The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mohammed Bindow

  • Adamawa APC makes U-turn, accepts to participate in gov re-run

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa has called on its supporters in the state to get prepared and participate in the governorship supplementary election slated for Thursday.

    Alhaji Ahmed Lawal, State Organising Secretary of the party, gave the directive on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola.

    Lawal said that the party reviewed its earlier decision to boycott the poll and had resolved to fully participate in the poll.

    He, however, said that in spite of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC)’s refusal to heed their call for a re-schedule, the APC would still win the election.

    He appealed to the APC family and supporters not to be deterred by INEC’s action, but to go out en mass to vote for the candidate of the party.

    Read also: Rivers AAC’s deputy chairman defects to PDP

    “Having consulted all the party stakeholders, we have resolved to participate in the supplementary election fixed for tomorrow.

    “Our earlier boycott threat was not out of fear, but to encourage participation by other political parties who had been taken unawares by the date for the supplementary election.

    “To us, we will participate and win the re-run even as INEC has refused to rescind its decision to hold the re-run tomorrow.

    “We appeal to APC supporters to come out and vote for APC massively so as to ensure victory in the election.

    “Adamawa is an APC state, and with the developmental strides recorded by Gov. Mohammed Bindow, it is a sure qualification for winning an election,” Lawal said.

    It will be recalled that the state chapter of the APC had earlier rejected the March 28 date fixed by INEC for the conduct of the supplementary election in 44 polling units in the state.

    The APC threatened to boycott the election if INEC refused to reschedule the election.

    The date was fixed sequel to the vacation of a court order restraining INEC from conducting a governorship supplementary election in the state. (NAN)

  • Ex-CDS Alex Badeh laid to rest amid tears

    It was a hectic Wednesday at the Nigerian Air Force Base’s Protestant Church and the National Military Cemetary, Abuja, as top military Officers gathered to pay their last respect to the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin and the three Service Chiefs, as well as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and two serving governors, were among those who joined others to find comforting words for grieving family of late Badeh.

    Air Chief Marshal Badeh’s the immediate family members, friends and relations could not hold their tears at the church and Cemetery.

    Their moods were punctuated by the unfolding events in the programme schedules of the burial ceremony.

    Some members of the immediate family were seen holding onto one another, wiping tears streaming down their faces.

    The Air Chief Marshal was killed on December 18, 2018, by suspected gunmen while returning from his farm located along Abuja-Keffi expressway.

    The sad event sent a shocking way across the length of the country, especially regarding the status of the victim and the hypertensive security situation.

    The funeral service was conducted at the Nigerian Air Force Base’s Protestant Church.

    The atmosphere at the cemetery became more emotional as the body of the late ex-CDS was interned.

    Shortly after the body of the late CDS was conveyed into the church in a casket wrapped in national colours, solemn hymns were rendered to set the mood for the service, which commenced at about 10: 09 am.

    No sooner had the late CDS’ daughter taken the Scripture reading from Job 14:1 – 6 than tributes were delivered by the deceased family.

    Read Also: Photos: Badeh buried in military cemetery in Abuja

    In a brief tribute on behalf of the family, the late Badeh’s son expressed regret his father was consumed by the same “violence” he abhorred in his lifetime.

    In an emotion-laden voice, he said: ” Dad, you were never one to show your true feelings when things are tough.

    “You always had a smile on your face even in adversity, you stood up for what you believed was right and tried to be fair.

    “You were deeply principled and pragmatic. You might have been a big brash bulk of a man but you moved through the world gracefully.

    “You abhorred violence but in the end it found you. You are loved and will never be forgotten”.

    Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said Badeh’s death must serve as a wake- up call to all and sundry to lend support to the fight against crime.

    Abubakar said the achievements Air Chief Marshal Badeh would remain a source of inspiration among military personnel

    “He is the 18 chief of Air staff and the 15th chief of Defence Staff. He was an astute airman who earned over 6000 flying hours during his flying career.

    “The death of this gentleman must steer the rest of us not only in the armed forces but indeed in Nigeria to rededicate ourselves in the service of our nation and people to deal decisively with crime and criminality.

    “I’m indeed deeply touched and saddened by the manner in which we lost such an accomplished general who attained the apex of his chosen career in the Nigerian Armed forces, the nation will remain grateful to you for service,” Abubakar said.

    Olonisakin noted that his immediate predecessor’s life was worth emulating.

    The ex-CDS was buried with full military honours amidst the traditional 21 gun salute and presentation of flags to his family.

    The laying of wreath was conducted at the Cemetary in the following order: Mr. Boss Mustapha (Secretary to the Government of the Federation); representative of the Minister of Defence, CDS, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai (Chief of Army Staff); Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Chief of Naval Staff); Mrs. Mary Badeh (deceased’s wife) as well as representative of Regular Course 21, Badeh’s course mates at the Nigerian Defence Academy.

    The Governors of Adamawa state, Mohammed Bindow and that of Plateau, Simon Lalong, as well as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State and some former governors of Adamawa state were among dignitaries that graced the occasion.

