“We Are Committed To The Reforms At The KADIRS for Effective Delivery” ..Jerry Adams - https://tracereporters.com/2024/05/02/we-are-committed-to-the-reforms-at-the-kadirs-for-effective-delivery-jerry-adams/

"We Are Committed To The Reforms At The KADIRS for Effective Service Delivery".. Jerry Adams

Mr. Jerry Adams is the Executive Chairman of Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), his leadership style made the revenue outfit stand not only as a strong bond of revenue generation in the state but also to improve the Internal Generation Revenue (IGR) in the state, with his unwavering commitment and discipline, KADIRS under his able leadership has left an indelible mark on the history of Kaduna State through the execution of physical transformation projects that had a direct bearing on people, a welfarist, He also champions the good cause behind its establishment by engaging his staff in training, research and analysis so that they can acquire new technology, skills, strategies, modalities, and ideas for them to face every challenge that can block their way to stardom.
He also made the relationship between his personnel and the public cordial through training from time to time, that's a new trend as the dynamic of education is gradually changing people's thinking through building positive relationships in between, he's among the leading experts in revenue generation in the country, which many believes was in his blood.

Since he became the Executive Chairman of KADIRS, Mr. Jerry Adams has lived up to the task given to the agency by the State Government to offer prompt services to boost tax payers confidence, encourage massive voluntary tax compliance and improve Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

In this Interview with Lola Seriki-Idahosa 'Tracereporters', The seasoned Tax Administrator, Chartered Accountant and former unionist, youth and community mobilizer 'North', revealed new measures, the service has taken to improve the revenue base of the state.

The Executive Chairman, who holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, and currently runs a PHD in Public Governance and Leadership said he strives for excellence, to rebuild public trust and restore confidence in tax payer’s”. He also spoke on other measures meant at improving the work of the service including the introduction of the Withholding Tax on Rent, introduction of reflective jackets with their number plate and profiling motorcycles 'okada' riders for commercial purposes in the state.

Q: please give us a brief about yourself?

My name is Comrade Jerry Adams, I am a tax collector. I have a lot to do with unionism, emancipation of my people and youth and community mobilization not only for the state but for the entire North. I was the co-founder of the Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) and also the secretary general.

I am from Kaura Local Government, I was born in Ilorin Kwara State, I schooled in Ilorin, Lagos and Zaria I have a B Sc. in sociology from Ahmadu Bello University. I have a post graduate degree in Management from Nigeria Defence Academy. I have a master in business Administration from Kaduna State University and I also have a Masters in Government Studies and Policy Analysis. I have a post Graduate Degree in Accounting from Jos. I’m currently running a PHD in Leadership and Governance in the University of Abuja.

I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Accounting, and a Certified Chartered Accountant. I am also a fellow of a Chartered Institute of Economics and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).


Q: Please tell us some of the reforms you have carried out since you came into office? And the challenges you encounter in trying to carry out these reforms?


The reforms in Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) started in 2015 during Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai’s administration and the reforms are supposed to be in three areas which are: The enabling laws to give room for the reforms, the structure to follow after the reforms and human capacity building to implement all the reforms.

The first one was done perfectly well, there was a consolidation and deco-deification of the tax and non tax revenues and the law was passed by the Kaduna State House of Assembly and we had the first consolidation and deco-deification law in 2016.

Before then it was Kaduna State Board of Internal Revenue but after the law was created it became Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service and it became autonomous which is both administrative and financial autonomy which they are to report to the government.

Because of this law, we had a lot of expanded scope and we had a lot to recover. We blocked a lot of leakages because all the revenues are codified and the body became responsible for the collection of all revenue in Kaduna State including local government revenue and it also brought about the stop of payment of cash so it had to be paid through bank transfer so our services improved.

Two areas we left out in these reforms was the structure. There wasn’t a proper investment in the service. There was supposed to be an investment in terms of structure, equipment and other things for the service and operations tools. While we were doing those heavy collections, we were also supposed to invest because there is a saying “you don’t’ neglect the geese that lays the golden egg”. That was not properly done.

In terms of human capacity, motivation was also lacking. It means that the effect of the reforms without this things being done, will definitely get to a point it will stagnate because when you don’t have tools to drive these reforms it will collapse.
When I came into office, the first thing I did was to look after the welfare of the staff and some of the things they wasn’t getting before, I implemented it and made sure they got their regular work allowances even though we didn’t have provision for that. I squeezed out of the resources we had because if you don’t have a ready staff to carry out this work, no matter what type of reforms you bring out it would not be enforced.

Secondly I looked at areas where we were not into and I insisted that we must implement and start collecting our levy and one of those areas is the Withholding Tax on rent.

The Withholding Tax on rent is a gold mine for most nations like Gambia and Senegal. Some of them don’t even have the kind of natural resources we have so they rely on taxes to fund their government so must of the taxes they rely on is the withholding tax on rent. So we look at what is happening in other areas and also looked at states that had started it.


Q: Please explain what is Withholding Tax on Rent?

Withholding Tax on Rent is any personal income or anything you get as income. Like if you give out your house for rent, it’s an income to you so you are expected to pay tax but it wasn’t implemented so landlords weren’t paying tax. Anything you get as income is taxable, if you give out your house for rent, it is taxable and you are expected to pay tax.


Q: How will you describe the reforms so far? Have you done well and are there areas you need to improve on?

We have done well because at 2015 we moved the revenue from 12 billion to 60 billion. We hit 50 billion during the administration of Mallam Nasiru El- Rufai and hit 60 billion during Uba Sani. So we are targeting the 100 billion mark.


Q: Your service has been giving a N120 Billion target for the year, as part of funds that will be used to finance the 2024 budget, how do you intend to achieve the task?

We are working towards achieving it and that’s why we are launching a Central Billing System and this system is going to coordinate the activities of all the revenue generating agencies and we’ll be able to see the performance easily. And every bill that is generated from every ministry, department and agency will be seen easily and if the generation is not equal to the collection then we’ll be able to question it and block leakages. One of the things we are doing is getting a technical partner that will handle this agent. Before the money agents were under inter switch.


Q: So what are you going to do differently now?

We are handing over to new technical partners we have signed with. And apart from the Withholding Tax on Rent, which is a gold mine that was launched two months ago, we hope it will boost the revenue collection.

We have also introduced the CCC on businesses which we haven’t been doing before, we only did individual tax clearance while the FIRS does the limited liability companies but for business names nobody does so it is the responsibility of the state to collect everything from them.

In the transport sector we have sent a memo to his Excellency for him to pass and executive order banning motorcycles but it has never been enforced, you can see them all out and in thousands. What we are suggesting is that instead of banning them we are suggesting that his Excellency unban them and we profile all of them those using motorcycles for commercial purposes. We will give them reflective jackets with their number plate. Anyone found to be carrying out this activity without being profiled will be arrested and must pay a token. Right now, levies are being collected and nobody knows where it goes. People stop them on the road and collect money.

If the motorcycle riders are on the road, they must wear that reflective jacket that carries their number and must be profiled. It means if anyone with this jacket commits a crime, we will be able to track the person because their address and other personal details are recorded and this will also help in reducing crime. Instead of banning them to prevent them from committing crime, we will profile them, extortion will stop and the levy they are expected to pay will come back to the government as IGR, that is another area we are looking at.


Q: How will you describe your tax collection drive so far?

I’ll describe it as good because before now, we had other sources of IGR we build into our IGR which one of them is sales of government properties. We sold nearly everything in billions during Mallam Nasir El- Rufai administration so they were added as IGR. We also had back duty audit, when a lot of things we didn’t collect so we did a lot of back duty audit and collected in billions and now almost all our liabilities have been exhausted.

The Former Administration did so much in revenue drive and taxes I was here close to four years, most of the revenue generated comes from back duty audit, sales of government properties and exchange gains. These three things are no longer there.

While we were getting all those money we were not investing in the agency that was in charge of collection and definitely there will be issues and we are now facing the issues.

Most of our vehicles are twenty years old and our revenue offices that don’t have vehicles, so how can we enforce it?.


Q: How far have you gone in trying to put things in order?

Yes, we are working closely with His Excellency and He has promised He is going to do something about that. Another thing I did when I came into office is that I inaugurated the Kaduna State Joint Revenue Committee. That committee had not been inaugurated and ceased to function in the last five years. It is supposed to be sitting quarterly and look at the areas we are not doing well and coming up with new strategies. The committee was inaugurated two months ago we are working and going to do a quarterly revenue performance review and again for the first time in four years we did a strategic retreat in January to look at the performance of last year and our work plan for 2024.


Q: The retreat is for staffs?

Yes, its for staffs. It has stopped for a long time and we brought it back.

Q: You had positive feedback?

Of Course.


Q: What is the purpose of this joint revenue

It is stated in our law that there is going to be a Kaduna State Joint Revenue Committee chaired by the executive chairman and the committee will include the economic adviser to the governor and all the revenue chairmen of the committee in the 23 local government areas including ministries, departments and agencies. There has to be a member whose rank most not be below the rank of director.

The purpose is to sit down and look at strategies and performance, to raise issues and proffer solutions to issues that has to do with revenue generation for the state and local government.



Q: What sport do you enjoyed playing?

I have five gold medals in basketball. I played basket ball and won my first medal at the National level, under fifteen Championship where Kaduna State won gold years ago. I played in secondary school games, for College of Advance Studies, Zaria and ABU I was an athlete too. I ran, I also have a Medal in Badminton. I am a sport person.

APC Stakeholder Tackles Matawalle over Assault on NEF, Cautions Tinubu

Tracereporters -Nigeria's Defence Minister for State Alhaji Dr. Bello Matawalle has received more knocks over repeated insensitive statement against Northern Elders Forum.


Barrister Muhammed .M Abubakar speak via a statement made available to Tracereporters, Abubakar use the opportunity to appeal to all Northerners particularly supporters of President Tinubu who feel strong about the Minister’s outburst not to worry as this offensive view on northern elder’s forum does not reflect how our party the APC or the President views elders anywhere in the country.

He said "I strongly advised that Bello Matawalle should withdraw his comments against the northern elder’s forum and tender an unreserved apology with immediate effect and President Tinubu should be cautioned on Matawalle’s action."



'It’s no doubt that with his injurious statement against the northern elders for the second time, Matawalle no longer respect not only the region, its elders and values but the party and Government that appointed him.


'Recall that, during the 2023 electioneering period, Matawalle said "those who are calling themselves leaders of the North are liars, deceivers and cheaters”, this careless statement and other blunders caused him his seat in the 2023 general elections.


'By repeating similar, needless and regrettable statement, as a minister in Tinubu’s Government, Matawalle is undoubtedly trading President Tinubu’s seat in 2027.


'Matawalle is neither the Minister of Information nor the Spokesperson of the President, why should he have uttered this costly and denigrating statement knowing fully well its grievous implications to the administration and its political consequences? He might have ulterior motives, and self agenda which the Presidency should be warry of and cautiously watch with keen interest.


'In fact, prominent northerners who meant well for President Tinubu, his administration and the north have separately condemned and frowned at Matawalle’s outburst, highlighting its consequences but instead of him to withdraw honourably the obnoxious statement, Matawalle sponsored some riff raffs to attack them and say more damaging words on the North and its people.


'In a well articulated write up tagged; ‘How not to scuttle Tinubu’s second term chance’, Ambassador Aminu Iyawa said, “The confrontational manner in which Matawalle took on the NEF, was certainly a recipe for disaster for the administration. Certainly, is not in our strategic interest to put our party the APC in a situation where we create hordes of enemies because of the utterances of some desperate people in cabinet who want to abuse power of their office and then by 2027, we begin to run from pillar to post to court these same people for reconciliation, by which time it would be too late. Indeed, the situation, if not carefully handled, will cost Mr President northern support”.


Also, in a statement, he personally signed and issued to newsmen in Abuja, on Sunday, Sen Marafa, said "the abusive statement issued by the Minister of State against NEF if not carefully handled can affect President Tinubu's 2027 electoral fortunes" continuing Sen Marafa called on Mr Matawalle "to withdraw without delay, the abusive statement and offer unreserved apology to Northern Elders and Northerners in general".


Instead of attacking the northern elders, Matawalle should have reeled out the many achievements, programs, polices and projects of President Tinubu in the North and the country as a whole in just one year as a justification for them to support his master Instead of regretting.


He said calling the elders of the region, with the highest votes paperweight and a burden was a great disservice to President Tinubu, who is working tirelessly hard to address the numerous challenges facing all segments and sectors of the country.


At the moment, he said "what the President needs from all his appointees is maximum support and informed not blind loyalty or sycophancy" and from the opposition, " a constructive criticism that will help him to actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda, conceived to return the country to the path of progress and prosperity"


I concurred with Ambassador Iyawa and Senator Marafas pragmatic articulation.


I wish to use this opportunity to appeal to all Northerners particularly supporters of President Tinubu who feel strong about the Minister’s outburst not to worry as this offensive view on northern elder’s forum does not reflect how our party the APC or the President views elders anywhere in the country.


I strongly advised that Bello Matawalle should withdraw his comments against the northern elder’s forum and tender an unreserved apology with immediate effect and President Tinubu should be cautioned on Matawalle’s action.

Forum Commends Tinubu, Ribadu for Spare Heading Efforts to Tackle Terrorism in Africa - https://tracereporters.com/2024/04/24/forum-commends-tinubu-ribadu-for-spare-heading-efforts-to-tackle-terrorism-in-africa/

Forum for Good Governance in Nigeria (FGGN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu for spare heading efforts to tackle terrorism across Africa.

