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Tag: Kaduna State

  • PDP to challenge validity of Kaduna LG election

    PDP to challenge validity of Kaduna LG election

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has vowed to challenge the validity of Oct. 19, Local Government elections across the state in the court of law.

    The party condemned what it described as clandestine swearing-in of the 23 local government council Chairmen in the state by Gov. Uba Sani, saying the exercise was a shame and an attack on the nation’s democracy.

    Recall that the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIECOM), had declared candidates of All Progressives Congress (APC) winners of all the 23 chairmanship and 255 councilorship seats in the state.

    Hajara Mohammed, KADSIECOM’s Chairman, disclosed this on Saturday, Oct. 19, in Kaduna.

    Mohammed said: “The Electoral and Returning Officers have filed their reports; APC won all the 23 chairmanship and 255 Ccouncillorship seats.”

    However, PDP, made its position known on Friday in a statement signed by Maria Dogo, its Publicity Secretary, made available to newsmen in Kaduna.

    The statement said: “PDP is not surprised by this secretive move, as it is clear that these individuals were never elected by the people but imposed by the dictator in Sir Kashim Ibrahim House.

    “We reiterate that no local government council election was held in Kaduna State on Oct. 19.

    ‘Any exercise, including the issuance of certificates of return, swearing-in, or assumption of office by these impostors, is therefore, futile and will not stand the test of time and the law.

    “The PDP assures the good people of Kaduna State that we are already in court challenging the validity of the election law passed and hurriedly smuggled into the electoral process.”

    The statement added that the supposed law provided the faulty basis for the corrupt, insane, and poorly executed political brigandage by “Gov Uba Sani, the APC, and their shameless KADSIECOM Chairperson, Haj. Hajara Mohammed.

    “KADSIECOM shamelessly declared APC the winner of the 23 chairmanship and 255 councillorship seats in an election that never took place.

    “We promise to pursue this case up to the Supreme Court to ensure justice and protect democracy in Kaduna State.”

    It advised those it described as “conscripted council chairmen whose stay in office would be short-lived”, that they would be held accountable for any mismanagement of local government funds.

    The statement reminded the chairmen that they were appointed by the governor “to serve as conduit for siphoning the monthly federal allocation.”

    It further added that the APC’s actions were a call to anarchy and self-help, adding, “we urge the good people of Kaduna State to remain calm and join us in our bid to have these individuals removed from office through the courts and fresh elections organised.

    “Under the leadership of Chief Edward Percy Masha, democracy will prevail in Kaduna State, and the people will have the final say. This I can assure”.

  • BREAKING: Kaduna Gov makes fresh appointments

    BREAKING: Kaduna Gov makes fresh appointments

    Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has approved the appointment of Mr Ibraheem Musa as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS) in his bid to enhance service delivery.

    Mr Fabian Okoye, the governor’s Special Adviser on Research and Documentation, while announcing the appointment said it was made alongside those of other key officials across various sectors in the state.

    “These appointments were made with the aim of bringing experienced professionals into strategic roles,” he said in a statement in Kaduna on Friday.

    The new CPS is coming into his role with more that 30 years experience in journalism, and will oversee the state’s media communications.

    Other appointments are Shuaibu Bello coming in as Managing Director of Kaduna Mining Development Company (KMDC), and Iliya Timbuak as Managing Director of the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA).

    Also, Dr. John Danfulani becomes the Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Residents Identity Management Agency (KADRIMA), while Mohammed Mubarak is the Acting Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

    Equally, Aliyu Saeed has been appointed Executive Director (Finance and Administration) at KMDC, while Muhammad Salisu is the Executive Director (Operations), Kaduna Markets Development and Management Company (KMDMC).

    Mr Shehu Ibrahim becomes the Special Assistant, Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, while Falmata Abacha was named Senior Special Assistant on Social Investment.

    Abdulhadi Makarfi has also been appointed the Executive Director (Operations), Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA), with Iyal Yahaya as Executive Director (Finance and Administration) at KADEDA.

    Bashir Babajo becomes the Special Assistant (Special Duties) and Ruth Popoola the Senior Special Assistant on Financial Inclusion.

    Okoye disclosed in the statement that all the appointments were with immediate effect, with Gov. Sani urging the new appointees to apply their expertise to advance Kaduna state’s development goals.

