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Category: Politics

Kogi Gov. Inspects Projects In Central Senatorial District, Commends Contractors
By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
As part of the commitment of Governor Yahaya Bello’s zeal towards, fulfilling his “Doing More” mantra, has embarked on project inspection in Kogi central Senatorial District.
In a release made available to the press in Lokoja by the public Relations Officer in the ministry of works, Comrade Abah Benjamin stated that Kogi state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello on Tuesday inspected the ongoing construction works at the Kogi State Reference Hospital, Okene.
The Governor who was led by the Kogi State Commissioner for Works and Housing, Engr. Abaubakar S. Ohere inspected the over 300-bed space hospital which will be equipped with state of the art medical equipment.
Governor Bello commended the contractors, site engineers and other construction workers for the speed and quality of job done so far.
He disclosed that when completed, the Kogi State Reference Hospital, Okene and other health infrastructures will address medical needs of the people of the state and Nigeria by extension.
February 10, 2021
President Buhari Orders Arrest, Prosecution Of Illegal Arms Bearers
President Buhari has ordered arrest and prosecution of all illegal arms bearers in the country irrespective of their ethnic affiliation.
Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, yesterday disclosed this on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme monitored by our reporter.
Daily Trust had exclusively reported on Sunday that proliferation of arms was fuelling insecurity across the country.
Adesina said the president has zero tolerance for criminal elements and would not harbour anyone found wanting by security agencies.
“The president has always held the stance that anyone seen carrying a gun unlawfully should be arrested and tried regardless of where he comes from,” he said.
On the efforts of the Presidency towards bringing an end to the herdsmen’s crisis, Adesina said: “Some positions have been canvassed on settling this issue, the president has spoken about it. The old cattle routes we know have been taken over by civilization. So, it means we will have to look into ranching.
“Governor Ortom, in the past, had said that ranching is the way out of the crisis, but suddenly, he turned around that there is no land for it. Another alternative was the RUGA settlement, but people came out to say that there is no land for it. Now, some are saying that cattle rearing is a private business so the government must not be involved in it.
“That brings the question: Are we interested in settling these issues permanently to the good of all the sides? That is something we must consider.”
February 10, 2021
Buhari Will Be A Talkative To Speak On Every Matter – Adesina
The Presidency, on Tuesday, says the President Buhari will be a talkative if he speaks on every matter including the herdsmen crisis.
Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today
Many Nigerians including Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, had urged the President to address Nigerians and make it known publicly that he does not support the criminal activities of some herdsmen in parts of the country.
Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, had also called for the enactment of a law to abolish the movement of cattle by herdsmen from the Northern part of the country to other parts in order to prevent the incessant herdsmen-farmers clashes rocking parts of the country.
When asked about the reaction of the President on the idea suggested by Ganduje, Adesina said, “When you have knotty issues like this, many ideas will be proffered, many solutions will be canvassed. The President does not have to speak on each and every one of them.
“He does not have to, it was just an idea being proffered. It should be looked into and then if it is a consensus, it should be adopted. But it is not as one idea comes the President speaks on it, another idea comes, the President speaks on it, such must be a talkative President.”
The South-West region has been in the eye of the storm lately over the activities of gun-wielding herdsmen who kidnap, kill, rape, and destroy farmlands in Yorubaland with impunity.
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Many Nigerians including Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State and a leader of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, had spoken against the killer herdsmen who move about with AK-47 rifles while private citizens are denied of ammunition to protect themselves.
However, speaking on Tuesday, Adesina said the position of Buhari has always been that anybody who bears arms unlawfully should be arrested and tried.
“His (Buhari’s) position has always been that anybody that bears arms unlawfully should be arrested and tried irrespective of where he comes from,” the presidential aide said, adding that the country must explore the option of ranching to solve the herdsmen crisis at hand.
Adesina also said contrary to claims by critics, “hundreds” of criminal herders have been arrested and tried in the past.
February 10, 2021
Gov. Sule revalidate his membership in APC
By Abel Leonard/ lafia
Governor of Nasarawa state, engr. Abdulahi Sule of Nasarawa state today revalidated his membership in the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Gov. Sule while revalidation his membership at his home town in Gudi motor park polling unit 002 in Akwanga local government area of the Nasarawa state, calling on members of the party to encourage supporters to get registered into APC.
He also urged supporters of APC to continue to work towards the sustenance of the party in unity and peace for good governance and development, pleading with members to register at their various polling locations.
He also appreciated the 10 horsemen who contested with him at the primaries particularly their leader Ahmed Aliyu Wadada and members of the APC in the state for their steadfast towards the progress of the party”. He added.
On his part, chairman of the state APC revalidation registration and update panel, Mr. Isiyaka Tanko also encouraged party members to see the exercise as a call to duty in order to bring all-round development to the State, adding that his team will work according to the guidelines to achieve the mandate given them.
February 9, 2021
Makinde’s alleged move to dump PDP untrue, says aide
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, has described the viral news report that the governor is set to dump the Peoples Democratic Party as another falsehood being contrived by some enemies of progress.
Adisa described the rumour as “a concocted falsehood from purveyors of fake news, who are bent on maligning the governor at all cost.”
He maintained that the governor had no plan to defect to another party.
According to him, the governor has remained a strong pillar of the PDP for many years and is already leading the mission for its resurgence in the South-West.
Adisa said, “There is a concocted lie doing the rounds about Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State planning to dump the PDP.
“This is the latest in the rounds of false reports and fake news, weapons which some individuals have employed to wage a needless war against the governor.
He also said claims that the governor was moving to join the Advanced Democratic Congress were false.
February 9, 2021
El-Rufai counters Sheikh Gumi says I will not negotiate with bandits
Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, has called on the Federal Government to give states air and ground forces to fight against banditry, kidnapping and other criminal menace.
El-Rufai made the call while declaring that his administration would not support or recognise any reconciliatory moves with bandits in the state.
The governor’s comment comes a few days after popular Kaduna-based cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, had made a move with bandits and kidnappers in the state.
Gumi had urged the federal government to grant amnesty to bandits.
However, El-Rufai while speaking on BBC Hausa Service said: “If the Federal Government does not give us the air and ground forces, these forests are invaded and these terrorists are killed at the same time, then we will continue to be in trouble.
“We in Kaduna are cooperating with Niger State. The governor of the state calls from time to time to gather information. We are doing things with them.
February 8, 2021
Buhari writes Xi expresses satisfaction with China, Nigeria relations at 50

