Nigerians why it shifted the elections because all the political parties are going to suffer the consequences of INEC’s action.

    “So, obviously there will be additional cost on the political parties and also on the government. So, the president cannot deliberately orchestrate this and knowing the kind of president Nigeria has now –  he has not even interfered with departments that are directly under him let alone a commission that is independent based on the provision of the constitution.

    “He is somebody who believes in the rule of law.’’

    On security situation in the state, the governor disclosed that the state government in collaboration with relevant security agencies at both local and state level had succeeded in securing the state from criminals.

    He commended the federal government for deploying more security personnel with additional tracking and other security gadgets to locate and apprehend kidnapers and bandits within and beyond the state.

    “From the time I cried out to date, one – there has been reinforcement in the police, also the Department of State Services has sent in more tracking devices and more personnel and the military are operating, the air force is in the air always.

    “I think there is improvement in terms of the level of security with regards to kidnapping, armed banditry.

    “We were very much concerned because we were afraid that it would affect elections in some of the wards that are bordering the forest areas.

    “But luckily enough with the combined operations of the local security under the local government system, the police; the Nigerian Civil Defence and the army, the situation has improved tremendously and we can now conduct elections in more than 95 per cent of those places that were being daily attacked, because most of the attacks were coming from the forest in Zamfara.

    “They hit and go on motor bikes. So, really security, yes,  is still a problem but not to the extent that it will disturb the issue of elections,’’ he said.(NAN)

  • Masari tasks NHIS on Advocacy campaign in Katsina

    The Katsina state governor, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, Wednesday tasked the management of National Health Insurance Scheme-NHIS to carry out aggressive advocacy campaign to create the needed awareness level of its activities and for the people to understand its programme properly.

    Alhaji Masari who was speaking when he received the Executive secretary of the scheme, Professor Usman Yusuf during a courtesy call at government house, said the scheme, laudable as it is, could be misunderstood by the people as insurance affects the sensibilities of Muslims in general.

    The governor was however happy with the performance of a staff of NHIS who volunteered to educate people from some communities in Danja local government area, on the advantages of the scheme, which he said encouraged acceptance and participation.

    He said’’ the state government in collaboration with the state house of assembly, state chapter of Nigeria labor Congress NLC, Medical and Health Workers Union and others, to closely come up with a bill for an Agency to replicate NHIS in the state’’.

    ‘’ the new agency will no doubt reduce problems of seeking for donations for patients to buy drugs prescribed for them by Doctors in clinics and hospitals’’.

    Earlier in a remark, the Executive secretary of NHIS, Professor Usman Yusuf said the National Health Bill has been assented to by President Muhammad Buhari. He added that the bill had provided for one percent of realizable federal revenue to be expended on the health sector.

    Of the amount, he said five percent is secondary, forty five percent for primary healthcare while fifty percent is for the NHIS, stressing that although the scheme had been characterized by failures in the past, everything is being done to turn round the fortunes of NHIS.

    Professor Yusuf said he was part of the restoration agenda setting of the Masari led government even before the 2015 general elections and expressed happiness that the governor had started implementing the agenda in the renovated and upgraded hospitals across the state.

    He assured that before leaving Katsina, he will meet with relevant stakeholders to ensure the passage of the bill that would help the state to benefit from NHIS programmes.

    He announced the opening of a new zonal NHIS office in Kano to take care of Kano, Jigawa and Katsina States.

  • Masari, Badaru commissions Max Air domestic flights

    Katsina state Governor, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari Monday commissioned three Boeing 737-300 Series acquired by Max Air Limited slated to commence domestic operation on July 9.

    Masari who was accompanied to Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) by Jigawa state Governor, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar and Deputy Governor of Kano state, Prof.  Hafiz Abubakar, said Max Air entry into the domestic market will not only create more employment opportunities, but will also boost economic activities in the country.

    Masari also expressed optimism that Max Air will continue to grow from strength to strength in the Aviation industry in Nigeria.

    Read Also:Max Air commences Domestic Operations

    Governor Masari expressed the belief that Max Air would add value to Air passengers ,especially from the northern to southern part of Nigeria.

    Alhaji Aminu Masari said Max Air would contribute to the economic growth of Nigeria with domestication of its activities by making its area of coverage wider.

    He said the proprietor of the company; Alhaji Dahiru Bara’u Mangal has been a source of a pillar of support to Katrina state government since the creation of the state.

    Also speaking, Governor Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa state said the aircrafts provided by Max Air is a good development in the Aviation industry in Nigeria.

    He said the domestic operation embarked upon by Max Air would provide employment opportunities for Nigerians.

    Highlight of the ceremony include inspection of the Aircrafts and other Max Air facilities at the airport by the dignitaries in attendance.

    Others who came with Masari’s entourage include Katsina state APC chairman, Alhaji Shitu S. Shitu, the Chief of Staff to Governor Masari, Mallam Bello Mandiya, the former Speaker of Katsina state House of Assembly, Alhaji Ya’u Umar Gwajo Gwajo.

