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Tag: Kebbi

  • Panic as robbers snatch N9m LG workers’ salary in Kebbi

    Gwandu Local Government Area of Kebbi says suspected robbers have stolen over N9m meant for the payment of April salary of workers of its Departments of Health and Agriculture.

    The chairman of the council, Shehu Bagudu, told newsmen in Gwandu on Thursday that the incident happened on May 24.

    “The incident happened when the cashier of the area, Bashir Gwandu, collected the money from the bank and went to his house.

    “As he was about to open the gate of his house and unknown to him, the thieves had been trailing him from the bank.

    As he was opening the gate to enter his house, the suspects who had laid ambush for him, attacked him, snatched his car with the money inside and drove away.

    “The car was later discovered in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State,” he said.

    The council chairman also dispelled the rumour that he was shielding the cashier, who is his son-in-law

    Bagudu said he could not stop the Police from doing their proper investigation.

    “I have not slept ever since this incident happened.

    “The boy is my son-in-law ever since before I became the chairman of the council, and he is known to be trustworthy in the council.

    “We wrote to the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on the incident, but we are still waiting for their response.

    “At the same time, the Criminal Investigation Department of the State Police Command is on top of the situation, doing proper investigation,” he said.

    He added that the council had held a series of meetings with the affected workers, saying “the cashier’s family is planning to pay part of the stolen money before the arraignment of their brother in court on June 4.”

    The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mustapha Suleiman, who confirmed the incident, said the cashier had been undergoing proper investigation by the CID since the incident.

    “The cashier has just been granted bail after the necessary investigation and he was given bail on the surety of a former Sole Administrator in the council,” he said.

  • Fashola rejects completed houses, roads in Kebbi

    Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola on Tuesday warned that the Federal Government would not accept the 74 housing units and Jega-Yauri road project due to shoddy job.

    Fashola who inspected the two projects in Birnin Kebbi, told the contractors to undertake the project within specification otherwise the government would not accept them

    He observed that most of the roofing of the bungalows in the Federal Housing Estate and road culverts were not done properly.

    “The roofing is not standard and road culverts are not properly done. They have to reconstruct some of these buildings because we cannot accept them; their roofs are not well constructed,” he said.

    Similarly, Fashola told the contractor handling the Jega-Yauri road that he was not satisfied with the narrow culverts constructed along the road.

    “I am not satisfied with these culverts, you have to reconstruct them.

    “The government has overcome the challenges of funding but is now faced with the challenge of getting the project done in compliance with contractual agreement.

    “With all clear intention, we cannot do the work, we have to entrust the contractors to do the work for us, hence they should do it according to the agreement,” the minister said.

    Mr Walid AbouJaoude of TRIACTA Nigeria Limited handling the road project pledged that the company would do all the necessary corrections and complete the project on time.

    He said that the company had since completed the first phase of the 186 kilometre road project, which began from Sokoto, through Jega, Yauri and would terminate at Birnin Kebbi.

    NAN

  • Police confirm release of kidnapped Chief Imam in Kebbi

    The Police Command in Kebbi State has confirmed the release of the Chief Imam of Senchi in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of the state, Alhaji Mode Senchi.

    Recall that Senchi was kidnapped by unknown men on March, 18.

    The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Kabiru, made the confirmation while addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

    “The Chief Imam Senchi, Alhaji Mode Senchi, who was reportedly kidnapped on March, 18 was rescued on March, 28, in good health and has been reunited with his family,” he said.

    According to him, efforts are on going to arrest the suspects connected with the incident.

    Kabiru recalled that the chief Imam was earlier abducted in 2017 by unknown men, adding that he had to pay N13 million ransom before he could be released.

    “But this time around, no ransom has been paid and we will soon get the suspects as our men will not leave any stone unturned for any criminal in this state.”

    He also disclosed that the command arrested three suspected armed robbers on March, 28 with three locally made guns, based on intelligence report, adding that investigation had commenced on the matter.

    The commissioner advised the parents and guardians to monitor closely their children, especially minors while sending them on errand, either in the day or night.

     

  • Kebbi Govt marries off 100 widows, divorcees in mass wedding

    The Kebbi Government on Saturday married off 100 widows and divorcees in a mass wedding held in the palace Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samila Mera.

    The marriages were arranged by the state and Argungu Local Governments to reduce the number of women, widowed or divorced, left to fend for themselves and their children.

    Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi commended the efforts of the emir and the local government for the initiative and urged parents to respect the marriage institution as it was a way to reduce single women in the society.

    He called on 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 Argungu, in his remarks, also commended the state government and the local government for collaborating to organize the occasion in line with Islamic teaching.

    “’We are trying to provide women with stable homes, financial and social security,” he said.

    The state government paid N20, 000 “kayan daki” for the brides, a collection of brass, enamel bowls, decorative cups and saucers, blankets, bed sheet which are symbol of their married status.

    They also gave N30, 000 to the brides to start their entrepreneurial businesses.

    The government donated furniture and kitchen utensils worth N150, 000 to each couple while the Commissioner for Justice, Hajiya Ramatu Gulma also donated one wrapper to each of the couples.

