Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: Alh. Yahaya Bello

  • APC Primary: Bello endorses Auditor General, Ododo While Onoja, 7 others Step Down In Kogi

    APC Primary: Bello endorses Auditor General, Ododo While Onoja, 7 others Step Down In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Kogi State, Governor Yahaya Bello has endorsed Auditor general, Ododo as his candidate.

    Sequel to this development, the Deputy governor, Edward Onoja, and the Chief of Staff to Governor Yahaya Bello, Pharmacist Mohammed Abdulkareem Asuku, have withdrawn from the race.

    This was announced at the stakeholders meeting of the party held on Thursday in Lokoja.

    The meeting was held at the party’s Secretariat and hosted by the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello who therefore unveiled his preferred candidate as the Auditor General of the state, Ahmed Usman Ododo.

    Meanwhile, Onoja and Asuku announced their withdrawal from the governorship race via their respective verified Facebook pages shortly after the meeting in Lokoja.

    The deputy governor, Edward Onoja, whom many had thought will naturally succeed Governor Bello before now, posted a cryptic message on Facebook, which reads: “To God be the glory for life and divine health. My appreciation to my leader, HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello and all my supporters for your love and prayers. Let love, patience and perseverance lead. I am forever grateful.”

    For his part, the governor’s Chief of Staff, Asuku, who was also seen as a frontrunner because of his closeness to the governor, posted: “Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah !!Alhamdulillah !!! All praises and adoration are due to the most high God the greater of the entire universe and the sustainer of same who have safeguard my life and that of my immediate family and well wishers to witness this moment in my life.”

    ” I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, my benefactor, for all that Allah have been using him to do in my life. As such, I hereby submit myself publicly to the decision taken today and I will forever live to remain loyal and dedicated to the decision of my party as I enjoin all my well wishers to work for our great party APC to become victorious in the November 11th General Election.”

    In a similar development, other aspirants like Mr David Adebanji Jimoh; a former Commissioner for Finance, Asiwaju Ashiru Idris; Okala Yakubu, and Momoh Jubril have also withdrawn from the governorship race.

    However,the chairman of the primary Election committee, Zamfara state Governor, Mohammed Bello Matawale said that all other aspirants who have not withdrawn from the race are free to participate in Fridays primary to be held across the state.

  • Easter: Embrace Christ’s Life of Sacrifice To Humanity, Gov. Bello Charges Christians

    Easter: Embrace Christ’s Life of Sacrifice To Humanity, Gov. Bello Charges Christians

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello over the weekend enjoined Christians, all over the World to use the occasion of the 2023 Easter celebration to embrace Christ’s life of making sacrifices to humanity.

    The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed and made available to Journalists in Lokoja stressed the need for Christians to imbibe the good virtues of Jesus Christ to create a better and saner society.

    He congratulated the Christian faithful for the successful completion of the Lenten season, which he said was much-needed self-denial to pray for the peace of the country.

    “I wish to rejoice with our Christian brothers and sisters all over the world on the auspicious occasion of the 2023 Easter celebrations as a joyous holiday that represents the gratification of the prophecies and the revelation of God’s redemptive plan for the followers of Christ,” Bello said.

    While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful about the nation’s progress, Bello said Easter also signifies the celebration of the defeat of death and the hope for salvation.

    The governor added that just as the death, and resurrection of Christ signified hope for mankind, there must be a renewal of hope for our nation in this season of great challenges.

    While assuring the Christian faithful in Kogi state of the state’s commitment to a joyous celebration free of all hitches, he added that security operatives and other collaborating agencies are working together round-the-clock to checkmate crime and secure the lives and properties of citizens.

    Governor Bello noted that the 2023 general elections, which will usher in a new breed of leaders across the country by May 29 represent a watershed for Nigeria.

    He insisted that all citizens who participated effectively in the process of electing the new leaders into the various offices “must also commit themselves to pray for the smooth transition of government, growth and prosperity of the country.”

  • RATTAWU Applaud Bello Over NBC Fees Offset, Transmitter For Radio kogi

    RATTAWU Applaud Bello Over NBC Fees Offset, Transmitter For Radio kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Chairman Kogi state chapter of Radio Television Theatre and Art Workers’ Union, (RATTAWU) Comrade Haruna Isah has commended the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for creating enabling environment for state Radio station to thrive.

    Comrade Isah made the commendation while on a courtesy visit to the General Manager of kogi state Broadcasting cooperation.

    Comrade Isah appreciated the efforts of the state governor in attempt to arrest the challenge bedevilling the state broadcasting station, particularly the purchase of new transmitter for Radio kogi and settlement of National Broadcasting commission’s
    service fees.

