The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Wamakko

  • Governor gives Jonathan peace term: Tukur must go

    Governor gives Jonathan peace term: Tukur must go

    Despite peace moves, the storm in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seems to be getting stronger.

    But suspended Governor Aliyu Wamakko has an answer to the problem: President Goodluck Jonathan should direct the removal of National Chairman Bamanga Tukur for alleged incompetence.

    Besides, he should sack Presidential Political Adviser Ahmed Gulak for “arrogance” and clear incompetence”.

    Wamakko did not spare Ijaw leader Edwin Clark who he described as “a liability”. Ex-militant leader Mujadeen Asari Dokubo, he said, should be arrested.

    The governor said he and like-minded governors as well as other democrats are not fighting the party but the recurring injustice.

    “Our pride should be to defend the course of justice and fair play for the desired unity, strength and progress,” he said Wednesday night in Sokoto.

    This is the first time the governor has spoken about his suspension last week by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). He said their collective belief was to ensure the rule of law and unity of Nigeria.

    “We are law abiding democrats who respect the rule of law and rights of others in the course of ensuring the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians are met,” he said.

    Wamakko was addressing his supporters shortly on arrival from a two-week trip to the Netherlands where he attended an economic summit with some of his counterparts.

    He said that ‘’ as leaders, there is no retreat, no surrender on our pursuit towards stabilising the confidence of the citizenry for a prosperous nation.”

    The governor is alleged to be among the eight “rebellious” party members, who are believed to be against the President’s ambition.

    Wamakko reeled out his sacrifices for the party’s victory in various political circumstances, noting that between 2007 and now he had lifted the party to great level.

    “I returned the caliphate into mainstream politics, brokered peace between former Governor Bukola Saraki and his late father, gave the party all elective seats at the 2011 general elections without conceding to the CPC tsunami,” the governor said.

    Wamakko challenged those he described as political sycophants who sit back in Abuja to determine what happens in Sokoto, urging the President as party leader to detest their antics in the interest of progress.

    “None of them has been able to return a single seat to the party since I joined PDP in 2007. Some of them were Ministers and ambassadors yet did not reciprocate their worth for the party up to date,” he said.

    He said leaders and Nigerians must come together to save the nation’s nascent democracy.

    Wamakko said: “I was unhappy with a development where Gowon and former President Shagari were given lesser prominence than Clark”. This, he cautioned, should not be allowed to happen again because “it is wrong and painful”.

    “Asari-Dokubo should be arrested and prosecuted,’’ the governor said.

    He described Tukur as “a political boot licker” who cannot bring fame to the party, stressing: “We don’t have confidence in him anymore. A chairman cannot be running the party as his private entity without due consideration for the party’s status.”

    Reaffirming that he remains in the PDP, Wamakko maintained that Tukur, who, he said have lost the confidence of his people in Adamawa, should not be allowed to stagnate the party.

    He faulted “attempts” to ease Speaker Aminu Tambuwal out of his seat, questioning why he should be tagged a political enemy.

    The governor said: “Speaker Tambuwal has been used severally to achieve and sustain many positive steps for the party through vibrant means.

    “Goodluck , Bankole and many others were beneficiaries of Tambawal’s efforts.

    Tambuwal, who spoke of his resilience in the defence of Nigeria’s unity and for the good of democracy, said “purposeful political fraternity is key to peaceful and sustainable democracy.”

    The Speaker, who described Wamakko’s suspension as “purported”, pointed out that it was an unconstitutional and self-serving decision taken through “undemocratic means”. Those who said you have been suspended are saying their minds but you remain our leader with determination.

    “You have our total support and be on course for what is right and good,” he told Wamakko.

    Tambuwal said: “We should be seen to imbibe and respect the rights and freedom to exercise our liberty of choice.

    ‘’ We have to uphold the political and democratic legacies of our forefathers in the Caliphate who displayed their God-given wisdom for an established system even before the coming of the colonialists.

    ‘’Sokoto has produced democrats of repute, respecters of the rule of law, detribalised leaders in the late Sir Ahmadu Bello and former President Shagari who have managed Nigeria transparently, with absolute fairness in the spirit and principles of rule of law; which guarantees freedom and liberty of choice.”

    Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi is currently on suspension and some members of the National Working Committee (NWC), including National Secretary Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

  • Wamakko revives water schemes

    The Sokoto State government has taken steps to scale back rural-urban drift by stepping up infrastructure at the state’s grassroots areas.

    The government reactivated no fewer than 46 hand pumps at the cost of N9.5 milliona and also purchased chemicals for drilling worth N9.5 million. Some 89 water schemes have likewise been completed at the cost of N112 million.

