2023: Ex-army general, Katunku, threatens legal action over N100m bribery allegation

By Editor 

 A House of Reps Aspirant, for Zango-Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Gen.Simon Gora Katunku (rtd), has debunked the allegation that he collected about N100m to withdraw from Monday's primary elections of the party.

Katunku was alleged to have withdrawn from the contest after collecting 100m from one of his co-contestants, Gideon Jock, who lost out to the incumbent member Amos Gwamna Magaji.

In a statement on Tuesday, Katunku said it was unfortunate that anyone would  level such unfounded allegation against his person, adding that he was too big to be bought over with a 'paltry sum of N100m'.

"It is laughable that anyone would accuse me of collecting N100m to step down for anybody. I am worth far more than that.

"People need to stop mounting such campaign of calumny against their perceived rivals.

He noted that the false allegation against him emanated from the camp of his political opponents who were out to tarnish his hard earned reputation.

The former army general challenged those levelling the allegation against his person to come forward with proof or risk legal action.

According to him, he stepped down from the race in the interest of strengthening true democracy in his constituency.

Meanwhile, Katunku congratulated the winner of the contest and promised to work towards the success of the party in the general election.

2023: Amaechi Is Trustworthy And Is Capable Of Being APC Presidential Flag Bearer--Buratai

By Editor

The Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic Excellency, Ambassador Tukur Yusufu Buratai, has called on the All Progressive Party (APC) teaming members and supporters to rally round the APC's presidential aspirant and immediate Minister of Transport Chief Romi Chibuike Amaechi in order to succeed incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari come 2023 presidential election.

Ambassador Buratai made this call on Wednesday in Kano when Amaechi Presidential Campaign Team visited Kano state as part of his continued consultation with APC stakeholders before the party’s primary election.

Buratai added that, "Today is the first time in history that I mounted a political podium to make a political speech and I 'm happy that I started this, in Kano and on a man that has all the qualities to be the President of Nigeria ".

He added that "having worked with Amaechi when he was the Governor of Rivers state where i served as a Bridge Commander I am assuring you that Amaechi is a trustworthy person".

Ambassador Buratai further explained that President Muhammadu Buhari has a great trust for Amaechi which was why His Royal Highness, the Emir of Daura recently Turbaned him as "Dan Amanar Kasar Hausa (Trusted Son of Hausa Land) recently.

He maintained that Amaechi has a good upbringing which makes him displays respect for both the elderly and the young in the society as such he is the right candidate to shoulder the APC flag as he would consolidate the good things President Buhari is doing for our dear nation.

Meanwhile, in his speech during the consultation visits in Bauchi, General T Y Buratai (RTD) Assured delegates that Ameachi would surely deliver if elected as the party flag bearer in the upcoming presidential elections come 2023.

S'Kaduna APC senatorial aspirant accuses party chair of bias, alleges plot to scheme him out of contest

By Editor

Hon. Nasara Rabo, a frontline aspirant for the Southern Kaduna senatorial seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused the state chairman of the party, Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada (rtd), of plotting to scheme him out of the senatorial race. 

Rabo disclosed this in a statement he personally signed and issued to newsmen in Kaduna. 

The Senatorial hopeful, who is currently the Executive Chairman of Kagarko Local Governnment Area, said the APC chair was biased given the manner in which he was openly supporting another aspirant. 

He noted that any attempt by the state party chairman to frustrate his ambition against the wish of the masses would be resisted by the good people of Southern Kaduna.

The council boss maintained that he was still vibrant and battle ready in the senatorial contest despite conspiracy and bias of the state party chairman.

"I enjoin the party chairman and other stakeholders of our great party to shun divisive tendencies that will cause restiveness in the region.

“I am eminently qualified, widely accepted and well loved by the people because of my laudable achievements as an executive chairman," he stated

He urged the people of the zone to go for a candidate that was dynamic, vibrant and had the interest of the people at heart. 

"The office of the senator requires a distinguished personality, not one that continually brings shame and reproach to a people or somebody that is not in tune with their yearnings .” he said.