  • APC clears Kaduna local government election

    APC clears Kaduna local government election

    The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIECOM), says the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have won the elections conducted in all the 23 local governments and 255 wards in the state.

    Hajara Mohammed, KADSIECOM’s Chairman, disclosed this on Saturday in Kaduna.

    Mohammed said: “The Electoral and Returning Officers have filed their reports; APC won the 23 Chairmanship and 255 Councillorship seats.

    “I hereby confirm the results earlier collated and returned by the Returning Officers,” she stated.

  • Kaduna LG election: Movement restricted as sensitive materials leave CBN

    Kaduna LG election: Movement restricted as sensitive materials leave CBN

    The Kaduna State Government on Friday announced restriction of movement ahead of the chairmanship and councillorship elections slated in the state for Saturday, Oct. 19.

    The Commissioner for  Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, made this known in Kaduna on Friday.

    “Ahead of the chairmanship and councillorship elections into the 23 local government councils and 255 wards slated for Oct. 19, the Kaduna State Security Council has imposed a restriction of movement throughout the state from 6a.m to 7p.m on the said date.

    “This is to ensure peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections. By this notice, vehicular movements, as well as commercial and other related activities which may constitute impediments to law and order, are to cease within the period of the restriction on Saturday.

    “Only persons performing essential duties are exempted from this restriction, and may move during the period with proper identification and clearance.

    “Citizens are thus advised to refrain from actions that could disrupt public peace or affect smooth conduct of the elections. Security agencies have been deployed to ensure enforcement and compliance.

    “Members of the general public are also urged to promptly report any observed acts which may threaten law and order to security agencies, and not take laws into their hands,” he said.

    Aruwan said that the Kaduna state security operations’ room was reachable for this purpose on the following lines: 09034000060, 08170189999.

    LG polls: KADSIECOM expresses readiness, takes custody of sensitive material

    The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIECOM) says it is ready for the local government council elections scheduled for Saturday. The commission has moved the sensitive materials for the polls from  CBN to its headquarters in Kaduna.

    Prof. Joseph Gambo, Kaduna State Commissioner, Public Affairs and Information, disclosed this in an interview with NAN on Friday in Kaduna.

    KADSIECOM had fixed Saturday for the conduct of the elections in the 23 LGAs. KADSIECOM Chairperson, Hajara Mohammed,had in July, announced the date and timetable during a meeting with the political parties and other stakeholders in the state.

    Gambo said the materials were moved to the commission’s headquarters’ store in the presence of the political parties’ agents, security personnel and members of the press.

    “From the headquarters, we will now distribute them to the respective local government areas for the exercise tomorrow. So far, to the best of my knowledge, the commission does not have any shortage of manpower at any of the local governments,” he said.

    On security, the commissioner said except for Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, there was adequate presence of security personnel stationed at the headquarters and the respective local government areas where the elections would take place.

    “Birnin Gwari is a well known story to everyone and we have mapped out a plan on how to handle the area otherwise, every other part of the State is adequately covered,” Gambo added.

    LG polls: Police assure adequate security in Kaduna

    The Police Command in Kaduna State, on Friday assured the deployment of adequate personnel for hitch-free local government election on Saturday.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, made this known in a statement issued in Kaduna.

    Hassan said , “In preparation for the upcoming LGA  pills scheduled for Saturday, the command has ramped up its security efforts to ensure a peaceful and fair election process across the state.

    “The command has implemented major deployments of personnel and resources to polling units, collation centers and other critical locations to-guarantee the safety of voters and election officials.

    “The peace accord signed by the Chairmen of the political parties at the Police Officers’ Mess on Thursday was a measure aimed at promoting peaceful conduct before, during, and after the election period.”

    Hassan said the Commissioner of Police, Gyoyon  Grimah, has urged all the political actors and the  public to adhere to the law and respect the peace accord throughout the electoral process.

    “The CP advised that when election is ongoing, the public should be security conscious of their environment and report suspicious activities or persons to the nearest security formation.

    ”This can be done via the Kaduna State Command control room emergency mobile phone numbers 08075391105 and 07039675856 for prompt intervention.

