2023: Dikko Best amongst Southern Kaduna senatorial aspirants, says PDP Chairman

By Editor

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Hon. Abdulrahaman Ibrahim, has opined that Hon. Samson Monday Dikko remain the best amongst the Southern Kaduna Senatorial aspirants in the 2023 general elections.

Abdulrahaman stated this when the aspirant paid a familiarisation visit to the excos of the party on Friday, saying that Dikko, who is the current State House of Assembly member representing Jaba Constituency has stood firm during their time of travails.

According to him, the lawmaker was with them when Hon. Morendia Tanko was rigged out having won his election under the platform of the PDP, adding that he was with them when their member, Hon. Nuhu Goro was suspended for one year over an alleged gross misconduct in the floor of the House.

He added, "The Senatorial hopeful also settled the bills to the lawyer standing for our case in the High Court when our party was in crises and we won the case."

He tasked Dikko to be more prepared ahead of the 2023 Southern Kaduna Senatorial seat, stressing that the other aspirants have wealth of experience, financially strong, hold so many positions and well connected.

The Senatorial aspirant who is also the member representing Jaba Constituency, said he is in the race to serve humanity and to also salvage the region from the quagmire of old political class.

He explained, "I believed with your support we'll entrench true Democratic values, promote development and peaceful co-existence among our diverse ethnic and religious group in Southern Kaduna."

While in his Country home, Jaba Local Government, the lawmaker inaugurated his campaign team while charging them to put in their best for victory is in their side.

The aspirant had earlier donated rappers to 250 women and donated cash to the party excos in the two Local Government Areas respectively.

In her remarks, wife of the Senatoria aspirant, Dr. Chetachi Dikko, said it is time for Southern Kaduna to make a change toward voting candidates that would represent their yernings and aspirations.

" Don't allow yourself to be bought over by people who at the end of the day cannot represent your interest or pick your call during your time of travails.

ReplyForward

Zailani Says No Faction In APC, Charges Faithful To Participate Massively In Kaduna LG Primaries

The Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Yusuf Zailani has assured that there is no faction in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Federal, State or local government level.

Zailani expressed this in a statement signed by his S.A Media and Publicity , Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, dated May 8.

According to the statement, Zailani was speaking ahead of the APC Local Councils Primaries for the Kaduna State LG Polls billed for today 8 May, 2021.

"I am surprised that an individual who is not popular, knowing he would lose the primaries in Igabi went all out trying to hide under a non existent faction to try to make the primaries lose credibility.

"In the APC, from Federal to State to my Constituency Igabi LGA, there is no faction. We remain one big formidable family," the Speaker was quoted.

Zailani who is also the Chairman of Northern Speakers Forum, therefore, called on all party faithful to turn out in large numbers and elect the party's candidates across the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State.

CONDOLENCE : Chairman Northern Speakers condoles Taraba state Government, family over Aisha demise

The Speaker Kaduna state House of Assembly, Chairman Northern Speakers Forum,  Rt Hon. Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani on Friday condoled with Taraba state Government, family , and friends on the demise of Aisha Jummai Al-Hassan, popularly known as Mama Taraba, former minister of Women Affairs and also a senator of the 7th assembly and governortorial candidate of the APC in Taraba state during the 2015 General Election

This was contained in a statement signed by S.A Media and publicity to the Speaker Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani and made available to the press in Kaduna  on Friday 7th May 2021

The Speaker expressed shock  over the news of the death of the former minister saying “I received with utter shock the news of the passing away of our mother Aisha Jummai Alhassan" 

 “Mama lived a happy life and we shall miss her dearly; her wonderful memories and kind words will never be forgotten”

Mama Taraba  was an Honourable and gentle woman, her past service to the Nation is well acknowledged."

Zailani prayed Allah to forgive late Aisha Jummai Alhassan, grant her eternal rest in Aljannar Firdaus and give the family, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Alchohol dealers kick as LG Chair seals shops

Hotel /Beer and Liquor Proprietors Association,  Zaria Branch, has alleged that the  Chairman, Sabon-Gari Council of Kaduna State, Engr. Mohammed Ibrahim Usman tactically demolished Kasuwan Dole (local drinks market) in Dushi Waje, Sabon-Gari zaria to ban sales of alchohol. 