    Comrade Isah, however, condemned the action of National Broadcasting Commission, NBC for shutting down 52 stations nationwide for non payment of service fees, adding that the commission should note that the media is an oxygen of democracy, considering the security challenges and the forthcoming general election in the country.

    RATTAWU chairman stressed the readiness of the new leadership to assist the general manager in any forms to ensure his efforts yield a desired result and the situation become normal in the Radio station.

    In his remarks, the general Mr Oyila thanked the new executive members for the visit, soliciting their cooperation for smooth operation of the state Radio station.

  • Insecurity: Gov Bello Suspends Traditional Ruler, Queries Council Chairman Over Ajaokuta Killings In Kogi

    Insecurity: Gov Bello Suspends Traditional Ruler, Queries Council Chairman Over Ajaokuta Killings In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Aftermath of ambushing and killing of three policemen and five vigilantes by some suspected bandits at Ajaokuta last Saturday, the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has ordered immediate suspension of the traditional ruler of Ohi of Eganyi and Chairman, Ajaokuta Traditional Area Council, Alhaji Musa Isah Achuja.

    The governor also ordered the council chairman of Ajaokuta local government council, Honorable Mustapha Akaba to be queried.

    This was contained in a press statement issued on Sunday by Onogwu Muhammed, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor which was made available to Journalists in Lokoja.

    In a letter to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kogi State, the governor also directed that the Chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government Area, Hon Mustapha Aka’aba be queried over the breach and should reply within 24 hours.

    The governor’s directive against the affected persons is in connection with the recent security breach in the area which led to the untimely deaths of some security personnel on their legitimate engagements of maintaining law and orders.

    The governor strongly warned other traditional rulers across the state who may have connection in one way or the other with criminal elements in their domains to desist forthwith, saying that his administration will deal ruthlessly with anybody who romances with criminal elements no matter how highly placed they are.

    In the same vein, Governor Bello also directed that all unofficial movements of the local government council chairmen out of their territory and other journeys without due process are hereby restricted.

    The governor warned that no amount of connivance with criminals will deter him from his fundamental responsibility of protecting lives and property of the citizens and residents of the state.

  • Excluding Me From APC Presidential Primary Will Plunge Party Into Crisis – Bello

    Excluding Me From APC Presidential Primary Will Plunge Party Into Crisis – Bello

    Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello on Tuesday warned the northern governors and the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee that excluding him from the presidential primary will plunge the party into crisis.

    He issued the warning while briefing State House correspondents in the Villa, saying that the northern governors did not consult him when a resolution was reached for power to be rotated to the southern region.

    According to the Kogi governor, the only thing that could make him not contest the presidential primary is only if President Muhammadu Buhari tells him to step down.

    Bello said that the APC will retain power at the centre if only it plays by the rules.

    “I am a unifier; I have demonstrated that severally in my state, I have demonstrated that severally in the various tasks that I was given by the party,” Bello said.

    “Nobody consulted me over the decision that they (northern governors) took. I will rather say that they were re-rolled by certain interests who want to be VP at all costs.

    “Today is the special national convention of our party where a presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge. Leading up to today, there has been various controversies and issues before you.

    “Certain videos went viral that I got angry and left a particular meeting. This is a period where a lot of lies, and misconceptions will fill the air. Then we have our father, the leader of our party, who should always know the reality or the truth and I came to brief him on exactly what happened. That is what happened.

    “Some of my colleagues led by the self-acclaimed leader of them ganged up to suppress the voice of the people. The voice of over 26 million Nigerians, the voice of the women, the voice of people living with special needs, the voice of the choice of the party, that is exactly what I revolted against.

    “I remain the leading candidate into this general election and I decided the leave the meeting where such concoctions were ongoing, that’s exactly what happened. I wouldn’t mention a name because I am honourable enough.

    “The office I occupy today is an office that should be dignified and I have respect for elders even if some elders don’t respect themselves, so I wouldn’t mention names.”

  • Kogi RATTAWU Inaugurates Officials, Urges Gov. Bello To Pay Entitlements

    Kogi RATTAWU Inaugurates Officials, Urges Gov. Bello To Pay Entitlements

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Kogi state council of Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) has elected some officials to run its affairs for the next two years.

    In a release signed by the publicity secretary of the council, Comrade Gabriel Edicha stated that Comrade Haruna Yakubu was elected Chairman, Khadijat Abubakar Isa,-Vice chairman, Dayo Daramola – Secretary While the post of assistant secretary went to Comr. Ndamodu Alih.

    Others, according to the release are: Emmanuel Samson Adege -Treasurer, Ahmed Musa –
    Financial Secretary, Comrade Gabriel Achimugu Edicha – Public Relations Officer, while Helen Alih was elected Auditor respectively.

    “Having complied with the constitutional requirements, under a free, fair, credible and transparent election, the elected officials took the oath of office.”

