Newly sworn-in Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Umo Eno has called on all Akwa Ibom people to join hands with him to take the state to enviable heights.
He made the call after he was administered the oath of office by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ekaette Obot, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Umo promised to create an enabling environment for investors to lift Akwa Ibom people out of poverty as he assumed the mantle of leadership, whilst pledging to improve security, education, health, and the welfare of the civil servants a priority of his administration.
He promised a golden era for Akwa Ibom, saying his government would usher in a new era of peace and security for the state.
The governor urged the people to support his ARISE agenda to build on the legacies of the immediate past governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.
He said he would be the governor of all Akwa Ibom people irrespective of their political affiliations.
“I am in awe of the grace that has located me. I am in awe of the grace of God upon my life. I am sure together, we will usher in the golden era for our state.
“As we begin this government, we will invite all Akwa Ibomites to arise to the feat of greatness with our ARISE agenda from investment in agriculture, healthcare services, and education; we will ensure that we continue changing the narratives of our state.
“We will continue to support our state civil servants, and we will ensure that their welfare becomes paramount. We will continue to build on the successes of Udom Emmanuel’s administration.
“We will tackle insecurity and we will ensure that Akwa Ibom continues to remain peaceful. We are resolved to ensure we fight insecurity in our state because we have the assurance of the security agencies to continue and improve upon what they are doing currently,” he said.
Eno, who commended Emmanuel for supporting him against all odds, applauded the people for their support of his candidacy.
He appealed to Emmanuel not to desert him after he exits the office, as he would continue to seek his wise counsel.
Eno said he never believed he could be a Governor of Akwa Ibom because he had no aspiration for the office of the governor, added that the grace of God has placed him in the current position to govern the state.
The governor said he would ensure the development of agriculture, education and empowerment of Akwa Ibom youth.
The Chief Judge also swore in Sen. Akon Eyakenyi as the Deputy Governor of the state.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe were on Monday sworn in for the second term in office by the State Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Aisha Bashir.
In his inaugural speech at the Lafia Square, the governor expressed gratitude to the people of the state for overwhelmingly voting him in for the second term on March 18.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the Nigerian Constitution and promised to continue to do his best to better the welfare of the people and develop the state in the next four years.
Sule listed his achievements to include the attraction of the organized private sector to invest in various sectors of the economy, the construction of urban and rural roads, construction of schools, and markets in Akwanga, Keffi and Nassarawa-Eggon.
Others are the construction of bus terminals in Lafia and Karu, employment of over 3,000 teachers, confirmation of appointment of over 2, 000 teachers, and regularisation of the appointment of casual staff in all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“We also implemented outstanding promotions of over 10 years, trained and retrained civil servants within and outside the state,” he added.
Sule governor also said his administration had commenced the construction of a state secretariat to address the challenges of office accommodation and would finish the project before the end of his second tenure.
He added that the state government had also invested heavily in security and supported security agencies with needed logistics to function properly and would sustain it.
The governor promised to dedicate the next four years to the development of the state.
Sule also lauded former President, Muhammadu Buhari for a successful tenure of eight years and his development strides especially in Nasarawa state.
He said that Buhari gave appointments to sons and daughters of the state into federal positions and executed numerous transformative projects in the state.
The governor also congratulated the newly inaugurated President, Sen. Bola Tinubu and his vice, Kashim Shettima, and wished them well as they began their tenure of four years.
“We have no doubt that his antecedents and past achievements in the development of Nigeria will be brought to bear in his present leadership for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said.
He expressed optimism that very soon Nigeria and Nigerians would begin to witness prosperity and development in all sectors under the new administration.
Earlier, John Mamman, Nasarawa State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), said the party was aware that the governor would win the March 18 election because of his achievements.
Alhaji Mai Mala Buni was, on Monday, inaugurated as the fourth democratically-elected governor of Yobe, with a pledge that he would serve the state with dignity and honour.
Speaking at the inauguration in Damaturu on Monday, Buni thanked the people of the state for finding him worthy of being re-elected for a second term in office.
“We are indeed very grateful. I extend hands of fellowship to all and sundry to join us in the task of building our dear state.
