Nation

THE STATES

Published

13 years ago

September 21, 2011

Adamawa

More than 70 per cent of the 226 councillors whose tenure expired two months ago are seeking re-election in the forthcoming local government election in Adamawa State.

The Chairman of the Councillors Forum, Alhaji Usman Maulud made this known in an interview in Yola.

Maulud said the councillors who had obtained nomination forms were seeking re-election on the platform of PDP.

He, however, said that five of the councillors including himself, who served as speakers of their respective local government legislatures, were going for the chairmanship position.

“We were encourage and supported by our people based on our performance and commitment to youth development in our areas to contest”, he said.

Bauchi

The Conditional Cash Transfer Programme of the Bauchi State Government for girl-child education, has gulped N50 million within the last five years.

The Chief Coordinator of the Programme, Alhaji Karijo Buba made this known on Tuesday in Giade.

The programme is being undertaken in line with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) .

Buba made the disclosure while distributing letters of invitation to participate in the programme to some selected girls in Darazo, Dambam, Giade, Kirfi, Zaki and Dass local government areas of the state. Buba said that the programme commenced in 2007 with 260 schools in the six local government areas as a pilot programme.

Benue

Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State last Saturday pledged that his administration would not interfere with the independence of the judiciary.

The governor, who gave the pledge in Makurdi at a ceremony organised to mark the beginning of the 2011/2012 legal year, said that his administration would always strive to ensure a smooth dispensation of justice.

Suswam, who was represented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Chive Kaave, noted that the state’s judiciary was one of the best in the country.

In his address, the Chief Judge, Justice Iorhemen Hwande, commended Suswam for his support to the judiciary.

FCT

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has appealed to people of goodwill to eschew violence and follow the path of justice, peace, unity and stability for the progress of Nigeria.

In a message of condolence to the family of the slain Babakura Fugu, son of the deceased Fugu in Maiduguri, Obasanjo said that while out of the country, he received the sad news of the killing of Babakura.

In the message, last Sunday, Obasanjo said “Babakura who joined others to receive me in the demolished compound of his late father, was genuinely working for justice and peace.

“He should not be hated for that let alone being killed.

Jigawa

Malam Adamu Jigawa-sada, a physically challenged lawmaker representing Dutse Constituency in Jigawa State House of Assembly, has pledged to bring the dividends of democracy to his people.

Jigawa-sada, who made the pledge on Saturday in Dutse in an interview with newsmen said his election was an inspiration to all the physically challenged persons in Nigeria.

Jigawa-sada said that since his election two villages in his constituency that had been in total darkness for years had started enjoying steady power supply.

Kaduna

The Tiv community in Zaria, Kaduna State, has expressed happiness over the decision of the Zazzau Emirate to co-opt it into the annual Eid-El-Fitr celebration.

In a statement signed by the Tyoor-elect of the community in Zaria, Mr Denis Akaayar in Zaria last Saturday,the union said the gesture would enhance national unity.

It specifically described the 2011 Eid-El-Fitr celebration as a memorable event for the Tivs in Zaria in particular,and Kaduna State in general.

Kano

Dr Ahmad Suleiman, the Imam of Tudun Murtala Central Mosque in Kano, has enjoined Muslims to emulate Prophet Muhammad by exhibiting good character.

In his sermon, Suleiman said that during his life time Prophet Muhammad advised his followers to be God-fearing in all their undertakings.

He also stressed the need for the Muslim Ummah to shun hypocrisy in all its form.

The Islamic scholar also called on parents to give their children good education that would make them useful citizens of the country.

He implored Muslims to propagate the message of Islam and the teachings of the holy Prophet Muhammad.

Suleiman,who described life on earth as transient, enjoined Muslim faithful to always pray for peace in the state in particular and the country in general.

Lagos

Mr Abdul-Lateef Owoyemi, the former President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), says Nigerian leaders should show more commitment in efforts to tackle insecurity, corruption, poverty and joblessness in the country.

