Tag: Sani

  • Kaduna Gov. approves N72,000 new minimum wage for workers

    Kaduna Gov. approves N72,000 new minimum wage for workers

    Kaduna Governor Uba Sani has approved a minimum wage of N72,000 for civil servants in the State from November 2024. 

    This move, according to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Malam Ibraheem Musa, underscores the administration’s dedication to improving workers’ welfare and supporting the less privileged.

    In a statement, Musa noted that the decision aligns with Governor Sani’s lifelong commitment to worker rights and social welfare.

     “This new wage increase is part of the governor’s efforts to uplift the lives of civil servants and improve living standards for vulnerable and underserved communities in Kaduna State,” he said.

    As part of the initiative, the Kaduna State Government will also launch a free transportation scheme for civil servants. 

    Read Also: Kaduna to offer free screening on non-communicable diseases

    According to the statement, 100 CNG-powered buses will soon be deployed to provide free daily transport for government workers, easing their financial burden and boosting productivity.

    The free transportation scheme will be managed by a Joint Management Committee, comprising representatives from Organised Labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) with State Government officials.

    Sani reaffirmed his commitment to introducing policies aimed at uplifting the people of Kaduna, promising “Kaduna State Government will continue to implement measures that bring relief to our citizens. With the support of our people, we are determined to make Kaduna a model for social welfare interventions.”

  • Sani bags Igbo title, promises spare parts market in Kaduna

    Sani bags Igbo title, promises spare parts market in Kaduna

    Governor Uba Sani has approved the allocation of a large expanse of land for the building of a Spare Parts Market in Kaduna State.

    This was even as he donated a bus to the Igbo Community in Kaduna State, commending them for keeping the peace in Kaduna, as demonstrated by their refusal to join the recent nationwide protests.

    The governor, who disclosed this on Saturday on the occasion of the 2024 Igbo Cultural Day Celebration, said that the papers were being perfected by the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS).

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    Governor Sani promised to “personally perform the groundbreaking for the construction of the spare parts market.”

    According to him, Kaduna State Government is willing and ready to partner with Igbo industrialists and entrepreneurs, as his administration offers very attractive incentives.

    The governor who was conferred with the traditional title of Ezienyi Ndigbo (friend of the Igbo people), said “Kaduna State is home to Igbos.”

    Sani described the Igbos as a unique people who are “industrious, hardworking, resilient, resourceful and accommodating,” adding that they have contributed to the growth and development of Kaduna State.

  • Gov Sani assures corps members of safe environment to serve, thrive

    Gov Sani assures corps members of safe environment to serve, thrive

    As 2,615 Corps members from the 2024 Batch B Stream II were deployed to their places of primary assignment on Tuesday, September 17, for the mandatory one-year service, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani assured them that his administration is working diligently to provide a safe environment for their service and well-being.

    Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Batch B Stream II Orientation Course at the NYSC temporary orientation camp, the governor reiterated his government’s commitment to offering the necessary support to ensure a productive and rewarding service experience for the Corps members.

    According to Governor Sani who spoke through the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajia Rabi Salisu, “As you prepare to move to your various places of primary Assignment across the State, I encourage you to be mindful of your responsibilities. I urge you to respect the customs and traditions of the communities you will serve and to engage with them in ways that foster mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.

    “Kaduna State, with its rich history, diverse culture, and hospitality, will benefit greatly from the skills, energy, and enthusiasm that you will bring to bear. Approach your assignments with dedication, professionalism, and a spirit of service.

    “The Kaduna state government remains committed to providing the necessary support to ensure that your service year is productive and rewarding. We understand the challenges you may face, and I assure you that we are working tirelessly to create an environment where you can thrive and make a positive impact.

    Read Also: Sani pledges urgent action as flood cuts off five agrarian communities in Kaduna

    “My dear compatriots, I want to remind you that the true measure of your service lies in the legacy you leave behind. Strive to be the kind of leaders who inspire change, who bring hope, and who make a difference in the lives of those you touch. Your efforts, no matter how little, have the power to transform communities and build a better future for all.

    “I wish you all success and fulfilment and may your time in Kaduna State be that of personal growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences.

    I wish to commend the NYSC Management and all Camp Officials for their selfless service and dedication in fostering unity and national integration,” he said.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Kaduna State NYSC Coordinator, Hassan Taura said the corps members were diligent and exceptional throughout the three weeks of orientation courses.

    He however urged the corps members to accept their postings in good faith and report promptly to their employers, adding, “We have ensured that each of you is posted to where his or her services are needed and where you would be able to contribute your quota to national development.

