Tag: Lawan

A former Senate president, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has donated N30m to victims of flooding in three local government areas in Yobe North – his constituency.

Lawan’s N30million donation brings the total amount he donated recently to flood victims in his Senatorial District to N55million, according to a statement by his media aide, Ezrel Tabiowo, in Abuja.

The lawmaker, barely two weeks ago, donated N20million to flood victims in Nguru local government area; and N5million to those displaced in Karasuwa Local Government Area.

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Speaking when he visited Yusufari Local Government Area on Sunday to assess the damage caused by recent flooding, Lawan said that the funds donated are for the purchase of essential items such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical supplies for affected victims.

He urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) to provide additional support to those affected and displaced by flooding.

Lawan also called on well-meaning individuals and organizations to join hands in assisting the victims as every contribution, no matter how small, would make a significant difference in their lives.

President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has donated the N25 million to flood victims in his Senatorial District of Yobe North.

Lawan, according to a statement by his media office in Abuja, donated the money over the weekend when he paid a visit to Nguru and Karasuwa Local Government Areas to assess the extent of damage caused by recent flooding.

The former Senate President, during his visit to both local government areas on Saturday, donated the sum of N20 million to flood victims in Nguru, a town severely affected by recent flooding; and N5 million to displaced persons in Karasuwa local government area, respectively.

He urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) to, as a matter of urgency, address the immediate and long-term needs of those displaced by flooding in Yobe North Senatorial District.

He commended ongoing efforts by both agencies to assist the victims.

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Senator Lawan appealed to the federal government to provide sustainable solutions that include constructing drainage systems and embankments to control water flow to mitigate the impact of future disasters in parts of the country affected by flooding.

He said: “I commend the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), for commencing efforts to assist the victims.

“However, more needs to be done to address the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by natural disasters.

“I urge both agencies to urgently provide additional relief materials such as food, shelter, clothing, and medical supplies, as well as support to the affected communities.”

The lawmaker urged residents of the affected communities in Yobe North Senatorial District to cooperate with relevant authorities and follow instructions on safety measures.

Former President of the Senate Ahmad Lawan has debunked alleged anti-President Bola Tinubu comments credited to him in the media.

Lawan, in a statement by his media aide, Ezrel Tabiowo, vowed to sue those peddling lies against him.

He described the comment attributed to him as ‘false and malicious’.

The statement reads: “We strongly condemn and deny the false and malicious report wherein Senator Lawan is alleged to have said ‘Nobody is criticizing Tinubu because he is Yoruba, we all know his policies caused hunger and unbearable hardships’.

“This statement is not only untrue, but also deeply insensitive and divisive. The false report is a deliberate attempt to sow seeds of disunity among Nigerians. It is a clear fabrication designed by mischief makers to incite ethnic tensions and create political instability.

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“The malicious report is a figment of the imagination of those who seek to stoke ethnic division and undermine national harmony. Senator Lawan will continue to work diligently by giving his full support as always to the administration of President Tinubu for the progress and unity of Nigerians.

“We condemn the recent wave of fake news and misinformation on various online social platforms aimed at creating confusion and undermining the confidence of Nigerians in the Tinubu-led government.”

President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has distributed N222.5 million cash gift to households drawn from across 60 wards in the six Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Yobe North Senatorial District to celebrate the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir Muslim festival.

The distribution, which was carried out through a committee set up by Senator Lawan, targeted households and individuals in need within the district and beyond. 

The six LGAs that benefited from the gesture include Bade, Jakusko, Karasuwa, Yusufari, Machina and Nguru.

The cash gift ranging from 100,000 to 20,000 was distributed to each household, including individuals, with a total of 3,430 households and individuals benefitting from the initiative sponsored by the Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan (SAIL) Foundation.

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Other beneficiaries captured are traditional leaders, party executives, and stakeholders in Yobe North.

Also to be distributed are food items such as 1500 carton boxes of spaghetti, 1,140 bags of maize and guinea corn, 1,500 clothings for children, 800 wrappers for women, 2,000 blankets, 2,000 mats etc. Beneficiaries under this category were also drawn from the six LGAs, and extend to orphanages within the Senatorial District.

According to the chairman of the Selection and Distribution Committee, Alhaji Suleiman Jamo, the gesture was aimed at cushioning the economic hardship faced by many constituents owing to the high cost of living as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

“We understand that many of our constituents are going through difficult times, and this gift from Sen. Ahmad Lawan is a token of his support to help them celebrate with joy and peace,” Jamo said.

