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Tag: Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai

  • Atiku needs help – El-Rufai

    Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai on Friday evening returned to the state after his rumoured involvement in an accident, saying, he is not cloned from abroad.

    This was as, the Governor tackled former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar over his claim that, he defeated President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 23rd presidential election in Kaduna State.

    El-Rufai said, President Buhari had consistently won Kaduna since he started contesting elections in 2003, therefore, anyone claiming to have defeated him (Buhari) in 2019 needs assistance.

    The Governor who spoke at a welcome reception organised for him at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House dismissed his rumoured accident, saying that, “I was never involved in any accident and no driver died. I was also not in coma.”

    According to the governor, “Let me start by thanking you all for coming to welcome me. One of the objectives is, as explained by my wife, I am still alive, or I have resurrected, I don’t know which one.

    “My wife went on to say that, as my wife for 34 years, although, we have known each other for 43 years, she can confirm that this is really me, it is not a clone. Although, that will not stop the rumour in the social media, but that is that.

    Read also: Lalong seeks support to deliver dividends of democracy in Plateau

    “I want to confirm that, no accident took place, no one was in coma, no driver died. I have already put that out in social media, but I want to repeat it for the sake of clarity.

    “The second reason I am grateful for your presence is to thank people of Kaduna State for their votes. For their votes in support of President Muhammadu Buhari and coming out in even larger numbers to vote for me and members of the state house of assembly.

    “We already have two third majority in the state house of assembly. And I have already appealed to members of the assembly to keep the leadership that has served the state so diligently in the last for years to continue. This is my appeal.

    “Kaduna State has consistently voted for President Muhammadu Buhari since he first contested in 2003. He has never lost Kaduna State, so it is not a shock that he won this time. Anyone that says he has defeated President Buhari in Kaduna is either dreaming or needs … assistance,” he said.

    The governor also reiterated his appeal to the people of the state to live peacefully among themselves, saying that, his government saddened by the security challenges in Birnin Gwari, Kajuru, parts of Chikun and lately Sanga local government area, has appealed to the President for security reinforcement in the affected areas.

    He also appealed to all the people of Kaduna State to join hands with his government to move the state forward, promising fairness to all and working for all, irrespective of their political and other affiliations.

    All top government functionaries, including the Deputy Governor-elect, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, Speaker of the state assembly, Aminu Abdullahi Shagali, SSG, Balarabe Abbas Lawal and wife of the Governor, Hadiza el-Rufai were in attendance at the reception.

     

  • El-Rufa’i, Oshiomhole attack Atiku over US trip

    The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomole and Kaduna state Governor if Kaduna state, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai have launched verbal attack on to the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar over his United State trip.

    The duo who spoke in Kaduna on Friday, as the presidential campaign train of the APC hit Kaduna, say Atiku should come and explain to Nigerians why he couldn’t go to America for 12 years, rather than celebrating American visa as if it was a great achievement.

    The party chairman said, “the fundamental issues of the campaign were the pronouncements by the PDP presidential candidate to sell the NNPC just as they sold out NITEL, NEPA, Nigerian Airways and other government agencies saying that the people should resist that move by not voting for them.

    “It was under the watch of Atiku as Vice President that all the textile and other factories in Kaduna closed down. He has even said that, if he is elected, he will sell NNPC refineries.

    “That is why he has travelled to where he will negotiate for the sale of our assets. He has gone to assure them that, if he elected as Nigerian President, he will sell all our assets to them. He thinks Nigerians are stupid, but we are not.” He said.

    Oshiomhole declared that, “with what I have seen here today, the APC has already won the general elections. I am therefore calling on you to ensure that you vote for all of the candidates of the APC from top to down during the general elections.”

    On his part, Governor Nasir El-Rufai said, “Your excellency, while you were in Delta State, Atiku Abubakar went to the United State to report to his masters, those that are controlling him. He is in America, after begging for visa for 12 years.

    “But it is disturbing that, people in the PDP are celebrating instead of crying. So, all of a sudden, going to America is now an achievement. Mr. President, I first went to America when I was 22 years old. So, it is not an achievement.

    “Nigerians will not vote those who will take their money to America. Nigerians will not vote those who will go to America to seek Trump’s blessing before they will come and contest in Nigeria.

    “In fact, he should come and explain to Nigerians why he could not go to America in the last 12 years.”

    El-Rufai however promised President Muhammadu Buhari 90% votes in the forthcoming general elections.

    He explained that, in 2015, three states which are Kaduna, Katsina and Kano all within the Northwest zones delivered 25% votes to the President, will this year give 30% votes to the him.

    ‘In Kaduna in 2015, the President got over a million votes but the masses will give the President 90% votes this year by God’s grace. The 16th of February is my birthday, therefore I urge you all to present me with votes for the President as my gift”.

    El-Rufai further stated that, their campaign will be on issue base, saying they are out to campaign on what will benefit Nigerians only.

    ”The President is a person of social justice who will give equal opportunities to all, hence the undiluted love shown to him by his lovers. It took us over an hour from the airport to arrive at this venue because of the crowd flow of people who expressed joy on seeing the President”, the governor noted.

    He urged all the electorates to come out enmasse to vote, adding that, with security and necessary stakeholders, the President will record victory in the polls.

    Read also: PDP dares Buhari over threats to arrest Atiku

    While presenting his running mate, Doctor Hadiza Balarabe, the governor called on all women to support her by encouraging their families to vote for them in the general elections.

    His counterparts from Lagos, Kebbi and Zamfara States collectively appreciated and urged the masses to ensure they vote from top to bottom in the elections.

    The governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu mentioned that, the President deserves to be reelected as all the 36 states have benefitted from his administration particularly with the bailout funds.

    ”The people of Northwest region are even expected to go to other regions and campaign for the President especially because they have benefitted more from his administration. We therefore will ensure he succeeds in the polls”, Bagudu stressed.

    On his part, the Director, Presidential Campaign Council, Rotimi Amaechi mentioned that the PDP have hidden machinery which must not be taken for granted.

    He said they have governed this country for 16 years without any improvement and so must not be given another chance.

    ”We hear that Kaduna people are engaged in the house to house campaigns, we want you all to come out all with your families, vote from top to bottom and guard it and then leave the rest to us. We want our party to record success at the general elections”.

    The multipurpose stadium which has a capacity of about sixteen thousand people was filled to the brim with lovers of the President.

    Earlier, the DG Campaign of the APC, Rotimi Amaechi urged party supporters to vote the party all through to ensure smooth running of the APC administration February March.

    “APC will see votes, but I must advise you, PDP has a rigging machinery. You have to do APC SAK without mistake.

    “PDP will be happy if you make mistakes during the polls. President Buhari has lived all his live a hero and you owe him that duty of returning him to power,” Amaechi said.

     

  • 50 ‘Sarasuka’ gangsters arrested in Kaduna

    Fifty gangsters, known variously as ‘Yan Sarasuka or Yan Shara’, have been arrested in Kaduna state.

    The state government disclosed this in Kaduna on Wednesday saying that, the suspects will be arraigned before a magistrate court after security agencies conclude investigations.

    The suspects were arrested in different locations in Kaduna town as security agencies investigate last weekend’s outrage by hoodlums in parts in Kaduna town.

    A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, said the governor directed security agencies to deal decisively with the menace of urban hoodlums.

    According to the statement, “the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has received briefings from security agencies on the outrage perpetrated by urban gangsters, notoriously known as Yan Shara or Sarasuka. The Governor has also visited Abakpa community where he interacted with some members of the community and condemned the criminal actions of the gangsters.

    Read Also:One student killed, 42 others hospitalized, as diarrhoea outbreak hits Kaduna

    “Security agencies have informed the Governor of the arrest updates on the arrest of over 50 suspects. The governor requested that the police and the Ministry of Justice to ensure prompt investigations and diligent prosecution of whoever is indicted. He urged the police to ensure that fleeing suspects do not escape justice, declaring that all government agencies must work to collectively end the menace.”

    Similarly, Aruwan also clarified the position of the Kaduna State Government on the proliferation of vigilante groups in the state.

    “The Kaduna State Government has made it clear that only the Kaduna State Vigilance Service is empowered by the law to regulate vigilante activity in the state. Any community that wishes to make a contribution to security and intelligence gathering in their area should forward the persons they are presenting to the Kaduna State Vigilance Service and the security agencies for thorough screening.  This is to ensure they such persons have no criminal records or tendencies that could compromise the security and well-being of the citizenry.

    “By this clarification, communities should liaise with the Kaduna State Vigilance Service to make arrangements for their communities.”

  • El-Rufai present N216bn budget to Kaduna assembly for 2018

    El-Rufai present N216bn budget to Kaduna assembly for 2018

    Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has on Thursday presented 2018 budget estimates of N216.55bn to the State House of Assembly for accelerated passage into law.

    Presenting the budget, El-Rufai who described it as a ‘Budget of Consolidation’ said the budget is structured to complete the many projects the government is undertaking.

    The governor said in keeping with the tradition of the government, the budget maintains a priority for capital projects with a vote of N131.bn is 60.54%,while the recurrent expenditure is N85,440,998,051.95. (39.46%).

    El-Rufai said that the capital to recurrent ratio is “consistent with our agenda to spend more on the people than on running government”.

    The proposed budget has expanded beyond the initial size of N201bn that was presented to Kaduna citizens last week in a town hall meeting for input from the public which informed the rejig of the budget.

    In his budget speech, El-Rufai explained that: “the 2018 revenue and expenditure estimates are based on a robust medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF) which assumes a $42 benchmark price for oil at production levels of 1.8 million barrels per day, 17.5% inflation, 1.9% projected real GDP growth and an exchange rate of N305 to a Dollar”.

    At N51.4bn, Education, Health and Social Development take 39.2% of the N131.1bn capital budget.  Education takes 25% at N33bn, while Health takes N17bn (12%) of capital”

    El-Rufai said, fixing the inherited dilapidated schools would require about N60bn, and that the album of decayed schools the government produced has helped them to show the development partners the scale of investments required.

    The governor disclosed that it was that discussion that led to the decision of the World Bank to grant Kaduna State a budget support facility of $350m.

    He said that the state will begin accessing the funds once the National Assembly approves the Federal Government’s 2017 borrowing plan.

    According to the Governor, the 2018 budget prioritises the completion of projects started in the 2017 budget:“We shall be prioritising completion of these projects in the coming year. We are in a time of consolidation, and the budget reflects this thrust.  Development is a continuum, and we are firmly building on the foundations we have laid in the preceding years”

    “As at mid-2017, there were 443km of township roads and 16 intercity roads with a distance of 414.8km at various stages of completion. In addition, 17 rural feeder roads with distance of 172 km are being constructed. We campaigned vigorously against the poor state of public schools.

    “There are many schools being rebuilt, hospitals being upgraded and equipped, water works being refitted, rehabilitation centres being fixed. We are very proud to have initiated these projects in the interest of our people. And we have been clearheaded enough to take on inherited projects that we consider feasible and viable!

    “The Kaduna State Government will stay focused on delivering on our promises. We shall not relent in promoting development and progress for the people who have invested their hope in us.” El-Rufai said.

    In his remarks, Speaker Kaduna State House of Assembly, Aminu Shagali, commended governor Nasir El-Rufai for his timely presentation of the annual budgets,saying the assembly members will quickly scrutinize the draft budget and pass it into law.

  • 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.

  • Tragedy looms if we fail to educate our adolescents – El-Rufai

    Tragedy looms if we fail to educate our adolescents – El-Rufai

    Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has said that, adolescents who constitute 31.7 per cent of the Nigerian population must be given quality education to avoid future tragedy for the country.

    Governor El-Rufai said, though, if the country is able to educate the adolescents, they will contribute meaningfully to the nation’s social and economic development.

    El-Rufai stated this in Kaduna on Wednesday at the launch of Adolescent Girl Initiative in Northern Nigeria spear-headed by the UNFPA and CIDA in response to improved safety for school girls, delayed marriage and female empowerment through access to education.

    Governor El-Rufai said, “According to the Nigerian Population Commission, adolescents constitute 31.7% of our population; this percentage is divided in nearly equal proportions of 50.1% male and 49.9% female. Interestingly, of Nigeria’s youthful population, 44.5% are less than 15 years of age while 16.4% are young people aged 15-24 years and 49% are 10-24 years. This underscores the importance of investing and developing our young population to the extent that they contribute effectively to National development.

    “It is an opportunity if we are able to make this demographic healthy and educated thereby enabling it to contribute to social and economic development. It becomes a tragedy when they grow to adulthood unhealthy or ignorant or both. This tragedy even gets worse as according to estimates, this figure is expected to grow to 2 billion young people by 2050,” he said.

    He said, his government has identified the dearth of quality and free basic education as an impediment to its continued growth and has demonstrated a commitment to addressing it through provision of bursaries and scholarships, a free 9 year education policy which covers tuition, uniform and all associated costs from primary 1 to JSS 3 in addition to its School Feeding Program that ensures that nearly 1.8 million pupils gets at least one meal a day in the schools.

    According to him “in spite of these measures, we know that there is still much to be done: we must support policies that address retention in secondary schools to the extent that the large dropout rates and high levels of illiteracy are reduced drastically. This is why we seek to expand our education policy to include senior secondary schools, and as soon as we can marginally increase our internally generated revenues, we will ensure that education is free and compulsory at the primary and secondary levels.”

    El-Rufai reiterated that, the large number of school-aged children currently engaged in street hawking or begging and other inhumane practices is appalling at best and they were taking measures to arrest it. Adding that, “We have enacted the Street Begging and Hawking (Prohibition) Law that will come into effect next month to ensure that every child above the age of 6 in Kaduna goes to school.

    “We are pleased with the pilot of the adolescent girls’ initiative in Northern Nigeria spear-headed by the UNFPA and CIDA in response to improved safety for school girls, delayed marriage and female empowerment through access to education took off in Zaria. This collaborative event with the Ahmadu Bello University’s Population and Reproductive Health Initiative, and the Bixby Center for Population, Health & Sustainability at the University of California, Berkeley is a commendable and timely response which so far, has benefitted 425 of Kaduna’s adolescent girls.

    “We thank the Government of Canada for their belief in the future of the adolescent Nigerian girl with the additional funding they are providing to scale-up the Adolescent Girl Initiative to an estimated reach of 9,250 more girls both here and in several other Northern States,” El-Rufai said.

    Earlier in her remarks, Representative of the Canadian High Commission, Miss. Nancy said, Northern Nigeria, has the highest rates of female illiteracy in the country and account for negative health outcomes which include, the highest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and infant mortality as well as the highest rate of early marriage.

    She said, the Adolescent Girls Initiative in Northern Nigeria, is a UNFPA-supported programme that teaches vulnerable girls about their rights, their bodies and health. Adding that, “The goal of the Initiative is to improve the social, economic and health wellbeing of rural and low-income urban adolescent girls and secure their future through increased access to education (make them stay in school), sexual reproductive health information/services and life-skills that will positively impact on health choices.

    She equally pledged the commitment of the Canadian government to the girl child education project in Nigeria.

    The programme, which also had in attendance, wives of the Governor of Kaduna, Yobe and Bauchi who equally made public commitment to work towards promotion of girl child education in their respective states.