NIGERIA @60: ADAMAWA NYCN REJOICES WITH FINTIRI, YOUTH...CHARTS NEW COURSE FOR DEVT

As Nigeria marks its 60th Independence Anniversary, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Adamawa state chapter has extended it hearty felicitations to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri as well as the entire youths across the state.

The Youth Council in a press statement signed by its Chairman, Ambassador Ajine K. Delo, and made available to newsmen in Yola onThursday, congratulated Nigerians and wished them happy celebration.

According to him, today marks the 60th birthday of Nigeria's political independence, and that the nation's diamond jubilee is a remarkable milestone worthy of celebration in spite of the fact that the nation has been deeply immersed in the crisis of nationhood.

In Adamawa state, he said that the Nigeria's independence anniversary is worthy of celebration as the State is currently witnessing infrastructural development, improvement in healthcare service delivery, resuscitation of education sector among others. 

While the country celebrates her 60th birthday, according to Ambassador Ajine, Adamawa citizens are proud to identify themselves with the government of the day taking into cognisance the achievements recorded since the coming on board of the government. 

The Chairman said that though the state had experienced its own share of political and economic woes, but the citizens can also boast of developmental strides under the able leadership of Governor Fintiri, saying that the government has given it citizens a sense of belonging.

He urged the youths to brace up to their responsibility bearing in mind that better tomorrow starts today, saying that they can only make the difference they are yearning for if they rise up to their responsibilities.

At the national level, he said the fact that many Nigerians are of the opinion that the major problem facing the country is leadership, saying that if nothing is done to ensure purposeful leadership, the country will continue to remain backward.

On the part of security situation, he observed that insecurity has steadily worsened as terrorists, bandits, gun and machete-wielding herdsmen and kidnappers have been perpetrating all sorts of evil at will, lamenting that political leaders have failed to serve as rallying point for national unity, nation-building and cohesion. 

He posited that it was as a result of failure of the FG in providing adequate security that has forced some states and regions to consider self-help, as well as moved the National Assembly to pass a resolution calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Service Chiefs.

On the part of growth, the Chairman explained that the population is growing at 3 per cent, while economic growth is just about 2 per cent, saying that  life expectancy rate is 55 years, the third lowest in the world. 

As put by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), he said that the life expectancy of an average Nigerian is only better than those in Sierra-Leone, Chad and the Central African Republic, stating that even war-torn countries like Afghanistan and Somalia have a higher life expectancy, at 65 and 58 respectively. 

Politically, he said that the electoral process is still largely being manipulated and there seems to be no solution to corruption in the country, saying that in June 2018, the World Poverty Clock indicated that Nigeria had overtaken India as the poverty Capital of the World.

The country now has the largest number of people living in extreme poverty with an estimated 87 million Nigerians, or around half of the country's population, are said to be living on less than $2.00 or N700.00 per day.

He added that the future of Nigeria is in the hands of the Youth as social forces that will bring about change in the country, saying how they will pilot it affairs will determine where the country goes.

He challenged them to chart a new course that will better define a future that works for the good of the greatest number of compatriots, urging them to put the country on the path of growth and development.

Ambassador Ajine K. Delo, stated that the problems confronting Nigeria are not problems to be resolved by wishful thinking, as they require urgent and practical national attention towards addressing them.

THE FALL OF ISHAKU ABBO AND THE TALES OF EGOISTIC POLITICAL NEOPHYTE

 

By Solomon Kumanger, DG Media and Communication to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri

To pick up a fight with a Governor by any political office holder from same state in Nigeria’s greasy politics is not for the fainthearted. It’s like riding a tiger. You must have to keep on riding or be swallowed.

 Senator Ishaku Abbo, the Senator representing Adamawa Northern Senatorial District at the National Assembly should tell it better. For him, since he was sworn into office as senator must have been his longest, toughest and gravest political experience. Whether he admits it or not, it has been a nervous, testy, bitter, harrowing, and indeed, unforgettable time. Genuine friends are becoming increasingly hard for him to find. 

Few days to his inauguration as Senator, he was thrown out of the bus like an irascible urchin by members of his constituency when he was caught red handed assaulting a lady in an adult toy shop in Abuja, one year after he assumed that coveted office in pomp and circumstance. And when it came, it packed a wallop. The nemesis of fighting a Governor beckons on him like an eagle that prey a bird.

Firstly, Abbo was all over Nigerian media for the wrong reason of assaulting a lady in an adult toy shop, few months after the dust raised by the senator was about to settle, he again engaged his state Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri in a bitter battle due to selection of local council chairmen in Adamawa

Some party faithful have alleged that Ishaku Abbo almost ruined his political career by picking unnecessary fight with the Governor over council polls in Adamawa. In most States of Nigeria hardly can you find a Governor that allows senators from his state to have a say in deciding who occupy a local council seats his state. Being a political neophyte and intoxicated by power, Abbo will never allow even his social media friends make any contributions contrary to his opinion on any issues, he either block you or rain insults on your father.

His adversaries say he will leave Adamawa north senatorial district worse than he met it. His final days and eventual fall in 2023 will be a lesson in history. I knew Ishaku Abbo wasn’t going to survive the nemesis he plots against himself. I said so in this column way back in January. Nobody should weep for him. Do you remember the story of Icarus in Greek mythology? His father, Daedalus, a master craftsman, fashioned wings for him out of feathers and wax to help him escape from the Crete. Icarus was dutifully warned by his father not to fly too close to the sea or the sun. Like Ishaku Abbo, like Icarus who started off well.

Then, hubris got the better of him, and he flew too close to the sun contrary to his father’s warnings. The wax melted and he plunged to his death in the Aegean Sea. Hubris, we need to understand, is that all-consuming pride that leads a person to think he’s better than anyone else, making him feel the rules don’t apply to him. This leads to ultimate downfall. 

According to LiteraryDevice.net, hubris is a typical flaw in the personality of a character who enjoys a powerful position, as a result of which, he overestimates his capacities to such an idiotic extent that he loses contact with reality. In fact, a character suffering from hubris, as Ishaku Abbo, tries “to cross normal human limits and violates normal codes”.

As his predecessor in that office, Senator Binta, should tell Abbo that “bad temper” ruined any politician that is arrogant in office. But more than that, for the past one year that he was sworn into the senate, Ishaku Abbo behaved and acted as if he was the sun around which other planets must revolove. The sun may be associated with God, and in that case, Ishaku Abbo tempted fate and abused power.

How sad and ironic even with his limited intellectual ability and political accomplishments. Ishaku Abbo thinks that the office of the Senator of the federal republic is a prize to be won.  He fails to see the office as a duty to be done. His knowledge of the way politics works is at best, superficial. Any man who uses force to get things done is afraid of reasoning.

 Ishaku Abbo, it bears repeating, does not understand the levers of power. How power is used in politics is different from activism. When you are in a hole, wisdom demands that you stop digging. Not Ishaku Abbo. Rather, he continued to dig deeper and got himself consumed in the hole he dug for others. That accounts for his repeated gaffes and slips. And that resulted in fatal battle with his party leaders in Adamawa.

The truth is that responsibilities abandoned today will return as more acute crises tomorrow. His verbal insult to the lady at the adult toy shop, his allege assault on a photo journalist that work with him then and his unceremonious ousting from the Naval school in Port Harcourt in 2004. That’s the height of meaness, if not absolute wickedness coming from a top public official who should give hope to the hopeless.

