As the Songstress goes Silent: Tribute to Hajiya Habibatu (Aliya) Pelemi

As an ageless Songstress goes Silent: Tribute to Hajiya Habibatu (Aliya) Pelemi. By Yusuf Gi Kuchi

The death of Hajiya Aliya Pelemi marked the final burial of our culture. In our community marriages are celebrated with traditional music and songs. It is an age-long activity.

In the 70s through 80s and 90s, Hajiya Fatima Nnazua, Hajiya Hassana Gulu Vatsa and Hajiya Aliya Pelemi top the most cultured and traditional singers that are invited to sing in wedding ceremonies. They are some times invited to sing in naming ceremonies too.

They were hot cakes, as such it depends on how early they are contacted. They have also participated as floor members of various political parties, therefore, they have sang songs for politicians is that regard.

Though the advent of universal basic education came with certain social phenomenon.Western culture infiltrated the socio-cultural behavior of our people. It dislodged our loves and beliefs in our cultural activities; the way we celebrates marriages and other ceremonies became bastardized. Western music gradually replaced our cultural way of keeping the warmth of our body and soul, and our relatives together as it disengaged us significantly from our traditional practices.

As nature would have it, Hajiya Nnazua and Hajiya Hassana died some years ago, living Hajiya Aliya Pelemi as the remaining cultural Flagstaff of Azza community. She was an epitome of gentility, well cultured representing the moral marble of the great people of Azza community and the Nupeverse.

Hajiya Aliya was a selfless philanthropist too. She would sing all through the night. Collate all the money made that night in the morning. She will direct her staff to give the lone-drummers who joined her troupe significant portion of amount made. They will both drummed and danced without hitch.They enjoy working with her. She loved everyone around her. She is quiet woman.

Hajiya Aliya hates to disappoint anybody. She would give her all to satisfy people, particularly when she is invited to perform. I attended a wedding of an Army officer at Kirikpo some years back. Her sound system disappointed. She directed her son to pick up new system from home in Pelemi. It was at the thick of the night. That is sacrifice. That is show of reliability and consistency.

She has sang a lot of songs. She is eloquent in her lyrics. One should not forget too early, the Barka yawo; Yawo man_re, yawo man; Estu gi ci zhi ( Outlined the twelve Emirs that has ruled Lapai and the duration each spent on the throne); Eya dede eya yiringi; Egi’o egi gan yan; Kpansanako mana,ya fi kpansanako. She was emotional when she sang ‘Egan dangi za kaa wun talobo’ (outsiders should keep off in people’s internal problem). I can’t forget Eni na mana sai Okene (dedicated to those who married from Okene). I was moved by her song titled Elugi biri lo langba…

In 2006, I invited her to grace my wedding. She obliged. While she is Pelemitsi my mother is Mutitsi, i.e Pelemi and Muti. I personally took the kola nut to her. She used to call me son because of the communal relationship she has with my mom. Her house is just a few meters away from my uncle’s.

It is sad to hear of the death of Hajiya Aliya Pelemi. I joined many in prayers. May Allah forgive her and grant her Aljannat firdausi. Ya’Allah we are humans, we will always be wrong, but we shall seek your forgiveness for ourselves and for others. We are pleading with you, Ya’Allah, bless the soul of Hajiya Aliya and all our dead relatives, friends and associates.

What Queen Elizabeth II’s Death Exposes About Biafra by Reno Omokri

What Queen Elizabeth II’s Death Exposes About Biafra by Reno Omokri.

When on Thursday, September 8, 2022, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II passed on into ancestor-hood, I was not particularly moved. I like England. I schooled and worked there and those years were some of the best of my life. The English people are by far some of the most decent peoples on planet Earth. 

However, I am rather indifferent about their monarch. I did not like or dislike Queen Elizabeth II. The only thing I can think of that I admire in her is her stoicism. Her ability to take pain and pleasure with equanimity. She is the epitome of duty and a stiff upper lip. 

But I doubt that I bothered much about her and her goings on. I was just aloof. 

So, while I was not one of those mourning, it was not because I had some grudge against the House of Windsor. No. It is just that the House of Ginuwa (the first Olu of Warri), mattered more to me than Buckingham Palace. 

The above not withstanding, I was absolutely mortified by the hideous and historically inaccurate things that were said about the Queen and her family by a Nigerian woman living in America, whose name I will not dignify by mentioning. 

I later got to find out that this woman has other issues, which made me understand her bitterness better, though I still vehemently reject her indecorous words. 

She was one of the people who famously celebrated the death of TB Joshua and called him all sorts of unprintable names when he died. So it is no big surprise that she has turned her vitriol in the direction of the late Queen. 

And so now, let me tackle what the death of Queen Elizabeth II reveals about Biafra. It shows us as a people not aware of our history, and because we are not aware of our own history, we have distorted it, such that propaganda and pseudo history has been orally passed down from one generation to the other, feeding unfounded bitterness that is destroying those who harbour it, and having no effect on those against whom they are embittered. 

That is why some people believe they were just sitting down minding their business and Hausa people came to fight them (all Northerners are Hausa to some people) because they hate them. There was absolutely no provocation, or igniting events that preceded the Nigerian Civil War. Hausa people just woke up on the wrong side of the bed and for some strange reason decided to pounce on the people of Eastern Nigeria. 

But of course, that is not what happened. However, because we do not write our history, and even worse, we have refused to teach it in our schools, there are millions of people who believe this version of events. In fact, they swear by it. 

One fellow named Uche Nnaya even tweeted at me that the Igbos of Southeast Nigeria had a right to rail against the British monarch and the rest of Nigeria, because “you can’t push people to the wall and dictate how they react.”

Really? But do those who hold such views not know that some other persons were FIRST pushed to the wall? Uche’s response will also justify how those who were first pushed to the wall reacted. 

We cannot keep holding grudges as if other people do not have their own grudges that they have let go for the peace and unity of this country called Nigeria. 

My great uncle, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, was shot and killed in the street by Major Chris Anuforo on January 15, 1966. Ironically, I went to school with Anuforo’s son. Should my people carry that grudge forever? 

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was shot on the street like a common criminal by Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna. Ifeajuna tried to deny it, and claimed that Alhaji Balewa died from an asthma attack, until his body was taken to LUTH and examined by the then minister for health, Dr. Moses Majekodunmi. It was established that the body was riddled with bullets in a front page story in Daily Times, written by Segun Osoba, who later became the Governor of Ogun. He is still alive. 

This was an incorruptible gentleman. He lived a very ascetic life. Materialism was FAR from him. He was an author. His book, Shaihu Umar, was the first novel written in Hausa. He surrounded himself with Southerners (in hindsight, was that a mistake?). His best friend was Matthew Mbu. Should the Tafawa-Balewa family and the people of Bauchi, where he was from, hold a grudge forever?

I could go on and on and list the people killed on January 15, 1966, and the identities of their killers, but that would just be reopening old wounds. These are historical facts, which some people deny and pretend as if the Civil War happened in a vacuum. 

