The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nasarawa State

  • Police arrest three suspects for stealing two children in Nasarawa State

    The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT ), said it had arrested three suspects for starling two children from a school at the Federal housing in Karu area of Abuja.

    A statement by the spokesman of the command, DSP Anjuguri Manzah, on Wednesday in Abuja, said the suspects conspired to steal the children on Feb. 11.

    Anjuguri added that upon receipt of the report, operatives of the command ‘s anti-kidnapping squad swung into action and arrested the suspects.
    He said the principal suspect was arrested at her hideout at ‘one man’ village in Mararaba, Nasarawa #tate Feb. 12.

    The spokesman said that her cohorts who have been at large were also arrested on Feb. 13 around Asokoro, Abuja.

    He said that the children, who belonged to the same parent, have been reunited with their parents.

    Anjuguri said that investigation was in progress and the suspects would be charged to court upon its conclusion.

    He advised authourities of public and private schools in the FCT to be security conscious and to ensure that pupils were only released to their biological parents or approved guardians.

    Anjuguri called on school managements to be vigilant and report all suspicious persons to the nearest police stations sto forestall a reoccurrence.

    He said that members of the public could call the command control room on the following numbers, 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653 and 08028940883. ( NAN)

  • I’m better prepared for Senate – Al-Makura

    Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa state has said that he is better prepared to give the people of the southern senatorial district better representation as a senator.

    He made this known in Lafia local government at the final campaign rally for his Senate bid.

    According to him, after a deep thought and beckoning by the people, in addition to what he has done in the area of development across the senatorial zone, he felt the only way to consolidate and ensure sustainability of the projects would be “if and when I am elected to represent my people at the National Assembly”.

    “I am more prepared for the senate than the incumbent to be frank with you, because if you look at what we have done in the past seven and a half years compared to the twelve years of the current occupant of the seat you would have every reason to support us than vote for what is best described as wasted years.

    “I want to assure you that my contribution at the floor of the National Assembly in terms of making laws will be what will benefit my constituents as well as strengthen democracy and add value to governance” He said.

    The Governor, however, assured the people of Awe that before his exit from office, he will make sure that the general hospital is completed and equipped for full health care service delivery, as well as the construction of a one kilometer intercity in Awe town in addition to the three already constructed.

    Al-Makura expressed satisfaction with the turn out of the people to the rally, saying it was most assuring that Awe people will vote 95% for APC in the upcoming elections.

  • FG may convert seized properties to museum

    The Federal Government is considering converting one of the properties seized from corrupt individuals by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the National Museum in Abuja.

    Board Chairperson National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Arc. Umma Mamman-Da said this in Keffi, Nasarawa state at the retreat for management staff and curators of NCMM.

    She said that work is presently in progress on locating a suitable property befitting of the National Museum and if one is not found, to apply to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory for land in a strategic location.

    Arc. Mamman-Da added that NCMM is working on being able to help trace the roots of African Americans amd other black people around the world whose desire it is to find their roots in Nigeria.

    Her words, “Presently work is in progress on the Abuja museum, we have some options, one of which is that the government has some properties seized from corrupt people so we are looking at seeing if we can find a property that fits to be a national museum Abuja, location and otherwise or we had a land which was revoked, we have already written to the minister of the FCT and they are working on if not giving us that land back, then giving us another land in a strategic place where we will now enter into a PPP to build a Museum of national unity in Abuja.

    “We need to invite people into our museums and the issue of lack of money will be a thing of the past by creating awareness, we need to be able to tell people in the western world with roots in Africa that we can help them find where they come from. I am assuring you that with our board in place and the present acting DG, I know this sleeping giant has awoken.

    “Museum in Nigeria is a large parastatal, it is a very vital aspect of any country because it represents the culture of the country and we have materials and artifact dating centuries back.”

    Acting Director General NCMM, Abdulkerim Kadiri said that the agency is presently working on vertual reality, where all the artifacts and monuments in all museums and natural heritage sites in the states of the Federation is captured digitally for people to view online for a small fee.

    Read Also: At Lagos Museum, artists tell tales from within

    His words, “We are partnering with a private company that is going around to all our museums in the thirty six states of the Federation to take digital images of our artifacts and monuments in all the museums and natural heritage sites and be able to showcase them on virtual image platforms on the internet where people can log into, pay a fee and learn to appreciate our culture, this virtual reality platform wull create a Museum without walls where you can sit at the comfort of your house and visit our museums and monuments all over the country.

    “After that we intend to produce in commercial quantity products we are producing under our arts and craft village to sell and raise funds. People think of the musuem as a dead place but I’ve been working at the museum for the past 13 years and as a chartered accountant, I know that a lot of products the museum produces, we can market and sell to increase the GDP of this country.”

