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Tag: SOKOTO

  • 2019: Use PVC to elect leaders not weapons – Sultan

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs ( NSCIA) Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar on Tuesday urged Nigerian youths to use their PVCs not weapons to choose their leaders.

    According to the reverred leader, is the only sure way to ensure the success of their parties and candidates in the forthcoming elections.

    ‎”I urge you to obtain your PVCs. Without which you cannot not vote for your favourite party and candidates in the forthcoming elections in 2019.

    “We should see our PVCs as religious and weapons not the kind of weapons given to our youths by unscrupulous politicians to cause mayhem in our societies.

    ” If you love Buhari, the only way you can ensure his success is obtaining your PVCs and same thing with Governor Tambuwal and other aspirants,” he said

    Sultan made the call in his message to Muslims on the occasion of Ed-el-Adhan.

    The religious monarch also reiterated his call on them to shun acts of thuggery or violence, saying no election worth a precious life of any Nigerian.

    He maintained that traditional rulers have no favourite party or candidate other than the choices of their subjects.

    Read Also: 2019: Fight for political offices, Youths urged

    However, the royal father appealed to politicians and political parties not to take politics as do or die affairs, stressing that only God gives power to whoever He wishes and at the time He wishes so.

    “We should therefore play the game by its rules. We should avoid making inflammatory and divisive statements in our politicking. And after the election whoever God gives the office we should support him to succeed,” he said

    He further urged Nigerians to continue supporting their leaders with prayers and advices in order to deliver on their mandates successfully while reminding them of the need‎ to also pray fervently for a sustained peace across the country as according to him, no country would progress without a permanent peace and tranquility.

    In the same vein, the religious leader commended the efforts and resilience of security agencies in their drive towards securing the country.

  • IYD: Sokoto youth leaders seek support, root for Tambuwal

    A coalition of youth organs under the auspices of  ‘Sokoto state Youth and Students Leaders For Tambuwal’ joined to celebrate youths day, calling for a sustained efforts to allow their active participation in the process of national development.

    The coalition which seem to be rooting for ‎Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said” If we back out from Tambuwal, our generation has failed.

    Speaking on Monday in Sokoto at a symposium in commemoration of the 2018 International Youth Day‎ organised by the coalition, a youth Ambassador, Comrade Nafiu Bello Basakkwace said youths deserve to be given their rightful place in the activities of governance and general developmment.

    He noted with joy the signing recently of the ‘Not too young to run’ Bill by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The theme of this year’s event is” Safe Spaces for the Youth”

    According to Basakkwace” we constitute the most vibrant segment and nucleus that can drive the nation on the path of prosperity.

    ” We are closing ranks to sustain the drive by creating space for our even and collective participation.”

    The youth Ambassador who also described Governor Tambuwal as the needed choice of a leader‎, said they were ready to extend to him their unflinching support, noting that he was capable of delivering results.

    ” We will ensure he realises his passionate ambition by supporting him ‎to the destination of success”, he assured.

    He however, frowned at a recent comment against Governor Tambuwal, describing him as “too in a hurry.”

    He said” How can you say that a 52 year old is too in a hurry? In developed worlds, we have presidents at 39yrs and below 50‎yrs.”, he wondered.

    ‎Delivering a lecture, Comrade Sanusi Yakubu who recalled that the day which was set aside by the United Nations and first celebrated in year 2000, was initiated to focus on 15 fundamental issues relating to socio-economic, education, health, drugs, among other related issues bordering on youths development and survival.

    According to Yakubu, youths involvement in state affairs would encourage positive changes in development process.

    ” ‎They are themselves means and solution to problems if given the flow of space to actively participate in nation building”, he pointed out.

    Comrade Yakubu further observed that there has been consistent clamour globally for youth to enjoy opportunities inorder to demonstrate their abilities for positive change.

    ” Is therefore, of enormous importance to allow youths drive the desired positive change‎ for the benefit of the country.

    He charged youths to take up the purposeful challenge of changing the narrative while urging government to map out policies to encourage collaboration that would promote youth aspirations to leadership positions.

    While noting that government was a critical player and stakeholder in developing youths, Yakubu expressed concern over the attitude of most youth on social media platforms.

    He cautioned youths on how they use social media platforms negatively by promoting and provoking hate and derogatory posts.

    ” You have to be alive to your responsibility as leaders of tomorrow. Be careful and always conscious of messages and comments you pass across on social media platforms‎.

    ” I want to draw your attention to the dangers associated with hate and derogatory speeches and comments either by direct post or sharing others post that are sensitive to negative reactions”, he specifically mentioned.

