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Tag: Kebbi State

  • We have no reason not to support Tinubu in 2027 – Kebbi Gov

    We have no reason not to support Tinubu in 2027 – Kebbi Gov

    Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi has assured President Bola Tinubu of an unshakable support from the people of Kebbi in 2027.

    He made this known at a ceremony organised to celebrate two years anniversary of his government held at the Haliru Abdu Stadium, Birnin Kebbi.

    The governor said that before the Tinubu-led administration, Kebbi enjoyed little or no federal government projects.

    “With the emergence of Tinubu administration, Kebbi enjoys series of developmental projects.”

    These projects, according to him, are; roads, schools, empowerment, appointments, among others.

    He listed some of the road projects to include; Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Dabai-Mahuta-Koko road, Malando-Warah-Ngaski road, Kamba-Feka road and Zema-Zuru road among others.

    “Therefore, we, the people of Kebbi have no reason not to support the second term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027,” he noted.

    Idris thanked the organisers for bringing Kebbi prominent personalities together including all the ex-state governors.

    “You hardly can see a state in this country, where four former and serving governors come under one roof. This glaringly shows that Kebbi is an APC state,” he said.

    The governor promised that the votes Mr President got in the 2023 general elections would be tripled come 2027.

    He appreciated the people of Kebbi for their support and cooperation which had paved the way for him to record a huge success, assuring that they have done everything to him, “your support will never go in vein.”

    Speaking on behalf of the two Ministers from Kebbi, the Minister, Budget and Economic Planning and former governor of the state, Sen. Atiku Bagudu said they were proud to be associated with Gov. Idris and President Tinubu’s achievements.

    He said following the tireless efforts of the governor, Kebbi through the support of Mr President had secured more federal projects, promising that as members of the federal executive council, they would continue to pursue more.

    Bagudu applauded the governor for bringing development to Kebbi, while urging people to support both President Tinubu and Gov. Idris second term bid.

    On his part, Senator representing Kebbi Central and former governor of the state, Sen. Adamu Aliero advised the governor to intensify efforts to bring unity amongst all the critical stakeholders in the state.

    He promised to work hand-in-hand with his colleagues at the senate to facilitate more developmental projects to Kebbi.

    Speaker, Kebbi House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Usman-Zuru observed that the governor had fulfilled about 90 per cent of his campaign promises in less than two years.

    He lauded the governor for executing projects that have direct bearing to the lives of generality.

  • Why we left PDP to APC – Kebbi Senators

    Why we left PDP to APC – Kebbi Senators

    The three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senators from Kebbi State, who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), have expressed reasons for their actions.

    The Senators – Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central); Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South), announced their defections at the plenary on Tuesday.

    The trio, in separate letters to the President of the Senate, said that they decided to leave PDP because it had become disconnected from the aspirations of the Nigerians it seeks to lead.

    The letters were read by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary.

    Aliero said in his letter that he made the decision to quit PDP after a deep reflection, extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the current political and socio-economic realities of the country and his constituency.

    “I have made the decision to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party and rejoin the All Progressive Party (APC) of which I was a founding member.

    “This decision was not made lightly. I’ve been a proud member of the PDP, a party under whose platform I was elected to serve.

    “However, politics must never be about personal loyalty to a platform; it will always be about service, solutions and results.

    “Today, I made this move in response to a simple question that every responsible leader must ask himself or herself: what is best for the people I serve?

    “Over the past month, that has become increasingly, I mean firstly, clear to me, that PDP, as it currently stands, has become disconnected from the aspirations of the very Nigerians it seeks to lead.

    “Internal divisions, lack of ideological clarity and inability to provide a credible forward-looking agenda have made it difficult for leaders like me to pursue the reform and development agenda that our people deserve,” he said.

    Aliero further stated that APC, on the other hand, had shown signs of transformation, especially under its renewed hope agenda.

    He said that his defection was not borne out of personal gains but because of the belief that APC offered a more viable platform through which he could effectively serve his constituents and advocate for progressive policies.

    “Nigeria must move forward and today, I move forward with the people for the people and in the interest of our shared future,” the former governor said.

    Similarly, Abdullahi said that he was rejoining APC in order to contribute his quota to the developmental strides of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration and that of Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi.

    “Recall, on June 14, 2022, I withdrew my membership of the APC and resigned my position as the leader of the ninth Senate following political disagreements in my state.

    “I am happy to note that those disagreements have been effectively resolved by the incumbent governor.

    “I, therefore, have no reason whatsoever not to go back to APC, particularly, since I am one of the major architects of its formation and successes. For me, going back to the APC is a home-coming event.

    “It is also politically imperative for me to join Mr President, Bola Tinubu.

    Maidoki, on his own, attributed his defection to the lingering crisis in PDP and his belief that the ideals of APC better aligned with his political aspirations.

    “This will enable me to participate fully in the renewed hope for the benefit of my senatorial district and Nigeria at large.

    “When I was sworn in as a senator in June 2023, more than 100 villages in my senatorial district were occupied by bandits and in constant fear of kidnappings, rape and cattle rustling.

    “To the glory of God, the deployment of troops in part of my constituency has played significant roles in proactive security of the area and my people have almost all returned back and farming peacefully,” he said.

    In his remarks, the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, said that no one was being coerced into joining the ruling party.

    “If anyone will be coerced, it is not Sen. Aliero, it wouldn’t be Sen. Yahaya Abdulahi that will be coerced; neither is it Sen. Maidoki who had also made a mark at the private sector before he joined politics.

    “They are not in politics so that they can feed; but they recognise the fact that this is not the time for us to grandstand. This is the time for all of us to work together to take Nigeria to the next level.

    “And I say it again, those who refer to this parliament as a rubber stamp should know that we are at a very critical stage of our national life when all hands must be on deck.

    “It will not matter what party you belong to. What will matter to you is the overriding public interest,” Bamidele said.

  • Kebbi govt marries off 300 couples in mass wedding

    Kebbi govt marries off 300 couples in mass wedding

    The Kebbi State Government, on Thursday, married off 300 couples in a mass wedding at Emir of Gwandu Palace.

    The marriages were arranged by the state government in collaboration with Nafisa Nasir Charity Development Foundation (NANAS), to reduce the number of women, widowed or divorced, left to fend for themselves and their children.

    Gov. Nasir Idris presided over the wedding of the couples with the total payment of N54 million dowry, N180,000 for each couple.

    The men and women were tested for genotype tests, while the women also were examined to ensure that they are pregnant-free, before the solemnisation of the marriage.

    Gov. Idris commended his wife, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir-Idris, for organizing the mass wedding under her pet project, NANAS foundation, sponsored by the government on his approval.

    The governor announced that broader mass marriage would be held next year as part of social responsibility of his administration.

    He urged the couples to continue to be patient and tolerant to enable them have peaceful homes pointing out that marriage was all about endurance and patience.

    “The importance of marriage cannot be over-emphasised as it will promote peace among the couples and will also enable them to get more blessings and God’s mercy,’’ the governor said.

    The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu- Bashar, was represented by the Magajin Garin Gwandu, Alhaji Aminullahi Umar, served as the Waliy (Guardian) to the brides who gave them out in marriage.

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar- Ganduje, stood in for the grooms as the Wakil (representative), who sought for consummating the holy union from the guardian.

    The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, gave each couple N50,000 amounting to N15 million.

    Islamic Clerics, who solemnised the marriage were the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque, Birnin Kebbi, Sheikh Mukhtar Abdullahi.

    Others were Mallam Ahmad S/Fawa, the Imam of Jokolo Mosque and Mallam Muhammadu Yahaya, the Imam of Wala Jumu’a Mosque, Birnin Kebbi.

    Scholars who delivered sermons were Prof. Mansur Isah-Yelwa, Prof. Mansur Ibrahim-Sokoto, and Sheikh Abdurrahman Isa -Jega, and Mallam Ahmad Tijjani of the Dariqa Movement.

    They admonished the couples to be persevering, show love for one another, remain loyal to marriage institution, uphold trust, justice and sincerity as well as discharge the obligations incumbent on husband and wife.

    Sets of room furniture, including beds and beddings, household utensils were provided to each couple by the government free.

    In addition, the wife of the governor donated N20,000 to each husband and wife, totaling N12 million, with similar donation by the member, House of Representatives, representing Suru/Bagudo Federal Constituency, Alhaji Bello Ka’oje.

  • Gov Idris doles out N2.7bn to Kebbi students

    Gov Idris doles out N2.7bn to Kebbi students

    The Kebbi Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar-Tunga, says Governor Nasir Idris has released N2.7b for allowances of local and International students.

    Abubakar-Tunga made this known while briefing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.

    “Gov. Nasir Idris has approved and released the payment of Upkeep Allowance and Accommodation for 25 students of Kebbi State indigenes studying in various Universities in Egypt.

    “Also, His Excellency, has assisted in the payment of return tickets from India to Birnin Kebbi of eight  Kebbi state indigenes who graduated from Private University in India.

    “In summary, His Excellency has released more than N2.7 billion  for local and International Kebbi state Students studying in various universities within and outside Nigeria,” he said.

    Abubakar-Tunga said that the ministry for higher education remained indebted to the governor for his efforts towards promoting academic and moral excellence in the tertiary education.

    “The Kebbi state ministry for higher education invites the entire citizens of Kebbi state to continue to pray for the success of this administration,” the commissioner said.

  • Kebbi govt holds mass wedding for 300 couples

    Kebbi govt holds mass wedding for 300 couples

    The Kebbi State Government has commenced preparations to sponsor a mass wedding for 300 couples in the state scheduled for Feb. 27.

    The Chairman of the Organising Committee, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, told newsmen on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi that the wedding is organised in collaboration with an NGO, Nafisa Nasir Charity Development Foundation (NANAS).

    He said that various committees had been set up with specific tasks such as pregnancy test, genotype test, HIV/AIDS test and other lawful prerequisites for marriages in the state.

    Argungu said that the mass wedding was in fulfillment of a promise made by Gov. Nasir Idris during the last mass wedding that it would be held periodically to assist the less privileged to get married.

    “The administration of Gov. Idris is going to provide N180,000  as dowry for each bride from the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

    “Other additional items will be provided such as room furniture and foodstuffs to all the couples to consolidate their marital relationship.

    “The wedding will be solemnised after wide consultations with Islamic scholars in consonance with the practice of the Noble Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (SAW),” Argungu said.

  • Kebbi govt reschedules 61st Argungu fishing festival

    Kebbi govt reschedules 61st Argungu fishing festival

    The Kebbi State Government has rescheduled the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival from February 2025 to February 2026.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Deputy Governor, Sen. Umar Abubakar-Tafida, and issued to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.

    Abubakar-Tafida, who is also the Chairman of the 2025 Festival Committee, said that the state government took the decision after due consultations with all critical stakeholders.

    He added that the decision to reschedule the festival was necessitated by the dire need to carry a befitting and permanent repairs of the structures at the festival’s venues.

    “The decision is sequel to the ongoing road dualisation and a myriad of other developmental projects in Argungu township.

    “The decision also followed other peculiar reasons, hence, forcing the shifting of the festival to 2026.

    “The state government is firmly committed to organising the best fishing and cultural festival, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the people of the state in 2026,” he assured.

    The dep. governor appreciated the understanding and cooperation of the public, stakeholders and participants in that regard.

    “Let us continue to work towards a brighter future for Kebbi,” the deputy governor pleaded.

  • 4 dead as suspected terrorists attack NIS facility in Kebbi

    4 dead as suspected terrorists attack NIS facility in Kebbi

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed the deaths of four individuals following an attack by suspected terrorists on its facilities at the Kangiwa border, Kebbi State.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, (SPRO) Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI), Kenneth Udo on Sunday in Abuja.

    Udo said that the attack occurred around 19:20 hours on Friday, Jan. 10, resulting in the deaths of a local watchman and three contractors.

    He, however, extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that efforts were underway, in collaboration with sister agencies, to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    He also reiterated the NIS’s unwavering resolve to continue its core mandate of securing the nation’s borders and enhancing national security.

    “The service regrets to announce a recent attack by a suspected terrorist group on our facilities and contractors on site, at the Kangiwa border in Kangiwa local government area of Kebbi State.

    “The attack led to the death of four persons, including a local Watchman and three contractors.

    “We also recorded substantial damages on our security facilities. No immigration officers were killed during the attack.

    “We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We are actively working alongside our sister agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for these heinous acts and bring them to justice.

    “The service remains resolute and undeterred in carrying on with its core mandate of border security in tandem with the goal of securing the nation,” he said.

  • Reign of terror as Lakurawa bandits invade Kebbi village

    Reign of terror as Lakurawa bandits invade Kebbi village

    Suspected Lakurawa bandits have attacked Natsini village in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi and rustled unspecified number of cows.

    The Spokesperson of Kebbi Police Command, SP, Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the incident in a press statement on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi.

    He said: “On the Jan. 3, at about 0100hrs, armed hoodlums suspected to be Lakurawa bandits on motorcycles invaded Alhaji Lawal Black Farm and nearby Fulani settlements located at Natsini village, along Argungu/Kangiwa road and rustled unspecified number of cows.

    “On receipt of the report, a team of Police Safer Highway patrol immediately rushed to the scene, engaged the bandits in a gun duel, pursued them, forcing the bandits to escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds and successfully recovered some of the rustled cows.

    “Regrettably, two police officers lost their lives during the encounter.”

    Abubakar said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Bello Sani had condemned the unfortunate incident and prayed for the soul of the deceased police officers to have an eternal rest and give their immediately families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    “The CP equally paid an on the spot assessment visit of the scene, after which he visited the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu-Mera, where he condolled and briefed him on the efforts of the combined security agencies towards combating crimes in the area,” the PRO said.

  • Gale of defection: Our party is intact – Kebbi PDP

    Gale of defection: Our party is intact – Kebbi PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Kebbi, has assured its members that the party remained one and indivisible entity.

    This followed a report that prominent party members may defect to All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    The Chairman of the party in the state,  Alhaji Usman Bello-Suru, gave the assurance while briefing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

    He said, “In a swift reaction to the insinuations that some members of PDP in the state are making arrangements to defect to the ruling party, I assure our members that PDP remains one indivisible entity that will continue to play opposition role in the state.

