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June 12: Amotekun will become state police – Gov Akeredolu
Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has said that the State Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps will metamorphose into a state police.
Akeredolu who said he does not believe in secession stated that the many promises of June 12 have been dashed.
Akeredolu who spoke in Akure at the 2021 Democracy Day celebration said there was no serious attempt to redesign the security architecture to respond to the demands of a nascent country as at the time of independence.
He insisted that every federating unit in the country should have its own police for effective security.
The Ondo Governor declared that local government could not be absolute autonomous and that the Federal Government should have no control, whatsoever, on how a Local Government is run in a State of the Federation.
“Let every state determine the number of local governments it wishes to have for effective administration. The civil service must respond to the current realities for relevance. Let the extent of wealth creation form the basis of establishing local administrations. It does not make any economic sense to create as many local governments as the politics of revenue sharing will permit.
“Governors must be Chief Executive Officers answerable only to the people indeed. The law must empower them to harness the resources in their respective States for the benefit of those who voted for them. They must not be subjected to any external control as equal partners in a federation unless when it is absolutely necessary.
“They must be able to mobilise the people for socio-economic activities with minimal interference from the government at the centre. This will enhance their ability to protect their people from rampaging marauders and other criminals who wreak their peace in perpetuity.
“The message which produced June 12, 1993 was “Farewell to Poverty ”. Our people looked forward to a better Nigeria where every citizen would be proud. The hope was dashed. We have been trying to rekindle the light of realistic expectations since 1999. The political journey proceeds in fits and starts. The ride has been bumpy, creating doubts and suspicion on the genuineness of intentions.
“The problems are, however, surmountable if all are sincere in finding lasting solutions to the existential issues confronting us. That should the lesson derivable from the June 12 annulment and the symbolic revalidation.”
Barr. Femi Aborisade who delivered the Democracy Day lecture insisted that Nigeria was not a broke nation.
June 13, 2021
Plateau To Implement Full Autonomy As Executive, Legislature & Judiciary Reach Agreement
The dust over the implementation of autonomy for the Judicial and Legislative Arms of Government across the country has been settled in Plateau State, with the three arms of Government reaching an agreement after series of negotiations on modalities for its operations.
Governor Simon Bako Lalong disclosed this at a dinner and lecture to mark Democracy Day 2021 at the Banquet Hall of the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos on Saturday June 12th.
Lalong said prior to the clamour for implementation of autonomy across the nation, his administration had put in place structures for autonomy and even implemented some aspects. This include establishing the Judicial Service Commission and the House of Assembly Service Commission which are the administrative fulcrums of the two arms of Government among others.
He said with the agreement reached on modalities for implementation, he has directed that all funds accruing to the two arms of Government should immediately be transferred to them. This he said will continue to be the practice henceforth.
Based on the arrangement, after every FAAC monthly allocations are received and Internally Generated Revenues ascertained, statutory charges and liabilities will be deducted before each arm of Government are given what belongs to them.
The Governor who thanked the Speaker of the House of the Assembly and the Chief Judge for their understanding and cooperation throughout the negotiations, said there is no winner no vanquished. He then called on Judiciary and Legislative workers unions to ensure they get back to work immediately as anything short will amount to absence from duty which attracts “no work no pay”.
The Governor also received the report of the Judicial Panel of Enquiry on Police Brutality from the Chairman, Retired Justice Philomina Lot who said they received over a hundred petitions and struck out a few, but had many petitioners appear to make their cases.
The Governor assured that the State will implement all the recommendations relating to it and forward those concerning the Federal Government and its agencies appropriately.
Guest Lecturer Prof. Andrew Zamani, DG ITF Sir Joseph Ari, and acting DG NIPSS Gen. Udaya rtd all commended Governor Lalong for pursuing peace and tackling insecurity which has brought about investment and development in the State.
Deputy Governor Prof. Sonny Tyoden and Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Danladi Abok Atu used the commemoration of the two years of the second tenure to reaffirm the commitment of the Lalong Rescue Administration to implement all it projects and fulfil its campaign promises.
June 13, 2021
FG flags off construction of Farin-Ruwa multipurpose dam in Nasarawa
By Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Federal Government, Saturday, flagged off the construction for the completion of Farin-Ruwa Hydro power Multipurpose Dam, in Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the ceremony in Wamba LGA, Malam Suleiman Adamu Minister of Water Resources said the project has completion period of 24 months, adding that the project was originally initiated and started by Nasarawa State Government in 2004 to generate 20, 000 hydro power electricity to boost socio-economic development of the state.
