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Tag: Zamfara State

  • Court restates order for restraint in Yari’s suit against AGF, EFCC

    A FEDERAL High Court in Abuja has restated its directive that parties in the suit by former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari exercise restraint and await its decision.

    In the fundamental rights enforcement suit, Yari is challenging the propriety of an alleged plot by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to seize his assets and freeze his accounts.

    Yari accused the respondents – the AGF and EFCC – of seeking to deploy Executive Order Number 6 in the plot to confiscate his property and freeze his accounts.

    The former governor prayed the court to restrain them on the ground that their planned action would breach his rights to own property.

    On August 30, when the matter came up, Justice Evelyn Maha directed parties to exercise restraint and refrain from taking steps that could impede the administration of justice, as it relates to the instant suit. The judge’s directive was informed by the fear expressed by Yari’s lawyer, Mahmud Magaji (SAN), that the respondents could still invite, arrest or detain his client, despite the pendency of his suit.

    At the resumed hearing on Thursday, EFCC’s lawyer, Mrs. Hussaina Gambo, told the court that her team was just filing a response to the ex-governor’s substantive suit.

    Read Also: I challenge anyone to expose me, says Ex. Gov. Yari

    Mrs. Gambo prayed the court for more time to enable the parties return for the hearing of the substantive suit.

    Justice Maha accepted the prayer, despite Magaji’s reluctance to agree. Following Magaji’s complaint that his client was living under constant fear that the respondents could come after him, Justice Maha restated her earlier directive.

    The judge averred that since parties were currently before the court, had joined issues on the matter and submitted to the court’s jurisdiction, they should refrain from taking any step in relation to the issues in dispute. She adjourned till September 30 for hearing of the substantive suit. Justice Maha said the fiat issued by the court’s Chief Judge, which permitted her to sit as the vacation judge, will expire on September 13.

    According to the judge, she will return the case file to the court’s Registry for re-assignment at the resumption of the court from its annual vacation, which ends on September 13.

     

     

  • Zamfara Ruga project to be jointly funded by state, LGA’s

    Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state has issued strong warning to the constructor handling the proposed Ruga project to ensure that all building materials are purchased locally within the state unless they are not available.

    Similarly, the governor stressed that hundred percent of the labour force must be sourced from within the state.

    Matawalle issued the directive on weekend while watching a video presentation of the  comprehensive master plan for the new Ruga project designed  by the consultant, Mr. Emmanuel Ozigi in Gusau.

    The foundation of the project which is schedule to be laid this Tuesday will be located in the three senatorial districts of the state.

    The project will be jointly funded by the state government and the 14 local government councils of the state.

    Matawalle reiterated that the instruction to source labour force from the state is aimed at reducing poverty level and to motivate economic activities in the state.

    According to him, the Ruga project will showcase to the world that the peace process embarked upon by his administration is succeeding and to also prove to both foreign and  domestic prospective investors that a favourable climate for them in now guaranteed for attractive ventures in the state.

    Read Also: Two die in Zamfara gov’s convoy accident

    He observes that the Ruga project will not only be beneficial to the Fulanis but will directly have positive bearing on all citizens of the state as the derivable benefits are enormous as way of boosting the economy.

    The governor who gave the assurance that  already the required funds for the scheme had already been earmarked and set aside, further explaained that after the pilot scheme which would commence on Tuesday, the federal government would come up with its own Ruga settlement programme in the state.

    In a speech during the presentation of the master plan, the  project consultant Mr. Emmanuel Ozigi said the components of the project would include facilities like access roads, landscaping, grazing reserves, primary and secondary schools.

    Also included in the components are Islamiyya schools, Mosques, hospitals, veterinaries, abatoir, social centers, dams and cemeteries .

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  • Ruga takes off in Zamfara Tuesday as Matawalle receives master plan

    THE Ruga scheme is taking off in Zamfara State on Tuesday after Governor Bello Matawalle on Saturday gave the nod for the immediate commencement of construction work on Ruga settlements in the state.

