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Tag: Gov Nasir El-Rufai

New Naira: El-Rufai’s Challenge treasonable, says Datti Baba-Ahmed
The vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said comments made by the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, on the naira redesign policy following the nationwide broadcast of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd., are treasonable.
El-Rufai in a state broadcast on Thursday faulted the President on his directive to re-introduce just the old N200 banknote as part of measures to curb the cash crunch in the country.
El-Rufai, who said the old N1,000 and N500 are still legal tenders in his state, stated that the aim of the naira redesign is to scuttle the general elections in order to allow an interim government led by a retired army general
However, speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the LP vice presidential candidate said the governor’s comment, amounts to treason and wondered why the presidency is silent.
He argued that there is only one authority in Nigeria which is the president and wondered how a governor could counter the directive of the president.
“Anybody who commits this kind of indiscipline under our leadership the full weight of the law should bear on him. We have been more than bewildered at the failures we have witnessed in the past few days. However, it is more of an act of treason, so to say it is an act of treason. If an elected governor of a constituent part of a sovereign country will give direct instructions to the contrary of what is the exclusive preserve of the federal government.
“Why as a Commender-in-chief you give a clean executive constitutional order and a state governor goes out to say that you should continue to exchange those currencies? This is to say that there are two authorities in a country,” Baba-Ahmed said.
February 17, 2023
El-Rufai Counters Buhari, Insist Old Notes Remains Legal Tender In Kaduna
Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has asked Kaduna residents to disregard President Muhammadu Buhari’s statement that N500 and N1000 notes are no longer legal tenders.
El-Rufai insisted that the old notes remain legal tender in Kaduna state and businesses that refuse to accept them will be sealed.
In his national broadcast early Thursday February 16, Buhari had declared that old N500 and N1000 were no longer valid. He, however, stated that 200 Naira notes can still be used until April 10.
He had asked Nigerians to take them to the Central Bank and designated places.
But in his statewide address on Thursday night, El-Rufai said the notes remain legal tender until Supreme Court of Nigeria decides otherwise.
El-Rufai said: ?For the avoidance of doubt, all the old and new notes shall remain in use as legal tender in Kaduna State until the Supreme Court of Nigeria decides otherwise.
I therefore appeal to all residents of Kaduna State to continue to use the old and new notes side by side without any fear. The Kaduna State Government and its agencies shall seal any facility that refuses to accept the old notes as legal tender and prosecute the owners.
If need be, we shall take further consequential actions according to the law. The address by the President earlier this morning limiting the legal tender status of old notes to only N200 amounts to total disregard and disobedience of the ruling of February 8th which was extended further yesterday by the Supreme Court.
The misguided action of the Attorney-General to mislead the President into engaging in this public violation of the order of the highest court of the land shows how desperate the policy architects are to cause national chaos, by showing open contempt for the judiciary.
The decision to recognise only N200 as legal tender till April that the President announced this morning was offered to the state governments as part of proposals for an out-of-court settlement three days ago.
The Federal Government asserted that this was offered because all the old? N1,000 and N500 notes had been destroyed. We rejected the offer and proved to the officials that not a single higher denomination note had been destroyed.
“We also believe that circulating N200 only to be inadequate in alleviating the suffering that we see every day. We insisted that all the components of the Supreme Court order should be complied with.”
February 17, 2023
El-Rufai: Why I can’t function as Lawmaker
Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has said he would never retire to the National Assembly because he does not have the patience and diligence needed to implement legislative functions.
El-Rufai said this on Monday in his remarks at the second edition of the “Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture” organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
The governor said, “The legislature is one branch of government I know I can never function. The hardwork needed to convince people to support even your motion is something some of us have no patience for.
“You know management in the executive is very straightforward; it is very hierarchical and once you are a governor, your word is almost law. But in the legislature, everybody is equal and there is no management that is more difficult than managing your equals.”
El-Rufai added that managing colleagues in the same political arena is a Herculean task unlike the executive arm when he is superior and can hire and fire at wills.
“I don’t envy Mr Speaker and the Senate president at all because their job perhaps is the hardest job in this country. Managing equals is difficult.
“For the executive, you can hire and fire. I know that many of our colleague governors are retiring to the Senate. But I can assure you that I will never retire to the legislature because I don’t think I can function there,” he said.
