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Tag: Kaduna Government

  • Diphtheria Disease: Kaduna govt alert citizens on outbreak

    Diphtheria Disease: Kaduna govt alert citizens on outbreak

    The Kaduna State Ministry of Health has confirmed cases of the diphtheria disease in some communities in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.

    The confirmation was sequel to several reports made about residents in Takau Ward, Kafanchan A and Kafanchan B wards, exhibiting symptoms listed as difficulty in breathing, high fever, cough, general body weakness, sore throat, and neck swelling.

    In a statement signed on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kaduna State, Muhammad Lawal Shehu said “upon learning about the unfortunate loss of lives in the affected communities, Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State immediately directed the Kaduna State Ministry of Health to send an emergency team to investigate these cases.

    A preliminary report from the Ministry revealed that the outbreak of diphtheria in Kafanchan had its first recorded case in the beginning of July, 2023”.

    “Governor Sani, while commending the health officials for their prompt response to the health emergency, urged them to continue to carry out their tasks diligently to ensure that the disease is contained and subsequently eradicated”.

    “Actions taken by the Ministry so far include the movement of affected cases to adequately equipped hospitals for proper management, active case searches, contact tracing and intensive community sensitization in all affected communities and surrounding areas.

    “In line with these efforts, residents of Kaduna State are advised to take steps to prevent the spread of the disease and protect our communities. Residents should ensure that they: Wash their hands frequently with soap and water, avoid close contact with people who are sick, cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.

    “Stay home from work or school if they are sick, stay active and walk everyday to boost immunity, report any suspected cases of diphtheria in their surrounding communities”.

     

  • Kaduna govt set to recruit 10,000 teachers after mass sacking

    The Kaduna State Government has concluded plans to recruit 10,000 primary school teachers to replace disengaged ones in order to improve the quality of teachers in the state.

    The Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, made this known in Kaduna on Wednesday at the inauguration of the distribution of learning materials to pupils in 4,260 public primary schools and 838 learning centres.

    Recall that the state government had on June 19, announced the sack of 2,357 primary school teachers for failing the government’s competency tests.

    The state government had in 2018 sacked 21,780, for failing a similar test while 233 others were sacked in December 2021 for allegedly presenting fake certificates.

    According to the deputy governor, the government shall continue to weed unqualified teachers in public schools and no amount of distraction will stop it.

    “The quality of instruction is very important in determining the educational outcomes of our children and we cannot allow only the children of a few to steal the advantage that education provides.

    “Nor shall we continue to allow poor quality education to be available to the children of the weak and vulnerable in our society, who attend public schools.

    “Children of the poor also deserve competent teachers, and it is our sworn responsibility to ensure that they get it, “he said.

    Balarabe said that the state government had renovated more than 500 public primary and secondary schools and provided perimeter fencing in many schools as required by UN agencies for the security of children.

    She added that new schools were built including new science secondary schools and many blocks of classrooms constructed in primary and other secondary schools across the state.

    Balarabe said that the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) and the state primary education development projects had ensured construction of more classrooms at the primary school level.

    This, according to her, is to accommodate the return of out of school children to classes.

    “However, as important as classrooms and physical structures are in creating conducive learning environments, lack of access to books pose an even greater challenge to learning.

    “Therefore, our free book policy is to increase access to textbooks, exercise books, sandals, sharpeners, pencils, erasers, school bags and magnetic boards.”

    She said that when poor children were exposed to books early, they would learn to read better, adding that the more children had access to books the more likely they would learn better.

    She noted that the problems in education were “simply overwhelming” adding that the government alone could not bear the burden.

    “That is why other stakeholders must come in with more commitments if we are to make any meaningful progress.

    “To the best of my knowledge, the private sector has of recent been relatively quiet in terms of their contributions to education and public schools.

    “We will, therefore, be happy to see the private sector come in with interventions in education as part of their Corporate Social Responsibilities.

    “As government provides leadership, teachers, parents, community-based organisations, religious leaders, traditional rulers and even the school children need to give their support and contributions.”