  • Emir of Lafia dies at 84

    Alhaji Isa Mustapha Agwai I, the Emir of Lafia and Chairman Nasarawa State traditional council of chiefs has died at the age of 84.

    Alhaji Sule Abubakar, the “Ajiyan-Lafia” confirmed the death of the first class emir to newsmen on Thursday in Lafia.

    According to the senior cabinet member of the emirate, the Emir died on Thursday at a Turkish Teaching hospital in Abuja following a protracted illness.

    He said the Emir was coronated on May 28, 1974 and recently marked his 44th anniversary on the throne.

    The late monarch is survived by three wives and two children.

     

    NAN

     

  • Man in court over alleged diesel theft

    A 39-year-old Iliya Bulus, was on Monday docked at a Karshi Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, for allegedly stealing 30 litres of diesel.

    The defendant, who resides at Aso Pada, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and theft.

    He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The Prosecutor, Mahmud Lawal, told the court that Lt. Serike, attached to Defence Intelligence College, Karu, Abuja, reported the matter at the Karu Police Station, on December 10.

    Read Also: Caretaker drags tenant to court over gossip

    “The complainant alleged that on Dec. 9, the defendant, who happened to be a casual staff at the above-mentioned address, stole 30 litres of diesel meant for a generator.

    “The defendant was caught in the act by Sgt. Ali Obadiah, the Guard Commander,” Lawal said.

    The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 314 and 289 of the Penal Code.

    The Judge, Aliyu Kagarko, granted the accused a bail of N500, 000 with one surety in like sum.

    He adjourned the case until February 1 for hearing.

    NAN

  • Al-Makura ready to implement new minimum wage

    Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa state has stated his administration’s resolve to implement any amount arrived at as new minimum wage for workers.

    Al-Makura made this known on Thursday while swearing-in eleven newly appointed commissioners and the Director General of Nasarawa Geographic Information Service (NAGIS).

    He said: “This was predicated upon the conviction that if our mandate, encapsulated in our policies and programmes, is to serve the people, then the public servant who is the nerve centre of policy implementation must be given his dues”.

    “In this regard, as we are awaiting the final decision on the review of the National Minimum Wage, I assure our workers that we will be among the first States to implement any decision reached by the Federal Government”.

    Read Also: Al-Makura appoints 11 new commissioners

    In addition, the governor said he has directed for the implementation of the promotion of deserving workers in the State, stressing that, ‘It is my belief that this is a formidable way of strengthening the machinery of government for optimal productivity”.

    Similarly, the governor has lifted ban on employment in the state after several years.

    His words: “In our resolve to expand the frontiers of policy implementation, also, we have lifted the ban on employment”.

    “In this regard, we have demonstrated our commitment to reinvigorate the Service in the recent employment of teachers into our public schools in the State.  I, therefore, encourage eligible citizens to apply for vacant positions in the Civil Service”.

    Governor Al-Makura has also approved the appointment of the Director General, Nasarawa State Market Management Bureau in an effort to optimize the operations and regulation of markets development across the State.

    “Accordingly, Government hereby directs that all new markets particularly those in Lafia, Karu, Akwanga and Keffi most commence operations before the end of the year.

  • Al-Makura donates relief materials, N5m to Tiv community

    Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa state has explained that he is fully aware of the sufferings of the Tiv people in the state as a result of the herdsmen attacks on them.

    He stated this on Tuesday at the government house Lafia while distributing 10 trailer-load of relief materials and N5 million cash to 10 Tiv communities in the state who were affected by the Farmers/herdsmen clashes.

    He said that he is a living witness to the plight of the Tiv people in the state who have suffered in different forms as a result of the herdsmen attacks.

    The governor vowed to do everything within his powers to ensure that peace permanently returned to their areas of abode and regretted the unfortunate incident of herdsmen attacks on their communities which has claimed lives and properties.

    He thanked them for the patience and understanding with his government and promised to continue to come to their aid in their movements of  trial, and urged them to always find means and ways of resolving crisis within themselves rather than resorting to violence.

    He explained that even though the IDPs are not physically present in the camps in the state, he was aware that most of them are staying with their kinsmen whose houses were not destroyed during the crisis.

    Read Also: Al-Makura appoints 11 new commissioners

    Also speaking, president of Tiv Development Association (TIDA), Nasarawa state,  Mr Boniface Ifer, thanked the governor for identifying with the Tiv people during their time of needs and urged him to do more for the Tiv people.

    Earlier in the day, the governor chaired the APC expanded caucus meeting of all stakeholders of APC in the state to strategize ahead of the 2019 elections.

