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Tag: Adamawa

  • Residents, farmers lament as flood hits Adamawa community

    Residents, farmers lament as flood hits Adamawa community

    Anguwan Tana community in Yola North LGA, of Adamawa state has been hit with flood as a result of an overflow from River Kilange and River Faro.

    The farming settlement in the state capital lies on the shore of the River Benue, which runs across Yola.

    Residents of the community lamented the destruction of their farms following the heavy flood.

    Visiting the affected area on Friday, the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, ADSEMA, Dr Mohammed Suleiman, said the agony of the people would have been averted if they had heeded warnings about possible flooding.

    “Before the inception of the rainy season, when we received the prediction of flooding, we had warned them,” the ADSEMA boss told newsmen.

    While stressing the need for them to always cooperate with government, he assured them of food and non-food relief items.

  • Lagdo Dam: NEMA lists States likely to be flooded

    Lagdo Dam: NEMA lists States likely to be flooded

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said that Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra states are likely to be flooded, following the release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

    Mr Mustapha Ahmed, Director-General, NEMA, who disclosed this at the National Emergency Coordination Forum meeting, on Wednesday in Abuja said others include Enugu, Edo, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states  .

    He said that the states, located at the downstream, must begin to take concerted effort to address and mitigate the impact of the impending flooding.

    According to him, the meeting was necessitated by the notification received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the modulated release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

    He said that the country had commenced release of water from the Dam at the rate of 200 cubic meters per second which is about 18 million cubic meter of water per day.

    He said that the release may result to all frontline states experiencing flooding in subsequent days and weeks.

    “The states on the downstream of River Benue are Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Enugu, Edo, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states.

    “Information available from the the flow level of the River Benue at Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) gauging station at Makurdi stood at 8.97 meters as of Aug. 25, 2023 compared to 8.80 meters on the same date in 2022.

    “Also, NIHSA has provided that the flow level of River Niger system, especially at Niamey, Niger Republic, remains stable at a normal level of 4.30 meters.

    “Similarly, inland dams including Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro reported consistent flow regimes,” he said.

    The director-general added that immediate evacuation of Nigerians from various communities to safer destinations should be carried out by all stakeholders to mitigate possible flood disaster this year.

    He however called on Nigerians to remain calm as the agency would continue to work with bother government partners to provide succour including food and non-food items to affected people in the IDPs camps and host communities.

    Earlier, Dr Onimode Bandele, Director, Planning, Research and Forecasting, NEMA, said that the meeting was convened to update and discuss with stakeholders from various sectors on the issues around the release of water from Lagdo Dam and the present flood situation in the country.

    He said that it was important to solicit their meaningful contribution in other to chart the way forward to address possible challenges, prepare, mitigate and respond to humanitarian issues that the water release may cause.

    In his remarks, Mr Clement Nze, Director-General, NIHSA, said it was important to deploy high level of preparedness on the part of the federal and state governments, especially in the likely affected states

    He added that citizens, including all agencies and stakeholders charged with disaster response and reduction must step up action and put in place measures to mitigate and avert eventual flood disaster.

  • Subsidy removal: Borno, Adamawa, Yobe roll out palliatives

    Subsidy removal: Borno, Adamawa, Yobe roll out palliatives

    Borno, Adamawa and Yobe governments have embarked on measures to ameliorate the current hardship on citizens caused by the removal of petrol subsidy.

    The citizens of the three states worst affected by insurgency in North East have been experiencing hardship which many said is further worsened by the subsidy removal.

    In Borno and Yobe states, the distribution of palliatives to households has commenced in earnest, while in Adamawa,  the committee constituted for the exercise is still working on modalities.

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno said during the launch of the palliatives distribution at Maisandari Ward of Maiduguri that his administration would sustain the support to the less-privileged and communities affected by insurgency throughout his tenure.

    Zulum said that while the Federal Government palliatives would cater for 100,000 vulnerable households in the state, his administration would provide for additional 300,000 households to make a total of 400,000 households.

    He explained that ”Borno’s case is peculiar as some areas have been devastated by the insurgency and returnees are yet to have full access to their farmlands, hence the need to continue supporting them.”

    The Chairman of North East Civil Society Forum, Amb. Ahmed Shehu, lauded the early distribution of palliatives by the Borno Government, particularly the involvement of CSOs in the committee, and urged other states to emulate Borno.

    He said “I am urging other states to also involve Civil Society Organisations in the palliative committees for transparency and accountability.”

