CONVERT 30 YR OLD BASED CENTERS TO GOVT SCIENCE TECH COL...ADHA URGES FINTIRI

 

As a deliberate effort to check idleness and spate of unemployment in the society, the Honourable Members of the Adamawa state House of Assembly on Monday adopted 2 resolutions aimed at changing the status of about 20 state owned Based Centers in order to equip youth with technical knowledge.

To this end, the Legislators have unanimously adopted the conversion of the Based Centres established about 30 years ago to Government Science Technical Colleges with that of Fufore Local Government Area being the first on the list

To make the resolution more successful, the Members however detailed Committee on Education to liaise with the Ministry of Education and Post Primary Schools Management Board to look at the government's policy on education sector and the possibility of the conversion.

According to the Honourable Members, the resolution if finally implemented will provide ample opportunity for the youth to acquire technical skills which will better their way of life and drastically reduce idleness and unemployment in the state.

The adoption of the resolutions by the Lawmakers was sequel to a motion on the matter of public interest by Hon. Shuaibu Babas(Fufore Gurin) at a resumed plenary session on Monday.

Earlier, Hon. Babas briefed the Honourable House on the state of Fufore Based Center established about 30 years ago, saying that the center has provided opportunity for thousands of students who graduated from it.

He urged on his colleagues to join him in passing a resolution aimed at converting the center to Government Science Technical College, explaing that graduates of such colleges are usually self reliant as a result of technical knowledge they acquired.

He informed them that the Based Center in Fufore is in dire need of equipment/facilities and upgrading to be of best standard, insisting that converting it will provide opportunity for their constituents to acquire technical knowledge.

Contributing on the debate, Hon. Abdullahi Ahmadu (Leko /Koma), said that technical education is the bedrock of development in the society, and appealed to his colleagues to support the conversion of the center.

Also speaking, Hon. Japheth Kefas(Gombi) told the house that the centers were established about 30 years ago purposely to train youth to acquire various skills which will make them become independent, and harped on the upgrading of all the centers across the state since they were established at the same time.

On his part, Hon. Adwawa Donglock(Guyuk), pleaded with the Honourable House to include Guyuk Based Center in the prayers of the sponsor of the motion, saying what is good for the goose is also good for the gander.

Baring his mind during the debate, Hon. Abubakar Isa (Shelleng) said that every government has its policy on education, and prayed the House to mandate its Committee on Education to liaise with the ministry of education to look at the policy.

In his contribution, the Majority Leader(Hon. Hamman Tukur Yetisuri(Jada Mbulo) declared that the motion is line with the manifestos of the PDP led administration in the state.

While contributing on the debate, Hon. Simon Isa(Song) stated that converting the centers will help in addressing idleness, unemployment and poverty in the state, and called on his colleagues to consider all the Based Centers.

Concurring other submissions, Hon. Abdullahi Umar Yapak(Verre) and his counterpart of Nassarawo Binyeri(Umar Nashon Gubi) called for the revitalisation of Technical Training Schools (TTS) established by erstwhile Governor Murtala Nyako, saying there are equipment/facilities at the centers and using them will reduce financial burden on government.

After deliberations on the motion, the speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas who presided over the sitting directed the clerk to communicate the adopted resolutions to Governor Fintiri, Ministry of Education and PPSMB for necessary action.

YOLA COURT AQUITS HERBALIST CONVICTED FOR DEFRAUDING A DIR #10.3M TO CURE WEAK ERECTION

 

A Yola High Court in Adamawa state has set aside the judgment of a lower court which convicted and sentenced a 48 year old traditional herbalist, Mallam Muhammed Yarra, to 3 years imprisonment for collecting the sum of #10.3million from a Director (names withheld) in the state to cure his weak erection.

It could be recalled that an Upper Area Court III on 14th June, 2019 convicted and sentenced Mallam Yarra to 3 years imprisonment or #100,000 fine, and further ordered the convict to pay the sum of #10.3million as compensation to the complainant.

Mallam Yarra, was earlier charged before the Area Court on First Information Report, alleging the offence of cheating contrary to section 320 of the state penal code law, but pleaded not guilty to the offence when the content of the FIR was read and explained to him.

Mallam Yarra who hails from Biu Local Government Area, Borno state and reside in Yola, claimed that he has been a traditional herbalist for 20 years and specialises in treating several diseases including weak erection, barrenness, obtaining promotion at work places among others.

According to Mallam Yarra, it was a friend of the complainant that introduced him where they told him that the complainant has a problem of weak erection and that they needed him to treat him.

Mallam Yarra said he agreed to treat the Director of his impotency and that after some days, he demanded for money from him so as to enable him continue in providing herbs for him.

He said that he had been collecting money from the complainant which amounted to #10.3million, and used part of the money and sank a borehole at his cattle range, built 2 houses for himself and his father, bought a vehicle and gave a friend the sum of #40,000.

He added that the complainant went ahead and sold his house in order to raise money so as to get herbs that can give him quick respond, and that he did not pressurised him to sell his house in order to give him the money.

The traditional herbalist added that it got to a point where he gave the complainant some charms and directed him to go to the graveyard and search for a new grave and bury the charms, narrating that it was the complainant that chose Sangere cemetery in Yola to go and bury the charms.

According to him, he gave the charms to complainant to bury it so that it will make some people that he had borrowed money from them to forget about their money, explaining that he gave him the charms due pressure from those he borrowed money from them.  

But in its judgment, the trial court convicted and sentenced Mallam Yarra to 3 years imprisonment with option of #100,000 fine, and ordered him to pay the sum #10.3million.

Dissatisfied by the judgment of the lower court, Mallam Yarra approached Honourable Justice Abdul-Azeez Waziri's led High Court via notice and grounds of appeal dated 17th June, 2019 and filed on 18th June, 2019.

In the appeal, the Appellant sought for an order of the court allowing the appeal and setting aside the decision of the trial court, and order of the court discharging and acquitting him as well as any order the court may deem it fit.

Delivering its judgment on the matter, the High Court declared that the transaction involved in the case were based on contractual agreement reached by the Appellant with the Respondent who wanted the Appellant to treat his impotency.

The Court added that since there is no element of deceit on the part of the Appellant, the trial court was wrong in finding him guilty of the offence of cheating, saying that the purported #10.3million was clearly a consideration for the contract between the Appellant and the Respondent who was desperate to have his impotency cured and however discharged and acquitted the Appellant. 

MAN LOSES EYES, MEMORY TO BRUTAL ATTACK BY MOTORCYCLE SNATCHER IN JADA LGA

 

The life of a Jada based motorcyclist, Misa Musa may no longer be the same as a result of severe internal injuries following an attack by a suspected motorcycle snatcher in Jada Local Government Area, Adamawa state.

Already, the suspected motorcycle snatcher, Idi Salisu of Lafiya in Lamurde Local Government Area has since been remanded by Chief Magistrate Court I Admin Yola, after pleading guilty to the offence.

It was learnt that everything about young Misa Musa, a Jada based commercial motorcyclist changed on the 9th September, 2020, in the hands of the accused who boarded the victim's bike to yet to be known destination within Jada.

NEWS PLATFORM learnt that on their way to the said destination, the 27 year old accused person hit the victim who is an indigent of Ganye LGA with an axe as a result of which he fell down.

The assailant was said to have used his axe and hacked the innocent motorcyclist and stocked the axe head into his throat leaving him unconscious. The suspect cut the grass and put on the victim's body thinking that he is dead.

After the operation, the suspect who carried the motorcycle valued at #196, 000 and headed to Lafiya, was apprehended by the police in Mayo Belwa LGA after the fuel in the motorcycle got finished.

