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Tag: Sokoto State

  • INEC to create 956 additional polling units in Sokoto State

    INEC to create 956 additional polling units in Sokoto State

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plans to create additional 956 polling units in Sokoto State.

    INEC’s National Commissioner, Mr Festus Okoye, made the disclosure during a stakeholders meeting on conversion of polling units, on Tuesday in Sokoto.

    Okoye said the conversion would adjust the number of polling units from 3,035 to 3,991, with a total of 1,903,166 registered voters.

    He said the nationwide expansion of polling units was to ensure seamless and easy voting process in the country.

    Okoye added that the adjustment was sequel to increase in population and the need to decongest the over populated polling units.

    According to him, INEC officials have always faced enormous challenges controlling the overcrowded polling units.

    He noted that the situation had led to violence, depriving eligible voters the right to vote, extension of time and other associated challenges.

    Okoye also said that polling units stationed in religious places, privates residences and other personal structures needed to be relocated to designated government structures.

    ”Relocation of polling units means movement of polling units from unsuitable locations to suitable locations aimed at creating conducive environment for both electorates and poll officials.

    ”Efforts has started long time ago and different stakeholders from people at the grassroots up to the Presidency have been involved in the process,” Okoye said.

    According to him, the exercise, to be conclude by May 11, will facilitate easy access to voting units.

    He also spoke on INEC’s efforts to deploy Information Technology tools to lubricate the electoral system via improved digitised platforms.

    He said political parties would be given codes to register their candidates online after primary.

    Okoye added that eligible voters can use the platforms to commence registration for voters card with their Android phones and complete the process at registration points by providing photograph and thumb identifications.

    He explained that the process also covered areas such as transfer of voting points, accessing and monitoring of election results and others.

    Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sokoto state, Mr Sadiq Muhammad, called for the support of the public to ensure the success of the exercise.

    He assured that the the process was targeted at improving the voting system and process in the country.

    The event was attended by chairmen of political parties, community, youths and women groups, heads of law enforcement agencies, local government electoral officers and Journalists.

  • Obasanjo lays foundation for N3.4bn flyover bridge in Sokoto

    Obasanjo lays foundation for N3.4bn flyover bridge in Sokoto

    Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has described Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State as a dynamic, talented visionary leader with a constructive mind of ensuring transformation.

    Obasanjo made the remark on Sunday in Sokoto when he laid the foundation for the construction of N3.4 billion nine-span Flyover Bridge in Sokoto metropolis.

    The former president said he was amazed by the giant strides recorded by Gov. Tambuwal administration in the areas of infrastructure development and uplifting the lives of citizens.

    “ In spite of the present situation with simultaneous and non performing economy, security challenges and effect of COVID-19 pandemic, Tambuwal is still making things go on and good, even with the low state IGR.

    “I still insist that he is a performing governor not only in the state but within the northwest especially in handling issues of insecurity.

    “He is wonderfully doing well even among his colleagues and for his party.

    “ I pray God gives him strength, wisdom and ability to do more,’’ Obasanjo said.

    He also described Tambuwal as a politician whose love for humanity goes beyond his immediate state.

    According to him, the governor is playing great role among Governors in the North West region, especially in restoring security.

    “ I thank God for giving me the opportunity to be able to accept the governor’s invitation to see at first hand the works he is doing.

    “ Within the last 24 hours in the metropolis, I have witnessed the construction of flyovers bridges and I have the opportunity of laying the foundation for one of the flyovers.

    “A simple summary of assessments indicated that Gov. Tambuwal’s achievements have outspoken his integrity and people will agree with me that Tambuwal is dynamic and transformational,’’ Obasanjo added.

  • PDP clears Sokoto State LG poll

    PDP clears Sokoto State LG poll

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has cleared the Sokoto State local government councils poll, winning all the 23 chairmanship and 244 councillorship seats.

    Alhaji Aliyu Suleiman, Chairman, Sokoto State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), disclosed this when he announced the results in Sokoto on Sunday.

