Nigeria @ 60, Gombe @ 24: Double Cheers in Gombe State

By Ismaila Uba Misilli

The mood nationwide is genial as Nigerians celebrate 60 years of nationhood.  To analysts and commentators alike, the situation is not different except the expected divergence of opinion on our level of success, depending on perceptions and may be convictions. While some would claim there is not much to celebrate, others are wont to believe that in spite of all the challenges facing the country right now, there is so much to celebrate particularly the fact that we are still together as an entity and hopeful that the lofty height of greatness we covet is still within our reach to accomplish. Perhaps, affirming this confidence, the Federal Government has actually sequenced the 60th anniversary as a year-long event, underscoring the importance attached to it. 

For us in Gombe State, it’s a double celebration: we are marking our 60th independence as a nation and the 24th year anniversary of the creation of our drear state.

It has been a long journey now, relatively, from the inception when the state was administered by the military running into the civilian administration and the new vistas being heralded and engineered by the current leadership in the state.

At both national and state levels, issues arise as to the extent of success we have achieved or should have attained in maximizing our potentials just as we take stock of the challenges we need to surmount in order to make our desired marks in the future.

For Nigeria as a country, it is apt to say that it has been a mixed feeling. As juxtaposed earlier, many believe that we could have done better than the prevailing socio-economic and political situation we find ourselves today. But there are so many others, including yours sincerely hold the view that Nigeria has made real progress considering the circumstances of birth and challenges of nationhood compared with other nations of similar background and realities. Indeed that the future is quite great as we continue to work on our drawbacks and being realistic to cope with the issues of socio-economic and political development.  Aside, it is unarguable that the current situation is not peculiar to Nigeria but exigent challenges nations around the world are trying to cope with in varying dimensions of success.

Somehow, the situation in Gombe State is one of exhilarating joy of triumphs, not only on the import of the creation of the state out of the old Bauchi State as a necessity to bring development closer to the people but also on the fundamental issue of real growth and development over time especially by some distinct leaders at the helms at different times. 

In critical evaluation, the military eras were mainly devoted to laying the foundation for proper building of the state as we have it today. The respective military administrators made some noticeable impact upon which the successive leaders, mainly civilians, built and amplified the vision of the founding fathers.

Accordingly, it is imperative to salute the pioneering roles of military leaders like the then Group Captain Joseph Orji and Mohammed Bawa both of whom had some short stay in office.

And from 1999 when the 4th Republic took off, one is bound  to reckon with the modest stewardship of Governor Abubakar Habu Hashidu, relayed and bolstered when Governor Mohammed Danjuma Goje took over amid tremendous efforts made to really move quicker to the mission and vision of why Gombe was created. Admittedly, Goje realized early the challenges faced by the relatively new state especially in terms of development, and worked hard with his team, which Muhammadu  Inuwa Yahaya was a key member as commissioner of finance and economic planning,  make it possible to have a modern state where critical infrastructure and development initiatives hallmarked his administration. Goje remains an illuminating leader of modern Gombe, one who showed the way for a competitive stewardship and possibilities after his illustrious tenure. From him to the Ibrahim Hassan  Dankwanbo administration, we also saw some gleam of contributions to the development of the state even in varying dimensions. 

But many discerning minds are wont to believe that the coming in of the current governor of the state, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, is a turning point in some distinctive leadership, a situation which actually makes the celebration of Gombe State at 24 the more enthusiastic because of the innovations and extent of reforms that are reshaping the essence of development as basis for the creation of the state on October 1, 1996.

Governor Yahaya has in a revolutionary manner created a template that has modernized administration with major in-built mechanisms to foster effective, efficient and inclusive administration. We now have a formidable governance structure that is so institutionalized and working to deliver the goods. 

We can see the critical concern to make governance work for the people as envisioned by the founding fathers of the state and in consonance with the dictates of democracy as a form of government. 

In this regard, we are most certain on the landmark achievements of the government in the areas of education, health, environment and infrastructure, ensuring that government fulfills its promises to the people as a basic responsibility.  

Other major indices of good governance as indicated in the quest to industrialize the state and serious citizen engagement and empowerment are particularly exciting and futuristic. So much is happening now with specific implications for the future greatness of the state. 

But beyond the various admirable outlooks as we now see in the state, there is the greater accolade that Gombe is steadying towards a major revival in outstanding relevance in the comity of states in the country in no distant time with the vision of the current leadership being carried to a logical end. Besides being the economic cum political epicenter of the North East, the critical issue here is the question of leadership which Governor Inuwa Yahaya has so far imbued in the entire echelon of the administration, which he leads with distinction.

It is arguable that the foundation of Gombe State is now cresting to the founding vision which, in most calculations, rest on the extent of leadership commitment and actual delivery on the wellbeing of the people, to live a better life within the basic index of development.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya is moderating a new clime of conscious idealism placed side-by-side with realism on the journey so far and the way forward on how best Gombe could be a model state.

The key pillars of this reality would inevitably be in the realm of economic prosperity and political stability, raising hope that the essence of good governance as defined by Plato is being actualized in the context of his valid argument that “politics needs expert rulers, and they cannot come to it merely by accident…that political decisions require good judgment”.

Nigeria @60: The County Has The Capacity, Potentials & Wherewithal To Be A Producer Rather Than A Consumer Nation - Gov. Sani Bello

As Nigeria attains 60 years of independence, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has decried the persistent level of insecurity and its attendant consequences on the growth and development in the country.

Governor Sani Bello told Journalists in Minna, that the country's economy as well as the sociopolitical lives of the people will continue to dwindle unless a holistic approach is found to the security challenges and are tackled head-on.

"Security is key, and without it, the country will be struggling and it quest for sustainable development will be a mirage. We have tried as much as we can to support the security agencies, but there are allegations that the security apparatus is been compromised, which is highly regrettable".

