...Surely you shall still overcome shall there be any coming murky waters

By Tom Garba

You would recall that the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Adamawa State, Mr Humwashi Wonosikou few days ago issued a statement calling on the people of the state to pray for His Excellency, Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to mark his 56th birthday celebration.
Governor Fintiri solicited Prayers as a birthday gift to Adamawa State citizens and Nigerians on sundry issues some of which are the judgment delivered today challenging his authenticity as the substantive Governor of the state.


At the Tribunal today, three Man Judges with Justice Theodore Ulojo as the leading Judge spent over six hours thrashing out line by line, one by one the petition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate, Senator Aishatu Ahmed Dahiru (Binani).

The Judge snowed bow his judgement by nose-diving simple "Dismissal" for lacking electoral regulations, it became a breakout celebration in the city of Yola, Jimeta, Numan, Michika, and Madagali. The whole state was turned into a wild jubilation that Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri is the confirmed Governor of the state as declared by the Tribunal judges.


I recalled how the prayers of many people both the old and Young thronged the social media praying for him to succeed as Governor, especially on today's judgement.

It's a battle won, a victory for the people of Adamawa State. The Faith I now have on the governor is strong enough to paddle him through the many waters of coming Court litigations shall there be appeal by aggrieved candidates as it is already done by candidates of the SDP, Dr Umar Ardo.

Be it murky or shallow water, be it a fiction and frivolous.


My Governor Sir, Continue the good work. Your records of achievements now speak well of you that the God who started a good thing for with will finish it to the end of your journey as the substantive Governor of Adamawa State as pronounced by the Electoral Tribunal Court.

The prayers of millions of people around the world will guide and guard you through coming to any legal tussles. The prayers of the saints and the good people of Adamawa State will fight, defend, keep, and make you a survivor of the, a Governor leading the government of a common Man.

I congratulate you on this historic moment of Adamawa's political journey. Keep working Sir, keep the tempo of your good and excellent work of the Urban renewal mandate high and wide to the nooks and crannies of the State.

You are a Lion, tip-toeing the land of beauty for the Masses' sake. You are a Tiger, wild and gallant, fearless and focused to Dare the impossible. Of course, you are Sheep, harmless and gentle, innocent and calm to serve the people of Adamawa well.

These prayers are still with you, they are still backing you from now to any day coming when someone will still shout nay in disagreement with what the Judge of our Land pronounced.

It's a prayer answer all the time, because the God you serve, we serve is a faithful God from now even to the end of time.
Congratulations Sir, now that the Battle is over.

Tom Garba, SPSP, FIMC, FBMC
A Journalist, Wrote this piece
From Abuja, Nigeria

By Tom Garba

He is a sitting Governor with influence and affluence, glory and honor through the provision of Nigeria's Constitution. He has friends around the world to throw up birthday parties and splashes anywhere he so desires. His network of friends as Governors, Senators, Beurocrat and technocrats, captains of industries and business tycoons, Men and women of many ranks abound in all parts of the world, but he chooses prayers to Mark his birthday celebration.

This is the way and manner the Governor of Adamawa State, Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has preferred to mark his 2023 birthday anniversary. A devoted Muslim who is committed to following and keeping the tenets of Islam in celebrating his 56th Birthday could not ask for sponsor adverts in the prominent national dailies, he didn't ask for the glamor of High and classical birthday celebrations. Sensitive to the plights of the masses and the hard times occasioned by the economic downturns of our dear nation.

The Governor made a passionate request to the citizens of Adamawa State and Nigerians, to pray for him, for God to give him more wisdom, ideas, and knowledge to Govern well the people he entrusted in his care. Like the Biblical King Solomon (Suleiman) when provided with a blank cheque of what he desires God to do for him. King Solomon only resorted to Wisdom so that he may lead well God's people. His simple and humble request prompted God to give him more than just Wisdom. No wonder he is the wise personified King who ever lived.

Fintiri gave a standing request to the people of Adamawa State and a standing order for government lobbyists and sycophants, those working within the system of government to as a Matter of request to pray for him and never to throw a birthday party in his name.
Governor Fintiri asked for prayers, a Man who is into supplications and praying in fulfillment of the demands of the Holy Quaran. He is a prayer Machine, in Islam we call them salat

He never misses the qanats of five daily prayers. He realized it was a praying time in Nigeria, the naira devaluation was the turn of events that sounded bad that the economy was collapsing.

It's of course a praying time to pray for the praying Governor by all prayer warriors adherents of both Christian and Islamic religions, including our African traditional religion. The Governor's demands are serious that Nigeria and Adamawa's Economy be in an intensive care unit (ICU) of the surgical department that requires only God as an eternal expert to fix it right.

Through prayers he has gotten the Mandate of Governance, it is through prayers that is sustaining it by bringing the dividends of democracy. Fintiri realizes at this time that prayers are the end thing, to do the will of the masses, to build the roads, and to create job opportunities Will be done through the provision of prayers.

Yes, the prayers will make him construct more flyovers, and the prayers will make him do the wonders of development in a precarious situation like ours the economy has become a sleeping dead giant. The Man just believes in the power of prayers. Please let's all pray for him.

To the Governor, his birthday is a reflection of who he is and where he wants to take Adamawa State shortly, to him it's not a celebration time but a reflection moment to ponder well on how to give good stewardship that will not stand against him in the day of reckoning (Judgement).

He has made the call, and let's pray for him: "This is my prayer for you, Your Excellency, As long as there is GOD in heaven whom you trust, at this time of your need, in this your fifty-sixth birthday, you will never know shame. Your administration will never know shame.

"Governor Sir, Your life will always have meaning even when you leave the office in 2027. In as much, as u remain good and a faithful servant, the door of goodness shall not be shut against you.
"Every satanic power trying to re-design your destiny or use you to re-design the destiny of Adamawa State negatively shall be crushed by God's power. Every evil arrows against you as Your political enemies, terrestrial forces shall return to the sender.

"From now on, by GOD's special grace, your arrival at all places will break barriers, your miracle will break natural and spiritual protocols."

I joined millions in praying for you that at this time Nigerians ought to pray, never to faint in the areas of worship to God to save the country From the ICU which is gasping for survival because of lack of economic breath.

Mr Governor Sir, thank you for calling us to pray at this time, your request is better than anything else and should be valued by all patriotic Nigerians we need God, and we need Him for safety against all odds working against us as a nation.

Health, security, education, Agriculture, social amenities, and standard of living of Nigerians are nothing to write home about. These are parts of the economic system that tells more that we need God's intervention through prayers.

Happy birthday Your Excellency. Congratulations on turning 56 years old


<strong>Tom Garba, SPSP, FICM, FBCM
A Journalist wrote this from Abuja</strong>

By Tom Garba, Yola

An Adamawa All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Sen. Abubakar Girei has extended deep felicitations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sen. Kashim Shettima and the ruling party over what he called a well deserved victory.

Girei's felicitations came in the wake of the supreme court judgment which affirmed the electoral victory of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the last presidential election.

The politician who described the court as the last hope of the common man, said the judgement is a victory for democracy adding that "the judgement has only reaffirmed the mandate which Nigerians freely gave to the Tinubu/Shettima ticket."

"With today's judgement which represents another watermark in our democratic annals, the legal tussle and the inherent distraction that comes with it is over.

"The courts have affirmed the mandate which Nigerians gave freely to our amiable president based on the confidence they have in him. Nigerians having vouched for the competence, integrity, vision and track record of our president unequivocally gave him the imprimatur to lead them knowing that he will steer the ship of our nation out of the troubled waters.

"This judgment has further put to rest any contention in respect of the legitimacy of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to occupy Nigeria's most coveted office. It is my humble belief that the president will redouble his efforts in tackling the litany of socio economic challenges straddling our fatherland," he said.

While appreciating the gallantry of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his counterpart of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi, Girei charged them to join hands with president Tinubu to bail Nigeria out of its myriads of socio economic troubles.

"I must appreciate my two brothers for their gallantry, confidence and abiding faith in democracy. The fact that they resorted to the courts to challenge the victory of Tinubu not the other way round is a testimony to their unimpeachable democratic credentials.

"As believers of democracy, I urge them to in the spirit of national interest and cohesion invest further in Nigeria's democratic project by supporting our president to succeed.

"This will be a win win situation for democracy and our dear nation which is in dire need of our collective efforts for its survival," Girei added.

In welcoming the outcome of the Supreme Court Judgement delivered yesterday in favor of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Hon Vrati S Nzonzo has called on the Presidential Candidates of the opposition parties who dragged the matter to court to sheath their political weapons and joined hands with the president to develop Nigeria.

Nzonzo who is an App Progressives Congress, APC, a critical stakeholder in Adamawa granted an interview immediately after the judgment was delivered by the Appellant court in Abuja said Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of PDP, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party should be patriotic Nigerians as the legal tussles have been laid to rest

While congratulating President Bola and his Vice President, Senator Kashim Shetima, Hon Nzonzo said is celebrating the victory of the party Fairing well under the good leadership of Abdullahi Ganduje.

Nzonzo, a renowned grassroots politician further stated that Tinubu's victory at the Supreme Court is the affirmation was a demonstration of the principles of fairness and justice.

According to him tinubu's victory polls during the presidential election as credible and uncontestable, a testimony by Nigerians that the President is their choice of leader

while acknowledging the importance of running an inclusive government and urging President Tinubu to embrace the spirit of inclusivity by reaching out to his political competitors and fostering an atmosphere of unity

He made a passionate appeal to both Atiku and Obi to embrace the President in the onerous task of governing Nigeria to avoid all distractions.

"We must be magnanimous both in victory and in defeat. I'm happy the presidential candidates of PDP and LP have gone to court to test the merits of the election. It's for the sustainers and development of democracy.

"Let's all come together to develop a Nigeria of our dreams and a country that our generation yet unborn will be proud of," Nzonzo said

For over six months, Nzonzo praised President Tinubu for not allowing the court case to distract him, he is busy governing the country in a quiet unprecedented manner.

He called on the president to prioritize the development, security, and prosperity of Nigeria above all.

Nzonzo further called on him to use his victory as an opportunity to heal the divisions in our country and to build a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria for all

An Adamawa All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Sen. Abubakar Girei has extended deep felicitations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sen. Kashim Shettima and the ruling party over what he called a well deserved victory.

Girei's felicitations came in the wake of the supreme court judgment which affirmed the electoral victory of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the last presidential election.

The politician who described the court as the last hope of the common man, said the judgement is a victory for democracy adding that "the judgement has only reaffirmed the mandate which Nigerians freely gave to the Tinubu/Shettima ticket."

"With today's judgement which represents another watermark in our democratic annals, the legal tussle and the inherent distraction that comes with it is over.

"The courts have affirmed the mandate which Nigerians gave freely to our amiable president based on the confidence they have in him. Nigerians having vouched for the competence, integrity, vision and track record of our president unequivocally gave him the imprimatur to lead them knowing that he will steer the ship of our nation out of the troubled waters.