    Not done, the administration of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko extended water scheme to Salame and rehabilitated water projects in Tungar Malam Rashidu and Binga in Gwadabawa Local Government Area and at Yaka and Karfen Chana in Gudu Local Government Area.

    Another achievement of the Wamakko administration was the provision of three solar water schemes at Tangaza, Rabah and Kebbe local government areas as well as construction and erection of 50 water tanks with the capacity of 10,000 gallons each at the cost of N106 million.

    In 2009, the government budgeted N510,376,963.00 that was used in reactivation of 200 motorised rural water schemes; construction of solar-powered boreholes, drilling of borehole in hard and soft formations, provision of generator house, overhead tanks, purchase of drilling rigs and supporting supervision vehicles.

    In 2012, the administration constructed 10 complete motorised rural water schemes at Hurumi, Gandun–Ardo, Wauru, Adosa, Tungar Toro, Kwala Mamman, Kyadawa and Madorawa new settlement at the cost of N91,931,862.58.

    Similarly, nine complete package solar-powered rural water schemes were constructed at the cost of N79 million.  Also 50 overhead tanks which have capacity to store up to 5,000 gallons of water in different locations in the state were completed at the cost of N106, 870,800.

    The administration also awarded contract for the construction/drilling of 32 complete package solar-powered rural water schemes across the state at the cost of N270, 068,816.00.  The government is aggressive about provision of water to the rural areas as clean water complements healthcare delivery services through avoidance of water borne diseases.

    The administration procured drilling chemicals, equipment and casting screen materials at the cost of N18, 000,000 and submersible pumps with starter electrical cables at the cost of N28, 500,000.  It has completed Danbar Kwannawa water scheme in Illela Local Government Area at the cost of N3 million.  It also procured another batch of submersible pumps, starters, electrical voltage and modern geographical/geological equipment at the cost of N27, 888,724 to enhance exploration for water and its distribution to rural areas.

    Governor Wamakko’s administration completed motorised water scheme at Hiliya in Tambuwal Local Government at the cost of N930, 000 and that of Gidan Ali at the cost of N534, 000.  The government awarded contract for the construction of four complete package of solar-powered rural water schemes at the sum of N34, 590,956.64 in four local government areas namely, Tudu, Bashire, Birjingo and Mashaya.

    The Sokoto State government believes in total provision of amenities through the poverty reduction programme.  For this reason, the Department of Water Supply has embarked on provision of more water to the rural areas.  It embarked on motorised water schemes that target 89 of the schemes across the state.  The state has expended about N111, 534,000 on this project.

    In similar manner, the department has provided 50 overhead tanks and 50 boreholes throughout the state.  The joint contract which cost N272, 500,000, has been completed.

    The department also reactivated 26 hand pumps and handed them over to the communities.  It has also embarked on the construction of 40 solar-powered /motorised water scheme as a way of supplementing shortage of electricity to power the scheme.

    Having an ardent belief in equitable distribution of amenities, the administration of Governor Wamakko, through the Department of Rural Water Scheme, has been able to distribute water to all nook and cranny of the state so that every citizen would enjoy the benefits of democracy and good governance.

  • PDP: Sack Tukur for incompetence – Wamakko

    PDP: Sack Tukur for incompetence – Wamakko

    … Says, ‘We’re not fighting the party, but injustice’

    Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto state Wednesday night urged President Goodluck Jonathan to order the removal of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party for incompetence.

    The governor also came down hard on the former federal commissioner of information, Chief Edwin Clark, Ahmed Gulak, and the ex-Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo.

    He said Nigerian leaders and the citizens must come together to safe the nation’s democracy.

    Wamakko explained that he and other like- minded governors as well other democrats are not fighting the party but the recurring injustices in order to have “a united Nigeria.”

    The governor spoke in Sokoto while addressing his supporters shortly on arrival from a two- week trip to the Netherlands where he attended an economic summit with his counterparts from other states.

    He said, ‘’ As leaders, there is no retreat no surrender on our pursuit towards stabilising the confidence of the citizenry for a prosperous nation. ’

    ” Our pride should be to defend the course of justice and fair play for the desired unity, strength and progress.”

    The governor, who spoke publicly for the first time since his suspension by the party’s National Working Committee, said their collective believe was to ensure the rule of law and unity of Nigeria as a nation.

    ‘’ We are law abiding democrats who respect the rule of law and rights of others in the course of ensuring that the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians are me, “ he told the gathering.

    On Tukur, Wamakko said the PDP national chairman cannot bring fame to the party.

    “He (Tukur) is a political boot licker who cannot bring fame to the party. We don’t have confidence in him anymore. A chairman cannot be running the party as his private entity without due consideration for the party’s status,” he said.

    While reaffirming that he remains in the PDP, Wamakko maintained that Tukur who have lost the confidence of his people in Adamawa should not be allowed to stagnate the party whose mission and visions were in the best interest of a vibrant and more objective politicking.

