Author: Our Correspondent

*Say’s formation’ll halt incessant killings, kidnappings by bandits

By Achadu Gabriel Kaduna

The Ruruma community in Kauru LGA in Southern part of Kaduna State, has strongly appealed to Federal Government to establish military presence in Kwasam to halt escalating incessant killings and abduction of their kinsmen by bandits.

Ruruma community made the passionate appeal on Sunday in a press statement signed by its National President Mr. Daniel Dallah and made available to newsmen in Kaduna.

The President of the association emphasized the need for military formation in the area to ensure prompt action to help restore security and protect lives and properties in the area, revealing that a CBN Director was once abducted in the area, and N1 billion had so far been paid as ransom due to incessant bandits kidnapping.

He said that a military formation in Kwasam area would also help restore normalcy in surrounding vulnerable communities that have been displaced over the years, Dallah revealed that about N1billion has so far been paid as ransom, while 13 people gruesomely killed, and over 200 people have been abducted in the areas.

“There has been a continued escalation of insecurity in our communities leading to brutal killing and displacement of people.

“The Military formation in Kwasam axis will enable the communities that has been displaced to return to their ancestral land as they have abandoned their farms and farm produce. Currently, our Chief, Alh. Dauda Abdulsalam, the Pogom Kumana, for some years has not been at home, due to escalating insecurity in the region,” Dallah stated.

He added that,” Bandits have continued to occupy surroundings communities and farmlands unchallenged by security operatives.

The President, wondered why the Executive Chairman of Kauru Local Government Area deliberately exempt Kwasam and surrounding vulnerable communities in Kumana Chiefdom despite the daily kidnapping and killings of their loved ones.

For example, A CBN director was abducted in Kwasam were a collosal sum of N200 million was paid as ransom.

“Also, communities like; Fagen rawa, Kaibi, Kusheka, Fadei, Ruruma,Rafin rimi, Kurera, Kitimi, Kakude and Kiwollo are all displaced by these bandits”, he said.
He also explained that citing military formation in Kwasam community, the headquarters of Ruruma would be strategic for its operations to help halt incessant killings and abduction of locals who are 99.9% farmers.

“Bandits have rendered their communities incapacitated”, stressing that even at this period of harvest, farmers cannot access their farms for fear of being killed or kidnapped for ransom.

He further explained that the community has witnessed setbacks due to the ongoing insecurity facing the areas while attributing the development to a conspiracy to ensure poverty thrives in their area.

“The creation of military base in Kwasam, the headquarters of Ruruma Community will serves the entire Kumana Chiefdom and other neighbouring communities which does not have any military formation, even a Police division,” he stated.

“The absence of this military formation has made the Ruruma and its surrounding communities vulnerable to constant kidnapping, and many valuables carted away unchallenged by the bandits with a promise of coming back.

He said the Community are ready to donate their houses or facility to the military once the formation is approved to start operations.

“We’re appealing to the Federal Government calls to intensify efforts to respond to their plight, while calling on the Kaduna State Government to provide necessary support to the local vigilantes in terms of training, equipment and financial resources for effective and efficient service delivery”, he added.

He assured the community’s is hundred percent readiness to cooperate with the security agencies and Governments to end the menace.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has suspended its National Chairman, Mr Mamman Mike Osuman over an unauthorized statement on 2027 election.

A statement issued Thursday by the Chairman of ACF Board Trustees, Alh Bashir Muhammad Dalhatu and National Secretary, Alh Murtala Aliyu, attributed the suspension of the chairman on remarks he made on 2027.

It reads in parts: “In particular, Mr. Osuman was quoted as saying that the North will back a northern candidate for the presidency, come 2027.

The statement stressed that “Our attention has been drawn to widely reported statements credited to Mr. Mamman Mike Osuman, SAN, OFR, Chairman, ACF National Executive Committee (NEC), which were made during the meeting of the NEC, held on Wednesday, November, 2024, at ACF Headquarters, Kaduna.

The statements were made by the NEC Chairman without consulting or discussing with other leaders and members of the ACF and thus, reflected Mr. Osuman’s personal opinion only.

