Gov. Idris appoints Abdullahi-Zuru as SA Communication, Strategy

By Editor

His Excellency, the Kebbi State Governor, Comrade (Dr) Nasir Idris has approved the appointment of Alhaji Abdullahi Idris-Zuru as Special Adviser to the governor on Communication and Strategy. 

Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor disclosed this in a statement issued to Journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Friday. 

The statement said that the appointment letter was signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida. 

While assuring that the appointment was purely based on merit, the statement said it expected the appointee to show total commitment, devotion, high sense of responsibility and professional capability in the discharge of his responsibility. 

Abdullahi-Zuru is a seasoned journalists with requisite professional experience and competence. 

The appointee started the practice of journalism in Sokoto with the defunct Concord Group of Newspapers as a State Correspondent in 1988.

He became the Chief Correspondent of the Newspapers in Katsina, Kebbi, Borno and Yobe States before he was appointed Assistant Bureau-Chief in-charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Abdullahi-Zuru was a News Editor in Daily Trust Newspapers before he moved to This day Newspapers and became the Regional Editor in Maiduguri. 

He also served as Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Kebbi State Governor, Sen. Adamu Aliero and later at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as Media Adviser.

Kebbi Govt. constitutes Governing Board for People with Disability Commission

By Editor

The Kebbi State Government has constituted the Governing Board for People with Disability Commission.

This is contained in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the new board, Anas Malami and made available to Newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

 "I am pleased to inform you that, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, has approved the constitution of the Governing Board of the Kebbi State People with Disability Commission with effect from Aug. 28, 2024."

He added that the board comprise: Anas Malami as Chairman, while Abdullahi Aliyu would serve as the Executive Secretary.

According to him, others who would serve as members of the board include: Jafar Bawa Ajannare, Aminu Ambursa, AbdurRahman Muhammad (Madiho), Mardiya Ahmad and Musa Sarki Sadisu. 

The statement further stated that the governing board would be inaugurated by His Excellency, the Executive Governor in due course. 

Kebbi govt. declares Friday public holiday

By editor

The Kebbi State Government has declared Friday, Aug. 30, 2024 as public holiday to enable people prepare for Saturday's Local Government elections.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner Establishment, Pension and Training, Hon. Auwal Manu-Dogondaji, issued to Newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

He said: "His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu has approved tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024 as public holiday.

"This is to enable electorate to prepare themselves for the forthcoming local government elections, slated for Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.

"Government decided to give people the opportunity to prepare themselves for the D-Day to exercise their franchise. 

"Therefore, we are calling on civil servants as well as the entire members of the public to come out en mass and exercise their rights," he advised.

While calling on people to sustain the prevailing peace being experienced across the state, the commissioner urged the electorate to maintain high sense of decorum during and after the polls.

Kebbi @ 33: Gov. Idris appreciates Kebbi people's support, solicits for more

By Editor

His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has lauded the good people of Kebbi State for their unalloyed support to his administration and pleaded with them to sustain the tempo for rapid development of the state.

He made this known while rejoicing with the entire people of the state on the attainment of 33 years of statehood.

It could be recalled that Kebbi State was created on Aug. 27, 1991 during the reign of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babagida as president.

The governor particularly appreciated the traditional rulers in the state for their fatherly advice, support and consistent preaching for sustainable peace across the state.

Gov. Idris appealed to the royal fathers not to relent in their efforts to foster unity, peace and development of the state.

He gave kudos to previous civil and military administrations of the state for their active contributions that culminated to the growth and development of Kebbi State, "without which we wouldn't have been where we are today.

"I want to use this medium to appreciate our former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Ibrahim Badamasi Babagida who in his own wisdom find it imperative to curve out Kebbi State out of old Sokoto State.

"There is no doubt that people of Kebbi State are now yielding the fruits of this wisdom, therefore, we are much grateful. We wish you long life, good health and God's guidance," he prayed.

The governor encouraged all and sundry to pray for the present administration at all levels to achieve their set goals and objectives of ensuring peace, unity, and rapid growth development in the society.

