The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Umaru Tanko Al-Makura

  • 2019 Senate poll: Tough battles ahead for Shettima, Okorocha, Yari, other 2nd term govs

    In the next few months, some state governors in their second term will end their tenure and bid bye to exotic villas where they had called the shots for eight years like the Lord of Manor. But Their Excellencies are not tired. They still want to be relevant, they want to remain in the limelight. In the next dispensation, they are eyeing the Senate. In this piece, our Managing Editor, Northern Operations, YUSUF ALLI, examines the battle ahead for the affected governors.

    In the next couple of months, 11 out of the nation’s 36 governors will no longer be eligible to be governors as they would be in office for the mandatory eight years. Those affected are Governors Kashim Shettima( Borno); Ayodele Fayose(Ekiti); Ibrahim Dankwambo(Gombe); Rochas Okorocha(Imo); Abdulfatah Ahmed(Kwara); Umaru Tanko Al-Makura(Nasarawa); Ibikunle Amosun(Ogun); Rauf Aregbesola(Osun) and Abiola Ajimobi(Oyo).

    For senators and members of the House of Representatives who became governors, returning to the National Assembly is a familiar turf.  But for those outgoing governors seeking to be senators for the first time , it may be a different ball game. Yes, the constituency is smaller, but the battle is tougher as the variables may also be different.

     

    The situation at present

    In the 109-member of the 8th Senate , 20 are ex-governors. They are the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki,   Theodore Orji (Abia); Eyinnaya Abaribe (Abia); Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom ); Andy Uba (Anambra); David Mark  (Benue); George Akume (Benue); Abiodun Olujimi (Ekiti); Danjuma Goje  (Gombe); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Ibrahim Gaya (Kano); Adamu Aliero (Kebbi); Muhammed Lafiagi (Kwara); Abdullahi Adamu  (Nasarawa); Jonah Jang  (Plateau); Aliyu Wammako  (Sokoto); Bukar Abba Ibrahim  (Yobe); Danladi Abubakar Sani (Taraba); Sam Egwu (Ebonyi); and Ahmed Sanni Yerima (Zamfara).

    A report by a newspaper had indicated that out of the former governors, Senators Andy Uba, Abiodun Olujimi, and Theodore Orji have sponsored an appreciable number of bills.

     

    Saraki stood tall among them having learned the legislative tricks enough to win the much prized seat of the President of the Senate. Many of them are bench warmers because the transition from executive mansions to hallowed chambers is a Herculean task for them.

     

    What are the chances of the 10 governors eyeing the 9th senate?

    Investigation by our correspondent indicated that political realities in the affected states have shown that it won’t be a tea-party for most of them. The challenges before the governors , among others, include clamour  for power shift, ethnicism, disdain for godfatherism.

     

    Shettima(Borno)

    Ordinarily with his modest achievements in office in the midst of insurgency, Governor Kashim Shettima should have an easy ride to the 9th Senate but he faces some hurdles, the latest being where he hails from in Borno. He is either expected to contest for the senatorial seat in Borno Central District (the platform he used to be governor) or Borno North District where bitter politics in the state has led to the discovery of his real origin. Whatever it is, he will slug it out with Sen. Kaka Garbai (from Borno Central who may not relinquish his slot without a viable alternative like the governorship ticket) and Abubakar Kyari representing Borno North. Shettima, widely seen as a “central  boy, ” requires much of serious political calculation and negotiation before taking a leap for the Senate. The governor’s major headache is how to rehabilitate Garbai in a commensurate measure.

    A source , familiar with the state’s politics, said: “Kashim Shettima was born in Maiduguri, located in Borno Central. His mother is from the central, but his father is a Mallam from Ngazai in Borno North Senatorial District. His associates had mooted the idea that he runs for the seat from the North.  But sensing the danger, especially because Kyari, the incumbent, is very popular and formidable, the idea was dropped. To displace Kyari from the Senate would mean to hand him the governorship ticket.

    “So at it is, his posters are everywhere for Borno Central Senatorial District. For now, it is certain he will run from the central. The incumbent, Garbai, is his friend. Without Shettima’s prompting, Garbai would not have run in the first place when the seat became vacant shortly before the inauguration of the Senate in 2015. Hon. Umar Kumalia had wanted to run then ; he, however, gave way when it became obvious that the governor preferred Garbai, who incidentally is Kumalia’s friend too.

    “For now, apart from Shettima, no one has shown interest in the seat within the APC. And even with the PDP, no visible aspirants for now. But should the Abuja politicians within the APC decide to move against Shettima, getting someone to run against him within the party won’t be too difficult.