So, please let us stop pretending as if the late Queen Elizabeth II came to Nigeria and ignited a war. The Nigerian Civil War was ignited by a series of unfortunate events that began with the cold blooded murder of 22 people from the Northern, Western, and Mid Western regions by people of mostly Eastern region origin, which led to a counter coup by Northern Nigerian military officers on July 29, 1966, and the unfortunate pogrom of 66-67. 

Many people now spewing vitriol against the late Queen Elizabeth II for her alleged role in the Nigerian Civil War conveniently forget that between August 9, 1967 and September 20, 1967, Biafran forces invaded and occupied the Midwest region, and named Albert Nwazu Okonkwo, as military Governor of the Midwest. A number of non Igbo speaking Mid-Westerners lost their lives during the Biafran occupation of the Midwest. 

After the Midwest was liberated by forces led by colonels Murtala Muhammed and Benjamin Adekunle, more Mid-Westerners, this time those linguistically linked to the Igbo (especially in the Asaba axis), were killed. Please research it before you insult me. 

I need to add that the killings by the liberating forces were worse than the killings of the Biafrans, and should truly have been declared war crimes. 

Yet, in that same Midwest, we accepted Nigerians of Southeast origin back after the war. We did not seize their properties in the abandoned property saga that occurred in the Port Harcourt area and its environs. We let bygones be bygones. 

The truth of the matter is that If the January 15, 1966 coup had never happened, it is most unlikely that the Nigerian Civil War would have occurred. The perpetrators of that coup opened a Pandora’s Box that the rest of Nigeria are still suffering from today! 

There was wild jubilation all over Nigeria after that coup, because Nigerians believed it was a patriotic and nationalistic coup. Then the names of those killed were announced over the radio, and it was discovered that only people from the North, West and Midwest were killed, but NOBODY from the East was killed, whereas the vast majority of those who carried out the coup were from the East. 

That is the remote cause of the Nigerian Civil War. We will remember it. We will also teach it to our children, so that it does not reoccur.

So, to just keep nursing grudges and reopening old wounds will do no one any good. You can bully others into submission, but you cannot do it to Reno Omokri. I know history and I am a meticulous record keeper! 

It is only those who are ignorant about how the British government works that will blame the late Queen for the actions of the British government. She was a titular and ceremonial head of state, whose actions were limited to appointing the candidate who has won election directly or indirectly as prime minister, and declaring open the parliament. She was a symbol. She was not the initiator of the policies of the British government. 

And even the British government are not to blame for the Nigerian Civil War. We must learn to take responsibility for our own actions. That war was the result of the ill advised January 15, 1966 coup. 

The coup itself was led by Majors Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and Ifeajuna. It was executed by the following persons:

1. Kaduna Nzeogwu

2. Emmanuel Ifeajuna

3. Timothy Onwuatuegwu

4. Adewale Ademoyega

5. Chris Anuforo

6. Humphrey Chukwuka

7. Donatus Okafor

Of these seven people, only one, Adewale Ademoyega, was non Igbo. The rest were all Igbo, although Major Nzeogwu was what was referred to at that time as Midwest Igbo (later colloquially referred to as Bendel Igbo and now as Delta Igbo). Major Donatus Okafor’s mother was Tiv. However, his father was Igbo. 

Incidentally, some Igbos unwisely try to deny that Nzeogwu was Igbo, and call him ‘your South-South’ brother. Unknown to them, the more they do this, the more they make non Igbos feel that those specific Igbos who say that have learned very little since the civil war. 

22 people were killed during the coup, including 

1. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa

2. Ahmadu Bello

3. Ahmed Ben Musa

4. Hafsatu Bello

5. Ahmed Pategi

6. Samuel Ladoke Akintola

7. Festus Okotie-Eboh

8. Brig. Samuel Ademulegun

9. Brig. Zakariya Maimalari

10. Col. Ralph Shodeinde

11. Col. Kur Mohammed 

12. Lt. Col. Abogo Largema

13. Lt. Col. James Pam

14. Lt. Col. Arthur Unegbe

15. Sergeant Daramola Oyegoke 

16. Mrs Latifat Ademulegun

17. Zarumi Sardauna

18. PC Yohana Garkawa

19. Lance Corporal Musa Nimzo

20. PC Akpan Anduka

21. PC Hagai Lai

22. Philip Lewande

As is clear from the list above, none of them were from the then Eastern Nigeria. . (I have since learned that Lt. Col. Arthur Unegbe was Igbo. He was in charge of weaponry in Lagos, and was killed when he refused to cooperate with Major Chris Anuforo). 

After the coup, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi took over. Rightly, or wrongly, the rest of the nation felt that a coup carried out by overwhelmingly Eastern officers, and of which the victims were entirely non Easterners, and which supplanted a Northern minority leader (Tafawa-Balewa), with an Igbo leader, (Aguiyi-Ironsi) was a set up. 

However, Major General Aguiyi-Ironsi’s promise to try the coup plotters placated the rest of the country. Sadly, the plotters were jailed, but were never tried. And the immediate cause of the July 29, 1966 counter coup was when rumours circulated that the coup plotters had been receiving full salaries in jail and were to be promoted. 

These are facts that we all should address, rather than blaming the late Queen Elizabeth II for a war she did not cause, nor had anyway of stopping. And if we do not learn from our history, there is every possibility that another war might erupt in Nigeria. 

The Biafrans inflicted a very harsh occupation on present day Rivers, Cross Rivers and Akwa-Ibom, as well as present day Delta and Edo before they were flushed out by federal forces. The Bayelsa area escaped the brunt of Biafran occupation due to the fight back from Isaac Adaka Boro. They invaded Ore and hundreds of soldiers and civilians died. There is still a Yoruba proverb about the amount of people that died in Ore. Ask a Yoruba person to tell you the meaning of ‘o le ku ija Ore.

We have all forgiven and moved on. Yet, you want to reopen these old wounds and make them cancerous by blaming Queen Elizabeth II 50 years after the war?

And when you point this out, the very same people castigating the late Queen will accuse you of creating ethnic tension? Do you want to be victims and victors at the same time? Leave the woman and her family to grieve in peace. By celebrating the Queen’s death, you are giving Nigeria a very nasty reputation that will affect all of us and not only you. We cannot afford to be seen as a nation with anti British and American sentiments, when we are not able to get a better deal from China and Russia.

Reno’s Nuggets 

Dear men, 

As long as a river is dry, fish won’t come. Stop looking for women in your poverty. The first thing that a dry river needs is water, not fish. Look for water for your river and fish will come naturally. Look for prosperity and the right woman will come naturally. Eve came as soon as Adam secured the job of tending the garden. And until you have a salary or income, you should learn to control your libido. Much of the world’s challenges is caused by adult males who increase the population when they have no remuneration. Be productive in the boardroom before being reproductive in the bedroom!

#RenosNuggets #FreeLeahSharibu

FED MINISTRY OF EDUCATION ANNOUNCES VACANT ADMISSION SPACES IN 39 UNITY SCHOOLS ...