    The governor issued the directive after receiving the new Ruga master plan from the project consultant, Mr. Emmanuel Ozigi.

    The project, according to him, will be located in the three senatorial districts of the state and will be fully and jointly funded by the state government and the 14 local government councils of the state.

    He said it was  aimed at “showcasing to the world that the peace process embarked by this administration is working “ and “also to show the appreciation of the state government to the Fulani and its commitment to meeting the yearnings of the Fulani.

    Read Also: RUGA: We didn’t receive N6.2b from Buhari – Ohanaeze

    He added: “The Ruga project will not only be beneficial to the Fulani but all citizens of the state as the derivable benefits are enormous and a way of boosting the economy of the state and its citizens.”

    The governor said that already, the required funds for the scheme had been set aside.

    He reiterated his earlier directive on contractors to source for all their materials and manpower locally “so that wealth can go round.”

    Earlier, the project consultant who presented the master plan, said the project would include access roads, landscaping, grazing reserves, primary and secondary schools.

    Others are Islamiyya schools, Mosques, hospitals, veterinaries, abattoir, social centers, dams and cemeteries.

    He said that derivable benefits of the project would also involve empowerment through shops and markets, milk, hides and skin production for export, police station and banks.

  • Ruga takes off in Zamfara Tuesday as Matawalle receives master plan

    THE Ruga scheme is taking off in Zamfara State on Tuesday after Governor Bello Matawalle on Saturday gave the nod for the immediate commencement of construction work on Ruga settlements in the state.

    The governor issued the directive after receiving the new Ruga master plan from the project consultant, Mr. Emmanuel Ozigi.

    The project, according to him, will be located in the three senatorial districts of the state and will be fully and jointly funded by the state government and the 14 local government councils of the state.

    He said it was  aimed at “showcasing to the world that the peace process embarked by this administration is working “ and “also to show the appreciation of the state government to the Fulani and its commitment to meeting the yearnings of the Fulani.

    Read Also: Double losses for APC stalwarts in Zamfara

    He added: “The Ruga project will not only be beneficial to the Fulani but all citizens of the state as the derivable benefits are enormous and a way of boosting the economy of the state and its citizens.”

    The governor said that already, the required funds for the scheme had been set aside.

    He reiterated his earlier directive on contractors to source for all their materials and manpower locally “so that wealth can go round.”

    Earlier, the project consultant who presented the master plan, said the project would include access roads, landscaping, grazing reserves, primary and secondary schools.

    Others are Islamiyya schools, Mosques, hospitals, veterinaries, abattoir, social centers, dams and cemeteries.

    He said that derivable benefits of the project would also involve empowerment through shops and markets, milk, hides and skin production for export, police station and banks.

  • Court orders parties to exercise restraint in Yari’s case against AGF, EFCC

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered parties in a suit by ex-Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, to exercise restraint and await the court’s determination of the case.

    Yari, in the fundamental rights enforcement suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/948/2019, is challenging the propriety of a purported plot by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to seize is assets and freeze his accounts.

    He also accused the respondents – the AGF and EFCC – of seeking to deploy Executive Order Number 6 in the plot to confiscate his property and freeze his accounts and prayed the court to restrain them on the grounds that their planned action would breach his rights to own property.

    The court, on August 26, 2019 heard an ex-parte motion by Yari, but elected to order the respondents to show cause why the reliefs sought by the ex-governor should not be granted and adjourned until August 30, 2019.

    When parties returned to court on Friday, Yari’s lawyer, Mamud Magaji (SAN), said although he was happy that the respondents were in court, but noted that they did not fully comply with the court’s order to the effect that they must file their responses within 48 hours.

    Lawyer to the AGF, Abdulahi Abubakar, said his client was not aware of the facts of the case and has decided to rely of the affidavit to show cause, containing facts of the case, as filed by the EFCC.

