Hardship: Over 3000 Kano Intending Pilgrims Shelve Trip To Holy Land

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February 12, 2024

By Daniel Maduka

With the February 12 deadline for preparations and payments for this year’s Hajji, the prevalent harsh economic situation in the country have exacted its toll on the exercise. Many intending Muslim pilgrims from kano are set to forego the journey to the Holy land.

With the Monday deadline for the completion of payments for the Hajj package beckoning, only 2,300 seats ,out of a total of 5, 934 approved for intending Kano pilgrims have been subscribed to as at Saturday February 10

This is even as the Director- General of the Kano state Muslim pilgrims Welfare Board , Alhaji Laminu Rabiu Danbappa ,has said that the 2,300 intending pilgrims are yet to complete the payments of the # 4.7 million total Hajj package.

At the official flag off of an enlightenment programme for intending pilgrims on Saturday, February 10, in the ancient city, Alhaji Danbappa while calling on the intending pilgrims to pay up, insisted that the Monday February 12 ,deadline remains sacrosanct .

He informed that a total of 5,934 Hajj seats have been alloted to kano pilgrims this year by the National Hajj Commission ,,with only 2,300 seats so far subscribed to .

Alhaji Danbappa further said that the authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the National Hajji Commission are insisting that all arrangements concerning this years Hajj will end on Monday February 12..

With more than half of the seats alloted still available ,the DG of the state pilgrims Board called on interested persons to avail themselves the remaining period before the dateline.

However, indications remained strong as at the time of this report that most intending pilgrims may have resolved to shelve this year’s exercise, owing largely to the realities of the current unfavorable economic situation.

The under-subscription of available official seats this year marks a drastic departure from the past when intending pilgrims struggled and even lobbied for seats.

Hold Tinubu Responsible For Defections Rocking Kano APC – Party Chieftain

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The Source

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February 12, 2024

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By Daniel Maduka

The gale of defections of some Local Council Chairmen and other high profile chieftains ricking the Kano State Chapter of the All progressive Congress APC, since the January 12, 2024, Supreme Court verdict which affirmed Abba Yusuf as the duly elected Governor of Kano has been attributed to the lackadaisical attitude of the Party’s National body.

The APC Kano, according to Hon Seyi Olorunsola is now paying the avoidable price of President Bola Tinubu’s submission to the alleged blackmailing and intimidating antics of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP in the count down to the decisive Supreme court ruling.

Below is a full text of his reaction to the Saturday February 10 defections of three APC Local Council Chairmen including those from the home Local councils of the National Chairman of APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, and the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawana to the NNPP.

“The recent wave of defections by Local Government Council Chairmen in Kano State from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the ruling New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the state has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, both within the state and at the national level.

“Notably, the defection of the Chairman of Dawakin Tofa Local Government, the immediate constituency of the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Chairman of Nasarawa Local Government Council, the constituency of the APC gubernatorial candidate in the last elections, Dr. Nasir Gawuna, has added a significant twist to the unfolding political drama.

“These events highlight concerns that I have raised long before the Supreme Court affirmed Governor Kabir Abba as the elected Governor of the state. I consistently emphasized that the leadership of the APC at the national level, particularly the Executive led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seemed too laid back in drumming up support for its candidate.

“Even when victories were secured at the Tribunal and the Appeal Court, the propaganda machine orchestrated by the NNPP, which essentially incited the public against the APC, set the stage for the events that unfolded at the Supreme Court.

“Without casting judicial prejudice on the judges involved, it is crucial to acknowledge the impact of the propaganda and misinformation campaign orchestrated by the NNPP. The lack of robust support from the President during the critical stages of the legal process allowed these narratives to gain traction, ultimately influencing the Supreme Court’s decision. Had the President thrown his full weight behind the APC candidate, the current scenario might have taken a different turn. Unfortunately, it appears the President allowed the situation in Kano to unfold, possibly with an eye on the 2027 elections, inadvertently pressing a self-destruct button.