VACANT ADMISSION SPACES IN 39 UNITY SCHOOLS AS NIGERIAN GOVT RELEASES ADMITTED CANDIDATES ’ LIST: The ministry said admission processes continue in 39 schools whose vacancies are yet to be filled.

By Qosim Suleiman. 

The Nigerian government has released the admission list for pupils admitted into the nation’s 110 unity schools, including Gifted Academy, Suleja, Federal Capital Territory.

But admission processes continue in 39 schools where available spaces are yet to be filled.

This is contained in a statement by Ben Goong, the Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education.

The ministry, therefore, directed parents of pupils who applied for admission into any of the colleges to check for the names of their wards on the Ministry’s website- (www.education.gov.ng) or at the school they applied to.

The statement noted that schools whose admission quotas are yet to be filled include 15 from the North Central, 13 from the North East, seven from the North West and four from the South South.

The schools include; FSTC Jalingo, FGC Wukari, FGGC Monguno, FSTC Doha, FGGC Yola, FGC Billiri, FGC New Bussa, FGC Maiduguri, FGGC Keana, FGGC Bajoga, FSTC Kuta, FGGC Jalingo, FGC Kwall, FGC Azare, FGGC Kabba, FGGC Potiskum, FSTC Lassa, FSTC Otukpo, FSTC Michika, FGGC Langtang, FGC Buni Yadi, FGC Otobi, FGC Minna, FGGC Imiringi, FSTC Ogugu, FGGC Ikot Obio Itong, FGC Ugwolawo, FSTC Tungbo, FSTC Uromi, FGC Rubochi FGGC Minijibir, FSTC Dayi, FGGC Zaria, FGGC Kazaure, FGC Daura, FGC Birnin Yauri, FGC Kiyawa.

Qosim Suleiman, Reports for The Premium Times, Nigeria.

CONTINUOUS VOTERS REGISTRATION: NIGER GOVERNOR DECLARES TWO-DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOR PVC REGISTRATION

NIGER GOVERNOR DECLARES TWO-DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOR PVC REGISTRATION

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has declared Thursday, 30th June, 2022 and Friday, 1st July, 2022 as state-wide Public holidays.

In a statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane explained that the holiday is to enable Civil Servants, Public Office Holders, and citizens of the State who have attained the age of 18 years or lost their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) or even changed their locations to take advantage of the ongoing INEC Continuous Voters Registration Exercise and obtain their Permanent Voters Card (PVCs).

Ahmed Matane disclosed that Governor Sani Bello has directed all Honourable Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Top Government Officials to proceed to their respective Local Governments to sensitize and mobilize the general public to come out en-mass to register and obtain their Voters Cards before the closing date announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 At the end of the exercise Honourable Commissioners and Special Advisers are expected to render reports on the outcome of the exercise in their Local Government Areas, the statement stressed.  

According to the SSG, “Voters Card remains the only tool that allows people to elect credible leaders and of their choice”. 

The SSG then urge all eligible Nigerlites to take advantage of the remaining days for the continuous voters register and get their PVCs to enable them participate in the forthcoming 2023 elections.

FAAC: FEDERAL, STATES, LGCS SHARE N680.780BN MAY 2022 REVENUE ALLOCATION

FAAC: FEDERAL, STATES, LGCS SHARE N680.780BN MAY 2022 REVENUE ALLOCATION

NIGERINFOBULLETIN: Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared May 2022 Federation Revenue Allocation to the federal, states and local government councils to the tune of N680.783 billion.

This is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of June 2022 FAAC meeting held in Abuja.

 

According to the Communiqué, the N680.783 billion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N385.004 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N198.512 billion and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N97.267 billion.

 

In May 2022, the total deductions for cost of collection was N36.996 billion and total deductions for transfers and refunds was N186.672 billion.

 

The balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) was $35.377 million.

The communiqué confirmed that from the total distributable revenue of N680.783 billion; the Federal Government received N229.563 billion, the State Governments received N241.824 billion and the Local Government Councils received N175.942 billion. The sum of N33.454 billion was shared to the relevant States as 13% derivation revenue.

A gross statutory revenue of N589.952 billion was received for the month of May 2022. This was lower than the N635.037 billion received in the previous month by N45.085 billion.

 

From the N385.004 billion distributable statutory revenue, the Federal Government received N185.197 billion, the State Governments received N93.934 billion and the Local Government Councils received N72.419 billion. The sum of N33.454 billion was shared to the relevant States as 13% derivation revenue.

In the month of May 2022, the gross revenue available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) was N213.179 billion. This was higher than the N178.825 billion available in the month of April 2022 by N34.354 billion.

 

From the N198.512 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, the Federal Government received N29.777 billion, the State Governments received N99.256 billion and the Local Government Councils received N69.479 billion.

The Federal Government received N14.590 billion; the State Governments received N48.634 billion and the Local Government Councils received N34.043 billion from the N97.267 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL).

According to the Communiqué, in the month of May 2022, Companies Income Tax (CIT) and Value Added Tax (VAT) recorded considerable increases, Import Duty increased marginally while Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Excise Duties decreased marginally. Oil and Gas Royalties decreased significantly.

NIGER GOVT. PLANS A 5-YEAR SHEA SECTOR DEVELOPMENT POLICY TO BOOTS SHEA BUTTER PRODUCTION IN THE STATE.

NIGER GOVT. PLANS A 5-YEAR SHEA SECTOR DEVELOPMENT POLICY TO BOOTS SHEA BUTTER PRODUCTION IN THE STATE.

Niger State Government has reiterated its commitment to focus on some key initiatives towards deriving a sustainable growth of the Shea sector in the State.

This was revealed by the State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello at the closing ceremony of the UN-Women Nigeria Project on Women’s Economic Empowerment through Climate Smart Agriculture and Commissioning of the Kodo Shea Butter Processing Centre held at Kodo, Bosso Local Government Area of the State.

The Governor who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane further disclosed the key initiatives to include the development of a robust Niger State Shea Sector development policy and a 5-year implementation plan supported by GIZ, the establishment of new Shea parklands, upgrades of existing Shea butter processing centres and establishment and provision of additional facilities among others.

Governor Bello stressed that Government has identified the Shea sector as a viable engine for economic growth and as such is committed to developing the sector as well as ensuring that maximum value is achieved from the Shea resources for the benefit of the people.

He pointed out that this can only be achieved through deepening collaborations and partnerships with key stakeholders in the Shea value chain.

According to the Governor, “while we are already witnessing thriving Shea business and byproducts in the State, we also need to work towards improving the quality of our Shea products to meet international standard and enable us to get a competitive value for the products emanating from the State.

Alhaji Sani Bello expressed optimism that with the ongoing interventions and collaborations with public and private sectors, the State is on the verge of putting Nigeria in an enviable position in the world Shea market while urging all stakeholders to as matter of urgency protect and safeguard our reserves of the Shea trees in the communities.

He stated that the partnership between UN-Women and Stanbic IBTC in supporting the Shea sector in the State through the women cooperatives and entrepreneurs using Climate Smart Agriculture Programme has yielded positive results.