He explained that the implementation of the projects suffered setback due to paucity of funds, stressing that the state government therefore solicited the intervention and take over by the Federal Government in order to actualise the project.
He said in receiving the state government request, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari and he graciously approved the takeover and completion of the project in October 19, 2018.
He further explained that the President had also approved the expansion of the project to includes regional water scheme and construction of irrigation infrastructures of 2000 hectares for dry season farming to serve the people of the area.
He applauded the Nasarawa State Government for initiating the project and provision of necessary logistics for smooth takeover by constructing the access road to the project that originally was supposed to be part of the items to be constructed by the Federal Government.
The Minister assured the people of the state that the Federal Government would ensure that the project is completed within the stipulated period and according to contract specifications.
Malam Suleiman also emphasised that Buhari-led administration would remain committed toward the provision of the needed infrastructures that would guarantee socioeconomic development of the country.
On his part, the Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State commended the President and the Minister of Water Resources and the federal government for taken over hydropower multipurpose dam project.
Sule added that the President has continued to play a fatherly role by approving anything that would lead to peace, progress and development of Nasarawa State since he assumed office as a governor.
The governor also commended Senator Abdullahi Adamu, first executive Governor of the state for initiating the project and also thanked successive administrations for their efforts towards ensuring that the project was completed.
Governor Sule explained that he decided the construct the 15. 5 kilometers access road to ensure smooth takeover of the project even though it was part of what the FG would do in the area.
The governor said the dam have the capacity to produce 50 magawate electricity the would serve the entire state and supply the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.
The governor therefore promised that the people of the area would support and corporate with the contractor to ensure the timely completion of the project.
The programme had in attendance traditional rulers from the area, National and State House of Assembly members from Nasarawa State, Commissioners among other government functionaries.
June 13, 2021
Let us support Gov Oyetola’s 2nd term bid – Says Azeem.
By Richard Ayinde, Osogbo
A distinguished politician in Ede North Local Government area of Osun State, Imam, Adebowale Adeniyi Azeem on Sunday called on the people of the state to demonstrate their unflinching support to the second term bid of the governor of the state, Mr Gboyega Oyetola.
Hon Azeem in press statement issued and made available to journalists in Osogbo the state capital said it is imperative for the entire people of the state to return Governor Oyetola back to the office for him to continue his good work for the people of the state.
According to Hon Azeem, “Let us all start working for the governor’s reelection as his coming back will be a round peg in a round hole which would continue to add glamour to all nook and cranny of the state”.
The Ede born politician who described the All Progressive Congress, APC, as peoples party that has been turning around the fortunes of the state said, only the APC can liberate the people.
Hon Azeem who commended the governor for the developmental projects across the state towards the betterment of the citizens said complete people’s support to Governor Oyetola cannot be over emphasised as he cannot do it alone without the people’s unalloyed support.
Hon Azeem however assured Mr Governor of his complete support to his second term bid including his teeming supporters in the local government area.
June 13, 2021
Democracy Day: Bayelsa youths urged to explore modern technology
Bayelsa youths have urged to explore the opportunities accrued to modern communication and technology to enrich their lives, and avoid acts capable of ruining their future.
The Special Assistance to the Bayelsa Governor, on Students Affairs, Mr Atti Moses,
stated this on Saturday, during an event to mark Democracy Day Celebration/Emerging Leaders Conference
Speaking on the theme: “The Role of Science, Communication and Technology on Youth Development, Moses said, “Emerging Leaders Conference is an annual event targeted at building the intellectual capacity of our students and youths, and it holds on every democracy day.
“Youth development is something very challenging and especially when you are organizing a programme that is geared towards developing the intellectual capacity of our youth, this is not a political gathering but I was very happy when I saw a lot of youths coming out to grace the event.
“This programme is gear towards building the intellectual capacity of our youths, students and every edition comes with it’s own challenges, the first and second we had challenges and also in this third we have challenges because of the nationwide protest that was announced by some quarters in the country some persons were scared that we will not be able to commemorate democracy day but to the best of our ability we have been able to commemorate democracy day.
“There are other challenges of logistics and partnership , this programme is a self funded programme from my own office just to add colour to our prosperity Government.”
Moses who commended Governor Douye Diri, for giving him the opportunity to serve, appealed to the youths to always think positive for the betterment of the society and mankind
Stressing further he advised Nigeria and Bayelsa youths to believe in themselves, noting that nobody will develop you except you are ready to develop yourselves.