    “For the north, the only strong person from PDP who can challenge the APC candidate is Sen. Sanusi Daggash (a former Minister of National Planning). But Daggash has been on the quiet side politically in recent times.”

     

    Al- Makura(Nasarawa)

    Were it constitutionally possible to have a third term in office, the people of Nasarawa State would have allowed Governor Umar Tanko Al-Makura to continue . But the reality has dawned on everyone; the governor has to leave the Executive Lounge for a shot at the Nasarawa South Senatorial District seat. He will be on the turf against the incumbent Senator from the Peoples Democratic Party, Sen. Suleiman Adokwe( a third term Senator); a PDP member representing Keana/Doma/Awe in the House of Representatives, Ogoshi Onawo; and Husseini Egyegbola of the APC, who was elected as a senator in 2015 before the Election Petitions Tribunal upturned his victory.

    Getting APC ticket by Al-Makura is taken for granted. But he has an ethnic barrier at hand and he has to work very  hard to sell his candidature .  There are five local governments in Nasarawa South Senatorial District namely; Doma, Lafia , Awe, Keana and Obi. The district also harbours about 20 ethnic groups which are contending for power, including Fulani, Tiv, Kanuri, Mighili, Gwandara and Alago among others.  Governor Al-Makura comes from Kwandere in Lafia Local Government Area. He is a Gwandara by tribe, which is  a minority in Lafia LGA and the Senatorial District.  According to findings, three of the local governments areas(Doma, Keana, and Obi ), are controlled by Alago tribe  of Sen. Adokwe, Onawo and Egyegbola.

    The battle is basically between Alago ( where late Governor Akwe Doma hailed from  ) and other ethnic groups in the district. It was only in 1999 that the Alago allowed the late Haruna Abubakar(a Kanuri), who was a  Deputy Senate President to late Chuba Okadigbo, to  represent the district.

    For Al-Makura, history beckons on him to break another electoral jinx again in the state as a minority. His God-fearing, good and fair-minded nature has fetched him a rare political goodwill like the case in 2011 when he became a governor as a minority. If he gets his political strategy right, he might secure the Senatorial ticket. Once Al-Makura can secure the huge votes from Lafia Local Government Area(LGA) and about 5% to 10% in other four LGAs, he will ride to the Senate with less sweat. The huge votes from Lafia, Keffi and Nasarawa Eggon crowned him as a governor seven years ago.  And he can defeat his opponent in a landslide if he retains his cosmopolitan look and make his campaign issues-based rather than playing ethnic politics. Surely, all eyes will be on Al-Makura if he secures the APC ticket.

     

    Ahmed(Kwara)

    Will the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, compensate Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for his loyalty? As the outgoing governor of Kwara State, Ahmed’s ultimate desire is to be a senator for Kwara South Senatorial District. He is seeking the ticket currently held by Senator Abdulrafiu Ibrahim, who has been a long standing loyalist of Saraki. It is a hard knot for Saraki to untie but if performance is anything to go by, Sen. Ibrahim has a little edge over Ahmed, who has spent eight years to create political liability for Saraki due to his low performance in office. Saraki is battling to clean the Augean Stable at a higher cost to his political career. But going by the PDP’s Right of First Refusal for defectors, the ticket will automatically go to Ahmed leaving Ibrahim in a quandary.

    Whoever is anointed by Saraki will face a tough contest with a renowned architect, Lola Ashiru, whose ingenuity led to the design of Skye Bank structures all over the country and other architectural works. Ashiru, who is from Offa , which has not produced a senator  since 1999, has the war-chest to give Ibrahim or  Ahmed a good fight. The last time Offa produced a senator was during the aborted Third Republic.

    Another silent contestant is the US-based Nurudeen Adeyemi Balogun from Esie in Irepodun Local Government Area, who is determined to prove a point that a first timer can make a difference. Apart from palace rivalry in Saraki’s courtyard, Governor Ahmed has the people of Kwara South to contend with. They are enlightened, conscientious and detest money politics. The governor has to sell himself  for any electoral breakthrough. The Kwara south PDP senatorial primaries will be an interesting race

     

    Ajimobi(Oyo)

    It is a straight fight between Governor Abiola Ajimobi and other aspirants for Oyo South Senatorial District ticket. Despite the recent electoral upset for APC in Ibarapa East Constituency in Oyo  House of Assembly, which it lost to the Peoples Democratic Party, Ajimobi may regain  his seat without sweat. Up till now, he has not known his opponent in either the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) or any of the emerging coalitions in the state. But he has an opponent in APC, Sen. Soji Akanbi, who might not get the party’s ticket because Ajimobi has a firm grip on the structure of the party. Where Akanbi is not “well accommodated”, he might seek refuge in another party. So far, Akanbi is keeping his game plan close to his chest.  A former chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area, Mr. Kehinde Olaosebikan, said: “The governor will defeat any party’s candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District. He has performed well to earn a return ticket to the Senate.” The district comprises Ibadan North, Ibadan North West, Ibadan South East, Ibadan South West, Ibadan North East, Ibarapa North, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East,  and Ido.