He however confessed to have attacked one motorcyclist in Jada and snatched his bike, and added that his business is to go to Mayo Belwa, Jada, Ganye or Toungo and snatch motorcycles which he used to sell it in Lafiya.

 

NEWS PLATFORM gathered that the victim who was found by the police and vigilante on patrol in a state of coma, was taken to Ganye General hospital for treatment after they had discovered that he was still alive.

According family sources, the victim spent 3 weeks at Ganye General Hospital and later referred to Yola Specialist hospital due to complications even after expending the sum of #98,350 on his treatment.

The family members who could afford further treatment at the Specialist hospital Yola due lack of money, they resorted to traditional method of treatment.

The victim who was brought in court on Thursday by family members on the adjourned date for hearing, he could not be able to stand on his own, walk, talk, hear or see due to havoc wreaked on his sense organs.

After hearing the matter, the Chief Magistrate Court I Admin presided over by Honourable Aliyu Bawuro ordered that that suspect be further remanded at Yola correctional service facility.

Hon. Bawuro declared since the defendant cannot talk, hear or see, the accused person be further remanded and adjourned the matter to 9th December, 2020 for continuation of hearing.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Inspector Hamza Abdullahi, urged the court to remand the suspect pending the improvement in the condition of the victim.

ADAMAWA ALGON HAILS FINTIRI FOR HOSTING NORTH-EAST GOVERNORS

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), in Adamawa State has commended Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for hosting the meeting of North East Governors, attributing it to stability in security and peaceful coexistence of  people of Adamawa State.

The Chairman of the association in the state, Hon. Rufai Jingi in a statement made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Thursday, warmely welcomed the Northeast Governors on behalf of all the 21 Local Government Chairmen.

Hon. Rufai said that Adamawa has become an investment hub in the country and even the Governors can testify to this fact considering the urban renewal projects of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

He urged on the Northeast Governors to enjoy the fresh- air blowing in Adamawa State, and called on the citizens to accord for a rowsy welcome by citizens of Adamawa so as to motivate the individual Governors for investment in the state.

He said the meeting of the Governors in Adamawa State will not only open doors for robust policies in  governance for the region, but uniting the heterogeneous cultures across the state.

The ALGON added that the Governors can even borrow a leaf from the gigantic projects of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, having seen with their eyes the modern fly- over under construction.

He further urged youths and other citizens of Adamawa State to be law abiding as being demonstrated before as a Honour to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and his counterparts in the Northeast.

The Governors of Borno,Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba are presently in Adamawa State for a routine strategic meeting to appraise Governance and security in the region.

#140.3BN 2021 BUDGET ESTIMATES SCALED THROUGH 2ND READING AT ADHA

 

Lawmakers at the Adamawa state House of Assembly have taken steps towards passing the sum of 140.3billion proposed budget estimates for the services of the state in the year 2021.

It could be recalled that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri had on Monday presented the sum of #140.3 billion proposed budget estimates to the state House of Assembly for consideration and passage.

But as part of effort towards ensuring that the appropriation bill is passed before the end the year 2020, the Honourable Members on Wednesday read  the bill for second term.

The bill has since been committed to the House standing committee on Finance, Budget and Appropriation for scrutiny where Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state will be invited to appear before various committees and defend what is appropriated for them.

The steps, according to the Honourable Members, is aimed passing the appropriation bill before the end of 2020, in order to enable Governor Fintiri to kick start implementation.

Moving a motion for second reading of the bill on Wednesday, Hon. Japhet Kefas(Gombi constituency) urged his colleagues to read the bill for second time so that it will be referred to the committee for further legislative action.

Hon. Kefas however briefed his colleagues on the general principles of the bill during which he informed them that the budget has touched every sector of the economy.

Apart from economic sector, the Honourable Member observed that the appropriation bill has also taken into cognisance critical sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, women and youth empowerment, internal security and civil service.

He expressed optimism that the 2021 budget as tagged, " budget of stabilisation " will go along way in stabilising the modest achievements so far recorded for socio economic growth of the state.

After the second reading of the bill, the Speaker of the house, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, referred it to the committee on Finance, Budget and Appropriation headed by Hon. Kate Raymond Mamuno(Demsa) for further legislative action.

ADSU MUBI TO ADMIT FIRST SET OF LAW STUDENTS...AWAITS APPROVAL FOR FACULTY OF MEDICINE

 

Adamawa state University (ADSU) Mubi, says it has concluded arrangements to start issuing admissions to first set of law students.

According to the university, Faculty of Medicine is next on the line to be established, saying that the committee constituted to that effect has gone far and is keenly awaiting approval from NUC to start running the faculty.

It added that the committee in agreement with Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and the University Governing Council has gone far in its assignment.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, made this known while speaking at a one day public hearing organised by Adamawa state House of Assembly Standing Committee on Education, Tertiary and Professional Institutions held in Yola on Tuesday.

The public hearing which was organised by the committee headed by Hon. Bathiya Wesley (PDP Hong), saw relevant stakeholders making their presentations on a bill for law to establish ADSU.

Prof Kaletapwa stated that the state university has since gotten approval from National Universities Commission to run Faculty of Law, and that any moment Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) calls of its strike action, the new faculty will be issuing admissions to its first set of students. 

She told the gathering that the school has close to 20,000 students between 2017 to 2020 because according to her the university has established 3 new faculties on ground.

She called for more funding of the state owned university, insisting that there is no university with such faculties that is not making investment in billions because the students must have standard libraries, laboratories, classrooms and other basic amenities.

According to her, Faculty of Medicine is not something that can be set up with a peanut, but must be of standard for students to learn, adding that 5 percent being deducted from LGCs cannot be able to take care of even the 2 faculties because they are professional faculties. 

She pointed out that education is a capital intensive venture, and that institution cannot provide quality education running on zero naira, saying that ADSU has outlived the 5 percent being given to it.

Professor Kaletapwa Farauta stated further that the university does not draw salary from the state government, and that it is the percentages that are given to it that they use to pay salaries unlike other higher institutions where their salaries are paid by the state government.

YOLA COURT REMANDS 27 YR OLD FOR COMMITTING SERIES OF ABORTIONS ON HIS UNDERAGE LOVER

 

An African cliché which says," many days for a thief and one day for the owner" was brought to fore before Chief Magistrate Court I Adminin Yola, when a 27 year old randy lover of an underage girl was remanded for allegedly impregnating her for 4 times and each time he forces her to abort the pregnancy.

The youngman, Habu Auwal who hails from Damilu ward in Jimeta Yola, Adamawa state, according to family sources was alleged to have started relationship with the minor in 2016 when she was barely 14 years old.

Since then, they have been meeting as lovers during which she took in 3 times in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and each time he forces her to abort the pregnancy.

But the last straw that broke the camel's back was on 9th November, 2020 when he allegedly lured his young lover to a hotel room in Jimeta with the intention to make her abort the 4th pregnancy when family members in company of security operatives pounced on him following a tip off.

He was alleged to have arranged with medical personnel to illegally abort the year 2020 pregnancy which is already 6 months now after paying the sum of #30,000.

A relative of the minor, Ismail Musa who was also in court informed NEWS PLATFORM that the minor whose father is dead, nearly loss her life in 2019 due bleeding and other complications as a result of abortion they carried out in that year.

Following his arrest, the young man was subsequently handed over to Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Yola, was arraigned before Honourable Aliyu Bawuro led Magistrate Court on Tuesday for the alleged offence.

He was charged to court over alleged attempt to commit abortion/desertion of a pregnant woman contrary to sections 59 and 214 of the state penal code law.

But when the substance of the offence was read and explained to him in Hausa Language, the accused denied committing the offence.

It was at this juncture that the prosecutor, Inspector Zakka Musa applied that the matter be adjourned, and that the suspect be remanded at a correctional facility to enable him continue with investigation.