El-Rufai commended the leadership of the 9th National Assembly under Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, for passing “groundbreaking laws which have had positive impacts on the nation”.
December 13, 2022
Deborah: El-Rufai Bans Religious Protests In Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has banned all forms of protests related to religious activities across the state.
The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said in a statement that the ban, which is with immediate effect, was done in consultation with the State Security Council.
He explained that the prohibition of all forms of religious protests becomes imperative in view of moves by some unpatriotic elements to organize series of for-and-against protests related to a recent security development in another northern state.
Protests rocked Sokoto city on Saturday over the detention of two persons linked to the gruesome killing of Deborah Samuel.
Deborah, a student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, was lynched and burnt by a mob on Thursday over allegations of blasphemy.
President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the killing.
According to Aruwan’s Saturday statement, Governor Nasir El-Rufai who has been briefed of the development, has charged security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the ban on religious protests.
The Governor also charged religious leaders, community leaders and traditional rulers throughout the State to complement the efforts of government and security agencies towards the maintenance of peace and stability.
“Security agencies have thus resolved that any attempt by individuals or groups to disrupt the peace and stability of the State, by way of religious protests, will not be condoned. Such protests will be promptly halted, and conveners prosecuted,” the statement said.
“Citizens are implored to remain calm as they go about their lawful pursuits, and to immediately report any such activity or security concern to the Kaduna State Security Operations Room, on 09034000060 and 08170189999”.
May 14, 2022
Gov El-Rufai Urge non-state actors destabilising Kaduna to Embrace Unity
Nasir El-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, says non-state actors destabilisation the state should embrace unity in the spirit of lent.
In an Easter message, el-Rufai described Nigerians as people of faith and counselled that citizens should never let hope depart from their hearts.
He said Nigerians should continue to practice the lessons of sacrifice, care for the poor, deep spiritual reflection and love for all humankind, as observed during the period of lent.
“let us uphold each other in our common humanity and pray for peace in our land. Let us do our best to promote harmony in our communities and reject strife in our land,’’ he said.
He congratulated Christians on the completion of lent and the great feast of Easter.
’This festival of triumph follows the holy season of Lent, during which the Christian community engaged in fasting, prayers and works of charity.”
El-Rufai pointed out that Easter symbolises the triumph of hope over despair and an affirmation that darkness cannot trump the plans and wishes of Almighty God.
“Jesus Christ set an example of sacrifice that has moved men and women through the ages. As we celebrate the triumph of Christ, let us embrace all the lessons of Easter, never losing faith in the will of Almighty God and the triumph of good over evil,’’ he added.
The governor seized the opportunity to call for unity against the non-state actors destabilising the state.
‘’We pray God Almighty that the blessings and lessons of Easter will spread all through our State, and move us all to be better people, that the Almighty will comfort all our people who have been affected by the security challenges that confront us,’’ he said.
April 17, 2022
Northern Governors Felicitate With Governor El-rufai At 62
The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with the Governor of Kaduna State Mallam Nasir El-rufai as he marks his 62nd birthday (16th February 2022).
In a message to felicitate with the Governor, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong described Mallam El-rufai as a patriotic Nigerian whose zeal for peace, progress and development has been evident in all his activities including the governance of Kaduna State since coming to office in 2015.
Lalong said Mallam El-rufai has made significant contributions to the development of the Northern Region and Nigeria at large by playing key roles in various assignments that have shaped policies in the country.
He acknowledged the doggedness of Governor El-rufai in confronting the security challenges in Kaduna State by remaining firm in dealing with criminals who have been terrorising innocent citizens in recent times.
Governor Lalong also appreciated Mallam El-rufai for not only providing suitable environment for the meetings of the Forum in Kaduna, but also making valuable contributions on various issues as well as heading critical committees set up by the Forum.
While wishing him more years of good health, God’s protection and wisdom, Lalong charged Governor El-rufai to sustain his efforts in bringing development to Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.
February 16, 2022
Banditry: Informants Are Our Biggest Problem – El-Rufai
Informants are posing a great challenge to the efforts to rid Kaduna state of banditry, Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has said.
He said this at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Kaduna on Saturday.