The Chairman Bayelsa State Business Council, Engr. Elvis Donkemezuo while delivering his lecture, suggested that youths should focus more into ideas that will create income for them and better their lots.
Donkemezuo highlighted some of the areas the youths can gain knowledge which includes, visual editing and design, web design, branding, user experience design, digital marketing, front end development, world press development and python web application development and data analysis.
Donkemezuo, who urged the Bayelsa youths to seize the opportunity to get involved with science and technology, which he said is ruling the world now, equally, appealed to the government to create a platform for the youths to excel in their chosen carrier and the ease of doing business in the state.
He appealed to the youths to go for ICT development training to aquire more knowledge, for the purpose of their future.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor Medical University, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu, said no society can develop without the involvement of the youths.
He said that the Bayelsa Government, has established a medical university to train the youths in the medical field. “We are training Doctors, Nurses, Lab scientist, Dental technologist, physiotherapist, Community Health medicine, amongst others.
“Bayelsa youths should dedicate their minds to science and technology as the way forward, that will enable them become useful to the society.
“I urge you people to work hard and not always wanting to take short cut which can never be better for the society at large,” he stated.
The second speaker, Mrs Juliet Pulu, Deputy Director General Center For Women Development, Bayelsa state, said the youths need to seek for knowledge and acquire skill in other to useful for themselves and the society.
“You must have a vision and must be passionate about it, if you want to develop yourselves. If you are not into anything, definitely you will channel your energy to other negative tendencies that might destroy your future”.
“Our young people today are very understanding, very productive and active because they have the energy to produce”. she said
Nigerianpilot report that, the maiden edition took place in 2018, and the second edition took place in 2019 with the theme; Building the Youth Minds for Leadership.
June 13, 2021
NAHCON Accepts Cancellation Of 2021 Hajj, Announces Plan To Refund Pilgrims
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has accepted the cancellation of this year’s Hajj.
In a statement on Saturday, Fatima Sanda Usara, Head, Public Affairs of the Commission, said the cancellation is in compliance with the directive of Saudi authorities.
We had earlier reported how Saudi authorities announced the restriction of this year’s Hajj to citizens who are resident in the Kingdom over COVID scare.
“In the light of what the world is witnessing with the continuing developments of the pandemic Covid-19, and the emergence of new variations, Hajj 1442 will be limited to the residents and citizens from within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ONLY – (60,000). The Total Number of pilgrims this year is limited to ONLY 60,000 people, for residents of all nationalities and citizens inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the authorities had said in a statement.
In its reaction, NAHCON described the development as the will of God, saying only Him can determine who his guests will be this year.
“We received news of the cancellation of Hajj for international pilgrims for the 2021 season. The Commission’s officials in Saudi Arabia have confirmed that state television and radio stations in the Kingdom have announced the news.”
“NAHCON respects the decision of Saudi Arabia in this regard no matter how painful that decision may be to us and to intending pilgrims worldwide. We have accepted that it is Allah’s divine design that multitudes will again this year not perform the Hajj: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is only playing out a script ordained by our Maker long before creation of the universe. Our prayer is that we collectively turn to Him in repentance so that He admits us for Hajj in the coming years.
The will of God
“One of the lessons from these two years’ cancellations of Hajj for foreign pilgrims’ is in the Prophet’s hadith urging Muslims to perform Hajj while they can before they are prevented from doing so. Again, it impresses on us that it is only Allah that selects those who will be His guests for Hajj. May we not be deprived of Allah’s mercy. May we be among those who will be chosen to perform Allah’s worship in future.
“As in the previous year, those pilgrims who request for refund of their Hajj deposits will be granted such without unnecessary delay. As for those who would still wish to roll-over their funds, the Commission strongly urges them to wait for further advice and decisions by the board.”
June 12, 2021
Insecurity: Things Are Getting Worse By The Day In Zamfara – Gov Matawalle
Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle on Saturday said the state of insecurity in the state is worsening at an alarming rate.
He made the remark after confirming the bandit attack on Kadawa village, Zurmi Local Government Area in a special broadcast on Democracy Day.
According to the Governor, the bandits killed “many innocent people.”
Locals told Channels Television the toll had risen as high as 70 as of Saturday afternoon.
“I feel saddened by this unfortunate and barbaric act of cowardice,” he said. “With a heavy heart, I convey my condolences on behalf of my family and the entire people of the State over this massacre.