    “I certify that the election was conducted hitch free and 10 political parties participated in the election.

    “The candidates that won have the highest number of valid votes and satisfied the requirements of law.

    ”They are hereby declared winners and are hereby return elected according law,” he said.

    Ten political parties including Accord Party (AP), African Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Peoples Party (APP), African Progressive Movement (APM), Boot Party (BP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Young Peoples Party (YPP), Zenith Party (ZP) and Labour Party (LP) featured in the election.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) had ealier announced its resolve to boycot the election for lack of transparency.

  • APC to boycott Sokoto LG election

    APC to boycott Sokoto LG election

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), Sokoto State Chapter, has resolved to boycott the forthcoming local government (LG) election in the state.

    The position of the party was made known by the state APC Chairman, Alhaji Isah Achida, at a news conference on Sunday in Sokoto.

    According to Achida, the resolution was based on the recent happenings in preparation for the forthcoming LG election in the state.

    “It is on record that when the members of the present Sokoto State Independent Electoral Commission were inaugurated, the APC issued a statement expressing its total lack of confidence in the composition of the commission.

    “Our position is due to the glaring fact that they are all card-carrying members of the Peoples Democratic Party.

    “Indeed, all of them are very close cohorts of the leadership of the government in Sokoto State, who are always dancing to its tunes,” he said.

    Achida blamed the party’s decision to pull out of the exercise on what he described as a lack of transparency by the state government

    “When the state government announced the belated decision to conduct the local government election, we expected the electoral body to arrange consultative meetings with political parties for the successful conduct of the election.

    “This, they refused to do, because we feel that they are working with some selected political parties for their own ulterior motives.

    “To our dismay, however, the commission went alone and prepared their own timetable, convenient for them and their paymasters, which was sent to us only for information,” Achida said.

    He said that the position was in due consultations with all the stakeholders of the party in the state.

    Achida thanked the people of the state for their support to the APC and called on all the party members and supporters not to participate in the election.

  • COVID-19: Gov Tambuwal declares curfew in Sokoto

    COVID-19: Gov Tambuwal declares curfew in Sokoto

    Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto on Monday, said a 8p.m. to 6a.m. curfew will go into effect on Monday, as part of new measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 in the state.

    In a special broadcast, Tambuwal said the state has so far recorded 66 cases of COVID-19 with eight deaths.

    ” As the challenge is persisting and the indices worrisome, more and more measures have been taken at the federal and state levels of government to prevent the worst scenario.

    ” You may recall that on Monday, April 27, 2020, President Muhammadu Buhari addressed the nation and in it declared further measures in response to the spread of COVID-19 in our country.

    ” This is the very dangerous stage of community transmission, which we are sadly going through.

    ”The federal government has also banned inter-state movement.

    ‘The order reinforces the existing closure of our borders and boundaries, the compulsory wearing of face masks by the general public and the nationwide curfew declared by the President.

    ” Pursuant to the presidential directive it is hereby directed that effective Monday May 4, 2020, curfew is hereby imposed from 8p.m. to 6a.m. daily ” Tambuwal proclaimed.

    The governor, however, excluded personnel and staff involved in the provision of essential services.

    He similarly excluded all public and civil servants on grade level 13 and above who are not covered by the existing stay at home order, must wear the face masks to work and all public places.

    ” This is in addition to already existing measures declared by the state government.

    ” Fellow citizens in Sokoto state, while the government is sensitive to the difficulties these steps may cause our people, I urge us all to persevere, as these are indeed in the interest of our well-being.

    ” I therefore call on all of us as law abiding citizens to cooperate and adhere to all measures being put in place for the protection of our lives,” the governor pleaded.

    He further appealed to people to continue to adhere to the protective practices of hand washing with soap or sanitisers and social distancing.