He gave the advice in Lagos last Saturday, while speaking at the 2nd Annual Seminar of the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC.

Owoyemi said that Nigeria would remain relevant in the comity of nations, if its citizens were more disciplined and focused.

He, however, noted that some unscrupulous politicians had been creating fears and mutual suspicions among the citizenry, while making the country polarised and unstable.

“No nation can be relevant globally without first becoming relevant domestically.

“We are relevant in terms of world energy supply and when peacekeeping activities on the global stage are being discussed.

Niger

The All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools, has advocated the establishment of more examination bodies in the country to improve the standard of secondary school leaving certificate examinations.

This was contained in a communiqué issued last Saturday at the end of the conference’s national executive council meeting in Minna.

The communique noted that the establishment of the National Examination Council (NECO) had compelled the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to improve on its standard in the bid to maintain its position.

It expressed concern over the moral decadence in the country, which it said was characterised by insincerity, corruption and sexual abuse among others.

Ondo

Mr Banji Okunomo, the Chairman of Ilaje local government in Ondo State, said the council had awarded contract for the dualisation of some roads in the area.

Okunomo told newsmen last Sunday that the contract was awarded to a construction firm, adding that the people of the community had also called for the repair of link roads in the area.

He declined to name the construction firm involved and the contract sum.

He said that the reconstruction of Igbokoda market into an international market was in the pipeline as well as provision of other essential developmental amenities.

He said council had resolved to implement programmes that would impact positively on the people, and improve on the work of the previous administration.

Plateau

The Federal Government has pledged to pay the medical bills of persons who sustained injuries during the crisis that rocked some parts of Plateau State.

Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Sidi, the Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), gave the undertaking in Jos last Saturday when he visited the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, where some of the injured victims were receiving treatment.

Sani-Sidi, who commiserated with the victims, said that the Federal Government had directed that the medical bills of the injured persons should be defrayed.

He also expressed the government’s willingness to support the victims and urged the hospital authorities to submit their bills to the zonal office of NEMA for necessary action.

Sokoto

Senator Abubakar Gada, says he will contest the March 10, 2012 governorship election in Sokoto State.

“I intend to contest the post and this is unequivocal, categorical and unambiguous,’’ he said last Saturday in Sokoto.

Gada said he would contest the election to enable him bring the needed change in the socio-economic development of the state.

He was reacting to a recent statement credited to the National Vice-Chairman of the PDP in charge of the North-West Zone, Amb. Ibrahim Kazaure, while on a working visit to the state.

Zamfara

Alhaji Murtala Aliyu, the Chairman of Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board, has directed education secretaries to remove all ghost teachers from their payrolls ahead of planned statewide audit.

Aliyu,who was appointed recently as SUBEB chairman, gave the directives during a meeting with the secretaries in Gusau at the weekend.

He said records had shown that there were scores of ghost teachers in the payrolls of all the 14 local education authorities and that salaries of such teachers were fraudulently paid into the pockets of some individuals.