He said the country has the capacity, potentials and wherewithal to be a producer rather than a consumer nation stressing that the nation's leadership must put her priorities right and build the courage to address all developmental challenges setting the nation back.

The Governor described as unfortunate how the country imports virtually everything adding that it was regrettable to see an oil-producing nation like Nigeria importing fuel while allowing it's infrastructure to irresponsibly decay.

"The importation of those things we can produce has led us to sustaining the industries abroad, and that is why we have found ourselves in this present situation as it were".

"I hope, at 60, we are able to tell ourselves the bitter truth. We all know what is right and wrong, but we don't have the courage to confront it. We must open a new chapter towards revitalizing and diversifying our economy and ensure that we invest in the future for our younger generation by resuscitating our moribund, dead industries".

Governor Sani Bello, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for retracing the development trajectory of the nation and executing policies and programmes that will, in the long run, energize and revitalize the country's ailing economy.

Ascending To Grade Level 17 In Niger State Civil Service Will Be Based On Competence And Performance - Gov Abubakar Sani Bello

Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello says henceforth, movement of officers to Grade Level 17 must be based on exhibition of requisite skills and competence as well as performance.

Governor Sani Bello stated this when he declared open a three day retreat for Deputy Directors in the State Civil Service organised by the office of the State Head of Service in collaboration with the Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, in Minna.

The Governor explained that the retreat is a reaffirmation of his administration’s desire to strengthen and reposition the Civil Service to perform its statutory responsibility as a major stakeholder in policy formulation, implementation, and general administration of the state towards the growth and development of the state.

He re-iterated that the capacity of the Civil Service to effectively deliver on its expected role of implementation of Government policies and programmes is non negotiable even as government will sustain efforts to provide enabling environment for those with adequate zeal and necessary qualifications to stand out.

The Governor assured that the state Government will take every opportunity to enhance the abilities of all public servants in a competitive process so that they would be better placed to contribute positively towards the realization of its goals, adding that he believed doing this, will ensure a vibrant, dedicated and result oriented civil service at all levels of government as it is a panacea for socio-economic development of the state.

He categorically stated that all acts of indiscipline and corruption will not be condoned in the service anymore and that those in the act of financial recklessness and salary racketeering should have a rethink as Government will ensure that anyone caught in any form of financial impropriety will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

While the Governor wished the participants a fruitful deliberations and thought provoking sessions, he urge them to take full advantage of the opportunity to be attentive, speak up on issues, ask questions and make meaningful contributions to enrich the retreat as they all have equal stake and deserve to be given the opportunity to prove otherwise.

He also appreciated the Consultants, Resource persons and the Office of the Head of Service and all those who have contributed towards making the retreat a reality, while calling on the office of the Head of Service to continue to make Programme of this nature top priority and timely.

“Training and retraining of civil servants which I believe is very important, I know it is capital intensive but the quality of our civil servants being the bedrock of the engine room of the entire system should be given a priority”, he added

Earlier, the Head of Service, Hajiya Salamatu Abubakar said the retreat is aimed at developing the state civil service in line with the transformational agenda of the present administration by reforming the service to meet up with the challenges of the 21st Century.

Hajiya Salamatu who commanded the Governor for his continued support and contributions towards building a vibrant, effective and efficient civil service, assured their commitment to ensure that the transformation of all sectors of the public service is achieved

The lead consultant, Professor Mohammed Kabir Isah from the Institute of Administrative Management Training Centre of the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria stated that ” we are in the era where there is need to improve policy and management of service delivery, explaining that the retreat will increase the capacity of the Niger State Civil Service.

The Consultant then called for the cooperation of the participants and guaranteed the state government of quality service delivery.

Some of the modules to be covered in the retreat include; the Civil Service in a Democratic Setting: Political and Governance Issues, the legal underpinnings of the civil service and its operarions, COVID 19 and the “New Normal”, the policy process in Government, Project Management and Service Delivery in the Public Service, Issues in Personal Management, Issues in Public Financial Management, Budgetary Process and Accountability among others.

Land Utilization Amazes Me - Gov. Sule

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule expresses joy over the consideration of the Nigerian Army to acquire and cultivate over 620 hectares of land in Keffi Local Government Council of Nasarawa State

The Governor believes that Nasarawa State being an agrarian state requires all the investment it can get from within and outside the state in the agricultural sector in order to boost the state revenue and above all provide job opportunities for the teeming populace in the state.

He explains that "Nasarawa will benefit in the areas of employment, areas of revenue which will come in the future, we can structure it in such a way that it is going to be mutually beneficial".

Governor Sule adds that "Nasarawa State has limited resources and we are doingthe best we can to invest those resources where we feel they are going to yield some fruits for the State as well as the investors"

He assures that the government will look into all the requests by the delegations and will do the needful for the benefit of all.

The Governor then commends all the efforts of the Chief of Army Staff in providing Nasarawa with military formations to tackle all forms of criminality in the state as the government is poised at opening up the state for development.

"For us we are opening the entire state and we can't open the state say it's only for indigenes because we won't be able to get anywhere so we open it for people that will come in and show interest in our state" Gov Sule maintains.

Speaking earlier, Major General Alaibi said the Nigerian Army has seen the need to invest in Agriculture in order to provide an avenue for its serving and retired personnel to go into farming and the army found Nasarawa conducive.

Major General Alaibi stated that soil analysis has been conducted on the 620 hectares of land and has been found to be suitable for the cultivation of various arable crops and even fishery as well as honey production.

He added that the establishment of the farm will further beef security in the area considering the presence of military personnel.

Others who spoke during the courtesy visit to the Governor were Aligwo Chrysantos Chinedum of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps Cooperative, Investment and Credit Society, the Project Consultant of Berekete Family, Dr Iyke Ezeogu and Ibrahim Galadima of Walida Housing Estate who appealed for various support of government to actualize the take-off of their investments in Nasarawa State.

