ADAMAWA ASSEMBLY MAKES BIG DIFFERENCE IN LEGISLATIVE PERFORMANCE

Adamawa State House of Assembly may be leading the way in the performance of legisltive duties by charting the way forward for good governance, accountability, and equal distribution of development projects within last 100 days, as presented in a scorecard by the speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas.

Rt. Hon. Iya Abbas, who was speaking to newsmen on the 100 days of the house recently, said that taking off is always difficult but appreciated God, because within the last 100 days of the assembly, the house has been without friction which enabled them to record enormous achievements.

He declared that the house under his leadership has formulated agenda for the 7th Assembly and handed it over to a house committee with a mandate to review it and submit it to the committee of whole for implementation, explaining that the agenda which will serve as a roadmap, has captured every aspect of the state most especially critical sectors.

He said that they have stated categorically clear in the agenda that the house is not fighting the executive arm; instead, complementing its efforts towards achieving its desired objectives designed for the state and its people.

He pointed out that by the time that the Assembly is one year in office, people will begin to see the manifestation of what he is talking about today, saying that the assembly recorded tremendous achievements, but some could not be seen as some people expected.

He added that for them to have a rancour free house is a great achievement, because according to him, the 7th Assembly is the first in the history of the state to have almost a divided house in terms of party lines, stating that people never expected them to run the house smoothly, but they have been able to managed their differences.

According to him, the legislators have done everything possible towards ensuring that the state government implemented the financial autonomy of the LGCs being enjoyed today, dismissing as untrue the insinuations that the house had relinquished its power to the executive arm.

The Speaker enumerated that the house has a lot of bills at various legislative stages apart from the ones enacted so far and passed a number of resolutions on the issue of annual flooding, security challenges, snake bite in Hong LGAs among others.

The house, according to him is planning to come up with a law to support free education policy to so as avoid changing of policies by the successive administrations, disclosing that his colleagues are also initiating bills that have direct bearing on their constituents.

On his assumption of office, the Speaker said he decided to create more offices for the members to avoid a situation where lawmakers will be sharing the same office as used to be, stressing further that every member can now boast of an office accommodation.

According to him, the House under his leadership is trying to proffer solution on some issues in the House so as to have an efficient and effective staff.

On the challenges encountered so far, the Speaker told newsmen that it is a herculean task to lead among equals, but he disclosed that they have understood each other, and they have been carrying out their legislative business harmoniously.

He lamented that other problem they met on ground as government, was empty treasury and several unresolved issues, pointing out that on the part of the house, it has been runned on the same amount for the past 12 years, unlike what is happening in other states.

Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, explained further that the House is doing better and they expect it to come up people oriented bills, resolutions, carry out effective oversight function for good governance in the state, pledging their readiness to continue to remain focused on their agenda, have a cordial working relationship with executive arm in the interest of the state.

ADHA LEGISLATOR FILES NOTICE OF APPEAL, VOWS TO RECLAIM MANDATE

Member representing Mubi North Constituency at the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Shuaibu Dan Musa, has filed notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal in Yola.

The Honourable Member had while filing the notice, however vowed to reclaim his mandate so as to enable him continue in providing quality representation at the state House of Assembly.

Hon. Dan Musa, filed notice of appeal at the court following the nullification of his election by the Election Petition Tribunal over the allegation of certificate forgery.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker was earlier dragged to the Tribunal by the Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Suleiman Mohammed Sudi, over allegation of certificate forgery, and asked the court to nullify his election.

Hon. Dan Musa, defeated Hon. Sudi, during the March 2019, general election to become member representing Mubi South in the House.

But in its judgement, the court presided by Justice Suleiman Akanbi, nullified the election of the incumbent member and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a certificate of return to the petitioner, Hon. Sudi.

The defendant who was not satisfied with the verdict of the Lower Court, decided to seek for redress at the Court of Appeal ;thereby, filing the notice of appeal so to to enable them commence proceedings with a view to reclaiming the mandate given to him by his people.

According to him, justice was not done to him and his constituents as it failed to reflect what actually is on the ground and called on his supporters to remain calm, law abiding and expect better outcome at the apex court.

Hon. Shuaibu Dan Musa, told NEWS PLATFORM that he is confident that the Appeal Court will up turn the decision of the lower court; hence, reclaiming his mandate.

PDP CANDIDATE WHO SEEKS CONVICTION OF ADHA LEGISLATOR ABSENT IN COURT

Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) for Fufore/Gurin Constituency in the Adamawa state House of Assembly, Hon. Abdul Aziz Baba, who is seeking for the conviction of the incumbent member representing the constituency, Hon. Shuaibu Babas, has failed to appear before Yola Upper Area Court 1today.

Hon. Abdul Aziz Baba, has prayed the court to convict Hon. Babas, who won election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), over alleged certificate forgery.

The plaintiff who lost election to Hon. Babas, during the March 2019, general election, claimed that the First Leaving School Certificate presented by the lawmaker before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that qualified him to vie for the seat was not genuine.

He prayed the court that if the defendant is found not to have completed his primary school should be convicted for criminal offence.

But the Upper Area Court1 presided by Honourable Mohammed Abubakar as it resumed sitting today, directed the complainant to appear before it on 25th October, 2019 for mention.

This directives by the court followed the failure of both Hon. Abdul Aziz and his counsel to appear before the court today Monday 29th March 2019.

In his reaction, Counsel to the defendant, Barr. U. B. Ismaila, said that both the Counsel and the Plaintiff were not in court, saying that in the interest of justice, they decided to pick another date (25th October, 2019) for them to appear which the court accorded them.

Barr. Ismaila, told NEWS PLATFORM that the complainant even misconceived his case because the matter before the Honourable Court is not about the seat of the Honourable Member at all.

He stated further that the Hon. Abdul Aziz, instituted the suit claiming that some of the documents presented by his client were not proper and asked the court to determine whether he is qualified to represent his people or not.

According to him, they have every evidence at hand to defend their case, and that they have what they will present before the court to show that he had completed his primary education.

He disclosed that the court can accept anything tendered before it, but determination matters, explaining further that the whole case was filed on suspicion and that suspicion alone cannot warrant conviction.

Barr. U. B. Ismaila, asserted that the court of law is not a court of rumour or suspicion, but facts, evidences and court of justice, and expressed optimism that with evidence available, they will establish defense and win the case.

ADAMAWA PDP RELEASES LIST CANDIDATES FOR LGC ELECTION

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Adamawa state chapter, has released the names candidates that will participate in the forthcoming Local Government Councils election in the state.

The candidates emerged during the just concluded primary election conducted by the ruling party across the state.

The candidates will now slug it out with other candidates from other political parties during the LGCs polls.

The candidates include;Judah Amisa, Girei, Ibrahim Bappa, Yola North, Salihu U. Malkohi, Yola South, Innocent Koto ,Numan, Musa Mauro Umaru, Fufore, Elkanah Kados Fwa, Demsa, William P. Burton, Lamurde, Dimas Shekel, Gombi, and Abdulkareem A. Bakala, Jada.

Others are; Kassa Dangi Shallum, Guyuk, Danjuma Jedi Abdullahi, Shelleng, Michael Shehu, Michika, Jingi Rufai Kwaja, Mubi South, Habila M. Istifanus, Ganye, Gershon Kasuwa, Mayo Belwa, Kefas Calvin, Toungo, Idi Ali Amin, Maiha, James Pukuma, Hong.

Others include; Aiden Mullan Tsukom, Madagali, Abdulsalam Gidado, Song, and Musa Hassan, Mubi North.