"This judgment has further put to rest any contention in respect of the legitimacy of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to occupy Nigeria's most coveted office. It is my humble belief that the president will redouble his efforts in tackling the litany of socio economic challenges straddling our fatherland," he said.

While appreciating the gallantry of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his counterpart of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi, Girei charged them to join hands with president Tinubu to bail Nigeria out of its myriads of socio economic troubles.

"I must appreciate my two brothers for their gallantry, confidence and abiding faith in democracy. The fact that they resorted to the courts to challenge the victory of Tinubu not the other way round is a testimony to their unimpeachable democratic credentials.

"As believers of democracy, I urge them to in the spirit of national interest and cohesion invest further in Nigeria's democratic project by supporting our president to succeed.

"This will be a win win situation for democracy and our dear nation which is in dire need of our collective efforts for its survival," Girei added.

Director -General, Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC),Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Yusuf Buba Yakub,has re-iterated support for the 4-D Foreign Policy initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying DTAC must continue to be on the forefront of pursuing Mr President's agenda by constantly deploying selected Volunteers to foreign countries and Multilateral Organisations.

Buba, who maintained that the programmes of DTAC were in furtherance of Nigeria's foreign policy using soft-power tools, like education and technology transfer,said public officers and Nigerians in all walks of life must aline with the Presidential ideal to continue to carry the nation high in the comity of nations of the world.

The DTAC DG made the statement, Tuesday, in Abuja during the deployment of a new set of TAC Scheme Volunteers to Liberia. Buba reminded the Volunteers that each of them was an Ambassador of Nigeria and that they must act with such consciousness, knowing that expectations were high on them to keep the contract they had entered into with the Federal Government and the recipient country going.

While charging the Volunteers to conduct themselves well in Liberia,Buba said every act of indiscipline would be addressed by the authorities.He informed that the current deployment excersize of Volunteers was the third at DTAC since he assumed office and added that the judges sent to The Gambia was Mr President's efforts at strengthening the structures of democracy in the African region.He urged the Volunteers to see the Nigerian Mission in Liberia as their new home and constantly relate with the High Commissioner at all times the need arises.

He said:
"I want to thank the President for his 4-D foreign policy initiative. Today we are taking one of the Ds, which is Demography . Nigeria has a positive demography in Africa.

“Much part of our population is well-trained and talented. It is a population of agile youths that are ready to serve their country whenever they are called upon to do so.

“Also, we believe that these ones are capable because they have gone through rigorous training sessions to be selected to serve Nigeria in a foreign land.

“So, this demography advantage that Nigeria possesses, by extension, will also contribute to the development of Liberia in different ways, and also, it will contribute to the positioning of Nigeria among the comity of nations.

“This is because you’re going to Liberia as Volunteers to give service to humanity, so that you will portray the image of our dear country, Nigeria, in the right light.’’

Earlier, the Director of Programmes in the Agency, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed, told the DG that the Volunteers had been found worthy in character and learning to undertake the TAC Scheme. While presenting them to Management,he also thanked Rt. Hon. Buba for his constant support all through the period of preparing for the event.

Mrs Martina Okpere, an Assistant Director in one of the MDAs, and Nuhu Madaki, a co-volunteer,both of who spoke for the Volunteers, said they were excited at the prospects of serving Nigeria in a special capacity and promised to abide by the regulations guiding the TAC Scheme.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has flagged off five days vaccination campaign against human papilloma virus in the state, targeting three hundred and Eighty Eight thousand, one hundred and Eighty female population.

The vaccination campaign which targets girls nine to fourteen years of age kickstarted at the primary healthcare centre Luggere.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri in a remark enumerated the feats achieved by his administration in the health sector to Include building new and renovating existing primary and secondary healthcare facilities to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare services and the recruitment of thousands of health workers to provide professional care and services.

Represented by his deputy professor Kaletapwa Farauta, he said his administration has also procured and distributed needed equipment, consumables, drugs and supplies to the facilities, urging parents and caregivers to utilize the facilities and investment in the health sector aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of the citizens.

While assuring that the human papilloma virus vaccine is a safe and effective strategy for the prevention of cervical cancer, governor Fintiri vowed to continue allocating needed resources for quality healthcare delivery and other social services.

The governor further stressed that the vaccination is meant to offer the targeted beneficiaries needed protection and immunity against the virus, commending the implementing partners, religious and traditional institutions for being the critical factor of the successes recorded.

The commissioner of health and human services Felix Tangwami and the state chairman primary healthcare development agency Dr. Suleiman Saidu Bashir commended governor Fintiri for his pragmatic approach to health services, advising parents and community leaders to ensure proper mobilization for the success of the exercise.

The development partners in their separate goodwill messages testified that Adamawa is always ahead in terms of commitment and political will to improve the health status of its citizens, especially through timely release of counterpart funds.

They pledged their unwavering support, expressing hope that Adamawa will achieve the targeted coverage of the vaccination against the dreaded human papilloma virus.

Arewa Youth Parliament through it Leadership has passed a vote on confidence on the FCT Minister, His Excellency Ezenwo Nyesom Wike and called for a caution on inflammatory statements by Muslim Clerics.

The Youth in their number gathered in Arewa House Kaduna and address a Press Conference with a heavy heart on recent unfortunate development within the Nigerian sociopolitical space, which is aimed at dividing the country along religious and ethnic lines.

They condemned the recent utterances by some of Northern Religious clerics and elites on the status of the Minister of FCT, that it should belong to only one Faith and ethnic group hence calling for the removal of the Minister is totally uncalled for.

According to them Nigeria is a democratic republic with each Nigerian having equal rights as the other, as such the seat of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT)/belongs to any qualified Nigerian, irrespective of tribe or religion as the appointing order (President) may deem fit to appoint.

While praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that under his watch Nigeria is going through a healing process who is a Muslim.

In a Statement issued to our Yola Correspondent , the Youth condemned in strong terms the unpatriotic utterances by the suppose religion leaders that they ought to propagate peace but brew hate speech which is capable of fanning the embers of disunity and hatred amongst the peace loving Nigerians.

The leader of the group , Yahaya Salisu read this statement with a passionate call to Muslim clerics to support Wike to ensure that Justice,equity and good governance is served on the Nigerian populace,which is one of the tenets of Islam.

"This is the time for each and every Nigerian to embrace one another in other to overcome this challenging times. We should shun hate speeches and malicious rumour mongering as it is capable of setting our dear county ablaze.

"Just recently some unpatriotic set of people went on social media alleging that the FCT Minister has concluded plans to demolish part of the Abuja Central Mosque which was later confirmed by same Abuja Central Mosque Authority that it was totally false.

"This type of political propaganda is very unfortunate and highly condemnable.

"The Minister of FCT, Barr Wike together with the Minister of State for FCT Dr Mariya. A Hausa Muslim from the core northern state of Kano are harmoniously working hard to reposition the Federal Capital city with a befitting status that we will all be proud of. We should please encourage them.

"The Arewa Youth Parliament have been following up the activities of Barr Wike with keen interest and so far we have not found any element of anti- Islam or anti Northern Nigeria (Arewa) utterances or action and therefore wish to use this medium to Pass a Vote of Confidence on him and urge him to continue doing his best to live up to the high expectations of President Tinubu and well meaning Nigerians especially by restoring the Abuja master plan,ensuring effective service delivery and proper administration of the FCT in all facets.

We urge the minister to remain focused,resolute and not be distracted by agents provocateurs who are out for their selfish interest.

"As youth who look up to good leaders as role models,we are proud to say Wike's leadership credibility and capacity to deliver on his mandate speaks for him any day, anytime.

"Finally,may we use this medium to call on our fellow Arewa Youths to disregard any call for demonstration or campaign of calumny against the FCT Minister who is busy uniting both religions for a better FCT and Nigeria at large.

"We should refuse to be used as tools of destruction by some people who will not use their God given position to empower us,rather want to use us for selfish reasons." The statement read

By
Umar Duhu

I find it deeply troubling that Babachir David Lawal aka BD Lawal, being former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and who is supposed to assume a role of public figure and representative of the people would resort to divisive rhetoric and perpetuate bigotry. The very essence of his standing is to serve the best interests of the public, and it is imperative that he does so with integrity, responsibility, and a commitment to fostering unity and tact.

His choice to use of bigotry, in any form, has indeed no place in our contemporary society. It only serves to sow discord and deepen divisions, which is the antithesis of what a responsible politician should be working towards, if at all he is one.

I implore BD Lawal to take a hard look in the mirror and reflect on his actions, because he lacked the moral compass to throw shades at the President or Vice President. He takes solace in propagating divisive antics, whereas, the best expected of him is to work through and bring all shades together as children of Adama and it is only then, can we hope to build a harmonious society for all of us to live in. Though every individual is entitled to their beliefs and perspectives, his unwavering defensiveness and opposition to meaningful discourse have left a significant void in his pursuit of progress. It is indeed disheartening to witness BD Lawal’s continuous resistance to constructive, meaningful and peaceful dialogue in the political arena.

It is crucial for our society to foster an environment where different opinions can come together to find common ground, leading to policies that benefit the greater good. Your persistent obstruction of this vital process is not only detrimental for our constituents but also raises questions about your commitment to the very principles of democracy upon which our nation is built.

Mr. BD Lawal, I invite you to do an introspection and take a hard look of yourself in the mirror.

Firstly, every founding leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) knows BD Lawal couldn’t have become the National Vice Chairman (North East) of the APC in 2014 without the firm commitment and support of the Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima GCON, while held sway as the Executive Governor of Borno State. It is not in doubt that, you contested that election with Umar Duhu and he defeated you out rightly at the APC National Convention 2014. But, for some political extigencies, he was persuaded and prevailed upon to allow you fly.
Secondly, BD Lawal knew he couldn’t have become the Secretary to the Government of the Federation without unpretentiousness and generousness of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. In the APC, pre 2015 general election permutations, the nomination for the positions of Vice President, Senate President and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) were solely the responsibility of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, who was then, the leader of the merging political parties.

Mr. BD Lawal, have you forgotten that, you only garnered Six (6) Votes for the APC in his poling unit in Kwambula, Banshika Ward. Yet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prevailed on the then President Buhari to appoint you as the SGF after knowing fully, you are a Christian. But, here you are, openly maligning the Person of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? How many Churches or Christian Communities has he genuinely supported when he held sway as the SGF. Does it mean, he is inconsiderate and his sketchy statements posit his ways of paying back for all the favoritism by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and Vice President Kashim Shettima GCON?

The cogent grass-cutting saga and several other incongruity under his watch, before he was booted out of office still suffices. But, I know both Mr. President and the Vice President will not be mean and excessive to look in that direction.

Power and wealth are both given by God The Almighty. If BD Lawal is truly a Pastor, he should know this and ought to be guided. I am therefore disappointed in his shallow imaginary believe that, one Peter Gregory Obi won the 2023 Presidential election, not the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. I hold that, BD Lawal should revert to Theology once more, maybe he will come to terms with the realities of human existence on earth.