Senator Lawan, while commending the committee for a job well done, urged the beneficiaries to use the gift wisely as they enjoy the Eid celebration.

“I wish all my constituents a blessed and peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration. May the spirit of the season unite us and bring us closer together”, he said.

Chairman of the Senate committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has asked the Military to stamp out insecurity in all parts of the country.

Lawan gave the charge on Tuesday in an address he delivered during an oversight visit by the Senate Committee on Defence to the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

He said that inspite of several setbacks suffered by the military, every investment made by the federal government in the Armed Forces over the years was worthwhile in order to secure the country against internal and external threats.

He lauded the military for carrying out responsibilities outside its constitutional duties in a bid to protect the nation’s territorial sovereignty and ensure law and order in society.

Senator Lawan, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ezrel Tabiowo, in Abuja, said: “We are partners in progress, and very much committed to ensuring that we do everything possible to enhance the resources available for the Armed Forces of our country.

“We believe that every investment in the Armed Forces, is a worthwhile investment in order to secure our country.

“We suffer setbacks sometimes, but I want to tell you that our Armed Forces have been very committed to protecting lives and the integrity of our country.

“Most times, you do much more than you are expected to do, because some of the activities you are involved in are simply not meant for you; there are so many gaps, and, therefore, you are sometimes asked to do some things that even the police should have been made to handle.”

Senator Lawan explained that the oversight visit by members of the panel to the Defence Headquarters, was for the Committee to be adequately briefed on the implementation of the 2022 and 2023 Appropriation Acts, including the Supplementary Budget passed and approved by the National Assembly, respectively, for Defence.

He expressed the willingness of the Committee to work collaboratively with the Armed Forces in ensuring the allocation of more resources to improve the military’s performance.

Lawan said: “Let me also mention, that what the Senate Committee is here to do today, is to carry out this oversight visit and to be briefed on the implementation of the 2022 and 2023 Appropriations, including the supplementary budget. 

“We are here to also understand your challenges; the operations that you are involved in across the country are of particular interest to us, and, of course, your activities outside the country.

“What is of utmost concern to the committee is that we must work together to improve on your performance. As a government, we continue to insist that we must stamp out the insecurity we have across the country, but, of course, that requires more than words; that requires making resources available to you.

“We have seen the determination that our armed forces work so hard with the little that is available to you. [And] we will ensure to work harder to have more resources available.”

Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, in a brief welcome address, assured the committee of the commitment of the military to upholding the principles and ideals of the armed forces. 

“Together as a team, we want to assure you that the armed forces is working tirelessly to keep the peace wherever we are.

“We believe that Nigeria is there for us, and without peace, development will be affected”, Gen. Musa said.

Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has called on military authorities to immediately investigate the killing of three innocent civilians by soldiers in Gashu’a, the headquarters of Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State.

It was reported on Sunday that soldiers fired indiscriminately into groups of protesters who were approaching their stop-and-search check point near Gashua bridge to protest the alleged killing of a tricycle operator by the soldiers in Gashu’a.

Reports indicate that a total of three civilians were allegedly killed while 12 people were allegedly taken to Federal Medical Centre Nguru, for treatment over injuries sustained from the attack by the soldiers.

The former Senate President, in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, demanded a swift investigation by the military into the tragic incident.

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Lawan, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Defence, said that efforts must be made by the Nigerian Army to ensure that the perpetrators behind the acts of violence are held accountable and responsible for their actions.

He said, “Gashua community has always been a peaceful place with calm people, who always give support and cooperate with the military, paramilitary, and, indeed, all government agents operating in the town.”

He further appealed to residents for calm, while assuring that he has already spoken with military authorities to ensure that those responsible are apprehended and dealt with according to the law. He emphasised that justice will be served.

He has also already taken full responsibility for the treatment of all those who were injured.

The statement read, “I am deeply saddened by the Sunday’s tragic event that took place in Gashua, Yobe State, where soldiers allegedly killed three innocent civilians who were amongst those protesting the killing of a tricycle operator by the soldiers.

“I call on the military authorities to swiftly investigate and bring to justice those responsible for the killings. It is imperative that those behind these senseless acts of violence are held accountable for their actions. Justice must be served for the victims and their families.

“Accordingly, I have waded into the issue by contacting the Bade Local Government Chairman and Commanding Officer for an hourly brief to keep me abreast of developments. I have also taken responsibility for the treatment of all the 12 persons who sustained various forms of injuries from attacked by the soldiers.

