Kano governorship, National Assembly and state House of assembly Election Petition Tribunal has fixed 6th of May to begin hearing on the petition filed before it against governor Ganduje and All People’s Progressive Congress (APC) by People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its gubernatorial candidate.

Counsel to PDP and its candidate Abba Kabiru Yusuf, Barrister Bashir Yusuf Muhammad told Daily trust that, they have filed two pending application but struck out one based on a latest development adding that the counsel had respected the court’s opinion on their second application.

“We have two pending applications before the court. One seeking the order to serve the APC and Kano state Governor by substituted means because all efforts to serve him through personal service was proved abortive as stated to us by the registry” he added.

“However, we learnt today that, the registry was yesterday able to serve the Governor personally and subsequently we apply for the court to strikeout the application which the court did”

“The second application was to ask the court to extend the exparte order given to us to inspect election materials in the INEC because the order given to us elapsed after 14 days from the day it was given to us and the court was of the opinion that since the petition was serve on all both parties is better for us to put them on notice so that they could come to the court an order will be given to them to act accordingly,” the counsel explained.

Similarly, counsel to APC and Governor Ganduje barrister Musa Abdullahi Lawal stated that the court decision was a fair decision and that the court has done justice by saying that all must be placed on notice so that the court may hear from them. The presiding judge Justice Halima Shamaki adjourned the case to the 6th of May for hearing.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/kano-election-tribunal-fixes-may-6th-for-hearing.html

Kano governorship, National Assembly and state House of assembly Election Petition Tribunal has fixed 6th of May to begin hearing on the petition filed before it against governor Ganduje and All People’s Progressive Congress (APC) by People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its gubernatorial candidate.

Counsel to PDP and its candidate Abba Kabiru Yusuf, Barrister Bashir Yusuf Muhammad told Daily trust that, they have filed two pending application but struck out one based on a latest development adding that the counsel had respected the court’s opinion on their second application.

“We have two pending applications before the court. One seeking the order to serve the APC and Kano state Governor by substituted means because all efforts to serve him through personal service was proved abortive as stated to us by the registry” he added.

“However, we learnt today that, the registry was yesterday able to serve the Governor personally and subsequently we apply for the court to strikeout the application which the court did”

“The second application was to ask the court to extend the exparte order given to us to inspect election materials in the INEC because the order given to us elapsed after 14 days from the day it was given to us and the court was of the opinion that since the petition was serve on all both parties is better for us to put them on notice so that they could come to the court an order will be given to them to act accordingly,” the counsel explained.

Similarly, counsel to APC and Governor Ganduje barrister Musa Abdullahi Lawal stated that the court decision was a fair decision and that the court has done justice by saying that all must be placed on notice so that the court may hear from them. The presiding judge Justice Halima Shamaki adjourned the case to the 6th of May for hearing.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/kano-election-tribunal-fixes-may-6th-for-hearing.html

Fatima, a primary school teacher, was transferred to a different school and immediately appointed as a class teacher of a class five class.
On her first day in her class, she noticed that a boy named Musa was different from the rest of the pupils because he was always lonely, out of place, dirty and never used to do homework. Fatima also realized that most pupils in the class had a negative attitude towards him.

Fatima decided to investigate and find out the problem. She decided to review the file containing the records for Musa. She was very surprised by what she found out.

Musa’s class one teacher wrote and said “Musa is a good pupil with a ready laugh. He does his homework neatly and has many friends”.

The class two teacher wrote, “Musa is a good pupil with a ready laugh. He does his homework neatly but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle”

The class three teacher wrote, “his mother’s death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best but his father doesn’t show much interest”.

The class four teacher wrote, “Musa is withdrawn. He doesn’t do his homework and has very few friends”.

By now teacher Fatima had known where the problem was, and she was very ashamed of herself. And from that day onwards she decided to pay much attention on Musa and to assist him as much as possible.

Towards the end of the year, the pupils in the class decided to bring presents to teacher Fatima. All the pupils in the class brought expensive presents which were wrapped in coloured paper except Musa. His present was wrapped clumsily in old pieces of newspaper. The rest of the pupils laughed at him when they saw what he brought.

Fatima felt great pain as she opened the present that Musa had brought, she found an old bottle of perfume which was a quarter full and an old bracelet which had several beads missing. To stifle the laughter from the pupils, teacher Fatima exclaimed “this bracelet is very beautiful” and wore it. She also took the bottle of perfume, tapped it on her wrist and put it on.

In the evening, when the rest of the pupils were going home, Musa deliberately remained behind, and when he was sure that all the pupils had left, he went to see teacher Fatima. He entered her office, and summoning enough courage he said to her, “teacher, today you smelled the way my mum used to”.When Musa left, Fatima locked herself in the office and cried for more than an hour.

The following year, Musa wrote a letter to teacher Fatima. He told her that she was the best teacher that he ever had in his life.

Six years later, he wrote another letter, he told her that he had finished secondary school and he was the best in his class. He added that “she was still the best teacher he ever had in his life”.