It is my hope that BD Lawal will reconsider his stance which in my opinion is laced with vile prejudice. Vulgarism is no longer fashionable to merit patronage. Rather, I urge him to repent and rejoin the APC in the spirit of cooperation, working towards solutions that can truly make positive impact on the lives of our people. The time for divisive rhetoric and hateful views should not have place in our society and must end, while unity and constructive dialogue shall prevail. And be guided too, those who live in glass houses don’t throw stones.

Umar Dauda Duhu
The Pioneer National Vice Chairman, North East, APC
08036090695

We acknowledge the recent surge of publications discussing various petitions, investigations, and allegations of corruption within the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). Notably, a recent report by Premium Times highlights significant changes within the Agency, prompted by media coverage, shedding light on longstanding issues plaguing the organization.

We want to make it clear that Engineer Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, the current Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, has been a steadfast leader who has tirelessly guided REA through challenging times, even in the face of internal, external pressures, and resistance to anti-corruption efforts. While the Agency may have maintained silence, it was not due to a lack of information but rather a deliberate effort to focus on the right processes, personnel, and a culture that prioritizes doing what is right.

Over the past few months, we have collaborated closely with the Ministry, National Assembly, anti-corruption agencies, and process organizations to initiate further reforms within REA, despite numerous obstacles. The Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu directed a thorough committee review of the relevant issues that have influenced the Agency's response to the alleged situation.

The Agency can confirm that recent publications accurately reflect that some members of staff have been redeployed, suspended, or are under investigation due to process deficiencies and a prevalent lack of accountability. To keep it concise, the most significant change is the redeployment of the Director of the Funds and Accounts Department - a seconded officer from the Office of the Accountant General. The allegation leveled against the then Director is undergoing investigation by the anti-graft authorities including the core REA staff alleged to be involved. This marks a significant step forward, as it demonstrates the Agency's commitment to accountability.

For context, since its establishment in 2006, REA faced numerous challenges, including a lack of strategic direction during its initial ten years. In 2017, a new Board and Management were appointed, initiating a cultural shift within the Agency. Despite these efforts, rural electrification goals remained unmet due to institutional and sectoral challenges.

Since 2020, the Executive Management and Board have been dedicated to aligning electrification projects with the goal of improving the lives of rural communities in a sustainable manner. These efforts have resulted in various electrification programs, such as the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), Energizing Education Programme (EEP), Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Energizing


Economies Initiative (EEI), a programatic budgeting program for capital projects and others, with a particular focus on supporting the energy transition policy.

In addition to electrification, the Executive Management have worked to reform the Agency and improve the delivery of public goods and services, addressing issues like underinvestment, outdated processes, and limited technology adoption, which have hindered the Agency's functions.

Upon assuming the role of MD/CEO at REA, Engineer Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad encountered a myriad of unresolved staff issues within the Agency. Recognizing the immense challenge of repositioning the Agency for effective project delivery, human resources became a pivotal consideration. In response, Engineer Ahmad wasted no time in addressing concerns related to the organization's processes, structure, and staff welfare, with the aim of fostering a conducive work environment for optimal performance.

His first step was to initiate a comprehensive institutional assessment and appraisal of the Agency, carried out by a globally renowned organizational re-engineering firm. This assessment rigorously evaluated the Agency's project delivery, institutional structure, and processes to determine its capacity to meet its mandate. The recommendations from the assessment were meticulously reviewed and approved by the Agency's Board and the Minister before being put into action, resulting in significant accomplishments.

During his tenure, Engineer Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad has been committed to reforming REA while keeping the Agency's focus on its core mission. Notable strategic interventions and reforms include:

1. The Agency's vision, mission, and mandate were aligned with current policy statements – the Rural Electrification Policy (REP), Rural Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan (RESIP), National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (NREEP) etc.

2. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were introduced into the daily activities of the Agency for each department, ensuring consistent and efficient practices.

3. The deployment of a robust monitoring and evaluation framework including the implementation of harmonized technical standards for improved project delivery.

4. Engineer Ahmad ensured the clearance of the backlog of overdue staff promotions and ensured that all eligible staff received their well-deserved promotions. As of today, no staff within the Agency lags behind in their career progression.


5. He obtained approval for a robust organizational structure from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on September 29, 2022. This approval provided a seamless pathway for staff career advancement.

6. To address the issue of inadequate staffing due to a lack of approved establishments, Engineer Ahmad secured approvals from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to recruit additional staff across different cadres. Subsequently, a rigorous employment aptitude test and oral interviews were conducted to select 43 new staff members, who have since been inducted and assigned to their respective roles.

7. Engineer Ahmad successfully redefined departmental job descriptions and specifications, ensuring that staff roles were clearly defined.


Indeed, these strategic efforts highlighted above have yielded the following remarkable results:

1. From 2020 to date, REA has provided power to over 7.5 million people including

1.5 million households, delivering 130 Mini-Grid Projects, including 1.3 million standalone home systems.

2. The Agency has equally deployed over 1,650km of solar streetlights, improving power, security, and economic growth in rural areas.

3. REA completed 1,403 projects under the capital budget, delivering solar streetlights, mini-grid projects, standalone home systems, and grid extension works.

4. Through various programs, including Energizing Education Program, Energizing Agriculture Program, Beyond COVID-19, and Economic Clusters, REA delivered over 65MW of power across Nigeria's six geo-political zones.

5. REA has delivered over 500MW of power, electrified numerous communities, created 500,000 new jobs, and attracted over $2 billion in investments in the renewable energy sector over the past decade.

6. In advancing these achievements we have established partnerships with the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the Global Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Sustainable Energy for ALL (SE4ALL), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF), the European Union, the United Nations Industrial Development


Organization (UNIDO), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Korean Institute of Advancement of Technology (KIAT) etc.


7. In 2022, as part of the National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy (NPRGS) Program, REA secured an additional 4 billion in capital injection grants to provide clean power standalone home systems to over 50,000 locations, including rural homes, micro-businesses, schools, and faith-based institutions.

8. Most recently, on the back of the success of the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), REA negotiated and secured the advance approval of a $750 million facility with the World Bank to expand renewable and rural electrification initiatives, providing additional resources to Nigeria during a challenging period.

9. In response to subsidy removal, REA is implementing interventions to develop electric mobility, mini-grids, distribute home systems, and deploy streetlights, potentially supporting up to 250,000 households in the coming year.

Conclusively, we invite the public to join us in our comprehensive efforts to bring power to unserved and underserved areas in Nigeria and to support the ongoing reforms led by the Agency's leadership, with guidance from the Honourable Minister of Power in line with the RENEWED HOPE Agenda of the President.




Signed:

Muntari Ibrahim,

Acting Director,
Department of Promotion, Information and Outreach (DPIO) – REA.

The Leadership of the All Progressives Congress Adamawa State Chapter has congratulated Hon. Abubakar Babazango Abaza, who got his judgment to represent the people of Yola South/Yola North/Girei federal constituencies over their victory at the Abuja Court of Appeal yesterday and today.

The party leadership also congratulated the people of his constituency and the entire APC family in the state for the victory.

In a press statement signed by Mohammed Abdullahi, the party's publicity secretary have urged Babazango to use his position as members of the National Assembly to positively impact the people of his constituency and the party at the state level.

The victory of Babazango witnessed a wild jubilation in Yola as constituents took the streets of Jimeta celebrating the victory.

When contacted to comment over the court's judgment, Babazango said the appellant Court have truly did what is justice by upturning the decision of the lower court which have initially favored Abba Girei.

He thanked the appellant court for being a voice for the voiceless and appreciated his party men both at state, federal even at the local level for standing by him to victory.

He enjoined both APC and none APC party people to support work for Nigeria, Adamawa State and the people of his constituency.

The 2023 World Food Day celebration holds immense significance for Nuru Nigeria and its partners, particularly the ACT Foundation. This event underscores the global imperative of food, echoing this year's theme: "Water is life, water is food, leave no one behind."

During the recently concluded World Food Day celebration organized by Nuru Nigeria at Duragi Hotels Limited event Hall in Yola, Amy Gaman, the Executive Director of Nuru Nigeria, highlighted the organization's efforts.

She stated that Nuru Nigeria brought together stakeholders from various sectors, placing special emphasis on farmers who are deemed as "the backbone of our daily sustenance."

"In this gathering, we have brought together people from different sector just to ensure that we have left no one behind especially the farmers who produce our daily food that we consume."

"They are here so that they can engage at a higher level with the government, with other NGOs, also with the educational institution to have a clearer understanding of what inclusively-led agricultural economic growth is all about ."

The aim was according to the Nuru boss was to engage in discussions and find viable solutions to enhance food security in Nigeria.

Through the ACT Foundation, according to Gaman, they have empowered approximately 36,000 individuals across Hong, Gomia, and Michika local governments with agronomic training and advanced technologies with emphasis on connecting farmers with external markets which has strengthened the agricultural value chain, especially the crucial processing roles played by women.

"From seed selections, from how to manage their farms, and all of those, to the market system also we stand as a bridge between the farmers and the external Market"

"We don't encourage them selling at the farm gate we encourage them to sell to producers so that the value chain can be complete and they should be able to use their Collective by bargaining power as a Cooperative to go and also acquire seats you know.

These efforts have led to a positive transformation, with women farmers experiencing growth in resources, leadership, household income, and rights according to the Executive Director of Nuru Nigeria.

Amy Gaman added;

"Another aspect of this project that is key, is the processing element, ACT Foundation has been able to provide for some communities under the Nuru Nigeria project threshers and the oil pressing machine which has helped in strengthening elements of the Agricultural value chain especially the processing work that are done by women"

"70% of the farmers in the community we serve are women and no wonder they are 72% of the representation of our Farmers group," Gaman said.

With these efforts, they now have a more prominent voice in decision-making processes as the project is about community-driven progress across the agricultural value chain, as rural communities produce 80% of the food we consume, Gaman revealed.

The panel discussion with the Commissioner of Agriculture of Adamawa state is a testament to the potential for collaboration between the government and farmers.

The inputs the government plans to provide, particularly irrigation inputs, further underscore this cooperative effort. We strive for sustainability, promoting direct communication and accountability between government and the people, especially in agricultural development.

"From this discussion there is already a marriage between the government and the farmers you know with the inputs irrigation inputs that the government is going to provide for them, however, we don't want to reinvent the will on policy we don't want to reinvent the will on approaches that we use we just want to encourage the sustainability, we want to encourage direct access, direct communication and accountability between government and the people especially when it comes to agricultural development," Amy Gaman concluded.

The challenges we face in ensuring water security and equitable access to food are complex but surmountable. Together, through science, innovation, and partnerships, we can create effective solutions and secure a brighter future for all.

Hamisu Idris Medugu described the appointment of Ahmed Galadima Aminu a well development and a sound decision by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to give him the Executive mandate as Chief Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for a term of four (4) years in the first instance.