“ACF rejects Mr. Mamman Mike
Osuman’s statements in their entirety. For this reason, the leadership of the ACF’s Board of Trustees (BOT) and that of its NEC has decided to place Mr. Mamman Mike Osuman on suspension with immediate effect.

The statement declared, “A Committee has been constituted for further investigations”, it added.

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

Stakeholders in the Niger Delta region has applauded the combined efforts of the Nigerian Military, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited,NNPCL, the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited,PINL, for their efforts at significantly increasing the country’s oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd).

The Niger Delta Youth Coalition for Peace and Progress,NDYCPP, in a statement described the progress as a result of coordinated actions to combat oil theft, illegal bunkering, and pipeline vandalism.

This achievement follows a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in July, tasking the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, to adopt effective measures aimed at curbing the rising menace of oil theft, which had been crippling the nation’s economy.

The Vice President of the group, Comrade Engr. George Okitikpi, noted that the involvement of local youths has provided a sustainable model for protecting national assets while empowering the region’s communities. According to him, “The community engagement initiatives by PINL and the Nigerian Military’s swift response to intelligence have been instrumental in this success,”

He further said that stakeholders are happy with the PINL’s proactive and community-focused strategies by including and employing thousands of youths from host communities and fostering synergy in securing critical oil infrastructure.

These efforts have not only deterred illicit activities but also built trust among local populations.
The NDYCPP extended gratitude to NNPCL for endorsing these participatory approach and called for continued collaboration to ensure the sustained growth of Nigeria’s oil sector.

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, has elected a new set of officers that will steer the affairs of the union for the next three years.

In a keenly contested election held on Saturday at the Union’s press centre Azikoro road Ekeki Yenagoa was witnessed by over 300 members of the union, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha of the Radio Bayelsa Chapel defeated his main contender and immediate past Secretary of State Council, Comr.Ogie Clement Ipigansi of Information Chapel. Tonye clinched 213 votes against his opponent’s who scored 206 votes to emerge as the chairman of the council.

Declaring the result of the election , the Zone F Vice Chairman, Mpaka Dokubo, said “having satisfied all the necessary requirements, Tonye Yemoleigha, is hereby declared the winner and thereby returned elected.”

Dr.Inebaraton Preye of the Niger Delta Television Chapel emerged the Vice Chairman with 238 votes against 181 votes scored by his opponent, Mr.Ebiowei Lawal of Federated Correspondents Chapel, while Mr.Stanley Imgbi of The Information Chapel Chapel was returned as the secretary for the second term having scored 236 votes to beat his main challenger, Mrs.Inaingo Tobin-West of New waves Chapel to a distant second of 181 votes.

The election also threw up three female officers including Mrs Tekinyo Theophilus of Information Chapel as Treasurer, Mrs Aqua Ansa Akpuruku of Royal FM as Assistant Secretary and Grace Iwolo of same Royal FM Chapel as Auditor.

Mrs Tekinyo Theophilus scored 211 votes to defeat her opponent , Mrs Ebinimi Zitimiyola of NTA Chapel , who scored 207 votes, while Mrs Aqua Ansa Akpuruku garnered the highest number of votes (244), beating her male rival, Mr.Abassa Solomon Tare of the light Chapel, who scored 174 votes to a distant second.

Grace Iwolo scored 218 votes to defeat her male opponent, Mr.Amgbare Ekaunkumo of United Correspondents Chapel, who secured 201 votes.

The position of the Financial Secretary went to Mr.Theophilus Agidee of Daar Communications Chapel, having polled 220 votes to beat his only contender Janet Twonmute of Niger Delta Television Chapel who scored 200 votes.

The newly elected chairman, Comr.Tonye Yemoleigha, in his acceptance speech, sued for the cooperation and support of every member of the union and promised to run an all inclusive and transparent government.
He said, “On behalf of the members who have just been elected as executive members of the NUJ Bayelsa State Council, I want expressed our profound gratitude to everyone on this day; the comportment, the orderliness despite the lapses that have brought us to this moment.

“In the course of our campaigns, we told you want we intend to do and we will not fail in doing that but before we get there, let me express my gratitude to Almighty God. This responsibility we have accepted and we are not going to fail you. The road will be turbulent, the road will be tough, but we assure you we are going to serve you. We need your cooperation, we need your steadfast support.”

