Tag: Kebbi

  • “NLC, TUC Nationwide Strike: Mixed Compliance Across States Sparks Controversy”

    “NLC, TUC Nationwide Strike: Mixed Compliance Across States Sparks Controversy”

    By Milcah Tanimu

    the mixed compliance of the nationwide strike organized by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).

    1. **Mixed Compliance Across States:**
    – The strike showed varied compliance across different states in Nigeria.
    – Some states experienced a complete shutdown of activities, including banks, public schools, and courts.
    – Other states witnessed partial compliance, and a few states did not comply with the strike directives.

    2. **State-Specific Compliance:**
    – States like Lagos, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Kebbi, and Edo experienced compliance with the strike directives.
    – In Kano, banks and schools were shut down, and qualifying examinations were suspended.
    – Imo recorded partial compliance with banks open for business.
    – Enugu and Abuja saw workers defying the industrial action, and some sectors continued normal operations.

    3. **Divergence in Universities:**
    – The public universities’ response to the strike varied, with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) supporting the strike, while the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) directed its members to shun the action.

    4. **Government Warning and Legal Action:**
    – The Federal Government had warned against the strike, obtaining a restraining order from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
    – Labour leaders expressed satisfaction with the compliance level and insisted that the strike was not a personal matter, citing various issues affecting workers.

    5. **Sector-Specific Compliance:**
    – Major sectors like Maritime, Food, Beverage, Tobacco, Chemical, and Non-metallic Products complied with the strike.
    – Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) directed its members to join the strike.

    6. **Expectations and Impact:**
    – Labour leaders anticipated increased compliance in the coming days.
    – Some states experienced the shutdown of public offices, schools, and banks, while others saw only partial compliance.

    7. **Response from Officials:**
    – TUC President dismissed reports of any meeting with the Federal Government.
    – ASUU directed its members to join the strike, while CONUA instructed its members not to participate.

    8. **Observations in Specific States:**
    – In Lagos, banks and train services were grounded.
    – In Osun, schools were shut down with increased police presence.
    – In Kebbi, all labour affiliates complied, shutting down offices and social facilities.

    9. **Imo State Situation:**
    – The strike in Imo recorded partial compliance, with civil servants reporting for duty, and banks were open for businesses.

    10. **Controversy and Criticism:**
    – The government accused the strike of being an ego trip and an attempt to blackmail the government, a claim refuted by the NLC.

    11. **Response from Labour:**
    – Labour defended the strike, emphasizing the need to address issues such as minimum wage, insecurity, corruption, and poor governance.

    12. **Special Note on University Affiliation:**
    – CONUA distanced itself from the strike, citing lack of communication and incomplete affiliation processes with TUC.

    13. **Additional Issues:**
    – Other grievances included outstanding salary arrears, unjust declaration of ghost employees, unsettled gratuities, non-compliance with the minimum wage act, and the declaration of ghost retirees.

    In summary, the strike led to varied compliance levels across different states and sectors, with ongoing debates and controversies regarding the motives and impact of the industrial action.

  • Man Shot Dead For Snatching Ballot Box In Kebbi

    Man Shot Dead For Snatching Ballot Box In Kebbi

    A yet-to-be-identified man was reportedly shot dead by soldiers on patrol at Bajida polling unit 001, Fakai Local Government Area of Kebbi South.

    The man was shot dead for attempting to snatch a ballot box from officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, during the ongoing supplementary elections in the state.

    According to eyewitnesses in the area, the deceased was a member of the proscribed Yansakai, a local volunteer vigilante group.

    He was said to have intruded into the polling unit claiming to be a security agent.

    He was alleged to have attempted to snatch a gun from a soldier at the polling unit when he was shot.

    “He and his group rushed to the polling unit trying to snatch the ballot box as INEC officials were moving the ballot box to the collation centre.

    “Efforts to stop him by people at the polling unit failed and as he struggled to collect the gun from a soldier he was shot by another soldier,” an eyewitness said.