The Governor congratulated the beneficiaries of the programme, the Shea entrepreneurs, the Shea cooperatives, the Shea extension agents and other stakeholders for being part of the growth initiative for the Shea sector in the State.

Goodwill messages were delivered from various stakeholders as well as cultural and drama performances from different groups.

NIGER GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PRIORITISE SECURITY TILL PEACE IS RESTORED... GOV SANI BELLO.

NIGER GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PRIORITISE SECURITY TILL PEACE IS RESTORED: GOV BELLO.

NIGERINFOBULLETIN- Niger State Government has reaffirmed it's determination to continue supporting the security agencies in all possible ways towards ending the challenges of insecurity in the State, region and the country as a whole.

The State Governor and Chairman, North Central Governors' Forum, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello disclosed this while declaring open the quarterly meeting of State Directors of the Department of State Services (DSS) of the North Central States held at the Royal Institute For Training and Human Capital Development, Zuma Rock Resort, Km 6 Abuja-Kaduna Express Way, Suleja.

The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane revealed that in order to find lasting solution to security challenges in the State, Government had to prioritize security and take a number of measures such as increased support to the security agencies, stakeholders engagement and expanding the membership of the Task Force through the intervention of the DSS in vetting prospective members of the Vigilante Corps who have been contributing immensely to the security operations in the State.

Gov. Sani Bello commended the DSS for the deployment of Service Assets in the Task Force, stressing that this has been instrumental to the operational successes being recorded in the liberation of areas that were deserted by residents due to incessant attacks by the insurgents.

He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide opportunity for retrospection, experience sharing among the security agencies and reassessment of the situation on ground for the development and implementation of an all-inclusive methodology to mitigating and tackling the security challenges affecting the State.

The Governor urged participants to come up with pragmatic solutions to guide the Service Commands and other stakeholders in the neighboring States to Niger and the North-Central towards strengthening existing measures, while sustaining holistic approach in confronting security challenges.

(Dr.) Sani Bello applauded the resilience and gallantry of security agencies in the field and also commended the efforts of traditional, religious and community leaders, scholars, hunters, vigilantes, youth and other voluntary groups incorporated into the security architecture of the State.

Earlier in his welcome remark, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Niger State Command, Mohammed Tijani Wakili stated that the meeting is aimed at affording the Directors of DSS in the zone the opportunity to address issues of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping with a view to finding lasting solution.

Niger PDP Aspirant Calls for Rightful Leadership to Achieve Devt

Niger PDP Aspirant Calls for Rightful Leadership to Achieve Devt

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Niger State governorship aspirant under the platform of People's Democratic Party PDP, Engineer Abdullahi Isah Jankara has advocate for rightful leadership to enhanced development of the state.

He made this known during his official media briefing on his aspiration in Minna, saying that governorship is a responsibility not a title who must ensure provision of security and welfare for the citizens.

Engineer Jankara blamed the ruling APC who took over without plans, lacked focus hence the PDP has all it takes to move Nigeria and Niger state forward.

The aspirant stated that his ambition is to serve humanity so as to ensure the future of the unborn generation assuring to change the narrative of governance by doing things differently by taking advantage of agriculture and solid minerals to improve Internal Generated Revenue (IGR).

He lamented over the decay in various sectors of both human and economic development of the state, appealing to the delegates to vote him to achieve mass development of the Niger state.

The state chairman of People's Democratic Party PDP, Barrister Tanko Beji represented by the state women leader, Hajiya Sa'adatu Kolo urged the state delegates to consider the best candidate that worths leading the state 

NIGER PDP ASPIRANT APPLAUDS PARTY OVER MEASURES TO ENSURE FREE AND FAIR PRIMARIES.

NIGER PDP ASPIRANT APPLAUDS PARTY OVER MEASURES TO ENSURE FREE AND FAIR PRIMARIES. 

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

The People's Democratic Party PDP front line  governorship aspirant, Engineer Abdullahi Isah Jankara has applauded the party over measures put in place to ensure free, fair and enabling environment during the upcoming party primaries.

He made the commendation in an interview after meeting with the the State Party executives in Minna, saying that the party has made available the party delegates list for every aspirant for transparency.

Jankara stressed that the action was aimed at giving equal access  to all aspirants to the list so as to maintain nuetrality and  credibility. 

He emphasized that the state is in dare need of development following a long period of decay in various sectors of human and social development hence his aspiration to change the narrative for massive development.

Engineer Jankara hinted that if elected as the Niger state governor come 2023 the state will surely witnessed tremendous developmental projects that would have direct impact on the lives of the citizens.

KETSO, MOST PREPARED TO LEAD NIGER STATE...CAMPAIGN DG

KETSO, MOST PREPARED TO LEAD NIGER STATE...

CAMPAIGN DG

 From Newsline Newspaper 

Director General, Ketso Campaign Council, Alh. Umar Ahmed Dogon Koli has said that the Deputy Governor of Niger State and Gubernatorial hopeful under the All Progressives Congress, Alh. Ahmed Mohammed Ketso is the most prepared to take the state to greater heights.

Dogon Koli stated this shortly after the deputy governor submitted his nomination form at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Wednesday.

He said all the candidates that indicated interest in becoming successor of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, were qualified for the job but Ahmed Ketso was the most qualified among them.

The Director General further explained that being the deputy governor of the state for the past seven years and also having had the opportunity to serve as an acting governor for almost 32 times, Ahmed Ketso was the most suitable to lead the state to prosperity come 2023.

The DG then expressed confidence that Ketso will be the choice of the delegates because they  "know the capacity of Ahmed Ketso, his wealth of experience and versatile knowledge of the state"  will endear him to the delegates and make him the flag-bearer of the party.  

The DG then then noted that having submitted the nomination form which signifies the completion of the first step of the process, they will go back and strategize on how to actualize the dream, expressing optimism that mobilizing stakeholders to support the cause will not be difficult as the deputy governor was a marketable product.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor and gubernatorial hopeful, Alh. Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, said he was confident that he will emerge victorious because he was a grassroot politician.

He said as a politician and current Deputy Governor of the state, he has structures accross all the 25 local government areas of the state and these structures are his strong point because election being a game of numbers, physical presence matters alot.

He added that "I am a grassroot politician and I am well known all over the state. "The 274 wards in Niger State, I have a structures in all of them, so, being a deputy governor I am not just there looking at people, I added value to each Ward and each local government of the state. So, victory is going to be ours," he explained.

Ahmed Ketso who said he was confident of a positive outcomes, also disclosed that they were working very hard to get in touch with all delegates across the state to ensure a landslide win. 

NIGER GUBER RACE: KETSO GETS MORE ENDORSEMENTS AS HE APPOINTS CAMPAIGN DG.

GUBERNATORIAL RACE: KETSO APPOINTS CAMPAIGN DG AS GROUPS CONTINUE TO ENDORSE HIM 

BY YUNUSA ABUGI. 

The aspiration of the Deputy Governor of Niger State Alh Ahmed Mohammed Ketso to succeed the incumbent Gov Lolo has received a boost with various organizations and groups across the state continued to endorsed his candidacy. 