Idris said the good initiative of calling onboard Galadima by President is a laudable decision as is most qualified to head affairs of PTDF considering his tract record.

Idris congratulated him and extolled a seasoned technocrat who is excellent in managing the affairs of the organization.

Recall that this evening a press release from the office of the president said the new Executive Secretary / CEO of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund has most recently served as the General Manager of the Education and Training Department at the Petroleum Technology Development Fund.

According to the statement signed by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity said his appointment trails the application for retirement submitted by the outgoing Executive Secretary / CEO, Bello Aliyu Gusau, to proceed on 90-days pre-retirement leave beginning on September 26, 2023.

The President has directed the new Executive Secretary / CEO of the PTDF, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, to serve in acting capacity until he commences his fresh term of four (4) years in office, beginning on December 26, 2023.

The President wishes the new PTDF Executive Secretary / CEO well in the discharge of his duties.

Idris said that Galadima is Adamawa thorough breed perfect gentle that can drive PTDF to a new haven of development for all Nigerians

I have resisted the temptation to engage in the contemporary political discourse since the May, 2023 election faux pas. I did this for two reasons; the first being that as an active player in the drama, I needed time to analyze and digest the data that led to the outcome(s) so I could arrive at an informed decision; the second, being that the rainy season had just set in and it was necessary that I focused my attention on my farms which are the mainstay of my livelihood.

The current topical issues for political discourse and inquiry are whether or not Bola Tinubu won the presidential election and/or that he was apriori, qualified to participate in the election given his murky bio data as is now being publicly unveiled daily in an avalanche. My answer to the first inquiry is that regardless of whatever INEC or Appeal Court said or did, Bola did not win the election. Right from the start of the campaigns Bola new knew he was not going to win the election in a free and fair contest so he decide to go rogue. Available factual data as aggregated from several independent sources indicate that Obi got the majority votes while Atiku came second. Bola came a distant third in the number of votes scored.

My answer to the second inquiry is that given the now unfolding deluge of uncomplimentary information about who or what he actually is and the innuendos as to how he came about his immense wealth which he freely dispensed to procure his victory, ordinarily, sound ethics and morality should have convinced him to voluntarily excuse himself from participation in the election. But this not withstanding, I believe he still has time and opportunity to save himself this public humiliation and embarrassment to his person (both locally and internationally) by resigning so that he can give more attention to his obviously, failing health. After all, no one knows about the truism of these severely embarrassing and humiliating exposures about his person and his ill-health than the man himself. Leadership is all about integrity; sound pedigree, trustworthiness and the ability to unite and instil hope and confidence in the people one seeks to lead. In these qualities, most Nigerians are in total agreement that Bola has them in very very short supply indeed. But I suspect his ludicrously vaunting ambition to be President has had him in its vise grip for so long that it is safe to assume he is now incapable of seeing reason on this matter. He is possessed by it and would not brooch anything to the contrary. To his reasoning, and egged on by equally foul minds, any route to the presidency is justified; only the end result matters.

As it now seems, the devious means he has chosen to employ on his way to the presidency is the deployment of his immense wealth to compromise every living organism that could possibly advance or deter his presidential ambition. Public institutions that had any roles to play in the electoral processes were all compromised into supporting this vaunting ambition even if the end result will also include the destruction of the cohesion and unity of the country. Similarly, otherwise decent people such as religious and community leaders had to be compromised for this purpose. Surprise! Surprise! He was even able to draw out the hitherto reclusive witches and wizards from their dark domains to carry out open day rallies in support of his candidacy and his government even going as far as issuing threats and warnings of dire consequences against anyone that dares to oppose him.

But now, six months down the line, the chicken has come home to roost as Nigerians have come to the realization that we have been scammed by a master scammer and his cohorts . Confusion and despondency is now all over the nation as no one trusts the government to do what it says it will do. No one trusts the leader; and no one trusts his appointees who are appointed as rewards for their roles in the electoral scam or who had in the past helped him achieve successes in his dubious life. Bola the “President” and his conspirators have now successfully seized the government and are in full control of Nigeria’s vast resources and opportunities. They are enjoying their booty while conquered Nigerians languish in insecurity, poverty and hopelessness.

During the campaign, Bola mouthed some platitudes about competence; but we are so far yet to see it reflected in his political appointments. It seems more like he is rewarding people who have sold themselves for filthy lucre to enthrone him on hapless Nigerians. This band of megalomaniac narcissists that Bola is assembling in to his “government” don’t care about Nigeria at all. Fuel prices will continue to gallop upwards until only they can afford it; the Naira will continue to race downhill in a free-fall until only they can afford anything in the market; insecurity will continue its escalation until every community in the nation is consumed by it. Just to mention a few of these appointees: take insecurity fro example, what do you expect an accountant like Badaru to do except may be to superintend over defense contracts? And that Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence - what is his name again? Was he not that one who was governor while Bello Turji et al freely terrorized Zamfara State? What about this his CBN Governor with a patch-patch CV; a one-time Chairman of a little-known bank employing 300 people in less than 12 branches clustered in the SS/SE regions clearly, targeting petro dollar? Is there any doubt left as to his lack of qualification and experience for the job than that his first policy statement was to remove foreign exchange restrictions for the importation of 43 agricultural and related products (includes tooth picks)? Nigerian farmers can go to hell for all this Lagos City Boy cares - he wants to eat cheep imported margarine, beef and sardines for breakfast. To crown it all, a clownish Senate President ( a.k.a what money cannot buy, more money can buy) is heading the legislative arm of government. They way he is going, grovelling and pandering to the wishes of the “President”, bills might not need to reach the floors of the National Assembly any longer for them to become law.

Certainly, Nigerians are in for a short thrift. The people running the government do not care a hoot about the Nigerian people; their cronies are the petroleum industry players while some are the banking system players so a free fall of the Naira and an unregulated upward movement of oil prices both work for more profits for them. The rampant insecurity too works to their benefits as they have more excuses to corner the huge and bogus procurement budgets of the security agencies. And as seems apparent, the “President” might be too sick to rule so government business will have to be done by unknown proxies. We have been there twice before and the consequences were dire. We have been scammed by a heartless cabal and are in for it.

By the way, has anyone noticed the intolerance for free speech and dictatorship that is creeping upon us? Has anyone noticed the actions of the National Broadcasting Commission of late?

Surely, Nigeria is not done in?


Stay tuned

Babachir David Lawal, for SGF

By Tom Garba, Yola

The immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Barr Dr. Boss Mustapha Gida, GCFR has commissioned Laboratories in GSS Hong, his Almata Secondary School.

The Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Agric Laboratories were built in 1967 and not renovated until 1992 when the school was managed by Denish Missionaries as Government College Hong.

However, the dilapidated laboratories were fully renovated by the National Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) as part of its 2022 corporate social responsibility (CSR) were commissioned yesterday amidst joy by the thousands of students and staff of the school.

Mustapha recounted the historic journey he had while a student in 1970 and graduated in 1974 didn't know what the future holds for him in Hong Secondary School until God designed to who his today

He charged the students to be determined and be the best as it was his driving force that made him what he is today.

"I'm 67 years old today God has truly helped me achieve quite a lot in life, all because I was focused and determined to do my best, one thing I know is if you can do your best the sky is your limit. " Boss said

The thousands of students who are gathered in the Boss Mustapha Hall were strongly advised by the former SGF to shun all forms of societal ills.

According to him they are not there by chance and assured them that their future will be better and greater than his if they shun bad gangs, drugs, and the transgender quest of young Nigerians tying to transform themselves to something else.

He said the trending societal ills are not what defines who they are as a people of good cultural upgrading and came from good moral backgrounds.

"I never took for granted during my study here knowing the fact that my Father was just a class teacher and retired as a headmaster, but we all did our best that the school you are for four consecutive years became the best in WASC during our time.

"So I'm Standing here for what God has done for us. If you determine, among you here today we may have Governors and presidents. My last appeal to you is don't be part of those that will destroy these facilities donated by NDIC.

"My prayer for you is to succeed. I will see you in the future of your journey to greatness. Go and conquer the world."

While commissioning the Laboratories in the presence of Adamawa State Commissioner of Education and Human Development, Dr. Umar Garba Pella, the NDIC officials delegation from Abuja said that laboratories are to the glory of God and will benefit humanity.

The Delegation of NDIC, Mr. Victor Ndoma Egba who is the Yola Zonal office Controller said the CSR is one of NDIC's cardinal community service they have using to reach out to Nigerians in diverse ways.

Mr Ndoma led a delegation of NDIC's staffs in person of Musa Usman Terrang, Mu'azu Abubakar Kyari and Garba Kabiru Magaji commended the former SGF for his love for education.

He said the NDIC's CRS wouldn't have been possible without the efforts made by the former SGF to have this historic laboratories renovated.

He enjoined the students to be law abiding and keep the academics records of the school as one of the premier secondary schools in the North east that produced great Nigerians like Boss Mustapha and many others.

By Tom Garba, Yola

Mbula traditional council, Demsa Local Government area of Adamawa state under the paramount rulership of His Royal Majesty, Murum Bwaltam Beatly Biyapo Mboiman ||, first class Chief have honored the House of Representatives (HoR) Member, Honorable Zakaria Dauda Nyampa, a Lawmaker representing the Federal constituency of Michika/Madagali in the National Assembly with the Yilom Mbula traditional title.

In a Letter of conferment signed by the Secretary, Mbula traditional council, Pst Andrew Whiskey said they have appointed Dauda to be a Shade for Mbula as the title means.

From now Dauda as the bearer of the title shall continue to offer relief and comfort for the people of Mbula.

The letter of the appointment said Dauda merited the tittle because of his integrity and another opportunity in his door steps to serve the people of Mbula, Adamawa and Nigeria as a whole.

While calling on him to consider the call as a service to humanity, the Mbula traditional council charged him to show loyalty to the exalted throne of Mbula and exhibit probity in the discharge of his duty in order to justify the confidence reposed on him.

"While congratulating you for the well deserved appointment, it's my hope that you will receive the offer even as we await your written acceptance. You will be informed of your date for turbaning as approve by his royal majesty. " the letter read

The House of Representatives member representing the Federal Constituency of Fofure/Song Area of Adamawa State, Barr Hon Aliyu Wakili Boya have petition the construction company handling the road rehabilitation of Jibiro-Sarou-Belel.

Boya made a case yesterday in the floor of the house when he rise a motion of public interest to the honorable members that the rehabilitation of the road was abandoned seven years ago by the construction company.

He worried that the communities' state of economy livelihood has been crushed down over the deplorable nature of the road for many years.

Boya said the people of Jibiro, Sarou and Belel have been passing through a lot of hardships and excruciating pains over the failure of the company concern to fix road.

Boya lamented to the members that the contract awarded was fully paid but the contractor neglected the site for no reason.

He called the attention of the federal government through the ministry of works and the national assembly to as a matter of urgency treat his motion with uttermost sense of serious.

