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Tag: Sokoto State

  • Police clarify alleged secret arraignment of woman in Sokoto

    Police clarify alleged secret arraignment of woman in Sokoto

    The Police Command in Sokoto State has refuted claims that it secretly arrested and arraigned a woman who allegedly criticised rising killings in the state.

    In a statement issued in Sokoto on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Ahmad Rufai, clarified the events following misinformation circulated by Gistcore Media and other social media platforms.

    According to Rufai, the police became aware of “false and misleading information” alleging that law enforcement had secretly apprehended and charged a woman who spoke out against violence in the state, purportedly to embarrass the Governor.

    “The story is entirely unfounded. For clarity, Marafa Yakubu, the Village Head of Sabon Birnin Daji in Wurno Local Government Area, reported a case on Sunday involving a woman inciting unrest within the community,” he said.

    Rufai explained that the woman, identified as Hamdiyya Sidi, allegedly introduced herself to the village as a member of a charitable organisation intending to support women and youth.

    “However, instead of distributing relief items, she reportedly incited the residents against the government.

    “Recognising the potential disturbance, the village head alerted community guards, who subsequently apprehended the woman and handed her over to the police,” he noted.

    Rufai added that Sidi confessed during the investigation and was formally charged within 24 hours for inciting public disturbance, an offense under Nigerian law.

    “As such, the Commissioner of Police has urged the citizens to verify information before sharing it publicly, warning that inaccurate reports could harm community peace.

    “Moreover, the  Command remains committed to upholding citizens’ rights while fulfilling its constitutional duties,” Rufai said.

  • Sokoto govt begins sales of rice at 55% discount

    Sokoto govt begins sales of rice at 55% discount

    Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State on Wednesday, inaugurated the sales of subsidised rice and other essential commodities at 55 per cent discount rates across the State.

    The inauguration, which took place in Kware Local Government Area, signalled commencement of the programme across the 244 wards of the state.

    Aliyu explained that the initiative aims to alleviate the economic hardship faced by citizens, assuring that the programme would be sustained to pave way for food security in Sokoto.

    “We have made the process transparent and non-political with a view to ensuring the success of this initiative in supporting the entire population of the state.

    “Our goal is to ensure that all residents of Sokoto, regardless of political affiliation or religious background, benefit from this programme,” he assured.

    The governor revealed that the state government has spent N14.4 billion to procure 280 trucks of rice for onward sell to the public.

    “Each ward will receive 600 bags of 50 kg rice, which will be sold at a 55 per cent discount rate.

    “We have reduced the price of a 50 kg bag to N38,700, a 25 kg bag to N19,350, and a 10 kg bag to N7,740,” he said.

    Aliyu added that his government did not intend to collect the proceeds from the sales, instead, it would open a special account where the funds would be used to buy more foodstuff for sustainability of the programme.

    “I have also directed the sales committee to provide smaller measurements for those who cannot afford the 10 kg bags,” he added.

    The governor urged religious scholars in the state to use their pulpit to continuesly encourage wealthy individuals to support the less privileged in their respective communities.

    He further assured that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure that the commodities reach the intended beneficiaries.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the sales committee, Alhaji Chiso Dattijo, assured the governor that due process would be strictly followed during the sales process.

    He also announced that: “rice is now available at all designated locations across the 244 wards of the state.”

  • 732 orphans receive N1bn scholarship in Sokoto

    732 orphans receive N1bn scholarship in Sokoto

    No fewer than 732 orphans in Sokoto State on Friday benefited from a N1 billion scholarship grant provided by the Muslim World League.

    Gov. Ahmed Aliyu, who inaugurated the disbursement, described the gesture as a significant opportunity that would complement the government’s efforts to improve the living conditions of the less privileged in the state.

    “When we assumed office, we continued to implement strategies to ensure that orphans and vulnerable groups receive the utmost support.

    “Our administration has increased the cash allocation for orphanages and the monthly stipends for people living with disabilities.

    “This commitment is aimed at easing their living conditions and improving their standing in society,” he said.

    Aliyu expressed his gratitude to the league for the initiative and also commended Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto North), its member, for his sustained commitment to supporting the less-privileged.

    The Governor assured that the state government would continue to collaborate closely with the league to ensure the well-being of the people of the state.