    Abubakar said the AGF has also, in compliance with the court’s order, filed a counter-affidavit to the applicant’s originating application, in which it, among others, queried the competence of the suit.

    Lawyer to the EFCC, Mrs. Hussaina Gambo, confirmed that the commission, in compliance with the court’s order, filed a counter affidavit.

    Read Also: How ex-Gov Yari looted Zamfara, by ICPC

    Mrs. Gambo said her client was served with the court’s order on August 28, 2019, but was only able to file its response by 12noon on Friday.

    She told the court that, as against the apprehension expressed by the applicant, no steps have been taken by the EFCC to “truncate the administration of justice.”

    Mrs. Gambo added that even with the pendency of Yari’s case, the EFCC could still proceed to conduct its investigation, adding that the conduct of investigation by her client cannot amount to a violation of the applicant’s rights.

    Responding, Magaji observed that from what the EFCC’s lawyer said, his client was not free from possible arrest and detention by the respondent before parties return to court again.

    “From what she has said, we still need further order of this court because what she said may mean that arresting or inviting the applicant,” Magaji said and proceeded to cited decisions of the appellate court to support his position.

    He argued that the respondents can no longer take any further steps in respect of the case because parties are now all before the court and have submitted to the court’s jurisdiction.

    Magaji prayed the court to order parties to maintain status quo and refrain from taking any action in relation to the issues in dispute pending the court’s determination of the case.

    He noted that, having joined issues, none of the parties is expected to take any step that will pervert the administration of justice until the issue is fully determined.

    Ruling, Justice Evelyn Maha agreed with Magaji that, since the respondents did not file and serve their responses on time, the applicant is entitled to time to respond.

    Justice Maha directed parties to exercise restraints and refrain from taking steps that will impede the administration of justice as it relates to the instant suit.

    She adjourned until September 5, 2019 for hearing.

    The AGF, in the counter affidavit, prayed the court not to grant the reliefs sought by the ex-governor in the main suit and argued that granting same was capable of encouraging corrupt practices.

    The AGF justified powers of all security agencies, including the EFCC, to investigate, arrest and detain anyone found to have been engaged in the commission of a crime.

    “If this court grants the relief of the applicant, the doors of corruption will thrive and consequently put the corporate existence of Nigeria in jeopardy,” AGF said.

     

  • Zamfara State, Russia to partner on agriculture, health, education, mineral exploration

    Zamfara State Government is partnering with the Russian government towards developing critical sectors of the state’s economy.

    This was disclosed at a meeting between the Zamfara State Governor Hon Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle MON (Matawallen Maradun) and the Ambassador of the Russian federation, Mr Alexey L.Shebarshin, at the Russian Embassy in Abuja on Monday.

    The Meeting focused on improving the Zamfara State Economic Sectors of Agriculture, Solid Minerals Development and Exploration and Education and Health.

    As a result of the partnership, they intend to work together in collaboration to assist the present government in improving the state economy and creating wealth among the citizens of the state.

    The Ambassador said that his country, which specializes in minerals Exploration and excavation, will provide Zamfara State with expertise that will enhance the state’s economy for global marketing.

    He also extended an invitation to the Governor on the upcoming first Russia/African Union  Summit coming up on October, 24-25, 2019, which will focus on fostering economic, Political and cultural co-operations

    He further said that during the summit the Governor will be invited to visit one of the biggest Russian gold mining companies transformed by high technology mining equipment.

    Read Also: Gov. Matawalle of Zamfara appoints new HOS

    Speaking earlier, Zamfara State Governor Hon Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle said he was at the Russian Federation Embassy to seek for a strong partnership on how best to develop  Zamfara State’s critical sectors of the economy and to have foreign investors especially in Agriculture and solid minerals.

    Matawalle said his decision to visit the Russian embassy is to make Zamfara benefit from the expertise of Russia, which is known in developing countries, by extending same to Zamfara through transfer of technology.

    This, according to the governor, has made Russia a formidable ally of all nations that desire true and meaningful development.

