Kebbi Gov't urges residents to be patient as total blackout 'll soon be over

 

By Editor

The Kebbi State Government has appealed to residents of Birnin Kebbi and evirons to be patient as the total blackout being experienced would soon be over.

Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor made this known in a statement. 

He said the  Secretary to Kebbi State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida made the plea when he visited the substationn of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) alongside with the SA political and power Alhaji Kabir Sani-Giant on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi.

It could be recalled that on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, one 90MVA (330KV/132KV) and a 60MVA (132KV/33KV) transformers were destroyed as a result of fire incident which affected three states of Kebbi, Sokoto and part of Zamfara.

The SSG said the call became imperative in view of the lingering power outage being faced by the residents in the last nine or ten days.

He explained that he was in the scene on behalf of the State Governor, who instructed him to monitor the work because he doesn't want his people to remain in darkness, assuring that the governor was always in support of what would bring joy and happiness to his constituents.

Bala-Tafida, who expressed satisfaction with the level of work done so far, said the team of engineers had assured that their headquarters in Abuja had given them two weeks to fix the light.

"We came, we saw the level of efforts being put in place and we are satisfied. All we need from our people is prayers for them to do a good job and complete it within the stipulated period and we are hopeful that the work will be completed on schedule," he said.

Also speaking, the Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs and Power, Alhaji Kabiru Sani-Giant said considering the level of damage in the substatation, no one would have expected the work to attain such appreciable level, adding that the engineers had shown a high sense of commitment to the work.

While appreciating the team of engineers and other technical staff of TCN for displaying professionalism, Sani-Giant said from all indication the team would meet the two weeks target set by the management of the company.

He appealed to all the affected customers to be patient and consider what happened a destiny from Almighty God that nobody could avert it.

The governor's aid advised people to imbibe good culture of using electricity by switching off all appliances when not in use to minimise power wastage and possible fire outbreak.

Sani-Giant said: "We should borrow a leave from our neighbours, Niger Republic, they have that discipline, they switch on bulb when there is need for it unlike us Nigerians, we allow our bulbs on even during the day time when we don't need them."

On possible damages during restoration of power, the adviser insisted that announcement would be made through radio, television stations and other platforms for residents to put off all appliances to avoid damages and safeguard their property.

Grant fresh interviews revealing your role in 1992 Zangon Kataf crises, Group tells Gen. Zamani

 

By Our Reporter

Zangourban Community Development Association ( ZOCUDA)  has cauitioned Gen. Zamani Lekwot  has challenged General Zamani Lekwot to grant a fresh interview revealing the role he played in 1992 Zangon kataf crises, as they alleged he was among the accused culprits in the crises that was pardoned. 

The group said cautioned him to desist from granting distorted  interviews on the  crises  if he is not ready to reveal what transpired.

They said the biased interview he recently  granted to justify hienous crimes commited agains't Hausa/Fulani members of the community in the 1992 crises, of which he played a role only opens the wound of the past and recoils the  trauma and sorrow which  families of the victimes and those who suffered in the attack.  

Challenging Gen. Lekwot to bring his witness and have the market he indicated  to have  caused crises revisited, the group said the purported site was an empty land without any infrastructure and no single stall was built by the authority concerned, but relocation was announced impromptu in order to achieve what they descirbed as an ethnic agenda by the then Chairman of the Local Government Area. 

In a statement by the Acting Chairman Board of Trustees of ZOCUDA, Alhaji Ibrahim Bisallah, he challenged General Lekwot to conduct another round of  interview to tell the world "honest and humble truth".

Bissallah said contrary to Gen. Lekwot's  false assertion in the interview he granted  that the  1992 Zangon Kataf crises started as a result of  relocation of new market, which led to an attack on an Atyap commuity which the general failed to mention its name, and how many persons killed, he said "there are enough records in our (Hausa/Fulani) archives to enlighten the public of the roles played by all the parties to know the truth. But it is pertinent to our Hausa-Fulani Community to correct any misrepresentations or mischief from any quarters in the public domain with the fear of Allah. 

The group's Acting Chairman also advised General Lekwot  to go for counselling on human relation and psychology and  desist from "granting interview on your role in Zangon Kata crisis of 1992 because the more you speak on it the more you reawake sleeping victims) and open the wound of grief, sorrow and tears yet to heal and remind us of the seeming frustrated and disgruntled Retired general you are. This is the least of what we would say to ourex convicted and unremorseful neighbor if you continue to tow the path you are taking as against being apologetic and seeking forgiveness."

He said not only were General Lekwot's responses uncoordinated, but "there were lots of deliberate mischief, distortion of facts and misinformation that has become your stock-in-trade.

"As you rightly stated, you were tried, convicted and pardoned, but you were wrong in claiming you were framed for a crime you never committed. For somebody of your standing, a retired General belonging to a clique in Nigeria that are hardly caught on the wrong side of the law, if you were not culpable, truth would have set you free. The world would have come to your rescue. You would not have been indicted by a Commission of enquiry and Tribunal both headed by Christians like you. 

