TheNewsGuru

Tag: Kaduna State

  • Police vows to fish out perpetrators of Sanga attack

    The Police Command in Kaduna State on Sunday vowed to fish out the attackers of Nandu village of Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State and bring them to justice.

    The Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Yakubu Sabo, who made this known to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna, said the command had mobilised operatives to the scene of the incident and taken the injured and dead to the hospital.

    Sabo said that a joint patrol team of the Police and the Army were in the area to forestall possible break down of law and order.

    He added that the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Ahmad Abdurrahaman, had condemn the killing and commiserated with the families of victims of the attack.

    According to him, Abdulrahaman has advised the affected community against taking the law into their hands and to allow justice to take its course.

    He explained that unknown gunmen entered Nandu village on March 16, shot dead nine persons, injured two others and torched several houses.

  • Opposition plot to cause mayhem vindicates Buhari, el-Rufai

    By Emmanuel Ado

    Last December Governor Nasir El Rufai the Governor of Kaduna State working on credible intelligence reports of plots by people believed to be “opposition elements” to precipitate crisis in at least 4 Local Government Areas of Kaduna state had aggressively embarked on an interactive session with the various communities to alert them of the plot and to avert it.

    The plot is believed to be part of the larger strategy of the opposition to achieve the defeat of Muhammadu Buhari, and of Nasir El-Rufai the governor of kaduna State one of the leading lights of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the 2019 General Elections.

    The other strategy includes the outright “purchase” of voters cards by the Isa Ashiru the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

    The project is being undertaken in the guise of a financial empowerment Programme by the Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru Voters Mobilization Volunteers.

    The minister of information Lai Mohammed had equally alerted Nigerians of the plot.

    According to the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, mercenaries were being mobilized to cause mayhem during the next elections in order to instigate constitutional crisis with a view to installing an interim national government.

    According to Mohammed, “desperate opposition is orchestrating widespread violence with a view to truncating the elections, thus triggering a constitutional crisis that could snowball into the establishment of an interim government”.

    Before the alarm by the minister of information the National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Muhammadu Buhari, Babagana Monguno, in a disquieting address, had informed the 36 state governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF), in a crucial meeting that the forthcoming elections face the risk of being marred by violence.

    The newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Garba, also attended the meeting.

    The events in Kajuru Local Government Area were at least 66 fulanis were killed seem to have vindicated the government.

    But for the swift intervention of Governor Nasir El-Rufai the country would have been engulfed in a crisis.

    At least 135 persons are still missing after the attacks which was intended to precipitate a reprisal attack by Muslims against christians.

    The plotters are working on the hope that the crisis would spread to other parts of the country.

    According to security sources the scale of the mayhem the Kajuru crisis would have precipitated would have made the riots of 2000 following moves to introduce the Sharia legal system in Kaduna state a child’s play.

    By coincidence Isa Ashiru, the PDP governorship candidate was the Majority Leader of the Kaduna State House of Assembly when the bill for the introduction of the Sharia legal system in the state was moved.

    More than 2,000 people reportedly died in the crisis and properties worth billions of naira destroyed in the conflict.

    The five Local Government areas being targeted by the opposition elements are Kargarko, Sanga, Kachia , Kauru and Kajuru – political strongholds of the APC.

    The security sources confirmed that the plot was to have been implemented towards end of January 2019 just days to the presidential elections and that of the National Assembly which were scheduled to hold on the 16th February 2019, and that of the governorship and state House of Assembly elections which were to hold on 2nd march,2019.

    “The information is credible and as security agencies we are happy we brought the twin events to the attention of the state security council and the governor acted with admirable dispatch on the security threats, because in 2011 the state had witnessed violent protests after the presidential elections in which several people were killed and properties destroyed,” said the source.

    Governor Nasir El-Rufai had in December and January abandoned his campaign for reelection and focused attention to thwart the plot.

    The visible measure being the extensive Consultative Town Hall meetings in Kaswan Maigani in Kajuru Local Government Area, where the crisis between some traders last year had led to killings which later spilled over to some parts of the state.

