TheNewsGuru

Tag: Zamfara State

  • How insecurity is depriving access to healthcare in Zamfara

    How insecurity is depriving access to healthcare in Zamfara

    No fewer than 500 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) are not functioning in Zamfara State due to insecurity.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Executive Secretary, State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Husaini Anka made this disclosure on Saturday.

    Anka disclosed this in Gusau at the 2023 Health Summit organised by the State’s chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

    The event held with the theme: “Challenges of Healthcare Services Delivery in a Security Compromised Environment”.

    Speaking at the roundtable discussion panel during the event, Anka lamented how lingering security challenges had hindered primary healthcare services delivery across the state.

    “Out of over 700 PHCs in this state, only about 200 are accessible while the remaining  500 are not functioning due to insecurity.

    “As the newly appointed Executive Secretary to the Board, I am going to collaborate with traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to promote primary healthcare delivery in the state,” he added.

    In his remarks, a former Chairman of the association, Dr Manir Bature, who led the panel discussion,
    said it was aimed at interacting with the key stakeholders in health sector and discuss on various challenges in the sector.

    Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, State’s Hospital Services Management Board, Mustafa Marafa, lamented that some secondary health facilities in the state could not operate effectively due to security challenges.

    “We are going to collaborate with local authorities to develop strategies to ensure that good policies and programmes to be implemented”, Marafa vowed.

    Earlier, the State NMA Chairman, Dr Sanusi Bello, said the topic of the event was well chosen considering how insecurity had remained a major threat to the health services delivery in the state.

    “You know, one of the responsibilities of the NMA is to enlighten policy makers and stakeholders on various issues challenging the health sector.

    “We are going to continue collaborating with the state government under Gov. Dauda Lawal to bring positive changes in the health sector of the state,” Bello promised.

  • Gov Lawal appoints Sole Administrators for 14 Zamfara LGs

    Gov Lawal appoints Sole Administrators for 14 Zamfara LGs

    Gov Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has approved the appointment of sole administrators for the 14 Local Government Councils of the State.

    The Governor also approved the appointment of Secretaries and Supervisory Councillors for the local governments.

    A statement by his Senior Special Assistant, Malam Sulaiman Idris, quoted the governor as saying that the appointees were “carefully selected based on past achievements and track records”.

    The appointees include Bashar Musa for Anka Local Government, Sa’idu Danbala for Bakura, Isiyaka Ibrahim for Birnin-Magaji.and Nasiru Muhammad for Bukkuyum.

    Other are Nura Umar for Bungudu, Aminu Nuhu for Gummi, Yahaya Garba for Gusau, Kasimu Sani-Kaura for Kauran-Namoda and Yahaya Giwa for Maradun.

    The rest are Yusuf Sani-Bindin for Maru, Lukman Jafar for Talata-Mafara, Aliyu Adamu-Barmo for Tsafe, Junaidu Muhammad-Barade for Shinkafi and Aminu Atiku for Zurmi.

    The statement said that the appointments were for six months and subject to confirmation by the House of Assembly.

  • Matawalle embezzled billions from Zamfara Airport – Gov Lawal alleges

    Matawalle embezzled billions from Zamfara Airport – Gov Lawal alleges

    Governor Dauda Lawal has alleged the immediate past administration of Bello Matawalle embezzled billions of Naira from the Zamfara Airport, which was subsequently abandoned.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this was contained in a statement released on Thursday by Sulaiman Bala Idris, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Governor Lawal.

    The Government accused the previous administration of a dubious transaction of N6,775,949,561.50 for an abandoned Cargo Airport project in the state capital.

    In the statement, issued in Gusau, Idris disclosed that the government was shocked to discover the previous administration’s substantial financial mismanagement of the abandoned Zamfara Cargo Airport project.

    He added that Governor Lawal’s administration will bring those responsible for financial recklessness to justice.

    The statement read in parts: “Upon assuming office, Governor Dauda Lawal, to determine the progress of work done and the corresponding value to monies paid to contractors directed for the assessment and identification of the best approach to timely completion of the project constituted a five-member committee for that task and to further review among other things pre-contract activities.

