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Tag: SOKOTO

  • Flash flood alert in Ekiti, Delta, Sokoto, 11 others

    Flash flood alert in Ekiti, Delta, Sokoto, 11 others

    • Lagos warns of imminent heavy rainfall
    • Mokwa monarch fears outbreak of epidemic

    The skies opened up yesterday across several states of the federation rendering some roads flooded

    The rain began early in the day just hours after the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) warned of thundery and rainy weather activities between yesterday and tomorrow across Nigeria.

    A similar warning came from the Lagos State Government yesterday

    The NiMET weather outlook predicted early morning thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna and Adamawa states in the north yesterday.

    According to it, thunderstorms with rains were anticipated over parts of Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Borno, Kaduna, Sokoto, Gombe and Bauchi states later in the day.

    “In the North-Central region, early morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Benue, Plateau, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa states,” it said.

    It followed up the warning with a post on its X account yesterday, drawing attention to the likelihood of flash floods in Akwa Ibom,Sokoto, Zamfara, Plateau, Yobe, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Abia, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta and Rivers states.

    It said: “As the rainy season intensifies, flash flooding remains a growing concern across Nigeria.

    “Several states are already showing signs of significant rainfall accumulation, leading to a higher risk of flash floods.”

    It listed Akwa Ibom as a high risk area, especially in urban and low-lying communities.

    It warned residents to clear drainage systems, keep gutters, storm drains and canals free from debris to prevent blockages and local flooding.

    Yesterday rainfall lasted several hours in Lagos metropolis.

    Rainwater took over many roads and streets, slowing down vehicular movement.

    The country is still reeling from the tragic effects of the recent flooding of Mokwa,Niger State.

    Over 200 lives were lost in the incident which President Bola Tinubu described as distressing.

    Lagos warns of imminent heavy rainfall

    Lagos State Environment and Water Resources Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab warned residents of the state to prepare for potential flash floods and intense rainfall expected in  the coming days.

    The Commissioner, in a statement through the ministry’s Director Public Affairs, Mr. Kunle Adeshina, cited weather forecasts showing geostationary imagery with indications of thunderstorms, dense cloud cover, and widespread convective rainfall.

    These conditions, according to him, could result in flash flooding in many parts of the state, particularly in low-lying areas and communities located near rivers and lagoons.

    Wahab urged residents to remain alert, explaining that the forecast is a continuation of earlier warnings issued at the start of the rainy season.

    He noted that the coastal nature of Lagos, combined with rising lagoon levels during periods of heavy rain, often causes tidal locks that can prevent effective drainage, worsening flood situations.

    Besides, the Commissioner advised parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, particularly those currently on mid-term break, to prevent them from playing in floodwaters or attempting to swim in drainage channels — a practice that poses serious risks during such periods.

    Motorists and pedestrians were also cautioned not to attempt to wade through flooded roads, as the depth and strength of the water may lead to vehicles being submerged or individuals being swept away by strong currents.

    Wahab stressed the ongoing efforts of the state government to maintain and clear drainage systems year-round but added that when rainfall exceeds normal levels, community cooperation becomes crucial.

    He also warned against the dangerous habit of dumping refuse in drains, reminding the public that such actions block waterways and increase the likelihood of flooding.

    Offenders will be held accountable, he added.

    We’re prepared in Anambra, says commissioner

    The Anambra State Government yesterday expressed its preparedness for any flood-related emergency.

    Environment Commissioner Felix Odimegwu told reporters in Awka that his ministry, in collaboration with relevant agencies, had intensified the sensitisation of the people to this year’s rainfall and likely flooding.

    A downpour on Monday had caused severe flooding around Zik’s Avenue, Iweka Road near the popular Ochanja Market in Onitsha, the commercial centre of the state.

    The situation disrupted business activities in the area.

    Read Also: Mokwa flood: North-South rail services to resume soon

    Odimegwu said the campaign and sensitisation was in response to early warnings from NiMET which listed  Anambra among the states at high risk of flooding during the rainy season.

    He said: “After the first six months seasonal prediction by NiMet, we disseminated the information and notified residents, especially those living at the coastal areas about the upcoming rainfall and flooding consequences, and urged the general public to be absolutely careful and prepared for it.

    “The state government has consistently sensitises the people to desist from blocking water channels and drainages in and around surroundings of their houses to pave way for easy flow of flooding.

    “The blockage of water drainages is the root cause of man-made flooding.

    “What we are doing is that whatever would cause flooding in the urban areas by man, we will try to prevent it.

    “But if it is the flooding caused by river rising above the sea level, we will give warning to people living in the riverine areas to prepare on how to vacate.”

    Mai Garin Mokwa seeks urgent fumigation to avert outbreak

    The Mai Garin Mokwa (Ndalile of Mokwa), Alhaji Muhammed Aliyu, has called for urgent fumigation of the area to prevent the possible outbreak of diseases.

    He made the call when he received the officials of the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) who paid him a sympathy visit at his palace in Mokwa, following the recent flood disaster that claimed over 200 lives and displaced many.