“It is a duty we must discharge with dignity and honour. We are first and foremost collective stakeholders, dedicated to making Yobe State peaceful and prosperous, irrespective of any differences,” he said.
The governor noted that his first tenure had recorded tremendous success in security, health care, agriculture, commerce, infrastructure, mass housing, water resources, environment, governance, mineral resources, law and order, public service reform and ease of doing business.
He listed some of the achievements to include: resettling of persons displaced by Boko Haram, rehabilitation of all schools destroyed by the insurgents and rehabilitation and upgrade of 138 primary health care centres.
Others, he said, were the establishment of livestock development centres in three senatorial districts, completion of three modern markets, construction of 2,500 housing units and enactment of Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, among others.
The governor paid special tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari for his ‘enormous support’ to the state and wished him well in his future endeavours.
“President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, Jagoran Talakawa, occupies a special place in my heart and the hearts of all Yobeans. We thank Allah the Almighty for enabling him to complete his eight-year tenure peacefully and strongly.
“Allah endowed him with excellent health to the pleasure of his teeming well-wishers. Alhamdulillah. His administration had invested in the largest infrastructural development and had restored the integrity and dignity of all Nigerians.
“I enjoyed a special relationship with President Buhari. I consulted him regularly for fatherly advice and will continue to do so.
“As the president retires to Daura and into the hall of elder statesmen, I wish him Allah’s blessings, excellent health and happy retirement,” he said.
Buni congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Vice- President Kashim Shettima for their election and inauguration, assuring them of his maximum cooperation.
“President Tinubu deserved to be elected, more than any of the presidential candidates, given that he was at the forefront of restoring democracy in Nigeria.
“On behalf of the good people of Yobe State, I assure him and the vice-president of our commitment and support in the onerous task ahead,” he said.
The newly sworn-in Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umar-Radda, says his administration’s priority is to provide peace and prosperity for the state.
Umar-Radda stated this in his inauguration speech shortly after being sworn-in as the governor of the state at Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina on Monday.
“Over the next four years, our task as government is to provide peace and prosperity for the people of Katsina State.
“The insecurity issue will be paramount to this administration, and I will deploy all available resources in ending banditry and criminality across the state, with the will of Allah.
“We will also engage communities to ensure that security is sustained.
“Those affected by banditry and insecurity, I assure you, my administration will do its best to build your lives.
“We will focus on your mental well-being and provide special support to women and girls who have endured unimaginable pains,” he said.
The new governor admonished those engaging in banditry to shun the act and reintegrate themselves into society or be dealt with severely.
He also urged the youth in the state to shun drug abuse, time-wasting, and all forms of criminality.
“We will work with relevant law enforcement agencies to provide social order and overhaul the security of the state,” he said.
Umar-Radda said that the public sector must be up-scaled to work more efficiently, in line with the strategic policies of the administration.
According to him, promotion and placement of civil/public servants would be entirely on merit, and not through favouritism.
“We will apply stick and carrot measures in our approach to rewarding performance. We will establish key performance indicators across all cadres in the public service,” he said.
The governor said that his administration would develop an agricultural value chain along essential commodities and ensure that every local government benefitted from the activities in which it had comparative and competitive advantages.
On education, he said that the best students would have access to world-class academic facilities across the state.
“I call on all teachers to embrace our drive to improve the educational system so that we can produce students who can compete with their peers in Nigeria.
“Our future development will depend on the educated population ready to contribute to the state.
“We will also focus on technical and vocational education for those who need skills to become productive in society,” he said.
Umar-Radda further stated that government would improve access to quality healthcare at all levels and support small-scale businesses with new initiatives.
He also said that his administration would introduce Treasury Single Account (TSA) to strengthen accountability and close all loopholes in the financial system.
The governor further stated that government would conduct a comprehensive staff audit to eliminate ghost workers to ensure that public servants serve the government efficiently.
He expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, to bring development to the people of the state.
The governor, who noted that politics was now over, said that he belonged to every person in the state, hence the need for all to join hands with him and move the state forward.
He warned that he would not hesitate to change any member of his administration who failed to deliver on his mandate, as the people of the state deserved nothing less from his government.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa has been sworn-in for a second term of office in Yola.
