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Bako APC ward chair, youth leader, legal adviser, 8 others deny Ribadu’s purported suspension

~ Say action orchestrated by destructive, mischievous elements

The ward chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bako ward in Yola South local government, Hamidu Jika Shago, the youth leader of the party, Ibrahim Bashiru, the legal adviser of the party, Mohammed Zumo have all distanced themselves from a purported suspension of Adamawa State organizing secretary of the party, Mustapha Ribadu.

In a letter to the party condemning what they called the imperious action of some unconscionable and misguided members of the party, the trio as well as eight others say the action is unconstitutional, null and ultra vires.

Others who signed the letter include;
Dahiru Umar, Assistant secretary of the party, Usman Aji financial secretary of the party, Sadiq Babangida Assistant PRO of the party and Abdullahi Abubakar Assistant youth leader of the party.

The rest are; Abdulnasir Abdullahi assistant legal adviser of the party, Abubakar Aliyu welfare secretary of the party, Hamidu Halilu, assistant welfare secretary of the party and Bala Hassan, an Ex-officio of the party.

The eleven members of the exco described the purported suspension of Mustapha Atiku Ribadu as the handwork of destructive and mischievous elements who are hell bent in derailing the party.

The chairman who described the action as unconstitutional, null and void said some desperate elements outside the ward who are hell bent in causing chaos for their selfish and ulterior motives were behind the odious and repugnant action.

“I wish to use this medium to describe the purported suspension of Mustapha Ribadu as selfish, unconstitutional, repugnant and null and void.

“It is the handwork of some mischievous fifth columnists outside our ward who are hell bent in destroying the party for the attainment of their egoistic and nonsensical proclivities. We are not disturbed by such primitive desperation by the enemies of democracy and our great party,” the chairman said.

Shago said as the chairman, he is the only man with the constitutional remit to invoke a meeting as prescribed by the party’s statutes where punitive actions on an erring member of the party can be taken adding that he did not convene such a meeting.

“I’m the only person with the constitutional remit to convene a meeting where the suspension of members of the party could be deliberated. I didn’t convene such a meeting. Therefore any purported suspension of Mustapha Ribadu is null, void and unconstitutional.

“We shall soon reveal the agents prevocateurs behind such provocative and tendentious action capable of causing chaos in the party as we learnt that huge sums of money exchanged hands before such nefarious action took place.

“We are right now working with security agencies to unravel the ugly faces behind such dastardly act which is capable of causing unnecessary tension and crisis in our dear party,” he said.

Also speaking, the assistant secretary of the party Dahiru Umar and Ibrahim Bashiru, the youth leader of the party waved the purported suspension as a mere ranting from unscrupulous, misguided and selfish elements who do not wish the party well.

They said it is venal for any money bag to think that he will use his influence to subvert constitutional order to attain selfish ends.

“We are neither aware nor participated in such activity which made it null and void in the eyes of the constitution. It is unfortunate that such crass gerrymandering is taking place at the eleventh hour to the general elections.

“We are on top of the matter and will surely call the bluff of undemocratic forces. Everything is under top control and we shall shame the enemies of our great party,” they said.

This kangaroo ‘cash & carry’ suspension of Ribadu won’t stand, Bako APC chair

The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of Bako ward in Yola South local government, Hamidu Jika Shago has distanced himself from what he called Kangaroo, cash and carry suspension of the state organizing secretary of the party Mustapha Ribadu saying the shambolic action can’t last the test of time.

In a letter he wrote to the state acting chairman of APC, Samaila Tadawus, Shago accused some wounded moneybags who think they can play God behind the action noting that the party is bigger than individuals no matter how highly placed.

He said the security agencies have been involved in the matter in order to tackle those whose aims is to fan the embers disunity and conflict in the party in order to massage their ravenous appetite for power at all cost.

In the letter, Shago attested that neither constitutionality nor due process was followed in the purported suspension urging the chairman of the party to immediately institute an inquest to unravel the grotesque faces behind the sordid action.

Shago’s letter followed a purported suspension of the organizing secretary, Mustapha Ribadu over alleged anti-party activities by some exco members of Bako ward.

Read Bako APC chairman’s letter to state acting chairman of the party below.

The acting chairman
All Progressives Congress
State secretariat
Yola – Adamawa State

Re: RESOLUTION FOR THE SUSPENSION OF THE STATE ORGANISING SECRETARY OF APC, ADAMAWA STATE IN PERSON COMRADE MUSTAPHA ATIKU RIBADU.