    In her valedictory speech, the immediate past Chairperson of the Kogi State Council, Hajia Habibat Umar expressed profound gratitude to RATTAWU National President, Comrade Kabir Tsanni, represented by the Vice President (North Central) and the National Trustee; for the support during her tenure.

    She, however, regretted the initial irregular salaries and premature retirement of workers; and worst still are the outstanding legitimate entitlements of members like weigh in allowance, leave bonus, annual increments, implementation of promotions and appealed to the State Government to look into these issues with a view to address them.

    In his post election speech, the chairman elect, Comrade Haruna Yakubu expressed satisfaction on the conduct of the election and appreciated the delegates for the confidence reposed in the new EXCO.

    He assured them of an all inclusive administration, devoid of sentiments and acrimony and appreciated the immediate past executives for the sustenance of peace in the state council.

    In their separate remarks, Comrades Kabala Garba, Sadiq Mohammed and Moses Momoh congratulated the outgoing Executives and urged the new Exco to cultivate the habit of selfless service towards the upliftment of the council.

  • Bello Directs Payment of 100% Salaries to Teachers In Kogi

    Bello Directs Payment of 100% Salaries to Teachers In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    At last, Primary school teachers in Kogi state are to start enjoying 100% salary payment as directed by the State Executive Council.

    Addressing journalists on Thursday, after the Executive Council meeting, the commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Wemi Jones, said that teachers will also be considered to benefit from the state government’s housing scheme and other remunerations.

    The State Executive Council regretted the pains suffered by primary school teachers for more than a decade over percentage payment and vowed to end the nasty development.

    The commissioner further announced the council’s approval for the recruitment of teachers into the primary and secondary school system which he said will take effect within the next few weeks.

    He said the recruitment has become necessary as a result of gross inadequate of qualified teachers, assuring that government will continue to accord teachers welfare top priority

    The commissioner said that the emphasis is targeted at getting the right hands that would boost effective teaching and learning at both primary and secondary school levels.

    He disclosed that government agreed to consider recruiting teachers who were retired but were still passionate about impacting knowledge on a special package of engagement.

    Other considerations according to him, were those who exited the system due to one reason or the other and those currently working as PTA teachers but with the required qualifications.

    In the same vein, the State Executive Council approved the released of #713, 716, 997 for the execution of the expansion and reticulation of Okene Water works project.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Muhammed Onogwu who briefed the media in this regard, noted that the approval is to end acute scarcity of portable water in the area.

  • Gov. Bello Presents New Attah Igala Staff office, Tasks Royal Fathers On Unity, Devt. In Kogi

    Gov. Bello Presents New Attah Igala Staff office, Tasks Royal Fathers On Unity, Devt. In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The new Attah Igala, HRM Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche was on Friday presented staff of office with a call on him to unite the Igala Kingdom towards contributing to the socio economic development of the country.

    The Kogi State Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello made the call during the official presentation of Staff of office to the new Attah Igala in Idah on Friday the headquarters of the ancient Igala Kingdom.

    The new Ata was administered his oath of office and allegiance at exactly 1:12pm by Barr. Dangana Ocheja in the full glare of thousands of onlookers from within and outside the State who converged at the Attah’s Palace in Idah.

    Gov. Bello who congratulated the new Ata Igala on his emergence described his peaceful emergence as his administration’s determination to uphold equity, justice and in following due process and the rule of law.

    Gov. Bello expressed satisfaction that his administration has graded and upgraded over one hundred chieftaincy stools under his leadership, said none of such upgrade witnessed rancour hinged on leadership and political will of his administration.

    The Governor stressed that the era of imposition of traditional rulers on the people has become a thing of the past, describing the mammoth crowd that graced the occasion as a measure of acceptance.

    Gov. Bello who warned against politicizing the Attah Igala’s stool described the emergence of HRM, Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche as the Attah Igala as historic and urged the Royal father to reach out to those who contested with him and extend his hands of fellowship to them.

    The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the traditional institution in the state, assuring that traditional institution will witness more fruitful ruling in future.

    The Governor therefore payed glowing tribute to the immediate past Attah Igala, Late Chief Michael Idakwo, described him as a man passionate about Peace and development.

    In his response, HRM Matthew Opaluwa promised to use the Attah Igala’s title in galvernizing the people to the socioeconomic development of the country.

    He described his emergence as diving, urged all Igala sons and daughters to unite for the development of the Kingdom.

    The new Attah Igala, the chairman Kogi state council of chiefs who thanked Gov. Yahaya Bello for creating an enabling environment for his successful emergence, urged others who contested with him to join hands with him to move the kingdom forward.