     

  • Kaduna Government releases names of 12 people killed during attacks on Zangon Kataf LGA

    Kaduna Government releases names of 12 people killed during attacks on Zangon Kataf LGA

    Security agencies have reported to the Kaduna State Government that 12 persons were killed in an attack by unidentified assailants in Peigyim village, near Kibori, Atyap Chiefdom of Zangon Kataf local government area.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports, in a statement issued and signed by Samuel Aruwan Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State the assailants stormed the village late on Sunday evening, and killed 12 residents.

    “The deceased are identified as follows:
    – Philbia Ysuaf Samuel Arunan
    – Suzanna Ezekiel
    – Rahib Alex
    – Ishaku Bamaiyi
    – Deborah Ishaku
    – Tinat Bamaiyi
    – Zichat Kefas
    – Sunday Daniel
    – Hauwa Gabriel
    – Fedelia Famson
    – Sadia Donald
    – Goodness Kefas

    Two other residents were injured and are receiving treatment.

    Receiving the report, Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed profound grief at the report of another deadly incident in the area.

    He sent his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims slain in the mindless and gruesome attack, and prayed for the repose of their souls. The Governor wished the injured residents a quick recovery.

    Security agencies are poised to sustain patrols in the area, as investigations into the incident progress.

  • N300.5m tax defaults: GTBank, First Bank land in Kaduna Government’s trouble; head offices, branches sealed

    N300.5m tax defaults: GTBank, First Bank land in Kaduna Government’s trouble; head offices, branches sealed

    The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) sealed the head offices and other branches of four banks in Kaduna on Monday over N300.5 million unpaid taxes.

    KADIRS Executive Chairman, Dr Zaid Abubakar identified the affected banks as First Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Sterling Bank and one other bank.

    Abubakar told journalists after the exercise in Kaduna that the money was arrears of taxes payable on masts, towers, and Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) from 1999 to 2020.

    He said that the tax liability of First Bank was N132.6 million; GTB N23.5 million and Sterling Bank of N60.3 million.

    According to him, the exercise is based on the power vested on KADIRS by Section 104 of the Personal Income Tax Act.

    “We have sent demand notices several times as required by law, but the banks refused to come forward to pay taxes due to the state.

    “For example, we have sent six notices to First Bank, four each to GTB, and Sterling Bank.

    “KADIRS is left with no choice than to seal up the banks’ branches.

    “There is, however, a positive response from the affected banks. They have made part payment and signed commitments to settle the outstanding,’’ Abubakar said.

    The executive chairman appealed to all business owners in the state to comply with relevant tax laws and pay all taxes due to the state to avoid being shut.

  • Sen Ibn Na Allah’s son strangled with rope, found dead in his bedroom – Kaduna Government

    Sen Ibn Na Allah’s son strangled with rope, found dead in his bedroom – Kaduna Government

    The Kaduna State Government has described Pilot Abdulkarim Na Allah’s death as “appearing to be a case of culpable homicide”.

    According to legal terms, Culpable homicide will be the appropriate charge where an act (or failure to act) brings about the end someone’s life but there was no intent on the part of the accused.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the the late pilot was the eldest son of Senator Bala Ibn Na Allah (representing Kebbi South Senatorial District) at the ninth Senate.

    Reacting to the pilot’s death, the Kaduna State Government through its Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan said the late pilot’s appears to be that of culpable homicide.

    Aruwan said the state government has been informed by security agencies that the remains of aircraft Capt. Ibn Na’Allah were found in his Kaduna home.

    “In what appears to be a case of culpable homicide, the deceased was found in a bedroom in his residence in Malali, Kaduna North LGA, apparently after having been strangled with a rope.

    “A vehicle was stolen from his parking lot by the assailants,’’ he statement said.

    The Kaduna State Police Command’s Public Relations officer, ASP Mohammed Jalige, confirmed the incident.

    Meanwhile the remains of the pilot were buried on Sunday evening at Unguwan Sarki Cemetery, Kaduna.

    Aruwan said that in another incident bandits killed one person at Janwuriya, Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.

    He said Gov. Nasir El-Rufai expressed deep sadness at the incidents as he prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims.