According to the group, it's worthy of note that the two-day high level counter-terrorism summit held at Abuja is a well attended conference by African leaders ; United Nations Officials and several stakeholders across the world .

In a statement made available to journalists in Kaduna today, the Forum said ,in the face of rising insecurity in the country and africa , the summit will no doubt be more comprehensive in finding solutions.

In the statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator and Secretary;Comrade Abraham Douglas and Comrade Bala Galadima Ikara, the summit organised by the federal government with the support of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) with the theme: ‘Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Institution Building to Address the Evolving Threat of Terrorism’ will enhancing multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation and reshape the international community’s collective response to terrorism in Africa.

While aligning with President Tinubu on his position about illegal mining activities as a source for terrorism funding, the group in the statement expressed satisfaction that the summit has served as a formidable avenue for African leaders for the first to converge to review the threat of terrorism on the continent.

"We are happy to see African leaders discuss regional cooperation in addressing terrorism with a Frontline solutions and the urgent need to have an Integra security strategies to combat terrorism in Africa .Stating further, This is of paramount importance , especially with the increasing diverse threats posed by terrorist groups .

"We strongly backed the idea of President Tinubu's,who is the chair of the West African regional bloc ECOWAS to establish and strengthen a regional standby military force.Noting that it will be the beginning of end of terrorism in our dear continent .

"At this point, we are left with no option than to join other Nigerians to commend President Tinubu and his NSA for putting the security of lives of the citizens as a priority in line with the constitution.

"It is evidence in the manner the security challenges,such as: banditry and insurgency are being handled by this government that there will an end to problems . As we pray for better days , we also express hope the there will a day Nigerians can go to bed with their two eyes closed ".

NEC: Despite Atiku, Wike Abandonment, Our Party Remains Intact, Strong –PDP Groups - https://tracereporters.com/2024/04/17/nec-despite-atiku-wike-abandonment-our-party-remains-intact-strong-pdp-groups/

NEC: PDP Groups Advise BoT, Govs' Forum To Suspend Atiku, Wike

Say Damagum can't be sacked while Ayu's case is on

Want BoT, PDP Govs' Forum to wade in...

Ask party to take disciplinary action against erring members

Tracereporters --Ahead of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) slated for Thursday, April 18, 2024, in Abuja, groups from the party on Wednesday advised the BoT and PDP Governors Forum to act decisively along with the NWC of the party to sanction or suspend both Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike from attending any activities of the party to restore sanity and political stability in the party.

The groups also expressed confidence in the leadership of the party saying despite the post-2023 general election abandonment by the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, the party is standing strong.


The groups also reminded those calling for the removal of Usman Iliya Damagum as acting chairman of the party that the case of the suspended Chairman, Iyorcha Ayu is still in court.


The groups of PDP in the North under Northern Professionals Movement and PDP Elders Support Group in a joint statement after a meeting with other stakeholders from the party from 22 States in Kaduna clarified that Damagum as Deputy Chairman (North) came in an acting capacity and until the court determines Ayu's matter or Ayu resigns, Damagum remains in that capacity.


Leaders of the two groups, Mr. Isaac Samuel and Dr. Muazzam Lawal Sadauki in that joint statement described the ongoing attacks on the personality of the person of Damagum and the National Working Committee (NWC) of PDP by some youths in the social media as "unfortunate".


They then called on the leadership of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and PDP Governors Forum to urgently wade into the ongoing escalation of a political crisis that is trying to tear down the unity and political stability of the party.

The statement reads in part:

Despite all the sacrifices made by the NWC of the party during and after the 2023 general elections and subsequent activities of the party in the country, some restless and uncultured people were paid to write and rubbish our leaders.

These are coming up because of the interest of some individuals who are eager to control the soul of our party unconstitutionally. These include people who have abandoned the party several times after the general elections.

The task before the party leaders now is to identify the grey areas with the intention to address such and then return the desired peace and unity to the PDP.

We disagree with any plans to change the leadership of the party at the moment as our party is in dire need of cohesion to stabilize itself from unforeseen challenges.

We are calling on the BoT and PDP Governors Forum to act decisively along with the NWC of the party to sanction or suspend both Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike from attending any activities of the party to restore sanity and political stability in the party.

The duo of Atiku and Wike are being accused of supporting some groups of people that are habitually and desperately castigating and insulting the party's leadership through different platforms for their political interests thereby threatening the unity and survival of our great party.

While we call for restraint from all other loyal and disciplined members of the PDP family; strict measures should be put in place by the NWC of the party against those who actively supported or played major roles in the defeat of our candidates in the past general elections.

NEC: Despite Atiku, Wike Abandonment, Our Party Remains Intact, Strong –PDP Groups - https://tracereporters.com/2024/04/17/nec-despite-atiku-wike-abandonment-our-party-remains-intact-strong-pdp-groups/

NEC: PDP Groups Advise BoT, Govs' Forum To Suspend Atiku, Wike

Say Damagum can't be sacked while Ayu's case is on

Want BoT, PDP Govs' Forum to wade in...

Ask party to take disciplinary action against erring members

Tracereporters --Ahead of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) slated for Thursday, April 18, 2024, in Abuja, groups from the party on Wednesday advised the BoT and PDP Governors Forum to act decisively along with the NWC of the party to sanction or suspend both Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike from attending any activities of the party to restore sanity and political stability in the party.

The groups also expressed confidence in the leadership of the party saying despite the post-2023 general election abandonment by the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, the party is standing strong.


The groups also reminded those calling for the removal of Usman Iliya Damagum as acting chairman of the party that the case of the suspended Chairman, Iyorcha Ayu is still in court.


The groups of PDP in the North under Northern Professionals Movement and PDP Elders Support Group in a joint statement after a meeting with other stakeholders from the party from 22 States in Kaduna clarified that Damagum as Deputy Chairman (North) came in an acting capacity and until the court determines Ayu's matter or Ayu resigns, Damagum remains in that capacity.


Leaders of the two groups, Mr. Isaac Samuel and Dr. Muazzam Lawal Sadauki in that joint statement described the ongoing attacks on the personality of the person of Damagum and the National Working Committee (NWC) of PDP by some youths in the social media as "unfortunate".


They then called on the leadership of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and PDP Governors Forum to urgently wade into the ongoing escalation of a political crisis that is trying to tear down the unity and political stability of the party.

The statement reads in part:

Despite all the sacrifices made by the NWC of the party during and after the 2023 general elections and subsequent activities of the party in the country, some restless and uncultured people were paid to write and rubbish our leaders.

These are coming up because of the interest of some individuals who are eager to control the soul of our party unconstitutionally. These include people who have abandoned the party several times after the general elections.

The task before the party leaders now is to identify the grey areas with the intention to address such and then return the desired peace and unity to the PDP.

We disagree with any plans to change the leadership of the party at the moment as our party is in dire need of cohesion to stabilize itself from unforeseen challenges.

We are calling on the BoT and PDP Governors Forum to act decisively along with the NWC of the party to sanction or suspend both Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike from attending any activities of the party to restore sanity and political stability in the party.

The duo of Atiku and Wike are being accused of supporting some groups of people that are habitually and desperately castigating and insulting the party's leadership through different platforms for their political interests thereby threatening the unity and survival of our great party.

While we call for restraint from all other loyal and disciplined members of the PDP family; strict measures should be put in place by the NWC of the party against those who actively supported or played major roles in the defeat of our candidates in the past general elections.

We Rejects NEF’s Comment Against Tinubu –Northern Group  - https://tracereporters.com/2024/04/15/we-rejects-nefs-comment-against-tinubu-northern-group/
Says Nigeria's unity not negligible

Aligns self with Matawalle's response

Tracereporters --Group, Arewa Progressive Forum (APFO) has disassociated itself from the recent views of the Northern Elders Forum against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's presidential approach to security in the region.

The Northern Elders had claimed to have regretted its decision to vote for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections, with a threat that the North had learned its lesson over heightened security challenges under the Tinubu-led administration.

Tthe National Secretary of the forum, Magaji Abbas Danbatta in a statement on Monday regretted that the recent outbursts of the Elders forum did not represent the Northern agenda for peace and national unity of the country which is not negotiable.

To Dambatta, it was an error for any group or political association to come out openly and announce their regret over majority decisions, warning that northern elders are derailing from their counseling and advisory role to the government on national issues as it affects the region.

The group further supported Minister of State Defense, Bello Mohammed Matawalle over his mature response to the NEF outbursts against President Tinubu, saying, the people behind the claim were more interested in personal gains than the unity and survival of Nigeria.

"We wholeheartedly endorsed the reactions of Minister of State Defense, Bello Mohammed Matawalle to some members of this group. They are not in tune with the current reality in the North.

"Northern elders should be seen as mediators or opinion shapers on national unity, cohesion, and progress without regional bias. This is key because Nigeria's unity can't be negotiated on the page of newspapers.

"The same elders that ignored and failed to unite some of our political gladiators that are fighting one another in Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kaduna States are talking about the region being abandoned to its plights", he queried.

"Where were they when Zamfara Governor, Dauda Lawal was attacking his predecessor Bello Mohammed Matawalle over issues that could have been amicably resolved? The same with Umar Ganduje and Rabi'u Kwankwaso or Aliyu Wamakko and Bafarawa before going into a fight with Aminu Waziri Tambuwal?

"In Kaduna, there is brewing misunderstanding between Governor Uba Sani and his predecessor Nasir El-Rufai. All the Northern elders cared about was President Tinubu.

"We are concerned that, the northern elders have one of their members as an adviser on political matters to the Vice President, the person of Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed who could have facilitated a meeting with who and who in the seat of power to discuss issues affecting the region or the country in general rather than rushing to the press.

The Forum however noted and commended the joint and unrelenting efforts of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of State (Defence), Bello Muhammad Matawalle whose proactive measures have helped improve security in the Northern region.

"We are of the view that President Tinubu's approach to the issues of security in the North so far, especially Northwest is one of the best compared to his immediate predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari's approach", Danbatta submitted.

Tuk Ham Festival: Caleb Danladi Foundation CEO Bags Best NGO Community Support Award Of Excellence  - https://tracereporters.com/2024/04/02/tuk-ham-festival-caleb-danladi-foundation-ceo-bags-best-ngo-community-support-award-of-excellence/

Tracereporters --The founder and CEO Caleb Danladi Foundation, Mr. Caleb Danladi Bako has received an award of excellence as the best NGO on Community Support in Ham Land, Jaba LGA of Kaduna State.


He was presented with the award by Ham Community Development Association during the most rewarding and colourful event marking Tuk Ham Annual Festival held in Kwoi, Jaba LGA of kaduna state.


In a speech, at the event, Kaduna State Government applauded People of Jaba Local Government Area for a successful and peaceful celebration of the 2024 Tuk Ham annual festival aimed at promoting unity ,love and peaceful coexistence.


The State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe made the commendation, while speaking at the 2024 Tuk Ham held in Kwoi area of Jaba LG of the state.


The deputy governor who was represented by the Administrator, Kafanchan Municipal Authority, Mrs Phibi Sukai Yayi, said the festival is in line with the current administration’s policy to promote culture as a way of enhancing social interaction among the divers ethnic groups in the state for peace and security of the citizens


In a message to the occasion, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajuddeen said promoting cultural heritage of any society will in no small way, enhance socioeconomic growth of not only that particular society, but the state and nation at large.


While responding to the request made by the Ham people seeking for the change of the name of Jaba Local Government Area to Ham Local Government Area, the Speaker who was represented by member representing Soba at the National Assembly, Alhaji Suleiman Yahaya Richifa, assured them of the House’ readiness to work towards actualizing their request as already presented at the floor of the House by their representative in the Green Chamber.


The Kpok Ham, Danladi Gyat Maude, also in a remark, thanked all sons and daughters of Ham land for their contributions to the development of the chiefdom and appealed for the provision of more social amenities that would improve living standard of the people.


Earlier, the president, Ham Development Association, Reverend Jerry Andrew who emphasized the need for the change of the name of LGA, also advocated that Nok village, as the seat of the oldest Nok Terracotta Civilization, be made a choice tourism attraction center for the socioeconomic development of Kaduna and the nation at large.


While commending the Ham nation for the successful celebration, the LG Administrator, Mrs Byack George, called on the Kaduna State Government to find a way of harnessing the reach culture of the divers ethnic groups across the three geopolitical zones of the state.

The highpoint of the event aimed at promoting unity, love and peaceful coexistence, include traditional dances, presentation of awards and the unveiling of the 2024 Tir Ham (Miss Ham).

Some other award recipients which also include member representing Jaba in the National Assembly, Amos Gwamna Magaji and a philanthropist, Caleb Danladi Bako, thanked the Ham people for recognizing them and described the award as a moral booster towards doing more.

Kaduna: Foundation Moves To Address Out Of School Prevalence In Jaba LGA - https://tracereporters.com/2024/04/01/foundation-moves-to-address-out-of-school-prevalence-in-jaba-lga/

Addressing the challenges of out of school children is a task that needed all hands on desks.

The Education secretary Jaba local government Dr. Joshua Danjuma said this at a one day seminar on out of school children organized by Caleb Danladi foundation a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) in Kwoi.

The Education secretary Jaba local government is working towards achieving zero percent out of school children by 2025..

The ES, Dr Joshua Danjuma said Jaba local government has about five point give percent prevalence of out of school children in kaduna state adding that the council is working towards achieving zero percent out of school children by 2025.

He commended the Caleb Danladi foundation for the initiative and assured that the local government would collaborate with the foundation in addressing the prevalence of out of school in the area.