PDP CANDIDATE WHO SEEKS CONVICTION OF ADHA LEGISLATOR ABSENT IN COURT

Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) for Fufore/Gurin Constituency in the Adamawa state House of Assembly, Hon. Abdul Aziz Baba, who is seeking for the conviction of the incumbent member representing the constituency, Hon. Shuaibu Babas, has failed to appear before Yola Upper Area Court 1today.

Hon. Abdul Aziz Baba, has prayed the court to convict Hon. Babas, who won election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), over alleged certificate forgery.

The plaintiff who lost election to Hon. Babas, during the March 2019, general election, claimed that the First Leaving School Certificate presented by the lawmaker before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that qualified him to vie for the seat was not genuine.

He prayed the court that if the defendant is found not to have completed his primary school should be convicted for criminal offence.

But the Upper Area Court1 presided by Honourable Mohammed Abubakar, as it resumed sitting today, directed the complainant to appear before it on 25th October, 2019 for mention.

This directives by the court followed the failure of both Hon. Abdul Aziz and his counsel to appear before the court today Monday 29th March 2019.

In his reaction, Counsel to the defendant, Barr. U. B. Ismaila, said that both the Counsel and the Plaintiff were not in court, saying that in the interest of justice, they decided to pick another date (25th October, 2019) for them to appear which the court accorded them.

Barr. Ismaila, told NEWS PLATFORM that the complainant even misconceived his case because the matter before the Honourable Court is not about the seat of the Honourable Member at all.

He stated further that the Hon. Abdul Aziz, instituted the suit claiming that some of the documents presented by his client were not proper and asked the court to determine whether he is qualified to represent his people or not.

According to him, they have every evidence at hand to defend their case, and that they have what they will present before the court to show that he had completed his primary education.

He disclosed that the court can accept anything tendered before it, but determination matters, explaining further that the whole case was filed on suspicion and that suspicion alone cannot warrant conviction.

Barr. U. B. Ismaila, asserted that the court of law is not a court of rumour or suspicion, but facts, evidences and court of justice, and expressed optimism that with evidence available, they will establish defense and win the case.

GUNMEN RE-KIDNAP PROF ADAMU ZATA OF MAUTECH, KILL HIS BROTHER

Gunmen have at the early hours of today re- kidnapped Adamu Zata,  an Academic Staff of the Modibbo Adams University (MAUTECH), Yola in Adamawa, killing one of his brother.

It could be recalled that the same Professor Zata, was sometimes in October last year abducted where his family was reportedly paid the sum of #2million before securing his release.

A family source told NEWS PLATFORM that the kidnappers killed Saidu Ibrahim, a 49 year old who visited his brother, professor Zata, from the village yesterday.

Professor Zata's residence is less than a kilometre to Girei Divisional Police Station.

The kidnappers were said to have invaded his residence located at Unguwan Yungur at the headquarters of Girei Local Government Area, Adamawa State around 2.00am clock and took him away, murdering one his brothers.

This coming about 4 weeks after yet to be identified gunmen killed a popular businessman and philanthropist, Alh. Mohammed Sajoh Usman Wuro Dole.

Alh. Sajoh, was murdered by the gunmen shortly after performing Isha'i prayers at his filling station , M. S. Usman, at Tasha Maiturare which is about a kilometer to Professor Adamu Zata's residence.

Confirming the incident, the Spokesman of the state Police command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, said the incident took place at about 2:00am, and that already the commissioner of Police has deployed his men to apprehend the kidnappers.

DSP Suleiman Nguroje, told NEWS PLATFORM that the body of the victim has been taken to Specialists Hospital for autopsy.

GUNMEN RE-KIDNAP PROF ADAMU ZATA OF MAUTECH, KILL HIS BROTHER

Gunmen have at the early hours of today re- kidnapped Adamu Zata,  an Academic Staff of the Modibbo Adams University (MAUTECH), Yola in Adamawa, killing one of his brother.

It could be recalled that the same Professor Zata, was sometimes in October last year abducted where his family was reportedly paid the sum of #2million before securing his release.

A family source told NEWS PLATFORM that the kidnappers killed Saidu Ibrahim, a 49 year old who visited his brother, professor Zata, from the village yesterday.

Professor Zata's residence is less than a kilometre to Girei Divisional Police Station.

The kidnappers were said to have invaded his residence located at Unguwan Yungur at the headquarters of Girei Local Government Area, Adamawa State around 2.00am clock and took him away, murdering one his brothers.

This coming about 4 weeks after yet to be identified gunmen killed a popular businessman and philanthropist, Alh. Mohammed Sajoh Usman Wuro Dole.

Alh. Sajoh, was murdered by the gunmen shortly after performing Isha'i prayers at his filling station , M. S. Usman, at Tasha Maiturare which is about a kilometer to Professor Adamu Zata's residence.

Confirming the incident, the Spokesman of the state Police command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, said the incident took place at about 2:00am, and that already the commissioner of Police has deployed his men to apprehend the kidnappers.

DSP Suleiman Nguroje, told NEWS PLATFORM that the body of the victim has been taken to Specialists Hospital for autopsy.

ADAMAWA ASSEMBLY TO REGULATE HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN PUBLIC/PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS

It may not be business as usual in both public and private institutions, as the Adamawa State House of Assembly is considering enacting a bill that aimed at regulating healthcare facilities used by both public and private institutions in the state.

The steps taken by the Honorable Members is a deliberate effort that aimed at addressing the use of substandard facilities by most of the health institutions in the state.

For time immemorial, one of the major challenges that has continued to militate against effective service delivery by the health institutions has been the usage of substandard facilities, and the deployment of quacks who instead of meeting the health need of the citizens, end up compounding their problems.

It is against this backdrop that the Speaker of the 7th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, along side 24 other members, deemed it necessary to float a bill that will checkmate the use of such facilities by health care service providers in the state.

This is coming even as the Chairman House Standing Committee on Health and Human Services and Member Representing Yola North Constituency, Hon. Hamidu Sajoh Lekki, pledged to lobby for the upgrading of Primary Healthcare Centers across the 21 Local Government Councils so as to enable them provide quality health care delivery.

Hon. Sajoh Lekki, had while speaking to NEWS PLATFORM, said if the standard of the PHCs are improved, it will drastically reduce the number of patients that spend huge resources to come to the state capital to seek for medical attention.

The bill entitled," A bill for a law to regulate the minimum standard for health care facilities ", has since scaled through 1st reading in the House.

But baring his mind to NEWS PLATFORM on the merits of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, said" it is a bill that may strengthen and standardised the health facilities in both public and private institutions ".

Rt. Hon. Iya Abbas, stressed the need for government to ensure a minimum standard of its own institutions in both facilities and service providers.

APPEAL COURT TO DETERMINE 5 ELECTION CASES BEFORE 29TH

Court of Appeal holden at Yola, the Adamawa state capital, has so far received about 5 appeals, and said it will be determined by the court on or before 29th October, 2019.

The appeals were brought before the court on the 19th September, 2019, for review following the judgment delivered by the Election Petition Tribunal on the suits recently.

The appeals include; former Sen. Ahmad Mo-Allayidi (APC) verses Dauda Binos Yaroe(PDP) for Southern Senatorial District, Mrs Olvadi Bema Madayi(APC) and Rep Kwamoti Laori Bitrus(PDP) Numan, Demsa and Lamurde Federal Constituency.

