The Nation Newspaper

Tag: SOKOTO

  • ‎Diezani loot: Court remands Shagari, Wali, others in police custody

    A Federal High Court sitting in Sokoto on Tuesday remanded the former deputy Governor of the state, Barrister Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governorship candidate in 2015 general elections, Senator Abdallah Wali and three others in police custody till May 24 when their bail applications would be heard.

    They are standing trial for allegedly accepting part of proceeds from former Petroleum Minister Diezani Madueke  which contravenes the money laundry Act of 2011 as amended.

    The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) instituted five count charge against them dated 4th, May, 2018.

    Also listed  as defendants are :Alhaji Nasiru Dalhatu Bafarawa and younger brother of the former Governor Atahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa,  the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Milgoma and the former Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Gidado.

    According to the charge order,  Gidado (1st defendant),  Shagari (2nd) and Milgoma (4th) had in March 2015 conspired to accept N500 million from one Abdulrahman Ibrahim without transacting same through a financial institution and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (prohibition) Act,2011 as amended which is punishable under section 16(2) (b) of the same act.

    It added that Gidado had accepted cash payment of N500 million and eight million respectively from one Abdulrahman Ibrahim and PDP in the state contrary to section 1(a) of the money laundering act, 2011 as amended and punishable under section 16(2) (b) of the same act.

    Read Also: Diezani: $40million was conveyed in cash to a bank chief

    It further stated that Shagari, Dalhatu and Wali had in March, 2015 conspired and took possession of the sum of N500 million which formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act of Diezani Alison Madueke as gratification and as such committed an offence contrary to section 18 (a) of the money laundering (prohibition) act, 2011 as amended and punishable under section 15(3) of the same act among other charge.

    When the charges were read to the defendants, they all pleaded not guilty  and  EFCC counsel  Barrister John Ojogbane prayed the court to adjourn the case to enable him present his witnesses and the defendant be remanded till the adjourned date.

    However, counsel to the  1st, 3rd and 4th defendants, Barrister Ibrahim Abdullahi opposed to the second application as according to him, prior to their arraignment, they had been on administrative bail granted to them by the EFCC since 2016.

    “And in the verifying affidavits before this court. It shows that investigation had been concluded and while on administrative bail they had been cooperative with EFCC till date,” he said

    Abdullahi added that the 3rd defendant has instrumental spinal surgery which he has been battling with.

    He urged the court to take decision notice of exibits a,b and c annex to the application of bail of the 3rd  defendant which has shown he should be placed on straight bed rest and grant them bail.

    Similarly, counsels to the 2nd and 5th defendants, Barrister Ibrahim Idris and Barrister Aiyelabegan Abdulkadri while aligning themselves with the bail application, urged the court to uphold the administrative bail earlier granted the defendants by the EFCC.

    Responding, Ojogbane urged the court to ignore their applications as  the administrative bail had expired since the time the defendants were served with the charges.

    He added that they received their applications by 6pm on Monday and they need two days to formerly respond to them.

    The Presiding Judge, Justice Saleh Idrissa adjourned the case till May, 24 for the hearing of bail applications and remanded the defendant into police custody.

  • Sokoto adopts consensus as Achida heads new executive

    THE Sokoto State All Progressives Congress (APC) elective congress was conducted through consensus at the weekend without any rancour

    New executives under the chairmanship of Sadik Isah Achida, who is the commissioner for Information and Home Affairs, replaced Alhaji Usman Danmadamin Isah.

    Isah has been nominated for confirmation as commissioner by the Sokoto State House of Assembly.

    However, most of the executive members with the exception of a few former, were returned at the congress that ended at about mid-night on Saturday.

    Those replaced include Women Leader Hajiya Fatima ‘Yar Kangiwa with Hajiya Hadiza Abdullahi and Youth Leader Nasiru Italy with Abubakar Yaro.

    Accordingly, positions of vice chairman went to Alhaji Mukhtari Bello Maigona and Publicity Secretary was clinched by Yusuf Abdullahi Ilarus.

    Others are: financial secretary (Aminu Liman Bodinga); legal adviser (Mukhtar Mamuda Yabo) and Bashir Isah Jabo as (organising secretary) and Haruna Adiya emerged as treasurer.