  • Masari seeks support for FG to ease tension

    Masari seeks support for FG to ease tension

    Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, on Friday urged Nigerians to support the government in overcoming the agitations and tension in the country.

    He made the call after observing the Friday Jumaat prayer along with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja.

    According to him, his state has already put in place adequate measures to ensure peace and harmony among all Nigerians living in Katsina State.

    He said “As regards the tension in the country, we in Katsina state have put in necessary measures to ensure that the people living in the state irrespective of where they come from, their safety, their lives and their properties.

    “On the general note on what is going on in the country, I think there is need for Nigerians to be very responsible in terms of dealing with issues of this kind in this country.

    “When we heard the problem of Boko Haram in this country when it started, we all looked the other way and it nearly consumed the nation.

    “So under this circumstance any agitation that is likely to lead the nation to the kind of problem we had, I think all Nigerians should support the government and put a stop to it,” he said

     

  • Buhari, Nigerien President meet in Daura 

    Buhari, Nigerien President meet in Daura 

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed doors with the Nigerien President, Muhammadu Issoufou.

    The meeting started few minutes past 12 noon at Buhari ‘s residence in Daura, Katsina State.

    Issoufou, was received at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina by the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari.

    He was airlifted in a chopper to Daura before the meeting with President Buhari.

  • Quit Notice: You’ve nothing to fear, Masari assures Igbos, others

    Quit Notice: You’ve nothing to fear, Masari assures Igbos, others

    The Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari Friday in Katsina assured the Igbos and other non-natives not to nurse any fear as his government is always ready to protect them from any unforeseen attack.

    Masari, who gave the assurance in a press release signed by his Senior Special Assistant, Abdul Labaran Malumfashi and made available to The Nation, said that “you have nothing to fear, as his government is always ready, willing, capable and prepared to protect the lives and properties of every citizen in the state without prejudice to their ethnic, religious or regional background”.

    He also warned that his government would not tolerate anyone taking the law into their hands by harassing or intimidating anybody on account of their ethnic, religious or regional background.

    Masari who spoke against the backdrop of the two-week quit notice given to Igbos resident in the North by some groups of Northern youths stated that Katsina was a home of peace where everybody has the right to go about their legitimate activities freely without fear of intimidation or harassment from any quarters.

    “I am calling on all non-indigenes resident in the state, especially the Ibos, to have nothing to fear. This government is ever so ready, willing, capable and prepared to protect the lives and property of every citizen living in the state regardless of their ethnic, religious or regional background.

    “People should have nothing to fear as long as they conduct themselves within the bounds of the laws of the country.

    “The only sentiment this government recognizes and, indeed, encourages is patriotism, for which we will do anything to advance amongst the citizens so as to give everyone equal sense of belonging in our dear state.

    “Katsina is not only a home of peace, but is home to all law abiding citizens. This is why at no time in its history has any part of the state ever been demarcated for the exclusive use of any group to the exclusion of others. It is our belief that segregation does not foster unity.

    “Accordingly, law enforcement agencies have been instructed to remain alert, with a view to ensuring that there is no breakdown of law and order in the state, and to decisively stop anybody or group of people whose actions and or utterances are capable of breaching the peace.”

     

  • Masari demotes principals to classroom teachers

    Masari demotes principals to classroom teachers

    Katsina state Governor, Aminu Bello Masari Wednesday ordered the immediate demotion and redeployment of the Principal of Unity Secondary School, Manufachi, Malam Nurudeen Abubakar and the Head Teacher of Rimaye Model Primary school, Malam Yakubu Ibrahim as class room teachers.

    The governor has also warned the principal of the Senior section of Unity Secondary school Manufalchi, Malam Nasiru Muazu to sit up or face sanction.

    However, Governor Masari also directed that all retired secondary school teachers still living in government quarters to vacate the houses with immediate effect.

    Masari who gave the order when he visited the schools said that government was not owing any gratuity to any retired teacher in the state hence they have no option than to vacate the quarters.

    The Governor’s directive on the principal and the Head Teacher came as a result of his dissatisfaction with the condition he found the schools, suggestive of lack of seriousness by the management.

    Masari who was worried over the development despite the ongoing rehabilitation and renovation of sections of the school observed that the environment looked dirty and unkempt due to negligence on the part of the school management.

    According to him, “a wall which was recently erected by the state government has forcefully broken down thereby creating illegal entrance into the school premises; while at Rimaye Model Primary school which was comprehensively renovated, the doors and windows were found to be ajar at the mercy of elements and passing children.”

    The governor further stated that the action was aimed at sending a warning to other principals and Head Teachers to brace up or face similar sanction or punishment.

    He, however, dismissed the claims of the retired teachers still occupying official quarters that they are not being paid their gratuity as false, saying that, “Katsina state government is not indebted to any retired teacher as every one of them has been paid their gratuity to the last kobo.”

    Masari, however, warned that anyone who refused to vacate the official residence will be forcefully ejected.