    Ndalile of Mokwa said the call for the fumigation became necessary due to the discovery of some decomposing bodies in different parts of the community.

    According to him, the major issue was the strong odour emanating from the area, which he said was suggestive of the presence of decomposing bodies under debris

    “If nothing urgent is done, it is capable of causing a major health disaster,” he said.

    He commended the members of the NCWS for providing vital support to the flood victims, particularly women and children through their timely donations.

    The National President of NCWS, Mrs Justina Yakubu, expressed sympathy to the families of those that lost their loved ones, homes and means of livelihoods.

    “We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and property, and our heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.

    “We wish to, on behalf of our members, extend our deepest condolences to you, the people of Mokwa, and the families affected by the recent flood disaster.

    “We pray that God should take care of the orphans and the widows and give them open doors so that they will be able to rebuild their homes and settle down,” she added.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that officials of the NCWS also visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps where they donated relief items including clothes, food and toiletries to the flood victims.

    One of the victims, Felicia Abba, thanked the NCWS for the visit and the support given to them.

  • Sokoto, UNICEF launch polio OBR round 2, deploy over 2,700 teams for campaign

    Sokoto, UNICEF launch polio OBR round 2, deploy over 2,700 teams for campaign

    In their resolve and renewed commitment to eradicate and put an end to the spread of polio virus in the state, the Sokoto State government and UNICEF on Friday launched the OBR round 2 with no fewer than 2,700 professionals and trained teams for the vaccination in 244 wards across 23 LGs of Sokoto State.

    The exercise launched in Shagari town, Shagari local government of Sokoto State is expected to commence simultaneously across other 22 Lgs.

    Also drawn to participate in the OBR round 2 of the polio campaign exercise include community heads in order to ensure improved and total eradication of the virus within children under 5 years in the state.

    The theme of this month’s OBR round 2 campaign is: “Dosage of Good news ” UNICEF Sokoto Field Office.

    The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Umar, said the renewed commitment was to ensure the polio virus and cases were totally terminated in the state and northwest where it is prevalent.

    “We are working tirelessly to discourage the spread of the virus through proper sanitation, improved access to vaccines among other drivers in the state.”

    The Commissioner added: “We also want to push further to change the negative perception of households on polio virus vaccine, create more public awareness and influence the mindset of households to accept the vaccine.

    Read Also: Tinubu rescued Nigeria’s economy from collapse, restored financial solvency – Soludo

    “We took similar approach at our April exercise which provoked significant improvement.

    “We commend UNICEF for its strategic and continued support, including our Governor for providing the enabling environment and other logistics”, Umar said while acknowledging Sultan Abubakar, the traditional leaders and council chairmen, ward heads for positively changing the direction and narrative.

    He reiterated the need for all stakeholders to sustain the tempo in order to achieve a polio-free Sokoto State, Northwest and Nigeria as a whole.

    Earlier in his remarks, Isah Ibrahim, a UNICEF Official said stakeholders commitment was critical towards achieving positive impact of the campaign.

    “It will help consolidate on our successes and encourage more effective and efficient services tailored at ending the spread of the virus.

  • Why Sokoto is starting skills acquisition programme from scratch – Muhammad

    Why Sokoto is starting skills acquisition programme from scratch – Muhammad

    Abba Muhammad is the pioneer Commissioner of the Ministry of Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development in Sokoto State. The ministry was created by Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto to create jobs for the unemployed youths in a holistic manner.
    In this interview with Musa Bello, Muhammad spoke about the challenges of providing jobs for youths and his strategy for achieving set goals.

    MR. Commissioner, from your impressive CV you shouldn’t have any problem midwifing the ministry and per chance if there are any challenges they shouldn’t be insurmountable…

    I absolutely agree with you that I am coming with a wealth of experience from both the public and private sector, so on that note I have what it takes to make a success of the assignment. And am grateful to God that the most important factor which you obviously haven’t taken into account and which in my opinion is very critical is the unflinching support of the governor who in his wisdom and desire to equip the youths, the poor and vulnerable with the tools for a better future established the ministry. Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto has never hidden his desire about giving the youths a future, he doesn’t believe in hands out. Again while every ministry is clearly important to him some are obviously dearer to his heart in line with his 9 – Point Smart Agenda. For instance education which in the last two budgets had more than 25% of the budget, health, agriculture because of its capacity to provide food and raw materials for industries and employment for the people have received serious attention. There is nobody in the state that is surprised that the governor who was once the commissioner of social welfare under our father and leader Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko created this ministry. His Excellency, Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, knows how important this ministry is which is why he wasted no time creating it. And with him solidly behind me, I don’t envisage any problem delivering on the mandate of the ministry.

    Time is not on your side with the huge unemployment crisis. So where are you with regards to the assignment?