Earlier, the Vice President, NUJ Zone F, Opaka Dokubo had described the election as free, fair and credible.

He commended journalists in the state for their large turnout and peaceful conduct throughout the voting process.

Daybreak News reports that the Delegates conference was conducted by a five-man Electoral Committee under the supervision of the Zone F Vice President, Upaka Dokubo, the Zone F Secretary, John Angesse and Bayelsa State chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Simon Barnabas.

From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Bayelsa State Council yesterday elected new executive officers during its Triennial Delegates Conference held in Yenagoa.

Tonye Yemoleigha was elected Chairman, receiving 213 votes against Ogio Ipigansi’s 206. Inebaraton Preye secured the Vice Chairman position with 238 votes.

Other elected officials include Stanley Imgbi (Secretary), Aqua Akpuruku (Assistant Secretary), Tekiyon Theophilus (Treasurer), Theophilus Agidee (Financial Secretary), and Grace Iwolo (Auditor).

The election was overseen by a five-member Electoral Committee led by Mpaka Dokubo, the Zone F Vice President. Other elected officials include Stanley Imgbi (Secretary), Aqua Akpuruku (Assistant Secretary), Tekiyon Theophilus (Treasurer), Theophilus Agidee (Financial Secretary), and Grace Iwolo (Auditor).

In his acceptance speech, Yemoleigha expressed gratitude for the support received and emphasized their commitment to serving the council over the next three years.

He acknowledged the challenges ahead but assured members of their dedication to fulfilling their promises. “We need your cooperation and steadfast support,” he stated, highlighting the importance of unity within the council.

He said, “On behalf of the members who have just been elected as executive members of the NUJ Bayelsa State Council, I want expressed our profound gratitude to everyone on this day; the comportment, the orderliness despite the lapses that have brought us to this moment.

“In the course of our campaigns, we told you want we intend to do and we will not fail in doing that but before we get there, let me express my gratitude to Almighty God. This responsibility we have accepted and we are not going to fail you. The road will be turbulent, the road will be tough, but we assure you we are going to serve you. We need your cooperation, we need your steadfast support.”

Recall that, the conference marked a significant moment for Bayelsa’s journalists, as it followed a period of tension within the union, including a recent vote of no confidence against the Credentials Screening Committee by some members. .

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Coalition of northern groups, under the auspices of the Forum for Growth and Development of Arewa (FGDA), has strongly criticized the backing of the new tax reform initiative by some northern leaders and threatened to stage a protest on Wednesday against what they term “Anti-North bills”.

The group expressed its dissatisfaction with the proposed tax reforms after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu transmitted the Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Bill to the Senate.

The bill is designed to streamline tax collection, ensure compliance, and optimize revenue. However, the FGDA has raised concerned that the implementation of the bill will disproportionately affect the northern region, economically and commercially.

In a statement issued in Kaduna and signed by the group’s Convener, Jibrin Mohammed, the coalition announced its plans to protest, aiming to send a strong message to President Tinubu and members of the National Assembly that the proposed bill is “rejected and unacceptable.”

“We have consulted widely and carried out investigations into the proposed tax reform bills and discovered that their implementation will economically disadvantaged the northern region,” the statement added.

The group condemned the endorsement of the controversial tax reform by certain northern figures, arguing that it fails to address the region’s existing developmental challenges and the significant economic disparities between the North and South.

“The tax reform will disproportionately affect the economic livelihoods and aspirations of our people, especially given the current harsh economic conditions in the country,” the coalition noted.

While acknowledging that the tax reform may offer benefits to Southern regions, the FGDA emphasized that the average northerner is already struggling with extreme poverty, insecurity, unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure.

“The North is facing multiple challenges, including insecurity, severe poverty, and a lack of basic infrastructure. Any policy that will further impoverish our people will be met with strong resistance,” the coalition warned.

The group has called on northern youths and citizens to join the protest to halt further action on the tax reform bills, stressing that the North cannot afford any more policies that worsen its already dire situation.

Calls for suspension of Rector, 2 others

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Kaduna Polytechnic (ASUP), Engr. Abubakar Jibrin Abdullahi has said the Union has no idea about the cost of sale of carve-out and other properties of the institution sold by the management.