While preaching to the people to sustain the prevailing peace across the state, the governor clamoured for more support and cooperation to enable the present administration take the dividends of democracy to the door steps of electorate.

Gov. Idris reiterated his readiness to redouble efforts in executing more developmental projects across the state to give citizenry in all parts of the state a sense of belonging.

Arewa Youth Group Hold Solidarity Rally In Support Of Tinubu, Kyari

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) in conjunction with several Civil Society Organizations, (CSOs) support groups Wednesday carried out a peaceful solidarity rally in Abuja to declare their total and unalloyed support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Mele Kolo Kyari.

The support rally was on the premise of several calls for President Tinubu to relief the NNPCL boss of his position on grounds of challenges facing the oil sector, a call some viewed as subtle efforts targeted at President Tinubu by enemies of the country who are committed to fighting back following the removal of the fuel subsidy by this administration.

Addressing journalists on the sideline of the peaceful support rally , the leader of the rally and Speaker of the AYAGL Ambassador Abdul DanBature said, the solidarity rally was basically to urge President Tinubu to disregard such calls as it is the handiwork of enemies of his administration.

" As a group committed to good leadership, we have seen a capable hand in the person of Mele Kyari and we will do whatever it takes legitimately to support him to continue to achieve success in the oil sector"he stressed.

" Kyari's scorecard is impressive, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed. However, with great success comes great envy, and Kyari is now facing opposition from forces of evil who seek to tarnish his reputation.

Also, the Speaker said, the solidarity rally is to further urge Mr Kyari to continue the good works of repositioning the NNPCL towards greatness, adding that he should not be discouraged by calls for his sack by faceless individuals.

" For us, we are committed to good governance and will support any organization be it government or individual that is providing good governance and that is why we declared our support for Mele Kyari and to assure him publicly that we will always support him" Danbature said.

ENDS

NAN Caution Hon. Benjamin Kalu Over Unwarranted Confrontations With Governor Otti

By Editor

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN), a group dedicated to the promotion of collective progress and harmonious coexistence within the various states of our beloved federation, had condemned recent actions taken by Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives.

NAN in a statement issued by it's national Coordinator Salihu Suleiman said, it has come to their attention that Hon. Kalu has engaged in confrontational activities with the current Governor of Abia State Alex Otti, a course of action which they felt does not only threatens to create discord within a region that desperately seeks unity but also undermines the legitimate efforts of the Abia State government, which is steadfastly working towards revitalizing various sectors of the state. 

The group averred that, as a representative of the people, Hon. Kalu must recognize that his actions carry significant repercussions for the constituents he serves and urged him to reconsider his approach and to prioritize the responsibilities that come with his legislative role, adding that the people of Abia State deserve representation grounded in constructive dialogue and cooperation, not in divisive rhetoric and unnecessary grandstanding. 

"The ongoing administration is committed to reinforcing the foundations of development in the state. It is imperative that all stakeholders, including Hon. Kalu, channel their energies toward supporting this vision rather than detracting from it.

"The record of Hon. Kalu's performance in the legislature has been a source of concern among constituents, with critiques emphasizing his perceived inadequacies and lapses in duty. We implore him to focus on improving his legislative performance and rebuilding his reputation, which has suffered considerably due to actions that have cast disrepute upon the integrity of the House".

NAN said, the citizens of Abia State are looking for effective leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the people over personal conflicts, and it is essential for leaders to demonstrate resilience and fortitude in challenging times.

"As a political novice who is still finding his footing within the complexities of national governance, it would serve Hon. Kalu well to heed our caution. Rather than engaging in confrontations that distract from real governance issues, he should work diligently to recover his relevance in the House of Representatives.

The path to effective representation is paved with collaboration, mutual respect, and a genuine commitment to the public good.

"We would like to bring this statement to a decisive conclusion by unequivocally warning that should Hon. Kalu persist in his disruptive confrontation with the governor, the Northern Awareness Network does not hesitate to galvanize the citizens of Abia State to rise against efforts that threaten their well-being. We are prepared to initiate a comprehensive recall effort to ensure that the voices of the voters are heard, and that those who serve them are held accountable for their actions.