    The governor had also visited Kargarko, Sanga, Kauru and Kachia Local Government areas on Peace mission.

    The governors message to the various communities was the need to ensure peaceful coexistence.

    He had further assured the communities that the government on its part will continue to be fair and just to all parts of the state.

    While urging the people to be extra vigilant,he had charged them not to take laws into their hands.

    “Report any threat to peace to the law enforcement agencies and the traditional rulers,who will take appropriate actions” he said

    On the purchase of voters cards by the Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru Voters Mobilization Volunteers in the guise of financial empowerment, the security agencies are treating it as an electoral crime.

    “It amounts to disenfranchisement of Nigerian citizens. They don’t understand that the issues go beyond attempting to defeat the president or the governor. It’s treason. We want to deal with the larger threat to peace before going after those buying up voters cards,” security sources confirmed.

    Forces opposed to Governor Nasir El -Rufai ,including the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, the Senate president Bukola Saraki want him defeated in the elections,but the indications are that he will defeat the PDP candidate,in spite of picking a Muslim as his deputy.

     

  • Prof. Kabir Mato celebrates el-Rufai at 59

    Prof. Kabir Mato has felicitated with Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai on the joyous occasion of his 59th birthday.

    In a statement made available to TheNewsGuru (TNG), the Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture expressed satisfaction for how well el-Rufai has steered the fortune of the State for good.

    He rejoiced with the family of the Governor, the government and people of the State as el-Rufai celebrates what the Commissioner has described as “a celebration of service” to the people of Kaduna state.

    Mato recalled el-Rufai’s remarkable career as former Director General of Bureau of Public Enterprises, as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and how he chaired several high-profile cabinet committees that led to the establishment of a mortgage system in Nigeria, and brought about National ID card system for Nigeria.

    He thanked the Governor for he is doing in Kaduna state, and prayed God to continue to grant him health and more years of service to his people and humanity.

    “Mallam, you have been a great boss and a wonderful mentor. May the years ahead be filled with lots of love and happiness,” Mato stated.

     

  • 2019 elections: Gov. el-Rufai calls for festival of democracy

    Governor Nasir El-Rufai has urged the people of Kaduna state to make the 2019 elections a festival of democracy.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports the Governor stated this in a State Broadcast on the 2019 Elections on Friday.

    The full speech of the broadcast reads: “The 2019 general elections present a chance for our people to play their role as masters and choosers. With your vote, you choose the parties and candidates in whom you wish to entrust our commonwealth, your livelihoods and future prospects for the next four years.

    “Voting is a serious responsibility, a solemn obligation and a right that was earned by sacrifice and struggle in many polities. Choice is at the heart of democracy, and I urge you all to go out on election day and freely cast your vote the way you want.

    “In the last few months, you have listened to the various parties and candidates make their case. The campaigns for the presidential election, with all the spectacle and substance, are now over, as the law prescribes. It is time for serious decisions by every eligible voter. I wish to assure all residents of our state that the Kaduna State Government will protect the right of everyone to express their decision at the ballot box in free and peaceful conditions.

    “The government is determined to ensure that the elections are conducted as a festival of democracy. That means that there is no room for violence, intimidation, voter suppression or any unlawful activity. Nothing and nobody will be allowed to impair the ability of any citizen to freely cast their vote.

    “The security agencies, led by the police, will be properly deployed across the state to protect the right of every citizen to vote. The police will be assisted by personnel from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigerian Customs Service, the Federal Road Safety Commission and the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Agency.

    “The government wishes to stress that all personnel of the police, and other agencies that are deployed for official election duty will wear proper identification tags. Orderlies of officials are not on election duty, and should therefore not be seen in uniform on election day.

    “During the elections, the Nigerian Armed Forces will be in the background, but on standby to assist in any circumstances that threaten to overwhelm the police. Similarly, the military has been deployed in areas that have recently been menaced by bandits to secure these places and protect the rights of their residents to vote, all these in line with their rule of engagement.