Corroborating the statement Dr. Zarma Jacob, while responding to the petition written against the school management by aggrieved staff of the institutions, alleged that everything was done in secret and most payment were not remitted to government account.

“We don’t have idea about the highest cost and least cost. Everything is shrouded in secrecy as most payment are not remitted to the government. But by our rough estimate, they have made over twenty billion naira (N20bn)”, he stated.

Recalled that some aggrieved staff of Kaduna polytechnic, had earlier Petition the National Assembly (NASS), accusing the management of the Federal polytechnic located in Kaduna city, of illegal sale of carve -out and outright sale of the polytechnic properties, and diversion of the funds/proceeds into personal and private bank account.

A copy of letter of the petition made available to journalists in Kaduna, dated 20th June 2024, was addressed to chairman House Committee on Public Assets three Arms Zone of National Assembly (NASS), Abuja.

Contacted on its position, as the crises lingered, the ASUP Kaduna Polytechnic chapter, Engr. Abubakar Jibrin Abdullahi said the Union is totally against the school authorities over the sale of the institution’s properties.

His words: “ASUP is against the sales of Kaduna polytechnic institution’s properties be it within or outside the institution”, he stated.

The chairman also recalled that “At an Emergency Congress meeting held on 6th December 2022, the Congress resolved that Kadpoly properties are not for sale now or in the future.

“In 2011, some staff resident in the Quarters wanted a situation where they’re given the houses as lease, but Former Minister of Housing and Urban development Mrs. Amma Peppe visited the institution when I was the General Secretary then and came up with a position in clear terms that Kaduna polytechnic properties within or outside the institution is not for sale now or in the future.

“It was meant for expansion and for future development for the generation yet on born. The management then circulated it in the Institution news letter”, he emphasized.

He also stated that “This time around, the management and some of the staff resident in the quarters wanted to defraud the the institution from it asset under the pretend of Monetization policy”.

“The Union rose and rejected it via a letter to the Honourable Minister of Education. The permsec then replied via a letter dated 20th January 2023, that the properties are not for sale or lease.

“The same management circulated a letter Dated 26th January 2023 to all staff to comply. Unfortunately, both the management and those resident in quarters didn’t respect the directives so the Union took the matter to the Federal high court in Kaduna against the management, Government Council, Presidential implementation Committee (PIC).
Attorney general of the federation etc.

“To the best of our knowledge, Only Mr President has the power to lease or sale FGN properties, unfortunately, the management could not provide a letter from Former President Mohammed Buhari where he signed and gave the PIC under the office of the SGF to sell Kadpoly institutional properties.

“It was a calculated attempt by both parties to defraud the institution from it asset. Both the Union and members of the residents took the matter to NASS for justice.

“Unfortunately, we on fly mood and tension is mounting between some of our staff and outsiders in one hand, and also between those that were ejected in the quarters and deny from the buying. And also management of the institution”, ASUP chairman stated.

Engr. Abdullahi continue that “Historically Sir, the institution was founded by the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello. The institution was a Technical institute that later change to a Polytechnic and own by the 19 Northern State.

“All properties purchase by the institution including the C-of-O of the Landed properties are still reading Kaduna polytechnic.

“There was a White paper dated 20 January 2008 that gave clarification on the properties that were purchased and originally own by an Institution as Institutional properties and are exempted from Sales/Lease .by a Presidential white paper.

“Because of my stance on the matter, the management suspended Union activities under the disguise of a factional group in May 2024, later suspended Union activities within the campus, later suspended me as a Staff, later terminated my appointment illegally.

“But all this was addressed and resolved by the immediate past Minister of Education when the National Body of our Union wrote a petition against the management.
My termination was withdrawn and was back since March 2024.

“The Union will be glad if you contact the man in charge of Freedom Radio station Kaduna. He will brief you on other things. And also Berekete Family Alhaji Ahamed Isah”, he explained.

Recalled that some aggrieved staffs petition poly management, and appealed to NASS to use their good office to ensure that justice is done in this matter and putting a stop to this carve out to have full access road to their properties.