    In his remarks, Director General, Media and Publicity to the Government of Sokoto state, Alhaji Abu Shekara urged the youths to rejuvenate and emancipate themselves ‎from all kinds of negative vice and own up to responsibilities that defined them as symbol of feature leaders.

    According to Shekara who was represented by Director Mobilisation and Enlightenment, Sokoto state Media Corporation, Nura Ibrahim Dogon Daji, such was the only panacea to advancing their desire for participation in development process.

    He further hailed Governor Tambuwal for ably dislodging as well wiping out all forms of ‘area ‎boys’ activities in the state especially within the state metropolis with a view to giving new sense of order to the youths who were dominant in the negative life.

  • ‘Tambuwal should account for bailout funds’

    A partnership of groups of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State has insisted that defecting Governor Aminu Tambuwal should account for the bailout funds received from the federal government.

    The group recounted that the governor received various sums of money to ameliorate the problems in the state.

    “On behalf of APC support groups, we demanded Governor Tambuwal to account for N18.3 billion Paris Club refund, N38.7 billion bailout funds, N10.5 billion salary/pension arrears, N8.7 billion CBN/FGN agric interventions fund and N2.2 billion ecological funds from federal government’’.

    The Elders Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto state which disowned Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s defection to opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the governor should account for the money.

    Also recounting the assistance the state has received from President Muhammadu Buhari, the elders committee noted that the administration constructed Runjin Sambo-University road in Sokoto metropolis.

    “Buhari’s government executed Maradi junction border road, Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega road, Shagari Dam project, establishment of 8 Divisions of Nigerian Army and ecological project among others,’’ the Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Bello Gada, said.

    Gada explained that all groups have joint partnerships for the success of President Buhari and APC in 2019 elections.

    Prof. Lawal Bashar, from APC Adalci Buhari Sak Organization, also alleged that Tambuwal had crippled local government administrations in Sokoto state as they were not doing anything during his tenure and workers salary were not being paid at when due.

    Bashar described the administration as the worst in the history of the state and stressed that the present administrations in the nearby states of Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states were far better.

    He added that governor’s exit from APC had become a relief and noted that APC would surely win all elective positions in 2019 elections.

  • NiMet predicts cloudy conditions, thunderstorms, rainfall for Tuesday

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudy conditions in most parts of the country with prospects of thunderstorms and rainfall activities on Tuesday.

    NiMet’s Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Monday also predicted thunderstorms and rains over the Northern States of Sokoto, Gusua, Kano, Katsina, Zaria and their environs in the morning hours.

    It said thunderstorms and rains were also anticipated over places like Maiduguri, Nguru and Potiskum later in the day.

    According to the prediction, day and night temperature in the region is expected to be in the range of 29 – 30 degree celsius and 21- 24 degree Celsius respectively.

    Read Also: NiMet predicts cloudy weather, rain, thunderstorm for Saturday

    NiMet predicts chances of rains over the Central States of Jos, Minna, Southern Kaduna and environs during the morning hours.

    The agency said places like Jos, Lafia, Bauchi and environs were expected to experience thunderstorms and rains during the afternoon and evening hours.

    Day and night temperatures in the region will be in the range of 28-32 degree Celsius and 20 – 24 degree Celsius respectively.

    Cloudy morning is anticipated over the southern states region. Later in the day these conditions are expected to persist with chances of rains over the coastal axis.

    Day and night temperatures are expected to be in the range of 27- 30 degree Celsius and 19-23 degree Celsius respectively,” according to NiMet.

     

    NAN

  • APC will adopt labour tactics to win Kwara, Sokoto, Benue

    National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has told the Peoples Democratic Party that he would rather be an attack dog than be a mushroom eater.

    Comrade Oshiomhole said he opted for the tactics he is deploying as National Chairman of the APC because of the party’s commitment to Nigerians.

    Oshiomhole who spoke to reporters at the Bénin Airport on his way to Sapele, Delta State yesterday, said the APC would continue to engage and pro-attack, whether the opposition called him an attack dog or not.

    The former Edo State governor added that APC would deploy labour tactics to humble the PDP in Kwara, Benue and Sokoto states.

    He said: “I asked you to understand that what is at stake is beyond the APC and the PDP. Nigeria is much more than the sum total of all the political parties.

    “We will see who is who in February next year. In Edo, they made this argument that politics is different from labour, but we used labour tactics to humble them and they became converted.

    “Exactly the same way we used it in Edo, we will use it either in Kwara, Benue or Sokoto or anywhere.

    “This is not about me, it is not about them, it is about the Nigerian people.