Eight years later, he wrote another letter. He told her that he had completed his bachelor’s degree in medicine was now a doctor. He added that she was still “the best teacher he ever had in his life”.

The following year, he wrote another letter. He told her that he had found a girl and was going to get married. He explained that his father had died one year earlier, and was wondering whether Fatima would accept to attend the wedding and sit in the place reserved for the mother of the groom. Of course Fatima accepted and during the wedding, she was putting on the same bracelet with several beads missing and she was also putting on the same perfume that Musa remembered his mother was putting on the day she died. Now l ask a question, have you ever helped someone you don’t like? can you do good just to help someone get up even when they cannot pay you back when they are not there?

LESSON: Any kindness you do to someone lasts forever!
Touch a life in your school, worship centres, company, anywhere today! Dedicated to all friends who have the special opportunity to touch a life. Is there a Musa around you? Please find him!

There was a circulated photo of a vulture waiting for a starving Sudanese girl to die and feast on her, during the 1993 famine in Sudan, taken by Kevin Carter, a South African photojournalist who later won the Pulitzer Prize for this ‘amazing’ shot(edited and left out here because of its inhumane posture).

Kevin however lived just a few months to enjoy his supposed achievement because he later got depressed and took his own life!

He was actually savouring his feat and being celebrated on major news channels and networks worldwide for such an ‘exceptional’ photographic skill.

His depression started when during one of such interviews (a phone-in programme), someone phoned in and asked him what happened to the child. He replied, “I didn’t wait to find out after this shot as I had a flight to catch…” And the person replied, “I put it to you that there were two vultures on that day; one had a camera”.

His constant thought of that statement led to depression and his ultimate suicide.

In whatever we do, let humanity come first, before what we can gain out of the situation.

Kevin Carter could have been alive today and even more celebrated if he had just picked that little girl up and taken her to the United Nations Feeding Center where she was attempting to reach.

In all we do, let’s always think of others and how we can be of benefit to humanity.

And when we seek elective office, let’s think of how we can use it to benefit the people foremost

A New Nigeria is possible

Mike Zhang, a Chinese trader in Kano State has bagged a chieftaincy title and would now be known as “Wakilin Yan China” by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.

The title comes as a bid to strengthen the ties between Kano State and China with Mike Zhang being the chief and leader of the growing Chinese community in the northern state.

The title empowers Zhang for the role of proper management of the Chinese community which he will be representing at the Kano royalty in times of need.

The instalment which is a move to establish peaceful coexistence was very similar to that of ‘Sarkin Inyamurai’, chief of Igbo residents in Kano and ‘Sarkin Yarabawa’, chief of Yoruba residents in Kano.

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a cartel, which specialised in planting illicit drugs in travellers’ luggage.

The NDLEA Chairman, Col. Muhammad Abdallah (rtd), disclosed this in a statement.

The cartel was uncovered after NDLEA detectives embarked on investigation of a Nigerian lady identified as Zainab Aliyu.

Zainab was accused of entering Saudi Arabia with tramadol. The implication in this discovery by NDLEA was the realisation that many Nigerians arrested and executed for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia might be innocent.

Zainab was arrested by Saudi Arabia Police on December 26, 2018 shortly after arriving for Lesser Hajj.

Zainab, a student of Maitama Sule University, Kano, had travelled from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in company with her mother, Mrs. Maryam Aliyu, and sister, Hajara Aliyu.

She was later arrested over allegations that a luggage, bearing her name tag, contained the unlawful substance.

However, while in detention, the NDLEA had received a petition from Zainab’s father, seeking a probe of his daughter’s ordeal.

Consequently, the NDLEA Commander in charge of MAKIA had launched an investigation, which culminated in the arrest and arraignment before a Federal High Court in Kano of seven staff of the airport.

The accused are Idris Umar Shehu (alias Umar Sanda), Sanni Suleiman, Nuhu Adamu, Rhoda Adetunji, Udosen Itoro Henry and Sanni Hamisu.

According to a report of the investigation, a copy of which was made available to journalists yesterday, a suspected cartel in the airport had planted the tramadol-bearing luggage on Zainab.

In the report, which has since been forwarded to the Consul-General in Jeddah for action, it was further established that Zainab who, like her mother and sister, had only a luggage, was not aware that a second bag had been labelled in her name.

The NDLEA said: “Based on the investigation activities carried out, it has been revealed that the said Zainab Habibu Aliyu is not the owner of the second luggage tagged in her name.

“On 24th of December 2018, Maryam Habibu Aliyu and her two daughters, Hajara Habibu Aliyu and Zainab Habibu Aliyu, who are students of Maitamia Sule University, Kano, were to travel to Saudi Arabia for Lesser Hajj. The three passengers had one luggage each.

“At the Departure Hall, three bags belonging to the three passengers were given to one Bako A. Salisu, who weighed the bags, tagged and gave the labels to the passengers.