    ” Due to the rising statistics in Sokoto state, I wish to appeal to Mr President and the the Presidential Task force on COVID-19 to intervene in our state, through the provision of logistics and technical support, with a view to stemming the disturbing trend,” Tambuwal said.

    He commiserated with families of the departed souls and prayed for continuous protection against the deadly pandemic.

  • Breaking: Tambuwal wins re-election

    Breaking: Tambuwal wins re-election

    Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state on Sunday survived the tough challenge of Ahmed Aliyu and his godfather Senator Aliyu Wamakko of the All Progressives Congress to win re-election for a second term.

    Although he lost in the collated result for 35 polling units in Kebbe LGA, he was able to edge his opponent, his former deputy, by retaining the lead, winning by just 341 votes.

    He polled 512002 votes, while his APC challenger got 511661 votes.

    After the results from 21 LGAs were tallied, Tambuwal led with 2057 votes, after polling 506,545 votes. Aliyu, his APC challenger had 504,488 votes.

    However, the margin of APC’s victory in Kebbe was not enough to change the final picture.

    APC polled 7177 votes while PDP got 5457 votes. Overall in the supplementary votes, APC got 25,515 votes while Governor Tambuwal of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 22,444 votes.

    The returning officer Professor Fatima Mukhtar, vice chancellor of Federal University of Dutse is set to announce the final result for all the 22 LGAs.

  • Shagari’s son recalls Jonathan’s solidarity, as ex-President, Obi visit family

    Shagari’s son recalls Jonathan’s solidarity, as ex-President, Obi visit family

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has condoled with the family of late former President Shehu Shagari, describing him as an amiable leader that meant well for Nigeria and the world at large.

    Shagari died on Dec. 28, at the National Hospital Abuja and was buried on Saturday in his home town, Shagari in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto state.

    Jonathan was accompanied on the visit by Mr Peter Obi, running mate of the 2019 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state, as well as other PDP leaders in the state.

    He said the late former president played a key role in the development of Nigeria and the democratic system.

    “A unique habit of the late former President, which only those who interacted with him will tell is, he was a very simple and humble man in spite of the various positions he held.

    “He possessed a very clean and good heart which he showed clearly in his life time thorough various engagements and activities.

    “We are mourning today however, we are still happy because it is not easy to reach the age of 93.

    “I believe he has done all the works Allah has asked him to do on earth,’’ Jonathan said.

    The former President encouraged family members of the deceased to be happy because their father impacted on all Nigerians.

    Also, Peter Obi who represented the Presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, urged Nigerians to emulate the lifestyle of the late former President for the betterment of the country.

    Responding, the eldest son of the deceased, Alhaji Bala Shagari thanked former President Jonathan for the visit.

    Shagari recalled the concern and solidarity shown by former president Jonathan when their father was ill.

    Similarly, the Governorship candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) in Zamfara state, Sen. Sa’idu Dansadau, also described the death of the former President as a great loss to the country, Africa and the whole world at large.

    Visitors who thronged the residence of the former President included a former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida among others.

     

  • FG to immortalize Shagari

    FG to immortalize Shagari

    The Federal Government says it will in due course institute a suitable memorial to immortalize the country’s first Executive President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who passed away on Dec. 28.

    President Muhammadu Buhari made the pledge during his condolence visit to the Shagari family in Sokoto, Sokoto State, on Sunday.

    In a letter to the Sokoto State governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, read by the governor at the event, the President stated:

    “I received the very sad news of the passing away of Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “This, indeed, is a grievous loss, which will be felt throughout Nigeria, irrespective of any difference.

    “The late Alhaji Shagari was a landmark figure being virtually our last link to the post-independence government of Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa , and the first elected Executive President of Nigeria.

    “Please convey to his immediate family, the government and the people of Sokoto State my heartfelt condolences on the passing away of this great statesman.

    “The Federal Government will in due course institute a suitable memorial to the late former President.

    “May his soul rest in peace.”

    President Buhari had earlier on Sunday joined sympathisers and family members to offer special prayers for the repose of the soul of late former President Shehu Shagari at his private residence in Sokoto State.