Others are;  ex-Sen. Binta Masi Garba(APC) verses Sen. Ishaku Elisha Cliff(PDP) for Northern Senatorial District,  former Rep Ibrahim Sadiq Dasin(APC) and Hon. Dr. Mustapha Saidu(PDP), Song/Fufore, and  Ibrahim Mustapha verses Abdulrauf Abdulkadir Modibbo(APC) Girei, Yola North and Yola South Federal Constituency.

The appeals will be determined by three man panel led by Justice Chidi Nwaoma Uwa. Currently, the parties involved in the cases are exchanging briefs after which the appeals will be riped for hearing before the judgment anytime before the date.

The plaintiffs approached the Apex Court following a humiliating defeat suffered at the Lower Court early this month, as their petitions were qushed by the 3 Man Panel led by Justice Suleiman Akanbi.

Recall that in its separate judgment, the Tribunal said that the petitioners failed to establish the allegations of corruption, malpractices, non-acreditation, over voting and deliberate voiding of votes, made against the defendants.

The Tribunal held that the various allegations raised by Mo-Allayidi, Bema, Ibrahim Mustapha, Binta and Sadiq Dasin, were not proved as required by the law, adding that worthless documents were dumped at the court by the complainants.

According to the court, contrary to the claims by the petitioners, Binos, Kwamoti, Cliff and Hon. Dr.  Mustapha Saidu, were duly and lawfully returned as winners of the majority of votes by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and therefore trashed the petitions for being incompetent and lacking in merits.

APPEAL COURT TO DETERMINE 5 ELECTION CASES BEFORE 29TH

Court of Appeal holden at Yola, the Adamawa state capital, has so far received about 5 appeals, and said it will be determined by the court on or before 29th October, 2019.

The appeals were brought before the court on the 19th September, 2019, for review following the judgment delivered by the Election Petition Tribunal on the suits recently.

The appeals include; former Sen. Ahmad Mo-Allayidi (APC) verses Dauda Binos Yaroe(PDP) for Southern Senatorial District, Mrs Olvadi Bema Madayi(APC) and Rep Kwamoti Laori Bitrus(PDP) Numan, Demsa and Lamurde Federal Constituency.

Others are;  ex-Sen. Binta Masi Garba(APC) verses Sen. Ishaku Elisha Cliff(PDP) for Northern Senatorial District,  former Rep Ibrahim Sadiq Dasin(APC) and Hon. Dr. Mustapha Saidu(PDP), Song/Fufore, and  Ibrahim Mustapha verses Abdulrauf Abdulkadir Modibbo(APC) Girei, Yola North and Yola South Federal Constituency.

The appeals will be determined by three man panel led by Justice Chidi Nwaoma Uwa. Currently, the parties involved in the cases are exchanging briefs after which the appeals will be riped for hearing before the judgment anytime before the date.

The plaintiffs approached the Apex Court following a humiliating defeat suffered at the Lower Court early this month, as their petitions were qushed by the 3 Man Panel led by Justice Suleiman Akanbi.

Recall that in its separate judgment, the Tribunal said that the petitioners failed to establish the allegations of corruption, malpractices, non-acreditation, over voting and deliberate voiding of votes, made against the defendants.

The Tribunal held that the various allegations raised by Mo-Allayidi, Bema, Ibrahim Mustapha, Binta and Sadiq Dasin, were not proved as required by the law, adding that worthless documents were dumped at the court by the complainants.

According to the court, contrary to the claims by the petitioners, Binos, Kwamoti, Cliff and Hon. Dr.  Mustapha Saidu, were duly and lawfully returned as winners of the majority of votes by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and therefore trashed the petitions for being incompetent and lacking in merits.

LGC POLLS: ADAMAWA APC RELEASES NAMES OF 21CANDIDATES

As a build up of the Local Government Councils election in Adamawa state, the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) state chapter has released the names of successful chairmanship candidates that will slug it out with other candidates during the polls.

A statement signed by the Secretary of the Steering Committee who is also the Financial Secretary of the party, Umar Duhu, and made available to newsmen in Yola, said that about 7 of the candidates emerged through consensus, 10 by election while 4 others emerged by affirmation.

Duhu disclosed that the candidates who emerged by consensus include; Abdullahi Duda (Madagali), Deascos Wadupe (Michika), Liazarus Kefas (Song), Iya Aliyu Muhammadu (Girei), Saidu Yahaya Nuhu (Fufore), Philip Ahmed Gutuwa (Shelleng ) and Raphael Ma’aji (Toungo).

The statement added that Mohammed Ribadu Lawal (Mubi-north ), Hamza Zubairu (Mubi-south), Ahmed Bobbo (Maiha ), Mark Meena Dauda (Demsa), Ibrahim Abubakar Abba (Yola-north ) and Ahmed Yusuf Abubakar (Yola-south), were among candidates that were elected.

Others include; Salihu Bawuro Mayos (Mayo Belwa), Umar Hammanjoda (Jada ), Barr. Mahmud Gurumpawo (Ganye ) and Dimas Maina (Gombi ).

While Musa Usman Terrang (Hong ), Nafama Mamadu Thimnu (Guyuk), Joshua Edibal (Lamurde ) and Sophia Elisa Asu (Numan ), came by affirmation.

COURT SENTENCES EX-NBA BOSS, MAGISTRATE TO 3 YEARS IN PRISON

 Federal High Court sitting in Yola on yesterday has sentenced a former Chairman Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Adamawa chapter, Barrister Binanu Esthon and Magistrate Shehu Mustapha, to three years in prison each for fraud.

“The convicts stole from workers who retired and were not paid any benefit over the years.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged  Esthon and  Mustapha with seven counts bordering on fraud in 2015.

Delivering judgment yesterday, Justice Bilkisu  Aliyu, held that the convicts were sentenced for stealing and defrauding 502 retired staff of the Stirling Civil Engineering Nigeria limited in Adamawa  in 2007 of N67 million.

Justice Bilkisu, held that Mustapha stole money belonging to  502 retired workers of the debtor company.

“The second convict as a judicial officer who was in the position of authority to give the retired workers  justice and reprieve, failed to do so; rather, caused untold hardship on them.

“ Mustapha has done a great disservice to the administration of justice in general and his conduct is highly condemned,” she held.

On Esthon, she said, as counsel for the complainants,  he failed in his scared duty to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice was upheld always as a lawyer.

Justice Bilkisu, declared that Esthon participated in causing more harm to his clients whose interest he ought to protect.

She held that the  three years  sentence was  the maximum punishment provided for the offence of criminal conversion by Section 390 of the Criminal Code Act Cap. C38 LFN 2004. and demand for the amendment.

She ordered the EFCC to take urgent steps to recover the money for on ward payment to the retired workers.

Reacting to the judgment, EFCC counsel, Mr Ahmad Muntaka, said justice has taken it course in the trial.

YOLA FED HIGH COURT SENTENCES EX-NBA BOSS, MAGISTRATE 3 YEARS IN PRISON FOR FRAUD

 Federal High Court sitting in Yola on yesterday has sentenced a former Chairman Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Adamawa chapter, Barrister Binanu Esthon and Magistrate Shehu Mustapha, to three years in prison each for fraud.

“The convicts stole from workers who retired and were not paid any benefit over the years.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged  Esthon and  Mustapha with seven counts bordering on fraud in 2015.

Delivering judgment yesterday, Justice Bilkisu  Aliyu, held that the convicts were sentenced for stealing and defrauding 502 retired staff of the Stirling Civil Engineering Nigeria limited in Adamawa  in 2007 of N67 million.

Justice Bilkisu, held that Mustapha stole money belonging to  502 retired workers of the debtor company.

“The second convict as a judicial officer who was in the position of authority to give the retired workers  justice and reprieve, failed to do so; rather, caused untold hardship on them.

