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

By
Akinwale Kasali
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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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Fire Fighting Engines

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

An emergency security council meeting was held in Osogbo, Osun State on Tuesday, following what  Governor Ademola Adeleke described as threat to peace and security within the state school system and rural farm communities.

The governor explained that the  meeting of the state security council became imperative in order to put in place major security reforms.

In a statement, the Governor made reference to intelligence snippets of deliberate mobilisation of criminal elements to the rural areas of the state, stressing that such reports are alarming and pose serious concerns to the well being of Osun people.

He noted that the administration is worried about reports that those behind the plot are targeting disruption of farming activities through kidnappings and attacks on rural farm settlements.

It was further revealed that schools are being targeted with abductions and attacks as a way of distraction from the implementation of the safe school initiative and the multi-billion naira infrastructure plan.

Adeleke noted that while a meeting of the state security council has been summoned, preliminary directives have been issued to school authorities to take precautions to enhance the safety of pupils and students.

“The Ministry of Education and all education agencies have been ordered to review safety measures in Osun schools in line with the safe school initiative.

“In specific terms, school principals and heads are expected to clear overgrown school environments and ensure close liaison with the Parents and Teachers Association to secure their school environments.”

According to the Governor, “we expect the initial report to contain practical and implementable measures to safeguard our farming communities through closer integration and mobilization of the local hunters and forest rangers.”

The Governor further announced plans to embark on major reforms of the Amotekun security force, frowning at the internal rivalry, opposition penetration and external intervention that are negatively affecting the operation of the Amotekun force.

The Amotekun, the Governor noted, is to be reorganized to make it a truly efficient force to complement the efforts and operation of the police and other security agencies.

He assured the public that his administration has taken preemptive steps to secure schools and farming communities, describing Osun as a peaceful state which will not succumb to attempts to destabilize the peace and harmony among our people.

“I have summoned a meeting of the State Security Council to firm up all plans. I assure our people that I am on top of the situation. We are committed to securing our school, our farm, our society.

“No stone will be left unturned to disrupt plans of enemies of progress to plunge the state into crisis. I urge members of the public to inform security agencies of any unusual movement or activities across the State.”

Ondo Governorship: Gov Aiyedatiwa Declares Interest, Says He’s Next Annoited Governor

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday officially declared intention to run for the governorship of the state.

Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has fixed November 17 for the governorship election, while primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to elect its flagbearer will hold in April.

Aiyedatiwa became governor of the state in December last year following the demise of former governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

He is expected to complete the second term tenure of Akeredolu in February, next year.

Aiyedatiwa re echoed what he termed wish of the late governor, which was “that I succeed him, not in death though, as the next Governor of the State.”

“He was a courageous and visionary leader who had no time for pretence and so he expressed this wish at different fora in both public and private.

“All was with one conviction and implicit confidence in me to carry on the torch of accelerated development which he lighted first in 2017 and later renewed under a joint ticket for both of us in the 2021 gubernatorial election.”

He highlighted various achievements of the administration since his assumption of office which he said has brought back the people’s confidence in the administration.

“All these combined have quickly restored the confidence of our people in the administration, a confidence that was earlier eroded by the inordinate quest of anti- democracy elements.

“Today, I have come before you in response to the popular yearnings and aspirations of our people to sustain this path of progress and development in the State.

Our people and party faithfuls, through multi-dimensional platforms, have expressed their desire for the continuity of this administration beyond 2025.

“The trajectory of my experiences in governance as former Representative of Ondo State on the Board of NDDC, one-time Deputy Governor, and three times Acting Governor under our late sage and now the incumbent Governor of Ondo State are is too material to be wished away!

“The poser therefore is whether or not to respect the people’s yearnings for sustainable good governance they have enjoyed in the last seven years.

“The people of Ondo State must not suddenly find themselves in Egypt. Never!Today, I stand before you in all humility and with a fierce commitment to the greatness of our Sunshine State.

“I offer myself, in difference to your popular yearnings and upon wide consultations, not just to run the race, but to be the candidate of our great party, APC in the 2024 gubernatorial election.