    In Yobe, the Deputy Governor who is the Chairman of the palliatives committee, Alhaji Idi Gubana, said distribution of palliatives has commenced, targeting 80,000 households in 17 local government areas of the state.

    Gubana, who spoke through his Press Secretary, Mr Hussaini Mai-Suleh, said the distribution had been launched in the three senatorial zones, with that of Zone A in Damaturu, Zone B in Fune, and Zone C in Jakusko.

    In Adamawa, the distribution of palliatives is yet to commence, but the state government had constituted a distribution committee under the Chairmanship of the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Auwal Tukur.

    The committee was inaugurated on Wednesday by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaleptapwa Farauta, and members were tasked to ensure that the palliatives reached the intended persons.

    “Work out necessary modalities for the transportation of palliatives, both food and non-food items, from the source to the distribution points.

    “Monitor and liaise with relevant stakeholders or community agents and ensure equitable distribution of the palliatives to the intended beneficiaries,” Farauta tasked members of the committee.

    Some Internally Displace Persons (IDPs) at Damare camp in Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa, urged the state goverment not to forget displaced persons in the exercise.

    Ladi Paul, the Women Leader in the camp, said that about 227 households were in serious need of food support in the camp.

    “I am appealing to government to come to our aid; we were affected by flood in 2022 and the removal of fuel subsidy has further compounded our situation in the camp”, she said.

    Some residents of Yola also lamented the delay in the distribution of the palliatives, adding that the recent looting of food items in government stores in the states by some youths should serve as a wake-up call.

  • Adamawa Curfew: Female soldier kills superior

    Adamawa Curfew: Female soldier kills superior

    A female soldier has killed one of her superiors at a checkpoint in Yola, Adamawa State, in Northeast Nigeria.

    It was gathered that the female soldier was enforcing the curfew imposed by the Adamawa State government when the incident happened.

    Recall that the Adamawa state govenor, Gov Ahmadu Fintiri imposed the curfew in the state after hoodlums broke into a government warehouse and looted several items, including palliatives meant to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy.

    According to the report, the female soldier identified as Lance Corporal Nkiru shot a captain who attempted to intervene in her altercation with civilians at Fire Service Roundabout in Yola.

    The female soldier reportedly insisted that motorists, including workers on essential duty, coming home during the curfew hours must turn back.

    “Some people stopped at the checkpoint explained themselves as workers on essential duties, but the female soldier insisted they must turn back. A captain came forward to intervene. Unfortunately, she had already cocked her rifle, so she just fired and killed him accidentally,” a security officer stated.

    The victim was confirmed dead at the Federal Medical Centre, Yola, while the suspect was instantly arrested and whisked away by soldiers.

  • Fintiri approves immediate fencing of NYSC orientation camp

    Fintiri approves immediate fencing of NYSC orientation camp

    Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has approved immediate commencement of the construction of concrete wall perimeter fencing of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp, Damare, in Girei Local Government.

    Fintiri disclosed this while declaring the 2023 Batch ’B’ Stream 1 orientation course closed at the camp on Tuesday.

    Fintiri who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, said, this is to ensure safety and security of corps members and staff.

    He enjoined the corps members to accept their postings to places of primary assignment in good faith and confront the service year with zeal and determination.

    “I particularly urge those of you posted to our primary and secondary schools to see this as a noble and golden opportunity to mentor our younger ones out there to greater heights.

    “Be informed that the state government has provided special incentives to all corps members serving as teachers in public schools.”

    According to him, “like their serving colleagues, some of them are going to assume the role of acting principals, headmasters, CMDs and so on at the various places of primary assignment.”

    Fintiri also appealed to Corps Employers to always accept and mentor Corps Members posted to them, and make the necessary provisions for their welfare to develop their potentials.

    “I also call on other stakeholders, including State and Local Government authorities as well as rulers, to give the necessary encouragement to the Corps members,” he said.

    In his address, NYSC state Coordinator, Mr Jingi Denis, appreciated Gov. Fintiri’s intervention in augmenting the feeding of corps members and camp officials with assorted foodstuffs ranging from bags of rice, vegetable oil and cows.

    He said these have gone a long way in making the camp a pleasant experience for both the corps members and camp officials.

    “Similarly, your recent directive to expedite work on the approved construction of the concrete wall perimeter fencing of this camp is another great morale booster, particularly as regards the security of the camp,” he said.

