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Tag: Adamawa State

  • Suspended Adamawa REC must be prosecuted – PDP demands

    Suspended Adamawa REC must be prosecuted – PDP demands

    The People Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mr  Olukayode Egbetokun, to expiate efforts towards the arrest of and prosecution of Malam Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the suspended INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa.

    The opposition party said arresting and prosecting Yunusa-Yari would be in obedience to an earlier court order.

    The party ‘s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba, made the call during a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

    Yunusa -Ari was suspended over attempt to usurp the powers of the state returning officer when he declared the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Governorship Candidate, Aishatu Binani, winner of the April 15, 2023 Adamawa governorship election.

    At the point of the declaration the collation of the election results was incomplete.

    Ologunagba described the action as civilian coup and attempt to subvert Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

    The High Court of Justice of Adamawa State, No. 9, Yola Division has issued a Warrant of Arrest of Yunusa -Ari dated May 21, 2024.

    The court ordered the IGP to apprehend and produce Yunusa-Ari before it to answer to the charges preferred against him.

    The order of the court was received by the office of the IGP on May 23.

    He said that since the removal of Yunusa-Ari, he has been on the run, forgotten the saying that “time they say, does not run against the×× State in criminal matters.”

    He said the delay in the prosecution of Yunusa-Ari constituted a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law.

    “The failure of the Nigerian police so far to apprehend and bring Yunusa-Ari to justice is capable of creating a bad precedence and encourage other public officers to act with impunity.

    “There is tendency for them to behave as if there are no consequences for acts contrary to law and their Oath of Office’’, he said.

    The PDP, therefore, charged the IGP to, in compliance with the order of court, immediately locate, arrest and bring Yunusa-Ari before the court for prosecution.

    “This is especially as there are allegations and apprehension in the public space that Yunusa-Ari has perfected plans to escape from the country and evade trial.

    “The PDP insists that Yunusa-Ari must be made to face the full wrath of the law for his assault against our democracy,” he said.

  • Adamawa announces date for LG elections

    Adamawa announces date for LG elections

    The Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC), has scheduled the state local government councils election for July 23.

    Alhaji Mohammed Umar, the Chairman of the commission said this at News Conference in Yola on Tuesday.

    Umar said that the commission had kick-started the process of organising the the poll in line with its mandate.

    “As you are aware, the tenure of the local government councils has expired and it is the responsibility of the commission to conduct new election to fill in the vacances as promulgated by law.

    “It is therefore imperative and constitutional for the commission to announce a date for the conduct of the council elections,” he said.

    He said notice for the election would be published at the commission’s headquarters as well as its local government offices.

    ”The timetable and scheduled of activities and timelines for the election will be released within the next two weeks,” he said.

  • Police confirm abduction of Catholic priest in Adamawa

    Police confirm abduction of Catholic priest in Adamawa

    The Police Command in Adamawa has confirmed the abduction of a  Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Oliver Buba by suspected kidnappers.

    SP Suleiman Nguroje, the command’s spokesperson, who confirmed the incident in Yola on Wednesday, said the command had deployed a rescue team to the forest for his rescue and release.

    According to a statement signed by the Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Rev. Stephen Mamza,  the victim was abducted on Tuesday in his residence in Numan Local Government Area of the state.

    Mamza said the diocese had already committed the priest to the powerful intercession of God for his immediate release from his abductors.

    He further solicited prayers from the Christian faithful and the general public for divine intervention.

  • Tension in Adamawa over selection of district head

    Tension in Adamawa over selection of district head

    The Gaya community in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State has raised alarm over the recent selection of the District Head in the area.

    Some of the residents told newsmen on Wednesday in Hong that the recent selection process of the district head needed to be reviewed for the interest of justice, peace and unity in the area.

    Alhaji Nasiru Adamu, ACP (retired), one of the respondents, said that Gaya community have four clans that were supposed to produce their district head in which the recent selection, the caretaker who was not from any of the clans was selected.

    According to him, the new District Head is from Makera which is far to Gaya District, adding that even if he will contest, he is supposed to resign before the exercise.

    Adamu said that selection was announced only a few days and overtaken by corruption by the said ruler who emerged district head by force.

    “The selection process was announced two days to the exercise and those responsible for the selection were invited for a meeting with the acting district head, then spent the whole day.

    “Some among them past their night there and the following day were taken direct to the venue after bribing them with N3.5 million,” he said.

    He appealed to the Adamawa Government and the emirate council to review the exercise and allow those in the known clans to contest for peace and development of the area.

    Minkailu Inuwa of Gaya Sikalmi said in the history of the community those who served as caretakers were not allowed to be amongst the contestants.