“I urge the community of Gashua in Bade local government area, to remain calm and peaceful in the midst of this tragedy.

“I stand in solidarity and unity with the residents of Gashu’a during this difficult time to mourn the loss of innocent lives. Together, we can honour the memories of the lives lost and work towards a more peaceful and just society for all.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who died during this tragic incident. May the souls of the deceased rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.”

Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Monday, January 15, commended the federal government for its effort to ensure improved welfare for military personnel.

Lawan, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Defence, in a statement by his media adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, in Abuja, to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance Day 2024, said the annual event serves as a solemn reminder of the price paid for the nation’s stability; and a day to reflect on the importance of peace and unity.

The former Senate president, therefore, enjoined Nigerians to support the efforts of the Armed Forces in building a nation where all citizens feel safe and secure.

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Lawan said: “On this solemn occasion, I join all Nigerians in paying tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces who have served and continue to serve our nation with great courage and sacrifice.

“We honour the memory of those who have laid down their lives in the defense of our freedom and security. Their ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

“This annual event serves as a solemn reminder of the price paid for peace and stability. It is a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by our military personnel and their families.

“As we remember our fallen heroes, we must also acknowledge the challenges and difficulties that our Armed Forces continue to face. Our military personnel deserve our support, not only on this day but throughout the year.

“I commend the Federal Government for its efforts in improving the welfare and conditions of our military personnel. However, more needs to be done to address the needs of our Armed Forces and ensure that they have the resources and support they need to carry out their duties effectively.

“I urge the Federal Government to continue to invest in training, equipment, and infrastructure for our Armed Forces. We must also ensure that our military personnel receive adequate compensation, benefits, and support services.

“The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is also a day to reflect on the importance of peace and unity. We must all work together to build a nation where all citizens feel safe and secure.

“I call on all Nigerians to join hands and support our Armed Forces. Let us show our appreciation for their service and sacrifice by providing them with the support they need to succeed in their mission. May the souls of our fallen heroes rest in eternal peace.”

Ahmad Lawan, the ex-Senate president, has provided numerous constituents in his Yobe North Senatorial District with diverse resources to support the initiation of their own businesses. 

The Yobe State Governor, Rt. Hon. Mai Mala Buni, inaugurated the sixth edition of the Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan (SAIL) Empowerment Programme at the Gashua township stadium on Monday, as reported by Lawan’s media aide, Ezrel Tabiowo, in Abuja.

According to him, the empowerment materials distributed at this year’s programme include vehicles such as Peugeot sedans (406 and 307), Sharon buses, 18-seater Toyota buses, tractors for farming, combined harvesters, rice planters, fire fighting trucks, tricycles (Keke NAPEP), small harvesters and Toyota Land Cruiser Sports Utility Vehicles.

Others are motorcycles, power generators, refrigerators and deep freezers, grinding machines, sewing machines, irrigation pumping machines, chemical sprayers (manual and auto), and pots and stoves.

In his speech, Senator Lawan said the empowerment programme was conceived by his foundation to improve the economic fortunes of his constituents and appreciate them for the support shown him over the years.

He assured that the gesture will be sustained by also attracting federal presence through projects to stimulate and boost business activity in Yobe North Senatorial District.

Lawan said: “This event is one to empower some of our constituents whom we think, at this point, deserve to be empowered. It is by no means an effort to provide for everyone. In fact, it is impossible to provide for everyone but gradually we will touch as many as possible.

“We believe in what we do because we believe it is better to teach a man how to fish; than to give him that fish, and it is over.

“We have done fairly well in the area of providing employment opportunities for our youths who are university graduates. We are hopeful that those who were fortunate to be employed will be also employers themselves and give support to people, their families and those in their communities.

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“Let me thank my constituents for standing by me at all times, especially at the most difficult times. I want to appreciate your support all through that I started my political career, and since our paths met.

“Your Excellency, I want to assure you and my constituents, that I will continue to remain focused on ensuring that this zone – Yobe North Zone C – benefits as much as it can from federal presence. [And], we will do our best as well also, to give our support to other parts of the state where it is possible. But, on the whole, we remain the servants of the people.”

Governor Buni, while flagging-off the distribution of the empowerment materials, commended Senator Lawan for the initiative.

He noted that the empowerment programme was in tandem with the government’s policy on wealth creation and poverty alleviation.

Buni cautioned the beneficiaries against selling the materials distributed to them by the SAIL Foundation.