    “The command assures the public of its continuous dedication to safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring that the elections are conducted in a safe and orderly manner, “Hassan said.

    LGA polls: NSCDC deploy 2,500 personnel in Kaduna

    The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kaduna State Command, said its has deployed 2, 500 personnel for the LGA elections slated for Saturday.

    The NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Mr Habbeb Badamasi, announced this in a statement issued on Friday in Kaduna.

    Badamasi said, “The State Commandant, Nuhu  Muhammadu, has ordered the immediate deployment of 2500 personnel across the state ahead of Saturday’s LG elections across the 23 LGAs.”

    He said the commandant, while addressing the personnel, warned officers and men against accidental discharge and avoid unruly behaviours.

    Muhammadu  charged all the Divisional Officers to ensure all staff posted to their divisions carry out their duties effectively.

    He further advised the personnel to adhere strictly to the dress code  , electoral code of conduct and ensure full protection of lives and property, including critical national assets and infrastructure.

  • Former Kaduna governor’s son dies in ghastly motor accident

    Former Kaduna governor’s son dies in ghastly motor accident

    A former governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has lost his eldest son, Faisal Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi.

    A source close to the family who craved anonymity, confirmed the death, noting that the deceased was involved in a motor accident.

    According to reports, the ex governor’s son died in an accident that happened along the Kaduna-Zaria expressway on Saturday evening.

    The source disclosed that, “The accident occurred along the Kaduna-Zaria highway this evening. He was taken to an undisclosed hospital where he was declared dead. His father was at the hospital; his corpse has been conveyed home for burial arrangements.” 

    The deceased, a civil engineer by training attended Kaduna International School, from where he proceeded to Adesoye College, Offa, Kwara State for his secondary education.

    He also attended the University of Greenwich, London, for his undergraduate and master’s degree and enrolled for PhD at the same institution.

    Faisal’s death is coming shortly after the sudden death of Fatima, daughter of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari.

    She died in Abuja after a brief illness, and was buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

  • Gunmen shoot dead PDP councilorship candidate, brother in Kaduna

    Gunmen shoot dead PDP councilorship candidate, brother in Kaduna

    A Peoples Democratic Party’s councilorship candidate, Raymond Timothy Adai, and his brother James Timothy have been killed by unknown assailants in Pari Ward, in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    According to the PDP chieftain, Barnabas Chawai, the brothers were returning on a motorcycle from a political campaign in Kizachi Village of Pari Ward, Kauru LG, on Sunday evening, September 29, 2024, when they were attacked and shot dead.

    Chawai, who urged security agencies to swing into action and bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book, noted that the killing could be politically motivated.

    He said, “Drastic measures need to be put in place to forestall further occurrence as we approach the October 19 local government poll. 
     
    “The victim had three children, and the wife was pregnant and expecting a fourth child.”

    The Secretary to the Village Head of Kizachi, John Wanneh, who also confirmed the incident said they were together with the victim at around 6 pm and parted ways for him to return home to Bakin-Kogi

    “It was not more than 10 to 15 minutes when we parted ways that we heard gunshots around some guinea corn farms,” he said.

    “Honestly, we cannot be able to say who are those that committed this crime or say the k!lling was connected to politics or not.”

    He appealed to the government to help construct a bridge and road for easy accessibility in an emergency.

    “Security operatives cannot enter the village now because of the bad nature of the road and there’s a river which they cannot cross, that has been our situation for long,” Wanneh lamented.

  • Bandits abduct 22 persons in Kaduna attack

    Bandits abduct 22 persons in Kaduna attack

    Twenty-two people have been abducted by bandits who attacked Mani village in Rido ward in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the early hours of Thursday morning.

    Among the victims include a nursing mother with four children, young children and an infant.

    Although the police authorities in Kaduna State are yet to confirm the incident, a youth leader in the Rido community, Zacharia Musa told Channels Television that the bandits stormed the community in large numbers while the residents were still asleep, and started shooting, and later moved from house to house to kidnap people.

    In another incident, Bandits attacked Dan Honu II, New Millennium City also in Chikun Local Government where they abducted a nurse and her three sons.

    The attack came barely two months after two journalists were kidnapped by bandits in the same community and were released after one week.