Boya urged the House to mandate a committee of works to engage the Ministry of works over the delay on the commencement of the road rehabilitation.

According to him his concern over the neglect of the road rehabilitation is because of the serious economy loss, unabated sufferings, lack of access to essentials services and significant hardships causing the people of the area to go through despite the contract awarded

Barely a week that the new Chief Executive Officer and Coordinator of National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA), Mrs Delu Bulus Yakubu was successfully screened by the Nigerian Senate.

The new NSIPA Coordinator has resumed work in her office at the Federal Secretariat where she was welcomed by the staff of the agency.

Mrs Bulus today (Monday) after a brief meeting with the minister of humanitarian, Dr Betta Edu was toured around the offices for familiarization.

Mrs Bulus while addressing media men said she is fully resumed to serve Nigerians and to give her best for nation-building.

According to her, she will always be dedicated to serving the nation President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision of a renewed Nigeria.

She said NSIPA under the close supervision of the Humanitarian Ministry will certainly touch the lives of many Nigerians.

While thanking President Tinubu for serving, she assured him of innovative coordination and steadfast to duty.

"By God's grace, I will not fail Nigerians, I will never disappoint my Principal and I will serve with uttermost commitment, be reassured I will commit to duty in the interest of our dear nation. I truly covet your prayers all to succeed. " Bulus said

By Tom Garba, Yola

Some Adamawa Citizens on an interview with our correspondent praised Mr Abubakar Tela Suleima, Tambarin Mubi, described him as a star from the horizon with unwavering love for humanity irrespective of tribe or Religion.

A Youth activist, Comrade Shehu Yohanna, and Mr Christopher Andrew Jallo, and politically renowned voice in Adamawa both described Tela as a Man of proven integrity developing the lengths and bounds of the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA)

Mr Yohanna said his encounter with Mr Tela is through the testimonies of people whom he has positively touched with his virtues act of kindness to humanity.

According to Yohanna is living in Hayin Gaba, the suburb of Jimeta, Adamawa State Capital one day a woman was saying "God bless Tambarin Mubi. "This Man is going to heaven without a shadow of a doubt. "A Man that I have never known to pay my hospital bills and gave me money for food and my Kid's school fees? " This Man is only God can bless him.

When Yohanna sought to know about the Man, she told him he was an angel that God sent to rescue her from death, and simply said "Someone said the Man is working in Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority.

Yohanna said he was shocked down to his marrow how Tela generously is with no sentiments and his discovery about him is the same story wherever he goes.

"No wonder the Emir of Mubi, HRH Abubakar Isa Ahmadu gave him the Tambari traditional title. The title means a shining star of the Emirate. May I remind the good Emir of Mubi that the shining glory of Tela is not only for Mubi is for the entire Nigeria.

"This Man's story of kindness is heard all over the country, he is a good Ambassador for Adamawa State, wheel for development in UBRBDA we are here to tell you that the Youth are seeing a future leader in him. 'Yohanna said

Mr Jallo in his commendations to the UBRBDA assistant Director said the story of Tela is even within the political circle that women, Youth, and people in high office are saying good of him.

He kept asking who is this Man who is rarely seen and noticed even in social events? Not until when he was turbaned the Tambari Mubi that his profile read and the caliber of people who graced the occasion it was then done on him Tela is a worthwhile Man of the people.

"My prayers for him is to live long, live in good health, and live in abundance to continue the good works is doing. I tell you the truth Tela is the best description of a passionate Nigerian." Jalo Said

He praised him as a professional accountant who is excellent in doing his job and kept to work ethics and his first encounter with him is a passion to serve the nation and leave with good, clean records and good name.

By Tom Garba, Yola

Integrity Watch International in Collaboration with Adamawa Concerned Citizens have blasted Mr Habib Garba and Mr Amos Douglas for written unsubstantiated petitions against Mr Abubakar Tela Suleima, Tambarin Mubi for breaking through Integrated Payroll Personal Information System (IPPS) to enrich himself and many others.

The Integrity Integrity watch international is a non profit organization that tracks and monitors the conduct, activities and performance of highly placed public servants who are entrusted with enormous public, social and community responsibility in their country of origin have investigated we'll the claims of Douglas and Habib and found it baseless, criminal and unsubstantiated their petitions against Tela who is an Assistant Director of Finance in Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA).

The group which has its corporate office in Borno, North East Nigeria's Geo-Political Region have blasted the duo collaborators and referred them as stooges and messengers of senior culpable private and government individuals who have defiled public trust.

The groups in a statement jointly signed by Husseini Gambo Bello (Chairman adamawa concerned citizens) and Abdullahi Adamu (Adamawa representative Integrity watch international) their main aim is to defend the collective interest of the masses and therefore called on the general public to disregard the sponsor petitions because it lacks substance.

"Integrity Watch International is realistically venturing to defend Mr. Abubakar Tela Suleiman against the unjust, unreasonable and unwarranted petition that was submitted to various agencies by Mr. Habib Garba and Amos Douglas.

"The petitioners should have been aware that the “Integrated Payroll Personal Information System (IPPS)” that was introduced, by the previous government of President Mohammadu Buhari is, centrally controlled in Abuja and no one can break into the data system from a ministry or parastatal and engage in Fraudulent activities.

"Therefore there is no way anybody from Yola could temper or influence any payment except if the petitioners are questioning the integrity of the President or Minister of Finance.

"The attempt to drag Mr. Abubakar Tela Suleiman down by Habib Garba and Amos Douglaus is a wicked plan to destroy the Fabrics of his commendable efforts and commitment in public service as an Assistant Director Finance and Immense Developmental strides in community related activities that have impacted so much in Adamawa and the region as a whole.

"This appreciable efforts has endeared him to receive numerous traditional titles from his immediate traditional ruler as Talban Belel and Tambari Mubi all approved by the His Excellency the Governor of Adamawa State and highly respected Emir of Mubi.

"There is no doubt that having a credible personality like Mr. Suleiman Tela Abubakar would bring massive sympathy and human development to the state and region, this is attributed to the fact that Mr. Suleiman Tela Abubakar is confirmed to be highly de-tribalized and beyond religious limitations of any sorts.
Finally we call on the petitioners to recall their unwarranted and unsolicited petition and issue a public apology to Mr. Suleiman Tela Abubakar so that his constituents would experience relieve to the grueling misadventure.

"We also call on Mr. Suleiman Tela Abubakar to concentrate on his work schedule and always remember that Adamawa people are fully behind him to achieve his aims in life." The statement read

By Tom Garba, Yola

A Chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Hamisu Idris Medugu congratulated Mrs. Delu James Yakubu on her recent appointment as the coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

Idris who expressed his happiness over the appointment, said the loyalty Delu paid to the party over the years is the opening key to her political breakthrough.

While expressing his confidence that the Adamawa-born NSIPA coordinator will serve well the interest of Nigeria in the office, he thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding her worthy of the noble assignment.

He called on Nigerian Youth to prayer for her to do well in the office because of her passion for them and NSIPA is purposely created to benefit them.

According to him Deli is a passionate Youth activist and NSIPA under her he believes will be youth biase. I

He prayed to God to guide them through her tenure to be successful and productive in the development of the nation, especially to the Youth and low-income people.

"I'm happy you are finally remembered this time around for this noble assignment. I'm happy for you and I wish you a glorious stay in office with a successful ending for the interest of Nigerian Youth." Idris said

By:
Damian Robert


Weeks ago both conventional and online media organizations were so much agog propagating a sponsored narrative to dent the image of Mr. Abubakar Tela Suleiman, an Assistant Director finance with the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA) to have used the Integrated payroll personnel Information System (IPPS) and defrauded staffs of the organization from their salary accounts.

It beat my imagination to come to terms with this unimaginable fake and cooked-up story of the fact that an integrated payroll system can be manipulated by one Man who is far away from the database and breakthrough the salaries payment system to enrich himself and others.

May I inform Habib Garba and Amos Douglas as the petitioners hired to embark on a long voyage of unprofitable venture that the introduction of IPPS is to stop illegal government spending payment of undue salaries, and illegal deductions and control the financial system of government through an automated system as one of the reasons it was established?

That is why your petitions to all Anti-graft agencies like the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), your petition to the Auditor General office, and the one to the Ministry of Water Resources on 21st January 2022 could not get headway. I see your actions as a brainwashed wisdom of the belief that the best form of defense is to Launch an attack to cover many of your sins soon to be in the public domain.

I studied your petitions which centered on "massive fraud and abuse of office orchestrated in the Integrated payroll personnel Information System by Abubakar Suleiman, the Assistant Director Finance of the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority Yola, Adamawa State on the 9th February 2023"A journey of about eight months to pin down Abubakar is not possible but left me to ask you guys an obvious question. Why is it that the EFCC, the ICPC, the Minister, the Permanent Secretary, the Auditor General, and the entire Ministry of Water Resources reports could not find him guilty after many of your baseless petitions were submitted?

I'm compelled to write in defense of Abubakar who over the years he has chosen to remain silent and allow God and natural justice to take its full course. I see him as a perfect and honest gentleman to remains a silent warrior. I'm very sure the Assistant Director has all that it takes to reply to you in defense and to fight back to clear his name you are dragging into the mud. Despite your gang-up and the show of hatred to cover the mess you all committed, the investigation committee of the Ministry of Water Resources formed to investigate the matter have found him guiltless. If they don't, why is the Assistant Director despite your attacks to smear him black, the EFCC, ICPC, and all the places and those you have sent your petitions have discharged and acquitted him of all crimes? It should be done on you that you are fighting a lost battle and be sure that Kama is watching with a disgusted eye to fight back in defense because is a witch.

May I also tell Douglas and Habib that the court of public opinion has equally found Suleiman innocent of your frivolous allegations? Which is why I'm defending him and I want to clear his name from all the mess you have instituted against him. You have taken too long on the wrong person, please watch your back and the four fingers pointing at you, I'm sure it is an accusation of your hiding crimes to be unearthed soon.

I know of a time in many organizations when there were mistakes in salaries payments through the IPPS, some were overpaid while many others were underpaid and vouchers were raised by upright accountants and returned mopped-up money to the government treasury. Maybe my gullible petitioners were unable to question whether Suleiman was able to return money if there were lapses of payment through the IPPS emanating from his office. One thing I know and am very sure off, no one can stand the fight of siphoning government money to enrich himself and still be roaming the streets of Yola unarrested after all forms of petitions against him. I can say that Suleiman has passed the integrity test of an uncorrupt Government official. With your petitions, I believe the DSS, the ICPC, and EFCC have unknown to you invited him and cleared his name over the petitions you are sponsoring and padding around the world of media.

His silence not replying to your foul petitions is wisdom and I commend him for such a humane maturity. I call you to leave him alone and find your troubles elsewhere, I'm very sure soon, and very soon you too will meet your Waterloo of servants with unfaithful stewardship. He who laughs last will certainly laugh the best, in all these, Suleiman will laugh last. You will keep seeing him going high because I found out from all records that your attacks are a mere defense to shield your one thousand and one sins. Tell your sponsors that he is pure as a crystal, he is innocent of all your petty petitions.