    “While carrying out your primary assignments, you are expected to identify the felt needs of your host communities and engage in Community Development Service (CDS) projects that would impact their lives.

    “Please ensure to build on the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training which you learnt in the camp and locate the trainers through your Local Government Inspectors (LGIs) and ensure that you perfect your skills during the post-camp training,” he said.

  • Sani pledges urgent action as flood cuts off five agrarian communities in Kaduna

    Sani pledges urgent action as flood cuts off five agrarian communities in Kaduna

    Kaduna Governor Uba Sani has pledged urgent action towards rebuilding the Saminala-Marjire road which was cut off by flood.

    The recent flood disaster cut off the road by a bridge on the outskirts of Saminaka town, cutting off Marjire and four other agrarian communities from Saminaka, the Lere Local Government headquarters.

    Sani however gave the assurance that his government will take urgent actions to address the plights of the people of the communities and the entire Lere Local Government Area.

    The Governor who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Malam Liman Sani Kila who led the Flood Impact Assessment Committee to Lere LGA said, his administration was committed to the development of the rural economy.

    Read Also: No hunger protest in the North, says Uba Sani

    He also promised that, aside the reconstruction of the portion of the road and the collapsed bridge, people of the affected communities would be given relief materials.

    According to him: “We have seen the level of damage done to this road and the bridge. This certainly deserves urgent attention because we have been briefed that, five communities have been cut-off and their commercial activities have been seriously affected because these are agrarian communities. 

    “We are assuring that, His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani is very committed to promoting the rural economy and addressing the plights of the citizens. Our committee will brief the Governor on this development today and we are assuring that, urgent action will be taken,” he said.

    Chairman of Lere Local Government, Hon. Mathew Bulus Gambo expressed appreciation to Sani for setting up a high-powered  committee chaired by his Chief of Staff, saying such is a demonstration of the Governor’s commitment addressing the people’s plights.

  • Sani lifts curfew after violent protests in Kaduna

    Sani lifts curfew after violent protests in Kaduna

    After an extensive review of the security situation in Kaduna and Zaria towns and their environs, the Kaduna Security Council under Governor Uba Sani has lifted the 6pm to 8am curfew completely.

    Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, announced this in a statement on Tuesday, saying removal of the curfew is effective immediately.

    The State Security Council last week imposed curfew on Kaduna and Zaria as hoodlums hijacked the #EndBadGovernance protest, where investments worth billions got looted and vandalized.  

    Aruwan, who stated that any form of procession must be verified by relevant security agencies to avoid any breakdown of law and order, also assured that security forces will continue to be on the lookout for threats to public peace, and will prosecute persons or groups posing such threats.

    According to him: “Kaduna State Security Council during the extensive assessment held last night unanimously recommended the removal of the curfew and reiterated its commitment to the security and safety of the citizenry in Kaduna State.

    Read Also: Gov Sani distributes 15,000 metric tonnes fertilizer to smallholder farmers

    “The Security Council also warned that processions or gatherings must be verified with the relevant agencies to avoid any breakdown of law and order, and for the overall security of the general public.

    “Governor Sani, presiding over the briefing, commended the leadership of the security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, and all critical stakeholders for the roles they played in containing the unfortunate events which followed the protest in Kaduna and Zaria.

    “The Governor assured the critical stakeholders of his inclusive and participatory stance, and that he would continue to engage them towards ensuring the peace, unity and development of Kaduna State.”

  • Governor Sani reinstates monarch sacked by El-Rufa’i

    Governor Sani reinstates monarch sacked by El-Rufa’i

    …says traditional rulers remain a stabilising force in Nigeria

    Kaduna state governor, Uba Sani, has reinstated the paramount ruler of Piriga in the Lere local government area of the state, Chief Jonathan Zamuna, describing the traditional institution as a stabilizing force in Kaduna state and the country in general.

    Chief Jonathan Zamuna, was dethroned by the immediate past Governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i on May 22, 2023, a few days before the expiration of the Governor’s second term tenure.

    Annoying the reinstatement of the traditional ruler on Thursday, July 4, during a meeting with the State Council of Chiefs, Governor Sani noted that government at all levels cannot afford to ignore the roles of Royal fathers for collaboration on good governance and security of communities within their domains.

    The governor said that his administration is poised to involve citizens in the decision-making processes, adding that traditional rulers are critical stakeholders and influencers in this regard and must be accorded attention and respect. 

    “The Traditional Institution has remained a stabilizing force in our communities and in the state as a whole. The Traditional Institution has shown resilience in the face of modernity. Because of your closeness to the people, it is in the interest of governments at all levels to treat you with respect and work closely with you to deepen participation in governance and secure our communities. 

    “One of the key pillars of our Governance Agenda is Nurturing Citizens’ Engagement. We want to effectively involve our citizens in the decision-making processes. Traditional Rulers are not only critical stakeholders, but key influencers that must be accorded all the attention and respect deserving of their exalted position.

    “I want to remind you with every sense of humility, that I am a democrat and a respecter of the rule of law. I also know too well how traditional values have shaped our state for the better.

    “Let me recall that even during my days as an activist, I had a respectable and healthy relationship with the traditional institution. On the strength of these, I want to say that all our traditional rulers, from all parts of the State, are our royal fathers, and we hold you all in high esteem.

    “In our one year in office, we have carried critical stakeholders along in our strategic objectives, and this includes key engagements with our traditional institution. Therefore our doors remain wide open for our continued interaction on issues of development and security of our State.

    “I know that challenges of banditry and insecurity have affected us all in our various Emirates and Chiefdoms. I assure you that I am not relenting in my efforts and we are as focused as ever on improving the security situation across the State.

    Read Also: Sani: insecurity will be over soon

    “We have made considerable progress with our plans in the siting of a Brigade in the Southern Kaduna general area. Similarly, we are working on having more military presence in frontline areas across Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Kajuru, Kachia, Kagarko and Chikun LGAs.

    “We are stabilizing and changing the tide in Zangon Kataf, Kaura and Igabi LGAs. We are working assiduously to secure Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Kajuru and fringes of Kauru and closely attending to threats in Kubau, Soba, Lere, Kudan, Makari and Ikara corridors on our border with Katsina, Kano, Bauchi and Plateau states.

    “Be assured that the Kaduna State Government will continue to nurture a strong collaborative framework with security agencies, along with streamlined intelligence gathering and strategic coordination of security-related matters in the state. This we have been doing with your help. We shall continue to rely on your cooperation to push us along in this regard.

    “Furthermore, as proof of my commitment to the rule of law, I want to make known to you our intention to comply fully with the judgment of the court, issued on 10th June 2024, restoring the Chief of Piriga, in Lere LGA, His Royal Highness, Jonathan Zamuna to his stool.

    “Leadership remains the cornerstone for effectively addressing all of the challenges confronting Nigeria today. That necessarily includes your leadership, because you are closest to the people. You are part of the force which can turn our society around for good.

    “Therefore, I commend you most warmly, our royal fathers, for standing strong as agents of a positive moral revolution and helping to spread the values of honour, dignity and humanity. I appeal to you to continue to position our local communities as building blocks for a resilient and progressive nation. 

    “Let me reiterate that our relationship will continue to remain cordial. If any matters are to arise surrounding the traditional institution in Kaduna State, be assured that the rule of law will be followed completely with respect and dignity. We shall continue to operate in the spirit of collaboration, unity and democracy”, Governor Sani said.

  • Sani: insecurity will be over soon

    Sani: insecurity will be over soon

    Senator Shehu Sani has expressed optimism that insecurity in the country will be over soon ‘because things are looking better’.

    Sani spoke at the weekend during the 40th anniversary of the 1984 set of Government Science College, Kagara, Niger State.

    “The security challenges will be over very soon across the whole country because it is better than before. There are evidences that many of the top terrorists have been eliminated, and if you compare the situation today to what we had yesterday, it is still the best.”

    The former lawmaker, while lamenting the continuous closure of the Government Science College, Kagara, after the abduction of students, lamented that ‘terrorism and banditry is pushing the north behind the more as these nefarious activities have destroyed the educational fabrics and basics of northern Nigeria’.

    Read Also: World Bank: Nigeria gets $19.5b of SSA’s $54b diaspora remittances

    He said: “Northern Nigeria must take education seriously. We lack behind in education, we have the highest number of out-of-school children and today, the activities of bandits and terrorissm have destroyed the educational fabrics and basics of northern Nigeria.

    “The schools we call our own have been deserted because bandits have once attacked the schools and took hostages. This was the school that produced many prominent people and best in the history of Nigeria.”

    Sani further blamed the current decaying state of public education to the failure of leaders who cannot ‘maintain the legacies that the fathers of the nation left behind’.

    “Secondary education used to be fun. Unfortunately, the schools we attended today are schools we send our children to. From the President to governors to Senators to Ministers, they were all products of public education and, before our eyes, public education has been destroyed.

  • Group flays ex-governor’s prayers for Sani’s failure

    Group flays ex-governor’s prayers for Sani’s failure

    The Kaduna Accountability Network has berated former Governor Nasir El-Rufai for his statements wishing failure for Governor Uba Sani’s administration.

    At a news conference addressed by the Chairman Jabir Maiturare and Secretary Ayuba Isah, the Network condemned the alleged viral video showing El-Rufai and his cohorts allegedly stuffing their guts, feasting, and belching in an audacious show of affluence, when majority of the people which he governed with iron fist wallowed in hunger and penury.

    It said it was ‘reprehensible and irresponsible for someone being probed for allegedly embezzling over N423 billion to shamelessly flaunt his lavish lifestyle together with his family and friends’.

    They said: “We are compelled to express our disgust at the bloating and irresponsible utterances, allegedly made by El-Rufai, where he sarcastically wished for the eventual failure of his successor, Senator Sani.

    “As stakeholders in the development of Kaduna, we cannot stand idle. We call on El-Rufai to keep quiet and quit this empty rhetoric and distractions. The people of Kaduna are wiser and can see through your tricks, antics, and distractions. 

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    “Nasir El Rufai should talk about findings of the investigations in which his government was accused of reckless awards of contracts without due process, humongous withdrawals of cash both in Naira and Dollars with no records of utilidation, multiplicity of abandoned projects for which billions of naira were paid to contractors for work not done, among many other findings…

    “We commend Governor Uba Sani for his steadfastness in the face of the provocations by the former governor and its cronies. Unlike El-Rufai, the governor did not go about pulling down the properties and assets of people who differ with him or attack his government.”

  • Kwari: Caught in Web of Sani/El-Rufai feud

    Kwari: Caught in Web of Sani/El-Rufai feud

    The cordial relationship between Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and his predecessor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has gone sour. As the crisis escalated, there have been fears over the fate of the deputy governor and other aides who hitherto served under El-Rufai. ABDULGAFAR ALABELEWE gives an insight into the unfolding drama in the key Northwest state.

    When Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani took over the mantle of leadership from Mallam Nosiru El-Rufa’i on May 29, last year, no one, not even their political opponents, would have thought that, the duo would fall apart a year afterwards, considering their long political and social alliance.

    Years after they both served under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as Minister and Special Assistant, El-Rufai contested for governor on the platform of the then newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015 and ended 16 years of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) rule in the state.

    Like many other key allies of the El-Rufai, Uba Sani was appointed as his Political Adviser, a position he held until 2019 when his principal saw the need for him to replace Senator Shehu Sani in the upper chamber of the National Assembly. Shehu Sani, also of the ruling APC, had become a thorn in El-Rufai’s flesh, criticizing his policies and programmes. The 8th Assembly senator from Kaduna Central and his counterpart from Kaduna North, Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi, worked against the former governor’s move to access a $350 million loan from the World Bank.

    It was against that backdrop that the former governor used the state power to deny Hunkuyi and Shehu Sani the return tickets to the National Assembly. He then handpicked his close ally and Political Adviser, Malam Uba Sani and his Commissioner of Finance, Suleiman Abdu Kwari to replace Shehu Sani and Hunkuyi. The plan worked for El-Rufa’I, as the duo went straight for their main mission in the National Assembly; they lobbied their colleagues in the hallowed chamber and got a foreign loan for El-Rufai’s government.

    The $350 million loan not only assisted El-Rufai in delivering his dream infrastructural facelift of Kaduna under his Urban Renewal Programme, where several roads, bridges, markets, malls, parks and a host of others were built, but it also pushed Senator Sani to the top on the El-Rufai’s list of possible and worthy successors.

    Their relationship blossoms throughout the campaign period and even after the election. Sani’s appointment of some of the former governor’s aides was a confirmation of that. However, a few months down the line, rumours of crisis between them started spreading. It became confirmed when El-Rufai visited Kaduna on several occasions without meeting his successor.

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    El-Rufai came to Kaduna in December 2023 to commiserate with the people of Tudun Biri, the community affected by the erroneous military drone attack. But, unlike other dignitaries like Vice President Kashim Shettima, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, former Vice President Namadi Sambo and others, the former governor went straight to the affected village alongside his friend, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, without visiting the Government House or meeting Governor Sani. He also visited Zaria after the incident of Zaria Central Mosque collapse without seeing the governor.

    The former governor later attributed his refusal to meet with Uba Sani to his resolve not to interfere in the new government.

    Speaking at a Capacity Enhancement Workshop for Senior Government Officials in Borno State, on May 8, 2024, El-Rufai said he had only visited Kaduna five times since he left office. He said: “I only visited Kaduna five times since I left office almost a year ago. I don’t want to be a godfather and that’s why I don’t interfere in what is happening in Kaduna; I want him (the governor) to learn and get the job by himself.”

    El-Rufai’s defence was coming barely 40 days after Governor Sani at a town hall meeting in Kaduna on March 30, 2024, said his administration inherited a huge debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and N115billion contractual liabilities from the administration of El-Rufai. He also lamented that due to the rise in the exchange rate, the state was paying back almost triple what was borrowed by the previous administration. 

    He explained to the stakeholders that the huge debt burden was eating deep into the state’s federal allocation, as he said N7bn out of the N10bn federal allocation for the state in March was deducted to service the state’s debt, while the state was left with N3bn, an amount he said was not enough to pay salaries, as the state’s monthly salary bill stood at N5.2 billion.

    Sami’s outburst without doubt caused some friction within the ruling party; it immediately divided the party into two camps. The incumbent governor’s camp however appears to hold the ace; aside from being in control of power, the camp is larger than the other. The El-Rufai’s camp parades majorly former commissioners and aides who are not just displaying loyalty to the former Governor, but are angry that they did not make it into the list of Uba Sani’s appointees.

    Some of the El-Rufai camp members could not keep their cool; they criticized Governor Sani’s action. The governor’s camp too did not treat them with kid gloves. The APC Women Leader, Maryam Suleiman whose video went viral on social media, accusing Governor Sani of mismanagement and asking him to refrain from attributing his failures to El-Rufai, was immediately suspended by the party. The party said it took disciplinary action against Suleiman for ‘gross misconduct’.

    In a related development, Aisha Galadima, another female member of the APC loyal to El-Rufai, was arrested by personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), shortly after a Facebook post criticizing Sani’s comment against the former Governor.

    Just when many were still doubting whether the governor’s lamentation was targeted at his predecessor or mere accountability exercise before the state’s stakeholders, Kaduna State House of Assembly under the leadership of Uba Sani’s die-hard god-son, Yusuf Liman Dahiru, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 constituted a 13-member committee to investigate how the $350 million World Bank loan obtained by the former administration was spent.

  • Governor Sani commissions newly built school in Kaduna, pledges to build 50 more

    Governor Sani commissions newly built school in Kaduna, pledges to build 50 more

    The Kaduna state governor, Uba Sani, has announced plans to build 50 additional secondary schools in the state while commissioning one of the 62 newly established Government Secondary Schools in Rigachikun, Igabi local government area on Monday, May 27.

    Governor Sani explained that the administration’s decision to embark on the extensive educational infrastructure projects was driven by the need to address significant barriers to accessing education.

    He emphasised that education is the best investment against poverty and insecurity.

    Addressing the gathering at the event, the governor highlighted that the newly constructed schools are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, innovative learning spaces, and safety features to ensure that children can focus on acquiring knowledge and developing their full potential.

    According to Uba Sani, “You will recall that when I performed the groundbreaking for the construction of this school on 31st August 2023, I made a commitment that it would be speedily completed. We have matched our words with action, to the glory of Almighty Allah.

    Read Also: Uba Sani’s Kaduna miracle

    “This milestone marks a significant step in our efforts at addressing one of the leading constraints that hinder access to education – accessible, safe, and conducive learning spaces. Children who learn in conducive environments are confident, relate well with others, and are more creative and innovative. 

    “Our administration has prioritized education because it is the best investment against poverty and insecurity. When you give a person an education, you have empowered him or her for life. You have given the person an opportunity to realize his or her potential. An educated person cannot be easily manipulated by forces of evil or conflict merchants. An educated girl or woman is a huge asset to society.

    “This project is one of the 62 secondary school construction/rehabilitation projects awarded in the first phase of our administration’s educational revitalization drive. Most of the projects have been completed and commissioned. The remaining ones are on the verge of completion.

    “We are finalizing arrangements for the award of 50 additional secondary school construction projects. These modern educational facilities are more than just buildings; they represent a commitment to providing our students with the best possible environment to learn, grow, and thrive. They are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, innovative learning spaces, and safety features that ensure our children can focus on what matters most – acquiring knowledge and developing their full potential,” the Governor said.

    Earlier in his remarks, former speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly and member representing Igabi Constituency, Hon. Yusuf Zailani applauded Governor Sani for bringing many developmental projects to his constituency.

    While noting that the Igabi local government contributed the most of the votes that gave Governor Sani in the 2023 governorship election, the former speaker assured that the LGA will do more in the 2027 elections.