    “It is important to declare that there is no security-related role in the election for civilian volunteers. All volunteers, including those of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service, should be content with voting and returning home, like every citizen of Kaduna State.

    “All residents of Kaduna State are hereby reminded that the laws of this country forbid the wearing of any party insignia, poster or banner of any sort on election day. It is an offence to wear in public the vest of any political party after campaigns have ended.

    “To assist citizens to properly report any electoral disruptions, as well as suspicious or illegal activity, the following helplines have been opened at the State Security Operations Room: 09034000060 and 08170189999. Do not hesitate to call any of these numbers to lodge reports on voting day.

    “Fellow citizens, it is your democratic right to vote, and freely cast your ballot for the party of your choice. There is no reason to be afraid to exercise your right. Nobody will be allowed to use their status or power to intimidate, frighten or threaten you for doing your duty as a citizen. All residents of Kaduna State, wherever they reside, are free to vote according to their convictions.

    “Fellow citizens, let us shun any form of violence. Let us promptly report any threat or suspicions of unlawful activity.

    “Elections are a moment to celebrate choice. Let us all come out to vote and do our duty to make the election a peaceful exercise”.

     

  • 2019: APC accuses PDP of attachment to violence

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of being attached to violence.

    The APC, in a statement signed by Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada (rtd.), Chairman of the party in the state, stated this on Tuesday, saying the APC has reviewed events in the state.

    The statement reads: “The APC in Kaduna State has reviewed recent events in our state as the election approaches.

    “The APC regards elections as fundamental to the idea of democracy, the mechanism by which citizens freely choose those to lead them.

    “Therefore, we insist that elections must be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, devoid of threats and fear. Citizens must allowed to cast their votes without fear for the party of their choice.

    “Election campaigns should not be used as a cover to threaten violence or to intimidate people to vote against their conscience, or even to frighten them from turning up to vote.

    “We commend the prompt action of the security agencies against politicians that have been inciting violence in the state.

    “As APC members, we reiterate our firm commitment to peaceful elections.

    “We condemn the PDP for its apparent attachment to violence and its abhorrent inability to disown its senior members who were caught on tape inciting violence.

    “Perhaps the PDP, in trying to shielding Ben Bako, is clearly telling Kaduna residents that it does not believe in free and fair elections, and that as a party, they approve and endorse the incitement to kill citizens who do not vote for the PDP.

    “Ben Bako was sadly emphatic in goading his listeners to kill APC supporters in southern Kaduna.

    “Is the PDP saying that our compatriots in southern Kaduna do not have the right to freely choose a party to support, and to vote for that party without fear?

    “Ben Bako, a former commissioner in Kaduna State, stood on a public podium and lied as he was eagerly inciting people.

    “Contrary to his assertions, the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government, both controlled by the APC, jointly answered the 30-year old demand for permanent AND ENHANCED security presence in southern Kaduna.

    “The Nigerian Army in 2017 CREATED AN ARMY FORMATION AND PROMPTLY established a forward operating base in Kafanchan, and another one is slated for the Kachia area.

    “In the same year, the Kaduna State Government provided facilities to accommodate a new permanent mobile police squadron in southern Kaduna BASED IN KAFANCHAN.

    “These DECISIONS AND ACTIONS CONFIRM OUR PARTY’S COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING THE LIVES AND PROPERTY OF ALL CITIZENS.

    “Any civilised politician, with decent political education, knows that you should acknowledge government policies or actions taken to solve a problem, even if you oppose the government in office.

    “It is irresponsible to mislead citizens NOT ONLY by lying so brazenly, BUT ENGAGING IN INJURIOUS FALSEHOOD PUNISHABLE UNDER THE KADUNA STATE PENAL CODE.

    “We wish to remind everyone that election campaigns do not confer immunity on politicians. Everyone must respect the law, or face the consequences.

    “The security agencies have a duty to ensure that every politician, no matter the party to which they belong, should conduct themselves lawfully.