In my last note, let me reiterate that the court of public opinion has vindicated Suleiman, hence my confidence to put this opinion for record sake. He has proven beyond reasonable doubt is a leader and can not stoop too low in replying to you over baseless issues. But he earned the respect of the public and I found it a duty to write on his defense that you have succeeded in wasting your time, killing your moral guard by losing your entire respect to the general public. Nobody can buy your word for a penny in this battle you were hired to do. You lost it all through, you have all disgraced yourselves and he won it over you because of his decision not to reply to you.

As a professional accountant, I can say that Suleiman has kept one of the cleanness records since the history of Yola UBRBDA. Otherwise, your petition would long have booted him out of office and behind bars to serve a jail term.

Look elsewhere on who to fight Please, Suleiman has gone far to become what Destiny is calling him to become take it or leave, He is certainly going to be under whatever guise of attacks your taskmasters and those you lick their boots are directing you to do. "The head that destined to wear the golden crown, must one day wear it. " It is not in your petitions but in what the destiny lies ahead for him.


No too long, I'm sure the truth shall unravel itself, there shall be Justice in both Natural and Divine laws between you and him who is in the part of Justice.

Abubakar Suleiman Tela, God is with you, the people are with you and the natural justice is a jury and judge to disgrace your enemy.

Damian Robert is a public affairs analyst
He wrote from No. 22 Lere Drive Ungwan Rimi Kaduna, Kaduna State

It is a hope rekindled moment in Adamawa when a virtual declaration through zoom of Nasiru Gawuna's victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate declared him a winner by the Kano election Tribunal.

Supporters of Senator Aishatu Ahmed Dahiru Binani became hopeful renewed their faith in God that the justice system under the election tribunal sitting in Yola will return her the Governor as she announced by Barr Yunusa Hudu Ari, the Adamawa State Residence electoral commission.

The supporters who are Muslim Ummah under the Jama: at Izalatul Bidi'ah was Ikamatus Sunnah, the largest Salafi movement in Nigeria were said to have prayed for a favorable outcome of the tribunal case.

Mallam Isa Ahmadu who granted a telephone interview to our reporters said their faith on the Binani's awaiting judgment by the tribunal is no doubt rekindled and alive to give them a favorable judgment.

He said Justice is what they desire to see in the long desired Tribunal judgment on the Adamawa Governorship election against Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri favoring Binani.

Ahmadu who spoke on behalf of other Izala's Muslim followers said they are quite aware that there are forces within the APC party and outside the party fighting the chances of Binani becoming the Governor of Adamawa State right from inception.

He said the prayers they offer to God is to fight the cause of Adamawa masses as the 2023 May Governorship has clearly indicated that Binani is the suppose winner and her enemies both in and outside APC stood against her.

Ahmadu revealed that a stalwart of the APC who is from Adamawa State is planning and organizing a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu alongside some Izala's faithfuls who are mostly not from Adamawa.

According to him the main essence of the meeting is to induce some lies to the President that the people of Adamawa do not support a woman becoming the Governor. Therefore, the Tribunal judgement should tilt towards Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who has already pledged to move to the APC and work towards the total destruction of the PDP in Adamawa State.

"May I tell Mr President that Adamawa people massively voted for Binani, especially we from the Izala dominion of Islamic religion and no one should deceive him with any kangaroos meeting with people who are not from Adamawa state.

"The political peace and unity of Adamawa state lies on what the governorship election tribunal will birth out. We know that Binani won the election and she was declared the winner of the election but because of selfish interest of few individuals in APC and the PDP ruling fought stood and nail and stole her mandate. We have prayed, we have interceded and we know our God will rain down justice for Adamawa common Man. " He said

He stressed that they have came out all en mass for a spiritual engagement to dispel all schemes and maneuvers of the ruling party under the leadership of Fintiri to back out for justice to prevail. And those within the APC party fighting the cause of justice to meet with their Waterloo in politics no matter how highly placed they are in this government.


According to him the voices and the cries of Adamawa people for justice, especially now that they have came together in agreement to upturn the evil plans they set as an agenda to thwart justice for injustice in the election tribunal coming judgment will never stand.

"We the Muslim ummah of Adamawa voted for Binani and it means therefore we support the leadership of a Woman, we are behind her. Beside this woman has changed the political narratives of our dear state. When a House of Representatives member, none of her contemporary performed more than she did.

"Her office as the senator for the People of Adamawa Central remains the best ever. This is to tell you God is behind her and nothing anyone can do about it.

"Mr President don't be deceived, Binani is highly rated and loved by the People of Adamawa hence the reason we voted for her. APC in-house fight should never interfere with the mandate we got. " he said

When contacted, an APC stalwart who is Binani staunch supporter in the state, Otunba Umar Mustapha, also confirmed the double edged sword plan and worried that the party is not getting it right if gullible politician can do anything and get away with it.

However, he was confident that just like the previous failed plans, this too is a failure. He said no man born of a woman can decide for God. He has already decided and so shall it remain.

"By His Grace, Binani's stolen mandate shall return and will emerge as Governor of Adamawa." Mustapha said

By Tom Garba, Yola

Scandal of how assistant Director (Finance ), Abubakar Tela Suleiman of Upper Benue River Basin Authority (UBRBDA) have used the Integrated payroll personnel information system (IPPS) and defrauded staffs of the organization from their salaries account continued to generate much tension in Yola, Adamawa State.

You would recall that some weeks ago concerned Nigerians in persons of Habib Garba and Amos Douglas have written petitions to anti graft agencies (EFCC, ICPC) and accused Tela of using the IPPS for fraudulent acts and massive diversion of money connected to all staff in the agency.

The petitioners in a statement further made shocking revelations that the Union leader Mal. Mustapha Salihu who is UBRBDA Chief Admin Officer was also a beneficiary of the Salary arrears fraud shared by Tela, Assistant Director (Finance).

According to them one of the reason that Salihu (Chief Admin officer) is adamant to fight for the Staff right because Tela has being servicing him with the staff diverted IPPS deductions.

They gave a thorough investigation of his Salary account upon what has been paid to him as padding of salary arrears on the 21st January, 2022 Payment reference No: RRR/IPPIS FGN UBRBDA/20.

Petitioners Garba and Douglas a simple checks to the reference above will definitely disclose the amount he has received compare to his actual legitimate Salary amount.

According to them, Salihu being the Union Leader was discovered he has being secretly calling on committee members investigating the matter discouraging them that there is no any tension with the Staff in UBRBDA as against the fact that there is a raising tension that might cause serious rancor in the entire Ministry.

In the statement they indicted Salihu as an accomplice who is makin all efforts possible to protect them because of his involvement in the fraudulent activity.

"Our Union leader is now a stooge who is presently receiving instruction on what to do on behalf of the Staff from the gang leader of IPPS scandals, Abubakar Tela Suleiman." the statement read

In the statement also, Garba and Douglas have also accused Engr Abubakar Muazu, the UBRBDA Managing Director have been lying to the Ministry and protecting Mr Tela Abubakar Suleiman because he has been a beneficiary of the diverted IPPS frauds salaries.

They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and send independent Auditors to investigate Federal Government agencies, Ministry and parastatals because of the Directors in Finance Department have being using IPPS to defraud Staffs.

They also called on the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to seriously put an eye to the Yola UBRBDA to fight the many injustices going on in the place as it is happening in Adamawa, his state of origin and bring to book all the culprits in the agency.

"Further more the Managing Director Abubakar Muazu and the Mr Tela Abubakar Suleiman are trying to cover all the monumental fraud of all time in the Organization in the account and procurement units.

"Series of vimen in many contracts is the order of the day in the account and procurement units.

"We are also shock that despite providing evidence of the many crimes and a away forward to the Ministry, the Ministry seems to be a supporter of what Tela is doing to the staffs of the organization buy buying time to cover all the allegation and fraud committed by Abubakar Suleiman Tela. "

By
Tom Garba

This is his second term, the second hundred days terms of his administration. These are successful stories and tales that Adamawa State has taken the lead, the state have join the league of Nigerian states with progressives records. Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri's two term in office is a consolidation of work done in every parts of the state.

I'm personally celebrating his second term 100 days in office, a continuation of his last hundreds days, he has recorded a watershed achievements, a remarkable development to the people of Adamawa state. I'm one of this government arch critic, critical of the policies I consider anti people. When compare his last hundred days (2019) and this term (2023) hundreds days, it's evident to say that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has gained the record breaker award of performance as the best Governor of Adamawa State.

I'm not the only one that can testify to this, his continued gaining support and loyalty to his government and policies, from our own end as members of the private sector, public service, civil society organizations and actors, observers in the international community it is a story to tell that Adamawa state is wearing a new look and superb beauty under the Fintiri's led administration.

I can recall his campaigns days in 2015, he rigorously visited the knocks and crannies of the state promised them liberation which is suffering from the crutches and hangers of under development. Living by his words, Adamawa now is a touch of beauty, a touch of development in all the 21 Local Government areas.

Sir, in your first term, you have placed the state in the threshold of development that it became a path that all must follow else coming Governors will not survive the terrain and their policies will be consider a violation of humanity laws and provision of human needs.

In this his second term tenure he has silence political jobbers in the name of opposition and even the naysayers, opponents, opportunists and enemies of Adamawa state have come to term with reality that a doing and performing Governor is on 24 hours work duty. No wonder the state is infiltrated with beehives activities of construction companies like Triacta and others.

In the dynamic realm of leadership, where time matches on with unyielding swiftness, the Governor Rt Hon Fintiri assumed the mantle of leadership with unwavering determination and a resolute commitment to propel the state towards boundless progress. Like a sprinter at the starting blocks of a race, he wasted no precious moments. The physical infrastructure in place (Bridges, schools and Roads constructions, Hospital constructions, the new Government House under construction, housing units, culverts etc) are glaring even to the feeling of blinds and dumps that a new government with the masses agenda is working.

The inherent brevity in this giant of work Governor, Fintiri in working synergy has a good working team his assembled commissioners and a cabinet that is offering solution to the needs of all citizens. The Lawmakers under the leadership of Rt Hon Bathiya Wesley is a hallow team of progressives members working in tandem with the Governor's dream of a new Adamawa state is a dawn of a new era to the entire state.


What sets Governor Fintiri apart and unique with all previous government is his high level of confidence he has for the state's civil servants. He believe that the civil servants are the state's engine room and are the pivots revenue generation entity. For this he valued and never treat them with laxity hands. He implemented new salary structures for them, promoted all deserving workers and ensure everyone of them is benefitting from the government's coffers of resources. His prompt monthly salaries payment on or before 25th has remained an invisible law as far as his government is concerned.

