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Tag: Yobe State

  • Boko Haram attack stops Yobe gov from voting

    Yobe State governor Ibrahim Gaidam could not travel to Bukarti, his country home, in Yunusari Local Government Area of the state to vote due to an early morning attack on Geidam by Boko Haram insurgents.

    Abdullahi Bego, Director General, Media affairs to the governor, confirmed the development in a statement released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Damaturu.

    Bego stated that the governor could not partake in the exercise.

    “The security agencies would naturally seek to reinforce and increase security around the governor for him to travel to cast his vote.

    “The increased security around the governor will mean that vital security resources that are needed elsewhere in the state would have to be diverted and allocated to the governor,” the governor’s spokeperson said.

    NAN reports that the governor, in consultation with security agencies decided that it was more prudent to make the sacrifice.

    “It is better and more useful for the security agents, including soldiers, police, civil defence, DSS, to focus their attention on providing security for the election than devoting large security contingent for the governor to cast his vote,” Bego said.

    Read Also: Air Force destroys Boko Haram Camp in Borno

    Gaidam, who is also a senatorial candidate in the Presidential and National Assembly election, commended security agencies for their effort to ensure a peaceful and successful election across the State.

    Alhaji MaiMala Buni, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Yobe, said adequate preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies ensured the success of the elections.

    He made the observation after casting his vote on Saturday in Damaturu, saying the timely commencement of the elections, adequate provision of election materials and security to the electorate made the election successful.

    “The massive turn out of voters was encouraged by the security apparatus put in place and the commitment to the preparations made by INEC.

    “The turnout is very impressive and the momentum should be maintained,” he said.

    NAN

  • Explosion: We fired to scare Boko Haram – Army

    The Army explained that the multiple sound of controlled-gun fire on Saturday morning heard in the outskirts of Maiduguri, was for “security calculations”.

    The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa said in a statement that the gun fire was not targeted at the public.

    Musa denied reports  that Boko Haram attacked Maiduguri or neighbouring  communities.

    “As of now Borno, especially Maiduguri township is calm and peaceful. People have already started voting in many locations across the state,” he said.

    He urged the people to turn out en mass to vote for the candidates of their choice.

    Musa also said there was a futile attack on a security outpost in Geidam general area in Yobe.

    He said that no casualty was recorded.

    The situation is calm and peaceful. People have largely turned out to cast their vote without any hindrance.”

    NAN

  • Breaking: Boko Haram launches attack in Yobe State

    Boko Haram has just launched an offensive attack on Geidam town, Yobe State

    Residents are currently running away from the village, to nearby communities

     

    Details Later

  • Yobe chairmen refuse to handover after expiration of tenure

    13 local government chairmen in Yobe State whose elected tenure expired early this month have refused to handover to their Directors of Personal Management as directed by Governor Ibrahim Gaidam.

    Our correspondent discovered only four of the seventeen council chairmen have handed over to their DPMs as at the time of filling this report.

    The chairmen who have handed over include those of Gulani, Jakuso, Fika and Tarmuwa councils.

    Some of the DPMs, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development.

    “As I speak with you now, only four local government chairmen have handed over to their DPMs in their Local Government. Those that have handed-over are Fika, Gulani, Tarmuma and Jakusko who did his handing over on Tuesday around 5.00pm,” one of the DPMs disclosed.

    Investigation revealed a close politician to the governor was alleged to have told the chairmen not to hand over with the assurance that Gaidam will reappoint them as caretaker chairmen.

    It will be recalled Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam through the Secretary to the State Government directed all the seventeen local government chairmen to hand over to their DPMs on 16th, February 2019 after expiration of their two- year tenure as elected chairmen.

    The statement by Shuibu Abdullahi, the Press secretary to the SSG reads: ”Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State has approved the dissolution of Local Govt councils with effect from Saturday 16th February 2019 following the expiration of their tenure in office.

    “He further directed the Local Govt Chairmen to hand over the mantle of the leadership to their respective Directors of Personnel Management (DPM)”.

    A senior Local Government staff noted: “Yobe State has a tradition of re-appointing the Local Government chairmen back to their offices.