This is coming on the heels of endorsement by the Suleja Emirate Youths Movement. The movement comprising delegates, technocrats, professional politicians as its members made the announcement in an event in Suleja recently to the uproar of Ketso supporters who said it was a welcome development. 

The group cited among other things, level of loyalty of ketso, his active nature, hardwork, dedication to duty, committed, vibranncy and dynamic in the discharge of his responsibilities as a politician as their reason for awarding him and endorsing him as a more preferred aspirant.  

The group further added that Ketso through his service to the state has contributed positively to the social-economic, infrastructural development and peaceful coexistence of Suleja Emirate particularly and the  state in general. 

In another development, Alh. Ahmed Mohammed Ketso has appointed Alh. Umar Ahmed Dogon Koli as the Director General of the  Ketso Campaign Council.

This was made known to the public in a statement signed by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Hajiya Maimuna Kolo in Minna.

The statement further added that it  was with "immediate effect" stating that the choice of Ahmed Dogon Koli was a product of extensive consultation with relevant political stakeholders and well wishers of the Deputy Governor.

The new DG of Ketso Campaign Council hails from Rijau local government area,  an astute politician and a former Federal House of Representatives member, representing Rijau/Magama federal constituency.

He was also a gubernatorial aspirant in 2015 elections under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and an accomplished business man.

Alh. Umar Ahmed Dogon Koli is expected to serve as the overall head of all units of Ketso campaign structures and expected to bring to bear his wealth of experience in ensuring the success of the aspirant in the forthcoming party primaries and the general elections. 

BREAKING: AGAIN, PDP RESCHEDULES PARTY PRIMARIES.

BREAKING: AGAIN, PDP RESCHEDULES PARTY PRIMARIES. 

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rescheduled its primary elections.

A statement by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary of the party, said the Governorship Primaries is now slated for Monday, May 23, 2022, while the Senatorial District Primaries comes up on Saturday, May 21, 2022.

Part of the statement also said the House of Representatives Primaries is now set for Friday, May 20, 2022 and State House of Assembly (State Constituency Congress) is for Wednesday, May 18, 2022.

The party also said the Local Government Area (LGA) Congress to elect one National Delegate per LGA and one Person living with disability in the 774 Local Government Areas is for Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

The party disclosed that “all aspirants to various positions, critical stakeholders, members of our Party across the country as well as relevant agencies of government should please take note.” (Daily Trust)

 

MALAGI INNAUGURATES CAMPAIGN OFFICE, PULLS OUT THE POLITICAL THINK TANK IN NIGER From Mathew Jwantu, Minna

MALAGI PULLS OUT THE POLITICAL THINK TANK ON NIGER 

From Mathew Jwantu, Minna

The Blueprint Chairman and governorship aspirant under the platform of All Progressives Congress APC in Niger state, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi has commissioned his campaign office and set up steering committee to pilot the affairs of the project amidst all the political think tanks and the rank and files across the state.

Judging from the calibre of

dignitaries that graced the occasion, feelers has it that Malagi is already having the endorsement of Governor Sani Bello to succeed him.

Addressing the marmot crowd at the occassion held in Minna the state capital, the Gubernatorial aspirant urged his supporters to go about their activities peacefully without intimidation, violence or acrimony even as he assured them of victory.

The aspirant noted that the presence of the citizens has demonstrated their believe in ‘Malagi Project 2023’ adding that he will carryout his campaign based on issues devoid of sentiment to build on the current development if elected to govern the state.

Malagi who promised not be distracted by those that believe in campaign of calumny, said he is fully prepared for leadership to change the narrative of governance in Niger state by ensuring massive development if elected come 2023 general elections.

In his remarks, an APC elder and stalwart, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji Lapai who applauded the presence of prominent party men in the state described Malagi as the best aspirant who has sustained his movement for about two years now.

Magaji expressed satisfaction over the way and manner the team have conducted itself all along and called on Nigerlites to support and give him the mandate when time comes for the betterment of the party and the state at large.

 

The APC aspirant however announced Alhaji Idris Azozo as his Director General of his Campaign Organization while Alhaji Abdulmalik Muye will serve as the Director Administration and Finance among others.

The political tink-tank at the occasion includes Mustapha Sani Bello aka (Sani Basket) an Uncle to Governor Sani Bello, Baba Yakubu former Head of State Abdulsalam’s brother.

Others includes former speaker Niger state House of Assembly Hon. Ahmed Marafa, former Deputy Governor Ambassador Musa Ibeto, Alhaji Magaji Lapai, Senator Ibrahim Isa, among others.

WHY IT HAS TO BE KETSO IN 2023 BY HABIBU WUSHISHI...

WHY IT HAS TO BE KETSO IN 2023 BY HABIBU WUSHISHI...

It is true that Niger state has 10% of the total land mass of Nigeria. Covering 73,363 Square Meter of the Nigerian total land mass.

However, we have partly remained   underdeveloped because of our choice of leadership in the state over the years. We have refused to consider electing people with political and administrative experience to govern us.

Surprisingly, we have had briliant set of Deputy Governors who had done their jobs with all honesty and sincerity of purpose but we drop them when it comes to electing new Governor. Politically new Governors takes two years or more studying the state and the needs of the people and before you know it, their tenures are over. 

So as it is, Governors after Governors come and go leaving behind policies and programmes with the audacity of translating the state economy into rapid development but alas, what you see are abandoned projects from one administration to the other due to selfishness or the urge to seek cheap popularity amongst the people. 

What most electorates do not understand is that a Deputy Governor like Ahmed Mohammed Ketso who is nicknamed "MR FIX" it by his boss because he has successfully managed NLC strikes, communal clashes, party misunderstandings, kidnapping/banditry issues, gridlocks, Students unions problems, Bridge collapse, Military-Civilian crisis and Chaired many committees/parastatals and has traveled and is traveling to all the local government areas of Niger state on official or individual level can do very well if given the mandate of being a Governor. 

Experience is a great teacher! Let's think deeply and do the right thing before we make the mistakes of the past only to start regretting later.

A stitch in time saves nine!.

"Habibu Wushishi is the Deputy Press Secretary to Ketso". 

NIGER DEPUTY GOVERNOR, KETSO PICKS NOMINATION FORM AMIDST PERVADING UNCERTAINTIES...

The Deputy Governor of Niger state, Alh. Ahmed Mohammed Ketso has picked the Expression of Interest and Nomination form of the All Progressives Congress APC to indicate his interest in contesting the forthcoming gubernatorial primaries of the party in the state.

The coalition of over 30 Support Groups comprising youths associations from across the various Senatorial zones of the state were said to have contributed monies for the purchase of the form. 

The groups in their numbers stormed the National Secretariat of APC in Abuja to finalize the process on behalf of Alh. Ahmed Ketso.
The Chairman of the over thirty coalition of Youth Support Groups Comrade Mohammed Mohammed while briefing the media, stated that "Ketso is the first among all the party's aspirants all over the Federation to pick his nomination form " he added that "this was made possible because Ketso has broad based Grassroots support hence the coalition of the Youths Support Groups quickly raised the money needed for the form in no time. 

