Kaduna Gov’s COS, Kila Denies Staying In Hotel To Incure Bills

 

..Says Reports False, Mischievous

 By Our Reporter

The Chief of Staff, to the Kaduna State Governor, Mohammed Sani Kila has denied to have been accosted by the management of a hotel for refusing to pay outstanding bills.

The denial followed a report alleging that the Chief of Staff had slept in a hotel for weeks without paying the bills.

A statement from the office of the COS and signed by Ibrahim Aliyu Giwa described the report as false, malicious, and puerile.

“For clarity, we won’t have dignified the purveyors of the thus patently false and malicious story with any response, stressing this puerile story was not only false but also misleading and mischievous.

” The story was intended to impugn and smear the character, integrity, and reputation of the Chief of Staff.

” To bolster and lend credence to the half-truths and outright lies against the Chief of Staff, it was maliciously reported that he boasted of his willingness to take drastic measures against the hotel and management, including a possible retraction of the story over request for payment of outstanding bills he was alleged to have incurred.

” For emphasis, it is pertinent at this juncture to state that the chief of staff has neither stayed nor slept in the hotel as insinuated in the mischievous story.

“The Chief of Staff resides in his house in Kaduna, noting the hotel was secured for temporary accommodation of the newly appointed members of staff before the processing of the payment of their accommodation allowances. It is trite to state that this was a statutory right of the first twenty-eight (28) days for public servants and the hotel management is familiar with government procedures of processing payment and patiently pursuing their claims.

Adding, ” The mischief maker, cashing in on a chance of knowledge of this transaction was only a meddlesome interloper. His effort to create mischief and make a mountain out of a molehill has hit the concrete wall of truth.

“There was no doubt the author deliberately set out to mislead, misinform, and discredit the effort of the Chief of Staff to pursue the open and transparent governance policy of HE Governor Uba Sani”.

The statement therefore called on members of the public to disregard and discountenance such outright fabricated story.

 

Zaria Mosque Collapse: Ear Care Centre's CMD condoles victims' families, Zazzau Emirate

  

By Our Reporter

 The management of the National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna, on Thursday, condoled with the Zazzau Emirate Council, following the collapsed of the 150-year-old Zaria Central Mosque which claimed no fewer than 12 lives and seven other Muslims faithful injured. 

 It will be recall that a section of the 150-year-old mosque collapsed around 4pm on Friday while worshippers were praying Since the incident on August 11, 2023, many had throoged to commiserate with the Zazzau Emirate Council as well as families of victims of the collapsed Mosque in the ancient city of Zaria. 

 Among the early callers were the state governor, Senator Uba Sani where in donated over N8m to families of the deceased as well as those that sustained injuries during the incident.

 The Chief Medical Director of the National Ear Care Centre, Dr Mustapha Abubakar Yaro, leading other management team, paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, on Thursday in the ancient city of Zaria, Kaduna State. 

 Also in the team that accompanied the CMD are: The Head of Clinical Services, Dr Shaheed B Nasir, Director Administration of the Center, Malam Aliyu Rani, the Public Relations officer, Malam Ahamed Tahir, Personal Assistant to the Medical Director, Muhktar S Nuhu, and Special Assistant to the Medical Director Malama Maryam Ibrahim. 

 The CMD expressed grief over the collapse mosque, describing the incident as tragic. 

 Yaro also prayed for the families that lost the lives as well as prayed for speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries during the unfortunate incident.

 According to him, "It is with deep sorrow that we learned about the collapse of a part of the mosque, resulting in the loss of precious lives and leaving several others injured. 

 "In the same vein, the Management tender its condolence to his Highness on the passing away of Alhaji Tukur Yero and Sarkin Shanun Zazzau, Alhaji Salisu Muhammadu May Allah SWT grant them Jannatul Firdausi. Amen. "May He grant strength and patience to the families of the deceased, and may He grant complete healing to those who are recovering from their injuries." 