The above subject refers.

I received the news of the purported suspension of Mustapha Atiku Ribadu, a patriotic, selfless and hardworking member of our great party with utter shock and trepidation as I’m neither aware of such purported action nor pertook in it.

I wish to use this medium to therefore disabuse the minds of the teeming APC members in Adamawa State hat no such action took place as it is in the realm of rumour since it was not a child of constitutionality.

For clarity, I wish to draw the attention of our party faithfuls that article 21.3 and article 27 of our great party stipulated the actions that must be observed before a member could be suspended such as the approval of the venue by the party leadership, letter of query to the erring member and right of fair hearing.

All these constitutional provisions are not adhered to. It is in this respect I wish to notify my respected state chairman and peace loving members of our party that no such action took place.

I also call on the party organ to disregard social media hype spreading such unfounded, fake and malicious story.

While calling on our respected leadership to beam it’s searchlight on some agents provocateurs who want to destroy our party, please accept the assurances of my highest regards.

Yours faithfully
Hamidu Jika Shago
Ward chairman Bako ward.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah throws weight behind calls for exit of Nigeria Police Force from Contributory Pension Scheme

Anambra South Senator and Candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) for the 2023 Anambra South Senatorial Election Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah on Friday, called for the exit of Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme which is being run and managed by the National Pension Commission (PENCOM). Senator Ubah made the call during a One-Day Public Hearing on the Police Pension Board (Establishment) Bill 2022 (SB. 1009) which was sponsored by Senator Elisha Abbo, APC, Adamawa North and the Nigerian Police Special Forces (Establishment) Bill 2022 (SB. 846) sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume, APC Borno South.

Speaking at the event which was organized by the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Ubah asked representatives of PENCOM to explain to Nigerians why the Pensions of retired Police personnel remains under the control of the Commission while other security agencies have separate units under their control that manage their pensions. The Anambra South Senator further maintained that in spirit of equity and justice, the Police Force like other security agencies, should be allowed to manage pensions of its retired Personnel.

Also speaking at the event, the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba, represented by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Sanusi Lemu said the Police requires a separate board for management and administration of pensions of retired police personnel in the mode of the Military Pension Board. The IGP further argued that exiting the Contributory Pension Scheme being run and managed by PENCOM is long over due for the police on account of poor services.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Dauda Haliru Jika in his presentation, also maintained that the Police deserves same special treatment being enjoyed by other security agencies.

Also in their separate remarks, the aforementioned sponsors of the Bills further threw their weight behind calls for exit of Nigeria Police Force from Contributory Pension Scheme and expressed hope that the Bill will be passed by the National Assembly.

In their separate presentations, representatives of PENCOM, Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria and Nigerian Labour Congress argued that retaining the management of pensions of retired police Police personnel under PENCOM was a decision made by the Federal Government to avoid sending the country back to dark ages. They further argued that the exit of the Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme shall breed avoidable liability for the country. However, members of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs and the Inspector-General of Police maintained their supports for the Bill.

The Senate Committee on Police Affairs is expected to present its report to the upper chamber when it reconvenes on Tuesday.

ADC Candidate has captured our minds: Chikun LGA Residents.

Thousands of Women in Chikun Local Government Area have expressed confidence that the African Democratic Congress, ADC Party Candidate for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency will bring the desired change and development that the area has been yarning for over the years.

Hajiya Hawwa Abdullahi Gambo was invited by the Local Government Party Executives to present her manifesto were Women in their Thousands converged at the Kataf Town hall for the House of Representative hopeful in the February 2023 general elections to address them.

Spokespersons for the Women Mrs Monica Gaiya and Rejoice Bulus who made presentations at the event said the coming of the ADC candidate who happened to be a Woman was a long awaited opportunity for them because according to them, what a woman can do in politics is far more better than what a man can do.

They promised to campaign and vote for the ADC Candidate and also appeal to her to take into Cognizance the enormous challenges facing their community and sponsor bills that will address their plight.

According to the Party Organizing Chairman, Mr. Nuhu Manga the ADC candidate for the Constituency has wealth of experience and very sincere to changing the fortunes of the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency.

Mr. Nuhu Manga noted that the constituency have not benefitted from any project and therefore have not felt the impact of Democratic divident noting that Hawwa Abdullahi Gambo will be the person to change that ugly trend.