“Immediately the luggage of the passengers were checked in, Rhoda Adetunji, an official of the Airport Authority (one of the accused persons) approached them, asking for their remaining luggage as the luggage checked-in by the passengers were lower than the total weight they were entitled to travel with – two of their luggage weighed 36kgs while one weighed 17kgs.

“The passengers ignored the said Rhoda Adetunji and went to the arrival hall to purchase yellow card and by the time they came back from the arrival hall to the departure hall, screening for boarding had already started and the three passengers all went for boarding. They never consented nor knew that any other luggage was tagged to the name of any of the passengers.

“On 26th of December 2018 about 12.45 midnight, the Saudi Arabia police came to the hotel room of Maryam and her daughters in Saudi Arabia to arrest one of her daughters, Zainab, on allegation that one of the luggage tagged to her name and passed has prohibited drugs, tramadol. Zainab is presently in detention in Saudi Arabi awaiting investigations and prosecutions.

“Following receipt of the complaint, seven people working at MAKIA were arrested in connection with the offence.

“In the course of the investigations, the telephones of all the suspects were seized by the agency for investigations, while going through the phones of the suspects one after other, it was discovered that the following happened between Sani Suleiman and Idris Umar, alias Umar Sanda.

“On 24th December 2018, Sani Suleiman with phone number 08036066448 was in conversation with Umar Sanda with phone number 08065499791 at 8.26a.m., 12.47a.m., 03.56p.m., and 4 p.m.

“On the same 24th December 2018, Sani Suleiman with number 08036066448 sent a WhatsApp picture of two parcels to Umar Sanda on phone number 08065499791.

“Also on the same 24th December, Suleiman sent a WhatsApp picture of two coloured luggage to phone number belonging to one Alhaji Gabari now at large.”

NDLEA uncovers airport cartel planting hard drugs in passengers’ luggage

Commissioner for Rural Development in the cabinet of Governor Umar Ganduje of Kano State, Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso, has claimed that he drafted ex-governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into politics, when he was serving as a deputy director at the state Water Resources Board.

Iliyasu, who claimed that politically he was Kwankwaso’s boss, said he ensured his participation in politics despite all odds.

Speaking with New Telegraph newspaper, the commissioner noted that while Kwankwaso was at the water board and another political dispensation was around, he personally insisted that Kwankwaso had to join partisan politics.

He said, “That time, we were actively involved in politics and I as youth leader had a say on what happens, and when I brought Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso around, there was a serious debate on who he was.”

He noted that because of his political influence, he made the ex-governor to contest for House of Representatives’ seat and he won.

Iliyasu, however, lamented how Kwankwaso played his politics in contemporary times, saying “he (Kwankwaso) has truly derailed from what he was taught.”

He said in all the elections that were conducted in Kano, they had never had a genuine, free and fair election while Kwankwaso held sway in the state as governor.

Iliyasu said all the elections were manipulated by Kwankwaso and numbers were just gathered and allocated to people.

“Even this last election, hundreds of foreigners from Kaduna and other places were brought into Madobi by Kwankwaso to perpetrate rigging, but as God would have it, true indigenous Madobi people stood their grounds against it,” he alleged.

In Kano state, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, assured the people of the state that his administration will give priority to the welfare of civil servants in the state. He also said that it is for this reason that the state government is not owing its workers in Kano. “We are ready to pay N30,000 monthly salary, because the welfare of our workers is paramount to anything and we will always give it. We will pay the N30,000,” Ganduje said.

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, says political elites have manipulated restructuring for their selfish interest.

Sanusi II, represented by Dr Bashir Umar of the Ado Bayero University, Kano, said this on Friday at the 9th Triennial National Conference of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria in Abuja.

The theme of the conference is “Justice, Equity and Peaceful Coexistence: Ideas and Reality in a Multi-Religious Nation.“

According to him, the manipulation of fault lines by elites has been the source of communal violence and insecurity in society.

He said that the elites’ blind thirst for power has resulted in tribal and religious clashes,“even though they are reducing in most part of the nation, but one type of crisis will reduce then another one will spring up.

“It is not as if we are pro- or anti-restructuring, but rather the restructuring has been turned into a fault line that is been manipulated and exploited by the elites.

“We have elite in the society that havereceived the best of care from the resources of the society. People of my age and those before me attended public schools from primary to university.

“Unfortunately, the elites that benefited from the system in the past have left public institutions to become vandalised, dilapidated and substituted it with a private education system that is affordable only to a very few.

“The health system has also been vandalisedand now people have to go on medical tourism in India, Egypt, and Europe. The unfortunate thing is sometimes before you get the air ambulance the will of Allah will take place,“ he said.

The monarch said the elites that got power after the military created a political class that instituted thuggery, election malpractices, corruption and destroyed the Judiciary, Civil Service and security agencies.

“These are all the result of the work of the political class and the unfortunate thing is that it is made to become something that is perpetual.