    There are enormous challenges that we are faced with, because the Aminu Tambuwal administration, abandoned the programme which was initiated by our father and former governor Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, and which was up and running. So, as it were, we are starting from the scratch. We are working closely with the Head of Service to second staff to the ministry. So far a permanent secretary, three directors have been posted to the ministry. I am optimistic that in no time the ministry would be fully operational. We have also been allocated office space. Immediately after my swearing in as a commissioner, the governor directed me to submit an inventory of the state of the various training facilities to enable him make swift decisions. And we have reported back to him, and I know he is working on it. By the Grace of God, very soon the impact of this ministry will be felt by the good people of Sokoto State, Isha Allah. I will keep going back to the grave damage by the previous administration, because their actions and inactions set the state back by more than 20 years. I consider their actions wicked especially with the challenge of funding due to the economic downturn- because of their actions the governor would be forced to source for funds to replace the various equipment that have been vandalized rather than deploying  the scarce resources on other areas. But the governor being a prudent manager of resources has assured me of his total support because it’s a project that is very dear to his heart. Naturally there are other challenges, but like you said they are not insurmountable …. It’s just that we need time.

    What’s the specific mandate of your ministry?

    It’s important to stress that the governor has made significant progress in tackling poverty and in creating jobs. So the mandate of the ministry is to create jobs by helping our people to acquire the necessary training. He wants to break the cycle of poverty. There are a lot of teaming youths that are interested in acquiring one skill or another, but the  training centres are not there nor do they have the resources to start their own businesses… this is the huge gap that the government wants to fill. We want to train them in basic book keeping, marketing and in other areas that would help them to be better managers of their businesses. So our major focus is to assist the teaming youths polish their skills so that they can create wealth. It’s important to stress that we are going to work with them in their  areas of  interest. We want our products to be the best whether in tailoring, tiling or carpentry so that people can  talk highly of them like they talk about Ghanaians in terms of the quality of their products and skills in building. The other mandates include supporting entrepreneurship – those who already have businesses but lack the resources to expand them- so we will be helping them in areas like marketing,  in addition to funding.  The governor wants to industrialize Sokoto State and has several programmes in place for the private sector. The advantages are numerous- he is looking at citizens that are gainfully employed and that can contribute to the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state, which would help fund social services.

    Before now the Ministries of Local Government and Social Welfare were involved in driving skills acquisition programmes. Will your ministry with its creation be fully in charge of every programme that has to do with skills acquisition?

    This is a very interesting question. I want you to understand one fact. And that’s though the assignment – the creation of jobs would be driven largely by my ministry, but that the other ministries like the ministry of local government, the digital economy would definitely be involved in job creation. The local governments like you know are autonomous – that’s one of the 9- Point Smart Agenda of the governor- and so they have every right to initiate skills acquisition programmes. We are going to be the main vehicle but there would be synergy between the ministry, and the other ministries, especially the ministry of local government and development partners to ensure success…to avoid duplication of efforts. What we want is a better tomorrow for our people. We are not interested in taking credit or the spotlight. It would be a collaborative effort – the era of ministries acting in isolation is past.

    I noticed that your governor usually gifts leather works to visitors to the state, so it’s natural to expect leather works to be part of the programme…

    Absolutely. Sokoto State for more than 100 years has been historically associated with leather works. It would definitely be a priority area considering the fact that we have the raw materials and reservoir of  skills. Without sounding arrogant the Sokoto leather is one of the best in the world. So we will provide them with the equipment and training to improve on their finishing- finishing is critical. About the gifts by the governor to visitors it would surprise you to know that some of them are produced by housewives. Am sure you will want to ask about disabled people? They are part of our mandate. Like the housewives that I spoke about …we have some blind men who are actively knitting caps and cane chairs. Our operating motto is, how do we make them produce better products and to harvest the abundant talents towards self-reliance.  Everyone in Sokoto State is in Governor Sokoto’s programme. Governor Ahmed Aliyu during the 2024 International Day of Persons living with Disabilities promised to introduce a special skills acquisition programme for People Living With Disabilities (PWDs) in the state as  part of a deliberate effort  aimed at making physically challenged persons gainfully employed and to  reduce street begging…..clearly these persons are close to the heart of the governor….so we must factor them into our programme as of right. There are 6,679 registered physically challenged persons benefiting from the monthly allowance from the government and the governor  plans to increase the number of beneficiaries to 10,000.

    Read Also: UNICEF, Sokoto govt launch Nigeria’s first digital village for Almajiri, out-of-out-of-school girls 

    What number of unemployed people are you working with, and what is your planning based on statistics?

    As at 2024, we had about thirty one thousand, five hundred and ninety four (31,594) unemployed people in Sokoto state, which represents about 1.2% of the population of the state. This  is a statistical data from the National Bureau of Statistics. So with that number the state ought to have been spending about N3 billion yearly to address the unemployment problem. But most unfortunately Aminu Tambuwal  for reasons best known to him abandoned the skills acquisition programmes- he didn’t pretend that it wasn’t his priority and that his presidential ambition was all that mattered to him. The Tambuwal administration committed an unpardonable crime against the people of Sokoto State by abandoning the well thought out programmes. Meaning that the gains recorded during the Senator Aliyu Wamakko administration were lost during the eight years of Aminu Tambuwal. We lost the sustainability. Now we need to assure the people that we mean business and that we won’t abandon them like Aminu Tambuwal did. That in the last eight years nothing happened is now history…this is the attitude of Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto…no need wasting time on spilled milk. But we have a responsibility to explain to the world that Aminu Tambuwal was a tragedy.