 In his remarks, the Emir of Zazzau, who is also the Chairman of the Kaduna State Traditional Council, thanked the Chief Medical Director and his team for the visit and standing by the people of the Emirate, the state and the Muslim Ummah(community) during the triying periods. Bamalli also commended the National Ear Care Centre for its outstanding work and quest to save lives. 

Northern Forum backs Prof. Imam's led administration as NBAIS Registrar

 

.... Solicits support from relevant stakeholders for maximum impact

By Our Reporter

Group under the aegis of Concerned Northern Forum, (CNF) has called on relevant stakeholders to support the Registrar, National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, (NBAIS) Prof. Imam Yahuza Suleiman. 

The Forum in a press statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday, through it's Spokesperson, Comrade Abdulsalam Mohamed Kazeem, said with his track record  of commitment to life's assignment, the Forum is confident that he will lead the board towards achieving its goals and ambitions in the nearest future.

While calling on NBAIS staff, students, other affiliate institutions, and the broader public to offer their support and cooperation to Prof Yahuza's led management, Kazeem noted that there is need for them to give him time so he can focus and address any pending issue within the board rather than causing unnecessary distractions.

He disclosed that, "Concerned Northern Forum,(CNF) a leading advocacy group for Educational, Infrastructural and Socio-economic advancement in the North and Nigeria at large, is issuing a rallying call to stakeholders and members of the public to support the leadership of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) under the capable guidance of Professor Imam Yahuza Suleiman. 

"We believe that Prof Imam's distinguished academic career and expertise makes him well-equipped to address the challenges faced by the board and drive it towards greater success.

"Prof Imam Yahuza Suleiman is a highly respected academic renowned for his exceptional contributions to the field of Arabic and Islamic studies. His vast knowledge, experience, and leadership qualities leave no doubt that he is the right person to navigate the complexities of the NBAIS. With his dedication and commitment, we are confident that Prof Imam will lead the board towards achieving its goals and ambitions.

"Concerned Northern Forum would like to extend a special appeal to any aggrieved staff members and the general public to afford Prof Imam a little time to engage with the appropriate authorities regarding pending staff matters, at this time he needs no distractions.

"Change in leadership can bring about necessary adjustments, and we believe that Prof Imam is committed to addressing any outstanding issues in a fair and equitable manner. By working together and extending trust in his leadership, we can help create an environment conducive for progress and meaningful transformation within the NBAIS.

"We condemned in-totality the  petition submitted against the board by some attention seekers regarding what we describe as a privilege, and not a right at any rate, we believe it's high time those behind this distractive agenda approach the registrar and its entire management politely and not by any form of blackmail, the current leadership of the Board have a trade mark of long outstanding history of fairness to all Nigerians In-  respective of their colour, region and background.

"We encourage all stakeholders, including NBAIS staff, students, and other affiliate institutions, and the broader public, to offer their support and cooperation to Prof Imam Yahuza Suleiman lead management. By uniting behind his leadership, we can collectively enhance the quality and effectiveness of Arabic and Islamic studies in our nation, fostering an environment that promotes academic excellence and contributes to the growth and development of our society and country." He said.

Kebbi gov moves to revive mining activities, woo investors

 

By our Reporter

In a determined effort to diversify economy and  woo investors to the state, the Kebbi State governor, Dr Nasir Idris has carried out an inspection of mining sites at Warrah and Birnin Yauri in Ngaski and Yauri local government areas of the state. 

Speaking over the weekend during the tour, the governor said that it was part of efforts to revive mining activities in the respective areas apart from diversifying the revenue base of the state.

He noted with satisfaction that Kebbi State has multiple sources of revenue besides farming, hence it remained one of the major contributors to national food security.

The governor said: “The present administration is ready to holistically revive mining activities in the state to attract investors and also boost the internally generated revenue of the state.

“I want to use this medium to charge the youth engaged in the mining activities to be law-abiding and to ensure that any newcomer to the area is identified by community leaders to avoid any criminal tendencies”, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the governor quotes him as saying at the occasion.  