  • 2019: Buhari remains unbeatable candidate – Bindow

    Gov. Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa on Monday said that President Muhammadu Buhari remained an unbeatable candidate for the 2019 presidential election.

    Bindow made the declaration at the inauguration of the 2019 APC campaign team for Yola North Local Government Area.

    He said that the provision of infrastructure nationwide by the Buhari-led Government from which the state had benefited, had given the president more popularity to get re-elected in the coming elections.

    He mentioned five Federal roads projects ongoing in the state, which he described as unprecedented. The governor urged the people of the state to vote APC candidates from the President down to the least office in the contest.

    Read Also: I became governor by destiny – Bindow

    He said that the election of APC across board would give the party the impetus to actualise the party ‘s agenda of re-writing the Nigerian history.

    He commended the APC leadership and supporters in Yola North local government area, stating that the area produced the largest votes for the party in 2015. Bindow urged them to repeat the same feat in the coming elections.

    He assured them that he would double his performance to ensure that Yola was developed to compete with other state capitals in the world.

    Hajia Aisha Dahiru, APC Senatorial Candidate for Adamawa Central, commended the governor for supporting the party at all levels.

    Dahiru also thanked the Yola North chapter of the party for setting the pace for the formation of a broad-based campaign team.

    She assured the team of her immense support to enable it to succeed.

    Gov. Bindow had inaugurated a 55-member campaign coordinating team with the membership drawn from the 11 council wards in Yola North local government area.

    (NAN)

  • 2019: Bindow insists Buhari will win election

    Gov. Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa on Friday said that President Muhammadu Buhari stood a good chance to win the 2019 Presidential Election.

    Bindow expressed his opinion after casting his vote in the APC Presidential Primary election at Kolere Ward in Mubi North Local Government area of Adamawa.

    He said that the developmental strides of his administration were clear indications of Buhari’s qualification for re-election.

    Bindow also said the peaceful atmosphere being enjoyed in the North east was as one of the fundamental achievements of Buhari’s administration.

    Read Also: 2019: My re-election will end ‘politics of godfatherism’ – Bindow

    He expressed satisfaction with the mass turn out of APC members at the election as well as the peaceful and orderliness at the venue.

    The governor, while expressing confidence that the forthcoming primaries would be peaceful, urged party supporters to maintain the tempo.

    News Agency of Nigeria reports that the governor voted exactly at noon.

    News Agency of Nigeria also reports that the total number of voters was 1,000, made up by 700 and 300 women.

    The governor also monitored some voting centres within Mubi North and South Local Government areas.

  • I will die in APC, Gov. Bindow insists

    Gov. Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa on Monday said he would remain in APC for the rest of his political career.

    Bindow made the clarification at an extraordinary State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held in Yola.

    He said that his support for the re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari would make him not to leave APC to another party.

    “I believe in the APC and President Muhammadu Buhari administration so much that I will remain in the APC for the rest of my political career,” he said.

    Bindow called on all APC members in the state to remain loyal to him and to support the administration for its transformation.

    The governor said that President Buhari meant well for the country, adding that his administration had given optimism to the North east and the state in particular.

    There were rumours from some sections of the media that Bindow was about to defect to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

    The extraordinary SEC meeting was attended by commissioners, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, special advisers,and chairmen of local government areas, among critical stakeholders in the state.

  • Mubi to get approval for free trade zone soon –Bindow

    Gov. Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa said Mubi would soon be granted approval by the Federal Government to establish a Free Trade Zone (FTZ).

    Bindow gave the hint, while speaking to newsmen in Yola on Tuesday.

    The governor said the Federal Government was considering Mubi to host the FTZ due to its commercial potential in the North East region.

    According to him, the area generates huge revenue running into millions of naira and has also generated about N4 billion weekly in the past.

    He also said the Mubi Cattle Market was the largest in the whole of the West Africa sub region.

    Bindow noted that countries from the Central Africa region had previously dominated the market, but added that the situation had changed.

    Read Also: Bindow decries increase in arms banditry in Adamawa

    He said all the trade indices had qualified the area as a commercial hub for the sub region.

    The governor explained that the FTZ would open up the market for more commercial activities as well as boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.

    He also said the FTZ would impact positively on the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    Bindow said the area had several business potential waiting to be tapped.

    NAN

  • NUT kicks against scrapping of e-payment for Adamawa teachers

    NUT kicks against scrapping of e-payment for Adamawa teachers

    The Adamawa chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has kicked against the move for reversal of the current e-payment for teachers’ salaries in the state.

    Comrade Rodney Nathan, the Chairman of the wing stated the union’s stand on the matter on Monday in Yola while speaking with newsmen.

    The news men recalls, the Adamawa House of Assembly in a recently resolution called for the suspension of the mode of payment and reversal to the ‘table payment ‘model for three months.

    Nathan said,  it was regrettable that while the whole world had adopted digital ways of doing things, Adamawa wanted to revert to the analogue system.

    The chairman said, the union would employ every possible means to oppose the house resolution.

    He, however, said, the union was still waiting the action of the governor on this and that he believed he would not subscribe to such an unpopular resolution.