    Technically, you are starting afresh…

    Yes, we are starting afresh. Thankfully the man who initiated the programme under the administration of our father and leader  Senator Aliyu Wamakko is now at the helm of affairs. It’s just that it’s going to cost the state huge resources to revive the various centres…to rehabilitate the equipment and centres which have been vandalized.

    Have you identified the skills gaps that you intend to address?

    We have engaged the services of a consultant to help us navigate the issues of skills, the training manual, duration and other issues. We are not unaware of skills that are going out of fashion. For instance we use to have CD shops …a line of business that has been “killed” by technology. For example with Spotify you can play millions of songs from your phone. So we are taking such developments into consideration in terms of skills that might become obsolete so we  don’t have to go back retraining them again. …because the world is constantly in a state of change, we  have to accept that changes are part of life. So we are very much aware that we a duty to only train our people in skills that are relevant  to our people. So if it happens that a particular skill is no longer relevant to our society will not waste our time going into it. We will definitely be doing things in technology which is not going to be in obsolete in the near future, ICT and digital skills are one of the most sought after in the labour market. …. same with farming. We will also assess the skill level of participants.

    For instance now, ICT, digital skills are some of the most sought after in labour market…

    I agree with you that there’s so much to do in the digital space, but we want to be guided by an expert. For instance there are people living in the rural areas, the villages, who know next to nothing about computer and who have no digital skills. We want to as much as possible to be guided by the facts. We won’t impose. The survey will guide us in the choice of programmes for the state. In a senatorial district, farming might be the best option while for a metropolitan area like the capital, we will be concentrating on digital programmes.

    Are you likely to have an incubation centre with the government equipping the place? The government doesn’t need to buy 20 sewing machines for 20 people which 40 people can actually use…

    Like I said earlier part of what we have done once I was sworn in as the honourable commissioner was to undertake an assessment tour of the incubation centres. I have since submitted my report to the governor. They have suffered some dilapidation. We only need to effect repairs to make it more comfortable for the various centres to start running.

    In addition to the Aminu Tambuwal factor have you looked at other reasons why previous programmes failed to ensure your efforts don’t suffer same fate?

    So, in addition to the Aminu Tambuwal factor, we are looking at the attitude of the people – how to ensure that they take the programmes seriously, we are looking at how to provide them with the equipment and only providing them with working capital. Thankfully we have some technical offices and they are giving us their opinion on how to guide against the problems that affected the previous programme. Some of our  people have this mentality that government property is not their responsibility. We need to change that mindset. Aminu Tambuwal  neglected the programme…no more, no less. …he wilfully  neglected. And it’s not restricted to this programme. He was an all-round disaster….he abandoned roads, and housing projects. He wasn’t paying salaries and pensions. Had Tambuwal continued on the foundation laid by Senator Wamakko things would have been different.

    How do you intend to evaluate the effectiveness of the various programmes to see if there is room for adjustments based on the findings of the evaluations?

    Without evaluations we can’t assess our efforts. So we definitely would constantly be evaluating our participants. For us the process would start by ensuring that they are counselled to go for what they have passion in. This is very important. And when they begin their training it would certainly make our assignment easier. They will be subjected to vigorous training in bookkeeping, in marketing etc.

    What are your projections?

    We are ambitious, but very realistic in our projections. We don’t want to bite more than we can chew. But be rest assured that we are going to give it our all. For instance, we have businessmen that are exporting onions to places like Ghana in large quantity, so we are going to work with them to make better profit, to remove bottlenecks. So we need their statistics. …they are earning foreign exchange for the country. The Sokoto State government is in collaboration with the United Nation Development Programme to encourage dry season farming, to understand the climate change impact, to know when to farm, when to harvest and to provide them with farming inputs. His Excellency has supported farmers with farming inputs, seedlings, insecticide. Skills acquisition is jack of all trades and master of all.

    In terms of duration, would three months be okay?

    Yes, three months. Like I said before we have some experience running skills acquisition programmes and the technical officers have assured me that three months would be adequate for the training including hands on experience. The maximum would be six months.

    Let’s talk a bit of politics. You are a citizen of the state and you have always been in government. Has Governor Aliyu Ahmad Sokoto performed?

    Absolutely. And even the opposition PDP acknowledge the fact that Governor Sokoto has surpassed their expectations. They are our friends…we share notes …never mind that once in a while they will issue their toxic press releases alleging this or that. In less than two years His Excellency Dr Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto has achieved what the Aminu Tambuwal administration couldn’t achieve in eight years. And this is a fact. He completed abandoned projects, unlike Tambuwal who did not complete the projects that he inherited from Wamakko.

