TheNewsGuru

Tag: Zamfara

  • PDP state assembly candidate defect to APC in Zamfara

    PDP state assembly candidate defect to APC in Zamfara

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Zamfara House of Assembly candidate for Talata Mafara North Constituency, Umar Yahaya had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    This is contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Friday by the State APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris.

    Recall that Yahaya’s defection came five days after PDP State Assembly candidate for Gusau 2 Constituency, Alhaji Ibrahim Mada also defected to APC.

    Idris said the Yahaya was received by Gov. Bello Matawalle and State APC Chairman, Alhaji Tukur Danfulani.

    “The PDP State Assembly candidate for Talata Mafara North Constituency, Umar Yahaya has also joined the wave of political tsunami sweeping off  PDP in Zamfara.

    “Yahaya said he took the decision to abandon his candidature under the PDP to join the APC because of the alleged crisis rocking his former party at national and the state levels.

    “He said that the PDP leadership in the state is too dictatorial and not respecting the opinion and interest of members”, Idris said.

    Idris quoted,  Yahaya as informing Matawalle, ”PDP is not accessible even to top party leaders in the state no matter the situation

    “A lot of PDP members will soon come and join the APC.”

    In his remarks,  Matawalle commended Yahaya’s courage to abandon his candidature and join the progressive party in the state.

    Matawalle said that APC was a party that accommodates all its members and assured him of equal opportunity with other members.

    The governor urged him to enlighten other members of his former party, PDP on the importance of joining hands in moving Zamfara forward.

    “My administration has done a lot in terms of security, infrastructure development, job creation, and inclusive governance”, Matawalle added.

  • Again court nullifies Zamfara PDP Governorship Primaries

    Again court nullifies Zamfara PDP Governorship Primaries

    A Federal High Court sitting in Gusau on Tuesday nullified the Governorship Primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara state for the second time.

    Justice Aminu Bappa-Aliyu nullified the Governorship Primaries that produced Dr Dauda Lawal-Dare as the PDP candidate in the 2023 general elections.

    Delivering judgment, Bappa-Aliyu held that the PDP lost the opportunity to field a candidate in the 2023 polls for failing to conduct Primaries in line with the guidelines of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended.

    The same court had earlier on Sept 16, nullified the first exercise, following alleged irregularities in the Governorship primaries conducted on May 25.

    Two governorship aspirants, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu-Bakauye and Hafiz Muhammad had after the second exercise approached the court seeking nullification of the second primaries conducted on Sept. 23.

    The aspirants had prayed to the court to declare the exercise null and void and to no effect for failing to meet the conditions as stipulated in Section 82 (1 and 5) of the electoral act 2022 as amended.

    The plaintiffs in their suit included the  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Chairman of the governorship primary election committee, Mr. Felix Hyat, State PDP Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Sani (Now Late), State PDP Governorship candidates, Dr. Dauda Lawal and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.

    However, Bappa-Aliyu in a judgment held that the primaries conducted by the PDP was unlawful as the primaries did not follow the guidelines of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended.

    Bappa-Aliyu said the PDP and other defendants have failed to comply with Section 82 Subsection 1 and 5 of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended, the PDP was no longer qualified to field a governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections in the state.

    Counsel to the plaintiffs, Malam Ibrahim Aliyu told NAN in Gusau after the judgment that the Electoral Act 2022, for a political party to conduct a congress, executives conference, or a convention shall give 21 days notice before conducting such exercise.

  • How Police rescued 17 abductees in Zamfara forests

    How Police rescued 17 abductees in Zamfara forests

     

    The police on Saturday said it has rescued 27 kidnap victims from Gando, Bagega and Sunke forests in Bukkuyu, Anka local government area of Zamfara state.

    According to a statement signed by police spokesperson, Mohammed Shehu, the victims were abducted by a group in Akawa, Gwashi, Tungar Rogo and Anka Villages before taken to bandits camps at Gando/Bagega and Sunke forests.

    “The rescue of the victims was sequel to the report received by the Command that, group of bandits terrorist invaded the above mentioned villages and abducted unspecified number of people and took them to Gando/Bagega/ Sunke forests where they spent a week in captivity,” the statement said.