    Senator representing Sokoto North Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko was, however, absent as he was away for Umrah (lesser hajj) in Saudi Arabia.

    However, the adoption for endorsement of the consensus followed a motion moved by House of Representatives’ member Aminu Shehu Shagari (Yabo/Shagari) Federal Constituency and seconded by the Speaker of the State Assembly, Salihu Maidaji.

    Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who acknowledged the remarkable support and cooperation of stakeholders, expressed gratitude for the peaceful conduct of the congress.

    He noted that the exercise was all-inclusive in the spirit of sensitivity by carrying every member along for equity to prevail.

     

     

  • Sokoto APC state congress adopts consensus, Achida now Chair

    THE Sokoto  APC state elective congress‎ was yesterday night conducted devoid of rancour with the emergence by consensus of a new set of executives under the  chairmanship of Hon. Sadik Isah Achida.
    Achida who is the current Commissioner for Information and Home Affairs replaces Alhaji Usman Danmadamin Isah who has been nominated for confirmation as Commissioner by the Sokoto state House of Assembly.
    ‎
    However, most with the exception of a few former executives, were returned at the congress that ended at about mid-night.

    ‎
    ‎Among those replaced include Women Leader, Hajiya Fatima ‘Yar Kangiwa with Hajiya Hadiza Abdullahi and Youth Leader, Nasiru Italy by Abubakar Yaro.
    Accordingly, key  positions of Vice Chairman went to Alhaji Mukhtari Bello Maigona while Publicity Secretary was clinched by Yusuf Abdullahi Ilarus.
    Others are : Financial Secretary, Aminu Liman Bodinga; Legal Adviser, Mukhtar Mamuda Yabo and Bashir Isah Jabo as Organising Secretary while Haruna Adiya emerged as Treasurer among numerous others across the three senatorial zones accordingly.
    In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto,  Zonal National Vice Chairman, Barr. Inuwa Adulkadir,Senators  Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir‎ and Abdullahi Danbaba Dambuwa, former Deputy Governor in the state and LOC, Chuso Abdullahi Dattijo, Ambassador Shehu Wurno, former SSG and one time Gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, members of the state executive council, politicians among others.
    The Senator representing Sokoto North senatorial District, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko was however, unavoidably absent as he was away for (Umrah) lesser hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.
    However, the adoption for endorsement of the consensus followed a motion moved by Representative Aminu Shehu Shagari (Yabo/Shagari) Federal Constituency and seconded by the Speaker of the State Assembly, Hon. Salihu Maidaji.
    Affirming the adoption by the delegates at the Giginya Township Stadium venue of the exercise before a repsentative of INEC, Muhammad Abubakar Sadik, the congress‎ Committee Chairman, Brig. Gen. Joseph Okonkwo Jude(rtd) noted that APC in Sokoto was a unique democratic family for making the exercise rancour free while saluting the absolute control and examplary party leadership in the state.
    ” I am also appreciative of the Exco composition for accommodating 5 women. I am impressed this is happening in the caliphate.
    ” I pray that such uniqueness will be translated into victory for the party come 2019 with the spirit being exhibited by the amiable, young and vibrant Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.”
    Jude, however said” the 5-man congress committee under my chairmanship do hereby declare all candidates for the various positions as duly elected having unanimously resolved by consensus.
    ” Three of us; myself, Bisi Idahomi and Alhaji Abdullahi Hanun Giwa are physically present and by constitutional requirement, we have formed a quorum”, he stated.
    ‎Speaking, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal who acknowledged the remarkable support and cooperation of stakeholders expressed gratitude for the peaceful and success recorded at the congress.
    He noted that the exercise was all inclusive in the spirit of sensitivity by carrying every member along for equity to prevail.
    ” By this singular feat, I am confident that the flag of APC will be carried further‎ and higher.
    ” It also symbolises ‎our strength, oneness and indivisibility as a political family built on the foundation of democratic understanding and progress”, he pointed out.
    ‎Tambuwal further commended Senators Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko(Sokoto North), Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir(Sokoto East) and Abdullahi Danbaba Dambuwa(Sokoto West) as well members of HoRsn State Assembly law makers and party members for their resilience and unflinching support for the realisation of the smooth wards, councils and state  congresses.