El-Rufai said informants living within communities in the state have been frustrating the fight against banditry.
“The level of insecurity we face in the country, especially here in Kaduna state, is of great concern and I think that the security agencies, especially the military and the police are doing their best but we need every stakeholder in order to contribute; because the biggest problem we have are the informants that live within us.
“I think it is important for religious and community leaders not only to raise their advocacy but to also watch out for people that seem to be spending a lot of money without any clear means of livelihood, they are probably informants of kidnappers; they should be report to the authorities nearest to them.”
He assured that the government will protect such information and take all necessary action.
El-Rufai expressed appreciation to the Armed Forces and the police, who are losing officers and men daily to the war against banditry and assured them of governments support not only in resources but also prayers.
January 15, 2022
Kaduna Govt to spend N8.2bn on Primary Healthcare in 2022
The Kaduna State Government is to spend N8.2 billion on primary healthcare in 2022.
This is contained in the budget of N278.6 billion signed by Gov. Nasir El-Rufai on Dec. 22 and obtained by the NAN in Kaduna on Wednesday.
The document showed that of the N8.2 billion allocated to the state Primary Health Care Development Board (PHCDB), N5.8 billion was earmarked for capital projects while N2.5 billion was for recurrent expenditure.
It also showed that N4.3 billion was earmarked for the construction, renovation and upgrading of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), 255 health clinics, reconstruction of PHCB Headquarters and consultancy services.
Also, N233.6 million was allocated for the procurement of personal protective equipment for 1,154 health facilities for the prevention of COVID-19, while N25.5 million was earmarked for preventive maintenance of equipment in 255 PHCs
A total of N954.3 million was earmarked as counterpart for various health projects, including Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.
The document further showed that N100 million would be spent on the procurement of basic tools and consumables for Community Health Influencers, Promoters Service Agents (CHIPS) and mobile outreaches.
The government also allocated N136.6 million for the provision of solar power for the second phase of 255 PHCs being upgraded.
Similarly, N52.3 million would be spent on repairs and routine maintenance of solar systems in 34 PHCs across the state.
NAN reports that the N5.8 billion allocated for the PHCDB for capital projects was less than the N8.9 billion allocated in 2021.
December 29, 2021
‘Let them go and see God, there’s nothing like repentant terrorists’ — El-Rufai
Nasir el-Rufai, Kaduna state governor, says he does not believe in rehabilitating terrorists.
He said the best way to deal with the persons terrorising Nigerians is to kill them.
The governor made his position known on Tuesday while briefing state house correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.
He was in the state house to brief the president on the recent attack which led to the death of 40 persons in Kaduna state.
The governor was accompanied by Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna commissioner for internal security and home affairs.
He said: “There is nothing like repentant terrorists. The only repentant bandit is the one that is dead. Our intention in the state is to kill them (terrorists), let them go and see God.”
El-Rufai said the whereabouts of the bandits are not hidden but that the military is wary of the collateral damage it could cause the civilian community.
The governor said there are three types of terrorists; the Boko Haram insurgents, the bandits, and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
He said the recent declaration of bandits as terrorists has given the military more power to wage war against them.
El-Rufai asked for the intervention of the president for more deployment of security forces to enable a comprehensive operation.
He called on the security agencies to carry out aggressive operations against the terrorists.
December 22, 2021
Yuletide: Kaduna State Govt. Approves Bonus For Civil Servants
The Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has approved the payment of end of year bonus to civil servants in the state.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai said all civil servants will this month receive bonuses ranging from 100% of monthly pay for junior civil servants to 30% for senior civil servants.
The statement explains that the end-of-year bonus is part of the state government’s efforts to boost morale and enhance the welfare of civil servants.
According to El-Rufai, workers from Grade Levels 1-7 will be paid 100% of their monthly salary as a bonus, Middle-level civil servants from Grade Level 8-13 will get 40%, while senior officers on Grade Level 14 and above will receive 30% of their monthly earnings.
The 2021 end-of-year bonus will cost the state N1.382bn.
In September 2019, the Kaduna State Government became the first government, national or subnational, to pay the new national minimum wage. The state also increased the minimum pension to N30,000 monthly for retirees on defined benefits.
December 21, 2021