    Is the governor’s second term guaranteed?

    You know, power comes from God, that’s our belief. But considering his unprecedented achievements I have no doubt in my mind that he would win the 2027 elections hands down. Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto has worked tirelessly to touch lives because the people are the essence of government. They have stood by the governor. By last year the governor had completed over 180 projects. Under the first 100 days he vigorously attacked the projects that the  previous administration had abandoned. The people of Sokoto State are no  fools. ..They can see the roads, the schools and healthcare facilities and the governor is accessible to them because he is focused on Sokoto State and he is not using the position as a stepping stone for the presidency.

    Do you see Aminu Tambuwal permanently retired, defeated, if he decides to run for Senate?

    His retirement from politics is already a forgone conclusion. He operates from Abuja. He has unfortunately abandoned his people. When the APC lost to the PDP in that controversial election of 2019, our leader and father didn’t abandon the state. Our governor was also here with us. And the people didn’t forget that fact. It’s always important to maintain relationship with the people.

    Are you saying Tambuwal is always in Abuja?

  • Sokoto: A backward eye on Tambuwal’s misses

    Sokoto: A backward eye on Tambuwal’s misses

    By Sai’du Sani

    The most viral disease in Nigeria today isn’t cholera or Lassa fever—it’s selective amnesia. And it’s spreading fast, especially among political jobbers and self-styled defenders of failed legacies. This mental fog, often voluntary, is quickly becoming the bane of our national growth. It’s the only plausible explanation for why anyone, in good conscience, would draw a comparison between the failed administration of the former governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and the fresh, yet promising leadership of his successor, Governor Ahmad Aliyu.

    If you’re wondering what memories fuel such reckless comparisons, the answer is simple: sycophancy. Perhaps there are bootlickers and political hangers-on whispering in Tambuwal’s ear that his tenure is remembered fondly. Well, let me burst that bubble: we never had it worse in Sokoto than during Tambuwal’s eight-year reign. And that’s saying it mildly.

    Tambuwal’s administration was a cocktail of missed opportunities, policy inconsistency, and deafening silence in the face of hardship. And the most damning of all: His complete and utter failure to resolve Sokoto’s perennial water scarcity problem. For eight straight years, clean water remained a luxury in the state capital and most rural communities. Yet, within months of assuming office, Governor Ahmad Aliyu rolled up his sleeves and tackled the crisis head-on. Today, taps are running in places that have gone dry for years. What Tambuwal could not do in eight years, Aliyu is resolving in record time. That alone should silence comparisons—but when you are dealing with shameless folks.

    Tambuwal’s approach to governance was laced with arrogance and a shocking lack of accountability. For a man who rose through the ranks to become Speaker of the House of Representatives, one would expect a greater sense of duty and decorum. But at the end of his tenure, Tambuwal left no handover notes, no blueprint, no continuity plan—just chaos. That singular act of omission speaks volumes about his disregard for institutional memory and his successor. It was less of a transition and more of an ambush. In any serious political culture, this would be regarded as sabotage.

    Under Tambuwal’s watch, Sokoto State’s finances were left in tatters. Over N14 billion in unpaid gratuities to retirees, and over N195 billion reportedly raked in from the sale of state-owned assets—with little or nothing to show for it. These are not accusations; they are documented realities. Tambuwal’s economic mismanagement is not just a blot on his legacy—it is a weight Governor Aliyu must now carry and correct. And to his credit, Aliyu has begun offsetting those liabilities without taking on a single new Kobo in debt. That is stewardship. That is leadership.

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    While Aliyu governs with frugality, empathy, and a clear sense of direction, Tambuwal cast shadows over Sokoto’s progress. His minions now roam social media, peddling narratives in his favour, desperate to rewrite history. Instead of showing gratitude to the man cleaning up his mess, Tambuwal appears more interested in waging a proxy war. It’s a dangerous game for a man who once wielded the gavel of the nation’s most powerful legislative chamber. But the Speaker’s chair is long gone, and so too is the illusion of his invincibility.

     Let’s talk about infrastructure. Sokoto under Tambuwal was a state adrift. Major roads were left undone, rural electrification was nearly non-existent, and basic health facilities were in deplorable conditions. In many primary health centres, patients had to bring their own mats, bedsheets, and even lamps for night-time delivery. This is the Sokoto he left behind—a state stripped of dignity, running on autopilot.

    In contrast, Ahmad Aliyu has hit the ground running. From roads to rural healthcare to housing and education, signs of renewal are everywhere. Interestingly, Tambuwal was seen recently blaring sirens and enjoying the new roads constructed by his successor without shame. Teachers who went unpaid under Tambuwal have begun receiving their salaries. Pensioners, long forgotten, are slowly being remembered. You see, leadership is not about occupying a seat—it’s about service, sacrifice, and measurable progress. These are areas where Tambuwal failed spectacularly.