    “As a party, we demand even-handed and vigilant action by the security agencies.

    “The APC urges the citizens of Kaduna State to vote for our party.

    “The PDP has by its recent actions further demonstrated that it is not fit for office. They messed up in the 16 years they were in power, and are now demonstrating that they have nothing to offer but THE PROMOTION OF division and violence.

    “The APC appeals for law-abiding conduct from all and encourages all residents of Kaduna State to turn out on Saturday, 16 February 2019 and re-elect President Muhammadu Buhari.

     

  • Security operatives arrest PDP campaign spokesperson

    Ben Bako, spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign in Kaduna State, has been arrested by security operatives.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Bako was arrested on Saturday night for reasons yet to be known.

    He was arrested by men believed to be State Security Service (SSS), who took him to Abuja.

    Deputy director of publicity of the PDP campaign, Yakubu Lere confirmed the arrest of Bako.

    Confirming the arrest, Lere said Bako was taken by the SSS to Abuja.

     

  • Kaduna Assembly passes over N10 bn supplementary budget for LGAs

    Kaduna State House of Assembly has passed into law, a supplementary appropriation bill of over N10 billion for the 23 Local areas of the state.

    The decision followed a presentation of reports by the Chairman, Appropriation and Implementation committee, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed, in respect of the first supplementary estimates following the receipt of Paris club debt recovery by the council areas in the state.

    The plenary, which was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Nuhu Shadalafiya, said the sum not exceeding the amount specified in respect of the 23 local government councils totalling Ten Billion, Twenty two million, eight hundred and seventy seven thousand forty three naira thirty nine Kkbo.

    “Herein shall be expended during the year ending the 31 December, 2018 in the manner as provided under the Kaduna state local governments law.”

    Shadalafiya said over N4 billion would be for recurrent expenditure which carried 40 percent of the amount, while over N5 billion would be for capital, representing 60 percent of the amount.

    Speaking with the journalists shortly after passage of the law, Shadalafiya said the Paris club fund would be use judiciously used for the benefit of the citizens at the grass root.

    “The Paris club fund about 60 percent of the amount will take care of the capital project, while 40 percent will be used as recurrent expenditure.

    “We are focusing our attention in giving dividend of democracy at the grassroots, road construction, water supply, agricultural implements and construction of new school buildings.

    “Other areas are furniture for the school, medical facilities and clinic renovations and drainages to curtail flood,” he said.

    He said the benefit of the Paris club would also be to settle debt of gratuity, benefits of teachers and local government retirees.

    Recall that the request for supplementary appropriations was submitted to the Assembly on December 22.

     

  • Obasanjo speaks on current insecurity in Nigeria

    Obasanjo speaks on current insecurity in Nigeria

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advocated collective efforts, from all Nigerians, against the current insecurity and insensitivity situation in the country.

    Obasanjo said this at the 80th Anniversary of Prof. Ango Abdullahi, former Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria held at his farm at Basaa, Zaria, Kaduna State.

    At the ceremony organised by the Abdullahi Kwasau Dynasty, the ex-president said the call became necessary in view of the incessant insecurity bedeviling the country.

    He called on Nigerians not to allow things to go the way they were going in order not to plant the seed of destruction for the country.

    Obasanjo said: “For as long as our nation is not what it should be, we have to work together to make our country what it should be.

    “Nobody can say yes is my country, I can do whatever I like with it, God will not allow that to happen.”

    In his speech, Abdullahi recalled that his relationship with Obasanjo started in 1975 during the regime of late Gen. Murtala Mohammed.

    He said the regime kicked him and others out of office while he was a Commissioner in Kaduna State, under Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s administration.

    “When they kicked us out of office, I quietly went back to ABU where I was from.

    “Later, went I was summoned to go to Dodon Barracks, I asked myself, what crime have I committed as a commissioner to be invited.

    “Certainly, when I presented myself in Obasanjo’s office, he told me that I was selected as a member of a committee.