The groups are mostly into housing and are therefore asking the government to intervene in the area of road network among other infrastructures.

Nasarawa Setting Proper Foundation For Science Education

The Nasarawa State government is setting up science schools to provide solid foundation for students willing to study science related courses at tertiary institutions.

Governor Abdullahi Sule stated this during a courtesy visit by the Nasarawa State Medical and Allied Students Association at Government House Lafia, Tuesday.

The Governor says the government is committed to provision of Solid educational foundation in order to produce competent hands that will man health facilities and industries that will be established in state.

He adds that "We have finished Lafia Science School, we are getting ready to equip it and we will go to the next one in Akwanga zone and another in Keffi zone so that you will have strong foundation to compete with those coming from other states".

Engineer Sule encouraged them to take there planned outreach programmes seriously as it gives them more practical training hence the need to consult with other experts on how to achieve success of the medical outreach.

He enjoined them to shun ethnic, religious and political differences in carrying out their programmes rather they should always see themselves as indigenes of Nasarawa State.

Governor Sule maintains that he will be excited to one day see members of the association who are students or graduates from Nasarawa state University Keffi and/or Federal University Lafia.

"Am looking forward to situation where I will see you treating some of us rather than traveling abroad to get medical attention". Engr Sule adds.

On his part, leader of the delegation, Kabiru Abdulkarim Obose while commending the efforts of the Governor in enhancing the standard of education in the state said they were in Government House Lafia to show their solidarity to the Governor and the government of the state.

Kabiru Obose explained that in a bid to support the fight against the dreaded coronavirus, they have visited some ministries, agencies and health facilities in the state.

The association is working toward carrying out a yearly medical outreach in collaboration with other medical practitioners in the state with emphasis on hepatitis and HIV.

Eze Congratulates Prof. Ugboma, UPTH Management Team As 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging ( MRI) Machine Arrives Hospital

 

The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) has continued to break new grounds under the sterling leadership of the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Henry Ugboma, with the arrival of yet another model facility for the quality health and safety of Rivers People.

Reacting to the feat, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People's Democratic Party, nPDP, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze said Prof. Ugboma has shown appreciable interest in the wellness of  citizens and inhabitants of Rivers State and other South/South states, stressing that his commitment to sound health policy implementation is turning the UPTH into a healthy tourism site. 

Recall that on Thursday, 24 September, 2020, the Management of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching  Hospital purchased a state of art 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging ( MRI) machine.

In a statement made available to media houses, the party Chief explained that Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to form pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes of the body. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio waves to generate images of the organs in the body.

Reeling out the benefits of the machine, Eze said the test from the  MRI utilizes incredible magnets, radio waves, and a PC to make definite pictures inside the human body. He said  primary care physicians can utilize this test to analyze the human body system and perceive how well a patient had reacted to treatment.

Describing Ugboma as a composite professional in his field, Eze congratulated the management team of UPTH for always putting humanity first in their policy formulation and implementation processes, stressing that posterity will be fair to them for their immense contributions to public health safety. 

Appealing for more support from governments, individuals and groups to trigger more achievements,  Eze called on members of the public to utilize the newly acquired facility, adding that the MRI will assist the hospital to improve on its health care service delivery to the people.

Bayelsa West & Bayelsa Central Senatorial District Bye Elections; Coalition Warms Against Violence

The Centre For Credible Leadership & Citizens Awareness has warned against violence in the forthcoming  Bayelsa West & Bayelsa Central Senatorial District Bye Elections slated 31st of October, 2020

Addressing the media on Monday in Abuja, the Director General of Centre For Credible Leadership & Citizens Awareness, Dr.  Nwambu Gabriel, said the coalition will be setting up a situation room where perpetrators and their sponsors would be noted and reported to world embassies for Visa sanction for them and their respective families. 

Excerpt is the full text of the press statement:

MITIGATING ELECTORAL RELATED VIOLENCE,INTIMIDATION AND BALLOT BOX SNATCHING IN THE FORTH COMING BAYELSA CENTRAL AND BAYELSA WEST SENATORIAL DISTRICT BYE ELECTIONS.

Gentlemen of the Press, the Edo State Governorship Election has come and gone. But for a majority of persons, the 19th September Governorship election in Edo state was the best major election ever conducted by the Professor Mamood Yakubu INEC. Some other school of thought have argued that the election is an off season election, so INEC had no excuse not to have performed optimally. But the fact still remains that for some of us who are consistent with election observation in Nigeria, we would rather differ, because we have had several off season elections that were below standard. From the INEC ad-hoc staff to the Nigerian police who in some instances were seen clearly shooting to scare electorates and eventually, cart away the ballot boxes, result sheets, and other electoral sensitive materials including the Form EC8A series. These obnoxious trends were seen in the November, 2019 Governorship elections in both Bayelsa and Kogi states respectively.

On the 31st of October, 2020, the Bayelsa West and Bayelsa Central Senatorial district bye elections would hold. This is another litmus test to access the sustainability of notable improvements recorded in Edo state with performance index on the Nigerian Police, all other law enforcement agencies and indeed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

For intending perpetrators of electoral related violence, we wish to sound a note of warning that our coalition is setting up a situation room where perpetrators and their sponsors would be noted and reported to world embassies for VISA sanction for them and their respective families. We would also ensure that persons face the full wrath of the Law.

Lastly, we wish to commend the Independent National Electoral Commission who has demonstrated by the Edo example and the online posting of the Unit results (Form EC8A), the resolute determination to remain unbiased in the conduct of transparent, free fair and credible elections as this would help Nigerians monitor the election results online and real time.

Advocating Support For Dr Abubakar Abdul- Dzukogi, Rector, Fed Poly Bida

 

By Mohammed Baba Busu

There is no doubt, the appointment of Dr Abubakar Abdul Dzukogi as the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida in 2015, has been a huge blessing to the institution and its community.