“The aftermath of these defections has plunged the APC in Kano into a state of confusion, with the looming possibility of more individuals abandoning the party. It is essential to recognize that the APC National Chairman, despite appearances of losing grip in his immediate constituency, bears no blame for the current predicament. He has consistently demonstrated commitment to the party, and his efforts to navigate the complex legal terrain were hindered by the lack of decisive support from the Presidency.

“The withholding of support for the APC in Kano during crucial legal battles has left those who ardently supported the President during the Presidential Election in the state bearing the brunt of such indecision. It is imperative to note that the implications of these decisions go beyond the immediate political fallout, affecting the party’s credibility and unity in the state.

“In this challenging moment, I extend a heartfelt plea to APC supporters in Kano to maintain faith in the party’s leadership, under the steadfast guidance of the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Despite external pressures and internal challenges, he has consistently exemplified loyalty and dedication as a party stalwart. It is crucial for supporters to remain united, as any disintegration only plays into the divisive strategy employed by the NNPP to undermine the APC’s strength in the state.

“The NNPP’s role in orchestrating these defections is perceived as a divisive tactic aimed at breaking the ranks of the APC, creating an illusion of a fractured leadership both at the state and national levels. The initial optimism that the NNPP would join forces with the APC to strengthen its position in Kano now seems to be fading away.

“The Presidency’s gamble on the NNPP has unwittingly played into the deceitful nature of the party, further complicating the political landscape in Kano.

Having made a first gaffe in succumbing to the manipulative games of the NNPP, the Presidency must be wary of not further playing into the hands of the Leader of the party in the person of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, whose ambition is to be the de facto political party of Kano State.

“The game-plan would be to edge Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje out of the position of National Chairmanship of the APC, thereby paving a clear path for Senator Kwankwaso to have his way in Kano and in the next elections.

“President Tinubu must be wary of the scheme being hatched. As we navigate this challenging period, it is crucial to foster a sense of unity within the APC in Kano and reaffirm our commitment to the party’s principles and objectives. The internal strength of the APC should not be underestimated, and despite the current challenges, there is potential for resilience and resurgence. It is a time for introspection, strategic planning, and rallying behind the National Chairman to steer the party through these turbulent waters.

“In conclusion, the events in Kano underscore the importance of robust and unwavering support from party members and leaders. The APC must learn from this experience, recognizing the need for proactive and united action to secure its political standing. Together, we can overcome the current challenges, rebuild trust, and emerge stronger, ensuring that the APC remains a formidable force in Kano State and beyond.”

Hon. Olorunsola is an APC Stalwart

Herbert Wigwe: Saying Goodbye – Alex Otti

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The Source

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February 12, 2024

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Herbert why? Why? Why? You told me you were going for a board meeting in London from where you will head out to the US and return after a few days and immediately come to Abia to see me. So, what happened?

Since this news filtered out, I’ve not been able to put my head down. I spoke to Peggy who was broken but strong. I refused to believe. Many others confirmed but they were also reporting other people. Then comes this call minutes ago from Sola Faleye, my younger friend whom you “acquired” as you took over Diamond Bank. You had severally shared how one of the best things about the acquisition of Diamond Bank was Sola. He was with you everywhere you went but alas, Sola was unreachable all throughout yesterday. For some reason, he had to step down from that ill-fated Chopper to accompany the luggage by road. His name remains on the manifest! It is now clear that you are no more!

What do we tell Tochi and the little ones? Who will tell Mummy Stella and Daddy Shyngle who you celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary two years ago? How about those of us who have come to see you as part of life? Your dream Wigwe University which you told me was going to be the Harvard of Africa? Who will carry on with that dream? We had extensively talked about setting up a scholarship scheme to support brilliant but indigent students. Who will ensure that this dream is delivered?

This death is too big a blow to me personally and all those that knew you closely. You were not only my friend but my brother. Your constant encouragement and sometimes insistence have been very helpful in a lot of decisions one took. Even in the most difficult moment, you were always there to share ideas. You always came from very unpopular perspectives, disagreeing with conventional wisdom. Your can-do spirit was infectious! You would prove book makers wrong, even with your “Mergers and Acquisition” mindset.