The Oath of office was administered to the governor by the state Chief judge, Justice Hapsat Abdurrahaman in Yola on Monday.
Abdurrahaman also administered the oath of office to the deputy governor, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta.
In his address, the governor thanked the people for their resilience, commitment, and dedication to the democratic idles.
He said the 2023 governorship election witnessed an unprecedented drama, especially during the supplementary election.
Fintiri said that his administration recorded tremendous achievements in infrastructure, education, agriculture transparency, and accountability. He added that other areas were environment and climate change, food security, civil service reforms, youth development, commerce and industry, and security.
The governor promised to consolidate the gains recorded in his administration. “The oath we just took is a sacred act not just a constitutional duty,” he said. Alhaji Attahiru Shehu, the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, thanked the electorate for voting for the party to ensure Fintiri’s second term in office.
The ceremony was attended by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, traditional rulers politicians, members of the diplomatic corps, and former governors of Adamawa, Boni Haruna, and Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankombo.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State took the oath of office for a second tenure of office in Gombe.
The oath was administered by the Chief Judge of Gombe State, Justice Halima Mohammed at the Pantami Township stadium, Gombe at the governor’s swearing-in.
The governor also reviewed a parade mounted by the Nigeria Police Force.
In his inaugural speech, Yahaya said he regarded oath-taking as a strong commitment and would work to ensure that he did not disappoint the people of Gombe state.
He added that he would consolidate on his first-term achievements and ensure that the interests of the people of Gombe state were given utmost priority.
“Now that the elections are over, the business of governance must continue apace.
“As always, I call on all stakeholders across partisan divides to join hands and move our state forward.
“On my part, I shall be just and fair to all irrespective of political, ethnic, religious and sectional affiliations.
“The collective interest of Gombe state supersedes all other interests and considerations,’’ he said.
Yahaya assured people of Gombe State of better days ahead and noted that Gombe state had made significant strides in development in the last four years.
He said a lot of investments were made in critical sectors like education, healthcare, infrastructure, civil service, agriculture, energy, water supply, environment and sanitation.
He called for more supports and prayers for his second term of office.
“Your prayers shall inspire me as we work towards a better Gombe State; one that will become a source of pride for future generations and a model for the rest of the country,’’ Yahaya stressed.
See full speech below:
SPECIAL ADDRESS DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU INUWA YAHAYA, CON (DAN MAJEN GOMBE) ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 2ND TERM SWEARING-IN AS THE GOVERNOR OF GOMBE STATE ON MONDAY 29TH MAY 2023, AT THE PANTAMI TOWNSHIP STADIUM GOMBE
Protocols
Exactly four years ago, I stood before you, conscious of the responsibility placed on my shoulders, and took the oath of office as the 4th civilian governor of Gombe State. I am grateful to God Almighty for giving me the wisdom and courage to deliver on our promises which led to my successful re-election, culminating in the new oath of office that I have just taken. I am profoundly grateful for the trust you have placed in me. Your unceasing outpourings of support, prayers and goodwill shall continue to inspire me each day as we work together to build a better Gombe State, one that will become a source of pride to future generations and a model to the rest of the country.
2. As the saying goes, ‘the reward for doing well is the opportunity to do more.’ Your decision to once again trust me with your votes represents a resounding vote of confidence on our first term performance. Like I said during the campaigns, our excellent record speaks for itself. It offers our people a clear choice between progress and retrogression, hope and despair.
3. Now that the elections are over, the business of governance must continue apace. As always, I call on all stakeholders across partisan divides to join hands and move our state forward. On my part, I shall be just and fair to all, irrespective of political, ethnic, religious and sectional affiliations. The collective interest of Gombe State supersedes all other interests and considerations.
4. Over the past four years, we overcome many challenges. We lost loved ones, including hardworking officials, close associates and loyal supporters. We shall continue to remember them because they form part of our success story today. We also made significant strides in advancing the development agenda of Gombe state by investing in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, civil service, agriculture, energy, water supply, environment and sanitation.