Examples of men who were consumed by hubris abound. Shakespeare and Macbeth were among them. As literary students know, Macbeth had over-inflated ego that eventually destroyed him and almost everyone around him. As Shakespeare wrote in one of his works, “let not light see my back and deep desires”… Men and women of hubris can do anything to serve their ambitions. Take the case of Mel Gibson, a former Hollywood star after his night of drunken racial slurs. His abhorrent conduct led to his fall from greatness. Such was his temper and tantrums on set that what became of him later was a case study in hubris.

You see, sometimes, the media love to see giants fall, especially when they don’t play by the rules. Remember that Gibson was once the Academy Award winning Best Director. His fall from greatness was so hard to bear that he was forced to take a role in “The Expendable” movie(2012), a franchise devoted to former action heroes whose careers are in steep decline. Such characters may rise again like one of the world’s greatest golfers Tiger Woods has done, but their hubris would not be forgotten.

Honesty and humility became casualties in Ishaku Abbo’s approach to politics.  For him, it’s all power, fame and arrogance. He likes defining truth downwards, and very often, he gets away with it. He doesn’t live by example, an essential virtue of a leader.   No surprise, those who wanted him out of Adamawa politics in 2023, saw him as a virus that a cure must be found quickly or it will infect a multitude.

For now, it will take time for Adamawa PDP to recover from the damage inflicted on it by Ishaku by his action and inaction since he was sworn into the senate.

Abbo’s lack of accomplishment as a senator is what you get when narcissistic personalities represent you in the national assembly. As psychologists and mental health experts say, narcissists harbour mountain of delusions about their own capabilities. They exaggerate their accomplishments and focus obsessively on getting power at all cost.

Beneath all of this is extreme fragility and exaggerated ego as delicate as foam. I heard these traits become in people that lack exposure or a political neophyte.

COMMUNAL CLASH: COMMISSION OF INQUIRY VISITS TINGNO, ASSURES OF JUSTICE

 

The Commission of Inquiry constituted to unravel the circumstances surrounding the recent communal clash in Tingno and environs in Lamurde Local Government Area, Adamawa state on Tuesday embarked on an on the spot assessment of the communities affected by the clash.

Some of the areas visited by Honourable Justice Hapsat Abdulrahaman led Commission of Inquiry include; Tito Tudu, Tito Gagare, Bandawa, Unguwan Lagos, Unguwan Abuja, Kasuwan Tingno, PW, Mission and was able to interact with the representatives of the affected communities.

Justice Hapsat who led members of the Commission, Counsels to the warring factions, Security Personnel, Representatives/Community Leaders and media men, trekked from household to household and to the very spot where the crisis erupted.

The Commission which took the whole day moving around the destroyed houses, shops and worship centres in spite of rainfall, was adequately briefed on the root cause of the clash.

During the visit, several residents who were visibly impressed with the tour, could not hide their feelings but gave kudos to Governor Ahmadu Umaru for setting up the Commission and the Chairperson as well as Honourable Members of the Commission for taking it upon themselves to visit their communities despite difficult terrain.

Cross section of the residents who bared their minds to NEWS PLATFORM said that the constitution of the Commission, and its assessment tour was a clear demonstration that the government is poised towards bringing succour to those hit by the clash and preventing the reoccurrence of such disturbances.

Addressing the residents during the visit on Tuesday, the Chairperson of the Commission, Honourable Justice Hapsat Abdulrahaman, told them that the Commission deemed it imperative to come and see things for itself as well as interact with the inhabitants.

The Chairperson assured that her Commission is going to do justice to all communities affected by the communal clash, and urged them to wait for the outcome of the report of the Commission and the action that will be taken by the government to that effect.

She called on them to embrace peace as nothing meaningful would be achieved in a chaotic atmosphere, appealing to them to forget about what happened and continue to live as brothers and sisters.

She said that the government had heard the outcry of the communities, hence it decision to constitute the Commission with a view to look into the remote causes of the crisis and how best to address them, assuring them of fairness and justice.

According to her, the Commission has seen what happened and has taken note of it, and that there should be no more crisis, saying that her Commission does not want to hear anything bad from the affected communities apart from peaceful coexistence.

Justice Hapsat Abdulrahaman, told them that the Commission was informed that some people have been preventing others from going to a particular market, and further appealed to them to bury their differences and live together for their progress.

Baring his mind, the Village Head of Tingno Dutse, Richard Angelo, appreciated the Commission and the State Government for their efforts towards bringing about peace in their communities.

Richard Angelo, informed the Commission that they have been calling on their subjects to live in peace with one another, appealing to all the communities to maintain peace and wait for the Commission.

Also speaking, Leader of Hausa Community in Tingno, Alhaji Garba Audu, stated that God has brought them in one place to live together, and could not see why they are fighting each other, saying that their communities will not record any development without peace.

Alhaji Garba Audu, disclosed that they have no any other place to live except their present communities, and advised that henceforth, anybody who has a complaint should lodge it to the appropriate authorities for necessary action and not resorting to taking laws into their hands.

On his part, the Chairman Chobo Community, Zakaria Gumba, pointed out that they were satisfied with the way the Commission is handling its affairs, and called on them to do justice to every community.

Zakaria Gumba frowned at a situation where many people in the affected communities are being arrested by the security operatives silently, saying apprehending people will affect the activities of the Commission and prayed God to see the Commission through.

Earlier, briefing the Commission on behalf of Tito Tudu and Tito Gangare, the representative of the communities, Umaru Wakili, told the commission that they lost everything during the clash, and appreciated God for the restoration of peace.

ADAMAWA POLICE ARREST 3 LOCAL HUNTERS TURNED ARMED ROBBERS, 4 OTHERS

Police in Adamawa state have arrested about 7 suspected armed robbers and recovered 2 denguns, 3 motorcycles and set of military uniform in Girei and Ganye Local Government Areas.

The suspects, Kabiru Muhammed, 23,  Idris Salisu, 42, Friday  Elkanah, 23, are residents of Wuro Hausa in Yola South, Lafiya in Lamurde, and Dikong in Mayo  Belwa Local Government Areas.

According to the police, the accused who were members of Local Hunters Association betrayed the trust entrusted in them by the general public and become armed robbers.

Equally, the gallant men of the command attached to special Anti Robbery Squard (SARS) have arrested Sadiq Abdullahi, 20, Awal Bakari, 23, Aminu Gidado, 23, and Aliyu Abubakar, 25, residents of Mayo Belwa Local Government Areas.

A statement by the image maker of the command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje and made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Tuesday, said that the police have recovered, 2 Denguns, 4 cutlasses, 3 knives, a set of military uniform and 4 pairs of Dessert Boots.

DSP Nguroje said that the suspects were apprehended by the operatives attached to Girei and Ganye Divisions and Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARs) after attacking 3 commercial motorcyclists in Girei, Ganye and Mayo -Belwa Local Government Areas.

He assured that the victims will be given proper medical attention and that their stolen motor cycles will be given back to them.

DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje called on the residents to report any suspicious persons around their neighbourhoods to the nearest Police Division or report same any of the Police Command Control/Emergency numbers:08089671313, 08107364974, 08053872326.

            

             

ADAMAWA POLICE ARREST 3 LOCAL HUNTERS ARMED TURNED ARMED ROBBERS, 4 OTHERS

 

Police in Adamawa state have arrested about 7 suspected armed robbers and recovered 2 denguns, 3 motorcycles and set of military uniform in Girei and Ganye Local Government Areas.

The suspects, Kabiru Muhammed, 23,  Idris Salisu, 42, Friday  Elkanah, 23, are residents of Wuro Hausa in Yola South, Lafiya in Lamurde, and Dikong in Mayo  Belwa Local Government Areas.

According to the police, the accused who were members of Local Hunters Association betrayed the trust entrusted in them by the general public and become armed robbers.