Inspector Musa prayed the court not to grant bail application filed on the ground that if the accused is granted bail at this material time will jeopardise the process of investigation, and that the situation outside is very tensed.

But counsel to the defendant, R. N. Agav, pleaded with the Honourable Judge to disregard the application of the prosecutor and grant his client bail as doing so will not jeopardise the investigation.

 R. N. Agav told the court that his client is entitled to a bail pursuant to section 163 of Adamawa state Administration of Criminal Justice Law, insisting that his client will not interfere with the investigation and that he will always appear in court to stand his trial whenever he is needed.

But the presiding Judge, Honourable Aliyu Bawuro, after considering the submissions, ruled that since the matter was only mentioned on Tuesday and given the gravity of the offence, the accused be remanded at a correctional facility in Yola, and adjourned the case to 10 December, 2020.

 

BUDGET: ADHA SPEAKER URGES FINTIRI TO CONSIDER PRY SCH TEACHERS

 

Adamawa state House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas has made a passionate appeal on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, to address the plight of primary school teachers.

The Speaker pleaded with the Governor to look at the status of teachers in public primary schools with a view to addressing them in order boost their morale for effective performance.

Specifically, he urged on Fintiri to look at the teachers' salaries, promotions, upgrading with a view to implementing them, so that the state would have a sound background for the pupils of Adamawa.

Rt. Hon. Iya Abbas made the appeal while responding on the whooping #140.3 billion proposed budget estimates for the year 2021 presented by Governor Fintiri on Monday.

He stressed the need to look into the plight of the teachers considering the huge amount of money being expended on education sector.

On the proposed budget estimates, he disclosed that he had looked through the proposed capital expenditure and realised that 35% out 52% of the proposed expenditure is targeted at youth and other citizens of Adamawa.

According to him, the funds would be expended societal reorientation, economic empowerment, growing of private sector, enhancement of skills, saying these are what the state need at the moment.

GOVERNOR FINTIRI PRESENTS #140.34 BILLION PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 2021 TO ADHA

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa state has just presented the whooping #140.34 billion proposed budget estimates for the year 2021 to the state House of Assembly for consideration and passage.

18 YR OLD MAN PLEADS GUILTY FOR ARMED ROBBERY IN ADAMAWA

An 18 year old Usman Mohammed of Ngurore ward in Yola South Local Government Area, Adamawa has pleaded guilty for armed robbery.

Usman Mohammed was charged before Honourable Aliyu Bawuro led Chief Magistrate Court I Admin in Yola, the Adamawa state capital on the offence of criminal conspiracy and armed robbery contrary to sections 60 and 287 of penal code law of the state 2018.

The suspect and 3 others now at large were alleged to have invaded the residence of one Ebuka Odu of Sabon Gari in Mayo Belwa LGA on 14th September, 2020 and robbed him of valuable property.

According to First Information Report, the 18 year old accused and 3 others stormed the residence of the victim with weapons and threatened to kill him by putting a knife on his throat.

The suspect told the court that when all their effort to get money from Ebuka was fruitless, they carted away with 2 Techno GSM mobile phones valued at #47,000, 1 Nokia phone, #10,000, MPR 3 radio, #5000, Standing fan, #6500, 1 cooler, #3000 and his cutlass, #2000. 

According to him, on their way back home after their operation, they were sighted by vigilante who were on patrol, and that the vigilante pursued and arrested him, but others escaped with their weapons.

Some of the items recovered from the 18 year old include standing fan and cooler.

But when the charge sheet was read and explained to him when he was arraigned before the court on Friday last week, the suspect pleaded guilty for the offence.

Thereafter, the court presided over by Honourable Aliyu Bawuro, ordered that the suspect be remanded at the Yola correctional facility while they await advice from the Ministry of Justice, and adjourned the matter to 30th November, 2020 for further mention.

  

ADHA SPEAKER EXTENDS HEARTY FELICITATIONS TO NUHU RIBADU @60

The Speaker Adamawa state House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas has extended his heartfelt felicitations to the former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

Rt. Hon. Iya Abbas described Nuhu Ribabu not only as a role model and a mentor, but an accomplished public servant whose track records on anti graft are immeasurable.

As young officers at the EFCC then, the speaker recalls with nostalgia how Nuhu Ribadu nurtured them to be disciplined and dedicated to service  through his wealth of experience, expertise and purposeful leadership.

The Speaker prayed Allah to give Nuhu Ribadu sound health and wisdom so as to continue to contribute meaningfully to nation building. 

ADHA SPEAKER EXTENDS HEARTY FELICITATIONS TO NUHU RIBADU @60

 

The Speaker Adamawa state House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas has extended his heartfelt felicitations to the former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

Rt. Hon. Iya Abbas described Nuhu Ribabu not only as a role model and a mentor, but an accomplished public servant whose track records on anti graft are immeasurable.

As young officers at the EFCC then, the speaker recalls with nostalgia how Nuhu Ribadu nurtured them to be disciplined and dedicated to service  through his wealth of experience, expertise and purposeful leadership.

The Speaker prayed Allah to give Nuhu Ribadu sound health and wisdom so as to continue to contribute meaningfully to nation building. 

OKADA RIDER JAILED FOR 3 YRS FOR IMPERSONATING MILITARY OFFICER IN YOLA

 

Upper Area Court II sitting in Yola, Adamawa state on Friday sentenced a 24 year old Jaafaru Usman to 3 years imprisonment without option of fine for impersonating as a personnel of Nigeria Airforce.

Jaafaru Usman, an indigene of Gwaza Local Government Area, Borno state, was caught fully dressed in a military uniform with the rank of last corporal along Legend Club, a popular joint in Jimeta Yola. 

NEWS PLATFORM learnt that the convict who was arrested on the 1st July, 2020, identified himself as a personnel of the Nigeria Airforce serving in Maiduguri, Borno state.

He was apprehended by the men of the Nigeria Airforce Yola, and found to be an impostor after investigation. He was later handed over to the police for further questioning and prosecution.

The convict was later charged to court over allegation of impersonation contrary to section 145 sub (2) of Adamawa state penal law 2018.

But when the charge sheet was read and explained to him in a language he understands, the then accused and now convict pleaded guilty to the commission of the offence.

Thereafter, the prosecution, Sergeant N. Hinga, called one witness who corroborated the plea of the then defendant and now convict.

After evaluating all the evidences tendered in court coupled with the plea of the defendant, the court presided over by Honourable Dan John, declared that the accused was found guilty as charged and sentenced him to 3 years imprisonment without option of fine and with no compensation awarded.

ADHA INVESTIGATES DELISTING OF COURSES FROM NUMAN CAMPUS OF SPY

 

Rt. Hon. Pwamwakeno Mackondo, Dep Speaker ADHA

Worried by outright violation of laws establishing College of Administration and Business Studies (CABS) Numan Campus, the Legislators of the Adamawa state House of Assembly have started investigating reasons behind delisting of courses from Numan Campus of the state Polytechnic.

The Honourable House through its Standing Committee on Education and Tertiary Institution has launched an investigation with a view to unraveling circumstances surrounding the decision by the management to act contrary to the law and delisted courses that were being offered by the college in Numan.

The Lawmakers have further resolved and directed that all the courses of college that were transferred and are now being offered in Yola campus should be reverted to its former Campus with immediate effect.

Equally, the Members have further resolved that the Numan campus of the Polythecnic should be compensated by siting the projects of the state government and that of Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFUND) in campus.

The resolutions of the state Lawmakers followed a matter of urgent public importance sponsored by the Deputy Speaker and Member representing Numan constituency, Rt. Hon. Pwamwakeno Mackondo, during Wednesday resumed plenary session.

