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Tag: Aminu Tambuwal

  • Atiku reacts over Tambuwal’s detention

    Atiku reacts over Tambuwal’s detention

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has said that the continued detention of former governor of Sokoto State, Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, was part of an agenda to harass, intimidate, and decimate the opposition.

    Atiku said ,in a statement, on Tuesday in Abuja that the only reason the EFCC had detained Tambuwal was because he was a member of the opposition coalition.

    He alleged that the EFCC was being used as a political tool to coerce opposition leaders into the ruling party.

    “We are living witnesses to a growing trend where the state and its operators have assumed the roles of bully by making corruption and the fight against it a political agenda.

    “Certainly, that is not the objective for which I worked hard during our administration to create the EFCC,’’ he said.

    Atiku said that said using antigraft agencies to target opposition  with corruption allegations, while members of the ruling party with allegation of corruption move free was not how to build institutions.

    “That, certainly, is not how to fight the monster of corruption. Indeed, such tendencies provide the stimulant for corruption to thrive.

    “We have seen how the EFCC has been used to empty opposition state governors into the ruling party, and the tea party is not about to end anytime soon,’’ he said.

    Atiku said, while the genuine fight against corruption was a matter that required the total support of all Nigerians, the objectification of it as a political agenda should be condemned by all stakeholders.

    “We have in recent times witnessed the use of anti-corruption agencies in coercing political leaders into the ruling party.

    “Our assurance to Nigerians is that we would never succumb to these anti-democratic machinations of railroading our people into a one-party dictatorship,’’ he said.

  • Former Sokoto governor, Tambuwal detained, grilled at EFCC headquarters

    Former Sokoto governor, Tambuwal detained, grilled at EFCC headquarters

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently interrogating the former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal.

    According to New Telegraph, Senator Tambuwal was invited at the anti-graft agency’s corporate headquarters in Abuja where he’s currently being held over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals to the tune of ₦189 billion.

    The withdrawals are in flagrant violation of the Money Laundering ( Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    The governor arrived at the EFCC’s Headquarters around 11:30 am and faced interrogators on the alleged financial crime.

    EFCC’s Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, declined comment on the matter.

  • BREAKING: Tribunal upholds election of Tambuwal

    BREAKING: Tribunal upholds election of Tambuwal

    The Election Petitions Tribunal in Sokoto State on Wednesday upheld the victory of former governor Aminu Tambuwal as the duly elected Senator representing  Sokoto South senatorial district.

    The three-member tribunal panel led by Justice Denis Echesi, in a unanimous judgment, dismissed the petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Alhaji Danbaba Danbuwa.

    The tribunal held that the petitioners, APC and its candidate, failed to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. As a result, they were ordered to pay a fine of N200,000 to each of the respondents.

    Respondent’s Counsel, Dr. Suleiman Usman, SAN, after the judgment said that the tribunal conducted a thorough examination of all the issues presented during the case.

    “Ultimately, the tribunal found the evidence presented by the petitioners to be unreliable, often contradictory, and frequently based on hearsay, including the documents they submitted.

    “The tribunal found the petition unproven and affirmed the election of Sen. Tambuwal as the duly elected Senator in the National Assembly,” he stated.

    On the other hand, Mr Chris Ndeoyiro, Counsel for the petitioners, his clients will wait for a copy of the tribunal’s judgment to review its contents and determine their next course of action.

    “The judgment itself is disappointing, similar to how the tribunal dismissed the petition.

    “However, there are certain aspects of the judgment we find unsatisfactory.

    “We’ll receive the copy of the judgment from the tribunal tomorrow, and after a thorough review, we’ll decide on our next steps,” he said.

  • Tambuwal left behind an empty treasury – Sokoto Gov

    Tambuwal left behind an empty treasury – Sokoto Gov

    Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has said his predecessor left an empty treasury and no no dime was handed to him by former Governor Aminu Tambuwal

    The governor was responding to the deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kanu, who asked how the Governor was able to execute 100 projects in his first 100 days in office during a condolence visit to the state on Thursday.

    Aliyu, who spoke through his deputy, Engineer Idris Gobir, said it was just a sacrifice as there was nothing in the treasury when they took over about five months ago.

    “We inherited an empty Treasury and nothing to show, not a single paper was handed over to us.

    “We made sacrifice to change the narrative of the state and we have succeeded in changing it within the last 100 days,” he said.

    He described the relationship between the state government and the legislature as cordial, saying they were groomed by the current leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.