    Speaking after the meeting, chairman of the campaign council in the state, Hon Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, said the party would win the 2019 general elections in the state as there is no meaningful opposition to the party.

    Hon Wadada who was the governorship aspirant of the party said all the campaign members are people of proven integrity who are committed to deliver APC in Nasarawa state.

     

  • ‘Buhari, special gift to Nigeria’

    The Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdullahi,  said on Monday that President Muhammadu Buhari is a special gift and a great asset to Nigeria considering his laudable achievements in the country.

    Balarabe-Abdullahi made this known while speaking with newsmen in Lafia to facilitate with President Buhari at 76.

    The Speaker described the leadership qualities of President Buhari as purposeful and eventful, urging for support and prayers to enable the president succeed in delivering the much needed dividend of democracy to Nigerians.

    He added that President Buhari is a man of integrity, unquestionable character and having the   determination to change the future of the country, hence the need for prayers and support from citizens to enable him succeed beyond 2019.

    Balarabe-Abdullahi observed that the past three and half years of the President have been eventful and progressive as according to him “a lot of transformation have been made so far by APC-led Federal Government.

    Read Also: Jonathan, SGF, Fasanmi, others greet Buhari at 76

    “Nigerians have seen what the government of President Buhari has done since its inception especially in the area of security, corruption, agriculture, youths empowerment among other sectors in order to improve on the welfare of Nigerians,” he said.

    Balarabe- Abdullahi while felicitating with President on his 76th birthday celebration prayed God to give him more wisdom, long life, guide and protect to move the nation to the next level of development now and beyond 2019.

  • ‘Inmates of Nasarawa prisons eat up N818,550 food daily’

    The Nigeria Prison Service (NPS) on Thursday said that it spends N818,550 daily to feed the 1,819 inmates across the six prisons in the state.

    Mr Patrick Dalyop, State Controller of Prisons, disclosed this on Thursday in Lafia, while addressing a summit on criminal justice reforms and human rights in Nasarawa State.

    Dalyop, represented by ACP Rabiu Ibrahim, decried the level of congestion in prisons across the state.

    He disclosed that the state’s six prisons had a carrying capacity of only 908 inmates, but currently housed 1,819 inmates.

    According to the controller, each inmate is fed with N450 daily.

    He identified inadequate health personnel as a major challenge facing the prisons, and called for government intervention in that direction.

    “None of the prison formations in the state can boast of a single doctor as we have to refer ailing inmates to hospitals for treatment,’’ he said.

    Dalyop stressed the need for stakeholders to increase free legal services as part of efforts to decongest the prison, saying that most inmates awaiting trial in the state could not afford legal services.

    He commended Governor Umaru Al-Makura’s recent intervention in securing the freedom of over 60 inmates by paying their fines.

    The controller appealed to magistrates and judges in the state to consider options such as fines, unconditional bail, community service, parole and suspended sentences as alternative to remand orders and imprisonment to decongest the prisons.

    He harped on the need for criminal justice reforms that would decriminalise certain offences that are not very serious, but often resulted in remand and imprisonment.

    “The state ministry of justice should consider proactive sentencing, guidelines for judges and magistrates.

    “The state government should also support the Legal Aid Council with logistics in order to assist indigent offenders languishing in the various prisons in the state,’’ Dalyop said.

    Mr Nor Chia-Shaku, Nasarawa State Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), urged stakeholders to embrace alternative conflict resolution mechanism.

    Chia-Shaku said that alternative conflict resolution mechanism was an integral aspect of the criminal justice reform.

    Also, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Suleiman Dikko, said the judiciary in the state had taken far-reaching measures towards speedy dispensation of justice aimed at decongesting the prisons.

    Dikko directed lower courts to reject cases beyond their jurisdiction as well as conduct regular prison visits to release inmates that were wrongly detained.

    NAN

  • Minister of State for Environment resigns 

    The Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Usman Jibrin has resigned from the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    He resigned at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.

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    Jibrin was selected as the new Emir of Nasarawa, in Nasarawa Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.

    The President, in a statement at the weekend had saluted the people of Nasarawa Emirate and the State Government on the hitch-free exercise which led to the emergence of Alhaji Jibrin as the 13th Emir.

    Describing the new First Class traditional ruler as a “wise choice and worthy successor,” President Buhari averred  that Alhaji Jibrin’s impeccable credentials as a distinguished public servant and land expert will be deployed to impact positively on development of his emirate.

    Buhari, in the statement had said “His people will benefit immensely from his wealth of experience in the Ministry of Environment,”

    The former Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed had resigned in 2017 to take up United Nations job.