    “The committee’s report disclosed, amongst other things, that Avic International Engineering Limited provided engineering and architectural designs. The report revealed that the contractors produced contract bills of quantities without the input of the relevant departments of government in vetting the designs, specifications, and bills. In contrast, contract documents were unavailable at the time of contract award.

    “The contract was awarded to Avic International Engineering Limited vide contract notifications No. FGPC/SEC/NOT/2019/055 dated 15th May 2019 in the sum of N11,551,899,123.00 0nly. The committee also found that the preliminary approvals from the relevant regulatory bodies in the aviation industry were not obtained before the commencement of work on the project.

    “A consultant, BJ Aerotronic Limited, was employed to take charge of the project and to obtain all the necessary approvals from the relevant regulatory bodies only after work had commenced on the site. Payments were made to the contractors without valuation and essential certification from the relevant Agencies of Government.

    “Therefore, the committee suggests discrepancies between the contract Bills of Quantities and engineering, architectural designs and specifications.

    “Total net payments made to the contractors were 30% as Advance Payment of the sum of N3,465,569,736.90 by Ministry of Finance (MOF) on June 19, 2020; the sum of N2,310,379,824.60 by Ministry of Finance (MOF) was again paid as the second instalment on June 19, 2020, in the name of a loan, (a term not familiar in governments’ contract procedures and management’); another payment of N825,000,000.00 by Ministry of Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs (MLGCA) was made as the third instalment on October 25, 2021.

    “These payments amounted to N6, 600, 989, 561.50. After which N125,000,000.00 was paid to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on January 31, 2022, while BJ Aerotronic Limited was paid N50,000,000.00 on January 31, 2022, supposedly as a consultancy fee.

    “Of all the payments, only the advance payment had payment vouchers, with mandates available in the other payments. There were no indications of any deductions for Value Added Tax (VAT), Withholding tax and other taxes.

    “The administration of former Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle made a total payment of N6,775,949,561.50 on the abandoned project whose completion level was less than 20%.

    “Furthermore, evaluations carried out by four different independent firms of experts and relevant agencies of government have shown that the total value of work done is N2,249,636,040.73, representing 19.47% overall.

    “It is our finding that the payments made to the contractors were not only incommensurate with the level of work executed but grossly incomparable with work done.

    “The committee concluded that the contractors were no longer interested in executing and completing the project, taking into cognisance the fraudulent ways the project has been carried out, because the project’s life span had elapsed, and the contractor did neither attempt nor show any intention to apply for an extension of time to continue with the work.

    “After all the evaluations carried out by the four reputable consultants, the contractors are supposed to refund the Zamfara State government over N4,526,313,520.77.

    “As a responsible government, we will continue to pursue all cases of mismanagement and ensure that what rightfully belongs to Zamfara is returned for the benefit of its people, and anyone involved in the mismanagement is brought to book.”

  • Security scare hits Zamfara varsity; students warned to vacate off-campus residences

    Security scare hits Zamfara varsity; students warned to vacate off-campus residences

    Federal University, Gusau on Sunday warned students resident at off-campus area of Damba on the outskirts of Gusau to relocate and be safe from bandits.

    In a statement issued by the university’s Information Officer, Malam Umar Usman, the varsity advised the students to relocate to Gusau metropolis or to Sabon Gida area, now well secured by armed security operatives.

    The admonition followed Saturday’s kidnap of four students from their off campus residence at Damba.

    Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji and those of Metro Joint Patrol (Eagle Eye) have rescued all the four students, however.

    Usman stated that students living on the outskirts of Gusau, especially those in Damba were more vulnerable to bandits’ attacks.

    Abductors took 25 students of the university alongside nine construction workers on the outskirts of Gusau on Sept. 21. Twelve of the victims are still in captivity.