    Governor Matawalle solicited the partnership of the Russian government in transforming Zamfara State Agricultural sector to make it an all year round activity, with greater benefit to the farmers through the deployment of modern farming technology.

    On the solid minerals, the Governor informed the Russian Ambassador that various minerals are available in the State in a commercial quantities which include gold, uranium, manganese, kaolin, granite, tantalite and Zinc and requested the Russian Government to come and invest in the State solid minerals Exploration.

    On Education, he said his Government wished to partner with the Russian Government to provide scholarship for the indigenes of the State considering Russia’s reputation of academic excellence globally.

    During the meeting the Governor was together with the State Head of Service, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Solid Minerals Resources and Environment, Dr.Nura Isah,Alhaji Bashir Hadeja, Directorate Head of Heritage Bank, Mr George Oko-oboh and the Director General Press Affairs to the Governor, Mallam Yusuf Idris Gusau.

  • Double losses for APC stalwarts in Zamfara

    IT is no longer news that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State lost all the polls conducted in the state during the recently concluded general elections to the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Not on the strength of the latter’s popularity but on account of internal wrangling that resulted in the victories the APC recorded at the polls reversed by the Supreme Court in favour of the PDP.

    A few days after the elections were conducted and won by the APC almost in a landslide, the Supreme Court delivered a shocking judgment nullifying the elections of all the candidates of the APC from state assembly to governorship and National Assembly.

    The unanimous judgment of the five-man panel led by the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, declared the first runners-up in the 2019 general elections in the state as the winners of all the elections earlier declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to have been won by the APC and its candidates.

    Justice Paul Galinje, who read the lead judgment, had upheld the decision of the Sokoto Division of the Court of Appeal to the effect that the APC did not conduct any valid primary election and as such had no candidate for any of the elections in the state. He declared the votes polled by the APC candidates in the elections a waste.

    Those who thought the APC in Zamfara had learnt a lesson from the ugly experience were wrong, as all the key political actors in the state were said to have extended their bitterness to the recent jostle for ministerial tickets.

    The bickering among party stalwarts in the state was said to be so intense that President Muhammadu Buhari was left with no choice but to settle for the former Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Hajiya Sadiya Umar, Farouk, who never lobbied to be a minister!

    Hajiya Umar was said to have got a surprise call from the President a few days to the ministerial screening at the National Assembly, asking her to submit her curriculum vitae; a development that was said to have left the feuding APC stalwarts crestfallen.

  • EFCC raids ex-governor’s residence, uncovers 21 exotic vehicles

    ECONOMIC and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives have raided the country home of former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari over the ongoing probe of his tenure, The Nation learnt on Monday.

    The EFCC team also searched the houses of Yari’s brother Jafaru and his intimate friend, Sha’aya Mafara.

    About 21 exotic vehicles were found in the compound of Yari, former chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) until he left office on May 29.

    Yari’s interrogation will determine how the vehicles were acquired, sources told The Nation.

    Yari, who was out of the country at the time of the raid on Sunday, has been invited by the commission.

    The former governor is being investigated for alleged questionable payment of N19 billion  from the London-Paris Club refund; N35 billion spent on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs); Ecological and Stabilisation Fund and how he incurred N151, 190,477,572.02 liabilities on ongoing projects.

    EFCC operatives from Sokoto Zonal Office deployed 15 operatives in Yari’s country home in Talata Marafa. The EFCC has been on the trail of the governor since 2017 but he enjoyed immunity while in office.

    A source, who pleaded not to be named, said: “The raid of Yari’s home was in connection with the ongoing investigation of the former governor. He has some issues to clarify on his tenure.

    “Most of the issues have been in public domain for a while, especially the alleged questionable payment of N19 billion from the London-Paris Club refund to some consultants by the NGF and mismanagement of Zamfara State’s resources.

    “We are not pronouncing him guilty but we want him to appear for interrogation on some of the issues we have highlighted for investigation.”