Comrade Mohammed added that the youths belive in Ketso' capacity to lead the state to the desired destination come 2023. 

He added that "Ketso is deep rooted local politician who knows the aspirations and yearnings of Nigerlites and having acquired the needed experience as a Deputy Governor over the years". 

 The Chairman then chided "that the coalition will now go all out to canvas the support of delegates to vote for the Ketso in the forthcoming party primaries slated for May 2022.

NIGER STATE DEPUTY GOVERNOR SET TO PICK NOMINATION FORM TO SUCCEED GOV SANI BELLO..BY YUNUSA ABUGI

NIGER STATE DEPUTY GOVERNOR SET TO PICK NOMINATION FORM TO SUCCEED GOV SANI BELLO..
BY YUNUSA ABUGI

Rumours about the aspiration of His Excellency, Deputy Governor Ahmed Mohammed Ketso in the forthcoming gubernatorial election has been put to rest as he is set to pick up Expression of Interest and Nomination Form on Monday 25th of April 2022.

This was revealed by sources close to the deputy governor hinting that group of close associates and well wishers of Ketso have concluded arrangements for the purchase of the nomination form.

However, this is coming on the heels of unfounded rumors that the Grassroots politician was considering withdrawal from the race.

In a counter release by his press Secretary, and made available to pressmen in Minna, states that  "Ahmed Mohammed Ketso very much in the race".

The statement further added that "The Deputy Governor of Niger state and leading APC Gubernatorial aspirant is still in the race and getting fully ready for all processes leading to the party's primaries".

"The Aspirant had already declared and concluded all consultations with critical stakeholders and will at any moment soon purchase the party's Nomination form.

"As it stands, Ketso is in contact with the party's delegates that will eventually produce a candidate for the party and fulfilling the ambition of becoming the Governor of Niger state remains sacrosanct in his heart for the overall interest of the Nigerlites". 

The statement concluded that the public should disregard all rumors of withdrawal from the race.

END. 

NIGER SSG DEBUNKS 'NAF FIGHTER JET KILLING SIX CHILDREN' SAYS REPORT FALSE AND MALICIOUS...

NIGER SSG DEBUNKS 'NAF FIGHTER JET KILLING SIX CHILDREN' SAYS REPORT IS FALSE, MALICIOUS...

The Secretary to the Niger State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane has stated that the report published by Punch Newspaper trending on social media today 21st April, 2022, and attributed to him that he confirmed NAF fighter jet killed six children in the State is false and malicious.

A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government wishes to debunk the report by the Punch Newspaper detailing that the NAF fighter jet killed six children, stressing that he has never granted an interview to the Punch Newspaper or any media organization on the matter.

According to the report by Punch, “the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Ibrahim Matane has confirmed the killing of six children by a NAF fighter jet in the State”

The SSG therefore strongly debunks the false and grossly misleading publication and urges the general public to disregard the fake news.

According to Ahmed Matane, “he is surprised by the level at which a reputable Newspaper like the Punch will published such a sensitive security report without proper confirmation”.

He enjoined members of the fourth estate of the realm and the general public to desist from publishing or airing fake and unsubstantiated stories instead they should verify any information that comes their way before going to press.

Former CPS Mahmud Declares for NASS Seat in Niger: Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Former CPS Mahmud Declares for NASS Seat in Niger: Yakubu Mustapha Minna

The former Chief Press Secretary CPS, Alhaji Mahmud Abdullahi has officially declared his intention to contest for the seat of House of Representative to represent Agaie/Lapai Federal Constituency under the platform of All Progressives Congress.

The eight years media aide to late governor Abdullahi Abdulkadir Kure made his declaration before a large crowd in Lapai party secretariat, where to disclosed that in parliament what is needed is the techniques to lobby and pressure to get things done for your people.

Mahmud while addressing the citizens, assured of better representation in the lower chamber of the National Assembly and called for the support of the people to ensure victory so as to actualize his dream.

He revealed that as a rural person who is not unaware of the problems of the people especially at the rural  dwellers while he assured to do everything humanly possible to changed the political narrative if given the opportunity to serve.

Former Commissioner of Information Strategy and culture, Mr Jonathan Tsado Vatsa in an interview said that 2023 will surely be different because democracy is advancing hence the need for better candidate who will work for the interest of the people.

He said that the electorates have leant their lessons following the past mistakes of voting for non competent persons who went their to represent some few individuals and groups at the detriment of the masses called for restraint in the forthcoming elections in the state.

Vatsa described Alhaji Mahmud Abdullahi as the man of the people who always emphasizing on how to improve the quality of leaving of the people who deserved to be given the opportunity to serve who will surely work for his people.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmadu said that the aspirant is fully aware of the dynamics of National Assembly especially the lower chamber and should be given the mandate to serve.

The Lapai local government All Progressives Congress Chairman, Alhaji Usman Ndagi Achitukpa, in his remarks told the people that the aspirant is a well known individual who had served the state meritoriously and never found wanting and assured of their support for his aspiration.

I will aggressively develop Niger if elected governor in 2023 – Engr Jankara – By Naseer Hameed

I will aggressively develop Niger if elected governor in 2023 – Engr Jankara –

A governorship aspirant in Niger State, Engr. Abdullahi Isah Jankara, has said that he will use his Goodwill as a seasoned technocrat to actualize his aspiration if voted into office as governor in 2023.

He said he has all the needed criteria to pursue his aspiration to be the next governor of Niger State arguing that he is not financially buyant but he will make proper use of his goodwill globally to attract aggressive transformation of Niger State if given the chance.

Engr Isah who spoke in an interview with journalists in Minna at the weekend, stated that after wide consultations with all the critical stakeholders within and outside Niger State, he has decided to offer himself to the generality of the state to vie for the exalted position of governor of Niger State come 2023.

He said he had equally prayed to God and requested that if his aspiration to be the next governor of Niger State, in 2023 will be the best for the state, let God take control and answer his prayer, ” and from all indications my prayers has already been answered with the overwhelming responses I have received from my consultations".

So by the support of God, I will be the next governor of Niger State come 2023″ he said.

He then explained further that he was optimistic of becoming the next flagbearer of  his party at primary elections  stressing that he was convinced with the supports and encouragement from his teaming supporters that cut across the three senatorial district of the state.

According to the governorship hopeful, his desire to vie for the governorship position was as a result of the clarion calls from his community and other well-wishers that felt he has used his little goodwill to impact positively on his people ” and they noticed the need for them to call me to serve as governor so that he can do more.

"I have used my little resources in my possession and my goodwill to attract some amenities that has direct bearings on their lives which informed the collectives decisions of my people to prevail on me to aspire for the governorship position come 2023".

After wide consultations within and beyonds my community then I decided to offer my self to aspire for the governorship position. Like I said, I’m not financially buyant but I will use my goodwill to attract agressive transformation of the state.” he asserted.