He stated: "Southern Kaduna has been seriously shortchanged and the area could no longer continue to be relegated to the background. 

“Let me further tell you that as far as this contest is concerned, I have no rival. I am eminently qualified and positioned to emerge victorious at our party primaries and the general elections.

On the alleged plan to float a Muslim Muslim ticket in the governorship race by Gov. Elrufai's anointed aspirant Senator Uba Sani, Rabo maintained that he was optimistic that the APC will need to pick its deputy from Kaduna South to win its 2023 general elections. 

Meanwhile, as at press time,  the State APC Chairman, Jakada could not be reach for comment,  as calls put through his phone numbers were switch off.

Court Freezes Kaduna Business Mogul, ABG, Two Others Account Over 1.7bn Debt

By Editor

A Federal High court sitting in Kaduna has granted an order of  Post No Debit(PND) against a Kaduna business Mogul, Alhaji Bawa Garba, ABG Communications, and Engr. Mohammed Bawa Garba who are respondents in a suit no. FHC/KD/AMC/1/2022.

The Applicant, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria(AMCON) has approached the Court in a Motion Ex-parte dated 28th March, 2022, praying the Honourable Court for an order for a Post No Debit(PND) operate by the respondents/defendents pending the determination/disposal of the proceedings for the recovery of debit of N1,738,704,474.01(One Billion Seven hundred and thirty eight million, Seven hundred and Four thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy Four Naira)

The applicant through its lawyer, Barrister A.A Salisu Esq., explained that the sum is made up of the Principal debt and accrued interest against the defendants pursuant to section 50 of the AMCON Act, 2019(as amended).

In the Motion Ex-parte, the applicant, AMCON, also seek an Order of the Honourable Court for a Post No Debit(PND) over any funds in any account linked to the BVN belonging to the 2nd and 3rd defendants/respondents pending the determination/disposal of the proceedings for the recovery of the debt.

Barrister Salisu Esq. further seek an order directing the following banks: Access Bank Plc, Ecobank Nigeria Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank PLC, Guaranty Trust Bank PLC, Heritage Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Limited, Polaris Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Standard Chartered Bank, Sterling Bank Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, Unity Bank Plc, Wema Bank of Nigeria Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Jaiz Bank Plc, and Taj Bank Plc, to file an affidavit before the Court disclosing any amount in the name of the Respondents/Defendants and standing to their credit and any sum therein as of the date of service of the order of the Court on the Banks.

Meanwhile, the Presiding Judge, Justice M.G Umar, having hear and read the affidavit in support of 26 paragraphs and 4 exhibits deposed by one Aminu Sada, therefore, 

granted the order of Post No Debit on all accounts linked to the 1st defendant with the following banks: Access Bank Nigeria Plc, Eco Bank, Fidelity Bank, First Bank, Heritage Bank, Keystone Bank, Polaris Bank, UBA Bank, Union Bank, Unity Bank, and Zenith Bank pending the determination/disposal of the proceedings for the recovery of debt made up of the principal debt and accrued interest against the Defendants pursuant to section 50 of tye AMCON Act, 2019(as amended. 

The order signed by the principal Registrar 1, Maryam Abdulsalam Esq. also granted an Order of Post No Debit over any funds in account belonging to the 2nd and 3rd Defendants/Respondents pending the determination/disposal of the proceedings for the recovery of the  debt made up of the principal debt and accrued interest against the Defendants/Respondents pursuant to section 50 of the AMCON Act, 2019 as amended.

Similarly, the Court granted the order by the applicant seeking the said banks to file an affidavit before the Honourable court disclosing any amount in the name of the respondents/defendants and standing to their credits and any sum therein as of the date of service of the order of the court on the Banks. 

The Judge, therefore adjourned the case to 10th May, 2022 for hearing

Nigeria Health Watch tasks kaduna govt on building more gender equalitable toilets for PHCs

By Editor 

A non-Governmental Organization for health communication and advocacy, the Nigeria Health Watch  has advised Kaduna state government to construct more toilet facilities, recruit more staff  and ensure adequate water supply  for Primary Health Health Care, (PHC) Centres across the state.