This is sequel to the way and manner he has, with the support of the management and staff, brought uncommon transformation to the institution.

As a humble and God-fearing man, the Rector has pulled the institution from the shackles of stagnation and backwardness to the path of prosperity and accelerated growth.

Keen observers of the happening in the Polytechnic are of the opinion that the institution has taken a new shape with the accreditation of many new courses and the introduction of new ones because of improved capacity of the institution.

The academic departments have also been expanded to 31 from initial 21. Four new faculties have also been created.

This singular step has contributed in lifting the status of the institution to its ranking as the 5th best Polytechnic in Nigeria.

Findings have also showed that the institution is collaborating with some institutions, including Federal University of Technology Minna and the Kwara State University Malete, to run some degree programmes. This, according to many, will bring university education to many residents of the area who hitherto could not go far to study.

As part of efforts to impact on the immediate community and also empower residents of the state, the Rector brought an initiative that saw to the construction of  a Shea Butter Shed for women at Ekosa village in Lavun Local Government Area of the state.

This will, no doubt, improve the economic status and engender entrepreneurial attitude in residents of the area.

This and many other innovations contributed in the reappointment of the Rector for another four-year term last year.

The institution has a financial house ( Micro Finance Bank) to ease the suffering of its immediate community during financial transactions.

The Rector also recently equipped the Polytechnic’s medical facility to handle health cases.

The Rector was instrumental to the take off of the Standard 89.3 FM station in the institution in order to improve the study of Mass Communication.

Being a guru in Mass Communication, the Rector believes that having a radio station in the school will greatly improve the skills of students who study the course to become better communicators in the future.

He has been able to attract the support of TETFUND which constructed staff offices, lecture halls as well as a befitting  administrative block

Working tools/implements were also distributed  to blacksmiths and glass workers at Dokodza and Tswatamukun areas of Bida Local Government Area under his watch.

The newly-created departments include those of Physics, Chemical Sciences, Biological Sciences, department of Legal Studies and that of Languages.

The Rector has also provided adequate staff training, including Students and Staff Welfare.

Under the watch of the rector, six new programmes were introduced. They include department of Computer Engineering, department of Horticulture, department of Library & Information Science, department of Agricultural Technology, department of Tourism Management and secured accreditation for HND Nutrition and Dietetic.

Other achievements include renovation of the old School of Preliminary Studies, the Department of Accountancy, old Department of Office Technology Management (OTM), overhaul of the school security system and several other works.

With the plethora of innovations and many too numerous to mention, it is pertinent to advocate for support for the rector to enable him to concentrate and do more for the growth of the institution.

It is also important to appeal here that Nigerians should accept the appointment and reappointment of Dr. Dzukogi as ordained by God which no man can alter.

Any effort to alter it means one is indirectly fighting God. This can be deadly. 

The polytechnic community, including both academic and non academic staff, should therefore pat him on the back, to enable him to concentrate and bring out his best for the collective growth of the institution.

Being an indigene of the state An a Nupe by tribe, there is the need for all to relax, seeing that the rector is a brother who will not do anything to the detriment of the tribe, Niger state and Nigeria as a whole.

It is also relevant to stress here that it is God who gives power to whoever He wills at any point in time.

I, therefore, appeal to all and sundry to join hands to support the Rector for him to succeed, considering that he will not remain in the seat forever. Within the next few years, he will leave and another be appointment to continue from where he stops.

Therefore, why must any one disturb him/herself considering that it is tenure-based which will eventually expire. 

In 2023, the Rector’s second term will end and another will be appointed. It can be anyone.

We should all encourage him to actualise his vision and leave a legacy that others can build on.

The Nupes are well known for always supporting one another wherever they find themselves, the case of Dr. Abubakar Abdul-Dzukogi should not be different. We must rally round him.

In fact, he deserves more of support so that he can concentrate and bring ideas that will improve the institution and by extension, the future of our children, the state and the nation at large.

 

Mohammed Baba Busu, write from Abuja

Rivers APC Crisis: Hold Abe, His Co-Travellers Responsible For State Of Party, The Hunger Ravaging Members - Eze

........Reveals how Amaechi's efforts to re-fix party have been frustrated by Abe & Co

...Says neither Amaechi nor himself is to be blamed for the crisis

Having stumbled on a litany of articles, press statements and commentaries not worth any response, either sponsored by Senator Magnus Abe or authored by members of his  misguided band of untamed publicists, accusing the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi and a party stalwart, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze as responsible for the crisis that has overwhelmed the Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), one cannot help but put the records straight for public knowledge and posterity sake.

It is in the public domain that Senator Abe has severally accused Chief Eze of being a hireling, contracted by the Minister to cause discombobulation in the party and leave it in perpetual disarray and as a result he incites his band of idiotic intransigents and some group of hired youth to continue to malign, threaten and abuse the party chief on daily basis.

In one of his various interviews, Sen. Abe inciting the youths against Chief Eze stated thus... "political mercenaries, and conflict entrepreneurs like Chief Eze, who has no ward or polling unit in Rivers State has continually misled the Minister of Transportation into the false belief that he was a Superman and every contrary voice in the party must be crushed".

Furthermore, in Abe's futile attempt to continue to disparage the personality of Chief Eze and that of the Minister, Abe's strong ally who also serves as one of his Media Aides, Sampson Oburu in a post recently highlighted that, " Chief Eze, You are the problem in APC, you and your principal Amaechi. You and your Principal's anti party is the bane of APC in Edo and Rivers State".

Reacting to the frivolous stuff and nonsense peddled around by Sen. Abe and his agents, Chief Eze, an erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People's Democratic Party (nPDP) and chief of the APC,   posited thus "the fact remains that one very awkward and embarrassing task any individual can venture into is to take up the responsibility of speaking for a serial wrongdoer and political desperado who survives in pulling others down by distorting facts to suit his style of cocktail. The frustrations and emotional backache coupled with the overwhelming sense of guilt and psychological trauma attached with such responsibility is in fact, suicidal". 