Rt. Hon. Mackondo had while moving the motion, lamented that CABS Numan campus is being stripped of its courses, and that the action is in total violation of the law establishing the college.

Going down memory lane, the Legislator informed the Honourable House that the state polytechnic which was established in 1996, was divided into 4 colleges with CABS sited in Numan so as to take the place of Staff Development Institute (SDI).

He argued that the law establishing the institution has not been amended to reflect the new status of Yola and Numan campuses and could not see reasons behind delisting of courses, saying something urgent must be done by the House to save the situation.

The legislator said that it came to them as surprise that all TETFUND projects meant for CABS Numan campus are all being directed to Yola Campus with a flimsy excuse that the land in Numan is not good for construction of structures, while some buildings inherited by the college were constructed over 45 years ago.

According to him, CABS is the only fully operational campus in the whole southern zone which comprises 9 Local Government Areas, and that the education and economic importance of the institution in the area cannot be overemphasised.

 He stated that the college has also created employment opportunities for their electorate such as business centres, estate development, trading and host of others, adding that its proximity has also encouraged enrollment of teeming youths.

He added that it also reduces the financial burden of aspiring youth who desire to further their education thereby increasing enrollment, urging the House to take necessary action to rescue the college from dismantling or total collapse.

Rt. Hon. Pwamwakeno Mackondo called on the House to direct for the revert of the courses, compensation of the college with state government and TETFUND projects and the invitation of the Rector to appear before the House in order to explain reasons behind delisting of courses.

Rallying round the motion, Hon. Japhet Kefas(Gombi), Hon. Kate Raymond Mamuno(Demsa) and Hon. Abubakar Isa (Shelleng) applauded the mover of the motion, saying that the issue brought before them has to be considered on time and overwhelmingly supported the Deputy Speaker's prayers.

After the debate and subsequent adoption of the resolutions, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas who presided over the sitting, directed that the resolutions be communicated to the authorities concern.

DR. ARDO DRAGS ADAMAWA PDP TO COURT, SEEKS DISSOLUTION, FRESH CONGRESSES

 

The stage is set for fresh legal tussle over the soul of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa state as one time Gubernatorial Aspirant of the party, Dr. Umar Ardo, has dragged the leadership of the party before Federal High Court Yola, seeking the dissolution of Exco at all levels.

Dr. Ardo and 2 others have filed an originating summons seeking for an order of the court dissolving the State Executive Committee led by Barrister A. T. Shehu, Local Government and Ward Executive Committees respectively, and the order directing the party to conduct fresh congresses.

The plaintiffs in a suit number FHC/YL/ CS/11/2020, filed on 14th October, 2020, joined PDP, Barr. A. T. Shehu, Ahmed Bazwei, Hamza Bello Madagali, Altine Daniel, Sabo Bamanga, Bala Buba Jada, Adamu Waziri Paka, Audi Ngete, Ayuba Teri, Shuaibu Audu and the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) as 1st to 12th defendants.

Dr. Ardo and others alleged that the procedure by which A. T. Shehu to 11defendants transmuted from being members of the Caretaker Committee to become members of the state Exco of the party contravenes the principles of equity and fairness, and breaches PDP constitution which renders the procedure to be repugnant of natural justice.

The Plaintiffs have asked Justice Abdulazeez. Anka led Federal High Court to declare that by the virtue of having held and /or still hold dual offices as stipulated in section 48 of the PDP constitution, created vacancies in all Ward and 21 LG Executive Committees to carry out the functions in Article 15(2) and 16(2) of PDP constitution.

In the originating summons, the trio have further prayed the Court to dissolve all the Exco at the State, LG and Ward levels, and direct the party to conduct fresh congresses within 30 days of the judgement to elect new Exco in accordance with the constitution of the party so as to function democratically and effectively.

Furthermore, they asked the court to order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor the congresses and ensure compliance with the constitution of the party.

Already, the court presided over by Justice Abdulazzez Anka, has fixed 26th November, 2020, for mention.

80% OF ITEMS LOOTED BY ENDSARS LOOTERS HAVE BEEN RETURNED- SSG INFORMS ADHA

 

Adamawa State Government Recovery Committee of Looted Items says about 70 to 80 percent of public and private items looted by Endsar Looters in state have been returned.

This is coming even as the Ad hoc Committee on Assessment of Public and Private warehouses/ offices constituted by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas has rounded up its assessment tour of the affected offices/ warehouses in and around the state capital.

The Honourable Committee headed by Hon. Japhet Kefas(Gombi Constituency) was able to assess looted warehouses, and it is expected to submit its report to the committee of whole as soon as possible.

Some of the affected areas visited by the committee include; Adamawa state Agricultural Mechanization Agency(AAMA), ADSEMA storage facility, cooperative office, Federal Road Safety Commission's head office, NECAS' Warehouse, NEMA storage facility.

Other organisations are; Primary Health Care Development Agency, Essential Drugs, Red Cross' Office, NYSC camp, Salihu Bakari's farms, NICOTAN along MAUTECH road, Custom's office and warehouse and several other places.

The Committee on Wednesday rounded up its assessment tour at the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mallam Ahmad Bashir, where it commiserated with the government and people of the state over the damages incurred in the wake of Endsars protest.

Earlier, speaking at the SSG's office while leading other members of the committee, the Chairman, Hon. Japheth Kefas, said that the house had condemned destruction caused during the protest, saying it is unacceptable before the house.

Hon. Kefas told the SSG that the committee had visited the offices and warehouses invaded by the hoodlums, and advocated for proactive measures to prevent future occurrence of the ugly situation.

He informed him that his committee deemed it imperative to visit his office being the Chairman of the State Recovery Committee so as to be furnished with relevant information / documents to that effect to enable them file their report.

Responding, the Chairman of the Recovery Committee of Looted Items, Mallam Ahmad Bashir, appreciated the Speaker for constituting the committee with a view to assessing the level of damage caused by the youths.

The Chairman who is also the Secretary to the State Government(SSG), said that the state had constituted a committee to collect and warehouse items that were returned willingly by the general public who looted them.

Mallam Bashir disclosed that the committee has packed a lot of items and there are at various locations including Police Barracks, Police headquarters, Doubeli Police station, Mopol Barracks Police station and Wuro Hausa Police station and are being catalogued.

He told the lawmakers that he had a chat with the Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations who is in charge, and assured him that he will make a comprehensive list of the recovered items and forward to him probably next week.

According to him, his committee is happy with the level of compliance on the part of those who looted the items for their willingness to return the items, saying it has never happened anywhere.

He explained that by his committee's assessment, almost 70 to 80 percent of the items have been returned, saying that NECAS which is one of the organisation that lost 108 tractors, was able to recover 105 tractors in various forms.

Mallam Ahmad Bashir stated further that based on the record, some of the tractors are intact, while some of them are cannibalised beyond repair, and that the organisation's technical personnel are working on the tractors. 

  

MAN TO DIE BY HANGING FOR BEHEADING OWN SON FOR MONEY RITUAL IN ADAMAWA

 

A Middle age man, Bappa Alti of Ganji village in Gombi Local Government Area, Adamawa state has been sentenced to death by hanging for killing own son, Buba Bappa for money ritual.

The state High Court VII presided over by Justice Fatima Ahmed Tafida, on Wenesday convicted Bappa for causing the death of his son by hitting him with a rearing stick and cut off his head with a cutlass.

NEWS PLATFORM learnt that the convict was tricked by some suspected ritualists (now at large)  to kill his own son in order to make money for him, the devilish idea which he consented to and started planning on how to carry out the act.