"The people of Zangon Kataf especially the Hausa-Fulani Community would like to wonder what exactly did you set out to achieve by this interview at this critical time when the nation is in desperate search for peacetul co-existence amongst its peoples in the face of the protracted insecurity involving kidnapping, banditry and unknown gunmen attacks in the nation, especially in Zangon Katat, Southern Kaduna and Kaduna State in general. 

"Perhaps it could have been an opportunity for you to tender an unreserved apology to tho widows, the orphans and the relatives of the hundreds that the Atyap murderers maimed, killed as well as the tens of thousands of the Hausa/Fulani you and your kinsmen displaced and sent out as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in a continuing onslaught that has lasted about 31 years and their properties worth millions of Naira destroyed as well as those with scars on their bodies and grief in their hearts. 

"But you derailed from an opportunity to rebrand your blood-stainedpersonality and rather typicalofthe old disillusioned and diabolical machinations depictingtheseeming disgruntled and frustrated General that you are, you have by this misplaced interview exposed yourself to further hatred and ridicule by exhuming theghost of the barbaric act that stinks to high heavensfor which generations of the victims will continue to remember. 

They however warned Gen. Lekwot that the Hausa/Fulani   "community would not be silent once he re- open the wound.  

Ashafa worked for your victory, consider his appointment, Women Forum urges Tinubu

 

 A political group, Women in Politics Forum (WIPF), Kaduna state chapter, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), saying the verdict was further affirmation of the people’s belief in his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Te Coordinator WIPF, Kaduna state, Hajiya Maryam Saleh urged the president to consider Alhaji Ismail Yusuf Ashafa (Sardaunan Ikulu) for federal appointment as the latter campaigned vigorously for the president and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in preparation for the 2023 general elections.

She said the agitation for the nomination of Sardauna Ikulu is based on his political sacrifices rendered to the victory of the president and the APC in the 2023 general elections.

We are optimistic that if Alhaji. Ismail Yusuf Ashafa is given an opportunity to pilot any Agency or government parastatal, in view of his leadership style, we believe he will change the political narrative especially in southern Kaduna.

“President Tinubu needs selfless and philanthropic people like Sardauna Ikulu to help in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration. We trust in the ability of the president as he has a listening ear, which is one of the reasons Nigerians voted for him,” she stated.

Akpabio's aide denies his impeachment plan, creation of hybrid party for 2027

 

An aide  to Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio,  Dr. Jibril Tafida has refuted the widespread rumor that some agrieved lawmakers, led by two senators   from the NorthWest zone are planing the senate President's impeachment.  

He said the senate president and his fellow colleagues at the hallowed chamber are united.

Dr Tafida who is the  Special Adviser on Nongovernmental Organizations for the senate president also said the claim of plans to establish a hybrid party ahead of the 2027 elections is entirely unfounded, as the senate president remains  committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has no intention of joining or supporting any other political platform.

He said the Senate remains focused on its legislative responsibilities and working towards the betterment of the country.

Fielding quesitons from newsmen in kaduna on Saturday, Tafida said "for the purpose of setting the records straight, we would like to respond to the recent publication by Vanguard newspaper, which contains several unfounded claims regarding the Senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio, particularly the alleged moves to impeach him. We must categorically state that these claims are both baseless and far from the truth.

"Firstly, there is no truth in the assertion that some aggrieved senators are planning to impeach Senate President Akpabio or create an unfavorable leadership situation for the presidency."

According to the Tafida, the Senate president enjoys a harmonious relationship with his fellow senators, and there is no iota of evidence to suggest otherwise. 

"The claim that two former North West governors are spearheading this alleged plot is entirely false. Senator Akpabio has always maintained a good working relationship with his colleagues from all geopolitical zones, and there is no reason to believe that any senator, let alone former governors, would be involved in such a scheme.

"Additionally, the assertion that meetings were held in Saudi Arabia and Ilorin to plan the removal of the Senate president is not only laughable but totally unfounded. Senators can meet anywhere and discuss issues when it is not against any interest. Most importantly, Senator Akpabio has not been involved in any such meetings.

"Lastly, the claim of plans to establish a hybrid party ahead of the 2027 elections is entirely unfounded. As far as I know, the Senate President remains committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has no intention of joining or supporting any other political platform."

Dr Tafida then concluded by urging the public to disregard the false information presented in the Vanguard publication noting that" Senator Godswill Akpabio and the Senate leadership are focused on their duties and are working together to serve the Nigerian people. Any claims suggesting otherwise are simply untrue and should be treated as such."

Kebbi Gov't. sympathises with KAEDCO over substation fire outbreak

 

By Editor

The Kebbi State Government has sympathised with the management and entire workers of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) over the fire outbreak that engulfed its substation in Birnin Kebbi Thursday night.

Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor disclosed this in a statement made available to Newsmen.

Idris quoted Hon. Kabiru Sani Giant, Special Adviser to the governor on Political Affairs and Power as saying this in Birnin Kebbi.

Kabiru Giant advised the company not to be distracted by what happened in view of the colossal damage incurred following the ugly incident, instead, it should be brave and courageous enough to absorb the shock.