  • Abducted Syrian: Sokoto police deploy Squad to rescue victim

    Sokoto State Police Commissioner, Murtala Usman Mani on Thursday said the command has deployed men of the Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad (FSARS) to ensure the abducted Syrian national, Abdoul Najir is rescued safely.

    The expatriate who works with a construction firm, Triacta Engineering company Ltd was Wednesday kidnapped by unidentified gunmen along Sokoto-Bodinga road during which three police officers lost their lives in a cross fire.

    Briefing reporters on the development, DSP Cordelia Nwawe, the Command’s PPRO denied reports alleging that the abducted victim was killed by his abductors.

    ” There was never a time we said the the Syrian national had been killed. But we are doing everything humanly possible within our strength to ensure he is back and alive in good health,” Nwawe assured.

    According to the image maker, ” we lost three of our men; an Inspector, sergeant and a corporal who died in active service.”

    ” They have been buried according to Islamic injunctions.”

    Nwawe explained that the deceased police officers were never attached as escorts to  the abducted Syrian, saying that” they were on a conventional patrol duty when they incidentally bumped into the scene which eventually led to their death during exchange of fire.”

    The PPRO however called on the public to be more vigilant and be alert to suspicious persons by promptly reporting to the police to track and nip such in the bud.

  • UNICEF targets 501,749 out-of-school children in northern states

    The United Nations Children’s Fund ( UNICEF ) says it hopes to expand access to quality education for 501,749 out-of-schildren in four states in the north by 2020 under its Cash Transfer Programme (CTP).

    The CTP is being implemented in Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara under the Educate A Child (EAC-CTP) and Girls Education Project phase 3 (GEP3-CTP) project across 18 Local government Area in the state.

    UNICEF Education Specialist, Azuka Menkiti, disclosed this at a two-day workshop for Education Correspondent in Sokoto, on Wednesday.

    The workshop was organised by the Child Rights Information Bureau ( CRIB ) of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund ( UNICEF ).

    The CTP is a UNICEF Programme which hopes to increase enrollment in schools and also keep pupils in school by giving their parents money to provide human capital development for them children.

    The target under its EAC-CTP intervention is to reach 41,391 child beneficiaries and their female caregivers in four years: 31,044 in Kebbi State and 10,347 in Zamfara State.

    “The overall goal of EAC is to expand access to quality basic education for 501,749 out-of-school children (OOSC) by 2020 in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.

    “Our main hope is that by 2020, we will be able to bring 501,749 into school. That is almost half a million who are missing education.

    “The project is being implemented in partnership with target state governments, which have a high-burden of out-of-school girls, in northern Nigeria.

    “Through its interventions, GEP3 aims to improve access, retention and quality ensuring that learning outcomes for girls improve,” she said.

    She identified poverty as a major reason why children, especially girls, are not attending primary schools in the north.

    According to her, the focus of UNICEF is to increase access of children in the north to education and to ensure that quality learning actually took place in primary schools.

    She said enrollment had increased in states where the cash transfer intervention project had been implemented by UNICEF.

    “Cash transfer comes quickly as a very good solution that will reduce poverty. The main purpose is to reduce the poverty related reasons that prevent boys and girls from going to schools.

    “Cash transfer addresses solely issues of enrollment. It is directed at addressing demands in education,” she added.

    Commissioner for Higher Education, Sokoto, Dr: Muhammed Kirgori, said the state governor, Aminu Tambuwal had declared a state of emergency on education in the state in order to address the challenges of out-of-school children in the state.

    The commissioner said the state government was concerned by the huge figures of children not going to school.

    This, he said, has made the government to come up with short, medium and long term solutions to the problem of education in the state.

    He also said the state government had released 500 million to sustain the cash transfer  Programme in the state.

    “We key into the cash transfer programme of UNICEF and other partners because of the impact it has made in the sampled local government.

    “We have introduced the Programme in all the twenty three local governments in the state,” he said.

  • Police confirms killing of three cops in Sokoto

    Sokoto state police command has confirmed the killing of three policemen and kidnapping of an expatriate, Abul Nasir, a Syrian national working with Triacta Construction Company in the state.