They also alleged that the council boss sealed 300 Beer Parlours and enacted a By-law, which contains stringent conditions inimical for the sales and consumption of alcohol.

Representative of the  association, Mr Thaddeus Tabugbo, said, the sealing of beer parlours exercise  which commenced on Saturday 18th July 2020, was based on order obtained from Magistrate Court under Chief Magistrate Zainab Garba Muhammed. 

The association further stated that, while they were waiting for approval of the local government to renew their license, the chairman of the council  invited them for a meeting. 

The group disclosed that on the course of their meeting, they were slammed down by the Chairman of the council as operating illegal business pemises without license and directed officials of the council to go and closedown all hotels and joints until new licenses are obtained.

The association went to High Court and obtained a Court injunction restraining the council from implementing the chairman closure order.

The association expressed dismay that while the High Court was yet to deliver the judgement, the council went and obtained an order from Magistrate Court based on Bye-Law of Sabon Gari Local Government 2020, to sealed up all their business premises beginning from Saturday 18th July 2020, till August 2020, when the case will come up for hearing.

Reacting to the By-law, the body reiterated that the council enacted the By-law to stop liquor and spirit dealers from the sale and consumption of alcohol within the area, which faced condemnation from dealers of liquor and spirit in Sabon Gari Local Government area.

The condition attached to the new application form for obtaining the license, made  available to journalists by the association provided that the Ward, village head must recommend any applicant to qualified, while the district head name, stamp and signature must be endorsed.

Application  for new license duly signed by applicant upon received of an application reason parts: The council shall cost same to be displayed in conspicuous public place and invite objection to the issuance of the license from the residence of the area where the license is applied for and the objection must be received within 14 days of the application meaning that before giving the association the license the community to operate this beer business, people shall be invited to confirm whether a license should be giving to sell beer in that community.

“On the expiration of the 14 days if no objection is received the council may proceed to issue the license but if an objection is raised the applicant shall be informed.

“Upon the receipt of the application representative of the council shall proceed to either issue the license or reject the application and then inform the applicant of the rejection of the application immediately.

“That the liquor/spirit may be consumed within the license premises(meaning that  drinking shall not be carried out outside that area). That the liquor/spirit shall not be sold to any person below the age of 18years.

“That violation of any of the condition of this license shall render it liable of revocation and persecution. That the license shall be subjected to annual renewal”, it stated.

One of the women victims, Mrs. Hannatu James who spoke to our reporter said she has been in the business since 1994, adding that they relied on the sale of beer, liquor and palmwine for their children fees and feeding.

All efforts to get clarification from the council Chairman was futile as the chairman neither received calls nor respond to text put to him.

Buhari Hails Usman, Says He 'Reminded The World That Good Things Still Come From Nigeria'

President Muhammadu has described Kamaru Usman’s Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) successful welterweight title defense as a sign that good things and great people can still come out from Nigeria.

Usman had on Sunday defeated Jorge Masvidal in Abu Dhabi to retain the Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight world title, scoring a unanimous points decision 50-45, 50-45 and 49-46 on the three judges’ cards.

While congratulating him for the win which he described as “emphatic,” Buhari in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, hailed the 35-year-old for making Nigerians proud.

According to the statement, “As the first African-born and Nigerian UFC Champion, President Buhari commends the courageous fighter for finishing strong inside the octagon, proudly flying the green and white colours in distant lands, and reminding the world that good things and great people still come out of Nigeria.”

The Nigerian leader said even as the COVID-19 pandemic has brought sadness to families across the world, Usman’s title defence has brought smiles and joy to Nigerians.

“While the global COVID-19 pandemic may have brought gloom to many families and nations, the President is delighted and gratified that our welterweight champion has lifted our spirits with another professional performance proving that things will surely get better at the fullness of time when we remain committed to our vision,” the statement read.

“The President wishes Usman the very best and more victories in his career and prays that like fine wine, he improves with age.”

“Gamebred (Masvidal) is the biggest, baddest dude out there right now and I had to take him,” said Usman after the fight.

“I know a lot of noise was made about him preparing on short notice but all these guys are preparing for one guy and that’s me.

“I’m just at a level better. I have more tools in the tool box and when I need to I can pull them out and use them.”

Northern Parliament Questions Why Adamu Atta Is Allegedly Replaced On NNPC Board

The Northern Parliament has demanded answers from President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipreye Sylva why the appointment of Alhaji Mahmood Adamu Atta into the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is alleged to have been changed by power brokers and replaced with someone whom they say is of a questionable character.

The group expressed this during a press conference held at its office in Kaduna on Thursday July 9, 2020, where it warned that such replacement will further lead to credence that important elements of governance is eroding the five-year administration of President Buhari.

Speaker of the Parliament,  Comrade Awwal Abdullah Aliyu, who read the text of the briefing which was jointly signed by him and the Secretary, Engr Musa Idris, said that the announcement of Adamu Atta on the board of NNPC gave Nigerians hope that the ugly downward slide  of the present administration was being reversed.

"Gentlemen of the press, it  is no gain saying that our country is at a cross road in terms of the social contract between the current 5-year-old administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian people.

"Trust, that all important elements of governance is gradually eroding this administration that was ushered in with fanfare, high hopes and the expectation of much needed fresh air.

"An attempt was made to reverse the ugly trend by halting the downward slide of the image of the administration by its recent appointments which includes bringing hardworking, honest,affluent Nigerians with unshakable integrity into the different roles to help the President in shaping the affairs of some agencies and parastatals that have acquired notoriety in the eyes of the public over the years-thus entered the appointment of Alhaji Mahmood Adamu Atta into the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), along with other distinguished Nigerians raising hope that at last the president has found the magic wand to rid the agency saddled with the mandate of injecting live into the national economy of ineptitude, underhand dealings and shortchanging of the nation in terms of revenue accrual," the Northern Parliament said.

The group explained that Alhaji Adamu Mahmoud Atta, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University with a Post graduate degree from University of California, USA,needs very little introduction.

"He comes with a solid and comfortable private sector affluence, an enigmatic family name and unrivalled open heart for philanthropy.

"This quintessential fellow has been and still is Chief Executive Officer of MATAD Group Nigeria Ltd,member Board of WAPIC Insurance PLC and a long-standing Member of the Nigerian Business Forum.

"Alhaji Atta has made his mark as entrepreneur and job creator in the last 35 years among which are the creation/establishment of critical job offering outfits for thousands

of Nigerians such as:

1.University of Technology in Okene Kogi State

2. Cement factory with some Chinese partners in Itobe, Kogi State

3. Fifth Chucker (One of the most outstanding recreational tourist industry in Nigeria)

"We of the Northern Parliament,make bold to say that Alh.Attah stands shoulder-to-shoulder with his contemporary industrialists anywhere in Nigeria today.

"Alh. Atta is the harbinger of succor to the protracted indigent Nigerian youth including the ‘Almajiri’syndrome in Northern Nigeria,he and his team of likeminds built the

largest model Orphans and less privileged children plus Almajiri Primary Schools located in Kakangi village in Kaduna  State, the school has a student carrying capacity of

12 thousand, 480 classes and 1,440 teachers all camped in the school.

"The project has so far gulped more than N1.2 Billion Naira and counting," the group informed.

They said that they went to this length to show and lay the background that will substantiate their next statements.

"Alhaji Adamu Atta in all modesty

is a very comfortable Nigerian; with a pedigree like his, it is beyond him to seek petty favor nor engage in unnecessary bickering over an appointment into a board in Nigeria.

"A situation where the president of Nigeria, reaches out to ask for an individual to perform some national service requires that such a gesture be dignified with acceptance, this wasthereason why when Alhaji Atta was approached with the President’s request, he obliged in a show of respect and support and willingness to be of service to the President and motherland.

"We are here today to address you on the unfortunate development regarding the appointment of Alhaji Atta making the rounds on social circles, that his name has been

removed from the list of appointees signed by the media aide to the President as published.

"That in his place, a certain Mrs.Lami Ahmed Onayi will now be the board member.

"Incredibly baffling as this may sound, we are of the thinking that certain elements are at work to derail a genuine effort of the Buhari administration by making sinister moves to affect this change and bring in a questionable character, who by all reckoning, does not qualify to be on the board of the NNPC," they asserted.

The Northern Parliament argued that due to conflict of interest as

she is a key player in the petroleum industry, owner of a petrolstation)let alone stand as replacement for the erudite Alhaji Atta.

"The doctrine of conflict of interest says one cannot be a judge in his own case!!!

"This unfortunate action if at all true,is coming at a time when the Northern Parliament and Nigerians were rejoicing over the vision of our President, Muhammadu Buhari on the reconstitution of a new board for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)

and its combination of Technocrats and Politicians to reposition the Corporation for growth and prosperity as the hub of the Nigerian economy," they submitted.

They continued by saying,  "In the light of the aforementioned,the Northern Parliament, a group of concerned professionals and academics from the North is asking the Powerbrokers if this is true and what went wrong?

"If competence, experience,selflessness is the key consideration for bringing people to

support the efforts of Government,why would this administration allow its name and reputation to be dragged in the mud? Why would Alhaji Mahmoud Atta who did not

lobby for the job be appointed and then other outlet will truncate such appointment just to spite him?"

"The Northern Parliament therefore, asks what are the offences of Alh.Atta?

"Why deprive a man with such a distinguished background, coming from the highly revered Atta Ibrahim Royal family of Ebiraland,the opportunity to contribute towards charting the path of progress for the NNPC and the oil and Gas Industry in Nigeria?" They queried.

They said that as such, the Northern Parliament and Nigerians demand answers.

"Therefore, we call on the Authority and leaders to always be wary of those who for their personal interests will truncate any genuine efforts at moving Nigeria forward particularly at a time when Nigeria needs to leverage on its best hands and brains at this period when lowoil price has the potentials to make the country attractive for oil and Gas Industry investments that looks to the future; this where people like Alhaji Atta are most needed.

"Northern Parliament therefore,calls on President Muhammadu Buhari as Minister of Petroleum Resources and the Minister of State to take a closer look at what is happening with their efforts at reengineering the petroleum sector less their hardwork pales into insignificance.

"Even as we deliver this open letter to Mr.President, it is worthy of note that since the new presidential statement announcing his nomination to the Board of NNPC was made public, as authorized by Mr. President, there has no tbeen a counter-statement announcing the withdrawal of his nomination.Who then has dared to change a presidential directive?

"Nigerians deserve answers to thesequestions," they further probed.

The group called on President Buhari to come out clear on the controversy.

"We therefore, call on the President as the father of the nation,to use his revered office to correct any anomaly if any,in the appointment of Alhaji Mahmoud Atta as member of the board of NNPC as announced," they concluded.

Air pollution: Rivers resident decry invasion by black soot

Govt Plans Safety Measures Despite the thoroughly degraded environment, which they have had to contend with over the years, there appears to be no end in sight to the vicissitudes of life plaguing residents of Rivers State. Right now, anxiety is building in the state over the deteriorating air quality, a development that forced some residents of Port Harcourt, the state capital to take to the streets demanding that government takes decisive steps to tackle the rising air pollution. Soot is a black powdery or flaky substance consisting largely of amorphous carbon, produced by the incomplete burning of organic matter. In the recent past, levels of particulate matter (which is popularly referred to as soot) is prevalent in the air in Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, Ikwerre, Okrika, and Eleme local councils In these areas, these substances settle on just anything including rooftops, floors, cars, washed clothes and so on. The dangerous bent to it, however, is the fact that in recent times, the soot has risen to almost 11 times above the recommended safety level set by the World Health Organisation. Particulate matter, also known as particle pollution, is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets that get into the air. Once inhaled, these particles can affect the heart and lungs and cause serious health effects. Spotting nosemasks, the protesters wielded placards, which bore inscriptions like, “Save our lungs,” “Let us breath, stop soot,” “The lives of our children matter,” “Soot kills. Stop soot,” and “Stop the soot, save Rivers,” among others. They also demanded that both the federal and state governments should, expeditiously come up with the most effective ways of curbing the rising air pollution in the state. Nollywood actress, Hilda Dokubo, who was among the protesters said the sudden saturation of Port Harcourt atmosphere with soot, arising from imperfect combustion, has triggered health concerns among the residents. She said if the situation is not tackled decisively, residents of the city, particularly children under the age of five, would suffer from severe respiratory infections. “People are dropping dead daily because of asthmatic attack, even those who weren’t known to suffer from asthma,” she lamented. Another resident of the state capital, Ross George, complained that parents are becoming agitated whenever they clean the nostrils of their children only to discover layers of soot. “Our environment is becoming more polluted, and we have waited since November last year to get a response from government, which has not yet come. We are increasingly worried as the situation worsens, and we are becoming agitated. So, we need to know what is going on. We need to be reassured that investigation and analysis are going on.” Another protester described the air quality in Port Harcourt, Eleme and Rukpokwu at present as very poor by global standards, and urgent steps are required to address the situation. In sharing this view, Mr. Eli Emeka, told The Guardian that Port Harcourt and its environs, especially Eleme, Abuloma, Iwofe, Rupokwu, Okrika, Woji, were gradually turning into a gas chamber, particularly for children. “Every day, you can see smog hanging all over the city as a result of pollution. You can longer wash white clothes and spread them outside because of soot. Floors in residential houses and offices, cars are covered with soot. The levels, from investigation, are extremely high, breaching the safe limit by over 11 times at several places in Port Harcourt. This is a health emergency,” he said. A native of Eleme, who identified himself as Obari Theo, also told The Guardian that it was disheartening that environmental agencies at both the federal and state levels have failed to take cognisance of the fact that for years, petrochemical outfits and refineries operating in Eleme have been belching plumes of soot into the atmosphere. On the social media, a growing number of persons have been ventilating their anger over governments’ handling of the air pollution in the state, just as residents have been uploading photographs showing how soot has taken over their homes, and calling on the government to do more to protect the environment and citizens. Concerned by the air pollution, the state government recently set up a taskforce headed by the Commissioner of Environment, Prof. Roslyn Konya, to explore ways of containing the menace. An air pollution analysis report published by the state Ministry of Environment, revealed that Port Harcourt is one of the most polluted cities in the country. Konya while addressing the agitated residents, explained that based on her ministry’s investigation, it was discovered that the soot is largely petroleum-based, as a result of incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon. She assured the people that the state government is using the process of climatology and emission modelling to trace sources of the black soot in the state capital, adding that tests have already been conducted in certain parts of the city, with a view to tracing possible sources. “We have sampled two sites namely, Abuloma and Peter Odili Road, and you have to sample from 12 midnight to 6am. And then from 6am to 8am to know that difference, whether there will be an increase or decrease from midnight or whether it will be higher or lower in the morning. I personally went with them,” Konya said. According to her, “WHO acceptable level of particulate matter of 2.5 microns is the size of the soot. The acceptable level by WHO is 25 microgram per cubic metre. What we got was 270 micrograms per cubic metre and these values were got from the two sites between 12 midnight to 6 am. And then from 6am to 8am, we found out from Odili Road that the value was 62 microgram per cubic metre and then from Abuloma town was 124 microgram per cubic metre. That means that there was a lowering of the content in the morning, and from midnight, it was very high. This shows that the activities producing this soot take place in the night,” she said. The ministry’s findings, however, revealed that this soot was as a result of incomplete combustion of petroleum products, with refineries, and petro-chemical companies as suspected sources. The other sources include illegal refineries and burning of old car tyres to access copper imbedded in them. A petroleum expert, Kombo Manson Braide, described as unfortunate, a recent statement by the Navy that 40 illegal refineries have been destroyed, including operating equipment, and storage facilities worth N3b in the process of battling illegal refining activities in the creeks of the Niger Delta. http://t.guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/air-pollution-rivers-resident-decry-invasion-by-black-soot/