    He therefore appealed for government intervention for the real indigent to be allowed to head the affairs of their community and not an outsider.

    According to him, since the district head assumed as acting two years he never stayed in the community to hear and know the situation in the area.

    “In Gaya district we have Huduma, Kulamari, Mulathul and Thulbang clans, and the new head did not come from any of these clans,” he said.

    Another respondent, Mr Bello Zakaria, also appealed to the state government to create Mugwahi district to end the tension for each to lead their people.

    He added that since the creation of the district whoever that acted will not partake in the selection process.

    When contacted, the District Head, Alhaji Ado Suleiman, maintained that the selection process was free and fair, and he declined comments on the allegations until he got permission from the emirate council.

  • Police confirm attack on Adamawa community, begin investigation

    Police confirm attack on Adamawa community, begin investigation

    Police Command in Adamawa has confirmed attack by gunmen on Kwapre community in Hong Local Government Area of the state.

    SP Suleiman Nguroje, command spoke person, disclose this in Yola on Tuesday.

    He said that the incident occurred on Monday, the Christmas day and investigation had since commenced.

    According to him, Commissioner of Police, Babatola Afolabi, has deployed officers and directed for investigation.

    He called on the general public to report any suspicious character to Police and other security agencies to ensure security in the state and country at large.

    Mr Simon Buba, District Head of Dugwaba, also confirmed to newsmen that two persons were Killed during the attack.

    According to him, the gunmen were suspected to be members of Boko Haram who invaded with motorcycle, carted away food items and rushed towards Sambisa Forest.

     

  • IGP visits Adamawa over death of Inspector shot by soldiers

    IGP visits Adamawa over death of Inspector shot by soldiers

    The Inspector General of Police,  Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday visited the Adamawa Police Command to sympathise with officers and men over the killing of an Inspector by soldiers on Nov. 21.

    Recall that Insp Daniel Jacob was shot to death when some soldiers attacked the command over the arrest of their colleague.

    The IGP described the attack as unwarranted and reminiscent of Boko Haram invasion of police facilities in the past.

    “I am in your midst today to share the grip that you have; I was told Inspector Jacob was an excellent officer who was committed to his duty and trusted by both his subordinate and his superior”, he said.

    The IGP said that the Force Headquarters would support the family of the decreased officer and take measures to ensure that the incident was not repeated.

    He called on the police officers not to be demoralised by the incident, and go about their normal joint operations with the army and other security agencies in the interest of the country.

    Egbetokum said his vision was to have a well-equipped police force and to double its manpower for the effective policing of the country.

    He charged police officers nationwide to adopt positive attitude to work for effective service delivery to Nigerians.

    “I have come to tell you that together we are going to change the policing narrative of this country,” he added.

    The IGP assured that President Bola Tinubu was passionate about improving the welfare of police personnel in the country.

    In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in the state,  Babatola Afolabi, said the incident was a big dent to the peace of the state.

    He said that the command has made serious efforts in  taming the activities of shilla boys criminal gangs, kidnapping, homicide, rape and other heinous crimes in the state.

    He urged the IGP to deploy Armoured Personnel Carriers, gun trucks and Hilux vehicles to enhancs the efforts of the command to ensure peace and security across the state.

    “The Nigeria Police Force, being the lead agency in internal security, has played its part in making sure that the state is safe, secured and conducive for both economic and social activities”, he said.

    Police Community Relations Committee has donated foodstuffs and N100,000 to the deceased Inspector’s family while hunters association also donated two cows to the family.

  • BREAKING: How soldiers attacked Adamawa Police Hq, shoot officer dead

    BREAKING: How soldiers attacked Adamawa Police Hq, shoot officer dead

    Facts on how Nigerian soldiers attacked Adamawa Police Headquarters and shot dead an officer has emerged online.

    Some officers of the Nigerian Police Officers (NPF) were feared killed on Wednesday morning in an attack launched by troops of the Nigerian Army on the Adamawa State Police headquarters in Yola.

    According to eyewitnesses, troops of the Nigerian Army were said to have attacked the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force in Adamawa State and killed one police officer at the gate instantly.

    Police sources revealed that a military armoured carrier was used to attack the police headquarters around 11 pm on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.

  • Gov. Fintiri reacts after tribunal victory

    Gov. Fintiri reacts after tribunal victory

    Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has described his victory at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal as “victory to democracy and the rule of law”.

    Fintiri stated this shortly after the tribunal dismissed APC’s Aishatu Binani petition against his re-election for the second term in Yola on Saturday.

    Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Fintiri winner after a supplementary election on April 18.

    The Governorship Candidate of the APC, Sen. Aishatu Binani, had filed a petition challenging the election, alleging that the election was not conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act.