The convict and his son, late Buba went to the bush on 13th July, 2013 to rear his cattle unknown to the son  that his father was nursing evil plan to kill him.

To execute his evil plan, Bappa was said to have  used stick and hit his son as a result of which the deceased fell on the ground, and later used his cutlass and cut off the head of the boy leaving him lifeless.

When the convict came back home in the evening of the fateful day, he enquired from his wife whether the late son whom he claimed to have sent to the farm had returned.

But his wife told him that the boy was yet to come back home, a situation which caused confusion and tension in the family, leading to a collective decision to launch a search in the bush.

To trace the whereabout of the victim, the convict in company of his brothers mobilised the community and went in to the bush in search for the deceased the first day but to no avail, and decided to continue with the search the next day.

NEWS PLATFORM was told that it was during the second round of search that the lifeless body of the young man was found without the head.

The search team then became suspicious of the father and decided to apprehend him. It was at this juncture that the mater was reported to the Gombi Divisional Police headquarters who promptly arrested him and launched investigation into the matter.

The case was later referred to Criminal Investigation Department Yola, for further investigation where the suspect and now convict confessed to had committed the offence. 

In the course of investigation, the convict led the investigative team of CID to the scene of the incident and where he buried the head, and was exhumed by the police which was tendered in evidence.

The suspect and now convict was earlier arraigned before court for culpable homicide punishable with death contrary to section 221 of the penal code law.

After evaluating all the evidences which include the severed head of the deceased, the cutlass used to cut off the head, and voluntary confessional statement of the accused, the presided Judge declared that without iota of doubt, the suspect actually masterminded the killing of his son thereby committing an offence contrary to section 221 of the penal code law and therefore sentenced him to death by hanging.

Justice Fatima Ahmed Tafida, stated that the prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the death had occurred, and it was the defendant that caused his son's death by hitting him and subsequently beheading the deceased with a cutlass.

ADHA PASSES VOTE OF CONFIDENCE ON CHAIR BIR FOR IMPROVING IGR TO #9.7 BILLION

 Alhaji Hamma Adama Njabari, Chairman Adamawa State BIR

Impressed by an improvement in Internally Generated Revenue(IGR) in Adamawa state, the Members of the state House of Assembly on Tuesday passed a vote of confidence on the Chairman and Management of the state Board of Internal Revenue.

The unanimous decision of the Honourable Members was in recognition of the outstanding performance of the Chairman, Alhaji Hamman Adama Njabari, and the Management of the board in enhancing revenue profile of the state to the tune of #9.705 billion in 2019.

According to the Legislators, the IGR of the State in 2017 stood at #6.045 billion and #6.509 billion in 2018 respectively, saying that the IGR was suddenly jacked up by the board from the aforestated amount to #9.705 billion in 2019, and that the revenue so far generated in 2020 is equally encouraging.

The passage of the confidence vote on Alhaji Njabari and the Management of the board followed a consideration, approval and adoption of the report of the House Committee on Finance, Appropriation and Budget on the 2021-2023 Medium Term Expenditure and Fiscal Strategy Paper.

The Committee on Finance under headship of Hon. Kate Raymond Mamuno(Demsa) earlier told the Honourable House in its report that the revenue generated in 2019 was #9.705 billion of the budgeted #15.651 billion, representing 62% collection.

It explained that taxes were the major contributor to the IGR as #6.11 billion were collected out of the actual total of #9.705 generated, saying it was followed by fees as #1.848 billion were also generated.

According to the Legislators, despite the effect of the dreaded Covid -19 pandemic on the economy, the state's 2020 IGR has improved based on the 2020 budget as the half year collection revealed 48.78% as against 38.33%.

Hon. Mamuno's Committee informed the Honourable Members that the total projected revenue for 2021, 2022 and 2023 stood at #155.034 billion, #165.009 billion and #271.96 billion respectively, saying that the state IGR collection has been on the average of #7.402 billion annually for the past 3 years.

It further stated that the International best practice requires that 55% of #1550. 034 billion(#85.270 billion) should be allocated to capital, while 45% of #155.034 billion (69.770billion) to recurrent expenditure for the growth and development of the state.

After the approval and the adoption of the report, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas who presided over the sitting, directed the clerk to communicate the resolutions of the Honourable House to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

However, it was in the light of the foregoing that the Honourable Members during the plenary session unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Chairman for performing creditably well in generating revenue for the services of the state.

Moving a motion to that effect, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Legislator, Hon. Abdullahi Umar Yapak(Verre constituency) told his colleagues that effort of the board under Alh Njabari deserves commendation, and called on his colleagues to join him in passing vote of confidence on the Chairman.

It was on this note that the state Lawmakers went ahead and passed a vote of confidence as prayed by the sponsor of the motion, and urged on the Chairman to expedite effort in order to generate more resources for Adamawa.  

On her part, the Chairman House Committee on Finance, Budget and Appropriation, Hon. Kate Raymond Mamuno (Demsa constituency) had while speaking to newsmen, attributed the improvement of the IGR of the State on the professional competence of the Chairman.

Hon. Kate stated that even the fact that the year 2020 is not ended, the 2020 IGR is superp, explaining that the commitment of the Chairman and his management team brought about the improvement of the IGR; hence the collective decision to pass the vote of confidence on him.

 

 

ADHA DEP SPEAKER REJOICES WITH BISHOP MAMZA ON RE-ELECTION AS CAN BOSS

Deputy Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Pwamwakeno Mackondo, has joined hundreds of well wishers in extending his heartfelt felicitations to the newly reelected Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) in the State.

Hon. Mackondo who is also the Member representing Numan constituency at the House of Assembly said that the news of the reelection of Dr. Stephen Dami Mamza as CAN Chairman did not come to him, his constituents and Adamawa as a surprise due to his track record.

The Deputy Speaker in a congratulatory message which was made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Sunday, stated that Bishop Dami deserves a second term to enable him consolidate on the achievements so far recorded.

The Legislator has urged him to remain focused and steadfast in pursuing the noble goals of uniting the body of Christ, building bridges of peace, brotherliness amongst the citizens of the state.

Hon. Pwamwakeno Mackondo, prayed that the Almighty God will continue to strengthen Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza and his team for greater good of Christian community in the state and nation at large.

FINTIRI, SPEAKER, OTHERS LAUD #20MILLION EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME OF HON. LEKKI

 

 

The 2020 Women and Youth Empowerment Programme of Hon. Hamidu Sajo Lekki, Member representing Yola North constituency at the Adamawa which cost #20million has attracted the commendation of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas among others.

The Empowerment Programme which was adjudged to be historic, saw the distribution of 3 brand new Sienna buses to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Yola North, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Muslim Council of Nigeria (MCN) Yola North chapters.

Apart from the buses, the Member has distributed cash to his electorate, 30 sewing machines and 7 tricycles to beneficiaries who appreciated the Legislator for the kind gesture and wished him successful tenure.

The event attracted several dignitaries including Governor Ahmdu Umaru Fintiri who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Crowther Seth, the Speaker of the State Assembly, 8 other Honourable Members, Hon. Commissioners of Infrastructure and Community Development and that of Land and Survey, former Head of Service and Special Adviser to Governor Fintiri, Barr Musa Kaibo, PDP Chairman in the State, A. T. Shehu, PDP Vice Chairman Central Zone, Alhaji Yayaji Gombi, Executive Chairman Yola North LGC, Uba Bappa, Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Musa Garba, District Head of Jimeta and Dan Is a Adamawa, Alhaji Inuwa Baba Paris and several others.

Speaking at a well attended event, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, commended the member for reaching out to his electorate with such empowerment items, saying that what the Lawmaker has done is what his government is doing to the masses.