Equally, the gallant men of the command attached to special Anti Robbery Squard (SARS) have arrested Sadiq Abdullahi, 20, Awal Bakari, 23, Aminu Gidado, 23, and Aliyu Abubakar, 25, residents of Mayo Belwa Local Government Areas.

A statement by the image maker of the command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje and made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Tuesday, said that the police have recovered, 2 Denguns, 4 cutlasses, 3 knives, a set of military uniform and 4 pairs of Dessert Boots.

DSP Nguroje said that the suspects were apprehended by the operatives attached to Girei and Ganye Divisions and Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARs) after attacking 3 commercial motorcyclists in Girei, Ganye and Mayo -Belwa Local Government Areas.

He assured that the victims will be given proper medical attention and that their stolen motor cycles will be given back to them.

DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje called on the residents to report any suspicious persons around their neighbourhoods to the nearest Police Division or report same any of the Police Command Control/Emergency numbers:08089671313, 08107364974, 08053872326.

            

             

FG, ADAMAWA GOVT TO DISTRIBUTE 2.8 MILLION TREATED MOSQUITO NETS NEXT MONTH

A total of 2.888million Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets are to be distributed to citizens across the 21 Local Government Areas in Adamawa state from 15th to 28th October, 2020.

This is part of efforts of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) of the Federal Ministry of Health in partnership with Adamawa State Government, Catholic Relief Services(CRS) as well as Chemonics with funding support from Global Fund Malaria Grant towards eliminating Malaria.

Already, NMEP, Adamawa State Government and their partners have commenced process on how to take the delivery of the 2020 Insecticide Treated Nets(ITNs) through door to door approach to every household across the 21 LGAs.

According to NMEP and its partners, the concerted effort is geared towards making a mosquito net available to one out of two persons in every household, so as to sleep inside and be protected from mosquitoes that spread malaria.

It is in the light of the foregoing that the NMEP and its partners advised citizens to ensure that someone is available at home between 15th to 28th October, 2020, to provide information to the Mobilisation and Distribution Teams(MDT) and collect the nets.

More so, messages on how to use and care for the nets and on the dreaded Covid-19  pandemic preventive measures would be provided at the households during the exercise.

In this regard, the ITNs mass campaign is expected to be led by the State Ministry of Health through the State Malaria Elimination Programme with the CRS providing technical assistance as the implementing partner and with the NMEP providing coordination and oversight function.

Speaking at a One Day Media Parley organised by the State Ministry of Health and held at AUN Hotel in Yola on Monday, the Commissioner Ministry of Health and Human Resources, Professor Abdullahi Isa, disclosed that what they used to do was going house to house, mobilising people to come and line up to collect the nets.

The Commissioner who was represented by the Director Public Health in the Ministry, Isaac Kadala, explained that they had to change their strategies due Covid-19, saying that it is going to be a risk to line up people as done in the past in order to redeem their nets.

He said that necessary arrangements have been put in place to take the nets to the peoples' households so as not to expose people to risk, assuring that every household in the state is going to get the nets no matter how the difficult terrain.

According to him, Malaria kills more than any other disease including Covid -19, adding that the programme will continue despite the outbreak of the pandemic, and appealed for support from the media to enable them achieve their set objectives.

In her remarks, the representative of NMEP, Federal Ministry of Health, Nkoye Ogar, said effective use of the nets will contribute enormously in the reduction of Malaria prevalence not only in Adamawa but the country in general. 

Likewise, in her presentation, the Consultant Technical WorkStream with Catholic Relief Services, Jessie Okoro, said that the media can play critical role in the fight against Malaria, and called on the participants to contribute their part towards eliminating the disease.

LABOUR SUSPENDS PLANNED STRIKE AS FG REVERSES ELECTRICITY TARIFF HIKE

The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have suspended the strike scheduled to commence today ( Monday ) .

This followed an agreement reached with the Federal Government at a meeting which started at 8. 30pm on Sunday and ended at 2:50am this morning.

After exhaustive deliberations on the issues raised by the labour centres , the meeting agreed to suspend the application of the cost -reflective electricity tariff adjustments for two weeks.

The Minister of Labour and Employment , Chris Ngige, read the five -page communique signed by the representatives of the government and labour.

The NLC President , Ayuba Wabba ; and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Quadri Olaleye , amongst others signed on behalf of Organised Labour while the Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige ; Minister of State Petroleum, Timipre Silva; Minister of State Labour and Employment , Festus Keyamo ( SAN); Minister of Information , Lai Mohammed; and the Secretary to Government of the Federation , Boss Mustapha and others , signed on behalf of the government .

He said , “ Definitely correct . We just left a press conference . We signed a document to suspend the action for two weeks for the government to implement those things that we agreed in the agreement . So , we are suspending for two weeks.

“ We don’ t need a notice again to re -convene if there is a need to do that. ”

The parties agreed to set up a technical committee comprising Ministries , Departments , Agencies , NLC and TUC .

It would work for a duration of two weeks effective September 28, to examine the justifications for the new policy “ in view of the need for the validation of the basis for the new cost -reflective tariff as a result of the conflicting information from the fields which appeared different from the data presented to justify the new policy by NERC; metering deployment , challenges , timeline for massive rollout . ”

The members of the committee include the Minister of State Labour and Employment , Festus Keyamo ( SAN) as Chairman ; Minister of State Power , Godwin Jedy - Agba ; Chairman , National Electricity Regulatory Commission , James Momoh; Special Assistant to the President on Infrastructure , Ahmad Zakari as the Secretary .

Other members are Onoho’ Omhen Ebhohimhen, Joe Ajaero ( NLC ) , Chris Okonkwo ( TUC) and a representative of electricity distribution companies.

The committee ’ s terms of reference are to examine the justification for the new policy on cost -reflective electricity tariff adjustments; to look at the different DISCOs and their different electricity tariff vis -à- vis NERC order and mandate ; examine and advise government on the issues that have hindered the deployment of the 6 million meters , among others .

“ During the two weeks , the DISCOs shall suspend the application of the cost -reflective electricity tariff adjustments , ” the communique noted .

It also noted that the FG has fashioned out palliatives that would ameliorate the sufferings that Nigerian workers may experience as a result of the hike in cost electricity tariffs and the deregulation of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry .

The palliatives will be in the areas of transport, power , housing, agriculture and humanitarian support.

The meeting also resolved that the 40 per cent stake of government in the DISCO and the stake of workers should be reflected in the composition of the DISCO’ s boards .

It agreed that “ an all - inclusive and independent review of the power sector operations as provided in the privatization MoU to be undertaken before the end of the year 2020, with labour represented .

“ All parties agreed on the urgency for increasing the local refining capacity of the nation to reduce the overdependency on importation of petroleum products to ensure energy security, reduce cost of finished products, increase employment and business opportunities for Nigerians. ”

To address this , the parties resolved that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation should expedite the rehabilitation of the nation ’ s four refineries located in Port Harcourt , Warri and Kaduna to achieve 50 per cent completion by December 2021, while timelines and delivery for Warri and Kaduna will be established by the inclusive steering committee .

“ To ensure commitment and transparency to the processes and timelines of the rehabilitation exercise , the management of NNPC has offered to integrate the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association into the steering committee already established by the corporation , ” the communique stated.

It added that a validation team comprising the representatives of the NNPC, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative , Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission , NUPENG and PENGASSAN would be established to monitor progress of the rehabilitation of the refineries and the pipelines /strategic depots network and advice the steering committee periodically.