    Aliyu, however, thanked the leadership of the green chamber who sent a powerful delegation to condole the government and people of the state over the demise of their colleague and member, representing Isa-Sabon Birni Federal Constituency, Jelani Danbuga.

    He described the late lawmaker as patriotic and a complete gentleman.

    We inherited an empty Treasury and nothing to show, not a single paper was handed over to us.

    “We made sacrifice to change the narrative of the state and we have succeeded in changing it within the last 100 days,” he said.

    He described the relationship between the state government and the legislature as cordial, saying they were groomed by the current leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.

    Aliyu, however, thanked the leadership of the green chamber who sent a powerful delegation to condole the government and people of the state over the demise of their colleague and member, representing Isa-Sabon Birni Federal Constituency, Jelani Danbuga.

    He described the late lawmaker as patriotic and a complete gentleman.

    Earlier, Kanu said they were amused by the number of projects so far executed by the state government, noting that it was a thing of joy to see leadership at the state level was making a positive impact on the lives of the people.

    He stated that they were in Sokoto to commiserate with the people of the state over the death of their colleague who believed in the unity and progress of the country.

  • Sokoto Govt. sets up panel to review Tambuwal’s appointments

    Sokoto Govt. sets up panel to review Tambuwal’s appointments

    Gov. Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has set up a nine-man panel to review all appointments made by former governor Aminu Tambuwal close to the end of his administration.

    The panel headed by former Police Affairs minister, Malami Dingyadi was specifically mandated to review the appointments of some traditional rulers and renaming of tertiary institutions.

    A statement by Malam Abubakar Bawa, Press Secretary to the governor on Monday in Sokoto, also said that the panel would look at the relocation of the institutions and appointment of members of their Governing Councils by the past administration.

    “They are also to review all recent appointments of traditional rulers made by former governor Aminu Tambuwal and address complaints raised against some of those appointed.

    “It is to further advise the government on any matter of public interest related to issues on the matter.”

    Recall that Aliyu had on assumption of office suspended the appointments of affected traditional rulers and ordered the cancellation of the renaming of the tertiary institutions.

    He also dissolved the governing boards of all parastatals and agencies in the state.

    Members of the panel are Bature Shinkafi, Dr Kulu Abubakar, Isa Sadiq-Achida, Suleiman S/Fulani, and Dr Umar Yabo, as Secretary, among others.

  • I regret ever supporting Tambuwal to become speaker – Gbajabiamila

    I regret ever supporting Tambuwal to become speaker – Gbajabiamila

    Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has said he regrets ever supporting Aminu Tambuwal to become the speaker of the 7th National Assembly.

    Recall that Tambuwal emerged the Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011 with the support of key members of the Green Chamber.

    Tambuwal is now an outgoing two-term Governor of Sokoto State.

    “I regret it,” Gbajabiamila stated while recalling the previous attempts by speakership aspirants to oppose the chosen candidates of their respective parties.

    The Speaker made these remarks in Abuja on Wednesday night during a meeting of the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, a coalition of members-elect from the All Progressives Congress and opposition parties for the upcoming 10th National Assembly.

    During the meeting, the coalition adopted Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu as the anointed candidates of the APC for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively, for the 10th House.

    Before Gbajabiamila spoke, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the APC candidate for President of the Senate, accompanied the Speaker into the venue, delivered a brief remark, and then left.

    The meeting is currently ongoing at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja as of the time of filing this report.

    However, Tambuwal will  be returning to the National Assembly as a Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District having served as three term Federal House of Representatives member representing Kebbe/Tambuwal federal constituency where he emerged as the Speaker between 2011 to 2015.

     

  • Governors to meet President Buhari on new revenue formula

    Governors to meet President Buhari on new revenue formula

    The 36 states governors are to meet President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss with him on the need to present new revenue formular to the 9th National Assembly for passage into law before the end of his administration.

    Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen after the forum’s meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Tambuwal said that the governors discussed issues that bordered on national, sub-national, democracy and good governance, including the need for timely release of the collected stamp duties warehoused in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for disbursement.

    “Today, we discussed the guidelines by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) on financial regulations that it is working on in ensuring that Nigeria is taken out of grey lists of the financial tax force.

    “We also discussed the issue of Primary Healthcare Seattle Declaration and the progress made so far. During our induction course, some states that have attained some milestones are going to receive some awards for their performance.

    “We discussed the new revenue formular submitted to Mr President by the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMFC) and the need for us to approach Mr President on the need for him to present the new draft formular to National Assembly before this administration winds up.