     

  • Shema, three others get N4billion bail

    Shema, three others get N4billion bail

    Katsina state High Court 3 presided over by Justice Maikaita Bako Tuesday granted bail to former Katsina state Governor, Ibrahim Shehu Shema and three others who were facing trial over a 22-count charge of financial misappropriation amounting to N11 billion, while in office.

    Shema, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sani Hamisu Makama, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Lawal Rufa’I Safana and former chairman of Katsina state chapter of Association of Local Government Of Nigeria (ALGON), who allegedly embezzled over N11 billion of state fund while in office were granted bail with N1 billion each and one surety each, totaling N4 billion.

    When the charges were read out to the accused persons, they pleaded not-guilty to all the 22-count charges, bothering on alleged diversion of public fund for personal use and fraudulent forgery of government documents with intention of stealing public fund.

    However, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Samuel Jubril Okutepa (SAN), submitted that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody, owing to the huge amount of money allegedly embezzled by them.

    Even when counsel to the defendants, Joseph Dauda (SAN), made an oral-application for bail, the EFCC counsel argued against the bail application, insisting that even though the Judge would grant them bail, it should be on formal application attached with affidavit.

    According to him, count one to eight under which they were charged carry a punishment of seven years imprisonment, just as count nine to 22 of the charges carry a punishment of 14 years imprisonment.

    Okutepa further cited section 341 (2) of CPC, laws of Katsina state, saying that the offences allegedly committed by the defendants, “are not ordinarily bailable. They can only be considered upon formal application, not by oral application.”

    Also arguing against the submission of Mr. Dauda that the first defendant (Shema) who was one-time Attorney-General of the state and two-time governor of the state should be granted bail on self-recognition, Mr. Okutepa maintained that in law, there is no sentiment.

    According to him, “The status quo has changed. They are now accused persons and the law is not a respecter of persons. If the court grants them bail, the proposition will be a dangerous precedent if allowed, because any rich man that committed an offense will walk freely on the street, while the poor will continue to languish in prison.

    “Sentiment should not be considered in the Court, what should be considered is verifiable materials in affidavit evidence. This is a competent charge by a competent court and the charges are with consequences because the amount involved is very huge.

    “The criminal justice system should not be starved. The accused persons should tell us that they will not run away if granted bail; and they should do that through affidavit.”

    In his ruling, Justice Bako granted the accused persons bail on stringent condition of N4 billion with for sureties and adjourned the case to 28 March for further hearing.

    However, the accused persons within a space of one hour met the bail conditions as they walked out of the court premises freely.

    Speaking to Reporters, Shema described the judgment the will of God, saying, “I thank God for the judgment.”

     

  • APC NWC endorses Obaseki’s candidacy

    APC NWC endorses Obaseki’s candidacy

    …Oyegun calls for unity ahead of September election

    The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday put to rest the controversy surrounding last month’s governorship primary in Edo state when it endorsed the candidacy of Godwin Obaseki as the party’s flag bearer in the September 10 governorship election in the state.

    The party said the declared that even though there were issues raised by some of the aspirants after the conduct of the primary, they were not compelling enough to warrant a cancellation of the primary and called for greater unity within the party to ensure a landslide victory in the election.

    Congratulating Obaseki for his emergence as the party candidate, National chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun called on Party stakeholders to close ranks and support the candidature of Mr. Godwin Obaseki in the lead-up to the forthcoming Edo State Governorship elections.

    He also congratulated the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari-led seven-member Election Committee for successfully conducting a very transparent, free, fair and credible governorship primaries in Edo State, while thanking the Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele-led three-member Edo State governorship Election Appeal Committee for successfully carrying out its assignment and submitting a report.

    He said “As the Party prepares for the September 10, 2016 governorship election in Edo State, I call on all aspirants, party leaders, stakeholders and teeming members of our great Party to close ranks and unite as a strong political fighting force behind the candidature of Mr. Godwin Obaseki for a landslide victory at the forthcoming Edo State governorship election.

    “The request by the aspirants was that the Edo State APC governorship election primaries should be transparent, free, fair and credible. This, the Party achieved creditably during the primaries. Going forward, we should avoid triumphalist actions and avoid creating new stresses within the Party. We should all seek to reunify the Party to face the September 10, 2016 governorship election.”

    In its report to the National Working Committee, the Appeals Committee said the Edo State 2016 APC Governorship primaries were valid pointing out that while not dismissing the seriousness of the allegations and claims of the Petitioners, the issues raised were not compelling as to warrant the cancellation of the Primary Election.

    The report called on all APC stakeholders in Edo State to put the Party’s interest over and above personal interests in ensuring a speedy and amicable reconciliation and recommended that the leadership of the party should step up diplomacy in trying to reconcile stakeholders in Edo State.

    The Committee also recommended that a high-powered committee be set up by the Party to reach out and mediate between the Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Adams Oshiomhole and all aspirants who participated in the Primary election.