TheNewsGuru

Tag: Sokoto State

  • Shagari: President Buhari arrives Sokoto to condole family, state govt

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday arrived Sokoto State to condole with the family, people and government over the death of former President Shehu Shagari.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the president was received at the airport by the state Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, his deputy Manir Dan-Iya, Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, and Sen. Aliyu Wammako.

    Also on ground to receive the president were traditional and religious leaders as well as his admirers and supporters.

    NAN reports that Buhari, who had earlier paid tribute to the late president, went to the family compound of the deceased in Sokoto metropolis to offer his condolences

    The president had on Saturday directed that the national flag and other flags should fly at half-mast in military and para-military formations as well as public buildings for three days, starting from today.

    The president gave the directive in a statement personally signed by him and issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.

    “The late President represented almost the last link with the government of our founding fathers under Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He was also the first elected President of Nigeria.

    “The late Alhaji Shagari was a man of many parts, teacher, local authority administrator, politician, minister, and finally President. He served his country with dedication and moderation.

    “Over the years through interaction at the Council of State, he and I came to understand and appreciate each other whatever the differences we may have had in the past.

    “On behalf of the Federal Government, myself and family, I send my condolences to the people of Nigeria, particularly to the late President’s family and the government and people of Sokoto State. May his soul rest in peace.”

    The remains of the former president, who died at the age of 93 on Friday at the National Hospital Abuja, was laid to rest at his village, Shagari on Saturday, according to Islamic rites.

    Shagari was president from 1979 to 1983 and won second election before being dethroned by a coup d’etat that brought in Muhammadu Buhari as military head of state.

     

  • Breaking: Sokoto Assembly confirms Dan-Iya as Deputy Governor

    Breaking: Sokoto Assembly confirms Dan-Iya as Deputy Governor

    The Sokoto State House of Assembly on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Alhaji Manir Dan-Iya as the new Deputy Governor of the state.

    This followed the adoption of a motion by the Deputy Majority Leader Alhaji Ibrahim Sarki (PDP-Sokoto North II) at plenary.

    Speaking on the motion Sarki urged his colleagues to confirm the appointment of Dan-Iya due to his qualities.

    “In view of the provisions of section 191 subsections (3)(c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

    “Gov. Aminu Tambuwal submitted the name of Alhaji Manir Dan-Iya for confirmation as deputy governor of the state.

    “The person so recommended for appointment is an astute politician with impressive grassroots appeal, he will bring his experience to bear in the governance and overall development of the state,” he said.

    The motion was unanimously adopted when put to a voice vote by the Speaker Alhaji Salihu Maidaji who presided over the plenary.

    Dan’iya is replacing Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, who resigned on Nov. 13 after securing the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship ticket for the 2019 poll in the state.

     

  • Breaking: Sokoto Deputy Governor resigns

    The Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu, has resigned his position.

    Aliyu, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, announced his resignation in a letter to the state House of Assembly dated Nov. 13, 2018.

    The letter was presented by the Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji, who presided over the Wednesday plenary of the Assembly.

    “With gratitude to Allah who granted me the opportunity to serve my state, I wish to humbly inform the Assembly of my resignation as Deputy Governor with effect from Nov. 13, 2018.

    “I, therefore, wish to extend my sincere appreciation to Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, Assembly members and the entire people of Sokoto state for the support accorded me during my service,” Aliyu said.

    Meanwhile, a Bill for a law to provide for Sokoto State House of Assembly, Financial Accounting Procedure and Powers of Spending Moneys Appropriated to the Assembly has passed the second reading.

    This followed a motion by Alhaji Malami Ahmed (PDP- Sokoto South II) and contributions by other members of the Assembly during debate on the Bill.

    The Bill was referred to the House Committees on Public Account and Anti Corruption and Finance for scrutiny.

    The committees were given two weeks to report back to the Assembly.

     

  • Why we left: Spokesman for Tambuwal’s former 252 aides speaks

    Why we left: Spokesman for Tambuwal’s former 252 aides speaks

    In what appears like a political earthquake, 252 Special advisers and Special assistants appointed by Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state have resigned their appointments.

    And they have returned to the All Progressives Congress, instead of working under a PDP government.

    Alhaji Ibrahim Haske, a special adviser to the renegade governor and spokesman for all the aides, announced this at a news conference in Sokoto on Sunday.

    He said their decision followed Gov. Tambuwal’s defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    “Our appointment is based on the position that APC is the political party governing the state and now that the government belongs to PDP, we have no option other than to resign.

    “We are bonafide members of APC and our position has always remained same; we therefore resign voluntarily from the PDP government ,” Haske said.

    Haske, who was a former Sokoto South Local Government Chairman, further explained the decision was based on their desire to support APC to deliver on its mandate after the 2019 general elections.