  • 2023: Malami Gifts 30 Exotic Cars To Associates In Kebbi Ahead of Elections

    2023: Malami Gifts 30 Exotic Cars To Associates In Kebbi Ahead of Elections

    Some associates of Abubakar Malami, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of The Federation, have received exotic cars as gifts.

    The cars such as Toyota Prado, Lexus, Toyota Hilux, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles were given to them a week after the minister announced his governorship bid.

    Malami is planning to succeed Governor Atiku Baudu of Kebbi State in 2023.

    Some of the beneficiaries are workers at the Khadimiyya for Justice and Development Initiative, a foundation established by the minister.

    Defending his principal’s action, Umar Gwandu, spokesman of the Minister, said, “friends and associates of Malami donated and distributed vehicles to long term workers in the Khadimiyya Foundation”.

    The gifts have however attracted criticisms, particularly on social media.

  • 2023: Malami Declares Interest for Kebbi Governorship

    2023: Malami Declares Interest for Kebbi Governorship

    The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has declared his intention to contest the Kebbi State governorship in 2023.

    Malami declared his intention to run for the office at an event in Kebbi on Monday.

    He lost the Kebbi governorship ticket to Atiku Bagudu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is currently the state governor, in 2014.

    Bagudu is now set to complete his second term in office.

    “If God in His mercies permits and all goes well, I will as a politician contest the governorship of Kebbi State. I am seeking your support.

    “I want to announce that I will contest indeed and as such, I am counting on your prayers and support so that we can all work and survive the race together.

    “I have no history of betrayal and I won’t betray you people. I will work for you,” ThisDay quoted Malami to have said.

  • Gusau Promises To Unite AFN Family As Kebbi Bubbles With Delegates’ Arrival

    Gusau Promises To Unite AFN Family As Kebbi Bubbles With Delegates’ Arrival

    Mike Oboh

    The incumbent President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria Engr Ibrahim Shehu Gusau says he will use the next term to unite the Athletics Federation of Nigeria if he wins the election in Kebbi on Monday.

    Gusau promised to consolidate on his previous achievements in the federation especially in the areas of athletes’ exposure and development. 

    “We have spent the last four years in leadership tussle and unnecessary bickering. This is precious time that we could have used to improve the lot of the athletes because they are the reason why we are here.

    “However, we will make it up to them and bring the entire Athletics family to a round table where we will iron out all grievances and map out new strategies to move Athletics forward in Nigeria. Top on our list now is to ensure a podium appearance at the Tokyo Olympic Games,” Gusau said. 

    Meanwhile, Kebbi state is now a beehive of activities with almost all the delegates arriving for the forthcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria elections slated for Monday June 14. 

    An excited  President of the AFN Engr Ibrahim Shehu Gusau  said that the elections will mark a new chapter in the history of athletics in  Nigeria.

    “I am so happy that delegates from various states are here in Kebbi already and many arrived even  four days to the elections. This is impressive as  delegates are also fraternizing in a friendly atmosphere,” the AFN Pfesident said. 

    Gusau who is  vying for a second term in office as President,  expressed optimism that the elections will be transparent and 

    hitch-free. 

    He added that in the spirit of unity and oneness, interests of all contestants will be protected while a level playing field will be available to all before and during the election.

  • 66 Killed In Bandits Massacre On 8 Villages in Kebbi

    66 Killed In Bandits Massacre On 8 Villages in Kebbi

    Police in Kebbi State said 66 people were killed by bandits in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

    The spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Nafiu Abubakar, said the massacre took place on Thursday in eight villages of the council.

    According to him, though the police were still counting the number of the dead, but the state police command had already dispatched a detachment of the officers and men of the police force to the area.

    He said, “The killing took place in Koro, kimpi, Gaya, Dimi, Zutu, Rafin Gora and Iguenge villages, all in Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State.”

    Reports had it that majority of the people of the affected villages have escaped to the nearby town of Riba for safety.

    In April, bandits killed nine policemen among whom was the Police DPO of Danko/Wasagu.