    In his remarks, Wamakko explained that the delay in the disbursement of the scholarships was due to sanctions imposed on certain international organisations by the Western countries.

    Wamakko, who chaired the distribution exercise, said that the 732 beneficiaries were carefully selected from a total of 1,146 registered orphans in the state.

    The lawmaker added that the scholarship programme would be a continuous initiative.

    The 732 orphans, both males and females, were drawn from 15 out of the 23 LGA in the state.

    The benefiting LGAs included: Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Wamakko, Silame, Bodinga, Kware, Shagari, Yabo, Tureta, Dange/Shuni, Binji, Illela, Goronyo, Gwadabawa and Rabah.

    The highlight of the event was the presentation of an award of excellence to Wamakko for his efforts in promoting the activities of the league.

  • EFCC arrests 13 suspected internet fraudsters in Sokoto

    EFCC arrests 13 suspected internet fraudsters in Sokoto

    Operatives from the Sokoto Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended 13 individuals suspected of internet fraud in Sokoto State.

    Dele Oyewale, EFCC Spokesperson, in a statement in Abuja, said the arrests were made on Saturday in the Gidan Yaro and Dandima areas of Sokoto, following actionable intelligence suggesting the suspects’ involvement in internet-related offences.

    “All 13 suspects claim to be students at Usmanu Danfodio University in Sokoto. Once investigations are concluded, they will face charges in court.

    “This recent crackdown is part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat internet fraud across Nigeria,” Oyewale stated.

  • Why major Sokoto road was named after Seyi Tinubu

    Why major Sokoto road was named after Seyi Tinubu

    Akinsola Akin, the personal assistant to the chairman of Nigerians in diaspora commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa has given reason why Seyi Tinubu was named after a major road in Sokoto.

    TheNewsGuru.com recall that the Sokoto state Governor Ahmad Aliyu came under heavy criticisms for naming a road in the state after President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu.

    The commissioning of the road formerly called Pepsi Road was supposed to be held over the weekend by Katsina State Governor Umaru Radda but was postponed.

    However, a photo of the renamed road, “Seyi Ahmed Bola Tinubu Road,” went viral on social media on Saturday.

    The governor was heavily criticized for the move on social media.

    Reacting to the backlash, Akinsola via the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter defended governor Ahmad Aliyu, highlighting Seyi’s impact to society even before his father became president.

    His post reads: “Mr Seyi Tinubu (@STINUBU) is a philanthropist even before his dad became president. He has given out hundreds of wheel chairs to people. Cars too.”

  • Ex-President Obasanjo advises Govs on one area to focus on more

    Ex-President Obasanjo advises Govs on one area to focus on more

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised State Governors to focus more on food security while calling on them to prioritise policies that enhance people’s well-being.

    Obasanjo gave the charge on Wednesday in Sokoto at the unveiling of 136 housing units purchased at the cost of N1.8 billion by the Sokoto State Government for allocation to low income earners.

    The former president was in Sokoto on a two-day visit to unveil projects executed by Gov. Ahmed Aliyu as part of his  one year anniversary.

    Obasanjo described food security as a priority, followed by personal health and security situation, adding,”good feeding enhances health and other productive engagements.”

    He acknowledged the efforts of Aliyu, who he described as a ”leader running a good race in the areas of transportation, road construction, agriculture and housing projects”.

    ”Your strong, energetic and resilient qualities in leadership have made you to get it all within one year.

    “Putting all these in place will surely brighten your chances of seeking a future mandate without stress.”

    Earlier, Aliyu said the idea of coming up with numerous housing projects was to fulfil his campaign promises to deliver human-oriented projects that would improve the welfare and standards of the people in the state.

    Aliyu explained that the state government has set up committees on completing and initiating similar projects across the state.

    They include road constructions, youths and women empowerment, water supply and agricultural inputs for farmers as well as equipping hospitals.

    “We are determined to continue developing the state for proper repositioning; we shall provide state-of-the-art facilities at all sites including Islamiyya schools, markets and playgrounds, among others,” he said.

    Aliyu said that the houses were acquired from the Federal Government for  the citizens in the state to own based on owner-occupier basis in order to address the growing need for shelter in the state.

    He appreciated the former president for honouring the state’s invitation to be part of history.