Describing the allegations as lacking in basis, satanic, unsubstantiated and emanating from the pit of hell, Chief Eze said Abe and his paid purveyors of falsehood singly intend to distort facts and divert attention from their commercial scheme of keeping the party in perpetual crisis in compliance with the terms of their agreement with Gov. Wike and the People's Democratic Party.

He said he has remained under attack on hourly basis by those who do not mean well for the party, especially persons working with Sen. Abe. One of such nauseating texts from a friend of Abe who exhumed the worst adjectival phrase from his grammatical archives to describe Chief Eze reads;

"May thunder visit Eze Chukwuemeka Eze and his family, including his generation, an ABIA STATE MAN, paid heavily by RT HON CHIBUIKE ROTIMI AMAECHI to cause problem ROCKING or BEDEVILING RIVERS STATE APC, God will surely punish the Biafraud peg, that called himself Chief Eze chukwuemeka Eze. The idiot called Eze Chukwuemeka Eze is a big disgrace to the Igbos.

Biafraud peg he is." - AMB PRINCE IHUNWO

Eze said it is utterly disconcerting for Sen. Abe and his friends to allege that the Transportation Minister bankrolls his media publications and sundry actions, stressing that as an adult, he is old enough to take responsibility for his actions and inactions.

"Let me categorically state that it is an insult on my person and personality at my age and position in public to allege that the Minster and Leader of the party in the South South, Rt. Hon. Dr. Amaechi is behind my write ups and actions".

He said holding such opinion is simply idiotic because according to him, Sen. Abe severally made attempts in the past to buy him over, unknown to him, a man's integrity is worth more than silver and gold.

"If Abe and his group can be so timid to hold this type of sinister thought and opinion about the Minster, Abe should have tried to tell the world that he once plotted to buy me over to his group even before I formally joined Amaechi's political Team", he stated.

Furthermore, the party Chief said "The fact and records were sufficiently reflected in most of my articles in defence of Abe especially, when he (Abe) was arrested by the EFCC in 2008 and more importantly, when Wike plotted to scuttle his Senatorial ambition in 2015".

Chief Eze said if exposing the wicked schemes to frustrate peace in Rivers State Chapter of the APC is his only sin, so be it.

Stressing that he is old enough to bear the consequences of his engagements, Eze cautioned Abe and company to desist from shifting blames to Rt. Hon. Amaechi whom he described as unblemished.

The party stalwart said he had made appreciable attempts in various publications to expose how Sen. Abe engineered the crisis in the APC which dates back to 2014, when he could not access the gubernatorial ticket of the party.

He said Abe thereafter swore to tear the party apart and leave it in shambles in perpetuity. No wonder all reasonable efforts to restore peace to the party have been exercises in futility.

"Similarly, I have in a well articulated petition to the National Reconciliation Committee set up by the party under the Chairmanship of His Excellency, Chief Bisi Akande, outlined all the sins Abe and his group have visited the chapter with. Apart from this, I have done series of articles and write-ups on how Abe denied the party victory during the 2015 general elections and improved on his well celebrated and historical evil plot to deny the party from contesting any political position during the 2019 general elections, all to ensure that Amaechi has no political platform to work upon".

It is unthinkable that after informing the world that he is Chibuike Amaechi’s highest political investment, Sen. Abe will turn around to be so mean and wicked to a man without whom his political career would have ended at the Rivers State House of Assembly.

It is on record how Abe and his group have frustrated and ensured that all the efforts by the National Body of APC to organise a peaceful Congresses are frustrated. For reasons only known to him, he refused to go back to the Senate with hope of taking up the position of the Deputy Senate President which was zoned to the South-South   just to ensure that the PDP continues to hold sway in the State. What type of party man will be so mean to his party if he is not a tool in the hands of those who feel threatened by the rising political profile of Chibuike Amaechi.

Today, in the eyes of the public, APC in Rivers State is in the cooler just because a man vowed that unless the gubernatorial ticket is handed to him there will be no APC in the state and sadly, instead of sanctioning such character, he is motivated and encouraged with a Board appointment with the NNPC for being so wicked and inhumane. It is indeed unbelievable and unfortunate. 

He further stated that more shocking is the fact that some APC members who are well versed to these facts are on daily basis blaming the Minster and leader for their woes instead of holding responsible the man who has kept us all in this mess.

The caring party chieftain sympathises with party members over the ravaging hunger but reiterated that the fate of Oshiomhole awaits all those who contributed one way or the other to the present state of APC in Rivers State.

Eze recalled thus. "Amaechi saw all this coming our way and assembled both Senator Abe's group and Dakuku's group in the Rivers State Government House before the 2015 general elections and pleaded with all to work together to win the elections and that if not, it will be very difficult to sustain all members of the political family as his going to Abuja cannot sustain everybody.  Instead of adhering to this wise counsel, Abe and his group resorted to play the spoilers script which eventually cost us the elections.”

Eze maintained that although Amaechi is doing his best but he is an individual and still needs the party’s prayers and support to secure the party from the hands of those who have vowed never to be alive to see the APC thrive.

Eze commended the two federal Lawmakers from Rivers State who recently joined the Rivers APC; Hon. Ephraim Nwuzi - Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency and Hon. Chisom Dike, representing Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency as well as Gov. Wike's former Commissioner, John Bahzia. 

Describing them as brave, the party chief expressed confidence that their entrance into the APC will contribute meaningfully to the ongoing efforts at stabilizing the party.

Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar Solicits Support Of National Assembly To Address Challenges Facing His Domain

The Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar has solicited the support of the National Assembly to address some challenges facing his domain.