  • Kebbi: Thousands starving IDPs in Zuru land returns home amidst uncertainty

    Kebbi: Thousands starving IDPs in Zuru land returns home amidst uncertainty

    …Says we prefer to die in hand of bandits than hunger, starvation

    By Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna

    Amidst rampaging Banditry activities, involving Killings, kidnapping and livestock rustling surging in Zuru Emirates, in kebbi State, in the past three among others, Several camps of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have sprang up, our findings have revealed.

    Our Correspondent reported that after many weeks of hunger and starvation surviving under undignified conditions in IDPs, thousands of the victims were seen streaming back home on Monday even when there was no guarantee for their safety and well-being.

    Our reporter noted that, Sakaba Local Government Area of

    1,260kmsq land area, of Kebbi State shared border with part of Niger State, where bandits, believed to be in collaboration with Boko Haram have acquired a large territory in there.

    According to him, the IDPs were on Monday, seen lined up with their belongings by the road sides waiting for vehicles. Some were seen trekking back, loaded of goods on their heads.

    “I will rather return with my family and die like a man than allow starvation to kill us here like unwanted animals,” said Abubakar Galadima, 45, an IDP at dilapidated government building besides Sakaba LGA Secretariat at Diri Daji, in Zuru Emirate.

    Mr Galadima, who hails from Dankolo village, has been there for three weeks with his three wives and 24 children.

    “The first and only time they brought raw food here was some two weeks ago and it caused a lot of fight here,” said the lean and weary looking man.

    “Since then we have literally been starving with all these children crying for food all the time,” he said.

    Galadima’s village was attacked at least three times in the past one month. Though no one was killed, all the cattle in his community were rustled.

    “As you can see, we have already packed our load and we are just waiting for a truck to come and take us back home,” he said.

    Scores of women and their children were seen with their goods arranged and ready to leave.

    The situation was the same in all the IDP camps visited.

    Heavily pregnant Jamimah Benjamin, 34, gave birth two weeks ago under trauma at the United Missionary African Church (UMCA), Diri Daji.

    She had managed to escape from her Talata village in Sakaba ward and walked for five hours through thorny shrubs and bushes with her two little kids to the tarred road in Jan Birni, the next settlement with a good road linking other towns.

    It was from there that they were helped to complete the 17km journey to Diri Daji by a kind motorist..

    “I gave birth at the gate of the church when I arrived here that day. That was two weeks ago. We named the child Joshua,” she said.

    “But my people and I are ready to return home now. We are dying of starvation here,” she said.

    “This is not the first time we are returning,” she pointed out.

    “Two days after I gave birth here, we could not bear the condition so we returned,” she said.

    With little Joshua just two days old and back to Talata village, heavy shooting was heard from across the next village.

    It was a cue that the Bandits would enter their village after finishing with their neighbours. The men of Talata Community quickly gathered their wives and children and guarded them to a thicket in the swamp by the bank of a river that flows through the village, Jamimah and her two day’s old infant, his 7 and 5 years brothers among.

    “The place was infested by snakes. One crawled over to my sister’s back, but did not bite her, The grass was itchy and it was very uncomfortable,” she told our reporter.

    “The children were crying but we muffled their mouths. The shooting started from 9am in the morning until 4pm in the afternoon,” she said.

    After that experience, their men again ensured they returned to Diri Daji. But now, they are set to leave for Talata village.

    “They are always welcomed here,” said Rev Dauda Sule who oversees the Church.

    “At the peak of the violence, they were about a thousand IDPs here. But most of them have returned home or have found better places to go.

    “Yes there is problem with food. The church cannot do much,” he said,” and the elected representatives are not doing anything to assist,” he added.

    “The other time that the Chairman of Sakaba LGA (Hon Lawal Dan Hausa) came here, he only brought sachets of ‘pure’ water. That’s all!” he said.

    It is estimated that there may be about 10,000 IDPs from the displaced Community scattered to many parts of the LGA that are considered safe for now.

    The IDPs come from the following communities in Sakaba LGA in Zuru Emirate: Tunga Kadai, Bazama, Mai Komo, Kaiwa kasa, Yakila and Robin.

    Others are: Kukumo, Makeri, Lani, Tikawa, Madi, Katuntu, Unguwan Zama and Kudanhu.