5. On the education sector, we constructed and renovated over 1440 classrooms across the State; and mopped up of over 350,000 out-of-school children. We also upgraded 5 secondary schools to mega-school standards and constructed 4 special schools (to take care of special needs).We recruited 1,000 teachers, and strengthened vocational and technical education through various partnerships like the IDEAS (Innovation in Development and Effectiveness in Acquisition of Skills), which is a World Bank-assisted project.
6. These, among other efforts, led to a number of positive outcomes, including a sharp increase in the percentage of candidates in our public schools who passed WASSCE with 5 credits or above including Maths and English from 28% in 2019 to 73% in 2021 and 78% in 2022.
7. On healthcare, we ensured the provision of a fully functional primary healthcare center in each of our 114 political wards; upgraded the State Specialist Hospital in Gombe; while currently upgrading the General Hospitals in Bajoga and Kaltungo. In addition, a 200-bed general hospital in Kumo is being constructed. We are also building a brand-new 600-student capacity school of nursing technology.
8. Our administration also established the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (Go-Health) in order to provide affordable healthcare for the vulnerable. So far, 35,116 beneficiaries have been rolled and are getting proper service. We also established the Gombe State Hospitals Management Board to provide leadership and direction to the administration of our hospitals, as well as the Gombe State Medical Consumables and Wholesale Supply Agency which aims to checkmate the menace of substandard and inadequate supply of medical consumables in the state.
9. In order to jumpstart economic activities and create jobs, we hosted the first-ever Gombe State Investment Summit which attracted billions of naira in local and international investments. The establishment of the ease of doing business council in the state also helped us to come first in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) ranking in 2021 and 2022. Our drive to support small businesses and boost local economy helped us to provide over 500-million-naira MSME grant, and empowered 1000 small business-owners and 500 artisans. The Bubayero Microfinance Bank was recapitalized with 764 million naira in order to meet regulatory requirements and facilitate microlending support to small businesses.
10. Our commitment to invest in durable infrastructure and housing remain rock solid. To this end, we constructed over 700km of urban and rural roads under the Network 11-100 project which aims to connect the nooks and crannies of our state with serviceable road networks. The Phase One of the 1000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park is nearing completion. Already, industries have started springing up to take advantage of the facility. We have also completed the Gombe Mega Motor Park in order to provide a befitting motor park to our people. Over 1000 homes are being constructed with the help of the Family Home Funds and the NEDC in order to reduce the housing deficits and ease its burden on our people.
11. The ongoing rehabilitation, upgrade and expansion of the Gombe Regional Water Supply Scheme has reached an advanced stage. We have also built and rehabilitated over 600 boreholes across the state through various initiatives like RUWASSA and SURWASH.
12. Our administration has ensured timely procurement and distribution of subsidized fertilizer. This year, the fertilizer distribution exercise will commence on 15th June, 2023 in order to enable our farmers take advantage of the early planting period. We also ensured the provision of assorted seedlings and farm implements to farmers, as well as timely annual vaccination campaigns against major communicable diseases affecting livestock.
13. While land administration has consistently remained a challenge in our development process, we established the Gombe Geographic Information System (GOGIS) as well as the Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority (GOSUPDA) In order to ensure efficiency in land administration and sustainable urban development. In this regard, we also created new layouts and standardized existing ones, including the new Shongo Gardens layouts, as well as the verification and restoration of the BAP4 layout.
14. In order to revitalize our civil service, the Bureau of Public Service Reforms was established so as to institutionalize necessary reforms. Promotions and other benefits are being implemented in both the state and local government service. In addition to being among the first states to implement the new 30,000-naira minimum wage, we also paid over N7.9 billion in gratuity liabilities inherited from the previous administration, while ensuring timely payment of monthly pensions to our retirees.
15. Our administration is committed to improving Transparency and Accountability in Governance. In this regard, we ensured people-driven budget consultation process, timely publication of budgets and audited accounts, as well as compliance with the World Bank-led State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability framework (SFTAS) of which Gombe is among the best performing states nationwide. We also repositioned the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service, leading to automation of revenue collection procedures and improvement in revenue performance.
16. The maintenance of harmonious working relationship between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary is very fundamental to the success of every democratic setting. Our actions and activities are always tailored towards preserving and respecting the independence of the legislature and judiciary. Similar treatment is also extended to our local government councils, in order to ensure their financial independence and administrative autonomy.
17. Our administration has adopted a three-pronged approach to dealing with youth unemployment, climate change and insecurity. Through our Gombe Goes Green (3G) program which targeted the planting of 4 million trees, we are able to engage 27,000 youth in the program, providing them with job opportunities and mitigating climate and environmental degradation which induced farmer-herder conflicts and its attendant consequences. We also recruited 500 youth under the Gombe State Security, Traffic and Environmental Corp (GOSTEC) to protect our environment, bolster local security and enforce traffic rules.
19. In our commitment to promote security, stability and peaceful co-existence, we established the Ministry of Internal Security and Ethical Reorientation and introduced ‘Operation Hattara’ to support and complement the efforts of our security agencies. We also embraced local stakeholders to ensure coordinated and proactive response to security challenges, and convened the first-ever Gombe State Security Summit in order to boost local security and foster regional cooperation.
20. It is noteworthy that these achievements were recorded despite domestic and global economic headwinds especially the Covid-19 pandemic and the global economic meltdown. It is gratifying that our administration was able to wither the storm and deliver strong performance which earned us local and international recognitions and accolades. While there is still much work to be done, we must build upon our achievements so as to reach greater heights.
22. In the next four years, our administration will focus on the following key areas:
23. Economic Empowerment and Job Creation: we shall continue with our ease of doing business policies so as to consolidate our position as the most business-friendly state in Nigeria. These policies are designed to foster conducive business environment, attract investments, and stimulate economic growth. We shall also train and upskill our youth, invest in ICT skills and innovation, and harness our agri-business potentials in order to enhance food security and create employment opportunities.
24. Education and Human Capital Development: our administration shall continue with ongoing upgrades of school infrastructure, provision of instructional materials and improving the capacity of our teachers and administrators. We are committed to expanding access to education, particularly for out-of-school childen, girl-child and other marginalized groups, through various initiatives like the Adolescent Girl Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE). We are also committed to enhancing vocational and technical education to align with the needs of the rapidly evolving job market, particularly the agriculture, energy and oil and gas sectors which are fast taking shape in Gombe State, especially with discovery of oil and gas at Kolmani.
25. Healthcare and Social Welfare: we are going to leverage on Go-Health and GSPCHDA to strengthen healthcare systems and infrastructure in order to ensure accessible and quality healthcare services for all. We shall Improve the capacity of our healthcare professionals by investing in training and capacity building, as well as partner with FG and other relevant stakeholders to implement social welfare programs that support vulnerable groups and alleviate poverty.
26. Infrastructural Development: we are going to consolidate on our existing achievements by investing in the development of critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water supply, and electricity. We shall improve our rural and urban transportation networks, and investing in climate-friendly and sustainable projects. Urban renewal and redevelopment, especially in the State capital and the local government headquarters will be pursued vigorously in order to ensure decent living and also attract the much-needed investment in hospitality and tourism.
27. Good Governance and Accountability: we shall sustain the principles of people-driven, needs-based and participatory governance by improving our open government policies which enabled us to become one of the top 7 states in the country in the 2022 Transparency and Integrity Index. The efficient use of public resources through plugging leakages and reducing wastage will foster a culture of meritocracy and inclusivity in governance, thus improving the efficiency of the system.
28. My fellow citizens, I cannot achieve these ambitious goals alone. I need your continued support, active engagement, and constructive feedback in order to succeed. It is only by coming together as one united people that we can transform our aspirations into tangible realities. I am confident that, with your continuous support and prayers, we shall overcome these challenges, seize emerging opportunities, and create a future that is brighter and more prosperous for every resident of Gombe State.
29. On a final note, I remain eternally grateful for your support, and the opportunity to lead Gombe State at this critical point in its history. I will continue to count on your support, goodwill and prayers. Let us embark on this journey together, hand in hand, as we build a Gombe State that our children and future generations will be proud to call home.
Outgoing Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje has inaugurated the Kano NUJ Plaza constructed by his administration and donated to the state Council of the Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ).