President Muhammadu Buhari has written to his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.
A release by presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina said President Buhari expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far and thanked China for its support in defence matters and infrastructural development of Nigeria among others.
President Buhari also rejoiced with Chinese people across the world as they commence celebrations marking the new Chinese Year of the Ox on February 12 this year. The text of the letter is reproduced below.
FULL TEXT OF THE LETTER
President Xi Jinping
Peoples Republic of China
Beijing, China. 28th January, 2021
LETTER OF FELICITATIONS
“It is now 50 years since the establishment of Nigeria-China diplomatic relations, and I am delighted that the bilateral ties have achieved far reaching and fruitful results, on the basis of close coordination and mutual trust, bringing great benefits to our countries and peoples.
“As celebrations of the Chinese Year of the Ox by all Chinese across the world commence on February 12th this year, on behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I use this opportunity to extend my warmest and most sincere greetings and wishes to you and the Chinese people for a promising and auspicious Lunar New Year.
Nigeria is very satisfied with the progress of bilateral relations, and we thank China for its support to us in various ways; in building of rail, road, power, defence, and many other areas.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, China has been working with Nigeria and other African countries to safeguard the lives and health of our citizens, adding new dimensions to our friendship. We acknowledge that Chinese support tremendously strengthened our effort against the pandemic.
In recent years, Nigeria and China have also witnessed steady development of their strategic partnership. In the face of significant challenges faced by international community, the two sides are upholding a common position of preserving multilateralism, not interfering in other countries’ internal affairs and safeguarding common interest of developing countries.
This year is vital for China-Nigeria relations. The FOCAC has become a model of mutually beneficial cooperation between Nigeria and China, as well as between Africa and China. Nigeria is ready to work with China to make the new session of FOCAC this year a success.
Please accept Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest regards.
Yours sincerely,
Muhammadu Buhari
February 8, 2021
Plateau needs healing says Gov Lalong
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has said that despite the successes made in ensuring peace and stemming the tide of ethno religious violence, the state is still in dire need of healing.
He said the healing was necessary considering that indigenes have remained divided along ethno religious or tribal lines as a result of their experiences of the recent past.
Lalong stated this on the occasion of the commemoration of “Plateau Forgiveness Day” 2021 and inauguration of the Inter-Religious Council held at the Victoria Gowon hall, new government House little Rayfield, Jos, the State Capital.
The governor said the state has ”a golden opportunity to open a new leaf by consolidating on the gains of its efforts within the last six years”.
According to him, “While we cannot claim that all issues in the heart of the crises have been resolved, we have in our hands the tools that can help midwife the rebirth of a new and united Plateau that is at peace with itself and neighbours.
“As a state emerging from the ashes of violence, our Rescue Administration decided to set aside February 7 of every year as Forgiveness Day.
“This day reminds us to imbibe and promote the culture of forgiveness as enunciated in the Holy Books.
“The cardinal objective of this day is to achieve enduring peace and harmony as opposed to hate, bitterness, resentment and vengeance which only leads to a vicious cycle of violence”, Lalong explained.
Recalling the first Forgiveness Day commemorated in the state in 2019, the Governor said “if we imbibed forgiveness, it will eclipse and bury all the wrongs of the past and move us to new dawn by restoring confidence in our future and ensuring that generations unborn do not repeat our mistakes.
“Let me reiterate that the idea behind the Forgiveness Day is for us to reflect on where we have been; the human tragedy that befell us; the need to appreciate our present situation; and our resolve to craft the kind of a peaceful and secure society we desire.
“My administration clearly understands that many of our people have been hurt and could have also caused pain for others. Many cannot seem to erase the hurt from their mental hard drive and continue to harbour bitterness, resentment, and anger.
“The choice before us is to either continue in our anger thus spending the rest of our lives in pain and bitterness, or we can choose to be released, healed, and be set free. That is where forgiveness becomes inevitable”.
“The stakes are quite high and the need to work in concert through the forging of robust alliances has never been this urgent.
“The age-old maxim says we either work together as a united front to win or we perish as fools. We have no reason to choose anything below peace”, he maintained.
“That is why today we are inaugurating the reconstituted Plateau State Inter-religious Council, a body made up of highly respected religious leaders and experts in the field of conflict mediation and peacebuilding.
“The inauguration of this non-partisan body is a further demonstration of our administration’s commitment to repairing the broken social fabric of our society through the provision of a structured platform for religious, community, youth and women leaders to play active roles in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between citizens regardless of ethnic and religious differences.
He stressed that working closely with the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, the State Inter-religious Council will critically think through issues and build consensus on challenges that threaten “freedom, tolerance and peace”.
February 8, 2021
Yahaya Bello deceiving, distracting people with presidential ambition – Dino Melaye
Dino Melaye, former Kogi West Senator, has accused Governor Yahaya Bello of deceiving and distracting people of the State.
Melaye spoke while cautioning Nigerians against taking the presidential ambition of Bello seriously.
The former lawmaker said governor Bello was using the presidential ambition to shield attention from the looting of the state’s funds and failure of his government.
In a tweet, Melaye wrote: “Gov. Bello is deceiving and distracting all those who take him seriously on the phantom presidential ambition to shield attention from the colossal and unprecedented stealing and failure of his wasted years in Kogi State. At the right time we will burst his bubble. SDM”
This is coming at a time when Bello’s presidential campaign surfaced online.
Bello’s campaign posters were recently sighted in Damataru, Yobe State.
The campaign posters had the inscription “Yahaya Bello for President, change 2023.”
February 8, 2021
Support Gov Tambuwal to transform Sokoto State – Bafarawa tells Mabera, others
By Gabriel Udeh Kaduna