The Ward Chairman of the Party Mr. Tabakwot Friday said though the party is new in the constituency but not new in the country, it’s emergence in the area was spreading so fast because the people want change from old hands who have abandoned them that is why the event witnessed the large turn out.

Responding, Hajiya Hawwa Abdullahi Gambo who was Represented by Madam Ann Gwazah expressed excitement by the massive turn out of the people and promised Women and Youth empowerment programmes among other projects that will better the lives of the constituets.

She appealed to the people to keep to their words by voting her into power so that things will never remained the same with them

PVC Collection: Our People Being Dribbled By INEC, SOKAPU Alleges

By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON

Weeks to the general elections in Nigeria, the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) has alleged that its people are being frustrated from collecting their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This was expressed in a statement signed by the acting SOKAPU President, Comrade Elisha Rosi, dated Thursday January 19, 2023.

“It is our firm believe that with the introduction of the Bimordal Voters Accreditation System (BIVAS) it will be very difficult to compromise future elections.

“Therefore, it is very unacceptable that our citizens seeking to exercise their franchise are being dribbled around by INEC officials. We call upon INEC to look into this allegation and take serious steps to arresting this misconduct if found true,” it said.

SOKAPU therefore, urged its members to lay official complaints to INEC in areas where the collection of the PVCs has been deliberately made difficult.

“As for our members who are reluctant to go and collect their PVCs, they must know that they will have no moral right to complain should candidates that are not of their choices emerge winners.

“And the situation which Southern Kaduna, and indeed the entire Nigeria has found itself, every of our members that is of voting age cannot afford to show indifference.
Therefore, we call on all our members home and outside Kaduna State to do everything legally permissible to collect their PVCs and get ready for the 2023 general elections,” SOKAPU said.

The group advised those who have theirs ready, to ensure their safety and come out in large numbers and cast their votes.

“The future of our country lies with our PVCs and Southern Kaduna should be seen to be fully participating in the 2023 general polls,” it said.

SOKAPU said that it has observed with concern, very worrying issues concerning the collection of the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in Kaduna State.

“We have been inundated with complaints that officials of INEC at some PVCs collection centres in some Local Government Areas (LGAs) in some urban areas of Kaduna state are making it difficult for citizens to get their PVCs.

“For hours citizens would besiege collection centres just to be told to return the next day or that their polling units have been changed to places where it will be impossible for them to access on election days due to restriction of movements.

“At the same time, it has been shown that at certain PVC centres, especially in our rural areas, there are large uncollected PVCs.
Again, there are agents of some politicians who have been going around collecting PVCs of unsuspecting persons and paying them sums of money. Anyone who forfeits his voter’s card out of financial inducement is not only doing himself and his future a great disservice, but is also culpable in the criminal act. Report to the police anyone who asks for your voter’s card in exchange of money.

“Southern Kaduna must take advantage of the 2022 Amended Electoral Act, which has added much integrity to future elections in Nigeria,” the group charged.

SDP’s Adebayo To Speak At Nigeria Institute Of International Affairs

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party(SDP) will on Monday 23rd January, 2023 be speaking at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).

According to a statement signed by the Director-General of NIIA, Professor Eghosa E. Osaghae, the Ondo-born politician will be speaking on The World of Nigeria and Nigeria in the World: Foreign policy as Adjunct of Domestic priorities.

The event will hold at NIIA Ultra Modern Conference Chamber, Lagos at 2pm.

The Nigeria Institute of International Affairs aim is to provide a nursery of ideas on what direction Nigeria should take on international affairs.

The Institute is a specialized instrument of foreign policy formulation in Nigeria. It serves as an intellectual base upon which decision-makers rely for informed opinion and expert advice in order to make rational choices between contending policy options.

Residents of Bekaji estate vow to elect Fintiri for rehabilitating 41-yr-old link roads

By IBRAHIM MADA.

Residents of Bekaji estate have pledged to pay governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri abundantly for coming to their aide over 40 years after the road network in the estate were first constructed.

Before governor Fintiri’s intervention, residents of the area have been grappling with dilapidated and pothole ridden roads across the length and breath of the estate.

The bad road network in the estate has exposed the residents to unfathomable distress and hazards since it came into serious state of disrepair.

Residents have over the years grappled with vehicle breakdowns and perennial flooding leading to the lose of man hour, properties and considerable trauma for decades as a result of the situation.