    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.

     

  • Shehu Shagari’s son speaks on father’s relationship with Buhari

    Alhaji Bala Shagari, the eldest son of late President Shehu Shagari has expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari over condolence visit to the family in Sokoto.

    The eldest son told newsmen on Sunday in Sokoto, Sokoto state, that the family was happy with the visit and Buhari’s pledge to immortalize the late president.

    Bala, who is the District Head of Shagari town in Sokoto, however, said he would not comment on Buhari’s pledge until it was fulfilled.

    Late Shagari, aged 93, died on Dec. 28 at the National Hospital, Abuja and was buried on Saturday at Shagari, his hometown.

    Shagari was President of Nigeria from 1979 to 1983. He was dethroned by a coup d’etat that brought in Muhammadu Buhari to power as military head of state, three months after he (Shagari) was sworn in for second term.

    He said that the late president did not leave any will beside the directive that he should be buried at his home, Shagari.

    According to Bala, the directive was strictly observed and implemented as his remains were buried at Shagari town, on Saturday.

    He acknowledged that the Sultan had offered that the late president should be buried at Hubbare, where Shehu Usman Danfofio was laid to rest.

    “We acknowledged it but late Shagari had told us that he should be buried in Shagari town and even indicated a specific location, so we have to comply with his will,” he added.

    According to him, his father had no grudge against Buhari or anyone because Shagari told us he had pardoned everyone.

    He explained that the late president’s absence at functions was due to his ill-health, saying that was why he stayed in Sokoto and Shagari town before he died.

    Earlier, President Buhari condoled with the wives and children of late Shagari at the deceased residence on Sama road in Sokoto.

    During the visit, Prof. Shehu Galadanci led the prayers for late Shagari.

    He also prayed to God to change the mindset of those spreading hate and disunity among citizens as well as those individuals or organisations working against the laudable and pro-human policies and programmes of the Buhari administration.

    Buhari was accompanied by Governors Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko and Sokoto State Deputy Governor Alhaji Mannir Dan-Iya, among others.

    The visit was cheered by crowds chanting; “Nigeria Said Maigaskiya” meaning Nigeria is for a truthful person.

    The Federal Government’s delegation led by Secretary to the Federation, Mr Boss Mustspha, had earlier attended the late president’s funeral on Saturday in Shagari town.

    The deceased held the traditional title of Turakin Sokoto, was born on Feb. 25, 1925 in Shagari, in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto state.

    After his early education, he worked as a teacher briefly before he became politician in 1951.

    In 1954, he was elected to the Federal House of Representatives.

    He served seven times as a federal minister and federal commissioner from 1958–1975, before he was elected president in 1979.

     

  • Buhari, governors, others offer special prayers for late Shagari

    Buhari, governors, others offer special prayers for late Shagari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday joined sympathisers and family members to offer special prayers for the repose of the soul of late former President Shehu Shagari at his private residence in Sokoto State.

    Gov. Aminu Tambuwal and his counterpart from Kebbi, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu as well as prominent citizens from within and outside Sokoto, who accompanied the president, participated in the prayer session.

    Before commencement of prayers which was led by the Chief Imam/Administrator of the National Mosque, Prof. Shehu Galadanchi, Buhari met with members of the Shagari family where he consoled them over the loss.

    The president also presented a letter of Condolence to the family which was read by Tambuwal, who also shared the same car with the president during the condolence visit.

    The Chief Imam prayed almighty Allah to grant the soul of the former Nigerian president a peaceful resting place in Paradise.

    The president had on Saturday paid tribute to the late former president, and 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 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.”

    Alhaji Bala Shagari, the eldest son of the deceased had on behalf of the family, expressed appreciation to Buhari for the visit amid his busy schedule.

    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 the presidential election for the second time before he was dethroned by a coup d’état that brought in Muhammadu Buhari as military head of state.