    Tambuwal’s defenders often retreat to his “national stature”—his role as a power broker, a seasoned politician, a party strategist. But Sokoto did not elect a party strategist; Sokoto elected a governor. One whose job was to fix roads, provide water, pay salaries, build schools, and secure lives. On these fronts, he failed. No rhetorical flourish or X (Twitter) campaign can cleanse that legacy.

    Why then is Tambuwal struggling to let Governor Aliyu succeed? Could it be envy? Political insecurity? Perhaps he fears the success of his successor may highlight the gaping inadequacies of his own time in office. But this is not just unhealthy, it’s unbecoming. It reeks of the worst kind of political desperation.

    And now, he appears to be unleashing attack dogs to do what he no longer has the political capital to do directly. To those in his inner circle, I say this: advise your man to hold his peace. This politics of sabotage, bitterness, and manufactured outrage has lost its sting. The train of that backward politics has left the station, never to return. Tambuwal can either come to terms with that or risk being left behind on the platform of political irrelevance—his greatest fear yet.

    Governor Ahmad Aliyu has inherited a broken state, but he is not whining. He is working. The people of Sokoto can feel the difference, see the change, and measure the progress. Let the records speak, not the revisionists. Nigeria may be suffering from selective amnesia, but Sokoto remembers.

    And history, no matter how inconvenient, never forgets. Indeed, the people of Sokoto never forget. They’ll carry their knowledge of today into 2027 to defend their right to good governance; to defend their governor notwithstanding what any gathering of vultures would throw at them.

    •Sani writes from Sokoto.

  • Insecurity: Sokoto steps up mechanisms against banditry, other crimes for peace, stability

    Insecurity: Sokoto steps up mechanisms against banditry, other crimes for peace, stability

    The All Progressives Congress in Sokoto State says the state government has since inception of the Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto administration stepped up decisive efforts to combat banditry and enhance public safety, especially in the Eastern Senatorial District.

    It said the APC administration in the state has not relenting in its effort at ensuring lasting peace and stability in the state.

    Hon. Sadik Isah Achida, the state APC chairman, disclosed this to newsmen while reeling out the performance score of the governor ahead of the administration’s 2 years celebration next month.

    According to Achida, the state government had committed resources in strengthening security operations by providing over 140 patrol vehicles distributed to all security agencies to adequately boost their logistics requirements to enable them respond to situations while noting that their capabilities would also be scaled up.

    “The state government has also initiated the establishment of a well-equipped Community Guards Corps to complement the role of the conventional security forces and networks.

    “It has also provided several interventions which include: training program for the 2600 Guards Corps, supply of 30 2022 model Hilux vehicles, 800 motorcycles to support their logistics.

    “These efforts have yielded significant results, with security personnel recording major successes in tackling criminal activities.”

    Read Also: Amotekun apprehends robbery suspect after escape from police custody

    The APC chairman maintained that the strides were evident in the gradual restoration of peace and economic activities in trouble areas across the state.

    In the same vein, Achida said the governor has “resuscitated and upgraded water supply scheme plants with daily capacity of 40 million gallons supply, rehabilitated and constructed a number of township and rural roads to improve road network including the rehabilitation of the Sokoto Eastern Bypass and the completion of the 12 Kilometer Southern Bypass linking Kasarawa along B/Kebbi road, with Kwannawa along Gusau road.

    He explained that efforts were simultaneously being made to square up against external security threats and spillover effects from neighboring states and the Republic of Niger.

    However, Achida said, “Governor Ahmad Aliyu remain deeply grateful for the sacrifices of our gallant security personnel and the unwavering support of patriotic community members who provide crucial intelligence.”

  • Businessman shot by SSS receives compensation six years after judgment 

    Businessman shot by SSS receives compensation six years after judgment 

    Six years after a court ruled that the Department of State Services (DSS) should pay a Sokoto businessman its operatives unlawfully shot N10 million compensation, the agency has finally complied with the judgment.

    To make up for the delay in remedying the years of untold hardship caused the man, the DSS doubled the compensation amount to N20m.

    The victim was shot at the wee hours of April 2, 2016, by DSS operatives who raided his Jos, Plateau State residence.

    The operatives were in search of a suspected gunrunner who shared the same last name with the man but ended up shooting him on the thigh only to discover he was not the suspect they were after.

    The operatives later that day arrested the actual suspect and transferred him to Abuja.

    But after shooting the businessman, they realised their mistake and rushed him to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) where they abandoned him.

    As if that was not enough, the man was left untreated due to doctors’ strike and was eventually moved to a military hospital.

    Life took a devastating turn for the businessman after the incident.

    He lost his capital, his thriving fertiliser business, and became deeply indebted.

    Unable to keep up with rent, he was evicted from his home. The injuries, coupled with financial struggles, forced him to relocate to Sokoto State with his family.

    The aggrieved businessman approached the court with a fundamental rights suit which was decided in 2018 in his favour and the DSS ordered to pay N10m compensation, a debt that was only redeemed on Friday, March 15, 2025.