    Command’s Public Relations Officer, Cordelia Nwawe, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that the incident occurred at about 7. 20 a.m at company’s quarry site at Lambar Mazaru village in Bodinga Local Government Area.

    Nwawe said the three policemen guarding the premises were confirmed dead in the hospital, while the expatriate was taken to unknown place.

    She said the police had commenced investigation into the issue with a view to releasing the abducted Syrian national and arresting the culprits.

    Read Also: Police investigate ritual activities in Borno

    When our Correspondent visited the scene of the incident some of the company’s security men guarding the quarry said four hoodlums, who drove in a car with tinted glasses, attacked the place.

    They said the gunmen opened fire on the policemen immediately they arrived the quarry.

    They said the kidnapped expatriate was the manager of the site.

     

    NAN

  • LG Congress: Sokoto APC adopts consensus, maintains status quo

    The adoption of consensus for the  emergence of ‎party officials at the All Progressives Congresses held in Sokoto yesterday across the 23 local governments was concluded as planned.
    However, all former executives were unanimously returned , with the exception of the chairmanship positions which is agreed to be arrived at by the main congress committee after due consultations
    But in Sokoto North local government, the adoption attracted allegations and disagreement by some members who were denied participation.
    They were denied entrance into the local government headquarters venue of the exercise billed to affirm the consensus reached.
    However, it was gathered that armed security personnel were given instructions not to allow anyone without official tag to enter the premises.
    A source told The Nation that ” there are some specific persons who we don’t want to be part of the delegates. We have identified them and instructed they should not be allowed in.”
    Earlier, in a petition ‎to the Sokoto North Central APC party Secretariat, the aggrieved members had accused the committee of not respecting the terms of consensus which guaranteed the return of all former Exco members except those on condition of death, defection to other platforms and incapacitation due to ill health to be replaced accordingly.
    In the petition jointly signed by Alh. Kabiru Hali(ZVC Sokoto Central), Hon. Malami Muh’d Galadanci(SOHA), Hon. Abdullahi Hassan(Former Council Chairman, Sokoto North) and Mustapha Tsoho Kwandawa alleged that the committee deliberately removed names of those believed to be political loyalists to ‎Senator Aliyu Wamakko with those of Umaru Kwabo A.A.
    They noted that across 12 wards in the council, ‎no fewer than 13 deaths/defections/and those elected councillors created vacant spaces to be filled and were not addressed.
    Hitherto‎, the petitioners pointed out that across 3 wards where there were no cases of death, defection nor election the committee refused to take note and fill with credible and eligible member.
    ” We categorically state that the action or decision of the committee is a violation of the agreed terms and conditions to warrant doing the needful as adopted for a smooth consensus of our great party in the state.
    ” There is no internal democracy and readiness to unite members and sustain the tempo of success”, they stressed.
    However, speaking to reporters, Chairman of the Committee and Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Muhammadu Arzika Tureta said the exercise was successful and all major political players and ‎lawmakers from the state and National Assembly were at the venue where the affirmation was made to return all those agreed on consensus basis.
    ” We didn’t vote. It was consensus. They all emerged through the same pattern with the exception of the Chairmanship positions following a superior order which will be concluded by the main committee shortly.
    ” Unfortunately, only Hon. Malami Muhammad Bajare was not at the venue.
    ” Though, I met some aggrieved politicians and thugs at the gate trying to force themselves into the venue. “
    Tureta said the party adoption of consensus was to simplify the process in order to avoid rancour and unnecessary tension. We want a peaceful conduct”, he stressed.
    He continued:” I want to make it clear that no matter how transparent, credible and purposeful you plan and carry out elections, you can’t rule out allegations, petitions and counter allegations in democracy and party affairs. We can’t stop anyone but to find ways to amicably resolve issues and grievances for the party’s prosperity”, he expalined.

  • ‘Codeine ban: A breakthrough in fight against drug abuse’

    Northern Governors’ Wives Forum (  NGWF  ) on Tuesday commended Federal Government for banning the production and importation of codeine syrup, saying it is a breakthrough in the fight against drug abuse.

    Hajiya Hadiza Abubakar, Chairperson of the forum and wife of Bauchi State Governor, gave the commendation in a statement signed by her Press Secretary, Rashida Yusuf in Bauchi.