    “On receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police deployed additional Police Tactical operatives to reinforce DPOs Anka/Bukkuyum and vigilante in their rescue operation to rescue the abducted victims. Luckily enough, a well coordinated search and rescue operation was carried out with the full support and partnership of the two LGAs Sole Administrators of Anka and Bukkuyum . The outcome of the rescue operation was the unconditional rescue of Twenty seven (27) kidnapped victims.

    “At the moment, seventeen out of twenty seven were brought to the Police Command Headquarters for showcasing, while the ten (10) other victims are in the hospital receiving medical attention following the trauma they passed through while in captivity. All the victims have been debriefed by the Police detectives and the Commissioner of Police will formally hand over the victims to Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs who will on behalf of His Excellency reunite them with their families.

    “The Commissioner of Police Commended the high level commitment to Security of His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle MON, for his support and encouragement to the Police and other security Agencies in their effort to rid the state of criminal activities. The CP further congratulated the victims for regaining their freedom, and assured the public that, Police will not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that criminal elements are apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.”

  • Police rescue 10 women, 1 year-old-baby from kidnappers

    Police rescue 10 women, 1 year-old-baby from kidnappers

    Police in Zamfara rescued 10 female kidnap victims and a one-year-old baby on Friday after they had spent five days in captivity.

    The police spokesman in Zamfara, SP Muhammad Shehu, stated that the rescue resulted from an extensive search-and-rescue operation at Gando Forest in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of the state.

    “On Monday, Oct. 17, a group of bandits invaded Manye village in Anka Local Government Area of the state and abducted 10 women and a one-year-old child to Gando Forest in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.

    “Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kolo Yusuf deployed reinforcement of police tactical operatives to Anka Divisional Police Office and local vigilantes for the rescue operation.

    “The rescue mission was successfully accomplished with the full support of stakeholders, particularly the Sole Administrator of Anka Local Government Area,’’ Shehu stated.

    He added that the rescued victims were taken to a hospital for medical checks, debriefed by the police and handed over to their family members.

    Shehu stated also that Mr. Yusuf commended the Sole Administrator of Anka Local Government Area for his full support and partnership during the operation and congratulated the victims for regaining freedom.

  • NSCDC beefs up security in Zamfara

    NSCDC beefs up security in Zamfara

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Zamfara, says it has adopted proactive security strategies to curtail thuggery and criminal activities in Gusau and environs.

    The newly posted Commandant of the Corps in the state, Mr  Mohammad Muazu gave the indication while addressing personnel of the Corps in Gusau on Friday.

    He said the Corps would intensify night patrol aimed at tackling criminality and thuggery among youths during the electioneering campaigns.

    “The command resolved to step up effort to tackle security challenges head-on,” he said.

    Muazu urged the operatives of the Corps to be firm and cautious in discharging their duties within the ambit of the law.

    According to Mu’azu, his mission is to stamp out insecurity and other social vices within record time in line with Gov. Bello Matawalle’s vision.

    “This is a note of warning to all miscreants and hoodlums terrorising the state to relocate as Zamfara will no longer be a safe haven for them to hibernate anymore,” he said.

    He warned fuel vendors known as black marketers to desist from the trade, adding that the ban on sales of petrol in gallons and containers was still in force in the state.

    While advising fuel marketers against diversion of petroleum products, Mu’azu said the command would monitor fuel distribution in the state.

  • Banditry: Zamfara Govt announces total ”lockdown” in 3 LGAs

    Banditry: Zamfara Govt announces total ”lockdown” in 3 LGAs

    The Zamfara Government, on Friday, announced a total lockdown in Anka, Bukkuyum and Gummi Local Government Areas (LGAs) following the resurgence of bandit attacks on communities.

    The lockdown is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara on Friday in Gusau.

    ”The government announces a lockdown in nine major towns to stop the spate of the attacks on such communities in the affected areas.

    ”Theese are Yarkofoji, Birnin Tudu, Rini, Gora Namaye, Janbako, Faru, Kaya, Boko and Mada towns.