     

    Fayose(Ekiti)

    Still struggling to survive the pains of the defeat of his political godson at the recent governorship poll, Governor Ayodele Fayose faces an uncertain political future. He has spoken less of either his presidential ambition or the alternative of going to the Senate. His obvious choice is to vie for  Ekiti Central District Senatorial ticket with Sen. Fatima Raji Rasaki. But it will be a disaster and the end of the road for Fayose if he loses again. While he is considering the next step in his turbulent political career, his associate, Obafemi Adewale(a former chairman of NBA in Ekiti State), is aspiring for Ekiti Central District ticket. Whether or not the aspiration of Adewale is in trust for Fayose, time will soon tell.

     

    Rochas Okorocha(Imo)

    Owelle Rochas Okorocha,  no doubt, is facing a massive gang-up in the state by forces within APC and those in PDP over alleged plans to foist his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, as the governorship candidate of APC in the state. He wants to make it a double-edge sword by aspiring for the senatorial ticket of Imo West Senatorial District. He wants to take over the seat of Sen. Hope Uzodinma, who is interested in the governorship race. In February, Okorocha said: “I have decided to run for the Imo West Senatorial zone because if I don’t, bad people will take the position. If my name appears on the ballot paper as contesting for the Senate, it will boost APC’s chances in the state. And many from my zone have said they will not contest if I am interested.” But he has a match in a  business mogul and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Imo State, Chief Charles Ahize and others who seek the same office.

    Noted for a refrain, “My people, my people,” it will soon be judgment day for Okorocha when the Imo citizens will decide whether Okorocha can eat his cake and have it. If Okorocha has his way, he would be highlighted  in the Guinness Book of Records but if otherwise, history will be unkind to him forever.

     

    Yari(Zamfara)

    The battle in Zamfara West Senatorial District will depend on the outcome of any accord or unwritten agreement between Governor Abdulaziz Yari and his godfather, Ahmed Sani Yerima, who was an ex-governor of the state. Yerima, who has been in the Senate since 2007, is in dire straits because he wants to produce Yari’s successor and at the same time retain his senatorial slot. But the governor, who was once a member of the House of Representatives, is interested in going to the Senate. He is from the same zone with Yerima. It was learnt that Yerima would not mind  sacrificing his senatorial ambition to be allowed to pick the next governorship candidate of APC (Yari’s successor) in Zamfara State. Yerima is said to be interested in the current Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Ibrahim Wakkala Muhammad, who was his former Commissioner for Religious Affairs. The deputy governor comes from Zamfara Central, which has never produced the executive of the state since the return of democracy in 1999. On the other hand, it was learnt that Yari favours  his most powerful Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Muttaka Rini, who is from Zamfara West. Unless tact and diplomacy prevail, Yari and Yerima may lock horns  in the end. But a source said: “Whatever it is, Yerima still holds the ace in Zamfara politics. Yari needs to engage in a lot of reconciliation to win back the hearts of the people of the state.” It will be interesting to know in the next few weeks what manner of accord the two gladiators will reach.

     

    Gaidam  (Yobe)

    This is a slippery terrain.  Governor Ibrahim Gaidam and his godfather, Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim have to test the waters over Yobe East Senatorial District ticket.  Although one Dr. Almajiri Gaidam is also interested in the senatorial race, the contest is really between the governor and his mentor. For Governor Gaidam, the next venture is the Senate but he is from the same district with Ibrahim who has been in the Senate since 2007. There are seven local governments in the district, including Gujba, Gulani, Damaturu, Tarmuwa, Yunusari, Geidam and Bursari. While Sen. Bukar Abba  hails from Gujba, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam is from Yunusari, although he was brought up in Gaidam.