Ganduje also inaugurated the NUJ Conference Hall, also rehabilitated and modernised by his administration, to enable the union host local and international conferences in order to generate revenue to finance its services.
Performing the two functions simultaneously at the NUJ Secretariat by Farm Centre Road in Kano on Sunday, the governor explained that his government constructed the plaza and rehabilitated the conference hall to appreciate and reward the good working relationship that existed between his administration and journalists in the state.
Ganduje commended working journalists in the state for informing, educating, and enlightening the people of the state on the policies and programmes of his administration during its eight-year tenure.
He said the government’s gesture would help to consolidate, enrich and sustain the good working relationship between the journalists and the government, and the people of the state.
Earlier, the state’s outgoing Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Malam Muhammad Garba, thanked the governor for his immense contribution to his progression in both his journalism and public service careers, including his rise to become the President of the NUJ and the President of the West African Journalists Association (WAJA).
Garba also appreciated the governor for appointing him as his Chief Press Secretary when he (Ganduje) was the Deputy Governor of Kano State, and also when he became governor appointed him as his Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, a position he held for eight years.
He said the position enabled him to initiate and actualise the legacy projects – the Plaza and Conference Hall rehabilitation at the Kano NUJ secretariat, thanking the governor for constructing and donating the 24-shop plaza to the NUJ and modernising the conference hall for the union.
The commissioner expressed delight that he was leaving behind the two legacy projects for which he will be remembered by working journalists and the people of the state for a long time to come.
In their separate remarks, the President of the NUJ, Mr Chris Isuguzo, who was represented by the NUJ Deputy National President, Malam Alasan Yaya, and the Chairman of Kano NUJ, Malam Abbas Ibrahim, also thanked the Ganduje for the gesture.
Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of awards to both the governor and Garba for their good services to humanity.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said he is poorer by 12 percent in the last four years as governor of the state.
Makinde made this known on Sunday while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan.
He told them that he submitted his Asset Declaration form at the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) office, situated on State Secretariat, Total Garden Road, on Friday in Ibadan.
Makinde, on assumption of office in 2019, had declared N48 billion worth of assets.
He, however, did not reveal the details of his assets but told newsmen that in due time it will all be revealed to the public.
In compliance with Paragraph 11 Part 1 to the fifth schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a governor is mandated to declare his assets at the end of the first tenure.
“By law, I have to do a Declaration of Assets at the end of my first tenure and before assuming office for the next tenure.
“So, I have gone to CCB office to submit my Assets Declaration form at the end of my first tenure and also my assets at the beginning of the second tenure.
“You are all aware of my Assets Declaration for the first tenure.
“I can tell you that in the last four years, I’m poorer by 10 to 12 percent.
“This is because, I have not really have the chance to look after my business.
“We have been looking after Oyo State business; so, I’m not surprised that there were losses a bit here and there, but I’m still okay,” Makinde said.
Makinde’s Deputy, Chief Bayo Lawal, also went with the governor to submit his own Assets Declaration form.
Meanwhile, the inauguration of Makinde as the Chief Executive Governor for the second term will come up on Monday at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
As part of activities lined up for his inauguration on Monday, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has granted pardons to 115 inmates serving different jail terms in the state.
Addressing the inmates in Potiskum on Saturday, a former Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in the state, Saleh Samanja, disclosed that their fines ranging from N10,000 to N500,000 had been settled by the Yobe State Government.
Samanja charged them to ensure they went back to school or learnt trades, saying their characters were found satisfactory while serving.
The inmates incarcerated across three correctional centres in Potiskum, Nguru and Gashua, included two females and 113 males between the ages of 20 and 40 years.
The Jigawa command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has deployed 700 personnel for the inauguration of the state Governor-elect, Malam Umar Namadi. The command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), CSC Adamu Shehu, said this in Dutse on Saturday.
Shehu said that the personnel were deployed to all routes leading to the venue of the inauguration on May 29.
He said that the aim was to ensure peaceful transition of power in the state. Shehu advised members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements in their areas to the nearest security formations. The Namadi is the incumbent Deputy Governor of the state and is expected to take over from Governor Muhammad Badaru.