It also said that post- rehabilitation , NNPC shall involve the PENGASSAN and NUPENG in the process of establishing the operational model of the nation ’ s refineries .

The statement added , “ The Federal Government will facilitate the delivery of licensed modular and regular refineries , involvement of upstream companies in petroleum refining and establishing framework for financing in the downstream sector.

“ NNPC to expedite work on the Build , Operate and Transfer framework for the nation ’ s pipelines and strategic depots network for efficient transportation and distribution of petroleum products to match the delivery timelines of the refineries as agreed. ”

The government and its agencies agreed to ensure delivery of 1 million CNG /LPG AutoGas conversion kits, storage skids and dispensing units under the Nigeria Gas Expansion Programme by December 2021 to enable delivery of cheaper transportation and power fuel .

A governance structure that will include representatives of organized labour shall be established for timely delivery.

To cushion the impacts of the downstream sector deregulation and tariffs adjustment in the power sector , the FG agreed to announce in two weeks a specific amount to be accessed by workers with subsequent provision for 240, 000 under the auspices of NLC and TUC for participation in agricultural ventures through the Central Bank and the Ministry of Agriculture .

The timeline will be fixed at the next meeting.

The meeting further resolved that the FG will facilitate the removal of tax on minimum wage as a way of cushioning the impacts of the policy on the lowest vulnerable .

The government would also make available to organized labour 133 CNG /LPG- driven mass transit buses immediately and provide to the major cities across the country on a scale up basis thereafter , to all states and local governments before December 2021.

Punch newspaper

MAIHA LEGISLATOR DISBURSES #5 MILLION, 30 MOTORCYCLES TO ELECTORATE

Member representing Maiha constituency at the Adamawa state House of Assembly, Hon. Isa Yahaya on Sunday disbursed over #5 million as well as 30 motorcycles to his electorate.

Aside the empowerment items and cash, the Member has promised to sink 20 hand pump boreholes, renovate 60 grounded ones spread across 10 wards which comprise Maiha constituency.

Speaking while disbursing the funds to 500 electorate at Maiha Presidential Lodge on Sunday, Hon. Isa Yahaya, thanked them for their support and cooperation which made it possible for him to reach out to them.

Hon. Yahaya urged them to judiciously utilise the items for the purpose intended, and enjoined them to continue to support him so as to enable him deliver more democracy dividends.

In his remarks, the speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, pleaded with the beneficiaries not to sell the materials, but use it order to improve their living standard, urging on those that could not get to exercise patience and wait for another time.

Rt. Hon. Iya Abbas told them that this is not a time for party politics but working for people, and called on them to shelve the idea of political differences and unite for the progress of Maiha and Adamawa state in general, urging them to continue to live in peace and harmony.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman Maiha LGC, Hon. Idi Aminu, said that the member has been trying in his stewardship and called on the electorate not to relent in their support to enable him continue do more for them.

Hon. Idi Amin challenged the electorate to strive and return the Member to the ruling Peoples' Democratic Party(PDP) instead of allowing him to remain in APC, and appealed for support to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri led administration.

Baring his mind, the Chairman of the occasion and Publicity Secretary of APC in the state, Mohammed Abdullahi, said that the member was able to provide 80 hand pump boreholes, renovated Maiha health centre, facilitated employment of 100 youths, awarded scholarship to 120 students among others.

In his welcome address, the Chairman All Progressives Congress(APC), Hon. Musa Isa commended the Legislator, saying that the items distributed will go along way in making his electorate become self reliant.

Hon. Musa said that Maiha LGA has been known for its support for APC and will continue to remain that of APC, pledging to continue to support at all levels.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke at the event, appreciated the member for the kind gesture and promised to continue to support him.

ADAMAWA BPP, WORLD BANK TRAIN SMEs ON GUIDELINES ON PROCUREMENT PROCESS

 

In pursuance to its set objectives of ensuring accountability and transparency in the act of governance, the Bureau of Public Procurement in Adamawa state in conjunction with Charterehouse Consulting Limited and World bank has organised a training workshop for Small and Medium Enterprises across the 21 Local Government Areas in the state.

The primary reason behind organising the 2 Day Training workshop was to scale up the participation of operators of SMEs in the procurement process and procedures in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government be it at the state or at the Local Government Areas.

Equally, the event was designed to strenthen the capacity of the participants or equip them with requisite knowledge on how they can bid or solicit for contracts, and how they can be engaged in offering services to the state through handling of contracts.

This is coming even as Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, led administration has since opened up a window for the SMEs to be fully involved in every contract to be executed in the state.

Speaking while declaring the 2 Day Training Workshop held in Yola the state capital open, the Chairman Adamawa State Board on Public Procurement, Barr. Yakubu Ngbale, said that the training is not only timely but crucial given the pivotal role of the SMEs in the economic sector.

The Chairman stated that the event was designed to equip the participants being key players of the economy, and serve as impetus for them to actively participate in all procurement process and procedures of MDAs in the state. 

Barr Ngbale, disclosed that recently Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has approved a comprehensive work plan and subsequently, the board also approved a new operational guidelines for implementation to scale up the participation of the SMEs in the procurement process and procedures of the MDAs in the state in line with SFTAS approved guidelines.

He commended Fintiri for his commitment towards ensuring transparency and accountability in governance as a key instrument to fighting corruption and achieving value for money in the procurement of works, goods and services by MDAs.

Fielding questions from newsmen, the Director General Adamawa BPP, Abba Bello, said that the event was designed to educate the participants on the procurement process and procedures, saying it will enable them to have access to what the government is doing in terms of delivering dividends of democracy.

The DG added that the training will educate them on how to bid whenever they hear or see any notice or advertisement of contract be it at the ministry or LG, explaining that if someone does not know how to go about it, it will become a problem.

Abba Bello, said that BPP is advocating that contract from #1 kobo to #60milion be awarded to SMEs in the state, instead of going out of the state and inviting foreign companies except if the contract is technical in nature and indigenous contractors cannot be able to handle it. 

He pointed out that they have been able to increased the level of threshold even at the LG level , saying that all the LGCs can be able to award contract for #60million without going to the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, saying that the BPP expects to receive reports on how SMEs are being awarded contract for execution.

Baring his mind, the Leading Consultant  Charterhouse Consulting Limited, Abdul A. Mamman, explained that the event is aimed at domesticating procurement contracting as obtained at the Federal level, saying that it means they have to lower and change certain parameters through which they use in engaging contractors.

According to him, if people at a particular location are tested and found to have the technical, capacity and competence, should be allowed to participate in the bidding process, saying that there are things that are going to be waved out for them.

The Consultant disclosed that Adamawa is the number 3 state in the country that has opened up governance in the area of contracting system, saying that Adamawa bureau has identified itself as one of the best runners into getting the right thing done.

Abdul A. Mamman, stated that it is small businesses that currently push the economy all over the world, saying that they are the ones that bigger organisations rely, and that if they are not available, bigger organisations cannot flourish.

 

 

YOLA APPEAL COURT AFFIRMS MAHMUD AS DISTRICT HEAD OF JALINGO- MAIHA

 

Mahmud Abubakar, new District Head of Jalingo-Maiha

Court of Appeal sitting in Yola, Adamawa state on Friday validated the judgement of a High Court, affirming Yerima Mahmud Abubakar, as the District Head of Jalingo -Maiha in Maiha Local Government Area, Adamawa state.

The Court held that the state High was on firm ground to have entered judgement in favour of Mahmud, as the right candidate for the stool, and further struck out the appeal brought before it by Yerima Idris Wakili Shehu.

Legal battle for the stool started when the election which was conducted for the vacant seat saw the emergence of Mahmud as the winner of the exercise having polled highest number of votes cast by Jalingo Village Heads.