Various politicians in the past had promised to come to the aide of the residents if elected only to ditch the community after fulfilling their heart desires.

But in his magnanimity to carry the people of the estate along, governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri came to the rescue of the residents by rehabilitating the road network and equipped them with standard drainage systems within the span of five months.

Ecstatic residents who could not hide their joy thanked the governor for coming to their aide at a time of serious distress and vow to reciprocate the gesture with their votes.

A resident of the estate, Ruth Kwabe who expressed happiness with the magnanimity of the governor towards them said the road was constructed according to contractual specification and in record time.

She said in the past no government has come to their aide like the government of governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

Expressing their readiness to pay back the governor, many residents said they will vote Fintiri and also freely campaign for him as a payback for the gesture and love he extended to them.

A retired resident of the area, Bitrus Samdi told Fintiri not to come to the estate for any campaign because he has already finished his campaign through the rehabilitation of the road network.

“As an elder of the area, I want to seize this opportunity to tell our ATM governor, 23/24 governor, project master to go to sleep because he doesn’t need to come here for campaign again.

“Since I settled in this community about 35 years ago, no government has touched our lives like the present Fintiri led government and for that we must thank him with our votes. It is said that one good turn deserves another. We will surely reciprocate the kind gesture by our amiable governor,” he said.

Also another resident of the area Mama Kate Mustapha said the current state government has acquitted itself in terms of delivery of dividends of democracy adding that residents have no alternative to the government for its good showing.

“I have been living in this quarters for quite a long time but I have not seen a government that has proven to be so responsive and accommodating like the Fintiri administration.

“Nobody thought that a government will come and execute such a gigantic project like the one done by Fintiri. The most enchanting development is that the whole project was done and dusted within the span of five months,” she said.

Another resident, Aishatu Buhari said the challenges women face especially during the rainy season will be over with the construction of the road.

“There was a time I nearly gave up the ghost during one of the rainy season when I went into labour. That day it rained heavily and all the roads were flooded. As a result I could not be taken to the hospital because the car transporting me broke down on the road as water infiltrated the engine.

“I survived that incident by the Grace of Allah but with the construction of this road which is equipped with drainage system, I believe the issue of flooding will be a thing of the past. I promise to mobilize votes for our dear governor,” she said.

An estate valuer in Yola Samuel Njobdi said value of houses in the estate will improve tremendously due to the road rehabilitation.

“I can tell you now value of houses will improve geometrically because of the road project. Nothing makes the value of an estate to appreciate like the presence of good roads and drainage system.

“A property that may be valued at N10 million before the road rehabilitation will definitely go for between N15 to N20 million now. This is a welcome development for our people,” he said.

Dallet Barracks, Bayonet Spikers Wins In Kaduna U-19 Inter Barracks V/Ball Champ

BY GAMBO ABUBAKAR

Dallet barrack and the Boyenet Spikers of Jaji won their matches in the opening games at the ongoing Kaduna State U-19 inter barracks volley ball championship taking place at the Kotoko barracks, Kaduna.

In the first game played between the Dallet barrack and the Base Hawks, the Dallet boys proved their superiority when they white washed the Hawks 3:0

The first set ended 25:17 Second set 25:17 and the third set ended 25:13 all in favour of the Dallet barrack boys.

In the second game between the Stallion of Ribadu Cantonment and Bayonet Spikers of Jaji, after a superlative performance by both teams, the match ended 3:1 in favour of the Bayonet Spikers of Jaji.

The first set ended in favour of Bayonet Spikers 34: 32, the Stallion boys came back strong in the.swcond set winning 25:15, the Bayonet boys came back fuming to win the second and last set 25:18, 25:18.

Coordinator of the championship and chairman of volley ball Nigerian coaches association, Elshama Elam Coah commended the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) President Engr. Musa Nimrod for sole sponsoring the Championship which is it’s second edition.

He said alot of talents are being discovered and necessary steps will be taken to groom them to play for the country.

Sponsor of the championship, Engr. Nimrod who reiterated that he is a barrack boy himself said, it is his way of giving back and encouraging young talents in the game of Volleyball.

” I want to give back and take them away from doing nothing in addition to their academics, I intend to sustain the championship, this is the second edition. So far am happy with the display from the young boys.

