TheNewsGuru

Tag: Kebbi State

  • PDP withdraws from Kebbi LG polls contest

    PDP withdraws from Kebbi LG polls contest

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Kebbi, has withdrawn from participation in the forthcoming Local Government Council elections slated for August 31.

    The Chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Bello Usman-Suru, made this known while briefing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.

    “Having made a wider consultation with some segments of the party membership and prominent elders; it becomes pertinent to inform you that the party is no longer participating in the local government councils elections slated for August 31st, due to the following reasons:

    “The Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM) and all the Commissioners are card carrying members of APC in Kebbi State.

    “Therefore, organising free, fair, and credible elections will be a mirage.

    “We voiced out our discomfort with their appointments in several communications to the Kebbi State Government and relevant agencies involved in elections management in the state.

    “PDP, therefore, doesn’t have any confidence in the leadership of the State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct the elections freely,” he said.

    Usman-Suru also lamented the creation of administrative fees in respect of Chairmanship, Vice Chairmanship, and Councillorship as prescribed in the elections guidelines.

    This, he said, did not only disenfranchised some candidates but also grossly violates freedom of choice to candidates, political parties and the electorates.

    The chairman said: “The released election guidelines specified that the administrative fees can be paid up to Aug. 30th, but abruptly shifted backward to Aug. 7th.

    “This amounts to changing the rules in the middle of the game and a clear attempt to discourage opposition parties from participating in the elections.

    “It is against this background that PDP wishes to inform its teeming supporters statewide that our participation in the elections will only signify acceptance of an illegality, fraudulent system, and stage-managed elections as done in the previous exercise conducted in 2022 under the same leadership.”

    Usman-Suru appealed to all PDP members across the 21 LGAs to remain calm and focused as “we continue to reflect on the present and prospects of our great party at local, state, and national levels.”

    The chairman expressed optimism that the National Assembly would consider and pass a bill for Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take over the conduct and management of LG elections for free, fair, credible, and acceptable elections across Nigeria.

  • BREAKING: Kebbi dissolves 21 LG Administrators

    BREAKING: Kebbi dissolves 21 LG Administrators

    The Kebbi State Government has announced the dissolution of all the 21 Local Government Council Administrators.

    The dissolution is contained in a circular addressed to the Sole Administrators and made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.

    It was signed by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Aliyu Hassan-Kalgo.

    The circular read in part: “I am directed to write and notify you that Gov. Nasir Idris has directed the dissolution of Local Government Administrators in the state with immediate effect.

    “All the local government sole administrators are to hand over the affairs of the Local Government (LG), including all the LG property in their possession, to the Director of Administration of their respective LG councils on or before Thursday, July 25, 2024.”

    It stated that the governor appreciated their contribution and successes recorded during their stewardship and wished them Allah’s guidance and assistance in their future endeavours.

    The outgoing sole administrators were appointed on March 6 at the expiration of the elected chairmen. The elected chairmen came into office on Feb. 5, 2022.

  • Missing Kebbi pilgrims rescued in Mecca

    Missing Kebbi pilgrims rescued in Mecca

    No fewer than three missing Nigerian pilgrims have been rescued by the Kebbi Government officials (KGOs) in Mecca, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    The government officials are pilgrims sponsored by the state government to perform Hajj, at the same time assist the pilgrims where necessary.

    Speaking in Mecca on Tuesday, one of the KGOs, Alhaji Nasir Idris, the Executive Director, Women’s Right Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), Kebbi branch, said they had rescued a woman from Kamba Local Government Area.

    He said the woman missed her way back home, instead, she further went behind the Al-Masjid Al-Haram (Kaaba) leading to a different area.

    “As KGOs, we have to intervene and redirect her back home through a taxi service,” he said.

    Enumerating some activities of the KGOs, Idris said some of them sometimes assist in translation and stand as intermediaries due to language barrier.

    Idris added  that they also offer useful suggestions to committees to ensure the success of the Hajjj exercise.