Fintiri's purpose in government extends far beyond the allure of influence and political privilege; it is deeply rooted in a fervent desire to build upon the solid foundation laid by his immediate predecessor, Senator Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow, while also weaving his own distinctive tapestry of innovations that will stand as a testament to his time in office. In a landscape often marred by the unfortunate practice of new governments discarding the pearls of wisdom and progress initiated by their predecessors

Fintiri remains a Governor who is standing in the beacon of progressive and development continuity of the past administrations in Adamawa state. He keyed into the great ideas of the past legacies and transformative projects of while unfurling his visionary agenda for the accelerated development of Adamawa State. This exceptional commitment to harnessing the best of both worlds ensures that the state's progress remains uninterrupted.

In his pursuit of unprecedented growth and prosperity, the Governor's commitment to forming strategic partnerships and attracting foreign direct investments became a linchpin of his strategy. His proactive approach was evident in meetings with foreign agencies and organizations.

Governor Fintiri's second term in office is no doubt a consolidation of progress, development and focused in renewing hope to the less privileged that the son of a nobody can be proud of becoming somebody in a near future as he has invested so much in education thereby international scholarship are given to students from various local government to study courses like Engineering, Medicine and surgery, Aeronautic and aerospace management.

To the entire North, Adamawa Governor is star, shining glorious in the horizon of beauty. He has in him wisdom, ideas and knowledge to deliver on the desires of people. He is one of the Governor rising the hopes of Nigerians that one day the leadership of this nation will be rested upon the shoulders of Youths.

Under Fintiri, Adamawa is on the running way of growth and development. A new state is recreated out of the seeming impossibilities that "it is business as usual. " For those asking question can there be something good coming out of Nazareth? (Adamawa). The doubting Thomases are now the town criers, shouting the "Come and see what Fintiri has done" and what he will still do.

From me congratulations to all Adamawa Sons and Daughters. Count on my support your Excellency.

Tom Garba is a Journalist, a political analyst, and an opinion writer. He writes from Yola-Adamawa State, and he can be reached through these means:
tomgarba7@gmail.com
08172570959

By
Tom Garba

Over the years I followed him closely, all his ambitions of wanting to be the Governor of Adamawa State, Senator to represent the Northern zone of the state, Prof Tahir Mamman from afar via my relationship with his Nephews, Ayuba.Musa, a former councilor in Michika Local Government and Bitrus Musa is a prepared Man to solve the problem. A Man with an ever ready blueprint to fix the problem of humanity and fit in the solution.

Tahir, the current Minister of Education is no doubt an excellent educationist who has towed the line many years ago. A veteran in the law profession and bagged the Senior Advocates of Nigerian (SAN) emblem. A former chancellor and a pioneer Director of law schools in many parts of the country. This Man is an idea of governance that the current government is fortunate to have.

His level of education, his experience, his political records, his composure and his excellent spirit of hard work will not only Adamawa state lucky, but the entire northern region another Sardauna who will help President Bola Ahmed Tinubu revive the education sector and give it a new leaf and glory. Professor Tahir has and he will give it all to make sure that Nigeria has the best education.

The Adamawa-born Lawyer is a breed of sincerity with less or no traces of corruption in him. The down-to-earth and easy-going Minister I know him to be a goal-getter. A man with many faces of great ideas who is capable of reviving a moribund sector into a giant that can defend a nation. With him in education, I foresee a UK system of Education coming to Nigeria. We will smile again and our hope of good education will surface again with Tahir under Tinubu's administration.

Many ministers of Education in the past have done their best, and their module of contribution to the development of Nigeria's education sector is what Professor Tahir will leverage to give what will befit Nigerians. He has started with a template for overhauling the system. It is a hope of the return of the country's glory of education.

Like the Sardauna days, I'm sure Tahir will once again take Nigerians to the countries of the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, France, and Australia to gain more knowledge in the areas of science and technology, medicine and surgery, telemedicine and cybersecurity, etc.

With the North and many parts of the country's background status in the area of education, Tahir will consolidate an Education system that will galvanize all citizens including those states considered to be more educated to a country with sound, corrupt free.

Tahir's days at Base University as the Vice Chancellor and the Director General of Law school where he graduated the best students every year has shown that the tall and brilliant Man has tall ideas to change the ugly story of our education system.

Like a stray bullet, governance does discriminate, Tahir's vision of renewing hope in Nigerians is not a gain saying that he is well positioned to reposition the system that will touch every Nigerian so that a smile of hope will radiate in the faces of all. It's Not a Flaw In the System before, it is the vision and dreams of leaders that determine a working system. Tahir has come with new vigor and strength, vision and dream to give a future in the system whose features were dampened by waned-up leaders who were possibly fed up that the education system would not work again.

It is of Paramount Importance to note that this Administration is opportune to have Professor Mamman Tahir, a Recipient internation awarded as a constitutional lawyer, a Man of Excellence and Integrity And Widely Respected Throughout the country and many countries across the globe is known to stand For The People's Fundamental Rights.

His Burning Passion to Help the less privileged was stimulated by his Love For Humanity And The Desire For The privileged in Society To Enjoy The Good Things Of Life Like Other Privileged Persons. This thread in him I'm sure is the driving force that will make him work well and better for Nigerians.

Thank God, there has come a Man to bring back Nigeria's lost glory in the Education sector. I call on Nigeria to give him the needed support.

Thank Mr President your wise decision on Tahir is the best option that will sort best the interest of all Nigerians.

Prof carry on! God has your back, we are behind you at all times. All the best!

Tom Garba wrote this opinion in Jimeta, Yola North Local Government Adamawa State.You can reach him through these means : 08030525759, tomgarba5@gmail.com

Peddlers of lies and fabricators of allegations against the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr Olusade Adesola have been charged to dedicate their brains and energy to more fruitful and meaningful ventures that will help move Abuja city forward.


They were enjoined not to distract the FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike , who from day one has left no one in doubt over his noble intentions to rid the city of Illegalities and ensure massive infrastructural development.

The call was made by the Coordinator, Pro-Impact Initiative, Dr Osamudiamen Isokpehi who briefed journalists over the weekend in Abuja to shed light on the allegations .


Dr Isokpehi who was responding to a write up titled: ‘ WHY FCT PERM SEC MUST BE SACKED AND ARRESTED NOW’ credited to one ‘faceless’ Babalola Tajudeen which was being circulated online alleging unfounded misconducts against the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Administration.

He noted that his organization after studying the write up was of the view to leave it in the bin of falsehood where it was from and still remain, but resolved to respond for the sake of well meaning residents., Saying, there is the need to state the truth and set the record straight.

Dr Isokpehi pointed out that contrary to ‘satanic lie’ that Dr Olusade plotted the removal of his predecessor Sir Christian Ohaa whom he still maintain a cordial relationship with to date, he was posted to the FCTA during a major reshufflement of Permanent Secretaries which was approved by the then President.


He reminded those behind the write up that it was on August 28, 2020 that President Muhammadu Buhari redeployed Sir Ohaa from FCTA to The Ministry of Power and brought Olusade to the FCTA in an exercise that saw the redeployment of 13 permanent secretaries and deployment of the 12 new permanent secretaries who were sworn in two day before.


According to to him, the posting was contained in a circular signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan.
The circular, marked HCSF/CMO/AOD/012/V.III/39, is dated August 28, 2020.


He added that, “ we believed strongly that it was this same elements who never gave Sir Christian Ohaa peace during his days as permanent secretary as they dragged him to Berekete Radio and continue to write series of petitions against him when the former minister, Muhammed Musa Bello was reappointed in 2019. Lest we forget , They also wrongly accused Sir Ohaa Of employing only his kinsmen from Enugu state , which was easily proven to be false. They also demanded his removal and called for him to be probed. Now they are in another mission to do what they know how to best”

On allegation that the permanent secretary unilaterally employed 10,000 staff in three years thus raising the total number of FCTA staff to 40,000, Dr Isokpehi said, “the enemies of the permanent secretary failed to cross check their facts before circulating the falsehood. Records at the Human Resource department of the FCTA have it that FCTA total staff strength currently stands at 32,201 as at August 2023. This we believe was contained in the handing over notes presented to the new minister.
“The record shows that the staff strength was initially 32,703 as at December 2020 rose to 32,831 in June , 2021 and steadily came down with efficiency to 32,201 by August this year”.

He stressed that the FCTA administration is too complex for anyone even the president of the nation or the minister holding it in trust for him to employ mainly people from his village, state, region or religious group as alleged by the ‘crafters of fallacies’.

Also speaking on alleged award of Multi billion naira contract, Dr Isokpehi pointed out that, “ the ignorance of the writer or his pay masters was too obvious. contracts from N100 million and above are presented in Memo to the Federal Executive Council for approval by the minister. There is obviously no way a permanent secretary would award such contract(s)”. He insisted that all the permanent secretary did within the period when the former minister left and when Mr Wike assumed duty was to keep Abuja running which did not go down well with those who want the city to come to a halt.

On Land allocation, he reminded the writer that, “ the Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusade Adesola who is a well breed Bureaucrat knows that it is only the minister who can allocate land and so he did not get himself into what is not in his powers. Even as chairman of the FCT land allocation committee , the permanent secretary knows his role is largely advisory as the final decision remains with the minister who oversees the city on behalf of the president and commander in chief”

On Revenue harmonisation between FCTA and the Six Area Councils of the Territory, he argued that, “ even the blind knows that issues of multiple taxation and unauthorized tax collectors and consultants across the city have been a major challenge. This the permanent secretary move to solve this and he deserves applause. Sadly those who see nothing good in noble deeds are calling for his head. Reports have shown increased in revenue generation, blockage of leakages and orderliness in revenue collection “

The group, however, called on the FCT Minister to disregard such write ups describing their crafter(s) as professional liars. They warned the minister to remember how these sets of people almost crucified the current permanent secretary’s predecessor when he was in office and repeated same to the immediate past FCT minister as soon as he left the office.

...calls on President Tinubu to intervene, alleges FG palliative rebranded for political reasons


A Loyal member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Adamawa, Mr Hussaini Gambo (Nakura) has accused the Governor of Adamawa State, Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of selective treatment of the Federal Government palliative sent for the people of the state.

Hussain who also is known as an advocate of the masses, chairman of the Adamawa Concerned Citizens Association, said Governor Fintiri rebranded the foodstuff intervention with his photo inscription and assigned local government councilors to share has violated the principles of equity and inclusion.

According to him, the APC House of Assembly members as major stakeholders in their respective constituencies were not part of the committee, and the action of the governor will prevent many from benefiting from the federal government gesture.

He worried that the deliberate action to sideline the APC lawmakers is a clear indication that the palliative is only going to be shared among the members of the PDP ruling party in the state.

Hussain reminded the Governor that his administration is not only for PDP members, saying that he is very much aware of how thousands of APC members have voted for his second term bid during the last governorship election.

Hussaini called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to intervene in the Adamawa palliative provided by the Federal Government because Governor Fintiri is out to sideline APC members.