    Redeeming the judgement debt, Director-General of the SSS, Adeola Ajayi, added another ₦10 million as a goodwill gesture to help the businessman rebuild his life.

    Reliving the experience, the business
    Recounting the harrowing experience, the businessman who requested anonymity due to security concerns said the operatives arrived at his apartment around 4:30am that day.

    “They banged on my neighbours’ doors, asking for someone with my name. When they found me, I told them my full name, but they didn’t believe me. Before I could explain further, they shot me in the thigh,” he recounted.

    While in Sokoto, things worsened. Between 2019 and 2020, he lost two young children to malaria and typhoid, illnesses that could have been prevented with better healthcare access.

    “My one-year-old daughter passed away in 2019, and in 2020, my six-year-old also died from the same illness,” he recounted, his voice breaking.

    Once financially stable with over ₦5 million in business capital, he had to take loans amounting to ₦8.7 million just to survive. The bulk of his SSS compensation has now gone into repaying those debts, with the remaining funds set aside to revive his business.

    Determined to seek justice, the businessman, through his lawyer Akibu Idris, sued the SSS in 2016. After two years of legal delays, the Federal High Court in Bauchi ruled in his favor in February 2018, ordering the agency to pay ₦10 million in damages for violating his fundamental rights.

    However, rather than complying, the SSS appealed the ruling, further prolonging the businessman’s ordeal. In 2019, the Court of Appeal in Jos dismissed the agency’s appeal after it failed to follow through on necessary court procedures.

    Following the appellate victory, Mr. Idris prepared to file a lawsuit to enforce the judgment debt. Instead, he opted to appeal directly to the Attorney-General’s office, a move that led to the recent breakthrough.

    After an internal review, the SSS agreed to pay the court-ordered ₦10 million and, in an unexpected show of goodwill, its Director-General, Adeola Ajayi, personally added another ₦10 million.

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    An SSS insider confirmed that, apart from the compensation, the businessman was given access to the agency’s medical facilities for further treatment.

    “He was a victim of mistaken identity, shot in the lower limb to prevent escape during a raid. Medical assessments confirmed that while the wound has healed externally, he still suffers from mobility issues,” said the insider.

    The businessman, who still struggles to walk, plans to relocate his family back to Jos and restart his business.

    Despite years of suffering, the businessman expressed gratitude to the SSS Director-General for his kindness.

    “May Allah bless him. It was my destiny to go through this, but I will never forget the people who stood by me, especially my lawyer,” he said.

    His lawyer, Akibu Idris, who handled the case pro bono, praised the SSS leadership for setting a precedent for accountability and justice in Nigeria.

    “This decision will boost public confidence in the judiciary and law enforcement,” he said.
    As he looks forward to a fresh start, the businessman hopes his story will inspire greater accountability among security agencies, ensuring that innocent citizens never suffer the same fate.

  • Gunmen attack Sokoto mosque, abduct Imam, other worshippers

    Gunmen attack Sokoto mosque, abduct Imam, other worshippers

    No fewer than 11 worshippers, including an Imam, have been abducted by yet to be identified gunmen who invaded a mosque in Bushe community, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    The attack during the Thursday Subhi prayer has left residents in despair.

    Channels Television reports residents as saying the gunmen had been molesting the people of the community for some time now.

    They said the timely intervention of security agents led by troops of the Nigerian Army curtailed the activities of the gunmen.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Senate approves Tinubu’s proposal to sack Sokoto, Abia, Adamawa RECs

    The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the attack yesterday.

    The Command’s spokesman, Ahmed Rufai, said the police authorities were working with other security agencies to rescue the abducted victims.

    A member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, representing the Sabon Birni B state Constituency also confirmed the attack.

    The lawmaker also commended the security agencies for their timely intervention.

  • JUST IN: Senate approves Tinubu’s proposal to sack Sokoto, Abia, Adamawa RECs

    JUST IN: Senate approves Tinubu’s proposal to sack Sokoto, Abia, Adamawa RECs

    The Senate on Wednesday approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to terminate the appointments of the Resident Electoral Commissioners in charge of Sokoto, Abia, and Adamawa States.

    The affected RECs include: Dr. Nura Ali (Sokoto); Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari (Adamawa State and Prof.Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu (Abia)

    The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration and approval of a motion moved by Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during plenary.

    Tinubu had earlier in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged the Senate to approve the termination of the appointments of the RECs who had been on suspension since 2023.

    Bamidele in his lead debate said: “Senate: Aware of an Executive Communication from Mr. President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation, requesting the Senate to invoke Section 157 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, to formally terminate the appointment of Dr. Nura Ali (Sokoto State Resident Electoral Commissioner); Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari (Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner) and Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu (Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner), respectively;

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    “Also aware that the aforementioned Resident Commissioners were earlier suspended in 2023, bordering on allegations of infractions of Electoral Act; compromise of elections and abandonment of duty without cogent reasons.