    “We also discussed the issue of stamp duties that have been held, both the Federal Government and the states that is warehoused in Central Bank of Nigeria.

    “We are working to make sure that it is released for disbursements to both federal government and state,” Tambuwal said.

    Fielding questions on details of the new draft revenue formular and if the forum was satisfied with it, Tambuwal said the details of the new formular would be revealed when presented.

    “We are going to meet Mr President as the leadership of the forum and we will appeal to him to present that draft revenue formular. By the time it is presented, you will see what is there.”

    On his assessment of the NGF, Tambuwal said that the forum had helped the governors in maintaining cohesion, unity, non partisanship, making sure that all that they did was about Nigeria first and their various states.

    “The NGF is actually doing well in terms of bringing governors together, working together for national interest, for the interests of the states.

    “Making sure that there is that unity amongst governors on national issues. I believe NGF has done very well.”

  • Just In: NASC finally approves Tambuwal as Clerk to National Assembly

    Just In: NASC finally approves Tambuwal as Clerk to National Assembly

    The National Assembly Service Commission, NASC, has confirmed the appointment of Magaji Tambuwal as the Clerk to the National Assembly.

    His appointment was confirmed in a letter dated Wednesday, 29th March 2023.

    A press release by the Director of Publuc Affairs in NASC, Mrs Janet Jesse Mambula announced the confirmation of Magaji’s appointment.

  • 2023: Again, Tambuwal loses aide to APC

    2023: Again, Tambuwal loses aide to APC

    Alhaji Abubakar Kwaire, a Special Adviser to Gov. Aminu Tambuwal has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2023 general elections in the state.

    Kwaire, according to a statement by Bashar Abubakar, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC –Sokoto North) was received by the state APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu in Sokoto

    Abubakar said the new APC member, who was a former member of the State House of Assembly hailed from Tambuwal Local Government.

    He quoted Kwaire saying that his decision to join APC was motivated by Wamakko’s sterling leadership qualities.

    “Therefore, I believe with Wamakko as APC leader and Aliyu to govern our state, if elected, more dividends of democracy are expected,“ he said.

    Kwaire restated his commitment to support all the candidates of the party to coast to victory for the best of Sokoto State and Nigeria.

    In his remarks, the governorship candidate welcomed the defector and assured him of equal treatment like all other members of the party.

  • Union lauds Tambuwal’s speedy response to proposed health workers’ strike

    Union lauds Tambuwal’s speedy response to proposed health workers’ strike

    The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Sokoto state chapter, has praised Gov. Aminu Tambuwal’s speedy response in stopping its proposed strike action.

    Mr Abdullahi Aliyu, its Chairman, made the commendation while briefing newsmen on the union’s position of suspending its proposed indefinite strike in Sokoto on Saturday.

    Newsmen reports that the union on Monday, after a brief meeting proposed to commence an indefinite strike on Oct.24 , over its members’ salary discrepancy.

    Aliyu said the quick response of the governor had shown his commitment towards ensuring the provision of quality healthcare services to the people of the state.

    “Yes, it is true that we have suspended our proposed  strike following the commitment of the state government to address our plight.

    “Gov. Aminu Tambuwal had approved the urgent rectification of our members salary discrepancy and the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SSPHCDA) had made a proper commitment to that.

    “Moreover, that is our plight and as a union leaders, we cannot stand and watch our members receiving monthly payment of N8,000 or N12,000.

    “While, those appointed under the state healthcare of the same grade level were receiving a monthly salary of N80,000.

    ”This is our dispute, the gap is too wide. We want this discrepancy to be adequately addressed,” he said.

    The chairman called on the members to continue to work diligently and be more committed to the civil service rules of engagement.

    Meanwhile, Alhaji Abubakar Chika, the Special Adviser, SSPHCDA to Tambuwal, has confirmed the development to NAN.

    Chika said, ”for the past five years, SSPHCDA has been working toward addressing the plight of the health workers from local governments when they were moved to the agency.

    “I want to tell you that we have been working with the union leaders throughout the process.

    “We did the first and second verification exercises and some of them were able to upgrade their educational qualifications.

    “Moreover, as you are aware, no civil servant in Sokoto State is paid N8,000 monthly salary, but these are people that we inherited from the LGA’s.

    “So, based on the verification exercises, we were able to save the government over N20 million, which we are very sure will address over 50 per cent of the plight of the members of the union,” Chika said.

    He added that the challenges had been fully addressed and the governor has directed the state Ministry for Local Governments to provide the needed amount to cover the discrepancy.