     

  • Six dead, 12 missing in Kebbi boat mishap

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Dakingari, said on Wednesday that six traders died while 12 persons were missing after a boat mishap on River Niger in Shanga Local Government Area of the state.

    Mr. Dakingari made the confirmation on Wednesday in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Birnin Kebbi.

    “Two canoes were carrying more than 78 passengers, six persons have been confirmed dead while 12 are still missing and over 60 were rescued,” he said.

    He said Governor Atiku Bagudu of the Kebbi State had directed the traditional rulers, local government chairmen, Nigerian Inland Waterways’ officials and Marine Police to prohibit night travels by boats and canoes.

    According to Mr. Dakingari , the governor gave the directive while on a condolence visit to the relatives of the victims in the area.

    NAN reports that the incident happened following head-on collision of two canoes carrying traders and their goods on Tuesday at about 8:30 p.m. in Barikin Sakace in Shanga Local Government Area.

    A resident of the area, Abubakar Maleje, told NAN that it was a terrible scene as the traders were brought out from the river.

    “I have seen six dead bodies and others are still missing in the river while search and rescue mission is still on by the authorities concerned.

    “Most of the passengers were travelling in the night inspite of the dangers of river voyage in the night.

    “ You can see the local boat operators over loading their boats with goods and people,’’ he said.

    The Executive Director of the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Abbas Kamba, also confirmed the incident.

    NAN also recalls that in September 2017, no fewer than 53 traders were reported dead in a boat mishap on River Niger in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi.

     

    (NAN)

  • 2019: Kebbi local govt chairmen endorse Buhari, Bagudu

    The chairmen of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi, have endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari for the 2019 presidential election.

    The group also endorsed Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi for a second term in office in the forthcoming general election.

    The state chairman of the association, who is also the APC Chairman of Maiyama Local Government Area, Abdullahi Andarai, made this disclosure to journalists on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi.

    Mr. Andarai told journalists that the endorsement became necessary, considering the achievements the party had recorded both in the country and at the state level.

    “The leadership of the APC in the state has benefited from the good governance of Gov Atiki Bagudu and President Muhammadu Bahari.

    “We, in Kebbi, are farmers, we support any policy that places high premium on agriculture.

    “APC leadership from the national and state levels came up with the agriculture revolution policy, from which we have benefited immensely.

    “The economic status of farmers in the state has improved and we will ensure the continuation of the APC leadership at the state and the national levels,” he said.

    The APC leader said the association reached the resolution after due consultations with their party supporters at the grassroots.

    He called on the president and the governor to accept the endorsement, adding, “Kebbi people will not be happy if our endorsement is not accepted”.

     

    (NAN)

  • 2019 poll: Kebbi APC ALGON endorses President Buhari, Gov. Bagudu

    The chairmen of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi, have endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari for the 2019 presidential election.

    The group also endorsed Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi for a second term in office in the forthcoming general election.

    The state chairman of the association, who is also the APC Chairman of Maiyama Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdullahi Andarai, made this disclosure to newsmen on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi.

    Andarai told newsmen that the endorsement became necessary, considering the achievements the party had recorded both in the country and at the state level.

    “The leadership of the APC in the state has benefited from the good governance of Gov Atiki Bagudu and President Muhammadu Bahari.

    “We, in Kebbi, are farmers, we support any policy that places high premium on agriculture.

    “APC leadership from the national and state levels came up with the agriculture revolution policy, from which we have benefited immensely.

    “The economic status of farmers in the state has improved and we will ensure the continuation of the APC leadership at the state and the national levels,” he said.

    The APC leader said the association reached the resolution after due consultations with their party supporters at the grassroots.

    He called on the president and the governor to accept the endorsement, adding,”Kebbi people will not be happy if our endorsement is not accepted”.

  • Police rescue two abducted boys, arrest kidnappers in Kebbi

    The Police Command in Kebbi said on Thursday that it had rescued two boys from suspected kidnappers who demanded N2.5 million ransom from their parents, resident in the state.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Kabiru, told journalists in Birnin Kebbi that the boys, aged 10 and 11, were rescued unhurt in Dakinkowa of Kontagora in Niger State.

    Mr. Kabiru said that eight suspects had been arrested in connection with the abduction and no ransom was paid before the boys were rescued.

    He said that on December 5, one Christopher Nnagbo of new prison area, Birnin Kebbi, reported at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Birnin Kebbi that his son, 10, had been missing since November 30.

    He said that the boy was on his way home from Anglican Church, Birnin Kebbi when he was abducted.

    “On the 5th of December, a hidden number called the victim’s mother, Mrs Angela Christopher with a view to negotiating for ransom and demanded N2.5 million before the child could be released.

    “On receipt of the report, the police swung into action. The principal suspect was arrested and the victims rescued,” Kabiru narrated.

    He said the second boy was also rescued along with the victim.

    “Effort is now underway to locate the parents of the second boy who was rescued in the operation,” he said.

    The commissioner said the victims were immediately taken to Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, for necessary observation and medical treatment.

    According to the police commissioner, the principal suspect said he was pushed into the act by the desire to settle his debt.

    Mr. Kabiru advised against people borrowing more than they could repay to avoid similar incidents.