Dr Joshua Said the government is also committed towards providing conducive atmosphere for education to strive in the area.

In a presentation, the guest speaker.
Mrs Alice Shagaya said lack of education is one of the factors responsible for some of the vices and criminalities faced in the country today as many of the youths that engage on these immoral acts did not go to school.

Mrs Alice Shagaya who is the principal ECWA Christian girls academy kwoi said although available data has shown that Jaba local government area has only five point five percent of out of school children there is need for all hands to be on deck towards achieving zero percent out of school children in the area.

The educationist commended the Caleb Danladi foundation for the commitment towards addressing the challenge of out of school children in Jaba local government area and urged other wealthy individuals and groups to emulate for a free out of school society.

She also lauded the efforts of the kaduna state and Jaba local governments toward providing quality and affordable education.

Earlier the founder of the NGO, Mr Caleb Danladi Bako said out of school children constitute great nuisance to the society hence the need to complement government efforts in address the menace of out of school children for a better society.

Caleb Danladi who expressed concern over the current insecurity bedevilling the country was optimistic that if the rate of out of schools is addressed the situation would reduce.

Caleb who later met with representatives of Muslims community in Jaba local government area congratulates them for the ongoing Ramadan fast and urged them to used the period form sober reflection.

While announcing a cash donation to assist them in during the fasting Mr Caleb also promised to support them towards the development of one of the islamiya schools in Kwoi.

Meanwhile, the chief of Badebin Jemaa local government area, Mr. Iliya Daniel has called for the provision of basic amenities needed to improve the well-being of the people in the chiefdom.


The royal Father who was speaking when he received the founder of Caleb Danladi foundation on a courtesy visit in his palace expressed concern on the absent of development projects in the chiefdom
He commended Caleb Danladi foundation for enrolling some less privilege persons from the chiefdom into the health insurance scheme free and thanked him for the visit.

Elections: Senator Shehu Sani to Clerics, Shun Mischievous Politicians Who use Sentiments to Divide People

... Urges them to preach message of peace, unity
By Lola Seriki-Idahosa, Kaduna
Tracereporters --Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani has called on all religious leaders across the country to shun selfish and Mischievous politicians, who hide under guise of religion and ethnicity to divide the people during elections .

According to him, there is a need for clerics to avoid such Politicians, especially, those who have lost power and are now weeping all sorts of sentiments against government of the day.

Speaking during a dinner ( breaking fast) held Saturday evening at Golden Grills , Alkali Road , Kaduna Senator Shehu Sani said ,"Poverty and hunger have been so 'weaponised', to control the masses for self aggrandizement.

While stating that clerics should use places of worship to preach messages of peace and unity as well as enlighten adherents on power of voting good leaders during elections, Senator Sani you says democracy can only survive if there is equity;justice, progress and development.

Sani,who said the country does not belong to one ethnic group, stressed, "Power has resided so long in the north that it has become so toxic.

"Power in the North has not helped Northerners, the region is still backward in all aspects of human and capital development.

He however, advised northerners who are ganging up against President Tinubu, to instead support the government in the interest of progress and development of the north as against quest for return of power to the region.

"Politicians, who fail to secure appointment under Tinubu led government can't manipulate us for personal interest. They have lost their sense of entitlements and now trying to weep sentiments of kinds so as to be relevant.

On issues of security and economy , Senator Sani blamed former President Muhammadu Buhari for failing to improve on the economy and ensure adequate security of lives and property of the citizens.

According to him, the whole security apparatus was controlled by northerners and Muslims, yet banditry and terrorism thrived.

"Many parents are afraid to send their children to school, because of fear of being kidnapped . We have heard of mosques raided and imams kidnapped or killed by bandits .

"The clear message is that banditry and terrorism cause existential threats , with Kaduna as one State in the north facing serious problem of banditry and terrorism with the educational crippled in the rural areas .

He however said despite the current hardship and security situations , the Tinubu administration has done better than Buhari years of docile actions against the notorious bandits and bad economy.

He noted ," The rescue of the Kuriga pupils, Tsangaya students and other kidnapped victims across the north in recent days by the National Security Adviser, Mal. Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Defense Staff and other security agencies deserve commendation, these are signs that there are some level of improvement in the security architecture".

Hon. Dibis Gives Hope to a Widow, Orphans
https://tracereporter./2024/03/28/kaduna-hon-dibis-gives-hope-to-a-widow-orphans/
By Lola Seriki-Idahosa, Kaduna
Tracereporters --No matter where you live in the world, being widowed, orphan is very, very hard. Most of us have experienced grief at some point, and know the pain and disorientation that it can cause. In this difficult time,


In Nigeria, losing your husband can have an additional, drastic effect: being widowed can lead to social and economic exclusion and poverty.


That’s what Abigail found after her husband died - and that’s why your support can make an enormous difference in the life of a vulnerable widow and orphans.



Mrs Abigail lost her husband about six years ago and has been struggling to survive with the three children her husband left behind. The children are aged 12, 8 and 6 and solely depend on her for their survival.


She will forever remain grateful to God for coming to her aid at a very critical stage and situation of her life on Tuesday, March 26.



She engaged in production and sale of liquid soap with a capital of five thousand naira. She lives in a rented room with the children and and sometimes sleep on empty stomachs when she could not make sales of what she produced or secure assistance from her neighbours or good Samaritans, especially her neighbours.



Paying rent was Herculean for her which makes her landlady to wave some part of the rent, a step Abigail described with unquantified appreciation.



Due to the critical situation Abigail finds herself, she sent the eldest child, a girl to her mother back in the village and retain the two. And wherever she goes to sell her whares, she goes along with them because she cannot afford to send them to school despite being of school age.



Abigail said she was scared of leaving them behind because of fear that they more fall into wrong hands and that would compound her predicament.



But succour came her way on 25th Monday night around 11.30 in Barnawa when she was still hoping to make sales to raise money they will buy food for dinner and what they would use for breakfast the following morning before returning to her home in Nasarawa, Chikun Local government area, Kaduna.



It was at that juncture they jammed with Hon Sa:idu Idris Dibis, aka couch, SA to Governor Uba Sani on sports development, who went to Barnawa to buy roasted fish. On seeing her situation, which attracted his attention, the level of humanity in him rose.



When she finished narrating her ordeal Hon Sa:idu Idris Dibis, became worried, and the humanity in him felt challenged and the desire to assist her evoked and requested her to show him her residence. After locating the residence through the assistance of some youths, Hon Dibis offered to her the sum of five thousand naira to boost her capital and additional two thousand naira for her and the children to eat.



Hon Dibis promised to return to her on Tuesday and that she should remain at home and wait for him, with a promise to enrol the children in school, provide them with uniform, books when schools reopen after Sallah.



So on Tuesday, Hon Dibis returned to the house as he promised, met the lady with her kids waiting for him. While he was going he took some foodstuff bags of rice, semovita, spaghetti and a mobile telephone for Abigail.


Her and her children, her landlady were over joyed and prayerful to God for the intervention and expressed that they lack enough words to thank Hon Dibis.



As to why Hon Dibis reasons for taking the decision to assist the lady, he said it was the humanity in him and the mentoring of his principal, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State that ” we should assist the needy to the best of our ability.”

Buda Attack: Hon. Ekene Assures Community of Government Intervention -Sunny Adams

Tracereporters --Member representing Chikun/Kajuru Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams has paid a condolence visit to Buda Community in Kajuru Local Government area of Kaduna state to commiserate with them over the unfortunate incident that led to the abduction of over 60 persons in the community.

The Chairman House Committee on Sports while sympathizing with residents of the area assured the people of government determination to put an end to the security challenges bedeviling the state and the country in general. In his words, “the government is working tirelessly to ensure people sleep with their two eyes closed without fear of being kidnapped".

The Member who visited the only health facility in the community pledged to capture the clinic in the 2024 constituency projects by ensuring the community enjoys dividends of democracy through renovation of the health care center and provisions of drugs which is part of his 2024 projects.

Two of the victims of the bandits onslaught who are currently receiving treatment at Bege clinic at Maraban Kajuru were also visited with their medical bills settled apart from cash donated to their families for the upkeep of the patients. He enjoined the people not to lose hope as their loved ones would soon be united with them.

Tracereporters.com --Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has commissioned 100 housing units in the first phase of Nasarawa Technology Village Housing Estate, Karu.

The Borno State Governor also performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Technology Hub and the Second Phase of the Housing Project situated on a 67-hectare parcel of land along Mararaba-Aso Pada axis of Karu LGA.

Zulum was in Karu at the invitation of the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi A Sule, on Monday and returned to Maiduguri the same day.

Governor Zulum lauded Engr Abdullahi A Sule for the giant strides recorded by his administration in the last five years in Nasarawa State.

Zulum noted that the technology village will help Nasarawa State to exploit its vast mineral resources and create job opportunities for the teeming youth population.

The host Governor, Sule, expressed gratitude to Professor Zulum for accepting his invitation to commission the completed housing project and lay the groundwork for the second phase of the Mararaba-Aso Pada axis.

Governor Abdullahi A Sule unveiled the main road leading to the newly commissioned facility named after Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

Governor Sule also named the Nasarawa Technology Village Housing Estate, Karu, after Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Before Senator Solomon Adeola Destroys Nigeria's Fragile Unity for His Vaunting Political Ambition - A Note for President Tinubu

Our civil society organisation, Patriots for Nigeria's Development, PND, hereby sends her greetings of true solidarity and sincere best wishes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at this historic chapter of our national life.

Though our dear nation is passing through grave socio-economic challenges, our absolute faith and abiding trust in President Tinubu's exceptional leadership sagacity to bring Nigeria out of the woods, in no distant time, are unwavering.

However, we have deem it necessary to draw Mr. President's attention to the unpatriotic actions and sinister moves of some supposed leaders in the country - who should be in the vanguard of promoting national unity and togetherness of the masses in a bid to foster national integration.

Without mincing words, Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, who currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, is one of such persons our CSO has identified to be working against Nigeria's progress.

Adeola, a three-term Senator, among several of his nauseating personality traits, cares less about how to help entrench good leadership, especially in the civil and public service, that will fast-track good governance, our investigation has shown.

It is in the habit of most Nigerian elite and godfather politicians to influence the appointments of Heads and staff of various government agencies. And we have no qualms with that, insofar it helps in tackling the country's unemployment crisis.

However, it is apt to state that the way and manner Sen. Adeola goes about exercising this rare privilege he and other elite enjoy, indeed leaves much to be desired from him, as a so-called distinguished Senator. For the Ogun West Senator, his fronting for other people's appointments is at the altar of capacity, merit and track record of good performance.

Most times, Sen. Adeola is only concerned about everything but what will foster unity and give marginalized groups/citizens a sense of belonging, in line with the principles of federal character, morality, fairness and equity.

At the moment, our CSO has uncovered a subterranean move by Sen. Adeola, to perversely influence the nomination of the next Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation, as the tenure of the incumbent Ben Akabueze winds down.

The Ogun Senator, according to credible sources, is on the verge of hoodwinking President to appoint an indigene of Ogun State to succeed Akabueze, in flagrant disregard to extant public service rules, fueled by his vaulting political ambition.

It is no longer a secret that Senator Adeola fondly called Yayi by his political associates, has been in the Senate since 2015. Between 2015 and 2023 he represented Lagos West Senatorial District in the Senate. However, he switched allegiance to his native Ogun State, and luckily became a Senator again after the 2023 general elections.

The reason Senator Adeola returned to his ancestral root is not far-fetched. He is bidding to become the next Governor of Ogun in 2027, and he is not showing any pretence about it. But Nigerians, and particularly, the people of Ogun must be wary of politicians with domineering postures, like Adeola. Theirs is to lord their whims and caprices over others.

As an inconsiderate leader, Sen. Adeola wants everything for himself and his people, only. Small wonder, he is said to be responsible for the many federal appointments President Tinubu gave to Ogun indigenes, between May 29, 2023 and now.

But if Ogun is not the only state of the Nigerian federation with competent people, why is Sen. Adeola bent on grabbing every available job for them at the federal level? Apparently, it is for him to feather his 2027 gubernatorial project.

President Tinubu indeed must not allow characters like Sen. Adeola dictates for him, whenever it comes to making critical political appointments which may affect the smooth running of his administration, and also, vital institutions of his government.

The President must ensure that a technocrat with a peerless track record of service and capacity to deliver on the job is appointed as helmsman of the Budget Office. If necessary, another qualified Yoruba or Nigerian could be appointed to consolidate Akabueze's legacies.

But certainly, that person must, and should not come from Ogun, for reasons which are obvious to even President Tinubu. Barely three months after assuming, several groups and eminent Nigerian, in August last year, accused Mr. President of Yorubanisation and Lagoslation of some key political appointments.

It will be rational if President Tinubu, at this period when his administration is being scored low in terms of performance, avoid unnecessary distractions by the likes of Sen. Adeola and others, who appear to be ethnic champions politicians and promoters of impunity.

Mr. President should concentrate squarely on the job he was elected to do, and avoid the booby traps of politicians pursuing their vested interests. Their antics do nothing good, but further polarize citizens and fragments the country's delicate social cohesion.

Once again, we call on President Tinubu not to cave in to the pressure of Sen. Adeola and others pushing for their candidates to succeed Akabueze at the Budget Office. Only someone who is eminently qualified and has paid his or dues, should takeover from Mr. Akabueze. That is the only way we can strengthen our institutions, and prevent their abuse by self-centered politicians.

Signed:
Mr. Desmond Njoku
National Coordinator,
Patriots for Nigeria's Development.

Chikun/Kajuru Lawmaker Visits Kaduna Community Over Attacks, Doles Out Food items, Cash

By Lola Seriki-Idahosa, Kaduna

Tracereporters --The Honourable Member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency Kaduna state, has paid a courtesy visit to his Gonin Gora constituent in Chikun Local Government following the recent attacks and abduction of residents in the area.


Recalled that Gonin Gora commuters on Thursday, 29th February, 2024 barricaded the major Kaduna-Abuja expressway, protesting and calling on government to proffer a lasting solution to the incessant attacks on innocent citizens living in the community.



Speaking to newsmen shortly after his courtesy visit on Saturday, Hon Ekene condemned the abduction of over 250 school pupils in Kuriga, and as well as the incessant attacks on Gonin Gora Communities that lead to the abduction of 13 persons.



The lawmaker, who lamented the impact of insecurity on the socio-economic activities in the region, expressed concern about the negative effects on the livelihoods of the inhabitants, emphasizing that the rising insecurity has led to increased socioeconomic hardship.


Commiserating with the traditional leader of Gonin gora and the good people of the community, Ekene said "I feel your pains. It's painful but I want to urge you to calm down and give the government a benefit of doubt."


He also disclosed that the state government in collaboration with relevant stakeholders are doing everything humanly possible to rescue their loved ones unhurt, stressing that heavy presence of security personnels will be felt in the community very soon.


"You have protested and the government has heard your voice. So I want you to be patient while the government does everything possible to rescue your loved ones unhurt. I feel your pains. I know it's not easy but I want to urge you to calm down and give us the benefit of doubt.

"I want to urge you to shun any vices that would lead to the breakdown of laws and order. Please, ensure that you do not take the law into your hands because of this menace. We will continue to support the security architecture in the state for efficient and a more effective operation. This phase too shall pass." He encouraged.


Also, in a bid to cushion the effects of economic hardship in his constituents, the Lawmaker donated 200 bags of 50kg rice and one million naira to the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) and Jama'atu Nasril Islam, (JNI) in Chikun and Kajuru local Government Areas.



Stressing the importance of peace and harmony amongst members of different faiths, he emphasized that security is everyone's business and as such, the two major religious leaders in his constituents must embrace unity as virtue and work together in other to be able to win the war against bandits and other social vices.



In his remarks, the Chief of Gonin Gora, Mr. John Sarki said they are impressed with Hon. Ekene's visit.


He said that they have had series of attacks in the past five years, meanwhile no leader came in contact to commiserate with them. He stressed that the people are delighted to see their representative coming down to their doorstep and to share in their pains.



Mr. John also called on the government to double their efforts by ensuring that their loved ones are reunited with them in no distant time, adding that they do not have the capacity to meet the demands of the kidnappers.

Saidu Idris Dibis, Benjamin Gugong: Square Peg In A Square Hole, says Stakeholders

In a time that the over 11 million Kaduna citizens are yearning for and craving for improvement in the State Sport Sector and praying for miracle to happen to revive the lost glory of Sport in the State,


Governor Uba Sani in his wise and calculated ideas appoints of the most celebrated icon, a force to reckon with and an icon of Sport and grassroots development in person of Mal Saidu Idris Dibis as Special Assistant on Sport Matters, He is widely known as Saidu COACH, Mal. Saidu Dibis is a house hold Name as far as Sport Development is concern,


To top it all, Senator Uba Sani Appointment a Great Professor of Repute as The Commissioner of Sports Development in the State, this later bring back the Hope of the millions of Youth yearning and aspiring to see Sports back in the State so as to improve in economic welfare of the sports men's and women of the State.


the combination of Prof Benjamin and Mal Idris Dibis is a success to Uba Sani's SUSTAIN AGENDA, of improving the welfare of the people, They have so far achieved alot, Firstly in restoring the Confidence of Sports stakeholders that the new sheriff is in town.


they have been involving all necessary Stakeholders to come and have a stake in reshaping the Sport architecture of the State, Gladly, The Ministry has received the highest Budget ever recorded from the 2024 State Budget ,that is a sure sign that the Governor has full confidence of who he handle the baton to , and he believe with them, the sports loving Kaduna People will smile Again.


Thank You Governor Uba Sani for putting the Square pegs in a square hole in person of Professor Benjamin Gugong as Commissioner of Sports Development and your Special Assistant on Sport matters Mal. Saidu Idris Dibis, this is the first and the pioneer SA Sports matters in the history of the State, this has shown your commitment towards reviving the Sector.


God bless Kaduna State, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Thank You Governor Uba Sani.

Signed.
Kaduna State Sports Stakeholders Forum

It is well ❤️‍🩹 with us as a country

Forum Urges Road Transport Unions to Suspend Planned Strike

Tracereporters --Worried about the economic implications of on citizens,Forum for Good Governance in Nigeria has asked the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to shelve planned strike action.

The Road Transport Owners had on Thursday, threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over what they described as high operational costs engineered by rising inflation rates in the country.

The umbrella body of all commercial transport owners and operators in Nigeria claimed all efforts made to secure negotiations for appropriate and commensurate Freight rates for operations proved abortive.

The Forum for Good Governance in Nigeria which made the appeal in a press statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator and Secretary;Comrade Abraham Douglas and Comrade Bala Galadima Ikara,said,"At this critical period of economic hardship, strike action will be adding more to excruciating pains caused the removal of fuel subsidy .

The Forum also said the strike will grossly affect supply of petroleum products; create unnecessary discomfort and chaos.

While calling on federal government to immediately meet with the union to suspend the strike , the Forum called on NARTO to consider the option of dialogue as the best option to resolve its problems stated its letter.

The statement further reads: "Though NARTO has the right to fight for its members as a pressure group, the idea of writing a letter to direct all members not to make their Petroleum Trucks available for Petroleum Products loading activities from Monday, 19th day of February 2024 is more less,counter productive, considering this critical period of rising inflation curve .

"Against this background, we are appealing to the union members to suspend the strike and work out modalities to reach an amicable dispute resolution with Federal Government.

"We fully support a collective efforts for continued sustainability of the Petroleum Haulage business and effective service delivery .

"We quite agree with union that there is definitely no way it can continue in business within the context of the current economic situation in the Country, but we insist on a meeting to avoid impending economic crisis. "

By Lola Seriki-Idahosa, Kaduna

Tracereporters --A group, the Arewa Youth Alliance for Progress and Development (AYAPD) has said that those bent on sponsoring campaign of calumny against appointment of Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, as Executive Vice President (Upstream) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), have failed.


This was expressed in at a press briefing, with the text, jointly signed by AYAPD President, Amb Umaru Bala Babayaro and Secretary. Comr. James Ishaku, made available to Tracereporters in Kaduna yesterday.


According to them, “The so-called idle, groundless and unwarranted gimmicks are sponsored by irreconcilable enemies of the success recorded so far within the petrochemical industry in the country. We make bold to say that their plans failed on arrival,” the group said.


The group therefore, hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying he made the right decision by appointing her.


According to the text of the briefing, the group said, “The attention of Arewa Youth Alliance for Progress and Development (AYAPD) has been drawn to certain unfounded and spurious calls by invisible groups operating under the aegis of Niger Delta Forum For Truth And Justice, (NDFTJ) calling for the sack of a hardworking alpha woman, the Executive Vice President (Upstream) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPCL), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.


“Without much thoughts it is obvious that these calls are maliciously laced with intentions to defame, the impeccable mettle of this hard working Nigerian who was only recently appointed. They saw no other allegation to drive their inconsequential point, but the Pipeline surveillance contract which we are aware was awarded many months ago before her assumption of office.”


They described the actions of those they described as “sponsored blackmailers” as not only a sham but a claptrap, bogus, cheap blackmail and unsubstantiated allegations.


“The aforementioned unreliable, baseless, delusional, unpatriotic, democratic ants, ethnic bigots who fuel this false show of shame, misusing the privilege of “freedom of expression,” have failed. And will continue to labour in vaiThe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government is that of national unity, working hard to use our diversity for our advantage.


“We won’t regret to tag this show of shame and commercial stage-out, envious move and unpatriotic efforts as undemocratic attempt to deny Nigeria the peace in the oil region and increase in Nigeria crude production, especially the relative peace enjoy by our brothers in the Niger Delta Region, who have experienced oil spill as a result of pipeline deterioration.


“We as Arewa Youths are happy to say that in just few months in office, we have observed that the competence, intellectual capacity, courage of Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan are enormous.


“Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa has shown enormous propensity to national economy recovery plan with clarity of vision and certainty of purpose.


“Her actions have shown that she is Pan-Nigerian, a lover of our nascent democracy, and her character is an embodiment of rule of law.


“We wish to put it on record as it is general knowledge that Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, was awarded a Surveillance contract through a rigorous due process under an ljaw man from the Niger Delta region, who happens to be the immediate past Executive Vice President Upstream NNPCL, Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye, after meeting all criteria set out for the award of the job at the same time other companies like Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, were awarded theirs.


“We have confidence that the Federal Government headed by a born tactician, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, will not capitulate to this greedy, flunk script, selfish and uncoordinated show of shame. Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan appointment as Executive Vice President Upstream is cement with holistic track record and her remarkable trajectory in public service,” they pointed out.


They stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made a right choice with appointment of Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan,adding that one of her distinguished features include being self-confident, productive, optimistic, a go-getter, a fear-tackler, transparency, advocate for due process, unafraid to stand up for what she believes in, proud, unbothered by what others say or think, and undistracted in serving the best interest of Nigeria.


“We urge those who are masquerading, claiming to stand for Truth and Justice to engage in meaningful business or employ their youthfulness to prepare for rigorous process that led to the award of Surveillance Contract to Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited since they believe they have what it takes to get the contract, instead of engaging in ethnic-base blackmail.


“The Bad news for these politically misplaced instruments of anarchy is that we trust that the President of Nigeria will not succumb to their mischief.


“We call on the Public to disregard the hate speeches and malicious contents that may be circulation as they are sponsored.Arewa Youth have confidence in the integrity of the Executive Vice President (Upstream) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPCL), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, and we look forward to greater strides”. The group expressed.

Zamfara: Matawalle debunks Alleged Fraud Under His Govt

...Accuses Gov. Dauda Lawal of incompetence

By Lola Seriki-Idahosa, Kaduna
...Again the former Zamfara state Governor Bello Mohammed, Matawallen Maradun has debunked a publication by the the state governor where he published another allegation of billions to furnish 14 incompleted governor's lodges.


In his reply Matawalle accused governor Dauda Lawal of being incompetent and described the action as "shameless, annoying and disappointing that a government being headed by a "(Dr)" and ran by Consultants Professors, are always into committing perjury against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, just to indict and tarnish the hard-earned reputation of a man who proved his worth and integrity before the general public, as he is being celebrated and honoured left, right and centre with various merit awards".

According to the his response,

"RE : REVEALED: HOW BELLO MATAWALLE RELEASED BILLIONS TO FURNISH 14 UNCOMPLETED GOVERNOR'S LODGES - ZAMFARA GOV'T.

"The attention of the immediate past administration of former Zamfara Governor, Bello Mohammed, Matawallen Maradun has been drawn to yet another misleading and deceitful publication by the Zamfara State Government, where some misleading documents showing "how former Governor and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, approved 100% payment of over one billion Naira for fencing, landscaping, and furnishing of Governor's lodges in 14 Local Government Areas even before the project began."


"In the statement released by the Dauda Lawal administration, it was stated that "the previous administration under Bello Matawalle, initiated a project to construct and furnish Governor’s Lodges in all the 14 local government areas of the State.


"It said the Government "noted that the documents released were evidence from an already opened can of worms exposing series of violations of public service rules by the previous government of Matawalle."


"According to the government, "Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration is raising public awareness of Bello Matawalle's financial recklessness, where projects were awarded, and 100% of funds were withdrawn and disbursed for the abandoned projects."


"A statement by the Coordinator of former governor Matawalle, Ibrahim Dosara, described as unfortunate that despite the number of consultant Professors in the Zamfara State government being led by a "(Dr)", the team could not understand the essence of government in the protection of lives and property of citizens and to initiate projects for the development of the state, but rather leading the government in desperate faults finding, deceitful and misleading the general public, to be convinced at all cost in tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of the former Governor Matawalle.


"It alleged that in his attempt to ridicule the former Governor, the present Governor, Dauda Lawal, has gone out of his way to commit perjury against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.


"According to the statement "this time around, Dauda Lawal used old pictures of various projects executed by the former Governor to deceive and mislead the general public in his latest publication that cuts across both traditional and new media platforms.


"It described the action as "shameless, annoying and disappointing that a government being headed by a "(Dr)" and ran by Consultants Professors, are always into committing perjury against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, just to indict and tarnish the hard-earned reputation of a man who proved his worth and integrity before the general public, as he is being celebrated and honoured left, right and centre with various merit awards".


"Like I have said in my previous statements regarding the Cargo Airport Project, which Dauda Lawal is desperately looking for a way to revoke and re-award same contract to himself through proxy.


"In this their latest blackmail of the Lawal Dare's administration, the government displayed its ignorance and false claims to assassinate the character of the former Gov. Old pictures of the Local Government Lodges constructed by the former government of Bello Mohammed Matawallen Maradun were published, instead of the reality of things on ground, just to discredit the former Governor.


" It is in view of this nasty and misleading publication of Dauda Lawal Dare's administration that I am obliged to once again describe the publication as not only malicious, without regard and respect to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but also baseless, unfounded and laughable attempt to deceive Nigerians to continue with his foreign trips to pursue private businesses in defence of Dizieni Alison Madueke currently facing corruption charges, at the expense of Zamfara people.


"I am not surprised however, as the Governor is trying to cover up his failures to discharge his primary responsibility, by diverting the attention of the general public from his incompetence in providing good governance, turning Zamfara to a killing field where bandits have resurfaced and embarked on massive attacks, killings and abduction of innocent lives. Ever since the Governor's assumption of office, thousands of innocent people have been massacred, hundreds of thousands women and children displaced and hundreds others sustained various degrees of injuries from the attacks by bandits in the state.


" What Dauda Lawal wants is to divert the attention of the former Governor from his national assignment, so that he will be portrayed as an unserious leader.


The statement went further to explain that "the project of Local Government Lodges constructed by the immediate past administration of former Governor Matawalle is almost completed, if not for the Dauda Lawal's order to the contractors to stop work, including arrest and detention of the contractor handling the project for over one month, through the connivance of Dauda Lawal and the former EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa.


"This matter is already in court before a judge for consideration.


"Attached are the latest relevant documents, pictures and information about the project for ease of reference.


The Governor also said:
“Our government is committed to rescuing, reforming, and rebuilding Zamfara. As part of this mission, we consider it an obligation to expose financial recklessness and ensure justice prevails."


The statement questioned "In what way? through false claims, faults finding and deceitful publications with total neglect and disregard to the lives of the people the Governor swore to protect?


" Ever since Dauda Lawal's inauguration as Governor, he has never stayed a complete one week in the state, leaving the people at the mercy of Marauding bandits.


" It is in the public domain that ever since his assumption of office as the Gov of Zamfara state, thousands of lives have been lost and property worth billions of naira destroyed with hundreds of thousands of women and children displaced.


"This is in addition to several others who suffered various degrees of injuries they sustained from the attacks by bandits.
"Bello Matawalle's administration tackled the ugly security challenges he inherited within the 100 days of his office, making Zamfara to witness absolute security of lives and property for over nine months.


"Bello Matawalle is not a crook and criminal leader like Dauda Lawal, who declared over 5 Billion American dollars as his assets after his retirement as Executive Director of First Bank" the statement alleges.


"This is in addition to other stocks in other foreign countries and Naira he said he owned in his assets declaration form.


"To show how crook and criminal the Governor is, just a day after we have challenged and called on the state assembly to start impeachment process against the him for gross violation of public service rules, by awarding contract for the construction of Gusau township roads to the tune of over 4 billion Naira without the approval of the state Executive Council and the state assembly, he quickly bought and released luxury cars to members of the state assembly.


"We are therefore debunking this yet another misinformation of Dauda Lawal's administration against the former Governor Bello Matawalle.


"We are also not unaware that Dauda Lawal recently released the sum of 300,000 dollars to conduct the recent Lagos press briefing on tarnishing the image of the former Governor, calling on the President to remove him from his ministerial appointment.


"We are also not unaware of the 150 million naira released by Dauda Lawal's administration for some hired tugs and mischievous miscreants to plan and organise a grand protest in Abuja against the minister of state for defense, calling for his removal, instead of using the state resources to support security agencies to face head-on, the security concerns facing the state.

Aside el-Rufai, Kaduna May Enjoy Additional Ministerial Slot - https://tracereporters.com/2023/08/01/aside-el-rufai-kaduna-may-enjoy-additional-ministerial-slot/
There are indications that President Bola Tinubu might give additional Ministerial slot to Kaduna State as part of political calculation to make further in- road in the North and to also compensate the North West zone in particular for voting massively for him in the 2023 General election..

This is according a credible source from Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

The source who didn't want his name mentioned, told reporters in Kaduna that a former Governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Honourable Sani Shaaban is being considered for the second Ministerial slot for Kaduna State.

Shaaban, a former member of the House of Representatives and a close ally of President Bola Tinubu, was the ACN Governorship Candidate Kaduna State in during 2011 Governorship election, won by the PDP candidate, Ibrahim Yakowa.

A chattered Accountant by profession, Shaaban is also an international businessman and a member of the Royal house in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Although the Aso Rock source said the President is stuck between picking the second minister from either Kaduna or Kano State, but he disclosed that the odds favour Shaaban due to his close relationship with President Tinubu and also as a foundation member of the ACN, founded by Tinubu while he was Governor of Lagos State.

According to the source, with the appointment of Nasir El-Rufai, which did not go down well with some people, picking Shaaban as the second minister from Kaduna State, will not only bring about the desired stability in the North, but will also make galvanise more support base for his re- election in 2027.

It was also argued the choice of Shaaban from Kaduna State is based on the fact that the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibril and former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje who has been reportedly annointed President Bola Tinubu as the next National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) , are both from Kano State.

During the recent less lesser Hajj in mecca, Shaaban was said to have met with President Bola Tinubu Saudi Arabia in company of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

APC Nat’l Chair: The Solution is in Boss to take Party to next level for Nigeria Devt -Dr. Abdallah - https://tracereporters.com/2023/07/31/apc-natl-chair-the-solution-is-in-boss-to-take-party-to-next-level-for-nigeria-devt-dr-abdallah/

....calls on President Tinubu, Party Chieftains to give Ex-SGF the party's national office

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Party is seen as the democratic and connecting rod for Nigeria's economic vibrancy and development, but in a big internal squabble messing up the party strides to the detriment of all Nigerians.

In the light of this a passionate call was made to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Party's critical minds, and Chieftains to put sentiments aside and shop for a good Man who is vast, with the requisite experience of party politics to take APC to the next level of leadership in the interest of the nation.

An APC-card carrying member and passionate believer of the party's manifestos, Dr. Yakubu Abdalla critically analyzes the underlying factors that are causing the party to drift out of unity point and concluded that the party has yet to get a good man to pilot its affairs well.

Dr. Abdallah who is a UK-based Critical Infrastructure Management Consultant in an interview with this medium said the underlying factors always embroiling the party to the crisis are multi-facet in nature. And it takes people with no sentiments to understand the need for urgent intervention the party desires by getting the right for the job.

He said a Party Man with less interest in personal gains and mature to handle the party's affairs by embracing everyone under the atmosphere of fairness is capable to take APC to a permanent position of leading the country at all costs.

Dr. Abdallah who is a Cambridge product of the UK university and in tandem with the politics of Nigeria said APC has all it takes to remain the only Nigeria National Party for leadership if Tinubu will consider the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Barr Boss Mustapha CFR be called to be the national chairman.

According to him, Boss Mustapha has all that it takes to unite the party in the interest of everyone, especially those within the party as bonafide members.

Dr Abdallah who is the CEO/MD of Guildhall Global Services (London) Ltd and its branch in Nigeria is waxing strong extolled Boss to be a selfless Nigeria and his interest in the party is what will be of paramount importance.

"Our Party must get it right this time around, Tinubu should be magnanimous to those with the zest to support him well in his crave for development for the nation at the party level. His guiding wisdom in shopping for the right Man for party leadership should be void of personal interest for whatever reasons.

"Considering how Mustapha worked with President Muhammadu Buhari in the SGF office, it is certainly to say that he will equally succeed in the office of the APC headquarters as its National Chairman

"My passionate appeal to President Tinubu and APC critical minds is to give Boss a trial by calling on him to lead the party, my interest in all this is the person that will change the negative narrative of our dear party. And I think I'm seeing that on Boss Mustapha.

"We need a Man like Boss who is well educated in party politics, he has been there and earned all the experience to take us as a party to a constant light of national leadership. " Abdullah said

The APC die-hard gave assurances of having permanent peace in APC because the solution to all the crisis is laying fallow on Boss Mustapha.

"I think it is wisdom to tap from the untapped wealth of party politics of Boss Mustapha, Mr. President Sir, for the love I have for my party give him the national office to Chair, I believe all issues will be well resolved that will lead to national development. " He added

FIRS Rakes-in Record N5.5 Trillion In Six Months - https://tracereporters.com/2023/07/20/firs-rakes-in-record-n5-5-trillion-in-six-months/

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced a total tax revenue collection of N5.5 trillion for the half-year period of January to June 2023. This is the highest tax revenue collection ever recorded by the Service in any first six months of a fiscal year.

Mr. Muhammad Nami, Executive Chairman of the FIRS stated this while presenting the 2023-2024 tax revenue outlook to the National Economic Council at its meeting held on Thursday 20th July 2023, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In a press statement signed by Johannes Oluwatobi Wojuola the Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman, FIRS (Media & Communication) on 20 July, 2023 said the presentation, which contained FIRS’ 2023 Half-Year Collection Report, showed that the FIRS achieved over one hundred percent of its target for the first-half of the year when compared with a mid-year target of N5.3 trillion.

According to the report, tax revenue collected from the oil sector from January to June 2023, stood at N2.03 trillion, as against a target of N2.3 trillion; while non-oil tax collection stood at N3.76 trillion, as against a target of N2.98 trillion.

Mr. Nami, in his presentation, further stated that the Service collected a total of N1.65 trillion tax revenues in June 2023. This sum is the highest tax revenue collected by the Service in any single month.

Speaking to what he described as “a good head start, despite stubborn headwinds,” Mr. Muhammad Nami, attributed the excellent performance to improved voluntary tax compliance enabled by the automation of FIRS’ tax administrative processes.

“This is a good head start as we work towards meeting our target for the year. And it was achieved despite stubborn headwinds such as the impact of the currency redesign and 2023 General Elections on the economy in the first and second quarters of 2023”, said Mr Nami.

“This half-year performance was achieved as a result of improved voluntary tax compliance by taxpayers, the continued improvement of automation of our tax administration processes, including the updated VAT filing processes; as well as our dogged engagement with stakeholders in both the formal and informal sectors of the economy.”, he concluded.

Commenting on the outlook for the remainder half of the year, the FIRS Executive Chairman gave assurances that the country should expect “better days ahead” in terms of tax revenue collection.

“We believe that the performance in the second half of the year would be better considering the continuing improvement to our tax administration processes and positive impact of current government’s policies on the economy,” said the Executive Chairman.

It would be recalled that the Service achieved a total collection of N10.1 trillion in the year 2022, being the highest tax collection ever made by the FIRS in a single year.

Mubi Stakeholders Kick Against Relocation Of Federal University By Ministry Perm Sec - https://tracereporters.com/2023/07/11/mubi-stakeholders-kick-against-relocation-of-federal-university-by-ministry-perm-sec/

Tracereporters --Stakeholders of Mubi emirate council of Adamawa North Senatorial District have kicked against what it described as ‘the brazen attempt’ by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education to undermine and override a Presidential approval for the siting of a Federal University of Agriculture in Mubi.

The Adamawa North Senatorial District stakeholders noted that the Presidential approval and directive for the University to be sited in Mubi was conveyed vide a letter dated 18th April, 2023 which was signed by the then Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari. (see copy attached).

They noted that the letter from the former Chief of Staff was very clear and unambiguous in siting not just the Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi, but three other Universities and three new Federal Colleges of Education in different locations across the country.

These were contained in a statement signed by representaives of the six local governments areas that made up the Adamawa North Senatorial district namely; Dr. Umar Duhu (Madagali), Hajiya Bilkisu Talatu Ahmed (Michika), Mr. John Papka Kaigamma (Mubi North), Hon. Ahmad Sajoh (Mubi South), and Hon. Daniel Maksha (Maiha), in which they noted that more worrisome was the flimsy, lame and untenable excuse adduced by the Permanent Secretary after a presidential approval that there is a Polytechnic in Mubi.

They further said; “The Permanent Secretary unilaterally and in flagrant disobedience of established norms, relocated the University to Hong as if a Polytechnic and a University are the same Institutions.

“Consequently, he directed that the University be relocated to Hong. We find it both funny and lamentable that an unelected official and a civil servant on the rank of a Permanent Secretary could unilaterally override a presidential directive in a democracy.

“This excuse is frivolous and unacceptable because there are Federal Polytechnics and Federal Universities in Bauchi and Damaturu. There are four Federal Institutions of Learning in Yola, a University, a College of Education, Government Girls College and an Airforce Institute.

“In addition, half of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi is still located in Yola. Places like Zaria have a University, an Aviation College, a Federal College of Education and an Institute of Transport Technology. Daura has about four Institutions including a university and a Federal Polytechnic all recently established.

“The proposed place of relocation equally has a Federal Government Institution, a Federal Medical Center recently established in the place. A Tertiary Medical Facility is equally a training Institute.

“So, if on the strength of just the presence of a Federal Institution in a location, then they too are not qualified for the institution. But that is not enough reason at all.

“Thirdly the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the Federal Character principle provides for not just balancing in appointments but, also in project distribution. “Section 14 subsection 3 states as follows, *The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal Character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity and to command National loyalty*.

“Hong is in the Central Senatorial District of the state where all the Institutions located in Yola belong, while Mubi is in the Northern Senatorial District.

“Siting a University of Agriculture in Mubi should not be seen as an accident or an undeserved favour. It is a continuation of Mubi’s contributions to the development and training of Agricultural staff for many decades. It should be recalled that;

One of the first set of Farm Training Centers established by the Northern Nigerian Government in the 1950s was located in Lokuwa area of Mubi.

“One of the first integrated Diary Farms in Northern Nigeria established in the 1960s and called “Gidan Madara” is located along Sahuda Road in Mubi

“One of the first integrated Multi-System Irrigation projects in Northern Nigeria was established in Mayo-Bani in Mubi.

The First College of Agriculture in the then Gongola state and one of the first in the North East was established in Mubi.

Therefore, having the first University of Agriculture in the North East located in Mubi is not just in order but a necessary ingredient for harnessing the vast agricultural potentials of the region while leveraging on the many years of ‘agriculture related knowledge base’ located in Mubi,” they stressed.

The stakeholders recalled that during the administration of Late President Shehu Shagari, there was a pronouncement to site a university in Mubi, adding that as is the case today, some people came up with the lame excuse that Mubi was not a state capital.

In their words; “At that time, there were Federal Universities in Zaria, Ife and Umudike that were, and are still not state capitals. Later Federal Universities were established in Wukari, Kashere, Oye-Ekiti and Daura, all of them not state capitals. We wonder why Nigeria will always want to apply double standards in policies anytime a matter involves our hometown of Mubi. “Today as it was then, several Institutions of learning are established and maintain and are active in many locations without question, yet one civil servant who is privileged to raise to the peak of his career is again shifting the goal post just in order to deny Mubi what is due to her.

“We understand that the man in question is due to retire very soon. We strongly suspect that he may be induced to do what he is doing by some pecuniary interests that are totally unconnected with a desire to uphold service policy. Should that turn out to be true then, only God knows how much of Nigeria’s interest such an officer may have compromised on the altar of self-interest,” the enthused.

The stakeholders noted that since 2015 to 2023, the people of Mubi massively voted for APC President Bola Ahmed Tinubu unlike Hong that rejected APC despite having two persons appointed as SGF.

“In 2023 both the APC and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu were massively rejected in Hong by the voters. We therefore believe that taking the Federal University of Agriculture from Mubi and giving it to Hong is the same as “Robbing Peter at gun point in order to use the proceeds to pay an undeserving Paul”.

They therefore called on the Senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial District and the two members of the House of Representatives, representing Mubi North, Mubi South and Maiha Federal Constituency as well as member Representing Michika and Madagali Federal Constituency to rise up to the occasion and be the ambassadors of their people.

Ministerial Appointments: How Bill Gate’s Visit May Alter The Equation - https://tracereporters.com/2023/07/06/ministerial-appointments-how-bill-gates-visit-may-alter-the-equation/

Barring unforeseen circumstance, the anxiety over names of those that may make the list of nominees to be submitted to the Senate for screening and confirmation as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu might be put to rest this week.

This was as it was gathered that the visit of world famous Billionaire, Bill Gate to President Tinubu might like affect some of the nominees particularly in some key thematic and critical sectors of the nation’s economy that have direct impact on the lives of the people.

It was gathered from credible source in the presidency that the visit of Bill Gate to President Tinubu was more than meet the eyes as he specifically requested the president on the need to appoint some particular persons for the Health, ICT and Education sectors of the economy.

The development is believed not to have gone down well with some power blocs within the presidency close to President Tinubu, who saw the move as a direct attempt to not only interfere but directly determine for the administration how it should run and manage the affairs of the country.

It was further gathered that Bill Gate specifically demanded of President Tinubu to nominate Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, who was recently appointed as Chief Executive Officer of GAVI Board for the position of Minister of Health.

This is not going down well with some core party loyalists close to President Tinubu, who felt that a faithful and loyal party member like Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, who is so vast and knowledgeable in health matters and also sponsored over 15 health related Bills while in the Senate should be jettisoned.

Dr. Ali Pate was recently appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Vaccine Alliance by the GAVI Board following an extensive recruitment process and was expected to assume duty on August 3, 2023. He had written accepting the appointment before a new twist following the visit of Bill Gate to Nigeria.

While accepting the appointment, Dr. Pate had said; “It will be my privilege to lead Gavi and continue to support countries to scale up critical routine immunisation programmes, reach more zero-dose children, expand access to new vaccines, transform primary health care systems, and help fight outbreaks and future pandemics.”

The visit of Bill Gate has set tongues wagging as close political allies of the president are not comfortable with his the afterthought decision by Dr. Pate to decline the multi-billion dollars GAVI appointment for a ministerial appointment.

Some of the close aides to President Tinubu are of the view that the influence by persons such as Bill Gate is akin to neo-colonialism just as they believe that the loyalty of such an appointee will not be to the country but, to the person that influence his appointment thus, may endanger the country’s interests

Another source said; “Why would someone that blocked other qualified Nigerians from the same GAVI position he is now rejecting for a ministerial slot, be considered ahead of other equally qualified Nigerians. We have party faithful members that worked so hard for the victory of the President who were pencilled down for the job.

“If party loyalty is not rewarded, it would make it difficult to get people to willingly support and work so hard for the party and its candidates in future.

“More importantly, is the fact that the ‘Renewed Hope Health Agenda’ required some one that not only has the technical know-how but, has deep knowledge of political-economy and undercurrents of the Nigerian health sector. This is what has been missing,” he stressed.

Similarly, this was as another source said that former governor of Kano State, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, Chief Nyesom Wike, Femi Fani-Kayode and Festus Keyamo have increase the level of their lobby for ministerial slots.

It was gathered that of the four, Chief Wike’s nomination seems to be generating ripples among some key presidency staff that are concerned with trust and loyalty thus, of the view that the recalcitrant nature of the former Rivers State governor may not be ideal for the type of administration that President Tinubu would want to run.

While admitting that the anti-party activities of Wike worked in favour of President Tinubu and the APC at the federal level, the source said that deep within every committed politician, it was clear that such attitude is not one that should in any way be encouraged.

According to the source; ‘’Wike can be compensated by making him to nominate his key allies to be appointed but not him taking such a position. His erratic disposition cannot be easily gauged or determined and that is dangerous for the administration’’.

As the days go by, some of the close aides of the President are believed to be pulling the strings to ensure that he (Tinubu) keeps to his words in compensating those that worked so hard for the victory of the APC.

President Tinubu had assured saying; “I will definitely reward people that have been with me for years and have shown loyalty at all times”.

The close aides are concerned of what the President would tell Nigerians if he was asked the reward of loyalty against the backdrop of those that worked so hard for his and that of the APC victory at the polls.

Forum blasts Ex-Senator Shehu Sani for meddling in the Affairs of Kaduna state

The Kaduna State chapter of the Truth and Justice Defenders Forum has reacted to a media report questioning the handling of security in Kaduna State by Governor Uba Sani, saying it is paid job, lacking in merit and professional depth.

Sahara Reporters, an online news portal, in its publication of June 27 accused Governor Uba Sani of abandoning some parts of the state to the fate of criminals and blamed former Governor Nasir El-Rufai for still being in charge and for meddling in the affairs of the state by taking key decisions for the incumbent governor at the expense of the state.

The report also accused Governor Uba Sani of being insensitive to the security situation in the state by traveling for Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
In reaction, the Truth and Justice Defenders Forum described the report as warped, unprofessional, unfounded and sponsored by a "frustrated, disgraced politician" in the state.
Sabo Abbah Anas, Chairman of the Forum, in a strongly-worded statement said, they are quite aware of the identity of the main sponsor of such mischievous stories aimed at heightening tensions in the state.
"We shall not hesitate to name the discredited frustrated, and dejected opposition Senator in the state who persists in such desperate attempt to review and falsify the facts using some unscrupulous media to mislead and misinform the public," said Anas.
Anas noted in the statement that, without the need to give detractors more reasons to feel important, the Forum warned politicians, especially "the publicity-hungry blogger", to desist from attempts to manipulate the truths about state security.

"We note especially that a section of the media has not been extremely careful in their reportage of the security situation in Kaduna State and end up fanning greater unrest.

"Notwithstanding this well-known bias of that section of the media, the state government never made a habit of denouncing them at every occasion or on the slightest of breaches of decorum and etiquette.
"We were all along hoping that they would change to being more restrained in reporting on matters that affect the credibility of electoral process and popular will of the people without resorting to partisan overkill.

"We expected the proprietors of these unnecessarily unfriendly media outfits to regulate themselves and abide by their own rules and etiquette regarding the dissemination and reportage of news.
"Alas! The position remains unchanged that whenever matters affecting or arising from the security situation such as this one are reported or commented upon, the intrinsic bias of these media houses keeps becoming apparent; moreso when they get continuously influenced by an ex-Senator mad about publicity.

"We are today calling on professional bodies like NUJ, Nigerian Guild of Editors and NPAN to call such poor media operators to order in their reporting of all political situations in the state, and to eschew the slanted reporting of events with greater bias on issues of national security.

"We warn that editorial policies and restraints imposed by ordinary decency and sanity must not be abandoned by the media establishment for sensational and often biased reporting that only inflame tensions in the state," Annas said.

The Forum wondered why the report would single out Kaduna State for such attacks and irreverent treatment whereas the security situation is as well or even more pervasive in other northern states like, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger than it is in Kaduna State.

Mock Samuel Kure's Appointment: Romi Community Association Appreciates Governor Sani
Mock Samuel Kure’s Appointment: Romi Development Association Appreciates Governor Sani - https://tracereporters.com/2023/06/21/mock-samuel-kures-appointment-romi-development-association-appreciates-governor-sani/

.....congratulates Mock Samuel Kure as his Senior Special Assistant on Public

By Lola Seriki-Idahosa, Kaduna

Tracereporters--Romi Development Association in Chikun Local Government Area has thumbed up for the governor of kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani for appointing one of their illustrious son Mock Samuel Kure as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affair.


Speaking with Tracereporters in Kaduna, the Public Relation Officer (PRO) of Romi Development Association Comrade Duniya Victor said Governor Uba Sani is taking the state in the right direction.



He said Gov Uba Sani has begun to fulfill his campaign promises as his good policies decision will be felt by the residents of Chikun Local Government Area.



According to him the appointment of Mock Samuel Kure, former former Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor who took Gov Uba Sani campaign train to the community and canvases votes for the APC throughout the electioneering period.



The PRO praise the Gov Sani for choosing Mock Kure worthy for the job reiterated that his intellectual ability can be harnessed for the growth of Governor Sani's government.


Duniya Victor congratulated Mock Samuel Kure and prayed for his huge success as he give his best in the interest of the communities, state, APC as a party and the government of Uba Sani to succeed.



According to him, "I thank our Governor for giving our Brother this special appointment. May his government succeed well because of this appointment.


"My words of congratulations are without bounds for Mock Samuel Kure, I'm fully joyful over his appointment. I will continue to support him to the very end." Comrade Duniya Victor said.


It will be recalled that Mock Samuel Kure was one of the APC's campaigners at the grassroot in Kaduna state and hail from the southern part of the state.

Reception: Rep Member Kwamoti assures Adamawa constituents of double efforts to represent them

https://tracereporter./2023/06/20/reception-rep-member-kwamoti-assures-adamawa-constituents-of-double-efforts-to-represent-them/

In an auspicious moment, The people of Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency of Adamawa State organized a grand reception in honor of their son Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori the member representing Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency days after his inauguration in the House of Representatives, National Assembly.

Hon. Kwomoti who got reelected for a 2nd term was honored in a reception put together by his constituents.

The Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri represented by the Deputy Governor Prof. Kaletapwa G. Faruta, applauded the giant strides recorded by the member in his previous tenure which earned him reelection based on performance..

The Deputy Governor noted that such an occasion would be a memorial for the people of the Numan Federation who came out en mass to celebrate one of their political leaders who stands out. She prayed to God to guide him in his representation to deliver more democratic dividends to the people.

Responding, Hon Kwamoti who was visibly elated with the turnout of people from across the Numan Federation could not hide his joy and happiness at the mammoth crowd that came to honor him.

Hon. Kwamoti reassured the people of his commitment to redouble his efforts in ensuring his people are properly represented.

The Hon. Member while thanking the organizers and the people for the honor done him appealed for more support and cooperation and also harped on the need for unity and peaceful coexistence which will aid in development.

He further urged the people to take advantage of his constituency office and other electronic platforms provided to reach out to him with suggestions and requests on how everyone can be carried along.

He also aligned himself with the Fintiri-led administration saying the Governor remains poised toward the provision of basic amenities and total transformation of the state for the betterment of all and sundry and should be given the support he deserved.

During the event, Miss Pwamori John a first class graduate of Sociology who benefited from a Laptop Computer in one of the Reps member's student empowerment projects was promised a post-graduate scholarship.

The event which was graced by notable men and women from all walks of life from across the Numan Federation also attracted constituents who came in with song and dance amidst pomp and pageantry.

Notable on the list of dignitaries who graced the occasion were the State Deputy Governor, HE Prof. Kaletapwa George Farauta, the Speaker, Adamawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Baltiya Wesley; Members of State House of Assembly representing Numan and former Dep. Speaker, Rt. Hon. Pwamwakeino Makondo, Hon. Pawikai Myandasa Bauna, (Lamurde Constituency)Hon. Kate Mamuno, Majority Leader and member representing Demsa State Constituency and 6 others; the Hon. Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General of Adamawa State Hon. Barr. Afraimu K Jingi; former Reps member Hon. Talatu Yohana; the Executive Chairmen of Numan, Guyuk, Lamurde, and Demsa Local Government Area Councils; serving and retired permanent secretaries, former Commissioners, Advisers, and Party Officials.

The traditional Rulers and title holders of Bachama, Bata, and Mbula traditional council as well as religious leaders were also not left out.

The highlight of the event included the presentation of cultural dances by not fewer than 9 cultural dance troupes from across the Numan Federation.

The event which was organized by a committee of credible men led by Hon. Anthony Nicholas was chaired by HE. Dr. P P Power the Humotakai Bachama.

Binani’s Guber Campaign DG Congratulates Nuhu, says He Will be a Brilliant NSA - https://tracereporters.com/2023/06/20/binanis-guber-campaign-dg-congratulates-nuhu-says-he-will-be-a-brilliant-nsa/

....thanks Tinubu for confirming the appointment on him

Yola.. Tracereporters --Campaign Director General (DG) of the Adamawa State All Progressives Congress , APC, Gubernatorial candidate Senator Aishatu Dahiru Modibbo (Binani) have Congratulated Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and describes him an excellent choice for the office of National security adviser (NSA) at this critical time that the nation is facing multiple security crises.

The DG, Senator Ahmed Hassan Barata who is a Non Serving Senator from Adamawa State, said the Choice of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the NSA is great idea that will serve well the interest of this nation in no small measure.

Ahmed, an All Progressives Congress, APC, critical stakeholder, and a nationalist said President Ahmed Bola Tinubu thought on Nuhu is another wisdom for the administration to prevail on the incessant insecurity challenges bedeviling the nation.

The Senator who represented the Adamawa Southern senatorial zone during the 7th Senate welcomes the appointment of Nuhu as someone who is a round peg in a round hole, that will help weather the storm of Boko Haram, ISWAP, Bandits, and all manner of insecurities existing in the country, and dangerously our nation in bad light across the International Community.

While congratulating the Former Economy and Financial crimes commission pioneer (EFCC), Ahmed extolled the threats of leadership in him that used the office of EFCC to revive Nigeria's economy and the country's corporate image in the eyes of the international community.

Senator Barata said Nuhu's leadership vibes while an EFCC Boss drastically reduced Nigeria from the corruption index list and gave the country a new name.

He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for being magnanimous to the people of Adamawa and reiterated her confidence that Nuhu will work well for nation-building, especially in the area of security.

Barata in a statement made available to this medium further called on the new Special Security Adviser to increase the tempo of a sound and smart senior police officer that he is.

He also said Nigeria is a complex nation with diverse problems that Nuhu as an astute Leader whose wealth of experience is good enough to give counsel to weather all sorts of insecurities, should not relent in working hard to help in salvaging the nation from insecurity decay.

OFR: Rear Admiral Jamila Bags National Honor - https://tracereporters.com/2023/06/16/ofr-rear-admiral-jamila-bags-national-honor/

Tracereporters --Retired Rear Admiral Jamila Sadiq Malafa was honored with the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Navy General is among the seventy-seven Nigerians who were given the national honor for the services they rendered to the nation.

She bagged the nation along with prominent Nigerians who President Muhammadu Buhari at the exit of the regime consider worthy to be so honored.

The Adamawa-born Rear Admiral is one of the Northern Women who made trail and blazing records while serving in the Nigerian Navy.

Jamila from Gombi Local Government, Hona by tribe who recently retired started her career with the Navy as a Nurse and later on changed cader to law.

While thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for consider worthy of the national honor she promised to give her support whenever she is called upon for the development of the nation.

WHY RIBADU IS THE BEST MAN FOR NSA - https://tracereporters.com/2023/06/15/why-ribadu-is-the-best-man-for-nsa/

By: Kyuka Lilymjok

Two things will define Tinubu’s Presidency as a success or failure: What he does to insecurity and what he does to corruption. Why? Because these maladies are the two burning issues in the country today which if not taken down will take down the country or perhaps better put, will burn down the nation. I see Ribadu as the fire-fighter that will put out the fire of these burning issues. I am moved to do this write up by an article I saw online written by one Ismail Abdullahi from Kano. According
to Ismail, retired military generals as civilian Presidents of the nation had made frantic efforts to tackle insecurity in the country but had failed to.


My question: How frantic was frantic? Your answer is as good as mine.Tackling insecurity is not rocket science. I however agree with Ismail that failure by the retired military Presidents of his allusion to appoint the right people to deal with insecurity guaranteed their failure to deal successfully with the bugbear. I also agree with Ismail that appointments, particularly sensitive and critical appointments, made on the bases of crass lobbying, patronage and bonanza, and not competence, track
record of performance or merit guarantee only one thing: failure.

Insecurity, particularly insecurity driven by insurgency, abduction, kidnapping, killing of people and burning of villages at night is one better fought by intelligence rather than sheer military muscles. The failure of previous military Presidents and the military guys they packed into the nation’s security apparatus to deal with this type of insecurity underscores this fact. The kind of insecurity bedeviling this nation can only be successfully dealt with by proper intelligence gathering and deployment, not brute force required in pitch battles which military men are trained to engage. Insecurity in this country is corruption related. Put differently, perhaps more frontally, insecurity in the country is fueled by corruption as corruption, in a material way, is also fueled by insecurity. The two
indeed are detotalised totalities-inclusion does not rule out exclusion and exclusion does not rule out inclusion.Insecurity in the land being driven by corruption, the best hand that can be engaged by Tinubu as National Security Adviser to deal with the blight needs not be a military man, retired or serving but can be a retired police officer or even a seasoned civilian with a track-record of fighting corruption in a convincing manner. Nuhu Ribadu a retired police officer fits this bill. He
has done it before and can do it again even better with the maturity he
had garnered in the course of the years.
Ismail in his piece contended that the NSA to be appointed should command the respect of military men in the security package of the nation. Ismail, I can’t see the respect Mungono the immediate past NSA who is a retired military general commanded among his military clansmen in the eight years he held sway as the National Security Adviser to Buhari. You can’t wish away result; neither can you question them
because it is sacrosanct. My brother Ismail, the military as an institution
has failed to deal with insecurity in the land; why not look elsewhere?

I have made the point of corruption driving insecurity in the country earlier in this write up. I made the point earlier in the dark and in the sense of the poor driven by poverty generated by corruption being driven by destitution to abduct and kidnap people for ransoms to relieve their poverty. I am now making the point here in the brightness of daylight and in a direct sense of retired and serving military people colluding with kidnappers and abductors in their brigandage against the nation for payments out of ransoms and for more security allocations to them. Nuhu Ribadu by track record is above this perfidy and shenanigan.

The office in question is a serious one. More serious in the dire straits the nation finds itself. Such an office must never go to a master lobbyist; to a man who had to return to the immediate past government his share of the arms-deal money, a man who in the military has no
record of competence or excelling at any task largely because his promotions and appointments were products of lobbying, patronage and bonanza.Character, Ismail from Kano? Your man was not there when character was allocated by his creator. Ridadu Was. Tinubu starting on a weak footing by appointing Ribadu as NSA? Hell, no Ismail from Kano. I will rather say President Tinubu appointing your man will have this result. The camel’s dung here is pointing at the camel. Ribadu has a track record of delivering on his assignment. Your man is bereft of this record. How then did you come by your opinion? Yeah, I can see how you came by it. The fix is in the fire. But this fix that is in the fire must not be allowed to have its way because if it has its way, it will also put the fat in the fire. Ribadu’s appointment as NSA will be a compensation? By no stretch or curve Ismail from Kano, if by compensation, you mean compensation to Ribadu as a person. Heaven yes, if by compensation, you mean compensation to the nation that has been savagely raped by fellows like the fellow you are making a case for – a case I tell you that is completely out of court and out of hearing by any discerning mind. Mr President should not use the office of NSA as a tool for political settlement? Like hell, he should use it to settle the political, social and economic turmoil in the land. Ribadu never used his office as EFCC chairman to witch-hunt anyone as Ismail claimed in his write up. Instead, he used it as a witch doctor to deal with witches and wizards let loose in the land by corruption. Rank? Our problem in this nation is rank. The retired police officers of higher rank than Ribadu Ismail talked about in his piece, what is their accomplishments relative to the office of NSA? Just because they retired as Inspector Generals of police, they should be made NSA? What a case to make in our situation! Honestly Ismail, I see any water in the case you are making pouring out of the basket the nation has been
reduced to. All Ribadu did as EFCC boss is to investigate financial crime? This in
my view Ismail is what qualifies him for the job under reference. Insecurity in Nigeria as earlier posited is fueled by corruption. A man with a laudable track record both locally and internationally of dealing with corruption so much as to be seen as an anti-corruption Czar across the globe will empty the tank of insecurity of the fuel that drives it; yeah, will take the sails out of the ship of insecurity so that it does not sail into the
high seas of freebooting to our grief.
No doubt President Tinubu has been getting it right on his appointments so far. It will be in the wonderful streak of his getting it right in this critical aspect of his presidency that he should appoint
Ribadu as his security helmsman.The nation is not smiling; it is bleeding. Let’s get serious. Let’s leave the era of crowning clowns, court jesters and charlatans by putting the crown on the heads of those with a legitimate claim to it. This is what the Ezemo and the Olowu should do

Kyuka Lilymjok writes from Zaria

Abuja Court Sentences Abdulrahaman, Adamawa Serial Fraudster 6 Years Jail terms - https://tracereporters.com/2023/06/15/abuja-court-sentences-abdulrahaman-adamawa-serial-fraudster-6-years-jail-terms/

Tracereporters --A criminal breach of trust and fraudulent act to cheat one Mallam Chubado Tijjani Babbi was established today against Abdulrahaman Aliyu, an indigene of Adamawa State.

Abuja Judicial Division High court of the federal capital territory on three count charges slammed Aliyu six years imprisonment under pretense and dubious means used Echo Logistics Limited company and dumped Babbi two hundred and fifty million naira (250,000,000) for Business pretense.

The Financial intelligence unit of the Economy Financial crime commission (EFCC) who are the prosecuting agents dragged Aliyu before the honorable court and the sentence was passed by Justice F Emessiri.

The Honorable Judge indicted Aliyu on three count charges and stated that sometime between July 2018 to July 2019 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the honorable court while being one of the directors of Echo logistics limited and haven entrusted with certain property, Babbi transferred the sum of two hundred and fifty million nairas (N250,000,000) being investment money for the business of telecom bill recharge card sales into Echo Logistics limited account domiciled in Jaiz Bank with account number 0002518093 and he was the sole signatory.

Justice Emessiri while delivering judgment said she found him guilty of all the three count charges and did commit criminal breach of trust by dishonesty misappropriating the said sum in violation of the agreement in which such trust was to be discharged and is thereby committed an offense contrary to section 311 of the penal code law and punishable under section 312 of the same law.

According to her, the Nominal complainant (Babbi) is a victim of the defendant (Abdulrahaman ) swindling attitude bordering on forgery of documents, presentation of forged documents for financial transactions, and misappropriation.

She further accused him of forging a document titled “Investment of two hundred million" purportedly signed by one Aliyu Yahaya Lawal with intent to commit fraud and also diverting the said sum to his personal use funds entrusted to him by Babbi

"I find you guilty of all the three count charges and therefore this is my judgment. Count one you will spend one year in jail, Count two you will spend two years, and Count three it is three years you will spend in prison." Justice Emessiri said.

She however gave him an option of a fine of the total sum of One million three hundred thousand (N1,300,000) of all the three count charges when Abdulrahman pleaded guilty and the court should tempted Justice with Mercy considering him a breadwinner of the family suffering from cancer, a life-threatening illness, and has Children who are dependants.

UNVEILING AKOKO-EDO TO THE WORLD: THE OLDEST, LARGEST AND MOST MARGINALISED LGA IN NIGERIA

Unveiling Akoko-Edo To The World: The Oldest, Largest and Most Marginalised LGA in Nigeria - https://tracereporters.com/2023/06/12/unveiling-akoko-edo-to-the-world-the-oldest-largest-and-most-marginalised-lga-in-nigeria/

By: Omowumi Olabode Ekundayo (PhD)_

Today, Akoko Edo is unarguably the oldest LGA in Nigeria and arguably the largest LGA in terms of clusters of villages and land mass. It is a miniature Nigeria comprising 43 sprawling towns and villages bordering Ondo to the west, Kogi to the north and Etsako to the south.

In the colonial era, Akoko Edo was administered as part of the Kaba Province and later as an integral of the Afemai/Kukuruku Division. It was renamed Akoko Edo in 1963 out of the former Kukuruku/Afemai Division as one of the defunct Mid-West and Bendel LGAs created to protect minority peoples’ interests. Akoko Edo has roughly thirteen (13) sub-ethnic groups and languages, the largest being Okpameri who have twenty-five (25) towns and villages, Uneme (five villages), and then such monolingual settlements as Enwan, Ososo, Etono-Igarra, Sasaro, Atte, Ikpeshi-Egbigere, Okpe-Ijaja, Oloma, Akuku and Kakumo-Anyaran, in addition to English, Pidgin and Yoruba used as lingua franca. Apart from Etono-Igarra and Anyaran-Kakumo, all the others are Edoid languages, which share a lot of similarities of vocabularies and structures, but they share no mutual understanding. Kakumo-Anyanran is Yoruboid while Etuno-Igarra is a variety of the Egbira language predominantly used in Kogi State. Beside Etono-Igarra, which migrated from Kogi up north, all the other villages trace their origin to the ancient Benin Empire, Ife and some other Yoruba ancient civilisations. Hence, the tag Akoko Edo. Akoko Edo breath-taking sierras are beauties of tourism to behold, lying there untapped by Government and its easy-going natives, particularly around Somorika, Ososo, Ogugu, Onumu, Ojah, Akiosu, Damgbala, Erhunrun and Osi-Aiyegunle. These areas also have some of the largest deposits of solid minerals in Africa.

Even a cursory observation and hurried excursion across Akoko Edo by anyone will quickly reveal that it is a dilapidated, most marginalised and abandoned zone in terms of local-government-area creation and splitting since 1960, in resource allocation, employment and substantial government presence.

While all the local government areas created since colonial and post-colonial times have been split to several areas, it has been Akoko-Edo the same yesterday, the same today and, we hope it will not be, the same forever.

The defunct Mid-West, which was created following a fairly conducted referendum in June 1963 and renamed Bendel State in 1976, had nineteen (19) LGAs of which the Benin region, beginning from Benin City down to Akoko Edo, had eight ( LGAs and three (3) nearly equal senatorial districts. The first is Edo South (Edo-Benin) with (a) Oredo LGA (Benin City), (b) Orhionmwon (Abudu) and (c) Ovia (Iguobazuwa). Second, we had Edo Central (Esan/Ishan) with (a) Agbazilo (Ubiaja) and (b) Okpebholo (Ekpoma). Third was Edo North (consisting of the multilingual Owan, Akoko Edo and Etsako people) with (a) Akoko-Edo (Igarra), (b) Etsako (Auchi) and (c) Owan (Afuze).

So, Edo South had three local areas as well as Edo North while Edo Central, the smallest then in both land mass and population, had two LGAs. Equitably in that era, all the State fingers, though not equal in sizes, had equal access to employment, allocation of resources and positions. Where Edo South produced three Commissioners, Edo North had three as well and Edo Central had two. The same equity applied to employment and allocation of resources at that time.

Fast forward from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s to 1991 when General Ibrahim Babaginda split Bendel State into Edo and Delta States. The old Benin Province retained its three Senatorial Districts, but more local areas were then created, giving Edo South six, Edo Central four and Edo North four. Etsako was divided into two: Etsako West and Easy. Akoko Edo and Owan were not touched.

Subsequently, Abacha added more LGAs in 1996. Edo South now has seven, Edo Central five, Etsako, three and Owan now two. Akoko Edo remains one! ONE SPRAWLING LGA! Welcome, flagrant marginalisation and inequity in Federal and State employment and appointment!

Just a wink away from Lamkpese, Imoga and Bekuma, a distance of less than two kilometres, are Mangogo and Ogori, two monolingual villages Akoko Edo’s neighbours who have been cut to Kogi State. Ogori-Mangogo is one local government area. The two villages combined are not up to one town in Akoko Edo, for example Ibillo, Ososo, Igarra, Enwan, Ojirami, Ikpeshi-Egbigere, Atte, etc. Daily, Akoko Edo people envy Ogori-Mangogo Local Government Area beside them. If we should follow the parameter of Ogori-Mangogo and the pattern of local government areas in Northern Nigeria, then Akoko Edo should have a minimum of ten local government areas. Oh yes, indeed!

Local government creation or splitting DOES affect all the areas of our life. The implications of creating more LGAs are not far-fetched. Let us look at a simple cabinet sitting scenario in the Government House for instance. The ratio is often seven Edo Commissioners versus five Esan, three Etsako, two Owan and one Akoko Edo! And assuming the Federal or State Government is employing graduates for the Civil Service on a ratio of two workers per LGA, where the Edo nation gets 14, Esan will have 10, Etsako 6, Owan 4, Akoko Edo 2! Invariably, the two for Akoko will be dragged and torn to pieces by the contending sub groups in the area: Okpameri versus Uneme, Etono versus Ososo, Enwan versus Ikpeshi, etc. This is one of the major causes of perpetual disunity and ethnic suspicion in Akoko Edo. Once the rest of Edo people take the lion share of the kill and throw _ugboloko_ (bone) to Akoko Edo, the indigenes fight one another to the finish, like famished dogs, to possess the bone thrown at them. The battles for very limited positions and employment often tend to be fierce and life-threatening in Akoko Edo, as again displayed in the recent general elections of 2023.

Federal and State Government presence in Akoko Edo is nothing to make a song and dance about. The highest Federal presence here is the quiet Federal Government College at Ibillo and the highest of State Government presence is the Local Government Training Centre at Bekuma. In Edo South, we have University of Benin, Benin City, College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, if it still exists, Edo Polytechnic, Usen, College of Education, Ekiadolor, now upgraded to Federal University of Education. Why was this Federal University of Education not located in Akoko Edo or Owan? In Edo Central is Ambrose Alli University, which opens up Ekpoma, turning it a promising cosmopolitan city, and the College of Education at Igueben. There is the Specialist Teaching Hospital at Irrua and the National Institute of Construction Technology at Uromi. So, Edo Central is fully open up for socio-educational advancement. Owan manages to host the College of Physical Education, whatever be its state at present. Etsako has several Federal and State institutions, most prominent among them are the popular Auchi Polytechnic and Edo University, Iyamo sited in the same vicinity some five or so kilometres apart. Recently, the Otaru of Auchi stated that Auchi Polytechnic would soon be upgraded to a university, hopefully. However, NONE, NONE, NONE whatsoever in Akoko Edo! Yet, they say _Edo, Okpa ma khin_ : Edo people are one. Are we really ONE?

In appointments to Federal and State Government top positions, the marginalisation of Akoko Edo has become institutionalised. Akoko Edo remains the only LGA that has never produced a Governor or Deputy and never a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Never! Not even a Speaker of the House of Assembly, until Hon. Kabiru Adjoto bulldozed his way through sheer determination and radicalism to that seat towards the end of his tenure that elapsed in 2019. Edo South people have produced several Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Some of them are Prof Emmanuel Emovon in Babangida's regime, Chief Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia during Abacha and Dr Osagie Ehanire, Health Minister at present. The Esan people have had several ministerial appointments as well; for example, Chief Tony Anenih, the late ‘Mr Fix It’, Chief Tom Ikimi and Engr. Mike Onolenmenmen, not to mention Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, Babaginda's Deputy Head of State. The Etsako people have had Chief Tony Momoh and now Hon. Clement Agba. We cannot forget the towering influence of the late Admiral Mike Akhigbe who created Etsako Central Local Government for his people and locate the headquarters at Fugar, his home.

Do you know that Rear Admiral Akhigbe came to the burial of Rear Admiral Victor Oduaye at Bekuma in the early 1990s, stating that he was once a 'boy' and ADC to the late Rear Admiral Oduaye? He promised in his funeral oration for Admiral Oduaye that he would ensure that another LGA was carved out of Akoko Edo to honour and remember Oduaye. But when it came, he took it to Fugar, his home! We do not begrudge him though, as Nigerians would say in this circumstance, if _na you nkor?_ May their souls rest in peace!

The fact is that all the others we have mentioned here ensured that new local government areas were created for their people and the headquarters located in their villages in addition to their influencing huge allocations of resources and infrastructure to their areas. Chief Tom Ikimi achieved that for Igueben, so did Chief Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, just as Major General Innih and other illustrious Etsako people influenced the upgrading of Auchi Technical College founded in 1963 to a Federal Polytechnic in 1973 while our own Igarra Technical College is now verandahs and leaking roofs for dangerous reptiles, resting goats and other mammals chewing their cuds. In the same vein, Governor Ambrose Alli located Ambrose Alli Unversity in Ekpoma, constructed and tarred major roads in the area. Comrade Oshiomhole sited Edo University in Iyamo, his village, and constructed all major roads in Etsako. Again, we may quip: _If na you nkor?_ Unfortunately, Akoko-Edo had no such heavy weights in power to turn the tables of final decision making and execution in favour of Akoko Edo people.

The worst network of roads in Edo State abound in Akoko Edo. Some roads in the area such as the ones from Ibillo to Ikiran-Ile, Imoga to Kakumo, Ikiran-Oke to Anyaran and Kakumo, Imoga to Aduge, Imoga to Lamkpese, Imoga to Okengwe, Ekepedo to Ojirami and Ojirami to Erhunrun, Ibillo to Ogugu, Onumu, Oyan-oza and Ojirami and Igarra to Somorika have never ever been bitten by the teeth of any road construction caterpillar. Movements around Akoko Edo on motor cycles are expensive, bumpy, stressful and sickening rides across road pits, gullies and sinkhole quagmires in rainy season and blinding dust causing cough and catarrh in dry season.

The pattern is also established in the emergence of State Governors, as if Akoko Edo does not exist at all. From 1967-1975, it was Samuel Ogbemudia from Edo South. From 1975 to 1976, it was Major General Agbazika Innih from Etsako. From 1979 to 1983, we had Prof Ambrose Alli from Ekpoma, Esan. In September 1983, Brig. General Samuel Ogbemudia was elected as Civilian Governor but General Buhari's coup overthrew that Republic in December 1983. The military held sway from 1983 till the early 1990s when Chief Odigie Oyegun (Edo South) became Governor and Rev. Peter Obadan (Oke-Ora in Owan) his Deputy. Unfortunately, the emergence of General Sanni Abacha as Head of State again truncated that budding Republic of the early 1990s. Then in 1999, Chief Lucky Igbinedion (Edo South) became Governor and Chief Mike Ogiadomhe (from Fugar Etsako) his Deputy. From 2007 to 2008, we had Prof Oserhieme Osunbor (from Iruekpen, Esan) with Lucky Imasuen (Edo South) as his Deputy. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was Governor from 2008 to 2016, Chief Mike Odubu (Edo South) his Deputy. At present, Mr Godwin Obaseki has been Governor since 2016, and Comrade Philip Shaibu (Etsako) his Deputy.

The frequencies for each district and local area are given here. The Edo Benin nation have had five Governorship tenures and two Deputies. The Esan nation have had two Governors. Etsako have had two Governorship tenures and two Deputies. Owan have had one Deputy. However, Akoko Edo heterogeneous people have had none: No Minister, no Governor, no Deputy Governor, hardly any Federal or State Permanent Secretary and no top-ranking military officers to perform developmental miracles for the area.

In all, we should appreciate the government of Mr Godwin Obaseki who quietly demonstrated that Akoko is a marginalised area that needs to be de-marginalised. He commendably experimented with appointing two commissioners from Akoko Edo even though he picked them from one community where we have over forty communities giraffing at political power and positions. Truly, Governor Obaseki deserves commendation for some kind of special attention his government has accorded Akoko Edo. We recall that in the beginning of his government in 2016, he appointed three Akoko Edo experts in their various fields as Chief of Staff, Chief Press Secretary and Senior Special Assistant on Writing, Research and Documentation respectively, an Owan lady as Private Personal Secretary (PPS) and Professor Ihonvbere as Head of Strategic Planning Unit in addition to Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor. Shortly, they faced untold personal and official challenges, as other senatorial districts started kicking and remonstrating that it was an all-Edo-North affairs in Government House. Subsequently, the COS, Chief Press Secretary and Senior Special Assistant had to resign for various reasons. The first PPS was reposted and replaced with another PPS of Etsako provenance. In Mr Obaseki’s administration too, Akoko Edo produced a Speaker in Hon. Kabiru Adjoto and later a Deputy Speaker in Hon. Yekini Idaye. Therefore, we may assert to this extent that Governor Obaseki Government did not grossly marginalise Akoko Edo and Owan. May be as a result of some daunting socio-political and economic challenges and dynamics, Akoko Edo and Owan could not sustain the tempo and leverage?

Based on this summary and insight, the big question is who should take over from Mr G.N. Obaseki? Which Senatorial District should produce the next Edo Governor and his or her Deputy, if we apply the ethics and principles of zoning and power sharing? The Esan people believe and are canvassing that it is the turn of Esan to produce the next Edo State Governor. In other words, after Oshiomhole from Etsako in Edo North and Obaseki from Benin in Edo South, it is Esan’s turn in that order and, as you know, these three nations are homogeneous in language, history and culture. They speak the same language of many varieties, unlike the Tower of Babel we have in Akoko Edo: thirteen languages spoken in 43 communities and thus thirteen lines of divide. In the area christened Afemai/North Senatorial District, Akoko Edo is the first underdog and Owan the second. Unlike the other two districts, Akoko Edo and Owan are configurations of divergent sub ethnic groups and languages.

Well, we recognise individual's and group's fundamental rights to their political aspirations and advancement continuously or continually. All considered, nobody is physically preventing Akoko Edo and Owan people from aspiring and jostling for power. Power is not a birthday gift, or is it? Furthermore, some may argue that there is no formal State-wide pact stipulating that state leadership at the helm should be rotational. But has rotation and zoning not been the established slogan and practice in Nigeria popular politics? Also, it may be argued that politics is a game of numbers and the survival of the fittest, the most tactical, united, unrelenting and often, in Nigeria, the most Machiavellian and wildly mean. We do hope that Akoko Edo and Owan will embrace the reality that power is not stretched to a beneficiary like a birthday gift. We jostle for power. The kingdom of God suffereth symbolic 'violence' and...

Given the background depicted above, we recommend that one, the in-coming President from any of the three contending parties should appoint *two Ministers from Edo State, one from Akoko Edo and the other from Owan* . Two, Governor Godwin Obaseki should appoint three Commissioners from Akoko Edo, as he experimented with two commissioners recently. Three, Akoko Edo and Owan people should form a strong political alliance or strengthen any existing one to form a strong power bloc. Four, we are using this medium to touch the conscience of Edo South, Edo Central and Etsako people to remember Akoko-Edo and Owan. As our native proverb says, the broken piece of earthen-ware pot from which cocks and hens take water is the same from which Pigeons drink water. Five, we urge Akoko Edo and Owan people to brace up. If Edo Benin, Edo Esan and Edo Etsako can do it several times over in all arms and tiers of government, what stops Akoko-Edo and Edo Owan from achieving it? Where there is a will, there is always a way, so sings Bob Marley. If Akoko Edo or Owan produces a formidable aspirant, the other senatorial districts will give him or her serious audience and consideration, or will they not? It is the dawn of a new era. Who will go for Akoko Edo or Owan?

_Omowumi Bode Ekundayo is a public speaker, writer and the National Coordinator of Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People MAAP, established since 2016._