Jigawa Assembly Suspends Four Council Chairmen Over Alleged One Billion Naira Mismanagement

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March 12, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election has again reaffirmed his membership of the party.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday to debunk his alleged resignation from PDP, Atiku maintained that the report was pure mischief, devoid of truth.

According to him, the report was one of the antics of the opposition in their quest for 2027 race.

Atiku called for merger of opposition parties ahead next election stressing that “The urgency of this consolidation cannot be overstated.

He stated that “I have been inundated with calls from our party members, supporters, and concerned Nigerians regarding the fabricated story alleging my departure from the PDP.

“Let me be unequivocal: this is pure mischief, devoid of truth. I reaffirm my unwavering loyalty to the PDP, while advocating the swift merger of opposition parties. The urgency of this consolidation cannot be overstated.

“Tinubu’s relentless pursuit of personal agendas at the expense of national governance is glaring. His myopic focus on 2027 betrays a disregard for the pressing needs of the populace.

“It’s high time he ceased his bumbling escapades and prioritized the welfare of the people.

“Let this be a wake-up call to all: the pursuit of power must not overshadow the imperative of effective governance. Together, let us propel Nigeria forward, leaving behind the antics of political charlatans.” -AA

Crisis In Abuja Over Death Of Trader, Vehicles, Properties Set Ablaze By Irate Youths

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March 12, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Riot broke out in Wuse, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, as alleged irate Hausa Youths have engaged the Task Force in a free for all fight which has led to the destruction of properties and Vehicles, some of them set ablaze.

The Task Force, it was gathered, shot sporadically, leading to the killing of a trader who was hit by a stray bullet.

Sources disclosed that this caused retaliatory moves by some traders.

The Task Force Officials came under attack even as some traders and buyers ran helter skelter.

Sources revealed that some vehicles belonging to the task force officers have been burnt and there is currently a fire outbreak that has engulfed several properties in the market.

The Task Force officers called for back-up as soon as it seemed that the angry youths have overpowered them. They began to shoot sporadically to gain access for escape.

Plateau Moves To Check Building Collapse, Illegal Structures, Owners To Pay Cost Of Demolition, Forfeit Space

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March 12, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A new executive order in Plateau State has placed cost incurred in the course of demolishing illegal structures on their owners.

Apart from this, those erecting buildings without approval shall be liable to pay 50 per cent of the estimated value of such buildings.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has just signed the Executive Order to control the illegal erection of buildings and traffic in the state.

The General Manager of Jos Metropolitan Development Board, Hart Bankat disclosed this at a press conference in Jos on Tuesday.

Bankat said Executive Order No. 003, 2024 became imperative considering the indiscriminate manner in which buildings were being erected and traffic control abysmally degenerated within the Greater Jos Master plan as well the prevalence of building collapse in the state.

The GM said, “The growing population in Plateau State has led to an increase in vehicular traffic and the haphazard construction of buildings, which has resulted in congestion and safety hazards in our cities.

“In order to address these challenges and ensure the sustainable development of our state, Governor Caleb, Mutfwang has issued Executive Order No. 003, 2024.

“This executive order aims to regulate the construction of buildings and the flow of vehicular traffic in Plateau State.

“Under this order, all new building projects must obtain the necessary permits and comply with building codes and regulations. Unauthorized constructions will be demolished in accordance with the law.

“Furthermore, the order also aims to streamline vehicular traffic by implementing traffic management measures, such as designated parking spaces, traffic lights, and road signage. Violators of traffic rules will face strict penalties, including fines and vehicle impoundment.

“We believe that by enforcing this executive order, we can improve the quality of life for all residents of Plateau State and create a safe and organized urban environment”

Bankat urged residents to cooperate with the authorities and adhere to the provisions of Executive Order No. 003, 2024.

Giving details of the Executive Order, the General Manager who was flanked by the state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, and other government officials said the rates for processing fees and building plans fees shall henceforth be reviewed annually based on the zones.

He explained erecting a building without first obtaining approval is hereby prohibited, and the violator shall be liable to pay 50 per cent of the estimated value of such building.