    The power game has been  a quiet political war in Yobe State since 1999; the struggle for Yobe North East by the two titans might redefine politics in the state if not maturely handled. Old prejudices/ sentiments  are being whipped up. For Gaidam, he had wanted to be a senator in 2003  after the demise of Senator  Adamu Usman  of the defunct ANPP but he was denied the ticket by Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim, who was then the governor of the state. Sen. Abba was said to have rated Gaidam as unfit to be a councillor. This time around the governor, who has hijacked the structure of the party,  does not want to suffer fools gladly.

    His godfather will also not let go his seat. Recently, Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim said: “In sha Allah,  I will be seeking re-election back to the Senate in the forthcoming election and I do not see anybody as a threat.

    “ I have no problems with my constituency and the electorate. I have not been recalled by those who voted me to represent them and I am physically and mentality fit. All I know is that by 2019, I will be re-elected back to the Senate.

    “The governor has not told me that he is interested in the seat after the expiration of his tenure next year and I don’t need to bother myself about it since I know that there would be no vacancy because I am re-contesting for the position next year and I will continue to offer myself to my people for the position as long as I have the energy and sound health to represent them.

    “I will stay in the Senate until death do us part. Everybody tells me that I’m senator for life. I’m going to be in the Senate for life…”

    On his part while planning subtly, Gaidam said: “My becoming governor is not by my power or the making of any other human being. It’s destiny because somebody said I would not even be a councillor in Yobe. Today, God has made me the governor, who knows where I will be tomorrow?”

     

    Amosun(Ogun)

    The man to beat for Ogun Central District seat is Governor Ibikunle Amosun, whose performance might give him an edge. With the party’s structure in his kitty, Amosun,  who was a one-time senator,  already has the senatorial ticket in his pocket. But he will have to slug it out with his godson, Sen. Lanre Tejuoso(who may defect to ADC), Sen. Gbenga Obadara, a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kayode Amusan(PDP)  and a former commissioner in the state, Apostle Biodun Sanyaolu (PDP). Obadara has, however, added a caveat to his aspiration when he said he night step down if Amosun is interested in the race.

    Although the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Taiwo Adeoluwa, is being speculated to be interested in the senatorial seat, it was unclear if he is serious or merely flying a kite.

     

    Dankwambo(Gombe)

    The purchase of governorship nomination form by ex-Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sen. Bayero Nafada on Friday has confirmed a swap deal between Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo for Gombe North Senatorial District, if the governor does not get the presidential ticket of PDP. Nafada, who represents Gombe North District, has left the Senate for good. It is a different ball game if Dankwambo will keep to the secret pact with Nafada by ensuring that the former  Deputy Speaker emerges his successor.

    For Dankwambo, who  has been accused of using his presidential aspiration as a smokescreen, the battle for Gombe North District might be between him and Sen. Saidu Ahmed Alkali, who was  elected as a PDP Senator  in August 2010  after the death of Sen. Kawu Peto Dukku. He was also re-elected in the April 2011general poll. Alkali was a former Commissioner for Information under ex-Governor Danjuma Goje.

  • Nasarawa attacks: Group lauds Al-Makura’s peace deal

    The Egbura ethnic group in Nasarawa State has commended the ongoing efforts by the state governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura to unite the various warring ethnic groups in the state.

    Lately, rivalry among the various ethnic groups in the state had triggered communal clashes, leading to avoidable deaths of innocent villagers and destruction of property.

    In a move to stem the trend however, Governor Al-Makaru, had, last week, met with the leaders of the Bassa ethnic group in Abuja over the group’s recent clash with a rival Egbura ethnic group.

    At the meeting with the governor, the Bassa leaders were said to have demanded the creation of a separate chiefdom as one of the conditions for peaceful coexistence with other groups in the state.

    But the Egbura ethnic group, while commending the Governor for the peace deal, cautioned against indiscriminate creation of chiefdoms for any group, saying chiefdoms evolve through historical traditions.

    The President of the Egbura National Development Association (ENDA), Prof Ibrahim Aguye, called for wider consultation with genuine stakeholders, adding that the governor should be guided by history and tradition.

    In a statement he signed and copies of which were made available to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Prof Aguye said, “Since creation of chiefdoms all over the world is rooted in history and tradition, the Governor, in his quest to bring a lasting solution to the seemingly intractable situation, is hereby called to be guided by the history and tradition of the land.

    “This can only be achieved when the Governor involves geniune stakeholders from both sides in the process leading to such weighty decision. It is in this light that we further welcome the idea of a tripartite meeting proposed by His Excellency.

    Read Also: Al-Makura vows to create Bassa kingdom

    “It is also noteworthy to point out at this juncture that chiefdoms are never really created or formulated. They get recognized and upgraded based on ancestral heritage. Suffice it to say that any artificial creation will only be a contraption that may be difficult to stand”.