    Security agencies have not responded to the recent upsurge of attacks, but Local sources told our correspondent that the bandits invaded the Dan Honu II community at about 10 pm on Wednesday and scared the residents with gunshots before taking away some people including a woman and her three sons.

    While the woman was later abandoned inside the bush due to her failing health condition, the bandits, however, went away with her three children.

  • Kaduna govt told not to scrap SIECOM

    Kaduna govt told not to scrap SIECOM

    A coalition of CSOs has opposed the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECOMs) and the reversal to manual voting by Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM).

    Mr Laurence Obeweh, the Founder/National Coordinator of ReSET Nigeria and Mr Bako Abdul, the National President of Campaign for  Democracy disclosed this while addressing a press conference on Monday in Kaduna.

    Others CSOs on the same position who spoke at the conference were Mr Stephen Waya, the Convener of Coalition of Associations for Leadership, Peace, Empowerment and Development (CALPED) and Mr Yusuf Goje, the Founding Partner of Partnership for Issues-based Campaign in Nigeria (PiCAN).

    The CSOs expressed deep concern over the proposed scrapping of the SIECOMs and the plans to centralise local government (LG) elections either under a new centralised body at the federal level or the INEC as being proposed.

    They stressed that the move, though understandable, contradicted the principles of true and fiscal federalism and meaningful electoral reform. They said it would likely further erode citizens’ trust and confidence in the electoral process.

    They explained that the Justice Uwais report on electoral reform which recommended the unbundling of INEC was a testament to the assertion for decentralised and specialised institutions to manage different aspects of the electoral process.

    According to them, adding the LG elections to INEC or any new institution is already overwhelming and will be a recipe for further political instability.

    “Upon deeper reflection, we realised that everything we are afraid of about SIECOMs is what we have accused INEC of and will likely be replicated even in a new Commission. Tell us one election that INEC has conducted that the credibility was not questioned.

    ”Nonetheless, even some of the improvements we have witnessed in INEC are the result of system strengthening reforms demanded by stakeholders. Same should be done to progressively strengthen SIECOMs and not scrap it,” they said.

    The CSOs said that they expected to see laws that removed the discretionary powers of the Governors to appoint Chairpersons and members of the SIECOMs.

    Speaking further, the group expressed concern over the Federal Government’s non implementation of the Oransanya’s report which recommended the downsizing and streamlining of MDAs.

    They, therefore, frowned at the culture and approach of duplicating institutions rather than reforming and strengthening existing systems towards better performance and results delivery.

    Theby congratulated the Federal Government and Nigerians over the Supreme Court’s judgment on local governments  financial autonomy

    The CSOs reiterated their call on the Federal Government and National Assembly to leverage the constitution amendment process to strengthen SIECOMs by ensuring their financial autonomy and operational independence.

    According to them, it is crucial for conducting free, fair, and credible LG elections that would reflect the popular will of the people.

    They also commended Gov. Uba Sani and the State Assembly for screening and appointing experienced individuals to lead the KAD-SIECOM.

    The CSOs also lauded the Chairpersons and Permanent Commissioners of the commission on the commitments they made to organise credible elections.

    They, therefore, stressed the need for the state government to ensure adequate and timely cash-backed budget releases and operational independence to enable the commission to discharge its duties effectively.

    The group also urged the commission to remain resolute in its neutrality and independence, and call on those intending to put pressure on it to compromise or manipulate the forthcoming local government elections to refrain from doing so.

    They acknowledged the circumstances and justification behind the jettisoning of the use of electronic voting.

    The CSOs, however, called on the commission and stakeholders to ensure that all necessary steps are put in place to checkmate ballot box snatching, stuffing and writing of results.

    They recommended that the state assembly and commission reintroduce electronic voting as an optional feature, to be jettison only in exceptional circumstances.

    “This is to facilitate a seamless transition to full technology-driven elections in the future, which is inevitable.

    ”We are also worried about the disturbing issue of absence of internal democracy in political parties as witnessed in the recent primaries of most of the political parties in the State.

    “This remains a huge challenge in our electoral process, as it throws up the most loyal to godfathers as against the most competent based on popular support.

    “KAD-SIECOM going forward should not shy away from wielding the big stick on political parties that compromise internal party democracy.