    “He, however, said details of my schedule would be revealed when i catch up with other members in Calabar,” he said.

    He said the ceremony was an opportunity for “members of the Abdullahi Kwasau dynasty to come together, to know one other, speak with one another and strengthen the relationship with one other.”

    Ango said the future of Nigeria “is” not in naira and Kobo but in the legacies left the present generation of Nigerians would leave behind.

    The octogenerian, therefore, advised Nigerians, especially the young ones, to do everything possible to leave good legacy behind for future generation.

     

  • Gov El-Rufa’i mourns late Sen. Aruwa

    Gov. Nasir El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State has described late Sen. Mukhtar Aruwa as a philanthropist who contributed immensely to the development of sports, agriculture and politics during his life time.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna by Mr Samuel Aruwan, media aide to the governor.

    Aruwa died at about 4:00 am on Sunday in Kaduna.

    “I received the news of Senator Mukhtar Ahmad Aruwa’s death with sadness. Our thoughts are with his family and we pray Allah to grant him Aljannah Firdausi.

    “He was a senator and a philanthropist par excellence who assisted our people in different sectors.”

    The governor added that the deceased had made significant contribution to football when he established the Ranchers Bees Football Club that produced many stars “like Daniel Amokachi, Tajudeen Oyekanmi, Abubakar Balarabe and some of the Babayaro brothers,

    “He was also into farming where he employed many people and helped to develop several communities in our state.

    “He was a member of Kaduna State Elders Committee and participated in several peace initiatives including the Kaduna State Peace and Reconciliation Committee of 2011.”

     

  • Segun Onibiyo explains alleged hate speech made against Buhari, el-Rufai

    Segun Onibiyo, Presenter and Producer at Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), has explained alleged hate speech made against President Muhammadu Buhari and Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Segun gave the explanation in a statement lodged at a Kaduna Police station, following his arrest last week for allegedly making malicious posts on Facebook about the late Agom Adamawa curfew in Kaduna state.

    He denied making any malicious posts against President Buhari, Governor el-Rufai or any other persons, stressing that he understands full well the implications of attacking public figures.

    Segun’s statement to the Police reads: “My name is Onibiyo, Segun Mike Gbenga, born on the 20th of August, 1974 in Ife-Olukofun, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State. I am the 3rd in a family of 7. I grew up in Kaduna where I went to school – Kaduna Polytechnic and studied Mass Communication.

    “I am married with 2 children and I currently work as a presenter/producer with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria from 2012 till date. My parents are late Elder Jeremiah ABoyomi Onibiyo and Mrs. Roseline Onibiyo.

    “I have read line for line the malicious, injurious (allegations) post made against me about posts on the late Agom Adamawa curfew in Kaduna and others attacking the person of his excellency, the governor of Kaduna State, Mallam NAsir El-Rufai, the President of the federal republic, general Muhammadu Buhari and others.

    “I wish to state categorically that I have nothing to do with the post. My Facebook account with the name SMG Onibiyo was hacked pre-2015. I had since reported same to Facebook and while I could not recover the account, I opened another in the name Segun Onibiyo, which was equally hacked. I had since stopped using Facebook in those aforementioned names and instead continued the use of 2 other accounts – MrJejeSupreme and Miongs Communications – as medium of facebooking.

    “I am a journalist and understand full well the implication of attacking public figures or individuals in private or public space. I may have my opinion on issues but I will never in any way attack anyone in such injurious manner, especially on Facebook or anywhere else.

    “I want my name cleared for any form of attack on personalities as I do not have access to the FB account where these allegations were posted. Family members and friends have always called to ask if I sent them pictures and even pornographic image, which I have always explained I did not. I am an upright individual and family and friends can attest to my character, even on my program on radio – Oga Jeje.

    In conclusion, once again, my account SMG Onibyo was hacked pre-2015 and I have since then moved on and not on Facebook in that name. I reported the hack to Facebook but not to any security agency as I did not envisage the threat it could pose”.