I remember taking you up about 15 years ago quoting a research-based position that over 70% of mergers and acquisition destroy shareholder value. Your response was that Access Bank was in the 30% category!

A few years ago, when a group of friends and I were working on a banking license, you drove to my house unannounced and insisted, “Alex, I’m glad you are working on a new bank, but I came to tell you that you should not run the bank. You have finished with banking; we need you in Abia and Abia needs you. We must get some of us that have the courage to go into public office, and you must remain there!” Since then, you have been consistent in your support.

This is one of the saddest moments in my life. To worsen the situation, Chizoba and Chizzy who hardly fly with you were in that chopper. I’m still trying to make sense of the whole situation. I wish someone would wake me up and reassure me that this was a bad dream! But alas it is real.

Good night my own brother Herbert!

Good night, Chizoba!

Good night, Chizzy!

It is well with your souls.

Dr Otti, OFR, is the Governor of Abia State

Kano’s Anti-Corruption Agency Seal Warehouses Over Hoarding Of Commodities

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The Source

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February 12, 2024

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By Daniel Maduka

Barely two days after its threat to clamp down on all dealers found to be hoarding essential commodities, Kano state Anti- Corruption Commission, on Sunday February 11 sealed several warehouses containing goods worth millions of Naira in the commercial hub of the North.

The raid on suspected hoarders of essential commodities ,which was personally led by the Head of the Anti- Graft Agenc, Muhyi Magaji, a Lawyer, saw many warehouses located along the popular Grain Market in Dawanau, and others at Singer and Kwari Markets in the metropolis sealed.

As at the time of the clamp down, most of the owners of the storage facilities were not available.

This Magazine gathered that many of the warehouse owners reportedly got wind of the operation, and decided to stay away to avoid possible arrest and prosecution.

Most of the affected facilities were discovered to be fully stocked with consumables like rice, pastas, sugar and other essential commodities whose prices have of recent gone beyond the reach of the ordinary people.

In the main, the Anti – Corruption body has issued terse notices to the owners of the affected facilities to submit themselves to the agency, in readiness for prosecution.

“As you can see, the Kano State Public Complaint Commission has made good its promise to go after hoarders of essential commodities in the state.

“The operation started on Thursday, and so far, we have made an appreciable impact in stopping the hoarding of essential commodities as well as in halting rise in their prices.

“We are taking over the warehouses for now and we are going to make some arrests and prosecution. We can not continue to tolerate all these orchestrated plots to suffer our people.” Magaji retorted.”

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Disappoint Nigerians, Not Good Enough For Gold

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Akinwale Kasali

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February 12, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Millions of Nigerians are devastated following an abysmal performance by the Super Eagles in the final of the African Cup of Nations championship. The team lost to host, the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire 2-1.

The host Country dominated the game all through the match, dictating the pace and creating good scoring chances.

The Super Eagles took the lead courtesy of a header from Captain, William Troost Ekong.

At the beginning of the second half, the host continued where they started from, shooting from all cylinders, and posing threats from the wings, forcing Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali to make several saves.

The breakthrough however came for the host through Frank Kessie who nodded in for the deserved equalizer from a Simon Adingra cross.

The host never rested on their oars as they pushed for the second goal, and got it courtesy of Sebastian Haller.

The Super Eagles had just one shot on goal all through the entire match, making it their poorest outing at the AFCON 2023 tournament.

As expected, Coach Jose Peseiro started the game with his usual first eleven, with only Samuel Chukwueze coming in for Moses Simon.

Nigerians were left disappointed with the outcome of the match, as tears flowed freely on the faces of football fans and enthusiast, who are yet to come to terms with the loss.