    ”Similarly, in line with the amended law, parties or politicians that promote or engage in violence or vote-buying should also not be spared,”they said.

    They urged all stakeholders, including CSOs, community leaders and eligible voters to actively participate in the forthcoming LG electoral process, engage in massive voter education, observe and report on the election and demand accountability from KAD-SIECOM.

  • Contract controversy: Firm absolves Adeolu Adeboye of wrongdoing

    Contract controversy: Firm absolves Adeolu Adeboye of wrongdoing

    Pastor Adeolu Adeboye has been absolved of any wrongdoing in the contract controversy involving Ronchess Global Resources Plc and the Government of Kaduna State. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ronchess, Jackson Ukuevo, strongly condemned a recent publication accusing Pastor Adeboye of abandoning a project worth N8 billion that was awarded during the administration of Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

    Ukuevo described the report as a baseless attempt to tarnish the reputation of Pastor Adeolu, his wife, and the esteemed Pastor Enoch Adeboye. In a statement issued to the press, Ukuevo emphasized: “The management of Ronchess Global Resources Plc (Ronchess) has been made aware of the false and misleading claims published by Sahara Reporters. Although we usually refrain from engaging with such fabrications, it is essential to clarify the facts to prevent the public from being misled”.

    Ukuevo expressed concern over the misinformation, clarifying that Pastor Adeolu Adeboye is neither an owner nor a shareholder in Ronchess Global Resources Plc. He further stated that the ongoing legal dispute between Ronchess and the Kaduna State Government stems from a civil contract disagreement, with no involvement of Pastor Adeolu in any contract award or execution.

    “While Pastor Adeolu Adeboye is currently a director at Ronchess, he was not involved in the award or execution of any contracts in Kaduna State. Contrary to the false claims, neither he nor Ronchess received any funds from the Kaduna State Government,” Ukuevo stated.

    He went on to describe the allegations as part of a deliberate smear campaign against Pastor Adeolu and the Ronchess brand. Ukuevo also clarified that Pastor Adeolu Adeboye was not associated with Ronchess when the contracts in question were awarded and executed.

    “Pastor Adeolu was not a board member or shareholder at the time these contracts were awarded. The woman referred to as his wife in the publication, Miss Adebimpe Adeboye, is not related to him, and his actual wife has no involvement with Ronchess,” he added.

    He asserted that the publication’s intent was clearly to malign Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Pastor Adeolu Adeboye, both of whom had no involvement in the contracts at the time they were awarded.

    Ukuevo stressed that while Pastor Adeolu Adeboye is currently a director at Ronchess, the company operates as a legally registered entity in Nigeria, with the full legal right to engage in business. He pointed out that Pastor Adeolu, as a Nigerian citizen, is entitled to participate in any legitimate business activities.

    “Ronchess has successfully executed several transformative contracts in Kaduna State, and we are entitled to payment for our work. The allegations in Sahara Reporters’ publication are entirely civil in nature and have no basis in fact,” Ukuevo explained.

    He concluded by stating that Ronchess and its directors have consulted their legal team to explore their options and will respond appropriately to the libelous claims in due course. The CEO also provided details of the contracts, reaffirming that the work has either been completed or is ongoing, and that at no point was any contract abandoned.

  • I frankly don’t give a damn- El-Rufai tells Critics

    I frankly don’t give a damn- El-Rufai tells Critics

    The immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has fired back at his detractors on social media, saying he did not give a damn how they interpret his posts.

    In a post on his X handle, the former governor said his critics were at will to interpret his posts the way they wish and nothing will change.

    He said, “Interpret, mis-interpret or re-interpret any posts, by me or any others, as you wish. I frankly don’t give a damn.

    “Abuse and insult with no basis. By all means, pass your judgment in ignorance and bigotry.

    “Nothing will change. What will be, will be, in sha Allah. – @elrufai.”

    The former Governor has been in the news since the time Kaduna State House of Assembly accused his administration of siphoning over N423 billion of the state’s resources.

    In March this year, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, said his administration inherited a huge debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from the previous administration of Nasir El-Rufai, lamenting that due to the rise in the exchange rate, the state is now paying back almost triple of what was borrowed by the previous administration.