The organization who noted that primary care meets about 90 percent of human health needs said they were in Kaduna to observe the Water Sanitation Hygiene, WASH  practices in the state's PHC centers, in order to provide evidence for action to drive improvement of healthcare delivery in the state. 

 

Speaking to journalists shortly after the presentation of  their  findings from accessments of Water Sanitation and Hygiene Services in PHCs  in the state, the community Engagement Manager of the organization, Dr Bashar Abubakar noted that  the state performed well WASH and  Infection Prevention and Control assemment, but there is need  for improvement by  providing functional gender equitable toilet facilities and recruiting  more people  to maintain them.

According to Abubakar, "the findings shows that there are still room for improvement, but their are health facilities that have sources of water with available toilets. Over sixty percent  of the PHCs have toilet facilities in the state, but not all have water on sight and not all have  functional  gender equitable toilet facilities and  hygiene officers in them.

Reacting the the assessment,  the Director of Rural Water Supply Agency,  RUWSA in Kaduna recommended that the organization should look into the aspect of communicable disease caused by open defection. 

According to him, "if toilets are inser locks and keys or if some are not accessible to PHC receivers because of poor maintenance,  then there will be more open defecation."

Meanwhile, Hamza Ibrahim, the Director of Disease Prevention and Control for  Kaduna promised that the state government will work on the recommendations given by   Nigeria Health Watch to improve healthcare delivery in the state. 

Ramadan: Northern Speakers urge Muslims to pray for Nigeria

The Speaker advised Muslims to pray against Insecurity Bedeviling the Nation.

The Northern Speakers Forum, NSF, has called on Muslims to use the holy month of Ramadan to pray to Almighty Allah for the quick resolution of the security challenges currently confronting the nation.

Zailani noted that invocation and supplication to God is the greatest weapon of believers, especially Nigerians at a difficult time such as this.

The chairman of the forum and speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly,  Rt Hon Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani, made the call on Saturday in a Ramadan message signed by his SA media and Publicity , Honourable Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani.

Speaker Zailani  enjoined Muslims to conduct themselves very well during the holy month in order to maximize the spiritual and physical benefits inherent in the month.

He identified good intention, prayers, and firmness of purpose in the pursuit of good deeds as conditions for reaping the benefits of the holy month.

The statement reminded Muslims that Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and urged the faithfuls to accord it all the necessary attention by being proactive in decisions and actions that will ensure their full participation in the fast.

The Speaker further urged Nigerians to let their actions match their prayers.

"As we begin the Ramadan fast, we must take actions that match our prayers. The holy month is a period of sacrifice, prayers and reflection on our attitudes and contributions to nation-building. It bears repeating here that without peace and unity, socio economic development will continue to elude our society,” he added.

It also called on preachers to guard their utterances during the fasting period. It urged them to concentrate on the true teachings of Islam rather than engage in mutual recrimination as was the case in the past.

“Muslim scholars should instead educate their audience of what is expected of Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan to earn Allah’s blessings,” the statement said.

Buratai Academy plays 2-2 in friendly match with AMD DC Doma

By  Editor

Buratai Football Academy on Monday, played a 2-2 draw with visiting AMD FC Doma.

This was in a second leg friendly match, organised to keep the players of the academy in shape.

The visitors, AMD had earlier in the first half taken a two-goal lead before the hosts leveled up in the highly explosive encounter, played at the Tukur-Tukur Farms football pitch located along Abuja-Keffi Highway.

Buratai Academy pulled one back in the dying minutes of the first half, before leveling in the extra time.

Notable dignitaries that watched the match were, His Excellency, Ambassador Tukur Yusuf Buratai, Lt. General Lamidi Adeosun (rtd),  Dr. Manzo Ahmed and Idris Mamman.

Others are Chairman of Buratai Academy, Engineer Hassan Mohammed and Secretary of the academy, Engineer Usman Ibrahim.