He made the appeal when he received the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila in his Abuja resident.

According to the Nupe monarch, the burnt Yayako market in Bida and actualisation of a Bill for an Act to establish Federal University of Medicine and Health Sciences in the area are some of the projects close to the heart of the people.

While urging the Speaker to support the moves, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar noted that they would have direct bearing on the electorate. 

The Speaker, House of Representatives Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila commended the Royal father for his role in maintaining peace in his domain and the country at large. 

He maintained that the legislature would always support gestures aimed at improving the standard of living of the people.

Day Adogi Community Set Aside To Celebrate Engineer Sule

In a bid to demonstrate their support for his administration, Adogi community in Lafia East Development Area, set aside Friday, September 25, as a special day to celebrate the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi Sule.

As part of activities lined up for the day, the Adogi Community, led by Hon. Mohammed Alkali, member representing Lafia North at the state assembly, paid a courtesy call on the Governor, at the Government House.

In his introductory remarks, Hon. Alkali said Adogi town, with its rich and ancient history, which is also politically critical in the state, never had it so well like under the present administration of Engineer Sule.

He particularly commended the Governor for restoring peace to the area, especially with Adogi being mostly agrarian, with farmers now able to carry out their agricultural activities devoid of the previous dominating atmosphere of fear, occasioned by the prevailing insecurity.

The lawmaker expressed gratitude that in the history of the ancient town, it was only during the present administration that a son of Adogi was elevated to the position of a director in the state civil service, for which the entire community are rolling out the drums to celebrate the Governor.

“The people of Adogi decided to set aside today, being Friday, as a special day to celebrate the Engineer Sule Day. 

“After this courtesy call, immediately after the Jumaat prayer, they will host a special rally to celebrate your day,” he told Engineer Sule.  

Also, speaking on behalf of the community, Alhaji Danladi Mohammed, the Marafan Adogi, said  since the elevation of the Adoki traditional stool to a third class status, the people of the community decided to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), as a mark of appreciation.

Mohammed added that the Adogi community is exceptionally grateful to the present administration under Engineer Sule, for elevating their son to the position of a substantive director in the state civil service.

While highlighting on some of the development strides of the Governor, the Marafan Adogi described Engineer Sule as the “emancipator, redeemer, messiah, indefatigable Governor with listening ears, the man with a vision and mission, the man with a good political acumen, with the fear of God. The man that operate within the policy of objectivism and not that of subjectivism.” 

The community equally appreciated the Governor for finding time to recently console with them on the passing away of their illustrious son, the late Alhaji Bala Zakari Adamu.

“Adogi community is proud of the developmental strides of your administration, evidently clear in just few months of your assumption of office,” the Marafan Adogi said.

He explained that the ongoing transformation in the state can only be achieved by a leader that understands the problems of the people and who is concerned about the welfare of the people.

Mohammed used the opportunity of the visit to appeal to the Governor to upgrade the Adogi traditional stool to a second class status, extend the dualization of the Shendam road to Adogi, as well as address the prevailing environmental degradation in Adogi town caused by erosion.

The community equally appealed to the Governor to rehabilitate the only secondary school in the area established since 1982. 

Responding, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, thanked members of the Adogi community for the support the APC continue to receive, as well as the support for his administration. 

Engineer Sule used the moment to once more condole with the community on the passing on of the late Alhaji Bala Zakari, stressing that the Santalin Lafia remains one of the illustrious son of Nasarawa State before his death.

On the pleas by the community, the Governor said there is no problem that is too big for the administration to solve for the Adogi community.

He advised them to submit their request for the upgrade of the traditional stool and that at the appropriate time, government will look into their request. 

On the ecological challenge confronting the community, Engineer Sule promised that by next week, the Commissioner for Environment will visit Adogi  to assess the situation.

Commenting on rehabilitating the school, the Governor disclosed that government have just concluded compiling lists of schools to be upgraded, expressing hope that the school in Adogi has been captured. 

He promised that even if the school is not captured, his administration will find other means to renovate the school.

Low Income Houses: Engineer Sule Lauds Assembly For Passing Mortgage Bill Into Law

 

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has commended members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly (NSHA), for passing into law, the Nasarawa State Mortgages and Foreclosure Law 2020.

Engineer Sule made the commendation while presiding over the monthly state executive council meeting, at the Government House, on Thursday.

The Governor said with the passage of the bill into law, the people of the state stand to benefit from the efforts of housing development agents that will come into the state.

“We are going to see a lot of efforts from housing development agencies that will come into the state, to see how they can support us in that line.  

“And this will be to the benefit of the people of Nasarawa State,” he stated.

While updating people of the state, the Governor disclosed that Nasarawa State was recently given approval to take part in the Agricultural Project for the Enhancement of Livelihood for the lower income people (APEAL), a programme ran by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, aimed at supporting farmers, as well as empowering women and youths.

Engineer Sule explained that even though the state was initially not part of the scheme, insistence on the part of the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Water Resources, Prof. Allananah Otaki, as well as other members of the executive council, saw the Federal Ministry of Agriculture giving approval for Nasarawa to take part in the programme. 

“The programme is going to be a grant that is going to come purely for the support of farmers, mainly for the empowerment of youths and women. 

“It will support them with programmes in agriculture and the value chain,” he said.  

The Governor further disclosed that the over 800 women and children displaced after security operatives dislodged Boko Haram insurgents in Toto Local Government Area, have all been sent to their various state.

Engineer Sule Cautions Against Breaking COVID-19 Protocols

 

………….Says Pandemic Still Exists

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has cautioned people of the state against breaking the protocols put in place to contain and control further spread of the pandemic.

Engineer Sule handed down the caution while presiding over the monthly state executive council meeting, at the Government House, on Thursday.