    ”Government also announced the closing down of markets in Danjibga and Bagega as well as
    Colony to Lambar Boko Road, Bakura to Lambar Damri Road and Mayanchi- Daki Takwas to Gummi Road.

    ”Others are the Daki Takwas to Zuru Road, Kucheri- Bawaganga – Wanke Road, Magami to Dangulbi Road and Gusau to Magami Road.

    ‘The measures were taken to facilitate the efforts of security operatives in flushing out criminal elements in those areas,” the government said.

    Gov. Bello Matawalle also ordered the immediate suspension of all APC meetings and activities as part of his government concern and sympathy to the affected people and communities.

    “Stakeholders invited for the Friday APC Stakeholders’ Meeting are hereby advised to hold on for a new date for the meeting.

    “Furthermore, government has suspended all political activities in the state till further notice.

    “Political meetings and gatherings at individual residences are also banned with immediate effect,” Dosara added.

    The state government said the decision is without prejudice to anyone, is intended to arrest the situation before it went out of control.

    “Government is saddened and worried about the re-surgence of the activities of bandits and the recent killings of some innocent people in Gusau, Tsafe, Gummi, Bukkuyum, Anka Bungudu, Maru, Maradun and Kaura Namoda local government areas.

    “Government is also touched by the killings of some of our gallant security operatives who lost their lives in our defense.

    “Government therefore, condoled with the families of the victims of the bandits’ attacks and prayed for the repose of the departed souls”.

    The state government directed security operatives to deal with those found violating the orders.

  • 2023: Police assure Zamfara of peaceful election as political parties sign peace accord

    2023: Police assure Zamfara of peaceful election as political parties sign peace accord

    The Zamfara Commissioner of Police, Mr Kolo Yusuf, has assured the residents of Zamfara of peaceful elections in the state ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    The Police Commissioner is also the state Chairman of, Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

    He gave the assurance in Gusau on Tuesday at an event for signing of  peace accord by political parties in the state ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    Yusuf, who chaired the session, said the meeting was aimed at stimulating healthy interaction and mutual discussion on matters relating to the security and overall conduct of the February 2023 General Elections.

    He explained that, the ICCES was an ad hoc committee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), made up of the various security agencies to ensure free, fair and credible election.

    “All security agencies in the state are working together to ensure effective deployment and management during the elections,” he said.

    According to him, “All quasi-security outfits during campaigns/rallies and other electoral processes are banned”.

    The police commissioner also warned that the use of firearms and other offensive weapons remained prohibited.

    In his remarks, The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof Saeed Babura, appealed to the political parties for maximum support and cooperation to INEC, the security agencies and other stakeholders.

    Newsmen reports that during the event, all registered political parties and their governorship candidates signed the peace accord.

    They all assured the state of readiness to abide by the peace agreement signed during the event.

  • We’re studying judgment nullifying Zamfara governorship primaries—PDP

    We’re studying judgment nullifying Zamfara governorship primaries—PDP

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) says it is studying the High Court judgment that nullified the party’s governorship primary election in Zamfara for necessary action.

    Secretary of the party in Zamfara, Alhaji Faruk Ahmad, stated this in a statement issued in Gusau on Saturday.

    A Federal High Court in Gusau, Zamfara on Friday, nullified the PDP’s Governorship Primary Election held on May 26 in which Dr. Dauda Lawan-Dare emerged as the party’s standard bearer for the 2023 general elections.

    Justice Aminu Bappa-Aliyu, in a 109-page judgment, however, nullified the election and ordered that the party immediately conduct fresh governorship primaries.

    Three plaintiffs in the suit contested in primaries, including Dr. Ibrahim Shehu-Gusau, Alhaji Wadatau Madawaki, and Hafiz Muhammad.

    They sought the nullification of the primary election over alleged irregularities.

    The party Secretary, in a reaction however, said the party acknowledged the  judgement which ruled that the election conducted by the party was null and void and ordered fresh primaries.

    “We in the PDP are known to be law-abiding and grassroots politicians who respect and believe in the supremacy of law and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that of our party.

    ” As a defendant in the suit filed by some of our aggrieved members concerning the governorship primary election, we received the court’s decision in good fate.