“This has to be changed and our duty as Muslims is to learn from the ideals of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to save the society from eminent danger that is facing it.“

Alhaji Yusuf Adebayo, National Vice-President, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, appealed to politicians to desist from exploiting fault lines for their political interest.

According to Adebayo, such attitude is not healthy for the growth and development of the country.

He, therefore, advised the youth to stop making themselves tools for agent provocateurs who always profit from religious violence in the country.

He urged Nigerians to imbibe peace for the overall development of the country and humanity in general.

National President of the society, Dr Lateef Okunnu, said the organisation retained itpremier position among all Muslim missions and societies through the propagation of Islam.

He said in fulfilment of one of the two principal objectives of the society, the National Universities Commission issued full certificate of operation to the Ansar-Ud-Deen University named Summit University, Offa, Kwara State.

https://www.independent.ng/breaking-emir-of-kano-exposes-those-manipulating-restructuring/amp/

All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and party state chairmen from the North Central geo-political zone on Thursday endorsed the two candidates of the party for the leadership positions of the 9th National Assembly. Plateau State Governor, Rt Hon. Simon Lalong disclosed this to newsmen after a closed-door meeting of stakeholders from the zone at the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. Addressing newsmen, the governor said, “a meeting of governors and the party chairmen from North Central today resolved to go along with the decision of the party’s endorsement of Senator Ahmed Lawan as Senate President and Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila as the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 9th National Assembly.

“Since it was a party affair, our decision was in line with the wish of the party and that is why we the governors and state chairmen of our party from the zone are in support of the decision of the party”. When asked what the zone stands to gain in the power sharing formula, Gov. Lalong said, “we are still deliberating. We have not exhausted the positions with respect to zoning.

Our decision and position are only on two issues, while the rest delibrations are ongoing. There is going to be a continuation of our meeting in respect of positions to the North Central with both Mr. President and the party”. The meeting which lasted for more than one hour had in attendance, Governor Lalong, his Niger State counterpart, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, Nasarawa State Governor, Alhaji Umaru Tanko Almakura and Benue State APC governorship candidate, Barrister Emmanuel Jime. State APC Chairmen in attendance were Engr. Jibrin Imam of Niger State, his Kogi State counterpart, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, Nasarawa State’s Philips Shekwo, Chief Letep Dabang of Plateau State, Comrade Abba Yaro of Benue State, as well as the FCT’s Abdullahi Usman.

Signed Mark Longyen
Senior Special Assistant to Plateau State Governor on Media and Publicity

President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the National Minimum Wage, Daily Trust has reliably gathered.

Sources in the State House told our correspondent that the president assented to the bill today.

Presidential adviser on National Assembly (Senate), Sen Ita Enang is being expected to brief the State House Correspondents on the development.

Recall that the Senate in March approved the sum of N30,000 as national minimum wage for both the federal and state governments.
The approval followed the adoption of the report of the adhoc committee on the National Minimum Wage chaired Deputy Chief Whip Francis Alimekhena (APC, Edo).

The N30,000 approved by the Senate is N3,000 higher than the N27,000 proposal submitted by the Executive arm in January.

The Senate approval followed that of the House of Representatives, which equally approved N30,000 as national minimum wage in January.

Details Soon

I know some Civilian Find it so difficult to Approach a Female Soldier for Relationships.

My Dear Listen to my Little Advice.
Female Soldiers are The Best in Relationships and Marriages.

With the following Reasons.

1. She is an Independent woman to you. She has Already got a job, and it’s the best thing a man can wish for.

2. You won’t bother someone Harassing your wife for Any Reason. She is a Soldier, So I don’t think that there is any form of harassment that can come to her that she can’t handle.

3. She will always fight for you. If you get Married or in a relationship with a Female soldier,Every of your problem is her Problem, She won’t ever let any harm come to you.

4. She will be Trust worthy, You won’t be afraid of thinking about your wife or girlfriend cheating on you,because Even People around her can’t even go close to her once they know that she is in a relationship with you .

5. They are the Most Caring They care for their Loved ones more than anything, Love and care is what they Give you.

6. They are Educated with Military and Civil Law You don’t have much to say to her, because she already know what’s good and Bad. She knows what to do and the time to do it..

If you Love a Female Soldier, don’t be Afraid to Approach her, we are all kind hearted and devoted

Incase you are afraid of anyone, come to Me I will help you talk to her.

proud to be a female soldier

Have a Blessed Day

The Coalition of Minority Tribes in Nigeria has called on the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to apologise to Nigerians and return to Cameroon or seek naturalization.

The group made this demand following the recent revelation by the All Progressives Congress that Atiku is a nationality of Cameroon and not a Nigerian.

The group said what Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has done by concealing his identity is tantamount to crimes against humanity and must tender an unreserved apology to Nigerians.

The group said what Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has done by concealing his identity is tantamount to crimes against humanity and must tender an unreserved apology to Nigerians.

Addressing a news conference on Monday, Abdulmuminu Hassan, Secretary-General of the group said former head of state, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida must have realized the true nationality of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, hence, the reason why he refused to appoint him as the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service.