    “Notes from security reports from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services that Dr. Nura Ali was indicted for compromising the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections through acts of incompetence and corruption, whereby he reportedly confessed to having received the sum of $150,000 from politicians upon investigation by the DSS;

    “Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari was suspended by former President Muhammad Buhari after a prima facie case was instituted against him for usurping the power of the Returning Officer to declare the governorship election result; and Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu was suspended for undermining election processes by mishandling of logistics and abandonment Governorship and State Assembly elections as well as his refusal to rescheduled Supplementary elections;

    “Aware that by virtue of the provisions of section 157 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, which stipulates that: “…a person holding any of the offices to which this section applies may only be removed from that office by the President acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed for inability to discharge the functions of the office whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause) or for misconduct”, the Senate is empowered to embark on this legislative process, which is aimed at setting the stage for the eventual removal of the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners;

    “Also aware that the Independent National Electoral Commission is one of the offices mentioned in Subsection (2) of the aforementioned provision of the Constitution.

    “Accordingly, it is apt for the Senate to invoke and activate the provision of Section 157 (1) of the Constitution to remove the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners in line with the resolve of the 10th Senate to uphold the rule of law and sustain the ideals of morality and the tenets of corporate governance in Nigeria,

    “Accordingly resolves to: Invoke and activate the constitutional provision as enshrined in section 157 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, by forwarding an address, supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate to be acted upon by Mr. President for the official removal of Dr. Nura Ali (Sokoto State Resident Electoral Commissioner); Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari (Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner); Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu (Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner), respectively.

    The Senate approved the prayer of the motion to terminate the appointments of the three RECS when it was put to voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the plenary.

  • Sokoto Commission of Inquiry concludes sitting without Tambuwal appearing

    Sokoto Commission of Inquiry concludes sitting without Tambuwal appearing

    The Justice Mua’ zu Pindiga (rtd) led Commission of Inquiry constituted by the Sokoto State government to investigate the sale of assets by the immediate past government of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has winded up its sitting without the former governor appearing as witness to testify before it.

    The four-man commission began sitting since 2023 after its establishment by the Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto administration shortly on assumption into office to investigate the activities surrounding the sale of properties(vehicles ,others ) by Tambuwal while holding sway as governor of Sokoto state.

    In his ruling, Chairman of the Commission, Justice Pindiga (rtd) said the commission did not see the witness and his counsels’ serious about the testification, despite the series of adjournments granted the witness.

    The chairman explained that the commission was not meant to compel or arrest anyone but to only investigate the process and how the properties were sold in order to have a record.

    According to him, the commission agreed with counsel to Tambuwal, Paul Kassim SAN as first witness, to allow the former governor time to appear as the last to testify before the commission.

    “Paula Kassim applied for adjournment with reason that the former governor was on special assignment at the NASS.

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    “This was granted on 17th day of December, 2024; and 14th, 15th and 16th of January, 2015 were fixed for his appearance before the commission, yet the former governor did not appear to testify as witness,” he explained.

    However, Counsel to the Commission, Dr. Hassan M. Liman SAN opposed to the application said it was at the discretion of the Commission to grant same.

    He argued that of the memos before the commission in which former Governor Tambuwal was first witness to, none was responded to nor replied whether in writing or verbally by either himself or his counsel.

    According to Liman , “Memos 001,002, 003, 004, 005, 007, 008, 009 and 010 had the former governors name mentioned as first witness.”

    But Justice Pindiga in his ruling said further adjournment was not tenable and will not be granted, as the only remaining witness in the memos.

    “In view of the refusal to grant further adjournment, the Commission is hereby closed and counsel to the first witness is at liberty to file a written application or address within 14 days to the commission through other channel; and counsel to the commission has 10 days within which to reply upon submission of the application by counsel to the first witness,” Pindiga  concluded.

    He thanked and appreciated the governor and state government for allowing series of extension and adjournments beyond the initial time space given the commission to complete its mandate, which lasted over one year.

  • MURIC seeks support for Sokoto airstrike victims

    MURIC seeks support for Sokoto airstrike victims

    Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Sokoto State chapter, has called for more support to airstrike victims and requisite investigation on the incident.

    In a statement, its state Chairman, Mr Mansur Aliyu said MURIC was seriously concerned about the bombing of innocent citizens in the state, leading to the killing of, at least, 10 law-abiding citizens and wounding many, while several properties were destroyed.

     The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  quoted Aliyu as describing the incident as disturbing, saying it highlighted the ongoing issue of killings of citizens through bombing without identifying and court-martialling the culprits.

    Read Also: Sokoto Airstrikes: We’re sorry, dismayed by casualties – Shettima

    ”By way of emphasis, in the provisions of both civil and military laws in Nigeria, it is a criminal offence to kill citizens by mistake. It is alarming that this is not an isolated incident.

    ”While we commend the efforts of the Nigerian Air Force in fighting Lakurawa terrorists and bandits, we condemn, in the strongest terms, the killing of innocent citizens.’’