Conducting the governor round the area, the Chairman, Ngaski Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdullahi Buhari-Warrah said that mining activities had been going on in the area for a very long time.  He, however, said that some miners have abandoned the business.

The chairman expressed delight that the new administration under governor Idris  was ready to revive and formalise the business in the areas.

Buhari-Warrah assured the governor that the council was ready to extend all the necessary support to what he described as gigantic efforts to diversify the state’s IGR. 

Those in attendance are Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida; Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Chika;  Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Mine  Development, Haliru Mohammed Wasagu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Kuderate Shuaibu; Special Adviser on Mine, chairman of Yauri and Shanga local government areas. 

Buratai Foundation mourns victims of Zaria mosque collapse, visit Emir, family members

By Azeez Salau

The Tukur Yusuf  Buratai Humanity Foundation has expressed sadness following the collapse of the 150-year-old Zaria Central Mosque in the ancient city of Zaria in Kaduna State which claimed live of 12 persons last week Friday, while observing evening prayer.

The foundation who went on a condolence visit to the emir of Zazzau's palace and  houses of the victims of the mosque collapse to  sympathize with them described the incident as traggic.

 Chairman of the foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani  commended the Zazzau Emirate Council's  resilience and unity in the face of such adversity, noting that "It is through the collective efforts of individuals and organizations like ours that we can rebuild and heal together." 

He said, "On behalf of the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, I write to express our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to you and the entire Zazzau Emirate over the tragic incident of the mosque building collapse during the Asr prayer. We were deeply saddened to learn about the loss of  lives and the injuries sustained by several individuals.

"The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation was established to honor the exemplary humanitarian efforts of the former Chief of Army Staff, His Excellency Amb (Lt Gen Rtd) Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR, Betaran Biu, Garkuwan Keffi. 

"Our foundation’s mission is to assist the underprivileged, orphans, and widows, while also recognizing community contributions that positively impact people’s lives.

"We understand that this unfortunate incident has caused immense grief and distress within the Zazzau Emirate. Our foundation would like to extend our visit to families of the deased  for condolence and also visit the injured in the hospital.

"Furthermore, we would like to express our admiration for the resilience and unity of the Zazzau Emirate community in the face of such adversity. It is through the collective efforts of individuals and organizations like ours that we can rebuild and heal together."

He added, "Once again, please accept our deepest condolences and know that our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and the injured. We will remain in close contact with your Emirate to discuss the most effective ways in which we can extend our future projects.

"The foundation also commiserate with the Zazzau Emirate over last night attack by unknown gunmen that claimed 2 lives

"After the Emir palace the foundation visited deceased individual residents and later visited the injured in the various hospitals."

Etsu Nupe is a pillar of national unity --Kebbi gov

 

 

By our Editor

Kebbi Governor Dr Nasir Idris, on Thursday described the Etsu Nupe, Dr Yahaya Abubakar as a pillar of national unity.

The governor made this known while receiving a delegation from the Emir on a courtesy at Government House, Birnin Kebbi.

In  statement by Ahmed Idris, the  Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, he said the delegation were in Kebbi State to thank the governor for appointing a Nupe man, Alhaji Ahmed Idris from Niger State as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS).

The governor said: "Nationally, when you talk of Etsu Nupe, people will say that yes, he is a good man, a philanthropist, an Emir that always work to see that North and Nigeria stay as one family.

"We have no reason whatsoever not to thank the Emir for giving us his son to come and serve with us here in Kebbi and we have not regretted working with him. Ahmed is a true seasoned journalist to the core, a Journalist without sentiment and a journalist who knew the job. 

"Ahmed Idris is a Nigerlite and Kebbi is his second home, I knew him in the past 30 years, I worked with him as my best man when I was Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and also Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kebbi State."

The governor recalled that the history of Gwandu in Kebbi State and Bida in Niger State was an old and lasting history that boardered around boundary sharing, cross-marriage and cross-business among others.

Idris revealed that Gov. bago of Niger State had been his close friend, adding that they share so many things in common for the benefits of the two states.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Jakadan Labaran Nupe, Alhaji Muhammad Baba-Busu said they were in Kebbi to convey the message of His Royal Highness, the Etsu of Nupe to the governor and people of Kebbi.