He disclosed that in appreciation for his community development stride the former governor of Niger State Dr. Mua’azu Babangida Aliyu, personally wrote a letter of commendation to him appreciating his developmental efforts to his people stressing that the letter has further spured him to do more to improve the well being of his community.

Engr. Isah Jankara told capital post that he will contest under the opposition party, the people democratic party (PDP), insisting that he has all it takes to contest both at the party primaries and the general election in 2023.

He noted that Niger State as agrirarian state with large land mass his administration will give agriculture the deserving priority that will create job opportunities to the teaming unemployed and graduates adding that this will improve the internal generated revenues base (IGR) that will be use towards infrastructural development of the state.

His administration will give priority to rural transformation through the provision of social amenities that will have direct bearings on the people.

Engr. Abdullahi Isah Jankara, who was the regional controller of department of petroleum resources in-charge of North Central States assured that his administration if voted into office will encourage Investment to the state in agro allied and mineral resources in the state to create employment for the teaming youths in the state.

He stated that as a technocrat and a professional engineer of high repute, his administration as governor of Niger State, come 2023, he will transform the state to an enviable state that will be a pride of all.

Niger Commissioner of Information Resigns to pursue political aspiration.

Niger Commissioner of Information Resigns to pursue political aspiration.

The Niger State Commissioner of Information has tendered his resignation to pave way for him to actualize his political aspirations.  

Hon Mohammed Sani Idris tendered his resignation Monday 28th March 2022 at the office 9f the SSG to the State Government Ibrahim Ahmed Matane. 

There are indications that up to eight commissioners are billed to resign their appointments to meet up with requirements of the new electoral act. 

ADHERE TO ELECTORAL ACT, RESIGN YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW, GOV BELLO ADMONISH APPOINTEES...

2023: NIGER GOV. CHARGES POLITICAL APPOINTEES, PUBLIC SERVANTS ASPIRING FOR POLITICAL OFFICES TO RESIGN IN ADHERENCE TO ELECTORAL ACT

The Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has directed Political Appointees and other Public Servants in both State and Local Governments of the State aspiring for political offices in 2023 to tender their resignation before 31st March, 2022.

A statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane further explained that the recent Electoral Act 2022, signed by President Muhammadu Buhari, provides that Political Appointees and Public Servants aspiring to contest elections must resign their positions before the conduct of political party primaries.

According to the statement, “in compliance with this provision, all Political Appointees and other Public Servants serving in both State and Local Governments should submit their letters of resignation to the Office of Secretary to the State Government on or before 31st March, 2022”.

“This is for your information and strict compliance please”, the statement declared.

NIGER GOVT. REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO END SECURITY CHALLENGES

NIGER GOVT. REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO END SECURITY CHALLENGES

The Secretary to the Niger State Governor (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane has reaffirmed that the State Government would not relent in it's effort to address insecurity in some parts of the State and ensure lasting peace in communities.

Ahmed Matane disclosed this at the studio of Channels TV, Abuja in a programme tagged "Sunrise Daily".

The SSG reiterated that Government is committed to ridding the State of banditry, kidnapping and other criminalities, hence the need to put all hands on deck in ensuring the insecurity has become a thing of the past in the State.

He described the activities of bandits as barbaric and inhuman, while urging people of the State to collaborate with Government in order to tackle the menace.

According to Ahmed Matane, "Government would continue to accord security agencies all the necessary support to succeed in the task of fighting banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other forms of criminality".

The SSG commended security agencies in the State for their steadfastness in finding lasting solution to the security challenges in some parts of the State.

Signed

Lawal Tanko

Information Officer

SSG's Office

Niger: Panic as governor set to reshuffle cabinet over poor performance, redeploys 13 Permanent Secretaries

Niger: Panic as governor set to reshuffle cabinet over poor performance, redeploys 13 Permanent Secretaries

Niger Governor Abubakar Sani Bello

From John Adams, Minna

Fear and anxiety have gripped members of the Niger State Executive Council as the Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello has concluded plans to reshuffle his cabinet almost three years after they were appointed.

Also to be affected in the reshuffling exercise which will see some Commissioners being dropped includes Special Advisers and coordinators.

Nigerians can now work and earn dollars DAILY from home. Regular individuals can earn as low as $300 daily Find out how it works.

 

This is the first time in the life of the administration that the governor will be embarking on a major cabinet reshuffle after he dropped six Commissioners from the cabinet shortly before the 2019 general elections.

Although with less than two years to the end of the administration, it was gathered from a reliable source close to the Government House that the decision by the governor to reshuffle the cabinet was informed by the non Performance of the commissioners which has rendered the administration ineffective.

However to prepare grounds for the reshuffling, the governor, recently ordered the Head of Service to redeploy some Permanent Secretaries, awaiting new Commissioners.

The Head of Service Hajiya Salamatu T Abubakar in a letter dated 1st February 2022 with reference number HoS/NS/044/T and addressed to all Ministries, clerk of the house of assembly and the Secretary to the state government, asked the affected Permanent Secretaries to report at their new ministry on or before 8th of February, 2022.

Part of the redeployment letter reads:

 

“I write to convey the approval of Mr Governor on the posting of the attached list of Permanent Secretaries. The officers are expected to report on or before Tuesday 8th February, 2022, and you will kindly avail this office with handing/taking over note.”

The governor has gradually begun the reshufflement of the Commissioners when he recently ordered the swapping of Commissioners for Local Government Chieftaincy Affairs, Mallam Abdulmalik Sarkin Dage with that of Youths and Sport, Mr. Emmanuel Umar.

Although the governor said the swapping was temporary, the affected commissioners have now spent over four months in their new ministries, even when the development, it was gathered has not gone down well with those affected.

Despite intense lobbying by the commissioners, the governor it was learnt is hell-bent on reshuffling the cabinet and even ready to drop most of them who have performed below expectations in the last three years.

According to our source, “ministry like planning which has been overseeing by that of Finance, will now get a substantive Commissioner”.

Our Correspondent gathered that some of the Commissioners and Special Advisers have started visiting and lobbying traditional rulers, political godfathers and relatives of the governor to enable them remain in the cabinet.

Our source who pleaded anonymity, said the governor is highly disappointed with the performance of most of the Commissioners even though he has been nursing the plans to reshuffle the cabinet when they (Commissioners) were just two years in office.

According to the source: “But for the intervention of some political actors in the state who advised the governor to shelve the plan so as to face more important issues affecting the state.

“But now, Mr Governor is completely disenchanted with the Commissioners over their poor performances.

“To even worsen the matter, the Governor is not happy with the Commissioners and Special Advisers with the way they have distance themselves from their immediate communities, citing Insecurity as their reason for not going back to their people.

“This behaviour by the Commissioners and Special Advisers have further detached the Government from the people. The people are no longer feeling the presence of the Government”, he added.

Findings have it that some of these Political appointees have relocated from their personal homes to hotels because of insecurity in the state and they pay as much as two hundred Naira (N200,000) per month as hotel bills.

“Those who could not relocate to hotels have now resorted to going to their homes in Abuja and come to Minna to either attend State Executive Council meetings or any other important events”.