    Alhaji Abdullahi Sokoto, also a special adviser to Tambuwal, restated the former aides’ commitment and dedication toward ensuring the success of APC across the state.

    “We will continue to remain in our party APC and as such we sacrifice our political appointments to clarify people’s doubt and show our stand on party supremacy.”

    He restated the group’s loyalty and support to the policies and programme of the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of APC.

    In his reaction, the APC Chairman in the state, Alhaji Sadiq Achida, commended the former aides to Gov. Tambuwal for their demonstration of loyalty to the party.

    He said, “the sacrifice of the Special advisers is highly recommended and will surely be rewarded by the people and APC in future.”

     

  • 2019: Tambuwal declares no intentions for president

    2019: Tambuwal declares no intentions for president

    The executive governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, is yet to publicly declare intentions to run for the office of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the forthcoming 2019 General Elections.

    TheNewsGuru reports the Sokoto State Governor only defected from the All Progressives (APC) party to opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday.

    However, he said, “I have consulted widely especially with the people of Sokoto and they have confidently assured me of my next political move”.

    In his defection speech, Tambuwal said good governance viz-a-viz economic wellbeing of his people prompted his departure from the APC.

    “I speak to you today with a mixture of sadness and relief because I did not expect that the APC, which promised so much when the People’s Democratic party (PDP) stood under the sway of impunity, could not maintain or manage whatever good it inherited.

    “It has also not broken new grounds in any positive sense, but has instead reached historically unprecedented heights of impunity in all manner of vices far above and beyond the challenges which made some of us to leave the PDP about four years ago to join others to form the APC.

    “The party has brazenly turned itself into a sanctuary for the corrupt and a machine for rigging and for the rape of democracy.

    “Let me also put it on record that all attempts to discuss the electoral promises of the APC-led government, including the restructuring of the country as promised Nigerians and as contained in the APC manifesto, have proved abortive.

    “Beyond that, I cannot look those who elected me as their Governor here in Sokoto State in the face and boldly point to any meaningful Federal Projects initiated in the state under the APC government.

    “Even the bulk of uncompleted Federal Projects here that were inherited from the previous administration have largely remained in their state of neglect. Sokoto State is also not being meaningfully carried along in political appointments and in other matters of national importance.

    “Like most states of the North, and indeed the entire federation, elders and traditional institutions have come under measured disrespect.

    “The recent attack in Tabinnii in Rabah LGA of Sokoto State, the routine invasion of Zamfara State by armed bandits, the now-regular killing of policemen by unknown gun men all over the country, the regular massacre of innocent people in the North East axis and many similar daily incidents, do not attract much attention any more.

    “Good governance, viz-a-viz economic wellbeing of our people, remains the major reason for my action of today. Information from National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that over nine million jobs have been lost in the last 3 years, since the APC Government came into office.

    “While youth unemployment rate was 11.70 per cent during the fourth quarter of 2014, it rose to 33.10 per cent in third quarter of 2017 under the APC Government. The economy is not showing any real signs of improvement.

    “Our educational and health institutions are in retreat. Poverty is on rampage and still ravages the land. It is unacceptable that majority of those who voted for APC in 2015 should have nothing good to show for it.

    “As in the past, it is only my interest in equity, the wellbeing of Nigerians and a befitting future for our teeming youths, national unity and economic prosperity that has led to my new locus in Nigerian politics today.

    “We all have a duty to do our best, while nudging our political parties to progressively align political contests in Nigeria along clear ideological lines; such that sooner rather than later the aspirations and the will of our people will be the only determinant of election outcomes.

    “Let me at this juncture state emphatically that I return to the PDP with a clear conscience today, because the party has learnt some bitter lessons and noted what mistakes it must avoid in the future.

    “It is now a repositioned and forward looking political party to which I now pledge loyalty, in my resolve to contribute towards improving the lives of Nigerians and expanding opportunities for the youths.

    “It is only by working together as agents of development that we can promote excellence, competence, good governance and enthronement of genuine democracy to save Nigeria,” he stated.

     

  • Stolen funds: EFCC kicks against Bafarawa’s acquittal

    Stolen funds: EFCC kicks against Bafarawa’s acquittal

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has described as “shocking and unacceptable” the ruling by Justice Bello Abbas of the Sokoto State High Court that discharged and acquitted a former governor of Sokoto State Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa.

    TheNewsGuru reports Justice Abbas on Tuesday discharged and acquitted former governor Bafarawa and four others of a 22 count charge of conspiracy, criminal misappropriation, theft and receiving of stolen funds.

    Others acquitted alongside Bafarawa are Beedash Nigeria Limited, Nasdabap Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Nasiru Dalhatu Bafarawa and Alhaji Salihu Maibuhu Gummi.