    “You are aware that some of them have been re-appointed more than twice after their tenure expires.

    “This development is apparently making them unperturbed in violating the Governor’s order”.

    But a source close to the governor said:“Except His Excellency changes his mind, he is not ready to re-appoint these chairmen.

    “He prefers the DPMs should continue in the remaining months until he hands over power on May 29, 2019”.

    The SSG, Baba Malam Wali, could not respond to calls and text message sent to him as at the time of filling this report.

    Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftain Affairs in Yobe State, Dawa Maigari, in response to a text message said: “In a meeting. I’ll call later”.

  • Borno, Yobe ready for Saturday’s polls – RECs

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Borno state has assured it has taken delivery of all the sensitive and non- sensitive materials for Saturday’s rescheduled Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    Borno State Resident Electoral Commissioner Mohammed Ibrahim told reporters at the headquarters of the Commission in Maiduguri on Tuesday that deployment of election materials and personnel will commence from Wednesday to local governments far from the state capital.

    He assured “polls would open by 8pm on Saturday across the state”.

    He also announced the state headquarters of INEC has taken custody of sensitive materials from all the twenty seven local government areas and re-deposited at the Central Bank.

    The INEC Commissioner informed over five thousand smart card readers have been recalled and reconfigured.

    On the safety of materials and personnel for the election, Ibrahim said adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure they are well protected.

    The Borno REC explained the over 160,000 uncollected PVCs will be deposited at the Central Bank until after the general elections.

    In Yobe State, his counterpart Ahmad Makama also assured all the sensitive materials dispatched across the 17 local government councils have been returned intact and re-deposited at the Damaturu branch of Central Bank of Nigeria.

    “We initially kept the sensitive materials at the Police armory of respective local government headquarters and asked our Electoral Officers to keep vigil until clear directives were received from headquarters.

    “On receiving that directive on Sunday, all materials were safely returned intact to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Damaturu and that has been confirmed by the CBN Controller.

    “The consignments are now kept local government by local government for easy re-distribution either on Wednesday or Thursday,” Makama informed.

    Speaking on the security challenges in Gujba local government where the Boko Haram launched attacks on military base on Saturday, the REC said: “The voters and ad-hoc staffs must have been frightened and the case will be tabled at the security meeting scheduled for Tuesday so that the commission will solicits for guidance if the situation is not containable but i assure you that no one will be disenfranchised”.

    Our correspondent discovered INEC in Yobe had earlier relocated all voting/polling units to three centres in Goniri, Gujba town and Buni Yadi due to security threats.

  • Atiku: APC has failed Yobe, Borno

    The presidential candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has said that the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) has failed the people of Yobe and Borno States.

    Atiku, who stated this Wednesday during the PDP presidential rally in the two insurgency ravaged states, listed security, job creation, health, education and other social amenities as key  areas in which the APC failed the two states.

    Addressing the crowd at the rally, Atiku said, “People of Yobe, over three years ago, you voted for APC; please I want to ask you all, what has APC done for you?

    “APC promised security, is there security now? APC promised to create jobs, are there jobs now? APC also promised to revive the economy, is the economy better now?

    “Today you are poorer, there is hunger everywhere, insecurity everywhere. People of Yobe State, what I want to tell you is that, these people have destroyed everything. Don’t let them take us backward, don’t vote for APC. This is not a party. They will not create wealth”

    Atiku restated his promise to reserve 70 percent of appointments the for women and youth population if elected President.

    Appealing to sentiments, Atiku reminded the gathering that it’s the first time one of their own from the Northeast geopolitical zone would be vying for the Presidency and urged them not to allow the opportunity slip off their hands.

    He said, “The entire people of Nigeria said this time around they want the President to come from the Northeast. Do you all agree? Will you all vote PDP?

    “If you vote PDP, I want to promise you all, that we will bring about lasting peace to the Northeast and the entire Nigeria. All those who know me know that I don’t lie and am not afraid. We will return peace and after that, I promise every one of you will return back to their local governments.

    “Also there will be jobs for the youth, schools will be open, hospitals will treat the sick and the poverty that is disturbing us will be stopped.