“In recent weeks, the act of banditry has reverted to the ugly dimensions it had prior to the coming of my administration. The marauders kill without regard for any rules of sanity. Women, the elderly, and children are not spared. As a result, a large number of people have been displaced in nearly every town in the State.
“My dear people of Zamfara people, you are witnesses to what we have accomplished from the beginning of our administration, particularly the peace and reconciliation efforts that we initiated and achieved. As a result, we have been able to shift our violent narratives to ones of optimism and peaceful coexistence.
“Unfortunately, things suddenly took a dramatic turn, and things are getting worse by the day. It is clear that some invincible hands are plotting evil against our people with the goal of making our State as terrifying as it were in the years gone by. My constant prayer is for Allah to reveal those who are perpetrating these cruel atrocities against our people.”
The Governor urged communities to defend themselves against the bandits while pledging his administration’s commitment to securing the state.
“I assure you that we will remain steadfast in our efforts to eradicate banditry and all types of criminality from the State,” he said. “In this battle, no sacred cow. Whosoever is involved in these dastardly acts, no matter how highly placed, would be dealt with according to the law.
“We have demonstrated this commitment based on the actions we have taken in respect of Emir of Maru, Emir of Dansadau and, following yesterday’s incident, the Emir of Zurmi.
“My administration has resolved to begin implementing the recommendations of the MD Abubakar-led Committee on Finding Solutions to Banditry in Zamfara State as a next step in addressing this vexing problem. We would not spare anyone indicted by the committee’s report, no matter how high up they are.”
June 12, 2021
Borno Governor Executes 556 Projects As Dividends Of Democracy In Two Years
By Dauda R PamMaiduguri
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has presented about 556 projects as dividends of democracy to the people of the state within the first half of his four year tenure.
Commissioner for Information, Babakura Abba Jato, announced this in an evidence-based presentation to mark the June 12,2021,Democracy Day, held during a luncheon at the government house multipurpose hall, MAIDUGURI the state capital.
According to the commissioner,70% of the 556 projects have been completed with 30%at various levels of completion even as most of them do not include policy programmes but capital intensive.
by Governor Zulum, National and State Assembly members, traditional rulers, party leaders, heads of security agencies and top Government officials.
Governor Zulum in his remarks, said that arrangements have been concluded for establishment of The Independent Corruption Practices Commission (ICPC) for the state and LGCs workers including public office holders to monitor and investigate any corrupt practice and bring to book anybody found wanting in diverting and mismanaging pubic money whether at the state or Local Government Council level.
Giving the breakdown of the projects, Jato explained that 194 capital projects were delivered on education, and they include – rehabilitation, completion and fresh construction of mega-size Government technical colleges and primary schools in different communities.
Also noted that 63 capital projects were delivered on governance and another 63 capital projects on roads, transport, rural and urban development, while 59 capital projects were delivered on water and environment.
Others were 58 capital projects on health, which included the establishment of 74 primary healthcare centres, new doctors’ quarters, and overhaul of 8 hospitals in Maiduguri Metropolis, Biu, Damboa, Monguno and Magumeri.
He explained that 53 capital projects were delivered on reconstruction, , rehabilitation and resettlement, which involve more than 6,000 resettlement houses for IDPs and refugees in 15 towns. Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has since approved 10,000 resettlement houses in Borno State, with 4,000 already completed.
Of the556 projects,28 capital projects are on job creation, youth empowerment and humanitarian support which include an all-inclusive vocational training centre with 14 workshops for capacity development of 1,500 persons per annum. While noting that 15 capital projects were delivered on commerce and industry; 13 capital projects on agriculture and 10 capital projects were executed on security.
He also recalled that monthly allowances of volunteers in the Civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes was increased, while over 700 vehicles and other logistics were needed to enhance their operational roles of complementing Armed Forces in fighting Boko Haram.
While Governor Zulum, who warned the LGCs Chairmen and legislators that nobody would be spares if found wanting after their 2 years tenure in office, also advised them to get prepared and to hold responsible and accountable to the LGC funds.
The governor, further, explained that no corrupt and non performing politician would be reappointed and re-elected in his cabinet neither at the State Assembly or LGCs elections respectively.
Governor Zulum also disclosed that his administration in the next two years of his first tenure would concentrate on recruitment of qualified teachers and medical workers to empowered the education and health sectors in addition to the furniture and equipment that would be provided to the educational and health facilities constructed and renovated across the state.