    “I will not adopt the ruling class tactics to deal with a cankerworm of disease. I offer a different style in order to get a different outcome.”

    Addressing thousands of APC supporters who were at the Bénin Airport to welcome him, Oshiomhole said the APC under his leadership would not borrow what he termed other people’s style.

    Oshiomhole urged APC supporters not to despair as he would work with President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that the party meets their aspirations.

    He promised to work with Governor Godwin Obaseki to ensure that any concerns the party members have would be addressed satisfactorily.

    He said: “I will represent the feelings, the aspirations and I will meet your expectations as far as the running of the All Progressives Congress is concerned.

    “We will have to fight odds on the basis of our conviction and we will adjust our style. We will not borrow other people’s style.

    “I am very proud of my working class background and we will bring those values into the leadership and management of the APC.

    “I will ensure working together with President Buhari to see that government focuses on the people; that government will not focus on the welfare of the few at the expense of the majority; that government must do everything possible to ensure that those who work have something to show for their labour.

    “We must support the President and the APC to remove all those thieves, all those looters who believe it is their birthright to continue to loot.

    “I want to assure you that the tradition of carrying our people along will be sustained.

    “You represent what I call our infantry division. You are the ones who on election day ensure that our voters come out. You were the ones who ensured that the PDP rigging machine was defeated.

    “We must keep you as a standing point. Together we will match on and will ensure that everyone who works is looked after.

    “I know there are people with all kinds of stories, but let me assure you that after the storm, the weather will settle.

    “Trust me, as you have not abandoned me, I will never abandon you.

    “To our youths, I want to particularly appeal to you: don’t lose faith. There will be work, there will be participation, there will be involvement. We will not throw anybody away.

    “Nobody will be used and dumped. If yesterday has come beautiful, tomorrow will be better.”

  • Defection galore at Sokoto Assembly: APC retains 12 lawmakers, PDP 18

    Sequel to the unfolding political development Wednesday that saw the defection of Governor Aminu Waziri  Tambuwal of Sokoto  to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), 12 out of 30 State Assembly lawmakers have vowed to remain in the ruling Progressives Congress(APC), in the state.

    Similarly, the remaining 18 lawmakers, including the Speaker, his deputy and House Leader, have moved to the PDP with the governor.

    The two factions declared their platforms as read out by the Speaker, Honourable Salihu Maidaji at the plenary session on Tuesday afternoon.

    However, those who vowed to remain with the APC said” we the underlisted Hon. members of the Sokoto State House of Assembly wish to categorically inform you that we still remain members of the All Progressives Congress, the party that we were elected under its platform to represent the people of our various constituencies in the State Legislative House.

    ” We deem it necessary to make this clarification following the defection of some members of the state assembly to PDP and also to reiterate our commitment and loyalty to the APC led government under President Muhammadu Buhari.”

    Those maintaining their membership with the APC include lawmakers from Wamakko, Gwadabawa, Gudu, Dange/Shuni, Kware and Wurno.

    Others are those of Sabon Birni North, Binji, Shagari,  Sabon Birni South, Sokoto North I and Rabah.

    Quoting Section 109(1)(g) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria , 1999 as amended, the defectors declared” We the undersigned, hereby defect to the Peoples Democratic Party, forthwith.”

  • Sokoto: Tambuwal, Wamakko scramble for lawmakers

    Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State and his estranged godfather, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, are now locked in a battle of wits for the support of the majority of members of the state House of Assembly as both men go their different political ways.

    Tambuwal is expected to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) later  this week while Wamakko has chosen to remain in the APC.

    Reliable party sources told The Nation that the lawmakers are now being camped in locations across the state by the political gladiators.

    The governor is said to be working round the clock to leave for the PDP with as many state legislators as possible to boost his value in his new party.

    The governor’s move is however being seriously challenged by Wamakko who is the leader of the APC in the state.

    Sources said that more than half of the state lawmakers originally promised the governor to move with him to the PDP only for some of them to change their mind after a separate meeting with Wamakko.

    The source said:”at the meeting, many of the lawmakers started reconsidering their decision to leave the APC. While some were bold enough to tell the governor and his men they wanted to stay back in the APC, other have been playing hide and seek with him.

    “The situation in the state, as we speak, is that of uncertainty. The state lost two Senators and four of the 11 House of Representatives members to the PDP last week.

    “The two Senators and the Reps who left Wamakko to cross over to the PDP were all his political allies and disciples until they took sides in the rift between Tambuwal and his predecessor.