    “PDP is reacting to the ongoing meetings by some individuals with the intent to mobilise the party members for their selfish interests. This will not affect the strength of the party in all the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.”

    The chairman, therefore, called on all party supporters to remain calm and focused, saying that the state leadership was on top of the situation and would update its members in due course.

    Reports from reliable sources indicated that it was just a matter of time for the formal declaration of Sen. Adamu Aliero, (PDP-Kebbi Central) to cross-carpet to the ruling APC.

    Indications emerged when hundreds of Sen. Aliero’s supporters led by his younger brother, Alhaji Abba Aliero, held a consultative meeting with Gov. Nasir Idris, at Government House, Birnin Kebbi, Wednesday evening.

    Afterwards, Alhaji Abba Alieru, told Journalists that they were invited for a tete-a-tete, and the public would be informed of whatever decision has been reached later.

    “We, the supporters of Sen. Aliero were summoned to friendly discussions with His Excellency, the Governor, which we obliged.

    “We sought for time to return to our constituencies for further consultations with grassroots supporters upon which we shall decide the best course of action”, Aliero said.

    Although Sen. Aliero did not attend the meeting, his staunch close associates, participated in the discussions, including the PDP deputy gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 elections, Sama’ila Bui.

    Others were; the former Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Muhammadu Magawata-Aliero and former Chairman of Dandi Local Government Council, Abubakar Salihu Dila-Kamba.

    Political Pundits observed that Gov. Idris has become the ‘Father of Political Unity’ of Kebbi, while Sen. Aliero remains the ‘Master Card’ of politics in the state.

    Recall that at a public event recently in Birnin Kebbi, Sen. Alieruo told the gathering that politics was now over, showering encomiums on Gov. Idris for his remarkable performance in governance and rapid development of Kebbi within a short space of time.

    In the 2023 senatorial elections, Sen. Aliero contested under the platform of PDP and defeated the then incumbent Gov. Atiku Bagudu of the APC.

    Prior to the polls, Sen. Aliero defected from the ruling APC at both state and national levels, to the PDP to vie for Kebbi Central Senatorial District ticket, which he won.

  • Kebbi Gov to fire underperforming commissioners, aides

    Kebbi Gov to fire underperforming commissioners, aides

    Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has vowed to fire Commissioners and Special Advisers who perform below the expectations of the government and their people.

    He made the disclosure while assenting to the 2025 Budget Bill at Government House, Birnin Kebbi on Friday.

    Recall that the Governor had on December 21  presented the proposed 2025 budget to the State House of Assembly for deliberation and subsequent passage.

    The governor warned the members of his cabinet that he would do a broadcast by the end of two years of his administration.

    He said: “Every commissioner and special adviser must be with his people and only those who perform well and carry their people along would remain.

    “Therefore, I urge you to adjust, tighten your belts, go close to your people, listen to their plights and assist them where necessary.”

    Speaking on the budget,  Idris said that history was made again, saying,” last year, we were here for a similar exercise.

    ”I must commend the lawmakers for a job well done, this is a clear sign that you have Kebbi people in your hearts.

    “I am the happiest person today, being the leader because we brought a budget that will add value to the lives of Kebbi people.”

    Idris appreciated the lawmakers for their wisdom to have kept every other thing aside and concentrated on the budget.

    The governor assured that his administration would do everything possible to improve the lives of Kebbi people.

    “We will make sure that we translate this budget into reality by touching lives in the grassroots so that people in the rural areas feel the impact of the government,” Idris assured.

    The governor said the present administration had transformed the state capital to make it look like any other state capital, promising that such reformation would be extended to other parts of the state.

    He expressed delight that his administration had touched the lives of Yauri and Ngaski people.

    He added that the state government has also commenced projects in Argungu Emirate, assuring: “By God’s grace, we will make sure that we will soon inaugurate the Zuru road project.

    “We will make sure we finish the road in good time so that people of Zuru Emirate will start plying the road.”

    Idris thanked the Speaker for the cordial working relationship existing between the executive and legislative arms and urged that such relationship be sustained.

    He confirmed that all the achievements recorded in state wouldn’t have been possible without the support and subsequent approval of the house.

    Idris said, ”It was done out of passion and love the lawmakers have for their people.”

    Presenting the bill to the governor, the acting Speaker,  Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu-Bagudo, said: “Today, Friday, Dec. 27, the House has passed the Bill and put it forward for your assent.”

    The acting speaker lauded the efforts of his colleagues for working round the clock to ensure the passage of the budget.

    He recalled that the lawmakers had set aside all other engagements and concentrated on the budget with a view to passing it before the year runs out.

    This, according to him, is with a view to ensuring that the budget takes off by January 2025 without delay.