    The governor urged security agencies to conduct vigorous investigations into the incidents and apprehend the perpetrators of the attacks.

  • Insecurity: Kaduna Government shifts resumption date for primary, secondary schools

    Insecurity: Kaduna Government shifts resumption date for primary, secondary schools

    Kaduna State Government on Friday postponed resumption dates of both Primary and Secondary schools in the state, earlier scheduled to resume academic activities on Monday, August 9.
    The postponement notice was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Commissioner for Education, Dr Shehu Muhammad and that of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan.
    According to it, the decision is sequel to advise by security agencies, stressing that military operations are continuing while infrastructure projects are in high-risk areas.
    “The Kaduna State Government commends the military and police high commands for the on-going security operations against armed bandits across the state.
    “The government praises the doggedness and courage of officers and troops carrying out air and ground operations around Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, Plateau and Zamfara boundaries”, it said.
    Government said it had requested the military and police high commands to expand the operations to newly identified hide-outs.
    “New dates for school resumption will be announced, based on further security assessments.
    ” While wishing the military and security agencies resounding success against the bandits, Kaduna government appeals for the understanding of all residents over any inconvenience caused by the postponement”, it said.
    It urged all residents to be patient and report any security breach to the nearest security agencies.
  • Falana tackles Kaduna Government over fresh charges against El-Zakzaky, wife

    Falana tackles Kaduna Government over fresh charges against El-Zakzaky, wife

    Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana has accused the Kaduna State Government of filing fresh terrorism charges against the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat to frustrate their release.

    El-Zakzaky and his wife were freed of all charges levelled against them by the Kaduna State Government on July 28, five years after being detained by the Department of Security Service (DSS).

    In a ruling that lasted over eight hours, the presiding judge, Justice Gideon Kurada upheld the no-case submission filed by Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and his wife in an alleged culpable homicide, unlawful assembly and disruption of public peace levelled against them by the Kaduna state government.

    However, the Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s administration filed fresh seven charges against the IMN leader at the Federal High Court 24 hours later.

    But Falana, who is the lead counsel to El-Zakzaky, described the development as a “desperate bid by the Kaduna State Government to frustrate the release of the defendants from further incarceration.”

    “The new charge was maliciously filed when the Kaduna State Government anticipated that the ruling fixed for July 28 in respect our no case submission would succeed,” Falana said via a statement issued on Sunday.

    The senior lawyer also praised the trial judge for displaying exceptional courage and judicial independence amid what he described as intimidation by the forces of oppression.

    See full statement issued by Falana below:

    NEW TERRORISM CHARGE WAS HURRIEDLY FILED BY KADUNA STATE GOVERNMENT TO FRUSTRATE THE RELEASE OF MALLAM IBRAHIM ELZAKZAKY AND MALLAMA ZEENAT ELZAKZAKY FROM PRISON CUSTODY

    It has been reported in the media that the Kaduna State Government filed a new charge of terrorism and treasonable felony against Mallam Ibrahim Elzakzaky and his wife, Mallama Zeenat Elzakzaky after the dismissal of the 8-count charge of conspiracy and abetment of culpable homicide by the Kaduna State High Court. But contrary to such reports the new charge was hurriedly filed in the Federal High Court holden at Kaduna on Tuesday, 26th July in a desperate bid by the Kaduna State Government to frustrate the release of the defendants from further incarceration. In other words, the new charge was maliciously filed when the Kaduna State Government anticipated that the ruling fixed for July 28 in respect our no case submission would succeed.

    As soon as the new charge was filed the Bailiff of the Federal High Court twas commanded to rush to the Kaduna Correctional Centre to serve same on the defendants. But the defendants refused to accept service of the charge and directed the Bailiff to serve it on them through their Counsel.

    But for reasons best known to the Kaduna State Government the charge was not served on the defence counsel. However, on July 28 the trial judge, the Honourable Justice Gideon Kurada refused to be intimidated by the forces of oppression as he displayed exceptional courage and judicial independence. His Lordship dismissed the 8-count charge on the ground that it was filed under a law enacted in 2017 by the Kaduna State Government for offences that were alleged to have been committed in 2015. Alternatively, the learned trial examined the oral testimony of the 15 witnesses called by the Prosecution, upheld the no case submission of the defence and discharged the defendants.

    In apparent disregard of the epochal judgment of the Honourable Justice Gideon Kurada the Kaduna State Government seeks to subject the defendants to trial under the Terrorism Prevention Act enacted in 2011 for offences that were committed as far back as 2008. But since the Kaduna State Government is not sure that the defendants would be convicted for terrorism the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Bayero has announced that an appeal would be filed at the Court of Appeal against the Ruling of the Honourable Justice Gideon Kadura. No doubt, the new charge constitutes the worst abuse of the process of the Federal High Court. Once the case charge is served on the defence we shall not hesitate to file the necessary application for the immediate termination of the prosecutorial charade.

    In view of the foregoing, we wish to state, without any fear of contradiction, that the filing of the new charge of terrorism and treasonable felony by the Kaduna State Government has no effect whatsoever on the valid and subsisting order of the Honourable Justice Gideon Kudura for the unconditional release of the defendants from prison custody. In the same vein, the filing of the proposed notice of appeal by the Kaduna State Government will not constitute a stay of action with respect to the order for the release of the defendants. Therefore, as law abiding citizens the defendants are free to continue to breathe the air of freedom. However, since the new charge has failed to achieve its oppressive objective of frustrating the release of the couple from further incarceration we call on the Kaduna State Government to discontinue it without any delay.

    Femi Falana SAN

    Leader of the Defence Team

  • FG inaugurates 10-man committee settle Kaduna Government, Labour dispute

    FG inaugurates 10-man committee settle Kaduna Government, Labour dispute

    The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-man committee to resolve the dispute between Kaduna State government and Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and ensure industrial harmony in the state.

    A statement issued by a Deputy Director in the ministry, Mr Charles Akpan, on Saturday in Abuja, said that the committee was inaugurated by Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee was headed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Peter-Yemira Tarfa.

    Ngige named Secretary to Kaduna State Government (SSG), Balarabe Lawal and Deputy National President, NLC, Najim Hashim as Co-chairmen of the committee and Director, Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, ministry of labour and employment, Mrs O. U. Akpan, as Secretary.

    He urged members of the committee to meet the expectations of President Muhammadu Buhari in ensuring that industrial peace returned to the state.

    The minister recalled that the federal government had apprehended the strike initiated by NLC in the state in May, with parties signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to restore peace.

    He said that the intervening circumstances had made the reconstitution of the committee inevitable.

    According to him, the committee is expected to resolve all the issues in dispute between the state government and NLC.

    Ngige, who acknowledged that the issues in contention bordered essentially on trade disputes, gave the committee 21 days to submit its report.

    He urged the committee to resolve the issues holistically and be guided by the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as well as the country’s labour laws.

    Ngige noted that downsizing or rightsizing of workforce in any organisation, government or private sector, was a redundancy issue, which must be subjected to the principles spelt out in the Trade Disputes Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004, Cap L1.

    “The law says in Section 20(A) that: “in the event of redundancy, every employer shall inform the trade unions or representatives of workers concerned of the reasons for or the extent of their anticipated redundancy.

    “Section 20(B) also says that the principles of ‘last-in, first-out’ shall be adopted in the discharge of the category of workers affected, subject to all factors of relative merit including skill, ability and any reliability.”

    “So, in applying this, we must subject it to the relativity of merit, skill, ability and reliability. If somebody has a forged certificate, he should be asked to go because he didn’t merit the job in the first instance.

    “If you go to a nursing home and find somebody working in the ward with a Bachelor’s degree in History, he stands disqualified because he doesn’t have the skill in the first place.

    “He has to go. So, these are the qualifications that must be noted in this principle of last in, first out. It is not absolute. It has exceptions and qualifications,’’ he said.

    Ngige added that an employer had the right to reduce staff strength of his organisation but he is bound by law to negotiate redundancy payment with any discharged worker.