It further gave him a 21-day ultimatum to return to Cameroon to reunite with his family members.

“The Conference of Minority also wishes to advise Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to in an alternative solution seek naturalization as a Nigerian by applying to the Federal Ministry of Interior in Nigeria. This way Nigerians would forgive him for his sins and show him understanding since he has lived the better part of his life in Nigeria. Though at great disservice to Nigeria.

The Conference of Minority Tribes in Nigeria shall not hesitate to mobilize its members across the nook and crannies in Nigeria to a street protest should Alhaji Atiku Abubakar fail to tender unreserved apologies to Nigerians, and also return to Cameroon or seek naturalisation in Nigeria,” the group added.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/apcs-claim-naturalise-or-return-to-cameroon-group-tells-atiku.html

Press Statement

From Abba Anwar

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi congratulates governor of Kano state, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje over his victory in the just concluded gubernatorial election in the state.

After describing Ganduje as a warrior, he appreciated that, the governor is one of the state governors that are in the forefront in trickling down development to their people.

Oba Adeyemi, who sent a high powered delegation to the governor, under the leadership of Asiwaju Abayomi, who met him at the Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, commended Ganduje for being receptive and highly disciplined politician, who believes that political rivalry simply means difference in political approach.

“We are here as a high powered delegation to our in-law, a highly de-tribalised leader, whose zeal in the development of the country is unassuming. We are here to purposely congratulate Your Excellency over your victory in the just concluded governorship election in Kano state,” says Abayomi.

Adding that governor’s victory means a lot in explaining to the public how dear and cheerful the governor is to Kano people, explaining that, “If you are not doing well for the development of the state, they wouldn’t have re-elected you for the second time. But with this re-election, it is clear to all that Dr Abdullahi Ganduje is doing well in his domain.”

He further hinted that, His Majesty, the Oba wanted to be physically around for the congratulatory visit, but other pressing issues cropped up, which necessitated for sending of the delegation.

In his response, the governor appreciated the royal message from His Majesty, the Alaafin, assuring that, “…I will continue with the good work to my people as you identify, while you are coming from far away Oyo state. I am happy that, you are getting correct information concerning our developmental projects and policies.”

After receiving the Congratulatory Card from the delegation, he gladly expressed that, the card was a symbol of national integration that would go a long way in further cementing relationship among Nigerians, adding that, “I am happy with this mighty card from His Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi.”

Ganduje reveals that after that meeting with the delegation, the Alaafin would one day be in Kano.

“When I learned that you were coming to congratulate me and all Kano people, I wished the Alaafin himself was among this important and esteemed personalities. But I was told he was held up by some other pressing issues back home. Kindly extend our sincere and heartfelt gratitude,” governor said.

Anwar is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kano State

Former Vice-President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has denied spending a sum of $30,000 to hire a US lobby group to persuade the United States Congress to stop the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari.The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement Wednesday by his media aide, Mr. Paul Ibe, described the latest allegation instigated by the Buhari campaign as a ‘total fabrication.’The former vice-president insisted that his court case has become their biggest burden because it exposes their integrity as a sham, and instead of defending their stolen mandate in court, they are now using fake news to divert public attention from the historic electoral heist they have committed against Nigerians.Atiku noted that no amount of diversionary propaganda and fake news campaign by the All Progressives Congress (APC) would stop him from continuing the court action he started to reclaim the stolen mandate.He stressed that the latest dirty propaganda didn’t come as a surprise  because lying has so far become their only bragging rights of competence.Atiku stated: “Lying has become a culture to the APC administration and therefore, we are not surprised by their latest diversionary allegations.“Since Atiku resisted pressure not to go to court, the APC has been behaving like a cat on hot bricks because the outcome of the 2019 elections has exposed and shattered the facade of their dubious integrity.“The APC are behaving nervously like a thief living under the fear of being exposed and shamed. They are now using fake news against Atiku instead of focusing on defending themselves in the court.“For a party that has broken the worst record in election rigging, the APC doesn’t have any iota of integrity to be taken seriously by anybody.”Meanwhile, Atiku has also disassociated himself from 2019 election posters being circulated in Abuja.He stressed that the campaign season is over and the tainted electoral victory by the incumbent is being challenged in court.According to him, “Our attention has been drawn to posters of His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 election being circulated in Abuja.“We disassociate the former Vice President of Nigeria from the said posters in circulation.“We refuse to be distracted, which is exactly the objective of our opponents, but to remain focused on diligently pursuing our election petition with a view to retrieving the stolen mandate.”

Atiku Debunks Spending $30,000 to Lobby US to Stop Buhari’s Inauguration 

Ladi Kwali was a Nigerian potter, born in the village of Kwali in the Gwari region of Northern Nigeria. She was an exceptional and excellent potter who made beautiful potteries.

She lived all her life practicing pottery craft in Kwali village of Northern Nigeria, where she caught the attention of a white man who loved her work and helped her showcase her art around the world.