Governor Fintiri who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Crowther Seth challenged other Honourable Member to emulate the Legislator in carrying out such empowerment programmes towards improving the living standard of the people at the grasstroots.

In his remarks, Hon. Hamidu Sajo Lekki(Yola North) appreciated God for making it possible to organise such programme, and thanked Governor Fintiri for his kind gesture which made the event a reality.

Hon. Lekki, disclosed that God brought him on the helm of affairs so as to provide good governance to the people of Yola North constituency, and thanked  them for their patience and understanding.

The PDP Lawmaker who is popurlaly known as Landlord told the gathering that not all the people will benefit from the government on single day, explaining that some will benefit in the morning, while some in the afternoon and others in the evening, and urged those that could benefit to exercise patience.

According to him, the event is the first Empowerment Programme when he emerged as the Member, saying he is planning to organise another empowerment programme in 2021 and in 2022 respectively, and that he is planning to empower 500 more youth.

On Governor Fintiri's administration, Hon. Lekki said that they are happy for the change the government brought, saying 70 to 80 percent of 2020 budget is being implemented in Yola North, and his electorate will continue to remain grateful to the present administration. 

Hon. Hamidu Sajo Lekki pointed out that Yola North is one and solidly behind the government, adding that what Yola North electorate are planning do for Fintiri in the next election will be more than what they did in 2019 election.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the PDP in the State, Barr. A. T. Shehu said what the member has done has made the ruling party very proud, and urged on other Honourable Members to do same.

On his part, the Vice Chairman PDP Central Zone, Alhaji Yayaji Gombi, hammered on unity and that they are determined, committed to return PDP in future elections, and appealed to them to be united for the success of their government.

In his welcome address, the PDP Chairman Yola North LGA, Hon. Adamu Ibrahim Wakili, said that the electorate in Yola North have every reason to thank the Member, and described him as "2+2 Member".

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to NEWS PLATFORM said words will fail them to express their appreciation, and thanked the Member for empowering them.

ADAMAWA CAN: ADHA SPEAKER FELICITATES WITH BISHOP MAMZA ON RE-ELECTION

 

Speaker Adamawa State House Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, has joined hundreds of well wishers in felicitating with Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza over his re-election as Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) State chapter.

 .

Rt. Hon. Iya Abbas described the re-election of the Catholic Bishop as CAN Chairman as well deserved because of his role in sustaining peace  and ensuring unity  in the state.

He expressed hope that the second tenure of Dr. Dami Mamza will be more fruitful in coordinating the affairs of Christian community and contributing to humanity in the state.

He prayed God to give him wisdom and sound health to carry out his functions effectively.

ADHA SPEAKER COMMISSIONS GOMBI BRIDGE, DRUMS UP SUPPORT FOR FINTIRI, JAPHET

 

Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas on Thursday commissioned the rehabilitated Kanjara bridge in Gombi Local Government Area in the State.

The rehabilitated bridge which links 5 Political Wards to the headquarters of Gombi LGA and rest of the world is now fixed as commuters were sighted joyfully plying over the bridge.

It could be recalled that the construction work was started on the entire Gombi -Ga'anda- Gabun- Fotta road by the then Murtala Nyako led administration in 2010, but was later abandoned and since then, no administration ever thought of visiting the site to complete the project.

But in fulfillment of his campaign promises coupled with pressure from Hon. Japhet Kefas(Gombi constituency ADHA), Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, mobilised A. G. Vision, the construction company handling the project to site, and ordered it to complete the rehabilitation of Kanjara bridge.

The company was later led to site of the project by the Member, Hon. Japhet Kefas, sometimes in August this year and commenced sand filling of the bridge; hence a successful completion of the abandoned project.

Commissioning the project on Thursday, the Speaker of the House of Assembly applauded Governor Fintiri led administration for completing the road project, saying several communities plying the road are now happy for what the government has done for them.

Rt. Hon. Iya Abbas commended the member for standing firm to see to the completion of the work on the bridge, describing him as a credible and selfless legislator who has nothing but the love of his people at heart.

He called on Gombi electorate to rally round Fintiri's administration to enable it continue to provide dividends of democracy, and further drummed up support for the lawmaker so as to enable him continue to provide quality representation.

Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas further assured them of the readiness of the House of Assembly to consider legislating on the special request by Hon. Japhet for the establishment of Campus of the College of Agriculture Ganye in Gombi.

Earlier, in his remarks, the Member representing Gombi constituency, Hon. Japhet Kefas, who traced the history of the road dates back to 1976, contended that the terrible nature of the road has adversely affected the socio economic advancement of Gombi 

Hon. Kefas disclosed that the Kanjara river has claimed a live, took away tractor, motorcycles and that his electorate used to find it difficult to cross it most especially during rainy season due to the volume of water, saying that people had to wait until the volume of water subsided before crossing.

He expressed delight over the completion of the project and assured that he will continue to lobby for the construction of the road so as to ease the transportation of goods and services from the hinterlands.

He used the forum and appealed for the establishment of Campus of the College of Agriculture Ganye, saying that the college will go along way in boosting agricultural activities in Gombi.

Also speaking, the Vice Chairmen of Gombi LGC and that PDP, Yahaya Umar and Hamman Barau, lauded Hon. Japhet for striving tirelessly towards the rehabilitation of the bridge, saying that the member has been doing Gombi proud.

The duo gave pass mark to Governor Fintiri for his effort in delivering on his campaign promises, and the Member for his up and doing in his legislative business, and assured the member that the people of Gombi are ready to return him for second term.

On his part, the Administrator Lala Development Area, Philip Adamu pointed out that Gombi electorate are hundred percent behind the Member and Governor Fintiri, saying that Gombi is one and that it will continue to remain so behind them.

Baring their minds, the District Heads of Ga'ada and Fotta, Mahmud Ahmed and Jamilu Dahiru Musa, thanked Fintiri and the Member for taking into cognisance the plight of their people, pledging the communities' readiness towards supporting the government of the day. 

Speaking at the event, the Project Manager, A. G. Vision, Mr. Eli G who was represented by site Engineer, Francis Dzarma, assured that the Construction Company is prepared to complete the construction of the road, saying it will be happy if a letter is given it to them to that effect by the government.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House has inaugurated PDP Tapital Pula'aku, Endam Gammeden Youth Association in Gombi and pleaded their support to PDP led government.

Also, the Speaker and the Member have supervised the ongoing vaccination of cattle in the area.

EX- HONG LGC BOSS DRAGS 59 TO COURT FOR BURNING #137 MILLION HOUSE, FARMLAND

 

Erstwhile Chairman of Hong Local Government Council in Adamawa state, Hon. Eric B. Theman on Thursday dragged no fewer than 59 people to Upper Area Court I Yola over alleged burning of household and destruction economic trees worth #137.4 million.

Already, 5 out of 59 suspects have been remanded at Yolde Pate Correctional Centre as ordered by  Honourable Muhammed Buba led Area Court, just as other suspects are expected to be arraigned before  the court as soon as they are arrested by the police.

The suspects were alleged to have on 3rd May, 2020 burnt 1 house of the complainant to ashes, carted away #1.930 million and other valuables.

They were also said to have damaged 1 car, burnt 3 motorcycles, cut down 145 mango trees with fruits, 1000 moringa trees, 13 date palms, guavas, 29 German umbrella trees in his farmland at Garari village, Kulinyi District in Hong LGA.

The suspects were charged to court for criminal conspiracy, trespass, criminal intimidation and mischief by fire contrary to sections 60, 333, 628, 328 of the State Penal Code Law, 2018.

Meanwhile, the former Chairman has petitioned President Muhammad Buhari, Inspector General of Police, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Commissioner of Police, Director State Security Service(SSS), and several others, alleging threat to his life and that of his family members. 