“ Mustapha has done a great disservice to the administration of justice in general and his conduct is highly condemned,” she held.

On Esthon, she said, as counsel for the complainants,  he failed in his scared duty to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice was upheld always as a lawyer.

Justice Bilkisu, declared that Esthon participated in causing more harm to his clients whose interest he ought to protect.

She held that the  three years  sentence was  the maximum punishment provided for the offence of criminal conversion by Section 390 of the Criminal Code Act Cap. C38 LFN 2004. and demand for the amendment.

She ordered the EFCC to take urgent steps to recover the money for on ward payment to the retired workers.

Reacting to the judgment, EFCC counsel, Mr Ahmad Muntaka, said justice has taken it course in the trial.

SPEAKER ADHA, 11 OTHERS IN UGANDA FOR PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE

About 12 Members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly led the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, are presently at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Uganda, attending the 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.

This year's confrence attracted no fewer than 500 Parliamentarians, Parliamentary Staff as well as other decision makers across 19 Commonwealth Member Countries who are deliberating on issues facing parliamentaries.

The theme of the Confrence: "Adoption, Engagement and Evolution of Parliaments in a  Rapidly Changing Commonwealth", is also expected to build capacity of lawmakers for effective legislation.

Addressing the Delegates, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, called on member states to promote trade, investment and enhance security.

In her opening remarks, Speaker of the parliament of Uganda, Rebecca Kadaga, said the conference will deliberate extensively on strategies to deal with youth unemployment and how to sharpen their skills.

ADHA C'TTEE ON HEALTH PLEDGES TO LOBBY FOR THE UPGRADING OF PHCS

Chairman Adamawa State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Health and Human Services and Member Representing Yola North Constituency in the House, Hon. Hamidu Sajoh Lekki, has pledged to lobby for the upgrading of Primary Healthcare Centers(PHCs) so as to meet the basic healthcare needs of the people at the grassroots.

Hon. Sajoh Lekki, who spoke on the 100 days of his representation at the Assembly, said that if the health centers are upgraded will adequately meet the basic healthcare needs of the people across the 21 Local Government Areas and drastically reduce the number of patients that come to Yola for medical attention.

The Chairman told NEWS PLATFORM that he is also poised to lobbying for the establishment of skill acquisition centers in his constituency so as to create job opportunity for the teeming unemployed youth that more often than not constitute security threat to the society.

He said that the present administration was able to  record 80 percent achievement in the security sector most especially in his constituency based on their support, saying that the government has successfully dealt with the menace of the dreaded Shila boys that used to terrorise commuters within the state capital.

The Legislator pointed out that they have been supporting the executive arm with a view to curtailing security challenges in the state in general to enable people go about doing their businesses without any threat to their lives and property.

According to him, it was idleness that breeded hoodlums like Shila boys, and expressed optimism that Governor Ahamdu Umaru Fintiri, led administration will deliver on its campaign promises most especially in creating employment opportunities for the youths, awarding them with scholarship, and providing agricultural facilities to farmers.

He commended the government for taking a bold steps towards the introduction of free education policy, saying that government is not an individual but the generality of the people and that whatever affects them, affects the government; hence, the need assist them with the policy.

He stated that they have ensured the implementation of the financial autonomy of Local Government Councils in the state and enacted many resolutions that have direct bearing on the lives of the people in the state, saying that he is committed to providing quality representation to his constituents before the end of his tenure.

He urged the state government to take adequate measures towards addressing perennial flooding by either diverting water ways or directing people that constructed structures on water ways in flood prone areas to relocate to enable government construct culverts that will contain the volume of water.

Hon. Hamidu Sajoh Lekki, appreciated the cordial working relationship between the legislative and executive arm of the government, assuring of an effective representation.

ADHA COMMITTEE ON HEALTH PLEDGES TO LOBBY FOR THE UPGRADING OF PHCS

Chairman Adamawa State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Health and Human Services and Member Representing Yola North Constituency in the House, Hon. Hamidu Sajoh Lekki, has pledged to lobby for the upgrading of Primary Healthcare Centers(PHCs) so as to meet the basic healthcare needs of the people at the grassroots.

Hon. Sajoh Lekki, who spoke on the 100 days of his representation at the Assembly, said that if the health centers are upgraded will adequately meet the basic healthcare needs of the people across the 21 Local Government Areas and drastically reduce the number of patients that come to Yola for medical attention.

The Chairman told NEWS PLATFORM that he is also poised to lobbying for the establishment of skill acquisition centers in his constituency so as to create job opportunity for the teeming unemployed youth that more often than not constitute security threat to the society.

He said that the present administration was able to  record 80 percent achievement in the security sector most especially in his constituency based on their support, saying that the government has successfully dealt with the menace of the dreaded Shila boys that used to terrorise commuters within the state capital.

The Legislator pointed out that they have been supporting the executive arm with a view to curtailing security challenges in the state in general to enable people go about doing their businesses without any threat to their lives and property.

According to him, it was idleness that breeded hoodlums like Shila boys, and expressed optimism that Governor Ahamdu Umaru Fintiri, led administration will deliver on its campaign promises most especially in creating employment opportunities for the youths, awarding them with scholarship, and providing agricultural facilities to farmers.

He commended the government for taking a bold steps towards the introduction of free education policy, saying that government is not an individual but the generality of the people and that whatever affects them, affects the government; hence, the need assist them with the policy.

He stated that they have ensured the implementation of the financial autonomy of Local Government Councils in the state and enacted many resolutions that have direct bearing on the lives of the people in the state, saying that he is committed to providing quality representation to his constituents before the end of his tenure.

He urged the state government to take adequate measures towards addressing perennial flooding by either diverting water ways or directing people that constructed structures on water ways in flood prone areas to relocate to enable government construct culverts that will contain the volume of water.

Hon. Hamidu Sajoh Lekki, appreciated the cordial working relationship between the legislative and executive arms of the government, assuring of an effective representation.

PDP CONGRESS APPEAL C'TTEE RECEIVES 18 COMPLAINTS, ASSURES OF JUSTICE

Local Government and Ward Congress Appeal Committee constituted by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa state has so far received about 18 complaints from aspirants who participated in the just concluded LG and Ward Congresses held across the state.

The Committee has been constituted primarily by the party to look into the grievances of the contenders who contested for the office of the LGC Chairman or Councillor during the party's primary election with a view to addressing them.

Briefing newsmen today, the Chairman of the Appeal Committee, Barr. D. D. Azura, said that his committee has received about 18 complaints and treated 9 out of it, saying that his committee has been given 2 days within which to complete its assignment.

Barr. Azura, explained that the main reason behind setting up the committee is to strengthen internal democracy within the party, saying that in disputes, whoever that does not win may feel aggrieve, and in the process will want to ventilate his or her grievances.

According to him, their work is to sort out such issues concerning the process and any other thing their contesting are not satisfied with, pointing out that it is an internal issue only for PDP lovers.

Barr. D. D. Azura, added that if there are areas election will be conducted, it will be carried out on or before 28th September, 2019, and that by that time, everything about primary would have been concluded.

ADAMAWA STATE UNIVERSITY MUBI GETS NEW GOVERNING COUNCIL

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa state has today announced the constitution of new Governing Council for Adamawa State University (ADSU) Mubi.

The Governing Council has Awwal D. Tukur as Chairman, while Zira Maigadi, Kashim Njidda,  Mrs. Mary Sawa, Alh. Zubairu Gabdo Toungo,to serve as members with Ministries of Justice and Higher Education as representatives.