    He said the activities of KGOs were not restricted to Kebbi alone but they render assistance to all the pilgrims from Nigeria, whenever  such an assistance was needed.

    “We recently rescued two women from Bauchi State who missed their way to their hotel but the quick intervention of the KGOs led them to their hotels without any difficulty,” Idris said.

    The CEO said the humanitarian services being rendered by the KGOs would be sustained throughout the Hajj operation.

    He, therefore, appealed for more support and cooperation of the pilgrims to ensure a successful Hajj exercise.

    Idris advised the pilgrims to always move in groups to avoid missing their directions.

    He said, ”They should always be cautious in spending their basic travelling allowance.

    ”They should also be routinely asking the clerics for guidance on the proper Hajj rituals for them to perform an acceptable Haj.”

  • Kebbi govt approves N3.34bn for prospective pilgrims

    Kebbi govt approves N3.34bn for prospective pilgrims

    The Kebbi Government says it has approved the subsidy allocation of N3.34 billion to 3,344 prospective pilgrims to this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia  from the state.

    The approval was to complete the payment of additional fares of about N2 million announced by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, (NAHCON).

    The decision was reached at an emergency Executive Council Meeting presided over by the Deputy Gov. Alhaji Umar Abubakar- Tafida, in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

    Addressing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmad, said the gesture was in furtherance of the magnanimity of Gov. Nasir Idris to uphold religious values for societal peace and tranquility.

    He explained that the amount donated to each pilgrim was designed to facilitate the complete payment of the fares before the closure date.

    ”Out of about N2 million requested by NAHCON as additional fares, Kebbi Government has off-set N1 million for each pilgrim while the remaining balance should be paid by individual pilgrim to complete payment.

    ”Pilgrims who completed payment of the fares would also enjoy the N1 million magnanimity from the government,” the commissioner explained.

    On recent incidents of breaking into food stores by miscreants who  looted grains, Ahmad announced the setting up of a 13-member committee under the chairmanship of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Shehu Mu’azu, to investigate the incident.

    On his part, Mu’azu explained that most of the rice carted away from the warehouse at Bayan-Kara belonged to Birnin Kebbi Local Government as part of the palliatives distributed by the state government to the 21 local government areas in the state.

    He said security operatives succeeded in salvaging more than 2,000 bags of the grains from looters and returned to safe keeping.

    “The members of the committee  have been given five-day time frame between now and Friday, to investigate the remote causes of the incident, identify persons or groups involved and advise the government appropriately to guard against a repeat,” the commissioner said.

  • NCS reopens Kamba border in Kebbi

    NCS reopens Kamba border in Kebbi

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reopened the international boarder in Kamba town of Dandi LGA in Kebbi State to promote international trading between Nigeria and the neighboring countries of Niger and Benin Republics.

    This is contained in statement signed by SC Mohammed Tajuddeen-Salisu, spokesperson of the Kebbi Area Command of the service and made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

    He said,”The newly appointed Customs Area Comptroller (CAC), Kebbi Command, Mr. Iheanacho Ernest-Ojike, on Friday, reopened Border for international trade as directed by the Comptroller-General of the Customs, Mr. Bashir Adewale-Adeniyi.

    The statement reported Ernest-Ojike saying that the border reopening was aimed at paving the way for legitimate trade that would impact positively on nation building.

    “This is not a permission for importation of prohibited items that would ransack the economy and compromise national security,” he said.

    ” The officers and men of the command are ever ready to facilitate legitimate trade and act within the ambit of the law to simplify trade across Kamba Border.”

    This is “as long as stakeholders import what is permitted by Customs extant laws, make proper declaration and pay appropriate duties to the Federal Government coffers”.

    The spokesperson also reported the CAC as saying that food grains were still prohibited for exportation out of the country, considering the current scarcity of food in the nation.