Shortly after the exercise, the Mubi Emirate Council recommended the winner, Mahmud Abubakar for confirmation and subsequent appointment by the erstwhile Governor Mohammed Umar Jibrilla Bindow as District Head.

But due to vested interest, the former Governor went ahead and approved the appointment of the embattled Yerima Wakili, instead of the rightful candidate duly elected and recommended for the exalted Jalingo seat by Mubi Emirate Council.

In protest to the action of the ex-Governor, Mahmud dragged Yerima Wakili to Yola High Court presided over by Honourable Justice Hapsat Abdullarahaman, challenging the appointment of Yerima Wakili as the District Head despite scoring the required number of votes cast during the election.

Mahmud sought for the Court order to declare him as the royal father of Jalingo, as well as order of perpetual injunction restraining Mubi Emirate Council from recognising / accepting or taking any step including the turbaning of Yerima Wakili Shehu as District Head.

Further more, he asked for the court order restraining the then defendent and now the appellant from parading himself as the District Head of Jalingo pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Delivering its judgement on the matter, the State High Court declared that Mahmud Abubakar was the candidate elected and recommended for the seat, and that he should be confirmed and appointed as the District Head having duly elected stipulated by the law.

Dissatisfied with the verdict of the trial court, Yerima Wakili went and lodged an appeal at the Court of Appeal, and urged it to set aside the decision of the lower court, arguing that he was the right candidate based on the election conducted and his subsequent confirmation by Bindow.

He urged the court to determine whether the trial court was right when it assumed jurisdiction over the matter, and that whether it was right when it entered judgement in favour of the then plaintiff and now respondent and granted reliefs sought.

He informed the court that granting reliefs sought by the respondent would amount to, with all respect endorsing an illegality and setting a precedent that would warrant a returning officer in an election to return a person of his choice even if not a candidate who polled the highest votes cast.

Yerima Wakili further prayed the court to invalidate the Judgement of the lower court and declare him as the candidate elected for the stool, thereby dismissing the judgement of the trial court.

But delivering its judgement on the appeal on Friday, the Appeal Court presided over by Justice James Shehu Abiriyi, upheld the decision of the lower court and trashed the appeal instituted by Yerima Wakili, challenging the decision of the High Court.

Justice Abiriyi, said Governor Bindow acted in error when he granted approval for Yerima Wakili to be the District Head without any recommendation from Mubi Emirate Council to that effect and knocked out the appeal in its entirety.

He added that the state High Court was right in its decision when it discovered that former Governor Bindow was wrong to had appointed who was not even recommended for the appointment.

According to him, Mubi Emirate Council acted within the purview of the law, but that Governor Bindow decided to manoeuvre and confirmed the appellant who was not recommended for the seat, and resolved all 3 issues raised for determination in favour of the Mahmud Abubakar.

In his reaction shortly after the judgement of the court to NEWS PLATFORM, Mahmud Abubakar, appreciated the court for what he described as wonderful judgement, saying that the court has considered the interest of the general public and the provisions of the law.

Mahmud Abubakar urged his entire subjects to remain peaceful, live as brothers and sisters and work towards the development of Adamawa state and Nigeria in general.

 

ADAMAWA TO REOPEN SCHOOLS ON MONDAY 12TH

 

Adamawa state Government has fixed Monday 12th October, 2020, for the reopening of both public and private schools across the state.

HON. KATE DISTRIBUTES #18MILLION ASSORTED EMPOWERMENT ITEMS TO ELECTORATE

 

As part effort towards improving the living standard of her electorate, the Member representing Demsa constituency at the Adamawa state House of Assembly, Hon. Kate Raymond Mamuno, has distributed #18.550 million assorted empowerment items to her electorate.

Some of the empowerment items distributed by the Female Lawmaker include; 40 sewing machines, 45 water pumps, 15 motorcycles, 1000 pieces of wrappers and cash aimed at improving the living standard of the people.

It could be recalled that Hon. Kate had during a townhall meeting with her electorate in Demsa recently, informed them about her plan on how she intends to expend #40million constituency project fund given to every lawmaker by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

He told them that she had earnarked the sum of #20million for the provision of solar powered boreholes across Demsa, #15million for providing empowerment items, while the sum of #5million will be used to buy delivery kits to support women during delivery.

Speaking while distributing the empowerment items to her electorate in Demsa on Saturday, the Honourable Member said that the items presented will go along way in improving the living standard of the electorate.

She told them that apart from the materials distributed, she is planning to undertake the construction of solar powered boreholes across all the political wards which comprise her constituency.

She told the gathering that it was Governor Fintiri that has made it possible for her to procure the items for them, calling on them to support his administration to continue in providing dividends of democracy.

In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Deputy Governor of the state, Crowther Seth who was represented by the Coordinator Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mr. Mark Balanso, commended the legislator for empowering her electorate.

The Deputy Governor said that what the Female Lawmaker has done is in line with the present administration's effort in providing good governance to the citizens, and urged the electorate not relent in supporting her so as to enable her continue in providing quality legislation to them.

Also speaking, a PDP Stakeholder, Chief Medan Teneke, said that Demsa electorate thought the Member will not be able deliver but turns out to be one of best legislators they have ever produced, saying PDP is solidly behind her.

Baring his mind, the Executive Chairman Demsa LGC, Chief Elkanah Kados Fwa, appealed to the beneficiaries to make the best use of the items distributed to them to become self reliant, and thanked the member for reaching out to her electorate.

In his welcome address, the Chairman PDP Demsa LGA, Gibson Pwadadi, said that he is happy to be among those that will testify to her credible stewardship, saying that the party is ready to offer her a ticket reelection.

ADAMAWA POLICE ARREST 3 FOR CAR SNATCHING/STEALING, RECOVER 2 VEHICLES

 

Police in Adamawa state have arrested 3 young men in connection with alleged car snatching and stealing and recovered 2 stolen vehicles from the suspects.

Two of the suspects, Zaradeen Adamu, 20 year and Salihu Mohammed, 25 year were apprehended in Ngurore in Yola South Local Government Area in the state and recovered a vehicle from them.

While another suspect, Mustapha Ismail, 30 year old, of Zango ward in Yola North Local Government Area was arrested for stealing a Toyota starlet.

A statement by the image maker of the Police Command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, and made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Saturday, said that suspects were nabbed in connection with the alleged offences.

DSP Nguroje, said that Mustapha Ismail was arrested on the 16th September, 2020 and recovered a Toyota starlet with Registration Number MDG 505 AA, which he went and hid it at Jimeta Ultra Modern market.

While on their part, Zaradeen and Salihu according to DSP Nguroje, were arrested on the 19 September, 2020, by Special Anti-Robbery Squard (SARs) in Ngurore town, Yola South LGA.

He added that the 2 suspects were apprehended following a distress call by a resident of Demsawo in Yola North LGA whose vehicle with Registration Number SB 509 DBT was stolen, saying that the accused were trailed and arrested in Ngurore while driving their stolen vehicle.

He assured the victims that each of them will get back his stolen car, and appealed to citizens to report any suspicious persons around them to the nearest Police stations, or report same via any of the Police Command Control/Emergency numbers: 08089671313, 08107364974 and 08053872326

He disclosed that the Command has mapped out proactive mechanism for intelligence led-policing and crime-fighting measures, explaining that security has been beefed up across the state so as to clamp down on car snatchers and other criminal elements.

The statement further reiterated the commitment of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adeyanju, to preventing/detecting crimes and his effort towards curtailing it and any act that may might cause security breach.   

DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, asserted that the Command is operating closely with sister agencies towards strengthing security in the state, and called for support from the citizens.

ADHA MAJORITY LEADER FLAGS OFF EXECUTION OF #46MILLION CONST PROJECTS

Majority Leader of the Adamawa state House of Assembly and Member representing Jada Mbulo constituency, Hon. Hamman Tukur Yettisuri, on Friday flagged off the execution of constituency projects expected to cost over #46million.

The projects to be executed include; drilling of 35 hand pump boreholes at the cost of #1.128million each, totalling #39.615million for all the 35 hand pump boreholes.

The Member has also flagged off the electrification project of Tinkoba village in Mbulo ward which is expected to cost #5million, as well as construction of culvert at Unguwan Tike in Jada II ward at the cost #2.200 million.

According to Lawmaker, plans also are underway for the empowerment of youth and women in various skills in order to make them become self reliant in their respective communities.

Speaking while flagging off the execution of the constituency projects in Jada town, Jada Local Government Area in the state today, the Majority Leader thanked his electorate for giving him the mandate to represent them.

Hon. Yettisuri, said that he personally went round all the 87 polling units which comprise Jada Mbulo constituency during his electioneering campaign and discovered that their major problem is lack of portable water supply. 

He said he had discussions with his constituents on what they needed most at this material time, hence their resolve to expend the #40million constituency project fund given to them by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on the provision of portable water supply.

According to him, many people are battling with different ailments as a result of drinking contaminated water, saying he decided address the problem by embarking on the drilling of boreholes.

For the electrification project, the Honourable Member disclosed that he started the project during his first tenure when he was in the House but could  not complete, hence his decision to complete it for the benefit of his constituents.

While appreciating Governor Ahmadu Umaru for giving the Lawmakers the funds, he promised to judiciously utilise it for purpose intended, pledging to continue in providing quality representation.

APPOINTMENT: ADAMAWA NUJ CONGRATULATES NEW PRESS SEC, LAUDS HAMA BACHAMA

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Adamawa state council has congratulated STV Correspondent, Anslem Nuhu Kyauta, over his appointment as Chief Press Secretary to the Hama Bachama, Homun Daniel Ismail.

The Union in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Comrade Ishaka Donald Dedan and Fidelis Jockthan respectively, and made available to NEWS PLATFORM in Yola, the state capital on Friday, congratulated the new Press Secretary to His Royal Majesty, and wished him success while steering the affairs of his office.

According to the NUJ, the appointment of Anslem did not come to it as a surprise considering his deligence and dedicated journalistic skills and great savoir-faire in his job.

It added that the honour done by His Royal Highness is not only for the new Press Secretary, but the union as a whole, and applauded the Royal Father for creating such a viable and enviable office for one of it professionals to occupy.

It charged him to use his good office in promoting and projecting not only the exalted palace of His Royal Majesty, the Hama Bachama, but the peace enterprise and rich cultural heritage of the Bwatiye and Adamawa in general.

ADHA SHIFTS RESUMPTION DATE FROM RECESS TO OCT 12th

 

Adamawa State House of Assembly has shifted its resumption date from recess to 12th October, 2020.

The House of Assembly had earlier fixed September 21st, 2020, as the date the Honourable Members will resume plenary.

But in a statement by the Clerk to the House, Musa Ahmad Gaude, on Friday, informed the Honourable Members that the resumption date is now October 12th and not September 21st as earlier adjourned.

The Clerk added that the shift became necessary due to technical work going on at the Legislative Chamber.

 

ADHA SHIFTS RESUMPTION DATE FROM RECESS TO OCT 12th

Adamawa State House of Assembly has shifted its resumption date from recess to the 12th October, 2020.

The House of Assembly had earlier fixed September 21st, 2020, as the date the Honourable Members will resume plenary.

But in a statement by the Clerk to the House, Musa Ahmad Gaude, on Friday, informed the Honourable Members that the resumption date is now October 12th and not September 21st as earlier adjourned.

The Clerk added that the shift became necessary due to technical work going on at the Legislative Chamber.

ONE MONTH JOURNEY OF PEACE PURSUIT BY THE NEW HAMA BACHAMA

 

By ANSELM NUHU KYAUTA, Chief Press Secretary to the Hama Bachama

By this time, exactly one month ago, it was the 17th of August 2020, Lamurde and Numan Local Government Areas of Adamawa stood agog for the home - coming of a King whose rousing reception remains in the Bachama historical archives as reference and a subject of study for the researcher

It can be likened to the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem as recorded in the Bible's book of John chapter 12:12-13 " The great Crowd that had come for the feast heard that the King was on his way to Jerusalem ( Numan Voti), they took palm branches, and went out to meet him, shouting "HOSANNA"! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel ( BACHAMA).

The procession which began from Lamurde was all around Hadiyo, Mbemun, Dubowang'un, Gyawana, through to Ngbalang, the ancestral home of the famous Bachama Warrior named "MAKWADA"  to a stop over at NOGULA - Imburu,where Homun Daniel Shaga Ismaila performed the final Bachama Kingly traditional rites.

The HOSANNA shoutings here were backed up by Nzokombe, the Linto was blown, the Pampame and Frumto sounded. All the royal musical instruments  chorused, behold, a people's King makes his passage to the throne ( RUTO )

Numan bridge shook to the weight of lovers, well wishers and onlookers whose train started from Imburu but didn't end even after reaching the Voti ( palace) in Numan.

Exactly one month today on the throne, Homun Daniel Shaga Ismaila has since involved himself actively in the gospel of peace and tolerance in his domain, urging all around his Kingdom to embrace togetherness, tribal or religious differences notwithstanding.

The King whose style of leadership depicts that of a Servant- Ruler is more comfortable serving through leadership than leading on Servants.

The Kpawo Nomwe, Gilong'o Diya has constantly assured Colleagues- traditional rulers that he is committed to the peace enterprise of the state and the country as a whole

He assured the business class in his domain that Bachama is not only friendly but hospitable, encouraging investors to tap from the available resources in the Kingdom.

The task ahead of the Hama Bachama now is to continue to promote mutual relationship between the Bachama nation and Sojourners who chose his domain as abode.

He is talking to the youths against crimes, violence and restiveness, traits he identified as detrimental to the development of any society.

The respective committees set up by the traditional ruler to address areas of  human development within his Kingdom are no doubt up to their responsibility

Homun Daniel Shaga Ismaila has chosen to operate an open door policy, no wonder his popularity and people's love for him increases on daily basis.

ANSELM NUHU KYAUTA

Chief Press Secretary to the Hama Bachama

THE FALLACY OF DESERT HERALD: A DISGRACE TO A NOBLE PROFESSION

 

The piece in desert herald of September 15, 2020 by one Maryam Musa is disheartening and unfortunately unprofessional in every sense of the word. We take exception to the attempt by unscrupulous hiding under the cover of a scandal prone tabloid which is adept at yellow Journalism, to use the gullible  ragtag newspaper to bring back politics of ethnicity and religion in Adamawa State, something His Excellency, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri had fought so hard and determinately to eradicate from the polity of the State.

Exploring sensitive issues for financial and political gains is a cheap blackmail of the innocent and good people of Adamawa State. Desert Herald has been in the habit of seating in a room and concocting stories out of selfish desire, preconceived notions and delusional thinking. 

There is no truth   in the desert herald’s malicious article that indicated the appointment of Mallam Bashir Ahmad as Secretary to the State Government as favouring the Fulani constituency, because Governor Ahmadu Fintiri makes his appointments first with the interest of the people of Adamawa State in mind, then federal character and equitable justice, before any other consideration comes into play.