Their prayer is that the Rector Kaduna Polytechnic Dr. Suleiman Umar, and 2 others: AbdulRahman Usman Tanko and Mr Abubakar Isa Jibrin should be suspend from office to pave way for a full scale investigation, saying they’re presently destroying some records to hinder proper investigation on this matter. End.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

The management of Accugas Limited, a subsidiary of Savannah Energy has strongly denied allegations of it’s involvement in the current power outage in Akwa Ibom.

The outage which has crippled business and commercial services in the state in the last one week culminated in the sacking of the MD of Ibom Power Company, Engr Meyen Etukudoh after he blamed the outage on mounting debt to the suppliers of gas to the power company by the Governor Umo Eno led administration.

But a statement from Accugas, suppliers of gas to Ibom Power and endorsed by it’s Communications Manager, Okwudili Onyia, absolved the state government of any blame, attributing the power situation in the state to a fault in the transmission line supplying electricity to the state

“The power cut in Akwa Ibom State is entirely due to the reported fault in the 132-KV Aba-Itu transmission line, which, unfortunately, is preventing power being transmitted from the National Grid into the State.

“It is imperative that the restoration of the Aba-Itu line is completed as soon as possible. Ibom Power Company (“IPC”) is one of 23 thermal power generation companies which channel power to the National Grid, which in turn disseminates all accumulated power to each State of the Federation through the electricity distribution companies (“Discos”).

“Indeed, Accugas supplies gas to enable 20% of Nigeria’s thermal generation capacity and, as such, is a critical enabler of the Nigerian economy.

“Within Akwa Ibom State, Accugas has been the sole supplier of gas to IPC since 2014 and, together with other Savannah subsidiaries, has invested over US$1.5 billion in gas development within the state.

“Furthermore, Savannah has recently invested US$45 million in a gas compression project at Accugas’ Uquo central processing facility at Esit Eket. Accugas’ commitments also extend to several social investment projects in the state.

“All the foregoing investments and projects, including other imminent investments Accugas intends to make in the State, demonstrate the Company’s long-term commitment to Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.” The statement explained.

Accugas, the statement further said would ontinue to partner with, and support the government of Akwa Ibom towards achieving the government’s agenda for economic development and prosperity of the state.

By Rhoda Godwin

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has rewarded wrestlers from the state that won medals at the 3rd Gov Diri National Wrestling Classics held last weekend at the indoor hall of the Samson Siasia stadium Yenagoa in the state capital.

Bayelsa emerged overall winners of the wrestling championship, which was the third sponsored by Governor Diri.

Each gold medalist got N500,000, silver medalists N200,000 and bronze medalists N100,000 each.

Senator Diri presented the cash awards to the winners on Thursday morning shortly after the weekly Prosperity Walk programme at the Samson Siasia stadium, Yenagoa

He also rewarded Team Bayelsa with the sum of N2 million while the Dynamite Wrestling Club in the state that came third got N1 million for the from the governor.

The Bayelsa governor said the gesture was to encourage and motivate athletes to continue to excel in future championships.

He directed the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Daniel Igali, who is also President, Nigeria Wrestling Federation, to haunt for young talents at the grassroots in the quest to produce future champions.

He said: “l congratulate all winners in the wrestling championship. Wrestling is indigenous to Bayelsa State. So it should continue to maintain its first position. All of our competitors must come tops at national events, especially in wrestling and other combat sports.

“Government is appreciating all our gold medalists in the wrestling competition with the sum of N500,000, silver medalists N200,000 and bronze medalists N100,000.

“I have been talking with Blessing Oborududu, the Olympic silver medalist, who has made a mark in wrestling, to mentor and train young ones that will take over from her upon retirement.”

The goveror noted that his administration had already reached out to top athletes, including Oborududu, to fish out talents across the local government areas in order to train them to win laurels at state, national and international levels.

In his remarks, Hon. Daniel Igali said 25 states and 11 clubs participated in the national wrestling classics.

Presenting the winners and their trophies, Igali said Bayelsa came first in Greco-Roman and freestyle categories as well as in the female category.

He added that the state also came tops in all categories while a Bayelsa wrestler emerged as the outstanding competitor in Greco-Roman style.