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Tag: Zamfara State

  • By-election: INEC presents certificate of return to Zamfara lawmaker-elect

    By-election: INEC presents certificate of return to Zamfara lawmaker-elect

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Monday in Gusau, Zamfara, presented Certificate of Return to Kamilu Sa’idu, the newly elected lawmaker for the Kaura Namoda South State Constituency.

    The new lawmaker was elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just-concluded by-election in the state.

    The presentation of certificate of return was sequel to the successful rerun election conducted  on Thursday in five polling units across two registration areas.

    INEC  had declared the Aug. 16 by-election in the 109 polling units of the six registration areas of Kaura Namoda Local Government in Zamfara inconclusive following the allegation of irregularities in the affected areas.

    Presenting the certificate to Sa’idu on Monday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Mahammud Isah, described the process as free, fair and creatable election.

    Isah commended all the stakeholders for making the exercise successful and upholding the democratic values during the exercise.

    He  congratulated the member-elect for the milestone and urged him to remain focused in bringing meaningful development to his constituency and the state.

    In his remarks, the State Chairman of APC, Alhaji Danfulani Maikatako, expressed satisfaction with INEC and security operatives during both the by-election and rerun elections held in the  affected state constituency.

    He said the  party’s victory signified its acceptance in Zamfara, assuring that in 2027, the party would reclaim its stolen mandate.’

    According to him, even in the 2023 elections, it was the APC supporters that voted PDP into power following some misunderstanding among the party leaders.”

    He, however, assured the APC supporters of efforts to address all the issues and reposition the party to regain power in all the elective positions, come 2027 general polls.

    Also speaking, the lawmaker-elect appreciated the party’s leadership and supporters for trusting him with their mandate.

    He promised to use his experience in bringing meaningful development to the constituency and the state at large.

  • PDP, APC trade blame over Zamfara by-election

    PDP, APC trade blame over Zamfara by-election

    The Zamfara chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are trading accusations over alleged irregularities in the Kaura Namoda South by-election.

    The PDP State Chairman, Dr Jamilu Magayaki, told journalists he was satisfied with voter turnout and the orderly conduct of the electorate during the exercise.

    He alleged that the peaceful process was disrupted by APC officials, who, in collaboration with some security operatives, interfered with the election monitoring.

    According to him, what transpired in Sakajiki and Kyambarawa was not an election, as PDP officials and members were chased away from many polling units.

    He further claimed that security personnel openly aided APC officials in manipulating the process, leaving PDP supporters disenfranchised in several polling areas.

    Magayaki commended the orderly turnout of voters in spite of intimidation by security operatives at polling centres across the constituency.

    He urged voters in the affected five polling units in Sakajiki and Kyambarawa to remain resolute and participate massively in the forthcoming rerun election.

    Similarly, APC Publicity Secretary, Alh. Yusuf Idris, in a statement in Gusau, accused the PDP of deploying thugs and Community Protection Guards to destabilise the poll.

    Idris commended the resilience of voters who defied challenges and participated in the State Assembly by-election in spite of hostile conditions.

    He alleged that the government in power deployed unlawful machinery to intimidate and harass voters, but stressed that the people remained determined and focused.

    Idris claimed that manipulation agents were working hard to overturn the inconclusive results but expressed confidence that INEC would resist being dragged into electoral malpractice.

    He urged APC members, supporters, and the public to stay calm while awaiting INEC’s decision on the matter.

    The APC leadership, he added, would strongly resist any attempt to alter the people’s mandate in Kaura Namoda South.

  • APC reacts over inconclusive Zamfara by-election

    APC reacts over inconclusive Zamfara by-election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the Kaura Namoda South State Constituency bye-election in Zamfara inconclusive.

    The INEC Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Lawal Sa’adu of Federal University Gusau said that the declaration followed the cancellation of results from some polling units in Sakajiki and Kambarawa wards.

    Sa’adu said  the total number of registered voters in the affected polling units stood at 5,446, while 3,265 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were collected in those areas.

    He explained  that the All Progressives Congress (APC) scored 7,001 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 5,339 votes, leaving a margin of 1,662 votes.

    Sa’adu stated that the margin was less than the total number of PVCs collected in the cancelled polling units, therefore, the election cannot be concluded.

    The electoral umpire sited Sections 24 sub section 2 & 3, Section 47 sub section 3, and Section 51 sub section 2 of the Electoral Act 2022 as reasons for declaring the election inconclusive

    He said  the Electoral Act 2022 and the Manual for Election Officials, such a situation arises where the margin of lead between the two leading candidates was not in excess of the number of collected PVCs in areas where elections were cancelled.

    According to him, therefore, the Returning Officer shall decline to declare a winner until supplementary elections are conducted.

    The retuning officer also said that the two registration areas affected by the cancellation were: Sakajiki Ward, with two polling units affected, having 1,357 registered voters and 1,298 PVCs collected.

    The other was Kambarawa Ward, with three polling units affected and having 4,088 registered voters and 1,964 PVCs collected.

    Sa’adu, therefore, declared the election inconclusive, pending the conduct of a supplementary poll in the affected polling units.

    He said INEC would announce a new date for rerun election in the five affected polling units across Sakajiki and Kyambarawa wards.

    Inconclusive by-election: Zamfara APC reacts

    Meanwhile, the Zamfara chapter of APC has commended the electorate for the massive turnout in Saturday’s Kaura Namoda South State Assembly Constituency by-election.

    Reacting to the outcome of the election, in a statement issued in Gusau on Sunday, the State APC Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, described the electorate’s support to the party during the by-election as timely.

    “The state APC chapter wishes to appreciate the kind support and resilience of the electorate during the elections despite all the challenges.

    “We appreciate people of Kaura Namoda South State Assembly Constituency for turning out en mass and voting for APC in spite of the harassment from thugs and members of Zamfara Community Protection Guards (CPG) in the polling units.

    “The by-election election has shown the strength and continued acceptance of the party in the state by the electorate,” he said.

    Idris added that APC was very much appreciative with the voters as it was leading with over 1,600 votes, adding , “this is a clear indication of where the people’s faith lies.

    “Although the results for the election were declared inconclusive, we are confident that the electoral umpire, INEC will not allow itself to be used for the denial of the rights of the electorate.

    “We also appreciate our leaders, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for their constant support and encouragement to the operations and management of the party in the state.

    “We call on members and supporters of the APC and members of the public to remain calm,” he added.

  • BREAKING: INEC declares by-election in Zamfara inconclusive

    BREAKING: INEC declares by-election in Zamfara inconclusive

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the Saturday by-election conducted in Kaura-Namoda South, Zamfara State, as inconclusive.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports INEC declared the Kaura-Namoda South by-election inconclusive while announcing the results on Sunday morning.

    The results announced showed the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 7,001 votes and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) polled 5,339 votes.

    While APC is leading with a margin of 1,662, the number of Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) collected in the cancelled polling areas of the constituency is 3,265, prompting the commission to declare the election as inconclusive.

    TNG reports the election followed the death of the lawmaker representing the constituency at the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Aminu Kasuwar-Daji, who passed away earlier this year.

    Details shortly…

  • INEC assures credible bye-election in Zamfara

    INEC assures credible bye-election in Zamfara

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Zamfara, has assured conduct of free, fair and credible bye-election into the Kaura Namoda-South State Constituency. INEC had fixed Aug. 16, for the bye-election in the area.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mahamud Isah said this during the distribution of sensitive and non sensitive election materials, on Thursday in Gusau.

    He said the materials would be transported to the 109 polling units (PUs) in good time to facilitate smooth conduct of the election, stressing that the process would be transparent.

    The Zamfara State House of Assembly had declared the Kaura Namoda-South Constituency vacant, following the death of Aminu Kasuwar-Daji on April 9.

    Kasuwar-Daji had won the election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Also, Abbas Abubakar, Head of Operations, INEC, said the election materials would be distributed to 109 Polling Units (PUs) across six Registration Areas (AEs) with 59,488 registered voters.

    The distribution exercise was attended by representatives of the eight political parties that fielded candidates for the election.

    They include All Progressives Congress (APC); Accord Party (AP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Action Alliance (AA), Boot Party (BP), All Peoples Party (APP) and African Democratic Party (ADP).

  • Bye-election: Zamfara APC raises alarm over deployment of outlawed security outfit

    Bye-election: Zamfara APC raises alarm over deployment of outlawed security outfit

    The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned against the deployment of outlawed security volunteers popularity known as ‘Yansakai’ to Kaura Namoda Local Government Area ahead of Saturday’s State House of Assembly bye-election in the state.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had scheduled Saturday to conduct bye-election for Kaura Namoda South State House of Assembly Constituency.

    The scheduled bye-election followed the demise of the lawmaker representing the constituency, Aminu Kasuwar-Daji of the APC.

    In a statement issued in Gusau on Thursday, the state APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris said the party has concluded all the required arrangements to participate fully in the Saturday’s bye-election in a peaceful manner.

    Idris, however, alleged that there were plans for the engagement of illegal security outfits in the election process by some desperate politicians.

    “We have noticed the movement of some suspected miscreants in the state for them to participate in the forthcoming bye-election for Kaura Namoda South state assembly constituency.

    “Based on the information we gathered, the suspected miscreants are being kitted with uniforms and firearms to participate in the election process, which is totally against the electoral laws,” Idris said.

    Idris accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state for using state government machineries to win the election.

    “This is an alarming situation used by the PDP in their desperate move to forcefully ensure that their candidate is declared winner at the end of the election no matter who gets wounded or killed.

    “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is certainly not happy with the strength of the APC in the areas that the poll will be conducted.

    “That is why they resolved to use miscreants to achieve their selfish political interests. We fear for the lives and properties  of our electorate and those of our party members.

    “APC is a peace loving party, we want to use this medium to alert the security agencies in the state in good time, for them to take proactive measures,” Idris added.

    The party urged the authorities to make sure that only the reputable security agencies especially the Police, DSS and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were involved in the election process.

    Reacting to the allegations, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Alhaji Halliru Andi, described them as baseless and a propaganda by the APC over the fear of participating the election.

    Andi said that the PDP in the state had no record of election malpractices or creating violence during elections.

    He accused the APC for using unnecessary statements, saying, “this is because of its desperation to win the bye-election.

    “Every one knows that in the history of  Zamfara, the PDP chapter has been a peace loving umbrella. The APC Zamfara chapter is used to create unnecessary allegations to divert the attention of the authorities and the public

    “Therefore, all the allegations by the APC against the PDP are not true. I am therefore calling on the public and the authorities to disregard such allegations as they are created to create havoc in the state ahead of election day,”  he added.

  • MSF raises alarm over escalating cholera outbreak in Zamfara

    MSF raises alarm over escalating cholera outbreak in Zamfara

    Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has expressed concern over the rising number of cholera cases in Zamfara State, calling for action to avert more loss of lives.

    The medical humanitarian organisation, also known as Doctors Without Borders, raised the alarm in a statement it issued on Thursday.

    MSF’s Medical Coordinator in Nigeria, Dr David Kizito, said that already, more than 1, 500 cases from three medical facilities the MSF had been supporting in the state.

    He added that other humanitarian actors and the state’s Ministry of Health had also reported high incidence rates in other parts of Zamfara.

    He said MSF had focused its response on hotspot areas such as Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Talata Mafara, where access to safe water remains critically low.

    According to him, while cholera has been endemic in Nigeria for decades, seasonal outbreaks often intensify between April and October.

    ‘’Flooding during the period contaminates water sources, accelerating the spread of the disease in areas with poor sanitation.

    “Cholera causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting, and if untreated, can lead to rapid dehydration and death within hours,” he said.

    Kizito also said that MSF had scaled up its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions and health promotion activities.

    This, he said, was alongside other humanitarian actors and the ministry of health, which activated a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on July 3.

    On expansion of cholera treatment, he said that MSF had began services in the state in mid-June, following the first suspected case at one of its supported facilities.

    According to him, this included boosting case management and surveillance, alongside scaled-up WASH activities.

    ‘’In Zurmi, MSF and other humanitarian actors supported the ministry in opening a Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC) at Zurmi General Hospital.

    ’’In July, it also assisted the ministry in setting up a Cholera Treatment Unit (CTU) at Talata Mafara General Hospital and a CTC at Shinkafi General Hospital,’’ he said.

    Kizito said that between June 16 and August 5, the Zurmi CTC reported 562 suspected cases, mostly from Yambuki, Kadamusa, and Zurmi town.

    He added that in Shinkafi General Hospital, about 401 cases were recorded between July 11 and August 5, and the worst-affected areas being Shinkafi North Ward, particularly Alkalawa, Sabon Gari, and Kurya.

    He further said that 58 cases came from Isa LGA which has a border with Sokoto state.

    ‘’At the Talata Mafara CTU, more than 600 cases were recorded between July 1 and August 8, with Kayaye accounting for the highest percentage; cases also came from Anka and Bakura LGAs,’’ he said.

    MSF’s Medical Coordinator in Nigeria said the outbreak was unfolding in a context of insecurity, displacement, and limited access to clean water and sanitation.

    The situation, he said, was exacerbated by the rainy season.

    He, however, assured of MSF’s continuous commitment to working alongside communities, health authorities, and other partners to ensure timely treatment, prevention, and support.

    “MSF emphasises the importance of setting up decentralised oral rehydration points and enabling all existing primary healthcare centres to treat mild and moderate suspected cholera cases.

    “This will ensure timely treatment, reduce complications, and allow prompt referral to dedicated CTCs in hospitals such as Zurmi, Shinkafi, and Talata.

    “Moreover, urgent cholera vaccination is needed to halt transmission and save lives,’’ he said.

    Kizito said that participation of everyone in Zamfara was needed to reduce the spread, stating, ‘’no one should die from a preventable disease.”