    The District Head of Kamba, Alhaji Mamuda Fana, commended the effort of the Federal Government, saying it was a new ray of hope to his people who had interest in cross-border businesses, and even small scale business owners domiciled in the area.

    “I promise the Federal Government and NCS that my people will be cautioned on illegitimate trade and the advantage of reopening of the border to the country,” he promised.

  • Gov Idris approves N27.5 million for Kebbi law students

    Gov Idris approves N27.5 million for Kebbi law students

    Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi has approved the release of N27.5 million for the payment of tuition and registration fees for 38 indigenes of the state in the Nigerian Law School.

    The approval is contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Justice, Dr Junaidu Bello-Marshal and issued to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

    “The 28 Bar Part II students will receive N750,000 each, while the Bar Part I students will get N650,000 each.

    ”The governor’s approval became necessary when the management of the Nigerian Law School increased the fees to N476,000 for Bar Part II and N353,000 for Bar Part I,” he said.

    Bello-Marshall thanked the governor for the kind gesture and urged the students to be good ambassadors of the state.

    “The gesture of the governor is a fulfilment of his promise to provide quality education for all in the state,” the commissioner said.

  • Govt holds mass wedding for over 300 couples in Kebbi

    Govt holds mass wedding for over 300 couples in Kebbi

    No fewer than 300 divorces, widows and indigents got married to their loved ones at a maiden mass wedding sponsored by Kebbi State Government.

    The maiden wedding took place at the Abdullahi Fodio palace in Gwandu Emirate, Birnin Kebbi, on Sunday.

    The wedding was organised by the state government under Hajia Nafisa Nasir Idris, wife of the state governor, through her pet project, Nafisa Nasir Development Foundation (NANAS).

    Gov. Nasir Idris, who presided over the wedding, advised the couples to be friendly and confidants of each other.

    Represented by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Usman-Ankwe, the governor announced that such mass wedding would be held periodically to assist the less privileged men and women to be joined as husbands and wives.

    Idris said his administration provided N21 million as dowry for the 300 brides from the 21 local government areas of the state, with each bride getting a dowry of N70,000.

    A cross section of bridegrooms during the wedding.

    The governor added that the administration also provided room furniture and foodstuffs to all the couples to consolidate on their marital relationship.

    He made it clear that the mass wedding had been solemnised after wide consultations with Islamic scholars in consonance with the practice of the Noble Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (SAW), who authorised his followers to enter into marriage allegiances for the good of the society and bearing blessed offsprings.

    Idris advised the couples to respect the institution of marriage, saying that the grooms must protect the rights and privileges of their wives, while the brides must remain loyal and supportive to their husbands.

    While commending his wife (Nafisa) for striving hard to actualise the mass wedding which was the first of its kind in the state, the governor observed that it would go a long way in reducing the number of divorcees and assist indigent men to be married.

    In her speech, the wife of the governor and the founder of NANAS Foundation, expressed immense appreciation to her husband for providing the necessary moral and material support that made the mass wedding possible.

    She also advised the couples to respect one another and protect each other’s rights and privileges, and live a decent life as husband and wife.

    Nafisa informed the married couples that her foundation in collaboration with thenstate government would teach them skill acquisition on various trades to enable them engage in profitable ventures for self-reliance.

    The wife of the governor announced that before the wedding took place, all the couples were screened of health issues and found to be in sound state of health.

    She thanked all stakeholders involved in the organisation of the event, specifically mentioning the Chairman of the main organising committee, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, and the guest preacher, Shiekh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa from Kano State, for their invaluable contribution to the success of the event.

    The Chairman, organising committee and former Deputy Governor of Kebbi, now the National Organising Secretary of APC, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, announced that the 300 couples joined in wedlock were selected from all the 21 local government areas of the state based on Islamic jurisprudence.

    Islamic scholars, comprising the Director General, Hisbah Board, Kano State, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim-Daurawa; Prof. Mansur Isah-Yelwa; Sheikh Mustapha Yawale-Jega; Sheikh Abubakar Yusuf-Yauri; and Sheikh Umar Isah-Magaji, enlightened the gathering on the commandments of the Noble Prophet SAW on marital relationship between husband and wife, which must be adhered to.

    The Islamic clerics prayed Allah to reward the governor and his wife for embarking on a noble venture of mass wedding which, according to them, has significant impact in reducing immorality and cleansing the society of social ills.

    The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Iliyasu Bashar, who served as the Waliy (Guardian) to all the 300 brides, gave out their hands in marriage with prayers for blissful married life.

  • Four kidnapped victims rescued in Kebbi

    Four kidnapped victims rescued in Kebbi

    Troops of the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes rescued four hostages abducted by bandits in Sabon Birni village in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi on Monday.

    Malam Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser to Gov. Nasir Idris on Media and Publicity, stated in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday that the three- male and one-female hostages who were rescued in good condition had been reunited with their families.

    Troops of 1 Battalion, Dukku Barracks, Birnin Kebbi, in conjunction with vigilantes raided  Sabon Birni village in Shanga LGA of Kebbi State, on Monday.

    “The team dislodged and neutralised some bandits as well as destroyed their camp.

    “Items recovered include; three AK-47 rifles mounted with magazines, three extra magazines, 142 rounds of ammunition and pairs of military uniform, among other items.

    “The gallant troops rescued four kidnapped victims named Alhaji Hakimi Rumbu and Amina Dikko of Sangara village in Shanga LGA and Alhaji Abdullahi, and Bello Abdullahi of Tungan Namuna in Koko/Besse LGA,” he said.

    Sarki commended the gallant troops and reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting security agencies in the State.

  • Gov Idris reacts over killing of NIS officers by bandits in Kebbi

    Gov Idris reacts over killing of NIS officers by bandits in Kebbi

    Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has condoled with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) over the death of its two personnel serving in the State.

    Alhaji Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, made this known in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.

    Recall that the two personnel, Isa Nafi’u and Garba Haruna Fana, lost their lives when a group of suspected bandits launched an attack on the officers on duty at Garin Garba entry point, about 12 kilometres away from Kangiwa, headquarters of Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi.

    The third officer escaped unharmed.

    The governor’s aide said Idris personally attended the funeral prayer for the personnel held in Birnin Kebbi and expressed dismay over the demise of the gallant officers.

    He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them Jannatul Firdaus.

    Idris appealed to the immediate families of the deceased and the NIS to take heart and accept the will of God Almighty in good faith.

    He said the sacrifice they made to the nation would never be forgotten as their lives were cut short in the service to their motherland.

    The governor encouraged other personnel of NIS not to be deterred by the act of whom he described as notorious and bad elements in the society, urging them to continue with their legitimate and lawful duty as scheduled.

    He assured that the government was doing everything possible to ensure protection of lives and property of people across the state.

    Idris therefore appealed for cooperation and support to all policies and programmes of the present administration to enable it to succeed.

  • SAD: Bandits attack, kill 2 immigration officers in Kebbi

    SAD: Bandits attack, kill 2 immigration officers in Kebbi

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it has lost two personnel to banditry attack in Kebbi.

    Its State Command’s Spokesperson, DSI Abdullahi Isa, disclosed this in a statement in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.

    He said: “On a sad note, on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, a group of suspected bandits launched an attack on Immigration Officers at Garin Garba entry point, about 12 kilometres away from Kangiwa headquarters of Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi.

    “As a result, two gallant officers lost their lives. They are: Isa Nafi’u (II) NIS No. 34057 and Garba Haruna Fana (II) NIS No. 17796.”

    The Spokesperson confirmed that the third officer escaped unharmed.

    He revealed that the two deceased had been buried in Birnin Kebbi according to Islamic Injunction.

    “May the Almighty Allah in His infinite mercy forgive their shortcomings and grant them Jannatil Firdaus and give their immediate families the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss,” he said.