He said the Emir was highly elated for finding his subject worthy of the position of Chief Press Secretary in Kebbi, assuring that the appointee would never disappoint the governor and the state at large.

Baba-Bussu used the medium to commend the governor for starting in a very sound footing towards bringing positive transformation to the state, assuring that all Nupe people would continuously pray for the governor to effectively deliver the dividends of democracy to all. 

End

Southern Kaduna group urges senate to confirm el-Rufai as minister, want Tinubu's intervention

 

....Says state citizens united behind El-Rufai 

By Alabi O. Abdul

Southern Kaduna Muslim Ummah Development Association, (SOKAMUDA) has urged the National Assembly to confirm former kaduna state governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai as a minister, considering his selfless service to Kaduna state and the nation in general. 

In a statement by Bala Adamu, the national Chairman and Shuaibu Zubairu, the Secretary of the group, they called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use his good offices to intervene in esuring that El-Rufai's confirmation, especially against the background of his enormous contributions of to success of the APC as well as promotion of democratic development in the country.

While stating that the three senators representing kaduna at the hallowed chamber supported the former governor's nomination as minister, regardless of party diffrences, the group said: "we wish to equivocally register our displeasure and sadness over the recent developments that are ongoing at the National Assembly, Abuja on the screening of Ministerial nominees by Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as regards the nominee from Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru Ahmad Elrufai, and the inability of red chamber to recommend him after duly screening him, where he was asked to take bow and leave.

"We in the SOKAMUDA are left in total disbelief over the turn of events where his name was withheld under the excuse that it was awaiting security clearance, when it is a known criterion that his name along with all others couldn’t have reached the red chambers without formally passing through the rigorous screening of all security mechanisms.

 

"The Southern Kaduna Muslim Ummah Development Association, (SOKAMUDA), being the umbrella platform that coordinates and brings together all Muslim Associations, from the Southern Senatorial Zone of the state, have been thrown into confusion and dilemma to the reasons making the rounds in both print and electronic media as to the reason(s), that prompted the unexpected development, where his name was withheld. 

"From what transpired on the floor of the senate on the day Mallam Nasiru Ahmad Elrufai was screened, a senator from Kogi State raised a plea that he was in possession of a petition from Southern Kaduna against the nominee, praying that he is allowed to read it, which was stood down and requested the nominee to take a bow and go by the Senate President was anything to go by, demonstrated a sign of neutrality by the Senate President, on frivolous and vindictive attitude of by some few individuals that has denied the zone any meaningful development from time immemorial. 

"The above assertions and other narratives making the rounds in electronic, print and social media cannot be the basis for denying Kaduna State of this astute, firm, and a purposeful leader per excellence, who believe in the corporate unity of this nation. Its our informed view that narrow and unsubstantiated views including claims of closure of Almajiri schools cannot be the basis for not confirming Mallam El-Rufai.

"As a testimony to his selfless service to Kaduna and the nation in general, the three senators from Kaduna State who are in the opposing party unanimously endorsed the nomination of Mallam Nasiru Elrufai. 

"We wonder how senator from Kogi State, outside the north west zone, roused and claimed to be in possession of a weighty petition against Mallam Nasiru Ahmad Elrufai, whose contents was not disclosed to the senate nor the general public. Notwithstanding, Mallam Nasiru Elrufai was prepared to respond on the said petition, unfortunately, the senate president said that the issue of the petition should be put on hold, requesting the nominee to take a bow and go!

"In his proven track record of unity promotion, Malam Nasir Elrufai's past achievements bear testimony to his ability to promote unity and national cohesiveness. His initiatives have fostered an inclusive society, bringing together diverse communities for the greater good of not only Kaduna state but our nation in general. During his tenure as the governor of Kaduna, he ran an inclusive administration where citizenship all Nigerians was prioritised. It is this good governance and broad minded policies that endeared Mallam Elrufai to the people of Kaduna State," the group said.