    MSF Head of Mission in Nigeria, Dr Ahmad Bilal, encouraged abiding by certain hygiene practices to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.

    “Access to safe drinking water through boiling, practising regular handwashing, consuming freshly prepared meals, avoiding open defecation.

    “Also, keeping vaccinations up to date are straightforward yet highly effective measures to safeguard yourself and your family from preventable diseases”.

  • Parents of 88 students stranded in Cyprus send appeal to Zamfara Govt

    Parents of 88 students stranded in Cyprus send appeal to Zamfara Govt

    Parents of 88 stranded Zamfara students studying in Cyprus have appealed for urgent intervention from the Zamfara State Government to settle their debts in the country’s institutions.

    Chairman of the Cyprus Students’ Parents Association, Zamfara State, Mr Ibrahim Tudu, in a statement issued in Gusau on Saturday, noted that the students had been in a critical situation without a proffered solution from the state government.

    “We are still appealing to Gov Dauda Lawal to settle the debt owed for our children stranded in Cyprus for them to continue their studies at various levels and disciplines,” he said.

    Tudu noted that the students’ residence permits, tuition fees, and accommodation had long expired.

    “All the tuition fees for our children, accommodation, residence permits and feeding have not been paid by the state government. We are still appealing to His Excellency to please respond positively and pay the debt,” he added.

    Recall that Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dauda Lawal, Malam Mustafa Jafaru-Kaura, had earlier disclosed that the state government had paid N290 million for the students.

    Jafaru-Kaura also said that the students refused to come back after the state government issued flight tickets for them to return to Nigeria.

    However, Tudu said: “We are here to inform the general public on the true situation of our children currently stranded in Cyprus facing hardship”.

    Tudu added: “It becomes necessary for us, as parents and guardians of the students and responsible Zamfara State citizens, to comment on misinformation spread about the condition of our children.

    “We are appealing again to His Excellency, the Executive Governor,  Dauda Lawal, to settle the accumulated debt of the 88 students amounting to more than N1 billion”.

  • Why late Emir of Gusau was buried in public cemetery

    Why late Emir of Gusau was buried in public cemetery

    The late Emir of Gusau in Zamfara, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, was buried in a public cemetery in Gusau instead of the royal family graveyard based on his wish.

    The Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad who is also the Chairman of Zamfara Council of Chiefs made this known in Gusau while commenting on the deceased.

    Ahmad said the late emir had directed that his remains be buried at a public graveyard.

    Ahmad described the late emir as God fearing, jovial, approachable, sincere and frank during his 10 years on the throne.

    “He shared love, understanding and kept his promises with his subjects,” Ahmad said.

    The late emir passed away at the age of 71 in a private hospital in Abuja on Friday after a protracted illness

    The funeral prayer in Gusau on Friday was attended by thousands of people including dignitaries like Gov. Dauda Lawal, his deputy, Alhaji Mani Mummuni, national and state lawmakers.

  • Nigerian army reacts to viral video on arrest of Foreign Dealer In Zamfara

    Nigerian army reacts to viral video on arrest of Foreign Dealer In Zamfara

    Nigerian Army has disowned a viral video on the arrest of a foreign arms dealer, Shehu Ali Kachalla, as a recent development linked to its operations in Zamfara State.

    In a statement by the acting director of Army Public Relations Lt-Col Appolonia Anele, he said, “The Nigerian Army wishes to categorically state that the said video is not recent.”

    She said the individual featured in the footage Shehu, Ali Kachalla, a 30-year-old Nigerien national, was arrested by the Zamfara State Police Command on 14th May, 2021 in a joint intelligence-led operation involving operatives of the Federal Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Nigeria Police Force.

    Anele said the suspect had confessed to having illegally supplied over 450 rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition to criminal elements across Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger States.

    According to her, while the suspect in the 2021 case alleged collusion by an unnamed security personnel, no Nigerian Army personnel was indicted or arrested in connection with the matter.

    “The resurgence of the old video on social media is therefore, at best, aimed at misinforming the public, while undermining the ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” she said.

    The Director noted that the Nigerian Army maintains a zero-tolerance policy for unprofessional conduct. Where there are proven cases involving its personnel, appropriate disciplinary actions are always taken in line with the Armed Forces Act and other extant military regulations.

    She therefore urged the general public to disregard the recirculated video as outdated and misleading.

    “We also advise content creators and social media influencers to verify the authenticity and date of materials before sharing same in order to avoid unnecessary panic or confusion,” she added.

    She reiterated that the Nigerian Army remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    “We shall continue to collaborate with sister security agencies and communities in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality threatening peace and stability in our country,” she said.