    Yusuf stated that the governor’s wife expressed happiness over the ban, announced by Federal Ministry of Health on May 2, and described drug addiction among youths in the country as canker worm that had eaten deep into the fabric of societies.

    She quoted Abubakar as saying “the NGWF made the fight against drug abuse its priority intervention project.

    “The forum in collaboration with relevant stakeholders took holistic approach to curbing drug abuse in the country, particularly in the North where it was more pronounced.

     Read Also: Codeine: NAFDAC shuts Emzor, two Ilorin firms

    “Following training for northern governor’s wives from the six states of Benue, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi and Bauchi, we are at various stages of implementing a work plan.”

    She said that the forum had set up a drug control committee, a drug community volunteer scheme, skill acquisition centres, as well as a female rehabilitation wing to eradicate the menace.

    She explained that the centres were expected to among other things; rehabilitate victims of drug abuse by counselling and providing moral support that would enable addicts to become useful members of the society.

    She urged stakeholders involved in the fight against drug abuse to ensure all hands were on deck to achieve the target of a drug-free society.

    She also urged parents to monitor their wards with a view to nipping detected untoward behaviours in the bud.

    NAN

     

  • Consensus congress in Sokoto

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congresses were yesterday conducted simultaneously and peacefully across 244 wards of Sokoto State by consensus.

    Reacting to the exercise, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who participated in the process at the Veterinary Clinic Venue of his ward in Tambuwal town, said it was a commendable exercise for the APC members in Sokotoý for opting to go by consensus.

    “This confirms that we are a formidable and united political family.

    “The stakeholders meeting we held prior to the congresses had helped greatly with the resolution for consensus”, he stressed.

    According to the governor, all stakeholders played significantly well by giving their maximum support for the realisation of the amicable resolution.”

    Also commenting, Chairman ýLG and wards congresses Committee from the National headquarters of the party, Hon. Isma’il Hussaini, said the committee grouped themselves into four for the assignment.

    According to him” the stakeholders have simplified our work by adopting a resolution for consensus which we are affirming.

  • Buhari: Historical books, service to humanity

    President Muhammadu Buhari, has described authorship of historical books as an act of rendering service to humanity. President Buhari said this on Saturday in Katsina, during the public presentation and launching of biographies of Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar and his predecessors.

    The President, who was represented by the Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Masari, said that writing of historical books had the capacity to promote mutual understanding and unity.

    “The authorship of books on history is an act of rendering service to humanity. “The more we write books, the more we understand ourselves and the more we unite.

    “What is important is that those who disagree in the history should also write their books,” he said.

    He stressed the need for Nigerians to work hard to sustain the unity of the country.

    Also speaking at the occasion, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, charged all Nigerians to embark on projects that would help strengthen the unity of the country.

    He described the attendance of different personalities at the event, irrespective of their religions and tribes as a sign of national unity.

    The Sultan, however, said, “I urge the books’ authors to adjust a few fallacies in the books as few chapter distorted history.’’

    The chief launcher of the books, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, also harped on unity of Nigeria.

    “What is dividing us is lack of understanding of history. Whether you are from West, South, North, nobody has control over what God has for our lives.

    “Whom I am, where I am coming from and where am going, my destiny, it is in the hands of God.

    “Our problem in Nigeria is not about poor economy, but lack of understanding of difficulties Nigerians are going through,’’ he said.

    Tinubu charged Nigerian leaders to preach peace and unity irrespective of their religions, tribes and geopolitical zones, saying: “There should be no tribal war; we must share boundaries, coexist and share economic issues with ourselves.’’

    Read Also: Buhari commends Adenuga for creating jobs in Nigerians

    The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, who chaired the event, said that he attended the event because of the relationship between the people of his constituency and the Gwandu Emirate.

    He stressed that he would continue to support any cause that would promote peace and unity of Nigeria.

    Saraki commended late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, for initiating the writing of books to foster understanding and knowledge in the country.

    “The books will further brighten the future of Nigerian youths,’’ he said.

    The newsmen reports that the event was attended by dignitaries from the National Assembly, Emirs from the northern part of the country and state governors from neighbouring countries of Benin and Niger Republics.

    The newsmen also reports that over N100 million was realised from the launching of the books.

    NAN