A press statement signed by the Director General Media and Communications Government House Yola, Mr. Solomon Kumangar and made available to newsmen in Yola,  said that the appointment is with  immediate effect.

It could be recalled that Governor Fintiri, had while playing host to the management and staff of the institution who paid him a courtesy visit today, said that the he is approving the constitution of the governing council to enable them have the instrumentality of the authority to do what is right to the university.

The University has been operating without a substantive Vice Chancellor and Registrar for the past 3 years.

PDP CONGRESS APPEAL C'TTEE RECEIVES 18 COMPLAINTS, ASSURES OF JUSTICE

Local Government and Ward Congress Appeal Committee constituted by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa state has so far received about 18 complaints from aspirants who participated in the just concluded LG and Ward Congresses held across the state.

The Committee has been constituted primarily by the party to look into the grievances of the contenders who contested for the office of the LGC Chairman or Councillor during the party's primary election with a view to addressing them.

Briefing newsmen today, the Chairman of the Appeal Committee, Barr. D. D. Azura, said that his committee has received about 18 complaints and treated 9 out of it, saying that his committee has been given 2 days within which to complete its assignment.

Barr. Azura, explained that the main reason behind setting up the committee is to strengthen internal democracy within the party, saying that in disputes, whoever that does not win may feel aggrieve, and in the process will want to ventilate his or her grievances.

According to him, their work is to sort out such issues concerning the process and any other thing their contesting are not satisfied with, pointing out that it is an internal issue only for PDP lovers.

Barr. D. D. Azura, added that if there are areas election will be conducted, it will be carried out on or before 20th September, 2019, and that by that time, everything about primary would have been concluded.

APPEAL COURT UPHOLDS TRIBUNAL'S JUDGMENT ON FORMER SPEAKER ADHA

Court of Appeal holden at Yola, the Adamawa State capital has today upheld the judgement of the Election Petition Tribunal recently passed on a petition against former Speaker State House of Assembly and Member representing Yola South Constituency, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Mijinyawa.

The Appeal Court held that the appellant, Hon. Adamu Baba Mustafa, failed to prove his allegations of irregularities and malpractices, and therefore affirmed the judgement of the Tribunal, dismissing the case for lack credible evidence.

It could be recalled that Hon. Mustafa, Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) for Yola South Constituency for state assembly, had earlier dragged the incumbent Member representing the constituency who won election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress(APC) to Tribunal, challenging his election.

Hon. Mustafa, instituted the suit on grounds that the election of the Rt. Hon. Mijinyawa, was characterised by over voting, alteration of result, lack of accreditation and failure to use card reader.

He told the court that the respondent was not duly elected by majority of registered voters, and  prayed it to declare the election null and void and order for rerun or be declared winner and issue with certificate of return.

In its judgement, the Tribunal presided by Justice Suleiman Akanbi, struck out the petition for lack of what he described as credible and convincing evidence to prove his case, dismissing the petition for lack of merit.

But Hon. Mustafa, who was not satisfied with the verdict, decided to seek for justice at the Appeal Court; hence, appealing the decision of the lower court for review by Appellate Court.

Delivering his judgement today, Justice J. S. Abiriye, one of the Appeal Court Judges, declared that for appellant to prove over voting in favour of the 1st respondent, he must tender the voters register, statement of result in its appropriate forms.

Justice Abiriye added that the appellant could not be able to convince the court on his allegation of over voting said to have marred the exercise, and therefore upheld the judgement of the Tribunal on the validity of the election of the former Speaker.

Reacting on judgement, Counsel to the Appellant, Barr. Sunday Wugira, said there must be a finality to every case, saying they have lost it, and that they will abide by the court's verdict.

Also speaking, one of the Counsels to the 1st and 2nd respondents, U. B. Ismaila, said that the court has confirmed that the election for Yola south constituency was conducted in compliance with electoal act.

He disclosed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has the right to determine which form should be used, and that any form that has been used by the electoral body based on the provision of the electoral act is valid.

Barr. Ismaila, added that the court has confirmed the powers of INEC to use any form, congratulating his client, his electorate as well as Nigerians for the victory.

100 DAYS: ADAMAWA ASSEMBLY BREAKS EVEN IN LAWS, MOTIONS

Adamawa State House of Assembly may have broken even in charting the way forward for good governance, accountability, and equal distribution of development projects within last 100 days, as presented in a scorecard by the speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas.

Rt. Hon. Iya Abbas, who was speaking to newsmen on the 100 days of the house recently, said that taking off is always difficult but appreciated God, because within the last 100 days of the assembly, the house has been without friction which enabled them to record enormous achievements.

He declared that the house under his leadership has formulated agenda for the 7th Assembly and handed it over to a house committee with a mandate to review it and submit it to the committee of whole for implementation, explaining that the agenda which will serve as a roadmap, has captured every aspect of the state most especially critical sectors.

He said that they have stated categorically clear in the agenda that the house is not fighting the executive arm; instead, complementing its efforts towards achieving its desired objectives designed for the state and its people.

He pointed out that by the time that the Assembly is one year in office, people will begin to see the manifestation of what he is talking about today, saying that the assembly recorded tremendous achievements, but some could not be seen as some people expected.

He added that for them to have a rancour free house is a great achievement, because according to him, the 7th Assembly is the first in the history of the state to have almost a divided house in terms of party lines, stating that people never expected them to run the house smoothly, but they have been able to managed their differences.

According to him, the legislators have done everything possible towards ensuring that the state government implemented the financial autonomy of the LGCs being enjoyed today, dismissing as untrue the insinuations that the house had relinquished its power to the executive arm.

The Speaker enumerated that the house has a lot of bills at various legislative stages apart from the ones enacted so far and passed a number of resolutions on the issue of annual flooding, security challenges, snake bite in Hong LGAs among others.

The house, according to him is planning to come up with a law to support free education policy to so as avoid changing of policies by the successive administrations, disclosing that his colleagues are also initiating bills that have direct bearing on their constituents.

On his assumption of office, the Speaker said he decided to create more offices for the members to avoid a situation where lawmakers will be sharing the same office as used to be, stressing further that every member can now boast of an office accommodation.

According to him, the House under his leadership is trying to proffer solution on some issues in the House so as to have an efficient and effective staff.

On the challenges encountered so far, the Speaker told newsmen that it is a herculean task to lead among equals, but he disclosed that they have understood each other, and they have been carrying out their legislative business harmoniously.

He lamented that other problem they met on ground as government, was empty treasury and several unresolved issues, pointing out that on the part of the house, it has been runned on the same amount for the past 12 years, unlike what is happening in other states.

Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, explained further that the House is doing better and they expect it to come up people oriented bills, resolutions, carry out effective oversight function for good governance in the state, pledging their readiness to continue to remain focused on their agenda, have a cordial working relationship with executive arm in the interest of the state.

JUDGMENT DELIVERED ON WRONG FOOTING, SAYS BORORO AS HE HEADS TO APPEAL COURT

Member representing Mubi South Constituency at the Adamawa state House of Assembly, Hon. Umar Musa Bororo, has declared that the judgment delivered yesterday by the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Yola, was on wrong footing, insisting that the Court of Appeal will correct the decision.

Hon. Musa Bororo, and an ally to former Governor Muhammad Umar Jibrilla, posited that the verdict does not in any way represent the true position of the law, and said he is heading to the Court of Appeal tomorrow Wednesday 25, September, 2019, for the Apex court to review the judgment.

Recall that the Tribunal had in its judgement yesterday, nullified the election of the member on grounds that his credentials are bearing different names, and however ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to issue certificate of return to the petitioner and Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Yakubu Musa Dirbishi.