  • Sokoto Assembly passes N89.9bn Supplementary Budget

    Sokoto Assembly passes N89.9bn Supplementary Budget

    The Sokoto State House of Assembly on Thursday passed the 2024 Supplementary Budget of N89.9 billion for the state.

    This followed the consideration of the report presented by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation during plenary session.

    Presenting the report, the committee’s chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Zakari, (APC-Rabah), said the development was in consideration of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu’s request presented at the Assembly on Tuesday.

    “The bill was presented on the floor on Tuesday. Due to its importance to the state’s services, however ,it received both its first and second readings promptly,” he said.

    Zakari said that the committee observed that the request for the 2024 appropriation budget was prompted by an additional inflow of revenue to the state’s coffers.

    He said, “The proposed supplementary inflow includes statutory allocation/VAT, infrastructural development funds from the Federal Government, FGN/State Debt Swap, signature bonuses, and goods and valuable consideration.

    “The supplementary budget affects the ministries of Land and Housing, Religious Affairs, Agriculture, Health, Humanitarian Affairs, Water Resources, Finance, and Women Affairs.”

    He noted that the committee recommended the estimated amount, of N7 billion in recurrent expenditures and N82.9 billion in capital expenditures, to stand as part of the bill’s schedule.

    Zakari stated that the committee neither added to nor reduced the proposed supplementary budget.

    Following contributions from various lawmakers, the Speaker, Alhaji Tukur Bala, put the motion to a voice vote, which the Assembly unanimously adopted.

  • Sokoto Assembly laments arbitrary sale of petrol

    Sokoto Assembly laments arbitrary sale of petrol

    The Sokoto State House of Assembly has adopted a matter of urgent public importance regarding the arbitrary sale of petrol at exorbitant prices by filling stations in the state.

    Alhaji Aminu Gidado (APC- Sokoto South II) raised the matter, expressing concern over the high prices in spite of improved nationwide supply.

    He said that independent marketers in Sokoto sell the product at prices as high as between N1,000, and N1,200, while those in the  neighboring Kebbi state sell at lower rates.

    Gidado urged the assembly to convene a round table meeting with  the stakeholders in the petroleum industry to address the issue and alleviate the financial burden on the electorate caused by the high petrol prices

    Meanwhile, the family of one late Abubakar Gwandu has dragged the Sokoto State Commissioner for Land and Housing, Alhaji Nasiru Dantsoho, and two others to the state House of Assembly, alleging a land fraud and forceful land grabbing in the state.

    The petition, dated May 14, and signed by Nurudden Gwandu, was presented during the plenary sitting of the Assembly on Wednesday.

    The family appealed to the assembly to investigate a piece of land allocated to their late father for the construction of a Mosque and Islamic school along Kano road in 1994.

    It stated, “The piece of land was allocated to our late father for the purpose of constructing a Mosque and Islamic school in 1994.

    “He was able to construct a befitting Mosque, leaving the remaining part of the land for the construction of an Islamic school.

    “However, in October 2022, we noticed strange construction activities on the land by one Murtala Dan’Iya and Numerical Empire and Investment Limited, who we believe have forcefully grabbed the land for personal use,” the family alleged.

    According to the letter, the family reported the matter to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), resulting in a temporary halt to the construction.

    “But upon investigation construction has since resumed and the letter of grant bearing our late father’s name was cancelled even though we have no notice of such.

    “Moreover, we have not received any notice officially from the state government of revocation neither have they contacted any family member on the issue,” it said.

    The Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim, presiding over the sitting, referred the petition to the joint House Committee on Public Petition and that of Land and Housing for investigation.

  • Sokoto Assembly summons Health Commissioner

    Sokoto Assembly summons Health Commissioner

    Sokoto State House of Assembly on Tuesday summoned the State Commissioner of Health, Hajiya Asabe Balarabe, to appear before its Committee on Tuesday, due to non-compliance with its previous invitations.

    Alhaji Kabiru Dauda (APC-Gada East), Chairman, House Committee on Health, announced the resolution after the committee’s meeting with the contractor handling the construction of Premier Hospital Binji and the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Orthopedic Hospital Wamakko,.

    The committee had summoned these officials after identifying irregularities during its oversight visit on May 7.

    Dauda expressed disappointment that in spite of two invitations by the committee, the commissioner did not respond in writing or send any representative.