    Read Also: Atiku cautions security agencies on polls

    “Initially, they said the Northeast is the centre of poverty in Nigeria. We will put an end to that poverty. We shall create wealth, businesses will grow, there will be peace everywhere”

    He told the electorate in Yobe and Borno not to allow anyone steal their votes on election day, as he urged them to wait for their votes to be counted and results announced before departing their polling centres.

  • CJN suspension: Yobe NBA shuns call for courts’ boycott

    The Yobe State branch of Nigeria Bar Association NBA has called on her members to disregard any directives from the Association’s National Headquarters to stay away from courts as a part of solidarity against the suspension of Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

    The Nation reports that lawyers nationwide were directed by the NBA president Paul Osoro to embark on a two-day warning boycott of the courts.

    According to him, the decision was arrived at from a NEC meeting of the Association which was held in Abuja on Tuesday.

    “The decision of NEC is that, to show the displeasure of the body of lawyers with regards to what has happened so far, it has been decided by the NBA NEC that lawyers should go on a two-day boycott of courts nationwide.

    “That is from tomorrow, Tuesday January 29 and also Wednesday, January 30, all lawyers should stay away from courts.

    ”This is to register the discontent of the NBA with the incident that has happened, and the fact that due process was not followed with regards to the matter of the Chief Justice of Nigeria,” Usoro said.

    But in a statement signed by the branch Chairman, Dr. Abubakar Kagu  and email to journalists in Damaturu rather asked members of the association in the state to disregard the orders.

    Dr Kagus  said the branch regretted the situation that led to the suspension of the number one law officer, but however expressed reservation that matter, insisting that only a competent court of law can resolve the matter.

    The Statement which was titled, ‘STATEMENT ON THE CALL TO BOYCOTT THE SITTINGS OF COURTS’ reads; “The Nigerian Bar Association, Damaturu Branch regrets the situation that led to the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. As ministers in the temple of justice, we must insist that this is a matter that is already before the courts and should be left for the courts to decide.

    “One of the cardinal roles of the bar is to protect the character and essence of courts and their process. Therefore, boycotts or resorting to street actions on a matter that is before the courts is by far, a deviation from the fundamental principles that define the tenets of the legal profession and of democracy.

    “To advance the cause of justice for everyone, courts must be allowed to operate and make decisions on this and all other matters before them.

    “Hence, this branch of the NBA calls on all its members to shun any boycott of the courts and continue with their roles as prosecutors, judges and attorneys.

    “We respectfully give allegiance to the authority of the courts to deal with the matter in line with the rule of law and constitutionalism”.

  • Army confirms loss of personnel, equipment in Yobe Attacks

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday confirmed that it lost vehicles, personnel and equipment to the recent Boko Haram terrorists’ attacks in Geidam, Yobe State.

    It however asserted that troops of 159 Battalion responded to the attacks with a show of gallantry leading to the routing of the insurgents in the area.

    The insurgents, according to a statement by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations in charge of Sector Two, Lt. Njoka Irabor, took advantage of the market day in Geidam to loot foodstuffs.

    Lt Irabor said the troops handled the situation with professional acumen to prevent civilian casualties for which they were commended by the Acting Commander of the sector, Brig General Mohammed Dala.

    Lt Irabor said :”Troops of 159 Battalion deployed in Sector 2 of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in Geidam , Yobe state, have been lauded for their display of gallantry at containing Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT), who infiltrated the serene  town of  Geidam on Wednesday, 23rd  January 2019, at about 5:30pm, shooting sporadically, thereby creating panic and causing unnecessary apprehension.

    ” The Acting Commander Sector 2, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Brigadier General Mohammed Dala, gave the commendation today, during an on the spot assessment visit to Geidam.

    Read Also: Police, Army, others in show of force in Lagos

    “He commended the troops for their gallantry and deliberate effort in protecting the civil populace in the town, particularly at the Geidam market.

    “He directed the immediate replenishment of the troops’ supplies, assuring them that issues of their welfare will always be a top priority.

    “The BHTs, who came to loot foodstuffs and other items, took advantage of the market day in Geidam to infiltrate the town and attacked the military base.