William Troost Ekong was adjudged the Player of the Tournament, while Equatorial Guinea player, Emilio Nsue won the Golden Boot, and a South Africa Goalkeeper, Romwen Williams was the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

Uzodimma In Shock Over Wigwe, Ogunbanjo’s Death

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The Source

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February 11, 2024

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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State is in shock over the unfortunate fatal plane crash involving the Chief Executive Officer/ Group Managing Director of Access Holdings, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Chizoba, his son, and Chief Abimbola Ogunbanjo, among others.

The report was not just shocking to Governor Uzodimma but has devastated him.

Wigwe, his wife, son, Chief Ogunbanjo who is the Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group ( NGX Group) and the crew members of Eurocopter EC130 died in a crash Friday when the helicopter went down near Baker, a town of 700 people about 153 kilometers South west of Las Vagas in the United States.

A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to Governor Uzodimma said his Principal is still in shock over the ugly incident and yet to come to terms with the reality that Wigwe, his wife , his son and Ogunbanjo are no more.

He said the death of the Wigwes and Chief Ogunbanjo becomes more devastating to the Governor as he recalls his close relationship with them.

The statement said while the Governor will miss the deceased sorely, it is his prayer that God will grant their families, friends and associates the grace to bear the huge loss.

Tinubu Shouldn’t Be Blamed For Nigeria’s Economic Hardship – Sanusi Lamido

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Ayodele Oni

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February 11, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Former Emir of Kano, Sanusi, Lamido has said that Nigerians lived a fake lifestyle during eight years of the immediate past administration with huge debt from foreign and domestic debts.

The deposed Emir noted that it would be unfair to criticize or blame President Bola Tinubu over the country’s present economic hardship.

Sanusi, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who spoke during a virtual religious event on Sunday, said Nigerians who expected him to speak about the economic hardship deliberately wanted him to oppose the President.

He explained that he had to deviate from the religious theme of the event to remind Nigerians on his stand on the badly managed economic policies of the immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari.

He stated that the Buhari administration ignored his advice on how to take Nigeria out of its economic woes.

Mr Sanusi pointed out that economists with a fair sense of reasoning know that the current administration has made the right decision on fuel subsidy removal to save Nigeria from the bondage of debts dug by the past administration.

“I have been, over the years, talking about the pending crisis ahead of the current economic hardship. Any economist who has studied monetary policy in the last eight years knows that Nigerians will fall into this difficult situation.

“The difficult situation Nigerians are facing is just the beginning (if the right decision is not put in place) because Nigeria is not exceptional; such situations happened in Germany, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Venezuela.

“The previous administration turned adamant about our appeal for corrective measures on the economic policy.

“I have said in the presence of the now sitting president in Kaduna state, any politician who tells you that things will be easy, don’t vote for him because he is lying. People merely dismissed my advisory as a political statement.

“If I am to be fair and just to President Bola Tinubu, he is not to blame for the current hardship; for eight years, we were living on a fake lifestyle with huge debt from foreign and domestic debts.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria owes over N30 trillion, which resulted in debt service surpassing 100 per cent.

“I can’t join other Nigerians criticising Tinubu on the current economic hardship, and I am not saying he is a saint free from wrongdoing.

“But in this current economic situation, President Tinubu is not to be blamed. I will also speak if I see any wrong economic policy of the Tinubu administration in the future.

“It’s injustice for anyone to blame the Tinubu administration for the current economic hardship because there is no other alternative than the removal of the fuel subsidy. After all, Nigeria cannot even afford to pay the subsidy.

“In the last eight years, the Central Bank continues to print more money, and the Naira continue to depreciate. There is too much naira in circulation because the CBN is printing the currency without restraint.

“The economy was poorly managed, and they are not willing to take advice; in the last eight years, apart from sycophancy, nothing has been done; those sycophants are those buying the dollar at the rate of N400 and selling it at the rate of N600 to N700.

“A boy who has no record of service has a private jet and owns houses in Dubai and England just because he is buying Dollar at so so a rate and selling them.

“I can only plead with the people to endure the hardship, and those who have the means to help the downtrodden should do so.