No Governor makes his SSG “the most visible and powerful government appointee”, only ignorance will lead to such assertion, because even a kindergarten knows the that enormous responsibilities resting on the office of the SSG make him or her very visible in Government. 

The lack of knowledge of how government works can be the only explanation for the reasoning that His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Fintiri sidelined  his deputy in favour of the SSG in running governmental affairs.  

As for the sensitive issue of religion and Numan Federation, the people of Adamawa State are too enlightened to be taken by  such precarious and malignant coloration. The intentions of the writers and their sponsors have thus far failed woefully in stirring unfounded animosity and digging hazardous pitfalls. 

The Sword of Damocles they intend to dangle over our people has since been blunted by knowledge and advertent awareness of the dangers of sectionalism and religious politics.

It is indeed a futile endeavour attempting to elucidate the approbatory support and stimulating encouragement received by His Excellency from the people of Adamawa State who gave him their mandate to lead them as he is doing, to someone who had made it a chore duty to deride impeccable and pristine public figures such as Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for some narcissistic and conceited hankering mission.

Trying to create a rift between the good people of Adamawa State and exploring perceived sensitive weak points will never put food on anyone’s table, rather such an individual or organization will end up marking themselves out as enemies of Adamawa State. 

His Excellency is and will always remain  unperturbed by these rhetoric of hateful maleficence against him and  constituents, the good people of Adamawa State. The great works embarked upon will not stop and the reality on ground speaks for itself. Therefore the futile attempt by desert herald can only be described as a disgrace to the noble profession of journalism.

ADAMAWA POLICE COMMAND GIVES RECORD OF PERFORMANCE..NABS 36 SUSPECTS, RECOVERS WEAPONS

 

Adamawa state Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its fight against crime in the state by arresting no fewer than 36 suspects in connection with various crimes.

The suspects include; 18 suspected kidnappers, 8 armed robbers, 7 rapists, 3 car snatchers, and succeeded in recovering 3 AK 47 rifles, 2 single barrel guns, barretal pistol, 1 G3 rifle, 199 rounds of live ammunitions, 5 cartridges, 1 tractor, 2 cars and the sum of #60,000 cash from the suspects.

According to the command, the landmark achievement has been recorded from July to date, and assured that the suspects will be charged to court for prosecution

Speaking while parading the suspects at the headquarters of the the command on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Olugenga Adeyanju, said that the success was recorded as a result of relentless effort and sacrifices by gallant officers and men of the command.

Among the suspects apprehended, according to him, were 15, 16, 18 and 19 years old, while others fall between age bracket of 20 to 40, explaining that some of suspects committed crime in Yola South, Fufore, Song, Mubi and Lamurde Local Government Areas.

He told newsmen that the suspects had confessed to be the ones terrorising the inhabitants of the affected LGAs, saying that the commitment of the command has drastically reduced cases of criminality being recorded in the state.

CP Olugbenga Adeyanju, reiterated the determination of the command to protecting lives and property of the citizens.

ADAMAWA POLICE COMMAND PARADES 36 KIDNAPPERS, ARMED ROBBERS, RAPISTS

 

In an effort towards combating criminality in and around Adamawa State, the state Police Command has just paraded about 36 suspects apprehended in 2 months.

The suspects were arrested in connection with armed robberies, extortion, rape, car theft and recovered 3 AK 47 rifles, 2 single barrel guns, 199 rounds of live ammunition, 1 G3 rifle, 1 tractor, , barretal pistol and vehicles from them.

Details shortly....

DISSOLVE MY MARRIAGE OR I KILL MY HUBBY - DIVORCE SEEKING WIFE TELLS YOLA COURT

 

For being frustrated and tired of their 7 year old marriage, a middle age housewife, Hauwa Aliyu, of Sangere FUTY in Adamawa state has threatened to stab her husband to death if her marriage is not dissolved.

At Upper Area Court I in Yola on Monday, Hauwa, a mother of 1said that she is no longer interested in their union, and that if given opportunity, she will send her husband, Adamu Yusuf, a commercial motorist to his early grave.

She begged the court to put a knife into the marriage because she is tired of it, and does not want to set her eyes on her husband any more not to talk of showing him any love.

The embattled housewife told the court that her husband has turned her into a punching bag, and that he derives pleasure from beating her at any slight provocation, saying they never stayed together for a month without quarrel.

She further informed the court that her husband has been calling her a thief and has failed woefully in his responsibility of providing his family with food, clothes and shelter, saying that they have not been living together with him for the past 4 months. 

Responding, Adamu who has 2 wives, denied all the allegations and pleaded with the court not to grant his wife’s wish for the dissolution of their marriage because he still loved her so much.

He told the court that the problem of his is that she is demon possessed, saying he cannot afford to divorce his lovely wife, and urged the court to give them time for possible settlement by their counsellors/guardians.

He said that he has been taking good care of her by providing all that she needed including food, rappers among others, adding that on several occasions, he bought a roasted chickens for her and promised to continue to do so.

He told the court that he is ready to sell his only Toyota starlet, and give her part of the money if only she is willing to return to her matrimonial home.

After hearing both sides, the court presided over by Magistrate Mohammed Abubakar, ordered the marriage counsellors/guardians of both the parties who also appeared in court to try if they can settle couple.

Magistrate Abubakar adjourned the matter to 28th September, 2020, for the report of possible settlement or not to enable the court to take action.

YOLA COURT DISMISSES CASE OF CERTIFICATE FORGERY AGAINST ADHA MEMBER

 

A Yola Upper Area Court I in Adamawa state on Monday dismissed a suit instituted against the incumbent Member of the House of Assembly, Hon. Shuaibu Babas, over alleged certificate forgery.

Hon. Babas who represents Fufore Gurin constituency under the platform of the opposition All Progress Congress(APC) at the hallowed chamber, had been standing trial before the court since April, 2019, over alleged certificate forgery.

The Lawmaker was dragged to the court by the Candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general election, Hon. Abdulazeez Baba, challenging his first school leaving certificate.

Earlier, Hon. Abdulazeez told the court that the certificate which the incumbent Legislator used in contesting election which consequently saw to his emergence as the Honourable Member representing Fufore Gurin were forged or not genuine.

In his effort to establish his case of criminal offence against the state Legislator, Hon. Abdulazeez went on and testified as a witness, while tendering both oral and documentary evidence to serve as exhibit to prove his case.

It was based on the aforementioned that the complainant informed the court that the Legislator had committed criminal offence of forgery and prayed it to convict him accordingly.

On his part, Hon. Babas through his Counsel, U. B. Ismail, raised no case submission on sole issue as to whether there was even a case for the defendant to answer, arguing that someone who alleges fake documents must by law produce the original document that was forged and the forged ones.

He insisted that even the documents alleged to have been forged or not genuine were not tendered as exhibit in court, saying there was nothing before the court to show that the offence of forgery has been committed by the defendant, and however prayed the court to dismiss the case for lacking in merit.

Delivering its ruling/judgement on the matter on Monday, the court presided over by Magistrate Mohammed Abubakar, upheld the no case submission of the defendant and dismissed the case in its entirety, saying that the Complaint has woefully failed to establish the case against the defendant.

Magistrate Abubakar, declared that all both oral and documentary evidence tendered by the complaint failed to link the defendant with the certificate forgery, saying that hearsay evidence is not admissible in the court of law.

The Honourable Judge further discharged and acquitted the defendant and said any party that is not satisfied with the ruling/judgement has the right of appeal to the state High Court of Justice.

