Category: Politics

  • Gov Inuwa chairs SEC Valedictory Session

    *Members pour encomiums on Gombe Gov; 11- Man Transition Management Committee Inaugurated

    The Gombe State Executive Council, earlier today held a valedictory session to round off the life of the council. This is just as Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya inaugurated an 11- member Transition Management Committee.

    In his Valedictory remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya thanked the cabinet members for their sacrifices and dedication which saw to the success of his first tenure, noting that the achievements recorded by his administration would not have been possible without the efforts of the members whom he described as good team players.

    Governor Inuwa recounted that “preparatory to the coming of the government, during the campaigns and the elections in 2019, we worked as a team with the majority of you here participating directly as a result of which we shared the same vision. That made it possible for me to bring you into government. And I would like to say that you did not disappoint me and did not disappoint the people of Gombe State.
    You have done very well and impliedly, this government did very well.

    “The successes recorded are results of the sacrifice, commitment, dedication, loyalty, and above all the resilience of all of us that work in this team. And As a leader I am very proud of the good work that you did which is very visible and clear to all”, he added.

    “For the errors you made personally as human beings, I learned to know that to err is human and to forgive is divine. I have forgiven anybody, not only you any other person that offended or intentionally tried to tarnish the image of this government for his selfish interest or whatever reason, I have forgiven you and I hope everybody will forgive me as well.”

    The governor urged the ex-members to be steadfast, committed, and loyal to the course on which they all stand, wishing them God’s guidance and success in their future endeavors.

    In his remarks, the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau noted that, Governor Inuwa received over 26 awards from reputable national and international organisations within his first tenure which is an indication of his outstanding leadership style and accomplishments.

    He mentioned the most recent and notable awards which include the Presidential Awards as the best state in the ease of doing business in 2021 and 2022 consecutively, the Pro-Labour Governor Award 2022 by the Trade Union Congress, Most Improved State In Rural and Urban Infrastructural Development 2022 by Business Day Newspaper among others.

    Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to have served under Governor Inuwa Yahaya. commending the mutual relationship between his office and all other MDAs.

    He also thanked Governor Inuwa for teaching them what he called the rudiments of politics. “We thank you so much, your Excellency for the vision, the passion, the courage, the commitment, and the resilience with which you lead us all”, the Prof said.

    He informed the governor that almost all the Ministries, Departments and gencies of the State Government have so far submitted their handover reports to his office in accordance with the governor’s directive.

    He said he “constituted a mini committee that worked diligently to compile the submissions and produce an abridge report for the governor’s review and consideration.”

    In his contribution, Justice Zubairu Muhammad Umar who spoke on behalf of cabinet members from Gombe North, thanked Governor Inuwa for giving them the opportunity to serve the good people of Gombe State.

    He specifically extolled the governor for establishing good leadership based on the principle of hard work, integrity, respect, accountability, fairness, and the rule of law; assuring the governor of their readiness and willingness to continue serving the state wherever they find themselves.

    Also in his remarks, Hon Muhammad Magaji Gettado Sa’id, Gombe Central and of course the generality of the people of Gombe State are proud to have Governor Inuwa as a leader, recounting the unprecedented development project the governor executed like the multi-billion Naira Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, revolutionary road infrastructure, and the much priority he attached to Agriculture which is the mainstay of the people of Gombe State.

    Mr Audu Lauco, who spoke on behalf of Gombe South SEC members, commended the foresight of the governor in churning out policies that can continue to exist beyond this generation.

    “Your policies and projects have long-term effects on the people. You always tell us that you want to do something that long after you must have left office people will remember you. And for that, Your Excellency even if you leave office today, the work you have done outlived those who have done for 16 years. And you will continue to be remembered for that. “, he affirmed, describing the governor as a detribalise leader that treat people equally without discrimination based on religion, tribe, or section.

    In her short remarks, Dr. Aishatu Umar Maigari representing the female cabinet members, described governor Inuwa ‘as truly a he for she governor’, applauding his policies and programmes which she said are always pro-women.