    Denis enjoined the corps members to perform their duties with diligence and be guided by the provisions of the NYSC Act and Bye-Laws as well as workplace rules and regulations.

    “Furthermore, I enjoin you to undertake personal and group Community Development Service Projects that will help to uplift the living standard of the host communities,” he said.

    No fewer than 1,442 corps members have successfully undergone and completed their orientation programme at the camp.

  • Just In: Adamawa gov, Fintiri imposes 24-hour curfew [See reason]

    Just In: Adamawa gov, Fintiri imposes 24-hour curfew [See reason]

    Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa on Sunday declared a 24-hour curfew on the state with immediate effect.

    The governor made the declaration in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Humwashi Wonosikou in Yola.

    The curfew followed wide-scale looting and attacks on citizens by hoodlums.

    According to him, the situation has assumed dangerous dimension as hoodlums in Yola attack people with machetes, broke into business premises and homes carting away property.

    “With the curfew imposed, there will be no movement throughout the state.

    “Only those on essential duties with valid identification would be permitted to move around during the period of the curfew,” he added.

    Fintiri appealed to law abiding residents to comply with the directive, warning that anyone caught contravening the order would be arrested and prosecuted.

    It was reported that hundreds of hoodlums had broken into Federal and State government storage facilities and looted food and non-food items in Yola.

    Mr Ladan Ayuba, Head of Operations National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said that the armed hoodlums looted bags of Rice, Maize, Corn, and Beans, as well as Generators, wrappers, mattresses and plastic buckets among others from NEMA facility.

    .He said that the hoodlums also vandalized and looted facilities at the NEMA office that was recently reconstructed and furnished.

    A source also confirmed that the hoodlums who attempted to broke into a Silo but were not successful, later moved to attack other government storage facilities.

    At least three of the hoodlums were believed to have died while several others were arrested.

    SP Suleiman Nguroje, the Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa confirmed the incident, saying that Police and other security operatives have been deployed to protect critical assets and infrastructure.

    NAN

  • Subsidy removal: Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, subsidise transportation for workers, students

    Subsidy removal: Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, subsidise transportation for workers, students

    The governments of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe have started taking steps to contain the hike in transportation caused by removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

    The state governments, which operate own transport companies, have continued to ensure that their fares remain lower than what obtains in motor parks.

    In Borno, Gov. Babagana Zulum had approved the release of 50 buses to address the situation.

    According to Mallam Isa Gusau, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, the buses will be added to the fleet of the state owned transport outfit, Borno Express Corporation.

    Gusau said that 30 vans were also provided to provide farmers, particularly those residing inside Maiduguri, free ride to outskirts of the state capital where their farmlands are located.

    A University of Maiduguri student, Mustapha Abdullahi, and a government worker, Ali Modu who patronised government buses picking passengers at N50 per drop, lauded government for the intervention.

    “I patronise Borno Express buses everyday, paying N50 from Post Office to University of Maiduguri as against N150 being collected by taxis and tricyclists,”  Abdullahi said.

    In Adamawa, the state government had constituted a special committee on mitigating the effects of subsidy removal with Dr Amos Edgar, the Chief of Staff to Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri as Chairman of the committee.

    Edgar revealed plan by Adamawa Government to purchase shuttle buses for workers and inter-local government transportation at subsidised rate.

    He said that other measures taken by government was the approval of N10,000 monthly subsidy for all workers and pensioners.

    Mr. Labaran Salisu, the Director, Transport, Adamawa Ministry of Transport, said that some of the 250 partially leased vehicles in the ministry’s custody for inter-state services, would be deployed for town service at subsidised rate.

    In Yobe, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Mohammed Goje, said that plans were underway to provide free transport to students and civil servants.

    “Very soon the state government will provide buses for free transportation for civil servants and students,” Goje said.

  • Subsidy removal: Fintiri approves N10,000 monthly palliative for civil servants, pensioners

    Subsidy removal: Fintiri approves N10,000 monthly palliative for civil servants, pensioners

    Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has approved N10,000 monthly as palliative for civil servants and pensioners for six months to cushion the harsh effects of the petrol subsidy removal.

    The Governor’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Edgar Amos, disclosed this during an interactive session with newsmen in Yola on Wednesday.

    Amos, who is the Chairman, Special Committee on mitigating the effect of fuel subsidy removal on the residents of the state, said that the governor also approved the full implementation of the national minimum wage for local government workers with effect from August.

    According to him, the governor also approved the procurement of 70 trucks of maize and 20 trucks of rice for distribution to the people at subsidised rate.