Nation

Yahaya Bello: Senator Hails EFCC’s Probe Of N80.2bn Fraud

Published

3 days ago

April 29, 2024

The Tide

Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has commended the efforts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) to apprehend and prosecute the immediate past governors of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.
This is just as she also hailed the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for ceding 14 properties that were initially forfeited to the federal government to the government and people of Enugu State.
Reacting to Bello’s excuse for not honouring the EFCC’s invitation, the lawmaker emphasized the need for the commission to investigate other corrupt public officials to avoid the impression that their actions against former governor were meant to witch hunt him.
In a now-viral video, the EFCC chairman had claimed Belloh told him that a female senator (name withheld) allegedly gathered journalists to humiliate him anytime he was at the agency’s Abuja office for interrogation.
“I called Yahaya Bello, as a serving governor, to come to my office to clear himself. I shouldn’t have done that. But he said because a certain senator had planted over 100 journalists in my office, he would not come.
“I told him that he would be allowed to use my private gate to give him a cover, but he said my men should come to his village to interrogate him,” Olukoyede was quoted as saying.
But Senator Natasha in a statement signed by her Chief Press Secretary, Arogbonlo Israel and issued at the weekend in Abuja, reminded Yahaya Bello of the importance of respecting Nigeria’s laws and constitution, given his former position as the chief security officer of Kogi.
“I was surprised to hear that Yahaya Bello evaded the invitation from the EFCC, despite having served as Kogi’s former chief security officer. As a former governor, he should understand the importance of respecting Nigeria’s laws and constitution.
“It’s a well-known fact that ‘he who comes into equity must come with clean hands’. As such, I advise him to honour the invitation and clear his name while he still has the chance.
“I’d also like to take this moment to appreciate the diligence of the EFCC in handling the case so far. No Nigerian is above the law, and therefore the agency must see this case through to the end if they are to gain the trust of both Nigerians and the international community in the fight against corruption,” she said.

Nation

Senate Frowns Over Continued Depreciation Of Naira

Published

3 days ago

April 29, 2024

The Tide

Worried over the latest depreciation of the Naira against major foreign currencies, the Senate through its Committee on Finance, has stated that the Legislature is exploring a range of policy options to mitigate the impact of Naira depreciation and foster economic stability in the country.
These, according to the committee, in a statement signed by its chairman, Senator Sani Musa (APC Niger East) and released yesterday, includes robust oversight of fiscal policies, engagement with key stakeholders, and the formulation of targeted interventions to support key sectors of the economy.
Senator Musa said the statement became necessary “to address the current state of the economy and the need for concerted efforts at tackling the instability and continuous depreciation of the Naira.”
This is even as he hoped that the “economic managers will adhere strictly to the norms and standards set by this administration to ensure that we achieve the desired outcomes in taking Nigeria to its economic growth and prosperity”, pledging the support of the National Assembly to the executive arm of government to achieve the set goals.
He, however, urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and resilient as they navigate these uncertain times, saying “together, we can overcome the challenges facing our economy and chart a path towards prosperity for all.”
The statement titled: “State of the Nation Economy and Naira Depreciation’, reads “The Nigerian economy is facing significant challenges, exacerbated by both internal and external factors.

“Despite efforts to stabilize and bolster economic growth, the numerous initiatives and bold but necessary steps and policy decisions taken by President Bola Tinubu, the persistent depreciation of the Naira against major foreign currencies has become a pressing concern.

“The recent depreciation of the Naira underscores the need for proactive measures to safeguard the stability and resilience of our currency.

“The Senate Committee on Finance is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to working collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to implement effective policies and strategies.

“It is imperative that we address the root causes of Naira depreciation, including but not limited to fluctuations in global oil prices, fiscal deficits, and structural imbalances in the economy.”

Nation

WIW: Banigo Advocates Legislative Impetus

Published

3 days ago

April 29, 2024

The Tide

The Senator, representing Rivers West Senatorial District at National Assembly Sen.Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has advocated for legislative backings to enforce immunisation as a pre-condition for admission into nursing, primary and secondary schools in Nigeria.
Banigo made the assertion recently in a statement to commemorate this year’s week-long immunisation campaign in line with the World Health Organisation advocacy.
Banigo, a Harvard-trained Public Health personnel, explained that such legislation would strengthen the National Immunisation Policy in the administration of vaccines, saves lives, helps in the child normal growth, prevents serious illness and disabilities such as poliomyelitis .
The former Deputy Governor of Rivers State who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), noted that Nigeria must attain at least, 90 percent vaccine coverage for all childhood and adolescence; stressing that a fully vaccinated child should have received BCG, Mussels and three doses of DTP and Polio .
She emphasised the need for collective efforts by stakeholders in the campaign against preventable diseases .
The theme for this year’s World Immunisation Week is “Humanly Possible: Saving Lives Through Immunisation” while the national theme is “Vaccine Works For All”.