    “Your Excellency, when you came in 2019, Gombe was at its lowest ebb; we were at zero, and in 2023 we are heroes. Gombe is leading the whole of the Northern Region. By 2027 inshallah we are going to be superheroes”, she said.

    Meanwhile, immediately after the valedictory session, Governor Inuwa also inaugurated the Transition Management Committee to handle the administrative transition of his government from the first tenure into the new government beginning from May 29.

    Unveiling the composition of the committee, the governor said the team will be headed by retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Daudu as Chairman and will have other members including Malam Aliyu Kamara, Arch. Sulaiman Muhammad Puma, Amb. Edward Sarki, Permanent Secretary Budget, and Planning, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Ibrahim Jalo Ali; Permanent Secretary General Duties, Mr. Eranus Mamman; Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro, Mr. Luth Edward, Ahmad Usman Shanu, and Dr Muazu Shehu who will serve as secretary.

    The terms of reference of the committee include among others: obtaining the end of the term report, identifying challenges faced by various ministries and departments, and making recommendations for improvement of the performances of MDAs to enable the effective and successful commencement of the next tenure.

    “I believe the committee members can deliver on their assigned duties and responsibilities”, the Governor maintained.

    Responding on behalf of other members of the Transition management committee, the Chairman, Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Daudu, thanked Governor Inuwa for finding them worthy of the assignment, assuring him that they will do their best in giving a convincing report that will help in facilitating a successful transition and second tenure.

  • El-Rufai sacks Kaduna Assembly Clerk, Perm Sec, one other

    El-Rufai sacks Kaduna Assembly Clerk, Perm Sec, one other

    Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, has sacked the Clerk of the State House of Assembly, Bello Zubairu Idris, a permanent secretary, Yau Yunusa and secretary of the Kaduna Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA), Mr Francis Kozak.

    A statement issued by Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Muyiwa Adekeye also disclosed that, the governor has also accepted the retirement of Stephen Joseph, a permanent secretary.

    According to the statement, “the Kaduna State Government has announced the immediate disengagement of Yau Yunusa Tanko, a permanent secretary, Francis Kozah, secretary of the Kaduna Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA) and Bello Zubairu Idris, the Clerk of the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

    “The governor has also accepted the retirement of Stephen Joseph, a permanent secretary.”

  • Gombe Gov dissolves cabinet, relieves all political appointees of duties

    Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has dissolved the Gombe State Executive Council and equally approved the termination of the appointment of all political appointees with effect from today, Friday, 26th May, 2023.

    However, political office holders in statutory boards and commissions are excluded from this directive. Equally, Local Government Caretaker chairmen will remain in charge of their respective councils until the expiration of their tenure on 19th June, 2023.

    Governor Inuwa Yahaya has also accepted the resignation of the Gombe State Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Bappayo Yahaya. In his place, the Governor has approved the appointment of the Permanent Secretary/Principal Private Secretary ( PPS) to the Governor, Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi as Acting Head of Civil Service.

    The Governor expressed appreciation to all the relieved appointees for their invaluable support and contribution to the success of his administration and wished them the best in their future endeavours.

  • Police arrest 10 suspected rapists, thugs in Bauchi

    No fewer than 10 suspects have been arrested by the Police Command in Bauchi for various crimes, including rape and other criminal conspiracies in the state.

    This is contained in a statement on Friday in Bauchi, by SP Ahmed Wakil, spokesperson of the command.

    Wakil said that the suspects were arrested for crimes bothering on alleged rape and thuggery.

    He explained that the operatives of the command were able to track five suspects for alleged rape and five others who engaged in various forms of thuggery and criminal conspiracy within the Bauchi metropolis, Dambam, Toro and Itas-Gadau Local Government Areas (LGAs).

    “Investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to apprehend other accomplices.

    “The suspects will be charged to court for prosecution on completion of the investigation,” he said.

    The spokesman said that the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Aminu Alhassan, has commended the operatives for their dedication and professionalism.

    Alhassan also assured residents of the state of the command’s unwavering commitments toward the security of lives and property in the state.