According to him, owners of demolished buildings shall be made to bear the cost of such demolitions, while forensics shall be conducted on any building within the Greater Jos Master Plan that collapses due to structural defect and if it is found to be due to the carelessness of the Developer/Owner or boycott of due processes, such a site shall be taken over by the Government.

He added, “owners of buildings without approvals that are condonable within the Greater Jos Master Plan who have not regularized same within the time given shall be liable to a fine not less than 1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira only) for failure to obtain the approval within the stipulated period.

“Traders doing business on sites not designated for such shall cease immediately. Anyone in default shall have their items confiscated and same donated to the

Internally Displaced Persons Camp or the Correctional Centres.

“Pasting of posters on public infrastructure is prohibited forthwith and violators shall be liable to pay the sum of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira only)

“Indiscriminate parking of trucks, heavy-duty equipment, and other vehicles within the metropolis is prohibited and vehicles so parked shall be impounded and the drivers of same shall be liable to pay a fine of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira only) as penalty

“Trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles are hereby restricted from coming into the Central Business Area (Jos-Bukuru Metropolis) from the hours of 6 am to 9 pm, vehicles of defaulters shall be impounded and the drivers of same shall be liable to pay a fine of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira only), areas referred to are as contained in the schedule attached to this order;

“Stray animals within the metropolis are hereby prohibited and such stray animals if found, shall be forfeited to the Government or the owners shall be liable to pay a fine of N250,000.00.”

Bankat further explained that the effective date of the Executive Order shall commence on 10th June and March 19th 2024, for building and traffic controls respectively and “have a life span of 90 days from the date of its commencement in each case, subject to renewal”

“Why Does The Impeachment Bell Ring Only When A Southerner Is Senate President”? – Senator Bamidele

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March 12, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele on Tuesday, during Plenary at the Senate, pricked the conscience of his colleagues when he asked a pungent question.

Bamidele, a Lawyer, and Senator, APC, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District spoke during a debate on the appropriate punishment to be meted out to Senator Abdul Ningi, PDP, Bauchi Central, for falsely alleging that the 2024 budget was padded.

Ningi had alleged, without proof, that the National Assembly passed two different budgets, and padded the one being operated by a whopping three trillion Naira.

At Plenary on Tuesday, his colleagues dragged him in the mud and went after him like hungry lions.

When Bamidele was recognized to speak, he warned about treating the serious allegations by Ningi with kid gloves. Before he made his submissions, he said he was not speaking as the Senate Leader, but as Senator Bamidele representing Ekiti Central District.

Obviously angry, he said that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, was the target of Ningi’s false allegations. He noted that Akpabio has been a target for impeachment plots from day one and said that those engaged in the plots want him out before the end of his tenure.

He then wondered why the impeachment banner against the Senate President was always up each time a Southerner occupied the seat.

He stated that the only time a Southerner (s) occupied it, during the President Olusegun Obasanjo Government, each of them was hounded out of office. He said that was the opposite when the seat was occupied by Northerners. He cited Senator David Mark who had a smooth eight years in office, Dr Bukola Saraki who served out his tenure even though many arrows were thrown his way, as well as the immediate past Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan.

Even though Ningi tried to distance himself from the allegations he made on the BBC Hausa Service, and said he only said that the sum of N3.7tn was yet to be accounted for, he was not spared.

He was slammed with a three-month suspension from the Senate after a heated and stormy session.

Budget Padding : Senate Suspends Abdul Ningi

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March 12, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

For raising alarm over an alleged budget padding, the Senate on Tuesday suspended Senator Abdul Ningi.

Ningi had raised an alarm alleging that the 2024 budget was padded with N3.7trn, insisting that the figure passed was different from the one approved by President Bola Tinubu.

Ningi, from Bauchi Central Senatorial District, was suspended for three months after a long stormy session in the red chamber.

A member of the Appropriation Committee in the Senate, Jimoh Ibrahim, first moved the motion for Ningi’s suspension for 12 months over allegations of “criminal misinformation and breach of peace in the National Assembly and the country by extension.

However, other lawmakers like Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong moved for the amendment of the motion by Ibrahim.

Ekpenyong, who is from Cross River South Senatorial District, and Senator Abdulfatai Buhari from Oyo North prayed for the reduction of the suspension to six and three months respectively.