The Sokoto Commissioner, Ministry of Environment Alhaji Sagir Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa today paid an inspection visit to the ongoing construction of drainages in Mabera area.

During the visit, the commissioner called on people in the area and State to always support the current administration of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal in its bid to transform the State.

In.a statement by Jamilu Abdullahi, the Communication Officer, Sokoto NEWMAP. noted that “this is the Sixth time, the Hon. Commissioner paid a similar visit to see things by himself.

The Commissioner also called on people in the area to always support and cooperate with the contracting firm for the Storm Water Management Works to achieve success.

Alhaji Sagir Bafarawa “also called on people in the area and State to always support the current administration of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, in its bid to transform the State .

While responding to some grievances forwarded to him, the Commissioner stressed the need for them to always verify the authenticity of the fact before forwarded.
According to him, the Ministry of Environment in conjunction with Sokoto NEWMAP “are working day and night to ensure the work executed in good time and according to the specification, and thereforethanked the people in the area for supporting the crusades.
Receiving the Commissioner and his entourage, Magajin Mabera Alhaji Umar Bello Commended the Honorable Commissioner for his quick response to their complaints and inspection visit, he said it would go along way towards resolving some grievances if any in the area as a result of the Works.

Alhaji Bello also Commanded the current administration of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Mutawallen Daular Uthmaniyya) for embarking on a gigantic Project in Mabera area saying if completed the problem of flooding being experienced in every rainy season in the area would become a history.

The Commissioner was accompanied on the visit by the Senior Special Assistant to governor Tambuwal, Hon Yusuf Dimgyadi, Project Coordinator Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) Sokoto Alhaji Ibrahim Umar and other staff of the Project. End
February 7, 2021