    He reiterated that there will be no hiding place for criminals in the state, urging residents to remain vigilant and security conscious.

  • Gombe Govt procures N2.8bn fertilizer for 2023 farming season

    *As SEC approves N1.8bn for payment of compensation for road projects

    The 30th Gombe State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approved the sum of N2.8bn (Two billion, eight hundred and thirty seven million, five Hundred thousand naira for the procurement of five thousand metric tonnes of fertilizer for the 2023 farming season.

    Addressing newsmen on details of the approval after the EXCO meeting, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Mohammed Magaji Gettado said the brand of the fertilizer is NPK 20-10-10 which is a higher version of the NPK 15-15 distributed last year.

    The Commissioner explained that the fertilizer has already been supplied to the State awaiting blending by TAK Agro, the company managing the state owned fertilizer blending plant.

    On the issue of subsidy, the commissioner said the Governor will make it known during the flag off of the fertilizer distribution expected to begin between the 1st and 29th of June this year.

    Also speaking on approvals under the purview of his Ministry, the Commissioner of Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, explained that Executive Council approved the upward review of the contract sum for the construction of the School of Nursing and Midwifery to the tune of Five Hundred and Twenty Three Million, Three Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixty Six Naira.

    He said the review of the initial contract sum of One Billion, Fifty Million Naira becomes necessary due to the astronomical rise in the prices of construction materials at both the local and international markets.

    While giving an overview of activities in his Ministry, the Commissioner of Works, Engr Abubakar Bappah said the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has, in the last four years, awarded many road projects spread across the State.

    He revealed that the immediate past administration in the state left behind 19 yet to be started road projects for which Governor Inuwa Yahaya has completed 11 while 5 are ongoing.

    On the network 11-100 which seeks to construct at least one hundred kilometers of roads in each of the 11 Local Government Areas of the State, the works commissioner explained that at least a total of 60 kilometers have been covered in each of the local government areas.

    Engr. Abubakar Bappah added that the present administration in the State is equally proactive on repairs and maintenance of wash aways and construction of bridges to link hard to reach communities across the State.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Lands and Surrey, Usman Jafun Biri said the council approved the sum of One Billion, Eight Hundred and Five Million, Fifty Two Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy Five Naira, Fifty Kobo for the payment of compensation to property owners affected by road construction in Kaltungo, Bajoga, Gombe, Tumfure and Ashaka Townships.

    The commissioner used the forum to advise land owners to always seek the approval of constituted authorities before putting up structures, saying the money earmarked for compensation can be use for the construction of more roads to serve the interest of the people.

    In the same vain, the Commissioner of Housing and Urban Development, Idris Abdullahi said EXCO approved the sum of One billion andTwenty Five Million Naira for additional work at the Kumo General Hospital.

    According to the commissioner, the additional works include construction of shopping mall of 20 shops to serve as a revenue generating base of the Hospital, a Mosque, electrical and mechanical works as well as fence elevation at the facility among others.

    The Commissioner equally revealed that the State Executive Council also approved the sum of One Billion, Fifteen Million Naira as completion cost for the State Sharia Court of Appeal abandoned some ten years ago.

    The Commissioner of Internal Security and Ethical Orientation, Adamu Dishi Kupto said the State Government has observed with concern, the resurgence of hoodlums disturbing the peace in the state capital.

    He said Government is assessing and re-strategising to arrest the ugly situation, and therefore urged law abiding citizens in the state capital to report any suspicious movement to the State Rapid Response Squad using the following numbers: 08035158691 and 09139962191.

    Earlier speaking, the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Meshack Audu Lauco had while listing the activities lined up for the Inauguration ceremony of Governor Inuwa and his Deputy for Second term, said there will be special Juma’at prayer and a valedictory session of the State Executive Council on Friday.

    He said a cultural night/ gala is expected to hold on Saturday to be followed by a Thanksgiving service on Sunday. The Inauguration of the Governor and his Deputy will be the climax of the activities on Monday, 29th May, 2023.

  • Makinde dissolves Task Force on waste management

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Thursday ordered the immediate dissolution of the state Task Force on Waste Management.