He, however, said that even though it's not the responsibity of government to repair or buy any of the equipment, yet, in its magnanimity, the state government under His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu would look into the possibility of assisting the company.

This, he said, is with a view to restoring light to the good people of Kebbi State.

The Political adviser appealed to residents of Kebbi to remain calm and exercise little patience as the light would be restored in due course. 

Gov Idris orders reopening of AGILE project in Kebbi

 

By Editor 

Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu) has lift the embargo placed on the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project in the state.

He insisted that no project in the state would suffer setback or be allowed to squander resources and public funds. 

Gov. Idris disclosed this after a high-powered level meeting with representatives from the  national team that were in the state for a week visit with a view to resolving the challenges on the project, led by the National Project Coordinator, Hajiya Amina Buba Haruna. 

The governor highlighted key challenges that led to the suspension of some key project officers and closure of the project office, citing corrupt practices and insubordination, among many others as the causes.

He assured that anyone found wanting in squandering public resources will be meted with grieve consequences. 

Gov. Idris also insisted that project design in all interventions must fall in line with the needs of the state and beneficiaries.

The governor finally ordered the immediate resumption of the project implementation, with Aliyu Muhammad BK and Engr. Shehu Halilu, as the new State Coordinator and Component 1 Lead, respectively, while all other project staff remain.

The National Project Coordinator appreciated the governor for the quick action and assures him that her team will remain in the state until the project is back to order.

Those in attendance were Secretary to Kebbi State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida, the Chief of Staff to the governor, Barr Attahiru Maccido, the Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Halima Muhammad Bande.

Others were; Special Adviser to governor on International Donor Agencies, Hon Dr Usman Buhari Ali Gwandu, and the Acting Permanent Secretary, Basic and Secondary Education, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji Nayilwa.

Kebbi to enjoy N50bn approved for 5 Northwest states to develop infrastructure

 

By Editor

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Sunday said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved N50 billion to assist five states engulfed by the menace of banditry in the Northwest.

He disclosed this during a condolence visit on the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama'ila Muhammad Mera in his palace at Argungu over the death of prominent Islamic Scholar, Sheik Abubakar Giro, who passed away on Wednesday.

The vice president assured that the president had a very good intention to assist the people of Northern Nigeria, especially the Northwest where armed banditry and kidnapping persisted.

Shettima listed the benefiting states to include; Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna, added that because of politics Niger and Benue states were also coopted.

He, however, said that Kano and Jigawa States wee not directly affected as the five afore mentioned five states in terms of insecurity.

He assured that 1,000 houses would be constructed across the five states and very soon work would commence, adding the work would either start from Sokoto or Kebbi.

The VP said Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State promised to lend two Dandoreach which had the capacity to drill borehole up to 2000 meters, adding that they need only to buy other working tools to commence work.

He added that Zulum also plgded to provide five Centre P-board Irrigation equipment, "and I have already raised 2 million jumbo cashew seedlings in Borno and we shall start moving them to Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and other Northwestern states.

Shettima described Kebbi as rich state with deep loamy soil conducive for cultivating variety of crops, noting that people had no reason to be poor.

The VP said they had already discussed with the Kebbi Governor about $163 million loan from African Development Bank for the cultivation of wheat, assuring the loan would be given to any state that distinguish itself in that direction.

"It is not going to be like the Ancho-Borrower Scheme, interested states will be given fertilisers, seeds, solar powered water pumps and by Nov. 10 we shall start planting wheat. If Kebbi can provide 10,000 hectres of farmland we are ready to commence work.

"We have resolved to start with 50,000 hectres in Jigawa because the state has enough farmland to give and the state is relatively peaceful. The state government will train extension workers who will go round to ensure that our farmers understand modern farming,.

"This is because the area used to produce six tonnes of rice per hectre unlike other places producing only one tonne per hectre," he said.

Shettima therefore appealed to Kebbi people to support Gov. Nasir Idris and President Bola Tinubu in view of their people oriented policies and programmes that would change the lives of people for the better.

"APC administration in both state and federal levels have good intention for this country, they have series of plan on how to eradicate poverty amongst our people which can only be achieved with your support, cooperation and peaceful coexistence," he noted.

In his speech, Gov. Idris thanked the vice president for the condolence visit, assuring that all the developmental projects he had started was as a result of mentorship from the VP.

He recalled that N2.8 billion worth of fertilisers were procured and distributed free-of-charge to farmers, N9 billion was spent for road construction to beautify the state capital and N10 billion was also approved for the completion of State Ultra-modern Secretariat to bring all the state civil servant into one place.

Earlier, the Emir of Argungu appreciated the VP for the visit and described the journey as a religious one, praying that God Almighty would reward him abundantly.

The Royal father said what the governor disclosed was not supposed to come from his mouth because they were the direct beneficiaries and living witness who would testify to his achievement in just few months.

He assured that the governor had begun the leadership with a very sound foundation that would take the state to greater heights of development.

The emir listed infrustructure, education, health, empowerment, agriculture and security as some of the major areas of priority of Gov. Idris, assuring that all the areas were vividly witnessing transformation.

End 

Signed:

Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor