₦airaland Forum

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._

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._

ANA: Northern political group roots for Christian Senate President, says Akpabio is a good leader

Tracereporters --As the 10th National Assembly Leadership is about to be inaugurated in few days time, a Northern political group under the umbrella of Arewa New Agenda (ANA) said the only healing time for the country is to get a Southerner who is a Christian to be the next Senate president.

ANA in a world press conference by the convener, Senator Ahmed Abubakar MoAllahyidi in Abuja said they are mindful of the fact that in the lead up to the determination of the Leadership of the 10th Senate, many highly qualified contenders have publicly thrown their hats into the ring; they come from different regions of the country.

According to him they are respectfully impress on the northerners who are Muslims, to defer their ambition as a sacrifice to promote the spirit of brotherhood, fraternal accommodation and goodwill in our dear country.

Ahmad said the country is looking for a groundswell as Patriotic and informed leaders, in recent times spoken of the iterative fit of someone from the South-South Geopolitical Zone to head the 10th Senate. This being the only Zone never to have held the Position of Senate President in this era of Nigeria's democratic expression (1999 to date).

Ahmad while addressing journalists said the current dispensation requires leaders with character and tenacity and Senator Godswill Akpabio comes across as a gifted leader with an uncommon grace to navigate the treacherous and difficult political landscape.

He extolled Godswill to have built enduring bridges across the Political, ethnic and religious landscape of a multifaceted country like Nigeria.

"His political sagacity and accommodating win-win ethos will be the highly needed skills required to head the 10th Senate.

"For the APC as a political party, it is time to reward Nigerians who put their fate in the hands of the party despite the clamor by pundits who vehemently oppose the choice of two Muslims as President and Vice President. It is therefore critical to reduce the usual acrimony that characterizes struggle for power among the geo-political zones, in a manner that will reduce unnecessary distractions and foster a peaceful and smooth take-off of the new dispensation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

"ANA will like to use this opportunity to call on well-meaning Nigerians to support President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima, in their onerous task of taking Nigeria to great heights.

He reiterated that ANA is after the unity of the country as the election of principal officers of the two chambers of the national assembly is coming at a time when some sections of the polity are already jittery of the fact that the President and Vice President are Muslims, the Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN is a Muslim and the front-runner for the Speaker of the house of representatives is also a Muslim.


"Taking deliberate steps to reserve the position for the South with a Christian on the saddle is a bold move that has the propensity of further uniting Nigeria across both tribal and religious lines. It is a very desirable and progressive move that is capable of engendering peace and national stability. It will also demonstrate, empathy, accommodation and a sense of belonging that will erode the fear of exclusion and marginalization.


"As you are now aware, the Arewa New Agenda ANA, has been in the forefront of seeking to promote the continuing prominence, relevance, involvement and participation of “the north” in national sociopolitical and economic activities through its vision of a Nigeria; where the north is capable, vibrant and takes ownership of its future.

"As a northern voice engaging in the promotion of social harmony and peaceful coexistence in our great country Nigeria, we are today addressing this world-press conference ahead of the inauguration of the 10th national assembly coming up in the next few days- essentially to add our voice and prevail on our newly elected distinguished senators and honorable members of the house of representatives to use the election of their presiding officers as an activity that will demonstrate social peace building, national cohesion and healing.

"ANA is concerned that a situation where all the leadership of the Executive, Legislature and the judiciary are Muslims does not provide the needed balance, inclusion and cohesion that our diversity requires at this moment; it is for this reason that the quest to have a Southern Christian as President of the 10th Senate is laudable, commendable and most reassuring.

"ANA notes that this is the time for national reconciliation; and in the spirit of our greater tomorrow, all parties involved in bringing about the leadership of the new dispensation need to join hands to usher in a new dawn in the country on the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly.

"As we collectively match towards making our nation great again, the election of the 10th national assembly leadership and the inauguration of the legislature is a time to heal Nigeria and we look forward to the peace and tranquility that will follow this very important national activity." Ahmad said

Subsidy removal: Northern Political group backs Tinubu, says Nigerians will benefit more
https://tracereporter./2023/06/07/ex-yowican-president-congratulates-akume-the-new-sgf/

Yola

A political pressure group based in the north, Arewa New Agenda (ANA) yesterday threw its weight behind the recent policy proclamation by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, which declared an end to the subsidy regime in Nigeria.


Presenting a communique after a two-day Policy Dialogue on the Fuel Subsidy removal, the National Convener of the group, senator Ahmad Abubakar MoAllahyidi, said though the Policy may have its economic challenges, the end will benefit Nigerians.

The Convener said Arewa New Agenda recognizes the pain occasioned by the increase in pump price of petroleum products; but the removal will prevent the diversion and smuggling of gasoline outside the country’s borders which bleeds our economy.

“Government must stay on course with its current action; must not give in to blackmail nor capitulate under threat.
It is the considered position of the policy dialogues as convened by ANA that under the DSDP, imported petrol belongs to the NNPCL since it (NNPCL) has supplied crude oil to the marketers in exchange for petrol but the marketers usually keep the imported fuel to themselves and sell it to the independent marketers at arbitrary price.

“The removal of subsidy on PMS will among other things: Solve the problem of perennial hardship and the attendant hardship on citizens. It will put a stop to corruption around the subsidy regime which has made some individuals stupendously rich without industry.
“It will free-up the humongous amount paid out as subsidy for enhance growth in critical sectors of national development Reduce Gasoline Smuggling and Diversion. The removal of fuel subsidy eliminates the unhealthy price arbitrage with neighboring countries”, the group said.

While noting that this critical economic activity will require all hands to be on deck for the prosperity of Nigeria, senator MoAllahyidi said salaries and wages of workers in Nigeria is nothing to write home about and needs to be realistically reviewed.

“Dialogue with organized labor must be intensified; we caution labor not to politicize this genuine economic policy activity at this very early stage of the Tinubu administration.

“That vulnerable groups in Nigeria feel the impact of subsidy removal more and they should be first line of consideration in provision of palliatives.

“That dialogue attendees support the decision of President Tinubu on the removal of subsidy and will do everything possible to help actualize the desire for improved life of the ordinary citizens Recommendation/Suggestions”, the group said.

https://tracereporter./2023/06/07/ex-yowican-president-congratulates-akume-the-new-sgf/

...says Ribadu is a good man to be considered for the NSA position

The appointment of the former Governor of Benu State, Senator George Akume as the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was described as an excellent wisdom that has started driving well his administration.

The former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria Youth Wing (YOWICAN), Engr Daniel Kadzai made the description while congratulating Akume on the new appointment.

Daniel reiterated that Akume's experience as a former Governor, Senator and Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will no doubt spur Tinubu's administration to greater heights for the overall interest of Nigerians.

He also said that Akume's appointment has shown that Tinubu is a seasoned administrator and politician that Nigerians should expect good leadership surprises in his government.

Daniel is highly spirited to say that the hopes of many Nigerians on the President's decision to name the former EFCC pioneer Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu will gladden the hearts of many people.

According to him, it will be a complete joy to so many people if Mallam Nuhu Ribadu will finally be chosen as the country's security adviser because of his credible records and wealth of experience in security matters.

He however called on Nigerians to pray fervently for President Tinubu to take the country out of the woods of economic pitfalls.

He said the fuel subsidy removal base on the explanation of the current president should be commendable and encourage the government to use the resources for the development of the nation.

"Though it's making Nigerians go through excruciating pains but it is a phase that will pass us to good experience and we will enjoy it all.

"My candid advise to the government is that they should use the subsidy removal well and investigate all those people whose hands were behind the many fuel scarcities, diverted the resources for their selfish interest.

"He should bring to book people who are guilty of the mess the country found itself and allow full wrath of the law take it a full curse on them," Daniel said

Ribadu will make a fine NSA- Adamawa APC Chieftain says is worthy of consideration

....says is the only one to unite the party in Adamawa

Adamawa Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Hamisu Idris Medugu has extolled the intellectual virtues of the pioneer Chairman of the Economy and Financial crimes commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

According to Hamisu, Ribadu is a fine politician who is decked with all sense of humility, wisdom, and the love of people that can be given the office of National Security Adviser (NSA) to Man.

As the administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is shopping around people with good records and integrity to help him pilot the affairs of the country.

Hamisu said Ribadu is one of the finest Nigerians that is worthy of consideration for the office of National Security adviser.

Hamisu based his reasons for the office on Ribadu because of his broad-based knowledge in the aspect of security and his high intelligence as a former Nigerian senior police officer.
.
He said Ribadu is one Man who is corrupt free and passionate about the peace, unity, and progress of this country he will never comprise or ill advise President Bola in the area of security.

He also said that only Ribadu will give selfless and unbiased service to Nigeria at this point more so that over the years security architecture of the country has been bastardized and merchandised because of primordial sentiments.

Hamisu who was a strong contender for the Northern senatorial seat of Adamawa state stressed that with Ribadu in the helms of affairs, even the perennial Adamawa APC crisis will come to an end and the state wholly belongs to the ruling party.

Hamisu revealed that only Ribadu is capable to unite Adamawa APC and he can only do that if he is given all the party latitude and longitude to do that.

The APC Chieftain interest of the nation and party pleaded with Tinubu to appoint Ribadu the next NSA as the good omen to salvage Nigeria bedeviled with all forms of insecurity found in him.

Hamisu who is a passionate APC member and sacrifices a lot in the party's interest and progress has called on President Tinubu to fish for trusted Nigerians to form part of his cabinet members.

He emphasized on the reward system and mechanism of APC should be well extended to loyal party men because it is the only thing that will strengthen the party against all forms of opposition.

Chief Of Staff to Tinubu: Rep Dauda Congratulates Gbajabiamila, says His Best For The Job
Chief Of Staff to Tinubu: Rep Dauda Congratulates Gbajabiamila, says His Best For The Job - https://tracereporters.com/2023/06/04/chief-of-staff-to-tinubu-rep-dauda-congratulates-gbajabiamila-says-his-best-for-the-job/

Yola, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila has been described as a good leader with the requisite and needed experience to serve President Ahmed Bola Tinubu's administration as the Chief of Staff.

The House of Representing Member Michika constituency from Adamawa State in the National Assembly, Honourable Dauda Zakaria Nyampa congratulated Femi on the new appointment.

Speaking to our correspondent via telephone, Dauda said the choice of Femi is the best for Tinubu's government because of his wisdom and excellent spirit of leadership who can rally around the office with good relationships with Lawmakers and other Nigerians.

Honorable Dauda further appreciated Tinubu for finding Femi worthy of the noble assignment in the interest of the nation.


He said Femi remains his leader and believes in his capability and capacity to take the role of the Chief of Staff considering his high knowledge of a ranking member and a principal officer of the green chambers.

"Congratulations my Boss, you are the most deserving trusted politician for this job. Nigerians are happy and your colleagues are celebrating this feat.

"I'm quite sure the services you will render will be felt by many Nigerians because it is in your nature to give the best stewardship to the people.

"Congratulations sir. Count my loyalty anytime any moment I'm all to support you wherever possible to give Nigerians the best of your leadership skills. " Dauda said

FIRS: Nigeria’s Tax-To-GDP Ratio, 10.86% As At 2021

 FIRS: Nigeria’s Tax-To-GDP Ratio, 10.86% As At 2021 - https://tracereporters.com/2023/05/31/firs-nigerias-tax-to-gdp-ratio-10-86-as-at-2021/
Nigeria’s Tax-to-GDP ratio which, in the last 12 years, hovered between 5% to 6% rose to 10.86% by the end of 2021.
 
The new ratio was communicated to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), via a letter signed by the Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, on the 25th of May 2023, following a joint review by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the FIRS, using data from 2010 to 2021.
 
The revision took into account revenue items hitherto not previously included in the computations; particularly, relevant revenue collected by other agencies of government.
 
Tax-to-GDP ratio is a measure of a nation's tax revenue relative to the size of her economy as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The ratio is a useful tool for assessing the "health” of a country's tax system, and highlighting its tax potentials relative to the size of the economy. It is the ultimate measure of the effectiveness of a nation's tax system compared to other countries.
 
In a statement announcing the new Tax-to-GDP ratio, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Mr. Muhammad Nami, explained that sources which previously put the country’s Tax-to-GDP ratio at between 5% and 6% did not consider tax revenue accruing to other government agencies in their computation. Particularly, revenues collected by agencies other than the FIRS, Customs and States Internal Revenue Service were excluded. This situation was peculiar to Nigeria as most other countries operate harmonised tax system (all or most tax revenues are collected by one agency of government) with single-point tax revenue reporting.  As such, all relevant tax revenues are included in the computation of the Tax-to-GDP ratio.

“In order to correctly state the Tax-to-GDP ratio, the FIRS initiated a review and re-computation of the ratio for 2010 to 2021. In recomputing the ratio, key indicators that were previously left out were taken into account. This resulted into a revised Tax-to-GDP ratio of 10.86% for 2021 as against 6% hitherto reported,” the statement noted.

Mr. Nami further noted that Nigeria’s Tax-to-GDP ratio should ordinarily be higher than 10.86% but for certain economic and fiscal policy factors, including tax waivers and leakages occasioned by the country’s fragmented tax system.
 
“It is important to note that the Tax-to-GDP ratio for Nigeria should be higher, but for the impact of tax waivers contained in our various tax laws (including exemptions to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises brought-in by Finance Act, 2019), low tax morale, leakages occasioned by the country’s fragmented tax system and the impact of the rebasing of the GDP in 2014”, he explained.
 
The FIRS boss implored the government to consider reviewing its policies on tax waivers thereby guarantying increased revenue to prosecute its programmes and positively move the needle of the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio.
 
The Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, in his letter to the Executive Chairman of FIRS, described the revision as a facelift to the Tax-to-GDP ratio for Nigeria in comparison with other countries.
 
He further noted that the NBS had “carefully and diligently reviewed the methodology used for computing the revised estimates, as well as the various items that have been included in the new computation,” and that the NBS as an outcome of its review and meetings with FIRS has adopted the new Tax-to-GDP computation.
 
Johannes Oluwatobi Wojuola
Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman, FIRS
(Media & Communication)
May 31, 2023

Kaduna: Corruption Tracker’s Initiative Urges Tinubu to Prioritise War on Corruption - https://tracereporters.com/2023/05/31/kaduna-corruption-trackers-initiative-urges-tinubu-to-prioritise-war-on-corruption/


.. Mobilises 100,000 state volunteers to gear up for the new task of NO ESCAPE ROUTH FOR THE LO0TERS



By Lola Seriki-Idahosa, Kaduna... Tracereporters --Hamza Abidin, Executive Director of The Corruption Trackers Initiative (TCTI) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Prioritise War against corruption.


Addressing a press conference in Kaduna today at its secretariat, the Executive Director called on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to
be so decisive and ruthless on the issue of corruption if he want to succeed,


He said that the President must not allow anybody irrespective of political affiliation, tribe or religion escape punishment if found culpable in any corruption case.



According to the organisation, the essence of the briefing is to
inform the public on their activities, finding and positions on various
Ministries, Departrments, Agencies and Parastatals in Nigeria base on
- available man power, resources and expertise.



"it has been a very difficult
task but we are happy that our activities will seriously assist constituted authority in bringing public fund looters to book. we were able to Tracked over 17 Government Agencies and Parastatals in the area of corruption, accountability, value for money, prudence and transparency some of this organisation were able to prove a good record of accountability, transparency and good governance, while some stinks in corruption and bad leadership.



"Our Findings:
Some agencies, ministries and parastatals engage in last minute
recruitments, procurement, contract awarding, auctioning etc. some of
them never follow due process and most of the activities are enmeshed
in large scale corruption, secrecy and lack decorum for good governance.
Some politically expose person are already in high level arrangement to
leave the country so as to escape been investigated and possible
prosecution.



"Some corrupt public official are already forming groups, which they
intend to use in blackmailing some of the constituted authorities like
EFCC, ICPC etc. to forestall any investigation about their stewardship.



"Our Position:
We shall be submitting our findings and report to constituted authority
for further investigation and possible prosecution.
We are calling on the President His excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu to
be so decisive and ruthless on the issue of corruption if he want to
succeed, the President must not allow anybody irrespective of political
affiliation, tribe or religion escape punishment if found culpable in any
corruption case.



"The President should re-energies the anti-corruption agencies and there
affiliate to do their work effectively.
We call on former Governor Bello Matewalle of Zamfara State to make
public is evidence of allegation of extortion against the EFCC Chairman
or be ready to meet us in Court. Nobody should be above the law, but
blackmail and propaganda should not be tolerated.



However, "The Corruption Trackers have commence the mobilization of atleast one hundred thousand (100,000) state volunteers to gear up for the new task
of NO ESCAPE ROUTH FOR THE LO0TERS, they are expected to
monitored and report activities of suspected corrupt public officials and
prepare public protest where necessary".

Kaduna: Governor Uba Sani Appoints Senior Govt Officials  - https://tracereporters.com/2023/05/30/kaduna-governor-uba-sani-appoints-senior-govt-officials/


By Lola Seriki-Idahosa, kaduna.. Tracereporters --The Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani has approved the appointment of Senior Government Officials expected to fill key positions in the administration of the State.


This was contained in a press statement signed by Mohammed Lawal Shehu
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Kaduna State,


According to the statement, The immediate past Secretary to the State Government, "Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal was retained in view of his vast experience in governance to assist in the smooth take-off of the administration.



"The Governor also retained the services of other senior members of the Nasir El-Rufai Administration to provide the link between the two administrations: Muhammad Hafiz Bayero will serve as Senior Advisor Counsellor to the Governor, while Barrister James Atung Kanyip and Chris Umar have been appointed Deputy Chiefs of Staff to the Governor. Dr. Shehu Usman Muhammad and Bulus Banquo Audu were appointed as Counsellors to the Governor.


"The Governor has also approved the appointment of a new Chief of Staff in the person of Sani Liman. The new Chief of Staff is a highly experienced retired intelligence officer and astute administrator. He was the immediate past Comptroller of Immigration Service, Kano State Command. Before his deployment to Kano, he was the Comptroller of Immigration Service, Kaduna State Command. Sani Liman holds the Bachelor of Education in English from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and a Master of Science degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from Open University of Nigeria. He attended many courses in Corporate Leadership and People Management and Intelligence Management.



"Similarly, the Governor has approved the appointment of Habiba Anana Shekarau as the new Head of Service. Habiba Shekarau, who is the current Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government Affairs has more than thirty years of experience in the Kaduna State Civil Service. She was Permanent Secretary (General Service), Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission as well as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.



"These appointments are made in recognition of the fact that Kaduna State requires competent hands and knowledgeable people to assist the new administration deliver on its SUSTAIN agenda. The new appointees come to the service with varied experiences, skills and competences. They also have proven track records of integrity, dedication, and commitment to duty.



"The Governor urged the appointees to see their appointments as a call to duty. The good people of Kaduna State expect results. They must therefore hit the ground running. While congratulating them on their appointments, he wished them Allah’s guidance in their assignments.



The newly appointed officials are :
1 Balarabe Abbas Lawal - Secretary to the State Government
2 Sani Liman - Chief of Staff
3 Habiba Anana Shekarau - Head of Service
4 Muhammad Hafiz Bayero - Senior Advisor/Counsellor
5 James Atung Kanyip - Deputy Chief of Staff (Deputy Governor’s Office)
6 Chris Umar - Deputy Chief of Staff (Legal & Legislative Matters)
7 Abubakar Haruna - Deputy Chief of Staff (Support Services)
8 Prof. Bello Ayuba - Principal Private Secretary
9 Dr. Shehu Usman Muhammad - Counsellor, Political Affairs
10 Bulus Banquo Audu - Counsellor, Land Matters
11 Hafsah Aminu Ashiru - Private Secretary to the Deputy Governor
12 . Naja’atu Garba Ahmed - Senior Special Assistant (Governor’s Office)
13 Dr. John Danfulani - Senior Special Assistant (Research & Documentation)
14 Shuaibu Isah Gimi - Senior Special Assistant (Strategic Communication)
15 Nasiru Abdulkadir - Senior Special Assistant (Print Media)
16 Dahiru Ahmed - Senior Special Assistant (Electronic Media)
17 Samuel Mock Kure - Senior Special Assistant (Public Affairs)
18 Manassah Turaki Peter - Senior Special Assistant (Public Communication, Deputy Governor’s Office)
19 Peter Ibrahim - Senior Special Assistant (Media & Communication – Deputy Governor’s Office)
20 Zainab Mohammed - Senior Special Assistant (Kashim Ibrahim Fellows)
21 Jewel Tokpa - Senior Special Assistant (COS’s Office)
22 Umar Sani Maikudi - Senior Special Assistant (Economic Matters)
23 Shuaibu Kabir Bello - Senior Special Assistant (ICT)
24 Maureen Okogwu-Ikokwu - Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties)
25 Maryam Abubakar - Senior Special Assistant (Inter-Governmental Relations)
26 Muhammad Bashir Aliyu - Senior Special Assistant (PPS’s Office)
27 Iliasu Mamman - Senior Special Assistant (Protocol, Abuja)

GOMBI: ADAMAWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF GREAT WOMEN
https://tracereporter./2023/05/26/gombi-adamawa-local-government-of-great-women/

By:
Tom Garba

Gombi Local Government Area is one of the 21 Local Government Areas in Adamawa state. It is situated in the central zone of the state.

Since Gongola state to now Adamawa State, Gombi Local Government has been one of the areas that is cosmopolitan in terms of having tribes from all over Nigeria domiciled in the local government. Tribes such as the Bura who are predominantly in Garkida, a Missionary based area of Ekklisiyan Yan'uwa A Nigeria (EYN), Hona, Ngoƃa, Gaanda and Lala are the indigenous tribe of the local government. There
are also huge numbers of other tribes such as Fulbe, Hausa, Kilba, Margi, Kanuri, Chibok e.t.c.

It might interest one to know that the seemingly silent local government have produced great women of international
recognition and achievements in many field of endeavors.

These women of Gombi origin have since the days of Gongola state made names to themselves and the state at large.


Mrs. Wahir D. A. Mshelia. FCCA; FCA; MBA. A professional accountant of International standard, is a Woman who is doing great things from Gombi and has indelible records of achievements.

Wahir due to her outstanding performance in the field of accounting was recommended to be appointed as the First Female Deputy Governor of the CBN.

This prolific accountant got Trained in London as a Professional Certified, Chartered Accountants of England and Wales, (FCCA). This made her the First Female Certified, Chartered Accountant in Northern Nigeria.

She Worked in Borno State in various capacities; such as, Senior Accountant to Chief Accountant. Worked at the University of Maiduguri as Acting Bursar from Deputy Bursar. And later appointed Member of the Borno State Executive Council as Honourable Commissioner in charge of Ministry of Social Development, Women Affairs, and Sports.

Was reappointed as Member of the Borno State Executive Council as Honorable Commissioner for a second tenure in charge of Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism.

Worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria as Senior Manager, then as the Director of the Internal Audit Department

Adamawa State first female professor came from this Local Government, She is Zainab Alkali, first female professor in
Gongola state, a Professor of English and First female novelist in Northern Nigeria hail from Garkida village in Gombi Local Government Area. She is currently working with Nassarawa State University Keffi.

The First female medical Doctor in Northern Nigeria is also from Gombi, Dr Uratu Yerima Balla, a surgeon by training She studied in Germany and Switzerland.

First Female Professor of Economics from Adamawa State is Prof Ummu Jalingo. Prof. Ummu holds sway in econometrics, currently in Bayero University. She is also a non-executive Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria.


It might interest one to also know that Amb Fatima Balla Abubakar was the First Female Chief information officer in
Gongola state, First Female Permanent Secretary and the First Female to get traditional title from Adamawa Emirate. As Chief Information Officer Amb Balla established and edited the weekly scope Newspaper which is still the only newspaper in Adamawa state. Amb. Balla is an epoch politician and a Veteran Journalist, a nationalist whose records of achievements earned her the OON National honour recently awarded to her by President Muhammadu Buhari.


Gombi Local Government has equally produced first female Navy General in the whole of Northern Nigeria, Rear Admiral Jamila Sadiq Malafa who is Hona by tribe from Guyaku village of Gombi LGA is no doubt a woman of great strength, hard work and achievement.

The first female senior police officer is Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Aishatu Abubakar Baju, A veterinary Doctor by training, also hails from Gombi LGA.

The Woman Lioness and the renown Fearless Hunter who fought and killed many Boko Haram fighters is from Gombi.


Hajiya Aishatu Bakari Gombi has proved to the world that African women are brave and can dare every lion king in the jungle by fighting the deadly Boko Haram insurgents in the North East of Nigeria. Hajiya Aishatu is currently a senior adviser on security to Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state.


DCI Larai Adamu Yadiya is Nigerian immigration senior officer presently serving in Italy. She is Hona by tribe and the first in the North East to attain such a rank.


These women of Gombi origin have inarguably made history by being first in the most unique professions not just in Adamawa State but in Northern Nigeria as well.

Gombi is a hidden jewel in the Savannah of Northern Nigeria that little has been known about it but houses the most distinguished women of Adamawa state.

If there are these great Women in Adamawa State, one can imagine the great Men in each of the 21 Local Government areas. No wonder the state is known with producing great academics, producing politicians of great reputation and Business Men and Women.

For Navy Malafa, Ambassador Fati, DIG Aisha, Dr Balla, Prof Ummu and Prof Zainab, Wahir ,and Larai got the statement that :" What a Man can do, a Woman can do it even better. "

These Women are few among many others across the 21 local government who are doing well in their respective field or career.