    The Chairman, Transition and Inauguration Committee, Mr Segun Ogunwuyi, made this known in a statement in Ibadan.

    According to Ogunwunyi, the directive takes effect from May 25, 2023.

    Ogunwuyi: “I have the directive of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Gov. Seyi Makinde, to inform you of the dissolution of the Oyo State Waste Management Task Force with effect from today, May 25, 2023.

    “The Task Force is by this directive required to officially hand over and submit all government properties to the Transition and Inauguration Committee.”

    He said that the governor appreciated the task force for their tremendous contributions to the development of the state, wishing them successes in their future endeavours.

  • 2023 Hajj: Gombe to airlift 2,556 intending pilgrims to S/Arabia

    The Executive Secretary, Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sa’adu Adamu, on Thursday said 2,556 intending pilgrims would be airlifted to Saudi Arabia from Gombe through Air Peace Airlines this year.

    Adamu told newsmen in Gombe that the first batch were expected to leave on June 3, and would be in about nine batches because the Aircraft is small.

    According to him, the board had chosen the airline because it was confirmed to be new, while hoping that the process of transporting the intending pilgrims will be completed within nine days.

    He said following the ongoing reconstruction in Saudi Arabia, the accommodation used for previous pilgrimages had been changed to other buildings, but within the location.

    Adamu said the board had decided to maintain the area because the state was used to the environment and hence the efforts made to secure the accommodation for the intending pilgrims.

    On the issue of fees increment of 250 dollars per pilgrim, the executive secretary explained that the Federal Government had intervened to subsidise with 150 dollars per pilgrim.

    He added that the State Government had also weighed in to reduce from the intending pilgrims Duty Tour Allowances (BTA) of 800 dollars to lessen the burden on them.

    He said the increment became necessary because of the extra fuel the airlines would burn to go round Sudan, where the conflict in the country could not allow planes to fly above it. 

  • Police arrest kidnapper, drug peddling suspects in Delta

    The Police Command in Delta has apprehended a kidnap suspect and recovered arms and ammunition from him in the state.

    The spokesman of the command, DSP Bright Edafe, told newsmen on Thursday in Warri that the suspect was nabbed on Wednesday by operatives of the command’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS).

    Edafe said that the suspect was arrested at his hideout in Uvwie Local Government Area following intelligently gathered information about the hoodlum.

    He said that the RRS was led by its commander, Superintendent of Police (SP) Omouwuigbe Nosakhare.

    “Acting on credible intelligence about a suspect who hibernates somewhere in Warri but a member of a dreaded kidnap syndicate, SP Nosakhare, on May 24, 2023, led operatives of RRS and stormed the criminal hideout in Uvwie Local Government Area where the suspect was arrested.

    “A search warrant was executed in his premises where one English Berretta pistol and 15 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition were recovered,” he said.

    Edafe said that an investigation into the matter was ongoing.

    In another development, the police spokesman said that the command had arrested a suspected drug peddler in Jeddo Community, Okpe Local Government Area of the state.

    He said that the suspect was apprehended on Wednesday by police operatives attached to the Orerokpe Division while on intensive stop-and-search/visibility patrol on Jeddo Road.

    “The operatives intercepted the suspect with a suspicious-looking bag. He was subjected to a search during which weeds suspected to be Indian hemp were discovered.

    “Other hard drugs in large quantities were found in his possession and packaged in mini rubber cups for sale. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody,” he said.

    Edafe said that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was a notorious drug peddler in Okpe and its environs, adding that efforts to arrest his accomplices are ongoing. 

  • ‘Shine Your Eye’, NCC sensitises traders on fraudsters’ tactics

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has sensitised traders on how to avoid falling prey to fraudsters in the country.

    The commission did the sensitisation at the Market Square, Kasuwar Rusau, Keffi, on Wednesday in Nasarawa State.

    The programme was tagged: “Shine Your Eye, No Fall Mugu”.

    The Executive Vice-chairman, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, was represented by Mr Clement Omife, Head, Consumer Protection Advocacy Unit of the NCC.