She was later invited to the United Kingdom, despite her informal education, to teach her art to students as an external lecturer/tutor.

Kwali was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1962 and an honorary doctoral degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1977.

In 1980, the Nigerian Government invested on her with the insignia of the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award (NNOM); the highest national honour for academic achievement. She also received the national honour of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 1981.

Ladi Kwali 59, died on August 12, 1984.

Her picture appears at the back of the 20 Naira note.

PRESS STATEMENT

Kano state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has magnanimously directed that students in public schools who failed the qualifying examination for government patronage will now be sponsored to register for the National Examination Council (NECO), even as he warned principals of secondary schools against taxing of students.

The state commissioner for Information, Youth and Culture, Malam Muhammad Garba who dropped the hint in a statement issued to newsmen in Kano, said the gesture was part of government’s efforts to support parents in the payment of examination fees of their children

He said the sum of N424, 952, 000.00 at N11, 000 per head will be spent for the total number of 38, 632 students as registration fees.

According the statement, the measure is also part of the administration’s avowed commitment to ensuring that the less-privileged enjoy better education.

The commissioner reiterated that the state government will not relent in its determination to bequeathing the best of education to its citizens at all levels.

The statement also warned principals of secondary schools to desist from taxing any students before collecting his/her examination results as it is being alleged, pointing out that the state government will soon launch an investigation to find out the veracity of the accusation.

He urged parents, guardians and care givers to join hands with the government to ensuring that their children not only get the desired education but are also inculcated with good morals for the betterment of the society.

MALAM MUHAMMAD GARBA
Hon. Commissioner, information, Youth & Culture, Kano State
April 8, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday decried the use of the cyberspace to manipulate elections, subvert the democratic rights of citizens as well as propagate violence.

The President also lamented the steady rise of fake news and cybercrime, particularly when platforms are hijacked and manipulated by criminals.

This is even as he called on world leaders to come up with proposals to create a digital world that is accessible, inclusive and safe for all.

According to Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina, Buhari made the comment while delivering his keynote speech at the 2019 Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) in Dubai.

The theme of the summit is: ‘Mapping the Future of Foreign Direct Investment: Enriching World Economies through Digital Globalization.’’

According to him, a certain level of regulation was needed to preserve the integrity of the digital economy.

While acknowledging that digital globalisation was transforming the world almost every day with innovations and transformative ideas, Buhari cautioned that the cyber world would remain a constant threat if left unregulated.

President Buhari called for a collective effort led by both public and private sector leaders to address the emerging threats of digital globalisation.

“Today, we have a cyber-world that is intangible but real. This borderless world is powerful, and it impacts the lives of billions of people, no matter how remote their physical locations are,” he said.

“People work in it. People socialise in it. And people invest in it. This presents enormous opportunities. But it also remains a constant threat if left unregulated.

“On the one hand, it has made the human race more productive and more efficient. Today, we have digital banking, virtual currencies and many social platforms that connect people and cultures.

“On the other hand, we have seen platforms hijacked and manipulated as evidenced by the steady rise in fake news and cybercrimes.

“More recently, we are also witnessing the use of the cyberspace to manipulate elections, subvert the democratic rights of citizens as well as propagate violence.

“In effect, the digital world has become the new frontier for both good and evil. Therefore, the challenge for world leaders must be to ensure that this space is inclusive, accessible and safe.”

President Buhari reflected on the digital revolution in Nigeria, buoyed by impressive statistics on mobile phone penetration, technology hubs and the advent of young entrepreneurs attracting investments of over 100 million dollars to the country.

He said, “In Nigeria, our mobile phone penetration exceeds 80 per cent. This means the majority of Nigeria’s one hundred and ninety million citizens are fully connected to this new digital world; especially our youth.

“Sixty-five per cent or one hundred and seventeen million Nigerians are under the age of 25 years. These bright minds are the drivers of this emerging digital sector.

“Today, Nigeria has close to ninety technology hubs and every day, new ones are coming up and they are all developing solutions for Nigerian, and indeed global problems.

“Already, these young entrepreneurs have attracted investments of over one hundred million dollars. A sizeable amount from overseas including Silicon Valley.

“As many of you from this region are aware, Nigerian start-ups always have a very impressive outing at the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX). Many have won prizes.”

He told the participants at the investment summit that as leaders in the public and private sector it was their responsibility to create the enabling environment for young people to flourish and reach their full potential.

He shared the Nigerian experience:

“When we came in 2015, we immediately agreed that any future economic growth must be inclusive. As the Nigerian youth population is fully digitalised, it is clear that the idea of having an inclusive economy cannot be achieved without digital inclusion.”

The President announced that Nigeria was working on creating the largest digital database in Africa, with over thirty million Nigerians and legal residents already captured in the country’s digital identity system.

Also, the President highlighted that Nigeria’s public sector reform programmes, from procurement to payroll to revenue collections, focus on digitising key operations.

He said the recourse to technology and digitisation reinforces the administration’s objectives of improving efficiency, accountability and transparency in governance.