The MRDD Governorship Candidate in the 2019 general elections alleged that some of the suspects threatening his life were armed robbers in Lagos, Benin City and within their localities who came back and settled in Garari village.

He told President Buhari and Governor Fintiri that the 59 suspects have been holding series of meetings in the village on how to attack innocent citizens, saying that the people have been accusing the inhabitants of the community as witches and wizards, attacking, beating and throwing stones on the roof of houses.

According to him, some of them sell prohibited drugs, weeds and suck and die and threatening fire and brimstone on the hapless citizens, saying failure to arrest them will trigger war or communal clash as innocent people may team up for retaliation.

Hon. Eric Theman appealed to the Commissioner of Police to reopen Garari Police station so as to help in curtailing such threats, saying that the 59 people should be held responsible if anything happens to him or his family members. 

EX- HONG LGC BOSS DRAGS 59 TO COURT FOR BURNING #137 MILLION HOUSE, FARMLAND

Erstwhile Chairman of Hong Local Government Council in Adamawa state, Hon. Eric B. Theman on Thursday dragged no fewer than 59 people to Upper Area Court I Yola over alleged burning of household and destruction economic trees worth #137.4 million.

Already, 5 out of 59 suspects have been remanded at Yolde Pate Correctional Centre as ordered by  Honourable Muhammed Buba led Area Court, just as other suspects are expected to be arraigned before  the court as soon as they are arrested by the police.

The suspects were alleged to have on 3rd May, 2020 burnt 1 house of the complainant to ashes, carted away #1.930 million and other valuables.

They were also said to have damaged 1 car, burnt 3 motorcycles, cut down 145 mango trees with fruits, 1000 moringa trees, 13 date palms, guavas, 29 German umbrella trees in his farmland at Garari village, Kulinyi District in Hong LGA.

The suspects were charged to court for criminal conspiracy, trespass, criminal intimidation and mischief by fire contrary to sections 60, 333, 628, 328 of the State Penal Code Law, 2018.

Meanwhile, the former Chairman has petitioned President Muhammad Buhari, Inspector General of Police, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Commissioner of Police, Director State Security Service(SSS), and several others, alleging threat to his life and that of his family members. 

The MRDD Governorship Candidate in the 2019 general elections alleged that some of the suspects threatening his life were armed robbers in Lagos, Benin City and within their localities who came back and settled in Garari village.

He told President Buhari and Governor Fintiri that the 59 suspects have been holding series of meetings in the village on how to attack innocent citizens, saying that the people have been accusing the inhabitants of the community as witches and wizards, attacking, beating and throwing stones on the roof of houses.

According to him, some of them sell prohibited drugs, weeds and suck and die and threatening fire and brimstone on the hapless citizens, saying failure to arrest them will trigger war or communal clash as innocent people may team up for retaliation.

Hon. Eric Theman appealed to the Commissioner of Police to reopen Garari Police station so as to help in curtailing such threats, saying that the 59 people should be held responsible if anything happens to him or his family members. 

HON. NAMDAS CONGRATULATES BISHOP MAMZA ON HIS RE-ELECTION AS ADAMAWA CAN CHAIR

 Member representing Ganye, Mayo Belwa, Jada and Toungo at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas has congratulated the newly reelected Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Adamawa state chapter, Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza.

Bishop Mamza had Thursday emerged as Chairman of the association for second time after garnering  eighty one votes from the eighty three delegates who cast their votes during the exercise.

Namdas who is one of the members of the House of Representatives from Adamawa state, described Bishop Dami's reelection as a true reflection of his good leadership qualities.

"Bishop Mamza's reelection is a testament of his purposeful leadership and a good results of the positive changed he has caused not only to the christian community but Adamawa state as a whole within the last three years," Namdas said.

The lawmaker described the clergy as an agent of peace while congratulating the christian community and the entire state for having him as a leader.

"We are glad to have a man like bishop Mamza who is passionate about helping the needy and promoting peace and unity in the state. I'm confident that the next three years of his reign will bring about more positive change to the state as well as promote peace and unity of all citizens," Namdas added.

Bishop Mamza emerged chairman after eighty one out of the eighty three delegates voted for him in Thursday's elections.

COURT CONVICTS 7 ENDSARS LOOTERS OF YOLA CUSTOMS OFFICE TO 6 MONTHS IN PRISON

 

Magistrate Court II sitting in Yola, Adamawa State capital on Wednesday convicted 7 Endsars Looters of offices and warehouse of the Nigeria Customs Service to 6 months imprisonment each without option of fine.

The court however discharged one (1 ) of the suspects for returning his stolen properties which are now in custody of the Village Head of Wauru Jabbe in Yola South Local Government Area.

The convicts and residents of Wauru last week admitted in court that they were among several other Endsars looters who invaded and carted away bags of Maize, Guinea Corn, fertilizer and other valuable property at the warehouse along Numan road in Jimeta/Yola on the 25th October, 2020.

NEWS PLATFORM reported that the convicts who were arraigned before Chief Magistrate II by the Operatives of the Department of Security Service (DSS) in Adamawa state, pleaded guilty for the alleged offences ranging from theft, destruction of public properties, trespass, breaking open receptacle among others.

More details later..

   

LACK OF EVIDENCE: YOLA COURT FREES MAN SENT TO PRISON FOR 6 MONTHS FOR THEFT

 

A Yola High Court in Adamawa State on Tuesday discharged and acquitted a man, Yakubu Babangida Isiyaku, earlier sentenced to 6 months imprisonment with the option of #10,000 fine for the offence of theft.

Recall that a Criminal Area Court number I in Yola presided over by Honourable Umar A. Gangs, had on 21 February, 2018, convicted Yakubu Babangida Isiyaku to 6 months in prison over allegations of theft contrary to sections 286 and 316 of the Penal Code .

Yakubu Babangida was arraigned before the Criminal Area Court over alleged stealing of 1 Techno GSM mobile phone valued at #6000, Geone GSM mobile phone, #10,000, 4 pieces of wrappers, #12,000, 4 pairs of palm shoes, #5,500, 2 caps, #5000, 1 bag, #6000 and cash #190,000, totalling #234,500.

He was however convicted and sentenced to 6 months imprisonment or #10,000 fine for the said offence by the Honourable Judge.

Aggrieved by the conviction and sentence, the convict went and filed notice of appeal dated and filed on the 13th March, 2020 at the Honourable Justice Abdul-Azeez Waziri led High Court, and urged the Court to allow the appeal.

The appellant further asked the Court to set aside the judgement of the trial Court, and that he should be discharged and acquitted, adding that all the fines be set aside.

Delivering its judgement on the matter, Justice Waziri, invalidated the decision of the lower court, declaring that the trial Court was without jurisdiction having failed to comply with the mandatory provision of the law.

Justice Waziri stated that there was no valid arrangement upon which the appellant was properly convicted and sentenced, saying there was no evidence of plea entered by the Appellant.

According to him, the law provided that the charge shall be read to and explained to the accused person in a language he understands and be called to enter his plea as to whether he is guilty or not and be recorded accordingly.

He stated that the Court was not able to see where the charge was read to the Appellant, explained to him in a language he understands and his plea taken, saying that lack of the aforestated evidence has rendered the whole trial a nullity.

YOLA HIGH COURT DISSOLVES 5 YR UNION BETWEEN FMC, FRSC STAFF

A Yola High Court in Adamawa State has dissolved a 5 year marriage between Better Ajiya and Patrick Jonathan, staff of Federal Medical Center(FMC) Yola and Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Mubi.

The court has ordered Patrick Jonathan who is the respondent in the suit to maintain the upkeep of his child in custody of the petitioner and his former wife by feeding, payment of school fees among others unfailingly.