“I have a clear agenda to sustain Ondo State on the path of glory and development. Life must be more meaningful to our people

“My mission would focus on key developmental issues to alleviate poverty, banish hunger and make Ondo State self-sustaining.

My development agenda is to emplace a State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (SEEDS). Under SEEDS, we would harmonize all plans for economic development.

“The strategy of this MISSION is to birth policies aimed at wealth creation, employment generation, sustenance of high standard of living and consequently eradicate poverty among the people.

Aside Aiyedatiwa, other aspirants including Olusola Oke, who is vying for the third time, Wale Akinterinwa, former Finance Commissioner in late Akeredolu’s government and Isaacs Kekemeke among others have lined up for the APC ticket.

Jigawa Establishes 500 Ramadan Feeding Centres

By
The Source
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Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa state

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In its determination to mitigate the present economic hardship on its citizens, particularly during this holy month of Ramadan, the Jigawa state Government has listed about 500 feeding centres across the state .

The Feeding (breaking of  fast centres)  operation began on Monday, March 11, 2024, to the end of the Ramadan in 30 days time, according to a statement issued by Hajiaya Zainab Rabo Ringim,the Special Assistant Media  to Governor Umar Namadi .

The feeding programme which will allow the people to break their fast stress free ,is coming on the heels of the State Government’s distribution of 150,000 bags of rice ,150,000 bags of maize and 100 000 cartons of noodles across the 27 local council of the state last week.

No fewer than 5 million residents are targeted by the Ramadan feeding programme.

Governor Namadi while acknowledging that government at all levels are conscious of the excruciating economic situation in the country, however assured that there is an end in sight .

He appealed to the people to remain patient and prayerful, assuring that the harsh economic situation will soon be  over as government at all levels are working hard to re jig the economy.

“Our mission is to support the citizens ,with a view to reducing the hardship ,particularly in  this trying period of 2024 Ramadan fasting .

Government will continue to provide various means of support to the poor and vulnerable members of the society to improve their lives” Governor Namadi stated

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Auwalu Sankara, while appreciating Governor Namadi for his passion for assisting the poor and vulnerable residents through various interventionist schemes, assured that his ministry would ensure  a regime of transparency in  distributing the food items.

LAHA Urges Governor Sanwo-Olu To Employ More Neighbourhood Watch Officers Over Spate Of Insecurity In The Country

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu to take drastic action on the spate of kidnapping spreading across some States of the federation by employing personnels in the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, LNSC, to effectively assist other security agencies.

The House also commended President Bola Tinubu for his favourable disposition to the issue of State Police just as it praised the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for raising a voice and advocating for capital punishments as a deterrent.

The issue which was discussed under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’ followed the recent kidnapping of about 280 children in Kaduna, the about 102 kidnapped in Borno and 15 kidnapped in Sokoto recently.

Noting that the case of the Chibok girls was yet to abate, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, said it was very important for every Nigerian to rise up and speak against kidnapping just as he sympathised with affected states and families of victims.

Obasa said it was painful that while parents struggle to send their children to school to seek knowledge, “evil people in the name of kidnappers are hell-bent on destroying the future of the children

“It is very important for all of us to rise up and find a lasting solution. Security is very essential in every given society and if we fail to protect lives, then what do we have as responsibility?

“We must commend our First Lady for being bold and coming out and even talking about capital punishment.”

The Speaker commended the military for its effort, but said more can be done even if it means relocating to areas where these attacks are frequent.

He recalled the situation that necessitated the enactment of the anti-kidnapping law of Lagos State some years ago urging the National Assembly to review existing laws relating to kidnapping and expedite action on state police.

The Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, said it is necessary at this time to call on governors and speakers of states to act regarding related legislation.

In their contributions, Hon. Tobun Abiodun and Nureni Akinsanya commended the Speaker for raising the issue while noting that Lagos is gradually experiencing cases of kidnappings.

Their colleague, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, suggested the establishment of special courts to try alleged kidnappers and speed up trial processes while Hon. Abiodun Orekoya urged the military to employ technology in their surveillance.