On cybersecurity, President Buhari said Nigeria has taken the lead in cyber policing in West Africa, working with regional and global partners.

Buhari decries use of cyberspace to manipulate elections, subvert democracy

The governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said that he is sure the election tribunal will affirm his victory in the governorship election. In an exclusive interview with Daily Trust on Sunday, the governor accused the Kano State Police Commissioner, Muhammad Wakili of assisting the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to rig the March 9th governorship election in the state.

You have just won an election for a second term in office, have you started preparation for your swearing-in?

Yes, I have not just started preparation for the swearing-in ceremony, I have also started preparation for my programme, projects, blueprint, which I think are more important. Very soon, I will inaugurate a committee that will organise the ceremony. I will also like to know the ministry, department and parastatal where we stopped so far and how we can get ahead.

During the last swearing-in ceremony you wore a red cap, is there any particular colour of cap you are going to wear this time around?

Are you trying to make a reference to Kwankwasiyya.

Do we expect a Gandujiyya cap?
I don’t have any particular cap. They are free to use any type of cap they want. We have dropped the Kwankwasiyya cap forever. I was the one who initiated that red cap when we were trying to win an election. At that time, Kwankwaso was a gubernatorial candidate and the presidential campaign team of the late Yar’adua was trying to come to Kano. Coincidentally, I was a member of Goodluck’s team who was a vice presidential candidate, because we were deputy governors in 1999. So I had the opportunity to know what was happening in the states. When it came to the turn of Kano, we held a stakeholders’ meeting to decide what type of dress we would use. I said each state had its own symbol, so since Malam Aminu Kano was our icon, he should be our symbol, let us use the type of dress he used to wear – white garment, red cap with black shoes. We adopted it, and when Yar’adua came with his team, we gave them a set of that attire. And we continued with that as our symbol. That was the beginning of it.

You accused the current commissioner of police of being biased, especially during the main election, what made you feel uncomfortable with him?

He was giving them protection. He had no right to arrest a deputy governor. In fact, we could have taken him to the court for doing that because he went against the constitution, particularly because the deputy governor has immunity. Our supporters were sighted in that particular collation centre, so the deputy governor went to tell them that they should leave the place, not knowing that the commissioner of police had already dispersed them. And he allowed the opponents to come in. So, when the deputy governor went in, instead of him to see our supporters he fell in the hands of the opposition. So he was biased. A member of the House of Reps was also arrested. Two elected local government chairmen were arrested and taken to the police station. And we did not hear that any important person from the PDP was arrested. Is it not a bias?

You said the commissioner of police was biased, but when he assumed duty he arrested some thugs, about 1,700 of them, which many people saw as an effort to make the election peaceful; does that mean anything to you?

It was deception. During the main election he did not behave that way. I told him not to allow Kwankwaso go to Bebeji because of his utterances, but he said he had already given him permission. I said he could revoke it because there would be security challenges, but he refused. He allowed him to go and many people were killed during the presidential election and no arrest was made. Up till now, he hasn’t even found out who killed the people. I told him that if he abided by my advice, nobody would have lost his life. That’s why I told you that he was biased

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/how-kano-cp-helped-pdp-to-rig-guber-poll-unlawfully-arrested-my-deputy-ganduje.html

Retirees, under the auspices of the Nigeria Union of Contributory Pensioners, have petitioned the House of Representatives to lament the delayed and non-payment of pensions to beneficiaries under the current scheme.

In the memorandum submitted to the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee to Investigate the Activities of the National Pension Commission, the NUCP condemned the current pension system as being administered by PenCom, while calling for a reversal to the old system.

The pensioners particularly blamed pension laws and PenCom’s policies, alleging that the Contributory Pension Scheme was created to enrich Pension Fund Administrators.

Two pensioners, who appeared before the committee at its investigative hearing in Abuja on Thursday, narrated their individual experiences, including the financial crises they and their colleagues were facing.

A retired Director in the Federal Ministry of Information, Aigbokhaleode Asimiafele, said there were over 10 infractions allegedly committed by PenCom against the Act, including infringement on human rights.

Asimiafele lamented that retirees were not included in the board of PenCom while they were no more beneficiaries of the National Health Insurance Scheme.

He said, “We have two issues. The violation of the PenCom Act; we have 10 items of the violation of the fundamental and constitutional rights of retirees and pensioners. The constitution says that every five years or when salary is increased, the pension will be reviewed; PenCom did not deem it fit to do that.

“Our constitutional right says that our pension should be paid as and when due but 99 per cent of contributory pensioners, they allow us to die, while some have not received their lump sum payment.

“You can see the lapses and impunity in PenCom. Where is this money; where is it hanging? This is untold hardship. PenCom, they are very insensitive to us, the contributing pensioners. They use the money accrued for the PFAs to make more money”

Asimiafele faulted the inclusion of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress in the board of PenCom while the pension contributors were excluded.