    Read Also: Why we raided former Gov Yari’s residence, by EFCC

    Responding to a question, the source added: “Such a raid is allowed when we have superior intelligence on a Politically Exposed Person (PEP).

    “For instance, our operatives uncovered 21 exotic vehicles in his compound. Yet, we have an allegation that a part of the N35 billion budgeted for IDPs in Zamfara was used to buy choice cars.

    “The intelligence at our disposal made our operatives to search the houses of Jafaru Yari, the ex-governor’s brother and his intimate friend, Sha’aya Mafara. In fact, Yari’s brother was at his residence when our team got there.

    “The onus is on Yari to explain how he came about the exotic vehicles; whether or not he declared them in his Asset Declaration Form; and if these vehicles were in his exit Asset Form as a former governor in May.

    “Once he is able to justify the acquisition of the vehicles, the EFCC has no problem with Yari. Otherwise, he has a question to answer.”

    The source said some suspects were facing trial over the London-Paris Club refunds.

    The source said: “We need Yari to come to our office to explain his roles. He was central to the negotiation and disbursement of the funds.

    “Some suspects are already on trial. A few others escaped abroad. But since Yari has no immunity again, let him just clarify a few things.

    “We are hopeful he will honour our invitation.”

    EFCC’s  Acting Head of Media and Publicity Mr. Tony Orilade, said: “It is true we went to the house of the former governor of Zamfara State, Yari, in respect of the ongoing investigation.

    “Like we have always said, we won’t discuss our investigation with the media.

    “At the appropriate time, when the investigation is ripe, we shall proceed to prosecution and we shall carry the media along.”

     

  • PDP Govs. applaud Supreme Court rejection of Zamfara APC application

    Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have commended the Supreme Court for rejecting the application by the All Progressives Congress (APC), seeking a review of the May 24  judgement of the court on the voided  Zamfara state elections.

    The governors, in a statement on Monday by the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Mr Seriake Dickson, threw their weight behind the five-man panel of justices, led by Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivor.

    The apex court had dismissed the APC’s application as incompetent and lacking in merit.

    The statement said “Providence has by this verdict, put a stamp of approval on the exceptional developments achieved in the state by Gov. Bello Matawalle since being sworn in on May 29, 2019.

    Read Also: PDP tenders 241 exhibits against Ganduje at tribunal

    “God stopped their sinister plan to thwart the people-oriented human, social, economic, environmental and structural development blueprints that Matawalle and his team have already rolled out for the state.

    “We, in the PDP and majority of the good people of Zamfara, will welcome any errant but repentant APC politician, who sheds negativity and joins hands with us to implement policies that will further this State.

    “May the good Lord give Governor Bello Matawalle the wisdom, strength and foresight to expand the developmental territories of Zamfara to a height that the entire people of the state will be proud of”.

  • Hajj: Zamfara pilgrims gain additional discount

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON has announced additional reduction of 200 Riyals from 2019 Hajj fare of intending pilgrims of Zamfara State.

    This was revealed in a statement released by Head Public Affairs, NAHCON, Hajia Fatima Sandra Usara, on behalf of the commission’s chairman/CEO, Barr Abdullahi Muktar.

    The cut followed renegotiation with the state’s home/accommodation owner in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Senator seeks FG’s support for Zamfara

    The amount, which is equivalent to N16, 492.08, has decreased the Zamfara State fares to N1, 467, 896.57 for 2019 Hajj.

    The NAHCON chairman thanked the new government of Zamfara State under leadership of Governor Mohammed Bello Mattawalle, for the support and understanding exhibited in the course of further bargaining.

    “The Commission also seizes this medium to appreciate and congratulate the Zamfara State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board for its endeavour in mobilising intending pilgrims despite challenges experienced in the state and for the commendable arrangements already in place for the airlift of registered pilgrims to the holy land,” the statement read.

    Intending pilgrims are encouraged to contact the state’s Muslim pilgrims’ welfare board to secure the surplus amount.