Tom Garba (B.Tech, MA. FIMC, FBDFM, SPSP). Is a Journalist, a political analyst, and an opinion writer. He writes from Yola-Adamawa State. He can be reached through these means:
tomgarba7@gmail.com
08172570959

Kaduna state Govt, UNICEF train 4600 School Administrators on Digital Learning

By Aisha Gambo
Kaduna, May 18,2023(NAN) The Kaduna state government in collaboration with the United Nations Children's fund (UNICEF) on  Thursday begun a sensitization training for head teachers and principals on the Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP).


The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NLP is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education designed to close learning poverty gap and enable continued access to quality education.

It is an e-learning platform with online and offline capability that enables continuous access to quality education

Mr.Phillip Mamman, the technical team lead for NLP, Kaduna state stated that the training targets both public and private schools across all the 23 local government areas of the state.


"The essence is to digitalize learning so that every learner will have access to quality and continuous learning in cases of emergency or disaster .


"At the end of this training the principals and  head teachers will be well informed on the Nigerian Learning Passport and carry along their teachers and learners", he said.


Mamman explained that UNICEF had donated 880  tablets to Kaduna state in order to breach the gap of device adding that the devices were distributed to 40 schools.




He added that two rechargeable projectors as well as Airtel routers which provided data were distributed to each of the 40 schools.


Meanwhile, Mrs Yosi Samson, head of education management information system unit, Kaduna south stated that the platform was easy and friendly to use.


She added that both school administrators, teachers as well as learners would  be able to study on the platform with ease.


NAN reports that the training began on May 8 and would end on May 22.(NAN)

Arewa Christian Youths Recommend Gov. Simon Lalong To Tinubu As SGF

The Arewa Young Christian Forum of Nigeria has urged the incoming administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The group, which made this known at a press conference on Wednesday in Kaduna, said a Christian from the North Central deserves the position to compensate the region for apparent neglect.

According to the President of the group, Comrade Agada Nathaniel, said that after extensive deliberations, it concluded that the Governor is the most qualified out of other distinguished North Central sons and daughters.

He went further to add that, "After extensive deliberations, the Arewa Young Christain Forum of Nigeria, given the reality on the ground, states that the position of SGF should be reserved for a Christian from the North Central region of the country," the statement said.

"Our position is hinged on creating an inclusiveness atmosphere for all the country's geopolitical regions. We must admit that given the present political arrangement, the North Central region has been left out temporarily.

*We wish to make it clear that credible persons of repute have contributed immensely to the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria from the North Central region. These persons have proven their commitment to advancing democracy in Nigeria in ways too numerous to mention.

"Given the above fact, we believe that the outgoing governor of Plateau State, and Chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong indeed fits the bill for the position of SGF."

The group added that Governor Lalong's track record of administrative competence as a one-time speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Governor of Plateau State, and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum speaks volumes.

"Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong has been instrumental in entrenching peace and political stability by administrating policies that address the political, religious, and ethnic concerns in North Central and Northern Nigeria as a whole," the statement noted.

"His leadership acumen is such that he reverberates competence, commitment, and sound judgment in matters of national interest. He has been tested and trusted in various capacities, and we do not doubt his suitability for the position of SGF.

"The implication of the appointment of Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong, as the SGF is that it would create the much-needed political and religious balance in the governance structure in Nigeria.

"We wish to use this medium to call on the APC leadership to see this proposition as ideal and necessary, given the peculiarities of time and the need to bring about a sense of inclusiveness in the governance structure in the country.

"This is aside from the fact that Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong is a highly respected individual who has tremendous influence in North Central and has successfully built bridges across the divide.
His experience would be put to good use as the SGF in ensuring that the engine room of the government is adequately oiled to deliver on the critical mandate of the incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

"The necessity of now requires proactive actions that would give Nigerians the much-desired renewed hope now and in the future. And one such move would be the appointment of a Christian of North Central origin in Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong as the SGF.

"It is our conviction that Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong will deliver on the critical mandate of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration in renewing the hopes of Nigerians for a better and progressive Nigeria."

Reinstate Ifeanyi Ararauma as NNPCL Chairman, Arewa Group tells FG

By Lola Seriki-Idahosa, Kaduna.. Tracereporters --Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups (AAYG) has called on President Buhari to reinstate and clear all hurdles for Senator Ifeanyi Araraume to resume office as NNPCL Chairman.


The group also urged him to summon board meetings to possibly ratify resolutions that were taken while he was in court, seeking redress.