    “As lawmakers, we are committed to ensuring the best for our people and protecting the government.

    “Disregarding our invitation is a violation of legislative empowerment and the rule of law.

    “Consequently, the committee ordered the Commissioner to appear at the Assembly on May 21, at 12:00 pm without fail,” he started.

    Regarding the Premier Hospital in Binji, situated in the headquarters of Binji Local Government Area, Dauda expressed the committee’s total rejection of the project’s execution.

    He highlighted discrepancies in quality compared to a similar project in Tambuwal LGA, in spite of the fact thate both contractors received aa 30 per cent down payment.

    Dauda lamented the poor quality of work and directed the contractor to return to the site promptly and rectify the deficiencies.

    Similarly, concerning the Wamakko Orthopedic Hospital in Wamakko LGA, the committee resolved to investigate the circumstances surrounding the missing medical equipment from the newly-constructed sections of the facility.

    The chairman expressed concern over how unauthorized individuals accessed the hospital and stole vital facilities intended for the benefit of the people of the state and beyond.

  • Nigerians can travel from Sokoto to Lagos in 10 hours with coastal routes – Umahi

    Nigerians can travel from Sokoto to Lagos in 10 hours with coastal routes – Umahi

    Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi has said Nigerians will be able to travel from Sokoto State to Lagos State in about 10 hours when the construction of the coastal routes in the country is completed.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Umahi said this while hinting that the construction of coastal routes in Nigeria has the potential to attract foreign investment and contribute to a stronger Naira.

    He gave the hint at the unveiling of the new design routes for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project on Wednesday in Lagos.

    According to Umahi, the government’s plan to improve infrastructure is ultimately to aim for an economic revolution in Nigeria.

    He said: “We talked about our economy, that it needs foreign investments.

    “These roads are going to be constructed with concrete pavements and it’s CPC+ F, which means that there is foreign investment that will come in and this foreign investment will strengthen and stabilise the naira.

    “I’m very happy that the President has directed me to begin the design of one of the spurs linking to this coastal routes and that is the Sokoto-Badagry which was conceived by the President Shagari administration.

    “It’s going to connect the ongoing routes, Lagos-Badagry routes that is being done by the federal government and state government.

    “There is also another route which is the Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja-Cameroun-African Trans-Sahara routes. The coastal routes is also going to connect.

    “The Sokoto-Badagry is 1,000 kilometre from the spur of the Trans-Saharan trade  routes down to Apo in Abuja is 461 kilometre.

    “It means that anyone that is travelling from Sokoto to Lagos will do it in about 10 hours and travelling from South-East to Abuja, will do it in a maximum of about five hours.

    “These are the benefits of the coastal routes.’’

    The minister also addressed criticism surrounding who gets credit for developing the coastal routes in Nigeria.

    He said that some people were upset that President Bola Tinubu was associated with the project saying, the criticism is misplaced anger and a way to attack Tinubu without understanding the bigger picture.

    Umahi said: “Some people are already bitter as to why it should be President Bola Tinubu that is the one to develop these coastal routes as tt will be a lasting legacy for generations to come.

    “That is just their own anger. So, they look for an avenue to attack. But it’s all about darkening counsel without knowledge.’’

    He argued that the project’s long-term benefits outweighed political squabbles, which according to him, weill leave a positive impact for future generations.

    Furthermore, Umahi explained how the coastal routes, envisioned by Tinubu when he was then governor of Lagos State, would significantly improve the functionality of the Lagos deep seaport.

    He said that the coastal routes, which would facilitate trade within Nigeria and potentially boost economic growth, would allow ships to directly access the deep seaport, eliminating the need for expensive transloading due to insufficient water depth.

    “And many ship that were payed for transloading right now from Togo, from the way the sea had insufficient water depth, we’re going to be sending them money because this coastal route is going to be an evacuation corridor for that deep seaport.

    “So, no more transloading. They go straight to the deep seaport and are offloaded and you can have your goods. If you’re going to Northern part of Nigeria, you just come straight to Badagry and then now to Sokoto.

    “And this Sokoto is cutting across Kebbi, Niger, Kwara and so on and so forth; that of the South-East is cutting across Benue, Kogi and Nassarawa- Enugu-Ogoja routes.

    “These are tough decisions and these are for economic revolution.’’ Umahi said.