    Findings show that between the 13th and 29th April, bandits killed the following at Sakaba town: Tanko Audu, 40; Auta Gurgu,70; the daughter of Tashi Kataba who was backing her son and Bala Mai Saska, 75.

    Villagers said that an estimated 1,000 cows and 500 sheep were rustled by the bandits for the same period.

    All attempts to speak with Chairman of Sakaba LGA, Hon. Lawal Dan Hausa was not possible as his phone number was not connecting. End.

  • Northern Youths protest against #EndSARS

    Northern Youths protest against #EndSARS

    Youth groups in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States on Monday staged a rally in Sokoto in reaction to the scraping of SARS saying the decision is ill advised and should be reviewed.

    Presenting their complain letter to the State police commissioner at the command headquarters, spokesman of the groups, Bashar Binji said rather than banning SARS, the unit should have been reformed through training and retraining.

    Mr Binji said SARS has recorded remarkable achievements in the past that the indiscipline of a few among them should not have led to the outright ban of the unit.

    He called for more funding and improved welfare package for the police and proper equipment for the force to enable them discharge their duty in accordance to the provision of the law.

    Addressing the protesting youth, Sokoto State commissioner of Police Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje thanked them for their kind words and support for the police.

    The CP said most participant at the rally that led to the scraping of SARS are ignorant of the duty of the unit.

  • Kebbi receives additional 83 repatriated almajiri

    Kebbi receives additional 83 repatriated almajiri

    Kebbi State Government yesterday said it has received 83 additional Almajiri (Qu’anic education pupils) repatriated from Kano State.

    This was made known in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to Governor Atiku Bagudu on Media, Malam Yahaya Sarki in Birnin Kebbi.

    According to the statement, the children were received by the Chairman of the state’s Task Force on COVID-19, and also Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Jafar Mohammed, and his members on behalf of Bagudu.

    “The children hail from seven local government areas of Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Dandi, Argungu, Maiyama, Jega and Yauri, while one of them was a citizen of neighbouring Niger Republic.

    “All the children were handed over to the Chairmen of their respective local governments, while the child from Niger Republic would be taken back to his country through the protocols laid down by the Federal Government,” the statement explained.

    “We laud the Kano State Government for earlier testing and isolating the children at the Isolation Centre in Kano.

    “I am happy all the children had been declared coronavirus disease-free, as they had tested negative to it.

    “They were, therefore, ready to be reunited with their families as well as the general society.

    “Our topmost priority now is the continuation of both their Qur’anic and Western education, but with their own biological parents.

    “We pledge the state government’s commitment to fully protect all the fundamental human rights of the children,” the statement quoted the commissioner as saying.

    It would be recalled that Gov Atiku Bagudu had earlier personally received 61 Almajiri children repatriated to the state by the Kano government on 22 May.

  • COVID-19: 111 inmates freed in Kebbi

    COVID-19: 111 inmates freed in Kebbi

    The Kebbi State Government has facilitated the release of 111 inmates of correctional centres as part of Federal Government’s process to protect inmates from contracting COVID-19 across the country.

    Our correspondent reports that the order for their release was contained in a statement by Malam Yahaya Sarki, the Special Adviser to Gov. Atiku Bagudu on Media in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.

    “Kebbi State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hajiya Ramatu Adamu-Gulma, revealed that over 111 inmates were released during the exercise as performed by the Chief Justice of the state, Justice Sulaiman Muhammad-Ambursa at Argungu and Birnin Kebbi new and old Correctional Service Centres.

    “The state government has paid fines of the inmates in addition to giving them N10,000 each to cater for transportation back to their respective destinations,” he said.

    It also advised the freed inmates to be of good character at all times as they rejoined their communities.

    “According to Justice Muhammad-Ambursa, some of the inmates who regained their freedom fell under Presidential Pardon while the remaining ones were either discharged fully or were released on administrative bail,” he said.

    He called on those who did not benefit from the gesture to pray for their inclusion in subsequent exercises.

    Similar exercises would be conducted at other Correctional Service Centers in Yauri, Zuru, Jega and Bagudo local government areas of the state.