But reacting on the verdict in Yola today, Hon. Musa Bororo (APC Mubi South) who spoke through his Counsel, Barr Abubakar Ali Jatau, explained that whether the judgment is right or wrong, it remains the position of the law until it is said on appeal.

Barr. Jatau, said he was with the firm view that the Tribunal decided the case on a wrong footing, and that the Appeal Court will correct that the decision.

He stated that he had already consulted his client and that they have made up their minds to appeal against the decision, saying that they have since started working on it, and that by tomorrow, they will appeal the judgment.

According to him, it is not because they are willing to to go appeal, but they felt that the judgment did not represent the true position of the law, saying that the Tribunal has erred in several areas, and that it will be reflected on the notice of their appeal.

He clarified that his client will continue to remain in office unless and until after 21 days if he did not actually appeal the decision, adding that if he fails to appeal, the electoral body will now comply with the decision and issue certificate of return to the petitioner.

Barr. Abubakar Ali Jatau, told newsmen that by the virtue of section 143, of the Electoral Act, if he files the notice of appeal, he will remain in the office until after the determination of the appeal.

SPEAKER ADHA WINS AS TRIBUNAL STRIKES OUT SUIT AGAINST INEC, PDP

The Electition Petition Tribunal sitting at Yola, the Adamawa state capital has dismissed a petition filed before it by former Majority Leader of state House of Assembly and Member who represented Uba/Gaya constituency, Hon. Mohammed Atiku Hayatu.

The Court held that the petitioner relied on documentary hearsay and the weaknesses of the defense to support his case and failed to strengthen his suit with credible and convincing evidence to get judgement in his favour.

Hon. Atiku Hayatu, instituted the suit at the court against the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) for canceling election in 3 polling units, over voting, lacked of accreditation and lacked of compliance with the electoral act and argued that the electoral body has no power to cancel election as done during the supplementary election by INEC.

He joined the electoral body, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, and the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) as 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents in the petition.

Hon. Atiku Hayatu, told the court that the present Speaker of the 7th Assembly was not duly elected by the majority of the eligible voters in the supplementary election conducted by the first respondent on 10th March, 2019.

He further prayed the court to declare the election of the speaker null and void and ordered INEC which is the 1st respondent to conduct fresh election at the affected areas.
Delivering their judgment on the suit today, the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Suleiman Akanbi, who was assisted by 2 other justices held that Hon. Atiku Hayatu, failed to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt and therefore struck it out in its entirety.

Justice Akanbi, declared that Hon. Atiku Hayatu relied on documentary hearsay without tendering credible and convincing evidence in the sense that he was not physically present at the polling units on the day of the rerun and could not read the total number of votes cast and the accredited voters as ascribed in the electoral law.

He said that the petitioner tendered bundles of evidence before the court which he supposed to lead the evidence on those documents, adding that the former lawmakers was supposed to have testify on those documents, but failed to do so.

ADHA SPEAKER WINS AS TRIBUNAL STRIKES OUT SUIT AGAINST INEC, PDP

The Tribunal Petition Tribunal sitting at Yola, the Adamawa state capital has dismissed a petition filed before it by former Majority Leader of state House of Assembly and Member who represented Uba/Gaya constituency, Hon. Mohammed Atiku Hayatu.

The Court held that the petitioner relied on documentary hearsay and the weaknesses of the defense to support his case and failed to strengthen his suit with credible and convincing evidence to get judgement in his favour.

Hon. Atiku Hayatu, instituted the suit at the court against the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) for canceling election in 3 polling units, over voting, lacked of accreditation and lacked of compliance with the electoral act and argued that the electoral body has no power to cancel election as done during the supplementary election by INEC.

He joined the electoral body, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, and the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) as 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents in the petition.

Hon. Atiku Hayatu, told the court that the present Speaker of the 7th Assembly was not duly elected by the majority of the eligible voters in the supplementary election conducted by the first respondent on 10th March, 2019.

He further prayed the court to declare the election of the speaker null and void and ordered INEC which is the 1st respondent to conduct fresh election at the affected areas.

Delivering their judgment on the suit today, the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Suleiman Akanbi, who was assisted by 2 other justices held that Hon. Atiku Hayatu, failed to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt and therefore struck it out in its entirety.

Justice Akanbi, declared that Hon. Atiku Hayatu relied on documentary hearsay without tendering credible and convincing evidence in the sense that he was not physically present at the polling units on the day of the rerun and could not read the total number of votes cast and the accredited voters as ascribed in the electoral law.

He said that the petitioner tendered bundles of evidence before the court which he supposed to lead the evidence on those documents, adding that the former lawmakers was supposed to have testify on those documents, but failed to do so.

HOW CERTIFICATE FORGERY ENDED THE TENURE EX-GOV BINDO'S ALLY, ONE OTHER

Election Petition Tribunal holden at Yola, the Adamawa state capital has today nullified the the election of former Governor Muhammed Umar Jibrilla's ally and Member representing Mubi South constituency at the state House of Assembly , Hon. Umar Musa Bororo.

The Court has also terminated the tenure of the of the Member representing Mubi North constituency at the Assembly, Hon. Shuaibu Dan Musa. The Court sacked both the members over certificate forgery.

However, the court ordered the Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) to issue certificates of return to the candidates of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Hon. Yakubu Musa Dirbishi, (Mubi South) and Hon. Suleiman Yahaya Sudi(Mubi North) respectively.

Though the members said they will appeal the judgment, but pundits averred that it is a big blow on the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) as both the affected members were elected under the platform of the party during the March 2019, general election which brought the number of its members from 11 to 9 at the House.

Hon. Dirbishi and Sudi had dragged the incumbent members to the court for lack of presenting genuine certificates to the electoral body to enable them contest during the election.

But delivering its judgement today, the court presided by Justice Suleiman Akanbi, nullified the election of the duo for failure to defend the originality of their primary and secondary schools certificates.

Justice Akanbi who was assisted by 2 other justices, ordered INEC to issue certificates of return to Hon. Dirbishi and Hon. Sudi, to represent the 2 constituencies at the House of Assembly.

Meanwhile, the Court has upheld the elections of the members representing Mayo Belwa and Lamurde constituencies at the House of Assembly, Hon.Ibrahim Musa Italiya and Hon. Myandassa Bauna.

Hon. Peter Da'ape, and Hon. Vrati Nzonzo, candidates PDP and APC brought petitions before the court against Hon.Ibrahim Musa Italiya( ADC Mayo Belwa) and Hon Myandassa Bauna, (PDP Lamurde), alleging irregularities in the elections that brought them to power.

The Tribunal has also fixed tomorrow 24th  September, 2019, for judgement on a suit filed by former Majority Leader and Member who represented Uba Gaya constituency, Hon. Mohammed Atiku Hayatu, against the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).

Hon. Atiku Hayatu, has prayed the court to cancel election at some polling units which according to him saw the emergence of the present Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, as the elected member representing Uba Gaya Constituency in the House

ONLINE REPORT: ADAMAWA NUT DENIES RAPIST RELATIONSHIP WITH VICTIM

Nigeria Union of Teachers, (NUT) Adamawa State wing has vehemently denied an online report attributed to the Chairman of the NUT in the State Comrade Rodney Nathan, as saying that the teacher recently arrested for allegedly raping a 12 year pupil were lovers.

The NUT said that the reporter of the online medium misinterpreted the interview which was granted on the subject matter, as he acted out of desperation and lack of journalistic approach in portraying the real message.