“I am also pleading with commoners to live according to their earnings; we must not peg our lives above our earnings in this difficult situation where people are looking for what to eat.

Access Holdings Mourns Wigwe’s

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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February 11, 2024

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Herbert Wigwe - Access Bank MD arrested by EFCC

Access Holdings Plc Board has announced the passing of its Group Managing Director, Herbert Wigwe.

The Groups chief executive died alongside his wife, and son in a fatal helicopter crash that occurred near the Nevada-California border on Friday.

The magazine reports that all the six occupants of the crashed helicopter died immediately, but US aviation authorities has yet to identify other passengers who died in the ill-fated crash.

According to a statement released on Sunday, and made available to the Magazine the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc confirmed the demise of the founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary Access Bank Plc.

The group said it will ensure that the legacy left by its demised GMD is not destroyed.

The statement signed by the company’s secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, Access Holdings said Wigwe’s death is painful and a big loss to the group.

It said: “The entire Access Family mourns the loss of Herbert, Doreen, and Chizi. We extend our deep and sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones,” the statement said.

“Dr. Wigwe was a key driving force and a larger-than-life personality who brought his remarkable passion, energy, and experience to the transformation of the Access franchise since joining the Bank in 2002.”

Speaking on Wigwe’s legacy, Abubakar Jimoh, Chairman of Access Holdings, said, “The Access Family has suffered a major loss with the passing of Dr Wigwe, who was a great friend and fine gentleman.

“He had a prodigious intellect, admirable personal qualities, and vast business experience, which he brought to bear on the Access Family, and for which we owe him a debt of gratitude.

“In line with the Company’s policy, the Board will soon announce the appointment of an Acting Group Chief Executive Officer. However, we remain confident that the Access Group will build further on Dr Wigwe’s legacy of growth and operational excellence.”

Wigwe’s Profile

Dr. Wigwe was instrumental in the growth of Access Bank, which he co-founded with his friend and business partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. He took over as Access Bank Group CEO in 2014, focusing on the Bank’s expansion in Nigeria and Africa before taking the helm at Access Holdings in 2022. Under his leadership, Access Bank drove its African strategy to become Sub Saharan Africa’s largest retail bank by customer base.

Dr. Wigwe was a member of the Access Bank UK board as well as the board of the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA). He has long been an advocate for the eradication of malaria in Africa, working with the Corporate Alliance on Malaria to support this objective. He also sat on the board of the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company and Friends Africa and was an honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and Institute of Credit Administration.

A two-time winner of the African Banker of the Year award from the African Banker Awards, Dr. Wigwe was a passionate advocate of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which form the bedrock of Access Holdings’ growth strategy.

His academic credentials include a degree in Accounting from the University of Nigeria, an MA in Banking and Finance from the University College of North Wales (now Bangor University), and an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of London. He also completed the Harvard Business School Executive Management Program.

Dr. Wigwe recently founded Wigwe University, Africa’s first ivy league institution dedicated to providing a world-class education and raising the next generation of fearless leaders.

Meanwhile, Access Bank said on Sunday that it is cooperating with US authorities which are currently investigating the fatal crash to ascertain what led to it.

Wigwe: Blow By Blow Details of How He Died

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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February 11, 2024

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The chief executive of one of Nigeria’s largest banks was among the six people killed when the helicopter they were on crashed Friday night in California.

The chartered helicopter departed Palm Springs at 8:45 p.m. en route to Boulder City, Nevada, but “impacted the ground” near Halloran Springs, California, at 10:08 p.m., National Transportation Safety Board member Michael Graham said at a news conference Saturday night.

All six people on board — the pilot-in-command, a safety pilot and four passengers — were killed, Graham said.

Authorities have not publicly identified the victims.

A fourth passenger, Bimbo Ogunbanjo, also known as Abimbola Ogunbanjo, was among the dead, she said. He is the former chair of NGX Group, the Nigerian stock exchange.