    The ENDA President called on the state government to convene a tripartite meeting that would involve genuine stakeholders with verifiable claims to the indegenship of the state.

    Stating the strategic importance of the proposed tripartite meeting, Prof Aguye noted that most of those that spoke for the Bassa ethnic group at the previous meeting with the governor were not bona fide indegenes of the state.

    According to him, they could not be said to have spoken from informed position, adding that for a lasting solution, there was need for the government to get to the root of the communal clashes.

    Blaming the Bassa for the recent bloody clash in the area, Prof Aguye said, “What we find hard to understand is that why would an ethnic group take up arms against its neighbour just because history has not favoured them traditionally on chieftaincy matters? How does taking up arms against the Egburas recompense for circumstances established by history?

    “History has created certain circumstances such as traditional settlements, chiefdoms, traditional leadership and so on. To create a big change in this circumstance may create upheavals.

    “But minor insertions may be tolerated by great and accommodating minds like that of the Egbura people who initially welcomed a major displaced population into their land”.

    The ENDA faulted the failure of the state government to condemn what it described acts of aggression and attacks  allegedly being unleashed on the Egbura by the Bassa since April.

    It called on the arrest and prosecution of persons involved in the incessant attacks and their sponsors. It also called on the security agencies to redouble in the affected areas.

  • Ramadan: Focus on peace, salvation, Al-Makura charges religious leaders

    Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa state has charged Muslim clerics to focus on the promotion of peaceful coexistence and path of salvation in their sermons during the holy month of Ramadan.

    The governor also urged the  Muslim faithful to use the period of Ramadan to offer supplication to Allah for the progress, peace and unity of the state  and Nigeria.

    Governor Al-Makura stated this in a statement signed by Musa Elayo, his Chief Press Secretary.

    According to Al-Makura, the Holy month of Ramadan brings goodwill to mankind by refreshing stronger ties with Allah.

    He appealed to the religious leaders to preach love, unity and message of reconciliation devoid of attacks on others and desist from controversial issues that are capable of causing disunity in the society.

    The Governor however said Tafsir during this period should be focused on proffering solutions to endemic societal problems and prayers for the nation leaders, preach love to one another including those of other faith as an expression of the life and virtues of the Holy Prophet Muhammadu (S.A.W) as a messenger of Allah.

    Al-Makura called on the Muslim faithful to be steadfast with all sense of decorum and modesty by avoiding extravagance and ostentation living during this Holy month of Ramadan.

    The Gevernor called on all and sundry to continue to support the effort of the administration to improve the living condition of the people.

  • Ekiti APC Primary: Al-Makura committee assures of maximum security

    Gov. Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, the Nasarawa State governor on Friday gave assurance of maximum security to stakeholders within the venue of the Ekiti State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election, scheduled for Saturday.

    The governor, who is the chairman of the primary election electoral committee, raised by the national secretariat of the party, promised that the exercise would be free, fair and credible.

    He gave the assurance while addressing a news conference at Damlek Event Centre, Ado-Ekiti, the proposed venue of the primary.

    He‎ explained that the accreditation would begin at 8a.m. and those to be accredited would be aspirants, delegates, journalists, observers and other critical stakeholders.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the briefing was attended by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Bello Ahmed; Director of Department of State Services, (DSS), Mrs Promise Iheanacho; Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    Apart from the security arrangement, Al-Makura explained that facilities needed for the conveniences of participants had been provided.

    He added that dedicated tents had been made available for delegates on the basis of the three senatorial districts: Ekiti South, Ekiti North and Ekiti Central.

    He said, “Any delegate accredited won’t be allowed to go out for any reason.

    “Any delegate that enters the arena must be identified by his party membership card, and extra statutory identity like international passport, driver’s licence and national ID card.

    “Such delegates must be identified with the list given to us by the National Secretariat. All accreditation must be completed for delegates from all the senatorial zones before voting starts.

    “Voting will be done once at a time and it will start with delegates from Ekiti South, then to Ekiti North and Ekiti Central.

    “After identification, delegates will be given ballot paper and they will submit their delegates tag for punching and the will also submit the ropes of their tags.

    “Cubicles for voting area are ready for delegates and delegates will go in and cast their votes. One outlet will be dedicated for voters and no voter will be allowed back into the hall once he votes.

    “At the end of the voting, there will be sorting to be followed by counting.”

    He also noted that the panel would not allow any aspirant or delegate that wears branded materials to the venue of the primary.