    “The troops displayed a high sense of professionalism by discretely engaging the terrorists with less sophisticated weapons in order to minimize collateral damage with the attendant civilian casualties.

    “Sadly however, the troops, in the process suffered some casualties in vehicles, equipment and personnel.

    “The Sector Commander seized the opportunity to pay a visit to the Emir of Geidam and afterwards had a meeting with officials of other security agencies, where he sued for their cooperation and synergy in sharing timely information that would enhance the pro-activeness of  troops.

    “He further reassured them, that troops will continue to carry out aggressive patrols and offensives to deny Boko Haram and other criminal elements freedom of action.

    “He further urged the good people of Geidam and Yobe state in general, to go about their lawful businesses, as the troops are committed to the protection of lives and property, as well as working round the clock to forestall any attempt by groups or individuals to cause breakdown of law and order in the state.

    “The Commander however warned that anyone identified as a BHT collaborator will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.   “

  • Gaidam: Army rigged Yobe South for PDP in 2015

    Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has accused the Army of rigging the Yobe South senatorial election in 2015 for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    It warned the military to stay off Yobe politics, saying any fresh attempt to tamper with the forthcoming polls will be resisted.

    The governor spoke at the APC Yobe South grand rally held at Sabon Garin Nangere Town, Nangere Local Government of Yobe State.

    He spoke against the backdrop of the fact that zone B remains the stronghold of the PDP with one senator and a member of House of Representatives in the state.

    Gaidam lamented some politicians in the zone used military might to get elected in 2015, vowing he would not allow such incident to repeat itself.

    According to him: “In 2015 some politicians in Yobe zone ‘B’ used the military during the election. I want to send them a message. He should warn his soldiers.

    Read Also: Troops neutralise Boko Haram in Yobe

    “He should warn his officers. We cannot condone that this time around.  I have written to remind the Chief of Army Staff,   Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai to warn his officers not to interfere in our politics or to be used by some politicians in Yobe South Senatorial Zone.

    “The soldiers should distance themselves from our politics.  But if you want to lose your job do it.   No matter how highly placed you are, be you a General or Field Marshal, if you interfere in the politics of zone B you will lose your job.

    “I will go to Abuja and tell the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai they used his soldiers to rig our senatorial election in Zone B in 2015.

    “I have already written the letter. I don’t have their names but those who did it know themselves.”

    Gaidam, who spoke glowingly of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni, called on the people of the zone to elect him.

    He assured Mai Mala will continue with the good works of his administration in the state.

    “He will take Yobe to higher heights. He would sustain the policy of accountability, probity and continued delivery of democratic dividend in the state,” he stressed

    Buni also promised not to deviate from the transformational policies of Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam in the state.

  • 2019: Political parties sign peace accord in Yobe

    Political parties in Yobe State on Thursday signed a peace accord with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to play the game by the rules.

    INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Ahmad Makama, who is the Co-Chair of the Yobe State Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, said the commission was determined to conduct credible, free and fair election.

    He solicited cooperation of all stakeholders especially politicians to achieve its mandate.

    Makama said the event in the state was a replication of the National Peace Committee, which mandated the people vying for the office of the President to sign a peace accord.

    “We consider the idea very wise and that is why we are replicating same here in Yobe today.

    “The program involves all the governor and senator-ship candidates in the state,” he explained.

    He also explained “the idea of signing the peace accord was for all the political parties and candidates to align with the commission towards ensuring conduct of transparent, free, fair and credible election”.

    Read Also: Troops repel Boko Haram attack in Yobe

    According to him, the programme was made possible by Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), to guide the commission on all security related issues before during and after elections.

    Commissioner of Police, Abdulmiliki Sunmuno said Yobe has been a peaceful state free from political wrangling and rancor.

    The CP told political to play by the game by observing the following rules and avoid the use of thugs.

    He warned against destroying opponents posters, carrying arms and votes buying among others.

    About five gubernatorial candidates signed the peace accord.

    The Nation reports that the peace accord was postponed from last week from last Thursday 17 due to security challenges in the state.