    He asserted that there was nothing wrong in Kaduna State government stopping the expenditure of 96 per cent of the its earnings on personnel cost in order to save enough for capital projects, adding, however, that it must be done within the ambit of the law.

    According to him, schedule two of the 1999 Constitution clearly states issues that are contained in item 34 of that schedule which are beyond the powers of state governments to act upon.

    He said that they included matters relating to labour unions, industrial disputes, arbitration and conciliation as well as the National Minimum Wage, all exclusive to the purview of the federal government.

    Meanwhile, the minister informed the committee of the expectations of the president on the speedy return of industrial harmony in the state, more so at a time the state was facing the challenges of armed banditry.

    “Mr President has asked me to inform you of his expectation that peace returns to Kaduna, which has been his state of residence and home to many retired generals, permanent secretaries and seasoned administrators, amongst others of Northern Nigeria extraction.

    “So, I appeal to you to approach this assignment with conciliation at the back of your mind so that we don’t have a repeat of what happened in May.

    “I use this opportunity to appeal to you, as the minister of labour, father of labour unions and friend of Kaduna State, that we should tread the path of peace. With peace, we can make progress, both as government and as labour union,” he said.

    Also speaking, Kaduna State SSG, assured of the state government’s commitment to restoration of industrial harmony, adding that government was not at war with labour.

    In his remarks, NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba, said that labour was committed to resolution of the impasse in the state.

    “I pray that it will be the last dispute between labour and Kaduna State government. This is a labour matter that can be resolved and should be resolved,” he said.

  • Photos: 16 Kano men perished in fatal accident, not killed by bandits – Kaduna Government

    Photos: 16 Kano men perished in fatal accident, not killed by bandits – Kaduna Government

    The Kaduna State Government has faulted viral story of Thursday which suggests that sixteen business men from Kano state who were returning from a business trip on Wednesday from Abuja where killed by bandits.

    In a statement released on Friday, Kaduna State commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan said, the story is misleading and incorrect. According to Aruwan, the “Kano indigenes perished in accident, and were not killed by bandits on the Kaduna-Abuja Road”.


    “….The fact is, they perished at the Rigachikun axis of Kaduna-Zaria Road in a road accident following a burst tyre….” Aruwan said.
    “….Our deep condolences go to their families, as we pray that their souls rest in peace. We also wish those who sustained injuries speedy recovery….” He added

  • Kaduna Govt mourns Agom Adara, Maiwada Galadima

    The Kaduna State Government on Friday announced the death of the traditional ruler of Adara chiefdom, Dr. Maiwada Galadima.
     
    Mr. Samuel Aruwan, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Nasir el-Rufa’i on Media and Publicity, said in a statement in Kaduna.
     
    “We mourn this quintessential traditional ruler who was killed by his abductors in the early hours of today.
     
    “We are pained and heartbroken that criminal elements have taken away from us a man who did his best for peace and harmony in our state.
     
    “The Kaduna State Government extends its condolences to the family of this revered leader and to people of the chiefdom he led with dedication and commitment.
     
    “Following the abduction of the royal father, the security agencies and the government worked strenuously to secure his release.
     
    “Government is shocked and disappointed by this unfortunate development. The government of Kaduna State and security agencies will pursue justice for this revered man,’’ he said.
     
    He described Galadima as “a man of peace” who consistently made positive contributions for the peace and tranquility in his chiefdom and the entire state.
     
    “He was a gentleman to the core,” he added, stressing that the state has lost a cherished leader.
     
    “The governor on behalf of the government and people of the state extends his deep sympathy to the immediate family and the people of the Adara chiefdom.
     
    “The government also appeals for calm in the chiefdom and beyond as the criminal elements who did the heinous deed should not be allowed to further divide us.”
     
    NAN reports that Galadima, his wife and driver were abducted last Friday during which four people including his police orderly were killed by the kidnappers.
     
    The wife and driver were later released, but the monarch was killed by his abductors who dumped his body by the road side early today at Kateri village, which is a notorious kidnappers den on Kaduna-Abuja highway.