“Contributors should manage their affairs; they will be more prudent than those who did not contribute but sit down there and feel like they are ones to dictate whatever amount they want to pay to us,” he stated.

Another pensioner, Mr Adesina Atinsola-Moronto, who retired as Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, formerly known as Ministry of Commerce and Industry, also lamented that he and his retired wife were suffering as a result of not being paid.

The retiree said, “It is a pity that a thing like this is happening. What we are trying to do is to work ahead of our children who are coming behind. If it continues like this, it may not be easy for them and it may be dangerous for the nation. Why? Somebody who did not contribute a kobo towards his pension is now receiving double the amount of what the people who contributed are receiving. That is what our grouse is

“What we are saying now is that the House can assist us to either go back to the old system and cancel this (scheme) or it must be done in the right manner if it must continue. You can’t continue to cheat people like this. It is unfortunate. People are dying. I know of my friends, a lot of them are now gone; some of them could not collect the first lump sum before they died”
Commenting, the chairman of the committee, Mr Johnson Agbonayinma, said, “We also feel your pain and the pain of others. We must do everything humanly possible to get things right because tomorrow it might be you that will suffer the consequences. It is the foundation that we lay now; if it is right we will benefit from it; if it is wrong we will have to suffer the consequences”

The lawmaker noted that several other pensioners had also reported their frustrations to him, saying, “I can imagine how people who have worked to serve this nation, just to get their pension, it is a problem. They cannot even pay their medical bills or buy medicine because somebody is sitting and taking decisions without thinking about all these”

Retirees petition Reps, want contributory pension scheme scrapped

President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja Thursday for Amman to honour an invitation by King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan to participate in the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa holding at the Dead Sea, Jordan.

President Buhari, according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, will deliver an address at the opening of the plenary alongside King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres.

He will also join world economic leaders in an informal gathering at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre.

The Nigerian leader will hold bilateral meetings with some world leaders on the sidelines of the Forum.

Buhari is billed to depart Amman Sunday for Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in the ninth edition of the Annual Investment Meeting, April 8-10, 2019.

Invited by His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rachid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Nigerian President as Guest of Honour, will deliver the keynote address under the theme, “Mapping the Future of Foreign Direct Investment: Enriching World Economies through Digital Globalization.”

According to the organisers, the meeting is “the largest gathering of corporate leaders, policymakers, businessmen, regional and international investors, entrepreneurs, leading academics and experts showcasing up-to-date information, strategies and knowledge on attracting FDI.”

The meeting also seeks to explore investment opportunities in more than 140 countries, connect businesses and countries willing to engage in sustainable partnerships with investors.

President Buhari will be accompanied on both trips by Governors Abubakar Badaru, Abiola Ajimobi and Yahaya Bello of Jigawa, Oyo and Kogi States respectively.

Others on the entourage include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Babagana Monguno (rtd), and other top government officials.

http://thenationonlineng.net/buhari-to-attend-world-economic-forum-in-jordan-investment-summit-in-dubai/

VICE President Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday, disclosed that the Federal Government has succeeded in increasing power generation from 4,000 megawatts to 8,100MW over the past three years.

Osinbajo said this when he delivered a lecture titled: Nigeria rising: The path to prosperity, during the University of Lagos, UNILAG, 50th Convocation Lecture said: “On power, we have moved generation from 4000MW to 8100 MW. But the effect of this increase in generation has not translated significantly to better service to the consumer. This is mainly due  to  distribution challenges. Over 2000 MW of power is not taken up by the DISCOS for distribution to consumers largely because of problems they experience in  collection of tariff, but one of the reasons for this is the fact that the DISCOS have not invested significantly in metering.

“We have now embarked on a major metering initiative known as the Metering Assets Programme which involves private metering assets providers.

“In addition, the Federal Government  has, in the past 18 months, taken on the deficiencies in  transmission head on through the TCN and the NDPHC we are completing transmission projects all around the country.

“But the more important strategy is to decentralize power production. So, we have adopted an off grid programme; which means that we are encouraging private investors to collaborate with government to build IPPs and supply power to willing buyers. This was made possible by what is called an eligible customer declaration by the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing. By this collaboration, we have been providing power, especially Solar Power to economic clusters such as markets across the country, including  Ariaria market in Aba, 31993 shops, Sabongari market in Kano 13,598 shops, Sura market in Lagos 1047. Isikan  493, NEPA 256,   Gbagi 8778, UMBC 2178, a  total of 81691shops servicing 320000 SMEs. In  Lagos we recently  commissioned the Sura market solar project; the businesses there now have 24 hour power. From printers, commercial tailors to small chop businesses, everyone is employing more and making  more profit.”

Speaking on plans for the next four years, he said: “The topic was informed by the curiosity of the university about what you expect from the Buhari administration in the next four years or what is the meaning of that expressionThe Next Level.

According to him, prosperity would be attained if we are able to address the issues of extreme poverty, productivity, corruption, rule of law, deficiencies in the quality of human resources caused by poor education and health care.

Source: Vanguard