On job creation and empowerment of youths and women especially the physically challenged and vulnerables in the state including the almajiris, would be rehabiliated and reintegrated into the Tsangaya system of education to rid the streets of beggars and loiters.
The governor also noted that vocational training centers would be equipped and commenced training of unemployed youths as additional centers would be constructed across the state.
June 12, 2021
Democracy Day: President Buhari Can’t Shift Responsibility to Me Over Insecurity – Gov Ortom
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Tuesday declared that, President Muhammadu Buhari cannot shift responsibility to him as Governor as far as issues of insecurity are concerned.
The Governor made his position known while briefing Journalists at the Government House Makurdi on his second term’s score card to mark Democracy Day Anniversary.
Ortom said this against the backdrop of the recent statement by the President that Governors should stop running to him but rather tackle security challenges bedeviling their various states.
“The President can’t shift responsibility to me. He is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces- so he can’t ask Governors to go back to their States and face security challenges. I don’t have the Army or the Police,” he posited.
Continuing, Ortom admonished Nigerians to jettison ethnicity, religion and politics if the nation must move forward. “We must put aside ethnicity, religion and politics to move the country forward”.
He insisted that Benue State won’t accept reopening of Grazing routes, explaining that there is nothing like Grazing routes in the state. ” I have facts and figures, Benue is not affected.”
Ortom calls for the urgent review of the 1999 Constitution, describing it as faulty. ” There is need to look at the Constitution of Nigeria with the view of amending it for faster growth of our country.”
According to the Governor he achieved giant strides in education, security, agriculture, health, rural infrastructure among other development efforts using merger resources at his disposal.
The Governor maintained that the state government was currently catering for over one million Internally Displaced Persons’ who are in various camps. He lauded development partners, individuals and corporate organizations for their humanitarian services.
He commended the People of Benue State over their support and prayers which has made it possible for him to achieve much during the period under review.
The Governor equally lauded media practitioners for their balanced reportage, even as he implored them to maintain the tempo.
June 12, 2021
Foundation to organize Medical Check-up, Seminar, others for Widows in Kaduna
BY Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna
An NGO, Wounded Not Broken Love Foundation {WNB) has line up a number of loudable programmes of event for activities to mark the 2021 international widows’ days celebration in Kaduna state.
The proprietress of the foundation Mrs. Oge Nonyelum who made the disclosure in an interview in Kaduna said the programmes of event for widows day include, medical check-up, seminar, media sensitization on the plight of widows among others.
Mrs Nonyelum, a business woman and Associate member of Nigeria Union of journalists, also said the foundation, meant for widows, orphans, less privilege and drugs abuse addicts have organised several empowerment programmes for members to keep them socially and economically viable.
“We try to let them Know that though they’ve been wounded one way or the other, but that they’re not broken. That there’s always life after death.
“The programmes we’ve line up ahead of the international widows days is that, we’re trying to carry out sensitization in the media concerning the plight of the windows, to make society understand that they should not be rejected or abandon in anyway.
“There’s also going to be medical checkup and seminar for the windows. Even though some of them have been widows for up to 30 years, they will still come together and thanks almighty God that has been keeping them and their children all this while, on a Sunday.
On previous empowerment programmes organised for the windows, the founder said “We’ve always embarked on entrepreneurship programmes on skills acquisition, encouragement seminar.
According to her, the 6 years old foundation, empowered the windows and others, one way or the other, to be able to be self reliance.
“Our members are many, about 150 members. Most times we’ve more and less people on board during events depending on the assignment.
“We meet last Friday of every month of in Barnawa in Kaduna in an apartment. All of us come together to discuss issue, share the joy.
“We source for funding through meeting and writing to cooperate organizations, government, Companies individuals for supports in any area they could. We use to do this to put a smile on their face.
“The foundation was founded based on the love that came through love. Though before I lost my husband, I do give widows something. So I’ve a sympathy for them. I was too young when I lost my husband, less than 35 year. I ought to asked many questions, why I loose my husband at a very young age.
“How I’m able to cope, and got a vision, is that it’s for me to know what others are facing to be able to lift them.
“And I now decided that, the best way; because if your not the one wearing the shoe, you’ll not know where it pinches you.
“You might be seeing it from distance and think is an easy task. I found out that I’m wearing the shoes and, if I’m telling somebody about my pain, the person will be able to understand.
“But if you don’t have it, telling somebody I’m sorry, she may not understand even with a wound. I’ve pass through the pain, still passing, but still stand tall. I was able to encouraged and so be able to direct.”, she narrated.
June 12, 2021