    He further said that the government would also purchase 50 trucks of fertiliser for state civil servants at subsidised rate.

    He said that plans had been concluded to purchase shuttle buses to convey workers to and fro the state secretariat and for inter-local government transportation.

    Amos said the measures were part of the recommendations submitted by the special committee constituted to work put palliatives to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal policy.

  • Adamawa Guber: Binani accuses INEC of frustrating petition at tribunal

    Adamawa Guber: Binani accuses INEC of frustrating petition at tribunal

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in the last governorship election in Adamawa, Sen. Aishatu Binani has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of frustrating her petition at the tribunal.

    Binani is at the Adamawa Governorship Election Petition Tribunal challenging the declaration of Adamu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winner of the election.

    The former senator alleged that INEC was being biased by disregarding an order of court and attempting to arrest and detain the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner,  (REC), Mr Hudu Ari.

    She claimed that the plan to arrest Ari was a ploy to prevent him from testifying for her at the ongoing hearing of the tribunal.

    She alleged that INEC wanted the suspended REC apprehended and kept out of circulation to make him unavailable as a witness for her.

    Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Saturday on behalf of Binani, Alhaji Mustapha Umar-Madawaki, the APC Returning Officer in the March 18 governorship election in the state, and the re-run of April 15,  appealed to Nigerians to call INEC to order.

    Umar-Madawaki said that the electoral umpire needed to be called to order to allow the APC candidate to reclaim her mandate freely given to her by the people of Adamawa.

    The APC returning officer alleged that at the point of collation of results, INEC-trained add-hoc workers were changed and mysteriously substituted by another group of staff.

    According to him, the result of the unlawful change of add- hoc workers was the production of different election results from the one submitted by the authentic workers.

    “To my mind, that is a major reason why INEC is working overtime, trying to prevent the former Adamawa REC from testifying before the tribunal.

    ” They are afraid of the revelations he would make.

    “Their desperation is so brazen that Justice A.O Manji was forced to openly question INEC lawyer on why they are in a hurry to get Ari arrested while there is a clear court order against that.

    Madawaki said that copies of text of the media briefing would be forwarded to embassies in Nigeria and Diplomatic Missions to keep them abreast in the battle to regain the alleged stolen mandate from Binani.

    When NAN reached out to INEC for its reaction, Mr  Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee said that the commission would not join issues with any individual or group over issues and matters pending in court.

    “The Commission has operated and will continue to operate within the confines and ambit of the law.

    ” It is contemptuous to engage in public discourse of matters pending in Court.

    “All courts of record are imbued with inherent power and jurisdiction to compel the appearance of any individual in court.

    Any individual or group aggrieved over an issue can approach any of the courts and complain,” Okoye said.

  • Court stops prosecution of suspended Adamawa REC, Yunusa-Ari

    Court stops prosecution of suspended Adamawa REC, Yunusa-Ari

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, stopped the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from prosecuting the suspended Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa-Ari, over his declaration of Aisha Dahiru, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as governor in the March 18 poll.

    Justice Donatus Okorowo made the order after Mr Michael Aondoaka, SAN, counsel to Dahiru, moved the ex-parte motion to the effect.

    In the ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/935/2023, the APC candidate in the poll, sued INEC, Attorney-General.of the Federation (AGF) and another  as as respondents.

    Aondoaka while moving the motion on Monday, argued that until the election petition tribunal decides the fate of his client in accordance with Section 149 of the Electoral Act, 2022, the prosecution of Yunusa-Ari cannot be said to be valid.

    He said the decision of INEC to.file.action against any person involved in Dahiru’s April 15 declaration as winner of the supplementary poll in the state when the tribunal was yet to determine the petition of his client,  would deprive her of Section 285(6) of the law which gives 180 days within which the petition filed on May 6 should be dispensed with.

    The senior lawyer, who informed the court that though a similar suit was earlier filed before Justice Inyang Ekwo where a judicial review of INEC’s action was sought, he said the sister court ordered Binani to approach a tribunal with her suit, having being an election-related matter.

    He said an undertaking had been signed to prove to the court that the present suit was not frivolous.

    He said in the undertaking, they were ready to face any cost should the court found the case to be frivolous.

    After listening to Andoaka, Justice Okorowo ordered the parties to maintain status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

    The judge, who adjourned the matter until July 18 for hearing, ordered the respondents to show cause while the reliefs sought by Dahiru, popularly called “Binani”, should not be granted.