The Governor who used the opportunity of the meeting to update the people on the COVID-19 status of the state, noted that even though Nasarawa State has made significant progress in containing the spread of the pandemic, it’s still necessary for the people to continue to maintain all the various COVID-19 protocols.

While commending the COVID-19 Task Force chaired by the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, on the feat attained,  Engineer Sule urged the committee to continue with its awareness campaign across the state. 

The Governor added that this is even more imperative, with both the Federal Government and Presidential Task Force, supporting the state with N1bn to fight the pandemic.

Giving a rundown of the COVID-19 statistics in the state, Engineer Sule disclosed that so far, the state has zero number of patients across all treatment facilities.

He added that a cumulative 3751 tests were carried out, with the results of 15 cases still being awaited. 

According to the Governor, so far, Nasarawa State recorded 449 confirmed cases, with 346 discharged cases, while 88 cases are currently undergoing treatment at home. In all, 13 deaths were also recorded.   

“The good thing for us in Nasarawa State is that currently we have zero number of patients at our treatment facilities. All those being treated at our facilities have been discharged,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Engineer Sule said Karu, Keffi and Lafia still constitute about 86 percent of the total cases so far recorded.

JAMB Registrar Scores Engineer Sule High For Naming Centre After Predecessor

 

The Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Olyede, has commended Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, for naming of one the JAMB CBT centres after his immediate predecessor.

Prof. Oloyede made the commendation while on a courtesy call at the Government House, on Wednesday.

According to the JAMB registrar, the gesture is really impressive, especially at a time when some people are busy fighting each other, instead of facing the job they were elected to do. 

“That you could have named such beautiful place after your immediate predecessor was very impressive. 

“It may be ordinary to you but given our circumstances and what we see here and there, it’s  not ordinary at all,” he stated.

On the purpose of the visit, the JAMB registrar said he was in the state, alongside management of the board, to monitor the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding for the setting up of professional test centres in Lafia, signed between his organization and Nasarawa State Government, with a view to fine tuning grey areas.

While commending the state government for facilities in the centres, Prof. Oloyede however said there was need to delineate between the three CBT centres for easy identification, especially since 2000 candidates are expected to use the facilities.

He disclosed that after carefully weighing on the issues, they decided to name one of the remaining two CBT centres Engineer Abdullahi Sule Hall, while naming the remaining centre JAMB CBT Centre.

The JAMB registrar further commended Engineer Sule for securing the release of all the 26 FRSC officials recently kidnapped, as well as his inroads in education. 

Prof Oloyede lamented that security has become a problem in the country, blaming lack of proper education and growing poverty as part of the problems causing insecurity in the country.  

Responding, Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, expressed appreciation to JAMB for bringing the professional test centres to the state.

While noting that the state is also monitoring the implantation of the agreement entered into with JAMB, with a view to making sure that it fulfil all its responsibilities, Engineer Sule said the CBT centres came at the right time.

According to the Governor, with the state’s proximity to the FCT, coupled with the attraction the state continue to receive and with industries coming into Nasarawa, the CBT centres were the right thing for JAMB to put in place. 

Commenting on naming one of the halls after his immediate predecessor, Engineer Sule said that was the only right thing to do, since former governor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura started the project.

He disclosed that the 300KV Akurba power substation, which he inherited at 70 percent completion, now at 98 percent completion, will also be named after Senator Al-makura.

Engineer Sule indicated equally that he will name the Farin Ruwa project when completed after the first civilian governor of the state, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who initiated the project.

Gov Abubakar Bello Condole With Kogi State Govt Over The Loss Of 25 People In Lokoja

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State and Chairman North Central Governors Forum has condoled with the Government and people of Kogi State over the loss of 25 people including Primary School Pupils as a result of a Petrol tanker that catches fire.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mary Noel-Berje, Governor Sani Bello described the incident as unfortunate, collosal and heart breaking being that innocent children whose lives would have been beneficial to the general society have been untimely terminated.

" It is heart breaking that these young and vibrant Youths, including innocent children whom there destinies would have better the lots of our Nation in future have been forcefully existed from life. The painful way to which they left the world is very disheartening".

The Chairman North Central Governors Forum pray God to have Mercy on the souls of the departed and give the State, immediate families and friends the fortitude to bear the colossal loss.

It was reported in the early hours of today that at least 25 people were feared burnt including primary school pupils and Kogi State Polytechnic Students as fire cut up a petrol tanker at Felele area in Lokoja traffic gridlock.

The Demise Of Emir Of Zazzau Has Created A Huge Vaccum - Gov Abubakar Bello

Chairman North Central Governors Forum Governor Abubakar Sani Bello says the death of Emir of Zazzau Dr Shehu Idris has indeed created a vacuum that can only be filled by Almighty Allah.

The Chairman of the Forum stated this during the 3 days firdau prayer for the repose of the soul of the late Emir of Zazzau.

Governor SANI Bello noted that the deceased was one of the oldest Emir in the Northern Nigeria who was of great value to the region.

He prayed Allah to continue to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest, while praying for the peace and progress of Zazzau Emirate, Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria and the Country in general.

The North Central Governors Forum Chairman was at the 3days firdau prayer of the late Emir with his counterparts from Ekiti, Jigawa and Plateau States as well as highly placed dignitaries including the former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Chief Olushegun Obasonjo.

Road Issues : Governor ASB Of Niger State Moves To Safeguard The State Roads

By Mary-Noel Berje

Niger State is like a hinge that connects the south west and the Northern parts of Nigeria. Hence, it is home to key or critical federal roads like the Mokwa-Tegina-Brinin Gwari road. Again, of the 32,182.80 kilometers of federal roads across the country, Niger State has the largest share traversing the length and breadth of the state with 2,374, the highest in Nigeria.

However, what is meant to be a blessing because of the economic prospects it holds for the state because of the influx of people transiting through the state, became a cause for concern due largely to neglect or abandonment and absence of maintenance of the federal roads.