In a press conference held at the Arewa House on the 24th April by Comrade Aminu Abbas Director Media and Publicity, Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups. (AAYG) on the position of the coalition of Arewa Civil Society Groups, faulting the Federal High Court ruling that reinstated Sen Ifeanyi Ararauma as non-Executive Chairman of the NNPCL and the need for President Muhammadu Buhari to clear all hurdles to enable him resume office.


According to him, "we wish to call on President Buhari to clear all hurdles so that Senator Araraume can resume office, and summon board meetings to possibly ratify resolutions that were taken while he was in court, seeking redress.


"We wish to equally call on those in the NNPCL Board sponsoring different groups to discount the orders and judgment of the court to desist from doing so, as we won't fold our arms and watch the Judiciary being intimidated from doing its work.


"The attention of the Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups has been drawn to a press statement credited to the Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Groups wherein they faulted the Federal High Court judgment that restored Senator Ifeanyi Araraume as the non-Executive Chairman of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).


"While expressing its displeasure over the ruling, the group said it viewed the Federal High Court’s pronouncement as a usurpation of the duties of the Office of the President and an affront to the powers of President Muhammadu Buhari.


"In its Jejune position, it claimed that the decision of the court was a clear violation of the principle of separation of powers and a disregard for the authority of the President to make appointments and dismissals in the interest of the nation.


"Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a judgment, held that Araraume’s removal by Buhari contravened provisions of the extant laws governing the operations of the NNPC Ltd, including the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 as well as the Company’s and Allied Matters Act 2020. The judge consequently made an order reinstating Araraume as the Non-Executive Chairman of the NNPC Ltd Board with immediate effect.


"The judge also held that the removal of Araraume without a fair hearing by the president was, “wrong and cannot be tolerated by a court of law”, adding that the “plaintiff has proved his case that he was not legally and properly removed."


"The judge made an unambiguous order nullifying all actions and decisions taken by the NNPCL Board since January 17, 2022, when Senator Araraume was wrongfully removed as non-executive chairman.


"It is important to note that the judiciary is an independent arm of government that operates on the principles of fairness, justice, and the rule of law. The judgment delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo was based on the facts presented before the court and the relevant laws that govern the matter.


"Therefore, it is not appropriate for the Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Groups *or any other group or groups, person or persons* to accuse the court of usurping the duties of the Office of the President or to suggest that the judgment was an affront to the powers of President Muhammadu Buhari. Such statements are not only unfounded but also inappropriate.


"The court’s decision should be respected and seen as a step towards strengthening the rule of law in Nigeria. We urge all stakeholders to abide by the decision of the court and work towards the progress and development of the nation.


"Considering the role the NNPCL plays in our national economy, the all-important company can't continue to exist without a properly-constituted board.


"Senator Araraume has a track record of serving Nigeria without any negative incidents. He was elected twice to represent his constituents in the Senate and was appointed by President Buhari to the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission. He underwent security checks by the Department of State Security Service and the Nigerian Police Force, which cleared him for the appointment.


"People who have served our country deserve all the support they need. Our youth should shield themselves from being used as pawns in the power tussle that lacks legitimacy.


"We, therefore, wish to call on President Buhari to clear all hurdles so that Senator Araraume can resume office, and summon board meetings to possibly ratify resolutions that were taken while he was in court, seeking redress.


"We wish to equally call on those in the NNPCL Board sponsoring different groups to discount the orders and judgment of the court to desist from doing so, as we won't fold our arms and watch the Judiciary being intimidated from doing its work.


"We wish to also call on those who are aggrieved by the ruling of the Federal High Court to take advantage of the Appeal and Supreme Courts to ventilate their disagreement with the judgment and stop this unnecessary coordinated campaign in the media to disparage the judgment of the court. This resort to court bashing is embarrassing our country in the comity of nations. The act should be discontinued forthwith.

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Kaduna: Rachael Averik Foundation RAF Distributes Food and Drinks to Less Privileged

Tracereporters.com –Rachael Averik Foundation (RAF), has Distributed food and drinks to some groups of Almajiri (less privileged) In Ungwan Nungu Sanga Local Government and Jagindi Gari Jema’a Local Government Area kaduna.



According to the Foundation, “The present situation motivated me and left me with no option than to go down the grassroots to assist in this holy month of Ramadan, the Ramadan fasting shouldn’t be taken for granted.


The Founder and CEO Rachael Averik Foundation (RAF) said as an organization myself and my team are committed to giving back to the society as well as other meaningful interventions for the betterment of our society.

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