    “Last week’s defection has weakened the base of the APC in Sokoto as the party now has only one Senator while PDP boasts of two. So, the scramble for the Assembly members is very fierce with both the governor and Senator Wamakko determined to outwit each other.”

    Top members of the APC in the state are also said to be joined in wooing the state legislators for either Wammako or Tambuwal.

    It was also gathered that  Tambuwal had planned to switch camps last week but had shelved the move  when he found out that  most of the  state lawmakers had reneged on their agreement to go with him.

    A source said: “it was not easy for the governor to get the four Reps to defect to the PDP.

    “Apart from the two Senators who have personal issues with our leader, all others who defected to the PDP on the request of the governor were lured with a lot of promises and freebies.

    “If this is truly a test of the governor’s popularity within APC, then he can see for himself that he is unpopular. Majority of our party chieftains and members are with Senator Wamakko and the leadership of the party.

    “The battle has now shifted to the House of Assembly. The two camps are struggling to win the legislators to their side.

    “For Tambuwal, it is a must-win battle as he is ready to move over to the PDP anytime from now. But he is disturbed by the hide and seek game by some of the assembly members after a meeting with the APC leadership in the state on Wednesday.

    “Senator Wamakko needs to retain the support of the majority in the assembly to prove that he is still strong politically in the state.”

    Another source said Tambuwal may announce his defection tomorrow to keep his alleged presidential ambition alive.

    The governor is said to have been told by chieftains of the PDP to join the party early enough for him to be granted a waiver along with other defectors.

  • Wamakko donates to victims of Sokoto attack

    Senator Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto North) has donated N2 million; 1,000 bags of 10kgs of rice; 500 wrappers; 100 cartons of toilet soap and ointment to victims of the attack on Tabanni, Gandi, Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    A statement by his media aide, Bashir Rabe Mani, said Wamakko paid a condolence visit to the District Head of Gandi, Alhaji Maccido Yarin Gandi.

    Wamakko described the act as unfortunate, unjust and wanton.

    The statement reads: “The loss of lives and property is regrettable and condemnable by all right thinking individuals. This sad development and obnoxious trend was never heard of in the state.

    “We should embark on fervent prayers for divine intervention, for God to prevent the recurrence of the deplorable killings, as well as the repose of the souls of the deceased. The survivors should also regard the incident as an inevitable act of God.”

     

  • Sokoto Attack: FG will beef up security – Dambazau

    Sokoto-Interior Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau on Friday reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to beef up security in areas affected by security challenges in the country and punish the perpetrators.

    Gunmen had on Tuesday attacked Gandi and Tabanni villages in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing 39 people, injuring and displacing many others.

    Dambazau who was on a condolence visit to Governor Aminu Tambuwal said President Muhammadu Buhari was worried over the incident and promised go after the perpetrators.

    He said that Buhari had pledged to live up to the expectation of protecting the lives and property of the people by beefing up security in the affected areas.

    “Measures to track the perpetrators have been put in place, and they will surely face the wrath of the law, ” Dambazau said.

    Tambuwal, who thanked the minister for the visit, said that the incident displaced about 10, 000 people currently camped in four different places.

    Dambazau was accompanied by the Comptroller-General of Nigerian Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, among others.

  • NYSC members receive Sultan’s awards in Sokoto

    Two members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Aminat Dauda from Ogun and Gbenga Osuntan from Ondo State have received the Sultan’s awards for Excellent Service in Sokoto rural communities.

    The Sokoto State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr Philip Enaberue, made this known in an interview with the our reporter in Sokoto on Friday.

    He commended Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar for the gesture which served as a motivation for corps members.

    Enaberue said the recipients served with the 2017 Batch A, Stream II, in remote communities in Tangaza and Gada Local Government Areas.

    He explained that the awards: “Best Behaved Male and Female Corps Members’’, were instituted to encourage corps members to stay and serve diligently in the rural areas, especially remote places.

    According to him, the Sultan’s Personal Secretary, Alhaji Hali Machiddo, presented sets of Plasma Televisions with N100, 000 prizes to each awardee.

    The NYSC coordinator said that the monarch’s effort was geared at encouraging corps members not to over-concentrate in the urban areas, where their services would be under-utilised.

    Enaberue said that the services of corps members were more needed by the rural dwellers.

    “We are hopeful that some corps members from the state will get Presidential awards as the committee begins to screen nominations from states,” the coordinator said.

    He said that the NYSC had partnered with some agencies to impart business skills to corps members for them to be productive during and after service.

    Enaberue said that the Bank of Industry, Central Bank of Nigeria, Heritage Bank and poverty eradication agencies had been granting loans to some corps members to promote entrepreneurship programme.