NEWS PLATFORM learnt that the union was contracted on the 9th May, 2015 at the Alheri Baptist Chuch, Jambutu in Jimeta Yola during which the former couples were duly issued with marriage certificate but started having challenges a year after.

Earlier, Better Ajiya in her petition before Honourable Justice Abdul-Azeez led High Court, said that their conjugal bliss evaporated one year after their marriage as her husband fell woefully in his responsibility of taking care of her and his child.

According to her, her Road Safety Officer had behaved in such a way that she could not reasonably be expected to live with him, saying that they had lived apart for a continuous period of 3 years.

The FMC staff informed the court that the first rented apartment she lived with the respondent as couples in Yola was paid by her up to the moment of filing the petition, explaining that the respondent only once paid house rent for the entire period of 5 years.

Mrs Better added that she stopped cohabiting with the respondent as husband and wife since November, 2016, barely a year after their marriage, and urged the court to end the union since it has broken down irretrievably.

Delivering judgment on the matter, the High Court presided over by Honourable Justice Abdul-Azeez Waziri, dissolved the union as sought.

Justice Waziri declared that since the respondent did not contest the petition and all the claims therein, it is proper to enter judgement in favour of the petitioner, and declared that the marriage stands dissolved.

Earlier, Counsel to the respondent, S. Wugira, told the court that he had received instructions from his client not to contest any of the claims in the petition and conceded to the petition. 

ADHA DIRECTS MINISTRY, ADSU TO ESTABLISH CAMPUS/ STUDY CENTRE IN GUYUK LGA

Hon. Adwawa Donglock, Guyuk Constituency ADHA

 Reprieve may come to the teeming students in Guyuk Local Government Area, Adamawa state as the state House of Assembly has directed for the establishment of Campus or Study Centre of the Adamawa State University(ADSU) Mubi, at the headquarters of the LGA.

To this end, Honourable Members of the Assembly have unanimously enacted 2 resolutions directing the Management of the State University Mubi to establish the study center in the area.

The Legislators have further directed the House Standing Committees on Education and Tertiary Institution to liaise with the Ministry of Higher Education as well as the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure the implementation of the resolutions.

The resolutions of the Honourable Members followed a motion on the matter of urgent public importance raised by the Member representing Guyuk constituency, Hon. Adwawa Donglock.

Earlier, Hon. Adwawa who is also the Deputy Chief of the House, said that the more education is brought closer to the people, the more they embrace learning  which will eventually boost their capacity and bring about socio economic advancement of their communities.

Hon. Adwawa told his colleagues that large chunk of students have been completing secondary schools in his constituency without a study center that will prepare them for study in higher institutions, saying that if the center is established will improve the standard of education in Guyuk and Adamawa in general.

According to him, lack of study centre has adversely affected most of the students from furthering their education as most of them could not afford to travel long distance in pursuit of education due to paucity of funds or poverty.

The PDP legislator added that the centre will not only bring succour to applicants from Guyuk and environs but engender social integration, encourage unity and coexistence among the diverse communities, create employment, boost economy of the community and  generate revenue for government.

He said that the tertiary institutions have in the past years embarked on the establishment of study centres in some parts of the state, adding that the singular gesture has helped in boosting the educational developement of the benefiting communities, and also eased the burden on students, parents and guardians of cost travelling long distance to acquire knowledge.

He noted that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri's administration in the state had introduced free, quality and compulsory education policy at primary and secondary schools in order to uplift standard of education in the state.

 Hon. Adwawa explained that the policy seeks to address the disturbing gaps that make the realisation of government objectives in the state very difficult or nearly impossible, and urged his colleagues to rally round the motion to ensure the establishment of the centre in Guyuk.

Speaking on the motion, Hon. Abdullahi Umar Yapak (Verre) described the motion as timely as will address the difficulties being faced by the constituents more especially from going to State Polytechnic Campus in Numan LGA and other places to study or carry out research.

Lending his voice, Hon. Abubakar Isa(Shelleng), stated that their people have been yearning for campus or study centre in the area for quite sometimes, saying that any development sited in Guyuk, his constituents will also benefit from it and that he is in support of it.

Other Lawmakers who contributed on the debate including the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Pwamwakeno Mackondo(Numan), Hon. Hammantukur Yettisuri( Jada Mbulo), Hon. Bathiya Wesley (Hong), Hon. Simon Isa(Song) and Hon. Japheth Kefas (Gombi) supported the motion and urged the House to grant the request of their colleague.

Thereafter, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, directed the clerk to communicate the resolutions to Governor Fintiri, Ministry and ADSU for implementation.  

ADHA DIRECTS MINISTRY, ADSU TO ESTABLISH CAMPUS/ STUDY CENTRE IN GUYUK LGA

Hon. Adwawa Donglock, Guyuk Constituency ADHA

 Reprieve may come to the teeming students in Guyuk Local Government Area, Adamawa state as the state House of Assembly has directed for the establishment of Campus or Study Centre of the Adamawa State University(ADSU) Mubi, at the headquarters of the LGA.

To this end, Honourable Members of the Assembly have unanimously enacted 2 resolutions directing the Management of the State University Mubi to establish the study center in the area.

The Legislators have further directed the House Standing Committees on Education and Tertiary Institution to liaise with the Ministry of Higher Education as well as the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure the implementation of the resolutions.

The resolutions of the Honourable Members followed a motion on the matter of urgent public importance raised by the Member representing Guyuk constituency, Hon. Adwawa Donglock.

Earlier, Hon. Adwawa who is also the Deputy Chief of the House, said that the more education is brought closer to the people, the more they embrace learning  which will eventually boost their capacity and bring about socio economic advancement of their communities.

Hon. Adwawa told his colleagues that large chunk of students have been completing secondary schools in his constituency without a study center that will prepare them for study in higher institutions, saying that if the center is established will improve the standard of education in Guyuk and Adamawa in general.

According to him, lack of study centre has adversely affected most of the students from furthering their education as most of them could not afford to travel long distance in pursuit of education due to paucity of funds or poverty.

The PDP legislator added that the centre will not only bring succour to applicants from Guyuk and environs but engender social integration, encourage unity and coexistence among the diverse communities, create employment, boost economy of the community and  generate revenue for government.

He said that the tertiary institutions have in the past years embarked on the establishment of study centres in some parts of the state, adding that the singular gesture has helped in boosting the educational developement of the benefiting communities, and also eased the burden on students, parents and guardians of cost travelling long distance to acquire knowledge.

He noted that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri's administration in the state had introduced free, quality and compulsory education policy at primary and secondary schools in order to uplift standard of education in the state.

 Hon. Adwawa explained that the policy seeks to address the disturbing gaps that make the realisation of government objectives in the state very difficult or nearly impossible, and urged his colleagues to rally round the motion to ensure the establishment of the centre in Guyuk.

Speaking on the motion, Hon. Abdullahi Umar Yapak (Verre) described the motion as timely as will address the difficulties being faced by the constituents more especially from going to State Polytechnic Campus in Numan LGA and other places to study or carry out research.

Lending his voice, Hon. Abubakar Isa(Shelleng), stated that their people have been yearning for campus or study centre in the area for quite sometimes, saying that any development sited in Guyuk, his constituents will also benefit from it and that he is in support of it.

Other Lawmakers who contributed on the debate including the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Pwamwakeno Mackondo(Numan), Hon. Hammantukur Yettisuri( Jada Mbulo), Hon. Bathiya Wesley (Hong), Hon. Simon Isa(Song) and Hon. Japheth Kefas (Gombi) supported the motion and urged the House to grant the request of their colleague.

Thereafter, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, directed the clerk to communicate the resolutions to Governor Fintiri, Ministry and ADSU for implementation.