The Commissioners are said to be taking the advantage of the frequent travel by governor to go into hiding and distance themselves from the people.

“Since the Governor hardly stay in Minna, they (Commissioners) now have the ample of opportunities to stay back thereby hiding themselves from their people. They are making the government to be too far from the people, especially with the security challenges facing the people.

To worsen the situation, our source pointed out that “the Local Government Chairmen are not helping matters as ever since they won the case against the Governor in court over their tenure extension , they have all gone underground and now rule their LGAs from Minna, the state capital.

“Do you know these Chairmen can not be reached on phone, they only operate with their Treasurers and Secretaries, because they now lie on the security challenges as the reason they can not go to their LGAs?

“They now treat all files and documents from Minna, if there are anything to do they carefully ensure they ask their staff to bring such to their Minna locations.

COAS EMBARKS ON OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT TOUR TO MINNA... Says operational lapses must be expunged...

*COAS  EMBARKS ON OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT TOUR TO MINNA... Says operational lapses must be expunged

The Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, in the early hours of today 5 February 2022 embarked on an operational tour of 31 Brigade Area of Responsibility in Minna, Niger State. 

The  tour is in continuation of ongoing evaluation and review of troops' operations in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other sundry crimes in the country.

Addressing Operational Commanders in Minna, the COAS charged them to take appropriate tactical measures and bold steps to tackle the menace of banditry and kidnapping in their areas of responsibility, adding that they must  be thorough and circumspect in order to expunge all operational lapses in the ongoing anti banditry campaign. 

Gen Yahaya encouraged the commanders not to be hesitant in communicating their challenges to the Army hierarchy. He maintained that the Nigerian Army will continue to ensure combat hardwares and logistics are provided to reposition and enhance ongoing operations.

 In a statement by the Director Army Public Relations  Brigadier General  ONYEMA NWACHUKWU said the COAS assured that in consonance with his philosophy of command, the welfare of personnel has topped his priority list, since he assumed command. 

The COAS enjoined them to work in synergy with sister services and other security agencies in order to effectively dismantle the network of banditry and kidnapping in their areas. END

APC INAUGURATES STATE PARTY CHAIRMEN

APC INAUGURATES STATE PARTY CHAIRMEN

The Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the All Progressives Congress APC under the chairmanship of Mai Mala Buni has inaugurated the 36 State Party Chairmen and the FCT at the party Secretariat in Abuja.

The Chairman of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee who double as the Governor of Yobe State,  Mai Mala Buni charge the State party Chairmen to work in line with party constitution.

Also among the State APC Chairmen, is Hon. Haliru Zakari Jikantoro who is Niger State Chairman.

Hon. Haliru Zakari Jikantoro promised to work round the clock to resolve all the difference among the party members.

The Niger State APC Chairman was accompanied by all the State Executives members of the party and top government functionaries from the State

NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT SETS NEW GUIDELINES FOR THE OPERATION OF PRIVATE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN THE STATE By Ismaila Saba Favu.

NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT SETS NEW GUIDELINES FOR THE OPERATION OF PRIVATE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN THE STATE 

The Niger state government has reiterated its commitment to strengthen the operation of private tertiary institutions in the state, this was stated by the Hon. Commissioner for Tertiary Education Science and Technology, Prof Baba Aliyu at a one day stakeholders meeting to review the guidelines for the establishment and operation of private tertiary institutions in the state. 

Prof Aliyu who decried “lack of strong policies which often lead to challenges of accreditations for programmes in the institutions” added that “government alone cannot provide the needed platform for the growing population, hence the need for the privately owned institutions to contribute their quota in the provision of accessible quality education in the state”.

Prof Aliyu further stated that “the need to set standard guidelines become necessary to eliminate undue proliferation of private tertiary institutions in the state and eradicate quackery in the system”.  He added that the new guidelines must include adequate facilities, standard dimensions for (laboratories, libraries and ICT centers), lecture halls, number of courses commensurate with the number and qualifications of the lecturers before a provisional approval can be granted”. He also said “defaulters of the new guidelines will be penalized accordingly”.  

The commissioner then confirmed that the institutions that meet the minimum requirements will be reopened soon.

Earlier, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Musa Abubakar Sadiq in his welcome address, said these new guidelines are the first in the history of the ministry, hence he called for inputs from all stakeholders to enrich the proposed guidelines. 

The heads of tertiary institutions in Niger State in their separate goodwill messages, starting with the Vice Chancellor of IBB University Lapai, Prof Abu Kassim Adamu commended the efforts of the Ministry of Tertiary Education Science and Technology for streamlining the activities for tertiary institutions in the state through the long overdue new guidelines. The Provost of Niger State College of Education, Prof Yakubu Auna, while praising the MTEST said the new guidelines will help to stamp out fake institutions being paraded by NUC, NUE, NBTC. The Provost of Justice Fati Lami Institute of Legal and Administrative Studies, Dr. Alyu Bussa called on all private institutions in the state to adhere strictly with the new guidelines to ensure they produce quality products from their institutions. The Governing Council Chairman of the School of Health Technology Minna, Prof James Galadima applaud the ministry for the new innovations through the stakeholders meeting which will further standardize the quality of healthcare workers in the state. 

The Chairman, Association of Private Tertiary Institutions in Niger State, Mall Alhassan Aliyu and also Provost Rolling School of Health Sciences Minna on behalf of all private Tertiary Institutions in the state, said the stakeholders meeting is a welcome idea and pledge the commitment of all the private institutions to abide by the new guidelines and also stated their assurance to report any illegal proliferation of schools of Health Technology in the state.

NIGER@46: GROUP HAILS GOV SANI BELLO FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DESPITE INSECURITY CHALLENGES...

NIGER@46: GROUP HAILS GOV SANI BELLO FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DESPITE INSECURITY CHALLENGES...

A group in Niger state under the auspices of Niger Progressive Forum has disclosed that it has planned activities to celebrate 46 years of existence of the state.

Niger State was created in 1976 when the then North-Western State was divided into Niger State and Sokoto State.

The group said despite the security challenges faced, the present government of Abubakar Sani Bello has committed to people oriented projects and economic rejuvenation having  surface-dressed over 400 kilometers of rural roads.

Making this known while addressing Journalists as part of activities to mark the 46th anniversary of Niger State since creation in Minna, the Secretary General, Saidu Abdullahi Kuso said Niger which connects the Southern and Northen parts of the country has the largest landmass of about 10 percent in the country.

According to him "despite the insecurity challenges, the state government has achieved some positive results recently against banditry as peace has returned to some affected communities.

"The government has been committed to people's oriented projects and economic rejuvenation and so far, the government has surface-dressed over 400km of rural roads to enable farmers have access to market."

While calling on all and soundry to be part of events marking the anniversary schedule for 3rd of February 2022, Kuso said the Forum is organizing a series of activities to mark the one day event. 

He added that the State where Nigeria was given birth to in 1914 has contributed immensely to the socio-political and economic development of the country after producing two former Heads of State and prominent Nigerians.