” I started my volleyball career from the barracks here and see where I am today, so am doing this to encourage them and assist them in the game of Volleyball” be said

Vote Base On Competence, Not On Ethnicity or Religion , LP Standard Bearer Urges Nigerians

By Gambo Abubakar

The labour party (LP)presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on Nigerian’s to avoids voting for a political candidates based on religious or ethnicity rather then to considered the candidates capability, character and competency.
Peter Obi made the called while addressing thousands of his crowd supporter’s gathered, in Kaduna state labour party presidential campaign rally, which recently held at Ahmadu Bello stadium in Kaduna.
According to Obi “the inability of the present government to fight banditry not that’s bandits are in formidable to the government is because of the bad leadership”.
“our government will restructures the security architecture in the county by getting involved more people’s and personnel in the system”.
He promised to transformed the county from consumption to production by making sure all the abounded industries have been revivals in order to create jobs opportunities in the county.
” I urge all the people’s of Kaduna state to make sure that have collected their PVC and vote all the labour party candidates”.
Stressing that LP are only the party that’s have candidates with compassionate, caring and mentally active, also passionate in helping people’s needs.
Earlier in his addressed, the vice presidential candidate labour party, Senator Baba Datti Ahmad, assured the people’s of Kaduna state that him and Obi will wipe away the tears, resulting from insecurity, corruption, poverty and unemployment.
The national leadership of the party choice to start presidential campaign rally in the north at Kaduna, because is the northern capital and the processing city where all the agricultural materials processing.He Added that.
He however called on the good people’s of Kaduna state to came out massively and cast their votes to LP in the incoming general elections in order to builds a better Nigeria that’s all the citizens pride off.

Only Female Law Maker In North West Bags 2022 AUTHENTIC Woman Of Year Award

By; KATO P. LADAN, Kaduna

Member representing Sanga Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Honourable Comfort Amwe popularly known as Mama Sanga has tasked women and youth to participate actively in the 2023 general elections.

She expressed this in an interview with newsmen at her residence in Kaduna, shortly after receiving the 2022 AUTHENTIC Woman of the Year Award from Kaduna based multiple award winning outlet, Authentic News Daily on Tuesday January 17, 2023.

“I would make a passionate appeal to especially our women and youth to actively participate in the 2023 general elections which is around the corner.

” Those that have registered and are yet to collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) should endeavour to do so while the window for collection is still open,” she advised.

Speaking further, she thanked the management of Authentic News Daily for singling her out for the prestigious award.

She dedicated the award to God and her constituents, who she described as partners in progress in the quest for development of Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State and the entire state.

Mama Sanga also heaped praises on the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, Comrade Gambo Santos, whom she described as a precious son of Sanga.

Earlier, the Consulting Editor of Authentic News Daily, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson explained that Authentic News Daily awards was first presented in 2015 and since then, had been an annual ritual.

He said that Honourable Comfort Amwe was chosen for the Women of the Year Award for 2022, following keen observation of her positive contributions to Sanga, Kaduna State and Nigeria.

“We have followed your contributions closely and have observed that you have denied yourself a lot of things just to touch the lives of many in the society, especially widows.

” This award of woman of the year from Authentic News Daily should have come a long time ago, following your track records in politics and social interventions, which have impacted thousands of life directly and millions in terms of multiplying effects.

“We are proud of you and the legacies you have left behind and many more legacies you will still leave behind while in active politics.

“It is on record that while you were the chairman of Sanga Local Government Council, several communities which hitherto lacked electricity were electrified. We also gathered that several culverts, bridges and other life touching infrastructure were put in place by you then,” he said.

Speaking further, he explained that the award is meant to spur her on to doing the good things she is widely known for.

In his remarks, Kaduna NUJ Secretary said that Honourable Comfort Amwe is a sagacious politician, who is a jinx breaker.

“She was the first female local government area chairperson to emerge in Sanga.

” Honourable Comfort Amwe has rejected several awards being offered, but accepted Authentic Woman of Year Award after a little persuasion. Sanga is proud of her and we wish her well.

“As a member of her Constituency, we know her impact and how she has contributed positively to the development of infrastructure and human capital in Sanga,” he submitted.

It would be recalled that on January 2 this year, winners of the 8th edition of Authentic News Daily annual awards were made public in a statement from management of the outfit, where she was named AUTHENTIC Woman of the Year, out of 17 categories announced.

Previous winners of the AUTHENTIC Woman of Year Award, include Hadiza Bala Usman, Aisha Buhari as well as several others.