    He warned that some agents barred for their involvement in the fracas that broke out in the botched primary would be arrested if found in the vicinity of the primary.

    He sought for the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure a successful primary, and enable the committee come up with a result that would be acceptable to all. (NAN)

  • Re: Al-Makura and Nasarawa killings

    In his Sunday column; “Barometer” published on April 22, 2018, Adekunle Ade-Adeleye analysed the reaction of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura to the recent killings of 32 persons in Keana, Obi and Awe Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State. The central treatise of Mr. Ade-Adeleye’s piece was that Governor Al-Makura was “philosophically aloof” back in January when killer herdsmen perpetrated “the New Year’s Day Killings in Benue State” but now that the killings have caught up with Nasarawa State: “Mr. Al-Makura is now very flustered with the killings spilling over to his (own) state with deadening regularity!”

    Governor Al-Makura has had his baptism of fire long before now because on May 29, 2011, when he was sworn in as governor of Nasarawa State, his first official assignment was to preside over a security council meeting which dwelt on how to resolve herdsmen and farmers clashes at the border of Nasarawa with Benue State and at that meeting he stated that: “Peace and harmonious coexistence between Nasarawa and Benue State remain fundamental necessities in our quest for enduring development and progress!”

    The governor has kept true to his conviction of “neighbourliness anchored on peace” in the last seven years of his stewardship during which he faced and surmounted monumental security challenges, including the nightmare of 2013 when over 77 security personnel were killed in Alakyo at the height of the onslaught of the Ombatse ethnic militia in the state. But at no point during the time of its travails did Nasarawa State ever point accusing fingers at our neighbouring states as being the source of our troubles.

    It is correct for Ade-Adeleye to remind the world that Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State at that time had accused neighbouring Nasarawa State of harbouring killer herdsmen who “allegedly” strike from Tunga in Awe Local Government Area and recoil there to avoid being apprehended by the security forces. And in the words of Ade-Adeleye; “Mr Ortom was to later apologize for his harsh comments which he attributed to the grief that overcame Benue people as a result of the January massacres!” But the point to be made here is that there was nothing offhand or rueful in the way Governor Al-makura accepted with warmth and empathy the apology of his counterpart in Benue State.

    So when Mr. Al-makura appears calm in the face of the storm or shows restraint at the onslaught of attack, it is not because he is being “cold” “insensitive” or is exhibiting what Ade-Adeleye calls a combination of “unearthly calm” and “philosophical aloofness!”, it is simply because the governor and good people of Nasarawa State have long since been tempered by years of relentless and bitter scourge of unabating violence. That was why Governor Al-makura urged for restraint in official utterances or pronouncements of government at that time and the Editorial of THE NATION of January 12, 2018 titled: “Not time for bickering!” accurately captured the sentiment of the governor.

    A reference to valid records shows that in 2012 Governor Al-makura along with former Governor Gabriel Suswam led an effort to put in place a subsisting security arrangement which Nasarawa State initiated with Benue where both States agreed that there should be greater synergy between the security agencies of the two states and that a Joint Security Task Force was to be constituted by the two States or if that proved impossible, individual Border Patrol Teams were to be established by each state (but with a strong border liaison arrangement). The entire goal of the security template of 2012 which has been revisited by both states over the last seven years is to ensure effective intelligence sharing for proactive actions, detection of foreign incursion, the mopping up of illegal arms from both the criminal elements who are herders and farmers in both States and the continual conduct of air surveillance by security chiefs from both states around the Benue valley and inter-state boundaries prone to upsurge of violence.

    Ade-Adeleye made reference to reports that: “The Nasarawa State governor was quoted as saying that the Anti-Open Grazing Law passed by Benue State was unnecessary notwithstanding the horrendous attacks orchestrated by the herdsmen who were thought to be mostly Fulani!” For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Al-makura believes that Benue State as a federating unit has the right to enact laws which serve the interest of Benue people and Nasarawa State has no interest whatsoever or intension to meddle in the internal affairs of Benue State, but as a proactive neigbour Nasarawa State observed that consequent upon the introduction and implementation of the Anti-Open-Grazing Law, there was panic migration of herdsmen in large numbers along with their cattle and families into Nasarawa State.

    This mass exodus prompted Nasarawa State to send a letter to the Federal Government on November 13, 2017 wherein, the State Government invited the attention of the Federal Government on the absolute need to put in place measures to address the security challenges urgently in order to avert the likelihood of breakdown of the seemingly peaceful and harmonious co-existence, as well as security, law and order in the Benue Valley and, indeed, along our border with Taraba State.

    The point therefore is that although Nasarawa State (had nothing to do with the implementation of Anti-Open Grazing Law, but as a responsible government, Al-makura had to be proactive and act in good faith to pre-empt and forestall the likely consequence or fallout of the mass migration. That was why Governor Al-makura sent the letter!

    The governor did not lose his cool nor did he angrily abandon the IDPs in Agwatashi as is being peddled. But as a caring father who is supporting over 11 IDP camps in Obi, Keana and Awe, he only admonished the youth that if they persist in being unruly and refuse to listen to him; government will have no choice but to leave them to defend themselves!

    But when that hard tactic did not quieten the crowd, the governor admitted in his own words (and as quoted by Ade-Adeleye) that: “The reaction from the people is understandable, given their plight and we have to use diplomacy to address issues. Continuing to address them at the moment would not yield any result, so we have decided to avoid further altercation!” That same day the governor sent relief materials to the same IDP camp and the next day, he liaised with the security forces to set up a Joint Security Post in Agwatashi in Obi Local Government area.

    So if I may ask, if in the end the governor showed statesmanship and compassion to the IDP camp in Agwatashi, what is the purpose of Ade-Adeleye’s BAROMETER to allude that: “whether Mr. Al-makura was sensitive or not, it was clear that he was unable to vicariously feel Mr Ortom’s pains when Benue farmers and indigenes were massacred by herdsmen!”

    Is this not a deliberate attempt to dig up fragile issues which may heighten public suspicion and escalate tension between Nasarawa and Benue State?

     

    • Lamai, is Senior Special Assistant, Public Affairs and Media Strategy to Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura of Nasarawa State

     

     

  • Time is up for herdsmen attacks – Buratai 

    Time is up for herdsmen attacks – Buratai 

    Chief of Army staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has disclosed that time is up for herdsmen attacks.

    He said the attacks led to displacement of over 25,000 farmers in Nasarawa state alone.

    The chief of Army staff stated this Tuesday in Lafia when he paid a courtesy call on the governor of the state, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.

    He said that the army has identified the routes used by the herdsmen in carrying out the killings on the Nasarawa/Benue border and have deployed well-armed officers to man those areas, adding that the military has also arrested some herdsmen who are currently undergoing interrogation.

    He said the operation cat race launched in Benue state will be extended to Nasarawa, noting that within six weeks of its operation, normalcy and peace will return to the affected areas.

    He promised to restore security and maintain peace in areas where the herdsmen menace is on the increase.

    Speaking earlier, Governor Al-Makura said the presence of the military in the affected areas has helped in no small way in restoring peace in the state.

    He promise to give the security agencies the necessary support to clamp down on the herdsmen in order to restore permanent peace and allow the displace persons return back to their homes.

    Governor Al-Makura equally donated the sum of N200 million to the military to help complete the army barracks in Doma local government area of the state.

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  • Nasarawa elders back Al-Makura on salary review

    Concerned Nasarawa State Elders on Tuesday expressed support for Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura’s decision to review workers’ salaries in the state.

    The elders said the review has not infringed on any extant law establishing minimum wage as it is also in the collective interest of entire citizens of the state.

    The group announced its support at a briefing by its spokesperson, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in Lafia.

    Bello, who spoke on the impasse between the organized labour and the state government, called for understanding in order to end the ongoing indefinite strike by workers across the state.

    The elders said there was the need for the state government and labour leadership to work together in order to end the strike.

  • Nasarawa Govt. to employ more physically-challenged into civil service

    Nasarawa Govt. to employ more physically-challenged into civil service

     

    The Nasarawa State Government has planned to employ more persons living with disability into the state civil service in order ameliorate their condition.

     

    The Commissioner for Special Education, Science and Technology, Mr Idris Mohammed, made the disclosure on Thursday in Lafia, while receiving state officials of the Joint Association of Persons with Disability (JAPED).

     

    Mohammed said that the ministry had commenced the compilation of applications received from members of JAPED to engage them into the civil service.

     

    “The state governor had also approved the registration of members of this association into technical colleges across the state to enable them have Western education and be trained in one skills or the other.

     

    “During the celebration of the last International Day for People Living With Disability, the governor promised to improve the living conditions of the disabled,’’ he said.

     

    The commissioner assured the physically-challenged that the state government would soon provide the association with a befitting office accommodation and a vehicle to ease their operation.

     

    Earlier, the Nasarawa State Chairman of the association, Mr Innocent Ladan, said the visit was meant to introduce new officials of the association to the commissioner and to pledge their support for the state government.

     

    Ladan said that the state government should urgently do something to take members begging, off the street by considering those with Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), Diploma, NCE, Degree and Masters degree for employment.

     

    He commended the state governor for always coming to the aid of the association.

  • I am confident of victory – Al – Makura

    Nasarawa State governor, Umaru Tanko Al – Makura, said yesterday that he was confident of being re-elected as governor.

    The governor noted that given the peaceful nature of the elections and use of card readers, he was sure of victory.

    He spoke with reporters shortly after casting his vote in his Lungu Wambai polling unit, Lafia.

    The governor and his wife were accredited at 1: 05 pm, while they voted at 1: 30 pm.

    He said: “I have never doubted my confidence and optimism for victory. Nasarawa State as you know is our state and I believe the people will do what they have done in 2011; they will do what they have done in the local government elections.

    “I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever that by the special grace of God, given the response that people have being making across the state, this election will be successful and I will in God’s grace emerge victorious.”

    The governor also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the improvement in the use of card readers.

    “You can see the process has slightly improved from what it used to be.

    “The card readers are working very well. Whatever happens, one should be happy with the process,” he stated.

  • Al-Makura appears before panel, dismisses allegations

    Al-Makura appears before panel, dismisses allegations

    Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa state has dismissed as spurious and unfounded the 16-count allegations of misconduct levelled against him by the House of Assembly. Besides, his lawyers have urged the panel probing the allegations to “enter a notice of dismissal of the impeachment notice served on the governor for want of proof”.

    Al-Makura, who appeared on Monday before the seven-man panel constituted by the Chief Judge, Justice Suleiman Dikko, said appearing in person before the panel was to set the records straight and in line with his deep respect for the rule of law and the constitution.

    The governor, who arrived at the premises of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs and headed straight into the Conference Hall of the building at about 10am amist tight security, was looking calm.

    As soon as he was introduced to make his defence, Al-Makura told the panel headed by Yusuf Shehu Usman, that he had done nothing wrong. He noted that up till the time of his appearing before the panel he was yet to be served any notice by the assembly.

    Said Al-Makura:” I must state, Mr Chairman, and panel members that making this appearance in person and for the records, I want to say I was not served any notice by the House of Assembly. I am appearing in response to the hearing notice served on me by the panel and my appearance is to defend myself and clear my name against these spurious and unfounded allegations made against me.

    “I intend to defend myself during the proceedings by my representatives who will carry on. I have already prepared my defence and I have been informed by my counsel that it has been prepared and filed accordingly.”

    Al-Makura also hinted that those who accused him of misconduct not only erred in the ways and manner they pursued their goals but violated the constitution.

    “What this panel is doing today is a call to duty in compliance with the constitution of Nigeria. The activities and result of this panel’s proceeding will determine the wellbeing of the state. I pray that God guides the panel to do what is right for the people of the state, the constitution and the country,” Al-Makura said.

    However, shortly after the governor’s remarks, his counsel, led by U. N. Udechukwu (SAN), pleaded with the panel to allow the governor take his leave. He drew the attention of the panel to the absence of members of the Assembly before the panel and the fact that there was no representative as a disservice to the constitution and the state.

    Usman said the panel did not anticipate a situation where either of the parties would not appear before it, noting that the case had to be stood down for some minutes for members to consider the situation.

    By the time the panel resumed sitting at about 11.27am, Udechukwu argued for the dismissal of the impeachment notice served on the governor by the House, insisting that it was evident by the lawmakers’ failure to appear before the panel that they had no proof of the allegations.

    Accordinng to Udechukwu,  who led eight other lawyers, the allegations against the governor cannot be sustained by any proof from the lawmakers.

    He said the panel even though it had three months to conduct its assignment, was not time bound to wait for the lawmakers before calling it a day.

    He urged the panel to dismiss the impeachment notice for want of proof from the lawmakers.

    But Usman said having consulted fully with members of the panel, “ we want to say while we do not disagree with the submission of the SAN , the panel agree that the House of Assembly be given more opportunity to appear before the panel, in the interest of justice and fair play. “We, therefore, give them opportunity to appear before it tomorrow while hearing notices be served on them,” he said.

    In a 28-page statement of defence, the governor states among others, that “no notice of any allegation in writing signed by not less than one-third of the members of the House was served” on him at any time.

    Al-Makura said he had no opportunity to exercise his rights under Section 188(2) and (3) of the 1999 Constitution to submit any statement in reply to any allegation made against him, to the speaker of the House.