POLICE NAB 35 YR OLD MAN FOR RAPING 10 YR OLD GIRL IN ADAMAWA

In its renewed commitment to combating sexual assault on women and children in and around Adamawa State, the operatives of the State Police Command have again recorded a breakthrough by apprehending a 35 year old man for allegedly raping a 10 year old girl.

The suspect, Dahiru Shuaibu of Sabin Pegi, Sangere FUTY in Girei Local Government Area in the state was nabbed by the operatives attached to Girei Divisional headquaters for having a carnal knowledge of the minor. 

In a statement by its Image Maker, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, which was made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Saturday, the Command assured that the victim will be accorded the needed treatment medically, while the suspect be prosecuted accordingly.

According to DSP Nguroje, the Command has deployed proactive mechanism for intelligence led-policing and crime-fighting measures to beef up security across the state with a view protecting women and children from sexual harassment.

It gave out the following Command's Control Numbers: 08089671313, 08107364974, 08053872326 via which citizens are expected to report any suspicious persons or activities around them.

Further more, the statement has reiterated the commitment of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adeyanju, to protecting lives and property of the citizens as well as curtailing any act that might breach security in the state. 

It added that the Command is also operating in synergy with sister security agencies in its effort towards ensuring security in the state.

     

HON. KEFAS LAUDS FINTIRI FOR LAYING FOUNDATION OF GOMBI COTTAGE HOSPITAL

Member representing Gombi constituency at the Adamawa state House of Assembly, Hon.Japhet Kefas, has appreciated Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, for successfully laying foundation of Gombi Cottage Hospital.

Governor Fintiri had on Thursday laid the foundation for the construction of 60-bed capacity cottage hospital in Gombi, headquarters of Gombi Local Government Area.

Hon. Japhet Kefas in his appreciation letter made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Friday, thanked the state Government for embarking on the construction of the hospital.

The Deputy Majority Leader and Chairman House Standing Committee on Information specifically appreciated Governor Fintiri, for his administration's commitment to construct a befitting Cottage hospital aimed at meeting the health needs of his teeming constituents. 

While appreciating the Members of the State Executive Council, other distinguished personalities as well as his electorate for witnessing the historic event, he noted with satisfaction the premium attention accorded to the critical sectors such as health.

He called on his constituents to continue to support the present administration as well as the construction of the new hospital for it success, he pledged not to relent in providing them with people oriented representation at the State House of Assembly.

GUYUK LGC BOSS REJECTS COURT SERVICE OVER #9MILLION DEBT

 

Proceedings on #9.5million suit filed against Guyuk Local Government Council and its Chairman Barrister Kassa Dangi Shallum, before Justice Abdul-Azeez, High was nearly halted on Tuesday, following alleged rejection of Court Service by the Chairman.

At the commencement of proceedings where the case was to be mentioned and the Chairman and ex-Magistrate expected to be docked, the Registrar of the Court informed the trial judge that effort to serve the Chairman by the registry was not successful.

The Registrar told the Honourable Judge that the  bailiff who was sent to deliver the service on the Chairman, returned disappointed as he had said all entreaties to make the former Magistrate to sign the service was futile, adding that he vehemently rejected it.

NEWS PLATFORM gathered that the Chairman of the LGC personally refused and dared any other official who collect the service from the bailiff of the court.

But the Judge after the deposition of an affidavit to that effect by the bailiff, adjourned the matter to 13th October, 2020, for hearing, and ordered that the defendant be served with hearing notice unfailingly.

It could be recalled that An Adamawa State based Construction Company, Cabinet Nigeria Limited has dragged Guyuk Local Government Council to Yola High Court over #9.5million debt.

The Construction Company and its owner, Jibir Grema has dragged the LGC to Yola High Court presided over by Honourable Justice Abdul-Azeez Waziri, over allegation of breach of contract agreement.

The plaintiffs told the Court that their company was  awarded a contract by the defendant per contract number GGGLG/WKS/08-2001, and that the company agreed and carried on with the work assessed to have achieved 75 percent completion.

 

According to the plaintiffs, with the remaining materials for the total completion of the work released to the defendant by the plaintiffs as well as the supply of 1,600 pieces of 6 inches PVC pipes puts the total contract sum at #9.527 million.

The plaintiffs asked the Honourable Court to declare that the failure, refusal and or omission by the defendant to pay the contract sum to them amount to a breach of contract agreement.

Aside the #9million debt, the paintiffs prayed the Court to order that the sum of #1million be paid as special damages for the money expended as counsel fee for the prosecution of the matter as well as #5million for general damages for the breach of contract.

MURDER/ARMED ROBBERY: YOLA COURT CONVICTS 2 MEN TO DEATH BY HANGING

 

A Yola High Court in Adamawa State has convicted 2 young men, Yusufu Abdullahi and Umar Ali to death by hanging after finding them guilty of culpable homicide and armed rppreferredpectively.

Yusufu Abdullahi, of Banari village in Gurin ward, Fufore Local Government Area was earlier arraigned before the Court on 1 count charge of culpable homicide punishable with death contrary to section 221(a) of the repealed Penal Code of the state.

While Umar Ali, of Anguwan Sarki in Biu Local Government Area, Borno state was brought before the Court on 3 count charges bordering criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and illegal possession of fire arms contrary to sections 6, 1(2), (a) and 3 (1) punishable under same of Robbery and Fire Arms Special Provision Act cap R11 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

Earlier, according to the prosecution, the 23 year old Yusufu and husband of 2, landed himself into trouble on the 3rd March, 2015, by killing one Mallam Ya'u of Wuro Gudi Parda village in Fufore LGA.

In his confessional statement, the convict narrated that he went to fetch water while armed with his cutlass on that fateful day, and that upon reaching the stream, he met his victim who said to him that: "even your father will not fetch the water today".

He said that he insisted that he must fetch the water and in the process the deceased wanted to beat him with his rearing stick, saying that he (the convict) then removed his cutlass in order to defend himself.

The convict added that he used his cutlass and divided the rearing stick of late Ya'u, and went ahead and matcheted him all over his body: his legs, hands and head, saying that the victim later fell down on the ground as a result of the grievous wounds and died.

On his part, the 22 year old Umar Ali, said that himself and 2 others now at large at Karewa extension in Jimeta Yola, while armed with fire arms, robbed one Mrs Elishaba Jelani, of her Toyota starlet and 2 mobile phones.

The young man confessed that on the 27th April, 2016, they decided to go and look for money at Karewa extension, saying one of them now at large volunteered and brought his rifle for successful operation.

According to him, 3 of them went out by a tricycle to where they intended to carry out the operation, and that upon their arrival, they saw a woman with a car and intimidated her with the gun.

He narrated that they asked her to lie down after which they carried her car and went away through Fire Service Round, saying while reaching Ngurore on their way to Kano state, the vehicle got spoil.

He further narrated that they decided to look for a mechanic in Ngurore to fix the car to enable them continue with their journey to Kano.

According to the convict, in the process of repairing the car, they saw some police men and that they tried to escape, but their effort proved abortive where all of them were arrested.

Delivering separate judgements on the cases on Monday and Tuesday respectively, the Honourable Court presided over by Justice Abdull-Azeez Waziri, sentenced Yusufu and Umar to death by hanging after finding them guilty of the offences.

On the case of Yusufu, the Court declared that the prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt on the one count charge preferred against the defendant, and held that he should be hung by the neck until he dies.

Justice Abdul-Azeez, said that from the evidence before the Court, he is not persuaded that the then defendant and now convict can successfully rely on the defence of provocation to reduce the offence of culpable homicide punishable with death.

Likewise, on the case of Umar Ali, the Court held that the prosecution was able prove its case against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt, and accordingly convicted him as charged.