    In the course of the trial the EFCC had called nine witnesses and presented several documents that were admitted in evidence while the defendants called only six witnesses.

    “Surprisingly, Justice Abbas discharged and acquitted the accused persons of all counts on the premise that the evidence presented by the prosecution were “mere hearsay”, that there were “no documentary evidence” to back up the claim of witnesses.

    “The Commission believes that the judge erred in law and has mandated its counsel to immediately appeal the ruling at the Court of Appeal,” the EFCC stated.

    The Judgment of Justice Abbas is the climax in the series of twists and turns that the trial had witnessed over the last nine years or so.

    The defendants alongside twelve others were first arraigned on 47 counts on December 16, 2009 before the Sokoto State High Court.

    Upon arraignment, they all pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them by the Commission.

    Soon after their arraignment, the defendants filed a motion asking the court to quash the charges against them. The said motion was dismissed by both the trial court and the court of appeal.

    On the 29th of September, 2011, the prosecution filed an amended 44 count charge against the accused persons.

    However while the case was on going, one of the accused, Abdullahi Bida died while another, Aisha Mohammed Binji was discharged following a nolle prosequi application filed by the then Attorney General of Sokoto State.

     

  • Tambuwal: Gov. Wike is a promise-keeper

    Tambuwal: Gov. Wike is a promise-keeper

    Sokoto State Governor, Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has described the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike as a promise-keeper who is committed to the development of the state.

    Governor Tambuwal also commissioned the College of Medical Sciences building at the Rivers State University.

    This is as the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike berated the Minister of Transportation for failing to attract a single project to the state and resorting to falsehood on the execution of projects in the state.

    The two leaders spoke on Tuesday when Governor Tambuwal was invited by the Rivers State Governor to commission the College of Medical Sciences building, initiated and constructed by the Wike administration.

    He said: “I am tempted to recommend Governor Wike so highly. He is the ‘Ekwueme of Rivers State ‘. It only takes a leader with a vision, passion and commitment to come up with this idea and implement it”.

    The Sokoto State Governor said that no investment is greater than investments in the area of education, pointing out that Governor Wike deserves praises.

    He lauded Governor Wike for projects that are tailored to the needs of Rivers. He said such projects will enhance the development of the state.

    “The projects are tailored along the needs of the people Rivers State. This is a trend in governance to deliver projects based on the needs of the people “.

    He stated that posterity will vindicate Governor Wike. He urged leaders to focus on development and de-emphasise issues that generate disunity .

    In his address, Governor Wike said that it is unfortunate that Former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi will lie about projects delivered by the present administration to improve the living condition of the people.

    “There are several projects which were initiated, constructed and commissioned by my administration. Amaechi didn’t have meaningful projects, that is why he had no projects to commission. We have meaningful projects and we will continue to commission them.

    “Projects like Sakpenwa-Bori Road, National Industrial Court, Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, Rivers State Ecumenical Centre, Federal High Court Complex, Court of Appeal, Igwuruta-Chokocho, College of Medical Sciences building, Elelenwo-Akpajo, Traditional Rulers Secretariat, Rumuokoro Market and Park, Bonny-Bille-Nembe Jetty, Government Secondary School, Onne, Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta and several others were the brainchild of this administration.

    “Our projects have overwhelmed them, everyday they are worried. We are here to contribute our efforts to the development of Rivers State “, Governor Wike said.

    He said instead of complaining about the high level performance of the present administration, Minister of Transportation should focus his energy on the completion of the Port Harcourt International Airport, revival of the seaports and the completion of the East-West Road.

    “Look at the dilapidated nature of the Port Harcourt International Airport, the abandoned seaports and the neglected east-west road. Amaechi has not attracted a single project to Rivers State .

    “As a Minister of State for Education I brought the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt. I also attracted the Claude Ake Faculty of Social Sciences Building. I attracted major grants of N500million each to Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Bori, Ignatius Ajuru University and ensured the major rehabilitation of over 22 Primary and Secondary Schools in the state . As Minister of Transportation, what have you done, what have you brought to your people. I challenge him to tell us just one project he attracted to Rivers State “, the Rivers State Governor said.

    On Rivers State University, Governor Wike noted he will ensure that the institution becomes the best. He assured that the School of Nursing will be reconstructed to ensure that it becomes part of the College of Medical Sciences.

    He added that the State Government will build a proper hostel to replace the prefabricated hostel in the institution.

    The governor noted that his administration will train medical professionals for the development of the health sector.

    Governor Wike noted Amaechi attempted to move Rivers State University to another location , but upon assumption of duty he checkmated the movement and focused on the development of the Rivers State University.

    Rivers State Health Commissioner, Professor Princewill Chike said that the medical world is excited on what Governor Wike is doing in the health sector.

    Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Professor Blessing Didia for over four decades successive governments in Rivers State struggled to establish a medical school without success. He said that God empowered Governor Wike to succeed where his predecessors failed.

    Pro-Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Justice Iche Ndu (rtd) commended Governor Wike for his commitment to deliver key projects in the Rivers State University.

    Chairman of Rivers State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Datonye Alasia said that Wike’s administration has propelled Rivers State into the golden era of Medical practice.

     

  • JUST IN: Wamakko denies receiving EFCC invitation

    Sen. Aliyu Wamakko, a former Sokoto State governor has denied receiving any invitation to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged corrupt practices.

    Wamakko told members of the Correspondent Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Sunday in Sokoto that recent media reports to that effect were fake and concocted by mischief makers to tarnish his image.

    “It is a public knowledge that I live a simple life since from my class teacher status till I become the state governor and the present status.

    “I believe in God that gives power to whom he wishes and is Almighty that raised my political carrier to the present status and I have the belief that He the Almighty only could bring me down,’’ Wamakko declared.

    He added: “All the stories that Wamakko is being invited by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are fake and rubbish a calculated attempt of some detractors to tarnish my image’’

    “The dastardly publications in the dailies mischievously quoted a petition by some non existent and faceless merchants of doom, linking Sen. Rabiu Kwnakwaso and I to alleged mismanagement of over N18 billion when we were in office as state governors.”

    He challenged those peddling the fake news to publish his bank accounts and other details to back their claim.

    Wamakko noted that the purported petition did not emanate from the EFCC “but from some chronic merchants of falsehood.”

    “The EFCC is a reputable agency that has officials with respect and decorum, who will never use unethical language like the one used in the said publication.”

    “ During my tenure as Governor, I only visited United States and United Kingdom once each and were all based on invitations.”

    Wamakko listed some of his achievement as governor to include construction of five functional tertiary education institutions, 450 Primary Health Centers with staff quarters and ambulance, 5,000 houses, empowerment of over 500, 000 youths and construction of over 1000 classrooms and three boarding secondary schools.

    He added that during his stewardship, all state owned shares doubled their returns, while the government also provided 42 township roads, rehabilitated four federal roads and raised the number of students sitting for JAMB exams from about 6,000 to 35, 000.

    Wamakko further said he was among the first governors to pay the N18, 000 minimum wage and ensured that he cleared all salary and workers entitlements before handing over to the present government.

    “I am human capable of making mistakes, a loyal citizen that is not above the law, therefore I can submit myself for legitimate scrutiny and not this mere media trial.’’

    The Senator described his relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari as cordial and mutual.

    ” Our relationship is excellent, we do meet regularly to discuss myriad of vital national issues and there has never been a time when my request to see him was turned down.”

     

  • Tambuwal swears-in four new judges

    Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal Wednesday swore-in four new judges that will serve in the state High Court and the Sharia Court of Appeal.

    Those sworn in as High Court Judges were Kabiru Ibrahim Ahmad and Isah Mohammed Bargaja while Kasimu Yusuf and Umar Liman Sifawa were sworn-in as Khadis of the state Sharia Court of Appeal.

    Speaking at the ceremony held at the Government House, Tambuwal said the appointment followed due process and all those appointed were qualified legal representatives who merited their positions on the Bench.

    He said judicial officers in the state have shown great determination to ensure effective service delivery.

    He said since the inception of present administration, he has not received any complaint against judicial officers directly or indirectly from the National Judicial Council (NJC) or the state Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

    “For about a decade now, there was no appointment of judges in Sokoto state. So for us, today’s event is a milestone which will help in strengthening the judiciary.

    “I want to assure you, and indeed the legislative arm of government, of our continued support and cooperation. This is essential if we hope to ensure rapid development of democracy in the country,” the Governor added.

    While congratulating the new appointees on their appointments, Tambuwal expressed confidence that they will approach their new responsibilities with due dignity, integrity and commitment.

    The event was witnessed by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon Salihu Maidaji, Chief Judge of the state, Justice Bello Abass and the Grand Khadi, Abdulkadir Saidu.

     

  • JUST IN: Court upholds Tambuwal’s election as Governor of Sokoto

    A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday upheld the election of the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal.

    The Justice Gabriel Kolawole-led court upheld Tambuwal’s election while at the same time dismissing the application challenging the December 4, 2014, All Progressives Congress, APC, primary election which saw the emergence of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives as the party’s flag bearer.

    The judge held that the application lacked merit and is “therefore dismissed.”

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that an APC member, Umar Dahiru, had filed an application before the court seeking that it to set aside the said primary election over allegations of non-compliance with the party’s rules in the selection of flag bearer.

     

    Details later…