  • Just In: Terrorists reportedly raid Federal varsity, Gusau again, abduct students

    Just In: Terrorists reportedly raid Federal varsity, Gusau again, abduct students

    Many students of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, have been reportedly abducted by terrorists on Saturday night.

    Students who confirmed the incident added that the terrorists had invaded the school area shooting sporadically into the air.

    It was gathered that the terrorists invaded the students’ residential area at Damba Area, Gusau, Zamfara State capital where they were said to have abducted the students of the university.

    On Wednesday, terrorists invaded the University and stole all the medications found at the university clinic.

    Recall that gunmen suspected to be terrorists had kidnapped some students of the school weeks ago.

  • Police arrest suspected killers of VON reporter in Zamfara

    Police arrest suspected killers of VON reporter in Zamfara

    Zamfara Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of Hamisu Danjibga, a reporter with the Voice of Nigeria (VON) in Zamfara State.

    The Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Shehu, made the disclosure while parading the suspects at a press briefing  in Gusau on Tuesday.

    Shehu said that the suspects were Danjigba’s nephew, Mansur Haruna, and his friend, Ibrahim Garba, both of whom conspired to kidnap the veteran journalist.

    But when the journalist resisted their move, they stabbed him to death, Shehu indicated.

    According to him, the two suspects confessed to the crime during investigation and some items belonging to the late Danjibga were recovered from them.

    The commissioner also paraded three others, suspected to be bandits, who specialize in kidnapping and raping women.

    Another person was also paraded for alleged supply of arms from Abia State.

    Shehu maintained that at the conclusion of investigation, all the suspects will be charged to court for prosecution.

  • Zamfara NMA suspends strike

    Zamfara NMA suspends strike

    Medical doctors in Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital (ASYBSH) Gusau in Zamfara have suspended their plan to embark on an indefinite strike on Sept. 4.

    This is contained in a statement on Friday by the state branch of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), signed by the State Chairman, Dr Sanusi Bello and Secretary, Dr Murtala Shinkafi.

    Recall that the medical doctors had fixed Sept. 4 to begin indefinite strike over non payment of theif salaries and allowances by the state government.

    “This is to notify the general public that the industrial strike planned by doctors of ASYBSH has been suspended.”

    The doctors said that the industrial dispute has been resolved amicably by the state government to the satisfaction of the state NMA.

    “All the outstanding salaries of the affected doctors have been settled,” the doctors said in the statement.

    They added that preparations had reached advanced stage to settle the outstanding allowances of visiting consultants and Professors, as well as the issue of third party deductions.

    They appreciated the intervention of Gov. Dauda Lawal, Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Nakwada, Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, Nigeria Labour Congress and the media, in resolving the issues in contention.

  • Zamfara was bankrupt when I took over – Gov Lawal reveals

    Zamfara was bankrupt when I took over – Gov Lawal reveals

    Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has said that the state he inherited was bankrupt when he took over power.

    Lawal, who stated this on Wednesday evening at an interactive session with Zamfara professionals in Abuja, said that the state was in a bad state when he assumed office.

    “I believe in the history of our state, this is the first time where professionals and people of Zamfara State are here to interact.

    “I am delighted to hear some of the comments made. It is indeed incredible.

    “The Zamfara State we inherited is in a bad state. At the time we took over, Zamfara was bankrupt with nothing left.

    “It is a state where we inherited so many bad things,” he said while responding to questions and comments from professionals from the state,” he said.

    The governor, however, gave assurance that things were going to change for better.

    Lawal, who said that he inherited three-month salary backlog with no single money to take care of the civil servants, said as at the time he took over, the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) exam was already over and the children were unable to sit for it.

    “Fortunately for us, NECO (National Examinations Council) is about to start and if we did not do anything, the children may not write the exam,” he said.

    He said that though the state was owing WAEC about N1.6 billion and NECO about N1.4 billion which had made the students to be unable to sit for the exams in the past, his government had recently paid off NECO’s debt.

    “This is something that is verifiable. Outside security, education is key because without education, we are going no where,” he said.

    He said his government had commenced reconstruction of primary schools and building the capacity of the teachers to boost their productivity.