    Read Also: Adamawa  and non-payment of retirees’ gratuities

    According to him, nobody can scrap e-payment of teachers’ salaries in Adamawa.

    “We are not happy with the house of assembly’s resolution on e-payment for teachers in the state.

    “E-payment was the primary request the NUT put forward to Gov. Mohammed Bindow during his campaign in 2015.

    “The first thing he did for teachers was the implementation of this primary request which has brought so many benefits to teachers in the state.

    “We wonder why some people will just wake up one day and try to scrap it when the whole world is migrating to the digital system.

    “Before the implementation of e-payment, teachers were not benefiting from the 27.5 per cent increment on N18, 000 minimum wages.

    “We are enjoying all these now and some people want us to go back to the old system that was not favourable to us.

    “I want to assure you, we will do everything within our means to resist such an unpopular policy,” Nathan said.

    NAN

  • Bindow to appoint 20 NURTW members as Special Assistants

    Bindow to appoint 20 NURTW members as Special Assistants

    Gov. Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa has promised to appoint 20 members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers ( NURTW ) as Special Assistants in his administration.
    Bindow made the pledge while receiving members of the state chapter of the union who visited him on Thursday in Yola.

    The governor also approved two slots each for both Christians and Muslims for pilgrimage.

    “This is an all-inclusive government and l solicit collaboration with the union for efficient transport service delivery in the state,’’ the governor said.

    Earlier, Alhaji Bello Adamu, the state’s Chairman of the union, called for the inclusion of the union members in the core administration of the state.

    Adamu also appealed to the governor to make tents in motor parks to serve as shades for passengers and the union workers.

    Read Also: Bindow decries increase in arms banditry in Adamawa

    He said that the harsh temperature in the state posed a big challenge to commuters to patronise available motor parks.

    The union leader commended the governor for his tremendous provision of road infrastructure in the state.

    According to him, the union is the major beneficiary of the good road network across the state.

    Adamu pledged their support to the present administration and promised to support the re-election bid of the governor.

    NAN
     

     

  • Bindow decries increase in arms banditry in Adamawa

    Bindow decries increase in arms banditry in Adamawa

    Gov. Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa has decried the increased reports of arm robbery in the state, urging security agencies to rise up to the situation.

    Bindow made this known on Tuesday while receiving the new Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Kayode Aderanti in charge of Zone 3, who paid him a courtesy visit in Yola.

    Zone 3 comprises of Adamawa, Taraba and Gombe States.

    The governor called on the police to intensify their operations to check the menace.

    He urged the residents to build more trust in the police and report suspicious movements to security agencies.

    Read also: Bindow pleads with Adamawa people to pay tax

    Bindow also commended the Mobile Police detachment deployed to Madagali for being effective in their operations.

    The governor assured AIG Aderanti of the state government’s support to ensure effective security of the state.

    He lauded the synergy among various security agencies in the state, urging them to work for a common goal of securing lives and property.

    Earlier, Aderanti said that he was sent to ensure adequate policing of the zone.

    He assured people of the zone of effective policing that would encourage foreign investors in the state and its neighbours.

    “I was deployed here to change the security narratives of this zone.

    “I appeal to the feuding communities to eschew violence and embrace peace for development,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • U.S. ICT university to boost ICT in Adamawa

    U.S. ICT university to boost ICT in Adamawa

    Prof. Victor Mbarika, the President, Board of Trustees, ICT University American Foundation has expressed determination of the university to boost ICT in Adamawa.

    Mbarika made the pledge on Tuesday when he paid a courtesy visit on Gov. Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa in Yola.

    He said that the ICT network would include e-book library for the state university, e-learning centres in tertiary institutions, e-taxation and e-payment, among others.

    The president said that e-learning centres would provide opportunities for students to access their courses online.

    He said that the e-library would attract American publishers to download their works by at least providing 1,000 books online.

    Mbarika said that the areas of interest by the ICT University would cover the Adamawa State University, Mubi, Office of the Auditor-General for Local Governments.

    He said that Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Adamawa State Board of Internal Revenue and Bureau for Public Procurement were among areas of interest.

    He said that the partnership would equally create a window for an exchange programme between the students of the university and Adamawa.

    He commended Bindow for his giant stride in the development of road infrastructure.

    “Your roads are among the cleanest I have ever seen,’’ he said.

    Responding, Bindow said that the giant stride development would not only stop on road infrastructure but in other areas of development.

    He said that the administration had declared state of emergency in education and health.

    He said that the administration had rehabilitated 263 schools destroyed by insurgency.

    The governor said that the administration had commenced the repositioning of the state university to compete with world class universities.

    Bindow said that the administration had also sought the enactments for the establishment of State and Local Independent Audit Office which would operate independently devoid of any interference.

    According to him, all these are the demonstration of our commitment to prudence and accountability in governance.

    He commended the ICT University, U.S., for choosing Adamawa for its pilot programme.

    NAN reports that the ICT University American Foundation, was founded in 1880 by the American government.

    The university’s cardinal objective is to be a premier destination for research, innovation and training of scholars in relevant contents for developing economies.