Niger State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, ASB, has since the inception of his admimistration been carrying out interventions or remedial works on some of the federal roads in the state, mainly to ameliorate the sufferings of its citizens despite paucity of funds in the state Treasury. This singular act by the state calls for consideration from the relevant federal authorities to support the Niger state government .

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello in an effort to improve on the state's roads, also went a step further to inaugurate an infrastructure, project monitoring and implementation committee headed by the CoS to the Governor, Ibrahim Balarabe which carried out its functions diligent in ensuring that all state road projects were regularly monitored.

One of the spiral effects of the neglect of the federal roads is the untold pressure it brought to bear on state roads. Where the state government awards contract for construction of its own roads within the state, the heavy volume of trailers that travel through these roads will not allow for seamless construction work to continue.

For instance, the state government awarded contract for Minna-Bida road few months ago! Not long after, the contractors cried out of frustration due to inability to fast track the work because of the heavy traffic of trucks that ply the road.

In order to prevent the total collapse of its roads and bridges, the Niger State Government ordered the closure of Minna-Bida road to heavy duty vehicles. The decision, according to Governor ASB, was not meant to inflict pain on the people, but to protect their most important road.

The decision led to shortage of petroleum products up Northern Nigeria, as Niger State, particularly Minna-Bida road became the transit route for tankers moving premium motor spirit (PMS). Other heavy duty vehicles between the South to the North suffered similar fate and food shortages stared all in the face.

Worried by the development, a stakeholders meeting was convened in Abuja at the weekend, chaired by the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, with the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services, the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the Minister of Works in attendance. The meeting resolved to reopen the road for tankers and trucks to use, but with a caveat.

Briefing the press after the meeting, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State explained that the meeting looked at the shortage of the supply of petroleum products up north.

He further said, "We also looked at causes of why we are having problem today.

Overtime, most of our highways have been ignored. We all know that the main road most people travel from the South-west to the northern part of this country is the Jebba-Mokwa-Tegina-Kagara-Brinin Gwari-Kaduna. That is a trunk 'A' road that has been abandoned and neglected for many years. It is not motorable at the moment.

"The option was to take Mokwa-Bida-Agie-Lapai-Lambata, which also is very bad.

"One of the causes of the deplorable state of the roads is that overtime, no one has paid attention to trucks and trailers. So, tanker owners decided to increase the carrying capacity of their tankers from between 45,000 to about 90,000 litres. For dry cargoes, they carry 60 to 70 tons. I don’t think any of our Nigerian roads have been designed to carry such weight.

"So, within two to three years, we realized that most of the roads, especially in Minna town, from Chachanga Bridge to Kpakungu roundabout, have been destroyed by these trucks, not because of the volume of the trucks but the weight. The number of trucks that ply that road does not really matter, as long as they carry specified tonnage. But once the weight is too much, one truck can destroy the road.

"So, at the moment, everyone has resorted to go down south west or northern Nigeria, using Minna-Bida road, which is still good.

"Recently, we awarded the contract to Dantata Construction Company for the reconstruction of Minna-Bida road. Unfortunately, the contractors are complaining that the pace of work is so slow because of the volume of trailers that ply the route.

"Another reason the contractor gave for slow pace of work is, the part they have already cleared and done earth work keeps getting destroyed easily by trucks. So, they are doing one step forward, two steps backward. We also realized that all our bridges were getting weak. Now, with the recent flood and the weight of trailers, there is imminent threat to our bridges. If we allow these trucks to continue to ply those roads, the bridges will collapse. Once those bridges collapse, that will be the end of it.

"So, government decided to close Minna-Bida road and other state roads to protect what is left, pending when we are able to control weight.

"I am glad today, in the meeting, we discussed this and agreed on 45,000 litres for PMS, which I believe is still too much but we can work with it, or 35 tons for dry cargo.

"The idea is, if we control the weight, the road will probably survive the rainy season. We will do some remedial works, meaning, the failed section will be maintained and the bridges, whose integrity test is questionable or show signs of weakness will be fortified just to survive the rainy season.

"I am aware, the minister of works is making arrangement to fund those contracts. His ministry has already awarded but at the moment, our major concern and challenge is to survive the rainy season. Once we are able to survive the rainy season, the contractors will go back to site when the rains are over.

"We did not close the Minna-Bida road to inconvenience people but to save and protect the only road that connects the South-western and northern parts of the country.

"My understanding is, while the state government is doing some remedial works on Farin-Doki up to Chachanga, City Gate to Minna town, then Pakungu to Bida road, the Federal Ministry of Works will concentrate on Lambata-Bida

"Hopefully, they will also concentrate on Mokwa-Kagara-Teginna-Brinin Gwari road. Once those roads are fixed, people in Minna will begin to see reduction in the volume of trailers passing through Minna town".

On the measures been put in place to ensure compliance with the new directive, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello explained:

"First of all, we expect the depots not to load any truck that is more than 45,000 litres of petroleum products. We also expect, especially the cement companies not to load any trailer that is more than 35 tonnes.

"The state government is in the process of building weigh bridges across sections of the roads in the state, so that, some of these trailers can be weighed. But of course, we also know that, when you see a tanker carrying 60,000 litres and the one carrying 45,000 litres you can easily know".

Governor Sani Bello however noted that there are companies that obey, giving example with Oando Oil which he said is still carrying 33,000 litres. He pointed out that if all Nigerian companies will adopt Oando’s kind of policy, Nigerian roads will last much longer.

It is equally so sad to note that at the point of putting this piece together, the famous Bida-Minna road has finally given way, as motorists especially the truck drivers are scampering through another state road Bida-Lapai-Paiko road, which could spell disaster for the state.

It is in this Catch-22 situation that Niger State, and its Governor Sani Bello, find themselves. Which way, Niger?

Mary Noel-Berje is the Chief Press Secretary to Niger State Governor.