    Reacting, Fintiri assured good governance for the people of the state.

    According to him, this victory is also a victory for doing more to ensure massive development in the state.

    Fintiri called on the litigants to step aside in order to move ahead for the development of the state and county at large.

    He appreciated the tribunal judges for the role played in ensuring fairness and justice.

    Fintiri also commended his legal team, journalists and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for their roles from the time of the election up to the tribunal judgment.

  • Senate swears in Adamawa-North senator, Yohanna to replace Abbo

    Senate swears in Adamawa-North senator, Yohanna to replace Abbo

    Sen. Amos Yohanna, (PDP-Adamawa- North), on Wednesday at plenary, took his oath of office and allegiance.

    Yohanna’s oath of allegiance followed his declaration as winner of the Feb. 26 senatorial election by an Appeal Court.

    The Clerk of the Senate, Mr Chinedu Akubueze, administered the oath and allegiance on Yohanna at plenary on Wednesday.

    Yohanna, who now represents Adamawa– North, had challenged his election before the election tribunal, which dismissed his application as lacking in merit.

    Yohanna had sued Sen. Elisha Abbo of the APC and the INEC before the tribunal to challenge the outcome of the senatorial election.

    In the petition marked EPT/AD/SEN/02/2023, Yohanna had argued that Abbo’s election should be invalidated by reasons of corrupt practices and non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

    He had stated that Abbo was not duly elected by the majority of lawful votes cast.

    He said there was over-voting at various polling units, false entries, alteration and cancellation of votes at several polling units.

    He had said some of the alterations and cancellations were not signed by the presiding officers of the polling units.

    Yohanna had prayed the tribunal to nullify Abbo’s election and declare him as the duly elected senator for Adamawa North.

    Not satisfied with the tribunal’s verdict, he approached the appeal court, asking it to nullify INEC’s declaration of Abbo as winner of  the election.

    The court of appeal in its judgment, voided the tribunal’s verdict and upheld Yohanna’s prayers.

  • Reps halt plans to cede part of Adamawa to Cameroon

    Reps halt plans to cede part of Adamawa to Cameroon

    The House of Representatives ad hoc committee on International Boundary Dispute has halted plans to cede Sina in Michika Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa to the Republic of Cameroon.

    Rep. Beni Lar, the Chairman of the Committee, gave the ruling in Abuja on Tuesday at an investigative hearing on the Nigeria-Cameroon boundary disputes.

    Lar said the demarcation of the boundary must be put on hold until the disputes were resolved, adding that the committee would visit Adamawa to get a comprehensive report.

    “We will recall that we did the first phase of this, similar to the DANARE-BIAJUA Axis of Cross River State and as a fallout of that, the Speaker through a request by Rep. Dauda Nyampa included Sina area to the committee’s terms of reference,” she said.

    She said the committee would visit Adamawa on a fact-finding mission, adding that the committee had already notified the governor of the visit.

    She said the committee discovered that there was lack of security posts and barracks on the nation’s land borders, whereas such were visible on the Cameroon side of the borders.

    This according to her necesitated the interactive session with the security formations which was to assess the role of security agencies in safeguarding the territorial integrity of the country.

    Speaking, Mr Adamu Adaji, the Director General, National Boundary Commission, said the demarcation was being carried out in line with the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

    He said so far the sub-commission on demarcation had emplaced a total of 2, 214 pillars on the boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon.

    “The Adamawa state sector of the boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon as decided by the International Court of Justice is based on treaties and agreements that had been entered into by colonial masters.

    “The courts upheld these treaties and agreements and ruled that they be used to re-establish the boundary. It is not a new boundary.

    ”It is a boundary that has been existing and there are documents that show the fact that these boundaries have been existing.

    “What the court ruled was that go and use this document to re-establish the boundary as it has always been recognized, ” he said.

    The representative of Sina community, Mr Adamu Kamale, said the disputed area was a Nigerian territory and was never a settlement, adding that the community was never considered in the entire demarcation process.

    “From Lake Chad to Bakassi, the ICJ ruled on several communities based on different criteria. The criteria used for Bakassi is not the same used for Michika LGA.

    “In our own case the ruling stated clearly that it is the watershed and if watershed is to be used, it means any territory that is on the flank to left as you are coming from Lake Chad falls into Cameroon

    “And any community to the right falls to Nigeria, because both countries had an agreement on the ruling,” he said.

    He said the position of Cameroon was that the foot of the mountain was to be adopted as the border line, adding that Nigeria averred that it must be the watershed and Nigeria won.

    He said the court made a pronouncement on Nigerian submission that it was the watershed that should be used.