    Danbatta said that the awareness was to promote initiatives such as to empower telecom consumers with knowledge and advocate for their protection within the telecom industry.

    He said that the menace, which follows wide acceptance of new methods of mobile money, electronic banking and payment systems has been discovered to cost the country whopping sums of money.

    Danbatta said that a lot of people were highly ignorant of how losing their phones to fraudsters can lead to a complete clean-up of their bank accounts. 

    He said|: “These fraudsters do this by stealing victims’ identities; names, addresses, bank information, which they use in gaining access to their bank accounts.

    “They also use the stolen identity to defraud other people and even apply for loans, leaving the victim with debts.”

    According to him, as the telecom industry evolves, there is a growing concern over the rising trend of fraud on telecom (electronic fraud) across sectors of the Nigerian economy.

    Danbatta added: “CBN rates electronic fraud as the biggest risk in the sector which has widely incorporated electronic payment solutions such as ATMs, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBBS) Instant Payment and mobile banking.

    “The telecommunications sector is not also spared in the raging storm stoked by cyber fraudsters across the country.

    “Attackers are now targeting telecom networks with the intent to disrupt service delivery and infiltrate their data bank SIM swaps and Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD).

    “USSD e-payment frauds are currently some of the sensuous cyber threats in the telecom industry. Fraudsters conduct SIM swaps of individuals and then conduct USSD-based transactions which cost victims huge losses.”

    He said that the commission also collaborated with critical stakeholders such as the CBN, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), EFCC, ICPC and others relevant in the fight against e-banking fraudsters.

    Danbatta said that effective collaboration between government agencies, private organisations and individuals was pivotal in tackling this scourge of electronic fraud.

    He assured consumers that the commission would intensify its regulatory efforts in protecting the interest of telecom consumers.

    Danbatta said that the development and deployment of robust infrastructure to support innovative technologies and services had no doubt positively transformed the socio-economic space.

    “One of the critical mandates of the NCC is the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers, which is majorly domiciled with the Consumer Affairs Bureau of the commission.

    “As part of the strategy to actualise this mandate, the department collaborates with Consumer Advocacy Groups and relevant stakeholders in creating consumer awareness.

    “By promoting initiatives such as this to empower telecom consumers with knowledge and advocate for their protection within the telecom industry.

    “Today, telecom consumers are enjoying broadband and other services driven by the quest to establish a digital economy,” he said.

    He urged traders to avail themselves of the necessary information required to avoid falling prey to cybercriminals.

    Danbatta also urged consumers to be careful not to open unfamiliar emails or respond to unfamiliar inquiries and report suspicious E-fraud to their bank and telecom service providers.

    The Chairman, Keffi Traders Association, Alhaji Musa Yakubu, called on traders to learn about financial frauds and the strategies to tackle them.

    “We appreciate NCC for coming to enlighten our people on how to manage our money.

    “I have mandated my members to be here to be able to learn how not to fall victim to financial frauds,” he said. 

  • Civil Defence nabs 5 suspected phone snatchers in Kano

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State Command has arrested five suspected phone snatchers, the command’s spokesperson, Mr Ibrahim Idris-Abdullahi said on Wednesday.

    Idris-Abdullahi, who listed the suspects as: Faisal Usman, 28, Mansur Isa, 38, Abdullahi Bashir, 25, Ahmed Ibrahim, 21and Zulkifil Bello, 25, said they specialise in stealing and snatching of phones.

    “The suspects operate and engage in a dastardly act around Sabon Gari, Fagge Local Government Area of the state, where they steal and snatch handsets belonging to innocent people.

    “Men of the corps intelligence and investigation department are on the trails of the suspects’ accomplices one Mr Sunday and Abdullahi) whom they used to sell the phones and Sim cards to,” he said.

    The spokesperson said that items, which include three mobile phones and a bunch of keys, were recovered from the suspects.

    He said investigation was ongoing, adding that once completed, the suspects will be charged to court.

    He said that the command would sustain the fight against phone snatching, crimes and criminality, as well as the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.