Godswill Akpabio, presiding who described Ningi’s offences as “grievous”, conducted a voice vote during which most of the lawmakers voted in support of Ningi’s suspension for three months.

Adebanjo Dismisses Presidential System Of Government As Corrupt

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March 12, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a Leader of Afenifere, a Pan Yoruba Socio Political Organization, has dismissed the Presidential System of Government as corrupt and expensive.

Adebanjo threw his weight behind the Parliamentary System of Government, and stressed that Nigeria should return to it and put behind it the Presidential System of Government.

He said this in an interview on Arise Television, and insisted that the presidential system is corrupt, especially in Nigeria, and makes the President a dictator.

His words: “Those of us who’ve had experience with the parliamentary system in this country see that it’s the only way out. The presidential system is corrupt, especially in Nigeria; it makes the president a dictator.

“To question the supremacy of the president is only in operation before the election; the moment he’s elected, he becomes a dictator where no one can oppose him. His word is the law.

“Particularly in Nigeria, our constitution makes the president the most powerful in the world. The system is too expensive and corrupt. The earlier we revert, the better.

“Under the parliamentary system, the prime minister becomes more responsible; he’s responsible to the parliament. By the name itself, the prime minister falls among equals. If he misbehaves, the parliament will question him because the ministers are elected members of their constituencies.

“The advantages of a parliamentary system are many. It is a welcome development that should be implemented expeditiously, and the constitution should be changed.”

Gumi Urges President Tinubu To Negotiate With Bandits Over Abducted Kuriga Children; Offers Self As Negotiator

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March 12, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Five days after over 280 Children were abducted in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area in Kaduna State by bandits, Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has advised President Bola Tinubu to negotiate with the bandits and get the Children released.

Gumi went further to say if contacted, he would lead a dialogue between the Federal Government and the bandits so that the children and other abducted Nigerians would be freed.

The controversial Islamic Scholar called on President Tinubu not to go the way of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, who did not allow him talk with the bandits so that captives would regain freedom.

He urged the Government to use the same approach it used in securing the release of the Abuja-Kaduna-bound train passengers who were kidnapped on their way to Kaduna on March 28, 2022.

“The government’s stand of no negotiation with the bandits is an unfortunate position. My advice is that the government should dialogue with the bandits not only for these Kuriga schoolchildren’s abductions but in all cases.

“Also, the government should use the same approach it used in releasing passengers that were abducted on Abuja-Kaduna train in 2022 to release the Kuriga schoolchildren and others.

”I am ready to lead a holistic dialogue between the government and bandits. It is a religious duty for me to do so for peace.

“I hope the present government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will listen by dialoguing with the bandits because the past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari refused,” he said.

It would be recalled that during the administration of former President Buhari, Gumi met with some bandits who abducted people in Kaduna and in the North East, raising questions about the integrity of Gumi, as a section of Nigerians called for his arrest.

FG Donates 20 Fire Fighting Trucks To States

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March 12, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Fire Service, (FFS), in a bid to be more effective, has donated fire fighting vehicles to 20 states.

Among the benefitting states is Kebbi where Governor Nasir Idris, appreciated the gesture and assured the Service of enabling environment to effectively and efficiently discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

Launching the fire fighting vehicle, allocated to Kebbi State by the FFS Comptroller-General, Abdul-Ganiyyu Jaji on Tuesday in Birni Kebbi, the governor observed that the gesture would go a long way in complementing the efforts of the State Fire Service.

Governor Idris advised the FFS personnel to make judicious use of the vehicle to achieve the desired objective of allocating it to the state.

The governor appreciated the FFS personnel for prompt response in the event of fire outbreak and encouraged them to keep the flag flying.

Earlier, the Comptroller, FFS in Kebbi State, Mr Alaukwu Anosike, said the brand new fire fighting trucks were distributed to 20 selected states of the federation out of which, Kebbi State was lucky to be a beneficiary.

He said the vehicle had the capacity of 600 litres of water and 50 litres of form compound for effective fire quenching. Anosike assured the readiness of his personnel to put the vehicle to good use.

Osun: Gov Adeleke Rallies Security Agencies Following Rumours Of Attacks On Schools, Rural Farms

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March 12, 2024