    He said when he came in, Zamfara had 28 ministries which had now been reduced to 16 ministries

    The governor, who lamented over the condition of the hospitals in the state, said he was committed to change all the narratives.

    He, therefore, solicited for the professionals’ support in order to build the state in the interest of the people.

    Lawal said as part of the efforts to tackling the security challenge in the state, he met with the chief of defence staff, the chief of army staff and the national security adviser on different occasions yesterday.

    He said he also met with officials of the European Union and the World Bank on issues of insecurity, education, health and infrastructural development, and that they were ever ready to provide support.

    “I appeal to you to be our ambassador, that in everything you do, Zamfara comes first.

    “We can’t do it alone. We need the support of all to change the fortune of Zamfara State.

    “I want to appeal to all to keep praying for peace and prosperity for our dear state

    “I am open for discussion, I am open for advice and collectively, we shall build a better Zamfara,” he said.

    Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, congratulated the governor on his election victory.

    According to him, we on this side are ready to assist our state in whatever capacity we have found ourselves.

    Shinkafi, who said cooperation is in two ways, said: “when we call on you, try and listen to us.”

    He gave assurance that the federal civil servants from the state would remain apolitical.

    The Grand Khadi of FCT, Alhaji Ibrahim Rufai-Imam, urged the people of Zamfara to be lovers of one another irrespective of local government of origin.

    Let us unite and see how we can move the state forward.

    “We need to continue praying for the state to come out of the present predicament,” he said.

    Some of the professionals offered advice on issues of insecurity, youth empowerment, education, and agriculture, among others.

  • Insecurity: Zamfara govt. denies negotiating with bandits

    Insecurity: Zamfara govt. denies negotiating with bandits

    The Zamfara government says  it has not embarked on negotiating with bandits to address security challenges bedevilling the state.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Nakwada disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Gusau on Tuesday.

    He noted that the present administration of  Gov.  Dauda Lawal had  no intention of reconciling with bandits.

    Recall that there were speculations going round that the state  state government had embarked on secret reconciliation process with bandits.

    “The present administration of Lawal have no intention of  negotiating with criminals.

    “We are prepared to work in collaboration with security agencies in the  fight against insecurity,” Nakwada explained.

    The SSG lamented that the immediate past administration of former governor Bello Matawalle in the state,  wasted  billions of naira on projects that had  no direct bearing on the  common man.

    He noted that the state government would follow legal processes  to recover all misappropriated funds by the past administration.

    He called on people of the state to continue to support government on its policies and programmes toward addressing security challenges and reducing socio economic hardship in the state.

    Nakwada announced  Lawal’s  directives of suspending all permanent secretaries and traditional rulers appointed by the immediate past administration after the 2023 general elections.

  • EFCC denies declaring Ex-Zamfara Gov, Matawalle wanted

    EFCC denies declaring Ex-Zamfara Gov, Matawalle wanted

    Contrary to news making the rounds that the immediate-past governor of Zamfara State, Muhammad Bello Matawalle was declared wanted by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) the agency has now denied ever declaring him wanted.

    Reacting to the news report captioned, “Alleged N70b Fraud: EFCC Declares Ex-Zamfara Gov, Matawalle Wanted”, EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, described the report as false as the agency has procedures for declaring anyone wanted.

    Part of the EFCC statement stated, “the attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has been drawn to a report, entitled, Alleged N70b Fraud: EFCC Declares Ex-Zamfara Gov, Matawalle Wanted, which appeared in the Sunday Tribune of June 18, 2023 and purports that the commission had declared a former Zamafara State governor, Bello Matawalle wanted and requested the Department of State Service, DSS, to arrest him, ‘anywhere he is seen’.

    “Without prejudice to the case involving the former governor, the report is incorrect as the commission has yet to declare Matawalle wanted or solicit the assistance of any agency, including the DSS, to effect his arrest.

    “The commission has standard procedure for declaring persons wanted and communicating same to the public, not through faceless ‘security sources’.”