It added that as a responsible Union, it  will not in any way encourage such unholy relationship between the teacher and his student, clarifying that though the said teacher is at liberty to his private life.

A rejoinder signed by the Secretary of the NUT in the state Comrade Wakil Kyari, and made available to NEWS PLATFORM in Yola, the Adamawa state capital today, dismissed the online report, and urged the general public to disregard the comments the reporter attributed to the Chairman of the NUT.

Comrade Wakil said that the reporter should have known that teachers are like fathers to the pupils trusted to them by their parents and guardians, and that a responsible teacher will not perpetrate such act considering the ethics of the profession.

He added that the online report with captioned" Alleged rape: Adamawa teacher,12-year old school girl are lovers--NUT Chairman" outrightly misinterpreted what actually the Chairman said.

He said the NUT had already resolved not to interfere in the investigation being carried out by security agencies not to talk of describing the process as "premature"as purportedly carried by the reporter.

The NUT advised the reporter to desists from misinterpreting people's comments and shun yellow-journalism by always reporting factual issues to avoid litigation.

He called on the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), Adamawa state council to take necessary action against those parading themselves as journalists so as not to continue to in damaging the image of the reputable profession.'.

Equally, he thanked the general public for their understanding on the continuous enlightened programmes of the Union on matters affecting it's members.

JUDGMENT: 4 MEMBERS OF THE ADAMAWA ASSEMBLY TO KNOW THEIR FATE TODAY

About 4 incumbent Members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly are to know whether to continue to remain in the hallowed chamber or otherwise, as the Election Petition Tribunal holden at Yola, the state capital is set to deliver judgement on petitions filed against them today. 

The Tribunal has also fixed tomorrow 24th  September, 2019, for judgement on a suit filed by former Majority Leader and Member who represented Uba Gaya constituency, Hon. Mohammed Atiku Hayatu, against the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).

Hon. Atiku Hayatu, has prayed the court to cancel election at some polling units which according to him saw the emergence of the present Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, as the elected member representing Uba Gaya Constituency in the House.

While the affected 4 members that petitions against them will be determined today include; Hon. Ibrahim Musa Italiya( Mayo Belwa), Hon. Musa Bororo, (Mubi South) and a friend to former Governor Muhammad Umar Jibrilla, Hon. Shuaibu Dan Musa( Mubi North) and Hon. Myandassa Bauna(Lamurde).

The suits against the Honorable Members were instituted by Hon. Peter Da'ape, and Hon. Yakubu Musa Dirbishi Candidates of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) for Mayo Belwa and Mubi South Constituencies.

Also, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya, Candidate of the PDP dragged Hon. Shuaibu Dan Musa, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the court challenging his election, while Hon. Vrati Nzonzo, candidate of APC filed his petition against Hon. Myandassa Bauna, incumbent member representing Lamurde Constituency.

The petitioners brought their cases before the the Tribunal on grounds that the elections of the presented members conducted in March this year were characterised by irregularities.

BILL TO GUARANTEE FREE HEALTH CARE SERVICES SCALED THROUGH 1ST READING AT ADHA

As part of commitment towards supporting policies and programmes of the present administration in the state on the health sector, the Adamawa state House of Assembly is considering enacting a law that will guarantee free health care services in the state.

The bill sponsored by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, with 24 other members as co - sponsors, has already scaled through first reading at a resumed plenary session over the weekend.

The bill, according to the sponsors, is aimed at providing free basic health care services to unemployed persons under the age of 20 years, pregnant women, persons living with disabilities, persons above 65 years and children below 5 years among others.

According to the Honourable Members, the bill which is meant to amend the State Health Insurance Scheme Law No. 7, 2011, will take care of the aforementioned group of people except in the case of serious optical and dental challenges, without prejudice to the requirement of payments of the contributory scheme stipulated in the scheme.

The lawmakers disclosed that the bill will make provision for more funding for the scheme in order to achieve the objectives behind enacting it.

If passed and assented by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, it will go along way in addressing challenges faced by the citizens seeking for health care services in and around the state.

After the first reading of the bill, Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, who presided over the sitting, directed Chairman Rules and Business of the house to schedule for the bill for second reading at the next legislative day.

2 KILLED, 6 INJURED IN FRESH ATTACK ON NUMAN COMMUNITIES

About 2 people have been killed while 6 others sustained various degrees of injuries in a fresh attack on Shaforon and Kodomti communities in Numan Local Government Area, Adamawa state.

Those killed in the Saturday night attack include a resident of Shaforon and a cattle rustler said to have invaded the affected communities.

An eyewitness told NEWS PLTFORM that some unknown armed men entered their community (Shaforon) in Numan Local Goverment Area and started shooting continuously.

He added that among those that were wounded include an army officer who sustained an injury in an exchange of fire with the cattle rustlers.

But the Chairman Transition Committee of the LGC, Hon. Nathaniel H. Tyakul,  said on receipt of the information , he personally called Commander of the Nigerian Army where he mobilised his men and intervened.

The Chairman said the army exchanged fire with the cattle rustlers where one of the attackers feared killed, saying the cattle rustlers had already killed the resident before the intervention of the security.

Hon. Tyakul added that those that sustained injuries are being treated, and that already normalcy has been restored.

Confirming the incident, the spokesman of Police Command in Adamawa state, DSP, Suleiman Yahay Nguroje, said that the attackers were cattle rustlers.

ADSU MUBI SECURES 98% ACCREDITATION, INTRODUCES 15 NEW PROGRAMMES

Against all odds,  the Adamawa State University (ADSU), Mubi, under the leadership of its Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, has secured about 98 percent accreditation status for all its programmes from the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Equally, the institution has secured approval of the Commission for the establishment of 15 new programmes for the benefit of the students and the state.

In recent times, the university has encountered a number of challenges ranging from underfunding, labour unrest coupled with insecurity, but in spite of these, the institution was able to excelled in securing the establishment of additional programmes, accreditation of 98 percent of its programmes.

Briefing the officials of the Nigeria Union Journalists(NUJ), Adamawa state council who paid her a courtesy visit in her office recently, the Acting VC of University, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, said that the University is growing fast and it will soon compete favourable with other reputable universities, saying that the school under her leadership has recorded a remarkable achievements.

Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, said that apart from securing of 98 percent accreditation and approval to introduce 15 new programmes, she was able to improved teaching and learning by procuring equipment for the departments, graduated backlogs of final year students and the introduction of e-examination for large classes by establishing a Computer Based Test Center( CBT).

In the area of infrastructural development, the Acting VC disclosed that the University  was able complete the construction of 4 hostels for students, renovated classrooms and lecture halls, construction of roads network on campus, construction of 2 faculty buildings and construction of tricycle park among others.

On students' welfare, she pointed out that the institution has able to constructed 7 boreholes, improved water supply to students' hostels and mobilised  the students Union government.

Likewise, on staff welfare, Professor Kaletapwa told the NUJ that the institution has reviewed the scheme and condition of service, accessed TETfund grants for the staff to embark on research for the first time since the establishment of the university, as well as grants for academic staff training and development and conferences/workshop attendance.

According to her, the institution has settled the outstanding dues for Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), prompt payment of staff claims and allowances and released backlog of promotions as well as improved the process for promotion which gave rise to having 28 staff on professorial cadre as against 4 in 2017.

Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, asserted that the University has restored peace on the campus among staff/students, earned allowances paid from zero -about 37 percent and reverted to old pension scheme and commenced payment of pension to retired staff among other achievements.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Ishaka Donald Dedan, said that they were in her office to seek for partnership, commending the Acting VC and other management staff for improving the standard of the university.