Meanwhile, the  Lawmakers congratulated Muslims in Nigeria as the Ramadan commences.

Obasa urged those who have to share with those in need. He urged Muslims to pray for peace and the country while encouraging Nigerians to show love to one another irrespective of religious beliefs.

Budget Padding: You Are On Your Own, Northern Senators Hit Ningi

By
James Orji
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Senator Ningi

Budget Padding: Northern Senators throw Ningi Under The Bus, Support Tinubu

Northern Senators, under the aegis of Northern Senators Forum has disowned Senator Ahmed Abdul Ningi over his claim that the federal government was implementing a different version of the 2024 Budget.

Senator Ningi had at the weekend told BBC Hausa Service that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was not implementing this year’s budget passed by the National Assembly last December.

The senator who’s the Senate Minority Leader also accused the federal government of shortchanging the North in the budget which he claimed favoured the south.

The presidency has pushed back stating that the federal government is currently implementing the N28.5 trillion passed by the Assembly.

The controversy has divided the Senate which is billed to meet today to discuss the matter.

Reacting on Monday, some Northern Senators said Senator Ningi was on his own on the matter. They added that Ningi is trying to play divisive politics, and they are not with him.

The senators include Iyal Abbas from Adamawa, Ibrahim Bomoi from Yobe, Abdullahi Yar’ Adua, and four others, who said the remark of Senator Ningi who is the Chairman of the Forum, on the Budget, did not represent their position.

The senators who spoke to journalists yesterday said, “We, the undersigned on behalf of the Senators from the 19 Northern States and the FCT, under the aegis of Northern Senators Forum (NSF), hereby state that Senator Ahmed Abdul Ningi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP, Bauchi Central), who also happens to be the chairman of our forum, was on his own in the claims he made on the BBC Hausa Service on the 2024 budget.

“As such, the view he expressed was his personal opinion, sentiment and unfortunately skewed, incorrect and misleading.

“There was never a time where we held a meeting and mandated Senator Ningi to address the press on the said matter.

“The budget was presented to the National Assembly during a joint session of the two chambers – Senate and House of Representatives – by President Bola Tinubu on November 29, 2023, in line with the requirement of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Both chambers of the National Assembly diligently and meticulously debated, processed and passed the proposal of the President. And satisfied with it, the President assented to it.

“It is clear that Mr President presented a budget of N27. 5 trillion to the National Assembly and the Assembly passed a budget of N28.7 trillion based on the need to make increases or decreases in the appropriations of the various MDAs, which is in tandem with the legislative powers of the National Assembly in order to address critical projects and services across various sectors.

“Therefore, the statement made by Senator Ningi that the 2024 budget presented to the National Assembly by Mr President was the sum of N25 trillion was not correct and that should not be taken as the position of the Northern Senators Forum.

“To the best of our knowledge, there was no budget padding whatsoever that was done to the 2024 budget.

“The assertion by Senator Ningi that certain things were done to the bill is his personal opinion. It is not the view of the generality of us, the Northern Senators.

“Hence, we strongly and collectively dissociate ourselves from his action which was grossly unparliamentary.

“That, we, the Northern Senators are solidly behind President Bola Tinubu and we will continue to support him to succeed in addressing the challenges facing our country.

“Nigeria, at this particular moment, does not need ethnic sentiments but collaborations of all to bring prosperity to our beloved country, the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We will continue to work with our brothers and sisters from the southern part of the country to move our country forward for the benefit of all and sundry,” the senators added.

Electricity Infrastructure Vandals, Thieves Face Death Penalty

By
James Orji
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Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu says the federal government has proposed the death penalty for those who sabotaged the countries power infrastructure.

Adelabu made this known while addressing chief executives of departments and agencies under his ministry on Monday.

The minister said the law would soon be sent to the National Assembly for approval.

Recall that the minister recently blamed the epileptic power supply in the country on vandals and thieves, who he said were destroying power infrastructure.

For these set of persons, Adelabu said capital punishment will not be too much for sabotaging the country, stressing that their activities have frustrated the efforts of the Federal Government in ensuring improved supply of electricity, adding that they are dragging the rest of Nigerians backward.

Adelabu who said the policy framework will be sent to the National Assembly before the end of this month said the vandals deserves to die because they ‘are killing the economy,” adding that the ministry is currently working with the ‘National Security Agency,’ NSA, to ensure that the plan materialized.

“Capital punishment is not too much because they are also gradually killing the nation. They are killing the economy. They are killing the people,” Adelabu said.

CBN: Finally, Senate Probes N30trn Borrowed By Buhari From Apex Bank

By
James Orji
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0

CBN: Senate Probes N30trn Ways and Means

Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria’s Senate President has urged the ad hoc committee set up to investigate the N30 trillion Ways and Means under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to be thorough in the work, saying this is not the time for frivolities.

Akpabio gave the order on Monday while inaugurating the committee at the Senate Chamber in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Recall that the former administration had borrowed over N30 trillion form the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN under the Ways and Means, thus steering condemnation among Nigerians that President Buhari and Godwin Emefiele, abused the CBN Act.

The Act specified that federal government should not borrow more than five percent of the yearly budget form the apex bank.

That apparently was not what happened under Buhari who estimated to have borrowed N30 trillion from the CBN.

THE Ways and Mean under Buhari has been blamed for the current inflation in the country, because more money was printed under the administration without commensurate production.

Recently too, Akpabio had blamed the former President for destroying the nation’s economy.

Speaking yesterday, the Senate President said the committee had a huge task in their hands, saying they should work for the common good of the country.

He said the outcome of the probe will stop further abuse of the Ways and means in the future, adding that whatever they do must be in the interest of the country, stressing that whatever the committee is doing should not be driven by personal interest.

According to Akpabio, “By working harmoniously, we can ensure that the Ways and Means in Nigeria are managed prudently, efficiently, and in accordance with the law.

“Moreover, confidentiality is paramount to your work. The information and data we gather during our investigations are sensitive and must be handled with the utmost care and discretion.

“Adhering to strict protocols will ensure the security and integrity of the information you uncover.

“In carrying out your mandate, it is imperative that you engage with relevant stakeholders, experts, and organizations.

“Their valuable insights and perspectives will strengthen the credibility and comprehensiveness of your findings and recommendations.”

Few weeks to the end of his administration, former President Buhari had asked the Senate to approve over N22 trillion he borrowed from the CBN.

But records however showed that what the administration borrowed from the apex bank was as much as N30 trillion.

Tinubu Begs Govs To Pay New Minimum Wage

By
James Orji
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President Bola Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to 36 State governors in the country to implement the new minimum wage to reduce the hardship on the citizens.

President Tinubu made the appeal in Niger state at the flag-off of the agricultural mechanization revolution for food security and the commissioning of the remodelled domestic terminal of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport on Monday.

The organized Labour in the country had proposed over N709,000 as minimum wage while the federal government has offered N30,000 for the public work force.

The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC said last week that the N709,000 is comensurate  with the current economic realities in the country.

Some states governments have yet to implement the last minimum wage of N18,000 per worker, fueling fear that such states may not be able to pay the approved N30,000 wage.

Speaking yesterday, Tinubu said the poverty in the country would be alleviated if sub-nationals could pay the new wage to their workers.

The president also stated that the paying the new wage will not lead to inflation in the country as being contemplated by some analysts.

Tinubu said: “If all of you, the sub-nationals have been paying the wages award, pending the determination of the new salary wage. Let all the states start paying the wages award. Whatever they are taking now plus the wage award would relieve the public.

“Please, I am not giving an order, I am appealing to you states, start paying the wages awards, let everyone start paying it. It is a relief to the people. The mechanism is the fact that it won’t be inflationary if we announce the new salary wage in a few weeks or months, they would have gotten used to the basic wages of N30,000 plus the wages award, and it will have a dampening effect on the market. Please get sub-nationals together and NEC should adopt this.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, has rejected the new minimum wage proposed by the country’s labour union.

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