    In his remarks at the occasion, President Mohammadu Buhari, represented by Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, Minister for Police Affairs, described the new Attah as the right choice, urged him to unite the Igala people towards socio economic development of the Country.

    He described the acceptance of the new Attah by the excitement and happiness that greeted the celebration as an indication of better things to come, praised the hitch free process that led to the selection of the new Attah Igala.

    Earlier in a welcome remarks, Barr. Salami Ozigi Didat, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said due process was followed in the selection of the new Attah.

    The occasion was attended by former Governors of the State, top Traditional Rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Captains of Industry and Politicians from various divide, Igala sons and daughters from across the globe.

    Ata Mathew Opaluwa was born in to the Royal family of late Chief Opaluwa Ogwuche Akpa, he is ninth of the sixteen surviving children and fourth of the six male children of late chief Matthew Oguche of the Aju Ameacho ruling dynasty of Igala Kingdom. He was born 54 years ago, holds a Master’s degree in ‘Administration.

  • 2023: Bello Charges New Kogi APC Executives to Sustain Winning Strength In Kogi

    2023: Bello Charges New Kogi APC Executives to Sustain Winning Strength In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Executive Members of the Kogi Chapter of the All Progressives Congress(APC) were on Thursday, inaugurated with a charge to strive by sustaining the winning strength of the party come 2023 general elections.

    Governor Yahaya Bello gave the charge while Performing the swearing in and inauguration ceremony of the State APC Executives at its Secretariat headquarters in Lokoja.

    Gov. Bello who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja,
    described the ruling APC in Nigeria and the State as a Party to beat in the 2023 general elections.

    He urged the newly sworn in Executive Members to see their Election as a call to more service an of the previous feats achieved by the Party, pointing out that their reelection is a justification of the confidence reposed in them.

    The Governor who described the Party as supreme, urged the executive members not to jump protocols, insisting that the Parry’s heirarchy remains sacrosanct.

    In an opening remarks, Alh. Abdullahi Bello, Kogi APC Chairman, appealed to the newly elected Executives to live above board.

    He admonished APC Exco at all levels to carry along all party members and embrace hardwork, justice and fair play in their actions.

    Alh. Abdullahi Bello maintained that for now there is no opposition party in Kogi State, tasked the new executive members to bring in more members into the Parry’s fold ahead 2023.

    Barr. Abbas Yunusa, thereafter, administered oath of office and allegiance to the new executive members.

  • Gov. Bello Approbes N30,000 minimum wage for Kogi workers

    Gov. Bello Approbes N30,000 minimum wage for Kogi workers

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello on Tuesday approved immediate Implementation of N30, 000 minimum wage for the state workers.

    Governor Yahaya Bello who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Edward Onoja announced this on Tuesday in Lokoja during a meeting with the leadership of the organized labour in the state.

    The Governor who approved the new minimum wage following a successful negotiations with the organised kabour said the welfare of civil servants remains the priority of his administration.

    According to an agreement jointly signed by government and the labour, the new minimum wage
    will be fully implemented for Grade Levels 01 to 06, while the percentage of the consequential adjustment for Grade Levels 07 to 17 will be partially implemented pending the time the economy of the State improves.

    The details are for GL 07: 19.99 per cent out of 23.2 per cent, ; GL 08: 15.54 per cent out of 20 per cent; GL 09: 13.26 per cent out of 19 per cent ; GL 10: 11.32 per cent out of 16 per cent; GL 12: 9.83 per cent out of 16 per cent ; GL 13: 8.82 per cent out of 16 per cent; GL 14: 7.99 per cent out of 16 per cent; GL 15: 5.82 per cent out of 14 per cent; GL 16: 4.71 per cent out of 14 per cent ; GL 17: 2.47 per cent out of 14 per cent .

    ” It was equally agreed upon that the implementation takes effect immediately.

    “That on the issues of cash backing for all promotions, payment of leave bonuses and annual increments, it was also agreed that the government will compute the financial implications in order to work out modalities for implementation,” both government and NLC said.

    Bello, however, said the state government has maintained up-to-date prompt payment of salaries to its workers and thanked labour for their show of patriotism.

    He reiterated government’s determination to ensure rapid development of the state, sustain peaceful coexistence and ensure the welfare of the people of Kogi State.

    Earlier, the state Chairman of the Implementation committee and Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Folashade Ayoade said it was a fruitful deliberation with Labour in spite of initial setbacks.

    In his reaction, the state Chairman NLC, Comrade Onu Edoka said that the approval of the new minimum wage will add value to the life of workers.

    Edoka commended Governor Bello , Head of Service and the Secretary to the State Government for their efforts.

    In her remarks, the Head of Service, Mrs Hannah Odiyo commended Governor Yahaya Bello for approving the implementation of the N30,000 , calling on workers to reciprocate by being more committed and dedicated to duty.