Com. Ishaka Donald Dedan, pledged the readiness of the union towards supporting the institution most especially by publicising its activities.

CELEBRATION GALORE AS HON. LEKKI DECLARES JUDAH WINNER OF GIREI LG PDP PRIMARY

Supporters of Hon. Judah Amisa, winner of the just concluded Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairmanship primary election in Girei Local Government Area, Adamawa state have took to the street in celebration of victory of their aspirant.

The teeming supporters of Hon. Judah Amisa, said the victory of their aspirant now PDP candidate in Girei LGA, is a victory of the people of Girei and the entire state.

Hon. Judah emerged winner of today's primary election after defeating Chief Pentecost Agiso, and Hon. Aminu Yusuf for polling highest number of votes.

He (Judah) garnered about 171 votes, while Chief Pentecost and Yusuf scored 50 and 2 votes respectively.

Announcing the result of the election, the returning officer who is also the member representing Yola North constituency at the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Hamidu Sajoh Lekki, said "Hon. Judah Amisa, having scored the highest number of votes is hereby declared winner of the PDP primary election in Girei".

In his reaction, Hon Judah Amisa, appreciated the delegates drawn from 10 wardsof the LGA for giving him their mandate, saying that without their support, he would not have emerged the winner of the election.

He equally thanked the stakeholders and all the electorate in the area for their support, appealing to other contestants to support him so that the PDP would clinch the forthcoming LGCs election.

But the election which started in an orderly manner, was almost disrupted by political thugs said to be supporters of one of the candidate.

It took the determination of the security agencies including the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense(NSCDC), Vigilante group who calmed the situation.

On his part, the returning officer, Hon. Hamidu Sajoh Lekki, stood his ground and went ahead and conducted the election which was adjudged to be free, fair and transparent exercise.

Hon. Lekki dared the thugs and said nothing will stop him from concluding the exercise already started peacefully and in line with party guidelines.

FOREIGN UNIVERSITY HONOURS ERSTWHILE SPEAKER WITH DOCTORATE DEGREE

Foreign University, Ecole Superieure D' Enseignement Professionnel based in Cotonou, Benin Republic has conferred Honorary Doctorate Degree on the former Speaker of 6th Adamawa state House of Assembly and Member represening Yola south constituency, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Mijinyawa.

According to the academic institution, Rt. Hon. Mijinyawa, was conferred with the Doctorate Degree(Honoris Causa) in recognition of his selfless service and philanthropic activities to humanity.

A letter dated 5th February, 2019 and signed by the Registrar, Ijisakin Wole Charle, and Secretary, Board of Trustees, Fakanbi Ernest K, of the institution, said that the ceremony for the conferment has been slated as part of the events to take place in this year's convocation in October.

In his reaction on the award, the former Speaker of state assembly, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Mijiyanwa, said that the letter notifying him about the the decision of the institution to confer on him honorary degree came to him as a surprise.

Rt. Hon. Mijinyawa, disclosed that he did not know how they got information about him and the criteria they used; hence, the honour and appreciated the institution for finding him worthy to be conferred with the degree.

According to him, the honour will spur him to continue in rendering services to humanity most especially his teeming electorate in Yola South and the state in general.

Rt. Hon. Kabiru Mijinyawa, appealed to stakeholders most especially public office holders to be transparent, just and accountable in handling public offices because according to him every step ones takes, counts a lot.

Meanwhile, the Legislators at the state House of Assembly have congratulated the the former Speaker for his conferment with the doctorate degree by the university.

 The state House of Assembly, presided by its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, read the notification letter for the conferment of honor on their colleague and congratulated him over the award.

FOREIGN UNIVERSITY HONOURS ERSTWHILE SPEAKER WITH DOCTORATE DEGREE

Foreign University, Ecole Superieure D' Enseignement Professionnel based in Cotonou, Benin Republic has conferred Honorary Doctorate Degree on the former Speaker of 6th Adamawa state House of Assembly and Member represening Yola south constituency, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Mijinyawa.

According to the academic institution, Rt. Hon. Mijinyawa, was conferred with the Doctorate Degree(Honoris Causa) in recognition of his selfless service and philanthropic activities to humanity.

A letter dated 5th February, 2019 and signed by the Registrar, Ijisakin Wole Charle, and Secretary, Board of Trustees, Fakanbi Ernest K, of the institution, said that the ceremony for the conferment has been slated as part of the events to take place in this year's convocation in October.

In his reaction on the award, the former Speaker of state assembly, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Mijiyanwa, said that the letter notifying him about the the decision of the institution to confer on him honorary degree came to him as a surprise.

Rt. Hon. Mijinyawa, disclosed that he did not know how they got information about him and the criteria they used; hence, the honour and appreciated the institution for finding him worthy to be conferred with the degree.

According to him, the honour will spur him to continue in rendering services to humanity most especially his teeming electorate in Yola South and the state in general.

Rt. Hon. Kabiru Mijinyawa, appealed to stakeholders most especially public office holders to be transparent, just and accountable in handling public offices because according to him every step ones takes, counts a lot.

Meanwhile, the Legislators at the state House of Assembly have congratulated the the former Speaker for his conferment with the doctorate degree by the university.

 The state House of Assembly, presided by its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, read the notification letter for the conferment of honor on their colleague and congratulated him over the award.

ADHA BACKS FREE EDUCATION, ADOPTS 12 RESOLUTIONS FOR EDUCATION, WATER

Lawmakers in the Adamawa State House of Assembly have thrown their weight behind  free education policy of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri's government with the passage of 8 resolutions aimed at strengthening and enhancing government policies on education and welfare of teachers.

The legislators further adopted about 5 resolutions that will support the government in its quest to provide water supply to its citizens in and around the state.

Recalled that at the inception of Fintiri's government, free education and feeding were introduced for primary and basic education level as parts of deliberate effort towards uplifting the standard of education in the state.

But at its resumed plenary session yesterday, the hallowed chamber after series of deliberations, unanimously adopted motions that will strengthen and empower the Governor to implement all policies initiated to enhance teaching and learning.

The legislators in their resolutions, gave kudos to the government for introducing free, quality and compulsory education policy in order to address challenges bedevilling the sector, appealing to the executive arm to map out strategies that will facilitate effective implementation so as to achieve its overall objectives.

The House further called on the state government to reconsider the annual budgetary allocation for the sector in order to facilitate realistic provision, maintenance and functionality of existing and upcoming infrastructure in the state.

Furthermore, the Honourable Members resolved and directed the house standing committee on education to develop comprehensive data base on infrastructural gaps in the education sector to facilitate effective oversight and other interventions from the relevant stakeholders, and given 2 weeks within which to submit its report.

While on the water sector, the House resolved and advised the state government to do everything possible towards addressing the lingering shortage of water supply in the state.

According to them, there is the need for the government to pursue and ensure the release of counterpart funding as well as look at existing laws on the sector with a view to strengthen them.

The legislators detailed the house standing committee on water supply to liase with the executive arm and ensure the provision of portable water supply.

The adoption of the resolutions was sequel to separate matters of urgent public importance brought before the resumed plenary session by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Hammantukur Yettisurri(Jada Mulo) and Hon. Kate Raymond Mamuno(Demsa).

Several lawmakers including Hon. Abdullahi Umar Yapak(Verde), Hon. Simon Isa(Song) and Hon.Abubakar Isa(Shelleng) commended the sponsors of the motions and urged the state government to consider implementing their resolutions.

After contributions, the speaker, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, who presided over the sitting directed the clerk of the house to communicate the resolutions of the Honourable Members to the executive arm for necessary action.