    “And a team of our lawyers is studying the judgment to come up with the next line of action within the ambit of the law.

    “The PDP in Zamfara state did well in conducting the primary election in a good manner of fairness and justice but the Federal High Court, Gusau after intense debates, ruled against our party and other defendants in the suit,” he said.

    Ahmad said that the party was determined to reclaim Zamfara State and bring it back to life and make it work again for the betterment of the people.

    “We shall (Insha Allah) cross these hurdles and ensure the solid unity of our members.

    “Our decision as regards the judgment will be made available after our lawyers concluded the study of the judgment and present to us their recommendations which the PDP leadership will decide on,” he assured.

    He appealed to the party loyalists in the state to remain calm and be law-abiding as the position of the party would be known in due course.

  • NiMet predicts cloudy, thundery weather activities Monday to Wednesday

    NiMet predicts cloudy, thundery weather activities Monday to Wednesday

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudy and thundery weather activities from Monday to Wednesday across the country.

    NiMet`s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja predicted cloudy atmosphere on Monday over the northern region with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe and Kaduna state during the morning hours.

    According to it, thunderstorms are anticipated over the North western parts later in the day while isolated thunderstorms are anticipated over the North eastern part of the country.

    “Cloudy morning is expected over the North central region with chances of thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue and Niger state.

    “Thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara and Kogi during the afternoon to evening hours.

    “Cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the inland and coastal cities of the South with prospects of morning rains over Cross River state, “it said.

    The agency forecast moderate rains over the entire region later in the day leaving out Bayelsa and Delta where cloudiness is expected.

    NiMet anticipated cloudy atmosphere over the northern region on Tuesday with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna and Kebbi state during the morning hours.

    It envisaged isolated thunderstorms over the North eastern region later in the day.

    “The North central region is expected to be cloudy with chances of isolated thunderstorm over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue and Niger state in the morning hours.

    “ Later during the afternoon and evening hours, isolated thunderstorms are expected over the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and Niger state.

    “Cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the inland and coastal cities of the South in the morning hours with prospects of morning rains over Ondo, Oyo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Ogun and Lagos state, “ it said.

    The agency predicted rains over the entire region later in the day.

    NiMet forecast cloudy atmosphere over the northern region on Wednesday with chances of isolated thunderstorms over Yobe, Bauchi, Adamawa and Taraba state during the morning hours.

    According to NiMet, thunderstorms are expected over the entire region during the afternoon and evening hours.

    It anticipated the North central region to be cloudy with chances of rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue and Nasarawa in the morning hours.

    The agency further anticipated rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, and Nasarawa and Kogi state later in the afternoon and evening hours.

    The agency envisaged the inland and the coastal cities of the South to be cloudy with prospects of morning rains over Imo, Abia and Cross River state.

    NiMet predicted moderate rains over parts of Imo, Edo, Enugu and Abia later in the day.

    “There are prospects of intermittent rains over the northern parts of the country which may give rise to floods, citizens living in the region are advised to take necessary precautions.

    “Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations, “ it said.

  • SAD! How seven family members reportedly died due to food poisoning in Zamfara

    SAD! How seven family members reportedly died due to food poisoning in Zamfara

    No fewer than seven members of a family have been confirmed dead from food poisoning in Danbaza village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    It was learnt that the incident occurred after the family members ate mixed vegetables with corn, popularly known as Dambu, which was prepared as their dinner.

    Eyewitness accounts said that the deceased, two married women and five of their children, died immediately after the meal.A

    According to a family member, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir, as soon as the people finished the meal, four of the victims died instantly, while three were rushed to hospital where they were certified dead by doctors.

    “The deceased were alleged to use poisonous substances in the cooking of the meal,” he said.

    The seven dead persons have since been buried in their home town, Danbaza, according to Islamic injunction.

    When contacted, Maradun local government’s sole administrator, Umar Mu’azu, confirmed the incident, saying that representatives from the local government were sent to condole with the victims’ family.

    The local government council urged the family to accept the loss as a will of Allah and prayed for the family to be granted the fortitude to bear the loss.