Hussaini in an interview with our Yola correspondent said the Governor is also out for vendetta and only wants a particular class of people to enrich themselves over the palliative that is meant for everyone.

"Sir intervene on the palliative you gave for everyone in Adamawa, else APC loyalists will never get anything as Governor Fintiri is clearly showing out his color to give only his political pundits.

"All the committees formed in charge of the distribution there is no APC stakeholder included, even our elective office holders like the state house of assembly lawmakers have been excluded from being the committee.

"How can there be equal distribution? The so-called councillors in charge of the distribution at ward levels are all PDP elected, no none of them is from the APC or any political party. Something urgent has to be done. " Hassan said

All efforts to reach the Chief press Secretary, Mr Humawashi Wonosikou to commend proved abortive as his phone number is not being picked while called.

Our reporter visited his office in government house but was told by his secretary that is not on seat.

FRIN Staff Blast Foul Group, Says Institution is Well Manage By DG Buba Yaduma


By Tom Garba, Yola


In a significant development at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), the appointment of Professor Zacharia Buba Yaduma as the Director General has brought renewed hope and optimism among the institute’s dedicated staff. This rejoinder addresses recent publications containing false claims and serves as a clarion call for support and understanding.


The staff’s collective support and optimism were encapsulated in a comprehensive statement issued and jointly signed by Adetona Olubunmi, Chairperson of the Joint Action Congress at FRIN, and Andrew A. Umaru, the Secretary of Joint Action Congress at FRIN.

“Once again we have a cause not to dignify the pseudonymity of Kelvin Onaolapo and Wasiu Olaniregun but to correct the false assertions of the cowards behind some publications which can only attempt to disrupt the growing assurance and confidence the entirety of Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) have enjoyed since the appointment of Professor, Zacharia Buba Yaduma as the Director General of FRIN by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

"Besides his status as a man highly qualified for the job he is the first alumnus in the history of FRIN since its establishment as the Federal Department of Forestry Research in 1954 under the Institute’s Decree 35 of 1973 and order establishing Research Institute of 1977 which changed the status of the Department to an institute to lead the institute and he is doing it not just with passion but consideration and heed for many who were pushed into the cesspool of slavery and intimidation by past leaderships of the institute.

"The new Director General has decided to work the talk by releasing conversions for staff across colleges who were qualified by acquiring higher qualifications but were denied conversion for reasons best known to those who stagnated them in the system, Departments have for the first time in the history of the institute prepared and submitted budgets to their respective provosts for onward consideration with a keen interest to understanding and improving peculiar needs of staff in accordance to the NBTE regulatory documents, this is to mention a few.


"The presidency, the 10th Assembly, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission, the Department of State Services and the Media must disregard any call by these sons of perdition to sack the DG as this will be tantamount to sabotaging the ideology of sanitizing institutions and making them work effectively which His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is championing. Mr. President must ignore this call to reverse the appointment of the DG as there is no timely intervention better than this appointment which has forefend the quiet but visible attempt to plant in a candidate through a kangaroo process that would have sustained a dynasty of oppression and intimidation, Illegal transfers without benefits and parading a research institute with lecturers that have to toil and train themselves without allowances and are hit with promotion conditions which are not in tandem with the NBTE regulatory documents. We will be ready to furnish you with more reasons and documents as to why the appointment of the new DG is a bold step toward liberation for the staff of the institute.

"It is also imperative to mention that the man in question has graduated many undergraduate and postgraduate students on both MSc and Ph.D. level one of the staff in FRIN inclusive, which make him a better research professor (Scientist) than any professor believed to have been raised by those who want professor Zacharia B. Yaduma removed and to also unequivocally mention that his appointment did not negate fairness and meritocracy as his 30years carrier in the field of academia and the impact he has made cannot be question at any level. Any attempt to blackmail the man, only reasonable questions the authority of the presidency to appoint a qualified candidate nominated by the then honorable minister of environment for the position as stated clearly in “Section 6 “ of the 2018 Act, Establishing FRIN and little wonder why all unions in the colleges came together under the umbrella of Joint Action Congress on the 20th of May, 2023 to throw their weight behind the appointment and appreciate the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari calling this appointment “The best gift of the Muhammadu Buhari administration to FRIN”

"Without a doubt, those sponsoring this petition are those who felt the ideology of men assuming the status of God in FRIN has been discontinued and the evil ideology synonymous with Williams Lynch’s 1712 vicious “Making of a Slave” has been averted.

"There is no better time than now to join hands with the DG and deliver better welfare and human capital development for all as well as reward for hard work void of victimization and suppression which was the drill in FRIN before now, This appointment was substantiated by former president Muhammadu Buhari’s administration but to us this is our first taste of RENEWED HOPE ushered in by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which we support and will work collectively with the DG and the president to move FRIN to new grounds which will be unmatched." The statement read

By Tom Garba, Yola

Since 2011 Janna foundation and partners have been working in the North Eastern part of Nigeria to improve the health quality of people, especially nomads communities in the area of tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy.

Haven achieved significant results the foundation is working on a project geared towards addressing the challenges of tuberculosis in three state of Adamawa, Taraba and Yobe states.

Stakeholders from the aforementioned states have met and charted a way forward for TB and Leprosy project that will last for six months.

The meeting is also aimed at sensitising stakeholders on community engagement for last mile population who are also to engage relevant stakeholders for support and ensure project sustainability in target states.

Representatives from the various states on Tuberculosis and leprosy control units says Janna Health foundation has contributed a lot in achieving a desired objectives in Taraba, Adamawa and Yobe States.

The TB and leprosy control representative from the federal ministry of health Department, Mrs Stella Eke commended Janna foundation for achieving set goals and called on government at all levels and stakeholders to contribute their quoter.

The founder Janna health foundation Dr Stephen John expressed optimism that the commitment demonstrated by stakeholders will go a long way in achieving a desired results.

He noted that such meeting will also guide stakeholders to undergo a survey that will bring out a statistic that will ease its work and commended stakeholders for their commitment to the project.

....staff in a petition accuse Abubakar of using syndicate group of staff to defraud others

Concerned Nigerians, Habib Garba and Amos Douglas have accused Assistant Director of upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRDA), Yola, Adamawa State of using the standard of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) for fraudulent acts and massive diversion of money.

Garba and Douglas have petitioned the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, accusing the Assistant Director of Finance at the, Mr. Abubakar Tela Sulaiman of abuse of office, compromise and perversion.

Garba and Douglas in separate petitions filed before the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in August said that Sulaiman had become so powerful to the extent that he had pocketed his immediate boss, the Executive Director of Finance and also the Managing Director of the Authority “who also benefits from his largesse”.


Garba in his petition said, “One major area of concern is a situation where Mr. Sulaiman Abubakar Tela singly paid only himself a salary arrears with a net figure of N372,648.42 in December 2021 while denying over 120 staff having their salary arrears in the same year and also included himself in another round of payment on January 21, 2022, for the same purpose, the sum of N8,370,000 to his First Bank account with number 2012065215 and IPPIS NO: 260535.



“This recklessness resulted in staff promotion arrears of 2022 not paid till date. His cronies who are staff under him also benefited from divers unmerited amounts on 21/01/2022 Description: RR/IPPIS/FGN UBRABDA/20 as captured as follows: Sulaiman Abubakar Tela - N8,370,000; Samson Sunday Makama - N7,440,000; Sabo Kwale Patrick - N7,440,000; Jigo Uba Ammar - N5,580,000 and Isaiah Helda - N5,580,000.


“All the officers mentioned above are the Authority's IPPIS desk officers enriching themselves through the IPPIS platform.

“The mastermind behind the infiltration of the payment platform has perfected his art only due to the presence of a mole at the IPPIS, and it is only when a comprehensive investigation is launched the ally can be figured out so that he can also face the full wrath of the law.”

The petitioner alleged that as far as the Upper River Basin Authority in Yola, Adamawa State is concerned, the words of Mr. Sulaiman are law as he has allegedly blackmailed senior staff members of the Authority into obeying all he says.

He alleged that some management staff members of the Authority he identified as Mr Abubakar Muazu, Engr. Ahmed Tukur, Mr Simon Mathias Tizhe and Engr Ali Buba Pela, who according to him, are on consolidated salaries, received promotion arrears “which is against the civil service rules”.

“A recall of his (Abubakar Tela Suleiman) secret file will reveal that the officer in question manipulated his steps to be at the same step with his seniors: Hajiya Zainab.M. Tukur, Abubakar H. Joda, Ibrahim Adamu Mohmmed and Engr. Ibrahim Bello etc., who were initially two steps ahead of him,” Garba added.

Corroborating Garba’s claim, Douglas also said in part of his petition that “Mr. Sulaiman Abubakar Tela singly paid only himself salary arrears with a net figure of N372,648.82 in December 2021 while denying over 120 staff their salary arrears in the same year”.

“And went ahead to include himself in another round of payment on 21st January, 2022, for the same purpose the sum of N8,370,000.00 to his First Bank account with number 2012065215 and IPPIS NO: 260535. This recklessness resulted in piling up of staff promotion arrears of 2022 not paid till date,” the petitioner further alleged.


Responding to the petition, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources said that it had set up a fact-finding committee to investigate the allegations against the UBRDA Assistant Director of Finance and some other staff members of the Authority in Yola.

....as hundreds of people in Kaduna community benefited by harvest outreach


Moved with compassion of people suffering from one ailment of the other, Rimau Community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State was in received of medical personnel who were in a mission to reach out to their medical needs.

Harvest Family Outreach and Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA) of Nigeria have collaborated and treated the people from various ailment.

Director, Harvest Family Outreach, Engineer Musa Nimrod the organisation is in a mission to give medical support for total health to all people irrespective of tribe, religion or place of origin.

According to him, it is the group's corporate social responsibility to reach out to people who are facing whole lots of health challenge.

He said the the essence is to reach out to everyone without bias to any form of sentiments.

"We have to reach out because health is wealth, you know people are lacking things. We are also looking at the spiritual aspect of their lives. They should serve God, in serving Him they will also strive in divine health,” Nimrod said.

The free medical exercise which has 46 medical team, of which 12 Doctors, 13 pharmacists, and 6 nurses are part of the representative Ministry of Health

Harvest Family Outreach coordinator in an interview during the exercise , Chioma Rita Odili revealed that the community have benefited from experiences of the medical officers in great measure.

While commenting on the event, CMDA Chairman, Zaria chapter, Dr. Didamson Vonkaza, said for them as Christian doctors, their motto is, “Caring for man as a whole, spirit, soul and body”.

“For us we don’t just want to care for the whole body, we want to give total care to everyone, that is why, from time to time, cary out outreaches. We use our experience and profession in order to help. So that is our motivation, we want to ensure that everyone is complete, the whole man is taken care of, the spirit, the soul and the body.

“We are faith based organisation, that carries out several services to reach humanity. Through medical services, water services, spiritual services and educational services, in rural and urban settings, where people have challenges in various forms,” he submitted.