"We beseech Hon. Benjamin Kalu to allow Abia State to thrive under its current popular administration, which is working tirelessly to advance the state's interests. A united front is paramount for the progress and prosperity of our communities. Let us work together to build a brighter future for all Nigerians" the statement added.

Northern Integrity Security Forum Tackles Sule Lamido Over Calls For Matawalle's Removal

By Editor

The Northern Integrity and Security Forum (NISF) has described recent remarks made by former Foreign Affairs Minister and Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, calling for the removal of the Minister of State for Defence,  Bello Mohammed Matawalle as an unfortunate.

According to the security forum, such call coming amid the troubling climate surrounding the abduction of the Emir of Gobir of Gatawa District in Sokoto state, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa and his son is not only ill-informed but also irresponsible, unstatesmanlike and alarmingly disingenuous.

The statements from the forum which was signed by the Chairman Tijjani Auwalu said, it was crucial to affirm that while the situation in Sokoto and other parts of Northern Nigeria is of utmost concern, the challenges faced are national in scale, engulfing various facets of our society—from urban centers to rural localities. 

It stressed that Lamido's attempt to limit Matawalle's responsibilities solely to Sokoto or the North is a gross misrepresentation of the reality that security is an ongoing national issue, requiring collective efforts and shared accountability across government tiers.

"The timing and target of Lamido's critique raise significant questions regarding his underlying motives. It is disconcerting that Lamido chose to single out Matawalle, a junior minister, while overlooking Badaru Abubakar, the senior Defence Minister, who coincidentally shares the same home state of Jigawa with Lamido. 

"We must ask: why direct unrelenting attacks towards a loyal ally of President Tinubu, while seemingly absolving a senior counterpart? Such selective criticism indicates a strategic maneuver aimed at undermining the political framework supporting our President, rather than a genuine concern for the nation's security.

"Moreover, the contrasting nature of Lamido's recent expressions of empathy for a singular Emir in captivity stands in stark contradiction to his silence throughout the years of suffering endured by ordinary Zamfara communities and other ordinary Nigerians". 

The forum noted that thousands have fallen victim to heinous acts of abduction, torture, extortion, and displacement over the past two decades and the absence of Lamido's voice in addressing these widespread tragedies all this while raises concerns about his commitment to empathy and meaningful advocacy for the Nigerian people.

This singular attack on Matawalle cannot be detached from the backdrop of emerging investigations of Bashir Hadejiya, linked to serious criminal activities including, terrorism sponsorship, gun running, and cross border crimes, the.forum stated. 

"The growing panic among certain political figures, including those aligned with Lamido, reflects a desperate attempt to destabilize the current administration as these investigations unfold. NISF expects that as this inquiry progresses, more personalities with dubious affiliations will be brought to light, further revealing the motivations behind such orchestrated smear campaigns.

"It bears noting that the relentless criticism directed at Matawalle is indicative of a concerted effort by a faction of inconsequential northern politicians—of which Lamido is a prominent member—to weaken the integrity and growing influence of President Tinubu in the North".

NISF posited that Matawalle's unwavering allegiance to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu embodies the support necessary for a resilient governance and political structure. Hence, these attacks serve as a testament to Matawalle's reliability and dependability, which must be subdued if these politicians wish to see President Tinubu rendered vulnerable.

"We solemnly caution that in the fullness of time, the extent of involvement of several figures  in the crimes of Bashir Hadejiya would be exposed. The ongoing investigation into Bashir Hadejiya's criminal activities will inevitably blow open the cover of those whose actions contradict their public personas".

The forum therefore urged President Tinubu to remain steadfast and resolute against attempts to incite division within his solid support base in the North, adding that the loyalty embodied by figures such as Minister Matawalle, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, is indispensable to the integrity of the current administration and national security.

"The NISF stands firm in our commitment to supporting our President's efforts of fortifying the Northern region's security and integrity. We shall not waver in promoting a united front against any efforts to undermine our collective strength in pursuing a safer and more prosperous Nigeria" the statement added.