    He described Clark as a colossal liability than asset to the government, saying ‘’ I was unhappy with a development where Gowon and former president Shehu Shagari were given lesser prominence to Clark. This action should not be allowed to happen again in this country because it is wrong and painful.”

    He also called for the arrest and prosecution of Asari Dokubo.

     

     

  • Wamakko revives water schemes

    Wamakko revives water schemes

    The Sokoto State government has taken steps to scale back rural-urban drift by stepping up infrastructure at the state’s grassroots areas.

    The government reactivated no fewer than 46 hand pumps at the cost of N9.5 milliona and also purchased chemicals for drilling worth N9.5 million. Some 89 water schemes have likewise been completed at the cost of N112 million.

    Not done, the administration of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko extended water scheme to Salame and rehabilitated water projects in Tungar Malam Rashidu and Binga in Gwadabawa Local Government Area and at Yaka and Karfen Chana in Gudu Local Government Area.

    Another achievement of the Wamakko administration was the provision of three solar water schemes at Tangaza, Rabah and Kebbe local government areas as well as construction and erection of 50 water tanks with the capacity of 10,000 gallons each at the cost of N106 million.

    In 2009, the government budgeted N510,376,963.00 that was used in reactivation of 200 motorised rural water schemes; construction of solar-powered boreholes, drilling of borehole in hard and soft formations, provision of generator house, overhead tanks, purchase of drilling rigs and supporting supervision vehicles.

    In 2012, the administration constructed 10 complete motorised rural water schemes at Hurumi, Gandun–Ardo, Wauru, Adosa, Tungar Toro, Kwala Mamman, Kyadawa and Madorawa new settlement at the cost of N91,931,862.58.

    Similarly, nine complete package solar-powered rural water schemes were constructed at the cost of N79 million.  Also 50 overhead tanks which have capacity to store up to 5,000 gallons of water in different locations in the state were completed at the cost of N106, 870,800.

    The administration also awarded contract for the construction/drilling of 32 complete package solar-powered rural water schemes across the state at the cost of N270, 068,816.00.  The government is aggressive about provision of water to the rural areas as clean water complements healthcare delivery services through avoidance of water borne diseases.

    The administration procured drilling chemicals, equipment and casting screen materials at the cost of N18, 000,000 and submersible pumps with starter electrical cables at the cost of N28, 500,000.  It has completed Danbar Kwannawa water scheme in Illela Local Government Area at the cost of N3 million.  It also procured another batch of submersible pumps, starters, electrical voltage and modern geographical/geological equipment at the cost of N27, 888,724 to enhance exploration for water and its distribution to rural areas.

    Governor Wamakko’s administration completed motorised water scheme at Hiliya in Tambuwal Local Government at the cost of N930, 000 and that of Gidan Ali at the cost of N534, 000.  The government awarded contract for the construction of four complete package of solar-powered rural water schemes at the sum of N34, 590,956.64 in four local government areas namely, Tudu, Bashire, Birjingo and Mashaya.

    The Sokoto State government believes in total provision of amenities through the poverty reduction programme.  For this reason, the Department of Water Supply has embarked on provision of more water to the rural areas.  It embarked on motorised water schemes that target 89 of the schemes across the state.  The state has expended about N111, 534,000 on this project.

    In similar manner, the department has provided 50 overhead tanks and 50 boreholes throughout the state.  The joint contract which cost N272, 500,000, has been completed.

    The department also reactivated 26 hand pumps and handed them over to the communities.  It has also embarked on the construction of 40 solar-powered /motorised water scheme as a way of supplementing shortage of electricity to power the scheme.

    Having an ardent belief in equitable distribution of amenities, the administration of Governor Wamakko, through the Department of Rural Water Scheme, has been able to distribute water to all nook and cranny of the state so that every citizen would enjoy the benefits of democracy and good governance.

  • Wamakko pays Zakkat with livestock

    Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko has paid part of his Zakkat (poor due) for this year with livestock to the state Zakkat and Endowment Committee.

    Zakkat is the fourth pillar of Islam. It is paid yearly by wealthy Muslims with cash, foodstuffs, livestock and other materials that have universal calculations.

    The chairman of the committee, Alhaji Ahmad Maidoki, announced the payment in Sokoto.

    He said the livestock include: three cows, two sheep and a goat.

    Maidoki noted that the governor’s gesture was the first from any individual.

  • Wamakko inaugurates agric loans’ committees

    Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State yesterday inaugurated nine-member committees for the 23 local governments to disburse N2billion joint CBN/Fidelity Bank, BOA and Sokoto State Government irrigation farming loans, without involving party chiefs and state assembly members.

    He said the composition of the committees was based on merit and aimed at de-politicising the scheme, which was targeted at practising farmers at the grassroots with a view to realising its objective for the state and national economic growth.

    The governor, who vowed to observe and monitor the transparent, just and equitable nature as well as the modality of repayments, which the loans would take, said: “We want to insulate the purposeful scheme from any political colouration to achieve results.”

    Wamakko, while inaugurating the committees to be headed by commissioners at the Government House, said the loans were in two categories for practising and small scale farmers.

    He said N1.150billion had been earmarked for disbursement to practising irrigation farmers, with each receiving N50million, adding that N850million under a partnership agreement between the government and Bank of Agriculture would be disbursed to small scale farmers.

    “The scheme is aimed at strengthening dry season farming with a view to boosting the agricultural potential of the state through mass production for food security,” Wamakko said.

    He said government was interested in mass production of tomatoes, garlic, melon, onions and cassava to strengthen the economy.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Echoes of Wamakko’s big stick

    Echoes of Wamakko’s big stick

    Since the Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko, shut some private schools in the state, saying they failed short of the educational, religious and cultural standards his government approved, tongues have been wagging, as some commentators and opponents even allege political and religious vindictiveness on the part of the governor.

    Ripples learnt that some affected proprietors and redeployed educational officers and teachers are considering forming a strong body that will help them tackle what most of them described as ‘unfair treatment.’

    But feelers from the Government House in Sokoto suggests that Wamakko is not perturbed by the interpretations some opponents are trying to give his actions. In a statement signed by one of his aides, Abubakar Dangusau, Wamakko said during the week, “All the private schools recently closed down by the ministry of education for operating below standards will remain closed. They will remain closed until when they are willing to operate duly and in line with the religion and cultures of the people of the state.”

  • Wamakko wields big stick against private schools

    Wamakko wields big stick against private schools

    •2,000 supervisors, teachers redeployed

    Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko has said private schools shut recently will not be reopened until they comply with government’s education standards as well as the religious and cultural dictates of the Sokoto people.

    In a statement signed by the governor’s Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Abubakar Dangusau, Wamakko was quoted as saying, “All the private schools recently closed down by the ministry of education for operating below standards will remain closed. They will remain closed until when they are willing to operate duly and in line with the religion and cultures of the people of the state.

    “These private schools must also make strenuous efforts to provide the needed conducive atmosphere for effective teaching and learning to take place.”

    Wamakko, who paid unscheduled visits to some primary and secondary schools in Sokoto North, Sokoto South and Dange/Shuni Local Government Areas, also instructed that 2,000 Education Officers (supervisors) at the Sokoto State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and teachers be redeployed to ensure equity in their distribution, improve effective routine inspection as well as monitoring and evaluation in schools.

    “We also want the teachers to be more dedicated to their duties to reciprocate the gesture of the state government in committing huge amount of money in the education sector,” he said.

     

  • Wamakko inaugurates N1.12b homes for flood victims

    Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko has inaugurated the N1.12billion 250 housing units built for victims of the 2010 floods in Tanane village, Silame Local Government.

    The governor warned the committee, which will supervise the distribution of the houses, to avoid partisanship and selfishness.

    He said: “You should be just and fair to all and sundry in the discharge of this all-important assignment.”

    The Nation reports that 400 similar housing units are being built for Goronyo flood victims.

    Already, 350 others have been completed for other victims in Gada.

    At Tanane, Wamakko said the housing units have basic social infrastructure to ensure the comfort of the victims.

    The governor explained that the project would give the victims a new lease of life.

    He said: “The estate has been provided with water, clinic, electricity, market, primary school, green belt and roads, among others.”

    The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Sahabi Gada, hailed Wamakko for the gesture.

    He said N780million was distributed to the 2010 flood victims, besides other materials.

    Silame Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Mani Katami, also hailed the government for the gesture.

     

  • Wamakko sets up LOC for Muslims’ global conference

    Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko yesterday inaugurated a 12-man Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the maiden international conference of the World Muslim League.

    Former Vice-Chancellor of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Prof. Aminu Mika’ilu, and Hassan Ibrahim are the Chairman and Secretary of the committee.

    The governor said his administration would ensure a hitch-free conference.

    The three-day event will hold on March 18 and 20.

    Inaugurating the committee in Sokoto, Wamakko explained that the Muslim League is an important and revered organisation.

    The governor explained that the organ was established to ensure the unity of the human race across the globe.

    Besides, Wamakko further stated that the organisation with its headquarters in Makkah, Saudi Arabia has offices across 22 countries.

    He stressed that it is also affiliated to the United Nations (UN) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) among other world bodies.

    Wamakko said the league has “opened two new offices in Europe and Africe, with Sokoto hosting the Africa office.”