     

    NAN

  • BREAKING: Kebbi Accountant General, Dakingari sentenced to 70 years imprisonment over N1.6bn Fraud

    The Court of Appeal Kebbi Division has sentenced a Kebbi State Accountant-General Mohammed Dakingari, to 70 years imprisonment after finding him guilty of N1.6bn fraud.

    The Court upturned the judgment of a Kebbi State High Court which discharged and acquitted a Kebbi State Accountant-General, Mohammed Arzika Dakingari, on charges of conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence preferred against him and one other by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

    He, among other things allegedly used his office as the Accountant-General, Kebbi State for personal enrichment to the tune of N1.6billion. Dakingari was charged alongside Musa Yusuf, Managing Director, Beal Construction Nigeria Limited; a company owned by him (Dakingari) and used in award various contracts to himself. Dakingari’s stake in Beal Construction Limited is contrary to civil service regulation which forbids serving officers from owning businesses.

    Findings by the EFCC at the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, showed that Mohammed Bashir Mohammed, Anwal Sadat and Nasir Mohammed, all sons of the Accountant-General, are directors of the company (Beal Construction), while two of his brothers, Abduallahi Mohammed and Habibu Mohammed are the other two directors. The construction company operates two accounts at EcoBank and Unity Bank with Dakingari and Yusuf as signatories to the accounts.

    However, Dakingari was discovered to operate with two signatures, one in his official capacity as Accountant-General of the state and the other as owner of Beal Construction Company Limited.

    Analysis of the accounts revealed a total credit of N1.3billion between May 2012 and September 2013, with most of the receipts coming from the Office of the Accountant-General and the Kebbi State Ministry of Finance. Some of the contracts executed for the state for which Beal Construction Company received huge payments included the supply of furniture to 66 secondary schools in Kebbi State valued at N987million; the connection of water and drainage system at Kebbi Central Mosque valued at N110million and the building and partitioning of Mohammed Maira Secondary School valued at N247million. Upon the conclusion of investigation, the EFCC filed a 20-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and abuse of office against Dakingari and Yusuf. The trial court in its determination of the case convicted and sentenced Yusuf to six months imprisonment while it discharged and acquitted Dakingari.

    Dissatisfied, the EFCC approached the Court of Appeal asking it to set aside the judgment of the lower court and convict Dakingari as charged. The appellate court in its well considered judgment allowed the appeal by the EFCC, convicted and sentenced Dakingari to 70 years imprisonment each on 10 of the counts preferred against him by the anti-graft agency. The sentence is, however, to run concurrently.

  • Restructuring: Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara support devolution of powers

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, Monday agreed to support devolution of powers in the country, saying the federal government should transfer some aspects of health, transport, fire service among others to the states while it focuses on defence, foreign affairs, security and currency.

    This was the position of the three states at the APC North-west zonal public hearing held in Sokoto.

    The position of Sokoto as presented by former deputy governor Chiso Abdullahi, rejected the creation of new states, saying many states in the country at the moment are not viable.

    He advocated that the presidential system and fiscal federalism should be maintained as enshrined in the constitution while power rotation and zoning should be maintained to foster national unity.

    He also advocated for a unicameral legislature while traditional institutions should be given advisory role in the constitution.

    He also highlighted that revenue allocation should be shared on the basis of 43 percent for the federal government, 35 percent for states and 23 percent for local government councils.

    Kebbi state, on the other hand, rejected the creation of new states and bicameral legislature while zoning should be practised between North and South.

     

     

    Kebbi also advocated for a revenue-sharing formula with the federal government having 40 percent, states 40 percent and local government areas 20 percent.

    It also canvassed for devolution of powers whereby the federal government should transfer some aspects that will be better handled by the states.

    Zamfara state presented its position at the meeting while insisting that the status quo should be maintained on issues of state creation, derivation, devolution of powers, presidential system of government and land tenure system.

    Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the APC Restructuring Committee for North-west and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, said all the views collated would be taken back to the APC national headquarters.

    “At the end of the exercise, all the views collated will be analysed and this will form the opinion of the APC and the federal government,” he said.

    In his remarks, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, said the aim of the public hearing was to collate views of the people on how the country should be restructured and governed.

    He said this would enable the party to have a better-informed position on the issue whenever it is making its presentation.

    Tambuwal commended the APC for its moves to get feedback from the people on the way the country should be governed.

    Also speaking, Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, said the North would not be stampeded into accepting other people’s agenda but would only be guided by reason.

    He noted that some of the issues being clamoured by certain groups in the country were subject to a lot of sentiments.

    “Some of these issues people are clamouring for do not have a clear definition. Some of them are partisan in nature. However, these issues are better discussed than avoided.

    “So, we must not be stampeded or become emotional by the agenda of some group but will only be guided by reason,” he said.

    He expressed satisfaction with the modest achievements recorded by the APC across the country

    He described the meeting as apt, saying APC was committed to true federalism as enshrined in the manifesto of the party.

    The Zamfara State Governor, Abdulazeez Yari, who was represented by the deputy governor Ibrahim Wakala, said the state was solidly behind the unity of Nigeria.