Graham said the aircraft, an Airbus Helicopters H130, was operated and chartered by Orbic Air. The California-based company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Multiple motorists on nearby Interstate 15, which runs from near the U.S.-Mexico border to Las Vegas en route to Canada, reported seeing either the crash or its resulting fire Friday night, he said.

“There was fire when the aircraft did contact the terrain,” Graham said, citing witness accounts.

Halloran Springs, the name for a natural springs site in the Mojave Desert and its surrounding community, is about 80 miles south of Las Vegas, where the Super Bowl between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs is set to be held Sunday.

Boulder Springs is about 25 miles outside Las Vegas

Graham said witnesses reported rain and “a wintry mix” of weather at the time of the crash, and NTSB investigators will further investigate the weather conditions.

Temperatures in the area were in the high 20s at the time of the crash, according to National Weather Service data. Winds were fairly light, at around 10 mph, but gusts were starting to move in, and some were measured at 29 mph before the sun rose Saturday, according to the weather service.

The California Highway Patrol reported shortly after the crash that a “large band of snow” was moving through Halloran Springs, according to a log of traffic incidents. It said the snow was moderate and mixed with rain.

The cause of the crash has not been determined.

Wigwe was being mourned as an influential banker who had grand ambitions for his native Nigeria and beyond.

“The death of Roosevelt Herbert Wigwe is a terrible blow for Nigeria and Africa’s banking industry,” Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson and special adviser to President Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu of Nigeria, said on X.

“Wigwe had a big vision to make Access Holdings Africa’s biggest, with all the unquenchable thirst for acquisitions,” he continued, referring to Access Bank’s parent company.

Nigerian journalist and celebrity Modele Sarafa-Yusuf said on her social media accounts Saturday that Wigwe was a friend, and that his loss is profound.

“He had such amazing impact in banking and finance, art, education, and philanthropy,” she said. “Cerebral and quick-witted, he was always a joy to be around.”

Culled From NBC UNIVERSAL

Bandits In Zamfara Siphon Petrol In Bread, Jerry Cans – Govt Alleges

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Ayodele Oni

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February 11, 2024

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Dauda Lawal - Zamfra State Governor — Governor Dauda Lawal

By Ayodele Oni

The Zamfara State Government has botched activities of bandits in the state that are using bread and Jerry cans to buy petrol from filling stations.

The state government has therefore announced ban on selling petroleum products in Jerry cans to motorists by filling stations, bakeries and bread sellers.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the State Security Council meeting held at Government House Chamber Gusau, Commissioner of Information and Culture, Mannir Haidara said the council resolution was taken as a result of the nefarious activities of some filling stations who sell petroleum in Jerry cans and breads to some suspected armed bandits in rural communities in the state.

According to the Commissioner, the sale of petroleum products in Jerry cans and breads to suspected bandits has become very rampant in almost all the communities in the state and government would not continue to fold its arms and watch these nefarious acts.

He advised the affected filling stations, bakeries and bread sellers on vehicles and motorcycles to desist from the acts, and called on the security agencies to apprehend any defaulter found breaching the law and order.

“The Council observed with dismay the attitudes of some filling stations, bakeries and bread sellers in some rural area of the state who are using vehicles, motorcycle and bread to buy petroleum products for some suspected armed bandits, we advised them to desist from the acts.”

In the same vein, as part of the commitments to again address the lingering security challenges in the state, Haidara further informed that the use of tinted glass, closing of plate numbers and mounting of siren by some individual on unauthorized vehicles has been banned by the council and directed the security agencies to arrest and prosecute the offenders.

The commissioner advised motorists who are yet to register their vehicle plate Number with relevant government authority to do so with immediate effect as law enforcement agents have been mandated to arrest and prosecute defaulters.

The Commissioner disclosed that some rustled cows have been recovered from bandits and called on the general public whose cattles were stolen to come along with supporting evidence to reclaim their animals after completing the due process.

While calling on the general public to be law abiding citizens by supporting government programmes and policies, Haidara further reiterated Governor Dauda Lawal led administration’s determination in tackling insecurity in the state.